Gender Norms Research Articles

Interactions among gender norms: Evidence from US couples

AbstractA considerable body of work has shown that motherhood is accompanied by a reduction in labor market participation and hours of market work, while more recent findings indicate that women who earn more than their husbands tend to subsequently take actions that reduce their market income. Both patterns of behavior have been interpreted as women trying to conform to child‐rearing norms and to the prescription that the husband should be the main breadwinner. In this paper, we use panel data for US couples to re‐examine women's behavior when they become mothers and when they are the main breadwinner. We start by asking whether the arrival of a child affects women who are the main breadwinner and those who are not in the same way, and then turn to how mothers and childless women react when they are the main breadwinner. Our results are consistent with the breadwinner norm only affecting mothers, suggesting that the salience of gender norms may depend on the household's context, notably on whether or not children are present. Concerning the arrival of a child, we find that although the labor supply of women who earn more than their husbands initially responds to motherhood less than that of secondary earners, the two groups converge after 10 years. Moreover, women in the former category exhibit a disproportionately large increase in the share of housework they perform after becoming mothers. The latter results suggest that the presence of children pushes women to seek to compensate breaking a norm by adhering to another one.

Coping mechanisms and “homemaking” in the face of environmental challenges: exploring the experiences of adolescent refugees in Jordan

ABSTRACT “: Home” is both a physical location and a space of important emotional and social attachments. Often associated with safety and familiarity, homes are also places where power inequalities may be reinforced. Contrary to human rights treaties stipulating the right of refugees to live in shelters that meet their basic needs, adolescent refugees in Jordan often reside in poor-quality housing within built environments that do not foster their wellbeing. Yet despite a burgeoning literature on refugee “homemaking”, little is known about how young refugees in Jordan perceive and respond to challenges in the built environment. This article addresses this knowledge gap, focusing on how gender norms are configured within “homemaking” practices. It draws on qualitative interviews with 31 adolescents in diverse locations: Syrians living in a formal refugee camp (Azraq), host communities, and informal tented settlements, and Palestinians without citizenship living in Jerash camp. Our findings show that refugee adolescents in Jordan face intersecting challenges, including poor access to services, inadequate housing infrastructure and sanitation, and safety concerns. These challenges vary based on location and are shaped by gender norms that influence access to spaces both inside and outside the household. Although adaptation methods can make homes more livable in terms of safety, aesthetics and practicality, these adaptations often reinforce gender norms that restrict girls’ mobility. This article concludes by underscoring that although refugees can make small changes to address immediate needs, structural responses which address gender inequalities and improve social protection support are essential to improving young refugees’ lives.

‘People need support and society needs change’: vulnerability and collective agency in queer youth organization

ABSTRACT The present article draws on narrative interviews with 16 young queer people who are involved in organizing meeting places and activities for and with other queers. Here, I explore how queer youth describe their needs and motives for engaging in organizing, and how narratives of agency and vulnerability are expressed and intertwined. Drawing on Judith Butler (2016. ‘Rethinking vulnerability and resistance’, in J. Butler, Z. Gambetti, and L. Sabsay (Ed.), Vulnerability in Resistance. Duke University Press), I argue that vulnerability among LGBTQ + youth is not the opposite of resistance and that agency is not the opposite of exposedness. In this context, LGBTQ + youth’s own acknowledgement of and collective resistance to dominant sexuality and gender norms, which put them at risk for exclusion, offence and violence, constitute a mobilization of vulnerability. The motives for organizing are described as three narratives concerning social needs and how queer youth relate themselves to a collective. The first narrative recognizes the person’s need for other people, the second other people’s need for them, and the third concerns the need for a community. The results show how queer youth use collective agency to create their own spaces and communities as well as to formulate and practice resistance.

Research on the Impact of Gender Role Perceptions on Women's Educational Opportunities in Urban and Rural China

This study explores the impact of gender role perceptions on womens educational opportunities in urban and rural China, focusing on how socio-cultural, familial, societal, and personal factors contribute to educational disparities. Through a comprehensive review of existing research, the study tests three hypotheses: (H1) perceptions of gender roles in urban areas correlate with higher educational attainment among women compared to rural areas; (H2) exposure to progressive media positively influences educational ambitions across both urban and rural contexts; and (H3) increased access to technology narrows the gender gap in education between urban and rural women. The findings underscore the persistence of traditional gender norms in rural areas, which hinder womens educational progress, while urban areas benefit from more progressive views that support higher educational attainment. The study also highlights the significant role of media and technology in challenging traditional gender norms and promoting educational equality. By addressing these factors, policymakers and educators can develop targeted strategies to reduce educational disparities and foster gender equality in both urban and rural China.

