Matriarchal Research Articles

Forms of the Mother Right: Marxism's Matriarchal Origins from Friedrich Engels to Lu Märten

AbstractThe nineteenth‐century discovery of the matrilineal origins of society shattered assumptions about the necessity of the bourgeois family. For Marxists, ethnographic studies of the mother right provided an aesthetic form to reevaluate the “woman question” from a scientific perspective. Although Marx and Engels had long rejected the idea of the family in favor of “family forms,” Engels's adaptation of Morgan's Ancient Society (1877) in Der Ursprung der Familie, des Privateigentums und des Staats (1884) was canonized as the authoritative Marxist text on the subject. While the ethnographic form enabled the denaturalization of the family, its racialized and gendered temporality undercut socialist critiques of social forms. This article introduces Lu Märten's queer utopian response to the mother right, Geschichte der Frau vom Mutterrecht bis zur Gegenwart (1947), which dispenses with the evolutionary structure of the ethnographic study to offer a vision of polyamorous and androgynous forms in a classless society.

EU National Systems of Child-Related Leave: A Maternalist Approach, Despite the Work-Life Balance Directive

The Work-Life Balance (WLB) Directive has created for the first time at European Union (EU) level a right to paternity leave and effective incentives for fathers to make use of the right to parental leave. The goal of this Directive is to correct the imbalance of the previous EU model on child-related leave, with the ultimate aim of achieving a more equal sharing of leave between men and women, improving the situation of women in the labour market, and eventually achieving more equality both at home and at work.This article examines twenty-seven EU national systems of child-related leave to ascertain to what extent they fit in the new EU model and are gender-balanced. National data shows that, despite the new rights and incentives created for fathers, there is a widespread maternalist approach, with lengths of maternity leave far longer than those of paternity leave and few well-paid daddy months of parental leave. Finally, it suggests some ideas on how the EU can bring closer national rights of mothers and fathers, both in terms of entitlements and actual use, and advocates an egalitarian approach under which both parents have equal real chances to spend time with their children.

Unveiling injustice: Disrupting child removal policies and upholding breastfeeding: An emancipatory framework.

Before colonization, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities had nurturing, holistic, and communitarian approaches that promoted extended and healthy lives for their children. Colonization, marked by policies of genocide and assimilation, has resulted in an alarming overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children under the care of child protection agencies, resulting in compromised health outcomes and reduced life expectancies. We are conducting a study designed to enhance positive developmental outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children by articulating and enabling the rights of mothers and children to breastfeed in the context of a child protection intervention and child removal. To understand and address this problem, it is critical to implement culturally safe, de-colonized, emancipatory research that is guided by and benefits Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This article presents an emancipatory framework that we are applying to our study using an Aboriginal participatory action research approach, that serves as a guide for non-Indigenous researchers seeking to conduct research with Indigenous communities. We emphasize the importance of incorporating an Aboriginal participatory action research framework, using community consultation and codesign; culturally secure data collection methods, and paying attention to Indigenous data sovereignty. Developing trusting respectful relationships is conducive to knowledge acquisition, exchange, and use, when research approaches deeply rooted in community involvement are applied. A call to action by the critical midwifery studies collective, urges non-Indigenous researchers to become accountable allies that demonstrates respect for community leadership while actively striving to ensure research does not perpetuate further harm, and produces effective change. This article provides an overview of ways to conduct ethical emancipatory research with Indigenous participants, that is, of benefit to midwifery practitioners and is applicable to many areas of research, policy, and practice.

Guardianship Law in India: Examining the Principle of ‘Best Interests’ of Minors and the Rights of Single Mothers as Sole Guardians

Guardianship Law in India: Examining the Principle of ‘Best Interests’ of Minors and the Rights of Single Mothers as Sole Guardians

The influence of the workplace environment on the behavior of health workers who breastfeed in Kupang Regency

