Understanding resistance towards increasing gender diversity in masculine domains: the role of intergroup threat

Using the theoretical framework of the Intergroup Threat Theory (Stephan, Ybarra & Morrison, 2009), a conceptual model was developed in order to systematically investigate the role of realistic threat, symbolic threat, and gender identification in driving men’s resistance towards woman and diversity efforts in fields in which men have traditionally been the majority group.

Six empirical studies and a mini meta-analysis were conducted to address three specific facets of men’s resistance: (1) why there is resistance towards increasing gender diversity in masculine domains, (2) for whom this resistance may be strongest, and (3) how this resistance can potentially be reduced. </p><p>The major finding across all studies was that men’s resistance towards increasing gender diversity was driven primarily be realistic threat perceptions.