Societal Constraints Research Articles

INEQUALITY EXPERIENCED BY WOMEN AS REFLECTED IN LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S 'LITTLE WOMEN'

This study explores women's roles and societal expectations in the 19th century, mainly as portrayed in Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. The analysis focuses on three main areas: family, education, and societal roles. In family life, women were largely confined to domestic roles, with ideals such as ‘the angel in the house’, which glorified self-sacrificial wives and mothers. Jo March, the main character in the novel, however, challenges this norm by assuming the responsibilities of the ‘man of the family’ in her father’s absence. In education, women’s access was limited, reflecting broader inequalities. Mrs. March, or Marmee, becomes a pivotal moral teacher to her daughters, instilling values that transcend material wealth. Despite societal constraints, Jo and her sisters navigate personal and financial challenges, with Jo ultimately breaking traditional gender norms by pursuing a career as a writer. This study further reveals how women’s opportunities were shaped by class and how marriage was often seen as the only path to social mobility. Overall, this paper highlights how Little Women reflects the limitations and opportunities for women in the 19th century, challenging prevailing gender stereotypes through its portrayal of women’s independence, ambition, and resilience.

Fuel constrained sustainable water-gas-heat-power generation expansion planning of isolated microgrid

On account of slowly reducing of fossil-fuel, profitable utilization of available fossil-fuel to produce electric power is a major concern for electric power producers. Here, short-period fuel constrained power, heat, natural gas and clean water augmentation planning (FCPHGWAP) of isolated microgrid considering carbon capture is presented. FCPHGWAP finds out the most economical and consistent augmentation plan to meet the prophesied power, heat, natural gas and clean water demand over a short-term time horizon whilst satisfying several technical as well as societal constraints. An archetypical system having extant diesel generators (DGs), PVT panel, wind turbine generator (WG), micro-cogeneration unit (MCU), battery energy storage system (BESS), plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), thermal energy storage system, natural gas storage unit, carbon capture unit (CCU), electrolyzer, hydrogen storage unit and aspirant PVT panel, WGs, MCUs and PEVs is taken into consideration. Self-organizing hierarchical particle swarm optimizer with time-varying acceleration coefficients and grey wolf optimization are used to solve this FCPHGWAP problem. It is observed that net present value having fuel constraints is less than that of without fuel constraints.

Internet and Cyberspace as a Means of Feminist Empowerment: A Cyberfeminist Study of Girls of Riyadh by Rajaa Alsanea

This study explores the role of the internet and cyberspace, particularly through the use of emails, as a tool for feminist empowerment within Saudi Arabian society, as depicted in Rajaa Alsanea's novel Girls of Riyadh. The research aims to examine how female characters use virtual spaces to challenge and undermine patriarchal norms and expectations. By utilizing the internet's anonymity and connectivity, these women carve out a platform for self-expression, solidarity, and resistance against the oppressive structures of their society. The study finds that cyberfeminism offers a powerful means for women in conservative environments to voice their thoughts and advocate for change. Furthermore, the internet serves as a catalyst for new forms of feminist discourse and activism. The study concludes that cyberspace not only facilitates the creation of a collective feminist identity but also empowers women to redefine their roles and resist traditional societal constraints.

Sociopsychological factors of drug abuse among young females in Bangladesh and gender-specific vulnerabilities: Aligning with SDG 3 and SDG 5.

Drug consumption among young women in Bangladesh is increasing day by day. The research aims to analyze the factors influencing young females to take drugs in Bangladesh. This exploratory study was carried out using a qualitative research method. Primary data were collected via in-depth interviews. Seventeen addicted young women from Bangladesh were chosen for this study by a snowball sampling technique. The data from the interviews were thoroughly examined. Intimate relationships with family and friends have the greatest impact on women's drug use. Aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 and SDG target 3.5, the study underscores the critical need for gender-sensitive approaches to address the unique vulnerabilities faced by young women. The findings revealed several factors that significantly impacted drug consumption among young women in Bangladesh, including the influence of social groups and peers, family-related issues, inadequate awareness and education on drugs, the ready availability of drugs, and psychological factors such as stress and curiosity. Additionally, women who use drugs often face severe social stigma and gender-based violence, which deters them from seeking help and exacerbates their addiction. Limited access to health services due to economic and societal constraints further hinders their ability to receive proper care and support. Implementing strategies that address these gender-specific factors will not only help mitigate drug abuse but also contribute to improved public health outcomes and advance sustainable development.

