Perceptions and Consequences of Confronting Sexism: A Multi-Method Examination of Context and Confronter Identities

Despite the numerous benefits of confronting prejudice, people rarely stand up to expressions of intergroup bias. Across three papers and nine studies, using a multi-method approach spanning scenario studies, reverse correlation paradigms, and an immersive interpersonal interaction, the present research investigated consequences and support for confrontation across confronter identities and contexts and their associated outcomes. In three experiments, Paper 1 examined expectations for confrontation related to a sexist incident, evaluations of the actors across confronting responses, and support for confrontation. These questions were investigated across various confronter identities (female target versus male witness) and context (social versus professional). In four experiments, Paper 2 used a reverse correlation paradigm to explore attributes (i.e., likeability, morality, masculinity, power, and age) associated with mental images of confronters versus nonconfronters of sexism. These perceptions were examined across varying confronter identities (female target, male witness, self). In two experiments, Paper 3 implemented an online chat interaction to investigate how confronting or passive responses affected perceptions of competence and likeability, support for confrontation, and leadership outcomes. Together, the results provide novel evidence for not only the disadvantages but also the advantages associated with confronting sexism across confronter identity and contexts. Benefits of confronting, particularly in domains related to power, competence, and leadership are highlighted.