Gender Bias Research Articles

Dear Program Director: An Evaluation of Implicit Bias in Letters of Recommendation for Neurosurgery Residency.

Despite comprising half of medical students, women represent only 29.6% of neurosurgery applicants and 17% of residents, suggesting a "leak" in the career pipeline for women neurosurgeons. Surveys persistently show that neurosurgery programs identify United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE®) Step 1 score and letters of recommendation (LORs) as the most important factors in selecting applicants to interview. A previous study in neurosurgery found no differences in LORs. However, multiple studies in other specialties have demonstrated implicit gender bias in LORs, which may influence resident selection. Our objective is to evaluate neurosurgery residency LORs for evidence of implicit gender bias. Retrospective analysis of LORs for interviewed neurosurgery applicants at a single institution during the 2014 to 2020 National Residency Matching Program (NRMP®) match cycles. Letters were evaluated using Linguistic Inquiry & Word Count (LIWC) software (Pennebaker Conglomerates), and additional applicant data were obtained from candidate applications. LIWC (Pennebaker Conglomerates) output data included custom dictionary categories and terms that were analyzed using Prism 10 and Rstudio. Two hundred eighteen applications were reviewed for a total of 827 letters. LIWC (Pennebaker Conglomerates) analysis showed significant differences in word count (331 vs 297, difference = 34, 95% CI: 9-61, P = .008). LORs for applicants who were men were more likely to mention Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (1.17 vs 0.778, difference = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.13-0.67, P = .023). USMLE® Step 1 scores were significantly lower for women (241 vs 247, difference = 6, 95% CI: 2-10, P = .004). There was no significant difference between letters for men and women for all categories evaluated in the linguistic evaluation. LORs are vital to the neurosurgical residency application process. The data exhibit some differences between the men and women applicants but few differences in their LORs, consistent with the results of the previous neurosurgical study.

Gender bias in movie posters through the lens of Spatial Agency Bias

Research has shown that women are perceived as having less agency than men. Numerous studies have found portrayals of gender inequality in different aspects of media, including movie posters. However, no study has examined movie posters to assess portrayals of agency between genders. This study attempts to fill the literature gap by examining the top 250 grossing movie posters of all time in the US through the lens of Spatial Agency Bias to determine if there are differences in portrayed agency based on one’s gender in movie posters. The two levels of the independent variable – gender – are female and male, and the two levels of the dependent variable – spatial positioning – are left and right. A chi-squared test of independence was utilized to determine whether there were statistically significant levels of gender stereotyping in movie posters with regard to agency. The study found that women are portrayed in positions of less agency compared to men on movie posters. The implications of this study are gender inequality in various contexts through the unfavorable stereotyping of women relative to men in their perceived levels of agency. Although the causes of this discrepancy were outside the scope of this study, potential causes, implications, solutions, and future directions are discussed.

Invited Reaction to “The Death of the GirlBoss”

This invited reaction offers appreciation for the article “The Death of the GirlBoss.” The invited reaction discusses issues of gender bias and discrimination; cisnormativity and cisgenderism; and the importance of working for positive change at multiple levels.

The impact of gendered experiences on the career choice of swiss medical students: A qualitative study protocol.

The problem of gender discrimination and sexual harassment in medicine is long-standing and widespread. This project aims to document and understand how gendered experiences encountered by final-year medical students in Switzerland are experienced by these individuals and how they influence their career choice. It also aims to identify representations and stereotypes linked to the different specialties. The project will take place at all Swiss universities offering a master's degree in human medicine, for a total of 9 programs. Around 36 participants will be recruited. Semi-structured qualitative individual interviews will be conducted. Analysis will be based on Grounded Theory principles.

