Traditional Gender Norms Research Articles

Humanizing Different Archetypal Expressions of Gender Expansiveness1.

This article explores the concept of gender expansiveness. This term refers to a person's self-identifying as gender fluid, genderqueer, transgender, non-binary, gender diverse, or gender nonconforming. Young people, including older children and adolescents, increasingly are experimenting with crossing gender lines. This trend can be understood as a sociocultural process for humanizing more terrifying archetypal forms of gender diversity. Using Henderson's (1988) concept of the cultural unconscious, the author posits that current social developments among youth are attempting to bring gender expansiveness more into collective consciousness. This issue has occasioned a strong counterreaction with panicked appeals to upholding traditional gender norms and needing restrictions on gender-affirming care. Examples from myth, literature and clinical practice help to contextualize the intense emotions aroused by gender diversity. A case example shows how gender fantasies are worked through within an empathic analytic relationship. The author makes an appeal for updating and humanizing older psychological theories that have relied heavily on splits, polarities, and oppositions, all of which are more characteristic of a 20th century way of thinking about the psyche. A potential approach to incorporate gender expansiveness is through a model of the psyche as a mosaic.

Virtual masculinities: Gamification, escape, and body control in Ernest Cline’s ready player one (2011)

This paper examines the intersection of masculinity and technology in Ernest Cline's Ready Player One, focusing on how virtual spaces like the OASIS serve as arenas for constructing and performing masculinity. Through the lenses of gamification, technological escape, and control over the virtual body, the novel presents a nuanced critique of how men navigate identity in a digital, hyperreal world. The study argues that Ready Player One not only reflects hegemonic masculine ideals but also reveals the vulnerabilities and limitations of such constructions in both real and virtual realms. By analyzing the protagonist Wade Watts's journey, the paper explores how the gamification of identity in the OASIS allows for the performance of idealized masculinity while simultaneously exposing its fragility. It examines how technology serves as an escape from real-world vulnerabilities, offering temporary empowerment but ultimately highlighting the unsustainability of virtual refuges. Furthermore, the paper investigates how control over the virtual body in the OASIS reflects broader cultural pressures on men to conform to societal standards of masculinity. Drawing on scholarly work in digital media, gender studies, and gaming culture, this analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of how digital environments both construct and deconstruct traditional gender norms. Ultimately, the paper argues that while the OASIS provides a space for performing idealized masculinity, it also underscores the limitations of virtual identities, revealing the need for a more grounded understanding of masculinity that transcends the illusory empowerment offered by technology.

‘The glowing fireflies’: Invisible activism under China’s queer necropolitics

In China, the escalating repression of gender and sexual diversity has given rise to ‘queer necropolitics’. ‘Queer necropolitics’ – a concept we build on – refers to the hegemonic ability to determine who is allowed to suffer, survive, or thrive. We examine China’s sustained re-enforcement of traditional gender norms, which has rendered queer communities non-existent from official recognition. In this context, we aim to understand how China’s state queer necropolitics has shaped queer organising in the country. From 2021 to 2022, we conducted 26 semi-structured interviews with a diverse cohort of self-identified LGBTIQ+ members and activists across 12 provinces in China. We find that the interplay of legal invisibility and politicised, moralised visibility has placed queer communities under hegemonic governance techniques of suppression. The paper argues that China’s queer necropolitics has established invisible activism. The juxtaposition of invisibility with activism denotes the quiet, implicit, and everyday embodied acts of communal care among queer communities as a form of resistance. Building on the metaphor of ‘glowing fireflies’ shared by a research participant, invisible activism presents a more sustainable approach than conventional rights-based activism. The paper expands our understanding of politically antagonistic practices, acknowledging the diversity and complexity embedded within queer activism.

