For Filipino migrant workers , the journey overseas in search of contractual employment marks a profound turning point in their lives. It registers the crossing of spatial and cultural borders that leads to the shifting of terrains from which they make sense of their selves and the world of ‘others.’ It signifies a rupture in time that alters their sense of history, giving shape to new vantage points from which they reflect on the past and project an imagination of future. This research explores the question of how Filipina domestic workers in Hong Kong make sense of their experiences as ‘migrant women’, and how they might articulate a consciousness of themselves as gendered subjects in history. The study begins with a documentation of the personal histories of five Filipina women, as told in their own words and as reconstructed into written text, and offers a reading of the narratives, tracing the ways in which they make sense of their experiences as women migrant workers, wives, mothers, daughters, and diasporic citizens of a nation state. Through this process of reading and narrativizing the life histories of Filipina domestic workers, this thesis hopes to contribute to an understanding of how their gendered subjectivities are formed, shaped and changed over time. The life histories, though diverse, give voice to a shared and collective experience – a familiar story of poverty, family crises, diaspora, encounter with cultural difference and subjection to difficult working conditions. Together they are the hidden threads that form the underside of the grand narratives of ‘nation’, development, modernization, and globalization. It is against this backdrop that family crises would push five women -- Mader Irma, Gina, Esther, Miriam, and Rosario -- to enter a particularly difficult type of employment which would render them as part of Hong Kong’s invisible ‘others.’ While their journey was primarily an act of love/duty to the family, the experience of migration would eventually reinvent the meaning of ‘wife’, ‘mother’‘daughter,’ ‘worker’ ‘subaltern intellectual’ and ‘activist.’ To foreground the narratives of life histories, two chapters in the first part of this thesis are devoted to a brief review of the historical contexts in Hong Kong and the Philippines that gave rise to the current migration phenomenon. The chapters also trace the ways by which the ‘Filipina domestic helper’ is positioned and interpellated in discourse, as ‘ban mui’, ‘new heroes’ and ‘spectral presences’ in the nation. Migrant domestic workers straddle two life/worlds, always the inside-outsider/outside-insider, and in this ambiguous in-between space they carve out new identities and struggle to exercise agency. This research contributes to an understanding of the affective/subjective dimensions of migration by presenting ways of ‘narrating’ and ‘reading’ women’s experiences. It also demonstrates the usefulness of intellectual resources offered by feminist and cultural studies in interrogating the conditions of Hong Kong’s ‘social others’ and identifying issues around which an agenda for transformational politics might be explored.

According to the life course perspective, individuals’ life pattern could be viewed from vertical and horizontal dimension, including “preparation”, “establishment” and “culmination”; family, education/work and leisure respectively. There is prevailing gendered division of household labor that “men’s out, women’s in” in patriarchal societies, like Hong Kong. For men, paid work tends to affect the household labor and leisure time. While women’s career aspiration and leisure consumption tend to be influenced by their family duties during their employment life. Life patterns often change when people retired, as there are generally only family and leisure life left as work and children are no longer present. As such, retirees may enjoy leisure. It has been suggested that retirement serve as a milestone to credit the completion of role duties and it presents a chance to free people from obligation, to pursue personal goal, restoration, or to open a new page for leisure or resume their family role. However, whether this experience applies to retired women remains uncertain as past research on retirement experiences have been centered on men, which yields generalization problem. Thus, this research adopted the life course perspective to study how retirement brings on changes to life patterns. In doing so, the thesis examines whether retirement open opportunities for retired women in Hong Kong to enjoy more leisure/social activities. A total of twenty-four retired women, aged 46 to 68 were interviewed. Participation observation methodology was also adopted to enrich the findings and to enhance the reliability of data. The findings show that the women have a family-focused life patterns during employment period where family is placed as the first priority. They experienced triple burdens, unstable career path, and insufficient or no retirement income. The findings showed that respondents perceived themselves as supportive wives and devoted mothers. Respondents’ were willing to sacrifice personal interests to benefits their family members and to maintain family harmony that justified the gendered division of household labor. Besides, the poor socio-economic background, strong patriarchal ideologies and the unstable political, social and economic environment limited these women’s accessibility to education and undermined their career aspiration. Nonetheless, all respondents showed strong work values and undervalued leisure pursuit, which had affected their retirement life attitude and patterns. The lack of pre-retirement planning and preparation undermined respondents’ retirement adaptation. Respondents had negative feelings toward retirement and they usually relate this with disengagement. It is suggested that bridge jobs facilitated the adjustment process. However, many respondents reported that they viewed retirement as a turning point to change life style and to reward their long years of work. In general, retirement derived mixed impacts on respondents. There are more and more interactive elements in the relationship between family, education/work and leisure after retirement. Respondents were eager to have personal development and social participation despite they are expected to and willing to suspend these engagements when family need arise. To a certain extent, retirement open opportunities for retired women in Hong Kong to enjoy greater freedom in designing life schedule.

