Male Citizens Research Articles

Juanita Brooks's Footnote: History, Memory, and the Murder of Olivia Coombs

Juanita Brooks's Footnote: History, Memory, and the Murder of Olivia Coombs

COVID-19 Susceptibility, Mortality and Length of Hospitalization based on Age-Sex Composition: Insights for Intervention and Stratification

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread worldwide with an unprecedented impact on society. In the Philippines, several interventions such as mobility restrictions for different age groups and vaccination prioritization programs have been implemented to reduce the risks of infections and mortality. This study aimed to identify age-sex composition with greater susceptibility, longer hospitalization and higher fatality. The COVID-19 cases from March 2020 to April 2021 provided by the Department of Health Davao Region in the Philippines were analyzed. A Chi-square test was used to determine the difference in proportions of COVID-19 cases among age-sex compositions. A correlation plot of χ2 test residual was employed to investigate the differences in susceptibility. Boxplots and Kruskal-Wallis tests were utilized to compare the length of hospitalizations. The study found a significant difference in the COVID-19 susceptibility among age-sex compositions (p < 0.01). Male children and female senior citizens were the most susceptible age-sex compositions. Furthermore, senior citizens had the longest hospital days wherein the median and IQR days were 19 (15-27) for men and 18 (16-29) for women. Male senior citizen was the subgroup with the highest case fatality (21.4%, p < 0.01). It is recommended that the number of cases among senior citizens be used as an input in the planning and allocation of medical resources at the provincial and regional levels. The local government unit executives in the region can also take advantage of the availability of age-sex composition data in stratifying localities, planning, allocating COVID-19-related resources and imposing mobility restrictions.

Dyadic Analysis of a Speed-Dating Format between Farmers and Citizens

Alienation between farmers and citizens has increased amid complex developments of agriculture’s intensification, urbanization processes, demographic change, and specialization in food supply chains in developed countries. Traditional public relations instruments have failed to generate societal acceptance of today’s intensive agricultural practices. At the same time, the agricultural sector feels alienated from societal value changes. Other controversial contexts showed that open face-to-face encounters at eye level hold the potential to promote mutual understanding and acceptance. The study aims to analyze how speed-dating conversations between farmers and citizens, considering participants’ characteristics, impact different outcome variables. 24 farmers and 22 citizens specifically recruited for participation in the speed-dating were organized to have short conversations of 10–15 min in different farmer-citizen-constellations. Each conversation had a specific overall agricultural topic including animal welfare, agricultural technology, environmental protection, agricultural policy, and esteem for food. Four months after, different outcomes were measured in a follow-up survey. For 84 person-constellations complete dyadic data were available to be analyzed by hierarchical regression analyses. Participants were mostly satisfied with the dialogue format and gained new factual and personal information. Results indicate stronger impacts of socio-demographic characteristics and personality traits than characteristics of the conversations themselves. Constellations with male citizens, female farmers, more educated farmers, extroverted participants, emotionally stable farmers, and more open participants tended to have higher dyadic outcome variable values. The results call for a re-design of farmer-citizen dialogue formats to facilitate more direct interpersonal communication.

Distribution and epidemiological features of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Asir province, Saudi Arabia, from 2011 to 2020

BackgroundCutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) places a major burden on the health authorities in Saudi Arabia. Information about the geographical reach and seasonality of CL in Asir province remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the epidemiological features of CL in southwest Saudi Arabia. MethodsRetrospective data from CL patients was collected from the regional vector control unit in Asir province over 9 years. Information analysis was performed using R statistic language (version 4.0.5) and the spatial distribution of cases was mapped using QGIS (version 3.20.0). ResultsA total of 1565 CL cases were recorded from 2011 to 2020. Saudi male citizens were at the highest risk of CL infection. However, children under the age of 13 years were most at risk of contracting CL. CL lesions were primarily located on the face and most cases were reported in the winter and autumn seasons. Spatially, the governates of Abha, Sarat-Abidah and Khamis-Mushait had the highest CL infection prevalence. Moreover, a geographical expansion of CL from Abha to Khamis-Mushait governate was noted during past ten years. ConclusionsThis is the first large scale study to investigate the seasonality, spatial distribution and demographics of CL in Asir province. It describes how the geographical change of CL incidence differs in Asir province and reveals those people most at of CL infections. This study highlights the importance of incorporating improved living conditions, school education and public awareness in the development of CL control policies.

