Traditional Gender Expectations Research Articles

Gender parity in African science.

Africa has seen a notable increase in young women's participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields over the past two decades. In 2019, the continent boasted the greatest share of female STEM students globally-47% across 49 universities-according to a report from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Sadly, much of this talent is underutilized. Traditional gender expectations and domestic roles pose substantial obstacles, restricting African women from accessing STEM career opportunities. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, only 31% of professional researchers are women. Without closing the gender gap in African science, progress on widespread problems such as maternal and child health, and food security, is unlikely.

THE PORTRAYAL OF FEMALE VILLAINS: A REPRESENTATION STUDY ON CRUELLA

The portrayal of female villains in media and movies has evolved significantly, as evidenced through the lens of Stuart Hall's representation theory and film analysis concepts. Traditionally confined to one-dimensional roles perpetuating gender stereotypes, contemporary cinema showcases multi-dimensional characters like those in Cruella, challenging societal norms and defying traditional gender expectations. By employing narrative and non-narrative film analysis techniques, these characters are revealed as agents of subversion and empowerment, embodying a new archetype of female villains characterized by individual agency and autonomy. However, despite this progress, the lingering impact of gender stereotypes persists, influencing how female villains are depicted on screen. Thus, ongoing critical analysis and advocacy for more diverse and authentic representations of women in media remain crucial.

Ellen Churchill Semple: Navigating a Patriarchal Discipline

Ellen Churchill Semple is a notorious figure in the geographical realm whose complicated legacy renders her place within a historiography of geography uncertain. While Semple is hailed as the first female geographer, it is also widely acknowledged that her work is tainted with racism. Contemporary scholars wish to erase her contributions, declaring that they would “prefer to forget” her infamous text Influences of Geographic Environment in which she claimed that physical geography determined human behaviour. Mona Domosh complicates this desire to erase Semple from memory by advocating for a feminist historiography of geography. Through foregrounding the contributions that women have made to the development of geographic knowledge, Domosh challenges the exclusion of women from accounts of the discipline’s past. This paper therefore addresses the question: Should Semple be included in a feminist historiography of geography? Furthermore, was Semple a feminist? To interrogate this, I reimagine Pearson’s take on violent women. Just as Atwood describes a woman’s disbelief at her ability to cause harm in the opening quote, Pearson centres the misperception that women are simply compassionate caregivers and victims of their circumstances – the ‘myth of female innocence’. This is useful for exploring Semple’s role in epistemological violence where her data interpretations brought negative consequences for certain groups. An intersectional lens is crucial for examining the connections between race, class, and gender which shaped the experiences of Semple and those she deemed ‘inferior’. The structure-agency debate emerges, asking whether individuals are entirely socialised by structures or can act autonomously. I take a relational approach to acknowledge the interrelatedness of social processes and argue that Semple both actively challenged and perpetuated patriarchy. Firstly, this paper outlines Semple’s theoretical contributions and other key insights provided by contemporary female geographers which are useful for assessing Semple’s impact today. Secondly, Semple’s infiltration of male-dominated space is examined to demonstrate her resistance to traditional gender expectations. Thirdly, her imperial entanglements are traced to illustrate her perpetuation of the patriarchal state. Finally, a contemporary manifestation of the Semple dilemma is considered. I conclude that by today’s standards of intersectional feminism Semple is not a feminist role model, however she can be considered an early feminist for her active reconfiguration of an all-male discipline. Ultimately, I advocate for the critical inclusion of Semple’s work in a feminist historiography of geography. This project of decoding knowledge to understand the influence of cultural forces offers a step towards decolonising the academy.

Reassessing Early Childhood Literature for Quality Education and Gender Equality in the Context Of SDGs

Objective: The objective is to study the gender stereotypes learnt knowingly or unknowingly by children through nursery rhymes and to highlight the problematic areas to revamp for providing quality education which focuses on a more gender equal society considering the Sustainable Development Goals. Theoratical Framework: We engage in the theory of social construction by Butler and the developmental theory of Vygotsky to propose that if the literature taught in childhood is rich and diverse the chances of developing gender sterotypes by individuals reduces to a great extent. Method: The focus of the study is the nursery rhymes taught at pre-schools and primary schools. Data was collected through interviews and questionnaire with teachers at various schools in Ahmedabad (a city in the state of Gujarat, India). The method of critical discourse analysis is used to analyse the rhymes and bring forth the implicit gender hegemony. Results & Discussion: The analysis underscores the subtle yet potent role of language, especially nursery rhymes, in reinforcing traditional gender norms and expectations, thus influencing children's understanding of appropriate behaviours based on gender. The study highlights gender stereotypes, particularly about the interaction of one gender with the other, focusing on the depiction of dependency and power dynamics in relationships. It depicts women as dependent and men as dominant reflecting societal gender inequalities. Research implications: This study calls for a reassessment of nursery rhymes to promote diversity and positive values through quality education, urging educators to update content to align with modern views on gender equality. Originality/ Value: There has not been sufficient research done on nursery rhymes taught in schools with the aim of reducing/removing gender stereotypes aiming for quality education with the goal of achieving a gender fair society in the context of Sustainable Development Goals.

