Gender Inequality Research Articles

Primary school student’s mental wellbeing at schools considering the current situation in Afghanistan

This study investigates the mental wellbeing of children in primary school in Afghanistan during periods of political instability, specifically focusing on the Taliban's takeover of power in 2021. The study addresses the complex obstacles encountered by children, such as gender-based limitations on education, financial difficulties resulting in child labor, restrictions on personal independence, and changes in educational objectives, through the use of qualitative interviews conducted with teachers and students from different regions. The findings indicate significant impacts on the mental well-being of students, characterized by gender inequalities, financial difficulties, and limited liberties. Teachers also face obstacles such as evolving rules and financial hardships, which can impact their mental health. The evaluation also emphasizes the lack of supportive programs and healthcare services in Afghan schools. This research offers valuable perspectives on the experiences of students and instructors, which can help address the mental health crisis affecting primary school children in Afghanistan.

The unintended consequences of IMF programs: Women left behind in the labor market

AbstractDespite societal progress toward achieving gender equality, women remain disadvantaged across all walks of life. We examine how pressures by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for austerity and liberalization policies affect women’s economic empowerment in developing countries. Focusing on labor market outcomes, we expect that IMF programs increase the gender unemployment gap. This effect will hold regardless of existing societal gender norms, reflecting that women work in less ‘crisis-proof’ jobs. In contrast, we believe that prevailing societal gender norms will adversely impact women’s ability to remain in the labor force, resulting in widening gender labor force participation gaps. Relying on a dataset covering 128 developing countries between 1992 and 2018, we confirm these expectations. Our findings underscore how, during economically turbulent times, policy demands of the Fund can amplify existing gender inequalities.

Effects of short-term moderate intensity exercise on the serum metabolome in older adults: a pilot randomized controlled trial

BackgroundWe previously reported changes in the serum metabolome associated with impaired myocardial relaxation in an asymptomatic older community cohort. In this prospective parallel-group randomized control pilot trial, we subjected community adults without cardiovascular disease to exercise intervention and evaluated the effects on serum metabolomics.MethodsBetween February 2019 to November 2019, thirty (83% females) middle-aged adults (53 ± 4 years) were randomized with sex stratification to either twelve weeks of moderate-intensity exercise training (Intervention) (n = 15) or Control (n = 15). The Intervention group underwent once-weekly aerobic and strength training sessions for 60 min each in a dedicated cardiac exercise laboratory for twelve weeks (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03617653). Serial measurements were taken pre- and post-intervention, including serum sampling for metabolomic analyses.ResultsTwenty-nine adults completed the study (Intervention n = 14; Control n = 15). Long-chain acylcarnitine C20:2-OH/C18:2-DC was reduced in the Intervention group by a magnitude of 0.714 but increased in the Control group by a magnitude of 1.742 (mean difference −1.028 age-adjusted p = 0.004). Among Controls, alanine correlated with left ventricular mass index (r = 0.529, age-adjusted p = 0.018) while aspartate correlated with Lateral e’ (r = −764, age-adjusted p = 0.016). C20:3 correlated with E/e’ ratio fold-change in the Intervention group (r = −0.653, age-adjusted p = 0.004). Among Controls, C20:2/C18:2 (r = 0.795, age-adjusted p = 0.005) and C20:2-OH/C18:2-DC fold-change (r = 0.742, age-adjusted p = 0.030) correlated with change in E/A ratio.ConclusionsCorresponding relationships between serum metabolites and cardiac function in response to exercise intervention provided pilot observations. Future investigations into cellular fuel oxidation or central carbon metabolism pathways that jointly impact the heart and related metabolic systems may be critical in preventive trials.

