Gendered Perceptions of Reproductive Justice Advocacy: A Gen Z Perspective

open_access
Open Access
Author:
Chase, Corrinne
Area of Honors:
Psychology
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Jes Matsick, Thesis Supervisor
Sean Laurent, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
reproductive justice
advocacy
stigma
gender
Abstract:
Reproductive Justice (RJ) is an intersectional framework and social movement created by women of color (SisterSong, 1997) to address social issues that impact reproductive freedom, even when protective legislation for abortion is in place. For example, factors like socio economic injustice, the prison industrial complex, and food insecurity disproportionately affect communities of color. RJ advocacy is imperative to providing all people with reproductive freedom, not just those whose biggest obstacle is legal abortion access. The current study aims to determine ways to combat stigma surrounding RJ by investigating perceptions of RJ advocates as a function of advocate gender. Using a mixed-methods survey, we asked Gen-Z participants (N=156) to rate the perceived femininity, masculinity, likeability, and confrontationally of an advocate from one of our four experimental conditions (2(Gender: Man/Woman)x2(Advocacy Viewpoint: Pro/Anti RJ ) between-subjects factorial design), in addition to rating the perceived masculinity and femininity of RJ advocacy actions (e.g., posting on TikTok, attending demonstrations). Results suggest that RJ advocates were seen as more likeable and more feminine across genders than their anti-rights counterparts. They also suggest that some advocacy actions were perceived as highly feminine by participants, while others were perceived as highly masculine. Future research will examine how gender may interact with specific advocacy action types and how metastereotypes, that advocates may develop based on these gendered action assumptions, might alter their advocacy behaviors. This research is essential to creating a more inclusive, diverse, and productive RJ.