Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

Article Types

Countries / Regions

Search Results (85)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = norm violations

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
17 pages, 1063 KiB  
Article
In More Than Words: Ecopoetic Hybrids with Visual and Musical Arts
by Lynn Keller
Humanities 2025, 14(7), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/h14070145 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1069
Abstract
While poetry has long relied on musical and visual elements for its communicative power, numerous contemporary poets are drawing so dramatically on the resources of the visual arts and on elements of musical scoring that their poems become inter-arts hybrids. The interdisciplinary character [...] Read more.
While poetry has long relied on musical and visual elements for its communicative power, numerous contemporary poets are drawing so dramatically on the resources of the visual arts and on elements of musical scoring that their poems become inter-arts hybrids. The interdisciplinary character of environmental writing and its attachment to material conditions of planetary life particularly invite the use of visual and/or audio technologies as documentation or as prompts toward multisensory attention that may shift readers’ perceptions of the more-than-human world. This essay examines four recent works of ecopoetry from the US to explore some of the diverse ways in which, by integrating into volumes of poetry their own visual and musical art, poets are expanding the environmental imagination and enhancing their environmental messaging. The visual and musical elements, I argue, offer fresh perceptual lenses that help break down cognitive habits bolstering separations of Western humans from more-than-human realms or dampening awareness of social and cultural norms that foster environmental degradation and violations of environmental justice. The multi-modal works discussed are Jennifer Scappettone’s The Republic of Exit 43, JJJJJerome Ellis’s Aster of Ceremonies, Danielle Vogel’s Edges & Fray, and Jonathan Skinner’s “Blackbird Stanzas.” Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hybridity and Border Crossings in Contemporary North American Poetry)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 3136 KiB  
Article
Negative Expressions by Social Robots and Their Effects on Persuasive Behaviors
by Chinenye Augustine Ajibo, Carlos Toshinori Ishi and Hiroshi Ishiguro
Electronics 2025, 14(13), 2667; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14132667 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 812
Abstract
The ability to effectively engineer robots with appropriate social behaviors that conform to acceptable social norms and with the potential to influence human behavior remains a challenging area in robotics. Given this, we sought to provide insights into “what can be considered a [...] Read more.
The ability to effectively engineer robots with appropriate social behaviors that conform to acceptable social norms and with the potential to influence human behavior remains a challenging area in robotics. Given this, we sought to provide insights into “what can be considered a socially appropriate and effective behavior for robots charged with enforcing social compliance of various magnitudes”. To this end, we investigate how social robots can be equipped with context-inspired persuasive behaviors for human–robot interaction. For this, we conducted three separate studies. In the first, we explored how the android robot “ERICA” can be furnished with negative persuasive behaviors using a video-based within-subjects design with N = 50 participants. Through a video-based experiment employing a mixed-subjects design with N = 98 participants, we investigated how the context of norm violation and individual user traits affected perceptions of the robot’s persuasive behaviors in the second study. Lastly, we investigated the effect of the robot’s appearance on the perception of its persuasive behaviors, considering two humanoids (ERICA and CommU) through a within-subjects design with N = 100 participants. Findings from these studies generally revealed that the robot could be equipped with appropriate and effective context-sensitive persuasive behaviors for human–robot interaction. Specifically, the more assertive behaviors (displeasure and anger) of the agent were found to be effective (p < 0.01) as a response to a situation of repeated violation after an initial positive persuasion. Additionally, the appropriateness of these behaviors was found to be influenced by the severity of the violation. Specifically, negative behaviors were preferred for persuasion in situations where the violation affects other people (p < 0.01), as in the COVID-19 adherence and smoking prohibition scenarios. Our results also revealed that the preference for the negative behaviors of the robots varied with users’ traits, specifically compliance awareness (CA), agreeableness (AG), and the robot’s embodiment. The current findings provide insights into how social agents can be equipped with appropriate and effective context-aware persuasive behaviors. It also suggests the relevance of a cognitive-based approach in designing social agents, particularly those deployed in sensitive social contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Robotics: Perception, Manipulation, and Interaction)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

8 pages, 786 KiB  
Data Descriptor
OrthoKnow-SP: A Large-Scale Dataset on Orthographic Knowledge and Spelling Decisions in Spanish Adults
by Jon Andoni Duñabeitia
Data 2025, 10(7), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/data10070101 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 409
Abstract
Orthographic knowledge is a critical component of skilled language use, yet its large-scale behavioral signatures remain understudied in Spanish. To address this gap, we developed OrthoKnow-SP, a megastudy that captures spelling decisions from 27,185 native Spanish-speaking adults who completed an 80-item forced-choice task. [...] Read more.
