Monthly Archives: April 2014

Gendered Word Choice in Job Postings

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professional woman

If the news of the new laws Obama plans to sign into effect that will encourage equal pay for women have you thinking of looking for a new gig, here are some things you might want to know. Before you hit LinkedIn, read this piece to make sure you’re not limiting your opportunities before you begin. Because, as it turns out, the mere language the post is written in may impact if you decide to apply – if you are a woman, that is. Women were less likely to apply for positions if the post was written using certain words that call masculine jobs to mind. Words including assertive, independent, aggressive, and determined were found to make women less likely to apply. Whereas words like dedicated, responsible, and conscientious drew more female applicants. Take note before trolling the new postings to avoid being discouraged from applying by the adjectives in play.

Romance Makes Everything Sweeter

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cake

If there are two words that are thrown together often, they’re love and sweetness. We call our significant others sweet or sweetie. We gush about how sweet being in love is, and are often literally gifted sweet things, especially on Valentines day. Now, according to a study cited in the March issue of Women’s Health magazine, it turns out that being in love may actually make you perceive things as sweeter. In a study authored by Kai Qin Chan, researchers found that when participants thought about love before consuming chocolate, they rated the treat as sweeter than the same snack eaten right after writing about jealousy. The warm fuzzy feelings you get when thinking about your boyfriend or the chocolate covered strawberries in your fridge active the same part of the brain that anticipates rewards, which may make food taste better. So next time you are indulging, try thinking about love and romance before digging in. It just might make that chocolate cake a little bit more delicious.