A translation of Sybil A. Schwarzenbach’s “Fraternity, solidarity, and civic friendship”

Justice requires a certain form of “fraternity” (Rawls), “solidarity” (Marxists) or “civic friendship” (Aristotle), which is often justified with a need to limit socio-economic inequalities that can undermine just political institutions. However, fraternity has long been associated with the community of “male citizens”, and was also usurped by a totalitarian margin (e.g. the Bruderschaftof the Nazi elite). Less often it is observed that the idea of solidarity, of “standing together” in the opposition to practices of exploitation, has also been modelled on historically male forms of activity: on marching, demonstrating, fighting at the barricades (military activity) or launching labour strikes (economic production). The significance of the notion of civic friendship today is grounded in a third model – that of ethical action or praxis – i.e. in all those activities that support the reproduction of flourishing relations (here called friendship), whether personal or civic, for their own sake. This model of activity has been eclipsed in the modern period by the dominant model of production, yet it includes a host of practices, traditionally (but by no means exclusively) performed by women outside the market: feeding and caring for the young, for the old and sick, developing others’ abilities, educating them, simple playing, etc. Once this alternative model is developed – and its practices thoroughly adapted to modern principles of universal right and respect for personhood – the ideal of civic friendship may just be the most appropriate idea of community for today’s democratic and pluralist society.

Suicidality Among Men in Russia: A Review of Recent Epidemiological Data.

Suicide is a phenomenon that is not related to a specific class of countries but is a problem worldwide. Many studies have attempted to explain gender differences in suicidal behaviors. Unfortunately, Russia holds the world’s top place for the number of suicides committed by its male citizens. Russia is still demonstrating unusually high death rates due to non-natural causes, and these demographic trends are concerning. We analyzed suicidality among men in Russia over the past 20 years using official data published by the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) and secondary sources. We also discussed male suicide as a social problem, analyzed, and evaluated male suicidality in Russia from 2000 to 2020, and reviewed the factors influencing the prevalence of male suicides over female suicides in Russia.Russia is still going through one of the most significant historical changes in the last 100 years. Our analysis showed discrepancies between official numbers and data published by non-government organizations in Russia. Unemployment, low socioeconomic status, underdiagnosed and/or untreated mental illness, and substance abuse are major risk factors for suicide in Russian men. Cultural influences also make suicidal behavior socially scripted in Russia.By providing examples and analyzing data, we aspire to encourage improvements in the practice of mental wellbeing in Russia and other post-Soviet countries. The recommendations within this report are intended as a starting point for dialogue to guide effective suicide prevention in this country.

Said the Hooker to the Thief

Said the Hooker to the Thief

Trends of Overweight and Obesity in Male Adolescents: Prevalence, Socioeconomic Status, and Impact on Cardiovascular Risk in a Central European Country

