DOI
10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2024.04.006
Abstract
Over the past few decades, the representation of women in top leadership positions has steadily increased around the world, yet remains well below gender parity. Do leader stereotypes and preferences still favor men? Based on a series of studies with U.S. participants, Wiezel, Barlev, Martos, and Kenrick (2024) argue that leaders remain stereotyped as male, which is consistent with a “think leader, think alpha-male” model. Inconsistent with the model, the authors also find that women are slightly preferred as leaders, due in part to greater association of men with dominance-based leadership. In general, Wiezel et al. (2024) provide a valuable snapshot of gender-based leader stereotypes and preferences in the present-day United States, but the authors' theoretical framing and interpretation of their results are inadequate.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-2024
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2024, ScienceDirect.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2024.04.006
The definitive version is available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090513824000394
Recommended Citation
C. von Rueden (2024). “Think leader, think alpha male” and the evolution of leader stereotypes. Evolution and Human Behavior.
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Demography, Population, and Ecology Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, Inequality and Stratification Commons, Leadership Studies Commons, Other Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons
