Journal of Social Sciences and Innovation

Review of the volume “Gender Image and the Choice of Conjugal Cohabitation”, by Gabriela Bran, Maria Irina Nicoleta Bătrînu, and Iulian Apostu (coord.), Etica Pro Expert, 2023

2025-05-17T16:08:41+03:00

The work Gender Image and the Choice of Conjugal Cohabitation, coordinated by Iulian Apostu and written by Gabriela Bran, and Maria Irina Nicoleta Bătrînu, analyzes the complexity of gender relations and perceptions of conjugal cohabitation in contemporary society. The book explores the evolution of the woman’s image over time, from traditional stereotypes to new perspectives on gender equality. At the same time, it addresses the dilemmas between marriage and consensual union, examining young people’s perspectives on these options. The study combines theoretical analysis with findings from recent social research, providing a comprehensive overview of the dynamics of gender relations and the influence of cultural norms on cohabitation choices. The work represents a valuable starting point for understanding social and cultural change from a gender perspective.

Review of the volume “Jealousy and Infidelity. Causal Aspects and Psychosocial Consequences”, by Paula Mihaela Danciu, Sandra Mihaela Enache, and Ruxandra Andreea Dimitriu, Etica Pro Expert, 2022

2025-05-17T16:16:51+03:00

The work Jealousy and Infidelity. Causal Aspects and Psychosocial Consequences, authored by Paula Mihaela Danciu, Sandra Mihaela Enache, and Ruxandra Andreea Dimitriu, and published in 2022 by Etica Pro Expert Publishing House, offers an in-depth analysis of negative emotions such as jealousy and infidelity in romantic relationships. The authors approach the topic by exploring its causes, associated behaviors, and psychosocial implications. Moreover, the volume offers practical solutions for conflict management and promotes a clearer understanding of contemporary conjugal dynamics. The work stands out through its strong theoretical foundation and the practical applicability of its conclusions in real life.

The Image of the Woman in Romanian Jokes

2025-05-17T14:35:43+03:00

In contemporary Romanian society, women are more frequently mentioned in public discourse, most often accompanied by all the stereotypes associated with gender. On the other hand, those who continue to cling to traditionalism are men, as it offers them a more advantageous status position in relation to women. Gender stereotypes are perpetuated in society through various means, starting with the way children are socialized in their early years. They are taught by their parents what it means to be a girl or a boy, how they should behave according to their gender in order to conform to the expectations of the society they live in, and what statuses and roles they are expected to fulfill. These dilemmas can also be found in Romanian jokes, which often serve as a form of entertainment that expresses a culture illustrating this hierarchy. Once told, such jokes do nothing but legitimize and reinforce old stereotypes regarding the gender image of women. In many cases, individuals’ opinions about women are shaped by stereotypes based on traditional perceptions of gender roles. Over time, these perceptions have come to be viewed as more important in defining an individual as a “woman” or a “man,” becoming a standard that many attempt to reach as closely as possible. The paper aims to analyze both the specific nature of the most common stereotypes about women in Romanian online jokes and the extent to which these jokes influence Romanian society’s perception of women.

Marriage vs. Cohabitation – The Dilemma of a Choice

2025-05-17T14:41:04+03:00

In recent decades, in several countries, including Romania, changes have been observed regarding the evolution and development of relationships between conjugal partners. Whereas in the past the norm dictated that conjugal partners should marry in order to live together and have children - with any alternative being deemed inappropriate - nowadays both marriage and cohabitation represent forms of civil union. The period during which two conjugal partners form a couple and/or live together has significantly increased, with consensual union becoming an increasingly popular alternative to marriage. The aim of this paper revolves around a dilemma that has become increasingly evident in young people’s decision to live together: “What is the main life choice of young people: marriage or cohabitation?” In this regard, the paper will focus on identifying the characteristics of each type of relationship, analyzing the differences and similarities between the two, and presenting their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, by analyzing the responses provided by the selected group, I intend to identify the ways in which the two forms of conjugal cohabitation affect both the individual on a personal level and society from social, economic, religious, and emotional perspectives.

