Search Results (133)

The rise in online communication platforms has significantly increased exposure to harmful discourse, presenting ongoing challenges for digital moderation and user well-being. This paper introduces the EsCorpiusBias corpus, designed to enhance the automated detection of sexism and racism within Spanish-language online dialogue, specifically sourced from the Mediavida forum. By means of a systematic, context-sensitive annotation protocol, approximately 1000 three-turn dialogue units per bias category are annotated, ensuring the nuanced recognition of pragmatic and conversational subtleties. Here, annotation guidelines are meticulously developed, covering explicit and implicit manifestations of sexism and racism. Annotations are performed using the Prodigy tool (v1. 16.0) resulting in moderate to substantial inter-annotator agreement (Cohen’s Kappa: 0.55 for sexism and 0.79 for racism). Models including logistic regression, SpaCy’s baseline n-gram bag-of-words model, and transformer-based BETO are trained and evaluated, demonstrating that contextualized transformer-based approaches significantly outperform baseline and general-purpose models. Notably, the single-turn BETO model achieves an ROC-AUC of 0.94 for racism detection, while the contextual BETO model reaches an ROC-AUC of 0.87 for sexism detection, highlighting BETO’s superior effectiveness in capturing nuanced bias in online dialogues. Additionally, lexical overlap analyses indicate a strong reliance on explicit lexical indicators, highlighting limitations in handling implicit biases. This research underscores the importance of contextually grounded, domain-specific fine-tuning for effective automated detection of toxicity, providing robust resources and methodologies to foster socially responsible NLP systems within Spanish-speaking online communities. Full article

This study examines how several gender-encoding strategies in Spanish and social factors influence gender perception, reinforcing or mitigating a sexist male bias. Using an experimental design, we tested four linguistic conditions in a job recruitment context: masculine forms (theoretically generic), gender-splits, epicenes, and non-binary neomorpheme “-e”. After reading a profile in one of these conditions, 837 participants (52% women) selected an image of a woman or man. Results show that masculine forms lead to the lowest selection of female candidates, manifesting a male bias. In contrast, gender-fair language (GFL) strategies, particularly the neomorpheme (les candidates), elicited the highest selection of female images. Importantly, not only did linguistic factors and participants’ gender identity influence results—with male participants selecting significantly more men in the masculine condition, but affinity with feminist movements and LGBTQIA+ communities or positive attitudes towards GFL also modulated responses—increasing female selections in GFL, but reinforcing male selections in the masculine. Additionally, no extra cognitive cost was found for GFL strategies compared to masculine expressions. These findings highlight the importance, not only of linguistic forms, but of social and attitudinal factors in shaping gender perception, with implications for reducing gender biases in language use and broader efforts toward social equity. Full article

This essay examines two hybrid poetic texts that emerged from a period of feminist activism in U.S. and global poetry communities from 2014 to 2017: the collaboratively, anonymously authored “No Manifesto” (2015) and the radically revised second edition of the book of poetry and visual art YOU DA ONE by Jennif(f)er Tamayo. “No Manifesto” and YOU DA ONE embrace the hybrid tactics of collectivity, incongruity, and nonresolution as ways of protesting sexism and sexual violence in poetry communities. Synthesizing theories of hybridity from poetry criticism as well as immigrant and borderlands studies, the essay defines hybridity as a literary representation of cultural positions forcefully imposed upon subjects. Born out of the domination of sexual and state violence, hybridity marks the wound that remakes the subject, who develops strategies for resistance. By refusing to play by the rules of poetic or social discourse—the logics of domination that would have them be singular, cohesive, and compliant—Tamayo and the authors of “No Manifesto” insist on alternative ways of performing activism, composing literature, and entering the public sphere. These socially engaged, hybrid poetic texts demonstrate the power of the collective to disrupt the social and literary status quo. Full article