Online complementary interventions for the development of social communication in children during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic

For elementary school children, engaging in diverse communication experiences with peers of varying ages during free play is crucial for developing social adaptability. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented interruption to this learning process, as the new school year in Japan, which typically starts in April, began with widespread school closures. A novel intervention was implemented to address the ongoing societal constraints of the “stay-at-home” mandate and the uncertainty surrounding its duration. This intervention aimed to facilitate and promote peer communication while minimizing the risk of COVID-19 infection. It utilized then-unfamiliar Internet-based conferencing systems on Children’s Day, 1 month into the new school year. We explored two main analytical aspects to enhance the efficacy of this communication method: first, the types of play proposed by children that attracted the highest participation from unfamiliar peers; second, the duration of participation and communication, particularly regarding age and gender differences. Remarkably, despite only 2 days’ notice, 15 children aged 4 – 14 from five different, previously unknown communities located 1,000 km apart participated enthusiastically. In the first investigation, 12 types of play were introduced by the children. The most engaging activities included collaborative drawing on a shared online whiteboard and a scavenger hunt for specified objects. Notably, older children participated significantly longer in the online presenter’s activities, while younger children preferred to play within their own community. This study proposes that online conferencing can facilitate social interaction among children during pandemics. The intervention successfully fostered collaborative play among children of varying ages and from distant locations. In addition, the findings indicate the necessity to adjust the quality and focus of interventions based on age-specific psychological development. Further verification with more implementation examples and a larger participant pool is required.

Exploring the Hero's Journey in Kate Chopin’s The Awakening and Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist

This research paper explores the quest journeys of the protagonists in Kate Chopin’s The Awakening and Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist using Joseph Campbell’s concept of the Hero’s Journey from The Hero with a Thousand Faces. The study highlights how the archetypal quest myth is presented in modern narratives. Edna Pontellier in The Awakening embarks on a journey of self-discovery, challenging societal norms and seeking personal freedom. Santiago in The Alchemist follows a more traditional hero’s path, driven by a recurring dream to find a hidden treasure, ultimately realizing that the true treasure lies within. Both journeys lead to significant personal transformations, though their outcomes differ dramatically. While Santiago's journey aligns with the classic structure of departure, initiation, and return, Edna's quest highlights the constraints of her societal context, leading to a tragic conclusion. Santiago encounters physical and spiritual trials in the desert, guided by mentors like Melchizedek and the Alchemist, and returns home enlightened. Conversely, Edna, influenced by characters like Mademoiselle Reisz and Robert Lebrun, faces internal and societal conflicts that ultimately lead her to seek freedom in death. This comparative study illustrates how modern narratives adapt and reinterpret the Hero’s Journey to explore diverse themes and experiences. It emphasizes the enduring relevance of Campbell's monomyth in understanding the complexities of human struggles and aspirations, showing how both protagonists, despite their different paths, reflect universal quests for identity and self-fulfillment. The paper underscores the impact of societal constraints on personal freedom and the varied outcomes of such quests in different cultural contexts.

Post-salafism by learning: The indigenization of globalized, exclusivist Salafism in Tunisia and Morocco

ABSTRACT Extant scholarship argues that the extent to which Salafis politicized after 2011 was a result of the relative degree of openings that followed the ‘Arab Revolutions’ – from limited reform (Morocco) to full-fledged democratization (Tunisia). Based on a comparative study of Tunisia and Morocco, this paper instead explains the emergence of a politicized, post-Salafi current in both countries in terms of a dialectical relationship between opportunities and constraints emanating from not only state institutions but also societal dynamics such as public hostility and cross-ideological socialization. We argue that although many Tunisian and Moroccan Salafis chose not to engage in institutional politics in the initial years after the uprisings, their exposure to the new democratic environment – including interactions with ideological ‘rivals’, the use of civil liberties, and mobilization in the newly liberalized public sphere – followed by the restoration of institutional and societal constraints after 2013 have given rise to a distinct post-Salafi current. While post-Salafis remain Salafis, they distance themselves from Wahhabism, claim the legacy of national religious references (Maliki Zaytunis in Tunisia, modernist Salafis in Morocco), revise their exclusivist tendencies, and recast politics from an instrumental activity to a legitimate and valuable praxis in and of itself. This constitutes a major departure from globalized, decultured, and exclusivist Salafism towards greater indigenization.

