Women’s role in neurosurgical research: is the gender gap improving?

OBJECTIVEThe percentage of women publishing high-impact neurosurgical research might be perceived as a representation of our specialty and may influence the perpetuation of the existing gender gap. This study investigated whether the trend in women taking lead roles in neurosurgical research has mirrored the increase in female neurosurgeons during the past decade and whether our most prestigious publications portray enough female role models to stimulate gender diversity among the new generation of neurosurgeons.METHODSTwo of the most prominent neurosurgical journals—Journal of Neurosurgery and Neurosurgery—were selected for this study, and every original article that was published in 2009 and 2019 in each of those journals was investigated according to the gender of the first and senior authors, their academic titles, their affiliations, and their institutions’ region.RESULTSA total of 1328 articles were analyzed. The percentage of female authors was significantly higher in Europe and Russia compared with the US and Canada (first authors: 60/302 [19.9%] vs 109/829 [13.1%], p = 0.005; and senior authors: 32/302 [10.6%] vs 57/829 [6.9%], p = 0.040). Significantly increased female authorship was observed from 2009 to 2019, and overall numbers of both first and senior female authors almost doubled. However, when analyzing by regions, female authorship increased significantly only in the US and Canada. Female authors of neurosurgical research articles were significantly less likely to hold an MD degree compared with men. Female neurosurgeons serving as senior authors were represented in only 3.6% (48/1328) of articles. Women serving as senior authors were more likely to have a female colleague listed as the first author of their research (29/97 [29.9%] vs 155/1231 [12.6%]; χ2 = 22.561, p = 0.001).CONCLUSIONSAlthough this work showed an encouraging increase in the number of women publishing high-impact neurosurgical research, the stagnant trend in Europe may suggest that a glass ceiling has been reached and further advances in equity would require more aggressive measures. The differences in the researchers’ profiles (academic title and affiliation) suggest an even wider gender gap. Cultural unconscious bias may explain why female senior authors have more than double the number of women serving as their junior authors compared with men. While changes in the workforce happen, strategies such as publishing specific issues on women, encouraging female editorials, and working toward more gender-balanced editorial boards may help our journals to portray a more equitable specialty that would not discourage bright female candidates.

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Trends in female authorship in research papers on eating disorders: 20-year bibliometric study

BJPsych Open ◽

10.1192/bjo.2017.8 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 39-46 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Mattias Strand ◽

Cynthia M. Bulik

Keyword(s):

Eating Disorders ◽

Eating Disorder ◽

Gender Gap ◽

Clinical Psychology ◽

High Impact ◽

Research Papers ◽

The Past ◽

Female Authors ◽

Female Authorship ◽

Observation Period

BackgroundThere is a clear gender gap in scientific authorship. Although the proportions of female authors in medicine and psychiatry have increased over the past decades, women are still underrepresented.AimsTo analyse authorship gender trends in eating disorder research.MethodFirst and last author gender in research articles on eating disorders during the period 1997–2016 were assessed in eating disorder specialty journals, high-impact psychiatry journals and high-impact clinical psychology journals.ResultsThe total number of papers on eating disorders increased substantially over the observation period, although a decrease was observed in high-impact psychiatry journals. Female authorship increased in both specialty journals and high-impact psychiatry journals. Authors were significantly less likely to be female in high-impact psychiatry and clinical psychology journals than in speciality journals.ConclusionsEating disorder research has been increasingly allocated to specialty journals over the past 20 years. A consistent gender gap between specialty and high-impact journals exists.Declaration of interestC.M.B is a grant recipient from Shire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and has participated as a member of their scientific advisory board. These positions are unrelated to the content of this article.

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Women in radiology: gender diversity is not a metric—it is a tool for excellence

European Radiology ◽

10.1007/s00330-019-06493-1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 30 (3) ◽

pp. 1644-1652 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Rahel A. Kubik-Huch ◽

Valérie Vilgrain ◽

Gabriel P. Krestin ◽

Maximilian F. Reiser ◽

Ulrike I. Attenberger ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gender Gap ◽

