Social Norms Research Articles

How do gender norms contribute to stunting in Ntchisi District, Malawi? a qualitative study.

Despite adequate food production and nutrition intervention coverage, stunting remains an enduring problem in Ntchisi, Malawi. Globally, gender and social norms are known to influence nutritional outcomes in children. This study explores how gender norms contribute to child stunting, in Ntchisi district, Central Malawi. Informed by the UNICEF Framework for Malnutrition, nine focus group discussions were conducted with a target population of mothers (n = 24), fathers (n = 23) purposively targeted through growth monitoring sessions, and members of policy and health treatment committees (n = 21), spanning three different areas of Ntchisi district. Data were analysed through inductive thematic analysis, guided by the framework for Research in Gender and Ethics (RinGs). Three primary themes were identified: 1) gender unequal decision making on the consumption, sale and distribution of food; 2) enshrined community norms influence feeding practices underpinned by gender-based violence; and 3) policy disconnections and gaps that reinforce gender norms regarding nutrition. Themes encompassed practices across household, health treatment, and policy level. Gender norms that underpin inequalities in decision making for production and consumption of food undermine children's nourishment and contributes towards sustained child malnutrition in Ntchisi. Existing policy documents should revise their guidelines to incorporate gender norms as key determinants of malnutrition.

Social conformity updates the neural representation of facial attractiveness

People readily change their behavior to comply with others. However, to which extent they will internalize the social influence remains elusive. In this preregistered electroencephalogram (EEG) study, we investigated how learning from one’s in-group or out-group members about facial attractiveness would change explicit attractiveness ratings and spontaneous neural representations of facial attractiveness. Specifically, we quantified the neural representational similarities of learned faces with prototypical attractive faces during a face perception task without overt social influence and intentional evaluation. We found that participants changed their explicit attractiveness ratings to both in-group and out-group influences. Moreover, social conformity updated spontaneous neural representation of facial attractiveness, an effect particularly evident when participants learned from their in-group members and among those who perceived tighter social norms. These findings offer insights into how group affiliations and individual differences in perceived social norms modulate the internalization of social influence.

Moral Injury Among Youth: Historical Accounts, Current Research and Future Directions

AbstractThis manuscript explores the definition and historical context of Moral Injury (MI), detailing its psychological and spiritual impact on individuals, including youth populations. Morals are our beliefs and understanding of what is right and wrong. They are often informed by cultural and social norms and typically encompass values and responsibilities that individuals use to judge whether an action is right or wrong. MI is a psychological phenomenon that can unfold when there is a loss of trust in these beliefs or others' ability to keep our shared moral agreements. Traditionally associated with military personnel, MI has evolved to include other populations, including youth and family systems. This piece explores moral development among youth populations and how injuries to moral codes are particularly salient in youth populations and family systems. Special attention is given to MI's unique manifestations and implications in childhood and adolescence. The manuscript concludes with a call to action for further research that prioritizes and integrates youths' own voices in understanding and addressing MI.

Corpus－Based Study on the Translation Methods of the Figures of Speech in Zhuang’s Folk Songs of Napo

The figures of speech in Zhuang’s Folk Songs of Napo exhibit distinct cultural characteristics compared to mainstream Chinese folk songs or Western literary traditions, and their translation requires careful attention not only to the figures of speech but also to the effective transmission of Zhuang culture. Based on a self-built bilingual corpus, this paper examines the translation methods of figures of speech in the English translations of Zhuang’s Folk Songs of Napo. The study reveals that translators predominantly use literal translation to preserve the cultural features of figures of speech while also incorporating free translation and imitation to align with the target language and cultural norms. By analyzing the figures of speech in Zhuang’s Folk Songs of Napo, this study explores their unique cultural characteristics and the challenges in the translation, contributing to a better understanding of Zhuang culture among the target readers and fostering cultural exchange and dissemination.

