The Journal of Gender, Culture and Society (ISSN: 2745-3293) is an international, peer-reviewed academic journal published monthly and dedicated to advancing research on the complex intersections between gender, culture, and society. It provides a platform for scholars, researchers, and practitioners to explore critical issues related to gender roles, identity, power relations, social structures, cultural practices, and their impact on communities worldwide. The journal welcomes interdisciplinary contributions from sociology, anthropology, cultural studies, linguistics, history, politics, education, and related fields, with a special emphasis on contemporary debates, emerging perspectives, and diverse methodological approaches. By fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange, the journal seeks to promote inclusivity, equality, and social justice across global contexts.
Al-Kindi Center for Research and Development
Gender Dynamics in Face-to-face and Online Turn-taking
This article explores the gendered turn-taking patterns of men and women in two communicative environments: an online group chat and a face-to-face university classroom discussion among Moroccan students. Referencing from sociolinguistic theories and conversation analysis to examine how these two genders navigate conversational floor-taking in distinct interactional modalities. Men are more likely to dominate face-to-face conversations through longer turns and interruptions. Women, however, tend to prefer more supportive styles of communication. The rapid emergence and evolution of digital communication have created new dynamics that affect the interactional norms of gendered discourse. This paper aims to analyze the various cues that influence the transmission of gendered discourse, such as turn initiations, response timing, interruptions, and overlaps, to reveal both the divergence and continuity in gendered discourse. The findings indicate that while the offline interactions reproduce traditional gender asymmetries, online space creates more opportunities to participate in more equal ways. This study provides valuable information on how gendered discourse unfolds within socially interconnected and contextually distinct environments.
Gender, turn-taking, face-to-face interaction, digital communication, conversation analysis, sociolinguistics, multimodality
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Between Liberation and Oppression: Muslim Women, the Hijab, and the Liberal Feminist Gaze
This qualitative phenomenological study explores how Muslim women interpret the hijab as a form of empowerment, challenging liberal feminist discourses that often frame it as oppressive. Through semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 23 Muslim women in Fez, Morocco, this research centres their lived experiences and personal narratives regarding hijab-wearing. The study employs Islamic feminism and postcolonial feminism as theoretical frameworks to analyse how participants construct agency, identity, and resistance within their religious and cultural contexts. Findings reveal three primary themes: the hijab as a spiritual and personal practice, resistance to external narratives of oppression, and the hijab as empowerment in public spaces. Results demonstrate that participants view their veiling practices as deliberate choices that enhance their spiritual connection, protect their autonomy, and assert their identity in both private and public spheres. These narratives directly challenge Western feminist assumptions about Muslim women's agency and highlight the importance of epistemic justice in feminist discourse. The study contributes to decolonizing feminist theory by privileging Muslim women's voices and experiences, offering implications for educators, policymakers, and scholars engaged in cross-cultural feminist research.
agency, epistemic justice, hijab, Islamic feminism, postcolonial feminism
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Gender, Culture and Society
Beyond the Cinderella Complex?: Transforming Gender Representations in Disney’s Animation and Live-Action Films
The Walt Disney Company has produced both animation films and live-action adaptations of classic fairytales which reflect transforming gender representations. The purpose of this article is to conduct a comparative analysis on the changing gender representations in Disney’s Cinderella (1950) series as well as its live-action adaptation. In the light of feminism, the 1950 animation film is to be critically re-examined by comparing with the Brothers Grimm fairytale and paying attention to the binary gender roles of Cinderella and the prince. While pointing to the gender stereotypes in the 1950 animation film, this article argues that there are feminist elements in the 1950 animation film. It also examines the influence of feminism in the other two animation films by Walt Disney, Cinderella II: Dreams Come True (2002) and Cinderella III: A Twist in Time (2007). Finally, this research investigates the live-action adaptation, Cinderella (2015), created by Walt Disney in the light of feminist philosophy that has been influential and ubiquitous in the changing media culture in the world.
Cinderella, Cinderella complex, Disney, feminism, gender, patriarchal culture
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Menstrual Leave in Zambia: Any lessons for Ghana?
