Equality Issues Research Articles

Legally Blonde Male Gaze and Gender Equality

Abstract: The male gaze and equality between men and women is a problem that society is improving but still not fully solved, and it is also a hot topic that many people are concerned about. In daily life, many women feel afraid and panic more or less because of the gaze of men, and often feel that they do not enjoy the same treatment and equal rights with men in daily life. Film is a medium of emotional expression. It will reflect many realistic problems through the way of deduction, causing the audience to think and give positive guidance. From the perspective of feminism, this paper interprets the issues of male gaze, stereotype and gender equality, as well as the reflection of these issues in the real society, from the dialogue, action and plot relationship of the characters in Legally Blonde and analyzes the method and process of the heroine Elle Woods' "counter-gaze" towards the male gaze. And the process of breaking stereotypes and growing up.

Transforming Higher Education Towards Economic Development: A Zimbabwean Case Study

This study is a systematic review of research on higher education in Zimbabwe, in particular, it assesses the contribution of higher education towards engendering socio-economic development. This is achieved through identifying higher education activities prioritised in research during the study period which spans a three-year period from 2021 to 2023. This period comes just after the introduction of Education 5.0, which includes innovation and industrialisation. Furthermore, the articles are assessed on whether they address socio-economic development issues. A total of 41 abstracts of research articles were subjected to qualitative content analysis. The findings reveal five major activities that research has focussed on in priority order: teaching and learning; quality in education; management operations and policy; knowledge and research; and equity and equality. Furthermore, while the analysis indicates that the prioritised activities contribute towards socio-economic development, the nuances of balancing political, individual and epistemic priorities affecting higher education institutions are brought to the fore. The identified activities underscore the need for interventions at national, institutional, departmental and individual lecturer levels. However, there are concerns about the de-prioritisation of gender equality and equity in higher learning institutions in Zimbabwe. In conclusion, the research topics not only highlight the complexities and the dynamics faced by higher education institutions in Zimbabwe in playing their expected role of contributing to socio-economic development but also the need to foreground specificity to allow for the identification of effective interventions and processes required to support higher education’s goal of contributing towards economic growth. The study further concludes that the neglect of equity and equality issues may be detrimental to educational outcomes geared towards economic growth.

Voting Rights of Indigenous Papuan Women in a Patriarchal Culture: A Study of Gender Equality among Indigenous Papuan Women in Yoboi Village, Sentani District, Jayapura Regency, Papua From the Perspective of Jurgen Habermas

Gender equality has become a significant issue and a focal point at both the national and international levels. The government has implemented various measures as a commitment to minimizing gender disparities. Women, being a vital part of human resources, must optimize their abilities, intelligence, and their role as mothers. Therefore, the issue of gender equality must be intertwined in the development process. Consequently, increasing women’s responsibilities has a positive impact on economic growth in Indonesia. The Gender Empowerment Index (IPG) reveals a substantial gap between provinces in Indonesia, especially in the eastern regions. The cultural system in Papua, which adheres to a patriarchal system, results in the confinement and neglect of women’s voting rights. This research adopts a critical or transformative paradigm processed from the intersection of criticism regarding assumptions made by previous researchers. A critical perspective typically utilizes information gaps for analysis, followed by reconstructing a new narrative without gaps. This allows for the development of a new, feasible concept, enabling researchers to design a new approach. This qualitative study aims to describe and explain the suppression of voting rights experienced by indigenous Papuan women in Yoboi Village, Sentani District, Jayapura Regency, Papua. The results indicate that Papuan women face numerous obstacles in exercising their voting rights in education, economy, culture, and religion. However, there are several ways to address these challenges, such as creating a discussion forum to explore the potential of Papuan women and providing opportunities for them to contribute their opinions. Additionally, the roles of tribal chiefs and customary leaders are crucial in providing space for Papuan women to actively participate in the development of their villages. Keywords: patriarchal culture, indigenous Papuan women