Cautious Optimism: Latinx Young Adults’ Perspectives on the American Dream

The American Dream has long been crucial in maintaining the narrative of meritocracy that is part of American ideology and in giving immigrants hope for a brighter future in the United States. This article examines perceptions of the American Dream among U.S.-born Latinx young adults in Arizona. Drawing from 57 in-depth interviews, we found that participants approach the American Dream with cautious optimism—they believe in the American Dream, but are aware of its limits and redefine it to make it attainable. Latinas, in particular, link the American Dream with self-determination and defiance to traditional gender and cultural expectations. This research offers insights into the evolving meaning of the American Dream, revealing how race and gender inequality shape Latinx young adults’ aspirations amid contemporary challenges in Arizona.

How to Enhance Female Self-Perception and Social Role Awareness in Adolescent Education Through The Second Sex

This paper explores how Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex can be utilized in adolescent education to enhance female self-perception and social role awareness. The Second Sex critically examines the socio-cultural construction of femininity, arguing that gender roles are not innate but socially imposed. By integrating Beauvoir’s insights into the educational curriculum, young women are encouraged to critically analyze the external narratives shaping their identities and societal roles. The paper discusses key themes from The Second Sex, such as the myth of the “Eternal Feminine,” the socialization of girls, and the critique of traditional gender expectations. It highlights classroom strategies, including reflective writing, media analysis, debates, and collaborative learning, which empower students to challenge conformity, build critical thinking skills, and redefine their roles in society. Through this approach, educators can foster a supportive environment that inspires young women to actively shape their identities and resist restrictive societal norms, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and self-aware generation.

Blinding the Male Gaze with Gaze: Exploring the Agency of Gaze in Amrita Sher-Gil’s Paintings as Statements Against Masculine Stereotypes

Amrita Sher-Gil’s paintings deploy ocular symbolism that serves as potent tools in dismantling and redefining prevailing masculine stereotypes of Indian society. Her distinctive approach to paintings turns her canvases into eloquent statements against patriarchal paradigms and norms regarding the role and position of women. Sher-Gil adeptly reclaims female subjectivity, proposes incisive discourses disrupting gender-centric power dynamics, delves into the inner recesses of the female psyche, and, notably, provides a poignantly realistic depiction of the emotional struggles faced by subaltern Indian women, as illustrated in her notable works such as Hill Women and Self-Portrait as a Tahitian where the motif of paired eyes functions as the conduit to convey these sentiments and statements. Her paintings like Two Women challenge the male gaze on nudity and celebrate female confidence and autonomy, subverting traditional gender expectations. She further challenges societal norms surrounding marriage in her painting Bride, where defiant gazes question prescribed roles for women. Overall, ‘gaze’ stands as a central motif in Sher-Gil’s paintings that serves as a device to expose, question, and challenge the stereotypical male gaze. The current research aims to underscore the way Sher-Gil, through her representation of women incorporating a bold execution of the motif of gaze, provides statements against the oppressive aspects of Indian patriarchy and attempts to defy the repressive male perspective. This study, through a critical virtual culture analysis of the relevant artworks, intends to reveal the gender-based socio-cultural implications embedded in Sher-Gil’s oeuvre primarily using Griselda Pollock’s idea of the power dynamics, gaze, and representation proposed in Vision and Difference and Laura Mulvey’s notion of the male gaze.

Unspoken Challenges: Maternal Complexities in Three Asian Short Stories

This study examines the unspoken challenges experienced by Asian mothers through the lens of Asian motherhood as depicted in literature. The research aims to investigate how cultural norms and societal expectations shape the roles and experiences of mothers in Asian societies. Employing qualitative research methods, specifically thematic analysis, this study interprets and classifies the unspoken challenges portrayed in three short stories from Indonesia, China, and Japan. The findings reveal three prominent themes: developing resilience, performing silent sacrifice, and facing individual conflicts. The mothers in these stories exhibit diverse coping strategies in response to the unacknowledged challenges they encounter. This study contributes to the understanding of the enduring nature of traditional gender roles and expectations in Asian societies, highlighting the need for greater recognition and support for mothers facing these unspoken challenges. The results underscore the importance of continued research and dialogue on the experiences of Asian mothers to promote gender equality and the well-being of women in these contexts. The insights gained from this study can inform future research, policy, and practice aimed at addressing the unspoken challenges faced by mothers in Asian societies and beyond.