Research on the Character Traits of Female Protagonists in Games: An Example from the Otome Games

Abstract: With the development of the game industry, the role of gender in game design has increasingly come to the fore, with particular attention being paid to the way female players are represented in games. In the domain of gaming, the otome genre, which is characterized by its distinct narrative and characterization, has garnered a significant female player base. However, for a considerable period of time, the portrayal of female characters in games has frequently been influenced by traditional gender concepts, thus resulting in the emergence of certain stereotypes and inequalities. As such, the examination of the character traits of female protagonists in otome games not only facilitates a more profound comprehension of the influence of game culture on gender perceptions, but provides insights and inspiration for the creation of games with more egalitarian and diverse gender images. In this paper, the characteristics of female protagonists in otome games developed by some Japanese game developers are analyzed, and their impact on gender equality is explored. By comparing the characteristics of the female characters across different types of games, the paper elucidates that, despite their frequent portrayal as independent, strong, and assertive, these characters are still shaped by traditional gender norms to varying degrees. Accordingly, the analysis presents recommendations for advancing more egalitarian and diverse gender images within the gaming industry.

The Presence of Biopower in Keiko Furukura from Sayaka Murata’s “Convenience Store Woman”

The collected written and oral works of a society portraying values and beliefs as well as their challenges are referred to as literature. In terms of age and volume, Japanese literature is comparable to Western literature. Sayaka Murata, a prominent Japanese author, critiques conventions, exemplified by her 2016 novella "Convenience Store Woman," shaping the identity of a 21st-century woman. Keiko, Murata’s heroine, works in a convenience store and lives through the question of absolute autonomy. This study investigates the presence of Biopower in Keiko Furukura from Sayaka Murata’s “Convenience Store Woman.” Specifically, it looks into character, settings, and themes. This study uses a qualitative method, specifically Discourse Analysis. The theories that support this study are Michel Foucault’s Theory of Biopower and Sociological Literary Criticism by Kenneth Burke. The results of this study reveal that Anatomopolitics and Biopolitics are the forms of Biopower present in the character. In the settings, both Anatamopolitics and Biopolitics are also exhibited. Similarly, Anatomopolitics and Biopolitics are the forms of Biopower found in the themes. Based on the findings, this study concludes that Biopower is present in Keiko Furukura from Sayaka Murata’s “Convenience Store Woman.” From the study’s conclusion, the following are recommended: The Death of Individualism: A Character Analysis of William Stoner from John William’s “Stoner,” Construction of Identity: A Sociological Critique of Natsuko Imamura’s “The Woman in the Purple Skirt,” Challenging Gender Norms: An Examination of Gender Norms in Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” Challenging the Contemporary Feminism of Kojima in “Heaven” by Meiko Kawakami.

Mana Wāhine: Decolonising Feminism and Patriarchy in Aotearoa

Aotearoa/New Zealand was the first country in the world to give women the right to vote in 1893, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was widely celebrated for her response to Covid-19 (Roy, 2020), and the country, despite having experienced a swing towards the right in the 2023 general election (Corlett 2023), is generally seen as one of the most progressive (McDonald, 2020). But does the situation of Māori women paint a different picture? It is important to look at numerous additional difficulties Māori women face compared to Pākehā women. Statistics show that Māori women are significantly overrepresented in prisons (Adair, 2023) and are much more likely to be unemployed than all other demographics (Reilly, 2019). According to Linda Tuhiwai Smith, a leading Māori scholar on Mana Wāhine theory (1992), Māori women face a double jeopardy of oppression for being both a woman and Māori. To understand their situation, it is essential to examine what role colonialism plays in this oppression. In this essay, I explore how colonialism has shaped the struggles Māori women face, and how they respond to it through Māori feminisms, – more specifically, through the concept of Mana Wāhine . I start by describing how colonialism is a gendered process that brought patriarchy to Aotearoa, and how this colonial encounter shaped interactions between white and Māori feminists, an encounter that is marked by misconstructions of distinct realities that are assumed to be the same. I move on to Indigenous feminism in Aotearoa by categorising Mana Wāhine as a decolonising Māori form of feminist theory and tying it into transnational efforts before finishing with a conclusion. I find that the colonial encounter lastingly shaped the situation of Māori women in Aotearoa by introducing Western binaries, gender norms and patriarchy. Furthermore, the lens of colonisation distorted Māori culture to present it as sexist. The only way out of thisdouble bind for Māori women is therefore an approach that takes their oppression as both women and Māori into account.

