The Gendered Nature and Malleability of Gamer Stereotypes

Abstract

Video gaming is seen as a male space. Female gamers are seen as atypical, have their competence challenged, and face more harassment than male gamers do. This precarious position is increasingly problematic as video gaming is now one of the most prevalent leisure activities, providing an opportunity to both forge and maintain friendships, and to achieve social status and career opportunities. We argue that the marginalization of female gamers is driven by masculine gamer stereotypes. We investigate the content and gendered nature of gamer stereotypes as well as their malleability in response to exposure to female gamers across two studies (NStudy 1 = 287; NStudy 2 = 176). We explore the cont..