Abstract The study explores the gendered digital divide in higher education and explores strategies for enhancing student access and inclusion through a systematic literature review (SLR) adhering to PRISMA protocols. The study analysed peer-reviewed empirical research published between 2014 and 2024, identifying key thematic areas such as digital literacy, socio-cultural barriers, institutional policies, and pedagogical practices contributing to the digital gender gap. The findings highlight the persistent challenges faced by female students in accessing digital resources and participating in online education, with a particular focus on gendered technological disparities, societal expectations, and institutional biases. The paper uses a social justice theory to emphasise the importance of inclusive learning environments and equitable digital policies in addressing these challenges. The recommendations propose a comprehensive approach, advocating for targeted interventions such as digital literacy programmes, gender-sensitive online pedagogies, policy reforms, and the promotion of digital equity initiatives to ensure greater participation and success of women in higher education.

Abstract Participation in elections is essential for the health of democracies. Regardless of gender, individuals may hold traditional beliefs about women's roles in society that hinder their engagements in areas that challenge gender stereotypes, such as political participation. In this study, we examined how gender and beliefs about gender roles influence voting participation, while accounting for various ideological and demographic factors. We also explored how structural gender inequality, as measured by the country-level Gender Inequality Index, is reflected in voting at the individual level. Data were collected in a cross-country study ( N = 19,297 participants, 51.2% women, mean age = 41.3, SD = 14.76) from 18 countries. We employed an innovative method, Multi-Group Factor Analysis Alignment, to address cross-country measurement invariance of the Traditional Gender Roles scale—a key construct in this study. Results from multi-level modeling revealed significant main effects of gender and beliefs about traditional gender roles, but no significant interaction between them. Citizens who endorse traditional gender roles were less likely to vote, regardless of their gender. This effect was more pronounced in societies with low to moderate levels of structural gender inequality. In contrast, in countries with pervasive gender inequality, voting was not associated with individual beliefs about gender roles. These findings highlight the importance for policymakers to address the detrimental effects of structural gender inequality and traditional gender roles in society, that can hinder citizens participation in voting.

The study explored the socio-economic drivers and dynamics of gender-based violence (GBV) in a rural community in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Using a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 participants selected using purposeful sampling. The data was analysed using Tech’s open coding method. Four major themes emerged: (a) Subjugation of genders and power dynamics within the society, (b) Drugs and alcohol abuse as a catalyst of GBV (c) Alcohol-centred socialisation and its consequences on youth well-being and (d) Financial exploitation and economic vulnerability as drivers of GBV. These findings emphasise that GBV is driven by intertwined social, cultural, economic, and systemic factors. Deeply rooted gender norms, societal expectations, and historical trauma from apartheid reinforce power imbalances, perpetuate violence, and foster mistrust of institutions. Substance abuse, particularly alcohol-centred socialisation, emerged as a key catalyst, while cultural beliefs discouraging male vulnerability perpetuate harmful coping strategies and silence victims. Economic dependence and financial exploitation further entrench abuse. The study underscores the need for multi-faceted interventions, including social, cultural, and economic reforms, improved substance regulation, and expanded employment opportunities, particularly for marginalised groups. Effective strategies require collaboration among stakeholders, community programs challenging harmful gender norms, and holistic policies that integrate social, cultural, economic, and systemic approaches. Strengthening responsive and accessible support services can rebuild trust, encourage reporting, and foster resilience. These insights can inform policies and interventions aimed at reducing GBV and promoting equitable and safe communities in rural Limpopo.

In this article, we explore how sport fan practices can advance feminist aims and gender equity in sport contexts. Using a matricentric feminist perspective and thematic analysis of 19 in-depth interviews with mothers from Australia and North America, we examine the social and political dimensions of mother fans’ actions when responding to gender disparities in sport systems and cultures. We identify several ways in which mothers practiced a commitment to gender equity and social justice in their everyday sport fandom, including advocating for women’s sport; critiquing exclusionary and harmful sport cultures; and challenging the gendering of care labour while watching sport. By looking beyond instances of public activism by sport fans, this study develops new sociological and feminist insights about the political potential of matricentric activism to support gender justice through sport participation, as well as calling for greater recognition of sport as a social site for maternal empowerment.

This study explores the factors contributing to body dissatisfaction among young Caucasian men. It focuses on family, peers, and media influences, addressing a gap in the literature that rarely integrates men’s experiences. The research draws on the Tripartite Influence Model and Social Comparison Theory, using thematic analysis to examine semi-structured interviews with eight participants aged 20–21. The research considers participants’ sexual orientation and country of origin when analysing the data. The findings show that family, peers, and the media positively and negatively shape body dissatisfaction among participants. Positive familial support can enhance body image, while negative comments from family members and peers exacerbate dissatisfaction. Social media was found to often reinforce unattainable body standards. The research contributes to the limited literature on men’s body dissatisfaction by expanding the application of the Tripartite Influence Model and Social Comparison Theory to this population. The study underscores the need for greater societal awareness and a more inclusive approach to body image research that considers diverse ethnic backgrounds and sexual orientations. We argue that more attention needs to be paid to men’s body dissatisfaction, as men are often excluded from these discussions. This study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of male body image, offering a foundation for future research and societal discourse on this often-overlooked issue.