Distinct Gender Roles Research Articles

Rethinking economic socialization: the intersection of culture, gender and economic life in a religious enclave

Abstract This article explores how economic socialization serves as a bridge between individual economic behaviors and the broader social and cultural contexts that shape them. Drawing on a post-functionalist approach to socialization, the study examines the ultra-Orthodox Jewish (Haredi) community in Israel, where distinct gender roles, cultural norms and patterns of economic participation create a unique context for investigating divergent economic socialization pathways. Comparing four groups within the Haredi community—average/below-average and high-income women, men with work experience, and men who study at religious seminaries (Yeshiva/Kollel)—analysis of an original survey study reveals how differential exposure to economic life leads to significant variations in financial risk-taking, loss-aversion, financial literacy and competitiveness. The findings problematize explanations attributing economic gender gaps to innate differences, instead highlighting the profound impact of the cultural framing of gender roles vis-à-vis economic integration. By foregrounding economic socialization as a sociological phenomenon, the study contributes to discourses on culture’s role in economic behavior and opens new avenues for examining how individuals acquire economic dispositions through socialization pathways shaped by structural constraints and power relations.

Peer popularity and self-discipline as protective factors against depressive symptoms in Chinese adolescents: Do boys and girls benefit equally?

The current study examined the concurrent and longitudinal protective effects of peer popularity and self-discipline (control, planning, and the ability to prioritize important things) against depressive symptoms among adolescents. We used multilevel modeling to examine the data of 1676 adolescents aged 12-15 years from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) survey, a large-scale panel survey with a nationally representative sample. Results showed that both peer popularity and self-discipline predicted lower levels of depressive symptoms measured concurrently. The buffering effect of self-discipline against concurrent depressive symptoms was stronger for girls than for boys, especially in middle adolescence. Peer popularity additionally predicted lower levels of depressive symptoms 4 years later, and this effect was stronger for girls than for boys. These patterns of results were maintained after controlling for self-rated physical health and society-level factors. We discuss these findings against the background of distinct traditional gender roles.

Youthful Perspectives: Examining Perceptions and Attitudes towards Gender Roles in Music among Students at the School of Music, Philippine Women's University

This study investigates the perceptions and attitudes towards gender roles in music among students at the School of Music, Philippine Women's University, Philippines. Grounded in the rich cultural context of the Philippines, where historical, cultural, and societal influences shape distinct gender roles, the research aims to fill a gap in the existing literature by examining the perspectives of young individuals engaged in formal music education. the demographic profile of participants reveals a predominantly female representation, reflecting the university's emphasis on women's education but also highlighting a need for increased inclusivity in research. Through a comprehensive survey instrument, the study explores students' perceptions of gender roles in music, attitudes towards existing biases, and the impact of gender on their musical experiences. Findings indicate a consensus among participants on the existence of gender associations and stereotypes, emphasizing the need to challenge traditional norms within the School of Music. Additionally, participants express a desire for strategies to create a more inclusive and equitable musical environment. the study recommends tailored interventions, including diversified extracurricular offerings, mentorship programs, and transparent assessment criteria, aligned with academic years and culturally sensitive initiatives. these findings contribute valuable insights to the broader discourse on gender inclusivity in the music industry and lay the foundation for continued academic inquiry into the intersections of gender, youth culture, and music in the Philippines.

The willingness of Ukrainians to fight for their own country on the eve of the 2022 Russian invasion

ABSTRACT The study attempts to explain the determined resistance of Ukrainians to Russia’s aggression based on empirical data from a survey of Ukraine’s population obtained on the eve of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The willingness to resist has been determined by societal identity, which combines pro-Western orientations and Ukrainian-speaking identity. At the same time, factors of regional affiliation and linguistic behavior were not found to have influence. An indicator that ranks respondents’ possible reaction to the war showed the differentiated nature of Ukrainians’ willingness to resist. The willingness to engage in various types of struggle was conditioned by distinct gender roles and socioeconomic resources. This explains the comprehensive scope and mass character of Ukrainian resistance to the war. The societal will to fight was manifested among the Ukrainian military and spread to civilians.

Sex-Specific Functional Connectivity in the Reward Network Related to Distinct Gender Roles.

