Equal Status Research Articles

Socioeconomic inequalities in cervical cancer screening in sub-Saharan Africa: Decomposition analysis

Abstract Background Cervical cancer remains prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite global efforts to eliminate this disease, its incidence continues to rise due to barriers in screening, vaccination, and treatment access. While studies address access barriers, little has explored inequality, often limited to single countries. Here, we examine socioeconomic inequalities in cervical cancer screening in SSA. Methods Data from the Demographic and Health Surveys of 10 SSA countries was used for the analysis. We stratified the study by wealth index and educational attainment as a measure of socioeconomic status. Socioeconomic status inequalities in cervical cancer screening were constructed using concentration curves. We then computed the concentration index to quantify socioeconomic inequality. To examine the factors associated with high socioeconomic inequality in cervical cancer screening, a decomposition analysis was conducted. Results Concentration curves showed screening uptake skewed towards the wealthy and educated across all countries, reflected by positive concentration indices (CIX=0.21; p-value<0.0001) except in Burkina Faso and Mauritius. Decomposition analysis revealed significant positive concentration indices for women with complete secondary (CIX=0.74) and higher education (CIX=0.91), those in the richest wealth index (CIX=0.35), separated women (CIX=0.08), currently working women (CIX=0.02), as well as those who were exposed to reading newspaper/magazine (CIX=0.19), listening to radio (CIX=0.10), and watching TV (CIX=0.44). Conclusions Cervical cancer screening in SSA exhibits pro-rich and pro-higher educational inequalities. Urgent interventions are needed to restructure existing screening programs to prioritize accessibility and inclusion, particularly for women from poorer households and with a lower level of education. These findings are vital for policymakers and public health practitioners to address cervical cancer screening disparities in SSA. Key messages • Addressing socioeconomic inequalities in cervical cancer screening is crucial for improving public health in sub-Saharan Africa. • Combatting socioeconomic disparities in cervical cancer screening is critical for achieving health equity in sub-Saharan Africa.

Commercialisation, exogenous shocks and nutrition: Evidence from smallholder farmers in Bangladesh

AbstractThis study empirically analyses the effect of agricultural commercialisation on food spending and nutrition outcomes in Bangladesh. We examine whether exposure to exogenous climate shocks moderates these relationships. We construct individual‐level nutrition measures and time‐varying climate extremes using nationally representative panel data. To address endogeneity concerns, we use an instrument variable approach. Results show that commercialisation leads to an improvement in the broad nutritional profile of individuals. However, the commercialisation–nutrition linkage is weaker for households exposed to frequent climate shocks than those in climate‐resilient areas. Importantly, climate shocks dampen the positive nutritional impacts of commercialisation and exacerbate existing inequalities in the nutritional status within the households. Women and girls appear disproportionately vulnerable to the nutrition‐weakening effects of weather stresses in commercialised agricultural households. This highlights twin policy challenges: strengthening smallholders' resilience to escalating climate risks alongside promoting gender‐equitable, nutrition‐sensitive agricultural commercialisation.

Finding the human in an era of machine intelligence: A flat ontological analysis of generative AI and language learning

Amid the optimism of generative Artificial Intelligence (gen-AI) in language education, there remains a weak connection to learning practices. The emergence of gen-AI has preceded considerations of how it should be applied in teaching and learning. However, while gen-AI has been justified in terms of the possibilities to enhance learner agency by expanding opportunities to engage with language, such as through the generation of content or the translation of texts, it can also take power away from learners. How can learners be self-determining in light of how choices become increasingly guided by Artificial Intelligence? In this paper, I conceive the arrangements of humans and software as an assemblage of complex and dynamic social, and technical processes. Drawing on a flat ontology, where all agents (human and non-human, material and subjective) have equal ontological status, I argue that learner agency has its origins in the messy and lively interactions between heterogenous actors. In particular, I consider active and passive affects as being part of the same process: active when we bring something into effect ourselves, passive when our self-determination is changed not by our own power, but through external forces acting on it (such as gen-AI). From this, I explore the constraining and enabling potential of artificial intelligence. Finally, I extend this discussion to the emergence of learner agency.

