Gender, Power, and Colleague Aggression in U.S. State Senates

2021 ◽  
pp. 106591292098531
Author(s):  
Rebekah Herrick ◽  
Sue Thomas ◽  
Kate Bartholomy

In this paper, we present analysis of an original dataset of levels of colleague aggression among U.S. state senators, whether women senators face more of these behaviors than men, and whether numerical and positional gender inequality in state senates affects these relationships. The results indicate that, overall, colleague aggression in U.S. state senates is relatively rare, and, in general, women do not face more aggression than men. Under certain conditions, however, subsets of women senators experience more aggressive behaviors than their counterparts, male or female. Specifically, when they serve in senates with higher percentages of women or growing numbers of women, they are disproportionally targeted. There is also some evidence that women committee chairs are more likely than rank-and-file women to face this type of behavior.

Author(s):  
Cristina Giménez García ◽  
Rafael Ballester Arnal ◽  
Mª Dolores Gil Llario ◽  
Jesús Castro Calvo ◽  
Irene Díaz Rodríguez

Abstract:GENDER ROLES AND AGGRESSIVENESS IN ADOLESCENCEAdolescent and Young violence remains a concern which damages their biopsychosocial development and involves several factors. The binomial sex-gender has revealed considerable influence on aggressive behavior among adolescents. In order to study in depth our knowledge about these variables, this study analyzes the relation between gender category (masculinity, feminity, adrogyny or undifferentiated) and sex (men or women) to adolescent aggressiveness. For this purpose, by the Spanish adaptation of Sexual Role Inventory by Bem (García-Mina Freire, 2004) and the Cuestionario de Información, Actitudes y Comportamientos relacionados con la Salud (Ballester y Gil, 1999), we analyze the existence of violent behaviors of 270 adolescents from Comunidad Valenciana, ranging from 13 and 17 years old, as well as their self-identification in gender. In general, the results support the relation between masculine traits and higher probability to develop aggressive behaviors. This result is also obtained by the majority of participants self identified as “undifferentiated gender”. However, participants who have more feminine traits are usually more worried about other people. In addition, these traits have shown more influence on aggressive behaviors, preventing their beginning. Therefore, our findings support the gender inequality about aggressive behavior, associated with masculine and undifferentiated universe, and suggest a broad range of actions for preventive interventions.Keywords: violence, gender, sex, adolescentsResumen:La violencia entre adolescentes y jóvenes es un problema que repercute en su desarrollo biopsicosocial y viene determinado por diversos factores. El binomio sexo-género, ha mostrado una influencia considerable en las conductas agresivas adolescentes. Con el interés de profundizar nuestro conocimiento sobre estas variables, el presente estudio analiza la relación que las categorías de género (masculino, femenino, andrógino o indiferenciado) y sexo (hombre o mujer) tienen sobre la agresividad adolescente. Por este motivo, mediante la adaptación española de Inventario de Rol Sexual de Bem (García-Mina Freire, 2004) y el Cuestionario de Información, Actitudes y Comportamientos relacionados con la Salud (Ballester y Gil, 1999), se analiza la presencia de conductas violentas realizadas por 270 adolescentes de la Comunidad Valenciana, entre 13 y 17 años, así como su auto-identificación con el género. En general, los resultados ratifican la relación entre los rasgos masculinos y una mayor probabilidad de ejercer conductas agresivas. Este resultado, también se obtiene en la mayoría de personas identificadas con el “género indiferenciado”. Por el contrario, se reafirma la mayor preocupación por otras personas, de los y las adolescentes con más rasgos femeninos. Además, estos rasgos femeninos son los que muestran tener una mayor influencia en la realización de conductas agresivas, previniendo su aparición. Así pues, los hallazgos confirman la desigualdad de género en el comportamiento agresivo, asociado al universo masculino e indiferenciado, y proponen un amplio campo de acción para las intervenciones preventivas.Palabras clave: violencia, género, sexo, adolescentes.


2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Elliott

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the contours and consequences of simplified, toxic forms of masculinity in schools and society. Design/methodology/approach Using a lens influenced by a feminist cultural critique, the author situates concerns about gender, power and inequality in current events in the American culture. Findings The author argues that toxic masculinity supports and is supported by gendered patterns of power that perpetuate broad inequalities and that schools have an important role to play in challenging these inequalities. Practical implications The paper includes concrete steps that educators can take to interrupt and teach against toxic masculinity and to involve young men and boys in this work as allies. Social implications The author argues that these steps have powerful social implications given schools’ influence as socializing institutions. Originality/value In this way, the paper’s value lies in highlighting how, by including discussions of masculinity and involving men and boys, schools can build on previous successes in fighting gender inequality that were aimed at girls and young women to effect a broad cultural transformation and help create a more just and equitable society.


Author(s):  
Robert L. Nelson ◽  
William P. Bridges
Keyword(s):  

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Kruger ◽  
Maryanne Fisher ◽  
Sarah L. Strout ◽  
Carey Fitzgerald

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