Gender Differences In Beliefs Research Articles

Exploring Gender Differences in Beliefs and Attitudes towards Advertising on Social Networking Sites: An Empirical Evidence

Exploring Gender Differences in Beliefs and Attitudes towards Advertising on Social Networking Sites: An Empirical Evidence

Ask and You Shall Receive? Gender Differences in Regrades in College

Using administrative data from a large public university, we show that male students are 18.6 percent more likely than female students to receive favorable grade changes made by instructors. Surveys of students and instructors reveal that regrade requests are prevalent and that male students are more likely to ask for regrades on the intensive margin. We corroborate the gender differences in regrade requests in an incentivized controlled experiment: we find that males have a higher willingness to pay to ask for regrades. Almost a third of the gender difference is due to gender differences in beliefs and the Big Five traits. (JEL D82, D91, I23, J16)

Gender differences in beliefs of rural parents regarding academics and career of their youth (15-25 years)

Gender differences in beliefs of rural parents regarding academics and career of their youth (15-25 years)

Orientation behavior in men and women: The relationship between gender stereotype, growth mindset, and spatial self-efficacy

People's beliefs about their navigation ability could be important for their navigation performance. This correlational study aimed to investigate how growth mindset, gender stereotype, and spatial self-efficacy are related to orientation behaviors (use of GPS and exploration tendency). Moreover, we investigated gender differences in beliefs and orientation behaviors. A sample of 609 participants (329 women) completed self-reported measures assessing their mindset, gender stereotype, spatial self-efficacy, sense of direction, and orientation behaviors. The structural equation models show that a growth mindset and gender stereotype are related to exploration tendency and GPS use through the mediation of spatial self-efficacy in both men and women. Concerning gender stereotype a different pattern of correlation emerged in men and women. Moreover, significant differences in favor of men emerged in self-efficacy, sense of direction, and orientation behaviors. Overall, these findings support the conviction that men and women's beliefs about their spatial abilities are related to the ways they behave in the environment.

American Party Women Redux: Stability in Partisan Gender Gaps

ABSTRACTRecent research in American politics demonstrates that despite gender-based partisan sorting, gender gaps in policy preferences persist within political parties—particularly among Republicans. Republican women report significantly more moderate views than their male counterparts across a range of policy areas. These gaps are largely attributable to gender differences in beliefs about the appropriate scope of government and attitudes toward gender-based inequality. Arguably, gender has become a more salient feature of American elections in recent years, and this heightened salience raises questions about whether these within-party gender gaps are stable over time or vary across campaign contexts. We use survey data from the 2012 and 2016 American National Election Study to evaluate whether gender gaps in policy preferences are stable across elections or if the 2016 election context affected the magnitude of gender differences in policy preferences. We find that gender gaps in policy preferences within political parties are fairly stable across the two electoral periods.

Eat local to save the planet? Contrasting scientific evidence and consumers' perceptions of healthy and environmentally friendly diets

Public debate concerning what constitutes a “sustainable” diet has grown rapidly in the past decade. In this paper, we examine consumers' beliefs surrounding sustainable diets and how these beliefs relate to evidence from nutrition and environmental science. Using data from a German online survey, we report and examine diets and methods of production, which participants perceived to be sustainable and considered healthy and/or environmentally friendly. We also pay particular attention to gender differences in food beliefs. Our results show that participants' perceptions and scientific evidence regarding sustainable diets diverge. Regional, seasonal, and organic foods are seen as pillars of a sustainable diet and viewed as particularly healthy and environmentally friendly. On the contrary, meat-free diets (vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian) are less associated with a sustainable diet and not perceived as particularly healthy or environmentally friendly. This reveals a science-beliefs gap for sustainable diets, as these beliefs stand in contrast to scientific evidence. In contrast to previous studies on differences between women and men concerning dietary beliefs and behaviors, this study did not find major gender differences in beliefs surrounding sustainable diets. These results indicate that improving consumers' knowledge about environmentally friendly and healthy diets, based on current scientific evidence, may be necessary in order to achieve sustainable diets and food systems.

Gender Differences in Beliefs and Attitudes Towards Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among a Non-urban, Malaysian Population.

The choice to take-up specific complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities is influenced by many factors including cultural background, experience and peer-participation. In this study we investigated the beliefs and attitudes that contributed to CAM choices in a non-urban Malaysian population (N = 700). We found significant differences in the beliefs held by men and women in this population. Specifically, women believed more strongly than men that CAM providers offered healthy lifestyle advice (p = 0.042) and that those who were averse to discomfort from conventional treatments were more likely to take up CAM (p = 0.016). In addition, those individuals who chose to use CAM more strongly believed that CAM products were more healthy than conventional treatments (p = 0.002), that their effects were well understood (p = 0.002) and that CAM products worked with the body (p = 0.017). The data obtained in this study emphasize the lessons that can be learned by conventional healthcare providers in communicating the benefits of treatments to their patients. CAM users also believed that CAM products never caused harm (p = 0.007), which is a concern given that the modes of action of some CAM modalities and their interaction with prescribed treatments are not always well understood.

