RECSM invites you to a seminar by Andrea Vial, Assistant Professor of Psychology, New York University Abu Dhabi, titled: Antecedents and Consequences of Strong Masculine Workplace Norms.

Pre-registration required via the online form here.

When: October 20th, 12.00 CET time.

Where: Room 24.021, ground floor of the Mercè Rodoreda building, UPF Ciutadella Campus

Format: Open to all, in person only.

Abstract: Some organizations (schools, academic departments, companies, etc.) are characterized by strong masculine norms. In this talk, I will present correlational and experimental evidence from a series of studies that investigate why this is the case and illustrate some of the negative downstream effects of these masculine workplace norms. Drawing from social psychological perspectives on masculinity as precarious—hard won and easily lost—I will examine how placing an emphasis on stereotypically masculine traits as required to succeed (e.g., a focus on raw intellectual “brilliance” in some academic fields) turns work into a masculinity contest. I will then discuss how these masculine workplace norms lead people to approach interpersonal interactions instrumentally—fostering a self-oriented mindset, increasing the tendency to objectify coworkers (i.e., to see them as means to an end), and reducing prosocial behavior at work. Finally, I will focus on ways that strong masculine workplace norms undermine gender diversity in organizations. In particular, I will share evidence that strong masculine workplace norms promote the devaluation of the female social identity, reduce women’s sense of belonging, and discourage their participation. Taken together, these studies highlight the importance of understanding and molding workplace norms to increase well being and reduce gender inequality in academia (e.g., STEM fields) and beyond.