The Silent Trap Holding Back Gender Equality: Why We Misread What Others Believe

Many gender norms persist not because people believe in them, but because individuals mistakenly think others do—a phenomenon known as pluralistic ignorance. By correcting these misperceptions and pairing information with supportive policies, societies can unlock stalled progress toward gender equality.

Why do restrictive gender norms survive even when many people no longer believe in them? Why do women stay out of the workforce when families privately support their employment, or men avoid caregiving roles they personally value? A World Bank Group policy note argues that the answer often lies in a quiet social trap known as pluralistic ignorance, in which people misunderstand what others actually think and act accordingly.

The report, produced by the World Bank’s Gender Group and grounded in research from global universities, policy institutes, and randomized field experiments, shows that many gender norms persist not because societies strongly support them, but because individuals wrongly believe they are alone in wanting change.

The Power of a Simple Misunderstanding

Pluralistic ignorance happens when people misjudge social reality. Individuals may personally support gender equality but believe that most others do not. To avoid criticism or sanctions, they conform to what they think is the dominant view, even when it conflicts with their own beliefs.

Social norms work through expectations. People care about what others do and what others approve of. When these expectations are wrong, behavior can drift far from personal values. Over time, silence reinforces the illusion that everyone agrees with the status quo, even when that is no longer true.

The report shows this pattern repeatedly in gender issues, from women’s employment and household labor to men’s use of parental leave. Private beliefs are often more progressive than public behavior suggests.

When Silence Freezes Progress

This gap between belief and behavior matters most when societies are close to change. Social scientists describe norm change as following an S-shaped curve: slow at first, then rapid, then stable. Pluralistic ignorance is most powerful in the middle stage, when many people are ready for change but hesitate because they think others are not.

At this point, norms can become stuck. Women may want to work but assume other families disapprove. Men may support caregiving but fear being judged. Communities appear conservative not because they are, but because no one wants to move first.

The report argues that this is often why progress on gender equality stalls despite rising education levels, legal reforms, and shifting attitudes.

Correcting the Myth Can Change Behavior

One of the most promising findings in the report is that correcting misperceptions can lead to real change. When people are shown accurate information about what others actually believe or do, they often adjust their behavior.

In Saudi Arabia, men significantly underestimated peer support for women working outside the home. When presented with real data showing strong support, women were more likely to apply for jobs and attend interviews months later. In Ethiopia, men who learned that their peers approved of shared household labor increased their participation in domestic chores. In Japan, misperceptions about workplace attitudes discouraged men from taking paternity leave despite broad private support.

These interventions worked in part because they did not lecture people or tell them what to do. They simply revealed the truth: “This is what most people already think.” For many, that knowledge was enough.

Why Information Alone Is Not Enough

The report is careful to stress that pluralistic ignorance is not always the main problem. Multiple expectations, power structures, and material barriers often support gender norms. Even when misperceptions are corrected, fear of backlash, lack of confidence, or economic constraints can block change.

A woman may learn that her community supports female employment, but still lacks childcare or safe transport. A man may support caregiving but fear workplace penalties. In some cases, intervening too early or targeting deeply rooted norms can trigger resistance and backlash.

For this reason, the authors argue that norm-correction must be paired with broader reforms, better services, legal protections, workplace policies, and long-term engagement.

Breaking the Silence Carefully

The report’s central message is both hopeful and cautious. Pluralistic ignorance shows that many societies are closer to gender equality than they appear. Often, the biggest barrier is not opposition, but silence and misunderstanding.

By carefully identifying where misperceptions exist, targeting the right groups, and combining information with structural change, policymakers can help people act on beliefs they already hold. Breaking the silence, the report suggests, may be one of the fastest ways to move from quiet support to visible change, but only when done thoughtfully and responsibly.