Social Discrimination Research Articles

Female firefighters' experiences of discrimination and harassment: Implications for institutional gender policy

Women in uniformed professions, including firefighters, are at high risk of being victims of institutional discrimination and sexual harassment. The aim is to describe the occupational, social, and psycho-emotional experience of female firefighters in Chile in situations of discrimination and harassment in the organization and formulate guidelines for creating institutional gender policies. Data collection was carried out through three focus groups. Eleven female firefighters participated. The information obtained was analyzed through content analysis, forming four themes. Difficulties were identified in women doing their jobs as firefighters. Simultaneously, the presence of situations of gender discrimination and institutional sexual harassment were identified, which causes emotional exhaustion in female firefighters. Our results highlight the need for effective implementation and dissemination of institutional policies that protect female workers from abusive situations. Guidelines are proposed for the development of such institutional policies.

Insights from the EQUALS4COVID19 study on migrant mental health in Portugal: a cross-sectional mixed-methods approach

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic and related disruptive consequences in the economic, health, and educational sectors have impacted people’s lives, contributing to a context of increased economic and social vulnerability. The pandemic has revealed and accentuated social inequalities and discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin. This study aimed to contribute to the promotion of the mental health and well-being of migrant populations living in Portugal via the definition of an analytical framework and recommendations emerging from the EQUALS4COVID19 project.MethodsTo gather information on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and resilience determinants among immigrants, a mixed-methods approach was implemented in 2022, combining a cross-sectional survey targeting immigrant adults in Portugal, focus groups with immigrants, focus groups with healthcare professionals, and in-depth individual interviews with stakeholders involved in the implementation of measures related to mental health and well-being during the pandemic. The analysis followed an integrated framework; quantitative data informed the script of qualitative data collection methods, and qualitative analysis informed the reinterpretation of quantitative data.ResultsThe survey with 604 Brazilian and Cape Verdean immigrants revealed that gender (being a woman) was associated with both psychological distress and depression-related symptomatology and that the perception of discrimination was a major risk factor for psychological suffering, while perceived social support and individuals’ resilience characteristics were protective factors. Qualitative data provided deeper insights into these findings, revealing the ways mental health is affected by social structures, such as gender and ethnic hierarchies. Migrants tend to work in precarious jobs requiring physical presence, which, together with dense housing conditions, puts them at higher risk of infection. The deterioration of the economic conditions of the general population has also increased the perception of ethnic-racial discrimination, which was found to be related to the increase in insecurity and anxiety-related symptomatology among the migrant population. Newly arrived migrants, with reduced support networks, experienced a greater sense of insecurity as well as concern and anguish regarding relatives who live far away, in their home country. Migrant women reported greater family-related distress, including work-life balance problems.ConclusionsProposals to address mental health inequalities should be considered in the context of the necessary global changes both at the societal level and in the delivery of mental health services. Additionally, they should be considered with the active involvement of migrants, families, and communities in the design and delivery of mental health promotion and care processes.

Diabetes Stigma and Clinical Outcomes: An International Review.

Diabetes stigma is the social burden of living with diabetes. People with diabetes may experience or perceive an adverse social judgment, prejudice, or stereotype about living with diabetes at work, school, in healthcare settings, popular culture, or relationships. This review describes the methods that have been used to assess diabetes stigma, and explores the prevalence of diabetes stigma, associated sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors, cultural factors, and how diabetes stigma is associated with clinical outcomes, including HbA1c levels, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe hypoglycemia, and chronic complications, in addition to psychosocial complications in youth, adolescents, and adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The prevalence of diabetes stigma has been reported as high as 78% in adults with T1D, 70% in adults with T2D, 98% in youth and adolescents with T1D, and is unknown in youth and adolescents with T2D. Diabetes stigma has been associated with lower psychosocial functioning, decreased self-care behaviors, higher HbA1c levels, and higher frequency of diabetes complications in adults with T1D and T2D. In adolescents and young adults with T1D, diabetes stigma is associated with lower psychosocial functioning, higher HbA1c levels, and higher frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycemia episodes in addition to chronic complications. In youth and adolescents with T2D, one study demonstrated an association of diabetes stigma with lower psychosocial functioning, higher HbA1c levels, and presence of retinopathy. Gaps exist in our understanding of the mechanisms of diabetes stigma, particularly in youth and adolescents with T2D.

