Group Title: Social and Political Equity
Keywords: political equity, policies, gender, inequality
Presenter 1: Leona Soi
Abstract: As modernization is on the rise, developed countries have made strides in changing policies and working situations in the workforce for women. However, Japan is lagging behind. The research done is geared to understanding inequality in the workforce in Japan. The theory used for this study is education leads to erosion of tradition. The research question is whether gender inequality is prevalent in the workforce in Japan. Though the research is parameters around answering whether gender inequality is prevalent in the workforce in Japan, the research was attempts to understanding if education can lead to erosion of tradition. The method of study was done through a causation study using the 2006 Asian Barometer. The methods used will identify the factors and the demographic that are strongly tied to their traditions and the placement of the demographic. This study is important because it identifies which demographic in the workforce that practices greatest form of gender inequality.
Presenter 2: Kaitlyn Rhoades
Abstract: Gender inequality is an obvious hot topic within pop culture, academia, and everyday life. With the feminist revival, the rapid spreading of ideas of social media, even the latest installment of the Star Wars franchise features a strong woman character. But how do states get to this point? It is possible there is a cause and effect chain that creates social change. First, if economic development creates the ability for more progressive attitudes then that shows another added benefit of leaving status as a developing state to a status of a developed state. Not only is it good economically but progressive attitudes lead to change in at least one major area. Then, if progressive attitudes lead to change in one area, then other aspects of society will be questioned. This study tests the cause and effect chain, using Argentina as a case study, and answering can progressive attitudes affect gender inequality? I used a logistical order regression to test hypotheses derived from these concepts. This study has implications world wide, considering equality is important for all people. If it is possible to unlock a portion of the inequality enigma humanity wins.
Presenter 3: Richard Paul Clemmer
Abstract: There are over twenty million Muslims in China split into various ethnic groups, many of which have been there for centuries; however, not all groups are treated equally by the central government in Beijing. The two largest ethnic groups are the Hui and the Uyghurs. Both groups have lived in China for centuries but have adapted to the dominant Han ethnicity in different ways. While the Hui have gone down the peaceful path of assimilation into the dominant group, the Uyghurs advocated for their own independence, at some times declaring a sovereign country in their distant province. These two methods of interacting with Beijing have led to widely opposing treatment. The purpose of this study is to give background on the Hui and Uyghur groups, to compare their treatment by authorities, and give reasons for this differing treatment. By using academic articles and news sources accessed through the library’s databases, this study gives analysis on the opposing treatment of Muslims by authorities in China. As China’s role in the world expands, it is an important test of character of a nation to see how it treats its minority groups. The mistreatment of Muslims in China may lead to increased violence in the region as some more militant ideologies spread through the Muslim world.
Presenter 4: Ariel Silkett
Abstract: When studying gender inequality, there are a vast number of components to explore, and marriage is one. An important issue lies within Asia’s patriarchal society where marriage is often an obligation held at certain standards put upon Asian women, leading to stigmatization, increased gender inequality, and other large outcomes that arise. This study investigates the type of Asian women who may feel obligated to succumb to societal marriage pressures by analyzing their demographics, socioeconomic statuses, and traditional cultural views. By drawing correlations among such qualities, potential explanations could be formulated in order to answer what kind of Asian women feel obligated to conform to societal marriage pressures, what are the causes that contribute to their sense of obligation, and what are possible outcomes that could arise from this problem. By utilizing a logistical regression to test my hypotheses, better examination of this study can take place. Results from this study support gender inequality research and provide better understanding of where gender inequality stems from and the effects it has on the Asian community.
Presenter 5: Mei Qian
Abstract: Tensions have intensified between China and other countries in Southeast Asia and United States due to the territorial disputes over the South China Sea. The major disputes in the South China Sea concern both the Spratly Islands and the Paracel Islands. China claims its sovereignty over these islands is “indisputable” while other Asian countries also lay their claims entirely or partly over. This study explores each territorial claim over the Spratly Islands among three states: China, Philippines, and Vietnam. I use an interpretative content analysis to examine each claim and its grounds in order to answer following questions: What are the claims of each claimant state, what is the support for claims and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these claims have? The results have important implications for understanding the contested ownership of territory and the modern states in Asia.