Ambivalent sexism and violence toward women: A meta-analysis

European Journal of Social Psychology. 2022. Vol. 52. No. 5-6. P. 819–859.

Agadullina E., Lovakov A., Balezina M., Olga A. Gulevich

The Ambivalent Sexism Theory suggests that there are two complementary types of sexism: hostile (subjectively negative attitude towards gender groups) and benevolent (subjectively positive attitude towards gender groups). In this meta-analysis we analyzed the relationship between ambivalent sexism and attitudes toward male-to-female violence or violent behavior. Violence type, the context of violence, respondents’ gender, the countries’ level of gender inequality, and sample type were tested as moderators. The results showed that both hostile and benevolent sexism independently impact on attitudes toward violence and violent behavior albeit to a different degree. Specifically, the relationship between hostile sexism and attitudes and behavior is stronger than for the benevolent sexism. The type and context of violence moderate the relationship between hostile sexism and attitudes toward violence and violent behavior. Only the country’s gender inequality levels showed a moderation effect for benevolent sexism. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.

Keywords: meta-analysis, violence, sexism

Publication based on the results of: Stigmatization and inequality in the professional and social spheres (2022)