Critical mapping of the energy-gender nexus: From “sex disaggregation” to “doing gender equality”

Abstract

Existing energy research is frequently criticised for its lack of gender sensitivity and for reproducing masculine biases. While literature exploring energy and gender is growing, there remains a significant gap in understanding how these fields precisely interact. Exploring this intersection is important to advance the agenda for gender equality in energy research, policy and practice. This article presents a systematic review of papers published on the topic from 1991 to 2021, employing a novel two-stage interdisciplinary approach: a quantitative bibliometric mapping of literature, concepts, and methods, followed by a qualitative analysis of selected studies through a critical gender lens. The results reveal that while publications are increasing, the field is dominated by quantitative methods and often treats gender as synonymous with biological sex, failing to engage with critical gender theories. Importantly, the review highlights that energy–gender research is often conducted by scholars with limited engagement with gender theory, leading to research that frequently reinforces, rather than challenges, gender stereotypes. A small number of studies adopting feminist or queer perspectives illustrate how alternative theories of gender can enrich energy research. Considering these limitations, we argue for the advancement of a transformative energy agenda by shifting from analyzing sex-disaggregated data to “doing gender equality”. We conclude with eight procedural and thematic recommendations, including the necessity of interdisciplinary teams that include gender scholars, the adoption of qualitative methods to capture lived experiences, and a commitment to challenging gender stereotypes and incorporating alternative gender theories within energy research.