Domestic Roles Research Articles

Community Health Agents Dismantling Gender Norms in a Machismo Society

Background Community health agents (CHAs) play a crucial role in healthcare delivery and can also impact societal gender norms. This study aims to understand CHAs’ perceptions of gender roles and norms to identify long-term strategies for women’s empowerment. Methods We conducted 90-min focus group discussions (FGDs) among CHAs in Peru. FGDs illuminated women’s perceptions of gender roles and how to empower women in communities. Results In total, 53 CHAs participated across six FGDs. CHAs noted that women face significant barriers, are treated disrespectfully, and relegated to domestic roles. Ideal gender norms were described as having access to education, increasing voice, inclusion in decision-making, and independence. Changing gender norms requires that men, women, families, and communities support women’s progress in society. Conclusions CHAs are in a unique and powerful position to drive social change. Understanding CHAs perceptions can help develop effective strategies for women’s empowerment.

Shifting Domestic Roles In The Household And Their Influence On Children's Education In Matang Sagoe Village Peusangan Sub-District Bireuen District

The shift in domestic roles in Matang Sagoe indicates a shift towards a more equal division of responsibilities between husband and wife. This has various impacts on children's education . Some Matang Sagoe people still hold fast to traditional values, where mothers are expected to remain the main caregivers and managers of the household, while fathers are the main breadwinners. This study uses a qualitative method with a field research approach. Data collection techniques consist of in-depth interviews, participatory observation and documentation. The results of the study show that 1). The form of shifting domestic roles in households on children's education in Matang Sagoe Village Peusangan Sub-District Bireuen District is from traditional roles to more flexible roles, working mothers and a more equal division of tasks. 2). The influence of shifting domestic roles in households on children's education in Matang Sagoe Village Peusangan Sub-District Bireuen District is on increasing father involvement in children's education, the role of working mothers and their influence, higher child independence and the negative influence of limited time. 3). Factors of shifting domestic roles in households on children's education in Matang Sagoe Village Peusangan Sub-District Bireuen District are economic changes, education levels and cultural and social influences

‘I am what feeds me’: food as subversive voice in Padma Lakshmi’s love, loss and what we ate (2016)

ABSTRACT Diasporic women maintain links to the homeland by recreating traditional recipes. They also assimilate and adapt through their foodways. The diasporic food memoir has emerged as a unique medium for redefining and renegotiating the domestic and professional roles of women. Food is used in a multitude of ways, by women, in order to exercise power, control, and agency. Padma Lakshmi’s Love, Loss and What We Ate delves into the complexities of navigating through and reminiscing about life vis-à-vis the food one eats. Lakshmi gives voice to her bodily struggles, experiences with racial prejudice and showcases how being a celebrity chef has enabled her to create food content that problematizes simplistic understandings of both American and Indian cuisines. This paper argues that food gives Lakshmi a subversive voice to explore the biases and stereotypes implicit in being an Indian-American celebrity chef. It investigates how the culinary space facilitates a nuanced conversation regarding exoticization and marginalization of women from the Indian diaspora. Food enables Lakshmi to explore and enunciate femininity and individuality. Using feminist food criticism, we illustrate how food and recipes become a metaphor for the diasporic self and showcase the evolution of an Indian-American woman.

INEQUALITY EXPERIENCED BY WOMEN AS REFLECTED IN LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S 'LITTLE WOMEN'

This study explores women's roles and societal expectations in the 19th century, mainly as portrayed in Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. The analysis focuses on three main areas: family, education, and societal roles. In family life, women were largely confined to domestic roles, with ideals such as ‘the angel in the house’, which glorified self-sacrificial wives and mothers. Jo March, the main character in the novel, however, challenges this norm by assuming the responsibilities of the ‘man of the family’ in her father’s absence. In education, women’s access was limited, reflecting broader inequalities. Mrs. March, or Marmee, becomes a pivotal moral teacher to her daughters, instilling values that transcend material wealth. Despite societal constraints, Jo and her sisters navigate personal and financial challenges, with Jo ultimately breaking traditional gender norms by pursuing a career as a writer. This study further reveals how women’s opportunities were shaped by class and how marriage was often seen as the only path to social mobility. Overall, this paper highlights how Little Women reflects the limitations and opportunities for women in the 19th century, challenging prevailing gender stereotypes through its portrayal of women’s independence, ambition, and resilience.

