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Hank: hairstylist or handyman?

Brian Willse, BFA ’91

Guys named Hank may want to think twice about that career move to hairstylist.

A new Ohio University study on names and occupations suggests that people subconsciously predict career success for those with names that more closely match the gender stereotype associated with a profession.

Study participants forecasted that women with such names as Emma, Marta, Irma and Winifred would be more likely to have successful careers if they pursued traditional female occupations such as nurse, hairstylist and interior decorator. Men with more masculine names — Howard, Boris, Hank and Bruno — were expected to be successful in traditional male careers, say as plumbers, truck drivers, electricians and construction workers.

The study, conducted by Trustee Professor of Psychology James Bruning, is based on the answers of 20 young adults who were asked to predict the success of individuals entering new careers.

Although employers weigh several factors when judging candidates for job openings, the gender match between an applicant’s name and the occupation could have a subconscious impact, Bruning says.

“I wouldn’t overestimate the impact of names, but at the same time, names are an important part of first impressions,” he says.

— Andrea Gibson