Nepal-India Relations: Exploring the Dichotomy between 'Big Brother' and 'Brotherhood'

The historical relationship between Nepal and India is deeply rooted in their geographic proximity and shared elements such as religion, culture, language, and socio-economic interests. While Nepal borders both China and India, its closeness with India is accentuated by these shared attributes and mutual opportunities. The two countries share an open border of around 1,780 kilometers along Nepal's eastern, western, and southern regions. Despite India's larger size, population, and more advanced economic development, Nepal maintains its sovereignty and equal status as an independent nation. However, India's role is often perceived as that of a "big brother" to Nepal, reflecting the disparity in size and influence. Nonetheless, all sovereign nations, regardless of their geographic or economic differences, are regarded as equals in status. In an era defined by globalization, scientific advancements, and technological progress, Nepal aspires to build a strong relationship with India based on mutual friendship and economic cooperation, particularly through foreign investment and the exchange of technology. While occasional tensions arise, usually from the Indian side, they have not escalated into major conflicts and are unlikely to do so. It is widely understood that while friendships may fluctuate, the bond between neighbors remains constant. This article examines the various aspects and dynamics of Nepal-India relations within this context.

The Igbos in Nigerian Politics (1941-1967)

The goal of this paper is for the present day Igbo generations to understand how the Igbo Nationalists worked tirelessly, to compelling the colonial overloads to accord equal social status to Nigerians. To understand the political imprints of Igbo Nationalists in Nigerian politics before and after independence. To give an insight about the Nigerian and Biafran’s Civil War, which lasted for 36 months since teaching history has been proscribed in school curricula at all levels in Nigeria’s school systems.

Using Politeness Theory to Deconstruct How Preregistrant Pharmacists Approach Disagreement in the Workplace

ObjectiveUsing politeness theory, this study investigates how preregistrant pharmacists engage in workplace disputes. MethodsOverall, 56 students participated in 2 mock job judgment scenarios. In scenario A (n = 25), the conflict was with a colleague of lower hierarchical status, while in scenario B (n = 32), the conflict was with a colleague of equal hierarchical status. Using politeness theory, responses were coded into 3 tiers: (1) engagement in the face-threatening act (FTA); (2) use of on/off-record approaches; and (3) communicative strategies. For tier 1, reasons for engaging in the FTA were also coded. Results89% of the participants indicated they would unequivocally engage in the FTA. For scenario A, the pharmacist’s roles and responsibilities (40%) and for scenario B, situational urgency/safety (65%) were the key drivers. Scenario A participants were more likely to use an on-record approach (80%) than those in scenario B (68%). Empathetic approaches (56%) were more common in scenario A, while explanatory approaches (64%) were more frequent in scenario B. ConclusionThis study shows that preregistrant pharmacists are aware of the principles of face-work. While the study only reflects what participants believe they would do, not their actual ability in professional disputes, it supports current research that students need simulated low-stakes opportunities to practice communication skills before entering the workplace, especially where situational urgency is present. Integration of politeness theory in workshop and feedback design could help students to link awareness to actual interaction, although the theory should be expanded to integrate urgency as a factor impacting all levels of interactional decision-making.