A Renewable Energy Program to Address Power Dynamics in East Sumba, Indonesia

The Indonesian government's commitment to sustainable development includes reducing emissions by 29% by 2030, with initiatives like the Sumba Iconic Island, which aims to provide 100% renewable energy on Sumba Island. Despite the economic opportunities this initiative offers, women in Sumba, especially in remote areas like Luku Wingir Village, face significant barriers, including limited access to energy resources and exclusion from decision-making processes due to traditional power dynamics and caste systems. This research aims to explore how renewable energy programs can address these challenges and promote gender equality. Using qualitative methods such as desk research, interviews, and focus group discussions, the research examines the potential of renewable energy initiatives to transform gender norms and empower marginalized groups. The results suggest that such programs can positively influence women's economic participation and improve overall rural community well-being by challenging existing power dynamics. The research’s findings have important implications for the design and implementation of inclusive renewable energy initiatives, particularly in fostering gender equity and sustainable development in rural areas.

Indonesian domestic workers: Hong Kong migrants’ activism, value creation, and post-migration entrepreneurship

ABSTRACT Hong Kong has become a center of migrant domestic workers’ (MDWs) social activism, but its longer-term effects are still understudied. Therefore, we researched Indonesian MDW return migrants and found that they obtained extensive social capital through their overseas group engagement. Many women started businesses in Indonesia by utilizing the networks and knowledge nurtured during their Hong Kong activism, in a way that is different from typical local businesses. These women’s businesses reveal their unique social awareness and goals of making their home society better. Nonetheless, the women also struggled to balance their entrepreneur identity with that as wives and mothers, and this negotiation has helped transform local village gender norms, which otherwise would limit women’s agency in choosing paid work. By framing this type of enterprise as a form of ‘value creation’ through entrepreneurship, the authors point out the critical importance of developing social capital overseas for return migrants’ successful re-integration into their communities of origin.

Rural Road Infrastructure and Women’s Empowerment in India

Abstract The paper examines the impact of a rural road construction program in India on a range of outcomes that capture women’s empowerment comprehensively. While spatial integration can ease mobility constraints and provide women with increased education and employment opportunities, the extent of benefits might be limited by underlying gender norms. The paper identifies the impact of the policy by exploiting the program rule that assigned roads based on the village population in a two-way fixed effect framework. The results suggest that the policy reduces mobility restrictions faced by women and improves norms around domestic violence and intra-household agency. It also finds a positive impact of the policy on female education; however, there is limited impact on female employment. Additionally, the study documents gendered impact of the policy—men benefit more in terms of employment than women. The paper offers important policy prescription on how investment in rural roads can affect women’s lives.

Being a Husband and Caregiver: The Adjustment of Roles When Caring for a Wife Who Has Dementia.

As demographics and gender norms shift, more older men will be providing care for their wives living with dementia than ever before. Research on husbands as caregivers is limited and offers an incomplete picture of their role development and how they experience caregiving. This study examined husbands whose wives have dementia and how they provide care and construct their sense of self. Semi-structured interviews with 11 men aged 61-88 were conducted in Ontario, Canada. Data were analyzed using constant comparison analysis and a constructivist grounded theory (CGT) approach. Two categories were developed: Adapting to the Role of Caregiver and Staying a Husband. Caregiving as a husband for a wife living with dementia required revision of the role of husband to include that of caregiver by reimaging intimacy, being a protector in new ways, and finding new meanings to being a provider and the value of wealth.

No boy in lady’s room: How China’s radical digital feminists alienate themselves from mothers, girls, and gays

ABSTRACT This article employs semi-structured interviews with 57 Chinese women rallying behind the Weibo hashtag #NoBoyInLady’sRoom to explore their discursive strategies in defending women-only public spaces and their registration of antagonism toward China’s son-preferential gender norms. Distilling and discussing the three main discursive strategies adopted by these self-identified feminists to make sense of their collective motivation behind the bathroom crusade, this article finds streaks of exclusivity and alienation of Chinese digital feminism that target not only men but also mothers, girls, and queer people in the pursuit of a fundamentalist cause. Relying on the understanding of the contemporary state-platform dynamic in China as well as the historical legacy of China’s socialist women’s movement, this article further critically inquires into the politico-cultural implications of the radicalizing tendency of Chinese digital feminism and proposes a more communicative as well as inclusive approach to the grassroots solidarity of anti-patriarchy forces in authoritarian China.