Role Models ◽

Gender Diversity ◽

Unconscious Bias ◽

Leadership Positions ◽

Representation Of Women ◽

Gender Diverse ◽

Future Success ◽

Wide Range ◽

Generational Changes

Abstract Women in Focus: Be Inspired was a unique programme held at the 2019 European Congress of Radiology that was structured to address a range of topics related to gender and healthcare, including leadership, mentoring and the generational progression of women in medicine. In most countries, women constitute substantially fewer than half of radiologists in academia or private practice despite frequently accounting for at least half of medical school enrolees. Furthermore, the proportion of women decreases at higher academic ranks and levels of leadership, a phenomenon which has been referred to as a “leaky pipeline”. Gender diversity in the radiologic workplace, including in academic and leadership positions, is important for the present and future success of the field. It is a tool for excellence that helps to optimize patient care and research; moreover, it is essential to overcome the current shortage of radiologists. This article reviews the current state of gender diversity in academic and leadership positions in radiology internationally and explores a wide range of potential reasons for gender disparities, including the lack of role models and mentorship, unconscious bias and generational changes in attitudes about the desirability of leadership positions. Strategies for both individuals and institutions to proactively increase the representation of women in academic and leadership positions are suggested. Key Points • Gender-diverse teams perform better. Thus, gender diversity throughout the radiologic workplace, including in leadership positions, is important for the current and future success of the field. • Though women now make up roughly half of medical students, they remain underrepresented among radiology trainees, faculty and leaders. • Factors leading to the gender gap in academia and leadership positions in Radiology include a lack of role models and mentors, unconscious biases, other societal barriers and generational changes.

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Gender Diversity Effects in Investment Decisions

The Journal of Entrepreneurship ◽

10.1177/0971355720974821 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 30 (1) ◽

pp. 134-152

Author(s):

Lennard Hohl ◽

Peter M. Bican ◽

Carsten C. Guderian ◽

Frederik J. Riar

Keyword(s):

Gender Gap ◽

Role Models ◽

Business Models ◽

Gender Diversity ◽

Investment Decisions ◽

Entrepreneurial Intentions ◽

Success Rates ◽

Business Angels ◽

Female Entrepreneurs ◽

Angel Investment

This study examines the gender gap in investment decisions in a prominent setting: the American TV show Shark Tank. Our study is based on a sample of 895 pitches from 10 seasons comprising 222 episodes from 2009 to 2019. Contradicting prior research, our findings suggest that female entrepreneurs are not discriminated against in pitch success rates, independent of their respective industrial settings. We find that the valuations from the entrepreneurs themselves (males overvalued their ventures by 57.19%) and final deal valuations (male deals were overvalued by 50.50%) are significantly lower for females, hinting towards a self-imposed gender gap in entrepreneurship and angel investing. As the gender gap in entrepreneurship and angel investment seems to result from a lower rate of entrepreneurial intentions by women, we suggest fostering female entrepreneurship by raising the number of female entrepreneurs and business angels who may serve as role models among those potential female entrepreneurs and business angels at the brink of becoming actual entrepreneurs, as demonstrated in Shark Tank. Particularly, in teams, mixed founder teams consisting of males and females may support the creation of promising start-ups with viable business models.

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Gender trends in authorships and publication impact in Academic Radiology—a 10-year perspective

European Radiology ◽

10.1007/s00330-021-07928-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Isabel Molwitz ◽

Jin Yamamura ◽

Ann-Kathrin Ozga ◽

Ilka Wedekind ◽

Thai-An Nguyen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽

Senior Author ◽

High Impact ◽

Original Research ◽

Impact Factor Journal ◽

European Radiology ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

High Ranking ◽

Female Authors ◽

Female Authorship

Abstract Objectives To analyze the development of publication numbers of female authors in high-, medium-, and low-impact radiological journals. Methods In this bibliometric analysis, gender of the first (FA) and senior author (SA) was assigned to all original research articles and reviews, published in 10 high-, medium-, and low-impact radiological journals in 2007/8 and 2017/18. The adjusted event rate (AER) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) were calculated using mixed logistic and multinomial logistic regression models to assess and compare female publications according to impact factor, journal, author position, and combination. Results The proportion of female FA and female SA in N = 6979 (2007/2008) and N = 7383 (2017/2018) articles increased to 29.1% and 16.1% in 2017/2018, respectively. While most female authorships were continuously observed in medium-impact journals, the strongest increase occurred for both female FA (AOR 2.0; p < .0001) and SA (AOR 2.1; p < .0001) in low-impact journals. Female SA published significantly more often in a low- (AOR 1.5) or medium- (AOR 1.8) than in a high-ranking journal. Among the high-ranking journals, female FA published most frequently in European Radiology (32.4%; 95% CI [29.3–35.8]; p < .0001), female SA in Investigative Radiology (15.9%; 95% CI [13.7–18.4]; p < .0001). Male same-sex authorships decreased (AOR 0.9), but remained at least twice as common as all-female or mixed authorships. Conclusion The increase in female authorship is reflected in all impact areas. Female FA and SA increased most in low-ranking journals but are most common in medium-ranking journals. Female SA remain rare, especially in high impact journals. Key Points • Compared to the proportion of female radiologists worldwide, female senior authors are underrepresented in all impact areas, in particular in high-impact journals. • Among the included high-ranking radiological journals, female first authors and senior authors were strongest represented in European Radiology and Investigative Radiology, while across all impact areas they mostly published in medium-ranking journals. • Female author combinations were more frequent in low- and medium- than in high-ranking journals, whereas male author combinations remained more common than female senior author collaborations in all impact areas.

