Generalization of calculation methods for gender indices in demographic and social statistics

Abstract

(en) Currently, theoretical and practical approaches to gender issues are at a developmental stage. An important issue in gender statistics is the correct application of simple gender indices. This topic should be of interest to scholars and social workers engaged with gender issues. Due to the fact that gender parity/asymmetry indices give different results in different spheres of application, there is a need to develop separate methodological approaches for applying the indices to demographic and social statistics. In the research presented, mathematical methods were used to obtain complete and accurate quantitative characteristics of simple gender indicators. Methods of statistical observations, statistical groupings are used in the process of collecting, systematizing, and processing data. Results are graphically illustrated. It was established that when calculating gender indices for demographic statistics, the use of simple Gender Parity and Gender Asymmetry Indices is correct, and when calculating gender indices for social statistics, specific corresponding modifications should be applied which adjust for general demographic trends when analysing the gender distributions for selected social spheres. In exceptional cases (when demographic indices of the number of men and women are comparable) gender parity indices can be used when calculating the gender indices for social spheres. Therefore the results indicate that the analysis of gender parity/asymmetry requires separate methodological approaches for demographic and social statistics.