Gender Structure Research Articles

Obstetric Violence (OV) Consequences and Coping Strategies: Insights Through the Voices of Arab and Jewish Women in Israel

This qualitative research amplifies the voices of Jewish and Arab women in Israel, illuminating their experiences with obstetric violence, its consequences, and coping strategies. The premise of this study is the feminist approach that aims to eradicate phenomena related to gender and patriarchal structures affecting women, their bodies, and their health. The research was based on the qualitative-constructivist methodology, by means of thematic analysis of 20 in-depth semistructured interviews. Two main themes emerged: first, consequences (e.g., physical, emotional, spousal relationships, and mistrust) and second, women's coping strategies (e.g., repression, avoidance, garnering inner strengths, resilience, and relying on external help).

Depression in children: Impact of the father companionship and peer relationship

AbstractReasons for the increased incidence of depression in Chinese children remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study explored the influence of paternal companionship and peer relationships on depression in children based on OLS method using data reported by 2498 children from China (children Mage 10.7; 52.1% girls). We found that both variables could alleviate depression among children, but the effect of peer relationships was significantly greater than that of paternal companionship. This conclusion remains robust after considering gender, age and family structure. Heterogeneity studies have found that paternal companionship significantly impact boys, while peer relationships significantly impact girls. Mechanism analysis demonstrated that both factors can indirectly alleviate depression in children by regulating anxiety. Our research results emphasize the importance of increasing paternal companionship and peer relationships to alleviate depression in children.

‘They don’t have bad intentions.’ The disciplinary power of heteronormative communication in upper secondary Polish physical education – a case study

ABSTRACT Background Previous studies have shown unequal treatment of female and male students during PE. However, few studies have focused on gendered communication between teachers and students. Particularly, students’ perceptions of communication have often remained unexplored. Understanding this process appears to be highly significant for ensuring gender equality in schools. In this study, we applied Foucault’s theory of normalization and Butler’s theory of gender performativity and heteronormativity to present data obtained during PE lessons in Polish upper secondary school. In Poland PE teachers still do not formally acquire knowledge of the significance of gender equality in the education process. No policies are formulated on teaching gender equality in schools. Hence, analyzing gendered communication during PE classes in Poland, where no specific gender equity legislation has been introduced, complements the ongoing discussion regarding prevailing gender structures in PE. Purpose The purpose of the study was to explore gendered communication between PE teachers and students in Polish upper secondary school, and perceptions about this communication specifically among male PE teachers and girls. Methods Data were gathered through three qualitative methods: observation of 60 PE lesson units, 17 focus group interviews with male (n = 27) and female students (n = 33), and 5 semi-structured in-depth interviews with PE teachers whose lessons were observed. Discourse analysis, informed by content analysis, was conducted to uncover fundamental communication patterns between teachers and students in the context of gender performativity and heteronormativity. Findings Communication between PE teachers and students demonstrated gender bias, indicating deeply rooted practices of heteronormativity. The male teachers communicated more frequently with female students than with male students and a significant portion of the communication took the form of jokes, teasing, and comments related to the physical appearance of the girls, romantic relationships and dating, and traditional gender roles assumed by women. Students’ statements obtained in the interviews indicate a significant degree of downplaying the impact of teachers’ way of communicating and ‘defending teachers’. They encountered a strong normalization process that restricted their ability to resist teacher communication. Although the PE teachers emphasized the importance of being ‘sensitive’ when communicating with students, PE the teachers’ understanding of gender issues appeared to be fragmented and unrefined, with insufficient recognition of the importance of proper communication with students. Conclusions The implications of this study emphasize the necessity for Polish PE teachers to acquire a deeper understanding of how gender operates within school environments and PE classes, recognizing its impact on students. This awareness is pivotal in recognizing and addressing heteronormative structures during lessons. In connection with that, a thorough discussion on the impact of political and cultural factors shaping the knowledge acquired by teachers and the curriculum in schools is required. Additionally, the research highlights a need for appropriate student education because they are currently subject to strong normalization processes. The normalization processes they undergo hinder their recognition of dominant gender relations in the school environment, and, consequently, their resistance to them.