Gender parity in African science.

Africa has seen a notable increase in young women's participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields over the past two decades. In 2019, the continent boasted the greatest share of female STEM students globally-47% across 49 universities-according to a report from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Sadly, much of this talent is underutilized. Traditional gender expectations and domestic roles pose substantial obstacles, restricting African women from accessing STEM career opportunities. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, only 31% of professional researchers are women. Without closing the gender gap in African science, progress on widespread problems such as maternal and child health, and food security, is unlikely.

Boosting Business Performance: The Impact of Entrepreneurial Culture on Women Entrepreneurs’ Behavior

Entrepreneurship has been extensively examined across various management disciplines, with significant attention given to women entrepreneurship, which has made considerable strides in recent years. Despite this positive trend, many women continue to face challenges in balancing their business responsibilities with household duties. These challenges often lead to role conflicts as women navigate the demands of both their professional and domestic roles. This research aims to evaluate the impact of adopting an entrepreneurial culture on shaping the entrepreneurial behavior of women entrepreneurs, with the ultimate goal of enhancing their business performance. The study involved 88 married women entrepreneurs and utilized partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for analysis. Additionally, Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IPMA) was employed to elucidate the significance and impact of each variable. The findings highlight the crucial role of adopting an entrepreneurial culture in women entrepreneurship, demonstrating its substantial influence on both the transformation of entrepreneurial behavior and the enhancement of business performance. Consequently, to achieve superior business performance, it is recommended that entrepreneurs should focus on the cultivation and refinement of their entrepreneurial culture.

Memberdayakan Rumah Tangga untuk Pengelolaan Sampah Berkelanjutan: Studi Kesadaran Masyarakat di Kota Semarang

Environmental sustainability issues, particularly related to the increasing amount of waste, have become a major concern in Semarang, the capital of Central Java Province. The generation of waste is influenced by low public awareness, economic growth, and the presence of urban centers, industries, and educational institutions. Semarang has recorded a high economic growth rate, even surpassing the national average, contributing to the rise in waste. Various initiatives have been undertaken by the local government, such as establishing waste banks and implementing paid plastic bags, yet the waste problem remains difficult to solve without household awareness, as they are the largest contributors. This study employs a mixed-methods approach in six urban villages, with 50 respondents from each. The findings indicate that public awareness regarding waste sorting from households is still low, despite its crucial role in reducing waste volume and supporting environmental sustainability. Women, due to their domestic roles, play a key part in waste sorting, but the active participation of all community members is essential for the success of sustainable waste management programs.Keywords : environmental sustainability, waste management, waste sorting, household awareness, Semarang

Artistic Negotiation of Emma and Lucy Annual Drama The Musical Jekyll & Hyde: A Performance Quadrilogue View

The main focus is on the artistic aspects of the two female characters, Emma Carew and Lucy Harris in the production of “The Musical Jekyll & Hyde” by the Annual Drama team of Faculty of Language and Arts, Satya Wacana Christian University Salatiga, in 2023. The study focused on the process and artistic decision making within the context of management, musicology, dramaturgy, and literary studies. The study highlights how Emma and Lucy, are constructed in feminism artistic analysis in contemporary drama. The characters represented female with their domestic and private roles. Observation, interviews, documentation, and library studies were conducted to gather the data. Using performance centered approach, the study thoroughly observed the artistic decision process of the three actors of performance quadrilogue, namely the source, producer, and performer. As a college theater, all the artistic decision was made by the students. The four artistic elements of theater production, comprising the verbal text, song, movement, and scenary, portrayed the story’s setting in the 1800s in England. Emma’s verbal text depicted the English women of the elite with their domestic orientation. On the contrary, Lucy portrayed liberal English women. The four artistic elements in a theater production, referred to Broadway theater of the same title. This study positioned artistic elements as its study object instead of drama as a media of English learning. These two domains are discussed to sharpen on the construction of the female figure in the artistic perspective of feminist analysis. Post-production studies are also conducted to examine how students gain experience of an artistic decision-making process in producing a performance. It was conducted through the management’s delegating mechanism in the chart of the structured organization.

