Challenge Stereotypes Research Articles

Measuring parents' awareness, identification, and communication practices about acquaintance abuse against children in Pakistan.

Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is a growing healthcare issue worldwide. However, the acquittance rape is one of the underrepresented phenomena due to certain social and cultural concerns. Consequently, the role of parents is of greater significance to ensure the safety of their children outside and insider of their homes. This research investigated the parents' awareness, identification, and communication practices about acquaintance rapes against Pakistani children. Data was gathered from 314 respondents having one or more children below sixteen years of age and further analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results showed that a majority of parents (70 %) were aware of child sexual abuse (CSA), especially acquaintance rape, as a prevalent phenomenon. However, they stayed neutral (50 %) about the possibility of female acquaintances as the possible cause of CSA and male children as victims of sexual abuse. They further reported physical and psychological signs to help identify acquaintance rape among children, with consensus ranging from 50 % to 60 %. Further, they showed different communication approaches, including telling children about CSA (50 %), their private body parts (around 45 %), abstaining from accepting gifts (50 %) and cautioning against going anywhere, even with someone they know (50 %), implying actively educating children about CSA as an effective strategy. Effective communication between parents and children about sexual abuse is critical for deterrence. Continued efforts to challenge stereotypes, promote inclusive attitudes, and encourage comprehensive prevention approaches are important to creating safer environments for children in Pakistani society.

Beyond the Genitals: Book Reviews of "Ako ay May Titi" and "Ako ay May Kiki"

This review critically examines two Filipino children's books, Ako ay May Titi [I Have a Penis] and Ako ay May Kiki [I Have a Vagina], through feminist and queer theory lenses. While the books aim to educate children about genital hygiene and body awareness, they inadvertently reinforce gender stereotypes and binary views. The analysis highlights three main concerns: the perpetuation of traditional caregiving roles, the use of gendered color stereotypes, and the limitation of gender identity to anatomy. Although the books break taboos by using anatomical terms, they fall short in representing diverse family structures and non-binary identities. While they contribute to educating children about body awareness, the books miss opportunities to provide a more inclusive view of gender and caregiving. Recommendations include introducing gender-neutral colors, representing diverse family dynamics, and offering a broader understanding of gender identity beyond anatomy to foster inclusivity and challenge stereotypes.

Reactivating Medea in Hanane Hajj Ali’s Jogging

Jogging: Theatre in Progress tells the story of four women, including Euripides’s Medea, who must grapple with what it means to be a woman and how to navigate the roles they take on, both consciously and unconsciously. Lebanese actress, playwright, and director Hanane Hajj Ali’s dark yet comedic one-woman show challenges stereotypes and preconceived notions that affect women in the Middle East and beyond.

Challenging stereotypes in Mexico: Impact on university students' entrepreneurial intentions

This study examines how gender stereotypes influence the entrepreneurial intentions of university students in Mexico. Through a survey of 399 students at the University of Guadalajara, the research reveals that traits traditionally viewed as masculine, such as leadership and risk-taking, are positively associated with entrepreneurial intentions, while feminine traits show a negative correlation. The findings highlight the need for policies that promote gender equity, challenging prevailing stereotypes to foster a more inclusive and diverse entrepreneurial environment.