Educating lifestyle modification to diabetic patients

The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is steadily increasing, making them a major health concern. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the major non-communicable diseases that affects the public health and the community. DM is a chronic, complex disease that requires multi-factor risk reduction strategies apart from its maintaining blood glucose level. One of the community-based strategy is to educate diabetic patients about life style modifications. Keeping that as a guideline, a nurse-led intervention was carried out to ring about a change in life style in these patients. About 60 diabetic patients with equal number of control subjects were taken for the pilot study. Data were collected through interviews with a semi-structured questionnaire before (pre-test) and after nurse-led intervention (post-test) The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics; the calculated data were tabulated and graphed. The results of the study show that diabetic patients included in the study have improved their knowledge of life style modification. The community nurse intervention improved their perspective and understood the importance of life style medication (from 16.19 to 24.98%). This was tested using the student paired t test. Outcome of the test before the intervention showed significant change. Pre-test value was (53.97%) and the post-test intervention was 83.27%. The effect of such intervention was influenced the age, gender, education, and family structure. The intervention was found to be more effective in male patients of the age group 30-40 years with educational background and stable family structure having a joint family. The awareness created by nurse led intervention is effective and is significant taking age, sex, education level and the family structure. The pilot study indicates that further studies may be carried out in the community with general population and then specifically in patients with diabetes.

Association of healthy lifestyle on overweight and obesity among adolescents in Luxembourg

Abstract Background Adolescent overweight and obesity are significant public health challenges. Understanding the impact of healthy lifestyle behaviours is crucial for effective intervention strategies. The aim of this study is to analyse the association between healthy lifestyle behaviours with overweight and obesity among adolescents in Luxembourg. Methods The study was based on the HBSC Luxembourg 2022 survey and includes 8415 adolescents aged 11 to 18 years. Adolescents self-reported the frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, height, and body mass. Eating and physical activity behaviours were categorized based on WHO recommendations. Body Mass Index categorization followed International Obesity Task Force criteria. Binomial logistic regression of obesity and overweight with the interaction between healthy diet and physical activity was performed, controlling for age, gender, family affluence, migration background, and family structure. Results The results indicated a significant protective effect of healthy lifestyle behaviours against overweight and obesity. For overweight, adolescents engaging in either fruit and vegetable consumption (OR = 0.829, 95% CI [0.697-0.986]) or physical activity (OR = 0.719, 95% CI [0.566-0.913]) showed reduced odds compared to those with unhealthy behaviours. For obesity, similar associations were observed. Adolescents engaging in physical activity (OR = 0.407, 95% CI [0.235-0.705]) showed reduced odds compared to those with unhealthy behaviours. Combining both behaviours resulted in the lowest risk of obesity (OR = 0.366, 95% CI [0.177-0.760]) and overweight (OR = 0.473, 95% CI [0.340-0.658]). Conclusions Promoting health eating and physical activity behaviours are important strategies for preventing overweight and obesity in youth in Luxembourg. Implementing targeted interventions aimed to promote these behaviours could mitigate the burden of overweight and obesity in this population. Key messages • Healthy lifestyle matters: Fruit and vegetables consumption or regular physical activity significantly reduce the risk of overweight and obesity among adolescents. • Combining behaviours counts: Concurrent engagement in both fruit and vegetables consumption and physical activity offers the greatest protection against overweight and obesity.

The Impact of Urbanization on Rural Population Structure in China

Urbanization has been speeding up in China since reform and opening up policies were promoted, which promotes the progression of rural economy, but furthermore provides a certain degree of negative impact on the rural population structure. On the basis of summarizing the concept of urbanization, this study provides a thorough analysis of China's recent rural population structure and urbanization trend, and finally concludes that the quickening pace of urbanization in China makes the rural population structure face some problems and challenges. This study also offers some thoughts and recommendations in this area. At the same time, when analyzing the trend and population structure, by comparing and summarizing the secondary data and relevant literature, this paper concludes that China's urbanization has caused problems such as talent shortage in rural areas, rural aging and gender structure imbalance of the left-behind population. To solve these problems, China should establish a sound and perfect social security system and encourage the integration of rural and urban development. China ought to also establish a sound pension system and optimize the population structure; in rural areas, the promotion of respect for women has been strengthened and relevant laws have been introduced to gradually eliminate gender discrimination. It is beneficial to promote the national economy, cultural development.