Gender roles are anti-dichotomous and malleable social constructs that should theoretically be constructed independently from biological sex. However, it is unclear whether and how the factor of sex is related to neural mechanisms involved in social constructions of gender roles. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate sex specificity in gender role constructions and the corresponding underlying neural mechanisms. We measured gender role orientation using the Bem Sex-Role Inventory, used a voxel-based global brain connectivity method based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to characterize the within-network connectivity in the brain reward network, and analyzed how the integration of the reward network is related to gender role scores between sex groups. An omnibus analysis of voxel-wise global brain connectivity values within a two-level linear mixed model revealed that in female participants, femininity scores were positively associated with integration in the posterior orbitofrontal cortex and subcallosal cortex, whereas masculinity scores were positively associated with integration in the frontal pole. By contrast, in male participants, masculinity was negatively correlated with integration in the nucleus accumbens and subcallosal cortex. For the first time, the present study revealed the sex-specific neural mechanisms underlying distinct gender roles, which elucidates the process of gender construction from the perspective of the interaction between reward sensitivity and social reinforcement.

Culturally sensitive dance movement therapy for ultra-orthodox women: Group protocol targeting bodily and psychological self-perceptions

This study explored a manual-based group intervention protocol for culturally sensitive short-term dance/movement therapy, as possibly contributing to bodily and psychological perceptions in a unique sample of Ultra-Orthodox Jewish women. The insulated, restrictive Ultra-Orthodox society prescribes distinct gender roles, modesty, and strong regulation of women’s physical, sexual, and reproductive lives. Participants (N = 47) were ages 22–55 years (M = 33.32; SD = 7.75). Pre-post assessments included two body-perception measures (Body Appreciation Scale comprising positive body image; Body Investment Scale comprising body image, feelings and attitudes, body care, body protection and comfort in touch) and three psychological self-perception questionnaires (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale; Mental Health Inventory comprising psychological well-being and psychological distress; and "Big Five" Inventory). Overall, significant changes emerged in women’s positive body image, body care, comfort in touch, psychological well-being, and conscientiousness personality trait. Discussion focused on in-depth examination of this protocol-based intervention’s strategies and mechanisms that were both culturally appropriate and effective in facilitating body perceptions and well-being.

Disabilities Exhibited by Children and Adolescents That Refuse to Go to School

The aim of the study was to investigate what functional difficulties young people who refuse to go to school experience in their everyday lives. Research questions where what difficulties do young people who refuse to go to school experience? Are there differences between boys and girls? The study is a retrospective journal study with 28 Swedish youngsters based on Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Major findings where about somatic symptoms, emotional distress, loneliness, distinct gender roles, less mature and risk behavior. Although the school, social services and children- and adolescent psychiatry largely agree on the complexity of adolescents being absent from school, it seems difficult for the organizations to agree on adequate solutions.

Patriarchy and gender-inequitable attitudes as drivers of intimate partner violence against women in the central region of Ghana

BackgroundIn order to reduce women’s exposure to violence and develop culturally appropriate interventions, it is important to gain an understanding of how men who use violence rationalize it. The present study sought to explore the perspectives of men who had used violence on their female partners, specifically their views on intimate partner violence (IPV), gender norms, manhood, their gender attitudes and to understand how these may drive male perpetrated IPV against women in the Central Region of Ghana.MethodsThis was a qualitative study involving purposively sampled adult men who had participated in a household-based survey in selected districts in the Central Region of Ghana and who had self-reported perpetration of IPV in the past 12 months. In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 men.ResultsData revealed how a range of social, cultural, and religious factors ̶ stemming from patriarchy ̶ combined to inform the construction of a traditional masculinity. These factors included the notion that decision-making in the home is a man’s prerogative, there should be rigid and distinct gender roles, men’s perceptions of owning female partners and having the right to have sex with them whenever they desire, and the notion that wife beating is legitimate discipline. Findings suggest that it was through performing, or aspiring to achieve, this form of masculinity that men used varying forms of violence against their female partners. Moreover, data show that the men’s use of violence was a tactic for controlling women and emphasizing their authority and power over them.ConclusionsDevelopers of interventions to prevent IPV need to recognize that there is a coherent configuration of aspirations, social norms and behaviours that is drawn on by some men to justify their use of IPV. Understanding the perspectives of men who have perpetrated IPV against women and their motivations for perpetration is essential for interventions to prevent IPV. This is discussed as drawing authority from ‘tradition’ and so engaging traditional and religious leaders, as well as men and women throughout the community, in activities to challenge this is likely to be particularly fruitful.

