Gender-related Discrimination Research Articles

Impacts of Urban Flooding on Gender in a Slum of Bangladesh

Urban flooding is a frequent disaster during the monsoon period (June–October), hindering the daily lives of city dwellers, especially slum dwellers in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This study assessed the impact of urban flooding on the lives of Baganbari slum dwellers in Dhaka, Bangladesh using Moser analytical tools to explore how urban flooding affects individuals of different genders. Participatory and survey methods involving 50 slum dwellers (25 men, 25 women) were carried out to collect feedback and comments. Additionally, focus group discussions (FGDs) and semi-structured and key informant interviews (KII) were also conducted to express gender-related discrimination (e.g., men vs. women). Women are usually involved in “double day” roles (100% in reproductive and 72% in productive roles) while 92% of men are found to have no contribution in those roles. Moreover, women’s participation in community roles is significantly affected during urban flooding (almost 100%) as it imposes a compulsion for them to stay home and carry out their reproductive work. Thus, women encounter numerous challenges in meeting their practical and strategic needs, including ensuring food supplies, managing diseases and menstrual health, upholding sanitation, restricted movement, education obstacles, and more. The result shows that women in the Baganbari slum are found to have only 35% access and 6% control over resources, benefits, health facilities, and decision-making power during urban flooding. The significant decline in the access and control profile of women during urban flooding aggregates their difficulties and drives them into vulnerable positions in their own households.

Intersections of informal work status, gender and tuberculosis diagnosis: Insights from a qualitative study from an Indian setting.

There is evidence that more than one third of tuberculosis (TB) cases in India go undiagnosed each year and it is more pronounced among female patients. While there are studies available on the socioeconomic, cultural and gender-related dimensions of TB diagnosis delays among female patients in India, intersections of gender, informal work and diagnosis delays are not sufficiently studied. The present study aims to fill this gap by examining the TB diagnosis delay that are linked to the contingencies of working in informal arrangements for women from lower socio economic background. The study draws on 80 qualitative in-depth interviews conducted among female patients from lower socio-economic background, who were working or recently stopped working in informal arrangements and undergoing Directly Observed Therapy, Short-course (DOTS) treatment in Bengaluru (India) city and 60 willing significant others of the patients. The participants were identified through a scoping survey that covered 188 female patients from 18 DOTS centres in the city. Other than the already known reasons for the delay in TB diagnosis for women such as normalisation of symptoms, stigma and the gender-related discrimination leading to low prioritisation of women's illness, the present study identifies reasons related to work informality. These are normalisation of symptoms as workplace health problems; work related concerns that restricted formal help seeking; non TB specific narratives of symptoms, often incorrectly assumed to be work related health issues or comorbidities and thus confounding the early accurate diagnosis by the medical personnel and shifting between formal and informal systems of help-seeking. Further, the study found that mere knowledge of TB symptoms did not always translate to early diagnosis for patients from the lower socioeconomic groups working in informal arrangements due to the fear of losing work and wages owing to hospital visits. The workplace focus, especially the informal sector where a huge majority of India's workforce is employed, is notably absent in the TB elimination programme. The study indicates the need to adopt a comprehensive approach in the ongoing TB elimination programme in India in which family, living environment and workplace should be integral parts.

A pedagogy of freedom as a viable basis for implementing gender equality in Ukraine’s educational institutions

In the state policies of European Union (EU) member countries, gender issues have become one of the main priorities since the 1990s, and independent Ukraine and Ukrainian non-governmental organisations have also gradually joined this agenda. Over the past three decades, Ukraine has engaged in efforts to restructure its educational institutions and processes on the basis of democratic principles free from any form of discrimination, including gender-related discrimination. These efforts have been promoted through joint projects with UN Women and other international organisations. While gender equality improvement strategies are now reflected in Ukrainian legislation, they are not yet fully implemented on the ground. In the context of presenting their concept of a pedagogy of freedom as a viable basis for the implementation of gender equality in Ukraine’s educational institutions, the authors analyse research literature devoted to addressing freedom and gender equality in educational policies. They conclude that individual learners’ free self-determination, self-development and self-realisation can only be an effective factor in realising gender equality if pedagogical activity and learning spaces are designed to support the development of learners’ full potential.

