What is the purpose of this study?
This study is adopting a perspective of everyday sexism to explore negative gender experiences for Australian veterinarians — male, female and gender diverse. Everyday sexism is quite well described in a report by the Male Champions of Change group, who identify it as "occurring in both the formal and casual interactions between people…They are sometimes the little things, said or done in a moment, that play into stereotypes of gender."*
*Male Champions of Change (2017). We set the tone: Eliminating everyday sexism.
Retrieved from https://malechampionsofchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/We-Set-The-Tone_Eliminating-Everyday-Sexism.pdf
This study is not setting out to explore overt sexual discrimination, harassment or violence. While these behaviours unfortunately occur across society, we are focusing on behaviour that is not clearly identifiable as unlawful.
Why have I been invited to participate in this study?
We are inviting all registered veterinarians in Australia who are working, or have worked, in their veterinary capacity (not necessarily in a clinical setting) at some time in the previous 2 years. Individuals who have not been working as veterinarians during that time may have valuable input regarding this topic, but in this study we are seeking data related to recent experiences in veterinary workplaces.
What does this study involve?
If you agree to participate, you will complete this online questionnaire. Your consent to participate in the research is indicated by entering responses to the questions.
The questionnaire has sections that explore the frequency of experiences, reactions to, and impact of, different everyday sexism events in veterinary workplaces, as well as demographic information about you and the nature of your workplace. Participants are reminded not to mention business names, locations or any other person by name.
The questionnaire is likely to take you approximately 20 minutes to complete.
At the conclusion of the questionnaire there is an optional section in which you may submit your name and a contact email and/or phone number if you may be interested in participating in future research to further explore this topic. If you provide your contact details, your participation will be known to the researchers, but your complete confidentiality and that of your data will be preserved.