Gender Perception Research Articles

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.

Removing the Binary: An Exploration on the Impact Language has on Our Gender Perception

Language, as a reflection of societal values and beliefs, wields the power to shape perceptions of gender, often perpetuating a binary understanding through grammatical gender systems. The influence of the generic masculine and masculine norm within languages with dense grammatical gender reinforces this binary, marginalizing communities and centralizing power within the masculine form. Despite these challenges, endeavours towards gender neutrality within grammatical gender languages offer hope, particularly in their potential to benefit marginalized groups like the LGBTQ+ community. However, while recent advancements demonstrate potential for gender neutrality within language, the possibility of achieving a genuine ‘gender-free’ language remains a question, especially within grammatical gender languages and beyond. In order to begin answering this question, one needs to understand the concept of ‘gendered language’ and how it has impacted our perception of gender throughout history. It is also necessary to analyse how recent linguistic adjustments impact the LGBTQ+ community and the changes in attitudes towards non-binary spaces. By comparing attitudes towards gender in grammatical gender and genderless languages, we gain insight into the intricate relationship between language and societal norms. To do that one needs to look at the contemporary languages such as English, Spanish and Swedish, which are undergoing gender-neutral adaptations within the core lexicon and grammar. In addition to indigenous languages that have historically included a form of gender neutral language. In essence, this examination of language and gender dynamics offers the conclusion that it is possible to remove gender from language, yet cannot change the impact that gendered language has already had on society’s perception of gender.

Exploring gender disparity in medicine: perceptions of female physicians in Lebanon

BackgroundGlobal research on gender bias has highlighted key trends in discrimination and inequality across various fields, including medicine. In Lebanon, a nation celebrated for its diverse cultural landscape and increasing female representation in medical education, there has been a notable absence of studies exploring gender dynamics in the medical profession.MethodsTo address this gap, we conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey to explore the Lebanese population’s perceptions towards female physicians and the quality of care they provide.ResultsThe mean age of the study sample (n = 330) was 31.55 ± 10.07 years and included 114 females and 216 males. Most respondents had received care from a female physician. Notably, those who selected female physicians as their family doctors or had female doctors within their immediate family displayed a stronger tendency to engage in annual medical check-ups. While most respondents did not express any preference for the gender of their general practitioner or surgeon, there was a marked preference for female obstetricians/gynecologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, and dermatologists. This preference was attributed to perceptions of female physicians being particularly compassionate, understanding, and proficient in communication.ConclusionThis study represents a groundbreaking contribution to understanding gender perceptions in the Lebanese medical field. It highlights the growing trust and positive regard for female physicians, underscoring the significant role in shaping healthcare experiences and outcomes in Lebanon.

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.

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

The Femme Fatale in Text and Image: Analyzing Gender, Power, and Representation in Rudyard Kipling’s “The Vampire” and Philip Burne-Jones’s Painting

This paper examines the connection between Rudyard Kipling’s poem “The Vampire” (1897) and Philip Burne-Jones’s painting of the same title, focusing on their portrayal of femininity and the interaction between text and image. Kipling’s poem, often viewed as a response to Burne-Jones’s depiction of actress Mrs. Patrick Campbell, presents a warning about the destructive allure of female beauty, highlighting themes of male disillusionment and betrayal. Burne-Jones’s painting emphasizes the femme fatale figure, portraying a sexually dominant woman overpowering a helpless man. Both works suggest that beauty conceals danger, leading to male ruin. Using Foucauldian and feminist frameworks, the paper critiques the politics of representation, arguing that the portrayal of women often reflects patriarchal anxieties, reducing them to passive objects in male-dominated visual culture. Critics like Linda Nochlin and Griselda Pollock are cited to challenge these depictions. The paper concludes that the female vampire theme reflects cultural fantasies rather than truths about femininity, contributing to ongoing discussions on how art and literature shape gender perceptions.

Comparing Gendered Exposure and Impact in Online Election Violence: Tunisian Political Candidates Targeted on Facebook

Abstract Election violence is increasingly taking place online. However, we still do not know much about how such attacks affect the representation of politically marginalized groups such as women. This article develops and applies strategies for analyzing (gendered) exposure to and impacts of online attacks against political candidates. It focuses on the 2019 parliamentary election campaign in Tunisia and combines manual analysis of Tunisian candidates’ public Facebook pages with candidate interviews. We find no gendered patterns in exposure to online election violence in the Facebook data and a low general exposure to attacks. The interview data nevertheless suggests gendered perceptions and impacts of attacks, as well as a perception among the candidates that online election violence is widespread and problematic. These discrepancies highlight that we need a combination of methods and materials to capture the multifaceted nature of online election violence, and in particular those that directly link candidate exposure to impact.

