Gender Perception Research Articles

Empowering Narratives: Ideological Constructs through References for Women in True Love East Africa and The Parents Magazines in Kenya

This article examines various references given to women in True Love East Africa and The Parents Magazine and emergent ideological constructs. It presents results of a study whose one of its objective was to identify and analyse the ideological constructs brought out by references for women in the discourses of the two magazines and what these references revealed about the Kenyan women. The study investigated the portrayal of women in the two magazines, employing a mixed-methods approach that combined qualitative and quantitative analyses. Utilizing thematic content analysis and critical discourse analysis (CDA), the research explored how these magazines constructed and negotiated identities for millennial mothers and independent women within a rapidly evolving socio-cultural context. By analyzing the references, the study revealed a significant shift in narratives, showcasing women not as passive subjects but as active participants in societal change. Key themes identified include the emergence of the “millennial mom” ideology, which celebrates women's economic participation and challenges traditional gender roles, highlighting their professional achievements and contributions beyond domestic spheres. The findings underscore a transformation in the depiction of women, reflecting broader societal trends prioritizing gender equality and women’s empowerment. Discourses surrounding single motherhood, professional success, and resilience in the face of societal expectations emerged, illustrating how these narratives challenge entrenched patriarchal norms. The study emphasizes the critical role of media in shaping perceptions of gender, calling for advocacy to amplify diverse and empowering narratives. It recommends policy development that supports equitable representation in media, urging further longitudinal studies to track the evolution of these representations. By highlighting the intersection of media, gender, and societal transformation, this research contributes to the understanding of women's roles in contemporary Kenyan society

Measuring diversity in Hollywood through the large-scale computational analysis of film

Movies are a massively popular and influential form of media, but their computational study at scale has largely been off-limits to researchers in the United States due to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. In this work, we illustrate use of a new regulatory framework to enable computational research on film that permits circumvention of technological protection measures on digital video discs (DVDs). We use this exemption to legally digitize a collection of 2,307 films representing the top 50 movies by U.S. box office over the period 1980 to 2022, along with award nominees. We design a computational pipeline for measuring the representation of gender and race/ethnicity in film, drawing on computer vision models for recognizing actors and human perceptions of gender and race/ethnicity. Doing so allows us to learn substantive facts about representation and diversity in Hollywood over this period, confirming earlier studies that see an increase in diversity over the past decade, while allowing us to use computational methods to uncover a range of ad hoc analytical findings. Our work illustrates the affordances of the data-driven analysis of film at a large scale.

Persistence of the Gender Frame: Gender Perceptions of Ambiguous Chinese and Gender-Neutral American Names in the United States

How do people conduct gender classification in ambiguous contexts? A gender framing perspective suggests the pervasiveness and consequences of using gender in novel contexts, but there is a paucity of knowledge about how people assign a gender to ambiguous targets in interpersonal relations. This study fills in this knowledge gap by investigating how U.S. individuals classify the gender of two types of gender-ambiguous names—Chinese names written in English letters and gender-neutral American names. It also examines how respondents’ gender ideologies and racial stereotypes are associated with their perceptions of gender-ambiguous names. An online survey experiment with 795 U.S. individuals finds that respondents predominantly assign a binary gender (versus neutral or unsure) to both Chinese names (40.8 percent men and 37.4 percent women) and gender-neutral American names (41.1 percent men and 19.4 percent women). Multivariate analyses reveal that respondents with traditional gender ideologies associate a gender-binary perception with gender-neutral American names rather than Chinese names. Meanwhile, respondents who endorse the racialized stereotypes that Chinese people are socially cold and/or generally competent are more likely to perceive Chinese names as men’s names. These findings demonstrate that a gender-binary frame persists in ambiguous contexts, and that the classification outcome is conditional on contextual signals and preexisting cultural beliefs. They also deepen understanding of gender neutrality during social interactions and a gendered nature of racialized stereotypes.

Are attitudes towards infertility associated with gender perception?

