Patriarchal Structures Research Articles

EKSPLORASI SECARA MULTIDIMENSI SEBAGAI SUATU PERBANDINGAN TERHADAP DINAMIKA LARANGAN POLIANDRI

This study explores the multidimensional dynamics of the prohibition of polyandry, a marital practice where a woman has more than one husband. Methodologically, the research is grounded in a qualitative approach, drawing on a diverse range of literature, including books, journals, and websites, which are analyzed descriptively and analytically based on the theory of Maslahah. The study aims to provide a deeper understanding and analysis of the dynamics surrounding the prohibition of polyandry and its relevance to the concept of Maslahah. The exploration reveals that the prohibition of polyandry is influenced by social, legal, cultural, economic, and health dimensions. From a social perspective, polyandry disrupts patriarchal structures and complicates issues of lineage and inheritance. Legally, the practice challenges administrative regulations and civil status, reflecting dominant religious and moral norms that support monogamy or controlled polygamy. Economically, while polyandry may address financial constraints in specific settings, it generally reduces economic efficiency and household financial management in the broader societal context. In terms of health, the practice poses risks related to sexual and reproductive health, potentially increasing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and complicating reproductive management. Additionally, through the lens of Maslahah in Islamic law, the prohibition of polyandry is considered an effort to protect the public welfare, minimize harm (mudharat), and enhance social and familial stability. It indicates that the prohibition policy is not only a manifestation of traditional or religious values but also the result of pragmatic and comprehensive consideration of its long-term impacts on the structure and function of society. Overall, the study provides a critical explanation of how the concept of Maslahah justifies the prohibition, ultimately aiming to preserve societal order and overall well-being.

Postcolonial Ecofeminism in Arundhati Roy’s <i>The God of Small Things</i>

Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things illustrates ecofeminism by creating hierarchical dualisms and identifying the victims within these structures. Ecofeminism in a postcolonial context analyses the intertwined systems of oppression that arise from the intersection of colonialism, patriarchy, and environmental exploitation. It explores how patriarchal domination and capitalist patriarchy together impact the postcolonial environment and its people. Thus, both ecological and feminist issues highlight the locus of the ‘Other’ or the ‘Subaltern,’ who are exploited by the ‘Superior Self’ in terms of class, caste, race, and gender in postcolonial society. Arundhati Roy exposes how the patriarchal structure of Syrian Christian society exacts a heavy toll on the protagonist Ammu, her children Estha and Rahel, and the untouchable Velutha. She also illustrates how capitalist patriarchy impacts the nature and environment of Ayemenem. Based on Roy’s novel, this essay will discuss concerns and consciousness against various injustices in postcolonial Indian society.

Deconstructing Desire: Criticism of Western Romantic Narratives in Mitski's "Your Best American Girl" Music Video

Mitski Miyawaki, a Japanese American indie-rock artist professionally known as Mitski, wrote her 2016 song, “Your Best American Girl,” from the perspective of a woman who is unable to have a relationship with her love interest due to their different racial and cultural backgrounds. The accompanying music video engages with the song’s social message while adding nuance and complexity to it. Many of the lyrics portray Mitski’s feelings of isolation as an Asian American woman, especially through their employment of Japanese cultural symbols, while the music video uses parody, camera angles, and Americana iconography to further illustrate Mitski’s experiences of isolation. This essay analyzes the subtle ways in which “Your Best American Girl” subverts Asian stereotypes and destabilizes white patriarchal structures that are perpetrated by popular media, particularly through white centrality in the indie-rock genre. Comparison of “Your Best American Girl” to Lana Del Rey’s “Born to Die” music video reveals how “Your Best American Girl” uses parody techniques to criticize this white centrality. Further, its references to PJ Harvey allows Mitski to occupy a similar position of musical authenticity and command respect. Through lyrical, musical, and visual storytelling, “Your Best American Girl” chronicles Mitski’s journey towards self-acceptance, while critiquing the pervasive whiteness in romantic narratives.