Understanding the Cultural Politics Experience of Indonesian Male Domestic Helpers in Malaysia

This research explores the cultural-politics dynamics of Indonesian male domestic workers in Malaysia as they confront and challenge societal prejudices while taking on fatherhood-associated responsibilities. It delves into the obstacles these men face due to ingrained gender stereotypes that question their suitability for domestic roles, particularly in a foreign cultural context. The primary objective is to understand how these men redefine their identities and assert their roles as nurturers and providers, challenging traditional masculine ideals. This study uses a qualitative research design and a narrativization approach to explore the experiences of Indonesian male domestic helpers. Through in-depth interviews and personal narratives, the research reveals how these men navigate their roles as caregivers and fathers, challenging traditional gender norms and gaining recognition within their households and communities. The study also highlights the importance of upholding cultural ties and personal resilience in their experiences as migrant domestic workers.

Challenges of preterm families: parenthood and participation in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Northern Italy

ABSTRACT Prematurity can disrupt the psychological transition to parenthood, with the unfamiliar environment of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) often exacerbating parental concerns about their baby’s health and survival. This study explores factors influencing parental coping mechanisms during their NICU stay, focusing on gender differences and parental perceptions of staff support. Sixteen Italian parents of preterm infants (born before 37 weeks of gestation and hospitalized for at least 10 days) participated in remote narrative interviews. Thematic analysis revealed key differences in the emotional experiences and care participation between mothers and fathers, shaped by traditional Italian gender norms and further impacted by COVID-19 restrictions limiting fathers’ access to the NICU. Additionally, parents who were more involved in their infant’s recovery through interactions with doctors reported higher levels of personal well-being. These findings highlight the importance of fostering parent-staff communication and support, particularly during times of crisis, to promote positive outcomes in the parent-infant relationship and enhance parental well-being. Recommendations include tailored interventions to ensure mothers and fathers are actively engaged in their infant’s care.

Gambling disorder gender analysis: social strain, gender norms, and self-control as risk factors.

Gender differences in problem gambling have attracted much attention in recent gambling literature. However, relatively little is known about how gender norms relate to social strain and self-control in predicting gambling disorder within a spousal context. This study aimed to increase knowledge about gambling disorder in Chinese married couples by assessing the three-way interaction effects between social strain, self-control, and gender norms. A total of 1,620 Chinese married couples were recruited from a representative sample of households in Hong Kong. The results of the generalized ordered logit model revealed the self-control mitigation effect of composite strain on the propensity for gambling disorder is strong in men who accept traditional gender norms. In contrast, in women who accept traditional gender roles, self-control attenuates the effect of recent stressful life events on the propensity for gambling disorder, but self-control exacerbates the effect of negative relationships with offspring on the propensity for gambling disorder. Although reinforcing self-control is a protective factor that can alleviate social strain and disordered gambling for both men and women, the prominent contribution of gender norms to the self-control exacerbation effect deserves close attention for social workers who provide services to these gambling families.

Gender bias in surgery: A systematic review of qualitative studies

BackgroundIn order to gain a comprehensive understanding of gender bias in the field of surgery, a systematic review was conducted to assess relevant perceptions. MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase, and LILACS for qualitative studies on how students, trainees, and surgeons recognize gender aspects concerning surgery. Data was thematically synthesized according to Thomas and Harden's methodology. ResultsEighteen articles were included, comprising 892 participants, between males and females. Twenty-four codes were generated, and two major themes were identified: gender bias and discrimination, and parenting. Bias were commonly implicit and associated with microaggressions. It involved discouragement, struggles with traditional gender norms, harassment, and lifestyle. ConclusionsWe highlight the complexity of the barriers towards gender equality in surgery, addressing the lack of representativity and the persistence of bias. Understanding the obstacles and finding ways to overcome them can help to change the current situation.

