Implicit Attitudes

I have never thought that I associated women with stay-at-home work. It would be rash for me (as it would be for anybody, male or female) to deny that they have any sexist attitudes. And I won't claim this. But I never thought I associated women with stay-at-home work.

After all, my mother was a broadcast journalist. Among my contemporaries, all the women worked outside the home. This is an economic necessity in India. Finally, I have three daughters and have always preached to them on the importance of economic independence for women. They all take it for granted that they will have careers. Who doesn't, these days?

So once again: though I am not making broad claims about my sexist attitudes in general, this is one association/stereotype that I thought I could safely claim that I had escaped.

A while ago, Catarina wrote in New APPS about the Implicit Attitudes Tests, many of which you will find here. And so I followed the link and did it. As Berit predicts the results were humiliating: I have somehow managed to form a moderate association between women and work in the home. My family history and personal circumstances were no protection. Humiliating is right, Dear Reader: this happened a while ago, and you're the first person I have told.

Well, it could have been worse. I could have formed a strong association.