Gender and Beyond: Employment Patterns during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy

This paper investigates employment changes during the COVID-19 pandemic for women and men in a country characterized by notoriously low female employment: Italy. The paper explores to what extent previously existing inequalities in employment were further exacerbated during the pandemic. Using data from the Italian Labor Force Surveys from 2018 to 2020, we find evidence of a limited decline in employment, but a steep increase in the number of individuals working zero hours during the lockdown periods. This result holds for both men and women. The pandemic highlighted how gender inequalities in employment intersect with other socioeconomic disadvantages: single mothers and lower-educated women were more affected than their male counterparts, while single men without children and foreign men were hit stronger than women with the same characteristics in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic. The pandemic thus came with differentiated consequences, generally affecting those already in less advantaged situations harder. At the same time, the results support the idea that women’s employment was crucial to counteract job loss in the family, and some became the only breadwinner for their families. This also exposed them to risks by working during the pandemic. Overall, the pandemic greatly accentuated preexisting social inequalities in the Italian labor market, yet with an apparently transitory effect at least regarding employment participation.

The impact of earthquakes on women: assessing women's mental health in aftermath of the Kahramanmaraş-centred earthquake in Türkiye.

Earthquakes disproportionately affect women and exacerbate gender and social inequalities. This study aims to investigate the psychological impact of the earthquake in Türkiye on women and the associated factors. This is a survey-based study. We collected data from 498 women residing in cities most affected by the earthquake. Participants' mean age was 27.72±5.4. Over 78% of the participants lost at least one family member, and 43.7% lost at least one child due to the earthquake. The mean average of Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) scores was 100.8 (SD=8.37), and the Global Severity Index was 1.9 (SD=0.16). Regression analysis showed that higher education levels predicted poor outcomes across most BSI dimensions. Losing a family member and shelter and injury status were also predictors for several mental health outcomes of the BSI subscales. Earthquakes significantly impact women's well-being and may have a broader impact on the whole family. There is an urgent need to provide psycho-social interventions in the response and recovery phases of the crisis to meet the affected women's needs. This includes providing basic needs with attention to women-specific needs, restoring social networks, addressing gender-based violence and providing gender-sensitive specialized interventions for those who need further support.

The gendered impact of parenthood on job-related training participation in Germany and the United Kingdom

Abstract Recent studies highlight the role of parenthood in perpetuating persistent gender inequality in the labour market. We examine whether the transition to parenthood influences job-related training participation. This study uses fixed-effects models and longitudinal data from the German National Educational Panel Study (starting cohort 6, 2010–2021) and Understanding Society: The UK Household Longitudinal Study (2010–2019). Our findings show that women’s job-related training participation decreases following parenthood in both countries, but that this decline is steeper in Germany and persists beyond the early stage of parenthood. Furthermore, our mediation analysis shows that parental leave is one of the main drivers of the motherhood penalty in job-related training in both countries. In contrast, when men have a first child, it has a small negative effect on training participation levels in Germany and no effect in the United Kingdom. This study sheds light on the gendered impact of the transition to parenthood on job-related training participation and how the country context influences these relationships.

Food security and livelihoods in protracted crisis: the experience of rural residents in Syria’s war zones

AbstractFood insecurity is an increasingly pressing and grave issue in contemporary Syria. The ongoing crisis has severely affected agriculture in a country which used to be food-producing and self-sufficient. This study addresses the factors that impact household-level food security in Syria. Our analysis is based on 1,381 household surveys using a structured questionnaire in 12 governorates of the country. We followed a two-stage least square regression (2SLS) approach to analyse the interconnected factors of food security. We use three different indicators to capture different dimensions of food security: the Food Consumption Score (FCS), the Dietary Diversity Score (DDS), and the Reduced Coping Strategy Index (rCSI). Our findings underscore the vital role of aid programs and post-crisis remedial assistance in bolstering farmers' resilience and enhancing their food security. Despite adverse constraints generated by the prolonged crisis, continued reliance on agricultural activities continued having a positive contribution to food security. Female-headed households experience higher food insecurity than their male-headed counterparts (MHHs). However, Female-headed households excel in nutritional diversity. Both results should be approached carefully due to data limitations. Addressing the repercussions of conflict-induced food insecurity requires mitigating the effects of the proximity of conflict zones and reducing disruptions in food value chains. Future research should consider how food security relates to gender and intra-household gender inequalities during protracted crises.

