Social Norms Research Articles

Unpacking gendered dynamics in livestock vaccination: Toward more inclusive health strategies

Abstract Livestock are vital to the health and economic stability of communities worldwide. However, infectious diseases threaten both animal and human health due to losses in livestock, decreased production, and transmission of zoonotic diseases. To manage and mitigate these risks, access to livestock vaccines is critical. This is often gendered, with societal and cultural norms influencing barriers to access. Through a scoping review of 49 publications, we describe the gendered dynamics of livestock vaccination in relation to farmers’ perceptions and knowledge about vaccines, access to vaccines and vaccination programs, and the ways in which roles and responsibilities in relation to cultural norms shape and limit women’s decision making power and empowerment to participate in such initiatives. We find that across communities, women face similar barriers to engaging in livestock vaccination programs, but that local context is critical to understanding and addressing these barriers. Within a broader context of the gendered dynamics of vaccination for both human and animal health, we highlight the need for vaccination programs that identify and address inequitable access to vaccines to support community and animal wellbeing as well as resilience to emerging health threats. One Health impact statement This article examines the gendered dynamics of livestock vaccination, emphasizing the need for a One Health approach to develop more equitable and effective vaccination strategies. By considering the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health, this review highlights structural inequities in vaccine distribution and access, the impact of gender roles on decision making and participation in vaccination programs, and the broader implications for animal health and community wellbeing. Drawing on insights from veterinary medicine, social sciences, and public health, we advocate for inclusive, gender-transformative programs that address the diverse needs of those involved in livestock care and community health.

The rising appeal of creative industry for women entrepreneurs: an exploratory study of rural Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Purpose The current research study aims to explore the rising appeal of creative industry for institutionally embedded women entrepreneurs of rural Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research methodology is adopted to conduct the research study. Primary data is collected through in-depth interviews with 38 women entrepreneurs working in two sectors of creative industry in rural Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Findings The research study explored creative industry as the most informal, non-traditional, low cost, flexible and convenient business sector for institutionally embedded Pukhtoon women entrepreneurs of rural KP. Practical implications The study draws the attention of policymakers and government to consider the informal norms in which women entrepreneurship is deeply embedded, while making entrepreneurship development policies and programs. The research study drives the attention of government toward making entrepreneurial education and training facilities easily available so that the skill and talent of women entrepreneurs can be more polished and enhanced. It further suggests that if the policymakers and Government of Pakistan take positive initiations and recognize the paramount importance, the creative industry of Pakistan has the potential of contributing toward uplifting of the economy. Originality/value The study helps in identifying the prevailing social and cultural norms in KP that shapes the choice of women entrepreneurs toward entrepreneurship in creative industry. It emphasizes to understand the reasons, for which women in KP, opt to open their entrepreneurial ventures in creative industry.

From Isolation to Coordination: Lessons from Pakistan’s 2022 Flood Response for Humanitarian Unity

Taking the case of the devastating floods in 2022 in Pakistan, this qualitative study investigates the coordinated data processes and their profound implications for supporting flood-affected communities. By collecting data from diverse stakeholders, including an OCHA representative, a UNICEF representative, TLC heads, social activists, and youth volunteers through semi-structured interviews, the research provides valuable insights into the dynamics of humanitarian efforts. The findings of this study highlight the positive impact of coordinated efforts and the prevalence of organizations working in isolation. While the positive impacts of coordination are evident, with organizations achieving more effective service delivery and resource optimization, the majority of actors in the field continue to operate independently. This isolation leads to a disconnect from the contextual realities on the ground, such as cultural norms, power dynamics, and the geographical locations of vulnerable populations. The implications drawn from this research are both resounding and urgent. It underscores that unity and adaptability are not mere virtues but critical necessities in the realm of humanitarian aid. Through coordinated efforts and adapting to the local conditions and realities, there is greater possibility to effectively respond to emergencies. Future research should highlight successful case of coordinated efforts and their impact on emergency services to provide a practical roadmap for the aid agencies to follow in emergencies.