Gender Bias in AI

This work analyzes the gendered bias inherent in burgeoning Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. Drawing from feminist scholarship on algorithmic bias, it argues that AI development reflects and amplifies existing patriarchal structures. The analysis highlights how AI applications, from chatbots reinforcing gendered stereotypes to art generators perpetuating a white male gaze, threaten to exacerbate social inequities

PSYCHOLOGICAL DYNAMICS AND COPING MECHANISMS OF WOMEN INVOLVED IN ISLAMIC POLYGAMOUS MARRIAGES

This study explores the coping mechanisms and religious beliefs employed by women in polygamous relationships to manage emotional distress, and the extent to which this approach challenges or reinforces patriarchal structures within these relationships. Data collected a closed Facebook group for Muslim women only reveal that women in polygamous relationships often experience psychological and emotional distress. To cope, they commonly resort to religious faith, acceptance of fate, and compromise with co-wives. While these strategies help manage emotional distress, they can potentially reinforce patriarchal structures within these relationships. The research provides a nuanced perspective, arguing that these coping mechanisms can be seen both as a form of resistance against and an acceptance of patriarchal norms. The study also underscores the need for further research into factors such as stress levels, coping skills, and marital factors that can impact behavioral, emotional, and cognitive outcomes in polygamous marriages. To conclude, in polygamous relationships, women often use avoidance and religious justification as coping mechanisms. While these strategies provide temporary relief or spiritual comfort, they don't address the long-term psychological harm or inherent gender inequalities.

Women academics’ motivation for higher education and empowerment: a qualitative case study in Pakistan

ABSTRACT Women’s empowerment is an important goal of the educational processes around the world. Women in developing countries need support and motivation for attaining higher education and empowerment. This qualitative-exploratory study sought to explore the perceptions of Pakistani female university academics living inside predominantly patriarchal social structures regarding their motivation for and issues in attaining higher education and empowerment. The study also aimed at understanding the notion of empowerment and areas where women academics have achieved empowered status. The study also investigated women academics’ access to higher education, and its impact on their current social positioning in a traditional social setup. A total of 30 purposefully selected women academics from public sector universities in Northwest Pakistan constituted the study sample. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that patriarchal social structures in and outside workplaces influence women academics’ motivation for higher education and empowerment. However, some motivational factors, including economic stability, professional identity in society, intellectual fulfilment and support of fathers and husbands seemed instrumental in contributing to women academics’ pursuits of higher education and attainment of positions in academia.

The perceived future of female entrepreneurs in South Africa

The study under discussion aims to map the outlook for female business owners in South Africa by investigating nine stories shared by interviewees operating across industries, age groups, and holding different levels of education. Through a qualitative exploration grounded in the intersectionality theory, the research unveils a nuanced tapestry of challenges and opportunities shaping the experiences of these resilient entrepreneurs. The findings echo the transformative potential inherent in women-led businesses, vividly portraying them as dynamic agents fostering growth, attracting investments, and contributing positively to economic expansion, poverty alleviation, and community development. The narrative portrays the leading women-run businesses as agents of change, instigating economic growth, attracting investments, and contributing positively to the realisation of social justice, poverty eradication, and improved livelihoods. The theme of patriarchy surfaces as a challenge in the entrepreneurial field, but with more pronounced adverse structures in opposition to free-playing entrepreneurship. The study that has exhausted all the topics ends with an emphasis on targeted interventions, acknowledging the obstacle of domestic constraints, improving cooperation, and dismantling patriarchal power structures. Its principles are establishing a supportive environment that considers the distinctive factors of women's entrepreneurship, resulting in economic empowerment and sometimes overall social development. Due to its active contribution to women's direction in business and in the implementation of pertinent targeted interventions, South Africa can employ women's potential fully, which can lead to economic growth and be socially beneficial in the meantime. The study also suggests that future inquiries to clear the sight about different actors within the entrepreneurship ecosystem and eventually form a comprehensive outlook of all factors that underline the complex business generation process.

