by lea.haas -

Road to M. A. 6: Gender and Emotions

Perception of Emotions & Gender

The perception of emotion, or the ability to recognize and interpret the emotions others are feeling is a crucial aspect of human interaction. However, research suggests that this ability is not uniform across individuals and is often influenced by biases (Lindquist & Gendron, 2013) Gender plays a significant role when perceiving emotions. Gendered stereotypes about emotion contribute to the way people perceive and express emotions, often reinforcing societal norms that dictate how different genders should behave and display emotions. Past research has demonstrated that people tend to believe men and women experience and express emotions differently. Women are generally perceived as more emotionally expressive, except for high-dominance emotions such as anger and pride. Men on the other hand tend to express those high dominance emotions but lack the emotional expression of sadness. These categorizations significantly affect how emotions are interpreted. People are more likely and used to perceive sadness in female faces and anger in male faces, even when the expressions on both gender’s faces are identical. Biases like this contribute to many societal issues, such as the invalidation of women’s anger and the suppression of men’s sadness. This invalidation and suppression are the cause of reinforcing traditional gender roles.

The way individuals perceive emotions is shaped by social expectations. A series of studies shows that people rate images of women as sad and less angry when compared with the images of men, showing the exact same emotion. This phenomenon is further supported by research indicating that individuals are quicker to recognize sadness in female faces and anger in male faces. These characteristics can be the result of deeply ingrained societal beliefs that frame men as dominant while portraying women as sensitive. (Plant, 2004)

Additionally, gender roles influence the way emotions are expressed. Women are often socialized to conform to feminine rules, which encourage them to amplify their emotional responses to align with societal expectations. (Fischer, 2004) Meanwhile, men are frequently conditioned to suppress their emotions, particularly those perceived as signs of vulnerability, such as sadness and fear.

Despite extensive research on emotion perception differences between men and women, there remains a significant gap in understanding how transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming individuals fit into the discussion. Current emotion perception studies largely rely on stimulus sets composed of binary gender categories, which limits inclusivity in psychological research.

To address this gap, some recent studies have begun developing gender-diverse stimulus sets that better represent a spectrum of gender identities. Such research aims to explore how societal biases influence the perception of emotions in individuals who do not conform to traditional gender norms. Understanding how gender diversity impacts emotion perception can help challenge and reshape long-standing stereotypes that dictate how emotions should be expressed and interpreted. (Plant, 2004)

Anger

Anger is one of the basic human emotions, essential for survival and closely tied to the “fight, flight, or freeze” response. (Psychology Today, 2023) However, the way anger is perceived and expressed differs significantly based on gender. Historically, women’s anger has been dismissed or labelled as irrational, whereas men’s anger is often viewed as a justified response to external circumstances.

This discrepancy is particularly evident in film and media portrayals. The concept of “female rage” has gained attention in recent years, with some films challenging the stereotype that women should remain passive or composed in moments of distress. However, societal reactions to female anger often remain negative, reinforcing the idea that emotional expression should align with traditional gender roles.

Several studies have examined whether gender differences in emotion perception and expression are inherited or socially constructed. Research suggests that while women report experiencing more intense emotions than men, physiological measures often do not support these self-reports. (Cherwell, 2025)

For example, Brody & Hall (1993) found that women experience greater emotional expression overall, but this does not necessarily indicate that they experience stronger emotions internally. Similarly, Krauss, Chen, & Chawla (1996) noted that emotional expression does not always align with internal emotional states, suggesting that social and cultural norms play a significant role in shaping how emotions are displayed.

Additional studies using physiological measures such as electromyography (EMG) have found mixed results regarding gender differences. While some research indicates that women show greater activity in facial muscles related to emotional expression (Hubert & de Jong-Meyer, 1990; Kring & Gordon, 1998), other studies, such as Codispoti (2008), found no significant differences between men and women.

These inconsistencies highlight the complexity of studying emotional perception and expression and show that both biological and cultural factors play a role in shaping these norms.

