Research on gender, identity, and society. Covers fertility and consumer behavior, technology and gender-based violence, and gender in history.
Current responses to teenagers sharing sexual images are often fragmented, punitive, and poorly equipped to address evolving threats like sextortion and deepfakes. Researchers propose a new approach called 'safe uncertainty,' which prioritizes restoring safety, dignity, and trust in cases of image-based sexual abuse.
Researchers identified 88 sites hosting AI-generated non-consensual intimate imagery, with 5 key players facilitating the problem. The study calls on technology providers to block or suspend services of sites hosting AI-NCII and deploy preventative safeguards.
A large study of 1,279 academic papers and 609,278 people in 76 countries found that women score higher in recognizing and understanding emotions, but men score higher in managing their own feelings. The study also found that gender differences in emotional intelligence have narrowed in recent years, especially among children.
A new study found that films written by women but directed by men generate higher profits than those written by men, with a 34% median profit increase. Despite this, women are still severely underrepresented in directing roles, with only 29.4% of films crediting a woman as a director or screenwriter in 2023.
New VCU research found that individuals with trans identities experience psychological distress from anti-transgender laws, even in states with trans-friendly laws. The study also highlights the importance of individual support systems and societal support in mitigating psychological distress.
The 15th annual Singles in America Survey found that there is renewed interest in committed relationships and marriage, with 45% of respondents saying they would like to get married in the future. Economic insecurity is also influencing relationships, with nearly half of singles feeling more interested in finding someone to share their...
Research suggests that women's hormonal fluctuations during ovulation drive their desire for luxury goods, which may serve as a visible signal to attract mates. Studies found that women near ovulation prefer more conspicuous luxury products and display luxury in public, but not in private.
A scoping review reveals the significant impact of digital technologies on gender-based violence in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among women and girls. The study highlights the need for urgent action to address this emerging issue.
A new study in Food and Energy Security investigates the impact of digital farmer networks on collective bargaining power in Uganda. While membership in supported groups improves collective agency, the study reveals that gender remains a persistent factor, with men reporting higher leadership confidence and participation. The findings ...
A new book by Siobhan Somerville explores the history of US naturalization, revealing contradictions between liberal ideals and settler colonialism. The author examines how assumptions about race, sexuality, and Indigeneity have shaped citizenship laws and policies.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that socioeconomic inequalities are associated with reduced mobility and function in older adults, with poorer individuals experiencing larger declines in physical abilities. The research highlights the need for policies targeting people with less wealth to reduce health disparities in aging.
A recent study reveals that occupations with more women pay less due to inherent societal biases, contrary to previous assumptions. The research suggests that employers can combat biases by standardizing pay criteria based on education, experience, and other factors.
A study by Nooshin L. Warren found that small changes in sexual misconduct and gender portrayals can affect box office revenue, with adjustments adding or subtracting $8-13 million. Meanwhile, public expectations of gender roles seemed to regress after #MeToo, indicating a slower adoption of new norms.
Research shows men and women exhibit similar performance in multitasking ability, except for conversational tasks where men ignore conversation more often. This difference influences how others perceive their performance, contributing to the persistence of the stereotype.
A global study found that a decline in societal acceptability of intimate partner violence against women is linked to faster reductions in such violence and improved human development. The research, published in PLOS Global Health, analyzed survey data from over 1 million women and men across 60 countries.
A survey of over 5,700 Chinese adolescents found significant associations between screen time, body weight, and mental health with sleep quality. Rural adolescents and girls fared worse overall, highlighting the need to address these factors to improve sleep.
A recent study published by the University of the Basque Country found that girls are the biggest consumers of psychotropic drugs among adolescents in most European countries. The research team analyzed data from 32 European countries and discovered a significant link between consumption rates, gender equality, and economic level.
A new study found that social connections can help compensate for the loss of mentally stimulating interactions linked to work, with different types of relationships benefiting women and men. The researchers used data from 27 European countries and found that strong social networks appear to buffer the cognitive disadvantage of not wor...
A nationwide analysis of Japanese citizens found that SGM individuals experience greater mental health distress, with no improvement seen from living in municipalities with partnership certification systems. Surprisingly, suicidal ideation was reported more frequently among those with such systems.
A new study by University of Cologne researchers found that political orientation significantly impacts romantic interests, with young Americans showing reluctance towards dating across party lines. The study suggests that people use politics as a filter to determine compatibility and social circle approval.