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A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Art in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree, Doctor of Philosophy in Community Psychology in the Department of Psychology University of Zululand, 2017. / This research was envisioned to understand the evaluation of the Life Orientation (LO) Programme in Eastern Cape schools. The main motivation for the study was to evaluate the Life Orientation Programme in Eastern Cape schools through an Appreciative Inquiry (AI) into the experiences and perceptions of learners, educators, and departmental officials regarding the effectiveness of the LO Programme. This was because subject advisors are responsible for giving the required support and as well evaluate the subject teachers in schools. According to Sanders and Sullins (2006); Visser (2007) and Serrat (2008), school programmes have to undergo a review from time to time to ensure that they are still relevant, justifying the evaluation of this study. The reader is informed that, Life Orientation, was introduced as a compulsory subject offered to all learners from grade R to grade 12 and as an inter-disciplinary subject that draws on and integrates knowledge, values, skills, and processes embedded in various disciplines such as sociology, psychology, political science, human movement science, with the objective of making informed decisions and choices (Department of Education, 2003). Thus, Life Orientation Programme was to provide the necessary guidance for skills development, (Department of Education, 2005) This research observed the understanding that LO Programme has a focus on social development, health promotion, personal development, orientation to the world of work and the general physical advancement. Embedded in this study, was the need to understand whether personal biological inputs either individually or collectively, had any influence on the perception of learners, teachers and subject advisors towards the Life Orientation Programme or not. Thus, this study contributed towards moderating and remoulding the perception of learners towards LO Programmes by providing a clear understanding of the concepts of Life Orientation content, role of educators and the skills offered. The Literature review considered the following areas; Health Promotion, Social Development and Personal Development, Physical Development and Movement, Orientation to the world of work, showing to educators the existing differences of the educational needs and expectations of different learners (Engelbrecht & Green, 2009). These expectations may not be met if teachers pay too much attention to their own lives and values (Beyers & Hay, 2011). Some teachers experience a large measure of ambiguity regarding HIV/AIDS, they realize cognitively that they must support and nurture the HIV positive learner, but emotionally they remain cold (Bhana, Morrell, Epstein & Moletsane, 2006; Wood & Webb, 2008). iii This research has endeavoured to discuss in detail the issue of HIV, and the status disclosure of participants. One issue of necessity is the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, the use of the subject of the HIV/AIDS epidemic to professionally create some relevant awareness within the communities. The data used for evaluation of the research objectives were obtained from randomly selected participants by use of a closed-ended questionnaire instrument. The collected data were captured and analyzed by use of SPSS (Statistical Package for Service Solutions, Version 20). Among variables included were; the participant’s gender, age, educational category, residence and years of formal education and research questions. The analysis comprised of tables and charts whose parameters of analysis were percentages and frequencies. The interpretation for both quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed in line with the research objectives. The analysis produced outputs in the form of tables and charts, which comprised of frequencies, percentages, cumulative frequencies and cumulative percentages for descriptive analysis, whereas, test-statistics and p-values were used for significance level analysis for inferential scrutiny for existence of any association for selected pairs of variables while charts for association consisted of percentages and the variables under assessment. The analysis, for instance, found that more females (62.20%) participated in this study than did their male counterparts. Some of the reasons advanced were trifold; One, that the general population in the target areas constituted more women than men, and two, that men participation, were prone to unnecessary time-consuming arguments leading to a meagre male-participation. The researcher, an education professional, who deals with the learning curriculum on daily basis, and a practical university student counsellor knows that Physical Education is a compulsory component of the LO Curriculum. Each term, a learner has to complete physical activity assessments that count towards their overall LO mark. Though no record shows currently that grades eight and nine do not have formal physical education lessons, it was an exercise to be implemented in 2014. The results, however, were in line with Ombaba et al. (2014), who found that support from teachers in schools on the career guidance programme needed enhancement in order to make sure that the guidance services rendered are practical to students. The importance of Life Orientation Programme has been underscored, which requires the following recommendations for a sustainable improvement; adding to the course content, teachers to avoid name-calling in class, accommodation of everyone in career exhibitions without discrimination, improvement on presentation tasks, and others not stated here. iv It has come to be revealed, through this research, that the South African public educational system does not have adequate provision for vocational guidance or assessment of individual learners. This weakness results in high unnecessary costs for the country, the South African Businesses as well as social discontent and hardship. On the other hand, statement 4.3.1.16 showed that the average majority (51.8%) of the respondents claimed that Life Orientation motivates and guides them about basic life styles and careers. The researcher lauded this as a welcome discovery. According to the analysis of the data on statement 4.3.1.6, the majority of the respondents (65.3%) strongly agreed with the statement. This indicated that Life Orientation promotes healthy behaviour as expressed by the majority of the respondents. On the inferential analysis base, the researcher determined the existence of any relationship between independent variables and research statements in the questionnaire. As to whether Life Orientation promotes healthy behaviour based on one’s gender, this research revealed that the two variables were quite independent based on the obtained p-value of 0.765 as compared to any level of significance chosen from (0.05, 0.025, or 0.010). The null hypothesis could not be rejected. The conclusion was that gender had no influence on the promotion of healthy behaviour and so, practising healthy behaviour does not depend on gender but rather is an individual decision. Complementarily, results of another similar assessment between gender of respondent and respect for human rights as a prerequisite for moral development in a society indicated that there was no significant association between gender and the given dependent statement. This research further showed that age group of respondent and respecting human rights being a prerequisite for moral development in society were not significantly associated, since the observed p-value was greater than the level of significance. The researcher did not have sufficient evidence to reject the null hypothesis under this setup. On the other side of the analysis, age group of respondent and drugs giving one a true sense of security revealed a different observation. The observed p-value of 0.001 was far smaller than any selected level of significance. This resulted in a highly significant association demonstrating the fact that age group promoted the belief that drugs could give one a true sense of security. v A similar result showing a p-value of 0.022 for testing the association between educational category and Life Orientation promoting healthy behavior was highly significant. Key words: Apartheid government era, formative subjects, Life Orientation, Life Orientation Programme, level of significance, degree of association, general education and training (GET) band, further education and training (FET) band.