Gender History and Life History of European Women Musicians in the 19th Century: A Study on Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn and Cecile Chaminade

The research investigates the professional struggles faced by three distinguished female musicians of 19th-century Europe: Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn, and Cecile Chaminade. The research references biographies, correspondences, and other historical records to shed light on the social limitations that hindered their professional development. Even though all three musicians were historically recorded as talented pianists and composers, the popular patriarchal ideologies regarding women’s education, vocation, and domestic roles stopped them from advancing further in their profession. Even for these famous musicians, these beliefs and mindsets constrained them to their families. Their lives serve as a representation of the average European women’s lives at the time and provide further insight into the difficulties and general social conventions those women lived under. The research demonstrates how even the famous musicians Schumann, Mendelsohn, and Chaminade were oppressed and limited by the patriarchal society.

Gender Dynamics of ‘Human Trafficking’: Migration from Cameroon to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States

This paper analyses ‘human trafficking’ with a focus on the unique vulnerabilities and experiences of Cameroonians who migrated to the Gulf Cooperation Council states to work, including those coerced into domestic roles. It critically examines ‘human trafficking’ as a migration category and scrutinises-related binaries. Ethnographic findings informed by the concept of ‘infrastructural violence’ indicate that exploitation is embedded in gendered macro-structures and institutions regulating labour migration, intersecting with micro-level interactions that either reinforce or mitigate the structural/institutional impacts. Furthermore, there are discrepancies between policy-induced migrant categories and migrants’ navigation of multiple categories, undermining categorical rigidity.

The Unsung Propagandists

As the nation rallied its resources for wartime in 1942, the Office of War Information (OWI) assumed a pivotal role in disseminating information related to the war and aimed at mobilizing the American populace. Within the organizational framework of the OWI, a small cohort of pioneering women ascended to leadership positions, challenging prevailing gender norms and reconfiguring the narrative surrounding women's wartime engagement. Classified after the war’s end, their records are now part of the 7,112 boxes that encompass the totality of the OWI’s records, now housed in the National Archives. An exploration of the documents of these women, including correspondence, published work, and other internal records, paints the picture of their continuous participation and influence which resulted in some of the most visible domestic propaganda campaigns of the Second World War. Previous scholarship, while plentiful in the exploration of the domestic roles of women during the war, fails to acknowledge the directorship of these women in their efforts to rally national support for not just female recruitment, but other facets of wartime activity. Through an in-depth examination of archival materials collected from the OWI, this research seeks to contribute to a nuanced understanding of female contributions on the American home front.

What Are Sporty Sisters Talking About? A Textual Analysis of an All-Female Athlete Reality Show

This study explores the representation of female athletes cast in a South Korean reality show titled Sporty Sisters (Korean title: Nonun Unni). Though there have been attempts to understand the media representation of female athletes from diverse media landscapes, the analysis of Asian female athletes is limited. Such interpretations have been discussed through geopolitical relations or nationalistic representations, which lack in-depth understanding and exploration of Asian athletes. Therefore, this paper expands the narrative by analyzing the first season (54 episodes) of Sporty Sisters. It is observed that professional athletes who transition to the entertainment industry are identified as “spor-tainers” and implicitly follow norms and rules applied to public figures. In this reality show, female athletes express their opinions on marriage, menstruation, pregnancy, and domestic roles while displaying characteristics of a girl crush, manifesting a variety of the female attributes of sportswomen. Despite the social expectations to fulfill their roles as sports celebrities and Korean women, Sporty Sisters is an outlet for female athletes to an extent to freely expose and describe their experiences as athletes and individuals.

The Multilevel Administrative State and the Future of Public Administration Research

ABSTRACT The administrative state, originally coined by Dwight Waldo, emphasizes the distinct role of public administration in democratic governance. Yet, public administration research has insufficiently theorized how administrative structures at one level of government may be consequential for public governance at another level. This study theorizes how the administrative state has transcended its mere domestic role in democracy, and suggests how future research should study multilevel administrative systems. Departing from the invitation and lessons of Waldo, the article theorizes how ways of organizing the administrative state at one level of government bias public governance across levels of authority.

