Revisiting the Concept of Hegemonic Masculinity and Adapting it to the Extractivist Context in Guatemala

Revisiting the Concept of Hegemonic Masculinity and Adapting it to the Extractivist Context in Guatemala

Giulianna Maselli
Political Theory

Thinking about gender relations, both in research and empirical investigation, through the concept of hegemonic masculinity, or even masculinities, is relatively new. Introduced into the field of academic and empirical gender research in the 1980s by the Australian sociologist Raewyn Connell, this concept has made it possible to consider, analyze and deconstruct relations of male-female domination and patriarchy from the male perspective. Hegemonic masculinity is defined by Connell in 1995 as "[not being] a fixed and unchanging personality type, but masculinity that is in a hegemonic position within a given structure of gender relations, a position that is always subject to challenge". She then goes on to define it as "that which guarantees (or is supposed to guarantee) the dominant position of men and the subordination of women." It thus designates a configuration of - mainly masculine - gender practice that maintains the disparity of power(s) between women and men in a given time and place; the dominant form of representation of masculinity in a given time and place.

The Big Bang Theory: Revolutionizing Our Understanding of Existence

The Big Bang Theory: Revolutionizing Our Understanding of Existence

Zoha Imran
Science & Nature

Throughout history, humans have gazed at the sky, contemplating the celestial lights, including the sun, the moon, and beyond. In those ancient moments, an insatiable curiosity ignited within them, urging them to seek answers about the origins of the cosmos. Over time, this burning curiosity has been passed down, compelling generations to develop theories in pursuit of one timeless question: Where did it all come from?

NBA Drafts, Australian Convicts, and Early Pilgrims: The Importance of Incentives

NBA Drafts, Australian Convicts, and Early Pilgrims: The Importance of Incentives

Zev van Zanten
Economics

If you happened to watch the NBA Draft Lottery last month (or heard about it at a later date), a particular detail about how top picks are assigned likely stood out to you. I'm talking about the choice to use a weighted lottery that favors the worst teams instead of guaranteeing them top picks, which seems somewhat counterproductive to the draft's goal of helping the worst teams improve through access to the best incoming talent. However, a look into the draft's history reveals that what seems to be a poor choice is, in fact, a necessary modification that strengthens the league by addressing a key economic issue that lies at the heart of our history, modern policy systems, and more.

A Brief Overview of Russian Economic History

A Brief Overview of Russian Economic History

Karnik Aswani
Economics

Russia's economic history spans several centuries and has contributed to its current position as one of the most powerful countries in the world. Over time, Russia has expanded its territory and become a major global economic player. However, this journey was not without challenges, including the abolition of serfdom, the devastation of World War I, the Bolshevik Revolution, and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Despite these obstacles, Russia's economy remains strong, with abundant natural resources such as oil, gas, and minerals, and a highly educated workforce.

Why Our Cities Need More Trees: The Environmental and Social Benefits

Why Our Cities Need More Trees: The Environmental and Social Benefits

Lewis Saint Victor II
Environmental Policy

Trees are an essential part of the natural world and play a vital role in our lives. They provide us with the oxygen we need to breathe and the wood we use for fuel and building materials. Trees also help to regulate the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air and releasing oxygen. In addition, trees provide a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife and are an essential food source for many animals. Trees can also have some social and psychological benefits. They can provide a sense of beauty and tranquility and serve as a gathering place for communities. Finally, trees can have economic benefits, increasing property values and making neighborhoods more attractive. Trees are an essential part of our environment and lives, and we should do everything we can to protect and preserve them.

Socrates and Censorship

Socrates and Censorship

Matthew Xiao
Ethics

Socrates is hardly the person one would conjure up when it comes to censorship. Yet in Book Two of Plato’s Republic, Socrates proposes a strikingly authoritarian education system, expurgating the works of Hesiod and Homer and allowing the youth to hear only tales that glorify the gods. He advocates for strict censorship in the education of the “guardians,” who are entrusted with the vital responsibility of safeguarding and governing the city. This approach, aimed at curbing independent thinking in favor of unquestioning acceptance, appears contradictory to Socrates' reputation as a champion of truth, raising the question of whether his education plan should be interpreted as a sincere proposal or a form of ironic critique.

Economics of Labor in Brazil

Economics of Labor in Brazil

Karnik Aswani
Economics

Labor economics is a field of economics that studies the labor market and the relationships among workers, employers, and institutions involved in the production process. It is concerned with aspects such as the allocation of labor, wages, employment, working conditions, and other factors that impact the labor market. In Brazil, the labor market is characterized by significant challenges, including high levels of informality, low wages, inequality, and a shortage of skilled workers in some sectors. Moreover, Brazil's population of over 213 million people is the fifth largest globally, and it affects labor supply and demand in various economic sectors. Some of the various sectors would be agriculture, manufacturing, services, construction, mining and energy, and information technology. The government plays a crucial role in addressing these issues by enacting labor laws, policies, and programs that safeguard workers' rights, promote formal employment, and reduce labor market disparities. Brazil has experienced several economic crises in recent years, resulting in high unemployment rates and a decrease in formal employment. The government's response to these crises has been pivotal in mitigating their effects on workers and the labor market.

Inside the Mind of a Psychopath

Inside the Mind of a Psychopath

Sbeyde Herrera
Science & Nature

Whether we recognize the psychopath as the serial murderer in a film or the unexpressive character in a book, we have a harder time acknowledging them in our real world. Psychopathic individuals can be hard to recognize in a world crawling with mental illnesses because, unlike the physical symptoms we see in severe mental illnesses, such as hallucinations, agitation, or hostility, psychopaths do not completely manifest signs of any physical sort. So then, what are the distinctive personality characteristics that set psychopaths apart, and what causes them? 

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