The Association Between Masculinity Ideology and Sexism: The Role of Sexual Orientation Among Heterosexual and Bisexual Women

Abstract

The current study explored the relation between sexual orientation, masculinity ideology, and sexism among 380 adult heterosexual and bisexual women. Participants completed measures of sexual orientation, masculinity ideology, hostile sexism, and benevolent sexism. Mean-level analyses concluded that heterosexual women scored significantly higher on hostile and benevolent sexism than their bisexual counterparts. Findings from the regression analyses revealed that masculinity ideology predicted both hostile and benevolent sexism. Sexual orientation only moderated the association between masculinity ideology and hostile sexism, such that the effect was stronger for heterosexual women. Sexual orientation did not moderate the association between women’s masculinity ideology and benevolent sexism, suggesting that women’s relationship with benevolent sexism may be more complex. The current findings suggest that heterosexual women’s conceptions of gender-role attitudes toward men and women may be more salient and potentially harmful compared to bisexual women, and heterosexual intimacy may be an important factor to consider.

Keywords:

• Sexism
• masculinity ideology
• sexual orientation
• bisexual

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Diana L. Jenkins

Diana L. Jenkins is a postdoctoral scholar in the Prevention Science Institute at the University of Oregon. She received her doctorate degree in family and human development at Arizona State University. Her research focuses on gender attitudes, sexism, and the role of masculinity in emerging adult populations, with a focus on close relationships.

Aubrey L. Hoffer

Aubrey L. Hoffer is a graduate student in the Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics at Arizona State University. Her main research interests are body image, gender socialization, and mental health.

Dawn DeLay

Dawn DeLay is an associate professor in the Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics at Arizona State University. Her research interests are on the intersection between individual identity, social relationships, and outcomes.