Masculine Gender Research Articles

Attitudes toward sexual and reproductive health and rights and their associations with reproductive agency: a population-based cross-sectional study in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe

We investigated the association between values and attitudes toward sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender equality, with reproductive agency in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. Using 2020-21 World Values Survey (WVS) data (n = 3,096), we utilized the SRHR Support Index including five subindices to gauge SRHR attitudes, the WVS Equality Index for gender equality values, and the perceived level of freedom of choice and control over whether, when, and how many children to have as a proxy for reproductive agency. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regressions were used to analyse how values and attitudes differed between respondents of high vs low reproductive agency using the median as cutoff, stratified by country and sex. Country, education, subjective social class, and religion were associated with reproductive agency. Adjusted analyses indicated associations between supportive values and attitudes towards equitable masculinity norms, SRHR interventions and gender equality, with high reproductive agency. Associations varied more between countries than by sex. Findings suggest an association between SRHR and gender equality values and attitudes and the level of reproductive agency, and underscore the importance of addressing values and attitudes in context-specific interventions. Measures of SRHR progress should be critically reviewed and complemented with self-assessed – as opposed to researcher-ascribed – items to support the successful implementation of global SRHR agendas.

Unipolarity in understanding gender equality: ignoring male aspects in global politics

The presented scientific research reveals a significant imbalance in approaches to ensuring gender equality. An analysis of global trends shows that excessive focus on women's issues creates significant obstacles to achieving genuine gender parity. It is noteworthy that the systematic disregard of masculine aspects in socio-political discourse significantly complicates the implementation of an integrated approach to gender issues. This scientific work focuses on the need to rethink the current paradigm, where the exclusively feminist agenda dominates, which contradicts the principles of comprehensive equality. The subject of the research is to focus on a comprehensive analysis of strategic initiatives and policy documents of supranational structures (in particular, the European Union and the United Nations) in the context of gender issues. The fundamental objective of this scientific work is a critical understanding of the current imbalances in gender policy, followed by the development of scientifically sound tools for the effective implementation of masculine components in the existing system of gender regulation of international organizations. To achieve these goals, various methods were used, including comparative analysis, content analysis, and structural analysis of discourse, which made it possible to identify dominant approaches to gender issues and assess the extent to which men's issues were included in official documents. The results of the study indicate that ignoring issues of masculine identity and gender discrimination creates significant obstacles to the formation of an effective system of gender-legal relations. This problem is aggravated by the emergence of interpersonal confrontations and social tensions in the field of gender interaction. Moreover, there is a disorientation of individuals in the context of behavioral patterns characteristic of both sexes, which leads to discriminatory practices against young people and an escalation of conflict potential in intersex relationships. In the context of modern scientific research, the issue of gender parity requires methodological transformation and rethinking of basic conceptual provisions. The integration of cross-cultural components into the system of social stratification analysis makes it possible to form a multidimensional model of equality that takes into account the ethnocultural and demographic characteristics of various social groups. Of particular importance is the modernization of existing approaches to migration policy through the prism of gender differentiation, which contributes to the creation of an effective mechanism for ensuring equal opportunities on a global scale.

Similarity or complementarity? Understanding marital relationships in terms of sexual dimorphism in brain morphometry and gender roles.

"Birds of a feather flock together" and "opposites attract" are two contrasting statements regarding interpersonal relationships. Sex differences provide a theoretical integration of these two conflicting statements. Here, we explored the relationship between marital satisfaction and sex differences in social attributes and neuroanatomical characteristics in 48 married couples. Sexually dimorphic neuroanatomy was investigated for gray matter volume (GMV), which was estimated by voxel-based morphometry. The brain regions that showed typically larger GMV in males compared with that in females were defined as the male-typical brain regions; otherwise, they were defined as the female-typical brain regions. We found that masculine gender roles and the individual deviation index (IDI) of the GMV in the male-typical brain region were positively correlated with marital satisfaction in males but were negatively correlated in females, demonstrating the "complementarity" nature of masculine characteristics, which was further supported by the negative correlation between couple-wise morphological similarity in male-typical brain region and marital satisfaction. Conversely, feminine characteristics reflected the "similarity" nature of married couples; i.e., feminine gender roles and IDI in the female-typical brain region were positively correlated with marital satisfaction in both males and females, and couple-wise morphological similarity in the female-typical brain region was positively correlated with marital satisfaction. The actor-partner interdependence model also supports the similarity/complementarity hypothesis. Additionally, the sexual dimorphism of brain morphometry and marital satisfaction were found to share a similar transcriptional mechanism. Our findings highlight the relationship among gender roles, brain morphology, and marital satisfaction, providing important implications for understanding marital bonding.