FACTORS CHARACTERIZING THE FORMATION OF GENDER STEREOTYPES

The formation of gender stereotypes is a complex process shaped by various factors rooted in cultural, social, and historical contexts. These stereotypes, which encompass preconceived notions and expectations about the behaviors and roles of individuals based on their gender, are influenced by several key factors. Cultural traditions, societal norms, media portrayals, educational practices, and historical legacies all contribute to the creation and perpetuation of gender stereotypes. The interplay of these elements reinforces traditional gender roles, shaping perceptions and expectations about masculinity and femininity.

Gender Roles and Mobile Dating Applications: Exploring Links Between User Characteristics and Traditional Gender Expressions in Self-Presentations.

This linkage study examined the prevalence of traditional gender expressions in the textual and visual profile cues on mobile dating applications (MDA) (nbiographies = 396, npictures = 1352) of 396 young adults' (Mage = 22.39 years, SD = 2.86, 73% women) with attention to users' gender, sexual orientation, and platform type. For 184 users (Mage = 22.10 years, SD = 2.91, 75% women) media content data were linked to self-report survey data. Results showed that individuals aligned their self-presentations with traditional gender roles and expectations, and this link depended on their gender. No significant differences according to individuals' sexual orientation or platform type were found. Individuals' (hyper-) gender orientation also related to engagement in traditional gender expressions. Specifically, women with a stronger feminine gender orientation expressed more traditional femininity in their MDA profiles. For men, no significant associations between (aspects of) a masculine gender orientation and expressing traditional masculinity in their MDA profiles were found. Future research should further disentangle selective gendered self-presentations.

‘Protecting your body and loving yourself’: strategies Black male caregivers use to protect Black girls sexuality in the USA

Black girls in the USA face disproportionate rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and sexual violence, prompting research into the sociocultural factors such as adultification, race and gender discrimination, and stereotyped messaging, impacting Black girls’ sexual development. While existing literature finds that Black female caregivers utilise protective strategies to mitigate potential harm to Black girls, little is known about the role of Black male caregivers. This qualitative study employed the Becoming a Sexual Black Woman framework and one-on-one interviews to examine how 30 Black male caregivers of girls conceptualised parental protection and elated strategies. The thematic analysis revealed key themes of: Being a Provider, Being a Present Role Model, Protecting Black Girls’ Bodies, Limiting Exposure to Stereotyped Messages, and Providing Emotional Protection. Black male caregivers navigated traditional gendered expectations and limited resources while utilising parental strategies that reflected patriarchal, sometimes misogynistic, and non-patriarchal ideals and norms. The study highlights the attitudes and beliefs of Black male caregivers regarding protecting Black girls from sexual violence and other related adverse outcomes. The findings offer insights for family-based interventions and programmes that empower Black girls to support their sexual development and health in the USA.

Marriage and motherhood: Insights on a crucial life course process from the perspective of female arab-palestinian undergraduate students

Despite changes in women's status in recent decades in Arab-Palestinian society in Israel, marriage and motherhood still play a central role. Moreover, although the increase in the integration rates of young Arab-Palestinian women into the higher education system, as girls belonging to a minority group with traditional structures, they are expected to prioritize family and community expectations over personal aspirations. This study focuses on art projects of female Arab-Palestinian college students in Israel, which serve as a prism for detecting cultural perceptions of pathways to entering adulthood among this population today. These topics are central themes in the projects in question. Working on these projects forced the students to profoundly contemplate their life stage - being engaged or newly married and young mothers. The aim of the study was to decode the artworks in order to explore the students’ feelings and thoughts on a topic rarely considered through the eyes of the young women themselves. The study provides a nuanced examination of the social processes that young educated Arab-Palestinian women experience in the current family structure. By analysing the projects using visual tools from semiotics and art history, along with verbal texts provided by the students, we assert that these projects serve as a crucial avenue for students’ self-expression regarding topics seldom addressed. Even though the projects cannot be understood as critical of traditional gender expectations, we did find some interesting voices of unease regarding them. The move from their parents' home to their new one is widely described as difficult, where sadness and concern about the future are highly noticeable. In addition to accepting the stages of marriage and motherhood with joy and excitement, they also express fear and hesitation. This tension between fulfilling their expected roles and being unsure and hesitant about them exists in the projects. We claim that even if implicit and careful, these signs are important to recognize. However, it seems that higher education has failed to significantly undermine patriarchal and gender expectations.

