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Integrating the Dimensions of Sex and Gender into Basic Life Sciences Research: Methodologic and Ethical Issues

Gender MedicinePublished 1 January 2007
Anita Holdcroft
Citations46

TL;DR

Evidence is provided that sex and gender are determinants of many outcomes in life science research and a broad approach -- gender mainstreaming -- is warranted.

Abstract

The studies reviewed provide evidence that sex and gender are determinants of many outcomes in life science research. To embed the gender dimension into basic scientific research, a broad approach -- gender mainstreaming -- is warranted. One example is the use of review boards (eg, animal ethical review boards and journal peer-review boards) in which gender-related standardized questions can be asked about study design and analysis. A more fundamental approach is to question the relevance of present-day laboratory models to design methods to best represent the age-related changes, comorbidity, and variations experienced by each sex in clinical medicine.

Keywords

Social SciencesMedicine