‘It was horrible to watch, horrible to be a part of’: Midwives’ perspectives of obstetric violence

BackgroundObstetric violence, including unconsented interventions, coercion and disrespect, violates human rights; impacting the physical and psychosocial health of women. The perspective and experience of midwives related to obstetric violence have been explored in low and middle-income countries, with limited research into the experience of midwives in high income nations. AimTo explore Australian midwives’ perspectives of obstetric violence. MethodsThematic analysis of qualitative in-depth interviews with 15 midwives experienced in supporting women during birth. Critical feminist theory underpinned each stage of the research. FindingsInterviews with 15 Australian midwives from diverse care settings were analysed thematically. Four key themes were developed from the data: ‘the operationalisation of obstetric violence’, ‘the impact of obstetric violence’ ‘the historical and situational context’ and ‘hope for the future’. Midwives considered entrenched patriarchal structures and gender inequity as fundamental to the occurrence of obstetric violence. This societal scaffold is intensified within health care systems where power imbalances facilitate maternal mistreatment through coercion and grooming women for compliance in the antenatal period. Fragmented care models expose women to mistreatment with continuity models being protective only to a point. Midwives experience their own trauma, as a result of what they have witnessed, and due to the lack of support they receive when advocating for women. ConclusionsObstetric violence occurs in Australian maternity systems with unconsented interventions, overmedicalisation, coercion, and disrespect observed by midwives. Care-related trauma impacts on the mental health of midwives, raising workforce concerns for policy makers, consumer advocates and professional bodies.

Voicing The Reality of Colonialized Women in The Novel ‘Belenggu’ By Armijn Pane

This study explores the representation of women's subjugation during the colonial period in Indonesia through Armijn Pane's novel "Belenggu." Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach that integrates literary sociology, feminist literary criticism, and postcolonial studies, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of how the novel reflects the author's critique of patriarchal societal structures and colonial impacts on indigenous women. The analysis focuses on the main character, Sukartini, highlighting her struggle for equality and autonomy. Despite being educated and progressive, Sukartini is depicted as trapped within socio-cultural and political constraints, influenced by entrenched patriarchal norms and colonial domination. This study reveals the dual layers of oppression faced by women, emphasizing the compounded struggles due to both gender and colonial subjugation. By examining Sukartini's character, the research illustrates how deeply ingrained patriarchal norms and colonial dominance restrict women's roles and voices. The findings contribute to Indonesian literary sociology by expanding the scope of analysis to include gender and postcolonial issues, underscoring the importance of examining literary works through multiple theoretical lenses. Moreover, the study highlights the role of literature in spreading awareness, providing social critique, and inspiring advocacy for gender equality and justice. "Belenggu" serves as a poignant critique of historical and ongoing gender inequality, reinforcing the relevance of literary analysis in understanding and addressing complex social issues. This research offers a nuanced perspective on the socio-political contexts shaping narratives, advocating for continued scholarly attention to literature as a means of promoting social change and a more equitable society.

"I have to listen to them or they might harm me" and other narratives of why women endure obstetric violence in Bihar, India.

Evidence suggests that obstetric violence has been prevalent globally and is finally getting some attention through research. This human rights violation takes several forms and is best understood through the narratives of embodied experiences of disrespect and abuse from women and other people who give birth, which is of utmost importance to make efforts in implementing respectful maternity care for a positive birthing experience. This study focused on the drivers of obstetric violence during labor and birth in Bihar, India. Participatory qualitative visual arts-based method of data collection-body mapping-assisted interviews (adapted as birth mapping)-was conducted to understand women's perception of why they are denied respectful maternity care and what makes them vulnerable to obstetric violence during labor and childbirth. This study is embedded in feminist and critical theories that ensure women's narratives are at the center, which was further ensured by the feminist relational discourse analysis. Eight women participated from urban slums and rural villages in Bihar, for 2-4 interactions each, within a week. The data included transcripts, audio files, body maps, birthing stories, and body key, which were analyzed with the help of NVivo 12. Women's narratives suggested drivers that determine how they will be treated during labor and birth, or any form of sexual, reproductive, and maternal healthcare seeking presented through the four themes: (1) "I am admitted under your care, so, I will have to do what you say"-Influence of power on care during childbirth; (2) "I was blindfolded … because there were men"-Influence of gender on care during childbirth; (3) "The more money we give the more convenience we get"-Influence of structure on care during childbirth; and (4) "How could I ask him, how it will come out?"-Influence of culture on care during childbirth. How women will be treated in the society and in the obstetric environment is determined by their identity at the intersections of age, class, caste, marital status, religion, education, and many other sociodemographic factors. The issues related to each of these are intertwined and cross-cutting, which made it difficult to draw clear categorizations because the four themes influenced and overlapped with each other. Son preference, for example, is a gender-based issue that is part of certain cultures in a patriarchal structure as a result of power-based imbalance, which makes the women vulnerable to disrespect and abuse when their baby is assigned female at birth. Sensitive unique feminist methods are important to explore and understand women's embodied experiences of trauma and are essential to understand their perspectives of what drives obstetric violence during childbirth. Sensitive methods of research are crucial for the health systems to learn from and embed women's wants, to address this structural challenge with urgency, and to ensure a positive experience of care.