KARAKTERISTIK STRUKTUR POPULASI TERNAK BABI DI DESA LATUHALAT KECAMATAN NUSANIWE KOTA AMBON

The aim of this research on the structural characteristics of the pig population in Latuhalat Village is to understand the composition, dynamics and structural characteristics of the pig population in Latuhalat Village. The parameters measured in this research are the characteristics of the respondents which consist of: age, gender, education, livelihood and population structure which includes the number of pigs per age group and the sex ratio. The research was carried out with 40 farmers as samples and this type of research was descriptive research. The research results show that the characteristics of respondents in the research location, Latuhalat village, Nusaniwe District, are dominated by men in productive age with secondary education and running mixed farming businesses. The population structure of pigs is dominated by female livestock, both at calf age (50.63%), young age (51.37%) and adult age (60.53%). This research also identified the main challenges by farmers, is the low knowledge and skills of farmers which resulted in low pig productivity. The recommendation from this research is that there needs to be an extension program that is carried out on the government and from academics and needs to be given a technology, especially in the field of feed and housing technology.

Fathers use of extended parental leave: exploring company barriers in Sweden

ABSTRACT In Sweden, men's parental leave rights are considered important for realizing gender equality. Men have the same compensated leave rights as women: three months each of nontransferable and transferable leave. Nevertheless, less than 20% of couples share leave equally (each taking 40% or more of all leave days). Understanding the circumstances under which fathers take leave beyond nontransferable months is important if equality is to be realized, yet few studies investigate this. Our survey of human resource directors in Sweden's top companies revealed extended leave use was not normative for fathers’ and especially male top managers and aspects of the gendered culture and structure of work organizations were associated with less extended leave use. Company awareness of parental leaves benefits for the company was significantly and independently related to fathers’ and top male managers extended leave use. . Positive workplace attitudes and less job specialization increased fathers’ extended leave use. Companies’ setting fewer conditions encouraged more top male managers to take extended leave, as did a policy of managerial training to facilitate fathers’ leaves. Greater understanding of company barriers to fathers’ extended parental leave use may encourage companies to remove those barriers which canincrease fathers’ use of extended parental leave.

Individual child factors affecting the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents: a systematic review.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent condition characterised by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This systematic literature review aims to identify the child clinical and sociodemographic factors related to the detection and diagnosis of ADHD in children and adolescents, given concerns about delays or failures in identifying ADHD as well as over-diagnosis, hindering appropriate and timely support for children and families. Through electronic and manual searches of peer-reviewed and grey literature, 5852 articles were identified and subjected to two stages of screening by independent reviewers. Due to the heterogeneity in study methods, a narrative approach was used to summarise study findings. Forty-one studies meeting eligibility criteria revealed sixteen child-related factors influencing the ADHD diagnostic process. These factors include ADHD subtype, ADHD symptom severity, comorbid mental disorders, behavior problems, internalizing symptoms, functional impairment, social and cognitive functioning, physical health, gender, age, relative age, race/ethnicity, socio-economic status, insurance coverage, residence urbanicity, and family structure. While the impact of many of these factors on ADHD diagnosis was inconsistent due to the substantial diversity in study designs and context, certain patterns emerged. Meeting the criteria for the inattentive subtype, lower functional impairment, female gender, Black or Latinx ethnicity, and being relatively young for their grade were consistently found to be associated with a delayed or absent ADHD diagnosis. Further research is needed to explore the intricate relationships between these child-level variables and their implications for ADHD recognition, referral, and evaluation, especially outside the USA.

Intersecting inequalities: towards a critical discursive approach

ABSTRACT This introduction to the Special Issue delves into the intersection of critical discursive approaches and intersectionality in the study of language, gender, and societal inequalities. It traces the evolution of gender and language studies, with a focus on how discursive methodologies have facilitated the examination of the material consequences of discourse, particularly in relation to power, gender, and social structures. The aim of this Special Issue is to foster academic synergy by merging discursive and intersectional frameworks to analyze how socio-cultural categories—such as gender, race, and class, among others—intersect to produce inequalities. Furthermore, the issue incorporates a decolonial perspective, critically engaging with the Eurocentric foundations of existing methodologies and advocating for a more inclusive analysis of global power dynamics. The articles within this issue adopt interdisciplinary approaches, including Critical Discourse Studies and Sociocultural Linguistics, to explore diverse experiences and social structures. By integrating these frameworks, the issue offers a multifaceted understanding of how intersecting identities shape discourse and social power relations, underscoring the importance of critical praxis and self-reflexivity in academic research.

