On the interplay of (positive) stereotypes and prejudice: Impressions of lesbian and gay applicants for leadership positions

Most studies on attitudes towards homosexuality focus on discrimination and prejudice. However, in a work-related context, stereotypes of gay men and lesbians as transgressing traditional gender roles could lead to advantages. According to traditional gender stereotypes men are perceived as higher in competence and women as higher in social skills. Perceived lack of fit between job and gender stereotypes has been linked to gender biases in employment decisions. We aimed to test whether gay men were perceived as higher in social skills than heterosexual men, and whether lesbians were considered higher in task-related competence than heterosexual women, and if so, whether this led to advantages in hireability judgments for respective jobs. Participants (N = 266) received identical information on job applicants for high-status positions, with gender, sexual orientation, qualification level, and job context (traditionally masculine vs. feminine) manipulated. Lesbian and gay applicants were rated higher in both task competence and social skills than their heterosexual counterparts. However, this did not lead to higher hireability judgments. We explored and discuss reasons for this pattern of findings, focusing on prejudiced attitudes.