Orthographic knowledge is a critical component of skilled language use, yet its large-scale behavioral signatures remain understudied in Spanish. To address this gap, we developed OrthoKnow-SP, a megastudy that captures spelling decisions from 27,185 native Spanish-speaking adults who completed an 80-item forced-choice task. Each trial required selecting the correctly spelled word from a pair comprising a real word and a pseudohomophone foil that preserved pronunciation while violating the correct graphemic representation. The stimuli targeted six high-confusability contrasts in Spanish orthography. We recorded response accuracy and reaction times for over 2.17 million trials, alongside demographic and device metadata. Results show robust variability across items and individuals, with item-level metrics closely aligned with independent norms of word prevalence. A composite difficulty index integrating speed and accuracy further allowed fine-grained item ranking. The dataset provides the first population-scale norms of Spanish spelling difficulty, capturing regional and generational diversity absent from traditional lab-based studies. Public release of OrthoKnow-SP enables new research on the cognitive and demographic factors shaping orthographic decisions, and provides educators, clinicians, and developers with a valuable benchmark for assessing spelling competence and modeling written language processing. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

33 pages, 946 KiB  
Review
Intelligence and Moral Development: A Critical Historical Review and Future Directions
by Frank Fair and Daniel Fasko
J. Intell. 2025, 13(7), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13070072 - 22 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1137
Abstract
This paper is a critical, historical review of the literature on intelligence and moral development. In this review we come to a number of conclusions. For example, we identify methodological issues in past research on intelligence in relation to moral development, from Wiggam’s [...] Read more.
This paper is a critical, historical review of the literature on intelligence and moral development. In this review we come to a number of conclusions. For example, we identify methodological issues in past research on intelligence in relation to moral development, from Wiggam’s paper in 1941 through the first quarter of the 21st century, and we commend research done with methodological improvements we specify. Also, we conclude that Heyes’ evolutionary psychology that humans have a specifiable “starter kit” of processes that produce “cognitive gadgets,” including those used in normative thinking, should be given further attention. But, importantly, we note that these “gadgets” may be “malware” or be missing. Another conclusion is that Gert’s account of harms and benefits, of the moral rules, of how the rules are justified, and of how violations are justified, can be a fruitful component of the study of moral development. Furthermore, we argue that the work on wisdom by Sternberg, Kristjansson, and others is important to grasp for its relevance to putting morality into action. Lastly, we discuss areas for future research, especially in neuroscience, and we recommend paying attention to practices for the building of practical wisdom and morality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Changes in Intelligence Across the Lifespan)
14 pages, 583 KiB  
Article
Callous–Unemotional Traits and Gun Violence: The Unique Role of Maternal Hostility
by Nicholas D. Thomson, Sophie L. Kjærvik, Georgia Zacharaki, Abriana M. Gresham, Danielle M. Dick and Kostas A. Fanti
Children 2025, 12(6), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12060775 - 14 Jun 2025
Viewed by 876
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Conduct Disorder (CD) involves persistent behavior violating societal norms and others’ rights. A subgroup of adolescents with CD exhibits callous–unemotional (CU) traits, which are linked to severe antisocial behavior and poorer long-term outcomes. Research suggests parenting plays an important role in the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Conduct Disorder (CD) involves persistent behavior violating societal norms and others’ rights. A subgroup of adolescents with CD exhibits callous–unemotional (CU) traits, which are linked to severe antisocial behavior and poorer long-term outcomes. Research suggests parenting plays an important role in the development of CU traits. However, few studies have explored the role of maternal and paternal parenting practices mediating the link between CU traits and violence within the same study. Methods: This study included 222 adolescents with Conduct Disorder (Mage = 15.7, 68% male) and examined whether perceived parental warmth and hostility, measured using the Quality of Parental Relationships, mediated the association between callous–unemotional (CU) traits and youth involvement in violent crime and gun violence, assessed via the Violent Crime Assessment and Gun Violence Questionnaire. Results: Double mediation models showed that only maternal hostility mediated the link between CU traits and violence, while maternal warmth and paternal parenting practices did not. Conclusions: Findings emphasize the role of maternal hostility in exacerbating violence, including gun violence, among adolescents with CD and CU traits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Family Education on Children and Adolescents)
Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 200 KiB  
Entry
Workplace Deviance: A Non-Western Perspective
by Ijeoma Gloria Ukeni and Shelley Harrington
Encyclopedia 2025, 5(2), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia5020079 - 9 Jun 2025
Viewed by 628
Definition
Deviance is defined as actions that are opposed to generally accepted norms or violate acceptable behaviours within a society. Much of the deviant literature emphasises how the divergence from acceptable standards or behaviour is deviant. However, this begs the question: what happens when [...] Read more.