A study involving almost 400 participants found that increased media visibility of women researchers can reduce gender gaps in self-efficacy beliefs among men graduate students. Additionally, it influences their perception of academic careers.
A recent study analyzing nearly 800,000 fashion images reveals that while representation has broadened, the typical female model body has remained remarkably stable. Diversity is primarily concentrated in a small number of models at the extremes rather than through a shift in the norm itself.
This section explores how recognizing sex as a biological variable and gender as a sociocultural construct can lead to more precise computational models and safer medical technologies. The aim is to foster an equitable and effective biomedical engineering field where technologies meet the needs of all populations.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that surgeons from underrepresented groups are more likely to leave training and less likely to be promoted in environments dominated by White men. The study suggests that formal rules and systems are not enough to overcome informal networks and cultural factors that perpetuate inequality.
A new study found that girls struggle to master AI due to low confidence and limited institutional support. To overcome this, schools should provide more female role models and create a supportive classroom environment.
A new UN Women report reveals that online violence and deepfakes are pushing women out of public life, with alarming rates of mental health diagnoses and self-censorship. The study also found that law enforcement is often failing to provide justice for survivors, highlighting the need for effective education and training.
Researchers discovered that APOE4 causes bone quality deficits specifically in female mice, through a mechanism invisible to standard imaging. The study reveals an unexpected biological link between Alzheimer's risk and skeletal health, pointing to osteocytes as potential early warning signals for both conditions.
A study found divergent neural pathways for drinking patterns in young men and women, highlighting the importance of sex-specific prevention strategies. Amygdala reactivity was associated with depressive symptoms in males, while females showed a 'threat-avoidance' profile with lower alcohol risk scores.
A McGill University study found that internalized homophobia and transphobia among LGBTQIA+ people of faith can undermine the positive mental health outcomes associated with religiosity and spirituality. Mindfulness may offer a supportive spiritual pathway outside non-affirming religious contexts.
The article explores how compulsory sex-marking perpetuates heterosexist oppression and represents a threat to individual autonomy. Ophelia Vedder argues that dismantling the hegemonic gender regime will lead to more autonomy for trans individuals.
The INSPIRE Conference will discuss key project findings, tools, and resources on inclusive gender equality in research and innovation. The event aims to sustain change and address future challenges through dialogue among policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders.
Research by Prof. Sarah Kaplan found that social innovation accelerators showed no financial improvement for women-led businesses compared to male-led ventures. However, in more egalitarian contexts, accelerators were effective in supporting women entrepreneurs. The study highlights the need for accelerators to address broader ecosyste...
Researchers found women devalue orgasm only when it's consistently absent across partners. This shift in expectations helps soften the effects of not experiencing an orgasm on relationships, but also contributes to the orgasm gap over time.
The 'leaky pipeline' metaphor oversimplifies the systemic barriers faced by women and marginalized scholars in archaeology. New research highlights multiple forms of inequity that diminish productivity, limit collaborations, and reduce future generations of archaeologists.
A study of 19,000 corporate employees found that women rely on complex social networks to reach director-level positions, while men's success is more determined by current employment. Women who advance to high-level positions are also more likely to be connected to other female leaders, acting as bridges to bring in more women.
A new study finds that widowed men experience poorer physical and mental health, while widowed women show resilience and improved well-being after losing their spouse. The study highlights the need for gender-specific strategies to support recovery after spousal loss.
A large population study found that female relatives' suicidal intentions may influence women's suicide risk, with shared familial environment and social factors having a key role. The study also found that genetic factors only partly explain the observed sex difference in suicidal behaviors.
The book, 'Feminism and COVID-19: How Women Fare in the Face of a Global Crisis', examines the global and local impacts of the pandemic on women. Key findings include the disproportionate effects of lost income, unpaid care work, and violence on women.
A new interactive tool, Safety Map, has been launched to address safety concerns on dating apps, with over 48 in-depth interviews conducted across Canada. The map curates safety information from 30 different dating apps, providing users with practical and accessible knowledge.
Research reveals queer men in relationships are shifting from secretive to open approaches to sex and intimacy while traveling. Participants described 'monogamish' and 'open' relationship arrangements, with clear boundaries and communication crucial for avoiding problems.
