Key publications
Morgenroth T, Sendén MG, Lindqvist A, Renström EA, Ryan MK, Morton TA (2020). Defending the Sex/Gender Binary: the Role of Gender Identification and Need for Closure.
Social Psychological and Personality Science,
12(5), 731-740.
Abstract:
Defending the Sex/Gender Binary: the Role of Gender Identification and Need for Closure
in the Western world, gender/sex is traditionally viewed as binary, with people falling into one of two categories: male or female. This view of gender/sex has started to change, triggering some resistance. This research investigates psychological mechanisms underlying that resistance. Study 1 ( N = 489, UK) explored the role of individual gender identification in defense of, and attempts to reinforce, the gender/sex binary. Study 2 ( N = 415, Sweden) further considered the role of individual differences in need for closure. Both gender identification and need for closure were associated with binary views of gender/sex, prejudice against nonbinary people, and opposition to the use of gender-neutral pronouns. Policies that aim to abolish gender/sex categories, but not policies that advocate for a third gender/sex category, were seen as particularly unfair among people high in gender identification. These findings are an important step in understanding the psychology of resistance to change around binary systems of gender/sex.
Abstract.
Full text.
Morgenroth T, Ryan MK (2020). The Effects of Gender Trouble: an Integrative Theoretical Framework of the Perpetuation and Disruption of the Gender/Sex Binary.
Perspectives on Psychological Science, 174569162090244-174569162090244.
Abstract:
The Effects of Gender Trouble: an Integrative Theoretical Framework of the Perpetuation and Disruption of the Gender/Sex Binary
in the Western world, gender has traditionally been viewed in the Western world as binary and as following directly from biological sex. This view is slowly changing among both experts and the general public, a change that has been met with strong opposition. In this article, we explore the psychological processes underlying these dynamics. Drawing on previous work on gender performativity as well as gender as a performance, we develop a psychological framework of the perpetuation and disruption of the gender/sex binary on a stage that facilitates and foregrounds binary gender/sex performance. Whenever character, costume, and script are not aligned the gender/sex binary is disrupted and gender trouble ensues. We integrate various strands of the psychological literature into this framework and explain the processes underlying these reactions. We propose that gender trouble can elicit threat—personal threat, group-based and identity threat, and system threat—which in turn leads to efforts to alleviate this threat through the reinforcement of the gender/sex binary. Our framework challenges the way psychologists have traditionally treated gender/sex in theory and empirical work and proposes new avenues and implications for future research.
Abstract.
Full text.
Morgenroth T, Kirby TA, Ryan MK, Sudkämper A (2020). The who, when, and why of the glass cliff phenomenon: a meta-analysis of appointments to precarious leadership positions.
Psychological Bulletin,
146(9), 797-829.
Abstract:
The who, when, and why of the glass cliff phenomenon: a meta-analysis of appointments to precarious leadership positions
Women and members of other underrepresented groups who break through the glass ceiling often find themselves in precarious leadership positions, a phenomenon that has been termed the glass cliff. The glass cliff has been investigated in a range of domains using various methodologies, but evidence is mixed. In 3 meta-analyses, we examined (a) archival field studies testing whether members of underrepresented groups, compared with members of majority groups, are more likely to be appointed to leadership positions in times of crisis; (b) experimental studies testing whether members of underrepresented groups, compared with members of majority groups, are evaluated as more suitable for, as well as (c) more likely to be selected for, leadership positions in times of crisis. All 3 analyses provided some evidence in line with the glass cliff for women. Specifically, the meta-analysis of archival studies revealed a small glass cliff effect that was dependent on organizational domain. The leadership suitability meta-analysis also showed a small glass cliff effect in between-participants studies, but not in withinparticipants studies. The analysis of leadership selection revealed that women are more likely to be selected over men in times of crisis, and that this effect is larger in countries with higher gender inequality. The glass cliff also extended to members of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. We explore several moderating factors and report analyses shedding light on the underlying causes of the glass cliff. We discuss implications of our findings as well as open questions.
Abstract.
Full text.
Morgenroth T, Ryan MK (2018). Gender Trouble in Social Psychology: How can Butler's Work Inform Experimental Social Psychologists' Conceptualization of Gender?.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY,
9 Author URL.
Full text.