BackgroundObesity is one of the most important health-related problems of the twenty-first century. Data on its prevalence in Austria remain scarce. Aim of this study was to determine current trends of overweight and obesity, associated comorbidities and socioeconomic status in all 18-year-old male Austrian citizens, and its potential impact on the demand for bariatric surgery in the future.MethodsData from compulsory military conscription examinations in all 18-year-old males from 2003 to 2018 were obtained from the Federal ministry of Defense’s database. Measurements of height, weight, and subsequent body mass index (BMI) calculations in 874, 220 adolescents were subdivided into yearly cohorts. Comorbidities, educational status, and nicotine abuse were evaluated.ResultsMean BMI increased from 22.0 ± 3.95 kg/m2 in 2003 to 22.8 ± 4.69 kg/m2 in 2018 (p < 0.001). Overweight and obesity °I–III increased from 15.3%, 4.2%, 1.2%, and 0.4% (2003) to 20.4%, 7.1%, 2.5%, and 0.8% (2018), respectively. Cardiovascular risk, reflected by the waist-to-height ratio, increased significantly over time (p < 0.0001). Additionally, data showed a significant association of nicotine abuse in overweight or obese adolescents (p < 0.0001). Significantly less adolescents with obesity graduated from high school (p < 0.0001). Overall, 25.7% of adolescents with obesity were considered ineligible for military service.ConclusionsBMI and cardiovascular risk steadily increased over the last 15 years in Austrian male adolescents. A significant shift from normal weight to overweight was observed, while higher obesity classes doubled over this observational period. This study also revealed a significant association of BMI and lower educational status.Graphical Trends of overweight and obesity in male adolescents: prevalence, socio-economic status and impact on cardiovascular risk in a central European country

Emirati Parents’ Attitudes toward the Military and National Service in the United Arab Emirates

Compulsory national service for male citizens presents the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces with an opportunity to recruit future military officers. Research showed that parental attitudes towards the military, manifested through their communication with youths, are likely to influence youths’ decision on a military career. Hence this study examined the attitudes of Emirati parents on the UAE military and national service; particularly parental perceptions of the military work environment; support of a military career for their children; and concerns about national service. Surveys, individual and focus group interviews were conducted with 59 Emirati parents. It found that most participants held the positive view that the military work environment helps attainment of professional goals but were uncertain about personal goals and workplace conditions. Also, more participants were supportive of a military career for sons than daughters. It also identified the basis for parental confidence about enlistment as patriotism and development of positive character traits but main concerns were the exposure to harsh training conditions and threat to life during enlistment. Recommendations were provided for better engagement by the UAE military with Emirati parents and the community.

Antigone in the London office: documentary film, creativity and female agency

ABSTRACT In this paper, the authors explore female creativity and agency through the means of documentary filmmaking. Husband and Wife is an experimental documentary concerning one woman’s journey from Poland to London, England to reclaim the body of her husband after his death. The authors/directors discuss the process of creating a space where the life of the characters and the life of the camera merge. This creative, feminist space is one of mutual influence between themselves, the protagonist and their documentary film. In their investigation of the protagonist’s journey from her Polish hometown to the city of London, they all become affected by the process of filmmaking itself and by the widow’s relentless resourcefulness in her mission to reclaim the body of her husband. To understand the widow’s tenacious approach of dealing with UK institutions, as well as her mourning, the authors refer to the feminist theories of Luce Irigaray, and Judith Butler, who offer different conceptualisations of female identity and ethical agency. Drawing upon Irigaray, and Butler’s analysis of Antigone (Sophocles, 441BC), the cinematic picture of the Polish widow’s commitment to her husband’s post-mortem civic dignity is compared to the commitment of Sophocles’ heroine, who transgressed the patriarchal order attributed only to proper, male citizens. The authors of the paper discuss the definition of otherness, as a mode of creative and ultimate resistance that both Antigone and the Polish widow embody, as women acting in the patriarchal world. In their documentary, the authors-directors articulate Polish Antigone’s act of resistance through the angle of female interiority, as defined by Lucy Bolton, which in cinema is more characteristic of male protagonists. In that way they reflect the incomprehensible agency of a woman that is gained through her gendered performance, her creativity and her everyday existence in the world of men.