The Impact of Race and Gender-Related Discrimination on the Psychological Distress Experienced by Junior Doctors in the UK: A Qualitative Secondary Data Analysis.

Almost half of NHS doctors are junior doctors, while high proportions are women and/or Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) individuals. Discrimination against this population is associated with poorer career-related outcomes and unequal representation. We aimed to qualitatively explore junior doctors' experience of workplace racial and gender-based discrimination, and its impact on their psychological distress (PD). In this study, we carried out a secondary analysis of data from a UK-based parent study about junior doctors' working cultures and conditions. Interview data was examined using thematic analysis. Transcripts (n = 14) documenting experiences of race and/or gender-based discrimination were sampled and analysed from 21 in-depth interviews conducted with UK junior doctors. Four themes were generated about the experiences and perpetrators of discrimination, the psychological impact of discrimination, and organisational interventions that tackle discrimination. Discrimination in various forms was reported, from racially charged threats to subtle microaggressions. Participants experienced profoundly elevated levels of PD, feeling fearful, undermined, and under-confident. Discrimination is associated with elevated levels of PD, whilst negatively impacting workforce sustainability and retention. This reduces the opportunity for more diversity in NHS medical leadership. We encourage NHS hospitals to review their policies about discrimination and develop in-person workshops that focus on recognising, challenging, and reporting workplace discrimination.

Trans broken arm syndrome: A mixed-methods exploration of gender-related medical misattribution and invasive questioning

RationaleGender-related medical misattribution and invasive questioning (GRMMIQ), colloquially known as “trans broken arm syndrome,” is a form of medical discrimination faced by transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients wherein a provider incorrectly assumes that a medical condition results from a patient's gender identity or medical transition. This phenomenon may take one of two forms: (1) the incorrect and explicit misattribution of gender identity or medical transition as being the cause of an acute complaint, or (2) invasive and unnecessary questions regarding a patient's gender identity or gender transition status. ObjectiveUsing mixed-methods procedures, this study aims to explore the incidence, some common correlates, and manifestations of GRMMIQ. MethodsAmerican TGD participants (N = 147), recruited through an online recruitment platform, completed questions assessing their experiences in the healthcare system including lifetime incidence of GRMMIQ, outness to healthcare providers, and additional experiences of gender-related discrimination in a medical setting. Participants who indicated experiences of GRMMIQ were asked open-ended questions about one such experience. ResultsNearly one-third of participants reported experiencing GRMMIQ. Experiences were associated with outness to acute care providers and other types of gender-related discrimination in healthcare settings. Analysis of qualitative data revealed four primary themes: (1) assumptions of disordered thinking and being, (2) hyperfocus on aspects of medical transition, (3) cultural ignorance and incompetence, and (4) dismissiveness of the patient. ConclusionTogether, these results enhance the understanding of an underexplored aspect of medical discrimination faced by TGD individuals while highlighting commonalities across different experiences.

Exploring Barriers to Mental Health Treatment in the Female Veteran Population: A Qualitative Study

Although female veterans are a growing population, there remains limited research on their unique experiences specifically within the United Kingdom (UK). The limited data available indicates that female veterans are at increased risk of developing mental health disorders following their discharge from the military. However, female veterans make up a small proportion of those seeking mental health treatment. This study is the first qualitative study to explore the barriers faced by UK female veterans in accessing mental health treatment. The sample of the present study took part in a larger cohort study investigating the mental health needs of female veterans. A total of 61 female veterans responded to a qualitative item on the online survey that was investigating barriers they experienced in accessing mental health treatment compared to their male peers. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis to identify key themes in the data. Five key themes were identified: access barriers, lack of understanding from professionals, gender-related discrimination, mental health stigma, and sexual orientation-related discrimination. The current findings suggested that in addition to treatment-seeking barriers experienced more generally in the military, female veterans may face unique barriers to seeking support. With little veteran research focusing solely on the needs of women, further research is needed to better understand the barriers women face in seeking support. Further attention is also required to ensure such findings are practically implemented within veteran-specific and general mental health services.

Women in Rheumatology in the Arab League of Associations for Rheumatology Countries: A Rising Workforce.

