Social Discrimination Research Articles

Societal Discrimination, Vigilance, and Patient-Provider Relationships Among Perinatal Women: A Mixed Methods Study.

In the United States, maternal mortality is high and patterned by race and socioeconomic status (SES). Patient-provider relationships and societal discrimination have been separately associated with poor maternal outcomes, but it is not clear how such mechanisms may be interrelated. Thus, the present study investigates how societal experiences of discrimination are associated with and manifest in patient-provider relationship quality among perinatal women. The study uses a mixed methods design with an explanatory-sequential approach. First, a path analysis using structural equation modeling of a cross-sectional representative survey of 244 perinatal women in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, was conducted. Second, a thematic qualitative analysis was conducted of focus groups composed of survey participants (n = 34). In the quantitative analyses, race and SES were associated with experiences of societal discrimination in the expected directions (race: b, 1.87; SE, 0.58; P =.001; SES: b, 2.18; SE, 0.60; P <.001), discrimination positively predicted vigilant behaviors (b, 0.81; SE, 0.15; P <.001), and more vigilant behaviors predicted worse patient-provider relationship quality (b, 0.18; SE, 0.07; P <.001). In the qualitative findings, we found detailed accounts linking provider discrimination, vigilance, and patient-provider relationships among focus groups composed of only women of color (n = 9). Overall, the quantitative analyses find support for the conceptual model showing race and SES are associated with societal discrimination, which is associated with vigilant behaviors and, in turn, quality of patient-provider relationships. The qualitative analyses provide preliminary evidence for how these pathways manifest in care settings and demonstrate the importance of establishing trust in patient-provider relationships, especially among women of color.

Predictors of Desertion: Analysis of the First Michigan Colored Infantry in the American Civil War

AbstractOver 180,000 black soldiers served in the Union Army in the American Civil War. They endured horrific deprivation and disease, and also substantial institutional discrimination in such areas as wage and promotion. Nevertheless, most never deserted their duties as soldiers. However, it is not clear what distinguished those who did desert from their counterparts. The present case‐control study fills this gap. It applies social bonds theory to explain desertion among blacks. The general hypothesis is the greater the bonds or stakes to the military unit, the lower the risk of desertion. Data refer to the First Michigan Colored Infantry (First Michigan) and are from the Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. They refer to the population of all 189 deserters in the First Michigan and a comparison group of non‐deserters. Available measures of social bonds include substitute status (substitutes received a bounty upon completion of service), receiving a wound (having “skin in the game”), and noncommissioned officer status. In addition, loyalty to family is framed as a risk factor. The dependent variable is desertion, a dichotomy (0,1). Results are adjusted for other measurable variables. A multivariate logistic regression analysis determined that measures of military social bonds were protective factors against desertion. Substitutes were 73% less apt, wounded soldiers 93% less apt, and noncommissioned officers were 79% less apt to desert than their counterparts. However, family bonds were a risk factor. The model correctly classified 77.95% of the cases. The results largely support a social bonds theory of deviance, but also may support views of the conflicting bonds between family and state as increasing desertion. The investigation is the first quantitative study of desertion among blacks in the Civil War.

Self-care practices during the gender transition of Costa Rican transgender men

Relatively little is known about the unique needs and issues faced by transgender men and their self-care practices during gender transition. This study aimed to analyse self-care practices during gender transition through the life histories of a group of Costa Rican transgender men. A qualitative study with a sociohistorical design employing a thematic life history approach was conducted with fourteen participants between April and September 2022. Data were analysed using Content Analysis. Three categories were developed concerning self-care: (i) the shaping of self-care practices throughout different life stages; (ii) self-care practices related to masculinising the body; and (iii) self-care practices on the margins of a cisheteronormative society. The identified self-care practices took place with the goal of materialising men’s gender identity socially, legally and medically. While self-care plays a key role in supporting individuals throughout the transition process, it is limited in its capacity to ensure comprehensive well-being. The social prejudice and violence encountered by transgender men poses a challenge to achieving full well-being. External pressures and adversities limit the effectiveness of self-care practices, highlighting the need for broader systemic change to enhance the overall health and wellness of transgender men in Costa Rica.

