Gender Stereotypes Research Articles

Redrawing Gender Boundaries in Selina Hossain’s River of My Blood

This study seeks to examine and reinterpret gender roles shown in the book River of My Blood (Hangor Nodi Grenade, titled in Bangla) by Selina Hossain. Hossain's (2016) work is a compelling story that questions conventional standards by emphasizing the changing experiences of its three central female characters, Boori, Nita, and Ramija. These people live in a society allegedly to be puritanical and misogynistic, in which women have little independence. They are faced with thoughtful questions on the political and sexual persecution of women as well as the differences in political processes. The book, set against the backdrop of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, offers an authentic and detailed account of a significant historical event. Through the characters in this book, the author, Selina Hossain, demonstrates her skill in examining the issue of identity while questioning stereotypical gender norms. This study examines the book's potential to inspire readers by challenging gender stereotypes and presenting perspectives on identity and social roles. This study employed a qualitative research approach, with thematic analysis being the primary method used for data collection. The study showed how the book challenges gender stereotypes and presents perspectives on identity and social roles.

Linguistic encoding of women’s agency in the German political discourse on abortion: A diachronic Critical Discourse Analysis

This research, rooted in the Critical Discourse Analysis framework, employs a mixed-methods approach to examine debates on abortion legislation in the German Bundestag. Focusing on the attribution of agency to women through semantic role assignment in the context of abortion procedures, the study utilises both qualitative analysis and quantitative data analysis techniques. Five debates spanning the 1970s, 1990s and 2010s were examined using the qualitative analysis tool MAXQDA. Results consistently indicate that arguments referring to women are predominantly assigned semantic roles associated with passivity and relatively low agency. This pattern persists regardless of the ideological stance, transcending divides between pro-life and pro-choice advocates. This perpetuates and reinforces the societal perception of women as passive, upholding a traditional gender stereotype within the discourse. A larger number of arguments referring to women were found in the pro-choice data compared to the pro-life data, indicating a greater emphasis on women within the argumentation of pro-choice speakers. The study underscores the enduring impact of language on shaping perceptions of women’s agency in the context of abortion legislation debates.

Linguistic analysis of gender stereotypes in the language of mass media

The aim of the research is a detailed analysis of language structures that spread and reproduce gender stereotypes in the field of mass media. The study employed the methods of analysis of language means of gender-oriented text, linguistic analysis of gender markers, comparative analysis for studying gendered vocabulary. Standard statistical methods and Cronbach’s alpha were also used. The use of linguistic means of gender-oriented text in English media discourse can vary depending on different factors such as genre, format, and target audience. For example, gender stereotypes are often used more frequently in news articles than in literary texts. This tendency is determined by the fact that news usually focus on specific events or problems, rather than on the persons involved. In the context of the media, gender stereotypes caused by an attempt to attach events a clear context and explanation, which can lead to greater use of gender distinctions. In contrast, the authors of fiction texts use more creativity and the opportunity to avoid stereotypes regarding gender roles. Further research may cover various aspects of gender equality, in particular, representation of different gender identities and the interaction between them in the linguistic space.

How gender differences in informal networking result in unequal access to interorganizational R&D projects

Women are underrepresented in interorganizational research & development (R&D) projects. This affects the innovativeness of such projects, the representation of female perspectives in the design of innovations and the career opportunities of women. Such projects often emerge from preceding interorganizational R&D projects and are particularly successful when they do so. We argue that instrumental networking in ongoing projects is constitutive for the formation of such follow-up collaborations and, further, that stereotypical gender roles hinder women’s participation in instrumental interactions with their current project partners. Hence, we assume that unequal opportunities to participate in follow-up projects can be attributed to women’s lesser involvement in instrumental networks. Empirically, we test our argument using data on 2746 directed and weighted personal relationships across 24 interorganizational R&D projects. We show that instrumental interactions are crucial for who initiates follow-up projects with which current partner. Furthermore, we can show that the low participation of women in these activities can be better explained by gender roles than by gender homophily. In doing so, we reveal an important cause of women's under-representation in R&D.