What's good for the gander is even better for the goose: Women buying commercial sex in China.

Research about the commercial sex industry rarely examines the women who are the clients purchasing sexual services. Examining how this challenges gender stereotypes through the undoing gender framework reveals how gender norms can be reshaped through contextual changes. Based on 3years of ethnographic data from a high-end bar in Tianjin, interviews with 27 female clients and 47 MSWs paint a complex picture of how some women adopted ungendered strategies regarding sexuality. As women take control of their own sexual behavior, they free themselves of some traditional societal expectations about their identity. Primarily motivated by pleasure and control, purchasing sex becomes a means for women to experience empowerment and self-confidence by breaking with traditional gender norms and expectations. Undoing gender involves expanding gendered repertoires, with women finding empowerment in adopting a masculine model of sexuality. However, social stigma and personal efficacy indicate that gender deconstruction is a gradual process. The research contributes to understanding complex gender dynamics and sexual behaviors within commercial sex transactions, shedding light on societal norms and individual agency.

Reactions to gender-(counter)normative behavior online in the United States: attraction and hiring implications

PurposeResearch indicates that inconsistent gender norm presentations are met with backlash, which is particularly damaging to women. With social media use in selection rising, it is important to understand if this remains consistent for job applicants on social media.Design/methodology/approachIn two experiments, this study investigates hiring managers' reactions to job applicant (in)consistent gender norm-based communication on Facebook (n = 197) and YouTube (n = 203). Participants located in the United States were asked to review social media materials, reported perceptions of task and social attraction, and make hiring recommendations.FindingsInconsistent with work on backlash in face-to-face settings, results demonstrated that masculine communication styles on social media may be detrimental to job seekers, and this was more pronounced for male job seekers. Feminine presentation styles had more favorable results.Practical implicationsThe findings challenge the long-held understanding that men have more leeway to behave in agentic ways in job seeking contexts. While this may remain true in face-to-face settings, these findings suggest that social media, lacking media richness, may be a context in which males experience backlash for agentic behavior.Originality/valueThe research offers a novel perspective investigating traditional gender expectations in the digital realm, paving the way for a more comprehensive understanding of gender in employment contexts. This study contributes to the growing body of research on online behavior and expands understanding of how hiring managers react to gender norms in the era of social media.

A Critical Discourse Analysis on the Variations of Language Used by Tomboy Characters in Pakistani Dramas

The current study examined the language variations of tomboys' characters in Pakistani dramas to identify the representation of tomboys and the factors that affect their characters by discussing linguistic methods, behaviors of society, stereotypical thinking of society and the role of patriarchy in it. The theoretical underpinning for the current investigation was based on Fairclough's (1989) three-dimensional model for Critical Discourse Analysis. The study employed qualitative research method to investigate the research questions. The data was collected by using a simple random sampling design to collect episodes from two different Pakistani dramas. The tomboys’ characters’ chosen dialogues and the language elements used were divided into three categories based on subjects in the selected episodes. The data was analysed by using the CDA model. leading to conclusions on the role of patriarchy and societal norms in shaping the representation of tomboys in Pakistani dramas. The results of the study showed the negative attitudes of society toward tomboys’ characters. They were often excluded from social groups and activities; discriminated and viewed as less feminine competent. It was concluded that tomboys’ characters could serve as role models for girls who might not conform to traditional gender expectations.

Work-Family Conflict among Police Personnel’s Job Satisfaction in Special Region of Yogyakarta with Gender as a Moderating Variable (Study in Police Administrative Unit at the County Level)

Research has shown that both men and women experience work-family conflict, but the nature of the conflict differs based on gender. Women often face conflicting demands between their work and family roles, which can lead to role overload and stress. Men, on the other hand, may experience conflict when their work responsibilities interfere with their family responsibilities, but they may also experience pressure to prioritize work over family due to traditional gender norms and expectations. It is important to recognize and address these gender differences in work-family conflict in order to promote greater work-life balance and job satisfaction for all individuals. This study aims to examine and analyze the effect of work-family conflict among police personnel’s job satisfaction in Special Region of Yogyakarta, especially at police administrative unit at county level. Moreover, this study focuses on exploring the moderating effect of gender on relationship of work-family conflict with job satisfaction. This quantitative study designed to test the hypothesis. The data for the present study were primary cross-sectional data collected from total of 193 police personnel in Yogyakarta. The result of the study show that work family-conflict have a significant negative effect on job satisfaction. Moreover, gender has no impact significantly on the relationship between work-family conflict with job satisfaction.