Did Biden-Harris’s reforms on the Paycheck Protection Program reduce racial disparities in lending?

AbstractIntroduced under the Trump-Pence Administration, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provided short-term relief loans to small American businesses during the peak of the Coronavirus pandemic. The initial design of the PPP faced significant criticism from researchers due to racial disparities, among other issues, in its lending process. Minority groups received smaller PPP loan amounts during the original two tranches released in 2020. To increase equitable access for all, in February 2021 the Biden-Harris Administration enforced swift changes to the initial PPP aimed at favouring access to PPP loans for minority-owned small businesses that had been disadvantaged by the program’s original design under the Trump-Pence Administration. By exploiting a granular dataset of 1,759,270 PPP loans granted between Q2 2020 and Q2 2021 and by implementing a difference-in-differences approach (DID), this paper provides novel evidence on the effectiveness of the Biden reforms in reducing racial disparities within the Paycheck Protection Program. Indeed, we observe a significant increase in the volume of PPP loans granted to minority-owned businesses in the period following the Biden-Harris Administration’s reforms. Furthermore, among different minority groups, the reforms appear most effective for Native American minority groups (including American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and/or Other Pacific Islanders), followed by Black Americans and Asian business owners. Our findings offer novel contributions to the existing literature on institutional discrimination, particularly regarding the initial PPP design. Our findings are especially valuable for policy makers as they underscore the importance of radical changes in addressing racial disparities. Our paper also offers evidence of how a public credit guarantee program should be designed to empower and promote economic inclusion for all, regardless of ethnicity, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The hippocampal CA2 region discriminates social threat from social safety.

The dorsal cornu ammonis 2 (dCA2) region of the hippocampus enables the discrimination of novel from familiar conspecifics. However, the neural bases for more complex social-spatial episodic memories are unknown. Here we report that the spatial and social contents of an aversive social experience require distinct hippocampal regions. While dorsal CA1 (dCA1) pyramidal neurons mediate the memory of an aversive location, dCA2 pyramidal neurons enable the discrimination of threat-associated (CS+) from safety-associated (CS-) conspecifics in both female and male mice. Silencing dCA2 during encoding or recall trials disrupted social fear discrimination memory, resulting in fear responses toward both the CS+ and CS- mice. Calcium imaging revealed that the aversive experience strengthened and stabilized dCA2 representations of both the CS+ and CS- mice, with the incorporation of an abstract representation of social valence into representations of social identity. Thus, dCA2 contributes to both social novelty detection and the adaptive discrimination of threat-associated from safety-associated individuals during an aversive social episodic experience.

INVISIBLE STRUGGLES: EXPLORING CHALLENGES FACED BY WOMEN WITH AMPUTATION IN INDIA

Women in India, particularly those with amputation, face significant challenges, including but not limited to, unequal prosthetic access and satisfaction, societal discrimination, and the physical and emotional consequences of amputation. These challenges are further exacerbated by gender biases towards access to education and socioeconomic factors, which increases their vulnerability to unemployment and mental health issues. This article emphasizes the urgent need for affordable and customizable prosthetic options tailored to the unique needs of women with amputation, particularly those from low-income backgrounds who often face neglect. Thus, addressing these disparities would significantly enhance their overall well-being and independence. Article PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/44002/33160 How To Cite: Alam J, Joshi A, Mir N, Chawla N, Sagar S. Invisible struggles: Exploring challenges faced by women with amputation in India. Canadian Prosthetics &amp; Orthotics Journal. 2024; Volume 7, Issue 1, No.5. https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v7i1.44002 Corresponding Author: Professor Sushma Sagar,Division of Trauma Surgery and Critical Care, Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.E-Mails: sagar.sushma@gmail.com; dr.sushma@aiims.gov.inORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4700-9868

