Gender Inequality Research Articles

Risk–return preferences, gender inequalities and the moderating role of a counselling intervention on choice of major: evidence from a field and survey experiment

Risk–return preferences, gender inequalities and the moderating role of a counselling intervention on choice of major: evidence from a field and survey experiment

Determinants of low birth weight and its effect on childhood health and nutritional outcomes in Bangladesh

BackgroundThe high incidence of low birth weight (LBW) is associated with an increased risk of infant mortality, adverse pregnancy outcomes for mothers, and a decline in overall health and well-being. The current study aimed to identify the various determinants of LBW and its effect on adverse health and nutritional outcomes of children aged 0–23 months in Bangladesh.MethodsBangladesh Demography and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017-18 data was used. A chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to find out the associations between independent variables and outcomes (e.g., LBW, child illness and undernutrition).ResultsThe overall prevalence of LBW among was 16.3%. Mother with no formal education (AOR = 2.64, 95% CI = 0.55–3.30, p = 0.01), female child (AOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.04–1.65, p = 0.023); and poorest economic status (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.13–2.51, p = 0.010), were identified significant determinants of LBW. Of home environment and hygiene factors, unimproved toilet facilities (AOR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.03–1.84, p = 0.030) had a significant effect on LBW. In addition, children born with LBW were more likely to suffer fever (AOR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.05–1.60, p = 0.050), stunting (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.86–3.15, p = < 0.001), wasting (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.02–2.25 p = 0.049), and underweight (AOR = 3.19, 95% CI = 2.40–4.23, p = < 0.001).ConclusionOne out of five children was LBW in Bangladesh. Maternal education, sex of child, wealth index, and toilet facilities had significant effects on LBW. In addition, LWB contributed to children’s poor health and nutritional outcomes. Enhancing maternal pregnancy, and child health outcomes necessitates policies addressing poverty, gender inequality, and social disparities. Key strategies include promoting regular prenatal care, early medical intervention, reproductive health education, and safe hygiene practices. To combat the negative impacts of LBW, a comprehensive strategy is vital, encompassing exclusive breastfeeding, nutritional support, growth monitoring, accessible healthcare, and caregiver education.

Outnumbered and outranked: a macrostructural snapshot of gendered inequalities in higher academia in Jordan

Purpose This article aims to illuminate the gendered organisational structure of higher education in Jordan by collecting and analysing a national-level snapshot of the current distribution of women and men in leadership positions and academic ranks across Jordanian universities to pinpoint inequalities in specific levels and fields. Design/methodology/approach Grounded in gendered organisational theory, this study presents a snapshot of the gender composition of 10 public and 14 private universities in Jordan. The snapshot, collected in September 2022 from these universities’ websites, examines counts of male and female administrative leaders as well as academic staff across all ranks for all faculties in both STEM and liberal arts fields. Findings The distribution of women and men in leadership positions in universities across Jordan is highly unequal, with men outnumbering women in the uppermost positions by nearly 10:1. This gap decreases as the rank of positions decreases, indicative of a highly gendered organisational structure, with only three to four fields approaching gender parity. Research limitations/implications This paper offers a comprehensive and detailed quantitative foundation for researchers to investigate the underlying social, cultural, legal, political and economic factors perpetuating gender inequality in academia in Jordan and in comparative studies. Practical implications This study is relevant for targeting policies for advancing sustainable development goals, specifically 5.5, which aim at women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making. Originality/value This study provides the most detailed and extensive macro-level analysis of the gender composition of universities in Jordan.

Laozi’s Ecofeminist Ethos: Bridging Ancient Wisdom with Contemporary Gender and Environmental Justice

Laozi’s Ecofeminist Ethos: Bridging Ancient Wisdom with Contemporary Gender and Environmental Justice

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.

‘My multiple cultural backgrounds are pulling me in all directions with my identity’: Asian and Latino Canadian youth experiences of cultural identity

ABSTRACT Identity, diversity, and inclusion are constantly being reshaped in the face of global migration and resettlement. New research is needed that examines youth identities. In this article, we analyse Asian and Latino youth’s understandings and experiences of how their cultural identity has been influenced by exclusion, inequitable access and racism on the part of their host society. We report on a qualitative study; focus groups (2) and individual interviews were conducted with 15 youth participants. Analysis process included code-driven guided by grounded theory. Youth narratives resisted oversimplified representations by inserting their gendered, minority, and youth identity within mainstream multicultural narratives to make visible immigrant youth experiences. Interwoven in youth’s narratives were experiences of racial discrimination, gender inequality, and indeterminate belonging. Cultural identity is a complex and changing concept. We analyse how youth living in multicultural view their need to negotiate their identities to adapt to their challenging multicultural context where they live.

