Research master thesis | Linguistics (research) (MA)
open access
Discussions concerning syntactic aspects of code-switching (CS) phenomena are currently ongoing. This thesis looks at two such phenomena, nominal ellipsis (NPE) and linear adjacency, and shows how...Show moreDiscussions concerning syntactic aspects of code-switching (CS) phenomena are currently ongoing. This thesis looks at two such phenomena, nominal ellipsis (NPE) and linear adjacency, and shows how empirical investigation of CS contexts helps inform linguistic theory. This was accomplished by presenting 23 Belgian Dutch/French (BD/FR) bilinguals with a two-alternative forced choice judgment task and comparing their choices through t-tests to check for significance. Experiment 1 examines whether the choice of grammatical gender on adnominal ellipsis remnants reveals a morphosyntactic link between a FR elided noun with a BD antecedent. The results show that no such link can be observed for NPE in this language pair; this is contra González-Vilbazo and Ramos (2015), Merchant (2015) and Nee (2012), who have found evidence of a such a link between elided elements and antecedent in code-switched clausal and VP-ellipsis, as well as general evidence against structural theories of ellipsis (e.g., Merchant, 2001; 2004). Experiment 2 explores the Matrix Language Framework (MLF) (Myers-Scotton, 1993; 1995), a popular model that predicts that the determiner language will match the matrix language (ML) in code-switched DPs. However, effects of linear adjacency between the determiner and the inflection on the main verb (which determines the ML) have not yet been considered within the MLF. The DP was given as a post-verbal complement (adjacent), and as a post-verbal adjunct and a pre-verbal complement (non-adjacent). The results show that linear adjacency has no effect on determiner language. Moreover, the results also do not fit into the MLF. This thesis is the first empirical study to examine NPE theory in a code-switched environment, as well as the first to investigate linear adjacency effects on code-switched DPs. This work also provides insight into CS patterns in the BD/FR language pair, a relatively understudied bilingual population that frequently employs CS but is not a close-knit community. Taken together, these findings show that gathering empirical CS data from distinct bilingual populations is crucial, adding new and contrary insights and aiding the construction of linguistic theory.Show less
My thesis investigates the problem of contrasting image-making of politicians in the 1970s and 1980s in the Netherlands. It studies the image-making of politicians, which saw the changing of norms...Show moreMy thesis investigates the problem of contrasting image-making of politicians in the 1970s and 1980s in the Netherlands. It studies the image-making of politicians, which saw the changing of norms in the political arena, professionalisation of journalism and wider social-cultural changes. Strikingly, during this period of emancipation of women and more women entering politics, the writing about female politicians stays partly stereotypical, whilst their self-presentation also follows stereotypical narratives in specific instances.Show less
This research aimed to investigate the engagement of work-life balance (WLB) crafting in entrepreneurs by examining two predictors, growth pursuit and gender difference (males vs. females). It was...Show moreThis research aimed to investigate the engagement of work-life balance (WLB) crafting in entrepreneurs by examining two predictors, growth pursuit and gender difference (males vs. females). It was hypothesized that growth pursuit would negatively predict WLB crafting among entrepreneurs, and that female entrepreneurs engage less in WLB crafting than male entrepreneurs. One hundred forty-two entrepreneurs participated through Prolific Academic by filling out a cross-sectional and correlational study. The questionnaire consisted of demographic and business information, as well as the scales to measure growth pursuit and WLB crafting. The results extracted from the 2-hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that Hypothesis 1 was not supported because growth pursuit positively and significantly predicted WLB crafting engagement. Additionally, Hypothesis 2 was also not supported as the effect was not significant, indicating that there was no remarkable difference between male and female entrepreneurs in their level of engagement in WLB crafting. The findings suggest that entrepreneurs who strive to grow their business also aim to maintain a WLB crafting at the same time so that they can prevent potential losses resulting from stress and burn-out. Moreover, the findings also suggest that gender does not predict the entrepreneur's engagement in WLB crafting.Show less
Power can be construed in terms of opportunities or responsibilities. The current research examined the effect of in biological sex, gender, gender identity and gender on the power construal of...Show morePower can be construed in terms of opportunities or responsibilities. The current research examined the effect of in biological sex, gender, gender identity and gender on the power construal of power holders. Female gender identity and role were hypothesized to be associated to power construal in terms of responsibility (rather than opportunity), while male gender identity and role were hypothesized to be associated to power construal in terms of opportunity (rather than responsibility). This was examined by administration of a questionnaire. Respondents consisted of male and female professionals in leadership roles from the UK. The study found that female gender identity and femininity are positively related to power construed in terms of responsibility. No significant relationships between gender identity and power construal as opportunity were found. This highlights the relevance of gender on power construal in terms of responsibilityShow less
This thesis identifies if alternatives to marriage were arising in the wake of declining marriage (and fertility) numbers in Korea. Through analysing marriage ideals and expectations of the past,...Show moreThis thesis identifies if alternatives to marriage were arising in the wake of declining marriage (and fertility) numbers in Korea. Through analysing marriage ideals and expectations of the past, capturing the current state of affairs, and analysing young Korean women’s stance on marriage, a better understanding of the future of marriage in Korea was created. Economic regression, rigid normative standards and the unhealthy societal pressure have restricted the rise of alternatives to marriage and hence the institution is adamant at changing as Korea’s marriage and fertility numbers have risen to this all-time low.Show less