Nonbinary Voices for Digital Assistants—An Investigation of User Perceptions and Gender Stereotypes

Due to the wide adoption of digital voice assistants (DVAs), interactions with technology have also changed our perceptions, highlighting and reinforcing (mostly) negative gender stereotypes. Regarding the ongoing advancements in the field of human–machine interaction, a developed and improved understanding of and awareness of the reciprocity of gender and DVA technology use is thus crucial. Our work in this field expands prior research by including a nonbinary voice option as a means to eschew gender stereotypes. We used a between-subject quasi-experimental questionnaire study (female voice vs. male voice vs. nonbinary voice), in which n=318 participants provided feedback on gender stereotypes connected to voice perceptions and personality traits. Our findings show that the overall gender perception of our nonbinary voice leaned towards male on the gender spectrum, whereas the female-gendered and male-gendered voices were clearly identified as such. Furthermore, we found that feminine attributes were clearly tied to our female-gendered voice, whereas the connection of masculine attributes to the male voice was less pronounced. Most notably, however, we did not find gender-stereotypical trait attributions with our nonbinary voice. Results also show that the likability of our female-gendered and nonbinary voices was lower than it was with our male-gendered voice, and that, particularly with the nonbinary voice, this likability was affected by people’s personality traits. Thus, overall, our findings contribute (1) additional theoretical grounding for gender-studies in human–machine interaction, and (2) insights concerning peoples’ perceptions of nonbinary voices, providing additional guidance for researchers, technology designers, and DVA providers.

“We have to fight for our existence in the system”: exploring service providers’ experiences with male victims and female perpetrators of intimate partner violence

Purpose This study aims to investigate the experiences of service providers supporting male victims and female perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV). The study explored the drivers, methods and treatments of female-perpetrated IPV, the nature and impact of abuse towards male victims, the barriers and facilitators to service provision and the impact on the practitioners themselves. Design/methodology/approach The study used a qualitative approach, using reflexive thematic analysis to analyse semi-structured interviews with 13 experienced service providers. Findings Two overarching themes were identified: systemic issues in service provision, including challenges with multi-agency approaches, funding and availability of services and the impact on practitioners; and gender stereotypes, which created barriers to male victims' help-seeking and influenced the treatment of female perpetrators. Practical implications The findings suggest the need for a multi-level approach, addressing gendered inequalities in IPV policy and funding, implementing gender-inclusive, evidence-based and trauma-informed practices, and raising public and professional awareness to challenge the dominant “domestic violence stereotype”. Originality/value This study provides a detailed, in-depth exploration of the experiences of service providers supporting “non-typical” populations in IPV, revealing the complex, multi-faceted challenges they face within a system that is inherently designed to support female victims of male perpetrators.

Inclusive teaching of Italian L2/LS between language and gender identity

In some cases, the teaching of Italian as an L2/LS language continues to perpetuate gender stereotypes, sexist or discriminatory elements. When this is not the case, however, it often fails to offer those approaching the study of Italian the tools and materials to address relevant issues and themes in the contemporary debate such as gender identity and the importance of using inclusive language. Aware that the didactics of Italian can be a fundamental tool for building a context of coexistence of differences, we want to reflect on the Italian situation and present some didactic proposals that can allow to combine in the Italian classroom a language education a reflection on gender identity.

Critically Examining the Role of CSR Initiatives by Corporations in the Economic Independence of Women in Rural Areas

