Women with Manly Qualities More Likely to Be Hired in Male-dominated Fields: Study

A new study says women who described themselves as assertive and achievement oriented were liable to do better in  male-oriented dominated work places than females who appeared warm and nurturing.

A lab experiment conducted by Michigan State University researchers found that women who described themselves using masculine traits  like independent and result oriented  were found to be more fitting for the job than those who emphasized womanly traits  like feminity,  warmth and  supportiveness.

"We found that 'manning up' seemed to be an effective strategy, because it was seen as necessary for the job," said Anne Marie Ryan, co-author and MSU professor of psychology.

The study, according to her, refutes the traditional views that women who do not conform to stereotypical gender roles face a backlash in the employment field.

The study researchers say that discrimination is "pervasive and persistant" in all job fields.  Another study by the same group found that young and old job seekers felt discriminated against in job interviews. The old for being over it and the young for not being experienced enough

The research is looking into an array of discriminations that certain groups face while seeking jobs. They believe that such studies will highlight the lacunas and how effective steps can be taken to counter them.

According to Ryan, it should not be incumbent on the job seeker to push for equal treatment. "Companies and recruiters should make sure they are not exhibiting discriminatory screening practices," Ryan said. "There's a lot of advice out there for applicants to help combat this type of bias, but our research is aimed at figuring out what kind of advice is beneficial and what kind of advice may harm you."  

The study appears online in the research journal Psychology of Women Quarterly.