An Evaluation of a Women's Clinic: The Healthcare and Learning Project of the Functional Unit for Women with Schizophrenia.

Gender differences exist in mental and physical health in schizophrenia, and healthcare education is part of the associated clinical approach. The main goal of the present paper is to describe a women's clinic for schizophrenia and carry out a narrative review about innovative healthcare and learning strategies in the context of women who suffer from schizophrenia, and to discuss innovative strategies for both healthcare and learning projects to be applied in this context. Observing the development of our unit, four clear innovation phases can be distinguished: the generation of new ideas (clinical and social needs), strategic planning (five observatories), the execution of these strategies (observatories/teams/interventions) and feedback, iteration and scaling. We found that the observatory for morbi-mortality adopted a retroactive proactive approach, and the observatory for hyperprolactinemia was proactive and deliberate. We describe the innovation aspects, both clinical and educational, as incremental. There was one exception, the introduction of a social exclusion and discrimination observatory, that from our perspective, was not gradual, but transformative. Future learning projects should include the role of social sciences and humanities and new technologies. Our pilot project gave us the opportunity to apply new learning methods to a relatively neglected field of care.

Institutional discrimination and assimilation: Evidence from the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 marked a pivotal moment in U.S. immigration policy, effectively prohibiting Chinese immigration while institutionalizing discrimination against Asians within American society. This study investigates the repercussions of such institutional discrimination on the assimilation process of Asian immigrants, leveraging the timing of the enactment of the Act and the regional variation in the intensity of discrimination. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we find that discrimination posed significant obstacles to the labor market integration of Asian immigrants during the Exclusion Era (1882–1943), and Asian immigrants responded to discriminatory practices by investing in human capital, enhancing English proficiency, and adopting Americanized names. Furthermore, the triple-difference estimates reveal that these effects are more pronounced in regions characterized by heightened discrimination against Asians.

Distress Relief and Social Reform in Malabar: The Role of A. V. Thakkar

There was a spate of social reform movements in Kerala in the early decades of the 20th century. These were initiated mainly by religious and spiritual leaders. A few communal organizations also arose during this period and sought to cure the ills from which their particular community was suffering. Besides religious zeal, they were motivated by progressive views. They fought against superstitious practices as well as caste based social discrimination. Despite all these eventualities, Malabar was rather insulated by these progressive developments. Following the rebellion of 1921, Malabar became a center of national attention, as the entire area was thoroughly devastated by the aftermath of the riot, socially, culturally, and economically, and paralyzed politically. Great personalities associated with several service organizations flocked to the area to conduct relief, reconstruction, and reform activities on a massive scale.

Barriers and Facilitators to HIV Care Linkage and Retention Among Older Adults Diagnosed With HIV in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study.

Older adults newly diagnosed with HIV experience poorer prognosis and higher mortality compared with those diagnosed at younger ages. We explored the barriers and facilitators in HIV care linkage and retention among newly diagnosed older persons living with HIV (OPLWH) in Malaysia. We conducted in-depth interviews with OPLWH and focus group discussions with health care providers (HCPs) from 5 specialties (primary care medicine, psychological medicine, gynecology, geriatrics, and infectious disease) at a tertiary hospital between September 2021 and April 2022. All sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. We recruited 16 OPLWH and 7 HCPs. Thirteen OPLWH were male. Eight of them self-identified as men who have sex with men, and the rest were heterosexual. Diagnosis of HIV was between the ages of 50 and 61 years. Barriers and facilitators could be categorized into 3 levels: individual, interpersonal, and institutional. Individual barriers included misinformation about HIV treatment, unable to afford HIV-related services, and belief that life was futile. Interpersonal barriers were HIV-related stigma, poor social and family support, and social prejudice toward men who have sex with men. Lastly, institutional barriers were the need for frequent hospital visits, high cost for HIV-related services, a lack of guidance after diagnosis, and poor communication with HCPs. Facilitators included doctor or friend support and positive institutional reputation. Multiple challenges hindered optimal care for OPLWH after HIV diagnosis. Issues like high costs, belief that treatment is futile, and a lack of family support need to be addressed as part of long-term support services for OPLWH.