Affective–sexual education programs (ASEPs) are effective in combating gender violence (GV). Most previous studies have focused on the short-term effect these programs have on explicit sexist attitudes. The objective of this study was to analyze the short- and medium-term effect of an ASEP regarding sexist attitudes. An educational intervention study was carried out on 561 high school students in Tenerife (Spain). The 15 h intervention used a participatory methodology with debates, working groups, and game dynamics. Explicit attitudes were measured with the scale of sexist, violent, and stereotyped attitudes (SVSAs) and the gender role attitudes scale (GRAS), and implicit attitudes were measured with the assessment of the behavior of the characters of a brief tailored story, in which an interaction between two young people with an ambiguous component of gender violence is described. Four measurements were made: pre-intervention, post-intervention, 6 months, and 12 months. After the intervention, in the experimental group, scale scores decreased (SVSA from 28.7 ± 7.7 to 21.8 ± 2.1, p < 0.0001; GRAS from 30.6 ± 7.8 to 22.3 ± 2.8, p < 0.0001), and the level of approval of the behavior of the female character of the story improved (from 5.4 ± 2.6 to 7.6 ± 2.1, p < 0.0001). The effect of the intervention on sexist attitudes was maintained until the end of the 12-month follow-up period. Full article

The research analyzed the cognitive styles, sexist attitudes and social competencies that hinder gender equality in secondary education students. It identified sexist attitudes, cognitive styles and social skills that hinder change towards gender equality; explored significant differences in sexist attitudes and cognitive strategies and social attitudes by age; studied the relationship between sexist attitudes and cognitive and social strategies that perpetuate gender inequality; and analyzed how age may predict the use of these strategies. A total of 1034 students aged 11 to 18 participated in a cross-sectional study. The Ambivalent Sexism Inventory for Adolescents and the Questionnaire of Attitudes and Cognitive Social Strategies were administered. The results indicate that young people exhibit moderate levels of cognitive and social strategies that hinder the change in sexist behaviors. At ages 12–14, the acceptance of ambivalent and benevolent attitudes such as paternalism and heterosexual intimacy increases. We found greater aggressiveness–stubbornness, apathy–withdrawal, impulsivity, and rigidity of thought at ages 15–17. Age explains a small proportion of the variance in sexist attitudes, cognitive styles, and social competencies that hinder gender equality. The study highlights the need for coeducational measures that ensure equal cognitive and socio-emotional development in women and men. Full article

This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Authoritarian Attitude Scale in a sample of high school students from Chile. A total of 775 students (46.5% men; 53.5% women), with an average age of 15.99 years (Sd = 1.32), participated through non-probabilistic convenience sampling in 11 schools. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a three-factor structure with correlated factors and adequate fit indices. Criterion validity revealed positive and significant correlations with the violent behaviour dimension of the antisocial and delinquent behaviour scale. The factorial invariance analysis confirmed configural, weak, strong, and strict equivalence by gender, age and ethnicity, demonstrating model stability. The adoption of the Authoritarian Attitude Scale among Chilean adolescents provides a valid, culturally relevant tool for assessing authoritarian tendencies and understanding psychosocial dynamics in the educational context. The findings offer initial evidence of the scale’s reliability and validity. Full article

The recent literature highlights the importance of implementing ad hoc media literacy initiatives to counter sexist stereotypical representations in social media, particularly within the political field. To this end, the present study focuses on false and misleading contents (information disorders) about female politicians, since they can reflect gender stereotypes, portraying women as unfit for political roles. Thus, our exploratory study aims to analyze the stereotype content of information disorders targeting Italian female politicians, following classic models of stereotype content. Furthermore, it seeks to explore the role played by the type of information disorder and the political orientation of the targeted leaders. A database of 120 information disorders have been collected, codified, and analyzed. The results highlight that information disorders predominantly target the dimension of communion. Focusing on the types of information disorders, fabricated and misleading content appears to be associated with the professional and private life domains, primarily conveying communion-based stereotypical representations of politicians. Satirical and parodic contents, on the other hand, were associated with the esthetic domain, conveying agency-based stereotypical representations, with a particular focus on politicians’ physical competence. Regarding political orientation, a “Stereotyping from my eyes” effect was observed: communion-based stereotypical content prevails in information disorders targeting conservative leaders, while progressive leaders are stereotyped concerning the agency dimension. This effect may reveal a difference between conservative and progressive audiences in their adherence to traditional gender roles. Full article

