The heterosexual male was rated less effectual, less respect-worthy, and less hirable in the female-typed job condition than in the male-typed job condition. Therefore, we carried out an experiment where 128 adults with experience in recruitment and selection, recruited through Qualtrics, rated heterosexual and gay male applicants applying for a gender-typed job. The majority of studies in this area have, however, failed to account for the sexual orientation of the individual being rated. Men employed in jobs traditionally held by women are perceived as wimpy and undeserving of respect. The lack of fit model and role congruity theory explain how gender stereotypes give rise to the perception that an individual lacks the attributes necessary to be successful in a gender-incongruent job. Research demonstrates the bias faced by individuals engaged in occupations that are perceived as inconsistent with their gender.