‘I have normalised being treated differently’. Analysis of the experiences of foreign students in Physical Education

ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of the study is to analyse the experiences of 7 students (4 girls and 3 boys) from different continents (Africa, Asia and South America) in Physical Education, in order to know to what extent, they have perceived racism. Their guardians also participated. All the students have experienced their compulsory schooling in Spain. Methods The research is framed under the theory of culturally relevant pedagogy. A qualitative approach is used in which three categories of analysis are established: (a) Perception of social discrimination; (b) Effect on self-esteem and emotional implications; (c) Learning limitations in Physical Education. Interviews with students and focus groups with guardians, where the data collection techniques are/were used. Findings & conclusions The results show how students have suffered covert racism in the classroom, specifically in Physical Education, observed in a diversity of behaviours and actions linked to the colour of their skin, their accent, their physical features and even their body odour. This, despite their subliminal acceptance of it, has generated frustration, powerlessness and diminished self-esteem, as well as a bad relationship with the subject. Guardians recognize the experience of these forms of discrimination and emphasize that racism still exists in society and in schools, and that there is a lack of mechanisms and procedures to eradicate it. It is essential to continue researching how to approach a teaching of Physical Education that moves away from any type of discrimination, but this article is already a first step in giving a voice to those who suffer from it.

Community-based palliative care needs and barriers to access among cancer patients in rural north India: a Participatory action research

BackgroundThis paper aimed to explore the palliative care (PC) needs and barriers to access among cancer patients in a rural region of North India with a high cancer burden.MethodsA Participatory action research (PAR) approach was employed. Situational assessment, community sensitization workshops (CSWs) and door-to-door surveys were planned, conducted and developed over three PAR cycles. A parallel convergent mixed-methods approach was adopted wherein the quantitative data from door-to-door surveys and qualitative data from CSWs and investigator field notes were collected and analyzed to provide a comprehensive understanding of PC needs and barriers to access. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used.ResultsA total of 27 CSWs involving 526 stakeholders were conducted. A total of 256 cancer patients were assessed for PC needs and symptom burden using the Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators (SPICT-4ALL) and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) tool, respectively. Based on the SPICT assessment, all patients (n = 256) satisfied general and/or cancer-specific indicators for PC. The majority (56.6%) had ≥ one moderate-severe symptom, with the most common symptoms being tiredness, pain and loss of appetite. Analysis of qualitative findings generated three themes: unmet needs, burden of caregiving, and barriers and challenges. Cancer affected all domains of patients’ and their families’ lives, contributing to biopsychosocial suffering. Social stigma, discrimination, sympathizing attitudes and lack of emotional and material support contributed to psychosocial suffering among cancer patients and their caregivers. Lack of awareness, nearby healthcare facilities, transportation, essential medicines, trained manpower and education in PC, collusion, fear of social discrimination, faulty perceptions and misconceptions about cancer made access to PC difficult.ConclusionsThe study emphasize the need for and provide a roadmap for developing context-specific and culturally appropriate CBPC services to address the identified challenges and needs. The findings point towards education of CHWs in PC; improving community awareness about cancer, PC, government support schemes; ensuring an uninterrupted supply of essential medicines; and developing active linkages within the community and with NGOs to address the financial, transportation, educational, vocational and other social needs as some of the strategies to ensure holistic CBPC services.Trial registrationClinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2023/04/051357).

A/Void Pregnancy? Yagi Emi’s Kūshin techō and Fake Pregnancy as a Means of Exploring Women’s Struggles

