A Social Science Review of “Discrimination and Cyberbullying against Women in Iraq: Exploring Social Media and Perceived Norms”

Introduction

When reviewing the article “Discrimination and Cyberbullying against Women in Iraq: Exploring Social Media and Perceived Norms,” I found that this article explores the social sciences of the relationship between gender-based discrimination, cyberbullying, and social media in the context of Iraq. This review examines the study’s use of social scientific principles, highlights its research objectives, and explores data analysis and research techniques and the societal contributions to marginalized groups’ mistreatment. 

Objectives and Research Methods

There were two main objectives of this study: “to determine the prevalence of discrimination and cyberbullying against women in Iraq” and “to explore the role of social media and internet education perceive norms and social beliefs within the context of cyberbullying and discrimination against women in Iraq” (Ali et al., 2023, p. 97). This study uses social science principles to explore various aspects of human behavior, cultural norms, and the effects of technology on social interactions. Through interviews with Iraqi women, the research aims to find qualitative data on individual experiences, societal norms, and technological influences. The study focused on analyzing discrimination and cyberbullying in Iraq, so it required a comprehensive understanding of the perspective of Iraqi women (Ali et al., 2023, p. 101).

Data Collection and Findings

When collecting data, researchers brought in nine Iraqi women for interviews. The researchers kept the sample size smaller for more in-depth knowledge of the women’s experiences rather than collecting broader and more vague data. The interviews were centered around: 

Qualitative questions regarding the fact that whether cyberbullying and discrimination against women are common in Iraq, how perceived norms, internet education, social beliefs, and social media impact the discrimination and cybersecurity against women in Iraq, and how they overcome such situations or are they any measures that are taken by the country to deal with such crimes (Ali et al., 2023, p. 101).

With the overall concept of the study being discrimination and cyberbullying against women, the research found multiple themes and sub-themes that contribute to the marginalization of women. The researchers saw a theme in Iraq: discrimination and cyberbullying against women is prevalent in Iraq, driven by personal experiences, perceived norms, and social beliefs. Iraqi society is patriarchal and provides men with rights and opportunities that women didn’t have, leading to eight of nine women interviewed experiencing discrimination in their personal and professional lives (Ali et al., 2023, p. 102). Iraqi women are relegated to household roles, so the women feel like they don’t have the power to take a stand against discrimination and cyberbullying. Additionally, religious beliefs are skewed to enforce gender roles, and the Iraqi justice system doesn’t adequately protect women’s rights (Ali et al., 2023, p. 103). Other themes included the impact of social media on cyberbullying and the lack of organizations combating discrimination and cyberbullying. These themes were driven by the lack of internet education and protection, bringing awareness and reducing these issues (Ali et al., 2023, pp. 103-104). These findings very much align with behavioral theories in Module 5’s lesson. Behavior that discriminates against and cyberbullies women thrives in Iraq because the environment allows it to happen. There are social beliefs that put women in an inferior position, which enables women to be discriminated against and cyberbullied with little consequence because there isn’t a solid system to prevent it. 

Conclusion

“Discrimination and Cyberbullying against Women in Iraq: Exploring Social Media and Perceived Norms” makes a significant contribution to society through qualitative research methods. The study’s findings provide a deeper understanding of Iraqi women’s difficulties. Finding that discrimination and cyberbullying against women are common in Iraq, this research offers people around the world valuable information that hopes to stop discrimination and cyberbullying and promote a more equal society.

References

Ali, S. H., Alkhafagy, T., Alkhafaji, M., Alseidi, M. A., Aleiwi, J. J., Farhan, A. A., Jalil, S. H., Al-Maeeni, M. K. A., Salman, S. D., (2023). Discrimination and Cyberbullying against Women in Iraq: Exploring Social Media and Perceived Norms. International Journal of Cyber Criminology, 17(2), 95-111.