Likely Electromagnetic Foundations of Gender Inequality

Cross-Cultural Research • Vol/Iss. 57(2-3) • Sage Journals • • Published In • Pages: 239-263 •
By León, Federico R.

Abstract

This study seeks to examine the influence that UV radiation and climate might have on gender inequality, and tests two extant theories on why gender inequality exists -- the life-history theory (aligned with climate) and the cognitive performance theory (aligned with UV radiation). The model with UV radiation as the main predictor fits the data on gender inequality the best, and pathogen prevalence and the ACP1*B allele were also found to be associated with gender inequality. The model was found to be robust across continents and ancestry. The study also highlights the need for further research to better understand the complex interplay of these factors in different cultures.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Human Development Report (UNDP, 2011)Other researchersGender inequality data, per capita income,
Peel et al. (2007)Researchers' ownClimate classification
Andersen et al. (2016)Other researchersUV radiation data
World Health OrganizationOther researchersPathogen prevalence
United Nations Fund for Population ActivitiesOther researchersTotal fertility rate
Becker (2019)Other researchersCognitive performance data
Klitgaard et al. (2019)Other researchersACP1*B allele data
Freedom House (2020)Other researchersDemocracy data
Putterman (2021)Other researchersPost-1500 European ancestry

Hypotheses (2)

HypothesisSupported
Wet and hot climates are associated with greater gender inequality.Partially Supported
Higher UV radiation is associated with more gender inequality.Support Claimed
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: jacob.kalodner