Inequality In Society Research Articles

Heating practices during the energy crisis of 2022: the role of energy vulnerability and environmental concern

Over the years, energy research in wealthy countries has shown that energy consumption happens unconsciously in connection with everyday routines, and most people—at least in the relatively prosperous and equal society of Denmark—are not aware of the price of energy. During the energy crisis of 2022 this was no longer the case, and new research questions were raised, including how do increasing energy prices and public awareness of the energy crisis affect heating practices in different types of homes and how do people cope with the new situation in practice? A qualitative study including interviews with 30 households from varying socioeconomic circumstances forms the background of the analysis. The research investigates similarities and differences in coping strategies and meanings related to changes in everyday practices, discussing whether changes carry different meanings according to energy vulnerability and environmental concern. The analysis is based on practice theoretical understandings and this article provides insights into how practice change and variations in practices following a crisis can be interpreted. The conclusion discusses the implications of the findings for the green transition.

Factors Affecting Women Sports Officials’ Intention to Leave Across Europe

This study examines the factors affecting women officials’ intention to leave their chosen sport, including personal, work-related, and sociocultural factors. The empirical analysis is based on survey data of women officials in 69 different sports across Europe (n = 3,214). Overall, 10.7% of women expressed a turnover intention. Regression analyses indicate that this intention is higher for women who have more officiating experience (16–20 years), officiate at lower levels of sport (grassroots, junior), frequently experience abuse, and dislike the stress and time commitments of officiating, lack of support from the federation, and their lack of opportunity to progress. Younger women (≤24 years) with a mentor, who enjoy being part of a sport community and live in a more gender equal society are less likely to leave. The findings suggest that multiple factors are at work, which need to be addressed by sport managers to retain women in officiating roles.

Strategic Imperatives of Muslim Leadership in Post-War Sri Lanka: Citizenship, Rights and Reconciliation

This study examines how a few selected mainstream Sri Lankan Muslim civil organisations have been responding to the Sinhala Buddhist ideological paradigm in post-war Sri Lanka. The ideology perceives that Sinhala Buddhists are true citizens of Sri Lanka while minorities are “others” or “guests”. Hence, the ideology plays a structural role in generating anti-Muslim sentiments in post-war Sri Lanka. Contrary to prevailing wisdom which argues that minorities attempt to deconstruct the majoritarian ideological foundation in their struggle for equality, dominant and mainstream Muslim civil society organisations in Sri Lanka have chosen to reconcile with it while resisting only its practical implications upon the community. Even though this strategy brings self-contradictory elements into play on theoretical grounds, Muslim civil society organisations think that it is a practically reasonable strategy given the developing socio-political context of the state. Based on primary and secondary data and the thematic qualitative analysis, this study builds an argument by analysing discourses of the selected mainstream Muslim organisations that minorities pick strategies for their struggle against majoritarian state and ideology taking their political and other demographical realities into account. Hence, their choices are not static but rather dynamic.

MƏKTƏBLİLƏRDƏ GENDERLƏ BAĞLI DƏYƏRLƏRİN FORMALAŞDIRILMASI İSTİQAMƏTLƏRİ

In the scientific article, the essence of the concept of gender and the history of its creation were clarified. Then the contents of gender identity, gender stereotypes, gender role and other values were revealed. The importance of gender education, which can be a positive force in creating gender equality in society, was emphasized. The necessity of preparing future teachers for gender education in schoolchildren during their studies at the university and developing the gender competence of teachers as a part of this preparation was shown. Directions for the formation of gender-related values in schoolchildren are indicated.

Reassessing Early Childhood Literature for Quality Education and Gender Equality in the Context Of SDGs

Objective: The objective is to study the gender stereotypes learnt knowingly or unknowingly by children through nursery rhymes and to highlight the problematic areas to revamp for providing quality education which focuses on a more gender equal society considering the Sustainable Development Goals. Theoratical Framework: We engage in the theory of social construction by Butler and the developmental theory of Vygotsky to propose that if the literature taught in childhood is rich and diverse the chances of developing gender sterotypes by individuals reduces to a great extent. Method: The focus of the study is the nursery rhymes taught at pre-schools and primary schools. Data was collected through interviews and questionnaire with teachers at various schools in Ahmedabad (a city in the state of Gujarat, India). The method of critical discourse analysis is used to analyse the rhymes and bring forth the implicit gender hegemony. Results & Discussion: The analysis underscores the subtle yet potent role of language, especially nursery rhymes, in reinforcing traditional gender norms and expectations, thus influencing children's understanding of appropriate behaviours based on gender. The study highlights gender stereotypes, particularly about the interaction of one gender with the other, focusing on the depiction of dependency and power dynamics in relationships. It depicts women as dependent and men as dominant reflecting societal gender inequalities. Research implications: This study calls for a reassessment of nursery rhymes to promote diversity and positive values through quality education, urging educators to update content to align with modern views on gender equality. Originality/ Value: There has not been sufficient research done on nursery rhymes taught in schools with the aim of reducing/removing gender stereotypes aiming for quality education with the goal of achieving a gender fair society in the context of Sustainable Development Goals.