Is It Possible to Prevent Organizational Broken Windows with an Organizational Spirituality Shield From the Disaster of the Century to the Solidarity of One

Purpose –The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived organizational spirituality and organizational broken windows of employees who were directly affected by the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. In addition, it was aimed to determine whether the mentioned variables varied according to the demographic characteristics of the participants. Design/methodology/approach –The sample of the research, designed in descriptive and cross-sectional type, consisted of earthquake victims (n=226) who were directly affected by the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes and working in one of the two production enterprises during June when the research data were collected. The data were collected using the Organizational Spirituality Scale and Organizational Broken Windows Scale. SPSS 26 and AMOS 24 package programs were used in the analysis of the data. Findings –According to the findings, it was determined that organizational spirituality had a negative (β: -.764) effect on organizational broken windows. In addition, according to the parametric test results conducted between organizational spirituality and organizational broken walls and demographic variables, it was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the participants' organizational spirituality levels and gender, marital status, age and total duration of professional experience. Similarly, a statistically significant difference was found between the participants' perception of organizational broken windows and gender, marital status, age and total duration of professional experience.Discussion –The meaning that earthquake victim participants attach to their work and the commitment they have with a sense of responsibility for their community and compliance with organizational values will allow them to avoid attitudes and behaviors (broken windows)that may threaten the institution and the social order.

Assessing students' perception of gender as a barrier in Orthopedic residency matching: A pilot survey study

BackgroundGender disparity in orthopedic residency programs is evident. Limited research investigates if gender attitudes deter women from applying to orthopedic surgery residency programs. MethodsA questionnaire was distributed to a single medical school which explored medical students' perceptions regarding their gender's influence on matching into orthopedic surgery residency, alongside motivators and barriers for applying. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests analyzed potential association and trends using SPSS computation with alpha set at 0.05. Results202 medical students completed the questionnaire. Women respondents were found to be 10.6 times more likely to report their own gender as a barrier to matching to orthopedic surgery residency compared to men. ConclusionA significant proportion of women perceive their gender as a barrier to matching. Dismantling gender stereotypes may increase consideration of women medical students of orthopedic surgery as a career option.

‘I Still Struggle to Ensure that I am Truly Listening’: Understanding Gender, Sexuality, and Sexual Violence During the Holocaust. A Conversation

ABSTRACT While perspectives on gendered and sexual experiences, practices, and norms during the Holocaust have significantly changed in recent decades, questions remain about how to understand and represent these topics, particularly gender-based and sexual violence. In this conversation, six Holocaust scholars, from varied backgrounds and representing different generations, respond to questions posed by the special issue editors, Dorota Glowacka and Regina Mühlhäuser. They discuss the current state of debates about gender, sexuality, and sexual violence during the Holocaust. Reflecting on the material conditions and distinguishable geographical and ideological coordinates in which they have conducted their work, they recount ideas and scholarly currents that have helped them generate their specific modes of understanding. They consider the challenges and obstacles to knowledge production they have faced at various stages of their work, revealing how ingrained assumptions about gender and sexuality circumscribe research questions, methods of inquiry, and the ways in which their findings are interpreted, presented, and received. While they address the impact of changing social sensibilities and perceptions of gender and sexuality on their work and point to the emergence of new themes and areas of study, they also draw attention to the subjects that remain unexamined, socially sanctioned, or excluded from rigorous examination.

Gender Equity Perceptions Among Social and Administrative Sciences Pharmacy Faculty: An AACP-APhA Task Force Report

ObjectiveThe American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy’s Social and Administrative Sciences Section and the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Pharmaceutical Research and Science’s Economic, Social and Administrative Sciences Section formed a Gender Equity Task Force to determine if there is evidence to suggest that there is gender disparity in pay; responsibilities; treatment by peers/colleagues, students, and administration; leadership opportunities; and rank, tenure status, and career advancement for Section members; and to develop recommendations to address existing disparities. MethodsA Qualtrics survey was emailed in December 2020 to all American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy’s Social and Administrative Sciences and American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Pharmaceutical Research and Science’s Economic, Social and Administrative Sciences Section members. The questionnaire included items regarding favorability toward men or women in various academic domains (research, teaching, service, recruitment, mentoring, and advancement). Participants were asked if they had experienced gender inequity, and if so, at what type of institution and academic rank. The χ2 tests of independence and post hoc comparisons were used to assess item responses according to gender. ResultsOf the respondents, 72% indicated that they had experienced gender inequity. Women and persons of color were more likely to do so. Women commonly reported that men received more favorable treatment in nearly all academic domains, whereas men reported that women and men were treated equally. ConclusionPharmacy faculty specializing in social and administrative sciences reported experiences of gender inequity and perceptions of gender inequity. Perception gaps existed between male and female faculty in numerous academic domains. Colleges and schools of pharmacy should increase awareness of, and strive to self-assess, gender inequity in their institutions.