Gender in revelations: Unraveling gendered struggles and revisiting the construction of cultural identity paradigms in Badriyah Al-Bishr's Hend Wa alʿaskar (2006)

This article attempts to explore the intricate workings of gender dynamics in Badriyah Al-Bishr's Hend wa alʿaskar (2006). It investigates how the author challenges traditional gender norms through the representation of female characters who strive for liberation. Al-Bishr lays bare the complexities of gender roles within the Saudi Arabian context. Viewed from the lens of narrative perspective, her text reveals the silenced tales of women on the quest for agency and identity. Through vivid storytelling and rich character narrativization that builds on the stream of consciousness, flashback, anticipation, and disruptive temporality, Al-Bishr crafts a compelling narrative of women's revelations within a patriarchal setting. Drawing on cultural discourse analysis, and feminist social epistemology, the reading of Hend wa alʿaskar attempts to offer a nuanced exploration of how gender, power, and resistance intersect and coalesce together to produce a thought-provoking narrative about the contemporary Saudi Arabian context. The complexities of women's tales intricately weave an ambivalent knot of discourses within the narrative, enriching its depth and challenging conventional interpretations.

Lived Experiences of Migrant Fathers in the Perinatal Period: A Systematic Review and Analysis.

The worldwide population of migrant families is on the rise, and there is growing acknowledgement of the significance of supporting parental mental health within these families. However, understanding of the experiences of migrant fathers during the perinatal period remains incomplete. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of existing research on perinatal migrant fathers' experiences in different cultures. Multiple searches were conducted in April 2023 for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies across six electronic databases: Medline, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus. Fourteen eligible articles were identified, including nine qualitative studies, five quantitative studies, and no mixed-methods studies. The Mixed-methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess the quality of these studies. The quantitative findings were transformed into narrative summaries to be analysed thematically along with the qualitative data. Three themes were identified: (1) Cultural competence (dealing with cultural differences, needs related to original country); (2) Parenthood in a new country (challenges and adaptation to fatherhood, challenging traditional gender norms, lack of extended family and building new support networks, being the main supporter for the family); (3) Needs of the fathers and their personal difficulties. The findings of this review suggest a direction for future research in perinatal psychology. The review also provides insights into the need for social and community support for migrant fathers and how healthcare services can support this group during the perinatal period.

Motherhood Penalty and Labour Market Integration of Immigrant Women: A Review on Evidence from Four OECD Countries

Among several reasons preventing the effective labour market integration of immigrant women, the motherhood penalty and unpaid care responsibilities stand out prominently. In line with this, the present scoping review shows how motherhood affects the labour market integration of immigrant women in Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA. This review shows that parenthood exacerbates the gender pay gap and limits labour market access, favouring men with children over immigrant mothers. Moreover, the effect of the motherhood penalty might be moderated by the level of education, age of the children, and the country of origin/ethnicity of immigrants. In the four countries examined, labour market outcomes for immigrant women are particularly poor. Factors contributing to this include limited language proficiency, traditional gender norms that restrict the full-time employment of certain groups of immigrant women, and institutional barriers like work-permit processing delays. To address these challenges, Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA have implemented various policies facilitating immigrant mothers’ workforce participation. These measures include language and legal-system education, subsidised childcare, and integration programmes for both mothers and children. Additionally, some programmes in Canada and the USA provide employment assistance and financial support for childcare, while Australia and the UK offer comprehensive integration and settlement services.

Gender Representation in Postcolonial African Literature

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the gender representation in postcolonial African literature. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study found that authors often critique patriarchal structures and colonial legacies that have influenced gender dynamics. Female characters in these narratives are depicted as resilient and multifaceted, challenging traditional roles and seeking empowerment. Works by writers such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Tsitsi Dangarembga highlight the struggles and triumphs of women navigating postcolonial societies, reflecting broader themes of identity, autonomy, and resistance. Additionally, postcolonial African literature often explores the intersectionality of gender with race, class, and ethnicity, offering a nuanced understanding of the lived experiences of African women and men in a rapidly changing world. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Postcolonial theory, feminist literary theory and queer theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the gender representation in postcolonial African literature. Supporting emerging authors through literary grants and mentorship programs is essential for promoting diversity and inclusivity in literary production. Promoting gender-inclusive literary awards can incentivize authors to explore and challenge traditional gender norms in their works.