Gender quota, women in politics, and gender parity in education

AbstractDo women in politics contribute to gender parity in education? This study seeks to provide an empirical answer to this question by examining whether women in politics (women parliamentarians) contribute to closing the gender inequality in education using a global sample of 191 countries from 1990 to 2020. We deployed the two‐stage least square (IV‐TSLS) technique and gender quota as an instrument to isolate the exogenous effect of women in politics on gender parity in primary, secondary and tertiary education. The findings from the IV‐TSLS estimators show that an increase in the number of female parliamentarians is associated with a significant increase in gender parity at all levels of education. These results survived several robustness checks, including using different estimators such as the Lewbel two‐stage least squares and the Kinky least‐squares estimators. Based on the quota type, we documented that women in politics significantly spur gender parity in education in countries with reserved seat quotas and not in countries with candidate quotas. We also found that the results differ across different geographical regions and income groups. The findings call on policy‐makers to address societal, legal and structural barriers limiting women's political participation to achieve gender parity at all levels of education.

Do Family Policies Reduce Gender Inequality? Evidence from 60 Years of Policy Experimentation

Do family policies reduce gender inequality in the labor market? We contribute to this debate by investigating the joint impact of parental leave and childcare, using administrative data covering Austrian workers over more than half a century. We start by quasi-experimentally identifying the causal effects of all family policy reforms since the 1950s on the full dynamics of male and female earnings. We then map these causal estimates into a decomposition framework to compute counterfactual gender inequality series. Our results show that the enormous expansions of parental leave and childcare have had virtually no impact on gender convergence. (JEL D63, J13, J16, J31, J32)

Can North Carolina Small Rural Farms Succeed Equally? Quantifying Racial and Gender Disparities in Acres, Markets, and Incomes

While small rural farms have long been the foundation of the United States' agricultural landscape, the historic context of gender and racial disparities within this sector has been understudied. This study aims to illuminate gender and racial disparities among small rural farms in North Carolina across operated acres, owned acres, market access, and farm income. Uncovering these dimensions provides valuable insights to promote equity in agricultural development. Using a dataset of 95 North Carolina small farms, we employ Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition with Recentered Influence Functions to analyze the extent and sources of disparities. We find four key results. First, White-operated farms have 161% more land, are 2.88 miles closer to markets, and earn $174,000 more than Black-operated farms annually. Second, male-operated farms have 150% more acres and $126,000 higher gross income versus female-operated farms. Third, racial and gender disparities are most pronounced at higher ends of farm size and income distributions. Additionally, disparities stem from endowment and structural effects, with structural factors more prevalent at higher outcome levels. To address such disparities, policymakers should implement targeted initiatives to improve education, priority market access, and outreach for minority and women farmers while also reforming systems to dismantle structural barriers and enable equitable prosperity. Shedding light on racial and gender inequality is imperative for cultivating an inclusive, just food system where all small rural farmers can succeed.

Neoliberal Feminism and Women's Protest Motivation

A popular form of neoliberal feminism seeks to advance gender equality in leadership and beyond by encouraging women to be resilient as individuals. By locating career advancement as within an individual's control, recent research has shown that this focus subtly shifts the blame for gender inequality onto women and reduces support for needed structural changes to tackle gender discrimination. We extend research into neoliberal feminism by examining anticipated negative effects on women's protest motivation. Across four studies in the United Kingdom (total N = 1,168), undergraduate women students and employed women with university degrees in both the control and resilience conditions first read about gender inequality. Participants in the neoliberal feminist conditions then read messages promoting individual resilience as key to women's advancement (Study 1–3) or participated in activities designed to build their own resilience as individuals to help them advance (Study 4). In Studies 1, 3, and 4, participants in the neoliberal feminist conditions compared to the control had lower collective action intentions – a negative effect that was either indirect, via reduced perceptions of gender discrimination (Studies 1 and 4) and reduced anger over inequality (Study 1), or direct (Study 3). Together, these studies provided partial support for our hypothesis that neoliberal feminism can undermine women's protest motivation. Future research can help establish how contextual and other factors contribute to the strength of these effects and explore how feminists can better harness messages of resilience. To advance gender equality, our findings suggest that advocates should focus less on individualistic solutions and more on addressing structural barriers, laying the groundwork for effective protest action and social change. Additional online materials for this article are available on PWQ's website at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/03616843241238176 .