Infertility is not life-threatening but is nevertheless an important problem that threatens a couple’s wellbeing due to its negative impact on their emotional health and quality of life. This descriptive, correlational study aimed to determine the relationship between university students’ attitudes towards infertility and their gender perceptions. The study was conducted in a state university with a total of 602 students. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Attitude Toward Infertility Scale (ATIS), and the Gender Perception Scale (GPS). The scales have no cut-off value and higher scores indicating positive perception of gender and infertility. The study data were evaluated with Spearman’s correlation analysis and simple linear regression analysis test was used to analyze the association between GPS and ATIS scores and also the statistical significance was accepted as p<0.05. As a result 63.1% of the students were female; 80.9% had knowledge about infertility and gender inequality. The students’ mean GPS and ATIS scores were 104.60±15.54 (range: 52-125) and 49.11±7.62 (range: 19-60), respectively. GPS and ATIS scores were positively associated in linear regression analysis (β=0.30; p<0.001) and correlation analysis (rho:0.590; p<0.001). The results of this study showed that university students had positive gender perception and attitudes toward infertility. In addition, students’ attitudes toward infertility were directly associated with the modifiable factor of gender perception.

Indonesian Teachers’ Perspectives on Gender Representation in EFL Textbook Visual Images for Elementary Schools

Background: The use of gendered visual imagery in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) textbooks has raised concerns about perpetuating gender stereotypes and the potential effect on students' conceptions of gender roles. Despite the widespread use of mandated textbooks in primary classrooms in Indonesia, less is known about instructors' perceptions of gendered visual imagery. Methodology: This qualitative research employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating quantitative and qualitative data collection and analytic methodologies. An investigation was conducted in Samarinda East Kalimantan to collect the perspectives of 41 teachers who teach English in elementary school regarding the gendered visual representations present in the mandatory EFL textbooks. Furthermore, 12 teachers were chosen to partake in exhaustive interviews to present more informed and profound perspectives. Findings: They merely focused on how to teach the materials rather than scrutinizing the gender bias represented through texts and visual images. The study revealed that a significant proportion of teachers (80%) believed that gendered visual imagery in textbooks was not impartial and could influence the gender roles of pupils. Furthermore, a significant majority (75%) said they often adjusted or avoided using these pictures in their teaching methods. The interviews highlighted the teachers' concern about the possible negative impact of these pictures on students' social relationships and self-image. However, they merely focused on how to teach the materials rather than scrutinizing the gender bias represented through texts and visual images Conclusion: The findings suggest that elementary school teachers in Indonesia know the potential negative repercussions of gendered visual images in EFL textbooks and have implemented measures to mitigate these effects. The study underscores the importance of incorporating diverse and inclusive visual materials into educational resources to promote gender equality and positive gender representations. This concept is new to them. They agree that gender equality needs to be addressed and discussed as part of the content in classroom practices to raise students’ awareness of gender bias. Originality: Previous studies have investigated the frequency and occurrence of gender bias in textbooks, found in images and texts. However, there is a lack of investigation into teachers' awareness of gender stereotypes in textbooks. This study enhances the existing corpus of literature by examining the perspectives of teachers on the use of gendered visual images in EFL textbooks in elementary schools in Indonesia. It emphasizes the importance of teachers and policymakers advocating for more inclusive educational resources and considering the impact of visual materials on students' gender perceptions

A Theoretical Review on Non-Formal Education and Women Empowerment in Bhutan

The exponential growth of the formal education system, albeit literacy, has remained a far-fetched ideology for many Bhutanese, especially among adult women and men in the less-sourced parts of the country. Therefore, non-formal education in Bhutan has been a critical and essential strategy for inclusion and empowerment of a sizeable population of citizens who missed the opportunity to acquire literacy due to several factors; including social, economic, and occupational circumstances at the time of their regular schooling. The non-formal education program, conducted through a somewhat structured network of learning centers across the country, has grown in relevance and popularity over the years. It is viewed as a significant enabler of learning, surpassing its original goal of promoting the national language, Dzongkha. The non-formal education programme has emerged as a veritable tool for self-realization and participation in local governance, social economic activities for the women in an increased space created by the advent of democracy. Thus, non-formal education has proven to be beneficial not only in enhancing literacy and numeracy but also as a crucial means of conveying important messages regarding issues that impact people's lives and broader societal concerns. We were able to delve into extensive research carried out by other researchers as our mode of collecting data for analysis. Our findings culminated to the fact that, till date the Non-formal Education (NFE) and Continuous Education (CE)programme have benefitted about 170,000 and 11,000 learners respectively. Numerous success stories illustrate how the program has transformed the lives of individuals, particularly in rural Bhutan. The programme helped to read and write, take better care of family, do simple calculations and helped toestablish small businesses.However, the drop-out numbers from the programme are significant and the reasons cited range from closure of centers following the departure of the instructor, competing claims of housework, distance to learning centers, shortage of helping hands, to perceptions of gender roles.Recommendations have been put forward to ensure that the programme is beneficial to the society, is viable and experiences longevity.

