Perceptions of Likeability and Competence of Males in Female-Typed Occupations

This study examined the possibility of sexist attitudes underlying the lower ratings of likeability and perceived competence of males in traditionally female-typed occupations. Participants first completed a survey assessing their sexist attitudes. They were then invited back to a complete another study, where they were asked about males and females in traditional female-typed jobs (nurse, elementary school teacher, and office assistant). The participants read performance appraisals of individuals in one of the three job position. The participants then rated their likability and perceived competence of both a male and a female in one of the traditionally female jobs. It was hypothesized that men would be rated as less competent and less likeable as compared to the females in those jobs. Also, it was hypothesized that participants who scored higher on sexism measures would also rate a male as less likable and less competent. Results indicated that in the office assistant job role men were rated as less likeable, less competent, and less achievement oriented. Sexism was examined as a moderator, and did not predict ratings of males or females in female-typed job roles. Future research is needed in this area to further examine the perceptions of men in female-typed job roles