Psychology

ABSTRACT Across two studies, we tested whether perceived social costs and benefits of confrontation would similarly predict confronting discrimination both when it was experienced and when it was observed as directed at others. Female undergraduate participants were asked to recall past experiences and observations of sexism, as well as their confronting behaviors. Path modeling in Study 1 (N = 148) demonstrated that women were more likely to report confronting if they believed that the confrontation would make a difference (perceived benefits), or they were less concerned about social sanctions (perceived costs), and the prediction patterns were similar for both experienced and observed sexism. Study 2 (N = 166) replicated the results of Study 1, as well as tested the moderating influence of gender identification. In situations of higher perceived social costs, women who were less strongly identified with their gender group were more responsive to the perceived benefits of the confrontation when deciding whether to confront on behalf of the self. The results of the two studies suggest that researchers should investigate methods for enhancing perceived social benefits and reducing perceived social costs when designing intervention programs aimed at increasing confrontation and decreasing the prevalence of discrimination.

... 2 Corinne Moss-Racusin is a doctoral student in social psychology at Rutgers University and is involved in the study of gender ... in a warm, likeable way is a key aspect of female prescriptive gender stereotypes, which mandate that women behave communally (Burgess & Borgida ...

Detailed information about what actually happened in large-scale efforts to transform communities is sparse. Using biweekly reports of the Strong Communities initiative's outreach workers' activities over a 3.5-year period, this article examines the characteristics of individuals whom the outreach workers were able to involve in the project, the degree of involvement that various community sectors (eg, fire, police, churches, civic groups) have had, the types of activities that they have undertaken, and the characteristics of volunteer groups that have participated. Results showed that Strong Communities has indeed penetrated into the target communities in diverse ways engaging people of disparate backgrounds. The first years of the initiative show the feasibility of engaging primary community institutions in a broad-based effort to enhance children's safety in their homes and the community at large. They indicate the importance of community gatekeepers and of seemingly "natural" but actually constructed events and groups in facilitating such efforts.

Descriptive qualitative case studies were conducted to examine the evolution of special events in a large-scale program in South Carolina to prevent child abuse and neglect. For these analyses, narrative project logs were reviewed from 3 selected project communities, and emerging themes and topics were identified. The development and use of special events to promote project goals varied in each of the 3 different types of community contexts. Results are discussed in terms of a transformative model of community growth and change.

Detailed information about what actually happened in large-scale efforts to transform communities is sparse. Using biweekly reports of the Strong Communities initiative's outreach workers' activities over a 3.5-year period, this article examines the characteristics of individuals whom the outreach workers were able to involve in the project, the degree of involvement that various community sectors (eg, fire, police, churches, civic groups) have had, the types of activities that they have undertaken, and the characteristics of volunteer groups that have participated. Results showed that Strong Communities has indeed penetrated into the target communities in diverse ways engaging people of disparate backgrounds. The first years of the initiative show the feasibility of engaging primary community institutions in a broad-based effort to enhance children's safety in their homes and the community at large. They indicate the importance of community gatekeepers and of seemingly "natural" but actually constructed events and groups in facilitating such efforts.