Social Perception of Power: A Gender Analysis

Abstract

A 2×2 factorial design using an open-ended response format examined the social perception of power in terms of the gender of the powerful person and gender of the perceiver. There were 125 men and 140 women, drawn from a variety of university courses (business, leisure studies, communication, humanities). With limited background information provided, women in powerful positions were generally perceived more favourably than men. Powerful women were described more positively by women than by men. The results are discussed in terms of a cultural shift in definitions of leadership and of appropriate role behavior by women.