Sexuality and Gender Studies Journal is an international, semiannual, scholarly Open Access, peer-reviewed scientific journal publishing in English. SGSJ welcomes research articles in the area of Sexuality and Gender Studies from the following subject areas but not limited to: gender and popular culture, gender and children’s literature, gender and technology, gender and violence, sexuality studies, transgender studies, sexual violence, and gender inequality approach. Authors are invited to submit articles that have not been previously published and are not under consideration elsewhere. All types of submissions including original scientific articles, and reviews relevant to all areas of sexuality studies are accepted for consideration.
Mokslines Leidybos Deimantas (Diamond Scientific Publication)
Posthuman Conceptualisations of Young People’s Sexualities
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Joanne Cassar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Investigating Gender Differences in English Language Academic Achievement of the Omani Grade 12 Students
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Najah Al-Siyabi, Ayuob AL Rashdi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Hidden Wounds, Unheard Voices: An Exploration of Men as Victims of IPV during and Post-COVID-19
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Atlas Torbati https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of Organizational and Labour Market Factors on Inter-Gender Wage Gap: Perspectives of Sri Lankan Women
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Subodha Samarasinghage, Dinesha Siriwardhane, Kalani Rajapaksha Pathirannehelage https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Achieving a Balanced Professional and Personal Life Still Remain a Challenge for Women Journalists
Today women are seen making their presence felt in all the professions, but presently each profession is competitive and demands more time at work. Journalism is one of them which comes with deadline, pressure, and competition which makes it much more challenging for women journalists to balance out their professional and personal life. The study explores the challenges faced by women journalists in balancing work and life. Based on survey the study is conducted with 30 women journalists working in print and electronic media in Himachal Pradesh. The findings of the study reveal that women journalist somewhere face challenges while simultaneously performing their responsibilities at home and work. It affects their family life and also their career opportunities and performance at one point which result into changing or leaving the profession. Research concludes that along with family and partner support, organisational support plays significant role in the life of working women. Balancing is a holistic approach it demands and requires professional and personal support, responsibility sharing, and is associated with psychological, physiological wellbeing of a person.
Copyright (c) 2024 Madhuri Gaur, Sukhnandan Singh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Role of Modern Education in Historical Move Towards Gender Equality Issue in Ethiopia
The aim of this study was to understand the role of modern education in the historical development of gender equality in Ethiopia over time and political-ideological change. To achieve this objective, a qualitative research method was used to analyse various relevant literature on the development of gender equality in Ethiopia. The documents were selected based on their authenticity and consistency with the objective of this study. The findings of this study show that gender inequality in Ethiopia has experienced both change and continuity. The introduction and development of modern education has brought about significant political and social changes that have led to progress in gender equality over the years. One of the persistent problems is that traditional gender norms have influenced societal attitudes and expectations in Ethiopia, hindering efforts to achieve gender equality in the country. It is therefore necessary to challenge and change societal attitudes through gender-responsive education and the development and implementation of policies that promote equal opportunities and rights for all genders.
Copyright (c) 2024 Baru Aboma Totoba, Mészáros György https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring the Question of Bias in AI through a Gender Performative Approach
The objective of this paper is to examine how artificial intelligence systems (AI) can reproduce phenomena of social discrimination and to develop an ethical strategy for preventing such occurrences. A substantial body of scholarship has demonstrated how AI has the potential to erode the rights of women and LGBT+ individuals, as it is capable of amplifying forms of discrimination that are already pervasive in society. This paper examines the principal approaches that have been put forth to contrast the emergence of biases in AI systems, namely causal, counterfactual reasoning, and constructivist methodology. This analysis demonstrates the necessity of considering the sociopolitical context in which AI systems are developed when evaluating their ethical implications. To investigate this conjunction, we apply the theory of gender performativity as theorized by Judith Butler and Karen Barad. This illustrates how AI functions within the social fabric, manifesting patriarchal configurations of gender through an analysis of the notorious case of the COMPAS system for predictive justice. In conclusion, we demonstrate how reframing of gender performativity theory, when applied to AI ethics, permits us to consider the social context within which these technologies will operate. This approach enables an expansion of the interpretation of the concept of fairness, thereby reflecting the complex dynamics of gender production. In the context of AI ethics, the concept of "fairness" pertains to the capacity of an algorithm to generate results dealing with sensitive categories, such as gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and disability, in a manner that does not engender forms of discrimination and prejudice. The gender dimension needs to be reconsidered not as an individual feature but as a performative process. Moreover, it enables the identification of pivotal issues that must be addressed during the development, testing, and evaluation phases of AI systems.