Economic Growth and Female Participation in the Labour Market: Gender Disaggregated Data

The study aims to examine the impact of economic growth on female labour market participation in Kenya with data spanning between 1991 and 2022. Labour-force data disaggregated by gender are important to monitor the dynamic of gender inequalities in the labour market. The secondary data used to construct the time series was obtained from the World Bank and the International Labour Organization sources. The research was informed by the Feminisation U hypothesis, which describes the tendency of female labour force participation to first decline and then rise in the process of economic growth. The study used a fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) and Granger causality test to analyse the long-run effect of economic growth on women's participation in the labour market. The study results indicate that economic growth positively and significantly contributes to women’s participation in the labour market in the long run. Furthermore, the results of the control variables suggest that education has a beneficial effect on women's workforce, while women’s access to the workforce is hampered by male labour market participation, fertility rate, female self-employment and rate of urbanization. The study suggests to policymakers that the strategy to success is to facilitate education, vocational training, and social change that enable women to play the same role as men in the labour market. Finally, women must be in productive sectors and government should remove barriers to ownership of factors of production to encourage them to participate in economic activities and the labour market.

Early career mobility and health and wellbeing of female doctorate holders: A narrative review of the international literature

AbstractWhile in the last decade gender research has shown great interest in problems around work–life balance for women and the implications for their career mobility, the links between these and women's health and wellbeing have not been fully examined. This article reviews international research undertaken between 1980 and 2020 on the early career period of female doctorate holders. The focus is on the early career mobility (career progression as well as international, disciplinary, and sectorial mobility) of women with doctorates and the connections between their mobility and their physical and mental health and wellbeing. Guided by feminist theories on recurrent institutionalized and legitimized gender inequalities, our review identifies the establishment of inequity during the early career period for female doctoral graduates inside and outside academia and associates this with imbalances in mobility patterns, which are directly connected with their personal lives. The evidence found also suggests that women's health and wellbeing is mostly negatively impacted by these circumstances which may be contributing to women leaving academia or employment. Some improvements at institutional level are recommended as well as the need to continue challenging perceptions of gender roles and responsibilities.

A collective action approach to improving attitudes and self-efficacy towards gender equality among male STEM academics

AbstractDespite the implementation of equality interventions within higher education, progress towards gender parity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) remains slow. Male educators often exhibit poorer engagement with diversity initiatives, potentially contributing to persisting gender disparities in STEM given men’s longstanding dominance in these programs. Two experiments investigate how equality interventions should be designed to maximize support from male educators. Experiment 1 (N = 72; Mage = 39.72, SDage = 12.33) used virtual reality to manipulate 2 factors among male academics: (1) exposure to gender inequality and (2) virtually taking the perspective of a female scientist. Using self-report and behavioral measures, viewing an empirical presentation outlining the prevalence of gender issues in STEM yielded the greatest support for equality initiatives following successful perspective-taking. Experiment 2 (N = 120; Mage = 32.48, SDage = 10.36) varied two additional factors among male academics: (1) evidence-based methods to reduce gender biases in STEM (i.e., promoting self-efficacy) and (2) blaming male academics for gender inequalities. Promoting self-efficacy and blaming men for disparities led to greater confidence in male academics’ ability to address gender inequalities in their field. Notably, higher self-efficacy accounted for greater support for equality initiatives and internal motives to engage with diversity programs. Findings provide an empirical framework and high-tech training tools for promoting engagement with diversity initiatives among male educators, informing development of interventions within higher education to improve student and faculty experiences in STEM.

Multilevel determinants of physical violence among ever-partnered women in South Africa.

