Epistemic Uncertainty, Social Dominance Orientation, and Prejudices toward Women in Leadership Roles: Mediation and Moderation Analyses

Federico Contu (), Antonio Aiello and Antonio Pierro
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Federico Contu: Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, “La Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Antonio Aiello: Department of Political Science, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
Antonio Pierro: Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, “La Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy

Social Sciences, 2024, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: This research investigated the relation between the need for cognitive closure, social dominance orientation, and attitudes toward women as managers within a sample of Italian workers (N = 391) enrolled in a cross-sectional study. More specifically, we hypothesized and found that the association between need for cognitive closure and prejudice toward women managers was mediated by social dominance orientation. Notably, these results remained significant even after controlling for participants’ gender, education, age, and political orientation. Further, results from a moderation analysis revealed that the relationship between social dominance orientation and negative attitudes toward woman leaders was moderated by the need for cognitive closure. That is, the relationship between social dominance orientation and prejudice towards women managers was stronger for participants higher in need for cognitive closure—compared to those who were low. These results could shed light on new routes in practical intervention aimed at solving prejudice towards women in leadership roles.

Keywords: need for cognitive closure; social dominance orientation; attitudes toward women as managers; leadership (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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