Morgenroth T, Ryan M (2018). Quotas and affirmative action: Understanding group-based outcomes and attitudes.
Social and Personality Psychology Compass Full text.
Morgenroth T, Fine C, Ryan MK, Genat AE (2017). Sex, Drugs, and Reckless Driving: Are Measures Biased Toward Identifying Risk-Taking in Men?.
Social Psychological and Personality Science Full text.
Publications by year
2021
Morgenroth T, Kirby T, Cuthbert M, Evje J, Anderson A (2021). Bisexual erasure: Perceived attraction patterns of bisexual women and men.
European Journal of Social Psychology Full text.
Morgenroth T, Kirby T, Gee IA, Ovett TA (2021). Born this Way–or Not? the Relationship Between Essentialism and Sexual Minorities’ LGBTQ+ Identification and Belonging. Archives of Sexual Behavior
Morgenroth T, Ryan MK, Sønderlund AL (2021). Think Manager–Think Parent? Investigating the fatherhood advantage and the motherhood penalty using the Think Manager–Think Male paradigm.
Journal of Applied Social Psychology,
51(3), 237-247.
Abstract:
Think Manager–Think Parent? Investigating the fatherhood advantage and the motherhood penalty using the Think Manager–Think Male paradigm
Men remain overrepresented in leadership positions, due in part to a think manager–think male (TMTM) association whereby stereotypes of men are more similar to stereotypes of manager than are stereotypes of women. Building on research into the motherhood penalty and fatherhood advantage, we extend Schein's TMTM paradigm to investigate whether parenthood exacerbates the phenomenon. In Study 1 (N = 326), we find clear support for a fatherhood advantage, such that fathers are described as more similar to managers compared to either men in general, women in general, or to mothers. We did not find evidence for a motherhood penalty. Indeed, mothers, compared to women in general, were seen as more similar to managers (a motherhood advantage within women), while relative to fathers, mothers were seen as less similar to managers, thus, a gender penalty remained within parenthood. We replicate these findings in a preregistered Study 2 (N = 561), and further show that patterns are similar for ideal managers (prescriptive manager stereotypes, Study 1) and leaders more generally (Study 2). Taken together, the results suggest that gender and managerial stereotypes do not reveal a simple fatherhood advantage and motherhood penalty. Rather, stereotypes of parenthood may provide benefits for both mothers and fathers—suggestive of a parenthood advantage, at least in terms of stereotype content.
Abstract.
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2020
Sudkämper A, Ryan MK, Kirby TA, Morgenroth T (2020). A comprehensive measure of attitudes and behaviour: Development of the Support for Gender Equality among Men Scale.
European Journal of Social Psychology,
50(2), 256-277.
Abstract:
A comprehensive measure of attitudes and behaviour: Development of the Support for Gender Equality among Men Scale
In this article, we develop and validate the 16-item Support for Gender Equality among Men Scale across four studies. Drawing on exploratory (Study 1, n = 322) and confirmatory (Study 2, n = 358; Study 4, n = 192) factor analysis, we determine a two-factor structure: public and domestic support for gender equality. In Study 3 (n = 146) and Study 4, we validate the scale by establishing its relationship with, among others, several prominent measures of sexism, a behavioural measure, and social desirability. The scale fills a psychometric gap in the literature: to date, no validated measure of support for gender equality, measuring both attitudes and behavioural intentions and focusing specifically on men, exists. Considering the recent increase in interest in men as allies of the feminist movement the scale functions as a useful tool to explore the topic in depth in future research.
Abstract.
Full text.
Morgenroth T, Sendén MG, Lindqvist A, Renström EA, Ryan MK, Morton TA (2020). Defending the Sex/Gender Binary: the Role of Gender Identification and Need for Closure.
Social Psychological and Personality Science,
12(5), 731-740.
Abstract:
Defending the Sex/Gender Binary: the Role of Gender Identification and Need for Closure
in the Western world, gender/sex is traditionally viewed as binary, with people falling into one of two categories: male or female. This view of gender/sex has started to change, triggering some resistance. This research investigates psychological mechanisms underlying that resistance. Study 1 ( N = 489, UK) explored the role of individual gender identification in defense of, and attempts to reinforce, the gender/sex binary. Study 2 ( N = 415, Sweden) further considered the role of individual differences in need for closure. Both gender identification and need for closure were associated with binary views of gender/sex, prejudice against nonbinary people, and opposition to the use of gender-neutral pronouns. Policies that aim to abolish gender/sex categories, but not policies that advocate for a third gender/sex category, were seen as particularly unfair among people high in gender identification. These findings are an important step in understanding the psychology of resistance to change around binary systems of gender/sex.