The study aims to critically examine the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in fostering the economic independence of women in rural areas. The research assesses the impact, effectiveness, and challenges associated with these initiatives through an extensive review of existing literature and an analysis of CSR practices adopted by five Indian corporations. Exploratory methodology is employed based on secondary data collected from various reputable sources such as online journals, articles, and official websites. Focusing on the societal responsibilities of businesses, the study delves into the specific CSR measures undertaken by corporations to empower women economically in rural India. Detailed case studies of initiatives by Hindustan Unilever Limited, ITC, Godrej and Boyce, Tata Motors, and HDFC Bank provide insights into the programs implemented, their reach, and their impact. These initiatives encompass diverse strategies such as skill development, self-help groups, mentorship, employment opportunities, micro-credit facilitation, and technological literacy to enhance women’s economic empowerment. This research also identifies and discusses various challenges hindering their effective implementation besides acknowledging the positive impact of these CSR initiatives. Traditional gender norms, lack of cultural understanding, inadequate engagement, and inefficient evaluation mechanisms are among the identified barriers that impede the success of these initiatives. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive strategies tailored to local contexts and suggest closer collaboration between corporations, NGOs, government agencies, and the community to ensure the success of CSR programs. The study concludes by emphasizing the significance of CSR in advancing women’s economic independence, breaking gender stereotypes, and fostering a sustainable future. The study put forth aims to address the identified challenges and enhance the efficacy of CSR initiatives targeting rural women, contributing to their empowerment and socio-economic development.

Reading Gender Stereotypes in Printed Advertisements

Semiotics describes how advertising messages manipulate the connection between ‘meaning’ and ‘reality’ by investigating how already determined meanings are attributed to given products, thus establishing methods of decoding their true meaning. Therefore, the central theme of the semiotic approach to advertising is establishing a connection between meaning and reality. To that extent, semiotics as the science of signs is not an abstract study but rather reflects the essence of social life emphasizing the multi-layered and dynamic character of meaning creation. Advertising messages, therefore, have as much meaning as they have ‘readers’. This research aimed to establish a connection between gender stereotypes and advertising messages, i.e. to point out the main gender stereotypes shown in advertising messages, and to determine whether, in the new century, there have been changes in the way and contexts of the portrayal of women and men in advertisements compared to of the same in the past. A total of 31 advertising messages displayed in a women’s magazine were examined. A detailed analysis of the visual representation of female and male bodies, symbols, body positioning, and products was conducted. Messages are direct and open. Human bodies are glorified by emphasizing a healthy, well-shaped, well-groomed female and male body as a symbol of the extension of the species. It has also been noted that advertising messages reflect changes in society and social expectations among members of both sexes.

“Who if Not a Mother?”: Development of Parental Leave Design in Russia

There is an established system of parental leave in Russia. According to the legislation, parental leave can be used not only by the mother, but also by the father or other relative of the child. Nevertheless, men rarely use this right; according to statistics, only 2% of Russian fathers go on parental leave instead of their spouse. The paper seeks to identify the underlying causes of this situation. To study the problem, we conducted a series of in-depth semi-formal interviews with mothers and fathers whose families were eligible for parental leave at the time of the study (n = 30). We have identified the perception of this stage of family life by both parents (as a “leave-work” or “leave-vacation”), the reasons for fathers’ refusal to actively engage in the situation, including the likelihood of mothers’ unwillingness to let fathers be involved. The reasons are classified into objective and subjective. Gender stereotypes are revealed from two positions: female and male. The results of the study indicate the need to transform the current system of parental leave in Russia and purposefully work with public opinion in this area.

Impostor phenomenon and its association with resilience in medical education – a questionnaire study among Swedish medical students

BackgroundConcern over medical students’ well-being is a global issue, with studies showing high psychological distress rates. Impostor Phenomenon (IP), i.e., underestimating one’s abilities, attributing success to external factors, and feeling like a fraud, has been implicated as one reason behind these troubling findings. Meanwhile, resilience has been suggested to protect against psychological distress. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of IP and its association with resilience among undergraduate medical students.MethodsThe Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS), the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and sociodemographic questions were completed by 457 medical students registered in their 2-10th semester at a Swedish university. Of the respondents, 62.6% identified as women, 36.1% as men, and 1.3% as others.ResultsThe prevalence of IP was 58.4% (defined as CIPS score ≥ 62). According to the CIPS scoring guidelines, 10.3% of participants had low IP, 29.5% moderate, 41.6% frequent, and 18.6% intense IP. Of all participants, almost 90% experienced at least moderate and 60.2% frequent to intense IP. Women had significantly higher CIPS scores and lower BRS scores than men. In contrast, neither attending semester nor age group significantly impacted CIPS scores. Finally, there was a moderate inverse correlation between the level of resilience and the prevalence of IP.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the majority of Swedish medical students feels like an impostor, and of these students, most do so frequently. Furthermore, IP is more prevalent among female students – who also show lower levels of resilience. Moreover, our results indicated that IP could hinder achieving higher resilience. Future longitudinal studies should investigate how gender norms may contribute to IP feelings and explore the potential advantages of counteracting IP and strengthening resilience among medical students. However, targeted interventions addressing individual students’ IP and resilience are insufficient. There is also a need to address structural aspects of the educational environment, such as gender stereotypes, that may contribute to IP.

