Social Norms Research Articles

Seamful Sutures: Gender Exploration and Identity Expression Using Augmented Reality Facial Filters

This paper examines gender performativity and identity as expressed through facial beauty filters, as mainstreamed on dominant social media platforms Instagram and TikTok. It provides a framework for the widespread use of augmented reality (AR) filters on social media, which we theorize in relation to feminist and queer methodologies, as well as screen theories of “seamfulness” and “mechanic sutures.” With reference to studies of selfie culture, social media, and digital beauty norms, as well as illustrative examples of the facial filters’ design and use, we consider idealized forms of cisgender feminine appearance as well as queer and nonbinary forms of identity. Our case studies range from analysis of the viral Bold Glamour makeup filter to custom filters made by musicians Björk and Ariana Grande. We highlight potential benefits to these filters, including their ability to playfully shield the user’s face from a critical gaze, to reduce costs associated with presenting idealized forms of beauty, and to offer nonbinary users liminal media spaces through which to explore self-image. Overall, the paper provides a theoretical model for understanding the widespread use of facial filters on social media and their impact for intersectional gendered dynamics. It also provides important historical and conceptual context to dominant critical discourse that foregrounds their negative impact on women over other potential benefits.

Proposal for a socially constitutive process of personal recovery in psychiatry

SUMMARY This article discusses the importance of personal recovery in psychiatry and proposes a new socially constitutive process. The author, an expert by experience, emphasises that recovery is not only an individual endeavour but also an intersubjective one. Moreover, social relationships and external factors such as community, family, health service culture and social norms influence the recovery process. The socially constitutive process posits that support from professionals and family members is crucial, significantly reducing the burden of responsibility carried by individuals with mental illness.

Empowering Women across Borders: A Study on Equality and Inclusion

Abstract: This paper explores the multifaceted dimensions of women's empowerment and gender equality across various cultural and socio-economic contexts through The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). It was adopted by the United Nations in 1979, and serves as a foundational international treaty aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women worldwide. This paper explores the impact of CEDAW in transforming legal frameworks, fostering social change, and enhancing women's rights. By obligating signatory nations to eliminate discrimination against women in all forms, CEDAW provides a comprehensive framework for addressing issues such as violence against women, economic inequality, and political participation. It is instrumental in reshaping societal norms and legal frameworks, driving systemic change that empowers women and promotes their fundamental rights on a global scale. The paper will discuss in detail the barriers that women face, including legal, economic, and social challenges, and highlights successful strategies implemented in different countries to promote gender equity at International Level.

Gendered impacts of climate change: evidence from weather shocks

Abstract Climate change is a critical challenge of our era, and its effects on human well-being are undeniable. It may not be immediately apparent that its impacts can vary by gender. Drawing from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that a shock can affect men and women differently, due to social norms and pre-existing gender differences. This paper reviews economic studies on how weather shocks—such as floods, droughts, and extreme temperatures—affect a broad spectrum of outcomes, ranging from endowments to economic opportunities and agency. Although specific physiological vulnerabilities exist (e.g. boys are more vulnerable to prenatal shocks, while girls and women are more vulnerable to heat), the most significant gendered impacts stem from pre-existing inequalities and societal responses to these shocks. In regions with a strong preference for boys, families facing resource shortages from shocks might prioritize boys for food and other resources, pull girls from school, marry them off young, or withdraw women from agricultural work so they can focus on household chores. Conversely, boys and men might leave school or migrate to seek alternative income sources during or after such shocks. Without gender-responsive climate policies, climate change is likely to exacerbate existing gender inequalities.

“It definitely was consensual, but…”: Normative tensions about gendered heterosexuality and young women’s mixed feelings about sex

Sexual ambivalence—sex that is simultaneously wanted and unwanted—is not unusual in young women’s experiences with heterosex. Elucidating how gender and sexuality contribute to ambivalence is important for understanding how social forces shape oft-hidden sexual behaviors that affect women’s well-being. We draw on 20 interviews with young women in the United States to argue that mixed feelings about sex (psychological ambivalence) could stem from conflicting norms about heterosex (sociological ambivalence). Participants recalled wanting sex with partners because the characteristics met one set of social norms that valorized the encounters, but also discussed simultaneously not wanting those same experiences because of coexisting norms that stigmatized their behaviors. Such mixed feelings contributed to some women’s unease about experiences that they understood as explicitly consensual. In the end, the study highlights the importance of attending to the sociological study of ambivalence and its role in theorizing access to pleasurable, not just consensual, sex.

