Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
12-1-2024
Publication Title
Integrative and Comparative Biology
Abstract
When cultural biases pervade communication, whether visual or text-based, objectivity is impaired. Anthropocentrism (human-centered bias) and androcentrism (male-centered bias) in particular distort perspectives in mammalian reproductive biology. This paper provides a resource for professionals who understand how cultural biases can be reinforced with language, visuals, and conceptual framing. After brief explanations, we present neutral alternatives to biased terminology as well as ways to avoid bias in illustrations. Since this paper is animal-centric, we hope to inspire the creation of similar resources across a more diverse biota and, thus, move towards a more neutral perspective across reproductive biology.
Volume
64
Issue
6
First Page
1717
Last Page
1733
DOI
10.1093/icb/icae138
ISSN
15407063
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Rights
© The Author(s) 2024
Version
Version of Record
Recommended Citation
Baker, Zoe and Hayssen, Virginia, "A Practical Guide to Avoiding Biased Communication in Reproductive Biology" (2024). Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/bio_facpubs/333