The role of masculine and feminine gender enactment in hospitality leadership

Purpose The stereotypical assumptions of what it means to be hegemonically masculine and to be a leader are aligned in current society, potentially creating role incongruity for anyone who does not fit into this definition. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether masculine and feminine leadership traits of men and women hospitality managers affect employees’ intention to trust leaders and organizational attractiveness. Design/methodology/approach Explanatory mixed methods were used. First, two experiments (Study 1 = woman manager, n = 137; Study 2 = man manager, n = 117) were conducted with current hospitality employees to test the interaction of masculine versus feminine enactment and the leadership gender composition (3%, 23% or 53% women) on organizational attractiveness and intent to trust the leader. Results did not align with the theories; therefore, three focus groups were held with 13 current hospitality employees. Findings Results indicate a shift toward the preference for communal (feminine) characteristics in hospitality leadership with a balance of masculine traits. Research limitations/implications The influence of managers’ gender-related behaviors on trust and organizational attractiveness goes beyond their physical gender traits, indicating that gender plays a more crucial role than previously understood. Originality/value By using role congruity theory and hegemonic masculinity, this study offers a nuanced understanding of masculine and feminine gender enactment and broadens leadership theory by including the perspectives of nonhegemonic men and assertive women.

Multidimensional assessment of exertional dyspnea in young healthy males and females who select unsatisfied inspiration at peak exercise.

Historically, it was thought that healthy humans predominantly described their breathing as a sense of increased work or effort (W/E) during maximal exercise. However, emerging data shows that many healthy adults select unpleasant dyspnea descriptors such as "unsatisfied inspiration" (UI), with relatively more females selecting UI than males. We hypothesized that males and females who select UI would report higher dyspnea intensity ratings during exercise; select more distressing dyspnea qualities post-exercise; and have greater inspiratory constraints than those who do not. Sixty-four healthy, non-smokers (32M:32F; 23±5yr) completed questionnaires, pulmonary function tests, and maximal incremental cycling with detailed dyspnea evaluation. Males in UI and Non-UI subgroups reported similar Borg 0-10 dyspnea intensity ratings of W/E, UI, and unsatisfied expiration (UE) (all P>0.05). Females in the UI subgroup reported significantly higher UI and UE ratings than females in the Non-UI subgroup (both P<0.01). Both UI subgroups reported greater air hunger, chest tightness, and mental breathing effort than Non-UI participants (all P<0.05). In males only, masculine gender was negatively correlated (r=-0.402, P=0.02) and anxiety positively correlated (r=0.363, P=0.04) with submaximal UI ratings. Females with UI had smaller peak tidal volume (VT) (1.74 (0.32) vs 2.06 (0.33) L, P=0.03) than Non-UI females; and VT was negatively correlated with submaximal (r=-0.496, P=0.004) and peak (r=-0.495, P=0.004) UI ratings in all females. There were no differences in VT or correlations between VT and dyspnea in male subgroups. Absolute lung volumes and psychosocial factors appear important in understanding sex differences in the perception of UI during exercise.

Gender Identity Formation of Single Parent Children in Pinang Sebatang Barat Village, Tualang District, Siak Regency (Study Case: Single Parent Families and Gender Identity Formation)

This study was conducted in Pinang Sebatang Barat Village, Tualang District, Siak Regency. This study aims to identify how single mothers and fathers shape the gender identity of children aged 3-7 years through their roles as caregivers, educators, and breadwinners. This study involved 6 subjects, consisting of 5 single mothers and 1 single father, selected using purposive sampling techniques. The theory used in this study is Albert Bandura's social learning theory, which looks at the process of forming children's gender identity through observation, imitation, and behavioral reinforcement. This study uses a qualitative method with a descriptive approach, as well as a case study research type. Data collection techniques are carried out through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. To ensure data validity, researchers also use triangulation methods to compare results from different methods and sources. The results of this study indicate that single mothers and fathers have challenges in shaping children's gender identity, especially in modeling masculine or feminine gender roles. Limited time and economic resources are often obstacles for single parents in carrying out parenting and education functions, so that some children are cared for more by other family members, such as siblings or grandparents. Nevertheless, the role of single mothers in providing positive reinforcement for children's behavior still seems important in the social learning process. Based on these findings, researchers suggest that single parents need social and economic support to help them shape their children's gender identity in the most effective way.