Gender Norms, Attitudes and Perceptions towards Male Involvement in Maternal Health in Kafue District, Lusaka

Male involvement in maternal health remains a major issue despite efforts by the international community. Despite the many benefits of male involvement in antenatal care there has been an observed low participation. Community gender norms, attitudes and perceptions towards male involvement in maternal health may affect the utilization of services offered by health facilities. The gap observed in many studies is that the attitude and perception of men regarding maternal health have largely been neglected. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the gender norms, attitudes and perceptions towards male involvement in maternal health in Kafue district of Zambia. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Both quantitative and qualitative paradigms were utilized in this study. A sample of 150 participants was used. Data was collected by the help of questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Results showed that respondents from Kafue were knowledgeable on antenatal care. Additionally, it was also revealed that respondents had a positive attitude towards male involvement in maternal health. However, due to gender norms their roles were limited when it came to delivery and child care. Nevertheless, the findings showed that men were involved in supporting their wives and helping out with house chores and providing money for antenatal care, skilled birth at a hospital, postnatal care, childcare and any necessities required for delivery. Men who were married were more likely to be involved in maternal health than men who were not married. The study also revealed that men were not comfortable with discussing their wives’ pregnancy with a health care provider due to lack of privacy. Findings suggested that there were many factors affecting male involvement in maternal health. Lack of messages and programs targeting men, health stuff attitude during delivery, gender norms such as men not being allowed to attend to women when in labor and hospital infrastructure were identified by the respondents as a cause to low male involvement. In this study, it was also revealed that men and women had a positive perception towards pregnancy being a shared responsibility, men supporting and caring for their wives during and after delivery. However, both men and women had a negative perception towards men’s presence in the delivery ward.

How do gender norms contribute to stunting in Ntchisi District, Malawi? a qualitative study.

Despite adequate food production and nutrition intervention coverage, stunting remains an enduring problem in Ntchisi, Malawi. Globally, gender and social norms are known to influence nutritional outcomes in children. This study explores how gender norms contribute to child stunting, in Ntchisi district, Central Malawi. Informed by the UNICEF Framework for Malnutrition, nine focus group discussions were conducted with a target population of mothers (n = 24), fathers (n = 23) purposively targeted through growth monitoring sessions, and members of policy and health treatment committees (n = 21), spanning three different areas of Ntchisi district. Data were analysed through inductive thematic analysis, guided by the framework for Research in Gender and Ethics (RinGs). Three primary themes were identified: 1) gender unequal decision making on the consumption, sale and distribution of food; 2) enshrined community norms influence feeding practices underpinned by gender-based violence; and 3) policy disconnections and gaps that reinforce gender norms regarding nutrition. Themes encompassed practices across household, health treatment, and policy level. Gender norms that underpin inequalities in decision making for production and consumption of food undermine children's nourishment and contributes towards sustained child malnutrition in Ntchisi. Existing policy documents should revise their guidelines to incorporate gender norms as key determinants of malnutrition.

Online Discourse and Gender Roles in Parenting: Evidence From Mothering.com Forums

This research investigates the reinforcement and challenge of traditional gender roles in contemporary parenting by analyzing discussion threads from the online forum Mothering.com. Drawing from West and Zimmerman's theory of “doing gender” and Connell and Messerschmidt's gender theory, the study explores how users navigate gender norms in their discussions on parenting. The analysis uncovers a nuanced relationship between adhering to and resisting conventional gender roles. While many participants uphold traditional expectations of mothers as primary caregivers and fathers as breadwinners, there is also notable advocacy for more equitable parenting practices. The results underscore both the persistence of traditional gender norms and a growing movement toward gender equality in family dynamics. This research contributes to understanding about the impact of digital platforms on discussions of gender roles in parenting while offering useful considerations for the changing perceptions about motherhood and fatherhood within the digital age.

Adapting the Social Norms Exploration Tool in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Identify Social Norms for Behavior Change.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), male engagement, social norms, and social networks mitigate family planning behavior. We discuss the adaptation of the Social Norms Exploration Tool (SNET), which identifies relevant social norms and community members upholding these norms, to inform the development of family planning interventions in the DRC. The SNET provides activity tools and templates to guide users through the following steps: (1) plan and prepare, (2) identify reference groups, (3) explore social norms, (4) analyze results, and (5) apply findings.The SNET approach resulted in discussion of social norms, particularly around birth spacing and gender norms framing the man as the decision-maker. However, despite applying a methodology specifically designed to identify social norms, other factors limiting use of contraceptive methods were identified in the process, including lack of education, rumors, and misconceptions. Adaptations were needed to include the full range of reference groups due to narrow phrasing of primary questions, and some of the participatory methods were overly complicated. Feedback from experienced data collectors suggested that the social norms framework is not intuitive, is difficult to apply correctly, and may require that data collectors have a stronger foundation in the relevant concepts to produce valid and actionable results.Although the SNET provides language for discussing normative factors and techniques to identify reference groups and social norms, modifications to the implementation process are recommended when adapting the tool for research.

