Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

8-2023

Abstract

Cultural tightness theory, which holds that “tight” cultures have rigid norms and sanctions, provides unique insights into cultural variations. However, current theorizing has not analyzed gender differences in cultural tightness. Addressing this gap, this research shows that women are more constrained than men by norms within the same society. By recruiting 15,425 respondents, we mapped state-level gender bias in cultural tightness across the United States. Variability in gender bias in cultural tightness was associated with state-level socio-political factors (religion and political ideology) and gender-related threats. Gender bias in cultural tightness was positively associated with state-level gender inequality in (business and political) leadership and innovation, two major challenges faced by women professionals. Overall, this research advances cultural tightness theory and offers a cultural norms account on persistent gender inequalities in society.

Keywords

cultural tightness-looseness, gender inequality, gender bias, leadership, innovation, United States

Discipline

Gender and Sexuality | Leadership Studies | Organizational Behavior and Theory | Technology and Innovation

Research Areas

Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources

Publication

PNAS Nexus

Volume

2

Issue

8

First Page

1

Last Page

17

ISSN

2752-6542

Identifier

10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad238

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

Embargo Period

7-26-2023

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad238

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