Exclusive breastfeeding coverage in Indonesia in 2022 was recorded at only 72.04%, while in East Nusa Tenggara Province it was 78.56%. In Kupang Regency in 2022, the achievement of exclusive breastfeeding will be 77.2%, which is still less than the national target indicator. Breastfeeding mothers who return to work are less likely to provide exclusive breastfeeding. How challenges can occur in efforts to provide exclusive breastfeeding, namely the environment and from the mother herself. This study aims to determine the influence of the workplace environment on the behavior of breastfeeding mothers who work as health workers. This research is quantitative research using a cross sectional approach. The sample from this research consisted of 84 respondents. In selecting samples using inclusion criteria, namely mothers who work as health workers who have babies aged 6 - 24 months in the Kupang Regency area. The research instrument used a questionnaire from January to March 2024. Data analysis used the chi square test. The results of the univariate analysis showed that the majority of workplace environments were categorized as Fair (53.6%). According to breastfeeding behavior, the majority of breastfeeding mothers chose to partially breastfeed (61.9%). According to the results of bivariate analysis, with a p value of 0.021. An unsupportive work atmosphere can influence the behavior of mothers who breastfeed exclusively. As a result, health institutions must help mothers more by providing appropriate social and physical facilities. In addition, written policies that regulate the rights of breastfeeding mothers must have clear technical instructions. All parties must be committed to creating a friendly environment for breastfeeding mothers. There is an influence of the work environment on breastfeeding behavior for health workers who breastfeed.

Dystopian Fiction: Can it Enable us to Think Critically about Gendered Violence and Power?

This article discusses the issues of power sex, gender, and the law with regard to identifying and controlling violence against women. It discusses these concepts within dystopian works of fiction and their application, both actual and potential, to real life. The novels and films below have been selected for their perceived relevance to the author as examples of dystopian fiction, but importantly they engage with Gadamer’s concept of language and socially and historically affected consciousness. Hence, the themes, but also their reception, are products of their time and place. The central themes of the novels will be those typical for dystopian fiction, such as power, governmental control and loss of individualism. However, other themes particularly pertinent to feminist dystopian fiction are also investigated, such as imagining a matriarchal society, misogyny and misandry, sexual violence, and the limitations upon the behaviour of individuals, usually female, but not always. Feminist theory has engaged with ‘essentialism’, both arguing for an essential difference between ‘males’ and ‘females’, but also disputing essentialism for limitations upon the sexes. One criticism of such works is that they are based upon biological sex and as such promote a dichotomous essentialism. However, since this article is discussing violence against women, biological or gendered, it is not engaging with the subtlety of multi-faceted ‘gendered’ identities, except in the stereotyping of such ‘attributes’. The selected novels have enabled different interpretations over time, due to the diversity of readers, and of social norms, values, and beliefs. Whether we can distance ourselves from our socially and historically embedded understandings through these works of fiction, to critique the contemporary world is discussed. Arguably, for Attwood the critique and change potential is not guaranteed, for: “Humanity is so adaptable. Truly amazing, what people can get used to, as long as there are a few compensations.” This article argues that, crucially, with what, and with whom, we identify, are influential in our interpretations.

Development of neonatal Apgar scoring training program utilizing contactless hand tracking in immersive virtual reality

BackgroundThe rapid and accurate assessment of neonatal asphyxia is critical to preventing potentially fatal outcomes. Therefore, nursing students must acquire the skills to assess newborn conditions immediately after birth and implement appropriate interventions. Virtual reality (VR) simulation education has emerged as a promising tool for nursing education, offering repetitive and customizable clinical training while ensuring patient safety and overcoming spatiotemporal limitations. AimThis study investigated the effects of a contactless hand-tracking-based immersive VR neonatal Apgar scoring program, adapted from experiential learning theory. DesignA non-randomized controlled trial with a pre-post-test, quasi-experimental design was conducted. SettingsThe study was conducted at two nursing schools from July to October 2023. ParticipantsParticipants comprised nursing students holding bachelor's degrees in nursing, with three or four years of experience and successful completion of a neonatal nursing theory course. Additionally, individuals with at least six months of experience working in a neonatal ward or delivery room before enrolling in nursing school were eligible. MethodsThe participants were divided into three groups: the VR group (n = 27) received contactless hand-tracking-based immersive VR neonatal Apgar scoring training; the simulation group (n = 28) received face-to-face Apgar scoring simulation training; and the control group (n = 26) received instruction on the Apgar scoring criteria. Changes in scores among the VR, simulation, and control groups were statistically compared using ANOVA with SPSS-WIN 27.0. ResultsThe VR group exhibited significant improvements in knowledge, learning satisfaction, self-confidence, immersion, and motivation compared to the simulation and control groups. Moreover, satisfaction was significantly higher in the VR group than in the simulation group. ConclusionsThe hand-tracking-based immersive VR neonatal Apgar scoring program represents an innovative and effective educational tool, prioritizing the privacy and rights of mothers and infants. It can potentially replace traditional delivery-room clinical training, which is observation-based and limited.

