Gender‐Based Biases in Occupational Hiring Decisions 1

Two studies which investigated gender‐based decision making in an occupational setting are reported. Participants judged the suitability of a male or a female applicant with identical résumés for a male‐dominated or a female‐dominated position. In Study 1. where participants gave their own judgments of the suitability of the applicants for the positions, there was no evidence of gender‐based biases. In Study 2. participants were required to take the perspective of the applicant in providing their judgments of suitability. In this experiment, gender‐based biases were apparent, with a positive bias toward the male applicant. Results are discussed in terms of occupational stereotyping and subtle sexism.