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Using artificial intelligence to detect discrimination

Researchers developed an AI tool to detect discrimination in salaries and policing, using causality-based counterfactual inference algorithms. The tool was tested on various datasets and found evidence of gender-based discrimination in salary, with women having lower odds of receiving a salary over $50,000 per year.

Why money cannot 'buy' housework

A new study by Lancaster University finds that household finances and control of financial decisions are linked to the time spent on routine housework, with women doing most of it. Despite earning more, women have limited control over their own earnings and household finances, leading to a glass ceiling in the labour market.

SourceLancaster University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJun 24, 2019

The Wikipedia gender gap

A recent University of Washington study found that women and non-binary editors face harassment, doxxing, and death threats on Wikipedia. To create safe spaces, these individuals use sophisticated tactics for managing online identities and boundaries.

The Neolithic precedents of gender inequality

The study analyzed life conditions, demographic aspects, funerary practices and genetic data to conclude that male domination emerged in later periods. Archaeological evidence suggests men's association with violence and force played a key role in shaping social complexity.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalEuropean Journal of Archaeology·DateJun 10, 2019

The Lancet: Health progress threatened by neglect of gender

A new Lancet Series highlights persistent failures by governments and health institutions to address gender equality despite its impact on health. The series presents evidence-based recommendations to reduce gender inequality, reform workplaces, fill data gaps, empower civil society, and strengthen accountability.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 30, 2019

Structural sexism: FSU researcher offers new perspective on gender and health inequality

A new study by FSU Assistant Professor Patricia Homan found that living in a state with high levels of structural sexism worsens health outcomes for both men and women, with chronic conditions and poor physical function on the rise. States with lower levels of sexism, such as Maryland and California, had better health profiles.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMay 29, 2019

Study questions European Parliament's perception as champion of gender equality

A study critically examines the European Parliament's perception as a champion of gender equality, revealing institutional culture characterized by gender stereotypes and different expectations towards male and female MEPs. The findings highlight shortcomings in maternity/paternity leave rights and the challenges faced by women in bala...

SourceWiley·JournalJCMS Journal of Common Market Studies·DateMay 22, 2019

Want to eliminate workplace bias? Watch your rating system, study says

A study by University of Toronto researchers found that a six-point performance rating scale reduces the gender gap in ratings, with both sexes getting top rankings almost equally. Altering the ratings scale can limit the expression of pre-existing biases, such as stereotypes associating brilliant performance with men more than women.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMay 21, 2019

Study finds narrowing gender gap in youth suicides

A recent study found a disproportionate increase in female youth suicide rates compared to males, particularly among younger youth. The study's findings indicate a narrowing of the gender gap in youth suicides, suggesting that future work should examine gender-specific risk factors and inform intervention strategies.

SourceMediaSource·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 17, 2019

When a 'she' becomes an 'it'

A study published in Scientific Reports found that the human brain perceives women less humanity and more like an object when they are dressed in a swimsuit or underwear. This perception might trigger treatments typically observed in interactions with objects, leading to gender violence.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 30, 2019

Wakeup call: Pervasiveness of sexual harassment and its effect on female physics students

A survey of 471 undergraduate women physicists found that nearly three-quarters had experienced gender harassment, leading to diminished sense of belonging and imposter phenomenon. The study emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in physics departments to address sexual harassment and promote diversity and inclusion.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Physics Education Research·DateApr 22, 2019

'Lovely' and 'scientific' -- Medical student evaluations differ by gender and minority status

Researchers analyzed over 90,000 narrative medical school evaluations, finding significant differences in how female and underrepresented minority students are described. Evaluators often used personal descriptors to describe performance, with strikingly different words for men and women. The study also identified biases in descriptive...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 16, 2019

Study explores why 'progressive teetotalers' may emerge from college engineering programs

A recent study by the University of Kansas researcher Margaret Kelley found that first-year engineering students who hold progressive attitudes, including those about gender equity, are more likely to drink less. The researchers argue that this behavior becomes in conjunction with their more progressive attitudes on women in the profes...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalSociological Quarterly·DateMar 25, 2019

Current training of physicians to care for LGBTQ individuals is falling short

A study of over 800 medical residents found that standardized training is needed to address the unique clinical needs of LGBTQ patients, who face significant health issues due to discrimination and harassment. Despite improvements in knowledge after online training, resident training years had no impact on baseline scores.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateMar 15, 2019

Sensory stimuli improves brain damage in mouse models of preterm birth

A new study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona researchers shows that tactile and proprioceptive stimulation can improve the effects of perinatal hypoxic and ischemic brain injuries throughout life. In particular, male mice benefited from sensory stimulation with reduced neurological damage and improved functional capacities.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateMar 4, 2019

Women more likely to take Bible literally, but that may be tied to intimacy, not gender

A recent study from Baylor University found that women are more likely to believe the Bible is literally true than men. However, this may be because they report higher levels of closeness to God, which increases with prayer and Bible study. The study suggests that intimacy with God plays a key role in literalism, rather than gender.

SourceBaylor University·JournalJournal for the Scientific Study of Religion·DateFeb 19, 2019

Parenthood contributes to gender imbalance in STEM employment, but it's not just an issue for mother

A new study reveals that nearly half of new mothers and a quarter of new fathers leave their full-time STEM jobs within four to seven years of having their first child. This trend is attributed to cultural expectations and workplace obstacles, with women being more likely than men to switch to part-time work or leave the workforce alto...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

Game behavior can give a hint about player gender

Game behavior can be analyzed to predict a person's personality features, including gender. Researchers used machine learning on large amounts of game data from the Steam gaming platform to make accurate predictions. The study shows that even limited information about gameplay and achievements can provide good predictive values.

Smoking cessation strategies targeting stress reduction may be more successful in women

A recent study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that female smokers experience more stress and craving after viewing cellphone-delivered stress-inducing images than male smokers. This suggests that improving quit outcomes in women may require gender-specific cessation strategies. Researchers hope to use the data from this...

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJan 24, 2019