So, where to start?
Understanding how gender might be important or considered can be difficult to indicate in the context of your own research study, which is why reading other case studies and asking yourself some questions regarding gender can help (see sections below). According to Londa Schiebinger (The John L. Hinds Professor of History of Science) "Sex-and-gender analysis applies broadly to anything with a human endpoint". This includes many areas in the biological sciences and any area of engineering with a human user or interface. Sex is also relevant in animal studies.
The following sections should assist you to identify how Sex/Gender can be consider in your research study. You can also discuss your project with the RSU who can guide you on where gender may be relevant to your study.
Useful tools to assist you
- How do we define Sex and or Gender
- Start by learning the definitions. "People often get sex and gender mixed up" and should be careful not to use the terms interchangeably. (The Gendered Innovations website defines sex as a biological quality while gender is a socio-cultural process).
- Podcast from Yellow Window: Listen to podcast below (or visit external site to help the understanding the gender dimension in research
- Case Studies - Learn from others:
- The Gendered Innovations website offers case studies ranging from sex differences in stem cell characteristics to assistive technologies for ageing men and women. You must consider each stage of your research - this video based on Integrating the Gender Analysis into Research (IGAR) will help to identify some Tips you can transfer into daily practice for both:
- A gender-sensitive approach to your research
- Gender quality and equal participation among your research team
Watch the video: GENDER-NET IGAR Video
Download resources: GENDER-NET IGAR Toolkit - Case examples click here
- Full list of all resources for incorporating gender into your teaching and research see list
- The Gendered Innovations website offers case studies ranging from sex differences in stem cell characteristics to assistive technologies for ageing men and women. You must consider each stage of your research - this video based on Integrating the Gender Analysis into Research (IGAR) will help to identify some Tips you can transfer into daily practice for both:
- Use some ready-made checklists:
- Gender in EU-funded Research, this is a practical toolkit for scientists, including ready-made checklists to help researchers make sure that they have asked themselves the right sex- and gender-relevant questions at all stages of planning, research, and dissemination.
- As scientists, you need to rethink your work under a sex-and-gender-conscious lens.
- The gender innovations website is a very useful resource, it provides state-of-the-art methods that cover all research stages.
- Full list of all resources for incorporating gender into your teaching and research see list
Interesting article/journals
Adding Sex-and-Gender Dimensions to Your Research
Incorporating sex, gender and vulnerable populations in a large multisite health research programme: The Ontario Pharmacy Evidence Network as a case study
Measuring the data gap : inclusion of sex and gender reporting in diabetes research