Deviance is defined as actions that are opposed to generally accepted norms or violate acceptable behaviours within a society. Much of the deviant literature emphasises how the divergence from acceptable standards or behaviour is deviant. However, this begs the question: what happens when an acceptable norm is unethical or ought to be? In response, this entry calls into question the work-chop phenomenon in Nigeria. The work-chop phenomenon supports using dishonest means for personal gain. It is promoted via a repetitive statement that appeals to the listeners’ cognition and sentiments. Its prevalence makes it a norm in some sense, so defining deviance from a Western perspective alone leaves room for this nuanced phenomenon to go unnoticed in the literature. Based on secondary research and normative ethical theories, the authors argue that work-chop is ethical deviance because its means and ends are not mutually beneficial to the parties involved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Encyclopedia of Social Sciences)
23 pages, 472 KiB  
Article
Variable Selection for Multivariate Failure Time Data via Regularized Sparse-Input Neural Network
by Bin Luo and Susan Halabi
Bioengineering 2025, 12(6), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12060596 - 31 May 2025
Viewed by 668
Abstract
This study addresses the problem of simultaneous variable selection and model estimation in multivariate failure time data, a common challenge in clinical trials with multiple correlated time-to-event endpoints. We propose a unified framework that identifies predictors shared across outcomes, applicable to both low- [...] Read more.
This study addresses the problem of simultaneous variable selection and model estimation in multivariate failure time data, a common challenge in clinical trials with multiple correlated time-to-event endpoints. We propose a unified framework that identifies predictors shared across outcomes, applicable to both low- and high-dimensional settings. For linear marginal hazard models, we develop a penalized pseudo-partial likelihood approach with a group LASSO-type penalty applied to the 2 norms of coefficients corresponding to the same covariates across marginal hazard functions. To capture potential nonlinear effects, we further extend the approach to a sparse-input neural network model with structured group penalties on input-layer weights. Both methods are optimized using a composite gradient descent algorithm combining standard gradient steps with proximal updates. Simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed methods yield superior variable selection and predictive performance compared to traditional and outcome-specific approaches, while remaining robust to violations of the common predictor assumption. In an application to advanced prostate cancer data, the framework identifies both established clinical factors and potentially novel prognostic single-nucleotide polymorphisms for overall and progression-free survival. This work provides a flexible and robust tool for analyzing complex multivariate survival data, with potential utility in prognostic modeling and personalized medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biosignal Processing)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 581 KiB  
Article
A Magic Act in Causal Reasoning: Making Markov Violations Disappear
by Bob Rehder
Entropy 2025, 27(6), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/e27060548 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 422
Abstract
A desirable property of any theory of causal reasoning is to explain not only why people make causal reasoning errors but also when they make them. The mutation sampler is a rational process model of human causal reasoning that yields normatively correct inferences [...] Read more.