Kūshin techō (Diary of a void), Yagi Emi’s brilliant debut in the Japanese literary scene, was published in 2020 and proceeded to win the 36 th Osamu Dazai Prize. With its provocative tones, the novel addresses maternal issues during a very crucial moment for literature. Indeed, contemporary women’s writing from all over the world is growing more and more engaged with issues such as illness, disease, healthcare, medical practice, and clinical institutions, as well as with the topic of “care,” usually depicted as a women’s responsibility. In this paper, I argue that, through the parody of the Maternal and Child Health Handbook, Yagi Emi advances a critique of the condition of Japanese women in contemporary Japan. More specifically, the use of the fake pregnancy and the diary as a narrative strategy serve as a means to explore contradictions and gender gaps women face during pregnancy, in the workplace and at home, such as sekuhara (sexual harassment) and matahara (maternal harassment), social pressure, prejudice and stigma, and economic inequality. At the same time, I argue that the absence of a male partner throughout the narrative reveals the prejudice and stigma surrounding unmarried pregnant women in Japan, and on the other hand, it makes it possible to read Kūshin techō as an example of Hélène Cixous’ écriture feminine.

Impacts of Gender Disparity and Socio-Educational Structure on Legal Awareness of Women Inmates: A Case Study of Prisons in Sindh, Pakistan

The study is an endeavor to undertake an in-depth analysis of the prevailing injustices faced by women inmates incarcerated in one of the merged prisons(merger of 2 districts)of Sindh Province Pakistan. It aims to explore how social norms, education system, and gender discrimination, collectively influence the women inmates' legal awareness and struggles for availing their legal rights and equitable treatment. By employing a mixed-method research design, including in-depth interviews with women inmates, questionnaires, and an interview guide with open-ended questions, the study uncovered the multifaceted barriers they encounter. The study also advocates fostering a more inclusive and gender-responsive criminal justice system and concludes that the intersectional nature of these challenges impacts legal awareness of women inmates and also has some significant implications for stakeholders and reformists in the context of entertaining the female inmates without gender discrimination as ensuring Article-4 of the 1973 constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

“We Realized That Institutions Are Not Prepared”: Strategies and Challenges in the Filiation Processes of Lesbian-Parent Families in Chile

This study examines the experiences of lesbian-parent families in Chile regarding the civil registry and the registration of their children, highlighting how heteronormative structures persist despite significant legislative advancements. Through semi-structured interviews with lesbian mothers, it explored how the policies and practices occurring at the civil registry affect their rights and legal recognition. The qualitative data analysis revealed significant barriers in the filiation processes due to outdated forms and lack of training among officials, reflecting a disconnect between progressive legislation and its practical implementation. The findings indicate that while there is growing social recognition of family diversity, lesbian-parent families face institutional discrimination, limiting their full participation in society. These barriers not only perpetuate occupational injustices but also negatively affect the emotional and social well-being of these families. This study underscores the need for legislative and administrative reforms to ensure effective inclusion and recognition of lesbian-parent families, recommending policies that update administrative processes to reflect the realities of all families adequately. The research highlights the importance of continuous education and awareness for civil registry workers, ensuring that existing laws are applied fairly and equitably.

Social Exclusion and Urbanization in Hanoi Focusing on Educational and Employment Opportunities for Poor Residents

This paper explores the relationship between social exclusion and urbanization in Hanoi, Vietnam, with a focus on the educational and employment opportunities for the city’s poorest residents. The rapid urbanization of Hanoi, driven by economic reforms and rural-to-urban migration, has resulted in significant economic growth. However, it has also exacerbated social inequalities, particularly for poor residents and migrants living in peripheral areas. The study examines the challenges of educational exclusion, such as limited access to quality education due to overcrowded schools, hidden costs, and disparities in resources between wealthy and poor areas. It also addresses employment barriers, including the concentration of poor residents in the informal sector, a lack of vocational training, and social discrimination. Government policies and social programs aimed at addressing these issues, such as scholarships, vocational training, and microfinance initiatives, are analyzed for their effectiveness. The findings suggest that while some progress has been made, significant gaps remain in ensuring equitable access to education and employment for marginalized communities. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for comprehensive and inclusive policy interventions to mitigate social exclusion in Hanoi and ensure that all residents benefit from the city’s urbanization.