Research on the Character Traits of Female Protagonists in Games: An Example from the Otome Games

Abstract: With the development of the game industry, the role of gender in game design has increasingly come to the fore, with particular attention being paid to the way female players are represented in games. In the domain of gaming, the otome genre, which is characterized by its distinct narrative and characterization, has garnered a significant female player base. However, for a considerable period of time, the portrayal of female characters in games has frequently been influenced by traditional gender concepts, thus resulting in the emergence of certain stereotypes and inequalities. As such, the examination of the character traits of female protagonists in otome games not only facilitates a more profound comprehension of the influence of game culture on gender perceptions, but provides insights and inspiration for the creation of games with more egalitarian and diverse gender images. In this paper, the characteristics of female protagonists in otome games developed by some Japanese game developers are analyzed, and their impact on gender equality is explored. By comparing the characteristics of the female characters across different types of games, the paper elucidates that, despite their frequent portrayal as independent, strong, and assertive, these characters are still shaped by traditional gender norms to varying degrees. Accordingly, the analysis presents recommendations for advancing more egalitarian and diverse gender images within the gaming industry.

Removing the Binary: An Exploration on the Impact Language has on Our Gender Perception

Language, as a reflection of societal values and beliefs, wields the power to shape perceptions of gender, often perpetuating a binary understanding through grammatical gender systems. The influence of the generic masculine and masculine norm within languages with dense grammatical gender reinforces this binary, marginalizing communities and centralizing power within the masculine form. Despite these challenges, endeavours towards gender neutrality within grammatical gender languages offer hope, particularly in their potential to benefit marginalized groups like the LGBTQ+ community. However, while recent advancements demonstrate potential for gender neutrality within language, the possibility of achieving a genuine ‘gender-free’ language remains a question, especially within grammatical gender languages and beyond. In order to begin answering this question, one needs to understand the concept of ‘gendered language’ and how it has impacted our perception of gender throughout history. It is also necessary to analyse how recent linguistic adjustments impact the LGBTQ+ community and the changes in attitudes towards non-binary spaces. By comparing attitudes towards gender in grammatical gender and genderless languages, we gain insight into the intricate relationship between language and societal norms. To do that one needs to look at the contemporary languages such as English, Spanish and Swedish, which are undergoing gender-neutral adaptations within the core lexicon and grammar. In addition to indigenous languages that have historically included a form of gender neutral language. In essence, this examination of language and gender dynamics offers the conclusion that it is possible to remove gender from language, yet cannot change the impact that gendered language has already had on society’s perception of gender.

“Be better. Do better.” Experiencing middle school as a gender-fluid pansexual student with a disability

Students with disabilities who identify as LGBTQ+ often experience obstacles at school that can have a profound adverse impact on their social and emotional well-being. This exploratory ethnographic study used thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews to understand how middle school LGBTQ+ (in this case, gender-fluid pansexual) students with disabilities feel about peers, teachers, and school. Furthermore, this study used self-portraits as artifacts in the vein of portraiture to examine how participants viewed themselves as students at school. Participants’ perceptions of disability, gender, and sexual identity were examined. This study expands on existing intersectional research of LGBTQ+ youth with disabilities by providing qualitative insight from middle school students. Data analysis yielded three common themes of student experiences: Gender and sexuality acceptance and inclusivity, the risk of “coming out” as disabled, and the adverse impact of school on mental health and self-expression. Findings emphasize the importance of making schools safe, anti-ableist, LGBTQ+ affirming, and inclusive of diverse populations and forms of expression.

Exploring gender disparity in medicine: perceptions of female physicians in Lebanon

BackgroundGlobal research on gender bias has highlighted key trends in discrimination and inequality across various fields, including medicine. In Lebanon, a nation celebrated for its diverse cultural landscape and increasing female representation in medical education, there has been a notable absence of studies exploring gender dynamics in the medical profession.MethodsTo address this gap, we conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey to explore the Lebanese population’s perceptions towards female physicians and the quality of care they provide.ResultsThe mean age of the study sample (n = 330) was 31.55 ± 10.07 years and included 114 females and 216 males. Most respondents had received care from a female physician. Notably, those who selected female physicians as their family doctors or had female doctors within their immediate family displayed a stronger tendency to engage in annual medical check-ups. While most respondents did not express any preference for the gender of their general practitioner or surgeon, there was a marked preference for female obstetricians/gynecologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, and dermatologists. This preference was attributed to perceptions of female physicians being particularly compassionate, understanding, and proficient in communication.ConclusionThis study represents a groundbreaking contribution to understanding gender perceptions in the Lebanese medical field. It highlights the growing trust and positive regard for female physicians, underscoring the significant role in shaping healthcare experiences and outcomes in Lebanon.