Adventures with Anxiety: Gender bias in using a digital game for teaching vocational English

AbstractBackgroundIn Norway, games were introduced into the 2020 English curriculum; acknowledging games as language learning resources alongside other text‐based material. However, little is known about the type of games selected by English teachers, reasons for doing so, or how games are actually used in teaching. This is particularly relevant in gendered vocational classes, with mainly girls or boys respectively in different programmes, as national surveys show that while most teenage boys play digital games, comparatively few girls do.ObjectivesThe primary aim was to investigate how the digital commercial game Adventures with Anxiety was used during naturally occurring English teaching in four gendered vocational classes: one Technological and Industrial Production class (boys only) and three Healthcare, Childhood and Youth development classes (girls mainly).MethodsParticipants involved 36 students (aged 16–17) and two English teachers. Using a mixed methods design (Brevik, 2022), we combined quantitative and qualitative analyses of classroom video recordings (5.5 h), student screen recordings during gameplay (8 h) and retrospective teacher interviews (1.5 h). Analyses relied on the validated PLATO observation protocol (Grossman, 2015) and reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2022).Results and ConclusionsEnglish teachers expressed a dual aim in using the game for teaching English; to improve students' language skills and provide experiences of how to live with anxiety. Although the game offered relevant vocabulary and virtual experiences with anxiety; anxiety emerged as a professional component of caring professions in the girls‐mainly classes, while being used to help boys acknowledge anxiety in their own lives.

Juvenile peripheral LPS exposure overrides female resilience to prenatal VPA effects on adult sociability in mice

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibits a gender bias, with boys more frequently affected than girls. Similarly, in mouse models induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA), males typically display reduced sociability, while females are less affected. Although both males and females exhibit VPA effects on neuroinflammatory parameters, these effects are sex-specific. Notably, females exposed to VPA show increased microglia and astrocyte density during the juvenile period. We hypothesized that these distinct neuroinflammatory patterns contribute to the resilience of females to VPA. To investigate this hypothesis, we treated juvenile animals with intraperitoneal bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), a treatment known to elicit brain neuroinflammation. We thus evaluated the impact of juvenile LPS-induced inflammation on adult sociability and neuroinflammation in female mice prenatally exposed to VPA. Our results demonstrate that VPA-LPS females exhibit social deficits in adulthood, overriding the resilience observed in VPA-saline littermates. Repetitive behavior and anxiety levels were not affected by either treatment. We also evaluated whether the effect on sociability was accompanied by heightened neuroinflammation in the cerebellum and hippocampus. Surprisingly, we observed reduced astrocyte and microglia density in the cerebellum of VPA-LPS animals. These findings shed light on the complex interactions between prenatal insults, juvenile inflammatory stimuli, and sex-specific vulnerability in ASD-related social deficits, providing insights into potential therapeutic interventions for ASD.

Women's Participation in the Legal System: Challenges and Progress

This research paper delves into the multifaceted aspects of women's participation in the legal system, examining both historical barriers and contemporary challenges. It investigates the representation of women in various legal professions, their access to justice, and the impact of gender biases on their experiences within the legal framework. Moreover, it explores initiatives and strategies aimed at enhancing women's participation and achieving gender equality within the legal sphere. By analyzing existing literature and empirical data, this paper offers insights into the progress made, remaining obstacles, and future directions for advancing women's rights and representation in the legal system.

Gender Bias in Korean Spousal Terms: Insights from An Online Survey and Comparisons with Japanese and Chinese

This research investigates gender bias in Korean spousal terms through an online survey conducted among Koreans (101 women and 134 men) from October 2023 to February 2024. Comparative analysis reveals that the gender bias in Korean aligns closer with that of Japanese than Chinese. Terms such as "바깥양반ba-kkat-yang-ban" (outer nobleman) and "집사람jib-sa-lam" (a person at home), emphasizing traditional gender roles, bear resemblances to "主人shu-jin" (master) and "家内ka-nai" (one inside the house) in Japanese. Korean couples also use terms based on their children's names when addressing each other publicly and privately, mirroring a practice observed between Japanese couples. Nevertheless, Korean spousal terms present specific features. For instance, "여보yeo-bo"(darling), exclusively used between spouses, signifies progress toward gender equality within the couple's relationship. Moreover, there is a noticeable uptick in men's use of the loanword "와이프wa-i-peu" (wife), and women's preference for the term "남편nam-pyeon" (male side), reflecting a growing awareness of gender equality. The results indicate that Korean spousal terms still reflect traditional male-dominated values, but are gradually improving. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying reasons for gender bias hidden in spousal terms across East Asia.

