Gender Bias Research Articles

Gender, Issue Stereotypes, and the Electoral Returns to Distributive Politics in the United States

Elected officials can often successfully increase voter support in their district by “bringing home the bacon,” yet theory suggests that the electoral effects of such efforts may depend on the legislator’s gender and whether the legislator delivered benefits in a stereotypically feminine (e.g., healthcare) or masculine (e.g., agriculture) issue area. Using both observational and experimental data in the United States, we find weak, limited evidence that issue area conditions the electoral impact of credit claiming for legislators of either gender. In addition, we show that men and women are rewarded comparably when they secure benefits for their district, regardless of issue area. Our findings suggest that women legislators — typically more effective than men at securing these benefits — can use distributive politics and credit claiming as an effective electoral strategy without concern that issue-based gender biases in the electorate will get in the way.

Explicit Gender Stereotyping in Bilingualism: The Impact of the Foreign Language Effect

This study investigates how the language used to present lexical stimuli influences the expression of gender biases, with a particular focus on the “Foreign Language Effect” (FLE) – the phenomenon where using a foreign language affects judgment and reasoning. Italian native speakers (N=213), English native speakers (N=105), and Italian-English bilinguals (N=192) evaluated 58 words categorized into Power, Weakness, Warmth and Coldness domains for gender connotation. Results indicated consistent stereotypical associations across languages, albeit with variable strength. Critically, participants exhibited attenuated stereotyping when assessing words in a non-native language, providing further empirical validation for the FLE. Foreign language use appears to elicit less automatic social biases, potentially due to decreased emotional activation and increased cognitive distance that occur when processing information in a less proficient language. Additionally, this reduction in stereotyping may be attributed to less exposure to and internalization of sexist language in a second language. By demonstrating the role of language in modulating bias expression, these insights have implications for understanding sociocultural perception formation and developing equitable language policies.

A Controlled Experiment in Age and Gender Bias When Reading Technical Articles in Software Engineering

A Controlled Experiment in Age and Gender Bias When Reading Technical Articles in Software Engineering

Psychosocial Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Women’s Mental Health

Women mental health and impact of psychosocial factors on it, is highlighted in various psychological & clinical studies, due to pandemic made it a matter of more focus. Studying the long-term impacts of the coronavirus on society, our mind, body and its analysis perhaps will take more time. Out of the total population, a number of people felt a disrupted sleep as a hallmark of the pandemic, and suffered from depression, insomnia, irritability, violence including domestic violence, distress, work pressure due to online culture of work, and other related negative mental health symptoms as idiosyncratic attributes especially in covid sufferers. Covid-19 pandemic has altered family dynamics. More screen time, unended & fluctuated routines, for working women dissolving boundaries in workplace and personal life altered & flicking habits, all impacted mental health adversely. The human brain is evolved to live in social groups & wired for social interactions, epidemiological studies conducted on covid survivors, convalescents & victims shows altered brain biochemistry due to various psychosocial factors including financial losses, social isolation, intimate partner’s negative mental state, discrimination, disrupted sleep & routines, etc. Pandemic might has altered the romantic and loving relationships, and adversity of such psychosocial factors impacted people. Psychological strengths and resilience mainly depend on social determinants like social support, social culture, respect, engagement at workplace, parenting style in childhood & emotional attachment, society & family bonds, self-regulation & behavior controlling, and collective efficacy, all these determinants are positively associated with self-esteem that have direct impact on enhancing psychological strengths. Population for the study as participants were females in early adulthood & studying, professional and housewives. For data analysis, the statistical tools, descriptive, co-relational and regression analysis is used. The study focuses on effect of adverse aspects of adversity like pandemics financial crises like job losses, allowances or salary deductions, led to economic abuses, and somewhere gender discrimination, sexual abuse, household workload, escalation in family members expectations and responsibilities, adverse impact of these psychosocial factors on women’s mental health and role of education, knowledge, skills, and aptitude i.e. abilities & cognitive competencies in coping and managing the adversities like pandemic.