This study examined the participants' level of jealousy towards their significant other and how it affects the longevity and commitment of their respective relationships. Based on a review of the literature, the research filled the gap of explaining the factor that affects the level of jealousy in monogamous relationships, particularly gender, and sexual orientation. Attachment theory was the theoretical construct that informed the research that addressed the gap in the literature. The research employed a quantitative method that used Rubin's Love Scale, Hendrick's Relationship Assessment Scale and Pfeiffer and Wong's Multidimensional Jealousy Scale. Self-reporting questionnaires and surveys were used to measure the attachment process of all participants who are involved in a romantic, close relationship. Participants were assessed using 2 different methods to determine their level of relationship satisfaction and perceived jealousy they exhibit. The dependent variables were the level of relationship satisfaction and jealousy while the independent variables were gender and sexual orientation. It was hypothesized that gender and sexual orientation can be main determinants to understand the dynamics of jealousy and relationship satisfaction in monogamous relationships. The sample of the study was 132 individuals who were currently involved in a romantic, close monogamous and committed relationship in Colorado. The data from this study were analyzed using MANOVA, correlation analysis, and central tendencies. The results indicated that heterosexual samples had the highest level of relationship satisfaction, and the lowest levels of jealousy. In contrast, the bisexual samples had the highest level of jealousy. Homosexual samples had the lowest level of jealousy and had significantly greater levels of relationship satisfaction. These results and the limitations of the study are discussed.

Sexualization happens when agency is taken away from the individual being sexualized, where one is seen, depicted, and treated like a sexual object rather than a person. This thesis aims to explore celebrities' reactions to their own public sexualization. To do this, an inductive approach was used when analyzing first-person narratives (written and video) and interviews (podcast, magazine and newspaper) by those whose sexualization is a notable feature of their career in the United States. I used a nonprobability sampling technique in order to cast a wide net to find the sample (prior knowledge, Google searches, and Google alerts). This thesis explores the common reactions, emotions, and perceptions of young women and nonbinary people in the entertainment industry. The sample included, Lori Mattix, Brooke Shields, Soleil Moon Frye, Tami Stronach, Mara Wilson, Natalie Portman, Thandiwe Newton, Ariel Winter, Mischa Barton, Rivkah Reyes, Sophia Bush, Vanessa Hudgens, Emily Ratajkowski, Megan Fox, Taylor Momsen, Zendaya, Billie Eilish, and Millie Bobby Brown. My analysis yielded three main themes: Celebrity Culture, The Good Girl/Bad Girl Dichotomy, and The Perfect Victim Narrative. The celebrity culture theme shows a lack of privacy for these young entertainers. This theme also discusses how various institutions (the media, the public, parental figures, and powerful men) ignore, participate in, or lack enough power to dismantle the sexualization entertainers face. The good girl/bad girl dichotomy creates very narrow and toxic ideas of appropriate gender and sexuality expression. Lastly, the perfect victim narrative shows how victims must fit a specific narrative of what a victim looks and acts like to be "believed." My analysis found there is an intense pressure put on young entertainers (primarily female) to conform to be aesthetically consistent with their branding and to be authentic.