Violence against women continues to be a challenge in many countries. Many women suffer physical violence at the hands of their intimate partners and sometimes this leads to their deaths. This study aimed to examine the multilevel determinants of physical violence among ever-partnered women in South Africa. We used data from the 2016 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey. The study has a weighted sample size of 4169 ever-partnered women aged 18-49 years, based on the domestic violence module. We included univariate, bivariate and multilevel logistic regression analysis. We included a two-level model to measure the relationship between the selected background characteristics and physical violence. The prevalence of physical violence among ever-partnered women was 20.6%. The bivariate findings showed that educational status, employment status, witness to inter-parental violence, partner's drinking habits, household wealth, educational difference, and province were statistically associated with physical violence. The multilevel analysis showed some evidence of between-cluster variation in physical violence. We found that age, education, employment status, witness to inter-parental violence, partner's drinking habits, household wealth, education difference, place of residence, and province were key predictors of physical violence. The odds of physical violence were more than two-fold in the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga compared to Gauteng. The study highlighted various key factors explaining physical violence. The findings suggest the need for targeted interventions aimed at specific communities of women, such as those from the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga, as well as interventions that will empower women and address gender inequalities.

A mixed-method approach on the glass cliff phenomenon: a case of public sector service organizations in Iran

Purpose This study aims to develop and test a model of the antecedents, mediators and consequences of the glass cliff phenomenon through public sector service organizations in Iran to explore more insights on gender inequality in managerial positions. Design/methodology/approach The current research was conducted based on a mixed-method approach, using both qualitative and quantitative research designs. First, the qualitative method includes content analysis by conducting semi-structured interviews with 20 university professors and expert managers working in public sector service organizations in Iran. The outcomes of the qualitative phase lead to designing the conceptual framework and research hypothesis. Then, through a quantitative phase, 384 female managers working in public sector service organizations in Iran are selected using stratified random sampling and fill out the research questionnaire. The exploratory factor analysis was used to verify the model. Moreover, structural equation modeling, using AMOS 24, was used to test the research hypothesis. Findings The findings of the qualitative phase were represented in three categories including antecedents (e.g. the characteristics of women’s leadership, the selection of women based on meritocracy criteria, women’s preferences and organizational factors), mediation effect (e.g. succession planning, personal development planning and support networks) and consequences of the glass cliff phenomenon (e.g. positive and negative consequences). The results of the exploratory factor analysis show there are ten components, explaining 88.5% of variances. Moreover, the test of the structural model supports the direct effect of antecedents on the glass cliff phenomenon. The results also show the effect of the glass cliff phenomenon on consequences through mediation effects. Research limitations/implications There are some limitations that can be addressed by other researchers. Accordingly, the limited number of female managers in Iran prevented larger quantitative research. Moreover, the current research only found casual and mediation consequences of the glass cliff phenomenon, and potential moderators were not considered in this study. Originality/value The present study’s innovations may include using a mixed-method approach to investigate the antecedents, mediators and consequences of the glass cliff phenomenon in this study and examining the model constructs in some public sector service organizations. This research may provide a deep understanding of the antecedents, mediators and consequences of the glass cliff phenomenon by finding new factors using a mixed-method approach.

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Women Empowerment and Work-Life Balance Enhancement in Management

This research article explores the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in empowering women in various aspects of life, particularly in management and work-life balance. AI offers a plethora of opportunities to support women's empowerment, and this study highlights several ways in which AI can contribute to their advancement. By offering flexible and affordable learning opportunities, AI can empower women to acquire new skills and knowledge, enabling them to pursue fulfilling careers and leadership roles. In the healthcare sector, AI-powered solutions can improve access to healthcare for women in remote or disadvantaged regions. AI-driven diagnostics and virtual health aides enable early detection of health issues, facilitating prompt and effective treatment. In the workplace, AI can help identify trends in gender inequality, wage discrepancies, and other injustices. Armed with these insights, employers can take specific actions to promote a diverse and inclusive workplace, offering women equal opportunities to advance in their careers. Furthermore, AI-powered personal assistants can assist women in managing their daily responsibilities and schedules effectively, facilitating a better work-life balance. Additionally, AI-powered security and surveillance systems can enhance workplace and public safety, contributing to a safer environment for women to commute, work, and interact. AI can also play a vital role in promoting social change and advocacy for women's rights and gender equality. In times of crisis and humanitarian contexts, AI can offer support in disaster response, resource allocation, and medical aid, catering to the unique challenges women may face in such situations. This research article emphasizes the importance of women's empowerment in society and how AI can act as a catalyst for positive change. By leveraging AI's capabilities while prioritizing the well-being and equality of women, this study seeks to create a more inclusive and empowering environment for women in management and beyond

Trends in Gender Diversity Among Total Hip Arthroplasty Surgeons.

