Everybody but Me: Pluralistic Ignorance and the Masculinity Contest

Abstract

Abstract The masculinity contest is a set of organizational norms that fosters competition, work devotion, strength, and dominance. Here, we explore pluralistic ignorance as a mechanism by which these norms persist. Pluralistic ignorance occurs when individuals privately reject a norm, but mistakenly believe others endorse it. This then discourages individuals from criticizing norms that perpetuate unpopular behavioral standards. Drawing on data from U.S. workers, we find masculinity contest norms are prone to pluralistic ignorance. Workers believe their coworkers’ endorsement of these norms exceeds their own private endorsement, although pluralistic ignorance levels differ by workers’ gender, parental status, and the sex composition of their job. Further, employees’ pluralistic ignorance about masculinity contest norms predicts decreased job satisfaction and engagement, decreased mental health, and increased relationship conflict. Discussion considers the implications of these findings for policies that may bring organizational norms into alignment with workers’ ideals.