Sunscreens: potential hazards to environmental and human health

The increasing demand for natural products in the United States reflects a cultural shift towards health and sustainability. This trend infiltrates consumer sectors such as the sunscreen industry, amidst concerns about health and environmental impacts of chemical ingredients. The Hawaii Sunscreen Ban has intensified sunscreen formula safety discussions, particularly regarding butylparaben, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. Even at low concentrations, these compounds bleach hard corals eventually leading to their death. As well, these chemicals pose threats to marine ecosystems and raise concerns about human health, particularly systemic absorption and the possibility of causing endocrine disruption. While some argue for chemical-based sunscreens for skin cancer prevention, others advocate for mineral-based alternatives that avoid harmful ingredients. However, public opinion on sunscreen varies, influenced by adverse reactions, socioeconomic status, gender, and cultural perceptions. Future studies should explore diverse demographic perspectives and long-term health and environmental impacts of products containing potentially toxic ingredients. As well, effective communication strategies to promote sunscreen safety and encourage sustainable sun protection practices is needed.

Menelusuri Pemahaman Patriarki Dalam Tafsir Q.S. An-Nisa:34 dan Impikasinya Terhadap Tren Penurunan Pernikahan di Indonesia

This study explores the understanding of patriarchy in the interpretation of Q.S. An-Nisa:34 and examines its implications for the declining marriage trend in Indonesia. The interpretation of Q.S. An-Nisa:34 is often seen as supporting patriarchal values, which significantly impact social structures and gender perceptions. With social changes, Indonesia has experienced a decline in marriage trends, which may be influenced by more egalitarian religious interpretations. This study aims to understand how the verse is interpreted in society and how this understanding contributes to the declining marriage trend This research uses a qualitative approach with the maudhu'i method and a little touch of hermeneutics. It interprets Q.S an-Nisa':34 by putting forward the views of the mufassir. The findings show that the interpretation of Q.S. An-Nisa:34 is understood as a basis in the household where men are qawwam (leaders or protectors). This means that there is a big task that men must do, namely providing for their wives and children. If the task of earning a living is not done, then the nature of leadership is lost. The misunderstanding of Q.S. An-Nisa:34 contributes to the changing perception of marriage, which in turn affects marriage trends in Indonesia.

Role of Verbal Encouraging Phrases (VEP) on Students Academic Achievement at Secondary School Level

The role of verbal encouraging phrases (VEP) in education has garnered significant attention in recent years, as educators and researchers alike seek to understand the factors that enhance student motivation and academic performance. The researchers designed two research objectives to execute the study were as; to find out the difference based on gender perceptions in the role of verbal encouraging phrases and the academic achievement of students in secondary level; to examine the relationship between the scores of verbal encouraging phrases and students' academic achievement. The current study was a descriptive research that was designed to investigate the role of verbal encouraging phrases in students' academic achievement at secondary school level. The researchers selected the sample of 350 secondary school students from the population. A research questionnaire was developed to collect data from the respondents. The evaluation of academic performance was based on task completion time and accuracy. Preliminary findings suggest a significant positive correlation between the use of verbal encouraging phrases by educators and heightened academic motivation among students. Further analysis reveals that the used of verbal encouraging phrases (VEP) is strongly associated with improved academic achievement, underscoring the importance of verbal reinforcement in educational settings. The study's outcomes highlight the critical of verbal encouragement in fostering a motivating learning environment, thereby contributing to enhanced academic performance. These insights provide valuable implications for educational practices, suggesting that educators should strategically employ verbal encouraging phrases to boost students' motivation and academic success.

Shaping the Visually Impaired Perception of Gender through Netflix Audio Description of Movies and Series

Shaping the Visually Impaired Perception of Gender through Netflix Audio Description of Movies and Series

Gender perceptions of generative AI in higher education

PurposeThis study explored the themes and sentiments of online learners regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or “generative AI” technology in higher education.Design/methodology/approachEnglish-language tweets were subjected to topic modelling and sentiment analysis. Three prevalent themes were identified and discussed: curriculum development opportunities, lifelong learning prospects and challenges associated with generative AI use.FindingsThe results also indicated a range of topics and emotions towards generative AI in education, which were predominantly positive but also varied across male and female users.Originality/valueThe findings provide insights for educators, policymakers and researchers on the opportunities and challenges associated with the integration of generative AI in educational settings. This includes the importance of identifying AI-supported learning and teaching practices that align with gender-specific preferences to offer a more inclusive and tailored approach to learning.

