Social norms––defined as a set of standards or expectations that regulate which behaviors are appropriate in a group setting––have significant influence over shaping individuals’ attitudes and behaviors (e.g., Festinger, 1950; Prentice 2018). However, we know much less about how people infer a group’s social norms from the behavior of individual group members, particularly when members’ social identities vary. Drawing on social identity theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1985) and status characteristics theory (Berger et al., 1972), we argue that the social identity of deviant group members is critical to understanding who is situated to influence perceived norms. Specifically, we suggest that the gender of a norm-deviant determines how influential their behavior is. We explore this question by testing when observers believe that a norm has shifted towards norm-deviant behavior. Participants are exposed to either a woman or man exhibiting helpful behaviors (inconsistent with the established norm of self-interest) in group meetings. We find an asymmetry in norm perception tipping points: participants required more information (i.e., a higher number of observed norm-deviating behaviors) to perceive a norm shift for a woman deviant than for a man. Being a person whose actions shape perceptions of group norms can be advantageous, enabling that person to align norms with their priorities. Conversely, those viewed as less influential may be disadvantaged. This research can contribute to understanding and ameliorating discrimination and inequality at work by highlighting who is given license to define and modify a group’s norms.