Uncovering Inner Dilemmas Experienced by Parents of Multicultural Families in Japan

This paper examined challenges parents in intercultural marriages are confronted with when raising their multicultural children in Japan by weighing societal pressures, language usage, and inner struggles. Twenty interviews were conducted with Japanese and non-Japanese parents and revealed that parents, children, and society were in constant negotiation interacting and influencing each other. Extended families, residential communities, and schools were key factors which influenced the family’s experience. The role conformity plays in Japan ( Hofstede, 2001 ) and the tightness of Japanese culture ( Gelfand et al., 2011 ) were substantial sources of stress for the parents. The descriptive data suggested societal pressure to conform led to non-Japanese parents feeling out of place. Various levels of language proficiency of family members led to stress and isolation within some multicultural homes. Finally, inner struggles linked to cultural differences led to emotional distress. Visual markers, differing norms and values of the parents’ heritage cultures, distinct gender roles in Japan, as well as differing core assumptions deeply rooted in the parents’ cultural foundations contributed to these struggles.

Transgender Individuals' Perceptions of Maternal Support in Central Appalachia

ABSTRACTThe psychosocial experiences of transgender individuals are shaped by specific cultural beliefs and values that influence family and community interactions. Using a constant-comparative approach to thematic analysis, we analyzed in-depth interviews with 25 transgender-identified adults in Central Appalachia and discovered that their mothers play a crucial role in their social support experiences. Participants described supportive and unsupportive interactions with their mothers and how their mothers' attitudes and behaviors evolved in positive directions over time. They also perceived that their mothers played a key role in influencing how other family and community members behaved toward them. Participants gave meaning to their mothers' behaviors by placing them in the context of strong cultural values about distinct gender roles, family loyalty, religious conservatism, and pride of place. These findings serve as a reminder to family mental health practitioners and health service providers to directly assess family and community strengths and draw on these resources to facilitate the well-being of clients from stigmatized and under-resourced populations.

轉變與堅持: 回應婚姻與家庭觀念的改變

LANGUAGE NOTE | Document text in Chinese; abstract in English only.As the cornerstone of today’s pro-same-sex-marriage rhetoric, Western Liberalism is often placed in opposition to Christianity and Confucianism. Under a fashionable preference for liberal values, Christianity and Confucianism’s adaptation to the modern value of gender equality has been under-valued. Gender neutrality remains controversial in Christianity and Confucianism because distinct gender roles serve to maintain morality. Further, the shortcomings of liberally oriented family values and the danger of favoringindividuality over social norms are often undiscussed. This article aims to remind readers that rights ought to be balanced with morality, and that traditional values can still serve our present age, even in the face of change.DOWNLOAD HISTORY | This article has been downloaded 351 times in Digital Commons before migrating into this platform.

A Meta-Analysis About the Relationship between Family Firms and Firm Performance

My meta-analysis clearly shows that family management is a curse and not a blessing according to financial performance of family firms compared to nonfamily firms. Based on a univariate and multivariate meta-analysis of 270 studies from 42 countries, I addressed the main objective of my dissertation to investigate the financial performance of family firms compared to nonfamily firms. My first robust finding proves that family firms outperform nonfamily firms financially (Research question 1). This result endorses former meta-analyses and the majority of primary studies. My second finding (Research question 2) supports the finance research stream differentiating in market and accounting based measures. So, the market, represented by analysts, assumes that family firms do not outperform family firms. Contrary to what family firms report and document in their financial statements with accounting measures as my findings show. A third finding (Research question 3) is that the composition of primary studies samples, consisting of only publicly listed companies, only manufacturing or technological firms, do not influence the overall results. However, small and medium-sized companies report smaller financial performance indices and therefore reduce the dependent variable. The majority of SME's in almost all countries possesses less market power and therefore achieves smaller revenues (Cressy & Olofsson, 1997). The forth result (Research question 4) shows that the engagement of family management leads to a significant drop in financial performance of family firms and therefore family firms underperform nonfamily firms. Family managers in family firms, however, preserve the wealth of all family members and therefore the financial performance indices are not always the key. Again, nonfinancial goals should be drawn into conclusion in empirical analyses. My second objective to investigate the influence of institutional factors is addressed by a multivariate analysis revealing the associations among family firms, financial performance is sensitive to institutional factors (Research question 5): in Europe, the financial performance of family firms is lower compared to North America. That is, European publicly listed companies are mainly underrated compared to North America (Caldwell, 07.06.2014). Furthermore, in a society with high masculinity, family firms reveal a better financial performance compared to nonfamily firms. Masculinity is associated with male assertiveness, ambition, acquisition of wealth, and clearly distinct gender roles. But law regimes do not influence firm performance at all. Additional evidence comes from the investigation of the rule of law logic. A high rule of law excels the performance of family firms because they get a discount on their debt costs.