Background Conflicts and violence are expected to increase because of stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conflicts and violence at home might amplify stay-at-home burden during the...Show moreBackground Conflicts and violence are expected to increase because of stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conflicts and violence at home might amplify stay-at-home burden during the pandemic, increasing risk for adjustment disorder. Women might experience conflicts, violence, and stay-at-home burden more likely than men, predisposing them for adjustment disorder. Objective This study aims to investigate whether conflicts/violence predict more stay-at-home burden and adjustment disorder symptoms depending on gender. It is hypothesized that stay-at-home burden mediates the positive association between conflicts/violence and adjustment disorder symptoms. Further, it is hypothesized that gender moderates this positive association between conflicts/violence and stay-at-home burden, with conflicts/violence predicting more stay-at-home burden and adjustment disorder symptoms for women than men. Methods A cross-sectional online survey study was conducted with mostly female and Dutch participants (n = 1883) from July 24th, 2020 until November 15th, 2020. Conflicts, violence, and stay-at-home burden were assessed with the self-constructed survey Burden by Corona Pandemic. Adjustment disorder symptoms were assessed with Adjustment Disorder – New Module 8. A moderated mediation analysis with “PROCESS” macro model number 7 (v4.1) was conducted. Results The moderated mediation analysis yielded non-significant results. Stay-at-home burden was not significantly mediating the positive association between conflicts/violence and adjustment disorder symptoms. Gender was not significantly moderating the positive association between conflicts/violence and stay-at-home burden. Discussion In this study, women did not report more stay-at-home burden and adjustment disorder symptoms due to conflicts and violence than men. Longitudinal studies should investigate how gender, conflicts, violence, and stay-at-home burden can impact mental health long-term during a pandemic.Show less
Bachelor thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (BSc)
closed access
During the 2011-revolutions in the MENA region called the Arab Spring, women and men collectively took to the streets to demand bread, freedom, social justice, and human dignity. After the...Show moreDuring the 2011-revolutions in the MENA region called the Arab Spring, women and men collectively took to the streets to demand bread, freedom, social justice, and human dignity. After the revolutionary momentum had passed, women were excluded from the political domain, including the policymaking process. Based on the cases of Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia, this thesis examines the structures that restrain women from participating in politics by looking at both formal and informal politics. Broadening the analytical field in the study of policymaking while adopting an anthropological approach, this thesis criticises modernisation theory by showing how development is not a linear process by considering the role of religion and patriarchalism. It explains why despite women striving for similar demands as men, one cannot adopt a gender-blindness approach to reflect upon women’s aspirations and demands in politics. Besides, it shows how women increasingly were able to problematise their aspirations and demands by participating in physical and digital activism. However, the exclusion of women from institutional decision-making processes and the patriarchalist model of social order prevent the institutionalisation of women’s aspirations and demands into policies.Show less
Self-esteem is a fundamental change that occurs during adolescence, and previous studies suggested that maternal love withdrawal, parental and peer attachment quality contribute to adolescents’...Show moreSelf-esteem is a fundamental change that occurs during adolescence, and previous studies suggested that maternal love withdrawal, parental and peer attachment quality contribute to adolescents’ self-esteem. Since lower levels of self-esteem are related to poor health outcomes, it is important to find out which factors contribute to these negative outcomes and which group of adolescents are especially at risk. Therefore, the present study investigated whether gender and attachment quality moderate the relationship between maternal love withdrawal and self-esteem. It was expected that there is a negative relationship between maternal love withdrawal and self-esteem in adolescents and that there are gender differences in this relationship. Moreover, it was hypothesized that there is a relationship between attachment quality and self-esteem, and that the relationship between maternal love withdrawal and self-esteem is stronger in adolescents who are more securely attached to their mother, father and/or friend than adolescents who are less securely attached. Participants were 160 adolescents aged 11-21 years who completed online questionnaires about maternal love withdrawal, attachment quality and self-esteem. The results showed that maternal love withdrawal, and maternal, paternal and friend attachment (anxious/avoidant) were negatively related to self-esteem. Furthermore, gender and attachment did not moderate the relationship between maternal love withdrawal and self-esteem. Interventions should be created that support insecurely attached adolescents or adolescents whose mother withdrew their love and educate parents about the negative consequences of using love withdrawal as a punishment for their child’s undesirable behavior.Show less