Language Matters: Is There Gender Bias in Internal Medicine Grand Rounds Introductions?

Language Matters: Is There Gender Bias in Internal Medicine Grand Rounds Introductions?

Investigating the Linguistics Features, Impacts, and Corresponding Strategies of Translation in Feminist Literature

With the growing interest in feminism, feminist translation has become an important field of study. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of feminist translation, focusing on its impact, linguistic characteristics, translation strategies, and applications. It explores how feminist translation critically engages with language to address gender biases and patriarchal norms. The analysis underscores the significance of feminist translation in promoting gender equality and empowering marginalized voices. The discussion on linguistic characteristics highlights how feminist translation scrutinizes gendered language, stereotypes, and linguistic bias. It emphasizes the need to challenge the use of gender-specific terms and advocates for more inclusive language practices. Alternative strategies, such as gender-inclusive language and cultural adaptation, are examined as effective means to challenge linguistic biases and promote equality. Furthermore, the examination of translation strategies delves into the interventions employed by feminist translators. These strategies aim to disrupt patriarchal narratives, expose gender biases, and foster critical dialogue. They include amplifying women's visibility and agency, introducing alternative readings, and incorporating cultural adaptations. The applications of feminist translation in various domains are explored, revealing its impact and transformative potential. Specifically, in literature and arts, feminist translation amplifies marginalized voices, challenges traditional gendered narratives, and facilitates cross-cultural exchange. In legal and political discourse, it addresses gender biases in laws and policy documents. Additionally, feminist translation plays a role in media and activism, disrupting harmful representations and promoting social justice. Feminist translation emerges as a dynamic and transformative practice that confronts gender biases, challenges oppressive discourses, and advocates for gender equality. It recognizes the power of language to shape societal norms and actively employs strategies to subvert gender biases within translation.

A Study on Bias Against Women in Advertisements

In the era of digitalization and globalization, advertising wields an even greater impact on modern society than ever before. While feminism has challenged the male-dominated society for decades, one can still observe the persistence of gender stereotypes, especially sexist discrimination, influencing the representation of women in the media. This paper aims to critically examine several advertisements for daily necessities, analyzing their content and impact to investigate specific patterns of discrimination against women in the modern advertising industry. In terms of structure, this paper will address the following issues: First, it will provide a brief review of recent research on motherhood and the male gaze. Then, it will analyze specific examples of advertisements, discussing the contested female images they portray. In particular, this research will focus on pressures related to gender roles, sex discrimination, and the male gaze as three typical issues. Finally, we will offer suggestions for the advertising industry and content creators. The goal of this paper is to present a clear picture of the persistent gender issues within advertising today and propose ways to address them in the future. By analyzing the framework of advertisements and their cultural implications, this research will shed light on a more comprehensive examination of the misrepresentation of women in the media.

Gender Discrimination in Real Hiring Process

This study investigates the prevalence of gender discrimination in the recruitment process in the real world. The main objective of this study is to determine the existence and extent of gender bias against females in the recruitment process, especially when compared to males. Through a field experiment, this study analyzed the application results collected from 100 fictitious male and female employee resumes submitted to 50 real estate companies in Shanghai. The presence and degree of gender discrimination were determined by comparing the application results of different resumes. Particular attention was paid to the feedback received by virtual women who indicated family intentions in their resumes. Through rigorous analysis, it was determined that female employees, especially those who indicated family plans, received significantly fewer responses than male applicants, regardless of whether the male applicants indicated family plans. Based on these findings, it is clear that gender disparities are evident during the hiring process in basic-level positions such as those in the real estate industry. These results highlight the need to ensure equal opportunities and equity for female employees in the recruitment process.