Navigating trust and health in India: the influence of social status and neighbourhood environment

BackgroundThe research on the relationship between interpersonal trust and health has primarily focused on Western contexts, with scarce attention in developing contexts. Addressing this gap, the study examines the association between interpersonal trust (both generalised and particularised) and health outcomes (self-rated health /SRH, and depression) among Indian adults, considering the moderating roles of social statuses (gender and caste) and macro-level factors like district-level income inequality.MethodsThe study draws on data from the World Health Organization's (WHO) Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Wave-1, collected between 2007 and 2010. This dataset provides a comprehensive overview of health outcomes, including self-rated health (SRH) and depression, socio-cultural status of adults aged 18 and above in India. Additionally, district-level data on income inequality, quantified through the Gini index, were incorporated to examine the influence of contextual socioeconomic influence on the trust-health relationship. Multilevel regression analysis with interaction effects with social statuses and income inequality at district was employed in the analysis to investigate the intricate relationship between interpersonal trust (both generalised and particularised) and health outcomes.ResultsThe study reveals that while generalised trust does not directly influence depression or SRH, particularised trust acts as a protective factor for both health outcomes. Gender-specific interaction effect shows that generalised trust reduces depression among males and improves SRH among females. Notably, caste does not significantly moderate the trust-health relationship. High district-level income inequality, however, modifies these associations: generalised trust is associated with improved SRH in areas of high inequality, whereas particularised trust correlates with increased depression in these districts.ConclusionThe findings highlight the complex dynamics between interpersonal trust, social status, and income inequality in shaping health outcomes in India. Generalised trust emerges as a potential buffer against the health-detrimental effects of income inequality, providing crucial insights for developing targeted health interventions. These results offer valuable guidance for global health policymakers and practitioners in effectively allocating development aid to enhance health outcomes, especially among the most marginalised groups.

EQUAL STATUS BEFORE THE LAW BY INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN SOCIETY, NATION AND STATE

The utilization of the Nagari Customary Court is actually important because it is needed by the customary law community. In fact, it is the customary law community that knows and understands the historical aspects and the ins and outs of the lineage, environment and local culture. Therefore, this research seeks to find an optimal model of utilization of the Nagari Customary Court. How is equal status before the law by indigenous peoples in order to improve the quality of life in society, nation and state. This research is a socio-legal research that uses a qualitative approach. The data used in the research are primary and secondary data. The data collection method is through literature study and interviews. Therefore, the articles of Pancasila that regulate equal rights and justice also apply to indigenous peoples, and must also be perceived through philosophical, juridical and sociological perspectives. Indigenous Peoples according to Jawahir Thontowi is a group of citizens who have genealogical ancestors in common, live in a place, have a common goal of living within the framework of values and norms, still enforce a binding Adat system, led by the head of Adat, coordinate the administration of power and the existence of dispute resolution institutions in the community.

The polyphonic principle in the novelistic thinking of Olga Tokarczuk

AbstractThis study explores the influence of the musical principle of polyphony in the novelistic thinking of the Polish writer Olga Tokarczuk, with a particular focus on the structure of her novel Primeval and Other Times. This principle is manifested in various facets of the novels’ composition, their characters and their themes.In the introductory part of this text, I apply the concept of intermediality to show how the polyphonic principle straddles the boundary-line between music and literature. As in music, also in literature the polyphonic principle is rooted in the principle of plurality: there is no single truth, no single perspective or way of looking at things, and each thought always exists in counterpoint with another thought. This creates a genuine multiplicity of voices each with equal status, which may exist in various relationships with each other (contrast, mirroring, divergence, complementing, etc.), though none of them represents a definitive truth.The main focus in this study is on the novel Primeval and Other Times. When analyzing it, I apply the same approach as could be used for a complex polyphonic structure—specifically, a four-voice fugue with four clearly defined themes: space, time, God, and people. I trace how each of these themes is gradually developed through an elaborate counterpoint: (space: time, space: God, space: people, etc.), and I also set out to present a synthesis—because each voice (theme), despite its independence and equality of status, forms an integral part of the whole, contributing to the text’s meaning-making.