Vulnerability and precarity of Palestinian women in the Naqab

Many studies have broadly addressed the status of the Naqab/Negev Bedouins in Israel, particularly the status of women. However, women from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip who are married to male Bedouin citizens of Israel in the Naqab face a particular experience of vulnerability that has not been sufficiently explored. Based on 26 semi-structured interviews with women from the West Bank and Gaza who are married and living in the Naqab, as well as additional interviews with six psychosocial and legal professionals working with these women, this article describes the vulnerability and precarity of these women within the precarious context of the Naqab. Drawing on Judith Butler’s concept of precarity as a heightened risk of disease, poverty, starvation, displacement and exposure to violence without protection, this study examines layers of precarity in these women’s lives. These layers are described through an examination of the intersections between Israel’s settler colonial management of Palestinians’ lives and the Palestinian patriarchal management of women’s lives, thereby uncovering how both these controlling structures intensify women’s precariousness and make them the precariat of the Naqab. Further, the study addresses women’s performativity through their self-erasure and creation of invisible communities as a way to survive.

Transformational Leadership, Achievement Motivation, and Perceived Stress in Basic Military Training: A Longitudinal Study of Swiss Armed Forces

In Switzerland, military service is a civic obligation for all adult male citizens, and thus, leadership style can be particularly challenging. The present study investigated the impact of superiors’ leadership styles on recruits’ achievement motivation, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), and perceived stress during their Basic Military Training (BMT). To this end, a total of 525 male recruits (mean age: 20.3 years) recruits were assessed both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. At the start of BMT (baseline), at week 7, and at week 11, participants completed a series of self-rating questionnaires covering demographic information, achievement motivation, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), perceived stress, and their superiors’ leadership styles (transformational, transactional und laissez-faire). Longitudinally, scores for achievement motivation and OCB showed no significant difference between baseline and the 11th week. In a group comparison, the group experiencing higher transformational leadership (from week 7 to week 11) had the highest scores for achievement motivation and OCB, and the lowest scores for perceived stress, all at week 11. Exploratively, achievement motivation and OCB at baseline were associated with transformational leadership and transactional leadership at week 7 and week 11. Perceived stress at baseline correlated only with transformational leadership but not with transactional leadership, both at week 7 and week 11. Transformational leadership style fostered achievement motivation and OCB in Swiss military recruits and protected them from stress, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally.

Preserving the White Man's Republic: Jacksonian Democracy, Race, and the Transformation of American Conservatism

Preserving the White Man's Republic: Jacksonian Democracy, Race, and the Transformation of American Conservatism

Commending a freedman. Virtues and masculinities in the recommendation letters of Cicero and Pliny the Younger

This article explores Roman freedmen’s masculine positions expressed as virtues, qualities, and ideals in the recommendation letters of Cicero and Pliny the Younger. It discusses whether there were specific freedman virtues, qualities, and ideals and what consequences their existence or absence had for freedmen’s constructions of masculinity. A critical close reading of the texts is applied, combined with theories of masculinity, where hegemonic masculinity is a key concept. It is concluded that there were no virtues or qualities that were specific or exclusive to freedmen. A distinct set of virtues for freedmen did not exist in Late Republican and Early Imperial Rome, since much the same behaviour and qualities are seen as manly and desirable for freedmen as for freeborn male citizens of high birth. However, freedmen cannot comply with the hegemonic masculinity in full, since they cannot embody the Roman masculine ideal of the vir bonus and cannot be associated with the Roman cardinal virtue virtus, which was central in the construction of masculinity in the Roman world. This illustrates the complex Roman gender discourse and, on the whole, the social complexity of Roman society.

Salvaging Marginalized Men: How the Department of Defense Waged the War on Poverty

AbstractArchitects of social welfare policy in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations viewed the military as a site for strengthening the male breadwinner as the head of the “traditional family.” Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Robert McNamara—men not often mentioned in the same conversations—both spoke of “salvaging” young men through military service. The Department of Defense created Project Transition, a vocational jobs-training program for GIs getting ready to leave the military, and Project 100,000, which lowered draft requirements in order to put men who were previously unqualified into the military. The Department of Defense also made significant moves to end housing discrimination in communities surrounding military installations. Policymakers were convinced that any extension of social welfare demanded reciprocal responsibility from its male citizens. During the longest peacetime draft in American history, policymakers viewed programs to expand civil rights and social welfare as also expanding the umbrella of the obligations of citizenship.