관광 여행 텍스트의 의미작용 및 신화 분석 - 바르트(Roland Barthes)의 신화 이론으로 본 관광 홍보 영상의 의미

This study empirically explores the objective structures through which meaning is generated in tourism-related texts. By examining tourism promotional video texts, this study examines the structures, mechanisms, and underlying signification related to the construction of mythical meaning in the tourism-field. To this end, the semiotic and myth theories of French structuralist Roland Barthes are adopted as the theoretical guidance. The focal text is ‘Tokyo Tokyo Old meets New’, an inbound tourism promotional video of Tokyo, Japan. As an initial step of theoretical inquiry, the study examines signification in semiotics focusing on denotation and connotation and confirms Barthes' myth theory as a framework for interpreting tourism texts. In Tokyo’s tourism promotional video, the phrase “Old meets New” functions as a significant semiotic marker. This phrase signifies more than the coexistence of the past and the present in Tokyo; it reveals a deliberate subversion of entrenched doxa, or preconceived notions, about tradition and the past. The video challenges stereotypes and conventional perceptions of the past—often seen as outdated, obsolete, or useless—by presenting a paradox: “old is new,” and “antiquity is modern.” This suggests that Tokyo’s contemporary appeal in tourism is intrinsically linked to its “old past” and traditions, embodying the city’s myth as an attractive young tourism destination where tradition and modernity coexist in harmony. It should be noted that this myth aligns with the preconceptions of Tokyo as a leading tourism destination; however, it reflects perceptions of Tokyo tourism rather than its reality.

SPIRITUAL HYBRIDITY IN ANA CASTILLO'S FEMALE CHARACTERS: A STUDY OF SO FAR FROM GOD AND THE MIXQUIAHUALA LETTERS

This paper explores the spiritual hybridity in Ana Castillo's novels "So Far From God" and "The Mixquiahuala Letters," focusing on the unique spiritual journeys of Mexican-American women. Castillo's storytelling delves into the complexities of spiritual identities, blending Catholicism with indigenous beliefs, curanderismo, and feminist ideologies. The paper examines how Castillo's female characters navigate the intersection of these diverse belief systems, challenging the traditional patriarchal structures within the Chicano community and the Catholic Church. Highlighting the criticism of the Catholic Church by Chicana activists, the paper discusses how Castillo's characters retain their Catholic faith while becoming politically conscious feminists. This synthesis challenges the binary view of being either a feminist or a Catholic, emphasizing the coexistence of feminist perspectives with traditional beliefs. In "So Far From God," Castillo portrays characters like Sofi, Esperanza, and Caridad, who embody spiritual syncretism as resistance, empowerment, and healing. This blend of traditions offers resilience against societal norms and historical wounds. Similarly, "The Mixquiahuala Letters" reveals the intertwined nature of feminism and spirituality through the correspondence between Teresa and Alicia, where their feminist spirituality acts as both a personal empowerment tool and a means of political resistance. The paper concludes that Castillo's portrayal of spiritual hybridity in these novels is central to the self-discovery, assertion, and communal union of her female characters. Their spirituality, a mix of endurance, survival, and empowerment, challenges stereotypes and patriarchal assumptions in Chicano communities. Castillo's narrative underscores the importance of spiritual hybridity in cultural and political resistance, offering a transformative perspective on the lives and struggles of Mexican-American women.

Exploring the Strengths and Resilience of Siblings of People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Siblings play a crucial role in shaping and guiding the experiences of their brother or sister with a disability across the lifespan. However, little is known about the positive outcomes of their roles and experiences as siblings. Understanding the positive outcomes challenges stereotypes and the stigma associated with disabilities and allows for a more holistic view of sibling experiences. We conducted a survey with 140 adult siblings of people with disabilities to explore their strengths, resilience and community belonging. We found that siblings highly rated their perceived strengths across various domains. Furthermore, siblings maintained high levels of resilience and most belonged to various organisations for social support. We also noted several strengths-based factors that predicted siblings' resilience. Our findings offer significant insights into siblings' inherent and developed strengths and the role of community networks in promoting sibling resilience and expanding their support systems.

Visual Art Representation and Social Attitudes Towards Transgender Individuals in Pakistan: Exploring Queer Theory, Personal Narratives, and Societal Change