‘Even though a man takes the major role, he has no right to abuse’: future male leaders’ views on gender-based violence in Sri Lanka

ABSTRACT Background: Distinct gender roles influence gender inequality and build the foundation for gender-based violence. Violence against women is a major public health problem in all societies, and a violation of human rights. Prevalence surveys on gender-based violence have been published from Sri Lanka, but qualitative studies on men’s perceptions are lacking. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore young educated Sri Lankan men’s perceptions of violence against women. Methods: Seven focus-group discussions were held. Men at the end of their university studies were purposefully selected. A topic guide was used, covering various scenarios of violence against women. Qualitative content analysis was carried out. Results: Four categories were developed through the analytic process: fixed gender roles – patriarchal values are accepted in society, female mobility control, and slowly changing attitudes; violence not accepted but still exists – sexual harassment exists everywhere, different laws for different people, female tolerance of violence, and men’s right to punish; multiple factors cause violence – alcohol, violent behavior is inherited, violence culturally accepted, low education, and lack of communication; and prevention of violence against women – both parents must engage and socialize girls and boys equally, life skills education, premarital counselling, working places value clarification, and more women in politics and boards are suggested. Conclusions: Medical and management students, possible future male leaders of the country, have suggestions of prevention strategies in life skills to reduce gender-based violence and to increase knowledge of health consequences with the aim of changing attitudes.

Health and Women’s Role in Agricultural Production Efficiency

AbstractThe aim of this article is to examine the direct and indirect links between production efficiency and farmers’ health. Using a sample of male farm leaders, the role of both genders’ health in production efficiency is measured. More specifically, the effect of the farm household’s health through the direct effect of the male farmer’s health and the indirect effect of the woman’s health on production efficiency is examined. An increase in the frequency of illness of the female in the family farm decreases production efficiency, suggesting distinct gender roles in the agricultural household.

Motherhood of foreign women in Lombardy

BACKGROUND The international literature highlights the strong impact of the high risk of childbearing shortly after migration on period fertility, thus establishing a link between reproductive behaviors and migratory transitions. OBJECTIVE The present study aims to analyze how migration affects motherhood and the role played by country of citizenship. Although most of the literature has focused on analyzing post-immigration fertility behaviors, in the present work we follow the women for their entire fertility period. METHODS The data were collected in the 2010 ORIM survey, conducted by the Region of Lombardy and the Ismu Foundation. The survey covered about 8,000 immigrants in Lombardy, of whom 3,848 were women aged 14 years and over from less developed countries or Central/Eastern Europe. Using Event History Analysis, we applied discrete-time logit models to study the transition into motherhood. RESULTS Moroccans are characterized by a strong interrelation effect between fertility and migration. Moroccans and Albanians are the national groups with the highest risk of having a first child during the years shortly after migration. Migration does not seem to have any effect on the fertility behavior of Romanians, who have a lower risk of having a child regardless of their migration status. CONCLUSIONS The study confirms the importance of the interrelationship between migratory and reproductive behaviors. It also highlights the different effects by country of citizenship, where different citizenships are often associated with different migration patterns and distinct gender roles.

Aya Hirata Kimura: Hidden hunger: gender and the politics of smarter foods

In Hidden Hunger, Aya Kimura, a colleague of mine at the University of Hawai’i, explores ‘‘how and why fortification and biofortification became the preferred ‘solutions’ to the Third World food problem.’’ Fortification refers to the addition of micronutrients to food products during the manufacturing process. Biofortification is the biological alteration of crops so that the plants themselves contain more micronutrients. There are many exaggerated health claims about fortified processed foods. These claims are often associated with inflated retail prices. This pattern in high-income countries has been well documented by food scholars such as Marion Nestle and Michael Pollan. Through her broad overview and her case studies in Indonesia, Kimura shows how the pattern is penetrating more and more deeply into the food systems of low-income countries. The focus on fortification emphasizes dietary deficiencies while ignoring the roots of widespread, sustained malnutrition. The approach ‘‘effectively depoliticizes the food problem by recasting it as a technical matter.’’ Kimura uses fortification and related issues as her point of entry into exploring the deep culture and politics of modern malnutrition. Kimura shows that the ways people define a problem are largely determined by the remedies they wish to deliver. Until a few decades ago, it was believed that the only thing needed to prevent malnutrition was a diverse supply of good quality food. Now the malnutrition problem is being defined by corporations that have highly specialized products to sell, and their products are being promoted almost as if they were medicines. This study makes a major contribution to the emerging category of feminist food studies. Many others have noted the distinct gender roles, but it is only recently that studies of food systems have been done with a distinctively feminist lens. Despite the dominant role women play in food systems, from primary production in the fields, to processing and marketing, all the way through to final preparation and consumption, their decision-making powers fall far short of what would be expected, given the burdens that they carry. Fortification schemes add to women’s burdens and detract from their power. Suddenly people need chemicals with unrecognizable names, delivered through programs and foods designed by specialists and experts. Where people used to get almost everything they needed from their gardens, they are now told they must get things in boxes and bottles. The advertisements tell them how important it is to provide those boxes and bottles; it is the responsible thing to do. This adds to the pressure to get into paid employment, even if it is for meager wages. In the chapter on baby food, Kimura speaks about the fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) added to biscuits and other foods ‘‘to help brain development’’. In an article published in the online International Breastfeeding Journal (Kent 2014). I show that the claims regarding intellectual development from such additives are highly questionable. My analysis focuses on the failure of the United States Food and Drug Administration to ensure the validity of such health claims. Regulation of fortification and related practices in highincome countries is weak, and in low-income countries it is almost completely absent. What can be done about the exaggerated health claims that many food manufacturers G. Kent (&) Department of Political Science, University of Hawai’i, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA e-mail: kent@hawaii.edu

