Research and reporting on the development of sex in fetuses: gendered from the start

Abstract

Research into human genetics has been expanding rapidly and most people learn about that research from mass media. Because prior research finds gender bias in aspects of both science and the media, we investigate the messages presented to the public concerning the relationship between biology and gender, taking as a case research on the genetic development of sexual difference before birth. We examine both the science that is getting media attention and the form that coverage takes. We find that gendered assumptions direct the science but also that scholarly discourse makes gender biases in method and interpretation accessible to scientific critique. On the other hand, mass media reporting ignores feminist critiques, marginalizes women and dramatically reinscribes gendered beliefs about the inherent superiority of men and the biological basis for gender differences in personality and behavior.

Portrayals of Mental Illnesses in Women’s and Men’s Magazines in the United States

“…Gender biases have been observed in mass media's coverage of many health topics, including cancer (Andsager & Powers, 2001;Arrington & Goodier, 2004;Lantz & Booth, 1998), HIV/AIDS (Hoffman-Goetz, Friedman, & Clarke, 2005;Myrick, 1999), menopause (Kaufert & Lock, 1997), and medical research (Dingel & Sprague, 2010;Petersen, 1999). Such biased media coverage further perpetuates traditional gender roles (Kline, 2006).…”

“…For instance, phrases such as "lacking," "left behind in the race," and "missing the boat" were used to describe women (Petersen 1999, p. 176). In a more recent study of the coverage of genetic research on fetal sex development in newspapers and magazines, Dingel and Sprague (2010) found that the inherent superiority of men was conveyed as a theme.…”