Navigating policing and work-life balance in the South Pacific

ABSTRACT Policing in the South Pacific is influenced by a myriad of factors including cultural norms, historical legacies, socio-economic disparities, and geopolitical dynamics. Against this backdrop, law enforcement officers face multifaceted challenges in reconciling the demands of their profession with personal and familial obligations. This article discusses the challenges faced by police officers as they attempt to balance their professional and personal lives. Interviews were conducted with male (N = 50) and female (N = 50) constables from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to gain insight into the challenges they face as RSIPF officers, the support available to them and the further resources they see as necessary to improve their work-life balance. Findings reveal a complex interplay of factors shaping officers’ work-life dynamics, including shift work schedules, high-pressure environments, community expectations, and the emotional toll of policing in small, tight-knit societies. It also highlights the significance of informal support networks, cultural values, and adaptive coping mechanisms in mediating the impact of work-related stressors on officers’ well-being. Notably, data suggest that RSIPF work-life balance, wellness and workplace structures are highly gendered. These findings offer insights that can inform the development of more effective support mechanisms and policies aimed at enhancing the holistic wellbeing of police officers. They further substantiate the need for greater formal support systems within the RSIPF to assist employees with managing their work-life balance.

POLICY DEVELOPMENT FOR EFFECTIVE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT AMIDST DETERIORATING DISCIPLINE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KWAZULU-NATAL: CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES

The current increasing indiscipline in the secondary schools undermines the overall management of schools hence the importance of proper school management for the achievement of the set objectives is critical important(Daka, 2021). Another problem that has come to light is eroding discipline among students in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: the issues under the management of misbehaviour disrupt school administration and jeopardize the educational process. In this paper, I discuss the numerous multifaceted causes of the difficulties that current secondary schools encounter in establishing discipline. Through a review of literature, coupled with interviews with educational administrators personally encountered by the researcher, important areas of consideration, among which include the socio-economic conditions, poor school policies, and a bad influence from the community have been found to be among the important factors that contribute to the current disciplinary crisis. The study employs Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory as a framework to analyse the interconnected systems influencing school discipline, including the microsystem (family and school environments), mesosystem (interactions between school and community), exosystem (external policies and socio-economic conditions), and macrosystem (cultural and societal norms). The findings highlight the need for comprehensive and multi-faceted strategies to address these challenges effectively. Some of the key suggestions include providing practical, effective and clear disciplinary measures to be taken, enhancing school community relations, and providing teachers with training and focusing on the socio-economic factors leading to indiscipline. The study also highlights the practical recommendation as ethical leadership and inclusion of the African philosophy, specifically Ubuntu, in developing the better-discipline school climate. This study provides a valuable contribution to the literature on educational management in South and provides practical research that may be useful for policymakers, educators, and school administrators who want to improve school discipline and management. The strategies put forward present an opportunity for schools in KwaZulu-Natal to foster appropriate environment that would facilitate learning and ensure that learners gain improved education outcomes, and instil discipline insisting on accountability among llearners.

Judicial Activism and Governance: A Comprehensive Analysis of Constitutional Principles

The research examines the evolving role of the judiciary in shaping and influencing public policy, emphasizing the delicate balance required to maintain the separation of powers while ensuring effective governance. The study encompasses a broad spectrum of constitutional doctrines and judicial decisions to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics between the judiciary and the other branches of government and it also acknowledges the potential benefits of judicial activism in addressing societal issues. It not only helps in protecting fundamental rights but it also scrutinizes the concerns surrounding overreach and the erosion of democratic principles. A central focus of the paper is the intricate relationship between judicial review and the separation of powers. The analysis evaluates how judicial activism can serve as a check on the legislative and executive branches, ensuring that constitutional rights are safeguarded. However, it also underscores the need for judicial restraint to prevent the judiciary from encroaching on the policymaking domain reserved for elected representatives. The paper discusses the evolving nature of constitutional interpretation and the potential impact on governance, with a specific emphasis on how judicial decisions can influence the legal landscape and societal norms. Furthermore, the analysis considers the role of judicial activism in addressing contemporary challenges such as social justice, environmental protection, and technological advancements. In conclusion, this comprehensive analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the relationship between judicial activism and governance, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance that upholds constitutional principles while respecting the roles of the other branches of government. The paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on the evolving nature of judicial power and its implications for effective and accountable governance within a constitutional framework.

