Maximizing Women's Motivation in Domains Dominated by Men: Personally Known Versus Famous Role Models

Abstract

Two studies ( n = 1,522) examined the impact of role models in sport and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) domains where gender discrimination has resulted in a lack of high-profile women. We examined the role of gender matching of personally known and famous exemplars on women's and men's motivation. Participants nominated a woman or man in sport (Study 1) or STEM (Study 2) who was either famous or known to them personally; they then indicated the extent to which they perceived this individual to be a motivating role model. Women and men were more motivated by personally known (vs. famous) role models. For famous exemplars, both women and men were most motivated by same-gender models (Studies 1 and 2). For personally known exemplars, men were similarly motivated by same- and other-gender models (Studies 1 and 2), but women were more motivated by same-gender models in sport (Study 1). Mediation analyses indicated that personally known (vs. famous) exemplars and, for women, same- (vs. other-) gender exemplars, were perceived as more attainable future selves and consequently were more motivating (Study 2). Given that there are fewer famous women in domains dominated by men, it is important to know if women can be inspired by personally known rather than famous individuals. These studies provide insight into the kinds of exemplars that are most motivating for women and may serve as a guide for educators and other practitioners seeking to provide the best role models for girls and women in domains dominated by men. Additional online materials for this article are available on PWQ's website at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/03616843231156165 .