Vortrag: Gender Relations & Inequality

Evolutionary and Cultural Perspectives to Understanding

Gender Relations & Inequality

The Paradox of Benevolent Sexism and Female Honor Norms

Abstract

Reducing gender inequality is one of the hot topics in the national and international research and policy agendas, and psychological science has much to contribute to these objectives by identifying the psychological processes that underpin the complexity of gender relations. In this talk, I present two studies to illustrate how integrating evolutionary perspectives on psychology with sociocultural approaches can produce valuable new insights into issues related to gender inequality.

Study 1 focuses on the paradox of “benevolent sexism (BS)”. I present a novel hypothesis derived from evolutionary theory on mate preferences, that may explain why women are attracted to BS men, and demonstrate that BS men’s perceived willingness to invest explains women’s preference for them, despite their awareness of the potentially harmful outcomes of BS. Study 2 focuses on “female honor” norms which prescribe chastity, purity and loyalty for women. I present a novel hypothesis that suggests that female honor norms function as an ideological mate guarding tactic, in service of both male and female reproductive strategies.

By uncovering the nuances in psychological motives of men and women, these findings can enhance understanding of the evolution and maintenance of ideologies that restrict and disadvantage women. I will end my talk with discussing future research directions for applying evolutionary approaches to better understand and reduce sexism and gender inequality in today’s society.