Trends in the Transformation of Gender Stereotypes: Representation of Women’s Image in the Modern Media Space of Kazakhstan

The purpose of the study is to assess the transformation of women’s image in the modern media space of Kazakhstan. Using a mixed research approach, including a literature review, analysis of advertising materials, and expert surveys, the authors determine the role of the media in shaping the image of women. The results demonstrate that despite the growing trend towards diversity in women’s roles, traditional stereotypes persist, especially in the context of traditional gender roles. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing gender inequalities in different sectors, including politics, business, and public participation. The gradual transformation of women’s roles reflects social shifts influenced by globalization, feminism, and technological advances. The study underscores the need for further efforts to combat gender stereotypes and promote diverse portrayals of women in mass media. Despite the progress achieved, continued research, political measures, and initiatives to promote media literacy are needed to create a media landscape that would foster gender equality and expand the rights and opportunities of women in all spheres of social life.

Muslim women as “double ambassadors” of Islam: breaking stereotypes in everyday life and Muslim communities

ABSTRACT Drawing on interviews with Muslim female activists in Spain and Italy, we explore their role as ‘double ambassadors’. On the one hand, as van Es (2019) has shown in the Dutch case, Muslim female activists act as ambassadors of Islam in European societies by challenging gendered stereotypes. On the other, by analysing their feminism-related narratives, we suggest that they can also be interpreted as ambassadors of gender rights and feminism in Muslim communities.

Challenging Gender Stereotypes and Promoting Female Empowerment: A Feminist Analysis of "Legally Blonde"

Challenging Gender Stereotypes and Promoting Female Empowerment: A Feminist Analysis of "Legally Blonde"

The Stagnation of the Islamic Women's Organization Movement in the Swirl of Gender Stereotypes: Social Contribution in the Midst of Political Change

The Stagnation of the Islamic Women's Organization Movement in the Swirl of Gender Stereotypes: Social Contribution in the Midst of Political Change

Sufism Studies from a Gender Perspective: The Role and Experience of Rabiah Al-Adawiyah in the Sufi Tradition

Abstract: This study explores the role and experiences of Rabiah al-Adawiyah in the Sufi tradition with a focus on gender perspectives. Rabiah, as one of the central figures in the history of Sufism, is known for her significant contribution to the development of Sufism teachings, especially in the concept of divine love (mahabbah) and spiritual asceticism. This study uses a qualitative approach with a type of literature study to explore the poetry of a prominent Sufi woman, Rabiah al-Adawiyah, to understand how they responded to and shaped their views on spirituality in a context that is often dominated by male narratives. The research findings demonstrate that Rabiah not only enriched Sufi theology with a feminine perspective but also challenged gender stereotypes in Islamic spirituality. Rabiah al-Adawiyah emerges not only as an inspirational Sufi figure but also as a crucial symbol of women's spiritual potential within the Sufi tradition. Her contributions have left a profound spiritual legacy and continue to inspire contemporary discussions on equality and inclusivity in Islamic religious practice.

Being a Woman Is 100% Significant to My Experiences of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism: Exploring the Gendered Implications of an Adulthood Combined Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis.