Gender role in food rights and sovereignty in West Africa: A rapid review

Recognizing the critical role gender plays in food systems within West Africa, this review paper explores the contributions women make throughout the food value chain and the challenges they face in achieving food and nutrition security. A search across the databases; Hinari, Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science targeted peer-reviewed articles reporting on studies published between 2000 and 2023 in English or French and focused on women in West Africa. Data were extracted using a predefined form in Covidence and a narrative synthesis was used to summarize women’s roles and challenges within food systems. Thematic analysis of 69 peer-reviewed articles out of a total of 9,789 screened revealed West African women as central figures in regional food systems. Beyond their well-documented roles in land preparation, planting, and harvesting, women actively engage in processing, distribution, marketing and household consumption of diverse food crops (fruits, vegetables, grains and tubers) across rural and urban agri-food systems. This multifaceted engagement extends far beyond production, demonstrably impacting key socio-economic and nutrition metrics including food security, food sovereignty, and sustainable livelihoods of countless communities across the region. Nonetheless, women are disproportionately affected by challenges such as unequal access to resources, limited decision-making power, and restrictive cultural norms and education. These factors hinder their participation in different activities within the food system. To address these gendered disparities and promote equitable food systems, targeted interventions are crucial. These interventions must prioritize education and training to equip women with knowledge, skills, and modern technology. Additionally, policy changes are necessary to promote equitable access to resources, financing and land ownership. Furthermore, dismantling discriminatory cultural norms and promoting gender equality are essential steps along with implementing infrastructure and technologies that address women's specific needs. By prioritizing women's empowerment through a combination of education, policy changes, technological upgrades, and collaborative efforts with stakeholders, West Africa can strive towards a more sustainable and equitable food system for all. Key words: food sovereignty, food rights, food systems, gender dynamics, West Africa

Exploring user adaptation behaviors toward mobile technology: a higher education perspective

PurposeGrounded in coping model of user adaptation (CMUA), this research aims to provide insights into understanding the social mechanism influencing faculty’s adoption and adaptation of mobile technology (MT). An extensive review of the literature highlights a significant gap in empirical research regarding the adoption of MT and faculty adaptation when viewed through the lens of group dynamics.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on an exploratory study conducted at two engineering universities in France. A qualitative method enabled a comprehensive examination of faculty members using multiple field-based observations and semi-directive interviews at both University A and University B.FindingsWhile extant research tends to prioritize individual-level approaches, the integration of MT within higher education inherently involves social dynamics. Our results reveal that faculty’s perceived control and their initial perception over adoption of MT play an important role in shaping their adaptation behavior. The findings suggest that the adoption of MT among faculty members is influenced by various organizational factors. Specifically, the organizational logic of adoption affects their primary appraisal of MT, while group norms and social influence shape their adaptation acts. Furthermore, the organization’s continuous commitment to supporting faculty members also impacts their coping activities, ultimately influencing their overall adoption and utilization of MT.Originality/valueThis study builds upon the limited yet growing body of literature on a theme highly relevant for practitioners, scholars as well as MT users in a higher education environment. The paper extends the CMUA by exploring the relationship between MT adoption and continuous user adaptation at both group and organizational levels. Our proposed framework assists universities in articulating their MT adoption and implementation strategy in harmony with a clear vision of their users’ adaptation activities before, during and after the implementation.

Understanding the challenges of learning disabilities and psychosocial disorders

Students with learning disabilities often experience a complex range of internal and external challenges that can significantly impact their overall well-being and development. Internally, these students may grapple with intense feelings of anxiety, depression, and physical complaints, which can lead to social withdrawal and diminished self-esteem. They may also face higher rates of bullying and social rejection, further exacerbating their psychosocial difficulties and negatively affecting their sense of belonging and acceptance. These learners are more likely to exhibit attention problems, poor concentration, and a wide range of emotional difficulties, which can further hinder their ability to engage effectively in academic and social settings. Behaviorally, students with learning disabilities may exhibit issues like attention deficits and socialisation challenges, stemming from underlying processing difficulties and challenges in understanding social cues and norms. They may also experience feelings of anger, frustration, and even aggressive behaviours, often as a result of their negative experiences and struggles with academic demands. Emerging research suggests that executive function deficits can contribute to these students' complex relationship between temperament and psychological difficulties. Problems with executive functions, such as attention, planning, memory, and flexibility, can significantly impact their cognitive and social-emotional development. Early interventions, such as video games, mobile apps, or STEM-oriented approaches, are crucial for addressing these multifaceted challenges and supporting the holistic growth and well-being of students with learning disabilities