Gender Norms, Attitudes and Perceptions towards Male Involvement in Maternal Health in Kafue District, Lusaka

Male involvement in maternal health remains a major issue despite efforts by the international community. Despite the many benefits of male involvement in antenatal care there has been an observed low participation. Community gender norms, attitudes and perceptions towards male involvement in maternal health may affect the utilization of services offered by health facilities. The gap observed in many studies is that the attitude and perception of men regarding maternal health have largely been neglected. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the gender norms, attitudes and perceptions towards male involvement in maternal health in Kafue district of Zambia. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Both quantitative and qualitative paradigms were utilized in this study. A sample of 150 participants was used. Data was collected by the help of questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Results showed that respondents from Kafue were knowledgeable on antenatal care. Additionally, it was also revealed that respondents had a positive attitude towards male involvement in maternal health. However, due to gender norms their roles were limited when it came to delivery and child care. Nevertheless, the findings showed that men were involved in supporting their wives and helping out with house chores and providing money for antenatal care, skilled birth at a hospital, postnatal care, childcare and any necessities required for delivery. Men who were married were more likely to be involved in maternal health than men who were not married. The study also revealed that men were not comfortable with discussing their wives’ pregnancy with a health care provider due to lack of privacy. Findings suggested that there were many factors affecting male involvement in maternal health. Lack of messages and programs targeting men, health stuff attitude during delivery, gender norms such as men not being allowed to attend to women when in labor and hospital infrastructure were identified by the respondents as a cause to low male involvement. In this study, it was also revealed that men and women had a positive perception towards pregnancy being a shared responsibility, men supporting and caring for their wives during and after delivery. However, both men and women had a negative perception towards men’s presence in the delivery ward.

FORMATION OF GENDER IDENTIFICATION IN THE PROCESS OF SOCIALIZATION OF ADOLESCENTS

The article describes the essence of gender identification in the process of socialization of adolescents. The social transformations taking place in modern society are changing the established ways of life, social norms, and ideological structures that define them, as well as attitudes toward them. These transformations have a significant impact on the formation of the individual, his or her status and position in society, professional development, and family roles. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the conditions for the formation of gender identification in the process of socialization of adolescents based on a gender approach, which is implemented in the family, school, and society. The concepts of gender and gender culture are highlighted. Attention is focused on the rapid increase in the percentage of so-called civil marriages, which lead to an increase in the number of single mothers and disorientation of sex education of children in the family. In these marriages, young people are not responsible for an “artificial” family, do not strive to have and raise children, and live together to satisfy their sexual needs. Relationships formed in this way are perceived and evaluated differently by boys and girls. Thus, among the 40 adolescent males surveyed, 70% were in favor of civil marriage, while 30% were against it. Among female adolescents, 31.5% approve of civil marriages, and 68.5% are against them. The results show that boys are more loyal to free, unencumbered relationships, but girls also perceive them quite favorably, not fully realizing that it is the woman who is socially and personally more vulnerable in such a situation. It has been found that adolescents show a high awareness of their personal identity through various aspects, such as gender perceptions, social roles, moral values, and interests. They are actively rethinking their place in society and their own views, which indicates their developed self-awareness and readiness to interact with the world around them. It is concluded that the rapid development of technology, diverse cultural influences, and new forms of communication create a unique environment in which gender norms and stereotypes are constantly being revised and evolved. This process is of particular importance for adolescents, as they are actively in the phase of self-determination and personal development. Understanding the gender aspects of social interaction among this group will help to identify and address the problems of inequality and discrimination at the initial stages of their occurrence. Prospects for further research of the problem are seen in the study of the influence of gender factors of adolescents on self-determination in modern society. Keywords: gender, identity, society, socialization, construct, personality, adolescents

The Femme Fatale in Text and Image: Analyzing Gender, Power, and Representation in Rudyard Kipling’s “The Vampire” and Philip Burne-Jones’s Painting

