Gendered and Inclusive Language in the Preparation of Manuscripts: Policy Statement for the Journal of Human Lactation

Quantitative Research Excellence: Study Design and Reliable and Valid Measurement of Variables

“…Vander Weele, 2012); and variables describing study participants, which may overlap with the potential confounders and effect modifiers. With regard to describing study participants, sex and gender should be considered as two separate variables and inclusion and exclusion criteria should either address both sex and gender or explain why these were omitted (Bamberger, JHL Editorial Team, & Farrow, A., 2021).…”

Sex and Gender Inclusiveness in Lactation Research

“…This lack of specificity in language usage is a form of bias that no longer is acceptable. Therefore, in JHL ’s gender policy, we ask that researchers treat the variables of sex and gender identity as separate variables (Bamberger & Farrow, 2021). It is a small and simple modification that could have a large impact and would, definitely, bring greater clarity and reliability to data collection and reporting.…”

“…We, as a global community, are just beginning to understand the depth of these issues. At JHL we are offering this and the other two related articles in this issue (Bamberger & Farrow, 2021, Bamberger & Farrow, 2021) as a way to move the dialog about these issues forward, but not as the one or only way to address them.…”

Relevancy and Manner

“…The Policy Statement titled Gendered and Inclusive Language in the Preparation of Manuscripts: Policy Statement for the Journal of Human Lactation, released by the Journal of Human Lactation (JHL) (Bamberger, et al 2021), has proposed potentially major changes for manuscripts submitted for publication. As the topic is of universal public health importance, this shift is worthy of closer inspection.…”