"Digital Ethnography- Understanding The Link Between Sex Education And Gender Inequality In Georgia"

• Název práce v češtině: „Digitální etnografie - porozumění vazbě mezi sexuální výchovou a nerovností pohlaví v Gruzii“
• Název v anglickém jazyce: "Digital Ethnography- Understanding The Link Between Sex Education And Gender Inequality In Georgia"
• Klíčová slova anglicky: Digital Ethnography, Georgia, Women, Gender Norms, Cultural norms, Gender Inequality, Feminist Perspective, Closed Online Communities, Taboo, Stigma, Participant Observation, Church Influence, Interviews, Conservatism
• Akademický rok vypsání: 2018/2019
• Typ práce: diplomová práce
• Jazyk práce: angličtina
• Ústav: Katedra sociologie (23-KS)
• Vedoucí / školitel: doc. PhDr. Dino Numerato, Ph.D.
• Řešitel: skrytý - zadáno vedoucím/školitelem
• Datum přihlášení: 30.05.2019
• Datum zadání: 30.05.2019

Zásady pro vypracování

The thesis will analyze political correctness and its effect on the LGBTQ communities in the Republic of Georgia. The paper will explore the PC culture through the lens of mass media, identity, freedom of speech and expression, religion and tradition. The research design will a mixed methods study; first, a survey among the LGBTQ youth of the Republic of Georgia will be carried out to analyze to what extent they feel the language used in the media is appropriate, inclusive and important. Furthermore, a public debate surrounding the topic will be explored through a text analysis of blogs, comments and reactions to the Georgian media.

Seznam odborné literatury

Abzianidze, T., et al. (2019). Generational differences in current sexual behavior among Georgian reproductive-aged women. International Journal of Women's Health, 11, 301.
Bahk, J., Yun, S., Kim, Y., et al. (2015). Impact of unintended pregnancy on maternal mental health: a causal analysis using follow-up data of the Panel Study on Korean Children (PSKC). BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, 15, 85. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-015-0505-4
Cunningham, S. D., et al. (2009). Relationships between perceived STD-related stigma, STD-related shame, and STD screening among a household sample of adolescents. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 41(4), 225-230.
Erbelding, E. J., et al. (2001). High rates of depressive symptoms in STD clinic patients. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 28(5), 281-284.
Gunderson, M. P., & McCary, J. L. (1980). Effects of sex education on sex information and sexual guilt, attitudes, and behaviors. Family Relations, 29(3), 375-379.
Magidson, J. F., et al. (2014). Relationship between psychiatric disorders and sexually transmitted diseases in a nationally representative sample. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 76(4), 322-328.
Sharashidze, M., et al. (2004). Georgia Mental Health Country Profile. International Review of Psychiatry, 16(1-2), 107-116. doi:10.1080/09540260310001635159.
Sulaberidze, L., et al. (2018). Barriers to delivering mental health services in Georgia with an economic and financial focus: informing policy and acting on evidence. BMC Health Services Research, 18(1), 108. doi:10.1186/s12913-018-2912-5.
World Health Organization. (Year). Title of the Document.

Předběžná náplň práce v anglickém jazyce

Digital Safe Haven: A Digital Ethnographic Study of a Closed Online Community of Georgian Women Discussing Sexual Topics.

Sexuality plays a central role in people’s lives. “Sexuality is experienced and expressed through thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviors, practices, identities and relationships” (Ellison, 1998, as cited in Kukulu, 2009) The attitude towards sexuality in the culture where one is raised, is the most important factor in the growth and development of one’s sexuality. (Hendrickx et al., 2002; Sungur, 1999, as cited in Kukulu, 2009) While some cultures support sexuality, others suppress it. In Georgia, a country dominated by robust cultural norms, and a deeply embedded and influential Orthodox Church, the discourse around sexual topics among women is enclosed in taboo and stigma. The country that celebrates its traditions, often grapples with the profound silence around sexual discourse, reinforcing gender norms that position specifically women within the constraints of sexual purity. Nevertheless, with the increasing influence of digitalization in the developing country, online platforms have become sanctuaries where Georgian women seek information, explore, and engage in conversations about their sexual identities. This study aims to explore one such most populated digital space in Georgia and provide insight into the evolving discourse surrounding sexuality among Georgian women.

Objectives:
1. To understand the nature and dynamics of closed online communities where Georgian women discuss sexual topics.
2. To explore how digital platforms influence, and/or are influenced by, traditional socio-cultural norms surrounding women's sexuality in Georgia.
3. To understand the role of these online spaces in potentially challenging or reinforcing existing gender norms.

Methodology:

Navigating through the digital space where Georgian women converse on the subject of sexuality, this study employs a methodology that fuses immersive digital ethnography with the depth of qualitative interviews. Exploring 150-200 threads and posts within the online community forms the foundation, shedding light on the themes and nuances of the discussions and experiences shared in the digital space. Engaging daily in discussions, both as an observer and a participant, ensures a rich, multilayered understanding of the community. A selection of in-depth interview participants is performed by posting within the group, inviting participants to have one on one conversation for the research.

In order to address potential bias, the researcher uses reflective practices during the research process, maintaining self-awareness and introspection to recognize and control any personal biases that may arise and influence data collection and/or analysis. This involves journaling, regular self-assessment, and critical self-reflection to ensure that the researcher maintains an objective and neutral stance throughout the study.

Following data collection, a thematic analysis will be conducted. This analytical approach will involve a careful examination of the data to identify recurring themes and narratives that are prominent.

Once the thematic analysis is complete, the themes and narratives will be connected to a comprehensive comparative and contextual analysis. This involves exploring how these identified themes and narratives interrelate and relate to the broader societal and contextual context. The data will be examined in relation to relevant sociological theories, existing research, and the socio-cultural, historical and current backdrop of Georgia.

By integrating the thematic analysis with the comparative and contextual approach, the aim is to uncover the underlying layers of meaning within the data, providing insights into not only what women are discussing in the closed online communities, but also why these discussions are significant within the larger socio-cultural framework.