Exploration of Community Acceptance in Greater Jakarta Towards All Gender Facilities: Use of Toilets and Changing Rooms

The concept of All Gender Facilities has sparked controversy in many countries, particularly due to user concerns about the presence of other genders in private spaces such as changing rooms. This study aims to explore the acceptance of All Gender Facilities among Jabodetabek residents, focusing on their use in toilets and changing rooms. Employing a qualitative approach with a case study method, the research seeks to understand and analyze public responses influenced by social and cultural norms. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with eight purposively selected informants. The findings reveal that awareness and initial experiences with All Gender Facilities are shaped by media exposure and personal experiences when using such facilities. Security and cleanliness, encompassing the design and management of the space, are key factors influencing user privacy and comfort. Cultural norms significantly impact the acceptance of All Gender Facilities, emphasizing their role in societal resistance or approval. Support and neutrality toward All Gender Facilities are conditional, reflecting varying perspectives. The multicultural community in Jabodetabek demonstrates resistance to All Gender Facilities based on cultural and religious considerations, yet from a functional standpoint, these facilities are seen as acceptable.

Phenomenological insights into socio-psychological and network dynamics of women entrepreneurs

PurposeThis study investigates the socio-psychological and network dynamics influencing women’s entrepreneurial journeys in Bangladesh. It focuses on understanding how societal expectations, financial barriers and emotional resilience shape these women’s entrepreneurial experiences and outcomes.Design/methodology/approachA hermeneutic phenomenological approach was employed, involving in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 15 women entrepreneurs from various industries in Bangladesh. Thematic analysis was used to identify critical patterns and themes in their experiences.FindingsSix major themes emerged from the data: societal biases and constraints, financial hurdles, balancing family and work, psychosocial processes, the impact of social networks and strategic interventions. The findings not only reveal the deeply ingrained gender biases, limited access to financial resources and the emotional toll of juggling professional and domestic responsibilities but also underscore the remarkable resilience of these women in the face of such challenges.Practical implicationsThe study offers actionable insights for policymakers, support organizations and researchers. It underscores the urgent need for gender-sensitive financial policies, restructuring mentorship programs to include emotional support and developing cultural awareness campaigns to challenge societal norms that hinder women entrepreneurs.Originality/valueThis research uniquely contributes to the underexplored psychosocial dimensions of women’s entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. It highlights how emotional resilience and societal dynamics influence entrepreneurial success, offering valuable insights for enhancing support systems for women entrepreneurs.

Control del cuerpo y narrativa: análisis semiótico interpretativo de la obra autobiográfica Platonic Sex

In this article, the autobiographical story Platonic Sex by Ai Ijima will be analyzed from the perspective of interpretive semiotics (2004), in which we find ideological aspects, social conventions, discursive practices, traditions, norms and values that revolve mainly around the narrative of the body as a space of control and social power. This article is based on a theoretical approach to the interpretative semiotic analysis of the linguistic signs of the work, where the encounter of an actor with the values of the cultural system of the Japanese community in the nineties and in the beginning of the two thousand is made possible. The aim of this proposal is to analyze and interpret how Ai Ijima's narrative is a framework , which the meaning of a social phenomenon is produced, interpreted and communicated. In this work, it is evident how a woman's body, while objectified and manipulated by a lucrative sex industry, is also a motive for contempt and rejection by a society that values women for fulfilling social norms and expectations.

Aging women in Russia: Between sexless and sexy oldies

Women’s sexuality as a dimension of embodied identity is shaped and constrained by social norms of gender and age and negotiated by women in complex ways. Discourses of hegemonic bodily normativity ascribe a sexless subjectivity to Russian women in their post-reproductive years, contributing to their social exclusion. At the same time, in modern Russian society a neoliberal concept of “successful active aging” is gradually changing understandings of aging, making later-life sexuality more visible and legitimate. Older women’s sexual activity is often part of a lifestyle involving active care of their appearance and health, allowing them to maintain social inclusion in their post-reproductive years. This article considers how women’s sexuality shifts over time and what alternative (if any) form of sexuality exists besides the “sexless older woman” and the “sexy older woman” in the post-Soviet Russian context. Based on Russian data from the project “Aging and sexuality: transformation of intimacy in a transnational perspective” (The project “Aging and sexuality: transformation of intimacy in a transnational perspective” (under supervision of professor Anna Temkina, EUSPb).), this article discusses growing recognition of the diversity of experiences of later-life sexuality and the vulnerable social position of women in their post-reproductive years outside Western societies.