Features influencing surface acting of different clusters of nursing students in vocational college based on interpretable machine learning: A cross-sectional study

AimTo explore and explain the mechanisms that influence surface acting in nursing students with different characteristics. BackgroundNurses are now expected to deliver patient-centered care which necessitates the emotional labor. Surface acting, a form of emotional labor, can lead to negative outcomes. Given that nursing students are the backbone of the future nursing profession, there is an urgent need to investigate their surface acting tendencies and identify potential factors for early intervention. DesignA cross-sectional study. MethodsThis study was surveyed in a vocational college in Gansu, China. Participants completed the general information questionnaire, Bem Sex Role Inventory, Professional Identity Questionnaire of Nursing Students and Surface Acting Scale. K-means cluster analysis was performed, followed by random forest algorithm and SHapley Additive exPlanations based on Python program. ResultsA total of 1241 nursing students from vocational college were investigated and were clustered into 4 groups. The five dimensions of professional identity had higher feature importance in all four groups, with professional self-image having the highest feature importance in Cluster 3. Professional self-image and understanding retention benefits and turnover risks were negative predictors of surface acting in all four groups. Social comparison and self-reflection, independence of career choice and social modeling regarding nursing profession were positively correlated with surface acting in specific groups. In Cluster 1, there exists a positive correlation between professional self-image and the constructs of social comparison and self-reflection; as well as a negative correlation between maternal education and understanding of retention benefits and turnover risks. ConclusionsProfessional identity significantly influences surface acting behaviors among nursing students, with professional self-image serving as a key negative predictor. Positive family conditions, access to educational resources, parental literacy, masculine or feminine gender roles and first-year nursing students, these traits have implications when dimensions of professional identity are used to predict surface acting behaviors.

Associations Between Gender and Sexuality Characteristics of Cisgender Bisexual Women and Risk of Sexual Assault

Objective Research consistently documents disproportionately high rates of sexual assault among bisexual women, one of the fastest growing sexual minority demographic groups in the United States. This study seeks to better understand how bisexual women’s position as both women and sexual minority people may heighten their risk for sexual assault. Method Using data from 165 bisexual women in the Chicago Health and Life Experience of Women (CHLEW) study, we examine associations between the gender and sexuality characteristics of self-identifying cisgender bisexual women and sexual assault. Results We found that the risk of experiencing sexual assault, including rape, is associated with past experiences of bi-stigma, earlier age of recognizing bisexual identity, gender discrimination, and a less masculine gender presentation. Conclusion Our findings suggest that bisexual women are targeted in specific overlapping sexist, bi-phobic and stereotypical ways that may leave them particularly vulnerable to sexual assault. This study highlights the need for more research that investigates how bisexual women’s high rates of sexual assault are shaped by oppressive systems and social forces related to their gender and sexuality.

Critical thinking of masculine students with impulsive cognitive style in solving geometry problems