The Socio-Economic Characteristics and Challenges of Homeless Youths in Maiduguri and Lagos: A Comparative Study

Homelessness is a pervasive and multifaceted global issue affecting societies across various economic landscapes. This study provides a critical and extensive examination of youth homelessness in Maiduguri and Lagos, Nigeria. By analysing socio-economic characteristics, pathways into homelessness, living conditions, health challenges and experiences of social discrimination, the study underscores the importance of tailored interventions considering regional variations and the diverse needs of homeless youth populations. The findings highlight both commonalities and disparities, reflecting the complex interplay of socio-economic factors and regional dynamics, and provide valuable insights for developing effective policies and interventions.

Depression Among LGBT Adults in Relation to Societal Stigma and Discrimination

This study has conducted a comprehensive analysis of the association between depression and 13 social stigma and discrimination among LGBT adults from India. The data was conducted using the Google form, a user-friendly and dynamic online data collection tool, to collect data from 46 adults between the ages of 21 and 30 years old. The discrimination and stigma scale DISC-12, which evaluates the extent to which an individual is subject to prejudice and stigmatization based on sexual orientation, was used to measure the prevalence of depression in the study population. The aim of the study is to gain a better understanding of the relationship between discrimination and stigma and depression in the LGBT community. This research has revealed a strong correlation between depression and unfair treatment, halting self-reflection and depression, stopping self-and unfair treatment, overcoming stigma and depression, and positive treatment and stigma. The findings of this research have implications for individuals, healthcare professionals, policy makers, and society at large. Recommendations for future research include long-term longitudinal studies, intersectionality, cultural considerations, mental health promotion strategies, social support groups and parental support groups.

“We, the parents”: The activist collective identity of parents of LGBTQ individuals in Poland

AbstractObjectiveThe article presents a study on the collective identity of members of the Polish organization “We, the Parents—the association of mothers, fathers, and allies of LGBTQIA individuals.”BackgroundThe research contributes to the field of social movement studies, specifically focusing on the rights of sexual and gender minorities and parental activism, and is grounded in social constructionism.MethodUsing a qualitative case study with an ethnographic approach, the study employed participatory observation, interviews, document analysis, and autoethnography, analyzed through grounded theory.ResultsFindings highlight the cultural roots of the collective identity (“parent”), its interaction with individual identities, and its complex structure, identifying categories such as “accepting parenthood,” “normal parenthood,” “proxy parenthood,” and “intervening parenthood.”ConclusionsThe concept of “parenthood” both strengthens the collective identity and reveals internal tensions. Members engage with diverse audiences, including the public, the LGBTQ community, and power centers, using strategies like promoting “good parenting,” transforming social norms on sexuality and gender, supporting the LGBTQ community, and influencing public discourse on LGBTQ rights. Their modes of expression include narrative, evaluative, performative, and persuasive approaches.ImplicationsThe study offers valuable insights for practitioners in education, health care, and family support, especially in areas with adverse sociocultural climates. It demonstrates how parents adapt after their child's coming out, gain empowerment, and form alliances to improve LGBTQ family well‐being. The research also inspires policy initiatives and public health strategies addressing the mental well‐being and institutional discrimination faced by LGBTQ individuals.