Gender, Culture and Ethics: Confronting the Complexities of Sex-Selective Abortion in Canada

This article examines the ethical and cultural implications of sex-selective abortion, with a focus on the Indo-Canadian community. Drawing from a 2016 Canadian Medical Association Journal study and expert opinions, including a CBC radio discussion and Dr. Jen Gunter's commentary, it highlights the conflict between reproductive rights and entrenched gender biases. The piece critiques the challenges in legislating against sex-selective abortion, emphasizing the infringement on reproductive rights and privacy, and the need to address deeper societal and cultural factors behind sex selection. The analysis includes cultural perspectives, revealing how societal norms and familial pressures in the Indo-Canadian community impact reproductive decisions, often leading to coercion and loss of choice. The feminist viewpoint links sex-selective abortion to broader issues of gender inequality and misogyny. Conclusively, the article argues for a holistic approach to addressing sex-selective abortion, combining legal, educational, and cultural changes. This approach aims to cultivate a society that values gender equality and respects women’s autonomy, ensuring their decisions are free from coercion and societal prejudice.

Navigating the Global Dietary Transition and Its Impact on Planetary and Human Health: The Role of Middle-Income Countries

Abstract This case study examines global dietary transitions and their impact on environmental sustainability, nutritional well-being, and socio-economic inequalities, focusing on middle-income countries (MICs) like China, India, Brazil, Turkey, and Mexico. As economic expansion, urbanization, and cultural shifts drive changes in eating habits, MICs encounter both advantages and disadvantages. The study explores how socio-economic transformation influences dietary preferences, resulting in increased consumption of processed foods and animal-based products, linked to rising non-communicable diseases and environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion. It delves into the influence of cultural heritage and social norms on dietary practices, alongside the impact of Western dietary patterns and media. Additionally, the case study underscores the role of governmental strategies in fostering sustainable and nutritious diets through policies that support local agriculture and public health. It also investigates contributions from the private sector and emphasizes the significance of community-driven and grassroots movements in promoting sustainable dietary habits and reinforcing food security. This study aims to provide insights into the interconnection between dietary transitions, their environmental and nutritional impacts, and the socio-economic drivers and disparities within and across MICs, offering guidance for sustainable development and public health improvement. Information © The Author 2024

Factors Influencing Professional Help-Seeking Intentions for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Among Female University Students in Eswatini.

To investigate the prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) among female college students, identify factors influencing intention to seek professional help among SGBV survivors, and compare help-seeking determinants among survivors based on their prior utilization of healthcare services. A cross-sectional online survey was employed among female students aged 18-24 years from two universities in Eswatini. A total of 271 female college students were recruited to assess SGBV experience, attitudes, social norms, perceived control, help-seeking intention, and other factors not originally included in the theory of planned behavior. Data analyses utilized descriptive statistics, comparative analyses, and multiple regression methods. Among the participants, 73.1% reported experiencing one or more forms of SGBV, while only 43.4% sought professional help through health services. Help-seeking intentions of survivors were significantly associated with positive attitudes, subjective norms, and marital status, collectively explaining 66% of the variance. In subgroup analyses, the subjective norm and attitude emerged as the most robust predictors of help-seeking intentions. The results revealed a high prevalence of SGBV and a concerning trend of low help-seeking behavior, with attitudes and subjective norms emerging as the most influential factors shaping intention. These results provide valuable insights for designing theory-driven and culturally sensitive public health nursing interventions and educational programs aimed at effectively supporting SGBV survivors.

