Height Stereotypes of Women and Men: The Liabilities of Shortness for Both Sexes

Abstract

This research examines height stereotypes of women and men in the United States using two methods of stereotype assessment, the trait ratings method and the percentage estimates method. Subjects rated female or male targets who were tall, of average height, or short on seven evaluative dimensions; social attractiveness, professional status, p0ersonal adjustment, athletic orientation, masculinity, femininity, and physical attractiveness. Findings indicated that height stereotypes of men encompassed six of the seven dimensions and suggested that shortness is more of a liability than tallness is an asset. Height stereotypes of women encompassed only two dimensions and again suggested the liabilities of shortness. Stronger stereotypes were obtained with the trait ratings method than with the percentage estimates method, although no differences in the content of the stereotypes were observed. Implications for future research on height effects on person perception and for the interchangeability of different methods of stereotype assessment are discussed.