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What scientists know -- and don't know -- about sexual orientation

A comprehensive review of scientific research on sexual orientation reveals that non-heterosexual feelings are a small but nontrivial percentage of the population across cultures. The study suggests that biological and environmental factors jointly influence sexual orientation, with no evidence to support social learning or increased p...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateApr 25, 2016

Why education doesn't bring women equal pay

A global study reveals that despite closing the education gap with men, women still face significant barriers to accessing quality jobs and government representation. Women have reached 91% of men's education levels but only 70% of their employment rate and 25% of political representation.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of African Development·DateApr 15, 2016

How have gender stereotypes changed in the last 30 years?

A new study found that gender stereotypes are as strong today as they were 30 years ago, with people believing men avoid traditional female roles. Despite greater diversity, participants continued to strongly stereotype men and women on personality traits, gender role behaviors, occupations, and physical characteristics.

SourceSAGE·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateMar 9, 2016

Why the 'Johnny Depp Effect' doesn't always work

A recent study found that when people rate the attractiveness of gender-blended face morphs, they tend to judge them as less appealing if initially classified by gender. However, this effect only occurs when people are asked to categorize the face by gender before being shown the blended image

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 29, 2016

Women are seen more than heard in online news

The study found men's views and voices are represented more in online news than women's, while women appear proportionally more in images. Women feature more in fashion and entertainment articles, but are least present in sports and politics topics. The research highlights the marginalization of women's voices in the media.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 3, 2016

Self-esteem gender gap more pronounced in western nations

Research by American Psychological Association found that self-esteem tends to increase with age, but the gender gap is more significant in Western industrialized countries. The study analyzed data from over 985,000 men and women ages 16-45 from 48 countries, revealing that specific cultural influences shape self-esteem development in ...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 4, 2016

Imbalanced gender ratios could affect views about casual sex and hook-up culture

An experimental study found that an imbalanced gender ratio affects views about casual sex, with women more willing to engage in casual sex when they outnumber men. Men, on the other hand, tend to place less importance on casual sex and be more open to long-term commitment when there are more women than men.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateDec 9, 2015

A window into sexuality

A study by Meredith Chivers found that heterosexual women exhibit diverse patterns of sexual response to both male and female stimuli, challenging previous assumptions about heterosexuality. The research suggests a more nuanced understanding of the relationships between sexual identity, attractions and genital responses.

SourceQueen's University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 2, 2015

Eating to impress

A Cornell University study found men will eat significantly more food in the company of women than other men, consuming 93% more pizza and 86% more salad. When dining with men, many women felt they overate and were rushed through their meal.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalEvolutionary Psychological Science·DateNov 17, 2015

Business as plan B

UCSB sociologist Sarah Thébaud's research reveals that family leave policies significantly influence women's entrepreneurial decisions and business outcomes. In countries with generous work-family policies, women are more likely to remain in traditional employment or switch careers, rather than relying on self-employment as a fallback....

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAdministrative Science Quarterly·DateNov 5, 2015

Who's the 'enviest' of them all?

A recent study by UC San Diego researchers found that young adults experience envy more frequently than older adults, particularly in regards to physical appearance and academic success. The study also revealed that men and women tend to envy someone of the same age group, with younger participants reporting envy over looks and romance.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBasic and Applied Social Psychology·DateNov 4, 2015

How stereotypes hurt

A new study led by USC researcher Cleopatra Abdou found that people who encountered negative stereotypes in healthcare settings reported adverse effects, including hypertension, depression, and poor self-rated health. The researchers highlight the need for inclusive policies to reduce healthcare stereotype threat and promote health dis...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 20, 2015

New CEO's gender may affect company performance

The study, which analyzed data from 3,320 CEO successions in China's Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges, found that male-to-female succession tends to have lower postsuccession performance than same-gender succession. Companies with female CEOs also experienced higher early departure rates.

SourceRice University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateOct 20, 2015

Racial bias in crosswalks? Study says yes

Researchers have found that drivers tend to discriminate based on race when stopping for pedestrians at crosswalks, with African-Americans experiencing a 32% longer wait time before yielding. The study, which controlled for age, clothing, and socioeconomic factors, suggests that implicit racial bias plays a role in driver behavior.