Part of the origin of anxiety comes from genetic heredity and the rest is explained by environmental factors. Parental and family characteristics play an important role in the environmental factors...Show morePart of the origin of anxiety comes from genetic heredity and the rest is explained by environmental factors. Parental and family characteristics play an important role in the environmental factors of anxiety. Specific parenting styles are linked to childhood anxiety. Several studies showed that parental overprotection can be linked to anxiety in children. However, there are some inconsistent results between the different studies. This inconsistency may occur because previous studies looked at parents and children in general and possibly, this relationship is mainly important in specific groups of parents and children. Therefore, in this study we look at parents’ socioeconomic status and the gender of the child as a moderator for the link between parental overprotection and anxiety in children. This study was part of a larger research project named Cool Little Kids. We used the pre-intervention, baseline data of the Cool Little Kids project in which 170 parents participated. Parents filled out several questionnaires regarding parental overprotection, child anxiety and demographic characteristics. The results showed that there was no significant effect between overprotective parenting and childhood anxiety that is moderated by SES of the parents and gender of the child. However, the results did point at the expected directions, although they are too small to give significant results. This means that overprotective parenting may not be as important as we assumed. Results of this study must be considered with regard to several limitations. The sample size of this study is small, parents with low socioeconomic status are underrepresented and the study is based on cross-sectional data. Further studies might focus on other parental and environmental factors such as an authoritarian parenting style that may have a larger influence on childhood anxiety and the influence of parenting styles on childhood anxiety in same sex parent-child pairs.Show less
This thesis examines the paintings of Henry Scott Tuke (1858-1929) against the backdrop of late Victorian and Edwardian Britain, exploring how his depictions of naked youths at the British seaside...Show moreThis thesis examines the paintings of Henry Scott Tuke (1858-1929) against the backdrop of late Victorian and Edwardian Britain, exploring how his depictions of naked youths at the British seaside navigated and subverted dominant cultural narratives of gender and sexuality. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating the lens of “the queer gaze,” multiple social-historical contexts in relation to the seaside, and critical reception. The first chapter delves into Tuke's portrayal of naked youths, revealing layers of homoerotic desire and voyeurism. Through visual analysis, Tuke's paintings are shown to evoke both childhood innocence and charged intimacy, inviting viewers to question and interpret the subtle sensuality within them. The second chapter examines the significance of the British seaside in Tuke's work, highlighting its idealized portrayal as a utopia of leisure and a masculine homosocial space. The final chapter explores the reception of Tuke's paintings during his lifetime and in current perspectives, revealing a nuanced tension between tradition and innovation in both style and subject. Tuke's depictions of naked youths at the beach occupy a liminal space between convention and novelty, both accepted by the critics of his time as well as the Royal Academy and celebrated by queer fringe groups. Overall, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of Tuke's work while shedding light on broader discussions surrounding the representation of gender and sexuality in art history.Show less
This research discusses whether male authors sexually objectify their female characters in comparison to female authors. This was done by analysing two classic and two contemporary fiction novels...Show moreThis research discusses whether male authors sexually objectify their female characters in comparison to female authors. This was done by analysing two classic and two contemporary fiction novels each by male and female American authors. These novels were chosen because of their similarities and because they feature a male protagonist who narrates the story. The novels were analysed for phrases used to describe the female characters appearance and these descriptions were compared to the novels of the opposite gender to check for any sexual objectification. The results revealed that male authors were more likely to sexually objectify their female characters in comparison to female authors. However, due to the size of this research, more research must be done to understand the scale and nuances of this.Show less
Bachelor thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (BSc)
closed access
Following the pioneer work of Bettie,Ortner and McRobbie, this thesis analyzes how cultural discourses arisen from big societal trends in the last decades have contributed to a limited...Show moreFollowing the pioneer work of Bettie,Ortner and McRobbie, this thesis analyzes how cultural discourses arisen from big societal trends in the last decades have contributed to a limited consideration of young women’s class realities. As the internet has become part of everyday life, it has opened up new possibilities for identity formation and representation. Following the increasing blurring between offline and online spaces and identities, the analysis also looks at class, at the intersection of other social axes, as it acquires a transmediated nature, and presents the ways in which online presence and practice remains highly classed and gendered. The three chapters unveil the influence of postfeminism, neoliberalism, and