Affirmative action and government initiatives to improve gender equality in India: a retrospective view

PurposeThis paper discusses the problems of gender equality in society, the workplace and the household in the specific context of India. It explicates the past and the present gender diversity initiatives by government machinery to bring gender equality through affirmative action.Design/methodology/approachThe design, methodology and approach involve a general review.FindingsDeveloped countries have taken initiatives for gender equality almost in the pre-20th century and were partially successful. Despite gender diversity and affirmative action and legislation, bias still prevails in varied forms. In the case of India, the movement for gender equality started post-independence (1947). Still, there is a high disparity between men and women in society as well as in various occupations, as it is evident through a huge difference in salary, responsibilities, perquisites, recognition and promotions offered to men and women. India needs more transformation in the culture, statutory bodies and the mindset of patriarchal societies, to achieve gender equality. The legislative changes have faced resistance in their implementation due to social, cultural and religious issues, and the expectations and perceptions toward females have not been changed by the patriarchal society.Originality/valueThis paper deciphers the gender equality movement in developing countries like India, and how the planning commission of India focuses on women’s development and government machinery tries to bring down the gender gap through affirmative action. Why, in spite of all these efforts, India is not able to minimize the gender gap and concludes with reasons and implications.

EGALITARIANISM WITHOUT CATASTROPHE?

This paper explores the Teotihuacan civilisation’s low levels of inequality, challenging Walter Scheidel’s Four Horsemen theory which posits that only catastrophic events can significantly reduce inequality. Analysing Teotihuacan, a large pre-Columbian city noted for its egalitarian structure, the paper refutes the idea that only mass warfare, pandemics, revolution or state collapse can flatten social hierarchies. It suggests that Teotihuacan’s unique formation and governance, influenced by a multiethnic population influx following a volcanic eruption, fostered a decentralised and egalitarian society. The paper contributes to the discussion on designing equal and sustainable societies, offering an alternative historical perspective to the inevitability of social inequality.

Men (but not women) prefer to live in economically equal societies when it comes to mating: A five-study investigation

It is generally believed that people prefer societies with economic equality. No studies thus far have systematically examined sex differences in this preference specifically concerning mating—an important life stage. Building upon theoretical frameworks of mating strategies (i.e., hypergyny), we hypothesized that men, in comparison to women, are less inclined to prefer and reside in a highly unequal society when it comes to mating. This could be because economically unequal environments lead men to expect poorer life quality after marriage than women. These hypotheses were confirmed across five studies using a mixed-method approach. In particular, we first provided evidence by focusing on fertile age populations and employing the panel data across 50 states of the USA from 2006 to 2019 (Study 1A), the most recent cross-sectional data at the county level of the USA (Study 1B), and a large-scale survey data on the individual migration records of American residents (N = 4,746,718, Study 2). In addition, we conducted two controlled experiments by manipulating mating motivation (Study 3) and economic inequality level (high versus low, Studies 3 and 4, N = 812, N = 418). Our studies, employing both archival data high in ecological validity and experimental evidence allowing causal inferences, show that men exhibit a stronger aversion than women toward economic inequality. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how evolutionary mating strategies and sex differences jointly influence the economic inequality preference.

The Thematic Representation of Female Composers in Classical Music on Streaming Platforms

Women have been increasingly fighting for their rights and equality in Society. Historically, in the 18th century, women’s musical education was considered a distraction and participation in family events, but professional engagement was not deemed acceptable. Given this context, questions arose about the existence of female classical music composers and whether their works are present on current music streaming platforms. Based on this, the study aimed to investigate how these composers are thematically represented on these platforms. Methodologically, the study is qualitative and exploratory, employing case study methods. The search terms used were “woman” and “classical music” along with the composers' names. The criterion for selecting composers was that they belonged to the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, as many male composers achieved enduring success during this period. The selected composers were Maria Anna Mozart, Fanny Mendelssohn, Clara Schumann, Chiquinha Gonzaga, and Alma Mahler-Werfel. The chosen platforms were Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, and Apple Music. The research demonstrated a scarcity of historical records about the analyzed composers’ lives. They were often compelled to abandon music due to family obligations, which contributed to the limited availability of their music on the platform.