Analysis of Effectiveness of Collaborative Pedagogy Practices

This study analyzes the effectiveness of collaborative teaching and learning strategies to enhance student's educational experience and learning results. Collaborative pedagogy converts the traditional teacher-centered paradigm into a more participatory, student-centered approach, promoting active participation via group work, debates, and collective problem-solving. This study examines existing literature, case studies, and empirical evidence to evaluate the impact of collaborative approaches on student accomplishment, motivation, and the development of fundamental abilities such as critical thinking, communication, and cooperation. The study found that collaborative teaching and learning approaches are essential for strengthening comprehension, increasing information retention, and cultivating superior social skills. The benefits of peer learning, active engagement, and instructor facilitation are highlighted in cultivating a dynamic classroom atmosphere. The study underscores other problems linked to implementing collaborative pedagogy, including resource constraints, dominant teacher-centered cultural norms, and substantial class sizes, especially in poor countries such as Nepal. The acceptance of collaborative pedagogy in Nepal is increasing owing to continuing educational reforms and curricular modifications; nonetheless, many obstacles hinder its extensive implementation. The document emphasizes the need for augmented teacher training, greater infrastructural support, and customized teaching methodologies to use the benefits of collaborative learning properly. The results demonstrate that, when properly implemented, collaborative teaching-learning methodology may substantially improve educational quality and prepare students to confront real-world difficulties.

Enlightenment through Reading: The Impact of Miscellaneous Books in Folk Education in Huizhou, China

The evolution of folk education in ancient China was inextricably linked with advancing pedagogical methods and educational resources. The introduction of folk enlightenment reading materials, serving as pivotal tools for literacy and vocational training, significantly influenced the landscape of popular education. This transformation was characterized by three main developments: an expansion of the educational demographic, a shift from traditional Confucian curricula to practical, life-oriented content, and the integration of common vocational knowledge, laying the groundwork for professional expertise. The textbook “Four Words in Miscellaneous Characters” ( 四言杂字), a prominent example from the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Huizhou, epitomizes this shift. It reflects the local values of prioritizing agriculture and commerce and the reverence for literacy and culture while documenting essential local practices in marriage, dowry, and medicinal herbs. This text serves as a valuable lens through which to examine the linguistic and cultural norms of the Huizhou region.

Purkhyauli Thalo: Me and My Auto Ethnographical Study

The main purpose of this article is to connect my personal experience with social meaning. This article presents my personal experience as a story. In this auto ethnography knowledge production, I present myself and my own particular experience as an analytical narrative. Through this auto ethnography, I have once again connected with the world I lived in and the vivid experiences there through interaction. As a person is a social being, he learns social customs, values and conduct from the elders of the society and the person himself is the source of social information for him. I have taken as a source of information what I have learned directly from the society that brought me up, what I have seen and experienced and who I have interacted with. From the study area, I have received information from people who have lived in different places in the country and abroad through phone interactions and meetings. I have prepared this auto ethnography article by including the social experiences of my mother who raised me and her life stories as a source of information. People are bound by the customs of society. In this auto ethnography exploring social and its associated customs, it becomes apparent that certain rituals once imbued with significance by our ancestors may how imped societal progress. While these rituals held meaning in their time, their contributed practice poses challenges to the advancement of our community. It seems that there is a need for change in the rituals that have been going on like that. There is a need for a progressive change in the traditions that are the hindrances to the development of such old societies. The conclusion of this article is that there is a need for progressive change in the old social injustices based on caste, gender and color.

Validating measurement of social norms for entertainment-education: a five-factor model.

Though the measurement of social norms is important for evaluating entertainment-education interventions, there is a dearth of validity evidence for measuring tools to assess different social norm constructs. Identical survey items were used to assess family planning norms among married Zambian women in 2019 and 2022 following an entertainment-education radio program intervention. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was used for confirmation of the internal structure of several subscales used to measure social norms found in a previous study. There were no statistically significant demographic differences between participant groups at T1 and T2. CFA supported a five-factor model at T2 comprising descriptive norms (4 items), outcome expectations (3 items), and 3 different constructs capturing injunctive norms (3 items each). Results indicate good structural validity evidence for measuring social norms in entertainment-education using existing tools.

