Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Viewing gender-specific objects influences perception of gender identity

Researchers found that viewing objects associated with one gender can make viewers perceive an androgynous face as being of the opposite gender. The study suggests two possible explanations for this effect, including common brain regions involved in identifying both types of stimuli and a higher cognitive function of adapting to gender.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 26, 2012

He/she, him/her – a sign of women's place in society?

A study by Jean Twenge and colleagues found that the use of female pronouns in books increased as women's status rose, particularly after 1968. The analysis revealed a correlation between the frequency of female pronouns and women's educational attainment, labor force participation, and delayed marriage.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateAug 9, 2012

She won a gold medal because she's pretty

Researchers found notable differences in how sports commentators talk about athletes depending on gender, nationality, and athletic performance. Female athletes are often attributed to luck rather than physical ability, while male athletes receive praise for skill and commitment.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media·DateJun 18, 2012

Psychological distress associated with division of domestic work

A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals a significant correlation between women's domestic work and higher psychological distress. The research, led by Lisa Harryson of Umea University, also found that perceived socioeconomic and gender inequality in relationships can exacerbate this association.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 13, 2012

Make no mistake - male bosses' errors matter

A new study reveals that male leaders who make mistakes are viewed as less competent and effective than female leaders in the same situation, with a greater impact on followers in masculine work domains. The researchers found that male leaders' errors are perceived more negatively, leading to decreased follower desire to work for them.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·DateMay 23, 2012

Feel-good music

The conference, Gender, Health & Creative Arts Therapies, will explore themes such as feminism/womanism and social justice, offering a platform for practitioners to share their experiences. Participants can expect rich artistic and music opportunities, including traditional Mohawk blessing ceremonies and performances.

SourceConcordia University·JournalThe Arts in Psychotherapy·DateApr 25, 2012

ADHD is over-diagnosed

A study by Ruhr-University Bochum and University of Basel reveals that ADHD is often misdiagnosed based on heuristics rather than adhering to recognized diagnostic criteria. The researchers found that boys are substantially more likely to be misdiagnosed compared to girls, with male therapists also tending to give more frequent diagnoses.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateMar 30, 2012

Cultural 'tightness' holds back female leadership -- but not always, says study

A study found that cultural 'tightness' can prevent the emergence of women leaders in some countries, but also supports equal opportunities for both sexes. Societies with loose cultures, such as New Zealand and Norway, showed a high rate of female leadership, while culturally tight countries like Pakistan had low rates.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of World Business·DateMar 8, 2012

The ever-expanding definition of 'diversity'

A new study published in Psychological Science found that people's social dominance orientation influences how they perceive diversity. Those with high social dominance orientation tend to define diversity as having a mix of different occupations and racial groups, while those with low social dominance orientation focus on occupational...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 29, 2012

Kids show cultural gender bias

Children as young as preschool age tend to categorize objects as masculine, reflecting cultural and linguistic biases. The study found that bilingual children showed a different perspective on objects when speaking French, likely due to the language's structure and not necessarily their factual knowledge of biology.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Cross-Cultural Psychology·DateFeb 9, 2012

Girl power surges in India

A Northwestern University study shows that India's affirmative action law for village councils has a positive impact on young women's aspirations and behavior. The law gave girls direct role models, leading to increased attendance at school and reduced household chores, as well as improved attitudes toward higher education goals.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateJan 12, 2012

'I feel your pain ...'

A new study examines the relationship between observed workplace incivility towards same-gender colleagues and negative emotions. Female employees who witness rudeness towards female colleagues experience higher levels of anger, demoralization, fear, and anxiety. In contrast, male observers are more affected by observing uncivil behavi...

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateJan 11, 2012

Outsiders on the front lines

A new study highlights the perspectives of 20 Israeli women soldiers who've served in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, introducing new themes into women's discourse of protest. The research shows that military service can be a source of symbolic capital for women to legitimize criticism of the military and its actions.

SourceSociologists for Women in Society·JournalGender & Society·DateDec 1, 2011

Men's honest overconfidence may lead to male domination in the C-suite

A recent study by Columbia Business School reveals that men's natural overconfidence in their past performance contributes significantly to the lack of female representation in upper management positions. The researchers found that while both men and women exhibit similar tendencies to exaggerate their performance, men consistently rat...

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·DateNov 28, 2011

Sexism and gender inequality

A new study published in Psychological Science found that an individual's sexism leads to gender inequality in society, with the largest study to date examining 57 countries. The research suggests that changing individual attitudes is crucial for achieving greater equality.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 28, 2011

Women, men and the bedroom

A recent review article examines how gender roles and stereotypes have shaped our understanding of sex and relationships, concluding that many assumptions are unfounded. The study aims to debunk myths and highlight the social factors driving human behavior in intimate settings.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateOct 17, 2011

Do US men value fatherhood over their careers?

A nationwide survey of nearly 1,000 US men reveals that most value fatherhood as much as or more than their careers. Cultural and identity factors play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards fatherhood, contradicting conventional notions of fathers as economic providers.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalFathering A Journal of Theory Research and Practice about Men as Fathers·DateOct 12, 2011

Role of gender in workplace negotiations

A study by Columbia Business School researchers finds that women's lower negotiation outcomes are driven by heightened concerns about social backlash, rather than a lack of capability or motivation. To address this, training programs should focus on coaching role shifting and reframing self-advocacy as other-advocacy.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateSep 26, 2011