A Mirror for Men? Feminist Activism of #ImitatingGreasyMen in China

With the evolution of social media, video-sharing platforms have emerged as new arenas for feminist activism. This article examines a new form of hashtag activism on Douyin (Chinese version of TikTok), where Chinese female vloggers satirically imitate certain male behaviors that are sexual aggressive to women. The term sexual aggression is used inclusively to indicate a continuum of manifestations of unwanted sexual behaviors that cover all acts of unwanted sexual contact from sexual harassment up to and including rape. Based on Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) of the top 20 most-viewed short videos tagged with #ImitatingGreasyMen, this study identifies two prevalent imitation archetypes: "Mansplainer'' and "Ordinary-But-Confident Men.", emphasizing the importance of social media platforms for women's expression of attitudes toward gender inequality using humorous language and gestures. Women can use social media platforms to mimic certain typical male behaviors through humorous language and actions in order to awaken women and stay tuned in society. The findings demonstrate a growing level of awareness and resistance to male chauvinist and patriarchal norms, suggesting a shift in traditionally male-dominated gender dynamics and the power of digital activism in challenging traditional gender norms and advancing feminist discourse in China's digital landscape.

A qualitative exploration of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender-based violence against women living with HIV or tuberculosis in Timor Leste.

Violence against women or gender-based violence (GBV) is a significant public health issue facing women and girls in different settings. It is reported to have worsened globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on increased violence against women in general, which has been reported in many settings globally, there is a paucity of evidence of its impact on violence against highly vulnerable women living with HIV or tuberculosis (TB). Using a qualitative design, this study aimed to explore the views and experiences of women living with HIV (n = 19) or TB (n = 23) in Timor Leste regarding the GBV they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. They were recruited using the snowballing sampling technique. Data were collected using one-on-one, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The five steps of qualitative data analysis suggested in Ritchie and Spencer's analysis framework were employed to guide the analysis of the findings. Findings indicated that women in this study experienced intensified physical, verbal, sexual and psychological violence by their partners, spouses, in-laws, and parents or other family members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several prominent risk factors that worsened violence against women during the pandemic were (i) HIV or TB-positive status, (ii) traditional gender roles or responsibilities and expectations, (iii) economic and financial difficulties reflected in the loss of jobs and incomes due to the pandemic, and (iv) individual factors such as jealousy and increased alcohol drinking developed during the lockdowns. The women's experience of GBV during the pandemic also led to various negative psychological impacts. The findings underscore the urgent need for multifaceted interventions to address GBV, which should encompass challenging traditional gender norms, addressing economic inequalities, and targeting individual-level risk factors. The findings also indicate the need for the development of robust monitoring and evaluation systems to assess the effectiveness of policies and interventions addressing GBV where the results can inform future improvement. The findings also indicate the need to include GBV in the protocol or guidelines for HIV and TB management. Future large-scale quantitative studies to capture the magnitude and specific drivers of GBV against women living with HIV and TB during the pandemic are recommended.

Qualitative Analysis of Female Texts in Chinese Stand-up Comedy

In the digital era, the rapid development of digital media promotes the widespread transmission of feminist viewpoints within the Chinese social context, despite the stringent regulations imposed on feminist activities by the authorities. Like Rock & Roast, stand-up comedy has become an effective medium for articulating females appeals and critiquing gender inequalities in China. Through methods of textual analysis and critical discourse analysis, this essay explores different kinds of females texts in Chinese stand-up comedy, different genres of feminism that these texts reflected, as well as male audiences attitudes towards those various types of females texts. This paper finds that the females texts offer different perspectives, with YangLi s texts particularly challenging hegemonic masculinity. As a result, her texts elicit strong resistance from male audiences, as they confront and question traditional gender power dynamics and norms. However, as a whole, the females texts created by female comedians in Chinese stand-up comedy show the features of popular feminism, which distinguishes from true feminism due to their failing to unveil the structural inequalities and oppression in social and cultural contexts.