Bielefeld University has been honoured by the European Union with its 'Sustainable Gender Equality Champion' award. The institution is recognized for its strategic gender equality work and commitment to promoting equal opportunities nationwide.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found a high prevalence of interpersonal violence globally among transgender and gender-diverse adults. The findings underscore the urgent need for evidence-based violence prevention and response strategies across settings to address this issue.
The study emphasizes the importance of reorganizing work to support prevention rather than perpetual recovery, particularly in the face of climate change and technological disruption. It also highlights the need for gender equity in technology design and governance to prevent job displacement and undervaluation of women's work.
A new study by Concordia researchers explores how anxiety-inducing headlines fuel 'maternal responsibilization,' where mothers are expected to pick up the slack on addressing complex issues like climate change and social injustice. The research highlights the pressures of motherhood, including generational expectations to raise childre...
A cross-temporal, multinational study found that people's beliefs about women and men reflect the social roles they occupy in homes and workplaces. Stereotypes of men as assertive and ambitious and women as kinder and more caring persist despite growing female workforce participation.
A recent study using virtual reality found that men who embodied a female avatar subjected to catcalling experienced strong feelings of anger and disgust, closely linked to moral disapproval. This type of reaction reflects the ability to put oneself in the victim's shoes and indicates moral disapproval of the behavior.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that women in Iran's tourism sector are navigating state control, religious authority, and patriarchal norms to earn, lead, and be seen. They use digital platforms, peer networks, mentoring, and training to build visibility, income, and independence.
Dr. Garcia's book delves into the surprising science behind human connection, exploring how technology, social norms and loneliness impact our ability to form meaningful relationships. With warmth and clarity, he reveals the science behind why we crave connection and how intimacy anchors us in the world.
The Kinsey Institute invites researchers to apply for competitive awards providing in-person access to its extensive library and special collections on topics including sex, relationships, gender, and human behavior. Applications are due February 13, 2026.
Researchers used MRI 3D mapping to analyze changes in gluteus maximus shape over time and its association with type 2 diabetes. The study found that men showed muscle shrinkage, while women showed enlarged muscle, highlighting sex-specific differences in response to insulin tolerance.
A new study in a US prison suggests that incarcerated individuals prioritize accessibility, support, and humane treatment from staff. The study's findings highlight the potential implications of negative emotions such as frustration and feeling uncared for on relationships between staff and inmates.
A new study published in PLOS One found that 76% of surveyed Georgia women supported abortion access at six weeks and 60% at 14 weeks. The study suggests that most women in the sample generally support abortion access, with more consensus emerging around 24 weeks gestation.
A recent US study reveals that loneliness among young adults, particularly educated females, is often accompanied by social connectedness. The research suggests that this ambivalence towards sociality may be related to significant life transitions.
A new study by the University of Exeter warns that the current laws turn a 'blind eye' to the long-lasting financial consequences of domestic abuse. The research suggests that the law should be reformed to take into account the financial impacts of abuse when dividing assets, enabling enhanced awards for victim-survivors.
The editorial highlights how biological sex and gender inequities contribute to suboptimal sepsis treatment, potentially compromising outcomes for women. Hormonal fluctuations, body composition, and renal clearance all influence drug processing, yet these variables are rarely considered in dosing algorithms.
A study found that AI image generators reproduce and amplify gender biases in different languages, with varying degrees of impact. The results showed that direct prompts using the generic masculine produced the strongest biases, while explicitly feminine prompts showed almost exclusively women.
A team of researchers and students interviewed 120 former GMHC volunteers, gaining insight into the organization's work at the height of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. The project broke rules of traditional oral history by conducting group interviews, which worked surprisingly well due to the intergenerational connection.
A new report reveals that companies taking action for gender equality see lower staff turnover, more women in leadership, and better shareholder value. The study also highlights the benefits of gender-balanced executive teams delivering higher company value, with a potential added value of $93 million on average.
A study analyzing 325 European clinical guidelines found significant gaps in addressing gender-specific issues, with only 4.7% of recommendations focusing on sex-related aspects. The research team proposes methodological approaches to improve guideline development, including the use of digital tools and stakeholder involvement.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that women from lower-income countries with non-English first languages publish 70% fewer papers than men, while non-native English speakers at early career stages outperform native English speakers. The authors call for an effort to consider these factors when assessing scientists' performance.