Maternal concentrations of environmental phenols during early pregnancy and behavioral problems in children aged 4 years from the Shanghai Birth Cohort.

Prenatal exposure to environmental phenols such as bisphenol (BPs), paraben (PBs), benzophenone (BzPs), and triclosan (TCS) is ubiquitous and occurs in mixtures. Although some of them have been suspected to impact child behavioral development, evidence is still insufficient, and their mixed effects remain unclear. To explore the association of prenatal exposure to multiple phenols with child behavioral problems. In a sample of 600 mother-child pairs from the Shanghai Birth Cohort, we quantified 18 phenols (6 PBs, 7 BPs, 4 BzPs, and TCS) in urine samples collected during early pregnancy. Parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires were utilized to evaluate child behavioral difficulties across four subscales, namely conduct, hyperactivity/inattention, emotion, and peer relationship problems, at 4 years of age. Multivariable linear regression was conducted to estimate the relationships between single phenolic compounds and behavioral problems. Additionally, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression was employed to examine the overall effects of the phenol mixture. Sex-stratified analyses were also performed. Our population was extensively exposed to 10 phenols (direction rates >50 %), with low median concentrations (1.00 × 10-3-6.89 ng/mL). Among them, single chemical analyses revealed that 2,4-dihydroxy benzophenone (BP1), TCS, and methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (MeP) were associated with increased behavior problems, including hyperactivity/inattention (BP1: β = 0.16; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.04, 0.30), emotional problems (BP1: β = 0.11; 95 % CI: 0.02, 0.20; TCS: β = 0.08; 95 % CI: 0.02, 0.14), and peer problems (MeP: β = 0.10; 95 % CI: 0.02, 0.18); however, we did not identify any significant association with conduct problems. Further phenol mixture analyses in the WQS model yielded similar results. Stratification for child sex showed stronger positive associations in boys. Our findings indicated that maternal phenol levels during early pregnancy, specifically BP1, TCS, and MeP, are associated with high behavioral problem scores in 4-year-old children.

Increased cardiovascular risks and mortality in prurigo nodularis: a global cohort study

BackgroundPrurigo nodularis (PN) presents with intensely itchy hard nodules. Despite being limited to the skin, PN was noted to be associated with systemic diseases including diabetes and chronic renal failure. In previous smaller retrospective studies, several cardiac and vascular diseases were found more frequently in patients with PN. However, small cohort sizes, partially discrepant outcomes, missing data, and incomplete risk assessment limit these findings. MethodsElectronic health records (EHR)s of 64,801 patients (59.44% females) with PN and an equal sized propensity-matched control group were retrieved. In these cohorts, the risks to develop cardiac and vascular diseases and mortality following diagnosis of PN were determined. Sub-analyses included stratification for sex, ethnicity, and treatments. FindingsPN was associated with a higher risk for a broad range of acute cardiac events including heart failure and myocardial infarction. For example, the hazard ratio of myocardial infarction was 1.11 (95%-CI: 1.041-1.184, p=0.0015) following PN diagnosis. Also, all-cause mortality was higher in patients with PN. Further, chronic vascular as well as structural heart diseases, e.g., peripheral arterial disease, chronic ischaemic heart disease and valval disorders were found more frequently following a PN diagnosis. Risks were more pronounced in white and female patients. Having established an increased risk for death and cardiovascular disease, we next addressed if dupilumab that has been recently licenced for use in this indication can modulate these risks. The risk of death but not of any cardiovascular disease was slightly reduced in patients with PN treated with dupilumab as opposed to those treated with systemic therapies other than dupilumab. The study is limited by retrospective data collection and reliance on ICD10-disease classification. InterpretationPN is associated with higher mortality and an increased risk for the development of a wide range of cardiac and vascular diseases. Health care professionals should take this into account when managing patients with PN. FundingThis work was supported by the University of Lübeck, the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and the State of Schleswig-Holstein.