This paper examines the potential for Ghana to adopt menstrual leave policies by drawing lessons from Zambia’s pioneering "Mother’s Day" policy, introduced in 2015. Despite Ghana’s progressive steps toward gender equity, including the 2024 Gender Equity Act and free sanitary pad initiatives, its labour laws lack explicit provisions for menstrual health, leaving working women without mainstreamed support for menstruation-related challenges. The study highlights how menstrual pain and stigma undermine women’s productivity and workplace participation, as evidenced by the Ghana Women-Friendly Workplaces Report (2025) and research showing 96% of women report reduced stress with menstrual leave (Bhavsar, 2023). Analyzing Zambia’s policy, which grants one day of paid leave monthly without medical justification, the paper argues for Ghana to integrate similar measures into its Labour Act, aligning with SDG 5 on gender equality. Critics caution against potential discrimination, but the paper emphasizes safeguards to prevent bias, citing Olsen’s (2024) human rights framework and Ghosh’s (2024) call for holistic menstrual health policies. By addressing legal gaps, combating stigma, and leveraging Ghana’s youthful demographic dividend, menstrual leave could enhance workplace inclusivity and economic productivity. The paper concludes with actionable recommendations for legislative reform, positioning Ghana to lead in gender-responsive labour policies in Africa.
Breaking Barriers: Reducing Women Employees’ Turnover through Inclusive Organisational Practices
Female employee turnover is a leading business issue for businesses globally, causing substantial talent loss, reduced company diversity, and long-term commercial issues. Women are likely to work their way out of companies due to limited job career development opportunities, office prejudices, poor work-life balance, and little company support for professional and personal development. This essay explains the underlying reasons for high turnover rates among female employees and examines how organizational strategies towards inclusiveness can assist in solving such problems effectively. Major strategies mentioned are initiating flexible work arrangements, mentorship and sponsorship programs, leadership development initiatives, and equal recruiting and promotion policies. The article highlights the importance of creating a corporate culture that is women-friendly, in which they are respected, valued, and empowered to contribute positively. Resolution of problems like gender pay gaps, work harassment, and unconscious biases is crucial in building a conducive environment. The critique highlights the importance of active leadership and policy reforms in sustaining such inclusive practices. Diversity and inclusion organizations enhance employee engagement and retention, resulting in innovation, teamwork, and overall business performance. By dismantling systemic barriers and fostering an inclusive culture, companies can establish a resilient and dedicated workforce that brings about long-term success and endurance.
Unpacking Cultural and Linguistic Refusal Strategies in Jordanian EFL Discourse: A Conceptual Paper
Refusal strategies are ubiquitous linguistic tools employed in everyday communication. Understanding the application of these strategies is crucial for interpreting the reactions of those receiving the refusals. This study investigates the diverse refusal strategies Jordanian students utilize to explore the cultural and linguistic factors influencing their choices. Data will be collected through interviews and observations and analyzed using Beebe et al.’s (1990) framework. The anticipated results include the identification of the significant influence of linguistic and cultural factors on the forms of refusal strategies employed by the students. The study also expects to identify direct and indirect refusal strategies. Ultimately, this research will provide a foundation for future investigations into the syntactic and morphological processes underlying Jordanian students' construction of refusal strategies in their interactions. A deeper understanding of these processes will contribute to a more nuanced comprehension of pragmatic communication within this cultural context.
Refusal strategies, Jordan, EFL Students, Cultural Influences, Linguistic Factors
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
She’s Everything, He’s just Ken: A Comprehensive Analysis of Barbie (2023)
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Barbie (2023), the fantasy comedy film, from different viewpoints utilizing thematic analysis brushing upon several aspects like the narrative and theme, aesthetics of the film, representation of the female and male characters, body image and beauty standards, gender stereotypes in Barbie’s opening scene, and the reception of the film in Arab countries. The findings of the article reveal that this film effectively challenges traditional gender stereotypes and promotes female empowerment through its themes. Additionally, as an international film, it reflects diverse cultural receptions and impacts as it not only shapes but also clashes with local cultures and raises debates about cultural differences and representations.