A pronounced gender imbalance is evident among orthopaedic surgeons. In the field of arthroplasty, there exists a dearth of comprehensive data regarding gender representation. This study aimed to analyze the gender diversity, or lack thereof, within the field of total hip arthroplasty (THA). In addition, this study used literature review to identify possible reasons for the gender disparity among THA surgeons and identify the best next steps to promote gender equity within orthopaedics. A retrospective analysis was conducted using the Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data: Physician and Other Practitioners data set to quantify orthopaedic surgeons who performed primary THA procedures from 2013 to 2020. To assess trends in the number of hip surgeons by sex and the evolving female-to-male ratio, two-sided correlated Mann-Kendall tests were conducted. Overall, 3,853 to 4,550 surgeons billed for primary THA annually. Of this number, an average of 1.7% was female. The mean number of services billed for by male surgeons was 31.62 ± 24.78 per year and by female surgeons was 26.43 ± 19.49 per year. Trend analysis of female-to-male ratio demonstrated an increasing trend of statistical significance (P = 0.009). The average number of procedures by female surgeons annually remained stable throughout the study, whereas there was a steady increase in that for male surgeons. Results showed a notable and sustained upward trajectory from 2013 to 2020 in the number of female surgeons billing for THA along with the female-to-male ratio. However, female surgeons constitute a mere 2% of surgeons engaging in primary THA billing. Furthermore, the annual average number of THAs conducted by female surgeons exhibited constancy, whereas there was a gradual increase in the median number of annual procedures performed by their male counterparts. Future studies should aim to identify and resolve specific barriers prohibiting female medical students from pursuing and obtaining a career as an orthopaedic THA surgeon. Retrospective analysis using the Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data: Physician and Other Practitioners data set.

Qualitative Study to Explore the Occupational and Reproductive Health Challenges among Women Tobacco Farm Laborers in Mysore District, India

Tobacco farm laborers are primarily women and children working for very low wages. The aim of this study was to explore occupational and reproductive health challenges faced by women tobacco farm laborers in Mysore District, India. We conducted interviews and six focus group discussions among 41 women tobacco farm laborers. Codes and themes were generated based on deductive and inductive approaches using the socioecological model. Participants reported symptoms of green tobacco sickness including headaches, back pain, gastric problems, weakness, and allergies during menstruation, pre-natal, and post-natal periods. Participants had poor awareness about the health effects of tobacco farming, and there were gender inequalities in wages and the use of personal protective equipment. Participants received support from family and community health workers during their pregnancy and post-natal period. Women reported wanting maternity benefits from the tobacco board, as well as monetary support and nutritional supplements. There is a need for health education about the environmental dangers of tobacco among farm laborers, and more supportive policies for women farmworkers during pregnancy and post-natal periods.

Developing a context-relevant psychosocial stimulation intervention to promote cognitive development of children with severe acute malnutrition in Mwanza, Tanzania

More than 250 million children will not meet their developmental potential due to poverty and malnutrition. Psychosocial stimulation has shown promising effects for improving development in children exposed to severe acute malnutrition (SAM) but programs are rarely implemented. In this study, we used qualitative methods to inform the development of a psychosocial stimulation programme to be integrated with SAM treatment in Mwanza, Tanzania. We conducted in-depth interviews with seven caregivers of children recently treated for SAM and nine professionals in early child development. We used thematic content analysis and group feedback sessions and organised our results within the Nurturing Care Framework. Common barriers to stimulate child development included financial and food insecurity, competing time demands, low awareness about importance of responsive caregiving and stimulating environment, poor father involvement, and gender inequality. Caregivers and professionals suggested that community-based support after SAM treatment and counselling on psychosocial stimulation would be helpful, e.g., how to create homemade toys and stimulate through involvement in everyday chores. Based on the findings of this study we developed a context-relevant psychosocial stimulation programme. Some issues identified were structural highlighting the need for programmes to be linked with broader supportive initiatives.

How to measure inequality of opportunity: The axial institutions index

The article presents a critical analysis of indices and indicators of gender equality and suggests a new comprehensive approach to measuring gender equality of opportunity within axial institutions, which are family, labor market, education, science, public and corporate governance. Whereas the main gender indices measure inequality of access to resources, the axial institutions index measures equality of opportunity using the concept of agency. The key innovations are as follows: the inclusion of the institution of family and the gender division of unpaid domestic work as the basis for gender inequality of opportunities; horizontal segregation in labor markets and in education by calculating the average gap in the share of women and men with different educational profile; inclusion of an institute of science, including academia decision-making, inclusion of an institute of corporate governance (along with the state one). As a result, the index of axial institutions is visualized in the form of a hexagon, which describes the specifics of the model of gender equality in Russia.