Secondary School Teachers Teaching Strategies Toward Gender-atypical Students

More people need to be aware of how easily gender-atypical youths can be hurt in terms of body, sex, or emotions. Gender-atypical individuals refer explicitly to males with feminine qualities and females with masculine qualities, namely those who deviate from traditional gender expectations and often labeled as sissy or tomboy by society. Since gender-atypical behaviors are deemed to deviate from the mainstream, destabilize the power-based social construct in which male is associated with dominance while the female is related to submissiveness and is associated with homosexuality, Boys who act in ways that are associated with femininity and girls who act in ways that are associated with masculinity are at a high risk of becoming rejected, bullied or victimized. It is of great necessity for the secondary school teachers and relevant organization to take initiatives to develop strategies that specifically support gender-atypical students because primary and secondary schools have previously been more traditional and resistant to social change and students at that age are more likely to reinforce the patriarchal social system and conventional gender norms. To buffer the victimization and distress gender-atypical youngsters encounter in their lives and help them develop into healthy adults with self-love and self-acceptance, secondary school teachers should reform teaching practices and programming decisions to establish a supportive and inclusive school environment and apply what they have learned about gender disparities and gender norms into practice to encourage their students to embrace a positive view on heterogeneity and diversity. Moreover, knowledge about homosexuality should be popularized to abate the negativity of homophobia.

Gender-specific personal values and life priorities: Insights from the Bedouin minority in Israel

Abstract Introduction Personal values play a crucial role in shaping health behaviors and decision-making. The study aimed to explore the values and priorities of the Bedouin minority in Israel using the Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ-21). While the PVQ-21 is widely used, few studies have examined its use among minority populations in Israel. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 331 Bedouin participants in Southern Israel. Participants completed the PVQ-21 questionnaire, which measures four key values related to self-transcendence (universalism and benevolence), self-enhancement (achievement and power), openness to change (self-direction, stimulation and hedonism), and conservation (security, conformity and tradition). Results The overall PVQ-21 score was significantly higher (p < 0.001) among Bedouin males (6.40±0.67) than females (5.92±0.89). Gender differences were significantly higher among men in self-transcendence (7.02±0.9 vs. 6.02± 1.21, respectively) and conservation (7.04±0.73 vs. 6.11±1.07, respectively), but not in self-enhancement and openness to change. Specifically, significant differences (p < 0.05) in conservation values were observed between residents of recognized towns and residents of newly recognized/unrecognized villages (6.66±1.07 vs. 6.42±0.95, respectively). Religiosity, marital status, and education were significantly associated with self-transcendence and conservation values. Conclusions This study provides valuable insights into the personal values and priorities of the Bedouin minority in Israel. The results suggest that Bedouin women prioritize values related to benevolence and conservation, which may reflect the traditional gender roles and expectations within Bedouin society. Recognizing the cultural context and unique value orientations within minority populations is essential for developing effective and inclusive health promotion strategies that can contribute to reducing health disparities and improving overall well-being. Key messages • Gender differences in personal values among Bedouin minority in Israel highlight the importance of understanding cultural context. • Recognizing the value priorities of minority populations is crucial for developing effective and inclusive health promotion strategies that address health disparities.

End of a Presidency: Perceptions about Derailed Leaders Based on Gender

This critical discourse analysis examined the perceptions and their role in social practice of both internal and external constituents of five women and five men university presidents at doctoral-granting institutions who resigned or were fired from their positions through an analysis of publicly available commentary (e.g., social media, blogs). Findings of the study highlight how gender is a key component of the public commentary, indicate differences in constituent support, and illustrate that women are more often criticized due to traditional gender expectations compared to men who primarily faced criticism for the specific scandal or challenge. Further, discourse analysis revealed that a gendered lens continues to shape leadership evaluations and expectations in society.

K. CHOPIN AS A PIONEER OF FEMINIST LITERATURE

The article discusses the feminist themes in Kate Chopin’s novel, “The Awakening,” which challenged traditional gender roles and expectations when it was published in 1899. The article analyzes the novel using the methods of discourse analysis, continuous sampling, and interpreting a literary text. The research finds that the novel explores feminist ideas such as women's independence, new morality, patriarchal society, motherhood, and gender roles. The article cites several scholars who have identified “The Awakening” as a feminist work, and also discusses the controversy the novel faced upon its initial publication due to its portrayal of female sexuality and desire. The article concludes by noting that the novel continues to be widely recognized as an important feminist work that explores women’s agency and autonomy.