Did Women's Rights Have a Place in Eastern European Human Rights Dissent? The Case of Charter 77 and Czechoslovakia, 1977–1992

The Czechoslovak oppositional initiative Charter 77 produced dozens of documents on human rights between 1977 and 1992. Yet it never dedicated a separate document to women's rights, even if the issue of women's equality was well represented in global human rights discourse at the time. This article explores this absence in Charter 77's intellectual production. It analyses in detail several Charter documents and samizdat publications that touched upon issues of women's equality, showing that some Charter signatories were ready to acknowledge that the socialist state granted women formal equality, while suggesting that neither material conditions nor cultural norms provided full emancipation. However, a more prevalent critique marked the socialist agenda of women's emancipation as something that restricted women's individual freedom in their personal lives. I argue that in their legalistic approach, the Charter milieu largely lacked the conceptual tools to explore discrimination against women as the manifestation of the broader imbalance of power between men and women beyond the law.

The Impact of Layoffs on Organizational Culture and Employee Morale in IT Companies

Within the context of Information Technology (IT) enterprises, this research article explores the multiple effects of layoffs on organisational culture and employee morale. As a deliberate reaction to economic constraints, technological developments, organisational restructuring, or both, layoffs have unfortunately become commonplace in today's ever-changing corporate environment. Beyond the short-term monetary benefits, however, such staff cutbacks have far-reaching effects on the culture of the company and the mental health of the surviving workers.This research seeks to shed light on the complex relationship between layoffs, organisational culture, and employee morale in IT organisations by doing a thorough literature review and analysing empirical data. It looks at how layoffs affect trust, how they affect established cultural norms, and how they make workers fearful and unsure using qualitative and quantitative methods. In addition, the study analyses how company executives may help their employees bounce back from layoffs by reducing their impact on morale and culture and increasing team spirit.This study provides valuable insights for organisational executives, human resource practitioners, and researchers by shedding light on the difficulties of layoffs in IT organisations. Organisations may maintain employee engagement, loyalty, and organisational success during challenging times by acknowledging the significant influence of layoffs on morale and culture. This will allow for more thoughtful and strategic workforce management strategies.

Barriers and solutions for just and equitable access to urban ecosystem services: a critical analysis

ABSTRACT Achieving just and equitable access to urban ecosystem services is crucial for promoting sustainable urban development. However, recent literature highlights significant challenges in achieving such accessibility, often without comprehensively examining the underlying causes. In response, this study aims to address this gap by exploring the barriers that limit just and equitable access to ecosystem services and offering actionable solutions to create more inclusive and resilient urban environments. To achieve this, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 115 studies, employing both deductive and inductive approaches. Our findings show that cultural ecosystem services (45%) are the most inaccessible compared to other ecosystem services, explicitly limiting urban residents’ opportunities for recreation, social integration, and the development of place identity. We also identified four key barriers contributing to this inaccessibility: legacy, social, geographical, and institutional factors. Among these, social barriers (32%) appeared as the most significant, driven by societal norms and cultural differences. Furthermore, a clear divide is observed between the Global North and South: social barriers are more prominent in the North due to societal variations, while institutional barriers dominate in the South, reflecting weaker governance capacities. In response to these challenges, we highlight several key solutions. Inclusive urban planning (36%) stands out as the primary strategy, followed by improvements in governance and legacy considerations (27%) to address accessibility issues. These findings offer a valuable foundation to develop resilient urban policies and community-centered solutions, supporting the achievement of SDGs 11 and 13.