This research paper investigates the intricate interplay between visual art representation, social attitudes, and the experiences of transgender individuals within the Pakistani context. By integrating the frameworks of queer theory, personal narratives, and the recent enactment of the transgender bill, this study aims to contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and supportive society for transgender individuals in Pakistan. The paper begins by providing a comprehensive understanding of key terms such as LGBT, transgender, and gay, clarifying their distinct meanings to avoid misconceptions. It then introduces the theoretical lens of queer theory, which offers critical insights into challenging societal norms and perceptions regarding gender and sexuality. Through an in-depth case study of a college friend who underwent a gender transition and now identifies as a woman, the researcher engages in meaningful dialogue to gain a profound understanding of her personal experiences, challenges, and transformative journey. This exploration sheds light on the emotional disorientation and internal conflicts often encountered when interacting with individuals who have undergone gender transitions, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in fostering meaningful connections. Furthermore, the research delves into the realm of visual art practices among transgender individuals in Pakistan, analyzing the artistic expressions of transgender artists and those who explore transgender themes. By examining the transformative power of visual art to raise awareness, promote empathy, and challenge stereotypes, the study highlights the potential of art as a catalyst for social change and acceptance. In addition, the paper addresses the broader societal implications and attitudes towards transgender individuals in Pakistani society, particularly in the context of the transgender bill. It underscores the urgency for progress in terms of ensuring equal treatment, inclusivity, and acceptance, aiming to dismantle discriminatory practices and foster an environment that embraces diversity. Overall, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on transgender rights and social attitudes in Pakistan. By amplifying personal narratives, employing queer theory as an analytical framework, and recognizing the transformative potential of visual art, this study advocates for the dignified treatment and facilitation of transgender individuals as valued members of society with respect and equality.

SPIRITUAL HYBRIDITY IN ANA CASTILLO'S FEMALE CHARACTERS: A STUDY OF SO FAR FROM GOD AND THE MIXQUIAHUALA LETTERS

This paper explores the spiritual hybridity in Ana Castillo's novels "So Far From God" and "The Mixquiahuala Letters," focusing on the unique spiritual journeys of Mexican-American women. Castillo's storytelling delves into the complexities of spiritual identities, blending Catholicism with indigenous beliefs, curanderismo, and feminist ideologies. The paper examines how Castillo's female characters navigate the intersection of these diverse belief systems, challenging the traditional patriarchal structures within the Chicano community and the Catholic Church. Highlighting the criticism of the Catholic Church by Chicana activists, the paper discusses how Castillo's characters retain their Catholic faith while becoming politically conscious feminists. This synthesis challenges the binary view of being either a feminist or a Catholic, emphasizing the coexistence of feminist perspectives with traditional beliefs. In "So Far From God," Castillo portrays characters like Sofi, Esperanza, and Caridad, who embody spiritual syncretism as resistance, empowerment, and healing. This blend of traditions offers resilience against societal norms and historical wounds. Similarly, "The Mixquiahuala Letters" reveals the intertwined nature of feminism and spirituality through the correspondence between Teresa and Alicia, where their feminist spirituality acts as both a personal empowerment tool and a means of political resistance. The paper concludes that Castillo's portrayal of spiritual hybridity in these novels is central to the self-discovery, assertion, and communal union of her female characters. Their spirituality, a mix of endurance, survival, and empowerment, challenges stereotypes and patriarchal assumptions in Chicano communities. Castillo's narrative underscores the importance of spiritual hybridity in cultural and political resistance, offering a transformative perspective on the lives and struggles of Mexican-American women.

‘I want to be like you … ’ Using women scientists to challenge stereotypes and gender biases in childhood

ABSTRACT In this study, carried out in different provinces of Spain, we assess the impact of a co-educational science program conducted with children aged 3–6, whose objective is to deconstruct gender stereotypes in science by studying the biographies of female scientists. The evaluative methodology we use is based on analysing the opinions the pupils expressed at a school assembly, and we have applied content analysis to explore how much the pupils learnt about the female scientists, through 401 drawings. The main findings are: (1) 5-year-old children have sexist stereotypes related to the distribution of power between women and men; (2) the program is effective, because the pupils increase their knowledge and enrich their notions of female scientists and their contributions to science; and (3) the pupils do not illustrate situations of indirect inequality among scientists in their drawings, because they only perceive the injustice existing in situations of direct inequality.

Navigating who I was and who I am online: How people with dementia use social media platforms to support identity.

