Week 5 Understanding Equity Post # 1
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
DeVry University, Chicago *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
MISC
Subject
Health Science
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
4
Uploaded by ChancellorScience9950
Week 5: A Man's World?
Week 5
A Man's World?
Post # 1
Does diversity make a difference when it comes to technology? Some might argue it doesn’t matter who designs their phone, or who creates the search engine they use, or who develops the next hit video game, as long as they meet the end users’ needs. Others would counter that a diverse workplace helps create better products and services. But did you know that in some cases, diversity may be a matter of life and death?
You’re probably familiar with car crash tests in which automobiles equipped with dummies are rammed into barriers at various speeds and angles to determine their safety in a collision. Interestingly, the dummies used are based on a 50th percentile male from the 1970s in terms of height and weight. Because the average American male is now considerably heavier than he was 50 years ago, the dummies no longer represent the average male, nor do they account for physiological differences between male and female bodies and how they react in collisions. For some tests, a smaller male dummy is used, equivalent to a 12-year-old boy, but no female dummies are used (Barry, 2019).
On average, men drive more than women. Men are more likely than women to speed, drive recklessly, or drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. One might assume then that men are more likely to die in car crashes than women, but the opposite is true. Women are 17% more likely to be killed in a
car accident than men and are 73% more likely to be seriously injured (Barry, 2019). There are a variety of possible reasons for these outcomes, but the fundamental reason seems to be that automakers design their cars to earn a passing grade on government crash tests, and because the crash test dummies are patterned after males, it’s no surprise that cars tend to protect them better.
Caroline Criado-Perez, author of
Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men
(2019), shows that in addition to car crash dummies,
male bias is shown in many other aspects of life. For instance, heart attack symptoms are often different for males and females, but the typical male heart attack symptoms are considered normal, but female heart attack symptoms are regarded as atypical. In addition, men and women have different comfort zones when it comes to temperature, but workplaces usually set thermostats to suit male preferences.
Let’s discuss the issue of male bias with an eye toward solutions.
As you make your opening post this week, consider the following questions.
What changes should be made in car crash testing to make cars safer for all occupants? Why do you think these changes haven’t been made yet?
Diversity does make a difference when it comes to technology. Having a diverse workforce helps create better products and services. Let me explain with a few examples:
Car crash testing: Currently, crash test dummies used in car safety tests are based on a 50th percentile male from the 1970s. This means they don't represent the average male today and don't account for physiological differences between males and females. As a result, cars are designed to protect males better than females. To make cars safer for all occupants, car crash testing should reflect the diversity of the population by using crash test dummies that represent a broader range of body types and demographics. This includes using dummies that represent female bodies as well as different age groups, ethnicities, and body sizes. By doing so, car manufacturers can gain a better understanding of how different individuals are affected in accidents and design vehicles that offer optimal protection for everyone.
To make cars safer for all occupants, changes should be made in car crash testing. These changes could include using crash test dummies that represent a broader range of body types, including different heights, weights, and gender. By doing so, automakers can ensure that cars are designed to protect everyone, regardless of their gender or body type.
The reason these changes haven't been made yet might be due to several factors. One possible reason is that updating crash test dummies and testing
protocols can be expensive and time-consuming. Car manufacturers may be hesitant to invest in these changes if they believe that the current standards are "good enough" to meet regulatory requirements. Additionally, there could be a lack of awareness and research on the specific safety needs of various demographic groups, leading to a lack of pressure to make the necessary improvements.
Aside from the examples provided here, what other examples of male bias can you think of? How would you solve these problems?
Other examples of male bias: There are many other examples of male bias in
various aspects of life. For instance, medical research and drug development
often focus more on male subjects, leading to gender bias in healthcare. Additionally, workplace environments, such as temperature settings, are typically set to suit male preferences, neglecting the comfort zones of women. These problems can be solved by increasing awareness about gender bias, conducting more inclusive research, and considering the needs and preferences of both genders when making decisions. Healthcare: As mentioned, heart attack symptoms and other medical conditions can be perceived and diagnosed differently based on gender. Medical research and clinical trials have historically been biased towards male participants, which can lead to inaccurate or less effective treatments for women. A solution would involve promoting more inclusive medical research, ensuring that both men and women are adequately represented in studies, and raising awareness among healthcare professionals about potential gender differences in symptoms and treatments.
Product Design: Many products, from tools to gadgets, are often designed with a "one-size-fits-all" approach that caters more to male preferences and needs. Incorporating diverse perspectives in the product design process can lead to more inclusive and user-friendly solutions that meet the needs of all genders.
Workplace Practices: As mentioned, workplace environments, including office
temperatures, are often based on male preferences, which can lead to discomfort and reduced productivity for women. Employers should consider the diverse needs of their workforce and create more adaptable and accommodating workplace settings that consider varying comfort zones.
Therefore, addressing male bias requires recognizing and challenging existing norms and assumptions about gender roles and capabilities. Implementing more inclusive practices, conducting diverse research, and promoting gender diversity in decision-making positions are vital steps towards creating a more equitable and safer world for all individuals.
Would having more women in positions of leadership help solve these problems? Why or why not?
The role of women in leadership: Having more women in positions of leadership can help solve these problems. Women bring diverse perspectives
and experiences to the table, leading to a more inclusive decision-making process. Gender diversity at the decision-making level brings a broader range of perspectives, experiences, and insights to the table. When women are involved in designing products, services, and policies, their unique needs
and preferences are more likely to be considered. This can lead to better
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
outcomes for everyone. Additionally, having diverse leadership teams can inspire and empower other women to pursue careers in technology and contribute to creating a more balanced and inclusive industry.
Research has shown that diverse teams tend to be more innovative and perform better because they bring together a mix of skills and viewpoints. Women leaders can advocate for change, highlight gender biases, and push for more inclusive policies in various industries, including automotive, healthcare, and product design.
However, it's essential to note that while increasing the representation of women in leadership roles is beneficial, it's not the sole solution. Achieving true gender equality and overcoming male bias requires collective efforts from all stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, consumers, and society.
In summary, diversity in technology is important because it helps create better products and services. Changes should be made in car crash testing to make cars safer for all occupants by using crash test dummies that represent a broader range of body types. Other examples of male bias can be addressed by increasing awareness, conducting inclusive research, and considering the needs of both genders. Having more women in positions of leadership can contribute to solving these problems by bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to decision-making processes.
Try to make your first post by Wednesday, and remember to reply to your classmate's posts!
References
Barry, K. (2019, October 23). The crash test bias: How male-focused testing puts female drivers at risk.
Consumer Reports
. https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/crash-test-bias-how-male-
focused-testing-puts-female-drivers-at-risk/
Criado-Perez, C. (2019).
Invisible women: Exposing data bias in a world designed for men.
Chatto & Windus.