The problem and the aim of the study. Critical thinking has a vital role in education because it is one of the essential skills that students must possess to face future challenges. By thinking critically, students can learn how to identify problems, analyze information from various sources, evaluate alternatives, and make logical decisions. In solving mathematical problems, it is common to find masculine students who are highly capable and impulsive (fast in solving problems). Therefore, this study aims to explore the critical thinking of masculine students with an impulsive cognitive style in solving geometry problems. Research methods. The study involved 70 junior high school students sitting in grade 9. The selection of research subjects was carried out in three public schools in Pringsewu Regency, Lampung province in Indonesia, namely Public Junior High Schools in Pringsewu Regency-Lampung, namely: SMP Negeri 2 Pringsewu, SMP N 4 Pringsewu and SMP N 1 Ambarawa. The research subjects were masculine students with moderate mathematics ability and above who had an impulsive cognitive style. In recruiting the research subjects, the gender questionnaire, cognitive style questionnaire, and math ability test were used. Moreover, the research is a descriptive qualitative study. The primary data was collected through geometry problem-solving test results and in-depth interviews. Several procedures were also set for analyzing critical thinking data to achieve these goals. Lastly, data analysis was done through data reduction, presentation, interpretation, and conclusion drawing. Results. After 70 students were given a gender questionnaire, cognitive style and math ability test with a minimum score of 75 found as many as 7 students with masculine gender with impulsive cognitive style with high math ability. With scores (mean score masculine: 4.2 ≥ 4: median score masculine) and (mean score feminine: 4.6 ≤ 5 median score feminine). However, one student (S1) was recommended by the math teacher at the school where the research was conducted to be used as a research subject. After in-depth analysis and interviewing S1, it was found that there were 5 aspects of critical thinking in solving geometry problems on the circle theme, namely aspects of clarity, relevance, depth, logicality, and significance. In conclusion, from the qualitative data analysis it was found that during the problem solving process this study has shown aspects of critical thinking namely aspects of clarity, relevance, depth, logicality, and significance.

Gender Identity and Aggression.

Gender identity, or people's deeply felt, internal sense of their gender, plays an important role in aggression perpetration and victimization. In this article, I review and organize the psychological research literatures on gender identity-based aggression. I first discuss the need to move beyond binary, cisgender understandings of gender by embracing expansive definitions that more fully capture people's experiences and identities. Next, I summarize relevant research indicating two paths from gender identity to aggression. In one path, individuals with a more masculine (i.e., dominant, agentic) gender identity use aggression proactively, motivated by pursuit of social dominance. In another path, individuals with a more uncertain (i.e., insecure, precarious) gender identity use aggression defensively-and often toward vulnerable, gender nonconforming targets-as a means of protecting their gender identity against threats. I end by identifying important areas for future research and considering how interventions might best mitigate gender identity-based aggression.

Perioperative complications in primary intramedullary tumors of the spine in adults. A multicenter surveillance study of 307 patients from the German Spine Registry (DWG-Register)

Background: Intramedullary tumors represent only 10% of the spectrum of spinal tumors. Their management is not an easy task and depends essentially on the surgical resection which can be very challenging. The main aim of our study was to analyze the complication rate in intramedullary tumors as well as postoperative outcome after intramedullary tumor resection. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of data from the “DWG-Register” of patients who have undergone operative treatment for primary intramedullary tumors in 170 departments from January 2017 to May 2021. Since 2017, pre-, intra-, and postoperative data until demission from the hospital have been continually collected in the “DWG-Register” (a total of 179,955 in a period of 4 years in 170 departments). Results: In total, 307 primary intramedullary tumors in the spine were identified; n = 248 (Group 1) had nonoperative complications and n = 59 had a complication related to the surgical procedure (Group 2); taking this in to account, die complication rate was 19.2%. The incidence of complications was: epidural hematoma n = 5 (8.4%), paresis n = 23 (38.9%), bowel/bladder dysfunction n = 15 (25.4%), wound infection n = 5 (8.4%), medullary injury n = 2 (3.4%), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage n = 15 (25.4%), and reintervention with hematoma, abscess, or surgical CSF leakage management in n = 22 (37.2%). The risk of permanent morbidity increased with a thoracic level, masculine gender, a long clinical history, presence of epidural hemorrhage, blood transfusion, and surgery on a recurrent tumor. Conclusion: Medullary tumors are a rare entity with a relative high complication rate (20%). Improvement of symptoms postoperative depends on several factors such as operated level, masculine gender, a long clinical history, presence of epidural hemorrhage, blood transfusion, and surgery on a recurrent tumor. In rare pathologies such as intramedullary tumors, the data from the DWG Register can be used to describe spinal surgery care in “real life.”