Voice of Empowerment: Debunking Gendered Language in Emma Watson’s Advocacy

For nearly five decades, Robin Lakoff’s women’s language features have been well examined. These features such as hedges, intensifiers, and rising intonation have traditionally positioned women as powerless language users due to their less-assertive nature. However, few have highlighted how these features can serve as rhetorical strategies that can effectively utilized to argue confidently without appearing overly assertive, in line with social expectations. This study examines women’s language features used by Emma Watson at the HeForShe Campaign 2014. By using a descriptive qualitative method, we collected data from Emma’s speech to identify the features of the women’s language that she used to address gender equality issues. The study found six of Lakoff’s (1975) women’s language features, with lexical hedges being the most frequently used to represent politeness and caution in speaking as well as expressing respect for the interlocutor. Notably, tag questions, precise color terms, hypercorrect grammar, and avoiding strong swear words were not found, likely due to their irrelevance to the feminism-focused topic in the campaign. Instead of highlighting the perceived weaknesses of women’s language, this study emphasizes that women’s language can be a means to empower women’s voices. Emma effectively and persuasively delivered her campaign by using her mastery of language, storytelling techniques, and rhetoric to engage the audience. Overall, Emma strategically utilized women’s language to demonstrate her linguistic capability and even persuade the audience effectively rather than showing the weakness of women’s language as commonly perceived by previous studies.

A New Vision for Enhancing Women’s Leadership Role in Higher Education Decision-Making

Legal issues of gender equality and the principle of inadmissibility of discrimination against women in all spheres of life are becoming relevant worldwide, including in the Republic of Kazakhstan. This study aims to show ways to enhance the role of women in the higher education system, which is necessary to implement the principle of real equality in relationships with men, the principle of fair distribution of managerial positions without gender discrimination, and the implementation of leadership activities by women due to their managerial potential. To achieve this goal, the authors have researched this topic in a comparative legal format, comparing the practice and legal peculiarities of Kazakhstan and some developed countries. We used logical analysis, comparative legislative analysis, legal analysis, and legal forecasting. Kazakh legislative acts that promote the expansion of women’s rights while enhancing the role of women in higher education were analyzed. The practical results of the study consist in the formulation and justification of organizational and legal ways to increase the leadership role of women in higher education in the Republic. The scientific novelty lies in the previously unexplored topic of gender equality in the higher education system of Kazakhstan from a legal viewpoint. The conclusion about gender asymmetry should encourage other researchers to study this problem on a larger scale and deepen the understanding that only clearly, competently, and equally selected leaders of both sexes can positively influence the accelerated development of the higher education system and ensure the actual competitiveness of Kazakhstani universities and their graduates. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-05-016 Full Text: PDF

Women's Alternative Media: Agents of Change on the Issue of Women's Roles in Indonesia

ABSTRACTProgress in achieving gender equality and empowering women in Indonesia has been too slow and fragmented. The media can provide a voice and a platform for placing women's role issues on the development agenda. As in the education, health, economic, labor, and political sectors. However, in reality, there is a significant gender gap in mainstream media companies so that women are not represented optimally and steps to improve gender equality are limited. Alternative media is very possible to take a role in explaining issues of gender equality and women's empowerment. Because this type of media can connect various sectors, including trade unions, social movements, organizations and various elements of society. Researchers use the concept of gender and communication development, Standpoint theory, and alternative media. The approach used in this study is literature review research methodology. The results of this study explain that journalists in alternative media consider gender awareness and sensitivity important in themselves to be able to protect and defend women's interests. In fact, alternative media provide wide opportunities for journalists to raise strategic issues of equality and women's empowerment. Keywords: Alternative, Empowerment, Journalists, Media, Women Election

UNVEILING GENDER BIAS: AN ANALYSIS THE DECONSTRUCTION OF MEANING IN ADVERTISING THROUGH CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS

Society's current views on gender equality have become a crucial topic of in-depth discussion, especially those widely promoted by modern society in advertising. It proves that the meaning of gender equality recognized in society has shifted from its true meaning. This research aims to raise the issue of gender equality by deconstructing the meaning of gender equality in advertising from a feminist perspective using Critical Discourse Analysis. This research uses a descriptive qualitative research design with a critical discourse analysis approach by Fairclough, which focuses on three dimensions: the textual, discursive, and sociocultural practice dimensions. The data collection technique in this research uses the SBLC (Simak Bebas Libat Cakap) and note-taking techniques, in which the researcher listens to the utterances contained in the advertisement and records the utterances that will be used as data objects. Data sources were obtained from advertisements published on YouTube, totaling four advertisements with the theme of gender equality. The results of this study provide a deep understanding of the meaning of gender equality in the media and society. They can build different stereotypes or realities and be well-accepted by society. In addition, the deconstruction of meaning allows us as researchers or academics to look more critically at the discourse in these advertisements and whether gender equality always puts men in a position that dominates women.