Gendering the language of genocide

Abstract Exploring the Holocaust through a gendered lens, this article examines linguistic aggression against women in Nazi concentration camps. While extensive scholarship connects language to genocide, the imbrication between gender, language and genocide remains an under-researched subject. To further this discussion, I analyze female survivors’ memoirs to explore the processes of semantic deprecation through metaphorization. Relying on cognitive semantics (Lakoff and Johnson 1980), I concentrate on euphemistic and dysphemistic metaphors that construct women’s identities in terms of otherness, by means of zoosemic and reifying conceptualizations, among others. The sources under examination encompass Jewish survivors Liana Millu (2001); Gisella Perl (2019), and Anne-Lise Stern (2004), and non-Jewish resisters Margarete Buber-Neumann (2008); Wanda Półtawska (1989), and Germaine Tillion (1997). Considering the relationship between metaphorical language and perceived stereotypes about women and the feminine, and focusing on specific lexical items, I hope to unravel the nexus between linguistic aggression and patriarchal structures in the concentration camp system. I argue that metaphorization reinforced women’s inferior position and perpetuated gender stereotypes. I suggest that, paradoxically, this violence also triggered empowering processes of linguistic reappropriation, asserting the victims’ agency.

A critical analysis of how sexual violence against women is defined and addressed within existing legal instruments in Bangladesh

Violence against Women (VAW) is considered a gender-specific human rights violation and is a form of discrimination that perpetuates women’s subordination and patriarchal structures throughout all levels of society. Research continues to demonstrate that the legal instruments dealing with sexual offences in Bangladesh have significant limitations and fail to meet international standards. This article identifies gaps between Bangladeshi domestic legal instruments and international legal instruments. In order to uncover and analyse the gaps, I employed thematic analysis techniques and a feminist legal theoretical lens. The findings of the study show that there are significant gaps and limitations regarding the conceptualisation of sexual violence, trial process, medical tests, variability of punishment, and protecting rights of victims in the present Bangladeshi legal instruments in comparison to the international instruments. This research provides insight into the alarming situation of sexual violence against women in Bangladesh and the problematic gaps within legal instruments in that nation, which governmental and academic authorities must consider if they are to be effective in preventing violence against women in Bangladesh.

Eksistensi Perempuan dalam Buku Sister Fillah, You’ll Never Be Alone Karya Kalis Mardiasih: Analisis Psiko-Humanistik Erich Fromm

This article explores Kalis Mardiasih’s book Sister Fillah, You’ll Never Be Alone, which addresses the experiences of women challenging a patriarchal system often characterized by arrogance. Mardiasih draws upon both empirical evidence and Islamic perspectives to confront discriminatory interpretations. The study employs Erich Fromm’s psycho-humanistic analysis to offer fresh insights into women’s existence in Islam and to assess the fulfillment of women’s normative rights as presented in the book. By applying this analytical framework, the article underscores how women can cultivate their potential in a positive way, empowering them to understand their own identities and actualize their capabilities. Such actions are rooted in personal awareness, enabling women to reclaim their humanity—often stifled by patriarchal structures. The discrimination encountered by women has prompted numerous scholars to delve into this issue, and this research seeks to contribute to the ongoing discourse by examining the representation of women’s experiences in Sister Fillah, You’ll Never Be Alone through the lens of Erich Fromm’s psycho-humanistic analysis.