Engaged Amazigh Poetry in Meteor Airlines' "Agdal": Reviving Tradition while Addressing Global Environmental Issues
This paper analyzes Meteor Airlines' 2024 album Agdal, which revitalizes traditional Amazigh poetry through the emerging genre of Amazigh Rock. The study aims to explore how Agdal integrates the cultural heritage of pre-Saharan Amazigh oasis communities into global environmental discussions, with an emphasis on preserving nomadic and pastoral traditions. Using a qualitative analysis of the album’s lyrics, music style, and its reception, this research examines how the album marks a shift in Morocco's cultural industry from commercialized music production to efforts centered on cultural preservation and archiving. Findings suggest that Agdal, by merging traditional Amazigh poetry with contemporary rock elements, engages transnational audiences and contributes to an ongoing global dialogue on ecological and cultural sustainability. The study concludes that contemporary Amazigh music plays a crucial role in preserving historical memory, fostering cultural resilience, and raising environmental awareness, illustrating the impact of local cultural production on wider global issues
Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Gender, Culture and Society
Help, The Women are Naked: Bodies, Power & Resistance in ‘Post-colonial’ Uganda
This paper engages with acts of naked protest in Uganda to explore their effect and affect as a decolonial praxis for both gender and human rights. In this paper, the successes of such rights activism by Ugandan women are made clear. With regard to womanhood, this paper discusses how naked protest questions Western epistemologies of gender in colonized Uganda – troubling an exclusionary and racialized sex/gender dimorphism through its anachronistic performance that relies on bringing a specific pre-colonial power imbued in Ugandan womanhood into a ‘post-colonial’ present. With human rights, this paper proposes that both human rights and gender are inextricably linked and must be read in tandem to truly actualize the significance of naked protest. Where claims to womanhood are made, inevitably, claims to a denied humanness are too. Decolonizing the human in human rights requires reconceptualization that consequentially returns us to Wynter’s question: what does it mean to be human? This paper attempts to offer some preliminary answers by necessarily reading this decolonial movement with an epistemic disobedience and by emphasizing the importance/power of the category ‘human’ in ‘post-colonial’ Uganda. Notably so, the ‘limitation’ of naked protest is also explored, particularly its participation within a colonial framework for the way in which naked protest fails to move beyond established gender boundaries. That said this paper questions whether this circumstance marks an inadequacy or, given that naked protest infuses agentic and political meanings to what it means to be a Black Ugandan woman, a necessary utility. Altogether, this paper is interested in reading the performance of naked protest through a lens that goes beyond the corporeal, or more precisely, that reads this corporeal performance in a metaphysical or macro-societal arena paying particular attention to the ways that it utilities pre-colonial cultural meanings as a source of power to demand rights and lay claim to the categories woman and human.
Resistance, Decolonization, Gender, Human rights, Uganda
Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Shifting Narratives: Gender in Moroccan Cinema
This paper endeavours to examine four cinematic works crafted by directors from Morocco, specifically Farida Benlyazid’s Women’s Wiles (1999), Yasmine Kassari’s The Dormant Baby (2004), Latif Lahlou’s Samira’s Garden (2007), and Hamid Zoughi’s Kharboucha (2008). Through the lenses of feminist theory and discourse analysis, this exploration delves into how contemporary Moroccan cinema has been reshaping the narratives surrounding femininity and masculinity. This cinema has not merely offered new avenues for representation to women directors; it has profoundly challenged and transformed conventional portrayals in film production. The Moroccan filmmakers in question emerge as active agents in challenging local cultural and social limitations, striving to play a crucial role in the “liberation” of women while also portraying masculinity in a state of turmoil.
Women's Empowerment through Higher Education and Employment in Bangladesh
This report investigates the role of higher education and employment in empowering women in Bangladesh. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature and survey results, the report identifies key challenges and opportunities for women's advancement. By taking a survey of 200 working women from Bangladesh, this report offers quantitative research on the topic to identify the current condition of women's empowerment and future requirements to develop them further. The findings suggest that while significant progress has been made in increasing women's access to education, there remains a gap in employment opportunities and participation. The report proposes a series of policy recommendations aimed at addressing these challenges, including increased government funding for women's education, promotion of gender-inclusive policies in the workplace, investment in sectors traditionally dominated by women, and public awareness campaigns about the importance of women's empowerment. By implementing these recommendations, Bangladesh can take significant strides towards achieving gender equality and unlocking the full potential of its female population.