Colonial status and income inequality in developing countries

This paper assesses the effect of the colonial status of ex-colonies, settler’s mortality rate, and duration of colonization on income inequality using a dataset comprising 78 developing countries over the period 1990 to 2019. We run Ordinary Least Square regressions on the cross-sectional data and subsequently test for sensitivity of the baseline model to historical, geographical as well as sociocultural factors. For robustness checks, we re-estimate the baseline model on a panel data setting using the Hausman Taylor estimator and a GMM linear dynamic panel data model that factors-in time-invariant historical and cultural variables. Results suggest that: (a) average increase in Gini income inequality for ex-settler’s colonies was higher when compared to ex-peasant colonies; (b) an extra year of the duration of colonization augmented typical overall income inequality and (c) the middling rise in income inequality of ex-British colonies was less than the other ex-colonies whilst ex-Spanish colonies posted an average increase in inequality that was higher than the other former colonies. Results were unaltered when we undertake sensitivity and robustness tests. Furthermore, colonial status mediates the relationships between Gini income inequality and settler’s mortality rate as well as Gini income inequality and duration of colonization. Thus, institutions established since colonization and perpetuated after independence have been more or less prone to incorporating redistribution (inequality) issues.

The relationship between ethnicity and multiple sclerosis characteristics in the United Kingdom: A UK MS Register study.

Previous studies have suggested differences in multiple sclerosis (MS) severity according to ethnicity. Data were obtained from the UK MS Register, a prospective longitudinal cohort study of persons with MS. We examined the association between self-reported ethnic background and age at onset, symptom of onset and a variety of participant-reported severity measures. We used adjusted multivariable linear regression models to explore the association between ethnicity and impact of MS, and Cox proportional hazards models to assess disability progression. We analysed data from 17,314 people with MS, including participants from self-reported Black (n = 157) or South Asian (n = 230) ethnic backgrounds. Age at MS onset and diagnosis was lower in those of South Asian (median 30.0) and Black (median 33.0) ethnicity compared with White ethnicity (median 35.0). In participants with online MS severity measures available, we found no statistically significant evidence for an association between ethnic background and physical disability in MS in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. We found no association between ethnic background and MS severity in a large, diverse UK cohort. These findings suggest that other factors, such as socioeconomic status and structural inequalities, may explain previous findings.

Cancel culture: Heterodox self-censorship or the curious case of the dog which didn’t bark

There is widespread concern that academic freedom is threatened by growing demands for intellectual conformity and attempted censorship from intolerant zealots. Student protests over the Israeli–Hamas conflict have intensified fierce debates about freedom of expression on campuses. This study seeks to understand the nature and scope of contemporary threats to academic freedom of expression worldwide, especially the role of self-censorship in this process. The first part unpacks the notion of a ‘cancel culture’ in academia. The research explores processes of self-censorship where scholars are unwilling to express their authentic views in public. Mechanisms theorized as potentially driving these processes include heterodox status (cultural minorities out of step with orthodox views); institutions (constitutional principles, laws, and regulations used by the authorities to govern academic speech); culture (attitudes towards free speech); and academic status (inequalities in academic power and security linked with gender and age). To examine these mechanisms, the second part sets out the research design. It draws upon survey data from the second World of Political Science survey (WPS-2023), monitoring the background and attitudes of almost 2000 political scientists living and working in around 100 countries worldwide. The third part analyzes the results, confirming the reluctance of heterodox scholars to challenge majority views. The conclusion in the fourth part summarizes the findings, considers their broader implications, and discusses the next steps in the research agenda.

Incorporating English as an International Language in Teaching Materials: A Case of an EAP Course in Vietnam

The spread of English on a global language has resulted in the emergence of a new paradigm of English language teaching, English as an International Language (EIL), which switches the focus from native models to communicative effectiveness and the equal status of all varieties of English and cultures. In Vietnam, though the goal of communicative effectiveness in English language teaching (ELT) is acknowledged, EIL syllabus material design has been given little attention. This study aims to explore the perceptions of material developers regarding EIL incorporation in teaching materials and the actual extent of EIL integration in teaching materials of an English for academic course. The results show that there exists a mismatch between the material developers’ appreciation of EIL incorporation and their modest practices of incorporating EIL in teaching materials. The research also indicated that while the material developers equally value international target culture, culture(s) of future interlocutor and local culture, the priority in material design was given to culture of native speakers. The opportunities to develop skills to communicate across the differences are also given credits in teaching materials, as perceived and practiced in the material design of the course. The research suggests a pedagogical implication towards further incorporation of EIL in language courses to university students and the role of material developers in resonating material design with actual communicative contexts.