Effect of Gender, Migration, and Family Support on Socio-Economic Well-Being of Nepalese Youth

This study explored the interplay between gender dynamics, migration experiences, and family support and their impact on the socio-economic well-being of Nepali youth. A structured questionnaire was administered to 384 Nepali youth aged 18-34 years using a convenience sampling design. With the diversified participant profile, the descriptive analysis found that there is negative impact of traditional gender norms on welfare, while migration experiences and strong family support had positive socio-economic effects. Empirical correlations supported the hypotheses, emphasizing the need for gender-specific interventions and policies. The study advocates for approaches that consider migration experiences, family support, and the reconfiguration of traditional gender roles. It provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners, emphasizing the importance of addressing gender inequalities, formulating migration policies, and strengthening family support systems. Specific strategies, including counseling programs and services, are necessary to alleviate the socio-economic challenges faced by Nepali youth. The study offers a framework for designing effective programs and interventions that consider the complex relationship between gender development, migration experiences, family support, and the socio-economic well-being of Nepali youth.

Critically Examining the Role of CSR Initiatives by Corporations in the Economic Independence of Women in Rural Areas

The study aims to critically examine the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in fostering the economic independence of women in rural areas. The research assesses the impact, effectiveness, and challenges associated with these initiatives through an extensive review of existing literature and an analysis of CSR practices adopted by five Indian corporations. Exploratory methodology is employed based on secondary data collected from various reputable sources such as online journals, articles, and official websites. Focusing on the societal responsibilities of businesses, the study delves into the specific CSR measures undertaken by corporations to empower women economically in rural India. Detailed case studies of initiatives by Hindustan Unilever Limited, ITC, Godrej and Boyce, Tata Motors, and HDFC Bank provide insights into the programs implemented, their reach, and their impact. These initiatives encompass diverse strategies such as skill development, self-help groups, mentorship, employment opportunities, micro-credit facilitation, and technological literacy to enhance women’s economic empowerment. This research also identifies and discusses various challenges hindering their effective implementation besides acknowledging the positive impact of these CSR initiatives. Traditional gender norms, lack of cultural understanding, inadequate engagement, and inefficient evaluation mechanisms are among the identified barriers that impede the success of these initiatives. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive strategies tailored to local contexts and suggest closer collaboration between corporations, NGOs, government agencies, and the community to ensure the success of CSR programs. The study concludes by emphasizing the significance of CSR in advancing women’s economic independence, breaking gender stereotypes, and fostering a sustainable future. The study put forth aims to address the identified challenges and enhance the efficacy of CSR initiatives targeting rural women, contributing to their empowerment and socio-economic development.

Exploring Gender Roles and Stereotypes in Literature: An Analysis of Contemporary Works

Purpose: This study aims to explore the representation of gender roles and stereotypes in contemporary literature. The analysis was conducted using secondary data from a variety of literary works published in the past decade. The study aimed to investigate how gender dynamics are portrayed and whether traditional gender roles and stereotypes are reinforced or challenged. Methodology: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to select appropriate works for analysis. A total of 30 novels and short stories were selected across different genres, including fiction, drama, and science fiction. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify common themes and patterns related to gender roles and stereotypes. Findings: The findings of the study revealed a complex depiction of gender roles in contemporary literature. While some works challenged traditional gender norms and portrayed more fluid, non-stereotypical characters, others reinforced traditional gender roles and stereotypes. Additionally, the study found that the portrayal of gender roles varied across genres, with science fiction and fantasy literature often presenting more progressive and diverse gender representations. The study also identified several common stereotypes associated with gender, such as the nurturing and caring nature of women and the dominance and aggressiveness of men. However, it is important to note that these stereotypes were not universally present, and many works depicted characters who deviated from these norms. Overall, this study contributes to our understanding of how gender roles and stereotypes are represented in contemporary literature. It reveals the complexity and diversity of gender dynamics portrayed in literary works, highlighting both the presence of traditional gender roles and stereotypes and the emergence of more fluid and non-stereotypical characters. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The findings suggest that literature has the potential to challenge and redefine gender norms and that the portrayal of gender roles varies across genres. This study provides insights for scholars, educators, and readers interested in understanding and discussing gender representation in literature and encourages further exploration of gender dynamics in contemporary literary works.