Claiming Space for Oneself: Feminist Reading of Smriti Ravindra's The Woman Who Climbed Trees

The Woman Who Climbed Trees (2023) by Smriti Ravindra is a soul-stirring novel that showcases the miserable plight of women in a society governed by males. Marriage, gender discrimination, power relations between male and female, and toils of women in the family lead to their confinement within the frameworks staked out for them by men. Women suffer, are subjugated and subordinated, and are yet indispensible for running the family, where they are pulled by the traditional roles trusted upon her. But women's access to education, employment, and socio political awareness has helped them achieve personhood. They no longer want to be connected to and defined by the societal and cultural norms of the patriarchal structure. The objective of this paper, therefore, is to examine and explore the theme of how women in the novel make resistance, claim space for themselves, and search for their identity. Through the lives of three women across different generations, Kaveri, Meena, and Priti, the novelist beautifully captures the complexities of love, acceptance, estrangement, and self-discovery, highlighting the evolution of self-assertion. The novel serves as a poignant exploration of human experience, anchored by protagonists, whose journeys serve as a microcosm of broader societal dynamics. Applying feminism as a research framework, this study delves into the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery and her challenges to patriarchal constraints. The analysis elucidates how the women in the novel navigate and resist a male-dominated social labyrinth.

What leads to a professorship in German economics? A longitudinal analysis of tenure determinants (1984–2021)

ABSTRACT This study uses event history analysis to show what promotes tenure in German economics, utilizing a unique and virtually complete national dataset that includes 70,657 publications from 3955 economists, of which 1196 received tenure between 1984 and 2021. While existing theories emphasize that gender discrimination, parenthood, human capital, academic prestige, and social capital explain who is tenured, no study has thus far evaluated these factors concurrently across an entire national population of economists. Our findings reveal that fewer women receive tenure than would be expected based on their representation in the candidate pool. However, gender, parenthood, and non-reviewed publications do not significantly influence tenure attainment after controlling for covariates. Instead, mobility, accessing advanced career stages, and peer-reviewed journal articles are most strongly related to receiving tenure. Independently of productivity, academic prestige, such as receiving grants and awards, also impacts tenure prospects significantly, as does social capital, measured through research mobility, interim professorships and co-authorships. Being affiliated with prestigious universities shows minimal effects on receiving tenure, however. These findings imply that mobility, moving up career stages and being productive by publishing peer-reviewed journal articles are the strongest determinants of becoming a tenured economics professor in Germany.

Sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual assault in UK radiology training: a national survey

Sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual assault in UK radiology training: a national survey

Assessing Gender and Racial Bias in Large Language Model‐Powered Virtual Reference

ABSTRACTTo examine whether integrating large language models (LLMs) into library reference services can provide equitable services to users regardless of gender and race, we simulated interactions using names indicative of gender and race to evaluate biases across three different sizes of the Llama 2 model. Tentative results indicated that gender test accuracy (54.9%) and racial bias test accuracy (28.5%) are approximately at chance level, suggesting LLM‐powered reference services can provide equitable services. However, word frequency analysis showed some slight differences in language use across gender and race groups. Model size analysis showed that biases did not decrease as model size increased. These tentative results highlight a positive outlook on integrating LLMs into reference services, while underscoring the need for cautious AI integration and ongoing bias monitoring.

Gender differences in spine surgery for degenerative lumbar disease: prospective cohort study.

Despite efforts toward achieving gender-based equality in clinical trial enrollment, females are frequently underrepresented and gender-specific data analysis is lacking. Identifying and addressing gender bias in medical decision-making and outcome reporting may facilitate more equitable healthcare delivery. This study aimed to determine if gender differences exist in the clinical evaluation and surgical management of patients with degenerative lumbar conditions. Consecutive adult patients undergoing spinal surgery for degenerative lumbar conditions (disc herniation [DH], spinal canal stenosis [SCS], and degenerative spondylolisthesis [DS]) were prospectively enrolled across 16 tertiary academic centers. Outcome domains included pain, disability, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), expectations of surgery, and satisfaction with surgical outcome. Covariates pertaining to the preoperative use of healthcare resources, diagnostic testing, and visits to healthcare providers were compared between genders before and after propensity score matching for 13 baseline demographic and procedural variables. Data were analyzed for 5038 patients (2396 female, 2642 male) with degenerative spinal pathologies including SCS (40.2%), DS (33.2%), and DH (26.6%). Surgical treatment effect was similar for both genders. For all conditions, female patients had worse pre- and postoperative pain, disability, and HRQOL. Significant gender differences were identified for marital status, education, employment status, exercise activities, and disability claims. Female patients were more likely to use select medications, diagnostic imaging tests, and nonsurgical therapeutic interventions, and access various healthcare providers. Findings were similar following post hoc propensity score matching. In this multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study, male and female patients benefitted similarly from surgery for degenerative lumbar spine disease. However, female patients had worse preoperative clinical assessment scores and were more likely to use select healthcare resources.

