Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/151484

Title

Gender stereotypes and physical spousal abuse: investigating perceptual biases in mock juror evaluations

Author(s)

Swystun, Joanne;  Pfeifer, Jeffrey E.

Abstract

Although the issue of wife battering has received much attention recently, a review of the literature on physical spousal abuse suggests that abuse of males by females, or husband battering may be on the increase. Research also indicates that individuals maintain cognitive biases or stereotypes regarding gender issues involving violence between men and women. In order to examine the possible effects of these cognitions on the judicial process, mock jurors evaluated 1 of 2 versions of spousal abuse trial, which manipulated the gender of the defendant and the victim. After reading the trial summary, participants were asked to rate the guilt of the defendant as well as indicate the confidence they had in their decision. Participants also completed questionnaires regarding their perceptions of the existence of spousal abuse as well as their attitudes toward women. Results indicate that male defendants are rated significantly guiltier than female defendants are, and that all participants tend to hold traditional attitudes toward women.

Publication type

Journal article

Source

Journal of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Vol. 8 (1994), pp. 129-137

Publication year

1994

Keyword(s)

Bias;  Courts;  Discrimination;  Gender stereotypes;  Guilt determination;  Juries;  Juror decision-making;  Personal bias;  Physical abuse;  Prejudice;  Public perceptions;  Spousal abuse;  Verdict;  Violence

Publisher

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Publisher URL

http://view.fdu.edu/default.aspx?id=801

Copyright

Copyright © 1994 by the Department of Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Florham-Madison, N. J. This article is reproduced with the kind permission of the Journal of Psychology and the Behavioral Sciences, Fairleigh Dickinson University. Permission for further reproduction in whole or part must be obtained from the Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Peer reviewed