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. 2022 Jan 3;21(1):1.
doi: 10.1186/s12939-021-01581-5.

How do we measure gender discrimination? Proposing a construct of gender discrimination through a systematic scoping review

Laura de la Torre-Pérez  1 , Alba Oliver-Parra  2 , Xavier Torres  3 , Maria Jesús Bertran  4
Affiliations

How do we measure gender discrimination? Proposing a construct of gender discrimination through a systematic scoping review

Laura de la Torre-Pérez et al. Int J Equity Health. .

Abstract

Background: Gender discrimination (GD) has been frequently linked to mental health. The heterogeneity of how GD is defined has led to variation around the analysis of GD. This might affect the study of the association between GD and health outcomes. The main goal of this systematic scoping review is to operationalize the definition of the GD construct.

Methods: Three search strategies were set in Pubmed, CINAHL and PsycINFO. The first strategy obtained results mainly about women, while the second focused on men. The third strategy focused on the identification of GD questionnaires. The prevalence of GD, factors and consequences associated with GD perception, and forms of discrimination were the principal variables collected. Risk of bias was assessed (PROSPERO:CRD42019120719).

Results: Of the 925 studies obtained, 84 were finally included. 60 GD questionnaires were identified. GD prevalence varied between 3.4 and 67 %. Female gender and a younger age were the factors most frequently related to GD. Poorer mental health was the most frequent consequence. Two components of the GD construct were identified: undervaluation (different recognition, opportunities in access, evaluation standards and expectations) and different treatment (verbal abuse and behaviour).

Conclusions: Two-component GD definition can add order and precision to the measurement, increase response rates and reported GD.

Keywords: Mental Health; Self-report; Sexism; Social discrimination; Systematic review [Publication type].

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors don’t have any conflict of interest to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow Diagram. SS1, Search Strategy (1) SS2, Search Strategy (2) SS3, Search Strategy (3) GD, Gender discrimination
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Gender Discrimination construct map. GD: Gender Discrimination U: Undervaluation. T: Different Treatment. SO: Sexual Objectification. SH: Sexual Harassment. GR: Gender Role
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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