When chivalry backfires: benevolent sexism and attitudes toward Myra Hindley

Researchers have suggested that paternalistic attitudes may influence people's perceptions of female offenders. In the current study, we examined the role of benevolent and hostile sexism in people's perceptions of a specific female offender (Myra Hindley), who can be viewed as having viol...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Viki, Tendayi 1974- (Author) ; Massey, Kristina (Author) ; Masser, Barbara (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2005
In: Legal and criminological psychology
Year: 2005, Volume: 10, Issue: 1, Pages: 109-120
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Summary:Researchers have suggested that paternalistic attitudes may influence people's perceptions of female offenders. In the current study, we examined the role of benevolent and hostile sexism in people's perceptions of a specific female offender (Myra Hindley), who can be viewed as having violated traditional gender role assumptions. We observed that benevolent sexism (but not hostile sexism) was related to negative evaluations of Myra Hindley. In addition, mediation analyses suggest that the relationship between benevolent sexism and the negative evaluations of Myra Hindley was partially accounted for by participants' perceptions that Myra Hindley possessed traits that violated traditional gender role stereotypes. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
ISSN:2044-8333
DOI:10.1348/135532504X15277