postindustrialism on class expressions, the impact of digital spaces on identity negotiation, and the agency of young women in countering dominant discursive structures. Through an intersectional and transmediated lens, this work emphasizes the importance of recognizing class complexities within contemporary identities. By connecting historical insights with present-day considerations, it contributes to a comprehensive understanding of class dynamics and the nuanced interactions between class, gender, and digital spaces. Current considerations include the content of popular discourse and media, the use of digital spaces and a conceptualization of internet aesthetics such as 'cottagecore' and 'dark academia'. Each chapter offers a specific lens into why and how the class realities of young women are both expressed and hidden through the current prevalent discourses informing the construction, explanation and understanding of young women’s identities.Show less
Master thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
closed access
This thesis dives into the stories and lives of female low-caste garment workers in South India, uncovering their agency and strategies within the complex web of social norms and expectations. It's...Show moreThis thesis dives into the stories and lives of female low-caste garment workers in South India, uncovering their agency and strategies within the complex web of social norms and expectations. It's all about understanding how factors like caste, gender, and labor intertwine to shape their lives in the bustling world of textile factories. The journey starts by shining a light on the influence of big international brands on the factories' conditions and how the caste systems still affects people’s lives and opportunities. We dig into how traditional gender roles shape the lives of these female workers, dealing with both unequal power dynamics and family expectations. With the guiding question, "How exactly do female low-caste garment workers in South India show their power, and how do they tackle the challenges they face in their lives and jobs?" in mind, the research takes us through six chapters. The heart of the matter reveals that these workers, despite the odds, aren't just passive players. They've got agency and plans, like prioritizing their children’s education if their financial situation allows it in order to break free from the cycle of struggle. And then there's the central role of NGOs like READ, who give them skills and a voice to demand better conditions. Wrapping it all up, the conclusion shows strength doesn't always mean pushing back hard; it's often about finding ways to stand tall and find strategies when facing difficulties. All said and done, this research paints a vivid picture of these female workers' multi-faceted strengths, highlighting how they navigate their world with grit and grace, all while shaking up the social norms that surround them.Show less
Sibling aggression is a common phenomenon which can lead to negative outcomes on the development of children. Aggression between siblings can possibly be explained by the quality of the sibling...Show moreSibling aggression is a common phenomenon which can lead to negative outcomes on the development of children. Aggression between siblings can possibly be explained by the quality of the sibling relationship and gender. The aim of the current study is to investigate whether anger in response to a sibling, as an indicator of the quality of the sibling relationship, is related to sibling aggression and whether gender plays a moderating role. A sample of 18 sibling pairs (oldest sibling: aged 10 to 18 years, M = 14, SD = 1.9) participated. The aggression between siblings was measured with the sibling version of the Conflict Tactics Scale, CTS2-SP. To measure anger in response to provocative behavior of the sibling a Virtual Reality (VR) task was used. The provocative behavior was believed to be controlled by their sibling but was actually an avatar. The participants were also asked if they believed if their sibling controlled the avatar during the VR task. The scores of the oldest sibling of the pairs were included. The results showed that anger in response to the sibling was not related to sibling aggression and that participants showed equal aggression towards their sibling. Also, no gender differences were found between participants in the link between anger and aggression, so gender did not play a moderating role. It seems that gender differences in siblings play a smaller role than in boys and girls for showing aggression. The results suggest that aggression between siblings might be more normal and accepted than aggression between boys and girls and that siblings may be more used to each other compared to non-family related children. However, further research is needed, to understand the phenomenon of sibling aggression even better in order to prevent it, since the consequences of sibling aggression can be profoundly serious.Show less
Labeled Language analyses the use of language in the Mencius with the goal of finding out how gender differences feature in this Confucian text. It uses an innovative (original) methodology that...Show moreLabeled Language analyses the use of language in the Mencius with the goal of finding out how gender differences feature in this Confucian text. It uses an innovative (original) methodology that fuses text (data) mining and traditional close reading analysis, building from a gap in the academic literature on the topic of language and gender in the Mencius.Show less
This thesis is an examination of the character of wakashu as depicted in Ihara Saikaku's late 17th-century collection of short stories Nanshoku ōkagami. It looks at overall similarities between the...Show moreThis thesis is an examination of the character of wakashu as depicted in Ihara Saikaku's late 17th-century collection of short stories Nanshoku ōkagami. It looks at overall similarities between the stories and constructs a general view of this type of sexuality-wise intriguing youth as well as comparing it to the earlier medieval character of chigo.Show less