Exploring condition in which people accept AI over human judgements on justified defection

As artificial intelligence (AI) technology is introduced into different areas of society, understanding people’s willingness to accept AI decisions emerges as a critical scientific and societal issue. It is an open question whether people can accept the judgement of humans or AI in situations where they are unsure of their judgement, as in the trolley problem. Here, we focus on justified defection (non-cooperation with a bad person) in indirect reciprocity because it has been shown that people avoid judging justified defection as good or bad. We explore which decisions people would accept when AI and humans make different decisions in the justified defection. Two experiments revealed that only when AI judged positively and a human judged negatively, people rated the AI’s judgement as better. The research suggests that people’s acceptance of AI decisions depends on estimating the hidden intentions behind societal norms. It offers new insights into human norm analysis by examining the differences in acceptance between AI and human judgments.

Understanding the Bariatric Surgery: Conceptions and Misconceptions in Future Health Care Professionals

Introduction: Medically-complicated obesity, a major public health issue due to the ineffectiveness of traditional treatments, is increasingly managed through bariatric surgery. This study investigates the knowledge of clinical year students about bariatric surgery at RAKMHSU. It aims to assess their awareness and understanding of this crucial intervention for severe obesity and its related health risks. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over three months at RAK Medical and Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU) and utilized a survey to assess perception regarding bariatric surgery among clinical year students from RAK College of Medical Sciences (RAKCOMS) and RAK College of Nursing (RAKCONS). A pre-validated questionnaire was employed, and participants were randomly selected. Data analysis focused on the reliability of the tool and the student’s perception. Results: The study included 197 participants, comprising 162 medical and 35 nursing students. Significant differences emerged in three areas: nursing students preferred daily exercise more (Q6), believed in the greater likelihood of weight regain post-surgery (Q9), and were more aware of disease susceptibility (Q13) compared to medical students. Correlation analysis revealed that students who felt body shape affected self-confidence had better bariatric surgery knowledge and BMI calculation experience. Notable correlations were found between specific questions, with significant positive correlations observed among nursing students but not medical students. Discussion: Obesity is a global epidemic with rising prevalence, including in the UAE, where 43% of expatriates are overweight and 32.3% obese. Environmental factors, such as low physical activity due to climate and cultural norms, exacerbate the issue. Our study revealed good knowledge of BMI among participants, reflecting awareness of obesity's risks. However, concerns about bariatric surgery safety persist, with 32% of participants wary of complications. Despite this, the most recognized bariatric surgery is a viable option for medical conditions like PCOS. Educational interventions are essential to address misconceptions, promote informed decisions, and bridge gaps in exercise habits and referral practices. Conclusion: In conclusion, while many medical and nursing students demonstrate a solid understanding of bariatric surgery, hesitations and misconceptions persist. Continuous education is essential to address these concerns, enhance knowledge, and align perceptions with clinical advancements. By doing so, future healthcare professionals can make informed decisions and provide better care for patients with severe obesity, ultimately improving outcomes and fostering greater acceptance of evidence-based surgical interventions.

Situational Context Analysis of tourists’ eWOM Engagement: The Moderating Effects of Hotel Star Category and Review Site Use Intensity

ABSTRACT Based on interactional psychology theory, this study explored the moderating effects of hotel star category and hotel review site use intensity on two antecedents of consumer engagement with electronic word of mouth (eWOM): organizational review site competence (ORSCP) and organizational review site commitment (ORSCM). Data were collected from a cross-national sample of 443 hotels and analyzed using partial least-squares methods. The results confirm that ORSCP and ORSCM affect customers’ eWOM engagement. The findings also include that the hotel star category and the use intensity of hotel review sites have a moderating effect on the ORSCP – ORSCM relationship but not on these two variables’ connection with consumer eWOM engagement. This research thus ascertained that a complex relationship exists between hotels’ management of social networking sites and customers’ eWOM engagement, which has implications for hotel marketing specialists.

The Development of an Instagram Reel-Based Bystander Intervention Message Among College Students: Formative Survey and Mixed Methods Pilot Study.