Social Reforms and Political Activism Unpacking the Dual Role of Khudai Khidmatgar Movement

This article examines the Khudai Khidmatgar Movement, led by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan popularly known as Fakhr-i-Afghan Bacha khan, which played a pivotal role in social reform and political activism in colonial India. Founded in 1929, the movement adopted non-violent resistance to British rule while also addressing deep-rooted social issues within Pashtun society, such as factionalism, illiteracy, poverty, social and gender discrimination and blood feuds. Implying indegounious values, knowledge and tools, Ghaffar Khan promoted education, unity, and peaceful coexistence among his people, challenging the British narrative of Pashtuns as inherently violent. The article explores how the movement, initially focused on socio-educational reforms, evolved into a powerful force advocating for Indian independence, aligning with other non-violent movements like those led by Gandhi. Despite significant obstacles from the British and local elites, the Khudai Khidmatgar gained mass support, with over 100,000 members at its peak. The article highlights the movement’s transformative impact on Pashtun society and its contributions to the broader anti-colonial struggle, positioning it as a significant yet underappreciated chapter in South Asian history. This articles has relied on both primamry and secondary data for qualitative analysis, with most reliance on primary sorces of data collection. For this purpose, extensive interviews were conducted.

한 초등학교 노년기 여교사의 교직 경험에 대한 생애사 연구

This article sought to explore the educational value and meaning inherent in the teaching experience of an elderly elementary school female teacher through life history research. The research results are summarized as follows. Firstly, an elderly elementary school female teacher overcame her teaching fears with her challenging attitude and overcame her professional crisis with her humble heart. In addition, she overcame her job anxiety with a passionate attitude and escaped social prejudice with a confident attitude. This meant confidently moving forward on her teaching path without giving in to external conditions. Secondly, the participant wanted to become a sensitive and experienced education expert, and a senior in life who was comfortable and trustworthy for parents. Additionally, the participant wanted to be a warm and diligent supporter to her fellow teachers, and tried to be a wise and sagacious educational leader within the school. This teaching experience meant becoming a fully-fledged professional teacher in elementary schools through the experience and expertise accumulated over a long period of time. The results of this paper will provide lessons and insights to deeply understand and improve the professional lives of female elementary school teachers.

An Analysis of Social Class and Discrimination in the Movie Saltburn 2023

A movie is a series of moving images that contain a story and can be watched by people. In addition to entertaining, movies also have the function of providing knowledge and education. There are various themes that can be made into a movie, one of which is a movie about social class and discrimination. This article analyzes the social class and discrimination that occur in a film entitled Saltburn by Emerald Fennel. This article using Max Weber's theory to classify the social classes found in Saltburn, This article also using Theodorson's theory to analyze discrimination in Saltburn. The method used in writing this thesis is the descriptive-qualitative method. The results of the analysis in this article show the existence of social classes, namely the upper class and the middle class. These social classes show differences in lifestyle and position. In addition, there is also discrimination that occurs in the movie in the form of verbal discrimination. Based on our analysis of the film Saltburn, it can be concluded that the existence of social class can affect the way a person socializes and can also clearly show the social status in the film. In addition, the existence of social class can lead to forms of discrimination, one of which is verbal discrimination. It can also be inferred that the discrimination experienced by Oliver can affect his mindset and the way he lives his life.

NO MEIO DA GUERRA E DO RACISMO: O PAPEL DA MÍDIA NA CONSTRUÇÃO DE NARRATIVAS DA RÚSSIA X UCRÂNIA E SUAS IMPLICAÇÕES SOCIAIS

The article analyzes how the international media demonstrates structural and institutional racism in its coverage of global conflicts, focusing especially on the unequal attention given to wars in developed countries compared to crises in peripheral regions. Using a qualitative and exploratory approach, the research examined news and advertisements from recent wars, revealing that the media tends to prioritize tragedies involving white Europeans, while marginalizing conflicts in impoverished countries. The results show that this unequal coverage perpetuates a selective commotion, highlighting racial and social prejudice in the media narrative. The conclusion is that in order to promote fairer coverage, it is essential for the media to value all lives equally and re-evaluate its practices, combating the institutional and structural racism present in its operations.