A desirable property of any theory of causal reasoning is to explain not only why people make causal reasoning errors but also when they make them. The mutation sampler is a rational process model of human causal reasoning that yields normatively correct inferences when sufficient cognitive resources are available but introduces systematic errors when they are not. The mutation sampler has been shown to account for a number of causal reasoning errors, including Markov violations, the phenomenon in which human reasoners treat causally related variables as statistically dependent when they are normatively independent. A Markov violation arises, for example, when an individual reasoning about a causal chain XYZ treats X as informative about the state of Z even when the state of Y is known. Recently, the mutation sampler was used to predict the existence of previously untested experimental conditions in which the sign of Markov violations would switch from positive to negative. Here, it was used to predict the existence of conditions in which Markov violations should disappear entirely. In fact, asking subjects to reason about a novel causal structure with nothing but generative causal relations (a cause makes its effect more likely) resulted in Markov violations in the usual positive direction. But simply describing one of four causal relations as inhibitory (the cause makes its effect less likely) resulted in the elimination of those violations. Theoretical model fitting confirmed how this novel result is predicted by the mutation sampler. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Causal Graphical Models and Their Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 260 KiB  
Concept Paper
Interrogating Transitional Justice: The Multiple Meanings of a Concept
by Brigitte Weiffen and Júlia Battistuzzi Penachioni
Societies 2025, 15(5), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15050123 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1531
Abstract
‘Transitional justice’ refers to the full range of efforts to deal with past human rights violations. Since its inception, the concept has undergone an immense expansion of interpretation as it has been applied to a wider range of scenarios in the field. This [...] Read more.
‘Transitional justice’ refers to the full range of efforts to deal with past human rights violations. Since its inception, the concept has undergone an immense expansion of interpretation as it has been applied to a wider range of scenarios in the field. This paper examines the dilemmas of transitional justice as a concept, showing how it has evolved over time and adapted to new contexts. After a brief conceptual history, the paper analyzes the two components of the concept, ‘justice’ and ‘transition’, followed by an examination of the contemporary challenges facing the concept. We argue that the evolving and multifaceted nature of transitional justice defies a singular definition, as neither the term ‘justice’ nor ‘transition’ fully encapsulates its scope. Although conceptual ambiguities persist and debates over its boundaries continue, the conclusion argues that the term remains analytically and normatively valuable and warrants further engagement rather than abandonment. Full article
17 pages, 543 KiB  
Article
The Ethical Foundations of Being Respected as a Citizen: A Triadic Theory Consisting of Autonomy, Boundary, and Equality
by Chuanjun Liu and Li Zhou
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 513; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040513 - 11 Apr 2025
Viewed by 921
Abstract
The concept of “citizen” differs across disciplines. Drawing on insights from multiple disciplines, this paper argues that being respected is the fundamental ethical basis for citizens and proposes a normative framework. In this framework, people being respected as citizens relies on three foundations: [...] Read more.
The concept of “citizen” differs across disciplines. Drawing on insights from multiple disciplines, this paper argues that being respected is the fundamental ethical basis for citizens and proposes a normative framework. In this framework, people being respected as citizens relies on three foundations: autonomy, boundary, and equality. Autonomy means a citizen has the right to make choices and act independently and freely. Nevertheless, this freedom is not boundless. Boundary consciousness is the manifestation of a citizen. Being a citizen implies the presence of boundaries that safeguard individual freedom and autonomy while prohibiting violations of others’ boundaries. Equality is the fundamental element of being a citizen. Subjects in disadvantaged unequal relationships find difficulty in becoming real citizens. People engage in behaviors that harm themselves and others due to differences in social cognition, embedded social relationships that blur behavioral boundaries, and hierarchical cultures that cause status inequality. This theoretical framework can provide ethical and normative guidance for citizen cultivation. Citizen cultivation should focus on fostering people’s autonomy of being responsible and accountable, recognizing and respecting self and others’ necessary boundaries, and constructing individuals’ subjective equality consciousness. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 772 KiB  
Article
Effects of Safety Attitudes on Crossing Behaviours of Students Aged 10–18 Years: The Moderating Effects of Family Climate and Social Norms
by Qi Zhang, Shuo Yan and Long Sun
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040415 - 24 Mar 2025
Viewed by 389
Abstract
This study focused on the effects of safety attitudes on young pedestrians’ risky and positive crossing behaviours, with an emphasis on the moderating role of social norms and the family climate. Four hundred young pedestrians aged 10~18 years agreed to participate in this [...] Read more.
