Women are derogated for expressing group-based anger which undermines collective action for gender equality

Abstract

We investigate whether exposure to a woman who expresses anger about gender inequality is negatively evaluated and undermines collective action for gender equality. Research suggests that women are derogated when they express anger because this emotion violates feminine social norms and communal gender roles. Across two studies (Study 1 N = 227; Study 2 N = 254), participants were exposed to a speech from a woman political candidate discussing gender inequality. Participants evaluated the candidate more negatively, and were less willing to engage in collective action with her when she expressed anger about gender inequality compared to no anger. We also examined whether this finding could be attenuated when the candidate expressed anger about gender inequality for communal reasons and found partial support. Our findings suggest that we need to tackle the narrow expectations of what it means to be a woman to facilitate collective action for greater gender equality.