Stereotype Threat and Adolescent Males in Choirs: A Reflection of Gender Beliefs?

Abstract

Peer beliefs and expectations about gender identity, gender role and gender role conformity can limit participation in school activities and reduce performance potential. Adolescent males in choirs often seem to be reluctant to perform in front of their peers. On the other hand, adolescent females who sing in choirs have quite a contrasting experience. The first of three studies comprising this thesis investigated whether gender stereotype threat contributed to adolescent male choristers' performance decrement, and whether salience of stereotype threat could affect awareness of it. The findings of a second study triangulated those of the first, and revealed common attributes which enabled adolescent male choristers to remain engaged in choral music. This study revealed however, that these traits did not protect the adolescent male choristers from the effects of stereotype threat. Whereas previous extant research on stereotype threat had concentrated on helping the targets of stereotype threat alleviate its effects, the third of the present studies aimed to reveal the perceptions of gender held by non-targets of stereotype threat as well as by the targets, preparing the way to challenge deep-seated beliefs which lead to gender stereotyping and prejudice. The findings of the studies identified how beliefs and expectations about gender identity related to attitudes towards gender role and genderrole conformity within different school cultures, and ultimately limited choice of school-based activities for adolescents. This evidence revealed implications for change to practices which may currently augment gender-role conformity in schools and limit student outcomes. As well, it added to research conducted in the field of stereotype threat in a real-world setting and, importantly, exposed a link between stereotypical beliefs and wider held prejudices.