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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Zachary Petzel
This is the authors' accepted manuscript of an article that has been published in its final definitive form by Oxford University Press, 2021.
For re-use rights please refer to the publisher's terms and conditions.
A number of high-profile gender equality initiatives (GEIs) are intended to address women's underrepresentation in science. However, attitudes toward such initiatives can be negative. In two experiments with STEM academics, we examined how GEIs can be best framed to improve attitudes toward them. In study 1 (N = 113), we manipulated the framing of GEI leadership (led by a man or woman) and GEI focus (benefitting men and women or benefitting women only). The men were more supportive of GEIs benefitting both men and women because of fewer concerns of unfair treatment and more internal motivations to engage with GEIs. The women's level of support was unaffected by framing. In study 2 (N = 151), we framed GEIs as either supported by university management or not and either internally or externally driven. Support was greater for internally driven GEIs. The impact of management support depended on the academics’ experience with GEIs. This research makes evidence-based recommendations for the implementation of GEIs to improve their effectiveness.
Author(s): Farrell L, Petzel ZW, McCormack T, Turner RT, Rafferty K, Latu IM
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: BioScience
Year: 2021
Volume: 71
Issue: 3
Pages: 292-304
Print publication date: 01/03/2021
Online publication date: 02/12/2020
Acceptance date: 01/11/2020
Date deposited: 07/01/2021
ISSN (print): 0006-3568
ISSN (electronic): 1525-3244
Publisher: Oxford University Press
URL: https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biaa136
DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biaa136
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