Effects of Gender Stereotype and Ambivalent Sexism on Spontaneous Trait Inferences
Effects of Gender Stereotype and Ambivalent Sexism on Spontaneous Trait Inferences

Summary/Abstract: Spontaneous trait inferences (STIs) refers to the process of forming impressions of others based on their behavior without awareness, intention and control, encompassing both the immediate activation of traits upon observing behavior (activation) and their storage in long-term memory (binding). Although considered automatic, evidence suggests that people tend to make STIs influenced by their cultural environement and in alignment with adopted stereotypes. This experimental study aims to investigate the effects of the gender of participant, gender stereotypes, and various dimensions of sexism on binding phase of STIs. The study employs Ambivalent Sexism and False Recognition Paradigm, presenting participants with face photos and trait-related sentences during the study phase, and subsequently testing their ability to recognize whether presenting trait words were part of the earlier sentences associated with those faces. Results showed that men with high hostile sexism exhibit more gender-stereotypic STIs and independent of the participants’ gender, low protective paternalism is associated with stronger non-gender-stereotypic STIs. Overall, different dimensions of sexism moderate the effects of gender stereotypes on STIs. Results are discussed within the context of Ambivalent Sexism Theory and the relations between stereotypes and STIs.

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