The Tradition Of Dowry And Gender Equality Issues: A Literature Review

The Tradition Of Dowry And Gender Equality Issues: A Literature Review

Reimagining the Classics: Feminist Perspectives on Canonical Texts

This paper explores feminist perspectives on canonical texts, reimagining classical literature through the lens of gender, power, and voice. “Canonical works have traditionally reflected patriarchal norms, often marginalizing or silencing female characters. Feminist literary criticism challenges these interpretations, offering new ways to understand these texts by reclaiming the voices of women and exposing the gendered structures embedded within them. Through the examination of key themes such as the male gaze, intersectionality, and the subversion of patriarchal norms, this paper seeks to demonstrate how feminist reinterpretations transform the reader's understanding of classical works. Case studies of iconic texts highlight how female characters are redefined, shifting from passive figures to empowered agents of change. The paper also considers the intersection of race, class, and gender in feminist critiques and how modern adaptations and retellings of canonical texts continue to challenge traditional narratives. By critically engaging with feminist theory and literature, this paper argues that these reimagined readings not only provide a more inclusive understanding of classical texts but also reveal their contemporary relevance in addressing issues of gender equality, empowerment, and social justice. This study contributes to feminist literary scholarship by deepening the dialogue between classical literature and feminist thought.

Çevresel, sosyal ve ekonomik sürdürülebilirlik bilincinin ve algılanan tüketici etkinliğinin sürdürülebilir tüketim bağlamında incelenmesi

This systematic literature review examines the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability consciousness within the framework of altruistic and selfish approaches. The study aims to analyse the effects of these consciousness levels on sustainable consumption. The research covers academic studies published in Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar databases between 2010 and 2024. Environmental sustainability awareness includes individuals' awareness of ecological problems and the environmental impacts of consumption behaviours. Social sustainability awareness focuses on issues of justice, equality and social welfare. Economic sustainability awareness enables consumers to act from the perspective of economic rationality. Perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE) is emphasised as a critical antecedent of sustainable consumption. High ATE increases the likelihood of individuals adopting sustainable consumption behaviours. In conclusion, this systematic literature review offers recommendations for understanding and enhancing perceived consumer effectiveness by comprehensively addressing environmental, social and economic sustainability awareness. For future research, the study suggests comparing different dimensions of sustainable consumption between developing and developed countries and exploring the intrinsic motivations behind sustainable consumption behaviours.

Barriers and facilitators to bridging the healthcare digital divide for the older adults: A qualitative research from patients in China.

The aim of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators underlying the healthcare digital divide by using qualitative methodologies, integrated with the Capabilities, Opportunities, Motivations, and Behaviors (COM-B) as well as the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) theoretical frameworks. To conduct a thorough analysis, semi-structured，in-depth interviews were orchestrated among a cohort of older patients who had experiences with digital healthcare systems. Data were meticulously analyzed via Colaizzi's seven-step methodological procedure. Nine barriers were elucidated, including physical limitation, inadequate training and support, self-imposed denial, failure to rebuild the digital healthcare environment, equipment constraints, deficits in communication and feedback, skepticism regarding data accuracy and validity, sense of social deprivation, and network information boycott. Conversely, eleven facilitators were identified, encompassing peer modeling, availability of training and support, reconstructive efforts toward the digital healthcare environment, mandatory usage, familial influence, media impact, scientific publicity and education, enhancement of self-efficacy, sense of social participation, perceived convenience, and access to healthful information. Based on the COM-B and BCW models, healthcare organizations may be able to improve their digital healthcare support systems (capabilities), technical design, network speed, and equipment configuration (opportunities), as well as focus on "human-computer integration," the parallel existence of digital technology and humanistic care, and taking into account the issues of information security, accuracy, and human rights equality (motivation) while benefiting the patients, in order to bridge the healthcare digital divide for the older adults.