Kanduras ‘Khaleeji style’: Investigating Gulf masculinities and dress

Far more research is dedicated to assessing women’s fashioned bodies than for men’s in the Middle East and particularly in Gulf countries. Across the Gulf, male national citizens typically wear a long ‘dress-like’ garment, with regionally designated names of kandura , dish-dasha or thobe, and in colours delineated depending on the particular GCC state. Particularly focusing on the United Arab Emirates, I investigate how the kandura, when combined with the ghutra (white headscarf) and agal (black rope with tassels), becomes representational of national hegemonic masculinity and performatively styled to underline cultural authority and authenticity. These garments are deemed traditional attire, but on a closer inspection, they act as sites to investigate coded signs of cultural fashion capital and ‘local’ tastes. This article critically unpacks these constructs and their meanings for Khaleeji masculinity by examining three main ‘spaces’ – work, leisure and military national service – to scrutinize how the gender politics of space operates on men’s dressed body practices and underpins an emblematic presentation of privilege and patriotic manhood.

Machine learning-based prediction of depression levels: developing a model for male and female senior citizens

Machine learning-based prediction of depression levels: developing a model for male and female senior citizens

Greek History

I commence this review with a major contribution to the social history of classical Athens. Athenian social history is traditionally focused on polarities of class, status, and gender; while these polarities were obviously important, it is equally significant to adopt an interactionist approach and explore the shape of encounters between people belonging to the same or different groups. Rafał Matuszewski has chosen to focus on the interactions and communication between male Athenian citizens: in particular, the various spaces in which those interactions took place, as well as the means of communication. As regards the spaces, he explores in detail the noisy streets, the Agora, the various shops, workshops, and places of commensality and entertainment, the baths, the gymnasia, and the palaestrae. This is an excellent synthesis of a large number of social spaces in classical Athens, which have never been explored in the same detail as, for example, sanctuaries and cemeteries. Equally fascinating is the second part of the work and its detailed exploration of the body as a means of communication, alongside elements of material culture like clothes, houses, and graves. The wealth of material that is collected and examined and the interactionist framework employed have the potential to revolutionize how we study Greek social and cultural history; it is to be hoped that Anglophone readers will make the effort to engage seriously with this important German book.

Belle Epoque in Arms? Armed Associations and Processes of Democratization in Pre-1914 Europe

AbstractDuring the belle epoque, many thousands of male European citizens joined military youth groups and paramilitary units, volunteer and private police forces, company defense groups, student b...

The Waxing and Waning of Loyalty in German Citizenship

This paper analyses the waxing and waning of loyalty in German citizenship. The paper focuses on three areas where loyalty historically played a role: military service, requirements that naturalisation candidates commit to support and uphold constitutional values, and debates over exclusive loyalty and dual citizenship. There is an asymmetry between loyalty and disloyalty. Germany no longer requires young male citizens to demonstrate their loyalty through military service. Nonetheless, perceived disloyalty, such as military service for a foreign state or terrorist militia, can result in loss of citizenship. Citizens are not required to show loyalty to the constitutional order but engaging in activities to undermine the constitutional order is incompatible with becoming a naturalised German citizen. For dual citizenship there is continued opposition due at least in part to concerns over divided loyalties but increasing toleration in bureaucratic practice. The revival of loyalty requirements in the late 1990s and after 2001 is a reaction to perceived failures of immigrant integration. Evolving human rights norms help explain the relaxation of loyalty requirements after 1945 but not their recent revival. Debates over political loyalty as well as dual citizenship show distinct partisan differences. Finally, both Hitler and the Weimar Republic cast long shadows.