Social acceptance of people with chronic diseases

The discussion concerns social acceptance of people with chronic diseases, covering the definition of acceptance, its determinants, stereotypes, and groups of diseases that most often face social reluctance. Social acceptance is a key element of healthy social functioning and implies agreement that people with chronic diseases exist, are respected and treated equally with healthy people. It is a process dependent on education, personal experience, social support and culture. Research indicates that people with mental illness, HIV/AIDS, skin diseases and obesity often experience stigma and discrimination. In particular, people with mental illnesses face negative stereotypes, such as being seen as dangerous and unable to function in society. People living with HIV/AIDS are often victims of social ostracism due to fear of infection and moral judgments. Skin diseases such as psoriasis and obesity also lead to social isolation and discrimination. Another group is people with cancer, who often experience social resentment due to fear, ignorance and stereotypes associated with the disease. Social education and psychological and social support are key to reducing stigma and improving the quality of life for these people. Practical measures to increase social acceptance include: educational programs, media campaigns, psychological support, legislative changes, and local and community initiatives. All of these activities can help reduce stigma and discrimination against people with chronic diseases, promoting greater empathy and understanding in society.

Navigating the world of work: experiences and perspectives of care leavers in China

ABSTRACT This study explores the employment experiences of care leavers in China, addressing a gap in understanding their transition into the workforce. Through qualitative interviews with 19 participants, five distinct work pathways were identified: (i) placement approach – typical, (ii) placement approach – typical plus, (iii) self-job-searching approach – typical, (iv) self-job-searching approach – typical plus, and (v) self-job-searching approach – typical ‘on the way.’ The findings highlight care leavers’ proactive roles in navigating their employment journeys, yet also reveal challenges such as educational setbacks, insufficient work skills, lack of support, and societal discrimination, particularly against those with physical impairments. Enhanced support systems are essential.

MIGRASI ROHINGYA: TANTANGAN INTEGRASI SOSIAL DAN EKONOMI DI NEGARA PENERIMA

Rohingya migration has become a complex challenge that requires in-depth understanding and a holistic response from various relevant parties. In this context, this article discusses various aspects that influence the social, economic and ecological integration of Rohingya migrants in receiving countries, with a special focus on Indonesia. The research method used is a qualitative approach with descriptive methods to explore the phenomenon of Rohingya migration and the challenges of social and economic integration in receiving countries. The descriptive method was chosen because the focus of this research is to describe and explain complex situations from an in-depth and comprehensive perspective. The data collected in this research is descriptive, including words, images and information from various sources, such as books, scientific journals and previous research that are relevant to the topic under study. The results of this research show that there are several main challenges faced by Rohingya migrants, including limited access to education, health services and employment, as well as social discrimination and stigmatization. Apart from that, unclear legal status, cultural and religious differences, as well as political and humanitarian instability also affect their integration process. In addition, this article also describes the environmental impacts of Rohingya migration and the importance of considering ecological factors in natural resource management and infrastructure development. To address these challenges, cross-sectoral and cross-institutional collaboration is key, with a focus on inclusive approaches, human rights protection and environmental sustainability. Diplomatic efforts are also important in resolving the root causes of the Rohingya crisis in their home country. With strong cooperation and commitment to holistic solutions, Indonesia has the potential to be a leader in responding to the challenges of social, economic and ecological integration in the context of Rohingya migration.

R-Baclofen Treatment Corrects Autistic-like Behavioral Deficits in the RjIbm(m):FH Fawn-Hooded Rat Strain.

