Zero-Sum Thinking and the Masculinity Contest: Perceived Intergroup Competition and Workplace Gender Bias

Gender-based zero-sum thinking reflects beliefs that women’s status gains correspond directly with men’s status losses. These beliefs may help explain people’s resistance to gender equity. Here, two studies examined the association between men’s zero-sum thinking and workplace gender biases. In Study 1, men (N = 235) employed in workplaces with stronger masculinity contest norms reported observing stronger bias against women in the workplace, and this effect was mediated by an increase in their own zero-sum thinking. In Study 2, college students (N = 269) read information that either threatened or affirmed the gender status hierarchy and then reported their zero-sum thinking and their support for gender fair workplace policies that undermine the masculinity contest. Men, but not women, reduced support for gender fair policies following a gender hierarchy threat, and this effect was mediated by an increase in their zero-sum thinking. Discussion considers the workplace policy implications of these findings.