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Everybody but Me: Pluralistic Ignorance and the Masculinity Contest
Author(s) -
Munsch Christin L.,
Weaver Jonathan R.,
Bosson Jennifer K.,
O'Connor Lindsey Trimble
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of social issues
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.618
H-Index - 122
eISSN - 1540-4560
pISSN - 0022-4537
DOI - 10.1111/josi.12282
Subject(s) - contest , masculinity , ignorance , social psychology , norm (philosophy) , psychology , dominance (genetics) , sociology , gender studies , political science , law , biochemistry , chemistry , gene
Abstract The masculinity contest is a set of organizational norms that fosters competition, work devotion, strength, and dominance. Here, we explore pluralistic ignorance as a mechanism by which these norms persist. Pluralistic ignorance occurs when individuals privately reject a norm, but mistakenly believe others endorse it. This then discourages individuals from criticizing norms that perpetuate unpopular behavioral standards. Drawing on data from U.S. workers, we find masculinity contest norms are prone to pluralistic ignorance. Workers believe their coworkers’ endorsement of these norms exceeds their own private endorsement, although pluralistic ignorance levels differ by workers’ gender, parental status, and the sex composition of their job. Further, employees’ pluralistic ignorance about masculinity contest norms predicts decreased job satisfaction and engagement, decreased mental health, and increased relationship conflict. Discussion considers the implications of these findings for policies that may bring organizational norms into alignment with workers’ ideals.