BackgroundAn increase in women physicians in the medical workforce is witnessed in recent decades, paralleled by an increase in leadership positions and, to a lesser extent, in academic advancement.ObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate the women rheumatologists (WR) workforce and to identify the challenges faced by WR in the Arab League of Associations for Rheumatology (ArLAR) countries.MethodsWe collected data from members of special interest groups from 16 ArLAR countries about the number of rheumatologists in the national societies and boards – including WR –, and the estimated percentage of WR involved in academia. Also, a sample of WR was identified based on their established leadership positions and invited to a structured interview addressing their career path and the gender-related challenges.ResultsThe proportion of WR varied widely across the ArLAR countries, with a mean of 56%. Moreover, WR constituted 47% of the society’s board members and roughly 49% of WR were involved in academia. However, only 37% of the current society presidents were females. Structured interviews indicated that WR place a high value on patient care and teaching, followed by research and publications. The primary reported gender-related challenge was balancing work with family demands. Moreover, some WR reported gender-related discrimination incurred by colleagues, patients, and administrations.ConclusionWR constituted more than half of the current rheumatology workforce in the ArLAR countries, with a lower – but steadily growing – proportion of WR in leadership positions. As they embrace their growing role in the workforce, WR must benefit from all the provided tools, from learning from the experience of current women leaders in the field to using the latest technology such as social media platforms to empower them to reach gender equity.

Exploring perceptions of gender bias in oncology: A survey study.

11056 Background: Gender inequalities contribute to burnout and have contributed to an ongoing exodus of women from academic oncology. Our aim was to explore the perceptions and experiences of oncology professionals regarding gender bias in the workplace with the hope of providing critical information to support equity initiatives. Methods: An anonymous, 22-question survey was sent via Survey Monkey to 1512 physicians with oncology-related specialties from National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer centers whose emails were publicly available. Likert-scale questions (never-rarely-sometimes-often-very often) were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon rank sum tests (percentages shown as frequency of having responded “sometimes-often-very often”). Chi-square test was used for categorical variables. Results: A total of 274 physicians completed the survey (response rate 18%): 152 (55.5%) self-identified as female (F); 112 (42%) as male (M); 7 (2.6%) as gender non-conforming or transgender; 3 (1.1%) chose not to answer. Most were White (59.9%), followed by Asian (20.4%), Middle Eastern (5.8 %), Multiracial (5.1%), Hispanic (3.6%), and Black (1.5%). The plurality (n = 103; 37.6%) were < 40 years old. Primary fields of practice included 118 (43.1%) in adult oncology, 45 (16.4%) in combined hematology/oncology, 44 (16.1%) in radiation oncology, 44 (16.1%) in adult hematology, and 23 (8.4%) in other specialties. Female gender was associated with experiencing gender bias more often than male gender in the following areas: clinical practice (80.9% F vs 20.6% M), research activities (73.0% F vs 15.2% M), having difficulty balancing work and non-work responsibilities (95.4% F vs 78.6% M), being held to higher standards compared to physicians of other genders (73.1% F vs 14.2% M), being mistaken as a non-physician (78.9% F vs 6.3% M), and being scrutinized by others while tending to childcare needs (48.8% F vs 23.2% M) (all p <.001). Female gender was associated with using techniques to navigate gender challenges more often than male gender, including wearing a white coat (55% F vs 7% M; p <.001), ensuring that “Doctor” is written on identification (33% F vs 3% M; p =.002), emphasizing a professional look (53% F vs 10% M; p =.003) and working harder to establish expertise in the field (72% F vs 18% M; p =.003). When asked about strategies to address workplace gender-related bias, 63% would like policies on gender-related discrimination, (66.4% F vs 65.2% M; p =.93), 62% would like policies that prioritize leadership representation (74.3% F vs 51.8% M; p <.001), and relatively few (37%) would prefer formal lectures/instruction for staff (38.2% F vs 37.5% M; p >.99). Conclusions: Self-identified female academic oncologists at NCI Cancer Centers reported facing gender-related challenges in daily practice at much higher rates than men. There is a clear need to identify root causes and create initiatives to promote gender equity in the field of oncology.