What beliefs influence children and young people’s attitudes towards the transgender population?

Aims:This review aims to identify and explore the specific beliefs that influence children and young people’s (CYP’s) attitudes towards the transgender population.Method:A systematic review of the literature was undertaken and a total of 14 studies were included in the review. The review included studies from the United States, Europe, and Asia. Each study was appraised using Gough’s (2007) Weight of Evidence Framework and awarded a quality assurance rating of low, medium, or high quality.Findings:The review identified three sets of beliefs that appear to influence CYP’s attitudes towards the transgender population: Heteronormativity, conservatism and gender essentialism. Gender differences in beliefs were found to influence attitudes towards the transgender population as a whole and towards Male-to-Female (MtF) individuals and Female-to-Male (FtM) individuals.Limitations:The key limitation within this review is that the mechanisms through which beliefs influence CYP attitudes are hypothetical. Further insight using qualitative approaches would deepen the understanding of the underpinnings of attitudes towards the transgender population, particularly transprejudice. A variety of measures were used across the included studies which limits the comparability of the finding and conclusions drawn.Conclusions:This review identified three sets of beliefs that influence attitudes towards the transgender population. These beliefs represent a traditional, binary model of gender that contrasts with the experiences of gender-diverse populations. A more inclusive model of gender is proposed whereby acceptance, diversity and belonging are promoted.

GENDER AND BELIEFS ABOUT SUCCESSFUL AGING IN EASTERN NEPAL

Gender shapes opportunities and experiences over the life course, which may influence beliefs about what it means to age successfully. In Nepal, a developing nation in South Asia, women and girls have historically had fewer social and economic opportunities than their male counterparts. To understand how gender may shape beliefs about successful aging, adult members of the Jiri population in eastern Nepal were asked to rate the importance of health-related (e.g., longevity), psychological (e.g., satisfaction with life), and social (e.g., support of family and friends) elements of successful aging (n = 1479; 52.9% female; 49.0% age 18-39, 33.1% age 40 to 59, 17.8% age 60 and over). Each of the 13 elements was rated as very important by over two thirds of the sample. Few gender differences in beliefs were observed; however, results of logistic regression analysis indicate that the odds of Jiri women endorsing longevity (OR = 0.75, p = 0.02) and life satisfaction (OR = 0.65, p = 0.02) as very important to successful aging were significantly lower than for men, controlling for age, education, and presence of illness. While more similarities than differences in beliefs about successful aging were observed by gender, the extent to which socially-defined roles and expectations may be responsible for observed differences should be explored in future research.

Gendered Nationalism and the 2016 US Presidential Election: How Party, Class, and Beliefs about Masculinity Shaped Voting Behavior

AbstractWe examine which Americans were likely to believe that American society has grown “too soft and feminine,” a concept we have characterized as gendered nationalism, and how such gendered nationalist attitudes influenced voting behavior in the 2016 presidential race. Our analysis shows that party, gender, education, and class shaped attitudes about gendered nationalism: Republicans, men, and members of the working class were more likely to support gendered nationalist views. We identify a strong, significant relationship between gendered nationalist attitudes and the probability of voting for Donald Trump, even after controlling for partisanship, ideology, race, religion, and other factors. Moreover, gender differences in candidate support were largely driven by gender differences in beliefs that the United States has grown too soft and feminine. Our research adds to the growing scholarly evidence indicating that gendered beliefs are likely to have a bigger impact on American political behavior than a voter's gender alone.

Smoking beliefs across genders, a comparative analysis of seven European countries

BackgroundMost European countries have seen a decrease in the prevalence of adolescent smoking. This decrease has, however, been patterned by gender. Girls’ smoking rates have now overtaken boys’ in many European countries. The two genders may not, however, share the same smoking beliefs and this could explain differences between the genders in smoking prevalence. We describe gender differences in smoking beliefs and investigate variations between countries, along with their gender context.MethodsIn 2016, we conducted the SILNE R study (Smoking Inequalities Learning from Natural Experiments – Renew) in 55 schools located in seven European countries: Belgium, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, Ireland, and Germany. We surveyed 12,979 students aged 14–16 years (50% were girls). We classified smoking beliefs into four categories: positive individual, positive social, negative individual, and negative social beliefs. We expected girls to score higher on the last three of those categories and we hypothesized that countries with a more gender-equal culture would have less gender difference in beliefs about smoking.ResultsOne out of two smoking beliefs differed significantly between genders. Negative social beliefs were more common in girls, while beliefs about the dating-related aspects of smoking were more common in boys. We identified Germany and Belgium as the only countries with no gender differences in any of the belief scales. No correlation was found, however, between these scales and the Gender Inequality Index.ConclusionsIn some countries, gender-specific interventions might be implemented; however, two opposing strategies might be used, depending on whether such programs are aimed at boys or girls.