WP6.13 - REINVENT- Robotic SurgEry: INnoVation for EfficieNt Training- A qualitative study assessing training in RAS (Robotic Assisted Surgery) and future implementation

Abstract Introduction Despite the rise in use of RAS in UK surgical practice, concerns have been reported regarding the lack of standardisation in training. Little is known on the current exposure to RAS training in the UK and thoughts on how training should be delivered in the future. Methods Semi-structured interviews were completed in person/online with four stakeholder groups:(1) pan speciality surgical trainees; (2) robotic trainers; (3) leads in curriculum development; (4) RAS industry leads. Respondents were pan-speciality and from across the UK. Topic guides focussed on personal perspectives on RAS training, current barriers to accessing training and views on how RAS training can be optimally delivered in the future. Data collection ceased upon saturation in themes and were analysed thematically. Results Twenty-seven informants were interviewed, including 8 trainees, 7 curriculum developers, 6 robotic surgeons and 6 industry leads. Respondents reported multiple challenges in training including barriers to accessing the robot such as the geographical location of the systems; the consultant RAS learning needs; equality and diversity issues and challenges with delivering platform agnostic training. However, respondents reported an anticipated growth in RAS and a need for the surgical training bodies to invest in structured RAS training which should be implemented earlier in surgical training. Discussion RAS training in the UK requires overcoming several barriers to deliver equitable, standardised training. A further study is required to reach a consensus amongst stakeholders on how RAS should be delivered within the current infrastructure of both the UK health care system and surgical training climate.

Midwifery assessment and interventions protocol for adolescent pregnancy: a Delphi method approach

Background: Adolescence pregnancy poses risks for both mothers and infants, often due to insufficient prenatal care resulting from societal stigmatization and lack of awareness. Around 16 million adolescents aged 15-19 years in the world give birth each year; in Indonesia, the first pregnant women aged <20 years are 45.10%, while in West Sumatra, it is 33.7%. To address this issue, integrated programs and midwifery care have been implemented. However, providing such care to adolescent mothers comes with its own set of challenges.Purpose: This study aims to conduct a midwifery assessment and intervention protocol for adolescent pregnancy.Method: Qualitative approach The Delphi method involved two rounds of evaluation, with twenty-one participants who were independent practice midwives, six midwives involved in the mother and child health program, and nine midwifery lecturers from accredited educational institutions A (excellent). Participants had at least five years of clinical experience and were selected using purposive non-probability sampling. Participants evaluated statements related to midwifery care during the Delphi process. The validity of these statements was determined by participants providing a minimum score of 3, and the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) was calculated. Statements with a CVR greater than 0.8 were considered valid.Results: Based on expert consensus, important assessments for adolescent pregnant women include addressing issues of gender equality and domestic violence, reproductive and sexual health, risks associated with smoking and substance abuse, maintaining a healthy pregnancy, and adequately preparing for labor and parenthood.Conclusion: Midwifery management and midwifery information were deemed valid dimensions of midwifery care; relational care had one invalid item.

Inclusive Innovation Governance for Just Transitions: Insights from the Bean Agri-Food System in the Brunca Region of Costa Rica

This study explores how an inclusive governance of “niche” innovations with family farmers enables or limits the realization of just transitions in family farming at different scales, from the local to the national levels. The research focuses on a case study in the Brunca region of Costa Rica, which has pioneered innovations for bean research with family farmers. The primary source of information for the study was in-depth interviews with relevant stakeholders. Secondary information comes from a desk review of the relevant policies and strategic documents from the relevant authorities. Lastly, a semi-scoping review was conducted to explore gender and intergenerational gaps in plant breeding, as well as potential conflicts between plant breeding and on-farm agro-diversity. The inclusive governance of bean research contributes to the realization of just-transition dimensions of justice, such as recognitional, procedural, and distributional justice, as a result of farmers’ engagement in participatory plant-breeding processes, and due to the coordination between different institutions at the local and national levels. Progress has been made in terms of the recognition and participation of farmers in research and in decision-making locally. The findings show interactions between the local and national scales, in terms of the commercialization of farmers’ seeds. However, the Costa Rican program for bean research struggles to engage family farmers in national decision-making processes and falls short of addressing equality and intergenerational issues. It also faces challenges in reaching a balance between short-term income generation and long-term conservation of agro-biodiversity on the farm. Fostering just transitions in family farming would require a greater inclusion of women and youth by the Costa Rican bean system. This implies allocating resources to increase their capacities and participation in bean research, as well as in decision-making at all levels. This is imperative and could be achieved if the government and relevant stakeholders align their strategic objectives and priorities to shorten gender and intergenerational gaps within the bean production system.