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Juggling parenthood and ornithology: A full lifecycle approach to supporting mothers through the American Ornithological Society

The Condor ◽

10.1093/ornithapp/duab001 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 123 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Susannah B Lerman ◽

Liba Pejchar ◽

Lauryn Benedict ◽

Kristen M Covino ◽

Janis L Dickinson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gender Gap ◽

Role Models ◽

Gender Diversity ◽

Early Career ◽

Attrition Rate ◽

Young Professionals ◽

Leaky Pipeline ◽

And Mathematics ◽

Life On Earth ◽

Equity And Inclusion

Abstract The understanding that motherhood impacts career paths is so pervasive among early-career scientists that some feel they must choose parenthood or a career. The penalties associated with motherhood can contribute to the “leaky pipeline,” which equates to the high attrition rate of women due to social, economical, or temporal factors as they proceed through their career and exacerbates persistent gender gaps at mid- and late-career stages. Here, we review the literature and summarize common challenges faced by ornithologist mothers and nonbinary parents, and we adopt a full lifecycle approach to recommend evidence-based strategies for overcoming those challenges. The American Ornithological Society (AOS) is well positioned to support and celebrate women and nonbinary ornithologists who choose parenthood, and we highlight progress made by the AOS to improve gender diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Society. For example, AOS caregiver grants allow more parents to attend and participate in conferences. We suggest additional initiatives (e.g., elevating role models, hosting mentoring networks, and disseminating best practices) that could further support women who want to become or already are parents while also achieving rewarding careers in ornithology. AOS leadership can take steps to close the gender gap in ornithology and other Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields. With a larger, more diverse, and talented community, the Society will be better equipped to achieve its mission: conserving and understanding bird life on earth, enriching ornithology as a profession, and mentoring young professionals.

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Breaking the Metal Ceiling

10.1093/oso/9780198829591.003.0008 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Francisco Campos ◽

Markus Goldstein ◽

Laura McGorman ◽

Ana Maria Munoz Boudet ◽

Obert Pimhidzai

Keyword(s):

Labour Market ◽

Gender Gap ◽

Role Models ◽

Occupational Segregation ◽

Gender Segregation ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Small Enterprises ◽

Labour Market Participation ◽

Female Labour Market Participation ◽

Sub Saharan

Evidence from developed and developing countries indicates that there is significant gender segregation within the labour market, with women more likely to work in low-productivity sectors or less profitable businesses. This chapter looks at occupational segregation which significantly contributes to the earnings gender gap worldwide. The chapter studies the differences in outcomes for male and female enterprises and their sectors in sub-Saharan Africa, a region of high female labour market participation and entrepreneurship. Data on Uganda show that women breaking into male-dominated sectors make as much as men, and three times more than women staying in female-dominated sectors. Factors including entrepreneurial skill/abilities and credit/human capital constraints do not explain women’s sectoral choices. However, information about profitability of their small enterprises, male role models’ influence, and exposure to the sector from family and friends are critical in helping women circumvent or overcome norms undergirding occupational segregation.

