Gender based discrimination in the minimal group paradigm

Abstract

The objective of this quantitative study was to determine if the social category, gender, is a sufficient minimal criterion capable of inducing discrimination in the Minimal Group Paradigm (MGP). Social Identity Theory (SIT) explains that individuals will identify with their gender in-group (male or female) and discriminate against the out-group to enhance the status of the former. Data was collected via a questionnaire from a random sample of 1000 University of Malta students. The sample consisted of 207 participants (103 males and 104 females). Just over half of the participants (105) had a family history of cancer (breast, 17.8%; prostate, 3.9%; other, 29%), whilst the rest (102) did not. The questionnaire asked the participants to donate to two gender-specific cancer charities — the Prostate Programme for prostate cancer and the Pink Ribbon Project for breast cancer — with the use of a MGP matrix. A general linear regression model identified the variables nationality and religion to be non-significant, and gender and cancer type to be significant predictors on the dependent variable, the discrimination score. One sample t-tests analysed the degree of discrimination of the participants from their monetary allocations to the charities. Males discriminated against females by donating more funds to the prostate cancer charity. Females discriminated against males by donating more funds to the breast cancer charity. Both genders were discriminatory to the same degree. Both males and females with breast cancer in the family medical history favoured the Pink Ribbon Project more. Overall, the findings lend support to the MGP and SIT. Future research should investigate gender discrimination in a multitude of contexts to create stronger strategies to promote gender equality.