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Gender Bias 16 marker
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A*/A grade AQA A level Psychology 16 Marker on gender bias in psychology (issues and debates)
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Gender Bias Issues and debatesA gender bias occurs when men and women are treated differently in psychological studies
and research. Typically, in the past psychological research has been centred or focussed on
men and women will be based on a male view on the world. This is called androcentrism,
which can lead to either alpha or beta bias.
The attempt to downplay the difference between the genders is called beta bias. This can be
seen in Biological research into fight or flight, where male animal research was
superimposed onto females. However, research by Shelly Taylor (2000) found that females
occupy a befriend technique as well as fight or flight, which was a behaviour that went
undiscovered due to beta bias.
Alpha bias on the other hand, occurs when differences between genders are assumed in
psychological research. This can be seen by, research conducted by Freud as he suggested
men were more superior then women and that ‘feminity was a failed masculinity’ by
exaggerating gender differences. However, now in psychology there is an aim to develop
universal theories that apply to all people, that may or may not include real differences.
A strength of such research is that we can learn how to avoid gender bias. One way to
counter androcentrism is to take a feminist perspective, which agrees that biological
differences between genders do occur but aims to reduce the imbalance in research. For
example, Eagly (1978) who acknowledged that women may not be as successful leaders as
men, but this research can be used to put more training in place for females. Using gender
differences feminist psychology seeks to understand behaviour in terms of social processes
and find a way to equality.
Equal treatment for men and women, an example of beta bias, has given women greater
opportunities but also becomes a disadvantage. For example, research conducted by Hare-
Mustin and Marecek who suggested that, arguing for equality takes away from female
needs. Which can be seen in equal parenting which takes away from the biological
demands on women during pregnancy, and ignores their special needs, therefore
disadvantaging women. Therefore, we should avoid beta bias to ensure special needs of
each gender are catered for.
One strategy to counter gender bias, is to develop theories which show the differences
between men and women but emphasise the value of women. Where in feminist research,
it has been shown that women are better at learning as they are more flexible, attentive and
organised. Such research challenges the stereotype that the male position must be better,
and changes people’s perceptions.
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