This paper examines the connection between Rudyard Kipling’s poem “The Vampire” (1897) and Philip Burne-Jones’s painting of the same title, focusing on their portrayal of femininity and the interaction between text and image. Kipling’s poem, often viewed as a response to Burne-Jones’s depiction of actress Mrs. Patrick Campbell, presents a warning about the destructive allure of female beauty, highlighting themes of male disillusionment and betrayal. Burne-Jones’s painting emphasizes the femme fatale figure, portraying a sexually dominant woman overpowering a helpless man. Both works suggest that beauty conceals danger, leading to male ruin. Using Foucauldian and feminist frameworks, the paper critiques the politics of representation, arguing that the portrayal of women often reflects patriarchal anxieties, reducing them to passive objects in male-dominated visual culture. Critics like Linda Nochlin and Griselda Pollock are cited to challenge these depictions. The paper concludes that the female vampire theme reflects cultural fantasies rather than truths about femininity, contributing to ongoing discussions on how art and literature shape gender perceptions.

Comparing Gendered Exposure and Impact in Online Election Violence: Tunisian Political Candidates Targeted on Facebook

Abstract Election violence is increasingly taking place online. However, we still do not know much about how such attacks affect the representation of politically marginalized groups such as women. This article develops and applies strategies for analyzing (gendered) exposure to and impacts of online attacks against political candidates. It focuses on the 2019 parliamentary election campaign in Tunisia and combines manual analysis of Tunisian candidates’ public Facebook pages with candidate interviews. We find no gendered patterns in exposure to online election violence in the Facebook data and a low general exposure to attacks. The interview data nevertheless suggests gendered perceptions and impacts of attacks, as well as a perception among the candidates that online election violence is widespread and problematic. These discrepancies highlight that we need a combination of methods and materials to capture the multifaceted nature of online election violence, and in particular those that directly link candidate exposure to impact.

Analysis of factors influencing family support for child safety seat legislation based on Probit-Adversarial Interpretive Structure model

Objectives In recent years, China’s motorization process has accelerated, urban road traffic has become increasingly complex, and the safety of children has become increasingly prominent. China aims to encourage the use of child safety seats (CSSs) and stipulates in the Law on the Protection of Minors that “Parents or other guardians of minors shall take measures, such as equipping child safety seats.” However, the utilization rate of such seats in China is still low (<5%, 2021), an important reason is the lack of mandatory legislation. This study focuses on developing cities in China that do not have mandatory legislation on the use of CSS, explores the factors that families support child seat legislation, and explores the impact of children’s feedback on the transmission of values within families and the use of CSS in family decisions. Methods Four hundred and eighty-two subjects in several neighborhoods in Changsha City participated in this survey through an online questionnaire. We use the data to do a Probit analysis to find the influencing factors of parental support for child safety seat legislation, and the Adversarial Interpretive Structure model is used to assess the hierarchy of the influencing factors and the relationship between the influence of internal factors. Results The results showed that educational level and children’s feedback are root cause factors; monthly family income, number of children, confidence level in CSS, number of cars, and others’ behavior are intermediate factors; gender, penalty support, and subjective perception expenditure are surface factors. Conclusion Finally, the results have focused recommendations for the direction of child safety seat legislation, focused recommendations for law enforcement, advocacy, and educational interventions, and recommendations for installation training before the use of CSS.

Is It Possible to Prevent Organizational Broken Windows with an Organizational Spirituality Shield From the Disaster of the Century to the Solidarity of One

Purpose –The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived organizational spirituality and organizational broken windows of employees who were directly affected by the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. In addition, it was aimed to determine whether the mentioned variables varied according to the demographic characteristics of the participants. Design/methodology/approach –The sample of the research, designed in descriptive and cross-sectional type, consisted of earthquake victims (n=226) who were directly affected by the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes and working in one of the two production enterprises during June when the research data were collected. The data were collected using the Organizational Spirituality Scale and Organizational Broken Windows Scale. SPSS 26 and AMOS 24 package programs were used in the analysis of the data. Findings –According to the findings, it was determined that organizational spirituality had a negative (β: -.764) effect on organizational broken windows. In addition, according to the parametric test results conducted between organizational spirituality and organizational broken walls and demographic variables, it was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the participants' organizational spirituality levels and gender, marital status, age and total duration of professional experience. Similarly, a statistically significant difference was found between the participants' perception of organizational broken windows and gender, marital status, age and total duration of professional experience.Discussion –The meaning that earthquake victim participants attach to their work and the commitment they have with a sense of responsibility for their community and compliance with organizational values will allow them to avoid attitudes and behaviors (broken windows)that may threaten the institution and the social order.