Women's rights under the Small House Policy in Hong Kong

AbstractThis article investigates how the legislature and courts in Hong Kong have been struggling to tackle the sex discrimination created by the Small House Policy (SHP). Initially introduced in 1972, the SHP provides every male indigenous villager in the New Territories with a once‐in‐a‐lifetime housing grant, thereby excluding women from this benefit. Despite its discrimination against women, the SHP was still exempted from the New Territories Land (Exemption) Ordinance in 1994 and the Sex Discrimination Ordinance in 1995. In 2019, the judicial review of Kwok Cheuk Kin and Lui Chi Hang v The Director of Land declared that part of the SHP was unconstitutional. Still, this decision was overturned in the Court of Appeal and the Court of Final Appeal, which ruled that the SHP was constitutional in its entirety. This article examines the historical context of the SHP, discusses how the court has been interpreting and defining the SHP and, more importantly, investigates how British's indirect rule created a hostile legal environment for women and further relegated them to the groups of ‘double‐ colonised’ and ‘triple‐colonised’.

The Gender Pay Gap in Academia: Evidence from the Beedie School of Business

We analyzed gender pay gap in academia using detailed performance data of all faculty members at the Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University, during 2012–2022. Although we initially observed a small average pay gap in favor of male academics, we found that female academics received higher remuneration compared to their male counterparts, once we controlled for research and teaching productivity, prior education and work experience, ethnicity, and various academic appointments. Our results provide an insight into possible sources of gender bias and highlight the need to control for teaching and research performance when investigating gender pay gaps.

Women as an Active Agent of Food Security-Issues and Challenges

Achieving food security and eliminating hunger and poverty within 2030 as aimed in Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) necessitates the active role of women, which constitutes 48.41% (Census,2022) of the total population of India. The role of this active agent of society is undermined by prevailing gender discrimination and inequalities. In this backdrop, the present study is designed as follows- Purpose: (i) To analyse the critical role of women in achieving food security (ii) To identify the constraints of gender equality and (iii) To generate priority interventions for gender equality and women empowerment. Methodology: In this secondary analysis of cross-sectional data, we used data from different international and national reports like NFHS, Agricultural Census Reports, reports of FAO and UNDP etc. The critical role of women is analysed with the help of available descriptive statistics. Results: The existing 16.3% of undernourished people in India (Global Food Insecurity Index,2022) invariably necessitates empowering women with equal rights and opportunities as men. There is a need for proactive interventions to minimize the 48% empowerment deficit (Women Empowerment Index) and 44% (GGPI) gender gap in the country. Limitations: The women groups considered in different research and reports vary in age groups, which limits the comparison of data. Originality: The constraints women face in attaining food security are based on their functions as producers, consumers and distributors of the food chain, expected to provide a basis for further research in this regard.

The Review of CEO Gender: Based on the Perspective of Empirical Literature

In China, the CEO position is still dominated by men in traditional companies. However, in some emerging industries and the Internet field, there are gradually increasing numbers of female CEOs and the rise of female leadership. In the international community, male CEOs still dominate, and female CEOs are showing a gradually changing trend. CEO gender promotes economic diversity in economic construction, which helps companies better respond to market competition and changes and promotes the economic construction of enterprises. For technology, CEO gender drives innovation and problem-solving, and gender diversity encourages different ways of thinking and problem-solving, which is crucial for innovation and technological progress. At the social level, the promotion of gender diversity can help reduce gender discrimination and promote a more equal and inclusive society. All in all, the theoretical significance of CEO gender in economic construction, technological progress, and social development is to promote diversity and inclusion and create a more competitive, innovative, and just social and business environment. In practice, companies and governments should proactively take steps to ensure that more women have the opportunity to serve as CEOs and other senior leadership positions to fully leverage the advantages of gender diversity.