Emotion Regulation

One possible explanation for the discrepancy between self-reported and physiological measures of emotion expression is emotion regulation. Studies have shown that individuals, particularly women, regulate their emotions based on social expectations. Women often rate emotional experiences as more intense but do not necessarily exhibit stronger physiological responses. This suggests that gender differences in emotional expression may be influenced more by societal norms and self-presentation than by inherent emotional differences.

Additionally, research shows that men and women exhibit similar physiological reactions to emotional stimuli. However, when asked to self-report their emotions, women tend to describe their experiences as more intense, likely due to learned gender roles that encourage emotional openness in women and emotional restraint in men when it comes to emotions like sadness and fear. (Gilligan, 1993)

The existing research on gender and emotion perception suggests that while men and women may express emotions differently, these differences are largely shaped by social and cultural factors rather than inherent biological disparities.

*This text was proofread for punctuation and spelling errors with the help of DeepL, ChatGPT 4o and Grammarly.
*This text is based on literature & topic recommendations from ChatGPT 4o and Gemini Pro 2.0. All content was verified by me for accuracy and relevance, and the text itself was created by me.

Literature:

Doyle CM, Gendron M, Lindquist KA. Language Is a Unique Context for Emotion Perception. Affect Sci. 2021 Jan 13;2(2):171-177. doi: 10.1007/s42761-020-00025-7. PMID: 36043171; PMCID: PMC9383028. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36043171/)

Fischer, Agneta & Rodriguez Mosquera, P. & van Vianen, Annelies & Manstead, Antony. (2004). Gender and Culture Differences in Emotion. Emotion (Washington, D.C.). 4. 87-94. 10.1037/1528-3542.4.1.87.

Gilligan, Carol. “In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women’s Development”. Harvard University Press, 1993

Plant, Ashby & Kling, Kristen & Smith, Ginny. (2004). The Influence of Gender and Social Role on the Interpretation of Facial Expressions. Sex Roles. 51. 187-196.

Psychological Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/basics/anger#:~:text=Anger%2C%20like%20all%20emotions%2C%20should,skills%20to%20manage%20their%20emotions.

Cherwell

Female Rage: Too normal to be so rare
by katharina.rauch -

Cognitive UX #3 // Exploring Cognitive Psychology including Key Principles.

According to the American Psychological Association, cognitive psychology is defined as a field of psychology that investigates mental processes associated with perception, attention, thinking, language, and memory. This approach, which emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, represents a significant departure from the behaviourist perspective prevalent at the time. Unlike behaviourism, which concentrates on observable behaviours, cognitive psychology focuses on internal mental processes. It proposes that the link between stimulus and response is not straightforward but is mediated by these complex mental processes. Cognitive psychology also differs from psychoanalysis, which emphasises instincts and unconscious forces, by its emphasis on higher mental processes. In recent years, cognitive psychology has integrated insights from computer science and artificial intelligence, particularly in the realms of information processing and information theory, further expanding its scope and understanding.1

Cognitive Psychology, Rakhi Rajani
https://de.slideshare.net/rakhirajani/cognition-in-space-13467968

In cognitive psychology, the brain is compared to an information-processing unit. The graphic simplifies this concept to a three-part flow: input, processing and output. Input refers to the raw data taken in by our senses. This data is then processed in the complex neural circuits of our brain, a stage artistically represented by a complex and vibrant ecosystem of thoughts and interactions. The output is the culmination of this internal processing and results in the various actions and behavioral responses we exhibit. This illustration serves as a metaphor for the journey from initial sensory experience to final behavioral response and captures the essence of cognitive psychology.2

Key Principles

In the field of User Experience (UX) design, insights from cognitive psychology are instrumental in comprehending how users interact with and make decisions while engaging with digital interfaces. To integrate cognitive psychology into UX design effectively, designers should consider several fundamental principles.3