Income, aging, and the gendered patterns of wellness: Physical health and subjective well-being in China

This article investigates the impact of demographic and socioeconomic inequalities on wellness, composed of both physical health and subjective well-being. We examine how gender inequality moderates the joint effects of aging and income on wellness in China. Utilizing generalized linear mixed model (GLMM), we analyze data from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) spanning from 2003 to 2021. Our results reveal that income inequality disproportionately affects physical health among older, underweight, lower-class females; males are more susceptible to negative impacts on subjective well-being, particularly among lower-class, middle-aged males. These gendered patterns are situated in the contemporary Chinese society and are explained in relation to intra-household distributional inequality and the gender role expectations in the Confucian culture. We also discussed the policy implications of how to reduce the gaps in wellness across social classes, age cohorts, and genders.

Does Matrilineality Reduce Gender Inequality in Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Public Participation? Some Evidence from Malawi.

This paper reports on Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) public participation in Malawi with a focus on the role of women from matrilineal and patrilineal marriage systems. Six rural ESIA projects are explored of which three are in areas of patrilineal and three are in areas of matrilineal systems. Participation space was found to be consistently dominated by men, with no obvious differences between both systems. The key reasons are likely to be lower educational and social status of women in rural areas throughout the country. This is associated with a number of challenges, including chronic poverty and food insecurity. Affirmative action is needed to achieve a better representation of women in ESIA processes.

Indian Cinema: Bollywood as a Reflection of Social Political Issues

Abstract: Indian cinema, particularly Bollywood, has been a mirror reflecting the intricate tapestry of social and political issues prevalent in the country. This research project aims to delve into the dynamic relationship between Bollywood films and the socio-political landscape of India. Through an interdisciplinary approach encompassing film studies, sociology, and political science, this study will analyze a selection of Bollywood films spanning different eras and genres to explore how they engage with and reflect upon issues, such as gender inequality, caste discrimination, religious tensions, corruption, and socio-economic disparities. By examining the portrayal of these issues in cinematic narratives, visual aesthetics, characterizations, and thematic elements, this research seeks to elucidate the ways in which Bollywood serves as both a reflection and a commentary on the challenges and transformations shaping contemporary Indian society and politics. Additionally, the project will investigate the reception and impact of these films on audiences, considering their role in shaping public discourse, mobilizing social movements, and influencing policy debates. Through this comprehensive analysis, the research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between cinema, society, and politics in India

Oxidative balance score: a potential tool for reducing the risk of colorectal cancer and its subsites incidences

BackgroundThe Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) is commonly used to assess oxidative stress and provides a comprehensive evaluation of dietary and lifestyle-related exposures. However, there is limited research on the association between OBS and colorectal cancer (CRC), its subsites, and complications. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between OBS and the risk of CRC, its subsites, and common complications in a large prospective cohort study.MethodsWe included data from 175,808 participants in the UK Biobank data sample repository from 2006 to 2010. We evaluated OBS using a scoring system based on 22 dietary and lifestyle factors. Multiple adjustments, including multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression, gender stratification, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis, were performed to fully explore the relationship between OBS and CRC, its subsites, and complications. The mediation analysis was conducted to investigate whether serum albumin, uric acid, and neutrophil levels mediate the relationship between OBS and CRC.ResultsAfter adjusting for potential confounding factors, a significant negative correlation was found between OBS and the risk of CRC and its subsites (proximal colon cancer, distal colon cancer, and rectal cancer). This correlation was particularly pronounced in male CRC patients. Serum albumin, uric acid, and neutrophil count, which are biomarkers, were found to have a significant mediating effect between OBS and CRC.ConclusionOur study suggests that higher exposure to antioxidants assessed through OBS (diet and lifestyle rich in antioxidants) may decrease the occurrence of CRC and its subsites.