Reexamining gender inequality in accessing resources and education stance in reducing masculine gender hegemony in Nigeria

The role of education in abolishing cultural practices that encourage gender inequality needs consistent evaluation for inclusive, responsive policy development and implementation in a dynamic society. Eliminating masculine gender hegemony may result in attainment of international commitments like gender equality and poverty eradication. Reexamining the role of education in reducing gender inequality in patriarchal societies can highlight critical issues needing policy actions for attainment of sustainable development goals. The objectives of the study were to examine effects of education on marital and family life, income and access to land resources by male and female, as well as the effects of education on girl child education. The hypotheses that guided the study were: parents' education attainment increases girl child education opportunity; education attainment reduces male-female income gap and education attainment increases women access to land. The study was conducted in Southwest Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to collect primary data from 720 households using a well-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Pearson Correlation tests. Results showed significant disparity among men, women, girls and boys education attainments. Significantly, male have more access to land and other resources than female. The work discussed implications of the existing gender disparity despite efforts to bridge the gap and noted effects of education in reducing the gaps and ensuring gender equality. The paper is optimistic that terminating gender inequality as education policy can significantly improve girl child education, reduce girls' marriages, improve marital life, increase females’ income and access to information as well as land resources.

Non-conforming dialect and its (social) meanings: younger and older speakers’ reactions to hyperdialectisms in Brabantish

AbstractThis paper discusses the social meaning of variation in adnominal gender marking in the Dutch dialect of North Brabant. Previous studies reveal that the masculine gender suffix gains social meaning at the expense of grammatical function. However, it remains unclear what kinds of meanings the suffix can have, and how it becomes part of a Brabantish speech style. Therefore, we present statements from ten focus group interviews featuring 50 younger and older speakers. In these sessions, participants were asked to reflect on hyperdialectal usages of the gender suffix. We argue that the indexicalization of the suffix does not yield one fixed social meaning but rather a range of potential meanings, i.e. indexical field, that can be called upon by individual speakers depending on the context. However, the ranges of potential meanings clearly differ between both age groups, unraveling the different norms associated with the suffix.

(3048) Proposal to conserve Stylochiton (Araceae) with that spelling and being of masculine gender

(3048) Proposal to conserve <i>Stylochiton</i> (<i>Araceae</i>) with that spelling and being of masculine gender

Notes, new records, and transference in South American Cerambycidae (Insecta, Coleoptera).

In this work we report for the first time the presence of 59 species of Cerambycidae (4 species of Prioninae, 25 species of Cerambycinae, and 30 species of Lamiinae) in Mato Grosso do Sul. One of these species, Ozodes infuscatus Bates, 1870, is also recorded from the Brazilian states of São Paulo. Nealcidion bruchi (Melzer, 1934) and Glypthaga arena Galileo, Martins & Santos-Silva, 2015 are recorded from Brazil for the first time. Lissonotus biguttatus Dalman, 1817 is newly recorded from Mato Grosso State. The type locality of Nesozineus lineolatus Galileo & Martins, 1996 is corrected, as well as state of the type locality of Oncideres malleri Fragoso, 1970, Aegomorphus lanei (Marinoni & Martins, 1978), and Carphina melanura Monné & Monné, 2007. Hovorodon Santos-Silva, Swift & Nearns, 2010 is confirmed as being masculine gender. The grammatical gender of Diploschema Thomson, 1858 is reported as neuter gender, and the names of D. maculata Martins & Monné, 1980 and D. brunnea Martins & Monné, 1980 are corrected. Canarana brachialis (Guérin-Méneville, 1855) is indicated as recorded from the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul and not Mato Grosso. Urgleptes melzeri (Gilmour, 1959) is reinstated to its original genus: Lepturges (Lepturges). Notes on nearly all species are provided, including number of specimens in the original description, type locality, dates, etc.

How Women Are Portrayed in Opinion in the Kompas Daily Newspaper According to Sara Mills' Critical Discourse Studies?

This research is motivated by the problem of gender inequality issues in women's lives that are still often reported by the mass media. Among the mass media that reported this was the daily newspaper Kompas, especially in an opinion piece entitled Perempuan dan Mimpinya published on June 6, 2024. Based on the background of the problem depicted in the Women and Their Dreams (Perempuan dan Mimpinya) opinion, the purpose of writing this article is to describe how women are viewed by the mass media and their relationship to the current social reality of society. The collection of research data was carried out using reading techniques, including the steps of reading carefully and repeatedly the opinions that were the source of research data, marking vocabulary, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs that were in accordance with the criteria of the research problem, recording and inventorying them in an inventory table. The data was analyzed using an interactive method to reveal the position of women behind the text Women and Their Dreams (Perempuan dan Mimpinya) and its relationship to the current social reality of society. Analysis of the research data shows three things. First, the position of the subject in the discourse of the Perempuan dan Mimpinya opinion is occupied by the author who acts as the storyteller, while the position of the object is occupied by women. Second, the author tries to direct the reader to become the actor of the story by presenting a pseudo reality and cultural code in the text that seems to be the reality in the reader's real life. Third, the meaning of the entire discourse of opinion on Women and Their Dreams shows that in the domestic and public spaces women are still not fully able to become a gender group that is equal to the masculine gender group.