Flirtations with Eros from a Black-Eyed Squint: Romantic Love in the Oeuvre of Ama Ata Aidoo

ABSTRACT: What's love got to do with it? Everything—suggests Ama Ata Aidoo, whose oeuvre, virtually without exception, foregrounds romantic love as part of a woman's well-being, obstacles to which constitute a decidedly feminist concern. Throughout Aidoo's career, her fiction highlights romantic love as the human relationship that has the greatest potential to achieve social justice, since it often transgresses boundaries of ethnicity, race, class, and various social taboos. At a personal level, union through love represents a reconciliation of broader political differences. In this sense, as in a range of others to be considered, the personal is shown to be political. Romantic love in Aidoo's project, furthermore, has the catalytic potential to transform and bring into congruence disjunct social relations, which, in a postcolonial context, disproportionately impact the lives of African women. The earliest recognition of the significance of eros in Aidoo's meditation was an unconscious one, where she echoed the dominant assumption of the African literary scene at the time, which saw love as a trivial personal concern. In a provocative self-critique, Aidoo reverses her earlier position when she acknowledges her own preoccupation with love across her career. A careful study of Aidoo's work suggests, however, that despite its power, romantic love finally is beset by obstacles to its realization, which leave social barriers in place and patriarchal structures untransformed. This black-eyed squint clearly does not see the world through rose-tinted glasses.

Women and Religion: A Gender Perspective in Religious Practice

This research explores the dynamics of interactions between women and religion with a focus on gender perspectives in religious practice. Religion often plays an important role in social and cultural life, influencing the norms and values that govern individual behavior in society. However, religious interpretations and practices are often influenced by patriarchal structures that place women in an unequal position compared to men. This study uses a qualitative approach with case study methods and literature analysis to understand how women participate in religious practices and how they respond to existing gender norms. This research spans a range of religious traditions including Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism, and explores variations in women's experiences across different cultural and social contexts. The results show that despite significant challenges and obstacles, women often find ways to articulate their religious identity and participate actively in their religious communities. Some women use religious spaces as platforms to promote gender equality and social justice. In addition, this research reveals significant differences in the way women interpret religious teachings and how they apply them in their daily lives. This research highlights the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in understanding the relationship between gender and religion. Through in-depth analysis, this research contributes to a richer understanding of how women negotiate their religious identities and how they can become agents of change in society.

RECLAIMING POWER THROUGH NATURE: ECOFEMINIST EXPLORATION OF MAHASWETADEVI’S NARRATIVES

This paper explores the intricate relationship between women and nature through the lens of ecofeminism, focusing on the works of renowned Bengali author Mahasweta Devi. Ecological feminism challenges patriarchal structures that dominate both women and the environment, while cultural ecofeminism emphasizes the innate bond between women and nature due to gender roles. Through an analysis of Devi’s short stories—The Hunt, Draupadi, and Statue—the paper examines how the protagonists’ connection with nature enables them to reclaim their identity and power within a patriarchal framework. These tribal women, deeply rooted in their ecological surroundings, draw strength and resilience from the natural world, resisting the commodification and oppression imposed by society. This paper will also underscore how both women and land have been historically treated as resources for exploitation, highlighting the need for respect and liberation. This study reaffirms the role of ecofeminism in advocating for the liberation of both women and nature from systems of dominance.

Cultural factors contributing to gender-based violence in Zambian societies

Overview: This study examined the intricate cultural dynamics underlying the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) within Zambian societies. Despite legislative efforts and international campaigns to combat GBV, its persistence underscores the need for a deeper understanding of the cultural underpinnings that perpetuate such violence. Body of Knowledge: Through qualitative and quantitative analysis, this study sought to identify key cultural elements such as patriarchal structures, beliefs about masculinity and femininity, and the role of family and community dynamics in shaping attitudes and behaviors related to gender-based violence. Additionally, this study delves into the multifaceted ways in which cultural norms, beliefs, and practices intersect with gender dynamics to foster environments conducive to GBV. Methods: The population comprised of government officials at the district level who had some responsibility for GBV, police officers from VSU, and Members of the community. The total target population was 1000. The sample size involved a total of 100 respondents which is 10% of the target population. The study used purposive sampling to select government officials and police officers while simple random sampling was used to selected community members. This study used descriptive design to analyze the data. Interviews, ethnographic observation, and questionnaires were used to collect data. Qualitative and Quantitative techniques of data analysis was used, and data was presented on the analytical tools such as tables, figures and charts. Results: Initial findings revealed that traditional gender roles deeply entrenched in Zambian culture play a pivotal role in perpetuating GBV. The patriarchal structure of society often assigns men dominance and control over women, leading to power imbalances that facilitate violence. Furthermore, beliefs surrounding masculinity, including expectations of aggression and dominance, contribute to a culture of impunity surrounding GBV. Men are often socialized to perceive violence as a legitimate means of asserting authority, while women may internalize norms of submission and silence. Recommendation: This study underscores the urgent need for culturally sensitive interventions that address the root causes of GBV in Zambia. By engaging communities in dialogue and challenging harmful cultural norms, sustainable solutions can be developed to promote gender equality and create safer environments for all individuals.