Enacting gendered behaviors and using gendered resources has been a way for boys to "do masculinity." One place where boys do masculinity is the public school system. It plays a large role in facilitating adolescent youths' exposure to peer groups where they learn gendered behaviors. Our culturally imposed social script for hegemonic masculinity emphasizes strength and social dominance which can be seen to influence a variety of psychological areas. This thesis examines the relationship between hegemonic masculine traits and mental health. Mental health and masculinity were operationalized and measured using the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey containing measures of masculinity, mental health, and school connectedness. A univariate analysis was initially performed using the survey frequency procedure. Then a bivariate analysis was performed with the Chi-square test. A weighting factor was applied to adjust for nonresponse and the oversampling of Black and Hispanic students in the sample group. Weighted frequency and percentage were reported. The p value at a level 0.05 was considered significant. Finally, a logistical regression analysis was performed to understand whether hegemonic masculinity can predict the odds of reporting poor mental health in the sample controlling for other sociodemographic variables. Findings indicated that masculine ideals exert influence on mental health outcomes and raises concerns for adolescent boys

Throughout history, men have responded to feminist progress with political backlash. Pre-internet men's groups used biological constructions of gender as a method of reinforcing patriarchal power by restricting the rights of women. Today, the same methods are used in a loose collection of men's rights groups online called 'the manosphere'. Within the manosphere, men who identify as involuntarily celibate (incels) blame women for their perceived loss of masculine power. Some incels have taken their anti-feminist backlash offline through acts of mass violence, suggesting an emergent need for social science research into the incel identity. This paper outlines the theoretical orientation of hegemonic masculinity then applies it to past men's movements and their extensions found online today. Data for this study was found on the public online forum, Incels.co, the forum's wiki page, and in news articles related to incels. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted on 50 forum posts. Themes that emerged from forum data were compared to wiki entries and news articles to provide a comprehensive understanding of incels' identity development. Findings include narratives that describe incels' experiences of devalued masculinity on the heterosexual marketplace through lookism, or perceived discrimination by physical appearance. A subcategory of lookism emerged in observed performances of masculine entitlement over women and their bodies. This study's findings suggest that incels frame their perceived devalued masculinity as a justification for their political position of anti-feminism. A sub-category of anti-feminism emerged in incels' sense of lost hope for life, with narratives that describe experiences of depression, suicidal ideation, and fantasies about mass violence. Findings also suggest that incels reify their own power using narratives about marginalized masculinities that subordinate men and women.

Women face sexual harassment and sexual assault far too often with one in every six women sexually assaulted during their life (Tjaden & Thoennes, 1998). In the anime and comic community, women face sexual assault and harassment, often in open public spaces, due to these spaces being labeled as men's (Cote, 2015; Fox & Potocki 2015; Rodriguez 2015; Schott & Horrell 2000). Policies such as Cosplay is not Consent (Facebook, 2018) are not upheld or enforced by anime and comic conventions. Policies that are enforced, have clear and concise wording, and are enforced by staff and volunteers, who have been educated or trained to deal with sexual assault and harassment, may likely promote safer sexual assault and sexual harassment free anime and comic conventions. A total of 27 participants (20 women, 6 men, and 1 non-binary) were recruited via a snowball technique through Facebook social media groups. Participants were interviewed in-depth either face-to-face or through written interviews. The results showed that: (1) cosplay is a form of embodiment it does not negate the person's identity or bodily autonomy while wearing the cosplay; (2) women are generally the targets of sexual assault and harassment; (3) policies are often not enforced or enforced well due to lack of clear policies or consequences; (4) staff and volunteers are not educated, trained or equipped to deal with sexual assault and harassment; and 5) anime and comic convention organizers need to be responsible for helping to create safer environments for their attendees, staff, and volunteers.

This text examines the health-related experiences of transgender and gender nonconforming persons assigned female at birth within the criminal justice system. It moves through a transgender-centric approach to explore the ways gender nonconformity relates to experiences of violence and healthcare disparities for those interacting with law enforcement and incarcerated in women's prisons. The study utilized statistical analyses of nationally representative data in the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey carried out by the National Center for Transgender Equality. Multivariate analyses suggested significant connections between race and education and experiences of harassment and assault within the criminal justice context. There were largely mixed results regarding the direct connections between gender conformity and transition status and experiences of violence. These findings provide initial exploratory quantitative data for the realities of transmasculine and nonbinary persons assigned female at birth within the criminal justice system and provide starting points for future research.