4
End the “Nice Guy” Backlash
by David M. Mayer
Quick Takes
- Men are penalized when they stray from masculine stereotypes. To combat this, we should:
- Celebrate men who engage in positive behaviors
- Train employees more broadly about gender stereotypes
- Stop “gender policing”
When women behave in ways that don’t fit their gender stereotype—for example, by being assertive—they are viewed as less likable and ultimately less hirable.1 Does the same hold true for men? Are they similarly penalized for straying from the strong masculine stereotype?
The short answer is yes. Research demonstrates that men too face backlash when they don’t adhere to masculine gender stereotypes—when they show vulnerability, act nicer, display empathy, express sadness, ...
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