The gender conformity conundrum: The effects of irrelevant gender norms on public conformity

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this experiment was to examine influences of gender norms on gender-role conformity. This series of two studies tests whether females or males are more likely to conform to public norms. To test this, we attached men’s and women’s bathroom-type signs to exit doors from a café at a private academic institution in upstate New York. We then unobtrusively observed whether individuals chose to exit through the door matching their gender. We found that, in both studies, males conformed more to their gender-role sign than did females. This suggests that conformity to certain gender and social norms has greater influence on males, and that these norms have a substantial power over decisions in social settings. In addition, it may be that some males conform to these norms to avoid being represented or perceived as female and/or a lower-power member of society.

KEYWORDS:

• Bathroom signs
• conformity
• gender norms
• social norms

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Matthew F. Carter

Matthew F. Carter is the Program Coordinator for the Psychological and Educational Measurement Lab at the University of Notre Dame.

Timothy M. Franz

Timothy M. Franz is a Professor of Psychology at St. John Fisher College. He is a social and organizational psychologist and studies team development as well as the impact of stereotypes on impression formation.

Jordan L. Gruschow

Jordan L. Gruschow is a graduate student at the Ramapo College in New Jersey, studying to receive her Masters in Social Work. Jordan's concentration is in substance abuse and crisis intervention.

Alyssa M. VanRyne

Alyssa M. VanRyne is currently working as a Crisis Prevention and Intervention Specialist for the not-for-profit organization, The Center for Youth. In this role, she emphasizes restorative practices.