Neporočene matere med normami in prakso

In the Habsburg Monarchy, the civil rights of illegitimate mothers and children were primarily regulated by the Austrian Civil Code of 1811. Under this code, illegitimate children did not enjoy the same rights as legitimate ones. Nevertheless, the illegitimate father was obligated to provide for them. The extent to which this progressive principle in Austrian law was practically implemented remains uncertain. This study investigates the frequency with which illegitimate mothers pursued legal recourse when fathers refused financial responsibility for their children. Additionally, it examines how often these mothers successfully obtained paternity recognition. The paper addresses these inquiries by analysing one hundred preserved custody court files from the District Courts in Rakek, Lož, and Cerknica between 1899 and 1945, alongside other relevant civil law documents.

The Right To Motherhood Behind Bars: Evaluating The Conditions And Policies For Women Prisoners With Children In India

This research paper delves into the complex issue of motherhood behind bars in India, focusing on the evaluation of the conditions and policies affecting women prisoners with children. Given the growing concern for human rights and gender-specific needs within the penal system, this study aims to shed light on the lived experiences of incarcerated mothers and the operational realities of the policies designed to support them. Employing a mixed-methods approach, including interviews, surveys, and document analysis, the research examines the living conditions, healthcare access, nutritional standards, and child-rearing facilities within Indian women's prisons. It juxtaposes these findings against existing policies and their implementation, identifying gaps between policy and practice, and evaluating compliance with international human rights standards. The voices of incarcerated mothers are central to this analysis, providing invaluable insights into the challenges and needs faced by this vulnerable population. The study culminates in actionable recommendations for policy reforms, emphasizing the need for a humane approach that prioritizes the welfare and rights of both mothers and their children. This research contributes to the broader discourse on prison reform and women's rights, advocating for significant changes to ensure dignity and support for motherhood behind bars in India.

Breastfeeding behind bars: Experiences of incarcerated mothers in the Spanish penitentiary system.

This research aims to analyze the breastfeeding experiences of incarcerated mothers in the prisons of the Spanish penitentiary system. Additionally, it explores whether these mothers have perceived practices related to obstetric violence during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. An exploratory-descriptive study was conducted using a qualitative approach and a critical ethnographic method. Fieldwork, including participant observation and semi-structured interviews, was carried out between December 2021 and April 2022. The study involved 30 adult women from Africa, Europe, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, all serving sentences with their infants in Mother Units located in the Spanish cities of Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville. The main findings highlight the need for penitentiary policies with a gender and feminist perspective. These policies should aim to eliminate severe inequalities and discriminations faced by incarcerated women while protecting the basic rights of both mothers and infants.

Analysis of the "Family House" Culture of The Mosuo Nationality

In recent years, the attention index of space culture in anthropology has continued to rise. As a symbol of space, "Family House" can objectively reflect the essence of culture. At the same time, the concept of "Family House" plays an important role in the Mosuo ethnic group. By studying the "Family House" society of the Mosuo people, this paper finds the surrounding cultural phenomena radiated by this as the core, and deeply explains its unique matriarchal society.

Fatherhood Lullabies: Masculinity and Aging Paternity in the Basque Country as Portrayed in Alauda Ruiz de Azúa’s Cinco lobitos

Even though Basque director Alauda Ruiz de Azua’s debut film, Cinco lobitos, revolves around motherhood and its two female characters bear the heavyweight of the narrative, set in a historically perceived matriarchal society, such as the Basque Country, the two male supporting roles—that of the young father and the old grandfather of the newborn child—are critical to articulate the film’s underlying discourse on the complex and evolving relationships amongst the members of a family unit—whether it be the result of a traditional marriage (that of the grandparents) or a modern partnership (the young couple). Despite their age difference and distinct upbringing, the two male characters mirror each other in their embodiment of an emotionally absent life partner and paternal figure who prioritizes his role as a provider rather than a caregiver. Hence, intertwined with the struggles of maternity and its acute impact on women’s life choices, the portrayal of fatherhood in this film equally reflects on the evolution of the paternal role throughout a man’s life and in Basque society, while it evokes that the traditionally assigned gender roles echo across generations.

The main content and modern value of PRE-Qin Taoism life thought

The cultural origin of Taoism life thought includes: the mythological origin contained in matriarchal society, the rebirth conveyed by reproduction worship, and the wisdom of heaven and man nourished by witchcraft history culture. Taoism life thought is composed of life view, life and death view, rebirth theory and health theory. Taoism life thought has the distinct characteristics of life standard, natural concern and transcendent intention. The Taoist concept of “reverence for life” and “maintenance of life” is of enlightening significance to the settlement of life.