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A Trump Effect? Women and the 2018 Midterm Elections

The Forum ◽

10.1515/for-2018-0038 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. 569-590 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jennifer L. Lawless ◽

Richard L. Fox

Keyword(s):

Gender Gap ◽

Political Institutions ◽

Political Engagement ◽

Political Ambition ◽

Candidate Emergence ◽

Female Candidates ◽

Midterm Elections ◽

Election Results ◽

The Moment ◽

Negative Feelings

Abstract From the moment Donald Trump took the oath of office, women’s political engagement skyrocketed. This groundswell of activism almost immediately led to widespread reporting that Trump’s victory was inspiring a large new crop of female candidates across the country. We rely on a May 2017 national survey of “potential candidates” and the 2018 midterm election results to assess whether this “Trump Effect” materialized. Our analysis uncovers some evidence for it. Democrats – especially women – held very negative feelings toward Trump, and those feelings generated heightened political interest and activity during the 2018 election cycle. That activism, however, was not accompanied by a broad scale surge in women’s interest in running for office. In fact, the overall gender gap in political ambition today is quite similar to the gap we’ve uncovered throughout the last 20 years. Notably, though, about one quarter of the Democratic women who expressed interest in running for office first started thinking about it only after Trump was elected. That relatively small group of newly interested candidates was sufficient to result in a record number of Democratic women seeking and winning election to Congress. With no commensurate increase in Republican women’s political engagement or candidate emergence, however, prospects for gender parity in US political institutions remain bleak.

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Peer review and gender bias: A study on 145 scholarly journals

Science Advances ◽

10.1126/sciadv.abd0299 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. eabd0299

Author(s):

Flaminio Squazzoni ◽

Giangiacomo Bravo ◽

Mike Farjam ◽

Ana Marusic ◽

Bahar Mehmani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Peer Review ◽

Gender Bias ◽

Gender Gap ◽

Gender Diversity ◽

Scholarly Journals ◽

Publication Rates ◽

And Gender ◽

Editorial Decisions ◽

Selection Of

Scholarly journals are often blamed for a gender gap in publication rates, but it is unclear whether peer review and editorial processes contribute to it. This article examines gender bias in peer review with data for 145 journals in various fields of research, including about 1.7 million authors and 740,000 referees. We reconstructed three possible sources of bias, i.e., the editorial selection of referees, referee recommendations, and editorial decisions, and examined all their possible relationships. Results showed that manuscripts written by women as solo authors or coauthored by women were treated even more favorably by referees and editors. Although there were some differences between fields of research, our findings suggest that peer review and editorial processes do not penalize manuscripts by women. However, increasing gender diversity in editorial teams and referee pools could help journals inform potential authors about their attention to these factors and so stimulate participation by women.

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Changes in the US Gender Gap in Wages in the 1960s

AEA Papers and Proceedings ◽

10.1257/pandp.20211020 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 111 ◽

pp. 143-148

Author(s):

Martha J. Bailey ◽

Thomas Helgerman ◽

Bryan A. Stuart

Keyword(s):

Civil Rights ◽

Gender Gap ◽

Labor Standards ◽

Equal Pay ◽

The Us ◽

Fair Labor Standards Act ◽

Women's Wages ◽

The Mean ◽

Equal Pay Act ◽

The 1960S

The 1960s witnessed landmark legislation that aimed to increase women's wages, including the Equal Pay Act of 1963, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and the 1966 amendments to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Although the gender gap in pay changed little at the mean/median during the decade, our distributional analysis shows that women's wages converged sharply on men's below but diverged above the median. However, the bulk of women's relative pay gains are not explained by changes in observed attributes. Our findings suggest an important role for legislation in narrowing the gender gap in the 1960s.

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The Career Length and Service of Female Policymakers in the US House of Representatives

Government and Opposition ◽

10.1017/gov.2016.37 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 53 (3) ◽

pp. 437-460 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Rodrigo Praino ◽

Daniel Stockemer

Keyword(s):

Gender Gap ◽

House Of Representatives ◽

Electoral System ◽

The Political ◽

Political Careers ◽

Men And Women ◽

Representation Of Women ◽

Career Length ◽

The Us ◽

Using Data

Various studies have outlined the institutional (e.g. the existence of quota laws and the electoral system type of a country) and non-institutional factors (e.g. the political culture of a country) that account for variation in women’s representation, in general, and, in more detail, the low representation of women in the US Congress. However, no study has, so far, compared the Congressional career paths of men and women in order to understand whether this gender gap in representation stems from a difference in terms of the duration and importance of the careers of male and female policymakers. Using data on all US House elections between 1972 and 2012, we provide such an analysis, evaluating whether or not the political careers of women in the US House of Representatives are different from the political careers of their male counterparts. Our findings indicate that the congressional careers of men and women are alike and, if anything, women may even have a small edge over their male colleagues.

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