Addressing Barriers to Women's Representation in Party Candidate Selections

AbstractAn analysis of Conservative and Labour Party candidate selections reveals persistent gender disparities, with the Conservative Party nominating a significantly higher proportion of men. While various factors, such as local connections and harassment, abuse and intimidation (HAI) are cited as explanations, they fail to address systemic issues within the Conservative Party's recruitment processes and organisational culture. This article argues that the focus should shift from individual women to party structures and practices that perpetuate gender inequality. Drawing on previous research and empirical evidence, it calls for institutional reforms including the implementation of quotas and greater transparency in candidate selection. Finally, it calls for a gender‐sensitive audit of party culture to address underlying barriers to women's participation in politics.

Comparative Effectiveness and Safety Outcomes Between Denosumab and Bisphosphonate in South Korea.

Both bisphosphonates and denosumab are the mainstays of treatment for osteoporosis to prevent fractures. However, there are still few trials directly comparing the prevention of fractures and the safety of two drugs in the treatment of osteoporosis. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety between denosumab and bisphosphonates using a nationwide claims database. The database was covered with ten million, 20% of the whole Korean population sampled by age and sex stratification of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service in South Korea. Among 228,367 subjects who were over 50 years of age and taking denosumab or bisphosphonate from Jan 2018 to April 2022, the analysis was performed on 91,460 subjects after 1: 1 propensity score matching. The primary outcome was treatment effectiveness; total fracture, major osteoporotic fracture, femur fracture, pelvic fracture, vertebral fracture, adverse drug reactions; acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and atypical femoral fracture. Total fracture and osteoporotic major fracture, as the main outcomes of efficacy, were comparable in the denosumab and bisphosphonate group (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.98-1.15, p=0.14; HR 1.13, 95% CI 0.97-1.32, p=0.12, respectively). Safety for acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and atypical femoral fracture also did not show any differences between the two groups. In subgroup analysis according to ages, the denosumab group under 70 years of age had a significantly lower risk for occurrences of acute kidney injury compared to the bisphosphonate group under 70 years of age (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.29-0.93, p=0.03). In real-world data reflecting clinical practice, denosumab, and bisphosphonate showed comparable effectiveness for total fracture and osteoporosis major fracture and safety for acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and atypical femoral fracture.

Macro-level gender inequality and child health outcomes in China

Few studies have evaluated the potential impact of macro-level gender inequality on child development. Using data from the 2010 China Family Panel Studies, this study investigates whether and how county-level gender inequality affects children’s health outcomes in China. Results show that greater exposure to county-level sexism is associated with worse mental and physical health among both boys and girls in China. On the one hand, the greater the county-level gender inequality, the worse the depression symptoms and the lower the standardized height among children in this region. In addition, exposure to county-level gender inequality leads to a greater negative effect on mental health among girls than among boys. On the other hand, county-level gender inequality also imposes a greater negative effect on depression symptoms among children from families with a lower socioeconomic status along with an increasing harm on height as children grow older. Further analysis unveils the psychosocial mechanisms and the mechanism of access to family resources underlying the health effects of such exposure to macro-level gender inequality.

‘They Want Our Culture, Not Our Struggle’: Race and Gender Inequalities in Music, Sports, and Hollywood

When it comes time to disagree that White male privilege exists, insisting race and gender equity is already achieved, deniers often point to prominent people of color in sports and entertainment industries. Famous figures like Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce Knowles, Jay-Z, and Lebron James may, with cursory glance, give impression that—even if fields like finance, technology, medicine, law, and politics have glass ceilings—the entertainment field provides a seemingly utopian space where the playing field has already been leveled, and the so-called American Dream of race and gender equality has assumedly arrived. Using both quantitative and qualitative data, from primary and secondary sources, we look beyond token big names to overall patterns in music, professional sports, and film arenas to document how racial and gender inequality continue to stratify entertainment industries. Our analysis demonstrates that women and people of color are conditionally accepted, at best, to entertain, provided they stay in their proverbial place—seldom owning, directing, or taking the lead, and penalized when speaking out about oppression. We end with recommendations on how to shatter glass ceilings, like inclusion riders and Rooney Rule, along with other ways to bring more women and people of color into more powerful positions in these industries.