The experiences of minority language users in health and social care research: A systematic review.

The planning and management of health policy is directly linked to evidence-based research. To obtain the most rigorous results in research it is important to have a representative sample. However, ethnic minorities are often not accounted for in research. Migration, equality, and diversity issues are important priorities which need to be considered by researchers. The aim of this systematic review (SR) is to explore the literature examining the experiences of minority language users in Health and Social Care Research (HSCR). A SR of the literature was conducted. SPIDER framework and Cochrane principles were utilised to conduct the review. Five databases were searched, yielding 5311 papers initially. A SR protocol was developed and published in PROSPERO: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020225114analysis. Following the title and abstract review by two reviewers, 74 papers were included, and a narrative account was provided. Six themes were identified: 1. Disparities in healthcare; 2. Maternal health; 3. Mental health; 4. Methodology in health research; 5. Migrant and minority healthcare; 6. Racial and ethnic gaps in healthcare. Results showed that language barriers (including language proficiency) and cultural barriers still exist in terms of recruitment, possibly effecting the validity of the results. Several papers acknowledged language barriers but did not act to reduce them. Despite research highlighting cultures over the past 40years, there is a need for this to be acknowledged and embedded in the research process. We propose that future research should include details of languages spoken so readers can understand the sample composition to be able to interpret the results in the best way, recognising the significance of culture and language. If language is not considered as a significant aspect of research, the findings of the research cannot be rigorous and therefore the validity is compromised.

Dissecting Gender Bias: Critical Discourse Analysis of Advertisements in Indonesia

This research aims to identify gender equality issues by deconstructing the meaning of gender equality in advertisements from a feminist perspective through Critical Discourse Analysis. This research uses a descriptive qualitative research design with a Critical Discourse Analysis approach developed by Fairclough, which focuses on three main dimensions: textual dimension (microstructural), text production practice dimension (mesostructural), and socio-cultural practice dimension (macrostructural). Research data were obtained through interviews with informants as well as from advertisements related to gender equality aired on YouTube. Data collection techniques include interviews and the method of free listening and listening (SBLC) with note-taking techniques. The data collected was then analyzed using triangulation and deconstruction methods to reveal the ideology contained in the ad text and compare it with the informants' views. The results of this study show that societal norms often undermine women's abilities and limit women's roles to the domestic domain or as companions to their husbands. This research is expected to provide a deeper understanding of the meaning of gender equality in advertising media and help build a new perspective that is more inclusive and acceptable to society in Indonesia. The phenomenon of gender equality remains a challenge in many countries, including Pakistan and Nigeria, although the approaches and responses to this inequality differ in each country. In Pakistan, gender representations in media and advertising tend to reinforce traditional stereotypes, while in Nigeria, women are more active in fighting inequality through platforms such as blogs, which are used to criticize patriarchy and fight for social change. Deconstructing meaning in advertising allows researchers and academics to critically evaluate whether gender equality always places men in a dominant position over women, thus opening space for deeper analysis and more equitable solutions.

