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Women more likely to recruit other women for political office

Research by Christine Cheng and Margit Tavits found that the gender of party gatekeepers plays a crucial role in selecting female candidates for political office. Women are more likely to be nominated when local party presidents are also women, as this sends an encouraging signal to potential female candidates.

SourceSAGE·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateAug 8, 2011

Women who leave the workplace: Opting out or overlooking discrimination?

Research from Northwestern University finds that many Americans assume behavior is a product of personal choice, fostering the belief that opportunities are equal and gender barriers no longer exist. This framework, known as 'opting out,' can lead to a vicious cycle where women underestimate discrimination and overestimate their own ag...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 27, 2011

Weight-loss counseling most prevalent between male physicians and obese men

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that obese male patients seeing male physicians had higher odds of receiving weight-related counseling. This suggests that societal norms linking physical fitness to masculinity may influence physicians' attitudes towards obesity care. The findings highlight the imp...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 5, 2011

Female-to-male transsexual people have more autistic traits

A new study from the University of Cambridge has found that female-to-male transsexual people have a higher number of autistic traits. The research used the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) test and compared AQ scores across five groups, finding that transmen had higher average scores than typical females, males, and transwomen.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateMay 5, 2011

It's a jungle out there

A comprehensive study of 20th century children's books found a significant bias towards tales featuring men and boys as lead characters. The findings suggest that even when animal characters are involved, they tend to be male, perpetuating the underrepresentation of females in literature.

SourceSociologists for Women in Society·JournalGender & Society·DateMay 3, 2011

What's your intestinal bacteria type?

Scientists from the University of Copenhagen have discovered three distinct clusters of intestinal bacteria, known as enterotypes, which affect digestion, energy metabolism, and drug absorption. These enterotypes are independent of nationality, gender, and age, providing a new biological fingerprint for personalized medicine.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2011

Cookies or careers?

A recent study published in Gender & Society reveals that scouting manuals steer girls towards arts and crafts while discouraging scientific pursuits. Meanwhile, boys are encouraged to pursue careers like engineering and science. The findings highlight the perpetuation of gender stereotypes in scouting organizations.

SourceSociologists for Women in Society·JournalGender & Society·DateApr 8, 2011

How do we combine faces and voices?

A new study has revealed the brain networks involved in person recognition using both face and voice information. The research found that specific regions of the left angular gyrus and right hippocampus are activated when recognizing people from combined visual and auditory cues.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateMar 9, 2011

The better off sleep better

A UK study found that people with higher levels of education and married individuals report better sleep quality. Additionally, job satisfaction plays a significant role in determining the quality of sleep, with those who are least satisfied reporting shorter sleep periods. The study also highlights the impact of work-related pressures...

Special section on stigma in Perspectives on Psychological Science: Group differences, not deficits

This special section of Perspectives on Psychological Science explores how psychologists can avoid stigmatizing groups by framing individual and group differences as strengths. Experts discuss the importance of challenging biases and stereotypes in research, teaching, and advocacy to promote a more inclusive field of psychology.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateDec 14, 2010

Recommendation letters may be costing women jobs, promotions

A study at Rice University found that female candidates are described in more communal terms, which can negatively impact their hiring chances. The researchers suggest that traditional gender schemas contribute to these biases, highlighting the need for increased awareness of subtle discrimination in academia and management roles.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateNov 9, 2010

Teen drunkenness levels converge across cultures, by gender

A study of 15-year-olds in seven Eastern European and 16 Western countries found that drunkenness levels increased in Eastern Europe and among girls, but decreased in Western countries and boys. This decline was attributed to changes in socioeconomic conditions and alcohol marketing practices.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateOct 4, 2010

Women more likely than men to accept global warming

A study by Michigan State University sociologist Aaron M. McCright found that women are more likely to believe in the scientific consensus on global warming than men. The research challenges common perceptions that men are more scientifically literate and suggests gender socialization as a possible explanation for the gender divide.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPopulation and Environment·DateSep 14, 2010

Female marine snails trick amorous males

Scientists at the University of Gothenburg discovered that female rough periwinkles conceal their gender identity to avoid excessive copulation. This results in females copulating less frequently, which is beneficial for their survival. The study highlights a case of sexual conflict where females attempt to conceal their gender.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 12, 2010

Study finds similar personality types in male and female domestic violence perpetrators

A study published in Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that subtypes of domestically violent men and women share similar personality traits and characteristics. The analysis of 567 civil psychiatric patients revealed three common subtypes among both genders, shedding light on the complexities of domestic violence.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateAug 10, 2010

Competing for a mate can shorten lifespan

A new study reveals that men who experience stiff competition for female attention live shorter lives, with mortality rates increasing by 1.6% among those with higher sex ratios. The researchers suspect that this phenomenon is caused by a combination of social and biological factors, including stress and embodiment of the social world.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalDemography·DateAug 9, 2010

Redefining sexual discrimination

A study finds that gender harassment, even without unwanted sexual advances, leads to negative personal and professional outcomes for women. Women who experience gender harassment report lower satisfaction with their jobs, higher stress, and poorer overall well-being.

SourceSpringer·JournalLaw and Human Behavior·DateAug 5, 2010

Locker room talk: How male athletes portray female athletic trainers

A study by North Carolina State University found that male football players are more comfortable with treatment by male athletic trainers for gender-specific injuries, but have no preference for general psychological conditions. However, they prefer female trainers for non-gender-specific injuries like a dislocated shoulder due to pote...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Athletic Training·DateJul 13, 2010

Competition is a double-edged sword for teenage girls

A study by Dr. David Hibbard and Dr. Duane Buhrmester found that competing to win is detrimental to teenage girls' social relationships and well-being, while competing to excel has no gender differences in its effects. Competing to excel benefits both genders, improving self-esteem and reducing depression.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateJul 6, 2010

Do toddlers pick up gender roles during play?

A new study published in Springer's journal Sex Roles found that toddlers adopt different behaviors and cues from their mothers and fathers during play and caregiving situations. In play, children tend to be more involved in directing interactions, while in snack situations, they accept parental authority.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateJun 10, 2010