TY - JOUR
T1 - Experiences and perceptions of sexism in dementia research careers: A global cross-sectional survey
AU - Smith, Adam
AU - Dupont, Charlèss
AU - Karamacoska, Diana
AU - Bartels, Sara Laureen
AU - English, Elizabeth A.
AU - D'Cunha, Nathan M.
AU - Petrovsky, Darina V.
AU - Shaaban, C. Elizabeth
PY - 2025/4/12
Y1 - 2025/4/12
N2 - INTRODUCTION Sexism is prevalent in academia and is a crucial factor driving women out of the academic workforce. However, sexism in dementia research remains underexplored. This study aimed to understand the perceptions and experiences of early-career dementia researchers (ECDRs) with sexism in the field. METHODS In September/October 2021, a global online survey was conducted targeting ECDRs. The survey assessed their career experiences, including sexism, and was distributed through networks, social media, and e-mail lists. Responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS Of the 345 respondents, more than half of the female ECDRs (52%) reported facing sexism in their careers, ranging from overt discrimination to subtle biases. Experiences varied by career stage and location, and many ECDRs reported a lack of institutional support. DISCUSSION These findings reveal the prevalent nature of sexism in dementia research and highlight the need for targeted interventions to foster a more inclusive research environment.
AB - INTRODUCTION Sexism is prevalent in academia and is a crucial factor driving women out of the academic workforce. However, sexism in dementia research remains underexplored. This study aimed to understand the perceptions and experiences of early-career dementia researchers (ECDRs) with sexism in the field. METHODS In September/October 2021, a global online survey was conducted targeting ECDRs. The survey assessed their career experiences, including sexism, and was distributed through networks, social media, and e-mail lists. Responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS Of the 345 respondents, more than half of the female ECDRs (52%) reported facing sexism in their careers, ranging from overt discrimination to subtle biases. Experiences varied by career stage and location, and many ECDRs reported a lack of institutional support. DISCUSSION These findings reveal the prevalent nature of sexism in dementia research and highlight the need for targeted interventions to foster a more inclusive research environment.
KW - academic careers
KW - Alzheimer's disease
KW - early career researchers
KW - sexism
KW - dementia
U2 - 10.1002/alz.70123
DO - 10.1002/alz.70123
M3 - Article
SN - 1552-5260
VL - 21
SP - 1
EP - 11
JO - Alzheimer's and Dementia
JF - Alzheimer's and Dementia
IS - 4
M1 - e70123
ER -