The Fawn-hooded rat has long been used as a model for various peripheral and central disorders and the data available indicate that the social behavior of this strain may be compromised. However, a thorough description of the Fawn-hooded rat is unavailable in this regard. The objective of the present study was to investigate various aspects of the Fawn-hooded rat's social behavior in depth. Our results show that several facets of socio-communicational behavior are impaired in the RjIbm(m):FH strain, including defective ultrasonic vocalizations in pups upon maternal deprivation, reduced social play in adolescence and impaired social novelty discrimination in adulthood. In addition, Fawn-hooded rats exhibited heightened tactile sensitivity and hyperactivity. The defects observed were comparable to those induced by prenatal valproate exposure, a widely utilized model of autism spectrum disorder. Further on, the pro-social drug R-baclofen (0.25-1 mg/kg) reversed the autistic-like defects observed in Fawn-hooded rats, specifically the deficiency in ultrasonic vocalization, tactile sensitivity and social novelty discrimination endpoints. In conclusion, the asocial, hypersensitive and hyperactive phenotype as well as the responsivity to R-baclofen indicate this variant of the Fawn-hooded rat strain may serve as a model of autism spectrum disorder and could be useful in the identification of novel drug candidates.

Variations in Unmet Health Care Needs by Perceptions of Social Media Health Mis- and Disinformation, Frequency of Social Media Use, Medical Trust, and Medical Care Discrimination: Cross-Sectional Study.

Unmet need for health care is defined as choosing to postpone or completely avoid necessary medical treatment despite having a need for it, which can worsen current conditions or contribute to new health problems. The emerging infodemic can be a barrier that prevents people from accessing quality health information, contributing to lower levels of seeking medical care when needed. We evaluated the association between perceptions of health mis- and disinformation on social media and unmet need for health care. In addition, we evaluated mechanisms for this relationship, including frequency of social media use, medical trust, and medical care discrimination. Data from 3964 active adult social media users responding to the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey 6 (HINTS 6), a nationally representative survey, were analyzed. The outcome was unmet need for medical care, defined as delaying or not getting the necessary medical care. The predictor variables were perception of social media health mis- and disinformation, frequency of social media use, level of trust in the health care system, and perceived racial and ethnic discrimination when receiving health care. Multivariable logistic regression models indicated that perception of substantial social media health mis- and disinformation (odds ratio [OR] 1.40, 95% CI 1.07-1.82), daily use of social media (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.01-1.79), low medical trust (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.06-2.01), and perceived discrimination (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.44-3.50) were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of unmet need for medical care. Unmet need among adults who did not use social media daily and who did not perceive substantial mis- and disinformation (24%; 95% CI 19%-30%) was lower compared to daily social media users who perceived substantial mis- and disinformation (38%; 95% CI 32%-43%). Adults who perceived substantial mis- and disinformation and had low trust in health care had the highest probability of reporting unmet need (43%; 95% CI 38%-49%) compared to the other three groups. Adults who perceived substantial mis- and disinformation and experienced medical care discrimination had a statistically significant higher probability of reporting unmet need (51%; 95% CI 40%-62%) compared to adults who did not experience medical care discrimination and did not perceive substantial mis- and disinformation (29%; 95% CI 26%-32%). Unmet need for medical care was higher among individuals who perceived a substantial degree of social media mis- and disinformation, especially among those who used social media daily, did not trust the health care system, and experienced racial or ethnic discrimination when receiving health care. To counter the negative effects of social media mis- and disinformation on unmet need for health care, public health messaging must focus on daily social media users as well as improving trust and reducing structural racism in the health care system.

Gendered Realities: Reforming Juvenile Justice in India

For the past few decades, the juvenile justice system in India has shifted from a rehabilitative to a retributive paradigm, leading researchers to become increasingly interested in the gendered implications of paradigm change that may exacerbate problems of young offenders, especially females. The current article explores the question of how social attitudes, institutional prejudices, and intersectional identities affect the ways in which female offenders are perceived and treated in India. The framework for the current study includes theoretical concepts of rehabilitation, retribution, and feminist theory. The use of secondary analysis and the description of policy changes and historical context studies are included in the research. Employing a data-driven analysis based on a combination of case studies, quantitative data, and inter-state comparison, the research reveals that female offenders face systemicinstitutional and individual problems, including re-victimization, trauma, and inadequate access to quality rehabilitation services. This article argues for genderresponsive and intersectional juvenile justice policies and redirects attention to rehabilitation available results for future policy and research initiatives