PhD students’ acceptance of the university teaching community’s cultural norms and by the teaching community: a phenomenographic study

ABSTRACT One of the aims of PhD students’ socialisation is for them to accept the norms of the teaching culture and to be fully engaged with and accepted by the university teaching community. However, when PhD students enter universities, they do not necessarily accept all of the university teaching community’s cultural norms, nor do they all experience acceptance by the community. This phenomenographic study aims to develop an understanding of the variation across PhD students’ lived experiences of their acceptance by the teaching community, and their acceptance of the university teaching community’s cultural norms. Twenty-five Estonian doctoral students participated in the study. The study identified three qualitatively different ways in which PhD students experienced acceptance of the teaching culture and acceptance into the teaching community. These were: as equal partners, as knocking against boundaries and as being on the margins.

Gender Perspective on Neutral Acceptance of Death: A Study of Nepalese Youth

Background & Objective: This study explores gender differences in the neutral acceptance of death among Nepalese youth. Neutral acceptance is defined as the recognition of death as a natural and inevitable part of life without judgment or strong emotions. Methods: A cross-sectional, explanatory quantitative study was conducted among 196 college students using simple random sampling. Data were collected through the Death Attitude Profile—Revised (DAP-R), specifically focusing on neutral acceptance. The study employed statistical tests such as the Chi-Square test and independent samples t-test to assess gender differences in attitudes toward neutral acceptance. Results: The findings revealed significant gender differences in neutral acceptance of death. Female participants exhibited a higher mean score (M = 4.23) compared to males (M = 3.93). Statistical analysis (p = 0.003) confirmed that females are more likely to adopt a neutral acceptance of death than males. Conclusion & Recommendation: The study concludes that Nepalese females tend to exhibit a higher neutral acceptance of death than males, likely due to cultural and social factors that encourage emotional openness and caregiving roles. These findings suggest the need for further exploration of how gender influences death attitudes and coping mechanisms in Nepalese society. Novelty: This research fills a gap in understanding gender-specific differences in neutral death acceptance, shaped by societal norms and cultural factors. The study provides insights into how male and female perspectives on death vary, offering valuable information for mental health, policy, and cultural discussions around death and gender roles in Nepalese society.

Ritual Meals of Chaṭha: Exploring Gastronomical Activities in a Religious and Festive Setting

Festivals and rituals have been pivotal for transmitting and preserving cultural values, with food assuming a central role in these communal observances. This study delves into the intricate interplay between culinary practices, cultural identity, and religious expression by examining the Hindu festival of Chat.ha. The investigation centers on the multifaceted nature of Chat.ha. By closely examining the processes of procurement, preparation, offering, and consumption of ritualistic foods during the festival, this research looks into how these gastronomic traditions contribute to fostering a sense of unity, highlighting cultural heritage, and intertwining between religious beliefs and societal norms. Exploring the culinary landscape of Chat.ha unveils the profound religious and sociocultural dimensions inherent in food-related practices, emphasizing how the daily act of sustenance transforms into a bridge for religious connection and collective bonding. Based on our fieldwork in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Patna (Bihar), and Sahibganj (Jharkhand), we document several aspects of the festival food of Chat.ha and how they offer a window into the many culinary customs of societies, emphasizing the connections between food and cultural identity, interpersonal interactions, and religious beliefs.

