Gender Blindness in Research: Necessity to Revamp

Abstract

The main motive of a research needs to be translational in nature to fill the gaps of research to translate the fruits to the society at large for public interest. Thus, the researcher, in performing his/her research, must be accountable for the innovation or outcome of the research, which must be suggestive and useful to the community. It should not induce inequality and gender sensitivity. Research should shoulder a vital role in removing inequalities existing in the community, obligation to find solutions, not creating issues; the fruitful results must lead to sustainability. Women and men are socialized differently by reinforcing stereotyped traits. There is a difference at every aspect of their life. In this context there is a need to revamp the gender blindness in the research. To enhance the quality of the research, it is essential to promote gender dimension in research. The validity of the research outcomes can be measured with gender sensitivity, but the same is missing in research. Gender blindness yields inappropriate results. Because of the failure to take the differences between men and women into account, it leads to an incomplete understanding of the problem/situation. Hence the institutions and individuals should incorporate gender aspect in every research and promotion of women researchers will surely bring in-depth understanding of both genders’ needs, behaviors, and attitudes. It also contributes to the production of goods and services better suited to potential markets. It is imperative of any researcher to wear unique human value lens to connect research and reality. Research should not merely produce degree holders; it should possess a human touch, and fruits of it should reach the society and meet the needs of the day - like, understanding issues from gender perspective to promote gender equality. Research should address the fundamental knowledge gap by incorporating women's non-market contributions into the economy and feeding this knowledge back into policy making.