The Image of the Contemporary Woman Between Stereotype and Reality

2025-05-17T14:47:49+03:00

In recent decades, the image of women in society has become a particularly important and captivating topic in the field of social sciences. The representation of women has been - and continues to be - influenced by a multitude of factors, such as traditional family values, literature, mass media, social norms and values, among others. The influences stemming from these factors, and beyond, have generated over time a series of stereotypes and prejudices that have negatively contributed to the construction of women’s image in society. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on the subject by highlighting and analyzing previous research, relevant theories, and key concepts. It explores the transformation of the image of women from submissive to dominant, the evolution of gender relations across the three major stages through which the institution of the family has progressed, as well as the stereotypical representation of women in the family environment, the beauty industry, mass media, and beyond. The purpose of this study is, on the one hand, to observe the level of progress in the image and status of women in today’s society and, on the other hand, to analyze the distinction or similarity between actual female behavior and the stereotypical image of women.

“The Conjugal Ideal” Between Personal Choice and Parental Vision

2025-05-17T14:51:14+03:00

Love is a theme at the center of everyday life, one we all experience regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, or religion. It is interesting to observe how love is regarded as important by individuals and how we choose to focus all our resources - social, economic, and material - to attain it. For this reason, relationships have not truly changed, but rather the angle from which we come to perceive them has shifted - this being due to the factors to which society exposes us. Classic sociologists demonstrate that the social nature of our most intimate feelings and the way we rethink love are tied to broader social changes. Factors such as passion, stability, stereotypes, and social pressure influence the choice of a future partner in a society often labeled as open, but which, in the end, has merely replaced the rules of the game. Illouz (2003) explains how the concept of love has evolved in contemporary society under the influence of several factors, such as the rationalization of suffering, aspirations shaped by society, and the ways in which modernity has brought about cultural and economic changes that, in turn, have fostered a certain affinity for a specific type of partner. In this context, the present research aims to explore how young people in modern society choose their “ideal” partner in relation to the expectations of their parents and the fluid society. It also investigates the factors projected by society onto the individual, which contribute to the “choice of the ideal partner.”

The Woman Between Career and Motherhood

2025-05-17T14:54:40+03:00

The women’s movement to reposition themselves and claim equal standing with men in society has become tangible due to the abandonment of old habits and perspectives by both sexes - such as the belief that “women should take care of the household and children, while men should provide for the family.” However, this movement has faced a significant rise in stereotypes, prejudices, and challenges, with many women reporting high levels of perceived discrimination. To ensure the proper functioning of both spheres - family and career - the concept of balance has been brought into discussion. By avoiding the disadvantages of either area, women can achieve the modern sense of personal fulfillment they seek. However, this requires a reorganization of priorities. The relevance of this topic in the public sphere and in the current context is justified by the growing number of gender stereotypes and their increasingly visible effects on women’s lives, as well as by the fact that we are living in a Romania that oscillates between conservative, compliant, and modern attitudes toward gender equality issues. This study aims to analyze the evolution and dynamics of women’s perspectives on themselves as both career professionals and mothers. It also seeks to identify the factors contributing to these differing views and how they are influenced, given that the strategy of overloading women with both domestic and professional roles - and the difficulty of maintaining a balance between these domains - are increasingly recognized and discussed phenomena in public discourse.

Online Gaming and the Emergence of a New Type of Leader

2025-02-16T18:30:09+02:00

The paper examines the phenomenon of online gaming and the emergence of a new type of leader - the virtual leader - in the context of technological evolution and social changes brought about by the Internet. Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) are explored as platforms that facilitate the development of complex virtual communities and the rise of leaders who influence the dynamics of these groups. The distinctive characteristics of virtual leaders are highlighted, as well as the differences from traditional (real life) leaders and the specific challenges of the online environment, such as anonymity and multiple identities. The paper explores how virtual leaders contribute to the creation of new social relationships, influencing both online communities and those in the real world. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the relevance of this type of leadership for understanding contemporary social and organizational processes is emphasized.

