A Special Gen(d)re of Statistics: Roots, Development and Methodological Prospects of Gender Statistics

The very expression Gender Statistics calls for a double interpretation. It accounts for the popular mix-up of statistical methodology with its typical products such as indexes, tables and graphs. At the same time it implies a broader and forward-looking perspective, which is inspired by the increasing demand of gender sensitive statistical information coming from society, official agencies, economy. Gender statistics stands as a proper independent field of statistics with its own objectives and a variety of applications in social, human and life science. Concurrently an emerging necessity of appropriate equipment of methods and dissemination tools is noticeable. The paper tracks the roots and the historical development of gender statistics, reviews critically the existing indexes and practice and outlines methodological needs and research prospects