Examining the associations of gender minority stressors with sleep health in gender minority individuals

ObjectivesInvestigate the associations of gender minority stressors (including stigma consciousness [SC] and gender-related discrimination [GRD]) with sleep health in gender minority individuals. DesignCohort. Participants279 gender minority individuals. MeasurementsSC and GRD were measured using the Stigma Consciousness and Everyday Discrimination scales, respectively. Sleep disturbance was assessed using the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance measure. Subjective short sleep duration (<7 hours) was assessed. We used k-means longitudinal clustering to identify minority stress clusters (including SC and GRD scores). Linear and logistic regression models were used to examine the associations of these clusters with sleep disturbance and sleep duration, respectively, adjusted for demographic characteristics. ResultsMean age was 36.9 ± 13.6 years; most were non-White (54.5%), 52.5% were transmasculine, and 22.6% were heterosexual. Mean sleep disturbance score was 17.2 ± 6.1 (range 6-30) and 52% reported short sleep duration. We identified 3 minority stress clusters. Compared to participants with low SC/low GRD, those with high SC/low GRD (B 3.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.64, 5.01) and high SC/high GRD (B 4.51, 95% CI = 2.63, 6.39) had worse sleep disturbance scores. Participants in the high SC/high GRD cluster were more likely to report short sleep duration relative to the low SC/low GRD cluster (adjusted odds ratios 2.17; 95% CI = 1.11-4.26). ConclusionsParticipants with both high SC and high GRD had worse sleep health. Future longitudinal studies should examine factors that drive the link between gender minority stress and sleep health in gender minority individuals to inform sleep health interventions tailored for this population.

Potentially Traumatic Events and the Association Between Gender Minority Stress and Suicide Risk in a Gender-Diverse Sample.

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals are at an elevated risk of trauma exposure and other negative mental and physical health outcomes. The present study examined the interaction between minority stressors, reported potentially traumatic events (PTEs), and suicide risk (i.e., ideation and behavior) in a TGD sample. A convenience sample of 155 self-identified TGD individuals completed questionnaires assessing distal (e.g., gender-related discrimination) and proximal (e.g., internalized transphobia) gender identity-related stressors, lifetime PTE history, and suicide risk. The results of a mediation analysis demonstrated that proximal stressors partially mediated the association between distal stressors and suicide risk, B = 1.12, t(152) = 3.72, p < .01, 95% CI [0.53, 1.72], and the results of a moderated mediation analysis showed that the interaction term was not significant, and that the number of PTEs did not moderate the mediation model that examined proximal stressors as a mediator of the association between distal stressors and suicide risk, F(3, 151) = 18.74, MSE = 0.75, R2 = 0.27, B = 0.07, t(151) = 0.89, p = .371, 95% CI [-0.08, 0.21]. These findings suggest that minority stressors may contribute to suicide risk in a TGD population above and beyond the impact of trauma exposure. Risk reduction efforts for suicide risk may be enhanced by attending to minority stressors in addition to PTEs.

Gender differences in barriers to mental healthcare for UK military veterans: a preliminary investigation

IntroductionLimited UK research focuses on female military veterans’ gender-related experiences and issues when accessing civilian mental healthcare support. This study sought to illuminate a preliminary understanding of any gender differences...

Double jeopardy: Minority stress and the influence of transgender identity and race/ethnicity

Background: Prior research suggests transgender individuals with multiple minority statuses experience higher psychological stress compared to their singly disadvantaged counterparts, and both Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and transgender minorities experience more frequent and severe forms of discrimination than White and cisgender individuals. Aims: This study aims to examine racial/ethnic differences in gender-related discrimination and psychological distress within a sample of transgender individuals. Methods: Using data from a convenience sample of 99 self-identified transgender adults recruited through North American LGBTQ organizations, data were analyzed to determine the relationship between race/ethnicity, gender minority stress, and psychological distress. Results: When White and BIPOC participants are compared, no significant group differences were found in levels of gender discrimination or victimization. However, some individual racial/ethnic groups reported significantly higher or lower scores and results indicate that changes in reported gender minority stress are in fact positively correlated with reported psychological distress. Conclusion: This research highlights that BIPOC are a heterogeneous group; by solely examining race/ethnicity as a binary variable, studies mask potential important differences among different groups.