‘I have to pretend that I don’t care’: Stigma management among unmarried young mothers in South-Western Nigeria

ABSTRACT Young mothers often encounter stigma and discrimination, affecting their lives and that of their children. This paper explores stigma management strategies and their effectiveness for young mothers in rural Nigeria. Ten key informants and 24 young mothers were recruited from Ife-East in South-Western Nigeria. Data from semi-structured interviews showed that societal disapproval of pregnant teenagers and young mothers were common experiences. Women used a range of strategies to actively cope with stigma including: belief in predestination, avoidance, concealment, and cohabitation. These strategies could be seen as tools to mitigate negative stereotypes and discrimination. However, they also had the unintended consequences of compounding many young women’s difficult circumstances and exposing them to adverse outcomes, including gender-based violence, repeat pregnancies, poor mental health, and low uptake of services. The results show the need for policy frameworks to actively combat stigma by addressing the negative framing of early pregnancy and motherhood and promoting supportive environments for young mothers. Health professionals need to be trained to offer de-stigmatising services to encourage young mothers to seek help and reduce pre-existing inequities in access to services, and policies need to include measures that address the rights of young mothers and protect them from violence and abuse.

Inequality in the Human Rights of Mothers and Children in Law Number 23 of 2002 concerning Child Protection Violates the Fifth Principle of Pancasila

Pancasila as a value that is aspired to and used as the ideology of the nation and state and becomes the basis of laws and regulations in Indonesia. One of the development sectors guaranteed by Pancasila is development in the field of social welfare. The fifth precept of Pancasila contains the right of every citizen to have freedom of property rights, social security rights, the right to get a job and health protection. However, there are still inequalities in the right to health and education rights received by children. Child and maternal deaths and many children who drop out of school and some rural school children have not enjoyed the facilities and infrastructure of the government. The research method used is the normative juridical method. The research approach uses the statutory approach method (statute approach), concept approach (conceptual approach) and case approach (case approach). The realization of human rights in accordance with the fifth principle of Pancasila is maintaining a balance between rights and obligations, respecting the rights of other people, respecting the rights of other people including the right to education and the right to health of children. The implementation of SJJN and the APBN budget for education is an embodiment of the Pancasila values from the fifth principle so that children no longer experience inequality in their health and education rights. Legal protection for mothers and children for unequal rights based on Law Number 23 of 2002 concerning Child Protection, which includes unequal health rights and educational rights received by children and mothers. In overcoming inequality of rights, the government should optimize the implementation of UUPA regulations regarding maternal child health and the right to education.

Ancient Matriarchal Kingdoms in India and China: A Case Study of Strīrājya of Mahābhārata and Nüer Guo of Journey to the West

India and China are home to ancient civilizations marked by extensive cultural and interpersonal connections dating back over two millennia. These enduring societies not only resisted external invasions but also left an indelible impact on the development of diverse and unparalleled communities throughout history. Given their vast geographical expanse, both nations hosted numerous kingdoms in East and Southeast Asia, predominantly led by male rulers, thus establishing them as patriarchal domains. However, amid this prevailing trend, certain kingdoms distinguished themselves by being exclusively governed by women, nurturing well-established matriarchal societies. Noteworthy examples of such female-led kingdoms can be found in both ancient Indian and Chinese literature, suggesting a potential impact of Indic literature and culture on shaping the mindset of the Chinese populace. Delving into these ancient matriarchal realms not only provides insights into the socio-political status of women in these two countries but also presents an opportunity to reflect on the folk ethics, customs, and beliefs that set these kingdoms apart from other male-dominated societies.

Protection of rights and legal remedies for surrogate mothers in China

Surrogacy has grown significantly as an underground industry in China over the last two decades. Accordingly, an increasing number of surrogate mothers are being bound by surrogacy contracts. As surrogacy contracts are unregulated in China, the contractual obligations of surrogacy may cause serious harm to surrogate mothers due to the infringement of their rights and increased risk of injury. Sociocultural concerns and financial considerations have made surrogate mothers hesitant to seek legal remedies. Additionally, gaps in the legislative and judicial rules make it difficult for surrogate mothers to receive sufficient compensation after suffering injuries. This study examines the infringement of the rights of surrogate mothers and potential injuries to them during surrogacy transactions and contract fulfillment. Furthermore, it presents the current legal framework of surrogacy regulation and remedies for preserving the rights of surrogate mothers. The causes of the current dilemma of protecting rights are analyzed, and regulative and legislative suggestions for preventing injury and providing legal remedies are offered.

