Gamma bias

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Gamma bias refers to a theory of cognitive gender bias developed by Seager & Barry (2019).[1]

Gamma bias entails the operation 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 cognitive distortion.[2]

The authors state that gamma bias works by magnifying women's issues and achievements and minimizing 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 of males include evolutionary pressures for males to protect and provide for women which involves a reluctance to view men as vulnerable, or alternatively the sociological explanation of 'ingroup' and 'outgroup' bias which may have developed around men and women in the form of social conventions.[3]

A further explanation is provided by gynocentrism theory [4] 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'[5]. This dynamic is supported by gamma bias to ensure women are beneficiaries of narcissistic reassurance. This theory further assumes that the maximizing/minimizing process can be witnessed in classic ‘narcissist to non-narcissist’ relationships.

Examples of gamma bias

Graphic providing examples of 'gamma bias'




References