조지 엘리엇의 『대니얼 데론다』에 나타난 여성 제국주의자의 지배 욕망과 대안적 제국

This paper argues that George Eliot’s Daniel Deronda highlights the intricate connection between Gwendolen Harleth’s narrative and Daniel Deronda’s narrative from an imperialistic perspective, focusing specifically on Gwendolen’s hysterical desire for dominance. Gwendolen harbors a deep-seated longing for control over the East, yet her ambitions are thwarted by the societal constraints of the time, which confine women to the role of the ‘angel in the house’. This frustration leads her to experience hysteria. Additionally, Gwendolen feels a profound moral revulsion toward her husband, Henleigh Grandcourt, who symbolizes the violent and oppressive forces of empire. In contrast, she implicitly supports Deronda’s morally upright vision of constructing a Jewish nation, thereby embracing a more benevolent model of imperial governance. Thus, this study concludes that, through the portrayal of Gwendolen as embodying imperialist desires and subtly endorsing the expansion of empire, Eliot reveals her deep entanglement with the imperialist discourse of her time.

Social Norms: A Missing Ingredient of Programs Seeking to Foster Women’s Agency in Nutrition

Social expectations play a crucial role in shaping dietary practices among women and children. However, despite significant attention to promoting social and behavioral change in nutrition-focused programs and research, the influence of social norms on women’s agency in enhancing nutrition practices is often overlooked. In this perspective, we advocate for a paradigm shift by incorporating a “norms aware” approach. This underscores the importance of recognizing, measuring, and addressing the societal constraints and barriers that women and children encounter in their journey to improved nutrition. Drawing on insights from the United States Agency for International Development-funded Kulawa project in Niger, we highlight the implications of using social norms diagnosis tools to understand the contextual dynamics within child-feeding practices, informing intervention design, and targeted populations. Integrating a norms perspective into nutrition programming and research does not require an overhaul, but rather a nuanced application of understanding of contextual drivers, such as social norms and agency, that have been underemphasized. We delve into the role of the socio-ecologic system, underscore the importance of addressing power imbalances related to gender and social hierarchy, and emphasize that programs targeting norms should aim for community rather than individual-level change. We provide guidance for programs and research integrating a norms perspective, as well as examples of how tools, such as the Social Norms Exploration Tool and Social Norms Analysis Plot framework, can be applied to identify and prioritize social norms, facilitating the design of “norms aware” programs. Additionally, we highlight the critical role of community engagement and discuss the value of using qualitative and quantitative approaches to document the process and outcomes of social norms research, program design, and implementation. When we recognize the role of social norms in nutrition as a missing ingredient in nutrition research, programming, and social and behavior change strategies, we create opportunities for more effective and contextually relevant research and interventions that address the complexities of enhancing nutrition practices among women and children.

Catalysts of Change: Female Youth Entrepreneurs Shaping Karachi's Future

This study explores the entrepreneurial intentions of young women in Karachi, Pakistan, focusing on factors that influence their motivations and challenges. The research uses a survey approach to examine how individual characteristics, social support, educational background, and access to financial and networking resources shape entrepreneurial intentions among female youth. Findings suggest that while entrepreneurship education boosts self-confidence and empowers women, societal constraints and limited resources remain barriers. Results highlight the necessity for policy interventions to support female entrepreneurs through increased mentorship, financial support, and educational access. Addressing these challenges could create a more inclusive, gender-balanced entrepreneurial ecosystem, advancing Karachi's economic and social development.

Gender Representations, Empathy, and Gender-Based Violence Awareness Among Medical Students: A Proposal for a Specific Training Program.

In recent decades, the topic of gender differences has become central to many areas of study, including medicine. The present study explored gender differences in empathy, gender role ideologies, and gender sensitivity among medical students, highlighting significant variations that can inform medical education and training programs. The study involved 155 students (52.1% male; mean age: 22.68±2.48 years) from the Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry of the University of Salerno in Baronissi, Southern Italy. Participants completed two standardized scales: the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) to assess empathy, and the Nijmegen Gender Awareness in Medicine Scale (N-GAMS) to evaluate gender awareness. Six open-ended questions were also included in the gender-based violence representations. The ANOVA analysis reveals significant differences in scores between male and female students across the N-GAMS scales, indicating a strong role of gender in these variations. These findings suggest the necessity for further research to understand the contributing factors and inform targeted interventions in medical education. Additionally, there are significant differences in compassionate care (Factor 2) and walking in the patient's shoes (Factor 3), highlighting the substantial impact of gender on these latter aspects of empathy. These gender differences have significant implications for medical education. Training programs should be tailored to address the specific needs and characteristics of both male and female students. For example, encouraging male students to maintain their gender sensitivity while challenging traditional gender role ideologies can promote a more inclusive approach to patient care. For female students, fostering confidence in their compassionate care abilities and providing opportunities to express empathy in diverse ways can help overcome societal constraints.