This article provides original insight into women's experiences of adulthood diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism. Research exploring experiences of adulthood diagnoses of these conditions is emerging. Yet, there is no research about the gendered experiences of an adulthood combined ADHD and autism (AuDHD) diagnosis. This article addresses this gap through interpretative phenomenological analysis of email interviews with six late-diagnosed AuDHD women revealing the complex interplay between late diagnosis, being a woman, and combined diagnoses of ADHD and autism. It underscores how gender norms and stereotypes contribute to the oversight and dismissal of women's neurodivergence. Interpretative phenomenological analysis reveals the inextricability of femininity and neurotypicality, the gendered burden, discomfort, and adverse consequences of masking, along with the adverse outcomes of insufficient masking. Being an undiagnosed AuDHD woman is a confusing and traumatising experience with profound and enduring repercussions. The impact of female hormones exacerbated participants' struggles with (peri)menopause often being a catalyst for seeking diagnosis after decades of trauma. The epistemic injustice of not knowing they were neurodivergent compounded this trauma. Diagnosis enabled participants to overcome epistemic injustice and moved them into a feminist standpoint from which they challenge gendered inequalities relating to neurodiversity. This article aims to increase understanding and representation of late-diagnosed AuDHD women's lived experiences. The findings advocate for trauma-informed pre- and post-diagnosis support which addresses the gendered dimension of women's experiences of being missed and dismissed as neurodivergent. There needs to be better clinical and public understanding of how AuDHD presents in women to prevent epistemic injustice.

CEO fashion matters? Effect of consistent versus variable fashion style on perceived competence

AbstractThe present research examines how a temporal dimension of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) fashion style—consistent (vs. variable) fashion—influences stakeholders' perceptions of CEO competence. Based on the temporal aspect of attribution theory, we hypothesize that stakeholders perceive those CEOs who are consistent in their clothing across various occasions as more competent than CEOs who do not portray consistency. We also consider CEO gender a key moderator of the link between fashion consistency and perceived competence. Based on gender stereotypes and relatively unclear rules about women's clothing within professional settings, we hypothesize that the enhancement of perceived competence from a consistent fashion style is mitigated for female CEOs. Furthermore, by applying a zero‐sum belief in time management to CEOs' clothing decisions, we hypothesize that perceived work engagement mediates the “gender” moderation. Three studies, including a survey and two scenario‐based experiments in which we manipulate fashion consistency and CEO gender, largely supported the hypotheses. The results emphasize the importance for CEOs to strategically manage visual cues, like fashion style, focusing on either their consistency or variability when interacting with stakeholders across different occasions.

‘I Like Just to be Me’: Women’s Work and Cadbury’s Flake Television Advertising

Academic scholarship on the representation of women in British screen advertising from 1955 onwards has focused on issues related to the housewife, domestic labour and gender stereotypes. Taking Cadbury’s advertising for its chocolate bar Flake as a case study, this article asks whether the hypersexualisation attributed to the late twentieth century television commercials was inherent in the brand’s first television campaign of the 1950s. It finds that it was not, and the sexualisation of the ‘Flake girl’ arose both from the development in the late 1960s of a cluster of production companies and directors in London emulating American film styles, and from the merger of Cadbury with Schweppes in 1969. The article examines representations of women’s work in the early chocolate television commercials of both the Quaker companies Rowntree and Cadbury, and finds that, contrary to popular assumption, they offered representations of female identity and value aligned to the early advocates of women’s rights, economic independence, and freedom from domestic labour.

Gender barriers to career growth and support programs for women managers

In the modern world, where equality and justice are the key principles of social development, the issue of gender equality in the workplace is becoming particularly relevant. This article analyzes the gender barriers that women face in the process of career growth and examines effective support programs aimed at strengthening their positions in leadership roles. Purpose of the research – analyze gender barriers to leadership positions and evaluate the eff ectiveness of support programs for women leaders. Methodology – use of such methods of analysis as comparison, collation, systematization and statistical analysis. Originality / value – manifested in an integrated approach to the problem of gender inequality in career growth, which takes into account both structural and institutional, as well as individual and socio-cultural aspects. Findings – consist in the formulation of specifi c strategies and recommendations for organizations and government agencies to eliminate gender barriers in career growth. This includes the development of effective mentoring and sponsorship programs, the creation of educational and training programs, as well as the introduction of changes in corporate culture to reduce gender bias and stereotypes. The recommendations presented in the article can be used to shape gender equality policies and create a more equitable and inclusive work environment in various organizations and industries.