Gender Differentials in Sex ratio, Literacy rate and Work Participation rate: Trends, Issues and Concerns

Gender equality and women's empowerment are human rights that lie at the heart of development and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. In most societies, however, distinct gender roles and responsibilities restrict the opportunities and resources available to women and men frequently in ways that contradict women's basic human rights and threaten overall human development” (ibid. p. 57). This article is an attempt to give rejuvenating emphasis to the relevance and importance of gender equality, which ensures women and men equal opportunities to realise their individual potential, contribute to their country's economic and social development and benefit from their participation in society” (UNDP 2007, Measuring Human Development: A Primer, p 57). Status of women in Anand district has been discussed with respect to its sex ratio, gender gaps in literacy rate and work participation rate. The elucidations on sex ratio including juvenile sex ratio, literacy rate and work participation rate across various blocks of Anand district as well as state and national averages provide a deliberated perspective for all concerned.

Like a Horse and Carriage: (Non)Normativity in Hollywood Romance

Like a Horse and Carriage: (Non)Normativity in Hollywood Romance

‘Every mother is a mini-doctor’: Ethnomedicinal uses of fish, shellfish and some other aquatic animals in Bangladesh

This research article examines the zootherapeutic uses of fish, shellfish and some other aquatic animals in two fishing villages in Bangladesh-one floodplain and one coastal. The floodplain fishing village Volarkandi is located within the Hakaluki wetland ecosystem in the northern Bangladesh and is inhabited mostly by Muslim fishers, whereas the coastal fishing village Thakurtala is located on Moheskhali island and most of the inhabitants are caste-based Hindu fishers. Participatory techniques were used to collect and validate information from the key informants. The research revealed that, historically, fishers have used fish and other aquatic animals not only as food items for nutrition, but also to solve a host of physical problems and diseases. Fish and shellfish are widely used for their galactogogue and aphrodisiac properties, for quick recovery from long-time sickness, to enhance the 'intelligence level' of children, and to prevent and treat a host of diseases like night blindness, chicken pox, dysentery, piles, muscular inflammation, fistula, malaria, skin diseases and 'big belly' syndrome in children. Depending on the objective of the use, different parts of the animal body, its derivatives, or the whole animal are used. The research also clarified different forms of the recipes used. The socio-cultural construction of the ethnomedicinal uses and the distinct gender roles of the fisherwomen were analyzed. The research revealed that the aetiologies and the preventive measures against folk illness are socio-culturally embedded and such indigenous medical systems grow and are sustained as a situated body of knowledge within the boundaries of a typical world view framed by local culture and biodiversity.

MILITANTS, MOTHERS, AND THE NATIONAL FAMILY: UJAMAA, GENDER, AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN POSTCOLONIAL TANZANIA

ABSTRACTBetween 1964 and 1975, development politics in Tanzania came to be organized around a version of ujamaa that normalized distinct gender roles and celebrated a generic ideal of the nuclear family. Yet as ujamaa villagization unfolded on the ground in the south-eastern region of Mtwara, rural people's practices rarely conformed to the ideas about gender and family implicit in official discourse and policy. Just as the institution of the family on the ground proved to be a complicated and fractured one, the Tanzanian state's understanding of familyhood and the larger project of ujamaa were deeply riddled with internal tensions.