Bystander intervention is a common method to address the ubiquitous issue that is sexual violence across college campuses. Short messages that incentivize bystander intervention behavior can be another tool to fight sexual violence. This study aimed to conduct formative research surrounding social norms and bystander barriers to pilot and develop Instagram (Meta) reel-based messages addressing bystander intervention among college students. The first step was to conduct a formative survey to identify peer norms and actual behavior of the intended population. Once that data were collected, a mixed methods message pilot was conducted by a survey where participants randomly saw 5 of the 12 messages developed, assessing them for credibility, perceived message effect, and intended audience. The formative survey was conducted among 195 college students from the same institution, and the pilot test was conducted among 107 college students. The formative survey indicated a discrepancy between perceived peer behavior and actual behavior of the participants in all 3 measures, allowing for the development of normative messaging. The pilot testing indicated the credibility was acceptable (eg, mean 3.94, SD 1.15 on a 5-point scale) as well as the perceived message effect (eg, mean 4.26, SD 0.94 on a 5-point scale). Intended audiences were also identified and reached. Qualitative results indicated that the messages may have lacked credibility, although the quantitative results suggest otherwise. Participants understood the messages concerned bystander intervention, and perceived message effects results indicated the messages to be effective in assisting bystander intervention engagement by normative messaging. Messages were considered credible and reached the intended audience. The qualitative results provided further insights on how the messages can be adapted before being tested for effects. Future research should focus on further adapting the messages and testing their effects among the studied population.

Factors Influencing Consumers' Purchase Intention To Use Battery Electric Cars In Indonesia

The market share of electric vehicles in terms of overall sales is still small in both developed and developing countries such as Indonesia. This study aims to determine the priority of factors that influence consumer purchase intention for battery electric cars in Indonesia by exploring public perceptions of this. This study uses quantitative research with a deductive approach and causality properties. The research population is consumers who buy and prospective buyers of battery electric cars in the DKI Jakarta area. With sample calculations using parameter 5, so that the minimum number of samples is 73 indicators X 5 = 365 respondents. The analysis technique uses SEM with the help of the AMOS program. The results of the study show that the integration of TPB, UTAUT-3, and NAM theories provides in-depth insights into consumer intentions to purchase battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Indonesia. Positive attitudes and PBC contribute significantly to purchase intentions, at 16% and 14.8%, respectively, while subjective norms show a negative but significant influence. In the UTAUT-3 model, social influence and facilitating conditions contribute significantly, at 33.6% and 44.3%, respectively, emphasizing the importance of social support and infrastructure. Price value also contributes significantly at 33.2%, indicating that the perception of the economic value of electric vehicles greatly influences purchasing decisions, but other factors are not significant. Although awareness of consequences and ascription of responsibility in the NAM model have a positive effect, personal norms do not show a significant influence on purchase intentions. The implication of these findings is that to increase purchase intentions for electric vehicles, a marketing strategy is needed that includes education about the benefits, strengthening social norms, and improving infrastructure, as well as creating awareness of the economic and environmental value of electric vehicles.

Gender Dynamics in Educational Leadership: Challenges Faced by Female School Principals

Women are breaking the social norm of being led by men, due to persistence of stereotypical cultural practices, socialization and biases against women that may explain the poor representation of women in leadership roles. The objectives of the study were to determine: challenges faced by female administrators and strategies used to resolve the challenges. The study adopted the interpretivist paradigm and used a sequential exploratory design through a qualitative research approach. A purposive and convenience sampling strategy was employed to select 12 female administrators for participation in semi-structured interviews. This study employed thematic analysis to uncover recurring patterns and themes within the interview data. This study explored the challenges faced by female school administrators, who battle gender stereotypes, a confidence gap, and opposition from some teachers. Despite these hurdles, female leaders can persevere through hard work, clear vision, and emotional intelligence. The research also identified strategies like adhering to guidelines, achieving academic results, and maintaining composure to further empower female administrators. Additionally, open communication, collaboration, and a strong track record can help build trust with teachers and pave the way for aspiring female leaders. This research recommend that clear Ministry guidelines, leadership development programs, and a deeper understanding of gender bias are crucial to creating a more equitable and supportive environment for female school administrators.

