EPISTEMINĖ MOTYVACIJA KAIP SOCIALINIŲ PRIETARŲ PREDIKTORIUS: KOGNITYVINIO UŽBAIGTUMO POREIKIO IR AMBIVALENTIŠKO SEKSIZMO SĄSAJOS

Abstract

Scientific problem. Scarce research evidence show that preference for quick, definite and stable knowledge, as reflected in the construct of the need for closure (NFC), can be related to hostile and benevolent sexism (Roets et al., 2012). However, it is unknown whether NFC varies between different – ambivalent and univalent – sexism profiles. The aim of the present research was to investigate the relationship between NFC and sexism and to test gender as a moderator of these links. Method. A heterogeneous sample (N = 187, 108 women and 79 men, ages ranging 18–68 years: M = 26,73, SD = 8,53) completed revised Need for Closure Scale (Roets, Van Hiel, 2007) and Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (Glick, Fiske, 1996). Results confirmed that NFC can significantly predict both types of sexism when controlling for gender. Gender moderated only the link between NFC and benevolent sexism (the relationship was stronger for women). When different sexism profiles were considered, results showed that NFC is higher for those expressing ambivalent (in contrast to univalent) sexist attitudes. Also, NFC was higher for women in all groups. Conclusion. Study showed that prejudice towards women can be explained by motivational differences in knowledge formation. Higher NFC is associated with higher endorsement of both hostile and benevolent sexism. These findings are in line with the theoretical assumption that ambivalent sexism might function as a system justifying ideology serving epistemic needs for stability.