The Church and African Mortuary Rites

There is no doubt that there is an existential conflict between African funeral rituals with certain Christian religious beliefs and social norms. Conflict over burial rituals and especially among the Agiriama people has led to tension between the community and Christian churches andparticularly the Catholic Church in Kilifi, Kenya. In order to avoid such conflicts, this article set out to explore the possibilities of enculturating some funeral rites, such as ‘Nyere za Mwezi,’ a cardinal post-burial ritual among the Agiriama community. The latter has continued to practice their traditions and culture associated with burial and funeral despite their conversion to Christianity and Islam, the two dominant religions in the region. This article primarily aims to analyze the Agiriama funeral rites, their symbolic meanings, and their significance to the community.It extends the discussion by examining the Roman Catholic Church's interpretation of those rituals such as ‘Nyere za Mwezi.’ It concludes by examining the challenges and opportunities for inculturation of‘Nyere za Mwezi,’ one of the most significant post-burial rituals that enhanced the community well-being. The article relied on both secondary and primary data based on informed interviews with 30 respondents, mainly priests, Kaya elders, and lay Christians.

Konstruksi Realitas Sosial pada Cuti Melahirkan untuk Ayah dalam Undang-Undang No. 20 Tahun 2023

Awareness of the role of the father, starting from the process of accompanying his wife giving birth to the process of caring for a newborn baby, has begun to be emphasized in modern society. This awareness then resulted in the Government Regulations Draft (RPP) regarding the management of State Civil Apparatus (ASN) as implementing regulations for Law number 20 of 2023 which will regulate paternity leave rights for male civil servants whose wives are about to give birth. So far, in Indonesia, both government and private institutions only regulate maternity leave for female employees. The social construction that has been formed is that women must take full responsibility in caring for newborn children. This research examines the perceptions of male civil servants and private employees regarding the draft law that will regulate paternity leave. Using Bless and Greifeneder's Social Cognitive Processing, 5 male civil servants and 5 male private employees were invited to participate in the FGD. This research shows that there are still misperceptions among male workers because of their thinking patterns which are still strongly derived from Indonesian patriarchal culture. Even though there are many facts in the form of research results about the role of fathers in childcare, male workers are still dominated by the perception that only women are responsible for childcare. Paternity leave does not need to be long because it can reduce men's productivity in the workplace. In fact, husbands’ presence is not only needed to help the wife in the domestic realm but can also provide emotional support to the wives. All forms of male perception and action are still the result of imitation of habits, customs, and social norms seen and learned in society. Keywords: paternity leave, social construct, FGD, perception, Stuart Hall

The Quiet Quote: Thoughts on Quotation Norms and Plagiarism in the Judeo-Arabic Culture of the High and Late Middle Ages

Abstract In this paper, I strive to emphasize the phenomenology of quotation norms among Medieval Jewish scholars in an Islamicate context. The examined texts shed new light on the theme of plagiarism. The article ponders a fascinating connection raised in Jewish tradition between the legal normativity of quotation and the eschatological doctrine of deliverance. This research is both philological and comparative and stands at the intersection between law, literature, and philosophy. The last parts of the article show that the concept of plagiarism is a later phenomenon and that the discourse in this regard is modern by all means. It is connected with concepts such as intellectual property, which is mostly grounded in human rights discourse. In the appendix, I show the reductio ad absurdum of this phenomenon in modern times and address the heightened complexity of the issue in the technological era, with the promotion and growing influence of artificial intelligence.

Reflections on timing of motherhood - a qualitative online study with women of reproductive age

BackgroundThe age of Danish women giving birth to their first child has risen throughout the last 50 years, and the number of women and men who are having their first child when they are at advanced maternal or paternal age is increasing worldwide. Postponing parenthood is not unique to Denmark, as the same pattern is seen especially in other European and Western countries. The aim of this study was in a social media setting to explore reflections on the timing of motherhood among Danish women of reproductive age who not yet had children.MethodThis study was a qualitative study based on three online focus groups on Facebook. Twenty-six women of reproductive age discussed the timing of motherhood for three days in January 2020. Data were analyzed using Systematic Text Condensation.ResultsThree main themes were identified: ‘Life before parenthood’, ‘To plan for a child’ and ‘A life without children’. Several external and internal conditions influence whether and if so when women consider becoming mothers. Regarding the biological capacity for having children, women compare themselves with their female relatives and friends and colleagues regarding the social norms surrounding motherhood. Women with no children often experience either positive or negative pressure from family, friends, and colleagues regarding when to have children.ConclusionSeveral internal and external considerations influence when and if women become mothers. Social surroundings such as family, friends, and colleagues have an impact on women’s reproductive considerations in terms of pressure to have children in the future. Danish women tend to compare their reproductive capacity to their female relatives and compare the social norms surrounding motherhood to their female friends. Women in this study were positive towards discussing the timing of motherhood with other women of reproductive age on social media.