Research on the Current Situation of Gender Inequality in China-From a Female Perspective

The rise of feminism has prompted more and more people in the world to pay attention to the issue of gender equality. In China, which has a large population, this issue has also become very prominent. This paper studies the current situation of inequality in China from women‘s perspective, and analyzes the current situation and reasons of inequality mainly from three aspects: workplace, education and family. The causes are analyzed from three perspectives: history, social welfare policies and family. The influence of Confucianism and patriarchal society on women, the neglect and lack of implementation of some bills of rights for women and the influence of family on women are the main causes. Corresponding solutions are proposed to address the existing phenomena. The government needs to improve women‘s employment and maternity leave policies and strengthen the family subsidies for women, innovate the pension insurance system and marital property system, and raise the social awareness of affirmative action. Equality between men and women was essential for the advancement of women and the development of society.

The paradigm logic of blockchain governance

Blockchain technology is mainly composed of public-key cryptography, hash algorithms and consensus mechanisms. Blockchain solves the two trust problems inherent in human interaction: the Byzantine Generals Problem and the Prisoner's Dilemma, which allows blockchain to replace the function of public power as a centre of trust to a certain extent, and also enables it to become a kind of decentralised large-scale collaborative infrastructure for human beings. Blockchain itself has a strong escape from public power, and the blockchain order is also non-rational. Its emergence has impacted the traditional constructivist-rationalism governance paradigm. Current research exploring blockchain governance issues at the level of governance paradigms is still limited. This study mainly adopts a normative analysis methodology, firstly outlining the decentralised technology model of blockchain and the economic ecosystem model built on top of this technology model. Secondly, this study explores the ontology of blockchain technology and its economic model on a philosophical level as well as the philosophical roots of the limitations of the traditional governance paradigm when confronted with blockchain governance. On this basis, this study further proposes ideas for shifting the blockchain governance paradigm. Specifically, it includes that a judicature-based governance paradigm should be established while the executive power should shift to focus on the issue of equality on the blockchain, and in the context of weakly centralised legislation, soft law governance should be allowed to play more of a role. Considering the popularity and development of blockchain technology, this study provides insights into the theoretical level of blockchain governance.

Personality and political representation—How personality traits shape MPs' attitudes toward gender equality

AbstractThis study analyzes whether the personality traits of Members of Parliament (MPs) affect their attitudes toward the representation of gender equality issues. Based on the Big Five personality traits, we argue that Openness to Experience and Conscientiousness shape MPs' positions toward gender equality policies through two different pathways. The first pathway proposes a direct connection. While Openness is expected to positively affect MPs' support for gender equality, Conscientiousness is assumed to have a negative impact. The second pathway runs indirectly, linking Openness and Conscientiousness to preferences toward gender equality through the effect of these personality traits on MPs' general ideological positions. Using data from a survey of elite politicians in Germany and Switzerland, the results of a causal mediation analysis show a positive direct effect of Openness that holds independent of a mediating influence of political ideology. The analysis deepens our understanding of gender equality legislation and the MPs engaging in it.

A distributed coordinated control strategy for isolated AC microgrids based on consensus algorithm considering communication delay

AbstractIn the multi‐paralleled converter microgrid system, the traditional hierarchical control strategy can eliminate the bus voltage amplitude and frequency deviation from the rated value. However, isolated AC microgrids may face extreme scenarios such as communication delays and interruptions in data transmission due to the use of low‐bandwidth communication (LBC) lines. Additionally, the inconsistent line impedance of each distributed generation (DG) unit may result in the inaccurate division of reactive power in multi‐paralleled converter systems, thus affecting system stability. To address these issues, this paper presents a distributed coordinated control strategy for isolated AC microgrids based on the consensus algorithm. The proposed strategy first replaces LBC lines with a filter to alleviate the effects of communication delays. A small‐signal model is established in its state space, and stability of the microgrid system under the proposed control strategy is verified through eigenvalue analysis. Furthermore, based on the above theoretical analysis, a consensus algorithm is introduced, and a distributed control strategy for isolated AC microgrids based on the consensus algorithm is proposed to solve the issue of inaccurate equalization of the system's reactive power. Finally, factors that influence the dynamic convergence performance of the consensus algorithm are analyzed through simulation in PLECS software. Also, the maximum tolerable communication delays of the microgrid system under different communication topologies are also compared, and the system's robustness is evaluated under the condition of sudden communication interruption in a DG unit and sudden weather variation. These analyses confirmed the robustness of the proposed strategy against communication delays, output power fluctuation, and communication interruptions.