A deterministic Analysis of an Age-Gender structured model for malaria transmission dynamics

Objectives: Children below five years and women especially pregnant women are at high risk of malaria infection and death due to their weak immunity and exposition to mosquitoes. Different studies have been undertaken considering only the age structured model and other factors but did not take into account the gender. The objective of this work is to develop and analyze the malaria transmission model including this structure, to contribute on the existing measures and mechanisms to eradicate malaria in Rwanda.Methods: The dynamic malaria transmission model considering age and gender structure was developed and analyzed. To study the dynamics of disease, the basic reproduction number was analytically computed and numerically estimated and the normalized forward sensitivity index was used to highlight its sensitive parameters.Results: The most positive sensitive parameters in the model are the force of infection and infection rate for vectors and Infection rate for female of 5 years and above. The most negative sensitive parameters are the per capita death rate for vectors and humans.Conclusion: To control the spread of malaria in Rwanda, the biting and infection rate should be decreased.Therefore, women must comply with government measures against malaria and educate children about it.

Age and Sex Structure of the Population of the Potapovo and Sintashta Cultures in the Late Bronze Age Based on the Materials of Funerary Monuments from the Volga-Ural Region

The paper analyzes the gender and age structure of the population of the Potapovo and Sintashta cultures in the late Bronze Age based on anthropological materials from a cemetery in the Volga-Ural region. According to archaeological data, both of them belong to a single cultural block; nevertheless, issues of their correlation and primacy in the time of origin are still debatable. 336 markers of gender and age definition in the individuals were applied. Calculations of the main demographic indicators were carried out; histograms of the ratio of age and gender groups were constructed for each culture under consideration. Using the principal components method, an intergroup comparison was carried out on demographic indicators of 31 series in the south of Eastern Europe and Transcaucasia. The indicators of the Potapovo and Sintashta groups have high infant mortality. At the same time, more even ratios of sex and age classes were noted for the Sintashta group of the Trans-Urals. In contrast to Potapovo, a more favorable external and internal social situation for the Sintashta population is assumed. A comparison of demographic indicators against a broader geographical and chronological background demonstrates, firstly, the convergence of the Potapovo and Sintashta groups, the manifestation of similar trends among subsequent series of log culture in the same region, and, on the contrary, sharp differences with the data of the previous pastoral Yamno-Poltavka population. Thus, the demographic indicators of the Potapovo and Sintashta cultures can symbolize the transition to new ethno-cultural living conditions, to the beginning of the formation of stationary geographical points, to the gradual settling of collectives.

Clinical and epidemiological aspects of primary immunodeficiencies in the Republic of Karakalpakstan

Studying the prevalence of primary immunodeficiency disorders (PID) is an important aspect of epidemiological research, as it allows for assessing the frequency of these diseases occurring in different regions. The distribution of PID may vary depending on ethnic background and geographical location. Information on the prevalence of PID at regional, national, and international levels enables a more accurate determination of the scale of the problem and the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies. Studying the epidemiological and clinical profile of congenital immune disorders (PID) in the Republic of Karakalpakstan is crucial for understanding the prevalence, age and gender structure, as well as the spectrum of nosological forms of these rare diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of congenital immune disorders, primary immunodeficiencies in the Republic of Karakalpakstan. The study material consisted of data on patients receiving inpatient treatment at a multidisciplinary children’s hospital in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and those under the care of an allergist-immunologist in the outpatient clinic at district medical centers in the Republic of Karakalpakstan. The average delay in diagnosis from the onset of clinical manifestation of PID in the region was 2.7 years. It was found that the mortality rate was 2.8%. Screening tests for verifying PID in the diagnostic search stage included clinical and biochemical blood analyses, and determination of serum immunoglobulins. At the time of diagnosis, patients exhibited a significant decrease in IgG and IgA immunoglobulin levels. In addition to the disorder in the humoral branch of adaptive immunity, children with this disease showed a decrease in the absolute number of T lymphocytes. The data obtained from the study indicate insufficient diagnosis of primary immunodeficiencies in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, which may serve as a basis for the development of educational programs aimed at increasing awareness of primary immunodeficiencies. Further research and systematization of information on patients with primary immunodeficiencies are necessary for the development of regional programs for the implementation of screening diagnostics.

Reimagining the Classics: Feminist Perspectives on Canonical Texts

This paper explores feminist perspectives on canonical texts, reimagining classical literature through the lens of gender, power, and voice. “Canonical works have traditionally reflected patriarchal norms, often marginalizing or silencing female characters. Feminist literary criticism challenges these interpretations, offering new ways to understand these texts by reclaiming the voices of women and exposing the gendered structures embedded within them. Through the examination of key themes such as the male gaze, intersectionality, and the subversion of patriarchal norms, this paper seeks to demonstrate how feminist reinterpretations transform the reader's understanding of classical works. Case studies of iconic texts highlight how female characters are redefined, shifting from passive figures to empowered agents of change. The paper also considers the intersection of race, class, and gender in feminist critiques and how modern adaptations and retellings of canonical texts continue to challenge traditional narratives. By critically engaging with feminist theory and literature, this paper argues that these reimagined readings not only provide a more inclusive understanding of classical texts but also reveal their contemporary relevance in addressing issues of gender equality, empowerment, and social justice. This study contributes to feminist literary scholarship by deepening the dialogue between classical literature and feminist thought.

