Perceptions of Masculinity and Femininity from Resumes

Abstract

The influence of individuals’ personality perceptions on gay and lesbian applicants was investigated. Of interest in this study is the inclusion of sexual orientation cues in applicant resumes. We hypothesized that participants would assign gay male and lesbian applicants with personality traits uncharacteristic of their gender. This study consisted of 234 participants. We manipulated the resume job-type to reflect a masculine or feminine job, the gender of the applicant to reflect a male or female, and the sexual orientation of the applicant to reflect a heterosexual orientation or homosexual orientation. Participants examined resumes containing indicators of the applicant’s sexual orientation and were asked to evaluate personality traits of the applicant. Results suggest that individuals use the implicit inversion theory when assessing the masculinity and femininity of potentially homosexual applicants. Support was found for the hypothesis that individuals perceive homosexual males and lesbians as gender atypical regarding some traits.