Upaya Menormalisasikan LGBT oleh Aktivis di Amerika Serikat: Perjuangan dan Tantangan

This research examines efforts to normalize the LGBT community by activists in the United States, with a focus on the struggles and challenges they face. Through qualitative analysis of various advocacy strategies, campaigns and policies implemented, this study reveals how LGBT activism seeks to create a more inclusive and accepted environment in society. This research also explores the role of the media, government agencies and non-government organizations in supporting or hindering this normalization process. Challenges faced include cultural resistance, institutional discrimination, and changing political and social dynamics. The research findings show that despite significant progress in the recognition of LGBT rights, activism continues to face major challenges that require a strategic and collaborative approach to overcome. In doing so, this research provides in-depth insight into the complexities of the LGBT normalization struggle in the United States and suggests policies and practices that can accelerate the process of social inclusion.

Women Education in Mysore State by Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar

ABSTRICT The mysore state one of the famous state which was developed the education systematically. The women education was well developed by the mysore none in the state till middle of 19th century , the beginnings were made by London Mission which was in 1840 established the first kannada school for girls. Very soon a girl’s school was opened by the Hindu at Bengaluru, for some time girls was obliged to study in boy’s schools, for want of separate institutions. Social prejudices were largely responsible for the slow growth of institutions, swhich numbered only 12 at the close of 1879-80. In the first year of the rendition, the maharani’s girls school at mysore was established, which remained under private management till 1891, when it was taken over by Government. It soon developed into a second grade college and was affiliated to the Madras University.

Community, belonging and acceptance; is this the antidote to shame and societal discrimination? An exploration of LGBTQ+ individuals’ attendance at pride and their mental health

ABSTRACT LGBTQ+ minorities are disproportionately exposed to stigma, discrimination and social prejudice compared with cisgender and heterosexual peers, which can result in experiences of shame and isolation for LGBTQ+ individuals. Pride marches began as a reaction to this systemic and institutional discrimination of gender and sexual diversity and provides hope and community. This exploratory study aimed to investigate what Pride events mean to LGBTQ+ individuals and what potential impact these spaces have on the mental health and wellbeing of the community. Participants (N = 52) were recruited opportunistically at 7 Pride events across the North East of England, and invited to share their narratives and experiences using a creative and interactive research board. Qualitative content analysis revealed three main themes: ‘pride is much more than a celebration’, ‘community healing’ and ‘this is me’. 12 subthemes were further identified in the analysis. The themes provide a unique understanding of how LGBTQ+ spaces and events impact individuals mental health and wellbeing. This evidence supports the importance of interventions and support at a grass roots and community level, fostering engagement and increasing empowerment within already existing LGBTQ+ groups.

‘We Are Stuck in Our Own Heads’: Immigrant Women and Institutional Practices in Iceland

ABSTRACT Immigrant women in Iceland have reported experiencing discrimination and marginalization in society and when interacting with institutions. However, this topic remains under-researched in the Icelandic context. The present article explores how institutional representatives construct immigrant women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV), their needs and their barriers to support-seeking through ideas of Icelandic exceptionalism and Whiteness. The analysis is based on two data sets: 16 interviews with institutional representatives who provide services for immigrants and/or women who experience IPV and 16 #metoo stories published by immigrant women in 2018. The analysis reveals that institutional representatives focus on immigrant women lacking trust in institutions and knowledge about their rights and procedures because of misconceptions in the immigrant community and lies told by violent partners. This individualistic perspective leads them to emphasize their responsibility in teaching immigrant women about their rights and to trust institutions. The institutional representatives fail to acknowledge structural marginalization and institutional discrimination intersecting with immigrant women’s experiences of IPV and support-seeking. As the institutional culture is rooted in the believe that equality is the basis of the welfare state and that Icelandic culture is free from discriminatory practices, institutional representatives rarely incorporate intersectional perspectives into institutional practices.