Sexuality and Gender Studies Journal

Impact of Organizational and Labour Market Factors on Inter-Gender Wage Gap: Perspectives of Sri Lankan Women

Subodha Samarasinghage — 2025-07-01

Purpose: Institutional and organizational factors are crucial as they are purported to have a significant influence on inequality. Organizations are the institutions that determine wage rates and the treatment of male and female employees. They may exhibit wage equality or inequality, which is subsequently reflected in labor markets (Hultin & Szulkin, 2003). Therefore, it is essential to understand how these factors influence the wage gap. This research aims to analyze the experiences and perspectives of selected women in depth to identify the critical factors leading to gender-based wage inequality. Design: Following a systematic literature review, the study employed a qualitative methodology, specifically a case study analysis, wherein the author conducted in-depth interviews with three women. A 'narrative quoting' technique was utilized in the analysis. The sample comprised women who hold high managerial positions in the corporate sector. Findings: Key dimensions identified as affecting the gender wage gap were inflexible work policies, limited opportunities for women, stagnation in promotions and progression, lack of gender representation, negotiation incapability, male dominance, sex segregation and sex similarity, and insufficient technological education and networking. Originality: This study was conducted to examine organizational and labor market-related factors that affect the gender-based wage gap, which is an under-explored area of study. The research utilized a qualitative method to conduct an in-depth analysis and derive factors that have not been previously examined in the Sri Lankan context. Notably, factors that are not readily captured through quantitative analysis are discussed herein. The results of this study will assist policymakers in identifying root causes behind gender wage inequality related to organizations and the labor market.

Hidden Wounds, Unheard Voices: An Exploration of Men as Victims of IPV during and Post-COVID-19

Atlas Torbati — 2025-07-01

The victimisation of men in Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) has historically received limited attention, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores the experiences of male victims of female-perpetrated IPV and assesses the support and services they accessed during and after the pandemic in the UK. Through interviews with ten participants, the data were analysed using framework analysis. The participants reported a broad range of abusive behaviours, including physical, emotional, and financial abuse. Additionally, new forms of coercive control were found to be linked to the pandemic and the unique female-perpetrator/male-victim dynamic. The findings revealed that male participants endured multiple forms of abuse and coercive control, compounded by institutional failures, which significantly affected their ability to access support.

Investigating Gender Differences in English Language Academic Achievement of the Omani Grade 12 Students

Najah Al-Siyabi — 2025-07-01

Success in English Language Academic Achievement (ELAA) is a critical educational goal. Understanding the factors that influence ELAA is essential for enhancing student outcomes. This study explores the role of gender in the English language academic achievement of Omani Grade 12 students. A quantitative research design was employed, with data collected from 300 Grade 12 students across 10 secondary schools in the Ad Dakhliyiah Governorate of Oman. The study used a questionnaire consisted of four sections and participants were selected through simple random sampling. Data analysis, conducted using SPSS software, included descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients. Findings reveal that gender significantly influences students’ academic performance, with female students demonstrating higher achievement levels compared to their male counterparts. Based on these results, recommendations are provided for educational stakeholders, including school administrators, teachers, and parents. Proposed measures include fostering gender-sensitive teaching strategies, enhancing school-family communication, and organizing English language courses for parents to support their children's academic success.

Posthuman Conceptualisations of Young People’s Sexualities

Joanne Cassar — 2025-07-01

Posthumanism holds a direct focus on materiality and centralises the role of nonhuman, agents in the understanding of phenomena. The aim of this paper is to locate the understanding of young people's sexualities within posthuman perspectives. Specifically, the paper refers mainly to Karen Barad’s work to conceptualise the understanding of young people's sexual selves. The presence of numerous sexuality discourses that surround their lives is acknowledged as a starting point in the understanding of their sexual relations. The recognition that matter and discursive formations in language are intertwined has led to a conceptual shift that is influencing conceptualisations of young people’s sexualities, and how research on young people's sexual selves is framed and conducted. The paper argues that the posthuman turn provides a productive framework for understanding the multi-faceted complexities surrounding the sexualities of young people.