Gamma bias

Gamma bias refers to a cognitive gender bias theory developed by Seager & Barry (2019).

Gamma bias entails the interrelation of two concurrent biases: alpha bias (exaggerating or magnifying gender differences) and beta bias (ignoring or minimizing gender differences). Gamma bias occurs when one gender difference is minimized while simultaneously another is magnified, resulting in a doubling of the cognitive distortion.

The authors state that gamma bias works to magnify women's issues and achievements and to minimize men's issues and achievements. Alternatively, the dynamic is reversed and employed to minimize negative female traits and behaviors, while magnifying or exaggerating negative male traits or behaviors.

Theories on the purpose of gamma bias

Hypotheses regarding the growth of gamma bias and the disfavoring males include the operation of evolutionary pressure for males to protect and provide for women which includes a reluctance to view men as vulnerable, or alternatively the social explanation of 'ingroup' and 'outgroup' bias which may have developed around men and women in the form of social conventions.

A further explanation is provided by gynocentrism theory which posits an increase of narcissism among women in the context of heterosexual relationships and exchanges, creating what Robert Millman has called 'acquired situational narcissism' which is supported by the operation of gamma bias of maximizing/minimizing certain gendered behaviors to ensure women are always the primary beneficiaries of narcissistic reassurances. In this theory, the same maximizing/minimizing process of gamma bias in relation to a narcissist vs. non-narcissist.