Power Distribution Strategies in the Contemporary Couple

2025-05-17T15:46:43+03:00

Simultaneously with the evolution of society, an evolutionary phenomenon has also occurred within the family structure. From the traditional family, passing through certain transitional stages and undergoing numerous transformations, we have now arrived at the contemporary conjugal couple, within which certain norms, values, traditions, and customs of the past should no longer be present. The contemporary couple, significantly different in many respects from the traditional family, provides the framework and opportunity for extensive research and analysis. A relevant aspect to investigate is the identification of power distribution strategies within the contemporary couple. Closely linked to the identification of dysfunctions generated by power distribution within the couple is the discovery of solutions that can lead to financial, psychological, and emotional balance and well-being for both partners. This paper aims to conduct a comparative analysis of men’s and women’s opinions regarding dominance within the conjugal couple, as well as to identify their views on the division of domestic roles. This research topic may be useful in improving the quality of couple life, preventing the dissolution of the contemporary family, reducing divorce rates, etc., by raising awareness of the existence and persistence of retrograde mentalities regarding the roles and statuses of partners within a couple.

Female Tendencies to ‘Adapt’ the Man to Couple Life

2025-05-17T15:52:41+03:00

Both the forms of family organization and the ways in which statuses and roles acquired by conjugal partners were distributed upon the formalization of marriage are topics of interest that have been developed within the content of this paper. As is well known, over time, there have been masculine tendencies toward domination within the couple and the limitation of women’s rights due to perceived inferiority. These aspects marked the beginning of the feminist movement, a period during which women fought for equal rights and opportunities at the societal level. As society has evolved, the nature of the family institution has changed accordingly, and this paper presents the image of the family in the current period, also encompassing topics related to conjugal domination based on gender and techniques that can save a marriage on the verge of dissolution. In contemporary times, the structure of the family has become egalitarian, with an emphasis on the phenomenon of equity between the partners forming the marital couple and on the redistribution of conjugal responsibilities in an equivalent manner, so that neither partner feels wronged. The paper also focuses on female tendencies to adapt the man to couple life, with the goal of increasing marital well-being, analyzing in detail the absolutization of the male ideal from feminine perspectives. These social tendencies are primarily generated by women’s need for validation and for adapting in a more equitable manner to the domestic space. At the same time, the image of the man in transition no longer offers security for the woman, and for her, the confirmation of full commitment guarantees the security she needs in the conjugal environment.

Social Assistance and the Types of Foster Care

2025-05-17T15:58:45+03:00

Social assistance aims to achieve a society that is not only prosperous but also inclusive for all its citizens, referring also to those who, for subjective or objective reasons, find themselves in marginal social positions. In a modern, democratic society, social assistance is a necessity for the entire society, but also a civic right. For those involved in the organization, planning, and practice of social protection, it is crucial to clarify: for a state to truly be democratic, social assistance work is equally an essential condition of democracy as is the free-market economy or the parliamentary election system. The mission of social assistance is to ensure access for those individuals who cannot adapt on their own to the society in which they live, those who cannot benefit from the fundamental and basic rights: the right to proper nourishment, to decent shelter, to healthcare services, hygiene, education, a stable source of income, and opportunities for self-realization.

Infidelity in Marital Relationships: A Comparative Study of Romania - Poland

2025-05-17T16:02:55+03:00

This study explores the topic of infidelity in marital relationships within Romanian and Polish societies, focusing on both the social perceptions and the causes of this phenomenon, as well as on the ways in which people from these two cultures respond to it. The research was conducted using a qualitative methodology, based on semi-structured interviews with respondents from both countries. These interviews provide a detailed insight into individual and collective perceptions of infidelity, allowing for an in-depth exploration of the underlying motives and contributing factors. The findings indicate that in both societies, infidelity is regarded as a negative behavior that undermines stability and trust within relationships. However, there are notable differences in how infidelity is perceived and discussed across the two cultures. In Romania, it is seen as a serious act of betrayal, with causes mainly linked to a lack of attention and affection. In Poland, the discussions were more open, addressing causes such as sexual dissatisfaction and lack of communication.