Constitutional Amendment 106 Women Reservation - What can be Learned from 1/3rd PRI Reservation?

Abstract: Attaining gender inclusion and political empowerment is the goal of the historic Constitutional Amendment for Women's Reservation, which calls for a one-third reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). The dynamics of women's participation in grassroots governance can be better understood by looking at the lessons learned from PRIs' implementation of the 1/3rd reservation. In rural local bodies, like as Panchayats, women were required to occupy one-third of the seats under the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992. In an effort to rectify past gender inequalities, increase women's representation in decision-making bodies, and boost their social and political standing, this proactive policy was put in place. The revolutionary effect on women's political engagement is one important takeaway from the one-third reservation in PRIs. Women were able to take part in local administration through the reserved seats, which helped them develop their leadership abilities and increase their visibility in public service. As a result, women's status in communities was enhanced, and decisionmaking became more inclusive and equal. The importance of prioritizing health, education, and social welfare issues is positively correlated with women's political representation, which is another lesson. To address pressing social issues, women PRI officials frequently fought for policies that would have a direct positive effect on women's and marginalized communities' quality of life. In addition, the 1/3rd reservation effort highlighted the significance of initiatives that strengthen the abilities of female leaders. To help women successfully carry out their responsibilities as leaders, educational and training programs were crucial in providing them with the information and abilities they needed to understand and handle the many facets of government. Even with these good results, there are still problems. In many cases, women are unable to reach their full leadership potential due to cultural biases, patriarchal attitudes, and resistance from established power structures. If we want women to have an impact in politics, we need to break down these entrenched stereotypes and create conditions where they feel comfortable taking an active role

Role of labor market dynamics in influencing global female labor force participation

PurposeThe global non-attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 indicates the issue of rising gender inequality. Educated women shying away from the labor force is worsening it. The labor market dynamics might shape the female labor force participation (FLFP). The present study recommends a policy framework by analyzing this dynamism across 125 countries over 1990–2020.Design/methodology/approachThe Two-step System Generalized Method of Moments is used to address endogeneity bias. Dynamism in policy environment is captured by relaxing the Ceteris Paribus condition in the empirical model.FindingsResults show that the moderation of labor market factors has increased with the attainment of Secondary and Tertiary Education. Results also highlight that these factors promote FLFP through prospective opportunities but also hinder female participation through employer’s discrimination despite educational attainment.Originality/valueStudies have examined the role of education on FLFP. However, prior research has not investigated the role of labor market factors in influencing the impact of education on FLFP. The consideration of these factors will help in addressing the global policy lacuna by recommending a policy framework for enhancing FLFP through internalization of the externalities exerted by the labor market factors, and thereby, help the countries attaining the SDG 5 objectives.

Australian women's motherhood aspirations: I've always wanted to be a mum. But at the same time, I wanted the career and everything too

AbstractTo better understand the discrepancy between women's motherhood aspirations and outcomes, this study explored the impact of socio‐cultural structures of gender. Taking a qualitative phenomenological approach, interviews were conducted with 24 Victorian women aged between 25 and 45 years. Three themes resulted from data analysis, reflecting the meaning women gave to their lived experiences: Motherhood is central to womanhood; motherhood ambivalence; and the tension of navigating motherhood and career aspirations. Most women aspired to be valued as women who could balance motherhood with a rewarding career. However, hegemonic gender, particularly in the workplace, continues to ensure that these roles remain incompatible, forcing women to anticipate career pauses, changes and/or absences. Overall, these themes demonstrated how socio‐cultural structures of hegemonic gender continue to shape women's lived experiences of gender inequality and constrain their ability to achieve their aspirations for their future lives.