The Total Effect of Social Origins on Educational Attainment: Meta-analysis of Sibling Correlations From 18 Countries

The sibling correlation (SC), which estimates the total effect of family background (i.e., social origins), can be interpreted as measuring a society's inequality of opportunity. Its sensitivity to observed and unobserved factors makes the SC an all-encompassing measure and an attractive choice for comparative research. We gather and summarize all available estimates of SCs in educational attainment (M = .46, SD = .09) and employ meta-regression to explore variability in these estimates. First, we find significantly lower SCs in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark than in the United States, with U.S. correlations roughly .10 (i.e., 25%) higher. Most other (primarily European) countries in our study are estimated to fall in between these countries and the United States. Second, we find a novel Great Gatsby Curve–type positive association between income inequality in childhood and the SC, both cross-nationally and within countries over time. This finding supports theoretical accounts of the Great Gatsby Curve that emphasize the role of educational inequality as a link between economic inequality and social immobility. It implies that greater equality of educational opportunity likely requires reduced economic inequality. Additionally, correlations between sisters are modestly higher, on average, than those between brothers or all siblings, and we find no overall differences between cohorts.

Gender approach in the state policy of Kazakhstan: the history of implementation, results and problems

In the article the process of introducing a gender approach into the state policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, its historical stages and achievements was examined. The purpose of the study is a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of gender initiatives, as well as an assessment of the effectiveness of government measures tak-en to achieve gender equality in the field of work. The objectives of the study include: a historical overview of the key stages of the introduction of a gender approach into public policy in Kazakhstan, an assessment of the impact of gender policy on the socio-economic development of the country, identification of problems on the way to the realization of gender equality. The relevance of the study is due to the need for a deep under-standing of the mechanisms for introducing a gender approach into the public policy of Kazakhstan and de-termining its effectiveness, which contributes to the development of more effective strategies to eliminate gender imbalances and increase the level of gender equality in society. The study aims to contribute to the scientific dialogue on gender studies in Kazakhstan by providing an analytical framework for further re-search. The chronological framework of the study covers the period from independence in 1991 to 2021, demonstrating a 30-year path of development of gender policy in Kazakhstan.

The association between mass media news about interethnic contact and relations between ethnic minorities and natives: The perspective of African immigrants in Italy.

The present research investigated the role of a pervasive and often negative form of indirect contact, exposure to mass media news on interethnic contact. Specifically, we examined the associations between mass media exposure and both African immigrants' attitudes toward native Italians and their collective action intentions to achieve higher intergroup equality in the host country. We conducted two survey studies, one cross-sectional (Study 1, N = 285) and the second longitudinal (Study 2, N = 423) with African immigrants living in Italy. Exposure to negative mass media news was linked to less positive attitudes toward native Italians and more collective action of African immigrants. The negative link between negative mass media news exposure and intergroup attitudes was stronger for those African migrants who reported relatively low positive and negative direct intergroup contact. These findings were consistent across both studies. The positive link between negative mass media news exposure and collective action was stronger among African immigrants with relatively low negative direct intergroup contact. The evidence illustrates the independent and combined ways in which the valence of direct and indirect contact can affect immigrants' attitudes toward natives, and their motivation to build a more inclusive and equal society. Overall, results highlighted the greater strength of negative rather than positive indirect contact of immigrants, especially when they reported less positive direct contact experience with native Italians. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The reception of feminist ideas about gender and gender equality in Simone de Beauvoir’s “The second sex” in Vietnam