Copyright (c) 2024 Gabriele Nino, Francesca Alessandra Lisi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Migration, Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Implications for ‘Japa’ Syndrome in Selected Post-Colonial Texts
Migration has become a prevalent strategy for vulnerable women and girls seeking better opportunities. This study examines the intricate relationship between migration, human trafficking, and modern slavery through a qualitative approach, utilising Dressel & MacDonald (2018) and George & Bennett's (2005) comparative textual analysis. By analysing Nawal El Sadaawi’s Woman at Point Zero (2015) and Patricia McCormick’s Sold (2006), the study highlights the vulnerabilities faced by characters Firdaus and Lakshmi, paralleling the experiences of Nigerian women pursuing 'Japa' (emigration). Crenshaw's (2013) Intersectionality theory provides the framework for understanding these complexities. The study indicates a significant risk of exploitation during migration, emphasising the struggles for agency amidst economic migration. The study calls for increased awareness, education, and policy interventions to address the risks of 'Japa,' human trafficking, and modern slavery, advocating for systemic changes to protect and empower women.
Copyright (c) 2024 Sunday Olaoluwagbamila Dawodu, Gracious Ojiebun https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Analyzing Gender Disparities and Wage Differentials: A Decadal Study of the Wage Distribution
The gender wage gap worsens poverty and political decision-making regarding economically marginalized persons and indirectly benefits the wealthier sections. Increased poverty leads to premature death, violence, and crime, while reduced social security triggers unethical and illegal activities, leading to further injustices for both men and women. Sri Lanka has experienced the steepest decline in the Global Gender Gap Index rank to date, particularly from 2010–2020. This study investigates the trends in gender wage inequality during this decade. This study utilized microdata from the Sri Lanka Labor Force Surveys 2010 and 2020, obtained from the Sri Lanka Census and Statistics Department. The data was rigorously analyzed using STATA 15.0, employing pool regression and Chow tests for hypotheses testing and analyses. To ensure the validity of the results, ordinary least squares assumptions and endogeneity testing were conducted, and suitable modifications were made before using the data. Age, ethnicity, religion, education, work experience, and language literacy were the statistically significant determinants of gender wage inequality. The interactive dummy coefficient (time and gender) was -0.019, implying that the difference in hourly wage was reduced by 1.9%, although it was not statistically significant. This indicated that the gender wage gap was decreasing. The findings of this study, which reveal the trends in Sri Lanka’s gender wage inequality against the backdrop of significant shifts in its gender equality ranking, are of paramount importance. They can serve as a guide for addressing economic disparities, identifying discrepancies, promoting gender equality, and enhancing labor market efficiencies.
Copyright (c) 2024 Subodha Samarasinghage https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Lavander Scare: Discrimination and Inequality Towards the LGBTQIA+ Community in the Past and Present U.S.
This paper focuses on the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in the United States in accessing equitable treatment and opportunities in multiple sectors. A starting point for understanding the issue is going to be an analysis of the Lavender Scare, the U.S. government's systematic persecution of suspected homosexuals during the Cold War. Considering that historical precedent, the research navigates how discrimination and inequality towards LGBTQIA+ individuals persist today: In the employment sector, sexual discrimination is pervasive in the hiring process, career advancement, and working conditions, leading to disparities in salary and economic marginalization. Regarding education, American students who identify as LGBTQIA+ are often victims of harassment at school, which has a detrimental impact on their social lives and academic performance. In healthcare, disparities arise in the availability of high-quality care, the treatment healthcare professionals reserve for LGBTQIA+ individuals, and the consequent lack of policies that fully protect the community. Inequality also has a significant effect on mental health outcomes, with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide risk among LGBTQIA+ individuals. The study is supported by a thirty-year literature review of governmental reports and academic studies from 1993 to 2022 and it seeks to analyse inequality from a horizontal point of view, that is between groups within a region with different identities. This paper also aims to promote awareness of the status of LGBTQIA+ rights in the United States and hopes to highlight the urgent need for more efficient anti-discrimination policies and holistic LGBTQIA+ inclusive practices.
Copyright (c) 2024 Paola Pietrosanti https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
International Marriages in Japan and DV: Interview and Questionary Survey Results
Gender equality has been a highly discussed topic. Yet conversations surrounding domestic violence (DV), gender-based violence (GBV), and abuse face societal and governmental hesitancy, especially in the context of relationships involving international migrants and local citizens. This study focuses on Japan, aiming to highlight the relationship between Japanese citizens and foreign migrants and depict the current situation of abuse and DV in these nonhomogeneous households. Applying in-depth interviews, surveys, inductive coding, case study analysis, and a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the research illuminated significant challenges encountered by these households. With a specific emphasis on coercive behavior, economic abuse, and physical violence, the study underscores the pervasive nature of abuse in these families. Furthermore, the findings obtained through the interview and questionnaire revealed the unique specifics of these households. Finally, the findings helped to identify areas of concern and highlight the need for further research and collaborative efforts between relevant organizations, government bodies, and society to address and prevent the challenges faced by households in this unique context.