A Look at the Perception of Human and Civilizations in Friedrich Nietzsche’s Work Antichrist

Considering the perception lik a abilty to see, hear or become aware, in this research, focused upon a subject that has left a great mark on the world-wide literature and opened the door to great debates. This subject is mentioned in Nietzsche's famous work, ANTICHRIST. of man and person its nature of development your obstacles and this your obstacles How will be surpassed over One attempt to do has been studied. Same in time human being One individual and society One Part of its aspect civilization to be able to create in front of philosophical, religious, and political of your obstacle’s detection and this your determination to the reader reflection has been made. The main theme of this study while real politics and social of development According to Nietzsche, how it should be done was expressed. A pivotal aspect of Nietzsche’s analysis lies in the contradictory nature of the modern individual's consciousness and ignorance. Despite the allure of advancement, Nietzsche scrutinizes modernity’s superficial enlightenment, championing increased awareness and resilience against societal shortcomings. Nietzche challenges traditional notions of virtue, advocating for a shift away from rigid moral doctrines towards innate instincts and personal growth. Nietzsche’s discourse extends beyond mere criticism, promoting education, primal instincts, and nuanced comprehension of human development. Rejecting simplistic hierarchical frameworks, he attributes human advancement to intrinsic impulses rather than societal constructs. At the core of Nietzsche’s argument lies the concept of instinctual power, crucial for both societal progress and individual fulfillment. The study elucidates Nietzsche’s condemnation of compassion as an impediment to progress, echoing Aristotle’s insights. Nietzsche advocates for an unyielding stance against barriers hindering societal evolution, urging individuals to embrace self-esteem, self-affection, and autonomy. Nietzsche’s "Antichrist" provides profound reflections on humanity’s trajectory, urging a departure from dogmatic beliefs towards instinct-driven growth. The research underscores Nietzsche’s vision of a civilization harmonized with nature, liberated from societal constraints, and driven by individual integrity and primal instincts.

Women Characters in the Works of Tagore and Shakespeare

This comparative study delves into the representation of women characters in the works of Rabindranath Tagore and William Shakespeare, two luminaries from distinct cultural and temporal backgrounds. By examining key female characters such as Charulata from "Nastanirh" and Binodini from "Chokher Bali" alongside Lady Macbeth from "Macbeth" and Portia from "The Merchant of Venice," the paper explores themes of strength, resilience, intelligence, and societal constraints. The analysis reveals that despite their different contexts, both authors portray women with profound depth, challenging traditional norms and highlighting their enduring significance in literary discourse. Through specific line-by-line examples and textual analysis, the paper underscores the universal and timeless nature of these characters, emphasizing their roles in reflecting and critiquing the societal dynamics of their respective eras.

Navigating tensions between institutional and cultural quandaries: reflexive journey of Chinese female doctoral students

ABSTRACT This study examines the challenges of female doctoral students in China at the intersection of neoliberal education and Confucian gender roles. Employing qualitative interviews with 12 students, it explores how they navigate academic pressures and societal expectations. Leveraging Margaret Archer's reflexivity theory, key findings show that these students employ various reflexivity strategies to manage the tensions between their academic goals and societal roles. Fractured-meta reflexivity reveals how students reassess their academic paths in response to rigorous demands, autonomous-communicative reflexivity balances self-motivation with external support, and meta-autonomous reflexivity involves transcending societal constraints. The study emphasizes the need for reforms in doctoral program structures to better support female doctoral students, including more flexible academic timelines and improved support systems. It also advocates for policy changes to address gender biases and promote equity in academia.

In Genderqueer Closets: Challenging Gender Binarism through Embodied Narratives of Affect and Style

“Queer,” once a derogatory term to refer to sexual minorities, has been recently celebrated as “the fashion avant-garde of our times” through genderqueer self-expression. Despite increased visibility in fashion, research on the feelings and daily practices surrounding genderqueer style remains scarce. This paper addresses this gap by exploring the everyday practices and emotions of non-binary individuals, using the wardrobe as a conceptual framework. Genderqueer forms of self-expression, despite its emergence, have been notably under-explored. In order to address this gap, we ask the question- how do non-binary people assemble their styles in relation to how they feel? We respond to this question through a case study involving thirteen in-depth interviews and social media analysis exploring how non-binary people style themselves, navigate societal constraints, and emotionally engage with clothing. Findings suggest that non-binary individuals assemble their styles to achieve bold contrast, resisting gender norms and navigating the gender spectrum as an exercise of self-acceptance. Their wardrobe assembly is a form of self-identification and self-expression, influenced by spatial considerations that can amplify or conceal gender expression. By theorizing these practices, this study contributes to understanding diverse gender identities in fashion studies and deepens our understanding of fashion and affects.

