Sexual orientation, gender roles, and occupation: Bias during the selection process?

Abstract

Two studies were conducted examining the relationship between applicant sexual orientation, applicant gender, and hiring bias for stereotypically masculine and feminine jobs. Study 1 examined the job-related traits associated with male and female heterosexuals and homosexuals, and it was found that feminine traits were ascribed to homosexual males and masculine traits were ascribed to homosexual females. Study 2 had subjects rank 10 applicants (one male homosexual, one female homosexual, 4 male heterosexuals, 4 female heterosexuals) for either a masculine or feminine job, and rate the applicants on job selection criteria. Results showed that homosexual applicants were rated lower than heterosexual applicants for masculine and feminine jobs, and there was a 3-way interaction between applicant sexual orientation, applicant gender, and job type. Also examined was the relationship between subject individual differences and trait ratings of applicants with hiring decisions. Future research directions were discussed.