Can a ‘structural competency’ approach improve the safeguarding of diverse marginalised communities from exploitation?

This article examines if a ‘structural competency’ approach can help with understanding and addressing deficiencies in identifying potential exploitation victims among marginalised communities. Through a case study of multi-agency work within a unitary English local authority area, it explores how safeguarding and anti-modern slavery systems recognise exploitation cases among Roma communities. The concept of ‘structural competency’ illustrates how culture and structure can jointly create stigmatisation and inequities in safeguarding. We argue that ‘structural competency’ highlights structural inequities and institutional discrimination in anti-exploitation and safeguarding practices, in contrast to the commonly adopted approach of ‘cultural competence,’ which can exacerbate the othering and risk of exploitation for marginalised communities.

‘How can you worry about employment and survival at the same time?’: employment and mental health among precariously employed cisgender and transgender sexual minority adult men in Toronto, Canada

This study addresses a gap in the labour market and occupational health literatures among sexual and gender minority workers by exploring the relationship between precarious employment and mental health through a political economy framework. Narratives from 20 cisgender and transgender sexual minority men were analysed to uncover the production of employment and mental health inequities. Results are presented temporally, including employment readiness, looking for work, and on the job, illuminating the social and structural processes that underly participants’ stories of precarious employment and mental health. A cyclical pattern was identified whereby participants’ mental ill-health resulted in separation from the labour market and increased employment precarity that subsequently further impacted their mental health. Interventions and programmes must consider multipronged approaches that address all aspects of this syndemic, including social stigma and discrimination towards sexual and gender minority people and improved access to stable employment, mental healthcare, and adequate social welfare systems.

Exploring the self, others, and the world: the interplay between experiences abroad in adolescence, identity processes, and ethnic prejudice

Study abroad experiences can be an important asset for individuals’ personal development and well-being. However, their impact on social identity domains and prejudice is still unexplored. The current research examined whether the ways in which youth retrospectively narrate their abroad experiences in adolescence were intertwined with their national and European identity processes and ethnic prejudice. A total of 117 Italian youth (M age = 22.71, SD = 2.50; 53.8% females) who participated in a mobility program in adolescence completed an online questionnaire and a retrospective narrative interview. Agency and self-event connections in the narratives were directly linked to identity processes in national and European domains. European identity processes were associated with different levels of affective and cognitive prejudice. Across both identity domains, the number of self-event connections in the narratives was indirectly linked to lower affective prejudice via increased in-depth exploration. These findings highlight the importance of abroad experiences for consolidating self- and other-oriented views.

A randomized controlled trial of a virtual community-based mental health and substance use program in the Philippines

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the delivery of a virtual community-based mental health and substance use program for Filipino drug users during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach It used a randomized control longitudinal design with data collected prior to the program and every two months for 10 months. The programs focused on building recovery skills, life skills and family modules. Program length ranged from a brief intervention of three sessions to 24 sessions depending on whether clients were low risk, moderate risk or those arrested for drug use. Findings Results revealed significant improvements in recovery skills of participants in the treatment group compared to those in the control group. Mental health illness symptoms decreased for both control and treatment groups; however, no differences were found in recovery capital and cravings. Research limitations/implications The lack of significant changes in certain variables, such as recovery capital, requires more data to understand the barriers to enable greater recovery. The study was limited to virtual delivery of rehabilitation services conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future studies may wish to compare modalities of online and onsite delivery to enable a comparison of effectiveness. Practical implications Results suggest the feasibility of virtual delivery of mental health and substance use treatment implemented by trained paraprofessionals. However, it also highlights the necessity to build the capacity of service providers and address connectivity challenges. Social implications Stigma and discrimination prevent people who use drugs from seeking treatment. Virtual delivery of mental health and substance use treatment can provide a platform where people can seek help while maintaining some privacy. Originality/value The study provides evidence from under-represented populations – persons who use drugs in the Philippines.