EXPLOITATION OF WOMEN IN THE CHANGING POWER DYNAMICS

This research examines the role of women in political oligarchy and their potential to change power dynamics. Political oligarchy concentrates power in the hands of a few, often overlooking women's roles within this structure. Feminist intersectionality reveals that social class significantly influences women's involvement in oligarchy, with greater barriers for women from lower economic classes. Women's participation in politics, both as leaders and members of political parties, is crucial for representing their unique needs in policy-making. However, women in decision-making roles often face cultural and normative dilemmas, needing to overcome negative stereotypes. The feminist movement plays a vital role in addressing gender inequality by changing cultural norms and raising awareness of gender bias. Although the Constitution of Indonesia and international conventions affirm gender equality, implementation requires specific policies. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method, collecting data from literature, official documents, and news sources. Findings indicate that women's roles in political oligarchy are often tied to kinship relations, political clans, and dynasties. Despite affirmative action policies promoting 30% female representation in legislative candidate lists, this representation often serves to validate the interests of certain groups. Nonetheless, women's involvement in politics is a positive step toward gender equality. Addressing gender inequality and increasing women's participation in decision-making requires robust efforts to support women's rights and dismantle social and political barriers. Further policy implementation to support women's political representation is essential for a more inclusive and gender-equal society.

Gender differences in the management and outcomes of acute coronary syndrome in indians: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundGender differences in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) outcomes have been noted in global data, which however did not analyse Indian data. No prior systematic review and meta-analysis (SRM) has addressed this important aspect of gender bias in Indian women with ACS. Hence this SRM aimed to address this knowledge gap. MethodsElectronic databases were searched for studies in ACS comparing cardiovascular disease presentation, treatment received and outcomes in women and men from India. Primary outcomes were to evaluate gender-differences in 30-day death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Secondary outcomes were to evaluate gender-differences in presentation, management and mortality. The SRM is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023477286). ResultsFrom initially screened 3753 articles, data from 9 studies (61,185 patients) were analysed. Women with ACS had higher prevalence of diabetes [Odds ratio (OR) 1.65(95%CI:1.33–2.04); p < 0.001; I2 = 95 %] and hypertension [OR2.06(95%CI:1.88–2.25); p < 0.001; I2 = 42 %]. Smoking was significantly lower in women [OR 0.05(95%CI:0.03–0.07); p < 0.001; I2 = 87 %]. Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) was significantly higher in women [OR 1.92(95%CI:1.66–2.21); p < 0.001; I2 = 0 %]. Diagnostic angiography [OR 0.64(95%CI:0.56–0.74); p < 0.001; I2 = 46 %] and percutaneous coronary interventions [OR0.71(95%CI:0.55–0.92); p = 0.01; I2 = 92 %] were significantly lower in women. Women had significantly higher 30-day mortality [Hazard ratio (HR)2.26(95%CI:2.01–2.55); p < 0.001; I2 = 6 %], 1-year mortality [HR2.41(95%CI:1.89–3.07); p < 0.001; I2 = 53 %], in-hospital death [HR1.88(95%CI:1.19–2.96); p = 0.007; I2 = 92 %], stroke [HR 1.84 (95%CI:1.34–2.52); p < 0.001; I2 = 0 %] and MACE outcomes [OR 2.05 (95%CI:1.78–2.35); p < 0.001]. Use of aspirin, clopidogrel, beta-blockers and nitrates were significantly lower in women. ConclusionOur study highlights worse outcomes in Indian women with ACS. Higher burden of diabetes and hypertension, decreased used of PCI and lesser aggressive pharmacotherapy may be some of the contributing factors.