This study focused on the effects of safety attitudes on young pedestrians’ risky and positive crossing behaviours, with an emphasis on the moderating role of social norms and the family climate. Four hundred young pedestrians aged 10~18 years agreed to participate in this study and were required to complete the survey, which included items related to risky and positive pedestrian crossing behaviours, social norms, safety attitudes and the family climate. Safety attitudes, social norms and the family climate had direct effects on pedestrians’ risky behaviours (aggressive, lapses and transgression), whereas only social norms could predict positive behaviours. Social norms and the family climate moderated the relationships between safety attitudes and transgressions, lapses and aggressive behaviour separately. More importantly, a three-way interaction was found, which indicated that social norms moderate the relationship between safety attitudes and transgression behaviours when the family climate is low. However, if parents actively monitor their offspring’s behaviour and act as positive role models, a stronger rule violation attitude does not increase their transgression behaviour under low risk-supportive peer norms. The findings suggest that family climate and social norms are important determinants of pedestrian crossing behaviour through interactions with safe attitudes, providing a theoretical framework for the development of safety interventions for pedestrians aged 10–18 years. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 743 KiB  
Article
Blockchain-Based Privacy-Preserving Authentication and Access Control Model for E-Health Users
by Abdullah Alabdulatif
Information 2025, 16(3), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/info16030219 - 13 Mar 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2386
Abstract
The advancement of e-health systems has resulted in substantial enhancements in healthcare delivery via effective data management and accessibility. The use of digital health solutions presents dangers to sensitive health information, including unauthorised access, privacy violations, and security weaknesses. This research presents a [...] Read more.
The advancement of e-health systems has resulted in substantial enhancements in healthcare delivery via effective data management and accessibility. The use of digital health solutions presents dangers to sensitive health information, including unauthorised access, privacy violations, and security weaknesses. This research presents a blockchain-based paradigm for privacy-preserving authentication and access control specifically designed for e-health systems. The architecture utilises the Ethereum blockchain, smart contracts, blind signatures, Proof of Authority (PoA) consensus, and one-way hash functions to improve data integrity, security, and privacy in a decentralised framework. The proposed methodology addresses computational efficiency and scalability issues via the implementation of lightweight cryptographic techniques, achieving an average authentication delay of 0.059 milliseconds, which represents a 4000-fold improvement compared to current approaches. The model exhibits a significant decrease in memory use, requiring just 0.0198 MB in contrast to the 96.98 MB required by benchmark models, and attains an average signature verification duration of 0.00092 milliseconds. The findings demonstrate the model’s capability for safe, efficient, and scalable applications in e-health, which guarantees privacy and adherence to regulatory norms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cybersecurity, Cybercrimes, and Smart Emerging Technologies)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 235 KiB  
Article
Normative Data for the D-KEFS Tower Test in Greek Adult Population Between 20 and 85 Years Old
by Marianna Tsatali, Despina Eleftheriadou, Nikoleta Palla, Magda Tsolaki and Despina Moraitou
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(3), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15030278 - 6 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1197
Abstract
Background: The Delis–Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) Tower Test (TT) is a widely used neuropsychological tool that assesses complex executive functions, including planning, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, switching, and impulsivity—key abilities often impaired in individuals with frontal dysfunction. Aims: There is currently [...] Read more.
Background: The Delis–Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) Tower Test (TT) is a widely used neuropsychological tool that assesses complex executive functions, including planning, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, switching, and impulsivity—key abilities often impaired in individuals with frontal dysfunction. Aims: There is currently no normative data for the D-KEFS TT in the Greek population. Consequently, it cannot be effectively used to detect executive dysfunction in neurological and psychiatric populations or for research purposes. Methods: The study sample included 249 healthy adults (28.9% male, 71.1% female) aged 20 to 85 years (M = 46.53, SD = 17.41), with educational levels ranging from secondary school graduates to master’s degree holders. Pearson correlation was used to examine the relationship between age and D-KEFS TT performance, while chi-square test assessed the effects of education and gender. Normative data were then derived from raw scores and converted into percentiles. Results: Norms were established for the following D-KEFS TT variables: Total Achievement Score, Total Rule Violations, Move Accuracy Ratio, Mean First Move Time, and Time-per-Move Ratio. Age was the strongest predictor of performance, and normative data were stratified accordingly for the Greek adult population. Conclusions: This study introduces the D-KEFS TT as a neuropsychological assessment tool for Greek adults across different age groups to evaluate complex executive functions throughout the lifespan. Unlike other D-KEFS tests, the TT had not previously been adapted for the Greek population. This study is the first to provide normative data, supporting its use in clinical practice and research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging-Related Changes in Memory and Cognition)
16 pages, 934 KiB  
Article
Do Binding Moral Foundations Predict a Hypothetical Moral Behavior? The Moderating Role of the Perception of the In-Group Moral Standards
by Ankica Kosic, Annalisa Theodorou and Luigi Leone
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15030265 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1043
Abstract
Previous studies have found a positive relationship between binding moral foundations and negative inter-group attitudes. Nevertheless, some studies have shown that, under specific conditions, binding foundations can also lead to positive outcomes, particularly within the intra-group context. In this research, we hypothesize that [...] Read more.