This study explores how ideological, relational, and sociodemographic factors predict women’s perceptions of severity and self-responsibility across different types of intimate partner violence (IPV). Using an intra-subject design, 257 women completed the measures of interest, 191 experiencing IPV and 66 non-victims, according to their responses to WHO instruments. Participants were recruited via dissemination of the study through WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and institutional email. The results indicated that the primary predictors of perceived severity were ambivalent sexism in physical violence; favorable attitudes toward IPV (all forms of violence); feminist identity (physical violence and controlling behaviors); dependency (psychological violence); commitment (physical sexual, and controlling behaviors); education level (physical violence); and age (sexual violence). For attributed self-responsibility, ambivalent sexism and favorable attitudes toward IPV were predictors for controlling behaviors. Commitment and dependency, being a victim and age-influenced psychological violence, whereas being a victim predicted sexual violence. In addition, physical violence is perceived as the most severe and controlling behavior, eliciting greater levels of attributed self-responsibility than other forms of IPV. These results highlight the main predictors of cognitive distortions (perceived severity of violence and attributed self-responsibility), offering insight into the processes that victims in IPV situations undergo. Full article

Building on the work–home resources model, this study develops a mediated moderation model to examine how benevolent sexism within intimate relationships influences female employees’ thriving at work through job resources and self-efficacy. In this cross-sectional study, we surveyed 209 married female employees from six Chinese public hospitals and their spouses via online questionnaires between April and July 2023. To mitigate common method bias, we implemented a two-wave data collection approach with a one-month interval. We employed confirmatory factor analysis, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression to test the hypothesized relationships. The results support the proposed model, indicating that benevolent sexism within intimate relationships moderates the positive effect of job resources on thriving at work, such that this relationship weakens when benevolent sexism within intimate relationships is high. Furthermore, this moderating effect is mediated by self-efficacy, as benevolent sexism within intimate relationships undermines female employees’ self-efficacy, thereby limiting their ability to leverage job resources effectively. These findings highlight the need for human resource managers to consider the personal circumstances of female employees and implement targeted interventions to facilitate their optimal utilization of job resources, thereby enhancing their ability to thrive in both professional and domestic domains. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency with which boys “compliment” girls, know their perceptions about whether girls like compliments, and discen whether they believe that society expects them to make such comments. The relationship of such compliments with the level of ambivalent sexism and cyberviolence towards the partner was also evaluated. A total of 498 adolescent boys participated in this study, with a mean age of 16.01 years (SD = 1.02), recruited with the Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) system. The main results obtained show that younger boys more frequently emit objectifying messages about women’s bodies than older boys. They believe these comments positively impact girls, thinking they are appreciated. These boys, especially younger boys, show higher levels of hostile and benevolent sexism and perform more cyberviolence towards their partners. Boys’ level of partner cybercontrol predicts the emission of comments about women’s bodies, especially in boys with a high level of hostile sexism. Therefore, to prevent sexual harassment, gender-based cyberviolence, and sexism, it is crucial for the educational system to promote comprehensive sex education. Full article

This autoethnographic study intertwines personal experience with scholarly inquiry, inviting a deep exploration of the lived experiences and realities of a female physical education (PE) teacher. Wonderings about identities, conformity to masculine norms, and proving oneself to staff and students led to a review of relevant literature, journal entries, and meaningful conversations with critical friends. Through analysis and coding of emotions and reoccurring events, five themes emerged: male teaching partners and colleagues; student interactions; interactions with parents; administrative and peer support; and outside organizations. The results acknowledge the intricate interplay between self, society, PE environments, and culture. It is our hope that these reflections and realizations will connect with other women (and men) in the PE field and ignite further contemplation, conversation, and action. This, with the goal of contributing to necessary efforts to strive towards more inclusive and empowering experiences for female PE teachers. Full article

