Gender stereotypes associated with altruistic acts

Abstract

Possible gender stereotypes associated with altruistic acts presented in two types of vignettes were investigated. A sample of 72 General Psychology students were recruited to participate. The researchers had three main hypotheses: Females would more likely be perceived as the performers of an altruistic act, females would more likely be perceived as the receivers of an altruistic act, and the more extreme act of altruism would be perceived to be made by a male and the minor by a female. Results revealed a main effect of Vignette Type on the perceived gender of the performer and the receiver of the altruistic act. A significant Rater Gender x Vignette Type interaction on Gender of Receiver was also found. This study was important and beneficial to examine expectations of gender during the performance of altruistic acts and puts societal influence on gender roles into context.