PhD defence by Francesca Bramucci
This thesis explores the impact of intergroup social contact and gender role models on prejudicial attitudes, stereotypical beliefs, and discriminatory behaviors, with a focus on social norms. Chapters 1 to 3 are structured around a novel theoretical framework that examines the interplay between intergroup contact and social norms. Chapter 1 establishes the theoretical foundation, reviewing empirical studies on intergroup contact and deriving hypotheses about the conditions under which contact reduces discrimination. Chapter 2 presents a laboratory experiment investigating the impact of social contact on discrimination towards transgender individuals, exploring the role of social norms in mediating this effect. Chapter 3 extends this investigation to a field experiment in Italian high schools, examining the impact of social contact on attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals. The findings from these two experiments combined suggest that the social norms mechanism is not supported. Chapter 4, co-authored with TarArjona and Vicente Valentim, examines the societal impact of electing far-right female leaders on gender norms, analysing the case of the first female Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni. The results indicate an increase in progressive behaviors, measured by donations to women’s organisations and calls to helplines for victims of violence, after her election, among individuals in regions with already progressive norms. Finally, Chapter 5 examines the influence of historical gender disparities in science on contemporary women’s engagement in STEM fields. Through a lab-in-the-field experiment, the study explores how reminders of past inequalities affect women’s interest and confidence in science. The null results suggest that historical narratives alone may not significantly influence women’s engagement in STEM.
Francesca Bramucci is a PhD researcher in Political and Social Sciences at the European University Institute (EUI) in Fiesole, Italy. Her work investigates innovative strategies to reduce discrimination against social minorities, including LGBT+ communities, and examines how social norms and role models influence gender equality in STEM fields. Combining lab, field experiments, and observational data, her research highlights the mechanisms of norm change and their implications for inclusive policy design. She has presented her findings at leading international conferences such as the European Consortium for Political Research (ECPR). Francesca also conducted visiting research at New York University’s Department of Economics and holds a Master’s and a Bachelor’s degree in Economic and Social Sciences from Bocconi University.
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