Women's Empowerment; Higher Education; Bangladesh
Portrayal of Women in Moroccan Television Advertisements: A Cultural and Gender Analysis of ‘La Sigogne’ and ‘Tide’
The current article examines the representation of women in Moroccan television advertisements that are broadcasted on the Moroccan national channels on a daily basis. This investigation aims to explore how cultural norms and gender roles are reflected and perpetuated through media. As a matter of fact, media plays a huge role in not only reflecting reality, but also constructing a fake reality through which people construct their identity. By analyzing ‘La Sigogne’ and ‘Tide’ ads, this research aims to uncover stereotypes and social expectations that are imposed on women. Using content analysis, the study unveils the portrayal of women in terms of roles, appearance, and behavior. Findings reveal that the majority if not all advertisements reinforce stereotypes as they depict women as either objects or housewives. By doing so, various feminists call for a reconsideration in the representation of women in Moroccan media.
Why are Women Unhappy with Dating Apps? Exploring the Reasons behind Women Dissatisfaction
Dating apps have revolutionised the way people meet and interact in the modern dating landscape. However, there is a growing concern that women are increasingly dissatisfied with their experiences on these platforms. This research aims to explore and analyse the factors contributing to women's dissatisfaction with dating apps. Through interviews with women who have used dating apps and expressed dissatisfaction, this research seeks to uncover the main reasons behind their unhappiness. The study hypothesises that inadequate safety measures, shallow interactions, and unrealistic expectations are among the key factors causing women's dissatisfaction. By shedding light on these issues, this research hopes to provide valuable insights that can help understand the reasons behind the use of dating apps.
Dating apps, women's dissatisfaction, unrealistic expectations
Research on the Development Path of Feminism from an Aromantic Asexual Perspective
Aromantic asexual is a perspective that has rarely been used in the research of Feminism, and this paper aims to explore the possibility and significance of combining aromantic asexual and feminism to fight against “sexual hegemony” from the perspective of the social identity of aromantic asexual. This paper will carry out research through the following aspects: firstly, analyse the concept of aromantic asexual and clarify its connotation and characteristics; secondly, explore the historical basis of the combination of aromantic asexual and feminism and reveal the links and commonalities between the two; then analyse the reasons why aromantic asexual and feminism can move towards the union, and explore the motivation and possibilities of the combination of the two; finally, explore the reflection on the combination of aromantic asexual and feminism, and conclude that the combination of aromantic asexual and feminism has been a very important factor in the development of the feminist movement. Finally, it discusses the reflection on the combination of aromantic asexual and feminism and concludes that the combination of aromantic asexual and feminism is insufficient in resisting the path of “sexual hegemony.” The research in this paper shows that aromantic asexual and feminism have a certain historical basis and connection and that they share some common concepts and goals. At the same time, the combination of aromantic asexual and feminism is not accidental but may be based on the common resistance to and demand for the phenomenon of “sexual hegemony”. Therefore, the combination of aromantic asexual and feminism to fight against “sexual hegemony” has certain rationality and significance and can bring new inspiration and impetus to the cause of gender equality. However, it is also necessary to note that there may be shortcomings in practice, which need to be further studied and explored in depth. It is suggested that future research should strengthen the exploration of the combination of aromantic asexual and feminism, promote cooperation and development between the two, and provide more possibilities and support for the advancement of the cause of gender equality.
Power Counter-Strategies in Gender Relations
This article examines the potential of Queer Theory as a theoretical framework for gender relations and an alternative approach to mainstream power dynamics. The counter-discursive strategies under study draw upon the seminal critical contributions of Michel Foucault and his theories of power, Eve K. Sedgwick and her theory of the closet, and Judith Butler and her work on gender and performativity. The study finds that Butler highlights stylization as pervasive in performance. Integrating Sedgwick's queer theory and Foucault’s critical analysis discourse, the study explores how theater challenges conventionality. Sedgwick deepens the understanding of fluid identities, complementing Butler's focus on embodiment. Through interdisciplinary analysis, the study explores the dynamics of power within theatrical representations.