FORMATION OF GENDER IDENTIFICATION IN THE PROCESS OF SOCIALIZATION OF ADOLESCENTS

The article describes the essence of gender identification in the process of socialization of adolescents. The social transformations taking place in modern society are changing the established ways of life, social norms, and ideological structures that define them, as well as attitudes toward them. These transformations have a significant impact on the formation of the individual, his or her status and position in society, professional development, and family roles. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the conditions for the formation of gender identification in the process of socialization of adolescents based on a gender approach, which is implemented in the family, school, and society. The concepts of gender and gender culture are highlighted. Attention is focused on the rapid increase in the percentage of so-called civil marriages, which lead to an increase in the number of single mothers and disorientation of sex education of children in the family. In these marriages, young people are not responsible for an “artificial” family, do not strive to have and raise children, and live together to satisfy their sexual needs. Relationships formed in this way are perceived and evaluated differently by boys and girls. Thus, among the 40 adolescent males surveyed, 70% were in favor of civil marriage, while 30% were against it. Among female adolescents, 31.5% approve of civil marriages, and 68.5% are against them. The results show that boys are more loyal to free, unencumbered relationships, but girls also perceive them quite favorably, not fully realizing that it is the woman who is socially and personally more vulnerable in such a situation. It has been found that adolescents show a high awareness of their personal identity through various aspects, such as gender perceptions, social roles, moral values, and interests. They are actively rethinking their place in society and their own views, which indicates their developed self-awareness and readiness to interact with the world around them. It is concluded that the rapid development of technology, diverse cultural influences, and new forms of communication create a unique environment in which gender norms and stereotypes are constantly being revised and evolved. This process is of particular importance for adolescents, as they are actively in the phase of self-determination and personal development. Understanding the gender aspects of social interaction among this group will help to identify and address the problems of inequality and discrimination at the initial stages of their occurrence. Prospects for further research of the problem are seen in the study of the influence of gender factors of adolescents on self-determination in modern society. Keywords: gender, identity, society, socialization, construct, personality, adolescents

Vaccine decision-making among pregnant women: a protocol for a cross-sectional mixed-method study in Brazil, Ghana, Kenya and Pakistan

Maternal immunization is a critical strategy to prevent both maternal and infant morbidity and mortality from several infectious diseases. When the first COVID-19 vaccines became available during the pandemic, there was mixed messaging and confusion amongst the broader public and among those associated with health care systems about the recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations in pregnancy in many countries. A multi-country, mixed-methods study is being undertaken to describe how vaccine decision-making occurs amongst pregnant and postpartum women, with a focus on COVID-19 vaccines. The study is being conducted in Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, and Pakistan. In each country, participants are being recruited from either 2 or 3 maternity hospitals and/or clinics that represent a diverse population in terms of socio-economic and urban/rural status. Data collection includes cross-sectional surveys in pregnant women and semi-structured in-depth interviews with both pregnant and postpartum women. The instruments were designed to identify attitudinal, behavioral, and social correlates of vaccine uptake during and after pregnancy, including the decision-making process related to COVID-19 vaccines, and constructs such as risk perception, self-efficacy, vaccine intentions, and social norms. The aim is to recruit 400 participants for the survey and 50 for the interviews in each country. Qualitative data will be analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, latent variable analysis, and prediction modelling. Both the quantitative and qualitative data will be used to explore differences in attitudes and behaviors around maternal immunization across pregnancy trimesters and the postpartum period among and within countries. Each country has planned dissemination activities to share the study findings with relevant stakeholders in the communities from which the data is collected and to conduct country-specific secondary analyses.

The Concept of Dissimilation in the Study of Inter-ethnic Marriages within Homogeneous Meskhetian Turkish, Azerbaijani Marriages in Turkestan

While analyzing the preservation of cultural heritage is more straightforward in homogenous households, inter-ethnic marriages present a captivating lens through which to examine cultural integration, social identity, and the preservation of tradition within diverse societies. This study explores the dynamics of inter-ethnic and homogeneous marriages among Meskhetian Turks and Azerbaijanis in Kazakhstan, applying the theoretical framework of dissimilation theory. By drawing on fieldwork conducted in 2024 which involved 45 interviews from two research villages, Turki Poselkasy and Kentau, located in the Turkestan province in the southern part of Kazakhstan, the research investigates the historical context and contemporary realities faced by these communities. In doing so, it highlights differences in culture, language, ​​and social norms that can influence the formation of both mixed and homogeneous marriages among minority groups in the region. The theoretical background of the study is grounded in dissimilation theory, which posits that individuals in inter-ethnic marriages tend to distance themselves from their own ethnic groups to establish new identities within the context of their relationships. Through interviews and surveys conducted across diverse settlements, the study explores social identities and groups as well as concepts of cultural and social differences including gender dynamics, to uncover the intricate mechanisms of dissimilation.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION MECHANISM IN LOW-CARBON TRANSPORTATION FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF CARBON NEUTRALITY