A diagnosis of dementia can have a powerful impact on identity, and social media platforms offer promising avenues for identity expression and reconciliation. Addressing limited research in this area, we used semi-structured interviews to explore how 10 people with dementia used social media to navigate their identity. Our thematic analysis produced four themes, showing how social media platforms afford unique opportunities for self-expression, visibility, and association, thereby empowering users to maintain their sense of self, challenge stereotypes, and foster community connections. Additionally, social media facilitated a multifaceted and holistic sense of identity beyond the confines of diagnosis. While there were concerns about online self-disclosure, sharing experiences of dementia had therapeutic benefits, aiding in acceptance and adjustment. Participants also leveraged social media to establish continuity between their pre- and post-diagnostic selves, providing a sense of stability amid uncertainty. With the increasing prevalence of social media use among people with dementia, proactive measures by healthcare professionals, policymakers, technology developers, and carers are required to cultivate online experiences that are safe, supportive, and inclusive of people with dementia.

The Use of Narrative in the Criminal Justice Classroom: Book Club as a Teaching Tool

This paper explores the use of crime narratives through book clubs in criminal justice education. While true crime media has gained popularity, it often presents a skewed view of criminal justice realities. In contrast, carefully selected narratives in educational settings can promote significant learning experiences, as outlined in Fink’s taxonomy. These narratives can help humanize justice-involved individuals, challenge stereotypes, and provide a more balanced understanding of the criminal justice system. The growing field of narrative criminology further supports the use of stories to examine social hierarchies and inequalities within the justice system. Book clubs, when integrated effectively into coursework, have shown promise in increasing student engagement and building relationships.

Barriers and Facilitators to Dental Care Services Utilization Among Children With Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis.

This systematic review investigates barriers and enablers to dental care utilization by disabled children. Given the high global prevalence of disabilities in children, coupled with poor oral hygiene and a 45% rate of dental caries in this group, developing inclusive oral health strategies is critical. The review aims to synthesize literature on factors affecting oral healthcare improvement for disabled children, identifying barriers, facilitators and knowledge gaps. The review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute's methods and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search spanned multiple databases, considering perspectives from carers, parents, dentists and health professionals. The focus was on studies involving children up to age 17 with disabilities, as defined by WHO, using dental care services. Exclusions included non-qualitative studies, populations over 18 and nondisabled children. There were no restrictions on publication date or language. Thematic synthesis of the studies extracted themes related to barriers and enablers in oral healthcare for disabled children. Thematic synthesis identified five overarching themes: stigma, communication issues, professional development, oral health education and medical-dental collaboration. Facilitators included enhancing accessibility and availability of dental care through a holistic approach, improving dental care facility environments and ensuring skilled dental care providers. The review underscores the importance of interprofessional collaboration, improved parent/caregiver education and specialized dental facilities to support children with disabilities. It identifies key barriers and facilitators in dental care, including challenging stereotypes, improving communication between providers and parents, enhancing holistic training and addressing gaps in oral health education and integrated healthcare systems. Addressing the complex dynamics of dental care for disabled children is essential for developing inclusive and effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. This review highlights the need for tailored approaches and enhanced support systems to improve oral health outcomes in this vulnerable population. The members of the family support department, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Organization for Rare Disease and Disability who provided the disability voice and contributed to providing input to the review protocol.

Gender Representation in English Language Textbooks of Primary Education

Textbooks are carriers of social change. It is through textbooks and classroom experiences that from the stage of childhood in the school itself, students start learning to accept gender socialization, social norms, beliefs, gender roles, inequality, and bias. Hence, the need to make the textbooks gender neutral arises becausetheir analysis is necessary for this; it is in this light that the present study has analyzed English textbooks at the primary level of education in India toexaminethe incubation of gender stereotypes and bias. These were coupled with content analysis and qualitative and documentary research. The major findings reflect that gender patriarchy and bias are reflected in English textbooks.Overall, the results indicated that males were more prominently featured in textbooks, both in images and in text. Females were still underrepresented, had fewer diverse occupations, and were often depicted doing household chores in three textbooks. However, there were some positive portrayals and efforts to challenge stereotypes, with examples of gender-neutral language and activities shared by both genders.The findings of this study can also be used to shape policies at the state or national level in creating and applying guidelines for gender-neutral content in educational materials. These guidelines would guide the efforts of a textbook development agency,writers, and teachers in creating gender-sensitive curricula and textbooks.