Gender, Power, Knowledge, Queer, Performativity
Modern Theater between Invisibility and Visibility
This article employs a theoretical framework that integrates gender, discourse analysis, and psychoanalysis to examine the metaphorical and metonymical construction of sexualities. The focus here is not on the reality of sexualities, but rather on their representation in modern theater. The study findings indicate that psychoanalysis is a valuable tool for interpreting dramatic works and the cultural frameworks underlying them. The psychoanalytic approach offers insights into the motivations and unconscious desires of both authors and characters. Theater has undergone a significant transformation, moving from a realm of shadows to one of light and elucidating the subtle interplay between personal desire and intellectual production. The transition from the state of invisibility to that of visibility on the stage signifies deeper transformations in societal attitudes. These changes have resulted in the acceptance of marginalized identities, particularly those of non-heterosexual orientations, and the evolution of the nature of representation itself.
Modern Theater, Straight and Gay Aesthetics, Visibility and Invisibility
Assessing Gender Relations in Ginantuzu Community in Simiyu Region of Tanzania
Concerns regarding gender relations vary depending on the context. Thus, this study assessed gender relations in the ginantuzu community of the Simiyu region in Tanzania. Specifically, the study determined community opinion on gender relations in land access and control, gender differences in crop production, and domestic works in the Ginantuzu community. The paper is based on qualitative data which were obtained through interviews and literature reviews. Primary data were collected by using interviews with the ginantuzu people of Mwamoto and Byuna villages in the Simiyu region. A convenient sampling technique was used to select a sample of 20 families from the two villages. Qualitative data were analysed by content analysis, where the researcher developed sub themes that reflect the objective of the study. Unlike other research, gender relations in the Ginantuzu community are not regarded as stances of gender inequality. In the Ginantuzu community, for instance, gender relations and practices in household chores, land access, and control, and agriculture do not imply gender inequality. Both sexes adhere to the norms associated with their respective genders. However, like other communities, ginantuzu women are constrained by the burden of triple roles, which is furthered by limited access to technology and a lack of technological innovations. Interventions aimed at addressing the burden of women in agricultural activities, reproductive roles, and domestic roles are recommended.
Gender relations, Gender inequality, Gender equality, Ginantuzu community, Land access and control, agricultural activities, domestic activities
Critical Queer Analysis of Normative Discourse
This article presents a preliminary socio-historical reflection on Queer Theory, exploring how this critical perspective challenges conventional notions of sex, gender, desire, identity, discourse, ideology, and power. Moreover, the article considers how Queer Theory offers insights into the study of theater as an art of the margins, in particular discursive dramatic counter-strategies. The study indicates that theater from the Augmented Age draws upon concepts derived from Queer Studies. Modern and contemporary Western plays engage with transgressive sexual topics in innovative ways, challenging traditional stereotypes about sexuality. The study also poses the question of whether theater is still oriented towards societal acceptance and concludes that it is undergoing a revolutionary transformation.
Queer, Gender, Desire, Sexuality, Identity, Western Theater
Sex Crimes and Victim Blaming: How to Stop It
This article addresses the issue of victim blaming in sex crimes. It examines the causes that lead people to blame rape victims and the consequences of victim blaming, including its impact on the mental health and well-being of survivors. The findings of the study revealed that to prevent rape and sexual assault, it is imperative to educate men on the prevention of rape and to challenge traditional gender roles. Parents should be made aware of the potential dangers of gender socialization. Women and girls should never be instructed to alter their behavior or attire. This approach may inadvertently convey the notion that their actions are a cause of rape or sexual assault. In the event of rape or sexual assault, it is crucial to provide support to the victim. It is also essential to cease the practice of blaming victims. The perpetrator is solely responsible and should be held accountable. To eradicate rape, it is essential that individuals recognize the potential for men and women to coexist as equals. Finally, the article suggests some strategies to challenge victim blaming.
Victim blaming, causes, consequences, counter strategies
Rape Survivors, the Law, and Social Media in Morocco
This article analyzes the mistreatment of rape victims in Morocco and the risks women face in reporting rape. The stigmatization and categorization of rape victims by Islamic religion and law pose significant challenges, as they prohibit consensual sex outside of marriage. Additionally, the Moroccan Penal Code considers the loss of virginity an aggravating circumstance in rape cases, which could lead to a biased ideology in rape trials.
Moroccan culture, virginity, honor, rape, Islamic law, penal code
(En)gendering Development: Mapping Spatial Contours of Urban Inequality in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Extending feminist geographic endeavours in the present geopolitical conjuncture, this critical intervention calls into question the everyday gendered geographies of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their contextual heterogeneity. In the epoch of conspicuous consumption, women-dominated shopping malls in the Gulf space can be read as material-discursive sites in and through which gendered belonging is (re)constructed. Paradoxically, frenetic economic development is marked by deeply entrenched logics of segregation, unearthing conditions of unbelonging. In particular, urbanity is predicated upon the abjection of ‘bachelors’ (low-wage immigrant men of South Asian descent) from the Emirati body politic. I then employ intersectional frameworks to counter-map the affective contours of Dubai’s urban sexscape, where spatially and temporally provisional moments of queer existence (re)surface at nighttime. Similarly, intersectional feminist geographies of sex work grapple with existing and emergent strands of spatial inequality in ways a single-axis framework cannot hope to exhaust. Whilst sexed/gendered/racialised bodies are hierarchically stratified in Emirati moral economies of transactional sex, sex worker subjectivities at once refuse rigidly boxed categories by being continually reworked at the local, national and global levels.
Dubai, UAE, Gender, Urbanisation, Spatial Inequality, Feminist geography, Intersectionality
Rape Culture and Victim Blaming: A Historical and Religious Perspective
This article provides a historical interpretation of sexual violence against women, focusing on rape dynamics and victim-blaming as mechanisms for upholding patriarchal power structures. It explores the evolution of this phenomenon across different cultures and historical periods, with emphasis on its manifestation in Islamic societies. This intersection of traditional customs and religious doctrines has led to misunderstandings that objectify women and result in unfair legal systems contradicting the principles of the Quran.
Sexual violence, rape culture, victim blaming, Quranic exegesis
Investigating the Impact of Cultural Awareness on Language Learners' Motivation and Proficiency
Learning multiple languages is advantageous for individuals engaging with diverse communities across borders. However, language barriers and miscommunication have posed significant challenges, prompting learners to improve their foreign language skills, knowledge, and expertise. A lack of cultural awareness and sensitivity has hindered learners from successfully mastering foreign languages. The inability of the UK and European populations to promote diversity and inclusion, coupled with disrespectful attitudes towards other cultures, contributes to their struggles in language acquisition. To address these issues, active engagement in cultural activities can boost motivation and proficiency in language learning. Exploring Hofstede's six dimensions of cultural competency reveals that American learners exhibit lower anxiety levels than Korean learners in language training classrooms due to high individualism. Conversely, the high power distance in China, compared to Mongolia and Hungary, results in Chinese students being less interactive and assertive in classrooms. Limited interaction negatively impacts students' psychological and behavioral development, highlighting the importance of fostering intercultural communication skills. Thus, cultural factors have been elaborated with the implementations of Lewis's cultural competency model, which has elaborated that nations worldwide can be segregated into three categories based on their cultural beliefs such as linear-active, multi-active, and reactive. Among these three categories, reactive has been identified as the most flexible, people-oriented, and culturally aware nation, wherein most Asian countries like India, Malaysia, Korea, and Thailand belong. It has been identified that due to a lack of cultural awareness, the students have been confronting significant issues in confidently learning new languages with the inability to speak appropriate terms and pronounce them properly. Participation in cultural activities and training on intercultural communication might be helpful in mitigating cross-cultural issues in new language learning.
Cultural Awareness, Learner Motivation, Learner Proficiency, Cross-cultural Communication, Language Barriers
Cultural Diplomacy: Enhancing Morocco's Image and Reputation Worldwide
Morocco's use of cultural diplomacy becomes apparent as a key tactic in enhancing its standing and perception internationally. Morocco has a rich cultural heritage ready for diplomatic use, with a diverse cultural tapestry firmly influenced by Berber, Arab, and European cultures. In an age of globalization and intense rivalry between nations, Morocco can effectively portray its distinct character and promote understanding among people from different backgrounds through cultural diplomacy. Morocco can establish sustainable partnerships with countries across the globe by actively participating in cultural exchanges, encouraging artistic collaborations, and safeguarding its rich cultural legacy. This aggressive stance promotes tourism, international investment, and socioeconomic growth and strengthens Morocco's soft power. Furthermore, it reinforces Morocco's standing as a world leader in creative, tolerant, and innovative culture, which increases its impact and notoriety abroad.
Copyright (c) 2021 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Two Rings and a Doctorate: Gender and Marital Status in the Pursuit of Ph.D. Success in Moroccan Universities
This study provides a qualitative examination of the intersected impact of gender and marital status on Ph.D. success for both men and women in Morocco. Utilizing semi-structured interviews with 20 married doctoral students from both genders across three Moroccan universities, the research revealed a significant divergence in the lived experiences and Ph.D. success indicators of married men and women. Men were generally encouraged by gender expectations, which often served as a motivator in their academic journey, whereas women faced hurdles due to these expectations, as their academic roles often collided with traditional roles as wives and mothers. Both genders, however, reported struggles in maintaining work-life balance, with women experiencing more challenges due to social expectations and conventional gender roles. This research emphasized the importance of a strong support system and a conducive home environment for academic success. Cultural context significantly influenced the participants’ academic journey, stressing the need for societal change and redefinition of traditional gender roles. The findings suggest the need for institutional and societal efforts to establish a supportive infrastructure for all Ph.D. students, irrespective of their marital status or gender.
Married Ph.D. Students, Gender Roles, Societal Expectations, Work-Life Balance, Moroccan context
Barriers to Women in Academia: The Case of Moroccan University Female Professors
This paper aims to enhance our understanding of the challenges women in academia face in their pursuit of research, with a particular focus on the Moroccan context. Using in-depth interviews with female Moroccan university teachers, we explore personal narratives to highlight the perceived barriers to women’s academic advancement. The results showed that family related factors and financial constraints were the most commonly mentioned obstacles that hinder women’s aspiration and/or time to conduct scientific research and attend international conferences and academic workshops. Implications of these findings suggest creating a gender-friendly work environment and providing specific incentives that could help female academics in their quest for research.
Women Peasants in India: Farmers or ‘Farmers’ Wives’?
Even though there is an increasing trend towards the ‘feminisation of agriculture’, especially among the small and resource-poor farm households due to the increasing long-term migration of men, women’s work on the family farm is invisibilised to a very large extent in most parts of the country. One of the reasons for the absence of gender issues in the literature on agriculture is that women are not even regarded as farmers due to the absence of property rights for them. This paper is based on fieldwork conducted in villages of Punjab, Rajasthan and Telangana. It brings to light lesser-known facts about women’s ownership of land and their changing status in rural India. Based on data collected through primary research from 100 households in each of the three states, this paper concentrates on the less researched aspects of women in agriculture in India. The study focuses on women’s role as farmers, their control over land, their participation in agricultural activities on family farms, and decision-making, including decisions relating to the family. The analysis of data shows that there are regional differences in these aspects, which are mainly due to the differences in cultural factors relating to women’s status in society.
Lived Experiences of BPO Onsite Employed Students
This study aimed to investigate the lived experiences of BPO on-site employed students at the University of Cebu- Main Campus, including the challenges they encounter, how they manage pressure and stress, and the coping mechanisms they employ to balance their academic responsibilities with their work commitments. The qualitative research method was employed to achieve this, with sixteen (16) participants selected through purposive sampling. Data collection involved conducting semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions, and the qualitative data was analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis approach. The analysis revealed fourteen (14) emergent themes, categorized under four (4) overarching themes, which addressed the sub-problems. The overarching themes included the reasons for working while studying, categorized as "Reasons of Participants on Working While Studying" with four (4) emergent themes: Good Work Compensation, Competency, Interpersonal Skill, and Provider. The lived experiences of BPO on-site employed students fell under the theme "Lived Experiences as a BPO on-site Employed Student," with four (4) emergent themes: On Physiological Needs, Overwhelming Workload, Patience, and Night Life. The challenges faced by the participants were grouped under "Challenges Met by the Participants," with three (3) emergent themes: Time Management, Sleep Deprivation, and Irate Customers. Lastly, the coping mechanisms employed by the participants were classified under the theme "Coping Mechanisms of the Participants on the Challenges Met," with three (3) emergent themes: Me Time, Not Giving Care, and Positivity. The study's findings and recommendations addressed the challenges experienced by on-site employed students working in the BPO industry, providing valuable insights into their unique experiences.
Lived Experiences; Business Process Outsourcing Students; Employed Students; Working Students; Qualitative Study; Thematic Analysis
Copyright (c) 2023 Journal of Gender, Culture and Society
Young, Noisy and Angry: Voice of Baceprot and Feminism in Metal Band
This paper examines the significance of the Indonesian all-female teenage metal band Voice of Baceprot (VoB) in spreading messages of empowerment and social change through music. Drawing on feminist critical discourse analysis and textual analysis, this study analysed four VoB song lyrics. The analysis reveals three central themes in VoB music: resisting systemic oppression of women, advocating for freedom of self-expression and identity, and voicing sociopolitical criticism. This paper argues that VoB’s lyrics portray empowerment as exposing and dismantling the prejudicial roots of injustice, making space for marginalised voices, and demanding human rights and equity as lived realities. The VoB suggests that empowerment requires transgressing societal constraints to integrate identity into one’s own terms. As hijabi women perform metal music, the VoB signifies the radical possibilities of claiming space through art and courage. Their songs convey that empowerment starts by refusing control and determining one's path. Despite receiving some criticism regarding the inappropriateness of Muslim women playing in a metal band, the VoB's success illuminates the possibility of change through grassroots efforts. The paper concludes that VoB's lyrics envision alternative futures by advocating justice, equality, and empowerment. Their messages make empowerment possible by calling for oppression and creating space for marginalised voices. VoB represents hope for change, driven by creativity and perseverance.
Surface Pressure: Lived Experiences of Eldest Siblings who are Employed College Students
This thesis was conducted to explore the lived experiences of the University of Cebu's eldest siblings, who are employed college students. It discusses factors that have influenced them in working and studying simultaneously, the challenges they have encountered, and the strategies they used to overcome the difficulties. This research used a qualitative research method and was participated in by sixteen (16) informants from the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Teacher Education, the College of Computer Studies, and the College of Criminal Justice. The researchers utilized snowball sampling and the non-probability sample technique of purposive sampling to select the participants. A semi-structured interview questionnaire consisting of open-ended questions was used to gather the participant’s data and was analyzed through a process called Thematic Analysis. The participants' responses established eight (8) emergent themes, classified into three (3) overarching themes that offered answers to the sub-problems. The participant’s important statements were then utilized to extract the emergent themes. The first overarching theme is Factors Influenced Employed College Students to Juggle Work and Studies. There were three (3) emergent themes regarding the influences that made the eldest siblings work while studying: Insufficient Financial Resources, Personal Goals, and Eldest Siblings and the Filipino Culture. The second overarching theme is the Challenges Met by the Participants, which mainly focuses on the struggles they have experienced. Under it are two (2) emergent themes: Challenges on Self-Management and Weakened Bonds and Relationships. The third overarching theme is the Coping mechanisms of the participants in dealing with the challenges met. These are the strategies for how the participants coped with the difficulties they had to face. Three (3) emergent themes were created: Personal Disposition, Organization of Tasks and Activities, and Self-Maintenance. The outcomes of this study were used to understand the lives of these individuals further and identify ways that may help them manage both work and studies as well as themselves.