Simulation study: Seeking fairness in a high-stakes placement test

The primary objective of Cognitive Diagnostic Assessment (CDA) lies in problem solving processes to systematically categorize test takers in mastery/non-mastery groups. What is of concern is using some attributes in reading comprehension test item options which are suspected to bias, and is simulating unbiased test items in a reversed engineering attempt. To this end, 4200 PhD candidates who sat for the examination were randomly selected. A Q-matrix was constructed, and raw data were fed into the R-studio software. Two groups of female and male differences were considered for the Differential Item Functioning (DIF) detection based on the Deterministic Inputs, Noisy “and” Gate (DINA) model. Results of the simulation study revealed that in 100 times of item generations, items were non-significant in favor of gender bias. In conclusion, this study was an attempt to determine whether an item identified with DIF is a correct detection or failed to be identified in fine-grained details.

Are some piece rates better than others? Cross-sectional variation in piece rates at a US cotton factory

While piece rates were a common form of payment in manufacturing, historians have rarely tried to understand the cross-sectional structure of piece-rate prices. This paper examines piece rates paid to weavers at a US cotton factory and demonstrates that in most cases expected daily earnings were constant across different piece rates. While some rates did result in higher daily earnings, there is no evidence of gender discrimination in the assignment of such rates.

Impact Of Brain Drain and Factors Contributing to Migration of Staff Abroad in The University of Ibadan

This study examines the impact of brain drainage and factors contributing to migration of universities staff abroad. A Well-structured questionnaire was developed to gather information needed from the universities staff in the University of Ibadan. The result shows that migration of university staff abroad is not owned to perceived gender discrimination but is owned to insecurity, naira fall, political and economic instability, unfriendly working condition and insufficient wages. Furthermore, there is evidence of increased willingness to relocate among those that are yet to relocate with no evidence of any educational career development opportunities which has the potential of reducing brain drainage if it is sufficiently available. Thus, the study recommends the provision of educational career development opportunities in government fight against brain drainage

Gender Bias in Text-to-Image Generative Artificial Intelligence When Representing Cardiologists

Introduction: While the global medical graduate and student population is approximately 50% female, only 13–15% of cardiologists and 20–27% of training fellows in cardiology are female. The potentially transformative use of text-to-image generative artificial intelligence (AI) could improve promotions and professional perceptions. In particular, DALL-E 3 offers a useful tool for promotion and education, but it could reinforce gender and ethnicity biases. Method: Responding to pre-specified prompts, DALL-E 3 via GPT-4 generated a series of individual and group images of cardiologists. Overall, 44 images were produced, including 32 images that contained individual characters and 12 group images that contained between 7 and 17 characters. All images were independently analysed by three reviewers for the characters’ apparent genders, ages, and skin tones. Results: Among all images combined, 86% (N = 123) of cardiologists were depicted as male. A light skin tone was observed in 93% (N = 133) of cardiologists. The gender distribution was not statistically different from that of actual Australian workforce data (p = 0.7342), but this represents a DALL-E 3 gender bias and the under-representation of females in the cardiology workforce. Conclusions: Gender bias associated with text-to-image generative AI when using DALL-E 3 among cardiologists limits its usefulness for promotion and education in addressing the workforce gender disparities.

Chronic Pain and Chronic Bias in Women’s Healthcare

Gender bias against women with respect to the treatment of chronic pain is evident in several ways. Recent studies reveal that women receive poorer pain management care and have less access to such care. Such disparities are further perpetuated in the type of pain management offered to females in the form of psychotherapy as compared to men who typically receive pharmacological medications. The 2023 documentary Below the Belt shows real life journeys of women battling endometriosis, illustrating how the medical system in modern America marginalizes female pain management. Women’s health issues receive less research funding, inspiring the gender biases that are prevalent across all aspects of medical healthcare and healthcare research. In addition, a lack of focus on gender and sex disparities in medical school curricula further perpetuates the problem, as medical practitioners are not educated on the differences in experience between populations. Raising issues of gender awareness and differences in care for males and females at the start of the medical journey enables the issue of gender bias in medical care to be dealt with at the root of the system. This paper aims to highlight the impact of gender bias in women’s healthcare for chronic pain within every step of the medical process.