Strategies for Balancing the Decision of Being Under Surveillance with the Freedom of Movement of a Suspect in French and Iranian Law

According to jurists advocating proportional reasoning, balancing deals with the inevitable conflict between rights and norms, and aims to justify the preference of one competing right over another without dominance. In the preliminary investigation, being under surveillance stage is a coercive measure and infringes on the freedom of movement and the legal interests of the suspect. This infringement generally serves legitimate purposes, including the protection of societal rights, the protection of the victim’s rights, and the efficiency of criminal investigations and proceedings. These purposes are considered equal status and importance to the suspect’s freedom of movement. Therefore, the decision-maker is obliged to weigh the competing legal interests. Using an analytical and descriptive approach, the study highlights the mechanism for conducting this assessment. To address this rights conflict, various strategies have been including the severity of the crime, the hierarchical value of rights, adequation, necessity and the value-based diligence of the judge. The research indicates that none of these strategies on their own, can provide a desirable mechanism for weighing competing interests and achieving balancing. Nonetheless, decision-makers can draw on these strategies and, with skill and foresight, determine the weight and importance of conflicting rights and norms.

Social status mediates the propagation of unfairness.

Fairness constitutes a cornerstone of social norms, emphasizing equal treatment and equitable distribution in interpersonal relationships. Unfair treatment often leads to direct responses and can spread to others through a phenomenon known as pay-it-forward (PIF) reciprocity. This study examined how unfairness spreads in interactions with new partners who have higher, equal, or lower status than the participants. In the present study, participants (N = 47, all Korean) were given either fair or unfair treatment in the first round of a dictator game. They then allocated monetary resources among partners positioned at various hierarchical levels in the second round. Our main goal was to determine if the severity of inequity inflicted on new partners was influenced by their hierarchical status. The results revealed an inclination among participants to act more generously towards partners of higher ranking despite prior instances of unfair treatment, whereas a tendency for harsher treatment was directed towards those with lower ranking. The interaction between the fairness in the first round (DG1) and the hierarchical status of the partner in the second round (DG2) was significant, indicating that the effect of previous fairness on decision-making differed depending on the ranking of the new partners. This study, therefore, validates the presence of unfairness PIF reciprocity within hierarchical contexts.

Poverty status and income inequality among farming households in Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Nigeria

Poverty status and income inequality among farming households in Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Nigeria

Trends and inequalities in antenatal care coverage in Benin (2006–2017): an application of World Health Organization’s Health Equity Assessment Toolkit

IntroductionBetween 2006 and 2017, antenatal care (ANC) coverage in Benin declined, potentially exacerbating inequalities and substantiating the need for health inequality monitoring. This study examines inequalities in ANC attendance in Benin, disaggregated by women’s age, educational level, economic status, place of residence, region of residence, and the extent to which they have changed over time.MethodsThree rounds of the Benin Demographic and Health Surveys (2006, 2011–12, and 2017–18) were analyzed to examine inequalities in ANC coverage. An exploratory descriptive approach was adopted for the analysis. Simple [difference (D) and ratio (R)] and complex [population attributable risk (PAR) and population attributable fraction (PAF)] measures of inequalities were computed using the World Health Organization’s Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (WHO’s HEAT) online platform. The measures were computed separately for each of the three surveys, and their estimates were compared.ResultsThe findings revealed an 8.4% decline in at least four ANC visits between 2006 and 2017–18. The decline occurred irrespective of age, educational status, economic status, place of residence, and region. Region-related inequalities were the largest and increased slightly between 2006 (D = 54.6; R = 2.6; PAF = 47.8, PAR = 29.0) and 2017–18 (D = 55.8; R = 3.1; PAF = 57.2, PAR = 29.8). Education (2006: D = 31.3, R = 1.6, PAF = 40.5, PAR = 24.5; 2017–18: D = 25.2, R = 1.6, PAF = 34.9, PAR = 18.1) and rural-urban (2006: D = 16.8, R = 1.3, PAF = 17.8, PAR = 10.8; 2017–18: D = 11.2, R = 1.2, PAF = 13.1, PAR = 6.8) inequalities reduced while economic status inequalities did not improve (2006: D = 48, R = 2.2, PAF = 44.5, PAR = 26.9; 2017–18: D = 43.9, R = 2.4, PAF = 45.0, PAR = 23.4). Age inequalities were very minimal.ConclusionANC inequalities remain deeply ingrained in Benin. Addressing their varying levels requires comprehensive strategies that encompass both supply—and demand-side interventions, focusing on reaching uneducated women in the poorest households and those residing in rural areas and Atacora.