Public’s Visual Preferences Survey Facilitates Community-Based Design and Color Standards Creation

According to research, there is a disparity in the aesthetic design preferences of the public and architects. This is especially noticeable in urban areas environments, where there is a wide range of demographic variables and a lack of active public involvement in decision-making. The study included a visual preference survey to evaluate the perception and ranking of two dominant color schemes in local development projects in Stockholm across different age, ethnicity, and gender groups from Sweden. Over 400 people participated in the survey, which used photo-elicitation and a literature review. The objective was to determine the extent of divergence and disparities in the ranking of color schemes. The first dominant color schemes are a group of four analogous colors related to the Natural Color System’s (NSC’s) basic colors. The second is a group of four neutral colors that are related to grayscale colors. The study demonstrates that one could also measure building color schemes using visual preference ranking. Moreover, the research introduced a unique method for city planners to understand diverse ethnic, gender, and age group perceptions of color schemes in current projects, promoting active participation in decision-making and providing valuable insights. These insights can enhance people’s sense of belonging, a prerequisite for social sustainability, and improve the quality and profitability of future projects.

The Impact of Gender Perceptions on Attitudes towards Violence and Equality

Film production is the process of creating a film, involving stages such as progress, pre-production, invention, post-production, and sharing. It encompasses planning, scripting, shooting, editing, and finalizing the film for public viewing. The process of imagination drives innovation in scripting, directing, and cinematography, resulting in unique, engaging experiences that captivate audiences with their emotive stories. The principle of this investigation is to assess how psychological factors add to enhancing imagination in film production, focusing on their impact on creative processes and outcomes. A study surveyed 680 students from college film program students to analyze their creative personality and imaginative capabilities using structured questionnaires. Key psychological constructs included Creative Self-Efficacy, Emotional Resilience, Cognitive Flexibility, and Intrinsic Motivation. The study investigated the impact of psychological factors on college cinema students' creative imagination in filmmaking, demonstrating high validity and reliability with Factor Loadings exceeding 0.76, Composite Reliability higher than 0.88, and Average Variance Extracted (AVE) range as of 0.59 to 0.67. Discriminant validity was confirmed as every construct AVE was better than its square correlations by other constructs. Psychological factors significantly influence film production imagination, fostering creative thinking and emotional depth. Understanding and harnessing these factors enhances storytelling, character development, and audience engagement, ultimately enriching the cinematic experience.

The Effect of Healthcare Professionals’ Gender Perceptions on Their Reporting of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women

The research was conducted as a descriptive, cross-sectional study aimed at determining the factors influencing the effect of healthcare professionals’ gender perceptions on their reporting of intimate partner violence against women. The sample of the study consisted of 191 people working in the emergency departments of public hospitals affiliated to the GaziantepG Provincial Health Directorate. A personal information form, the Gender Perception Scale, and the Scale of Health Professionals’ Intentions/Behaviors Regarding Reporting Intimate Partner Violence were used as data collection tools. Data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U Test and the Kruskal-Wallis Test. The healthcare professionals’ mean Gender Perception Scale score was determined as 90.79 ± 18.28, while their mean score on the Scale of Health Professionals’ Intentions/Behaviors Regarding Reporting Intimate Partner Violence was determined as 107.05 ± 24.32. A positive and significant relationship was found between the healthcare professionals’ gender perceptions and the behavior scale for reporting intimate partner violence against women (r = 0.178; p < 0.05), and it was determined that healthcare professionals with higher gender perception levels had a higher intention to report intimate partner violence against women.

Connecting gender balance, crisis resistance and innovativeness in the forestry sector: Women in leadership and management

Much of the research on forestry innovation is based on models of economic rationality that are presumed to be universal and “a-gendered.” This article understands that economic processes are not “neutral” and seeks to produce empirical insights into the perceptions of gender in the male-dominated forestry sector. How does perceived gender balance in a forestry-related organisation contribute to its resilience to economic, ecological, climate-related and other contemporary crises, as well as its innovativeness? To examine the importance attributed to gender balance for resilience and innovation, we undertook a representative web survey amongst the principal Austrian forestry-related companies, institutions and agencies. The results show some links between gender and innovation, but not between gender and resilience. We then complemented the survey with in-depth interviews with high-level female representatives from the Austrian forestry sector, focusing on their personal experiences and opinions as both experts and the sole ones who made it in a sector of skewed gender balance and strong misrepresentation. Our findings reveal a contradiction between the survey results on the importance attributed to gender balance within forestry-sector organisations and the inequalities that successful women in high-level leadership positions reported in the interviews. The article discusses how gendered norms are relevant for economic outcomes and must be integrated into all related research efforts. Our findings challenge academic positions that regard economic issues and societal questions like gender balance to be strictly separated.