Men Are Judged on Basis of Competence, Women Sociability

A recent study that proves that when we see someone in a concrete social context, proves that people automatically judge men on the basis of their competence, and women on the basis of sociability. According to the findings the qualities associated with competence such as efficacy, motivation, intelligence and their antonyms, are more activated when we judge men or women in their traditional roles i.e. the man in an office as a leader and the woman as a housewife.

However, the qualities related to sociability (kindness, understanding, sensibility and their antonyms) are notably more activated in counter-stereotype contexts (a man doing the housework and a woman as a leader).

According to the scientists, the study may involve significant practical implications in the prevention of stereotypes and prejudices towards disadvantaged groups.

The study is published in ‘Psicológica’ journal.