Hidden patterns of inequality: The heterogeneity in parenting within educational groups

When sociology deals with differences within groups of similar socioeconomic status, research and theorizing tend to focus on the heterogeneity among the socioeconomically advantaged thus representing the socioeconomically disadvantaged as homogeneous. This study is a case of the opposite. For at set of high-stake cultural practices, parental strategies for social reproduction, I find most heterogeneity among socioeconomically disadvantaged mothers. Using data from the NLSY-CYA, I provide novel descriptive statistics of the variance in parenting by maternal education and analyze the determinants of these differences employing a variance function regression. I find an educational gradient in the heterogeneity of cognitively stimulating parenting: the variance is highest among mothers with no high school diploma and shrinks among mothers with more education. That is, mothers with the least amount of education show the most diversity in parenting. This educational gradient is associated with inequality in mothers’ family of origin, cognitive skills, and current economic situation. This result suggests that the systematic differences in heterogeneity stem from (1) selection into education based on family-of-origin characteristics and cognitive skills, where the non-deterministic sorting makes the least educated the most heterogeneous, and (2) the effect of education on mothers’ economic situation, where education decreases uncertainty and thereby makes the most educated the most homogeneous group. Moreover, the study calls for bringing attention to the potential larger heterogeneity in cultural practices among the socioeconomically disadvantaged and provides a theoretical framework for understanding this heterogeneity. This approach challenges stereotypes and deepens sociological understanding of inequality.

Leila Aboulela, Islam, and the trajectory of the African novel

ABSTRACT This article focuses upon Leila Aboulela’s Minaret, arguing that – in the context of the ambivalent relations between Islam and the west – it challenges stereotypes about Muslim African women, excavating Sufi traditions to challenge monolithic western understandings of Islam and Muslim women. The article’s intent is to develop the narrative about the African novel by bringing Aboulela into the debate because she offers an alternative narrative, one which refuses to fetishize difference, instead embracing cultural diversity and normative pluralism. The protagonist is a Sudanese Muslim woman who draws inspiration from indigenous cultures; she positions herself within the Sufi tradition, which challenges both patriarchal and imperialist understandings of Islam, thus finding her place in a secular society that views both Islam and Muslim women as aberrant. Acutely aware of the complexities of colonialism and religion, Aboulela shifts the African novel towards a subtle engagement with urgent questions around gender and Islam.

Egypt’s folk devils? Metal music as a pious alternative for Egyptian metal fans

The Egyptian metal scene has persevered with a committed and enduring community since the late 1980s, despite facing significant challenges and enduring stigmatization. This article examines the resilience of Egyptian metal enthusiasts in the face of adversities. It explores the religious reasons behind some Egyptian metal fans’ unwavering dedication to cultivating and sustaining their metal subculture. The dominant narrative in Egyptian public opinion has long associated metal fans with Satanism, leading to confrontations with the media and law enforcement. Nevertheless, the metal community in Egypt has persisted, actively organizing events and fostering a sense of camaraderie, even amidst occasional internal tensions. Notably, the allure of metal music for some Egyptian fans is uniquely influenced by religious considerations, providing a pious alternative to local and western musical offerings. Drawing from existing literature on the appeal of metal music and using first-hand sources gathered through interviews with many Egyptian metal fans, the article presents personal accounts from several Egyptian metalheads, focusing on their experiences of pious self-cultivation through metal music. These accounts challenge stereotypes, revealing the intense passion and personal motivations that sustain the Egyptian metal scene. The findings suggest that metal music serves as a means of pious self-cultivation for some Egyptian fans. By presenting a nuanced view of the Egyptian metal scene, this article contributes to understanding metal subcultures and their relationship with religion and spirituality. This research highlights the resilience and determination of Egyptian metal fans, shedding light on the complex reasons behind their continued involvement in the metal scene. The article concludes by discussing the implications of these accounts, calling for further exploration of how metal music provides a unique avenue for self-expression and religious devotion among Egyptian metal fans, defying societal stigmas and enriching the diverse cultural landscape of Egypt’s music scene.