Abstract.
Full text.
Morgenroth T, Stuart A (2020). Gender and psychology. In Naples N (Ed)
Companion to Gender Studies, Wiley Press.
Full text.
van der Toorn J, Pliskin R, Morgenroth T (2020). Not quite over the rainbow: the unrelenting and insidious nature of heteronormative ideology.
Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences,
34, 160-165.
Full text.
Morgenroth T, Ryan M, Rink F, Begeny C (2020). The (in)compatibility of identities: Understanding gender differences in work-life conflict through the fit with leaders.
British Journal of Social Psychology Full text.
Morgenroth T, Ryan MK (2020). The Effects of Gender Trouble: an Integrative Theoretical Framework of the Perpetuation and Disruption of the Gender/Sex Binary.
Perspectives on Psychological Science, 174569162090244-174569162090244.
Abstract:
The Effects of Gender Trouble: an Integrative Theoretical Framework of the Perpetuation and Disruption of the Gender/Sex Binary
in the Western world, gender has traditionally been viewed in the Western world as binary and as following directly from biological sex. This view is slowly changing among both experts and the general public, a change that has been met with strong opposition. In this article, we explore the psychological processes underlying these dynamics. Drawing on previous work on gender performativity as well as gender as a performance, we develop a psychological framework of the perpetuation and disruption of the gender/sex binary on a stage that facilitates and foregrounds binary gender/sex performance. Whenever character, costume, and script are not aligned the gender/sex binary is disrupted and gender trouble ensues. We integrate various strands of the psychological literature into this framework and explain the processes underlying these reactions. We propose that gender trouble can elicit threat—personal threat, group-based and identity threat, and system threat—which in turn leads to efforts to alleviate this threat through the reinforcement of the gender/sex binary. Our framework challenges the way psychologists have traditionally treated gender/sex in theory and empirical work and proposes new avenues and implications for future research.
Abstract.
Full text.
Morgenroth T, Stratemeyer M, Paaßen B (2020). The Gendered Nature and Malleability of Gamer Stereotypes.
Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking,
23(8), 557-561.
Full text.
Morgenroth T, Kirby TA, Ryan MK, Sudkämper A (2020). The who, when, and why of the glass cliff phenomenon: a meta-analysis of appointments to precarious leadership positions.
Psychological Bulletin,
146(9), 797-829.
Abstract:
The who, when, and why of the glass cliff phenomenon: a meta-analysis of appointments to precarious leadership positions
Women and members of other underrepresented groups who break through the glass ceiling often find themselves in precarious leadership positions, a phenomenon that has been termed the glass cliff. The glass cliff has been investigated in a range of domains using various methodologies, but evidence is mixed. In 3 meta-analyses, we examined (a) archival field studies testing whether members of underrepresented groups, compared with members of majority groups, are more likely to be appointed to leadership positions in times of crisis; (b) experimental studies testing whether members of underrepresented groups, compared with members of majority groups, are evaluated as more suitable for, as well as (c) more likely to be selected for, leadership positions in times of crisis. All 3 analyses provided some evidence in line with the glass cliff for women. Specifically, the meta-analysis of archival studies revealed a small glass cliff effect that was dependent on organizational domain. The leadership suitability meta-analysis also showed a small glass cliff effect in between-participants studies, but not in withinparticipants studies. The analysis of leadership selection revealed that women are more likely to be selected over men in times of crisis, and that this effect is larger in countries with higher gender inequality. The glass cliff also extended to members of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. We explore several moderating factors and report analyses shedding light on the underlying causes of the glass cliff. We discuss implications of our findings as well as open questions.
Abstract.
Full text.
Ryan M, Begeny C, Bongiorno R, Kirby T, Morgenroth T (2020). Understanding Barriers to Workplace Equality: a Focus on the Target’s Perspective.