In recent decades, as the world strives toward a democratic, just, equal, and progressive society for all, significant progress has been made in global gender equality. However, gender-based discrimination regarding fundamental human rights still persists in many places, particularly in poorer countries. These gaps or discriminations stem from gender prejudices that value men over women, and from a lack of profound and comprehensive understanding of women's roles and positions in society, often disregarding the principle of gender equality. Notably, gender equality is one of the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals, to which Vietnam has committed, aiming to achieve gender equality in key areas of social life. Currently, feminist theories and gender equality concepts are diverse and abundant, encompassing various perspectives. Nevertheless, in practice, women still do not enjoy true equality. In Vietnam, the feminist movement is not a protest against unjust laws or gender-discriminatory institutions, but rather against deeply rooted prejudices and norms that have disadvantaged women for centuries. In the feudal society, the image of women was incredibly diminutive, wholly dependent on men: “Preference for males over females.” These sayings caused women to forget their intrinsic value. Achieving the aforementioned goal requires the realization of freedom for women, progressing toward women's liberation and achieving gender equality. Based on these considerations, this article analyzes the reception of feminist ideas about gender and gender equality in Simone de Beauvoir's "The Second Sex" in Vietnam. By examining the historical and social context of Vietnam, the author aims to demonstrate how feminist ideas on gender equality in Beauvoir's work have influenced the perception of women's roles in contemporary Vietnamese society. The reception of these feminist ideas in Vietnam, whether positive or negative, contributes to a clearer understanding of the development of gender equality thought in the history of humanity in general and in Vietnam in particular.

Representasi Karakter Alpha Female Dalam Drama Korea Queenmaker

Korean dramas or (Drakor) have become a global phenomenon, gaining widespread popularity around the world. They are recognized not only as entertainment but also as complex reflections of social dynamics. The presence of Alpha Female characters in Drakor signifies support for gender equality and indicates societal shifts in views on women's roles in various aspects of life. This study aims to understand the representation of Alpha Female characters in the Korean drama Queenmaker hoping to gain new insights into societal perceptions of women beyond the domestic sphere. Using a qualitative approach and Charles Sanders Peirce's semiotic analysis, the research found that Alpha Female characters exhibit leadership, confidence, and strength in facing challenges. From Peirce's perspective, these characters become important symbols that reinforce women's roles in fighting injustice and advocating for moral values. The findings underscore that Drakor is not just entertainment, but also a mirror of social realities that significantly influence perceptions of gender equality, expanding our understanding of women's roles in popular culture and the importance of gender equality in society.

Do Attitudes towards Gender Equality Influence the Internalization of Ambivalent Sexism in Adolescence?

Sexism during adolescence may hinder the attainment of gender equality and the eradication of violence against women. The aim of this research was to analyze the relationship between an individual's view on gender equality and the internalization of ambivalent sexism, as well as to study the impact of different types of egalitarian attitudes (sociocultural, relational, and personal) on the levels of hostile and benevolent sexism among the adolescent population. A quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design was employed in this research. The sample group consisted of 1840 students (50.1% female and 49.9% male) in Compulsory Secondary Education in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. The results show that adolescents who endorse pro-gender-inequality attitudes exhibit greater levels of hostile and benevolent sexism than their counterparts. Conversely, adolescents adopting pro-equality attitudes leads to lower levels of ambivalent sexism. In both male and female adolescents, egalitarian attitudes at the sociocultural, relational, and individual levels have a negative impact on the internalization of sexism. It is therefore crucial for both schools and families to prioritize the instruction of egalitarian values from early childhood, as this will aid in advancing a fairer and more equal society whilst eradicating sexist biases and violence against women.

A Retrospective Analysis of Cultural Patriarchy in Majid Rafizadeh’s A God Who Hates Women: A Woman’s Journey Through Oppression

Cultural patriarchy is the male dominance practiced in the name of culture in a society. Majid Rafizadeh, an Iranian American author, businessman, political scientist, and academician, is known for his distinguished writings on gender equality in Middle Eastern regions. His famous novels are A God Who Hates Women: A woman’s journey through oppression and My Story of Child Marriage. The present study has chosen Majid Rafizadeh’s autobiographical novel, A God Who Hates Women: A woman’s journey through oppression, to determine a retrospective analysis of cultural patriarchy. The methodology of the present study uses textual analysis from qualitative research to analyze the selected novel. The current research emphasizes that the oppression of women is due to male dominance. Hence, the culture of that particular society instills this dominance in the minds of men. It is evident in the selected novel. Society’s culture determines the roles and performances of men and women in both private and public areas. Thus, culture influences people’s collective consciousness. Religion, on the other hand, instructs the people to follow a code of conduct to protect their cultural heritage. Furthermore, the current study analyzes the chosen novel using Judith Butler’s gender performativity theory and Raymond William’s dominant, residual, and emergent cultural concepts. The current research is an attempt to analyze cultural patriarchy to propose a solution for achieving gender equality in society.