Copyright (c) 2024 Polina A Lukyantseva https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Who is Being Left Behind? Participatory Exclusion of Marginalized Groups in Kenya
People’s participation is part of participatory democracy and development thinking. Recent administrations are increasingly embracing this concept in their governance processes. Therefore, it is essential to assess their performance and the participation levels of the more disadvantaged groups. Based on extensive fieldwork undertaken in two devolved governments in Kenya in 2022 and secondary documentation analysis, this paper demonstrates how public administrations can exclude significant segments of society (marginalized groups) from participation in governance processes, such as women who are the majority but placed low on the social structures due to the deep-rooted patriarchal norms. It also provides the constitutional provisions that support and protect these marginalized groups in Kenya. Further, through qualitative analysis, it maps major promoters of participatory exclusion in government activities, which include lack of information, inaccessibility of participating sites, and societal norms. Finally, the paper acknowledges that despite Article 27 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, shielding parity and liberty from discrimination of all persons, social exclusions promote discrimination and negate the efforts towards equal participation and inclusive development. Therefore, there is a need for the administrations to deliberately include disadvantaged groups such as women, youth, people living with disabilities (PWDs), and the aged in governance processes and enforce laws that promote participatory democracy.
Copyright (c) 2024 Gloria Nyambura Kenyatta https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Gender Disparities in E-commerce Adoption Barriers among Entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka
This research study investigates the gender-based differences in e-commerce adoption barriers among entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka. Employing a quantitative research approach, a sample of 460 entrepreneurs from the Hambantota District was selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. Primary data was collected through a validated questionnaire, and data analysis involved statistical techniques such as regression analysis. The findings highlight substantial disparities in the perception of e-commerce adoption barriers between male and female entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka. Female entrepreneurs encounter unique challenges in the realm of e-commerce adoption, underscoring the significant influence of gender on shaping adoption patterns. While both genders identify Lack of awareness and knowledge of e-commerce, Lack of qualified personnel to develop and support e-commerce, and Lack of popularity for online shopping as substantial and persistent barriers, Fear and reluctance to change and Inadequate delivery networks emerge as particularly noteworthy obstacles for female entrepreneurs. These research findings hold implications for the formulation of more effective government policies and strategic initiatives aimed at fostering a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly to empower female entrepreneurs in developing countries.
Copyright (c) 2023 Sexuality and Gender Studies Journal
Modesty & Rape Culture: Indonesian Media's Gender-Sensitive Exploration
The study of modesty culture and its correlation with rape culture in the media of Indonesia is a crucial examination of the societal norms and values that have a profound impact on the lives of women. The modesty culture, which values the suppression of sexuality and the need for women to be demure and reserved, has been shown to have a strong correlation with the perpetuation of rape culture in the media. This study aims to delve into this relationship, using a critical reading approach to analyze media content, in order to identify and understand the connection between modesty culture and rape culture using Stuart Hall encoding/decoding model in collecting data and analysis. The research design of this study involves a crucial examination of the correlation between modesty culture and rape culture in Indonesian media, with a focus on societal norms impacting women. The findings of this study will be used to develop recommendations that will contribute to the creation of a safer and more gender-sensitive professional and personal space for Indonesian women which include developing education programs, media literacy initiatives, and promoting gender equality and respect for women's rights to challenge and address harmful cultural norms and beliefs.
Equestrian portraiture has historically upheld gender norms by depicting powerful men and excluding women artists. 17th and 18th-century equestrian portraits of women depicted them as passive objects, often overshadowed by their male counterparts. These portraits reinforced traditional gender roles and upheld the patriarchal hierarchy prevalent during that time. This paper examines how Ghanaian contemporary artist Sarfowaa challenges patriarchal traditions through feminist self-portraiture in appropriated historical equestrian paintings. Through visual analysis of composition, techniques, symbols and contextualize selected artworks, this article explores how Sarfowaa subverts the equestrian genre by inserting herself into these male-dominated paintings. Her self-portraits provide a powerful statement of resistance that reclaims authority and agency for women. By contextualizing Sarfowaa's work within feminist art movements and theory, this paper analyzes how her art dismantles traditional gender roles and norms. The results demonstrate that Sarfowaa's portraits further the aims of feminist portraiture through their bold questioning of patriarchal power structures. This research expands current scholarship on the intersections of art, portraiture, feminism, and political resistance. It appeals to academics, artists, and audiences interested in the capacity of contemporary art to drive social change.