Female trainees believe that having children will negatively impact their careers: results of a quantitative survey of trainees at an academic medical center

BackgroundMedical training occurs during peak childbearing years. However, the intense workload, long work hours, and limited financial compensation are potential barriers to having children during this time. Here, we aimed to identify gender-based differences in beliefs and experiences of having children during graduate medical education. We hypothesized that both genders face significant challenges, but women are more likely to experience stressors related to work-family conflicts.MethodsWe administered an anonymous web-based survey to all trainees at an academic medical center. Primary outcomes were gender differences in beliefs and experiences of having children during training. Multivariate logistic regression was performed using independent variables of gender, specialty type (surgical vs. medical), and parental status.ResultsIn total, 56% of trainees responded (60% women, 40% men; n = 435). Women were more often concerned about the negative impact of having children and taking maternity leave on their professional reputation and career. The majority of women expressed concern about the potential negative impact of the physical demands of their jobs on pregnancy. Among parents, women were more likely than men to be the primary caregivers on weeknights and require weekday childcare from a non-parent.ConclusionsWomen face greater work-related conflicts in their beliefs and experiences of having a family during graduate medical education. Trainees should be aware of these potential challenges when making life and career decisions. We recommend that institutions employ solutions to accommodate the needs and wellbeing of trainees with families while optimizing training and workload equity for all trainees.

Gender Differences in Beliefs about English Language Policies (ELPs): The Case of Saudi Higher Education English Departments

Review of literature suggests that issues in English language policies (ELPs) in higher education foreign language department levels have not been addressed, and the relationship between beliefs about general notions of ELPs and gender has been disregarded. The current study investigates gender-related differences in beliefs on five main notions of ELPs among staff members in Saudi Arabian English departments. An online survey was administered to staff members in different Saudi English departments from different regions in Saudi Arabia. Five general statements on ELPs were included in the survey and were responded to by male (n = 67) and female (n = 143) staff members (total = 210). Pearson’s chi-square test of independence and the calculated percentages of responses were used to analyze gender differences. No statistically significant differences were found between male and female participants, with the exception of one statement. Both genders had generally similar beliefs on ELPs. Moreover, the female staff had slightly stronger beliefs than the male staff, and males showed more hesitation than females did when deciding on ELP matters. The study also discusses the implications of the findings and provided recommendations for future research.

Gender differences in beliefs about health: a comparative qualitative study with Ghanaian and Indian migrants living in the United Kingdom

BackgroundThere is a well-established association between migration to high income countries and health status, with some groups reporting poorer health outcomes than the host population. However, processes that influence health behaviours and health outcomes across minority ethnic groups are complex and in addition, culture ascribes specific gender roles for men and women, which can further influence perspectives of health.The aim of this study was to undertake a comparative exploration of beliefs of health among male and female Ghanaian and Indian migrants and White British participants residing in an urban area within the UK.MethodsThirty-six participants (12 each Ghanaian, Indian and White British) were recruited through community settings and participated in a semi-structured interview focusing on participant’s daily life in the UK, perceptions of their own health and how they maintained their health. Interviews were analyzed using a Framework approach.ResultsThree super ordinate themes were identified and labelled (a) beliefs about health; (b) symptom interpretation and (c) self-management and help seeking. Gender differences in beliefs and health behaviour practices were apparent across participants.ConclusionsThis is the first study to undertake a comparative exploration of health beliefs among people who have migrated to the UK from Ghana and India and to compare with a local (White British) population. The results highlight a need to consider both cultural and gender-based diversity in guiding health behaviours, and such information will be useful in the development of interventions to support health outcomes among migrant populations.

American Party Women

Research on the gender gap in American politics has focused on average differences between male and female voters. This has led to an underdeveloped understanding of sources of heterogeneity among women and, in particular, a poor understanding of the political preferences of Republican women. We argue that although theories of ideological sorting suggest gender gaps should exist primarily between political parties, gender socialization theories contend that critical differences lie at the intersection of gender and party such that gender differences likely persist within political parties. Using survey data from the 2012 American National Election Study, we evaluate how party and gender intersect to shape policy attitudes. We find that gender differences in policy attitudes are more pronounced in the Republican Party than in the Democratic Party, with Republican women reporting significantly more moderate views than their male counterparts. Mediation analysis reveals that the gender gaps within the Republican Party are largely attributable to gender differences in beliefs about the appropriate scope of government and attitudes toward gender-based inequality. These results afford new insight into the joint influence of gender and partisanship on policy preferences and raise important questions about the quality of representation Republican women receive from their own party.