Previous studies have found a positive relationship between binding moral foundations and negative inter-group attitudes. Nevertheless, some studies have shown that, under specific conditions, binding foundations can also lead to positive outcomes, particularly within the intra-group context. In this research, we hypothesize that when people perceive that some in-group members violate moral norms, individuals with stronger binding moral foundations may exhibit a greater preference for moral choices in hypothetical moral dilemmas. This hypothesis was confirmed in Study 1 (N = 184) and replicated in Study 2 (N = 201), both conducted in Italy. In Study 1, we utilized a questionnaire containing the moral foundation questionnaire, while in Study 2, we employed moral foundation vignettes. In both studies, participants were presented with five scenarios describing hypothetical moral dilemmas that could occur in real-life settings. The findings indicate that binding moral foundations can lead to stronger preferences for moral choices in hypothetical moral dilemmas when the morality of the in-group is perceived to be under threat. These results are discussed in light of their implications for future research on binding foundations. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 194 KiB  
Article
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM/C) in Garissa and Isiolo, Kenya: Impacts on Education and Livelihoods in the Context of Cultural Norms and Food Insecurity
by Ottis Mubaiwa and Donah Chilo
Societies 2025, 15(2), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15020043 - 19 Feb 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1344
Abstract
This article explores the complex challenges of combating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the counties of Garissa and Isiolo (Kenya) amidst environmental stressors, particularly drought and food insecurity. FGM persists as a deeply entrenched form of violence against women and girls (VAWG), profoundly [...] Read more.
This article explores the complex challenges of combating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the counties of Garissa and Isiolo (Kenya) amidst environmental stressors, particularly drought and food insecurity. FGM persists as a deeply entrenched form of violence against women and girls (VAWG), profoundly rooted in social and traditional beliefs. This practice is often justified by cultural norms but leads to severe physical, psychological, and social harm, perpetuating cycles of gender inequality. Framing FGM as VAWG prioritises its recognition as a violation of human rights and underscores the need for comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and rights-based interventions. In addition, this study investigates how these challenges intersect and complicate efforts to address FGM, focusing on two counties in Kenya known for their adherence to this practice. The research methodology employs a longitudinal panel study design, drawing on in-depth narrative interviews with community narrators. A follow-up data collection was planned after six months to monitor changes over time. Furthermore, this research examines the impact of environmental stressors, such as drought and food insecurity, on educational access, resource availability, and community responses to interventions aimed at eradicating FGM. Findings reveal a complex interplay between cultural norms, economic hardships, and the perpetuation of FGM. Drought and food insecurity exacerbate vulnerabilities within communities, diverting attention and resources away from efforts to challenge ingrained practices like FGM. The article underscores the need for holistic approaches that integrate anti-FGM initiatives into broader resilience-building strategies. It emphasises community engagement, culturally sensitive education, and economic empowerment as pivotal elements in addressing FGM within the context of environmental stressors. Recommendations include mobile education units, community-based empowerment programs, and partnerships with local leaders to foster sustainable change. This case study contributes valuable insights into the challenges of combatting FGM in the face of environmental stressors, shedding light on the intricacies that hinder progress. It advocates for a comprehensive, context-specific approach that recognises and navigates the intersecting challenges posed by cultural norms and environmental crises in the fight against FGM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gender and Class: Exploring the Intersections of Power and Inequality)
Back to TopTop