Gender Representation in English Language Textbooks of Primary Education

Textbooks are carriers of social change. It is through textbooks and classroom experiences that from the stage of childhood in the school itself, students start learning to accept gender socialization, social norms, beliefs, gender roles, inequality, and bias. Hence, the need to make the textbooks gender neutral arises becausetheir analysis is necessary for this; it is in this light that the present study has analyzed English textbooks at the primary level of education in India toexaminethe incubation of gender stereotypes and bias. These were coupled with content analysis and qualitative and documentary research. The major findings reflect that gender patriarchy and bias are reflected in English textbooks.Overall, the results indicated that males were more prominently featured in textbooks, both in images and in text. Females were still underrepresented, had fewer diverse occupations, and were often depicted doing household chores in three textbooks. However, there were some positive portrayals and efforts to challenge stereotypes, with examples of gender-neutral language and activities shared by both genders.The findings of this study can also be used to shape policies at the state or national level in creating and applying guidelines for gender-neutral content in educational materials. These guidelines would guide the efforts of a textbook development agency,writers, and teachers in creating gender-sensitive curricula and textbooks.

PROMOVENDO ACESSO EQUITATIVO À EDUCAÇÃO PARA COMUNIDADES MARGINALIZADAS E GRUPOS VULNERÁVEIS

Equitable access to education is a global challenge that affects many marginalized communities and vulnerable groups, who often face significant barriers. This article explores the main obstacles encountered by these communities, such as economic barriers, structural inequalities, discrimination, and geographic limitations. Economic barriers include the lack of financial resources to cover educational costs, while structural inequalities reflect disparities in access to quality infrastructure and services. Discrimination can manifest in various forms, such as racial, ethnic, or gender bias, and geographic access issues refer to physical distance and inadequate infrastructure in remote areas. To promote truly equitable access, it is crucial to adopt strategies such as implementing inclusive educational policies, offering scholarship programs, and developing diversity-sensitive education. Additionally, community interventions and the use of educational technologies can play vital roles in overcoming these barriers. These strategies aim to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background, ethnicity, or location, could access quality education. By addressing these challenges collaboratively and implementing effective measures, we can move towards a more just and inclusive society, where education is genuinely accessible to everyone.

The Role of Judicial Activism in the Enforcement of Human Rights in Pakistan and its Impacts on Governance in Pakistan

This study examines how judicial activism impacts governance in Pakistan after the lawyer's movement with a focus on its effect on human rights, the rule of law, and accountability. The study uses mixed techniques to examine Supreme Court decisions and interventions that demonstrate the judiciary's role in protecting civil liberties and checking executive powers. Apex Court's activism on extrajudicial killings forced disappearances, and gender discrimination has advanced human rights, according to the findings. The research also shows how the judiciary has strengthened the rule of law by upholding and enforcing legal principles fairly, boosting public faith in legal institutions. The research also notes that alleged judicial overreach has caused problems between the legislative and executive branches due to the courts' wide interpretations of their authority. This detailed analysis highlights the delicate balance between judicial interventions and democratic government.

Social Reforms and Political Activism Unpacking the Dual Role of Khudai Khidmatgar Movement

This article examines the Khudai Khidmatgar Movement, led by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan popularly known as Fakhr-i-Afghan Bacha khan, which played a pivotal role in social reform and political activism in colonial India. Founded in 1929, the movement adopted non-violent resistance to British rule while also addressing deep-rooted social issues within Pashtun society, such as factionalism, illiteracy, poverty, social and gender discrimination and blood feuds. Implying indegounious values, knowledge and tools, Ghaffar Khan promoted education, unity, and peaceful coexistence among his people, challenging the British narrative of Pashtuns as inherently violent. The article explores how the movement, initially focused on socio-educational reforms, evolved into a powerful force advocating for Indian independence, aligning with other non-violent movements like those led by Gandhi. Despite significant obstacles from the British and local elites, the Khudai Khidmatgar gained mass support, with over 100,000 members at its peak. The article highlights the movement’s transformative impact on Pashtun society and its contributions to the broader anti-colonial struggle, positioning it as a significant yet underappreciated chapter in South Asian history. This articles has relied on both primamry and secondary data for qualitative analysis, with most reliance on primary sorces of data collection. For this purpose, extensive interviews were conducted.