Proses dan Pelaksanaan Rasulullah Shallallahu `alaihi Wa Sallam dalam Melakukan Kepemimpinan

Rasulullah SAW was sent at a time when pre-Islamic Arab society (jahiliyah) was in a very worrying condition, with various forms of moral, social and political damage. Rasulullah SAW came to bring Islamic teachings which changed the entire structure of social life, eliminated injustice, and upheld justice and equality in society. This article will comprehensively review the concept of leadership in Islam, as well as provide information on the leadership role of the Prophet Muhammad. The research conducted was qualitative research. The data collection technique uses the library research method, namely by observing various literature related to the problems in the research, in the form of papers, books, notes and reports of previous research results. The results of this research are that in his leadership, the Prophet Muhammad demonstrated various principles and methods that are very relevant and applicable today. He practices an inclusive leadership style, filled with wisdom, justice and compassion. As a leader, he not only managed worldly affairs but also instilled deep spiritual values ​​in his followers. This makes his leadership a model that is worth studying and implementing in various modern leadership contexts

PERCEPTION OF FEMALE COLLEGE STUDENTS ABOUT MENSTRUAL HYGIENE IN JHAJJAR, HARYANA: A SURVEY STUDY

Background: In Indian society, menstruation is often considered impure and there is a lack of knowledge about it among adolescent girls. Proper menstrual hygiene practices, such as using sanitary pads and washing the genital area, are essential. However, due to social stigma and lack of access to affordable products and facilities, many girls miss school or work during their periods. It is crucial to break the taboo surrounding menstruation and educate both girls and boys about it. This will lead to improved physical health and greater participation in daily life, resulting in a more inclusive and equal society. Objectives:The objective of this study is to understand the perception and awareness of menstrual hygiene among female college students in Jhajjar, Haryana. Design: Questionnaire based survey study. Method: The study sample consisted of 300 subjects. The subjects were selected as per the inclusive criteria and information was provided to the subjects. Consent form was obtained from the subjects. Questionnaire was given to subjects and filled questionnaire was collected. After collecting the necessary data through the questionnaire, it was compiled and analyzed using suitable statistical methods. Result: According to the result obtained most of the females have proper knowledge regarding sanitary material. A majority of females re-change their sanitary material more than twice. Whereas washing hands and cleanliness practices were found to be unsatisfactory. Conclusion: From the result of this study we have concluded that females have proper knowledge about sanitary material but they dont have enough knowledge about washing and cleaning habits due to which they can be vulnerable toward many infections and diseases.

Supporting Inclusivity Through an Automatic Transcription Application to Improve Hearing Skills for the Deaf

Inclusivity is the principle that underlies a just and equal society for all individuals, including students or pupils who have hearing disabilities such as the deaf. In an effort to realize inclusivity, technological developments have opened the door to solutions that can improve the quality of life for deaf users. One of the main challenges faced by deaf users is difficulty in understanding and communicating with the outside world through hearing. This article discusses how automatic transcription applications can serve as powerful tools in supporting inclusiveness by improving the listening skills of deaf users. An automatic transcription application is software that is capable of converting spoken conversations into text in real-time. This has the potential to enable deaf users to access previously difficult-to-reach information. The use of automatic transcription applications can provide significant benefits for deaf users. Firstly, it allows pupils and students to follow conversations and presentations better, improving their listening skills. Second, users can participate more actively in various social and educational activities, feeling more confident in interacting with friends, colleagues and instructors. Apart from that, the use of this application can also help in the development of their spoken language, because students can view the transcribed text while listening to the conversation. However, there are several challenges that need to be overcome in implementing this automatic transcription application. These include accuracy of transcription, availability of appropriate hardware and software, and community understanding of the needs and rights of deaf users. Therefore, collaboration between technology developers, the deaf community, and other interested parties is important in ensuring that automated transcription applications can be used effectively to increase inclusivity for deaf users.

Dr Ambedkar’s idea of human rights and its scope of teaching in social work education: from text to context

ABSTRACT Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (Ambedkar henceforth) is not merely known as the chief architect of the Indian constitution, social activist, philosopher, and social reformer but also as a great human rights defender in India. His idea and vision of human rights have been referencing points for creating an egalitarian society and formulating social policies. Despite his strong vision, teaching, and philosophy about an equal and just society, the pedagogy of social work is underutilized in social work education. His ideas of human rights were enshrined in the Indian constitution which even prevented marginalized social groups such as Dalit (Dalits are ex-untouchable caste group who live at the bottom in Indian social structure), tribal, and women from exploitation and protect their human rights. We argue that Ambedkar’s strong vision for a just and egalitarian society, and his rights and policy-based framework are key human rights features to introduce in the curriculum of social work education within India and outside India. This will not merely equip social work professionals to be better human rights defenders but also equip them significantly to contribute to creating a just and equal society.