  1. Perception: How do users perceive and interpret information, including color, typography, and visual hierarchy?
    This involves understanding how users perceive and interpret information. In the context of user experience, this includes how colors, typography, and visual hierarchy affect a user’s ability to process and understand information. For example, certain colors can evoke specific emotions or draw attention, while the choice of typography can affect readability. Visual hierarchy helps in guiding the user’s eye through the content, prioritizing certain elements over others.
  2. Attention: How do users process information and what captures their attention? 
    This topic explores what captures and holds a user’s attention. In the digital realm, this could refer to how users focus on certain aspects of a website or app, like banners, pop-ups, or video content. Understanding attention helps in designing interfaces that are engaging and don’t overwhelm or confuse the user. It’s crucial in determining where to place important information or calls to action.
  3. Thinking: How do users make decisions and form opinions based on information and evidence?
    This area focuses on how users make decisions and form opinions based on the information presented to them. In user experience, this can relate to how users navigate a website and what influences their decision to make a purchase, click a link, or trust the credibility of the content. It involves understanding the logical processes and emotional influences behind user decisions.
  4. Language: How does language in digital interfaces affect user cognition and behavior?
    In cognitive psychology, language is vital for user experience design. It includes the choice of words, tone, and clarity in digital interfaces. Effective language use can significantly impact how users understand and interact with digital content, guiding their decisions and overall engagement. It emphasizes the need for clear, user-friendly communication tailored to the audience’s needs.
  5. Memory: How do users store and retrieve information from memory?
    This topic deals with how users store and retrieve information. In terms of user interface design, it’s important to understand how users remember information from one part of an interface to another, or from one visit to the next. This understanding can guide the design of navigation menus, the layout of information, and the overall user interface to make it more intuitive and easier to remember how to use.
  6. Problem-Solving: How do users navigate and make decisions when faced with a problem or task?
    This refers to how users approach and resolve tasks or challenges. In a digital context, this could be how users find information on a website, complete a complex task in an application, or navigate through a troubleshooting process. Understanding the problem-solving process helps in designing interfaces that support and guide the user through these tasks efficiently and effectively, reducing frustration and increasing satisfaction.
  1. https://dictionary.apa.org/cognitive-psychology ↩︎
  2. https://twitter.com/micro1p/status/1231172011998797824 ↩︎
  3. https://uxplanet.org/psychology-in-ux-design-understanding-cognitive-psychology-in-ux-design-375c940d34ab ↩︎
by lea.haas -

#02 Found my topic?

BREAKING THE MALE GAZE?
THE FEMALE GAZE ON THE MALE GAZE.

After receiving feedback and mentoring, I’ve decided to continue working on the topic of the ‚Male Gaze‘ in film. Given that I encounter it daily and desire more female perspectives in the realm of film, I find it a compelling area to explore further. The exploration of the „Male Gaze“ in film from a female perspective can contribute to understanding and potentially changing the representation of women in the medium. It could also help raise awareness of gender inequality in the film industry.

A lot of different aspects

Exploring the „Male Gaze“ in film from a female perspective involves critically examining how women are portrayed on screen and the impact of this representation on the audience. There are a lot of aspects that I could dive further into like:

  • Historical Context: Explore the historical evolution of the „Male Gaze“ in cinema. How has the representation of women changed over time? Are there specific eras or movements that have influenced these portrayals?
  • Impact on Audience Perception: Investigate how the „Male Gaze“ affects the way audiences perceive women. Consider the psychological and sociocultural implications of repeatedly presenting women through a male-oriented lens.
  • Female Filmmakers and Perspectives: Highlight the work of female filmmakers who challenge or subvert traditional gender portrayals in film. Analyze how their perspectives contribute to a more nuanced and diverse representation of women.
  • Intersectionality: Explore how factors like race, ethnicity, sexuality, and age intersect with the „Male Gaze“ and influence the portrayal of women in film. Consider the experiences of women from different backgrounds.
  • Industry Practices: Examine the behind-the-scenes aspects of the film industry. How do casting decisions, writing, directing, and production contribute to the perpetuation or challenging of the „Male Gaze“?
  • Audience Reception: Investigate how audiences, particularly women, respond to and engage with films that either conform to or challenge the „Male Gaze.“ Do certain portrayals empower or reinforce harmful stereotypes?
  • Changing Trends: Explore contemporary films and movements that actively work against the „Male Gaze.“ Identify examples where the narrative empowers female characters and provides a more authentic representation.
  • Influence on Culture: Consider the broader cultural impact of the „Male Gaze“ in film. How does it contribute to societal norms and expectations regarding gender roles and relationships?
Bibliography