Reflection of social norms, moral ideals and gender dispositions of Premodern society in the medieval chivalric romance

Reflection of social norms, moral ideals and gender dispositions of Premodern society in the medieval chivalric romance

Exploring the experiences of stigma among South African gay men who practice consensual nonmonogamy

Consensual nonmonogamy (CNM) refers to an intimate relationship arrangement in which all the parties involved consent to having multiple romantic or sexual partners simultaneously, with the full knowledge and agreement of everyone involved. Although CNM is becoming increasingly more visible in mainstream media and social discourse, it remains a largely non-normative relationship configuration that can elicit stigma directed at those who practice it. The culture of mononormativity, whereby monogamous relationships are held as the ideal or default way for people to structure their intimate connections, may imply that even in the gay community, where a history of openness towards, and experimentation with, alternative relationship configurations exists, affirmative attitudes towards CNM cannot be guaranteed. This qualitative study explored the experiences of stigma among South African gay men who practice CNM, with a particular focus on stigma reported by CNM practitioners from within the gay community. Seven self-identified gay men who practice CNM were recruited to participate. Each participant took part in an unstructured individual interview which was then transcribed and subject to a thematic analysis. Analysis of the data revealed three main themes: creating CNM as homonormative; interpersonal (in)significance of CNM, and stigmatising narratives of CNM. Together, the findings highlight that while gay men who practice CNM may experience stigma from within the gay community, they adopt different approaches at managing this stigma, such as, by constructing CNM as a cultural norm for gay men and by interpreting their participation in CNM as a personally meaningful and fulfilling alternative to monogamy.

Individual Giving in Ghana: A Self-Determination Theory Approach to Giving

AbstractThis study investigated individual charitable giving in Ghana. Given that comprehensive data on individual giving in Africa is limited, this study’s theory-based approach used quantitative and qualitative methods to identify demographic and psychographic factors influencing the donation of money, time, and other resources towards assisting individuals, organisations, and charitable causes. With a sample size of 741 participants, the study identified gender, household size, age, financial constraints, social norms, egoism, religion, and trust as influential factors shaping giving behaviour among Ghanaians. The study’s outcomes have theoretical significance and suggest that individuals previously unwilling or lacking the capacity to give can become generous in the appropriate social and environmental context. The findings hold significance for nurturing a culture of philanthropy and developing culturally relevant and impactful giving campaigns and policies in Africa.

Computational Math Modeling and AI Optimization for Better Decision-Making: Applications in Machine Learning

The integration of computational mathematical modeling, optimization, machine learning (ML), data analysis, and artificial intelligence (AI) offers transformative opportunities to solve complex problems across diverse fields. This paper delves into the development and application of advanced modeling techniques that blend traditional mathematical approaches with advanced AI algorithms to enhance predictive accuracy, optimize resource allocation, and improve decision-making processes in areas such as logistics, finance, engineering, and healthcare. By leveraging data-driven insights, these models can simulate real-world scenarios and identify optimal solutions more effectively than conventional methods. The paper also explores how AI-enhanced modeling can impact broader systems by reshaping industry practices, influencing frameworks, and potentially challenging established societal norms. Eventually, the paper argues for a balanced and informed deployment of AI-driven modeling techniques to maximize their benefits while addressing potential risks and limitations.

Hysterical Women: The Fight for an Expanded British Franchise at the Turn of the 20th Century

This project argues that in the United Kingdom at the turn of the 20th century, social and medical claims of female hysteria worked as a way of confining women to the domestic sphere. To explore the social implications of feminine hysteria in this region, the medical legitimacy of these claims is analyzed through looking at the texts of various surgeon generals of the late 19th and early 20th centuries while placing them in conjunction with the rapidly changing world. This world was filled with suppressors who worked toward maintaining established social norms. The group analyzed in this project, women, were most prominently suppressed through the negative rhetorical use of medical terms such as female hysteria in pursuit of maintaining the status quo of the early 1800s. This umbrella term was historically used to describe any and all afflictions of women but morphed into ammunition for medical professionals and the general public alike to contain unruly women. This project contextualizes women’s health issues encapsulated by this umbrella term (hysteria) and others with the prevailing thoughts on women’s suffrage of the time to argue the above claim.