Fashion Experience Contributions to Local Social Sustainability: An Example of Women with Career Interruptions in Korea

Metropolitan-centred development causes social issues including welfare and quality-of-life problems. Focusing on women who have interrupted their careers, this study investigates the effects of a fashion DIY programme using cultural heritage on the local community’s social sustainability in South Korea. The methods include a literature review, action research, and in-depth interviews. Results show that social and cultural capital are interrelated and can contribute to social sustainability. The fashion DIY programme of textile and fashion item production through Korean traditional natural dyeing technique provides a fashion experience that can create social relationships during participation, provide opportunities to strengthen the local community’s identity, and contribute to an approach towards social sustainability. The results have implications for social sustainability through strengthening social relationship and cultural capital by facilitating change in a patriarchal industrial structure. The research is significant as it examined the problems of women with interrupted careers from the perspective of social sustainability as well as the role of fashion experiences.

Female Image in Netochka Nezvanova: A Study Based on Feminist Perspective

This study delves into Fyodor Dostoevsky's unfinished novel, Netochka Nezvanova through a feminist lens, exploring the nuanced portrayals of female characters and their significance in the narrative. By examining the interactions, relationships, and development of key female figures such as Netochka, Sophia Alexandrovna, and Alexandra Mikhailovna, the paper highlights how these characters challenge and are limited in the patriarchal structures of 19th-century Russian society. The study argues that Dostoevsky, perhaps unconventionally for his time, presents a complex and empathetic exploration of the female experience, showcasing the struggles and resilience of his female protagonists. Through the character of Netochka, the narrative foregrounds the quest for identity and autonomy amidst societal constraints, emphasizing the importance of education, artistic expression, and female solidarity as means of resistance and self-realization. Netochka Nezvanova emerges as a rich text for feminist analysis, offering insights into the complexities of female agency, the critique of gendered societal expectations, and the enduring relevance of Dostoevsky's portrayal of women's pursuit of freedom and dignity.

Cultural dynamics of gender-based violence and pastoral care in South Africa

Gender-based violence is a prevalent issue that impacts most South Africans. The spread of sexual violence has created and atmosphere of intense fear in most homes. African cultural norms have helped to facilitate the continuation of discrimination against women. In African cultures, cases of abuse are often marginalised and considered an irrelevant reason for seeking a divorce. This has resulted in some women being forced to endure years of domestic abuse in their marriages, and they have even passed on this resilient mentality to more recent generations of married women. It is crucial to realise that the Recognition of Common Legislation Marriages Act, which is a part of South African legislation, acknowledges customs like polygamy and lobola. Lobola and polygamous marriages, among other practices, have been linked to major increases in the maltreatment of women, according to certain African researchers. In this particular study, the researcher aims to examine the impact of culturally induced gender-based violence (GBV) on pastoral care practices in South Africa, specifically focusing on the experiences and needs of South African women within abusive marriages. It is important to recognise that GBV is rooted in patriarchy, which promotes a culture of male power over women. In this research, qualitative methods will be employed to investigate how this unhealthy power dynamic encourages men to behave violently towards women.Contribution: This study delves into the intricate relationship between culturally induced GBV and pastoral care in South Africa. Focused on the surge in violence, it employs qualitative methods to explore women’s experiences, revealing the connection between violence and entrenched patriarchal structures. The research seeks to inform and enhance pastoral practices in addressing GBV.