The discourse surrounding sex work in Amsterdam has evolved, reflecting shifting approaches by municipal authorities and stakeholders. Currently, a proposal for an "erotic center" seeks to relocate...Show moreThe discourse surrounding sex work in Amsterdam has evolved, reflecting shifting approaches by municipal authorities and stakeholders. Currently, a proposal for an "erotic center" seeks to relocate sex work from the Wallen district to address issues of over-tourism and congestion. However, this proposition has ignited controversy, as sex workers voice concerns about safety, social networks, and potential workspace loss. Researchers and activists advocate for recognizing sex work as tangible heritage to preserve its history and narratives. Despite initiatives of activists and advocates to document and safeguard the sector's history through the website www.sekswerkerfgoed.nl and the Prostitution Information Center, academic exploration of sex workers' experiences and sex work heritage in the Netherlands remains limited. Narratives from sex workers of color, migrant sex workers, and marginalized voices are often overlooked. Media portrayals often perpetuate stigmatization and negative stereotypes about sex work. The life stories of Nicolina Sant and Aaïcha Bergamin, two sex workers from the 20th century, offer valuable insights into Dutch sex work. Their narratives encompass diverse perspectives, encompassing ethnic backgrounds, cultural nuances, gender, and sexuality. Incorporating these stories enriches historical research on sex work, fostering a deeper comprehension of the industry and its intersections with urban life. Using the concept of urban citizenship, which emphasizes self-identity and recognition, challenges conventional notions tied to nationhood. Sex workers' claims to citizenship impact urban planning and city politics, influencing the socio-spatial fabric of the city, and reorienting research on sex workers to focus on agency rather than victimhood. Analyzing the stories of Aaïcha and Nicolina through this lens reflects on the idea of sex work as heritage while supplying an intersectional perspective to sex work history in the Netherlands.Show less
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is the most common anxiety disorder among adolescents. In SAD, gender differences are more prominent in adolescence (i.e. a higher prevalence amongst females). As...Show moreSocial anxiety disorder (SAD) is the most common anxiety disorder among adolescents. In SAD, gender differences are more prominent in adolescence (i.e. a higher prevalence amongst females). As research on gender differences in SAD is scarce, it is still unknown why gender differences in SAD exist and why they are more prominent in adolescents. A factor contributing to the development of SAD is attachment, as it contributes to the way individuals explore a social life. Compared to securely attached adolescents, insecurely attached adolescents experience more difficulty dealing with social situations, placing them at risk for SAD signs. Moreover, an insecure attachment is more common in females than in males. Thus, adolescents' attachment might explain the gender differences in the prevalence of SAD. The current cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between gender and SAD signs, with attachment as a mediator. We also explored whether this differed between maternal and paternal attachment. It was expected that (1) gender would predict SAD signs; (2) attachment would predict SAD signs; and (3) attachment would mediate the relationship between gender and SAD signs (i.e. females would be more insecurely attached and would therefore show more SAD signs than males). In total, 116 adolescents aged 9-12 years completed the YAM-5 and IPPA-R to measure their SAD signs and attachment to their parents, respectively. Regression analyses yielded three main findings. First, contrary to our hypotheses, gender did not significantly predict SAD signs (B = .145; p = .126) and adolescents’ attachment to their parents. Second, consistent with our hypotheses, both maternal (B = -.314; p < .001) and paternal attachment (B = -.393; p < .001) significantly predicted SAD signs. Thus, adolescents’ attachment did not mediate the relationship between gender and SAD signs, but directly affected SAD signs. Attachment-based interventions are effective, but future research is needed to examine if these will also be effective for adolescents with SAD. Additionally, paternal attachment significantly predicted SAD signs. Most previous research, however, has solely focused on maternal attachment. This study, therefore, highlights the importance of more father representation in future research regarding attachment.Show less
Deze scriptie onderzoekt de Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) in de periode van 1936 tot aan het begin van de Tweede Wereldoorlog. De scriptie richt zich specifiek op de...Show moreDeze scriptie onderzoekt de Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) in de periode van 1936 tot aan het begin van de Tweede Wereldoorlog. De scriptie richt zich specifiek op de positionering van de WILPF ten opzichte van gender en pacifisme. Het onderzoek is gebaseerd op de analyse van circulaires van de WILPF die in de periode van 1936 tot aan het begin van de Tweede Wereldoorlog verstuurd zijn.Show less
Master thesis | Classics and Ancient Civilizations (MA)
open access
