Traditional and Progressive Masculinities: Do Observer Gender and Targets’ Perceived Masculinity Influence Judgements on Likelihood to Commit Sexual Harassment?

Caire, Sally (2025) Traditional and Progressive Masculinities: Do Observer Gender and Targets’ Perceived Masculinity Influence Judgements on Likelihood to Commit Sexual Harassment? Bachelor thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

This study examines the influence of observer gender and target masculinity type (traditional vs. progressive) on perceptions of the likelihood of committing sexual harassment. Drawing on theories of hegemonic masculinity, a 2x2 between-subject experimental design was employed with 419 participants recruited via Prolific. Participants evaluated fictional profiles representing traditional or progressive masculinity and rated the perceived likelihood of the target committing sexual harassment. Results demonstrated a significant main effect for masculinity type, with traditional masculinity associated with a higher perceived likelihood of committing sexual harassment. Observer gender however did not significantly affect judgments nor interact with masculinity type. These findings underscore the influence of masculinity perceptions on societal attitudes and highlight the need for interventions to challenge stereotypes tied to traditional masculinity and promote progressive masculinity. Future research should investigate how cultural and contextual factors shape these dynamics. Keywords: Masculinity, Progressive Masculinity, Traditional Masculinity, Sexual Harassment Likelihood, Gendered Judgements, Workplace Sexual Harassment

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor)
Supervisor name:	Aksu, A.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	None [Bachelor Psychology]
Date Deposited:	18 Feb 2025 09:24
Last Modified:	18 Feb 2025 09:24
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4664

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