Sexism and handicapism in interpersonal helping

In a factorially designed field study, two female and two male confederates (Cs) encountered 320 male and 320 female street pedestrians asking for help. Factors manipulated included sex of C, sex of Ss, handicap condition of C, dress condition of C, and the use of a wedding band to connote C's marital status. Results showed that women were helped more than men and that handicapped were helped more than nonhandicapped. Interaction effects suggest that women and the handicapped share a single category in terms of meriting and requiring increased assistance. It is argued that such overhelping is symptomatic of underlying social prejudice against women and the handicapped.