Frontiers in Psychology Full text.
2019
Hoyt CL, Morgenroth T, Burnette JL (2019). Understanding sexual prejudice: the role of political ideology and strategic essentialism.
Journal of Applied Social Psychology,
49(1), 3-14.
Abstract:
Understanding sexual prejudice: the role of political ideology and strategic essentialism
Despite the increased visibility and acceptance of the LGBTQ community, sexual minorities continue to face prejudice and discrimination in many domains. Past research has shown that this prejudice is more prevalent among those holding conservative political views. In two studies, we merge strategic essentialism and motivated ideology theoretical perspectives to empirically investigate the link between political orientation and sexual prejudice. More specifically, we examine how conservatives strategically use different forms of essentialism to support their views of gay individuals and their reactions to messages aimed at changing essentializing beliefs. In Study 1 (N = 220), we demonstrate that conservatives endorse social essentialism (i.e. the belief that gay and straight people are fundamentally different from each other) more than liberals do. In turn, they blame gay individuals more for their sexual orientation and show more prejudice toward them. At the same time, conservatives endorse trait essentialism (i.e. the belief that sexual orientation is a fixed attribute that cannot be changed) less than liberals do, which in turn predicts greater levels of blame and prejudice for conservatives relative to liberals. In Study 2 (N = 217), we additionally show that conservatives, but not liberals, are resistant to messages aimed at increasing trait essentialism and reducing prejudice toward sexual minorities. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
Abstract.
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2018
Morgenroth T, Ryan M (2018). Addressing gender inequality: Stumbling blocks and roads ahead.
Group Processes and Intergroup Relations,
21, 671-677.
Abstract:
Addressing gender inequality: Stumbling blocks and roads ahead
Despite many positive changes in terms of gender equality in recent decades, women remain underrepresented in positions of power and prestige, and continue to shoulder disproportionate amounts of unpaid domestic labor. This special issue brings together an examination of the different ways in which gender inequality can be addressed, the efficacy of such approaches, and the consequences these approaches can have. In this introduction to the special issue, we discuss the focus of past and present gender research and outline issues which have received less attention. We further give an overview of the papers in this special issue, which focus on a diverse range of ways in which gender inequality can be addressed, such as collective action, workplace diversity initiatives and parental leave policies, gender-fair language, and government policies. Taken together, these papers illustrate (a) the importance of ensuring that initiatives are evidence-based, (b) the ways in which we can maximize the effectiveness of interventions, and (c) the need to understand when these initiatives may inadvertently backfire.
Abstract.
Full text.
Morgenroth T, Ryan MK (2018). Gender Trouble in Social Psychology: How can Butler's Work Inform Experimental Social Psychologists' Conceptualization of Gender?.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY,
9 Author URL.
Full text.
Morgenroth T, Ryan M (2018). Gender in a Social Psychology Context. In (Ed)
Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Psychology, Oxford University Press.
Abstract:
Gender in a Social Psychology Context
Abstract.
Morgenroth T, Ryan M (2018). Quotas and affirmative action: Understanding group-based outcomes and attitudes.
Social and Personality Psychology Compass Full text.
Peters K, Steffens NK, Morgenroth T (2018). Superstars Are Not Necessarily Role Models: Morality Perceptions Moderate the Impact of Competence Perceptions on Supervisor Role Modeling. European Journal of Social Psychology
2017
Morgenroth T, Fine C, Ryan MK, Genat AE (2017). Sex, Drugs, and Reckless Driving: Are Measures Biased Toward Identifying Risk-Taking in Men?.
Social Psychological and Personality Science Full text.
Morgenroth T, Heilman ME (2017). Should I stay or should I go? Implications of maternity leave choice for perceptions of working mothers.
Journal of Experimental Social Psychology,
72, 53-56.
