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Andy’s Quick Hits (90): Women More Likely to Feel Like Imposters in Disciplines that Prize Brilliance
Ok, first off can you explain what the researchers mean by imposters?
Yes, there is well-known term in psychology called Imposter Syndrome. This is when individuals feel that they don’t deserve the credit they get and feel like frauds. They often feel like they are going to be found out. This is common in professional scenarios and often in academic scenarios.
And, women feel this more often then?
Well, other research does point in this direction but this latest research out of New York University by Muradoglu et al. gives more indication of, why, when, and to whom this happens most.
And when was this?
Specifically, in fields that seem to prize “brilliance”. Consider physics where figures like Einstein are well-known and considered brilliant because of their innate brilliance, rather than hard work, or ability to grasp standard or complex concepts.
And it is in these fields?
Precisely, but not just women, also other underrepresented groups such as various ethnic minorities.
So it seems as if these bigger than life characters are setting stereotypes which then influence how those that don’t conform…