Gender discrimination in societal and familial realms: Understanding agency among Chinese marriage migrant women in Switzerland

To understand the agency of Chinese marriage migrant women in Switzerland in their everyday life, the present article examines the reasons why Chinese women marry European men and their post-migratory life in Switzerland. Based on interviews with Chinese marriage migrant women, the article discusses their gendered representations before migration (as “leftover women” or “divorced women”) to being “foreign wives” after migration to Switzerland. Their migration from China to Switzerland also resulted to a change in their roles from “professional women” to “homemakers.” The gender-related discrimination the women encountered from China to their post-migration life in Switzerland demonstrates a continuum of gender discrimination in which they highly exert their agency that has also been enhanced by acts of resistance.

The buffer of resilience in the relations of gender-related discrimination, rejection, and victimization with depression among Chinese transgender and gender non-conforming individuals

Background: According to the minority stress theory, the minority stressors of gender-related discrimination, rejection, and victimization will increase depression in the transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) population. However, few studies focused on these relations in the context of mainland China, and the positive perspective of their resilience still remained unstudied.Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 361 TGNC individuals through the online community of TGNC people. The participants were involved in this study by measuring their experiences of gender-related discrimination, rejection, victimization, resilience, and depression. The SPSS and PROCESS were used to assess the relations of the studied variables.Results: High rates of gender-related discrimination, rejection, and victimization were reported by TGNC participants in this study (80.1%, 98.9%, and 77.0% accordingly). The participants who had experienced gender-related discrimination and victimization showed a significantly higher level of depression than those who never experience such unfair treatments. Besides, gender-related discrimination and resilience significantly contributed to the variance of the depression (R2 adjusted=0.344, F=21.674, p<0.01), and their resilience was found to play a moderating role between discrimination and depression.Limitations: A longitudinal study may need to examine the causal effects, and the limitations of the online data should be noted.Conclusions: The Chinese TGNC people are living in a relatively unfavorable environment with experiencing high rates of gender-related unfair treatments, which can be detrimental to their mental health status. However, their resilience can be a buffer for them in facing adversity. Intervention and educational programs might be developed accordingly.

Durchsetzungsdefizite bei Gleichbehandlungsgeboten am Beispiel des Gender Pricing

Gender Pricing is a widespread phenomenon. According to various studies, women-specific products and services often are more costly than comparable versions of products and services for men. As products made for women are frequently coloured pink, Gender Pricing is referred to as “pink tax”. European anti-discrimination legislation imposes restrictions on gender-related price discrimination. The 2004 Gender Directive bans discrimination in the field of goods and services. In principle, the directive prohibits any less favourable treatment of men or women by reason of their gender. Nevertheless, the additional price added on products intended for women is widely accepted. This raises the question of whether Gender Pricing points to a lack of law enforcement. Against this backdrop, the scope of the legal restrictions imposed on Gender Pricing will be analysed. Subsequently, the challenges of implementing anti-discrimination laws must be taken into account. Finally, conclusions will be drawn on possible courses of action to enhance their mandatory strength.

The life course of homeless female Veterans: Qualitative study findings

Introduction: Homelessness among Veterans is a significant problem in the United States, and female Veterans, one of the fastest-growing groups in the homeless population, are four times more likely to become homeless than their male peers. The purpose of this article is to share findings of a qualitative study that examined the life course that created a pathway into homelessness for 14 female Veterans in the United States. Methods: Data were collected using a life history grid and semi-structured interview guide in two 90-minute face-to-face interviews with each participant. Qualitative content analysis of the interview transcripts was conducted to identify major themes across the lifespans of study participants. Results: Six major themes shared by the participants emerged: traumatic experiences across the lifespan, entering the military to escape circumstances, racism, gender-related discrimination and sexism, difficulty transitioning from military to Veteran status, and positive childhood experiences and proud moments during military service. Discussion: The findings suggest a range of policy, housing and service needs. The study demonstrates the unique experiences of female Veterans that require gender-specific responses. The female Veterans in this study experienced exposure to multiple traumatic events pre-military, during service, and post service. Female Veterans’ increased risk of becoming homeless indicates the need for practitioners to address mental health, substance use, re-integration stability, and other health care needs and use trauma-informed interventions to ensure high-quality care. Practitioners also need to be well-versed in military and Veteran culture to provide the linkages to care and support systems required by these Veterans.