Cassius Dio's 'Roman History' contains multiple colorful anecdotes concerning women with significant political power. Dio depicts powerful women in the act of mutilating corpses, cheating on their...Show moreCassius Dio's 'Roman History' contains multiple colorful anecdotes concerning women with significant political power. Dio depicts powerful women in the act of mutilating corpses, cheating on their husbands and pursuing money and power at all cost. The question I set out to answer in this thesis is: how does Dio characterize women close to the seat of Roman power? And, more precisely, what gender stereotypes does he deploy in depicting these women? The women on whom this thesis will focus are Messalina and Agrippina, who were both married to emperor Claudius at one point, as well as Fulvia, the wife of Mark of Antony. The characterization of women in Cassius Dio’s work and the part that gender norms play in Dio’s negative characterization of someone have received little scholarly attention so far. While Cassius Dio’s portrayals of Agrippina and Messalina have been compared to each other, Fulvia has not been compared to either of these women before, although there are grounds for doing so: both Agrippina and Fulvia are accused of defiling the heads of political opponents. Each chapter of this thesis is dedicated to one of these three women. The most important part of each chapter will consist of close readings of passages I have chosen to highlight because they contain Dio’s most preposterous claims about these women. Such close readings can highlight not just how ancient ideas of gender are expressed within a large narrative structure, but also how they are reflected on a small scale, such as the choice of vocabulary. We will see how Cassius Dio incorporates the previous historiographical tradition concerning these women in his own narrative, while also innovating this tradition by exaggerating certain claims and adding elements to his narrative that have no precedent in the extant literary tradition. Fulvia, Messalina and Agrippina are all portrayed as crossing the boundaries of their female gender because they were involved in politics to a degree that was not acceptable for a Roman matron. But whereas Agrippina and Fulvia are explicitly ‘masculinized’ and their political involvement is stressed, Cassius Dio’s Messalina appears as an apolitical woman in the grip of vices that were considered to be typically feminine.Show less
The aim of this paper is to investigate cozy video games and their implementation of care into their mechanics, narrative and aesthetics with a special focus on how it can influence their target,...Show moreThe aim of this paper is to investigate cozy video games and their implementation of care into their mechanics, narrative and aesthetics with a special focus on how it can influence their target, primarily female, audience. Cozy games, as a very new phenomenon, have not been thoroughly explored and it is important to analyze what influence they could have on the forming of their players’ gender identities. The second chapter contributes to the ongoing debate around the nature of cozy games and their defining elements. This paper uses Spiritfarer (2020) and Adorable Home (2020) as a base for the analysis of the incorporation of care in cozy video games. The findings of this analysis indicate that games targeted towards women have an unintentional tendency to perpetuate traditional, patriarchal values surrounding care. However, there are examples of games which use these values intentionally to foster empathy and existential self-reflection.Show less
On May 23rd, 2014, Elliot Rodger killed six and injured fourteen near Isla Vista, United States, in his self-declared Day of Retribution. On March 15th, 2019, Brenton Tarrant opened fire in and...Show moreOn May 23rd, 2014, Elliot Rodger killed six and injured fourteen near Isla Vista, United States, in his self-declared Day of Retribution. On March 15th, 2019, Brenton Tarrant opened fire in and around the Al Noor mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, eventually killing 51. Before their violent acts, both Elliot Rodger and Brenton Tarrant posted manifestos outlining justifications for resorting to violence while incentivising others to do the same. Rodger’s and Tarrant’s manifestos have been highly influential in inspiring other actors to resort to violence and are therefore analysed for the current investigation. However, a lack of analytical attention towards how violent actors with different ideological perspectives utilise gendered narratives in their manifestos necessitates the current investigation to explore how gendered discourses feature in Rodger’s and Tarrant’s manifestos. This thesis takes a gendered approach to violent discourse by applying a Critical Discourse Analysis, which unveils that both Rodger’s and Tarrant’s manifestos contain gendered narratives. However, the results also reveal that the intensities and frequencies of these narratives differ between the two manifestos, as do the ways in which the gendered constructions incite violence. These findings offer valuable insights into how gendered narratives unite ideologically diverse violent actors which can assist future research seeking to better understand the deadly effects of gendered discourse.Show less
This paper aimed to find out whether men and women terrorists of the Provisional IRA were portrayed differently in the media. A critical discourse analysis was conducted on newspaper articles from...Show moreThis paper aimed to find out whether men and women terrorists of the Provisional IRA were portrayed differently in the media. A critical discourse analysis was conducted on newspaper articles from 1969 to 1999, coding and analysing the way these terrorists got framed and portrayed in the media. A gendered difference in media portrayal of PIRA is present based on the analysis of 45 articles. However, this difference is not as large as could be expected based on the media portrayal of female terrorists in general. Throughout PIRA’s existence, from 1969 to 1999, a minimal change over time is visible, with the gender difference in media portrayal declining.Show less