Stigma toward individuals with intellectual disabilities and severe mental disorders: analysis of postgraduate university students’ perceptions

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to delve into societal stigma surrounding severe mental disorders and intellectual disabilities, emphasizing gender differences and students’ proximity influence.Design/methodology/approachInvolving 572 Spanish master’s students, this nonexperimental study categorizes participants based on contact frequency, using Goratu and CAEE questionnaires to measure stigma.FindingsGender-based stigma differences are absent; however, increased contact correlates with lower stigma levels. Notably, greater closeness is associated with more positive attitudes toward intellectual disability, resulting in diminished stigma toward severe mental disorders.Practical implicationsThis research sheds light on the pervasive stigma faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities and severe mental disorders among postgraduate university students. Notably, the recognition of widespread stigma among individuals with higher education highlights a more significant societal problem. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions, especially in higher education contexts, to enhance understanding and reduce societal bias.Social implicationsBy identifying factors influencing stigma and emphasizing the importance of contact in fostering empathy, the study lays the groundwork for informed socioeducational strategies. These strategies have the potential to promote inclusivity, challenge stereotypes and contribute to the well-being and social integration of those affected by intellectual disabilities and severe mental disorders.Originality/valueThe findings highlight the efficacy of direct contact in reducing stigma and underscore the necessity for nuanced understanding. The study suggests fostering positive attitudes through increased contact can combat prejudice and promote social inclusion. Nevertheless, further research is crucial to explore factors influencing stigma reduction and design comprehensive socioeducational interventions addressing diverse cultural proficiencies. This study contributes valuable insights for mitigating stigma, fostering inclusivity and informing future interventions.

Re-envisioning vocational education: critical discourse analysis of a government publicity campaign in Hong Kong

PurposeVocational education in Hong Kong suffers from an image problem. Stakeholders often perceive it as a second-best option for those who fail to advance in academic education. In 2016, to promote vocational education, the Hong Kong government launched a publicity campaign and rebranded vocational education and training (VET) as vocational and professional education and training (VPET). This study critically analyzes the new discourse crafted by this campaign and assesses its potential to change VPET’s status.Design/methodology/approachThis study applies critical discourse analysis to the set of television public service advertisements produced as part of the government publicity campaign.FindingsThe messaging of the publicity campaign consists of two major discursive strategies. One stresses the ability to find self-fulfillment through VPET. The other stresses the academic ability and middle-class status of VPET students as well as the non-manual and high-end career opportunities for graduates. While the first strategy offers a new basis on which to value VPET, the second recreates assumptions about the value of academic achievement and what constitutes respectable employment, even as it attempts to challenge stereotypes. It reinforces that the ultimate goal of education is financial gain and social status. It overlooks other values of education and the potential value of VPET in enhancing individual choice and agency.Research limitations/implicationsDiscourse analysis does not provide information about audience perceptions and interpretations.Social implicationsThe government could consider reframing their messaging in terms of the diverse values and experiences of VPET students. Highlighting the values that VPET students themselves see in their education provides alternative discourses that can better challenge hegemonic ideas.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first discourse analysis of the government’s publicity campaign to promote VPET.

Health professions students' perspectives of a stigma-reducing simulation including simulated patients with lived experience of addiction and recovery

BackgroundStigma surrounding substance use disorders (SUDs) hinders treatment. This study explores perceptions of health professions students following simulation-based training involving individuals with lived experience of addiction and recovery. MethodsThematic analysis of self-reflection narratives was conducted to identify themes. ResultsThirty-three graduate students from various health disciplines participated. Four themes were identified: humanizing addiction, cultivation of hope, attitude of gratitude, and transformation and growth. Findings highlight contact-based simulations' potential to challenge stereotypes and foster empathy. ConclusionIntegrating stigma reduction interventions into health curricula is crucial. Contact-based simulation training shapes positive attitudes towards individuals with SUDs.