The Replication and Extension of Descriptive Gender Stereotypes

This study aims to cross-culturally examine and expand upon existing findings regarding gender-related stereotypes of thinking styles (namely, that women are more concrete and men are more abstract) and their impact on task assignments. The original study, conducted in the United States, indicated that such stereotypes lead to women being disproportionately assigned to detail-oriented tasks, regardless of the task’s attractiveness. Against the backdrop of China’s collectivist culture, this research investigates the stability of this pattern in the Chinese context and further explores the moderating role of cultural orientation (individualism vs. collectivism). Using a between-subjects experimental design, participants will be randomly assigned to one of three stereotype activation conditions (“women are more concrete,” “men are more concrete,” or control). They will then be presented with a managerial scenario requiring them to assign a task described as either high or low in attractiveness. The task involves selecting one of four fictional employees who vary by gender but are otherwise comparable in qualifications and experience. We anticipate replicating the core finding that women are more likely to be assigned concrete tasks when gender stereotypes are activated. Furthermore, we expect collectivist values to strengthen this bias. The results will contribute to cross-cultural social psychology by testing the generalizability of stereotype-based task allocation mechanisms and will offer practical insights for promoting gender equity in organizational practices within China.