Cultural Analysis of Female Cross-Gender Expression in Social Networks: A Case Study of Image Presentation in Douyin Short Videosv

With the continuous development of the internet and the growing awareness of women's social consciousness, the forms of self-expression by women on digital platforms have become increasingly diverse. Among these, female cross-gender performance has emerged as a key strategy of self-presentation in social networks. This paper analyzes two distinct expression strategies on the Douyin short video platform to explore and critically reflect on current female cross-gender expressions. The explicit expression strategy employs makeup, cross-dressing, and role-playing to simulate male personas, challenging traditional gender stereotypes. The implicit expression strategy, on the other hand, mocks male “ bad habits ” through the imitation of male behaviors and the use of symbolic metaphors, carrying a satirical undertone. However, these strategies have their limitations: male images are often idealized and trivialized, reinforcing gender norms; and constrained by patriarchal frameworks, they fail to genuinely subvert gender roles and the gender binary. As a result, while female cross-gender expression challenges gender stereotypes, it also faces risks of being disciplined and misinterpreted.

FORMATION OF GENDER IDENTIFICATION IN THE PROCESS OF SOCIALIZATION OF ADOLESCENTS

The article describes the essence of gender identification in the process of socialization of adolescents. The social transformations taking place in modern society are changing the established ways of life, social norms, and ideological structures that define them, as well as attitudes toward them. These transformations have a significant impact on the formation of the individual, his or her status and position in society, professional development, and family roles. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the conditions for the formation of gender identification in the process of socialization of adolescents based on a gender approach, which is implemented in the family, school, and society. The concepts of gender and gender culture are highlighted. Attention is focused on the rapid increase in the percentage of so-called civil marriages, which lead to an increase in the number of single mothers and disorientation of sex education of children in the family. In these marriages, young people are not responsible for an “artificial” family, do not strive to have and raise children, and live together to satisfy their sexual needs. Relationships formed in this way are perceived and evaluated differently by boys and girls. Thus, among the 40 adolescent males surveyed, 70% were in favor of civil marriage, while 30% were against it. Among female adolescents, 31.5% approve of civil marriages, and 68.5% are against them. The results show that boys are more loyal to free, unencumbered relationships, but girls also perceive them quite favorably, not fully realizing that it is the woman who is socially and personally more vulnerable in such a situation. It has been found that adolescents show a high awareness of their personal identity through various aspects, such as gender perceptions, social roles, moral values, and interests. They are actively rethinking their place in society and their own views, which indicates their developed self-awareness and readiness to interact with the world around them. It is concluded that the rapid development of technology, diverse cultural influences, and new forms of communication create a unique environment in which gender norms and stereotypes are constantly being revised and evolved. This process is of particular importance for adolescents, as they are actively in the phase of self-determination and personal development. Understanding the gender aspects of social interaction among this group will help to identify and address the problems of inequality and discrimination at the initial stages of their occurrence. Prospects for further research of the problem are seen in the study of the influence of gender factors of adolescents on self-determination in modern society. Keywords: gender, identity, society, socialization, construct, personality, adolescents

Exploring the Complexities of Dating Violence in Indonesia: Understanding Dynamics, Norms, and Strategies for Prevention

Dating violence is still being a pervasive issue globally, affecting the health and rights of millions young individuals. Despite its prevalence, dating violence often receives less attention compared to domestic violence. This study delves into the complexities of dating violence in Indonesia, employing a mixed methods design to propose strategies for prevention and intervention. The research utilized qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods to comprehensively understand the phenomena under study. Using a thorough analysis, the research underscores the entrenched power dynamics and cultural norms that perpetuate gender-based violence. It also examined the role of gender norms in shaping attitudes towards intimate partner abuse, highlighting the influence of patriarchal beliefs, and hegemonic masculinity. Furthermore, the study evaluates the effectiveness of existing legal frameworks in combating dating violence, noting challenges related to implementation, and gender biases. In proposing solutions, the research emphasized the importance of empowerment initiatives for women and community development efforts to challenge harmful stereotypes and foster societal change. By addressing these multifaceted issues, this study contributes to the broader discourse on dating violence prevention and underscores the urgency of comprehensive interventions in Indonesia and beyond.

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.