Peranan Aisyiyah Cabang Sebangau di Lahan Gambut Kota Palangka Raya dalam Ketahanan Pangan

Aisyiyah is an Islamic women's movement organization formed by Muhammadiyah, this organization since its inception until now, even more, and more various efforts have been made, including in the fields of religion, education, social and economics, which have benefited the Indonesian people in general and Muslims in particular. One of the 'Aisyiyah movements in the social field is the establishment of Posbakum Aisyiyah in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights, from the Central Leadership of 'Aisyiyah to the regions. The existence of 'Aisyiyah reached the Regional Leader of 'Aisyiyah Central Kalimantan, at the time of the current Covid-19 Pandemic, the role of women has become more increased in domestic roles as well as in fulfilling the economic needs of the family at this time. This study aims to describe the role and form of the role of 'Aisyiyah Kalampangan Branch in Peatlands to Women in increasing family food security. This research was conducted at 'Aisyiyah Kalampangan Branch, Palangka Raya City, Jalan Mahir Mahar Trans Kalimantan Palangka Raya using observation methods (field and participation), interviews (in-depth interviews, taking notes, recording, listening, observing, and capturing using a camera) and literature studies. Data analysis used a simple tabulation to describe the conditions and characteristics of the research site. The processed data is displayed in a table. The targeted finding in this research is the obtaining of a role description by 'Aisyiyah Kalampangan Branch in Peatlands of Palangka Raya City.

한·중 <새털옷신랑> 설화 비교

This study compares the Korean and Chinese The Man in Feather Clothes to analyze the growth of man, the help of woman, the meaning of the ability required of man, woman’s assistance, and the establishment of an ideal male-female community. First, I focus on the 19th and 39th episodes of The Man in Feather Clothes in Korea and China respectively. The commonalities and differences were examined under three motifs: A. “The male marries a pretty female,” B. “The female is stolen by a powerful person,” and C. “The male recovers the female using the bird feather clothes.” Subsequently, I discuss male growth and female assistance. Korean folktales emphasize the activeness of the female protagonists, and pay attention to the act of male protagonists violating a taboo. On the other hand, Chinese folktales tend to ignore the act of vilating a taboo and emphasize the activeness of the male protagonist. In both folktales, the male and female protagonists make contact with the “power of nature” through bird feather clothes, and in Korean folktales, an ideal male protagonist image according to Confucian ideology is presented, whereas in Chinese folktales, a shamanic character is emphasized. They all subverted power and violence by borrowing the “power of nature” and beinging it into human society. In addition, it is noted that women’s assistance in the folktales of the two countries have an effect of subverting power beyond simple roles in the home, and women’s right to speak has the meaning of social participation and challenge to power. Furthermore, it also shows the ideal form of the male and female community. In the tales of The Man in Feather Clothes of the two countries, it is emphasized that women’s voices go beyond simple domestic roles to influence the overthrow of power, and women’s right to speak has the meaning of social participation and a challenge to power. Furthermore, it shows the ideal image of a male-female community and the anthropological idea of symmetry.

From Domestic Roles to Economic Independence: Analysing Women's Evolving Participation in the Labour Market

From Domestic Roles to Economic Independence: Analysing Women's Evolving Participation in the Labour Market

Understanding the Cultural Politics Experience of Indonesian Male Domestic Helpers in Malaysia

This research explores the cultural-politics dynamics of Indonesian male domestic workers in Malaysia as they confront and challenge societal prejudices while taking on fatherhood-associated responsibilities. It delves into the obstacles these men face due to ingrained gender stereotypes that question their suitability for domestic roles, particularly in a foreign cultural context. The primary objective is to understand how these men redefine their identities and assert their roles as nurturers and providers, challenging traditional masculine ideals. This study uses a qualitative research design and a narrativization approach to explore the experiences of Indonesian male domestic helpers. Through in-depth interviews and personal narratives, the research reveals how these men navigate their roles as caregivers and fathers, challenging traditional gender norms and gaining recognition within their households and communities. The study also highlights the importance of upholding cultural ties and personal resilience in their experiences as migrant domestic workers.

