Understanding Perpetuation and Disruption of the Gender Binary Psychology

Location: Streatham Campus, University of Exeter, EX4 4QJ

Project Description:

A quarter of a century ago, philosopher Judith Butler called upon society to create “gender trouble” by disrupting the binary view of sex, gender, and sexuality. She argued that gender, rather than being an essential quality following from biological sex, or an inherent identity, is a performance which reinforces – and is reinforced by - societal norms. Despite the fact that Butler’s philosophical approach to understanding gender has many resonances with a large body of gender research being conducted by social psychologists, little theorizing and research within social psychology has drawn directly on Butler’s ideas.

This project will investigate how different types of gender trouble can affect (a) evaluations of, and reactions to, the gender troublemaker; (b) those who witness gender trouble themselves (e.g., in terms of threat); and (c) perceptions of gender (e.g., as binary and essential). In doing so, the project will also investigate psychological barriers that may hinder the disruptive potential of gender trouble.

The project will be comprised of a series of quantitative studies that will investigate the psychological mechanisms underlying the perpetuation and disruption of the gender binary.

The ideal candidate for this position will have a background in social psychology and an interest in gender and experience conducting experimental research. The project will be supervised by Prof Michelle Ryan and Dr Thekla Morgenroth, at the University of Exeter. The candidate will be part of a vibrant research group made up of PhD students and post-doctoral research fellows.

For more information about the project and informal enquiries, please contact:
Prof Michelle Ryan: http://psychology.exeter.ac.uk/staff/index.php?web_id=michelle_ryan
Dr Thekla Morgenroth: http://psychology.exeter.ac.uk/staff/index.php?web_id=Thekla_Morgenroth


Entry requirements:
You should have or expect to achieve at least a 2:1 Honours degree from a UK university, or equivalent, in Psychology (or cognate discipline). Experience in quantitative methods, and experimental methodology is desirable.
If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency.