923 research outputs found

    A systematic literature study of sexual violence, hashtag feminism and the #MeToo movement on Twitter (15 October 2017-14 May 2021)

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    Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The date range included was 15 October 2017-14 May 2021. The rationale for the years included, represents the inception of the #MeToo on Twitter which emerged in 2017. Although the #MeToo movement gathered tremendous support on a global level, it has been critiqued by countless women for marginalizing out the sexual violence experienced by women of colour. (Ceron, 2018; Rodino Colocino, 2018;Willig, 2018). Tarana Burke criticized the #MeToo as a “white supremacist patriarchal movement” with a deep-rooted history which includes but also emerged well before Trump’s presidency (Colocino, 2018: 98). While the phenomena of the online movement encouraged women to begin Twitter conversations about deep rooted patriarchy and the need for a united and collective front to eliminate gendered violence. Literature has also emerged drawing attention to the way in which Twitter participants can broadly circulate offensive statements as well as “vitriolic online misogyny” (Rentschler and Thrift, 2015: 332). In the same way, Twitter is perceived as a free platform, online discrimination on Twitter has hindered specific social groups from reusing the platform as it has become too much of a toxic and dangerous space. (Clark, 2016: 789). Despite Mendes, Ringrose and Keller (2018) revealing the participatory nature of Twitter hashtags, it has been identified as a platform that also disrupts feminist discussions. Since the birth of Twitter, the medium has been closely connected to widespread online feminist activism through Twitter hashtags (Murthy, 2013; Zappavigna; 2012; Papacharissi, 2006; Weller, Bruns, Burgess, Mahrt, Puschmann, 2014). As a result, women have begun to use the Twitter hashtag as a tool to raise online consciousness to fight against deep rooted societal issues such as patriarchy and sexual violence. This dissertation employed a qualitative systematic literature review methodology to explore the topical issues revealed through surveying the literature on the #MeToo on the Twitter platform. The study was conducted in the form of a Systematic Literature Review methodology based on the guidelines suggested by Barbara Kitchenham (2004). The research data in this dissertation was drawn from the Google scholar search engine to retrieve academic literature pertinent to the research topic. By engaging in a qualitative mode of enquiry, a qualitative thematic analysis was employed to examine the latent and semantic themes in the 13 English-language published articles collected from the Google scholar search base. It is appropriate that a qualitative approach is used as “qualitative approaches are typically used to explore new phenomena and to capture individuals’ thoughts, feelings, or interpretations of meaning and process” (Given, 2008: xxix). Using a thematic analysis approach, 4 primary themes emerged: (1) The use of hashtag feminism on Twitter, (2) The marginalisation of women of colour (3) The causes of sexual violence, (4) The vitriol experienced by women employing #MeToo on the Twitter platform. This study offered some important insights into how Twitter has become a primary space for online users to collectively share their responses to events. This is indicative in the #MeToo trend on Twitter as it became one of the most efficacious tactics due to numerous women discussing the challenges underpinning gender inequity on a global level (Willig, 2019; Pain, 2019; Ghadery, 2019; Bisiada, 2021 and Ceron, 2018). Furthermore, this study has further demonstrated the way in which Twitter has rapidly increased the visibility of online feminist movements. Consequently, several studies have revealed (Crossley, 2015; Keller, 2012; Keller, Mendes, and Ringrose, 2016) that Twitter has developed into a platform to dismantle hegemonic power in support of a solidarity-building space for women. From the analysis of the data, it can also be stated that despite the emergence of Twitter as an online feminist space, dealing with trolls and naysayers on Twitter remains a constant challenge on Twitter. Thus, the findings are both complex and contradictory

    Conservative women’s representation in the European Parliament (2014-2019)

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    The European Parliament is an important institution in improving gender equality in the European Union. Generally, both descriptive and substantive women’s representation is much stronger in left-wing political parties compared to their right-wing counterparts. Some right-wing parties in the European Parliament have made more progress than others. This research aimed to develop an understanding of the conservative women’s representation in the European Parliament. By comparing the women’s issues championed by the conservative members of the European Parliament (MEP), the research aimed to reveal policy prioritization and variation of conservatism among the MEPs during the eight-legislative term of the European Parliament. The research has identified variety of issues presented by the MEPs and found some feminist issues presented as well. This research makes an important contribution to the literature on conservative women’s representation in the European Parliament.https://www.ester.ee/record=b5380638*es

    The self-management of chronic conditions and the experience of cyber-victimisation in the United Kingdom

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    A thesis submitted to the University of Bedfordshire, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)Background The victimisation of people with chronic conditions and disabilities has physical, mental and psychosocial consequences. Although this victimisation is documented, victims usually struggle to get the proper support. Research focusing on cyber-victimisation of people with long-term conditions is limited and lacks qualitative elements. Aims This study aimed to understand the impact of cyber-victimisation among individuals living with chronic conditions in the UK. Methods A mixed-method design was adopted using a mixed-method online survey, followed by in-depth interviews with victims. The participants were encouraged to share their voices as experts in their own experiences. This was supported by short interviews with general practitioners (GPs) as the gatekeepers to the health system and one of the supportive channels available to victims. A systematic review was completed and published, which helped to identify gaps in the literature. Primary data was collected from 55 victim support groups, patient-support groups, and via social media. The challenges in recruiting victims for this sensitive topic were identified and published to guide future research. The theoretical framework underpinning the study incorporated the Biographical Disruption model, Self-Management and Social Support. Results Quantitative data from 152 participants showed that almost one in every two people with chronic conditions was cyber-victimised (45.39%). In total, 76.81% of victims had a self-reported disability, and the relationship between cyber-victimisation and disability was statistically significant. Furthermore, 61.11% of victims reported that experiencing cyber-victimisation had affected their self-management plan. The highest impact was on lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet, avoiding triggers, and avoiding excessive smoking or alcohol drinking. This was followed by changes to medications and follow up with healthcare professionals. Indeed, 69% of victims perceived a worsened self-efficacy scale for health condition self-management following cyber-victimisation. In general, formal support was rated poor, with only 24.53% of victims having spoken to their GPs with variable responses. Six themes emerged from the qualitative data: Biomedical Events (overall health - physical complaints), Impact on Mental Health (psychological and psychiatric effects - helplessness), Multi-level Impact (existing vulnerability - disruption and reprioritisation), The Impact of Complexity (complex situation - struggle for support), Social Network Involvement (social isolation and victim blaming - controversial social support - misrepresentation of self), and Disability Discrimination (inclusion, culture and hate – tax and disability benefits). The participating GPs thought that cyber-victimisation had both mental and physical impact on people with chronic conditions, with concerns over online health forums use. GPs’ responses were influenced by individual variations. Conclusion Cyber-victimisation against people with chronic conditions is prevalent. It is a traumatic event that was introduced after the biographical disruption and working to cope with long-term conditions. It triggered significant fear, had a devastating impact and depleted victims of social support. The impact was multifaceted, and the results from the survey and interviews were convergent. They were also confirmed by the GPs’ input. The outcomes provided an in-depth understanding of the impact of cyber-victimisation on such marginalised groups. To initiate change, the results were summarised in a health promotion design that was informed by the participants and gatekeepers, and improved for dissemination. Further context-specific, condition-specific, participatory, and multidisciplinary work are indicated

    Human-Machine Communication: Complete Volume 5. Gender and Human-Machine Communication

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    This is the complete volume of HMC Volume

    Clinical intake interviewing: proposing LGB affirmative recommendations

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    The initial impression a client formulates about the therapist is critical to establishing a deep and meaningful working alliance. The traditional intake interview protocol is fraught with heterocentric biases and heteronormative assumptions, thereby failing to provide an affirming experience for non-heterosexual clients or potentially overlooks issues relevant to competently serve the psychological needs of LGB clients. This dissertation endeavors to respond to the growing need for the clinical application of LGB affirmative approaches. An overview of the following bodies of literature is offered: (a) consequences of heterosexism on the lives of LGB individuals, (b) heterosexism and the field of psychology, (c) perceived competence of therapists treating LGB clients, (d) current practices in working clinically with LGB clients, and (e) intersection of multiple cultural considerations. Based on a synthesis of the literature, feedback from experts in the field, and a critical review of existing intake protocols, preliminary suggestions for engaging in an LGB affirming initial therapeutic experience is offered. 4 major areas of clinical considerations for engaging in an affirmative intake process are discussed: (a) creating an affirming environment, (b) the initial intake process, (c) important considerations specific to members of the LGB community; and (d) therapist competencies. Finally, intake questions for consideration in intake forms or during the course of an intake interview are presented

    Transforming Research Methods in the Social Sciences

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    Social science researchers in the global South, and in South Africa particularly, utilise research methods in innovative ways in order to respond to contexts characterised by diversity, racial and political tensions, socioeconomic disparities and gender inequalities. These methods often remain undocumented – a gap that this book starts to address. Written by experts from various methodological fields, Transforming Research Methods in the Social Sciences is a comprehensive collation of original essays and cutting-edge research that demonstrates the variety of novel techniques and research methods available to researchers responding to these context-bound issues. It is particularly relevant for study and research in the fields of applied psychology, sociology, ethnography, biography and anthropology. In addition to their unique combination of conceptual and application issues, the chapters also include discussions on ethical considerations relevant to the method in similar global South contexts. Transforming Research Methods in the Social Sciences has much to offer to researchers, professionals and others involved in social science research both locally and internationally

    Sexual Violence and the U.S. Military: The Melodramatic Mythos of War and Rhetoric of Healing Heroism

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    Thesis (Ph.D.) - Indiana University, Communication and Culture, 2015In this project, I examine the rhetorical patterns that silence or expose wartime sexual assault in U.S. culture from World War II, the Vietnam War, and the contemporary War on Terror. Through rhetorical analysis of military rhetoric, film, journalism, and photography, I argue that institutional narratives deploy rape as a political trope by exploiting narratives of sexual abuse in ways that promote war and inhibit justice for survivors. These narratives are patterned by a "melodramatic frame," which emphasizes feminine vulnerability and racialized villainy to construct a heroic national identity. By depicting sexual violence as a crime committed by inherently deviant individuals rather than a byproduct of institutionalized patriarchal norms, the melodramatic frame privileges individualism over collectivity. I then juxtapose this institutional discourse with resistant voices found personal narratives, dissent, and advocacy efforts that counter the melodramatic frame. Not only do these narratives further critique melodrama by demonstrating its inadequacy in capturing the complexity of material experiences, but they also provide effective rhetorical models that invite us to see the cultural and systemic factors that exacerbate wartime sexual violence. These resistant discourses demonstrate what I call a "healing heroism," which challenges melodramatic tendencies toward caricature and polarization. In doing so, they unsettle harmful gender and racial norms by reimagining notions of vulnerability, heroism, and villainy

    Diversity, identity, and oppression in the production of archaeological knowledge

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    This dissertation investigates diversity in archaeology using quantitative and qualitative methods drawn from sociology and building on previous studies of gender equity issues in the discipline. I address two major research questions: (1) Who (with regard to race, gender, and sexual orientation) produces archaeological knowledge? (2) How do the identities and experiences of archaeologists affect the knowledge they produce? I addressed the first through a quantitative study of journal authorship patterns, expanding a long tradition of feminist publication equity studies. My study is the first to look intersectionally at the demographics of publication. I surveyed 5645 scholars who had published in major archaeology journals over a ten-year period. Results show that although archaeology is approaching gender parity, the field remains overwhelmingly white and straight. Straight white male domination is pervasive in almost all subfields and methods, despite the common perception that some subfields are feminine. The second part of the study was qualitative and based on in-depth interviews with a diverse sample of 72 archaeologists. My interviews showed that the primary methods of recruitment of archaeologists are directed at (or most accessible to) people with race and class privilege. Archaeologists from marginalized groups face pervasive oppression, ranging from microaggressions to abuse from mentors and colleagues. These hurdles lead some to abandon archaeology, while others must face setbacks to find safety. The knowledge archaeologists create is shaped by their personal interests and political commitments; their experiences and standpoint in society; and the ways their mentors, funding agencies, and the job market encourage or discourage particular paths. All of these forces are, in turn, structured by interlocking social systems of gender, race, and sexuality. The two studies work together to elucidate the race, gender, and sexuality problems in archaeology. The quantitative study provides a broad overview of the demographics of the discipline, contextualizing the more specific interview study. The interviews provide detail concerning the trends shown in the journal study. By understanding the demographics of archaeology and how they affect knowledge production, we can diversify our discipline and build a more complete and nuanced understanding of the human past
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