Under the goal of carbon neutrality, public participation in green travel is the fundamental premise of low-carbon transportation development. Based on the multiple mediation effect model, this paper explores the mechanism of social interaction on public participation in low-carbon transportation, and the hierarchical regression method is used to test the moderating effect of social network intensity and information network intensity. The results show that: (1) Both network media and social relations have a prominent positive effect on public participation, but the effect of network media is better than that of social relations. (2) Network media and social relations affect residents’ low-carbon travel behavior through three mediating variables, namely, traffic information, environmental protection knowledge and social norms. (3) The moderating effect of social network intensity on the relationship between network media and low-carbon travel behavior is prominently negative, while the moderating effect of information network intensity is significantly positive. Therefore, it is necessary to stimulate more public participation in low-carbon transport through real-time pushing of traffic information and strengthening the closeness of social relations.

Young women’s conceptualisation and self-representation in online dating: a qualitative analysis

AbstractOnline dating has become an increasingly popular way to meet potential romantic partners. Young women experience a complex interplay between traditional gender roles and elevated risks in online dating. Our project aimed to explore young women’s self-representation in online dating, with the research question, “How do young women conceptualise and represent the ‘self’ in online dating?”. An exploratory qualitative research design was adopted, encompassing semi-structured interviews with 10 participants analysed via Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Sampling was purposive and snowballing, resulting in a final sample of participants aged between 19 and 30 years who identified as female and had engaged in online dating within the last six months. Interviews lasted 52 min on average. To ensure quality and trustworthiness, the research team utilised various quality procedures. Three themes with multiple aspects were constructed which encompassed feelings of (un)safety, social norms in online dating, and selling your best ‘self’. Unsafety was related to deception in online dating, physical danger, and the work required to stay safe. Social norms involved the normalisation of online dating, stigma, and social assistance with self-representation. Selling your best ‘self’ examined the marketable ‘self’ and conflicts with the values of authenticity. Our study has potential implications regarding responsibility for safety and may indicate some support for the idea of an overarching framework as beneficial to understanding the vast theoretical frameworks in online dating. Further research into how different subgroups of young women self-represent in online dating is likely to yield more specific understandings.

Assessment of Food Preferences, Eating Practices, and Nutritional Status Among In-school Able and Disabled Adolescents of Ages 10 - 19 In Minna, Niger State

Background: Malnutrition affects school-age children's health, growth, and academic performance. Adolescents often consume unhealthy fast foods and follow crash diets influenced by peers, media, and cultural norms. Adolescents with disabilities, including physical, intellectual, sensory, developmental, and mental health disabilities, may face additional challenges in accessing and maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet as they may face additional barriers. Understanding the unique needs and challenges faced by adolescents with disabilities is crucial in promoting their overall health and well-being. Objectives: The study aimed to compare the nutritional status of able and disabled adolescents in Government Vocational and Technical College and Niger State School of Special Education in Minna, as well as their food preferences, eating practices, and the factors affecting their nutritional status. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design, administering 400 questionnaires to disabled and able students. The responses were 100% collected using self-administered structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed, and results were presented utilizing tables and figures, with a statistical significance level set at P < 0.05. The IBM statistical product and service solutions (IBM SPSS statistics), version 27.0 software was employed for data analysis to explore and understand the food preferences, eating practices, and nutritional status of in-school adolescents with disabilities in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. This approach allowed for a comprehensive assessment of the diverse factors influencing the dietary habits and nutritional well-being of adolescents with disabilities in the study. Results: The study involved 400 participants, 12.8% aged over 12, 50.3% aged 12 - 15, and 37.0% above 15. Females made up 51.0% of the participants. About 40% of disabled participants had inadequate dietary patterns, compared to 10% of able participants. There was a significant difference in the distribution of BMI groups between the able and disabled subjects (x2 = 26.984, df = 3, P = 0.000). Socio-demographic of the participants based on age and gender showed a significant association with the nutritional status of able adolescents at (χ2 = 44.593, P = 0.000) and (χ2 = 4.650, P = 0.031) respectively and among disabled at (χ2 = 18.303, P = 0.000) and (χ2 = 23.925, P = 0.000) respectively. Conclusions: The study revealed disabled adolescents often skip meals, consume fast foods, and have poor dietary habits. Interventions like education and increased access to healthy food options are needed.