Climate change, livelihood resilience, and gender: An intersectional analysis of Vietnam's forest-dependent communities

Integrating gender-disaggregated data and adopting a gender-focused perspective are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of climate change issues. This study provides empirical evidence from two ethnic minorities in Vietnam, highlighting how perceptions of livelihood resilience vary by gender, geographical context, and ethnicity, with a particular emphasis on their intersections. Over 13 months, data were gathered through 3 focus group discussions, in-depth interviews with 9 key informants, field observations, and surveys of 136 households. The findings revealed a low average Household Livelihood Resilience (HLR) score of 0.434, indicating limited resilience among forest-dependent households facing external shocks. Notably, a significant gender gap was evident, with men demonstrating higher resilience levels than women, a disparity attributed to entrenched social norms and cultural practices. Women, often confined to domestic roles, faced barriers to community involvement and access to financial resources, which weakened their ability to cope with and recover from adverse events. To address these issues, the study advocates for climate actions that prioritize gender equality and aim to enhance women's resilience. This includes amplifying their voices through tailored training programs and initiatives such as women-managed microfinance groups. The study also emphasizes the policy implications for advancing gender equality, sustainable forest management, and livelihood resilience. However, this work has limitations, including a small sample size and reliance on self-reported data, which may introduce biases. Future research should involve a larger, more diverse sample of forest-dependent communities and examine various dimensions of vulnerability to provide a more nuanced understanding of resilience factors.

Algologies: an artistic exploration of the entangled relationship between seaweed, women and science through a BioArt methodology

ABSTRACT This paper describes the “Algologies” project, an art project about seaweed exploring the entangled relationships between seaweed, women and science. The project was created in 2021, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, through the Living Coast Art Residency awarded by Fabrica Gallery and The Living Coast UNESCO World Biosphere and the coastline to the East of Brighton. The project plays with the Victorian word algology which used to mean the study of seaweed and its contemporary meaning as the study and medical treatment of pain and highlights the calming nature of the coastal environment during a time of collective global trauma. The “Algologies” project drew links between Victorian seaweed collectors, the use of seaweed-based agar jelly in contemporary biology, and seaweed growth as a barometer of climate change and the environment as well as a strategy for carbon capture. The transdisciplinary project fused fine art, performance and BioArt techniques with biohacking and DIY science, as well as digital technologies and resulted in a series of outputs including a public sculpture. Central to “Algologies” was the examination of the historical role of women in seaweed collection and scientific observation. In Victorian Britain, where patriarchal norms prevailed, women were often relegated to domestic roles but found opportunities for scientific engagement through activities like seaweed collecting. Figures such as Mary Philadelphia Merrifield and Anna Atkins emerged as pioneers in the study of seaweed, making significant contributions to botanical research and early photographic techniques. Notably, the project highlighted the pivotal role of Angelina (Lina) Fannie Hesse in suggesting the use of seaweed-derived agar in microbiology, a contribution that continues to impact scientific practices today. Beyond historical perspectives, “Algologies” addresses contemporary issues such as climate change and invasive species of seaweed and how the public can be engaged in these topics through art. The paper concludes by discussing the potential of seaweed for carbon capture and its role as a barometer of environmental health, as well as its use biotechnology

Penggambaran Peran Gender dalam Keluarga di Film Noktah Merah Perkawinan

This study aims to examine the depiction of gender roles in the 2022 film version of Noktah Merah Perkawinan, which is a remake of the 1996 television series. The focus of the film is the dynamics of the marriage of a couple who have been married for 11 years. This research employs a qualitative approach with text analysis methods. The analysis technique used is Roland Barthes' semiotic analysis technique which consists of three stages, namely denotation, connotation, and myth. Meanwhile, the theory used in this research is symbolic interactionalism theory which emphasizes the concepts of roles and values. The data used include documentation of film scenes that meet the predetermined analysis criteria as well as related published journals. The results show that the depiction of gender roles in this film is still not ideal. Although both men and women are portrayed in domestic and public roles, domestic roles are predominantly held by women. This is due to the persistent traditional stereotypes, where women are seen as responsible for the domestic sector, while men are encouraged to take responsibility in the public sector. In conclusion, this film still maintains traditional stereotypes in the depiction of gender role distribution.