Gender dimension in research content

Integrate gender dimension into research means integrate sex and gender analysis into all phases of basic and applied research to assure excellence and quality in outcomes.

Gender analysis is the umbrella term for the entire process that foresees both sex and gender analysis:

• sex refers to biological qualities characteristic of women [females] and men [males] in terms of reproductive organs and physiology;
• gender - a socio-cultural process – refers to cultural and social attitudes that together shape and sanction “feminine” and “masculine” behaviours, products, technologies, environments, and knowledge.

WHY it is important to integrate gender dimension into research content?

• Add value to research by ensuring excellence and quality in outcomes and enhancing sustainability, as the integration of gender dimension into research enrich the research itself providing new prospective and knowledge.
• Add value to society by making research more responsive to social needs, as taking into account different perspectives makes the innovation more inclusive and efficient.
• Add value to business by developing new ideas, patents, and technology, as integrating sex and gender analysis into research generates creativity by offering new perspectives, posing new questions, and opening new areas to research.

Sex and gender can influence all stages of research, from strategic considerations for establishing priorities and building theory to more routine tasks of formulating questions, designing methods, and interpreting data. Many pitfalls can be avoided - and new ideas or opportunities identified - by designing sex and gender analysis into research from the start.

For example, studies with gendered approach could highlight important findings of gender and sex differences in the effects of COVID-19 on men and women due to biological factors, as well as behavioural differences. Another example could be a research study that addresses the areas of taxation and economics considering gender-fair taxation and gender equality in venture funding.

USEFUL RESOURCES

• The report “Gendered  Innovations 2: How Inclusive Analysis Contributes to Research and Innovation” provides researchers, thought the collection of 15 concrete examples, with practical tools for gender analysis, which help them rethink concepts, formulate relevant questions and develop appropriate research methods.
• Toolkit for Integrating Gender Sensitive Approach into Research and Teaching, GARCIA project
• LERU, Gendered research and innovation: Integrating sex and gender analysis into the research process (2015)