Gender Representation in Contemporary Indian Women Writers

This research paper delves into the nuanced exploration of gender representation in the literary works of two distinguished contemporary Indian women writers, Arundhati Roy and Jhumpa Lahiri. The investigation encompasses a historical analysis of their narratives, scrutinizing their impact on societal perceptions and the evolving discourse surrounding gender roles. Arundhati Roy's seminal work, "The God of Small Things," serves as a focal point for examining her adept dismantling of traditional gender norms within the socio-cultural fabric of India. Concurrently, Jhumpa Lahiri's Pulitzer Prize-winning collection of short stories, "Interpreter of Maladies," provides a diasporic lens through which gender intersects with cultural identities. The paper progresses through individual analyses of Roy and Lahiri's works, unraveling their unique approaches to gender representation. While Roy challenges societal expectations in India through vivid portrayals of characters breaking free from established norms, Lahiri navigates the diasporic experience, intricately weaving the intersectionality of gender with cultural identity. Common themes and divergent approaches between the two authors are explored, contributing to a broader dialogue on gender representation in contemporary Indian literature. As the narrative unfolds, critical reception and scholarly debates surrounding Roy and Lahiri's works are considered, shedding light on the dynamic nature of gender representation within diverse cultural landscapes. The research also anticipates future trends, emphasizing emerging themes such as intersectionality, global feminist perspectives, and the integration of technology in shaping narratives. Ethical considerations and the advocacy for inclusive publishing practices are discussed, recognizing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This research aims to amplify the voices of women in literature, providing a comprehensive understanding of their experiences while paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable literary landscape.

A space for the female viewer? The spectatorial gaze and damaged masculinity in Tre metri sopra il cielo and Ho voglia di te

In this article, I analyse the narratives of Tre metri sopra il cielo (Three Steps Over Heaven) (Lucini 2004) and its sequel, Ho voglia di te (‘I desire you’) (Prieto 2007) through the gendered paradigm of the spectatorial gaze theorized by Laura Mulvey. These films, I argue, subtly shift the active/male, passive/female paradigm of looking by displacing Step (Riccardo Scamarcio) as the focalizing subject, thereby empowering the films’ female protagonists – Babi (in Three Steps Over Heaven) and Gin (in Ho voglia di te) and female viewers. By subverting norms associated with the gendered gaze, I contend that these films reimagine heteronormative gender roles in Italy in a way that resonated primarily with its female audience. By focusing on women who transgress traditional gender norms, and by presenting a damaged form of masculinity, these films successfully create a space for the female spectator.

Social Media Empowerment: Constructing Maternal Autonomy for New Generation Urban Mothers

With changes in social structures and cultural perceptions, urban new-generation mothers of children with autism face multiple challenges in their maternal practices, including traditional gender norms, economic burdens, and constraints of the healthcare system. From both structural and post-structural perspectives, this study employs netnography to analyze the interactions of mothers on Xiaohongshu and WeChat communities. The findings reveal that under the dual pressures of traditional gender roles and various social structures, these mothers gain significant informational and emotional support through social media. This empowerment enhances their informed decision-making and choices, alleviates feelings of isolation and anxiety in the parenting process, and promotes personalized and diverse expressions of motherhood. Social media functions not only as a support tool but also as an empowerment platform, helping mothers find autonomy and self-expression within societal structures.