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.

LEARNING TO LEARN: THE KEY TO LEADERSHIP SUCCESS

AbstractThe author is former CEO of 7‐Eleven, Inc., and Blockbuster, Inc., and has been involved at the board level and other key positions in various nonprofits and artistic organizations. He says that in his career, he “grew to appreciate the critical importance of education to the individual, the corporation, and to the humanity at large.” He says that he has tried to “capture ”what″ learnings were necessary, “how” to make leadership a dynamic learning process, and “why” continued learning is such a fundamental requirement for effective leadership. I have distilled the what, how, and why of my leadership education into 9 principles I call the “C‐Suite Learnings.” The three areas of what to learn are, in his words, change, confidence, and clarity. In how to learn, they are critical thinking, curiosity, and creativity. For why to learn, collaboration, cultural literacy, and character. “My goal,” he concludes, “is to help others find their own path to academic, professional, and even personal success. By practicing these nine Cs, we can Live to Learn; freeing ourselves from personal and societal constraints that limit our success. Only then will we truly Learn to Live; and in turn Learn to Lead.”

A Philosophical View on Love and the Concept of Soulmates in Paulo Coelho’s Brida

Paulo Coelho’s novel Brida (1990) takes readers on a transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual exploration. This paper delves into the novel’s profound themes of love, the protagonist’s quest for personal authenticity and the concept of soulmate. Brida, the young and curious protagonist, embarks on a voyage to uncover her true self and find her place in the realm of magic and spirituality. Throughout her encounters with wise mentors and spiritual experiences. This abstract examines how the concept of soulmate and love intertwines with Brida’s self-discovery, allowing her to shed societal constraints and discover her authentic identity. By analyzing the novel with applying Jean Paul Satre’s philosophical theories concerning love and existentialism. The study focuses on intricate narrative and poignant insights, it sheds light on the transformative power of finding the love for the being and the profound impact of self-discovery on one’s journey towards personal authenticity.

Between Anger and Revenge: The Unpoetic Justice of “Counterparts”

Abstract James Joyce’s “Counterparts” is a poignant exploration of the multifaceted themes of anger, revenge, and justice within the backdrop of early twentieth century Dublin. The story takes the reader on a journey through the life of Mr. Farrington, whose struggles embody those of an average Irish worker in the face of British imperialism and societal pressures. Farrington’s gradual transformation from a man burdened by anger into one consumed by an insatiable thirst for revenge serves as a stark commentary on the corrosive effects of his predicament. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes increasingly evident that the boundary between anger and revenge is a fine line, easily blurred in the tumultuous world of Mr. Farrington. The story challenges readers to consider the legitimacy of his emotions and actions, highlighting the complexities of the human psyche when subjected to perceived injustices. Farrington’s impulsive and misguided attempts at revenge only serve to underscore the tragic nature of his character, exemplifying the societal constraints that restrict his agency and expression. “Counterparts” ultimately paints a bleak picture of justice, where Farrington’s quest for revenge takes on a violent and delusional character that fails to address the core issues of perceived injustices. His inability to channel his anger into a purposeful course of action mirrors the broader sense of disempowerment experienced by many Irish citizens in Joyce’s time.

Masculine, independent, and “not acting”: Hegemonic masculinity and femmephobia within an online community of queer men

AbstractThis article focuses on queer men's relationship with hegemonic masculinity and femmephobia. The study was conducted with the aim of investigating how different understandings of masculinity and femininity can fuel femmephobia. Ten posts within the Reddit forum “r/gaybros” were analyzed, along with their 1356 collective comments. Within the analysis, the users of r/gaybros were found to define their expression of masculinity as independent and free from any societal constraints or expectations. To be masculine meant resisting the stereotype that associates queerness with femininity. Femininity was then understood as failing to reach this construction of masculinity and as vacuously conforming to the stereotype that queer men are feminine. Consequently, the users constructed masculinity and femininity in a complementary and hierarchical way. Not only do they devalue and regulate femininity, but the femmephobia that they reproduce is a necessary part of their understanding of masculinity. This article consequently argues that the users of r/gaybros constructed a local form of hegemonic masculinity which contrasts with previous research that understands gay men as capable of imitating hegemonic masculinity but ultimately excluded from its construction.