The making of consumer patriotism: mobilizing Christmas in Sweden during the Second World War

ABSTRACT During the Second World War Swedish citizens were encouraged to send gifts to military personnel spending Christmas on duty. Orchestrated by a coalition of commercial and military interests as well as unions, women’s and employer’s organizations, the annual Frontline Christmas Gift campaigns blended traditional rituals of gift-giving with patriotic objectives. Analyzing archival documents and press clippings the study shows how this campaign both preserved and adapted consumer practices as well as gendered norms throughout the war. Primarily framing women as the givers and male soldiers as the receivers, the campaign reinforced gender structures and discourses while also subtly adapting them and embedding the whole exercise in Swedish consumer culture. The study contends that the Frontline Christmas Gift campaign not only maintained but also transformed public and private spheres during wartime. By extending the family-centric tradition of Christmas giving to a national level, it strengthened societal bonds and reinforced the Swedish wartime narrative of national unity and preparedness.

Female CEOs’ name gender-neutralization and audit fees: Evidence from China

We focus on how inconsistency or conflict between actual biological sex and name gender-orientation affects CEO trustworthiness, and thus firm audit fees. This study of Chinese listed firms led by female CEOs finds that female CEOs’ name gender-neutralization significantly reduces audit fees, and the presence of female auditors mitigates the above negative relationship. Mechanism tests find that female CEOs’ name gender-neutralization reduces audit fees by adopting positive tone, enhancing TMT stability, and improving social image. Heterogeneity analysis from the perspectives of CEO and auditor traits demonstrate that when female CEOs were born before the 1970s, also serve as chairmen, and are non-family CEOs, as well as when auditors tenure is shortened, audit report time lag is decreased, and the audit team gender structure is singular, female CEOs’ name gender-neutralization reduces audit fees more significantly. We find no evidence that female CEOs with masculine or gender-neutral names perform better or worse than those with feminine names in any substantive way. Additionally, female CEOs’ name gender-neutralization does not have a consistent effect on positive and negative abnormal audit fees.

Analysis of the influence of living conditions, as a collection of social factors within the environment, on mortality rates among the rural and urban populations of the Nenets autonomous okrug from 2000 to 2019

BACKGROUND: Currently, in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (AZRF), there are evident indications of a deterioration in the medical and demographic situation amidst a lack of adequate social infrastructure development. For the first time, we attempted to analyze the impact of living conditions, which encompass various social factors within the habitat, shaped by the social infrastructure, on the mortality rates of the population of one of the regions within AZRF. AIM: To assess the impact of living conditions, as a set of social factors within the environment, on the mortality rates among the rural and urban populations of the Nenets autonomous okrug (NAO) in the period from 2000 to 2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The databases “Housing and communal services and social infrastructure in NAO in 2000-2019” and “Death cases in NAO in 2000–2019” including information on the population number and age and gender structure of the NAO population across individual settlements have been collected. Using the scoring system for assessing living conditions, a ranking with subsequent division into tertiles of all rural NAO settlements was carried out according to the value of the integral index of living conditions (IILC). A comparative analysis (tertiles with the city, and tertiles with each other) of average annual age-standardized rates of overall mortality, mortality from the main causes and structural components of external causes (EC) of mortality was performed. Relative risks were calculated as the ratio of mortality rates in each tertile to the corresponding indicator for the urban population. RESULTS: Average annual standardized rates and relative risks of mortality (total, EC, drowning, freezing, alcohol poisoning and transport accidents) of the NAO population demonstrated a “step by step” increase in the sequence “city — highest tertile — middle tertile — lowest tertile”, i.e. as living conditions worsen and as the IILC decreases. Statistically significant differences were identified between the city and tertiles, as well as between the highest (“favorable” living conditions) and lowest (“unfavorable” living conditions) tertiles in terms of total mortality, mortality from EC, drowning and freezing. Mortality rates from alcohol poisoning and transport accidents also increased as living conditions worsened, although the associations did reach the level of statistical significance. With the exception of suicides, the relative risks of mortality for individual EC reached maximum values in the lowest tertile of living conditions. CONCLUSION: Statistically significant inverse associations between total mortality, mortality from external causes and its main structural components, and the values of the integral index of living conditions have been identified among the rural population of NAO. A decrease in living conditions was significantly associated with an increase in mortality rates and relative risks.