A Comparative Analysis of the Status of Homosexual Men in Indonesia and the Philippines

Gender related discrimination has increased pervasively, especially as the fight for equality and acceptance takes center stage in the past few years. Women persistently demand the right to stand equally with men, and likewise, the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Community (LGBTQI) seek the same equity. However, responses to gender and sexuality issues vary greatly across the world. The LGBTQI population is also difficult to determine given the intolerance of some Countries towards this community. On the topic of homosexuality, attitudes and presumptions prevail and act as barriers in acceptance of the ‘gay’ community. These obstacles hail from a multitude of concerns, spanning the areas of culture, religion and ethnicity, amongst others. This study seeks to analyze and determine the treatment of homosexual men in two multicultural countries: Indonesia and the Philippines. Repeated reports of gay suppression in Indonesia are a stark contrast to the seemingly high tolerance that gay people enjoy in the Philippines. This paper outlines the causes of these opposing treatments for gay communities in Indonesia and the Philippines.

Stigmatization, Resilience, and Mental Health Among a Diverse Community Sample of Transgender and Gender Nonbinary Individuals in the U.S.

Transgender and gender nonbinary (TGNB) individuals were recently designated a health disparity population by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. We examined the effect of gender-related discrimination and resilience factors on the mental health of a community sample diverse in gender identity, age, and race/ethnicity. We report on the baseline data of a longitudinal study of transgender identity development across the lifespan with 330 TGNB individuals recruited through venue-based recruitment in three major metropolitan areas in the U.S. Mean age of participants was 34.4years (SD= 13.7). Structured interviews collected self-report data on sociodemographics, gender-related discrimination, mental health, and resilience. We used hierarchical regression to examine the association between gender-related discrimination and psychological distress (BSI-18) and tested the moderating effect of family support, transgender community connectedness, gender literacy, and transgender activism on this relationship. In adjusted analyses, gender-related discrimination was positively associated with psychological distress. Family support was negatively associated with psychological distress. Contrary to our expectations, gender literacy and transgender activism were positively associated with psychological distress, while no significant relationship was found for transgender community connectedness. Family support, transgender community connectedness, gender literacy, and transgender activism did not moderate the effect of gender-related discrimination on psychological distress. Future mental health interventions should consider leveraging family support among TGNB individuals. Longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the role of gender literacy and activism with respect to mental health and development of identity and resilience among TGNB people.

Linguistic discrimination in start-up counselling

The foundation of a company places high demands on the people who found it. By consequence, they often ask for counselling services, especially in the initial phase. At the same time, the ratio of start-ups by men and women remains largely unchanged at 2:1 in Germany. Arguably, this ratio is promoted by start-up counselling. Based on this presumption, we ask whether gender-related discrimination already occurs during the first contact in the start-up counselling. We evaluate findings from e-mail returns from fictitious enquiries to start-up counselling institutions with the help of established linguistic categories. Our results reveal various discriminatory tendencies and at the same time open up new approaches to research.

Intimate relationship strengths and challenges amongst a sample of transgender people living in the United States

Many transgender people enjoy positive intimate relationships, however such relationships exist within a context of broader discrimination, specifically cisgenderism. The present study sought to investigate the relationships between demographic variables, significant other support, relationship satisfaction, resiliency, past relationship experiences and future relationship expectations, and gender-related discrimination amongst a convenience sample of transgender people living in the United States. 345 participants completed an online questionnaire designed by the authors assessing psychological distress, relationships with partners, and partner support. Findings suggest that participants had some difficulties in negotiating past relationships, though remained hopeful about future relationships. This was especially true for those who lived with animal companions and who reported higher levels of resiliency. Participants currently in relationships reported relatively high levels of significant other support (and this was especially true for participants in relationships with other transgender people), and such support was related to lower levels of psychological distress, though this was less true for older and/or agender participants. Participants were on average satisfied with their current relationships, though this was particularly true for participants with higher incomes. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of the findings for clinicians who work with transgender people and their partners.