Gender Digital Divide and Education: A Reflection from the University of Nairobi, Kenya

The use of digital technology safely and effectively is increasingly becoming important. Moreover, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, digital technological skills have continued to transform the educational landscape, bringing a wide range of benefits to both students and teachers. This requires both men and women students and teachers to know how to use digital devices and connectivity tools for high-quality and future-focused teaching and learning processes. The objective of the study was to find out the extent to which gender digital divide exists in the Faculty of Education, University of Nairobi. Findings and information presented and discussed in this paper were obtained from a critical review of relevant literature based on gender and digital technology in education. In addition, using documentary analysis guide statistical data based on the number of women and men in selected Information, Communication and Technology courses was derived from the University of Nairobi’s E-Graduation booklets covering three consecutive academic years; 2020, 2021 and 2022. Descriptive data was computed using frequencies and percentages. Findings reveal that gender digital divide gap is clearly visible, for instance, there were only 6 and 8 men and no women graduates in Masters of Science in Computer Science and Masters in Education Technology respectively. Such gender disparity is likely to impact the number of women pursuing Information Communication and Technology-related careers. There is evidence to show that to some extent, the gender digital divide is a result of gendered-related social norms and stereotypes to poor advocacy of digital technological careers. Thus, there is a need to encourage both men and women students to study Information Communication and Technological courses with the aim of ensuring inclusivity and equitable education for everyone, while developing lifelong learning opportunities as stipulated in Sustainable Development Goals 2030

Women’s empowerment and social work practice in Iran: understanding and addressing women’s vulnerability

Following the Islamic Revolution in 1979, and due to traditional values, social workers who provide support for vulnerable women in Iran must navigate within a system that often limits women’s agency and autonomy. Based on ten semi-structured interviews with experienced Iranian social workers, this article illuminates how women’s vulnerability and empowerment are perceived and how women’s vulnerability is addressed in the empowerment process. The findings offer valuable insights to enhance empowerment practice by reflecting on the impacts of cultural norms and values on women’s empowerment. They contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how social workers in Iran perceive and address vulnerability and empowerment.

The Impact of Parental Verbal Abuse on Adolescent Decision-Making in North Binjai, Indonesia

Verbal abuse by parents can significantly affect adolescents' decision-making abilities. This qualitative study investigated the experiences of five adolescents aged 16-20 years in North Binjai, Indonesia who were subjected to verbal violence by their parents. Using Simon's Decision-Making Model, this study explored how cognitive, emotional, and self-confidence factors interact with parenting styles and cultural norms to shape adolescents' decision-making process. In-depth interviews, observations, and additional documentation revealed that verbal abuse, manifested through yelling, harsh language, and belittling, has substantial negative effects on adolescents' cognitive processes, emotional stability, and self-confidence. These factors are essential for effective decision making, particularly in the stages of intelligence, design, choice, and implementation. However, two of the five adolescents exhibited relatively stronger decision-making abilities, suggesting that social support, personal coping strategies, and other protective elements may help alleviate some adverse effects associated with authoritarian parenting and verbal abuse. The study highlighted the importance of evaluating and reconsidering child-rearing methods in the context of adolescent decision-making, especially in cultures where verbal abuse is often considered a "normal" form of discipline. These findings underscore the need for interventions and support systems to help adolescents develop resilience and decision-making skills in the face of verbal abuse.

Interdisciplinary Boundary Spanning – Guidance for Collaboration Between the Disciplines of Information Systems, Law, and Ethics

Abstract The relationship between information technology (IT) and society is marked by a dual normativity, where societal norms and values shape IT development and deployment, while the use of novel technologies in turn influences and potentially transforms societal norms, values, and practices. With a distinctive and evolving understanding of IT, the information systems (IS) field has the potential not only to address legal compliance but to support value judgment issues and to promote a productive and informed discourse. This research note describes how researchers from IS, law, and ethics collaborated while enhancing each discipline individually and the discipline intersections. In doing so, the authors specify an interdisciplinary, boundary-spanning framework that can help other researchers to foster research at these disciplinary intersections. This approach involves a reciprocal process around boundary objects in form of phenomena, concepts, and values. Additionally, this research note offers further recommendations to mitigate the diverse challenges that can arise in interdisciplinary research.