Ambivalent Sexism and Reproductive Autonomy: An examination of attitudes in New Zealand

Abstract

New Zealand has often been hailed as a champion for women’s rights and gender equality. However, national levels of sexist attitudes toward women as well as the trajectory of change in sexism were yet to be determined. In addition, baseline levels of support for two aspects of women’s reproductive autonomy—freedom to breastfeed in public and access to legal abortion—were yet to be established in New Zealand. Thus, the present thesis used nationally representative data from the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study (NZAVS) to explore national levels of ambivalent sexism and women’s reproductive autonomy in New Zealand. In Study 1, I established the baseline levels of sexism in New Zealand. Additionally, several reliable demographic and personality correlates of hostile and benevolent sexism were identified, the most notable of which was the negative correlation of honest-humility with both measures of sexism. Study 2 established the pace and trajectory of change of women’s and men’s endorsement of hostile and benevolent sexism across a seven-year time period (2009–2016). The results suggested that although participants’ sexism, relative to other similar individuals remained stable, sexism overall is nonetheless decreasing, albeit slowly. In terms of New Zealanders’ support for reproductive autonomy, Study 3 examined national levels of support for women’s right to breastfeed in public. The findings suggested that New Zealanders overwhelming support the right to breastfeed in public spaces. Similarly, Study 4 explored national levels of support for legalising abortion (a) for when the woman’s life is endangered and (b) for legalising abortion, regardless of the reason. This study demonstrated that New Zealanders express high levels of support for legalised abortion when the woman’s life is endangered and moderately high levels of support for legalised abortion, regardless of the reason. Finally, Study 5 examined the how sexist attitudes can hinder public breastfeeding acceptance. The study showed that, contrary to past research, hostile (not benevolent) sexism is associated with opposition to breastfeeding in public. Taken together, these studies highlight recent changes in New Zealanders’ attitudes toward gender equality as well as national levels of support for two aspects of reproductive autonomy. The collective findings suggest that although New Zealanders may appear supportive of reproductive rights, the gradual pace of the move toward gender equality may nonetheless hinder support for reproductive freedom.