Women and Men Politicians’ Response to War: Evidence from Ukraine

Abstract Does war deepen gender inequalities in politicians’ behavior or help erase them? We draw from the terror management theory developed in psychology to argue that the onset of a violent conflict is likely to push politicians to conform more strongly with traditional gender stereotypes because it helps individuals cope with existential fears. To test our argument, we use data on Ukrainian politicians’ engagement on social media (136,455 Facebook posts by 469 politicians) in the three months before and after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, and interrupted time series analysis, to assess the effect of conflict on politicians’ behavior. We find that conflict onset deepens gender-stereotypical behavior among politicians in their public engagement. We also show that, consistent with our argument, gender biases among the public are magnified during war.

Quantifying disparities in intimate partner violence: a machine learning method to correct for underreporting

The first step towards reducing the pervasive disparities in women’s health is to quantify them. Accurate estimates of the relative prevalence across groups—capturing, for example, that a condition affects Black women more frequently than white women—facilitate effective and equitable health policy that prioritizes groups who are disproportionately affected by a condition. However, it is difficult to estimate relative prevalence when a health condition is underreported, as many women’s health conditions are. In this work, we present PURPLE, a method for accurately estimating the relative prevalence of underreported health conditions which builds upon the literature in positive unlabeled learning. We show that under a commonly made assumption—that the probability of having a health condition given a set of symptoms remains constant across groups—we can recover the relative prevalence, even without restrictive assumptions commonly made in positive unlabeled learning and even if it is impossible to recover the absolute prevalence. We conduct experiments on synthetic and real health data which demonstrate PURPLE’s ability to recover the relative prevalence more accurately than do previous methods. We then use PURPLE to quantify the relative prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) in two large emergency department datasets. We find higher prevalences of IPV among patients who are on Medicaid, not legally married, and non-white, and among patients who live in lower-income zip codes or in metropolitan counties. We show that correcting for underreporting is important to accurately quantify these disparities and that failing to do so yields less plausible estimates. Our method is broadly applicable to underreported conditions in women’s health, as well as to gender biases beyond healthcare.

Unveiling Gender Discrimination in the Workplace: A Qualitative Analysis of Vietnamese Women's Narratives

This study explores the dynamics of gender discrimination in the workplace through the qualitative narratives of 30 Vietnamese women across various professional sectors. Using a purposive sampling method, the research employs semi-structured interviews to gather in-depth insights into the participants' experiences, which were analyzed through thematic analysis. Key findings reveal prevalent workplace gender discrimination, characterized by subtle biases, traditional gender role enforcement, and challenges linked to maternity and career advancement. These issues manifest through both overt marginalization and covert devaluation of women's professional contributions, highlighting the resilience and coping strategies women employ to navigate such environments. While the study focuses on formal employment sectors and may not capture all employment types in Vietnam, it provides valuable perspectives for policymakers and organizational leaders aiming to mitigate gender disparities. Recommendations include enhanced diversity training, transparent career advancement policies, and improved work-life balance support. This research contributes original insights into the complexities of gender discrimination, emphasizing cultural specifics that influence workplace dynamics in Vietnam.

Causes of Gender Bias in Chinas Education and Its Countermeasures

The existence of gender bias in education is a complex issue in the context of Chinese society. Through an in-depth study of the phenomenon of gender differences in China's cultural, historical, political, and economic contexts, this paper reveals the specific reasons behind it, its manifestations, and the effects it brings. Besides, some concrete suggestions and measures are also put forward. It can be concluded from the analysis that teachers hold different expectations and different educational attitudes towards students of different genders in the educational environment. The prejudice caused by such gender stereotyping will be consciously or unconsciously manifested in their teaching as well as in their contact with students. This will have an inescapable impact on students' academic development and career development. In order to eliminate gender discrimination in education, a series of measures need to be taken. Firstly, traditional cultural and socially perceived prejudices should be changed to improve the status and educational opportunities for women. Secondly, it is necessary to strengthen teachers' gender awareness and educational training so that they can focus on gender equality and justice in education. In addition, it is necessary to establish a fair and equal campus culture and evaluation system to encourage students to fulfil their potential and strengths.