Gender differences in beliefs and actions in a framed corruption experiment

We elicit actions and beliefs in a framed corruption experiment enabling us to investigate how gender differences in corrupt behaviour relate to gender differences in both beliefs about the behaviour of others and the relationship between those beliefs and actions. We find that women are less likely to engage in costly punishment of corruption, and believe corruption to be more prevalent than men. Differences between the genders in the relationship between beliefs and actions provides evidence that men experience a greater psychological cost as a result of social sanctions. Controlling for beliefs and gender differences in sensitivity to beliefs we find that males are, in many instances, more likely to offer bribes, while females are less likely to conform to a norm of bribe-giving. This result was not apparent in the raw data, and highlights the importance of considering beliefs in corruption experiments.

Gender Differences in Beliefs about Infant-Directed Speech: The Role of Family Dynamics

The research investigated the relationship between family dynamics and the beliefs about the benefits of talking to infants. Prior research has shown that language development is enhanced by verbal interaction with others. We tested two hypotheses: (a) men may view talking to infants as less beneficial than women and (b) one’s relationships with parents would be related to the extent to which young adults view talking to infants as beneficial. In a study with 301 undergraduates (181 women, 120 men), we confirmed both hypotheses, showing that (a) men were less likely than women to view talking to infants as beneficial and (b) for both men and women, the more negative their relationship with their mother, the less likely they were to view talking to infants as beneficial. Implications for infant care are discussed.

Adolescents' beliefs about forced sex in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Gender-based violence has serious consequences for the psychological, physical, and sexual well-being of both men and women. Various gender roles, attitudes, and practices in South Africa create an environment that fosters submission and silence in females and hegemony and coercion in males. One of the expressions of this power inequity is a high prevalence of forced sex, which in its turn is associated with higher risk of HIV infection. This study therefore assessed potential gender differences in beliefs about forced sex and in prevalence of reported forced sex among high school students (N = 764) in KwaZulu-Natal. Results showed that significantly more boys were sexually active (26 %) than girls (12 %) and that boys experienced earlier sexual debut by over a year. Boys also held a more positive view about forced sex than girls since they associated it more often with signs of love, as an appropriate way to satisfy sexual urges, and as acceptable if the girl was financially dependent on the boy. The perception that peers and friends considered forced sex to be an effective way to punish a female partner was also more common among boys. On the other hand, boys were less knowledgeable about the health and legal consequences of forced sex, but no significant differences were found for other sociocognitive items, such as self-efficacy and behavioral intention items. Consequently, health education programs are needed to inform both boys and girls about the risks of forced sex, to convince boys and their friends about its inappropriateness and girls to empower themselves to avoid forced sex.

“Did You Come?” A Qualitative Exploration of Gender Differences in Beliefs, Experiences, and Concerns Regarding Female Orgasm Occurrence During Heterosexual Sexual Interactions

This study explored gender differences in young adult heterosexual men's and women's experiences, beliefs, and concerns regarding the occurrence or nonoccurrence of orgasm during sexual interactions, with emphasis on the absence of female orgasm during intercourse. Qualitative reports were obtained from five female focus groups (N = 24, M age = 19.08) and five male focus groups (N = 21, M age = 19.29), involving three to five participants per group. Transcripts of the discussions were analyzed for emerging themes across focus group discussions. Results indicated that, for both male and female participants, the most common concern regarding lack of female orgasm in a partnered context focused on the negative impact this might have on the male partner's ego. Male and female participants also agreed that men have the physical responsibility to stimulate their female partner to orgasm, while women have the psychological responsibility of being mentally prepared to experience the orgasm. Men and women tended to maintain different beliefs, however, regarding clitoral stimulation during intercourse, as well as the importance of female orgasm for a woman's sexual satisfaction in a partnered context. Findings suggest foci for sexual education.

Texting everywhere for everything: Gender and age differences in cell phone etiquette and use

The majority of research on cell phone use has focused on adolescent and young adult users with less attention on cell phone use by those older than 25years of age. In this study, adult participants from 18 to 68years completed a survey about their own use of cell phones and the contexts in which they considered cell phone use appropriate. There were age and gender differences in beliefs about the etiquette as to when cell phone use was appropriate. Older participants and women advocated for more restricted cell phone use in most social situations. Men differed from women in that they viewed cell phone calls as more appropriate in virtually all environments including intimate settings. Across all age groups in all communication settings, cell phones were used to text. The only exception was that romantic partners were more likely to receive a call than a text. In the younger age groups, texting communication is so normative that over 25% had dumped or were dumped by a romantic partner. The preponderance of gender similarities point to cell phone usage as a stable communication vehicle for maintaining social contact.