Portrayal of Woman in Mulk Raj Anand’s the old woman and the cow and Arundhati Roy’s "the Ministry of Utmost Happiness

The arrival of a woman is like the first light of dawn, dispelling the shadows. She has the power to dispel any anxiety that arises from mental shadows, like the sun that illuminates the world. Essentially, life begins with women. The fact that women are the ones who brought this universe into being is an undeniable fact. A strong belief in women's inherent worth as human beings is fundamental to feminism. It identifies shifts in cultural norms that repress women and works to alter those norms. Feminism examines and analyses the repressed position of women in a socio-political setting by pursuing such an effort. Equal rights and status for women are the goals of this movement. The Indian author Mulk Raj Anand also wrote short stories. The Indian social fabric is something that Arundhati Rao has a keen eye for. As a revolutionary spark for the litterateurs of the twenty-first century, he fights for the rights of the marginalised and oppressed. In his books, Anand depicts the impoverished people of India in a realistic light. This article uses Arundhati Rao's The Ministry of Utmost Happiness (2017) as a lens through which to examine Mulk Raj Anand's 1960 novel The Old Woman and the Cow via the feminist topic of gender inequalities. There is a noticeable trend in modern English-language literature towards works written by Indian women. From a societal and personal perspective, this study examines the achievements of Indian women.

Women Empowerment in India

Women's empowerment is a contentious issue. Women enjoyed equal status and power to men throughout the earlier Stone Age period. However, during the post-Vedic and epic times, they began to have certain challenges. History demonstrates that women were frequently treated like slaves. The standing of women has been progressively shifting from the early 20th century (national movement), and the British people are to thank for this. It is only after the Independence of India, under the able leadership of Dr. Ambedkhar , the constitutional makers and national leaders started strongly demanding and also reiterating the equal social position of women with men. it is good to learn that a few number of women have been able to establish their potentialities. Therefore, this paper suggests that each and every human being should be careful in taking steps to promote the statuses of women and respect their dignity

Trends in resource allocation for primary health care in rural China: Concentration curve and decomposition analysis.

Since 2009, China has made large investments in strengthening the primary healthcare system. This study aimed to examine the trends in the number and distribution of health resources in rural China following the health system reform and to decompose the sources of inequalities. Data were collected from standardized reports compiled by each county in rural China and compiled by the National Health Commission and Bureau of Statistics. From the findings of this empirical study, resource allocation per capita for primary health care (PHC) improved gradually from 2008 to 2014. The distribution of beds across counties (ranked by level of economic development) was relatively equitable. However, the concentration curve analysis indicated that the distribution of primary care professionals remained skewed in favour of wealthier and more urbanised counties. Economic status was proved to be a major contributor to the inequality of health human resource. China's primary care reforms resulted in simultaneously improved supply of PHC resources as well as pro-rich inequality in distribution of the workforce. To advance equality in health resource allocation, greater attention should be paid to the substantial inequality of economic status within counties.