Abstract:
Should I stay or should I go? Implications of maternity leave choice for perceptions of working mothers
Working mothers often find themselves in a difficult situation when trying to balance work and family responsibilities and to manage expectations about their work and parental effectiveness. Family-friendly policies such as maternity leave have been introduced to address this issue. But how are women who then make the decision to go or not go on maternity leave evaluated? We presented 296 employed participants with information about a woman who made the decision to take maternity leave or not, or about a control target for whom this decision was not relevant, and asked them to evaluate her both in the work and the family domain. We found that both decisions had negative consequences, albeit in different domains. While the woman taking maternity leave was evaluated more negatively in the work domain, the woman deciding against maternity leave was evaluated more negatively in the family domain. These evaluations were mediated by perceptions of work/family commitment priorities. We conclude that while it is important to introduce policies that enable parents to reconcile family and work demands, decisions about whether to take advantage of these policies can have unintended consequences – consequences that can complicate women's efforts to balance work and childcare responsibilities.
Abstract.
Full text.
Paaßen B, Morgenroth T, Stratemeyer M (2017). What is a True Gamer? the Male Gamer Stereotype and the Marginalization of Women in Video Game Culture.
Sex Roles,
76(7-8), 421-435.
Abstract:
What is a True Gamer? the Male Gamer Stereotype and the Marginalization of Women in Video Game Culture
© 2017, Springer Science+Business Media New York. Women and men play video games in approximately equal numbers. Despite this similarity, video gaming is still strongly associated with men. A common justification for this stereotype is that, although women might play games, they should not be considered “true” or “hard-core” gamers because they play more casually and less skillfully compared to their male counterparts. In this contribution, we review the existing literature on gender and gaming to investigate the male gamer stereotype in terms of its accuracy, persistence, effects, and future perspective. We conclude that the stereotype varies in accuracy depending on the definition of “gamer.” We further argue that the persistence of this stereotype can be explained by the fact that almost all professional and highly visible figures in gaming culture are male. On the other hand, female players who achieve a moderate level of competence are rendered invisible or are actively marginalized. We argue that the effects of the male gamer stereotype can be harmful to women, precluding them from the positive outcomes of video game play such as enhanced access to fields of science, technology, and engineering.
Abstract.
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2016
Ryan MK, Haslam SA, Morgenroth T, Rink F, Stoker J, Peters K (2016). Getting on top of the glass cliff: Reviewing a decade of evidence, explanations, and impact.
Leadership QuarterlyAbstract:
Getting on top of the glass cliff: Reviewing a decade of evidence, explanations, and impact
© 2015. The glass cliff refers to the tendency for women to be more likely than men to be appointed to leadership positions that are risky and precarious. This paper reviews the first decade of research into the phenomenon and has three key aims: (a) to summarize and integrate evidence of the glass cliff, (b) to clarify the processes that have been shown to underlie the glass cliff, and (c) to explore the factors that may moderate the glass cliff phenomenon. We show that the glass cliff has had a significant impact on public discourse around women and leadership but is a complex, contextual, and multiply determined phenomenon.
Abstract.
Full text.
2015
Morgenroth T, Rink F, Ryan M, Stoker J (2015). The Glass Cliff: Understanding the Precariousness of Women’s Leadership Position and the Underlying Mechanisms. In Welpe IM, Brosi P, Ritzenhöfer L, Schwarzmüller T (Eds.) Auswahl von Männern und Frauen als Führungskräfte: Perspektiven aus Wirtschaft, Wissenschaft, Medien und Politik, 127-133.
Morgenroth T, Ryan MK, Peters K (2015). The motivational theory of role modeling: How role models influence role aspirants' goals.
Review of General Psychology,
19(4), 465-483.
Abstract:
The motivational theory of role modeling: How role models influence role aspirants' goals
Role models are often suggested as a way of motivating individuals to set and achieve ambitious goals, especially for members of stigmatized groups in achievement settings. Yet, the literature on role models tends not to draw on the motivational literature to explain how role models may help role aspirants achieve these outcomes. In this paper, we introduce role aspirants and their motivational processes into an understanding of role modeling by drawing on expectancy-value theories of motivation to bring together the disparate literatures on role models to form a cohesive theoretical framework. We first integrate different definitions of role models into a new conceptualization where we propose that role models serve 3 distinct functions in which they influence goals and motivation: acting as behavioral models, representing the possible, and being inspirational. We then build a theoretical framework for understanding not only when, but also how, role models can effectively influence motivation and goals. This new theoretical framework, the Motivational Theory of Role Modeling, highlights ways in which the power of role models can be harnessed to increase role aspirants' motivation, reinforce their existing goals, and facilitate their adoption of new goals.
Abstract.