Sexist ideologies and attitudes perpetuate gender inequalities in both private and public contexts. Traditional views of sexism emphasize hostility, but the phenomenon is more complex, involving interdependent power relations between men and women. The Ambivalent Sexism Theory identifies two forms: hostile sexism (HS) and benevolent sexism (BS). This study aimed to measure the levels of HS and BS among men in a northern Italian town, examining sociodemographic factors associated with elevated sexism scores. A paper questionnaire was administered by a volunteer organization and the Local Health Authority to male individuals over 18 in Cesena from February to April 2023. The convenience sample was recruited from diverse settings, including universities, companies, cafes, and hospitals. The Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (Glick & Fiske) was translated into Italian and used for data collection. A total of 275 participants were included. The mean age was 44.4 years, with a diverse educational background. Regression analyses revealed that higher education levels were associated with lower HS scores with a high school education and a bachelor’s degree or higher showing statistically significant coefficients of −5.33 (SE = 2.26, p = 0.019, and 95% CI: −9.78–−0.88) and −8.64 (SE = 2.51, p = 0.001, and 95% CI: −13.58–−3.69), respectively, if compared to individuals with middle school education or less. Age was a significant predictor of BS, with older individuals showing higher BS scores (Coeff. = 0.20, SE = 0.05, p < 0.001, and 95% CI: 0.10–0.31). Healthcare professionals had higher HS scores, while unionists had both lower HS and BS scores. This study highlighted the levels of both HS and BS in various professional and social contexts. Education appears to be a critical factor in reducing HS, while age influences BS. Full article

Physical activity interventions and programming for Black American girls often overlook racism and sexism as a fundamental cause of the differences in engagement between their white and male peers. Deficit framing is a standard where Black girls are often compared to the health, physical activity, and beauty standards driven by white feminine or masculine norms, suggesting there is only one way to be fit and healthy. Approaches that lack cultural and historical relevance, including the effects of systemic racism and sexism, are seldom considered before aiming to increase physical activity engagement and favorable health outcomes for Black teenage girls. Aim: This paper presents a brief overview of physical activity programming for Black adolescent girls and young women (aged 14–18) and proposes theoretical frameworks and approaches to consider before implementing physical activity interventions and programs. Concluding Remarks: Voice, intersectionality, misogynoir, representation, and gendered racism as a root cause should inform physical activity programming designed for Black adolescent girls. Culturally equitable approaches for real and sustainable change are required to increase physical activity engagement. Full article

Gender stereotypes and sexist attitudes continue to persist in educational settings, with significant implications for students’ achievement and well-being. This study aimed to investigate the development of gender stereotypes and sexist attitudes among Italian high school students and trainee teachers. A series of focus groups were conducted with a group of Italian school students and trainee teachers to uncover the complex interplay of individual, interpersonal, institutional, and societal factors that contribute to the formation and perpetuation of these biases. Analysis was conducted using a grounded theory approach. The findings reveal a nuanced and multifaceted understanding of the issue, highlighting the critical role of teacher attitudes, peer influence, and broader cultural norms in shaping students’ perceptions and behaviors. This study offers insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers seeking to address gender inequities in education and promote more inclusive and equitable learning environments. Full article

Research shows that gender transformation policies and programmes within the media industry have done little to curtail sexism and patriarchal values in news reporting. This study’s term ‘patriarchy’ refers to the systemic structures of masculine dominance entrenched in societal, cultural, and institutional norms. This systemic understanding is complemented by exploring individual acts that perpetuate sexism, understood as both explicit and implicit forms of discrimination based on gender. Within newsrooms, where considerable studies have been conducted, data show alarming evidence of extensive sexism and patriarchal values, which are often nuanced and embedded into daily operations. Significantly, the current body of research argues that the problems experienced within the newsroom manifest a societal issue. However, there is a need for more research that turns the spotlight specifically on how newsmakers interact with women reporters in the field. This paper investigates how sexism and gender-based power imbalances affect female journalists’ professional experiences and roles in South Africa. The paper uses qualitative methods to explore how gender inequality and male dominance influence female journalists’ roles, opportunities, and treatment within the profession. This paper contributes to the current discourse by arguing that deeply ingrained societal and cultural patriarchal norms significantly shape and restrict the professional lives of women reporters. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with eleven (n = 11) reporters drawn from various SABC radio reporters across the nine provinces in South Africa. The study’s findings detailed multiple layers of discrimination and harassment experienced by reporters when engaging with newsmakers. Evidenced in the research is how entrenched societal and cultural values limit and influence the productivity of the reporters and impede their freedom to tell stories effectively. Besides the documented glass ceilings that stunt the upward progression of female reporters, the study posits the existence of invisible walls that hinder their transversal advancement within their designated scope of reporting. Full article