Walking the line of the double bind: A cross-country comparison on women and men politicians’ self-presentations on social media

Abstract Political leaders play a crucial role in shaping societal perceptions and citizens’ expectations of gender roles. Through their self-presentation on social media, political leaders have the power to either reinforce or challenge existing gender stereotypes, thereby influencing how citizens perceive and interpret gender norms. However, research on how women and men politicians present themselves on social media is scarce. This comparative study contributes to remedying this research gap by content analysing the official Facebook and Instagram pages of 18 political leaders during the 2021 national election campaigns in Germany and Norway. In contrast to earlier research on gendered presentations of politicians in the news, we did not find strong evidence of gendered self-presentations in either country, neither in terms of personalisation nor in terms of gender issue ownership. This could be because gender roles in Germany and Norway have become more fluid, or because the successful politicians we have analysed have been successful due to their ability to “walk the double bind” of needing to conform to both masculine and feminine gender expectations. Our study calls for more comparative research into this field, including studies of lower profile politicians and politicians in countries with lower degrees of gender equality.

Beyond the Gender Binary: Transgender Labor Force Status in the United States 2014–17

Following the recent acknowledgment of and debates around transgender people in the United States, there has emerged a small but growing literature on the economic implications of being transgender. However, most economic research on gender fails to account for major components of gender by only including sex and gender identity, which may entail drastic mischaracterizations of transgender labor market outcomes. This article accounts for how people express their gender and how one’s voice is perceived by others using the Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance Systems 2014–7, which finds compelling evidence of transgender women facing labor market penalties for having a feminine gender expression and voice perceived as feminine, whereas transgender men are rewarded for having a masculine gender expression and voice perceived as masculine. HIGHLIGHTS Masculinity associates with a labor market premium. Feminine trans men and women have labor market outcomes similar to feminine ciswomen. Masculine trans men and women have labor market outcomes similar to masculine cismen. Gender incongruence associates with labor market penalties.

Gender assignment in Datooga nouns

This study describes gender assignment in Datooga nouns. The article shows that gender is linguistically expressed in Datooga nouns. Noun gender in Datooga is a non-agreeing one depicted as both overt and covert. The overt gender is morphologically represented using u/ud(v)- (feminine gender) and gi/ gid(v)- (masculine gender) prefixes. The covert gender is realised from the semantics of a given referent. The parameter size (sometimes understood in terms of consequences) of a referent, affective values associated with a referent and association with a male or female cultural sphere of life guide the semantics of noun gender assignment. Further, mythological association overrode the semantics of noun gender assignment in Datooga.

Effects of Grammatical Gender on Gender Inferences: Experimental Evidence From Italian Common Gender Nouns

Recent psycholinguistic research has focused on how different grammatical gender marking strategies affect people's mental representation of referents’ gender. Such works particularly explored how explicitly encoded linguistic elements, such as grammatical gender markers, may drive the inferential process as attentional clues. Results of reading comprehension tasks in French and German have shown that the explicit encoding of masculine gender in plural forms of role nouns often leads to a male bias, a specific masculine inference corresponding to the grammatical gender clue, even when the masculine form was intended as generic, thus including women and men. Moreover, comparing generic masculine forms with gender-fair alternatives revealed that the latter significantly reduce this male bias. The present study examines the impact of three gender marking strategies on the construction of generic mental representations. Indeed, the experiment tested generic masculine against two gender-fair forms (split masculine/feminine forms and ambiguous syntactic reformulations) among 38 Italian speakers. No significant effect was found in generating a generic mental representation through form manipulation. However, ambiguous syntactic reformulation realised by presenting target nouns from the Italian common gender noun class and through the neutralisation of determiners’ gender, increased the probability of a male-specific inference. Additionally, a keen interest in gender-fair language topics was linked to longer reaction times, indicating a higher cognitive effort during the inference process.