Perlindungan Hak Layanan Kesehatan Ibu Bersalin di Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah Kabupaten Kepulauan Mentawai

The degree of public health in a country is influenced by the existence of health facilities. Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health states that health service facilities are places and/or tools used to provide health services to individuals or communities using promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative and/or palliative approaches carried out by the Government. Central, Regional Government, and/or the community. The health facilities in question consist of health service facilities, pharmaceutical facilities and medical equipment, as well as government-owned health education institutions that produce health workers. In Indonesia, protecting the right to health services is part of the implementation of health efforts as regulated by Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health. Therefore, maternal health services have become an inseparable part of the state's guarantee of the right to health. Even though this law is still relatively new, this and existing legal products do not yet regulate the rights to health services for birthing mothers specifically and comprehensively. The research method used is normative law by studying several things such as legal principles, document studies, and using various secondary data such as statutory regulations, court decisions, legal theory, and can be the opinions of scholars. Seeing the importance of protecting the right to health services for mothers who are giving birth, the author sees that the Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health does not specifically have any special provisions for protecting the rights of mothers who are giving birth to get health services so this research will have the aim of the birth of the Law. Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health provides protection for the right to good health services for mothers giving birth in health facilities in general and at the Mentawai Islands District General Hospital in particular.

The Offence Of Infanticide To Vietnamese Criminal Code Comparison With Other Countries In The World

A mother’s love is one of the most sacred emotions of humanity, regardless of ethnicity or culture; however, a mother’s cruel rejection of such humanistic emotion and ending the life of the child she struggled to conceive and give birth to produces uneasiness and mistrust in people. There must be a reason why an average person would violate this consistent moral requirement. As a result of societal factors, the legal policies of a number of nations, including Vietnam, include infanticide as a crime with a number of special components, such as the offender endangering the life of a special victim under no less extraordinary situations and circumstances. All of the above distinctive conditions also produce a unique crime that partially reflects the state’s humanitarian policy. Due to the unique character of this offence, the legislation governing its implementation and enforcement must be carefully addressed. This article compares and contrasts Vietnamese law with the legal systems of countries that record infanticide as a crime, analyses and researches with an interdisciplinary approach to identify outstanding deficiencies, improve Vietnamese criminal law, ensure the criminal law’s adaptability to changing times, and better protect the rights of newborn children and mothers.

Perlindungan terhadap Ibu Pengganti (Surrogate Mother) dalam Prespektif Hukum Hak Asasi Manusia di Indonesia

This research aims to find out about the protection of human rights and international human rights regarding the practice of Surrogate Mother and to find evidence that there are no legal provisions that can protect the human rights of all parties involved in this practice. This type of research is normative legal research. Through a legislative approach that applies in Indonesia. The results of this research show that the practice of renting a womb violates human rights. The practice of surrogacy or womb renting cannot be implemented in Indonesia because it is considered to violate the human rights of mothers who rent out their wombs to have offspring from a valid marriage in accordance with article 28 paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution. Apart from that, when an agreement is made, the agreement is not recognized or considered invalid because a woman's womb is not an object of an agreement. Apart from that, the unclear status of the children born can cause defects if inbreeding occurs. These legal findings show that there are no clear legal provisions that can protect the human rights of all parties involved, including children born as a result of this practice. The legality of renting a womb in international human rights helps married couples to have children. As a form of absolute right as a human right which is also regulated in international instruments including the UDHR and CEDAW.
 
 This research aims to find out about the protection of human rights and international human rights regarding the practice of Surrogate Mother and to find evidence that there are no legal provisions that can protect the human rights of all parties involved in this practice. This type of research is normative legal research. Through a legislative approach that applies in Indonesia. The results of this research show that the practice of renting a womb violates human rights. The practice of surrogacy or womb renting cannot be implemented in Indonesia because it is considered to violate the human rights of mothers who rent out their wombs to have offspring from a valid marriage in accordance with article 28 paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution. Apart from that, when an agreement is made, the agreement is not recognized or considered invalid because a woman's womb is not an object of an agreement. Apart from that, the unclear status of the children born can cause defects if inbreeding occurs. These legal findings show that there are no clear legal provisions that can protect the human rights of all parties involved, including children born as a result of this practice. The legality of renting a womb in international human rights helps married couples to have children. As a form of absolute right as a human right which is also regulated in international instruments including the UDHR and CEDAW.