The Attractiveness of Dark Triad Characteristics in Facial Composites with Respect to Gender
The attractiveness of the human face is influenced by many different facial characteristics, which convey important information about the other person. Facial features provide signals related to various biological and psychological qualities of an individual supporting mutual mating interactions. Previous studies have mainly focused on the identification of features that indicate positive and desirable characteristics in the potential partner. However, it is equally important for people to react to the presence of negative characteristics. In terms of high-risk features, Dark Triad characteristics, including subclinical narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, play a major role. The study focuses on the assessment of the attractiveness of these three characteristics in female and male computerised facial composites, while taking the gender of the assessor into consideration. The results show that the only negatively assessed characteristics were identified by female evaluators (male narcissism and female psychopathy). The other significant results showed that the Dark Triad characteristics are evaluated as attractive.
Impact of Covid on the Trend of Domestic Violence in Indian Households
Since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, a rising trend of domestic violence in India is reported by literature using either call/complaints data or newspaper reports. However, the complaints data could not provide an adequate measure of the effect of the pandemic on the occurrence of domestic violence, if a substantial number of cases remain unreported. Till now, national level data to capture the changes in household dynamics during pandemic time is rare. The novelty of this study comes from the use of a national level survey, National Family Health Survey data of the Fifth round (2019-21) on India, which was not specifically designed for identifying the impact of COVID, but includes many attributes of women’s life regarding demographic characteristics, health and childbirth, subjective and objective information on domestic violence among many others. The data has been collected from 2019 to 2021, with a halt due to COVID restrictions from April to September 2020. Using this break in the data this study examines whether and how the pattern of domestic violence has changed during the pandemic time. The impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on the trend and nature of domestic violence and also on the patterns of the influence of the predictors of domestic violence are measured using probit regression analysis. The findings imply that violence may decrease if women provide financial security to the family amid uncertainties during pandemic, but violence can increase if women increase the burden of the family.
Parental views of Disney Princesses in the context of value-based expectations for their pre-school children
Content analyses of the female image of Disney Princess (DP) tales increasingly report a change in the representation of women. While classic DPs are found to be passive in terms of the plot, they are not “saviour” and their romantic options are limited, newer princesses are more androgynous, more active, more “saviour”-like and freer in their decisions and choices than traditional ones. Media can influence gender stereotypes and gender-related behaviour in childhood, and women who identify themselves as “princesses” in adulthood typically think in gender stereotype patterns, are less motivated in self-actualisation, and are more likely to run away from hard tasks. All this draws attention to the possibility of the early socialisation effect of princess tales and raises the importance of examining individual characters. Quantitative study was conducted to examine how parents see their children’s favorite DPs, whether there is a correlation between parents’ value preferences for their kids and the character of favorite DPs perceived by the parents. Our self-developed questionnaire contained items from Schwartz Value Profile and previous studies about DPs. Participant (N=1310) were Hungarian parents of pre-school girls and boys, from various social background and residence. Our study found that parents’ own character preferences, their characterisation of their child and the value-based expectations placed on children are related to which Disney character they consider as their children’s favorite. Results can be discussed from different approaches: media effect, gender stereotypes, national characteristics of parenting and values.
Copyright (c) 2022 Sexuality and Gender Studies Journal
The Evolution of Feminism in Japan: Issues of Gender and the Perception of Japanese Women
The history and specifics of the feminist movement in Japan have been a topic of interest in the research world for many years. Asian and Western scholars also acknowledge that feminism has a long history in Japan. Although Japan has spent more than 150 years trying to address social issues, the problem of gender inequality remains unresolved. Therefore, this study primarily illustrates the evolution of the feminist movement in Japan, comparing two “waves” of the feminist movement. Furthermore, this paper examines the development of female and male roles as well as gender bias in modern patriarchal society. It provides examples of the most common ideologies, Japanese femininity and masculinity, and the system Fu-you. It also illustrates and explains how traditional roles, Japanese patriarchal ideology, and modern trends coexist in contemporary Japan. Moreover, this study proved that for a significant number of women (65%) in 2021, the so-called "escape route" (i.e., successful marriage) remains a solution to their financial stability. In this study, the following research methods were applied. A thorough historical context analysis (qualitative approach) was required to comprehend the dynamics and specifics of feminism and examine social issues. The principle of historicism (qualitative method) helped to illuminate and compare the impact of the feminist movement and analyze how feminism developed after the Second World War, in the 70-s, in the 90-s, and in contemporary Japan, investigating each period separately or comparing it. Finally, the data analysis and data interpretation research method helped to organize or categorize data.