How do female CEOs affect corporate pay dispersion? The perspective of risk aversion and competition avoidance

AbstractExtant gender‐compensation literature has dominantly held a passive perspective on female leaders' compensation contracts. However, scant attention has been paid to the proactive aspect of this gender‐compensation relationship. This study fills this gap by incorporating female leaders' initiatives and integrating their proactive preferences to establish a link between gender and corporate pay dispersion. We first develop the theoretical argument that firms with female CEOs (SHE'‐E‐Os) have low pay dispersion due to their behavioral preferences—risk aversion and competition avoidance. Furthermore, we investigate how these preferences change over time—heterogeneous life‐cycle stages—which provides a long‐term perspective further enriching our understanding of the gender and organizational compensation structure. Using a 1992–2014 panel dataset from multiple sources, we find SHE'‐E‐Os are negatively associated with pay dispersion, particularly in firms during introduction, growth, or decline stages, as opposed to mature stages. Implications for literature on female leadership and pay dispersion are discussed.

Analysis of Population Change of the 0-14 Year Age Group in Türkiye (2000-2022)

Age groups with wide and narrow ranges provide the opportunity to make detailed evaluations for planning studies in demographic analyses. Particularly, population pyramids are prepared using age group data by sex. In the bottom three rows of the pyramids, 0-4, 5-9, and 10-14 age group data can be used to evaluate population growth and fertility rates. In addition, age groups provide an indication of the amount of dependent and active population in a society, thus facilitating future population forecasts. Broad age ranges categorize the 0-14 age group as the young dependant population, the 15-64 age group as the active population, and the 65+ age group as the elderly dependent population. The proportional change of these age groups in certain date intervals and the reasons for which age groups are in an upward or downward trend also give an idea about the general welfare levels of countries. The current population's demographic trends guide the planning of employment, education, health, and many other socio-economic investments. Population policies are based on the proportional distribution of age groups and population projections. In this study, the change in the population of the 0-14 age group in Türkiye has been analyzed according to the Classification of Territorial Units for Statistics Level-1 (İBBS Düzey-1) since 2000. The population amount, population density, age, and gender structure of this age group are emphasized. In the research, State Institute of Statistics (DIE) 2000 General Population Census and TURKSTAT (TÜİK) Regional statistics data for 2022 were utilized. In 2000, since the Classification of Territorial Units for Statistics had not yet been established, province-based data from 2000 were evaluated and new data were created at the “İBBS Düzey-1” (CUTS Level-1) scale in order to ensure integrity in tables and graphs.

Lucidity of Space and Gendered Performativity in Arabic Digital Literature

This article seeks to examine a new trend in Arabic women’s literature that not only aims to forge women’s communities but also creates resistance. Digital media is the mechanism that some Arab women authors employ to implement and foster a self-authority that acknowledges flexible identities in an age of revolutions and search for freedom. As a case study, I examine Ahlam Mosteghanemi’s Nessayne com and Rajaa Alsanea’s novel Girls of Riyadh, which originally appearing as compendiums, and Ibrahim Alsaqir’s novel Girls of Riyadh: The Complete Picture that comes as a literary response to the resistance of cultural and gender establishments. I suggest that the digital realm provides an arena for women to resist oppressing social establishments and that literary works and digital practices like Alsanea’s create spaces of and for resistance. Moreover, Alsanea’s and Mosteghanemi’s works are committed to promoting change in Arab societies, bridging the public and the private sphere by means of digital content. Arab women writers’ sites and blogs address subjects that challenge prevalent gendered structures in the Arab world, deconstruct cultural norms, give visibility and focus on the implications of gender on memory, love, masculinity and femininity, and sexuality. They do so by employing chats as a narrative technique that engages readers and women’s communities in the characters’ experiences and thereby inviting them to participate in making their work a site of challenge to gender and cultural establishments. As Alsanea’s representations of women subjectivities are uncommon and her characters defy the notion of the universality of woman as a shared gender, they are prohibited, criticized, and challenged. Those who defy gender performativity, such as Alsanea and Mosteghanemi, enact feminist resistance. The study engages with MENA gender and masculinity literature. It is also informed by Judith Butler’s notion of performativity, the construction of gender, and the demystification of the universalistic notion of “woman”.