The present study investigated the effect of female identification on power perception and climate consciousness. It was hypothesized that female identification would lead to perceiving power as a...Show moreThe present study investigated the effect of female identification on power perception and climate consciousness. It was hypothesized that female identification would lead to perceiving power as a responsibility and that a stronger sense of responsibility increases an individual’s climate consciousness. This was tested with UK participants (N = 251) which are working in management and leadership positions, taking part in a questionnaire; data was followed up by two linear regressions and a mediation analysis. The results showed that, in line with expectations, women perceived their power more as a responsibility than men did. However, unexpectedly, responsibility and climate consciousness were negatively correlated. Therefore, individuals identifying as female were not more climate conscious because of their heightened sense of responsibility in leadership positions. The opposite effect was found for male identification, as through their decreased sense of responsibility the mediation analysis led to an increased climate consciousness. Therefore, the hypotheses in this study were only partly confirmed. The outcomes have practical implications for human resource management and politics, as certain characteristics can be determined for the “right” leadership positions. Given the necessity of climate change, more research is needed to examine which leadership characteristics would serve the best outcomes for the environment.Show less
When a noun irregularly has the regular endings of one gender in the singular and those of a different gender in the plural, it is said to belong to an inquorate gender. This thesis assembles a...Show moreWhen a noun irregularly has the regular endings of one gender in the singular and those of a different gender in the plural, it is said to belong to an inquorate gender. This thesis assembles a corpus of nouns displaying this behavior in Latin and groups them into four inquorate genders. Then for each noun it investigates the purported causes of their abnormal gender in an attempt to find if each of the inquorate genders has a single cause. After examining each noun, it is argued that none of the four inquorate genders has a single cause. It is also argued that for some of the nouns, the previous explanations for their origin are incorrect.Show less
The purpose of this study is to examine how the role of women in the socio-economic sphere has changed and/or remained the same in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) before and after the Second...Show moreThe purpose of this study is to examine how the role of women in the socio-economic sphere has changed and/or remained the same in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) before and after the Second Congo War, which lasted from 1998 to 2003. The expansion of globalization, as well as the end of wars, has changed social structures within society and in particular created different opportunities for women in political, social and economic processes compared to before. Through the use of qualitative research, the study explores the role of women and the challenges that continue to hinder their socio-economic participation to this day. The study contends that social norms continue to hinder the role women are able to have in the DRC as the idealized femininity continues to be defined by mothering, caring and providing for the children and being subordinate. Women continue to be largely the backbone of the agricultural sector, present in the informal sector as well as the primary caregivers. But, due to the war, as well as globalization and technological development, their roles have expanded to sectors and industries such as the artisanal mining industry, the information and communications technology (ICTs) and telecommunications. Furthermore, due to there being stigmatization surrounding rape, legal barriers, education gender inequalities and lack of access to land, the role of women remains hindered and restricted. Further research is needed to understand these gender norms, relations and the role of women in the DRC as gender roles remain fluid and can change over time.Show less
Deze scriptie past de dragtheorie van Mowats "Don't be a Drag, just be a Priest" toe op grafmonumenten van mogelijke galli. Daarmee hoopt deze scriptie het gebruik van deze theorie aan te moedigen.
Active listening (AL) is an important leadership skill within the workplace. It is essential to investigate a possible causal association between AL, employee well-being and other measures....Show moreActive listening (AL) is an important leadership skill within the workplace. It is essential to investigate a possible causal association between AL, employee well-being and other measures. Therefore, the main question of this research is: “What is the effect of extraversion and gender on active listening skills of leaders in organisations and how does this skill relates to employee well-being?” A questionnaire was spread among 374 Dutch employees. The results showed that AL-skills of a leader have a positive relation with employee well-being. Also, female leaders apply active listening more often compared to male leaders. The results pointed out that extraversion does not have a negative relation with the AL-skills of leaders in organisations. Furthermore, Female leaders are better at AL compared to male leaders, but this difference is not larger for non-extravert leaders compared to extravert leaders. Future longitudinal research should confirm the causality between the variables.Show less
Political science literature has previously focused on different political behaviors among men and women in the United States, where little research of this type has been conducted in a west...Show morePolitical science literature has previously focused on different political behaviors among men and women in the United States, where little research of this type has been conducted in a west European context in parliamentary systems. Within a framework of cospecialization, this study explores potential gender differences in the municipal council of Utrecht in the period of October 2020 to October 2021 using mixed methods. Motions and its cosponsors were analyzed, where gender did not have a significant effect on the cosponsoring of council members. Cospecialization however, did have a significant effect, in line with the cospecialization literature. The interviews with council members were intended to explain any potentially found effects in the quantitative analysis, yet none of the participants alluded to a difference in gender when it came to political behavior quantified as cosponsoring motions. Still, some other themes for potential future research were brought up. A new hierarchy of factors is proposed based on the qualitative data (cospecialization, agreement, issue topic, and personal relations), and the data is contextualized and situated in the existent literature, from which future comparative studies are suggested.Show less