Assessing students' perception of gender as a barrier in Orthopedic residency matching: A pilot survey study

BackgroundGender disparity in orthopedic residency programs is evident. Limited research investigates if gender attitudes deter women from applying to orthopedic surgery residency programs. MethodsA questionnaire was distributed to a single medical school which explored medical students' perceptions regarding their gender's influence on matching into orthopedic surgery residency, alongside motivators and barriers for applying. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests analyzed potential association and trends using SPSS computation with alpha set at 0.05. Results202 medical students completed the questionnaire. Women respondents were found to be 10.6 times more likely to report their own gender as a barrier to matching to orthopedic surgery residency compared to men. ConclusionA significant proportion of women perceive their gender as a barrier to matching. Dismantling gender stereotypes may increase consideration of women medical students of orthopedic surgery as a career option.

‘I Still Struggle to Ensure that I am Truly Listening’: Understanding Gender, Sexuality, and Sexual Violence During the Holocaust. A Conversation

ABSTRACT While perspectives on gendered and sexual experiences, practices, and norms during the Holocaust have significantly changed in recent decades, questions remain about how to understand and represent these topics, particularly gender-based and sexual violence. In this conversation, six Holocaust scholars, from varied backgrounds and representing different generations, respond to questions posed by the special issue editors, Dorota Glowacka and Regina Mühlhäuser. They discuss the current state of debates about gender, sexuality, and sexual violence during the Holocaust. Reflecting on the material conditions and distinguishable geographical and ideological coordinates in which they have conducted their work, they recount ideas and scholarly currents that have helped them generate their specific modes of understanding. They consider the challenges and obstacles to knowledge production they have faced at various stages of their work, revealing how ingrained assumptions about gender and sexuality circumscribe research questions, methods of inquiry, and the ways in which their findings are interpreted, presented, and received. While they address the impact of changing social sensibilities and perceptions of gender and sexuality on their work and point to the emergence of new themes and areas of study, they also draw attention to the subjects that remain unexamined, socially sanctioned, or excluded from rigorous examination.

Gender Equity Perceptions Among Social and Administrative Sciences Pharmacy Faculty: An AACP-APhA Task Force Report

ObjectiveThe American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy’s Social and Administrative Sciences Section and the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Pharmaceutical Research and Science’s Economic, Social and Administrative Sciences Section formed a Gender Equity Task Force to determine if there is evidence to suggest that there is gender disparity in pay; responsibilities; treatment by peers/colleagues, students, and administration; leadership opportunities; and rank, tenure status, and career advancement for Section members; and to develop recommendations to address existing disparities. MethodsA Qualtrics survey was emailed in December 2020 to all American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy’s Social and Administrative Sciences and American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Pharmaceutical Research and Science’s Economic, Social and Administrative Sciences Section members. The questionnaire included items regarding favorability toward men or women in various academic domains (research, teaching, service, recruitment, mentoring, and advancement). Participants were asked if they had experienced gender inequity, and if so, at what type of institution and academic rank. The χ2 tests of independence and post hoc comparisons were used to assess item responses according to gender. ResultsOf the respondents, 72% indicated that they had experienced gender inequity. Women and persons of color were more likely to do so. Women commonly reported that men received more favorable treatment in nearly all academic domains, whereas men reported that women and men were treated equally. ConclusionPharmacy faculty specializing in social and administrative sciences reported experiences of gender inequity and perceptions of gender inequity. Perception gaps existed between male and female faculty in numerous academic domains. Colleges and schools of pharmacy should increase awareness of, and strive to self-assess, gender inequity in their institutions.

Sunscreens: potential hazards to environmental and human health

The increasing demand for natural products in the United States reflects a cultural shift towards health and sustainability. This trend infiltrates consumer sectors such as the sunscreen industry, amidst concerns about health and environmental impacts of chemical ingredients. The Hawaii Sunscreen Ban has intensified sunscreen formula safety discussions, particularly regarding butylparaben, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. Even at low concentrations, these compounds bleach hard corals eventually leading to their death. As well, these chemicals pose threats to marine ecosystems and raise concerns about human health, particularly systemic absorption and the possibility of causing endocrine disruption. While some argue for chemical-based sunscreens for skin cancer prevention, others advocate for mineral-based alternatives that avoid harmful ingredients. However, public opinion on sunscreen varies, influenced by adverse reactions, socioeconomic status, gender, and cultural perceptions. Future studies should explore diverse demographic perspectives and long-term health and environmental impacts of products containing potentially toxic ingredients. As well, effective communication strategies to promote sunscreen safety and encourage sustainable sun protection practices is needed.