Gender bias in research is a widespread issue that has affected the accuracy and representativity of the majority of social sciences’ projects until a certain point. It is facilitated by the general patriarchal structure of the modern society, in which the comparative majority of resources, material and otherwise, belongs to men as opposed to women. This imbalance has led to the male social experience being perceived as the general norm, whereas female is seen as a variation of said norm. Scientific research, among other areas of life, has reflected this notion in the form of multiple bias.
The androcentrism is most obviously manifested in the choice of samples, with researchers across disciplines perceiving men as more important gender to study, regardless of the subject. The pattern demonstrates that men are more likely to be selected as sample participants for any study that is not directly focused on the issues unique to women. This systemic bias involves multiple negative implications, particularly when found in medical research. To give an example, the majority of clinical studies and tests on the topic of heart failure prevention and treatment center men (Upchurch, 144). It is therefore potentially plausible that the proposed solution will be less effective among women.
Furthermore, the comparative de-normalization of female experience continues on the later stages of a research paper. Although modern behavioral studies are unlikely to be mono-gendered, scientists frequently fail to account for contextual limitations (Cislak et al., 192). If a paper studies the level of activity on the workplace demonstrated by the genders without considering the workplace discrimination that women face, it will lead to a biased result. In conclusion, gender bias in research should be recognized and addressed throughout every relevant stage to improve the overall quality of projects.
Works Cited
Cislak, Aleksandra et al. “Bias Against Research On Gender Bias”. Scientometrics, vol 115, no. 1, 2018, pp. 189-200. Springer Science And Business Media LLC, doi:10.1007/s11192-018-2667-0.
Upchurch, Meg. “Gender Bias In Research”. Companion To Women’s And Gender Studies, 2020, pp. 139-154. Wiley, doi:10.1002/9781119315063.ch7.