Miscarriage is often described as the unexpected end of a pregnancy during the first 20 weeks of the gestation period. Though it can be difficult to understand the feeling in depth, it is essential to acknowledge the several negativities that come with a miscarriage. Every woman’s experience with it is different; however, several clinical specialists regard it as a traumatic experience that can evoke dreadful feelings of guilt, shame, and even symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).[1]
There are several reasons surrounding the cause of a miscarriage. Due to this, the phenomenon of miscarriage is quite common. In fact, around 10-20% of all pregnancies unfortunately result in a miscarriage.[2] Contrary to most beliefs, mental health problems, exercise, and minor injuries are not what causes miscarriages. If the miscarriage occurs during the first trimester, which about 50% of miscarriages do, it is due to the fertilized egg containing an unusual amount of chromosomes. Another factor could be if the mother has a severe and abnormal disease or infection, such as unmanaged diabetes, immune system disorders like lupus, kidney disease, heart disease, and thyroid disease.[3] Another very possible component of miscarriage is old age.
These causes can lead to a few different types of miscarriage. Inevitable miscarriage is when the cervix opens up early, leaking amniotic fluid. Complete miscarriage is when the fetal tissue passes, leaving the pregnancy sac empty. Missed miscarriage occurs when there are no shown symptoms of a miscarriage, but the fetus has no heartbeat. Lastly, an incomplete miscarriage occurs when some pregnancy tissue has passed, but some tissue still remains in the uterus.[4]
Emotional Responses to a Miscarriage
The time it takes to recover from a miscarriage is largely dependent on the person. Some couples come and accept the terms just within a few weeks, whereas others could take longer. Everyone endures grief differently; some find it better to talk about it, whereas others find it too miserable. Feelings of anxiety, depression, shock, guilt, anger, and resentment are common among individuals who recently miscarried. About 20% of women who miscarried became diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety, with impactful symptoms that lasted 1 to 3 years.[5] After pregnancy loss, a large hormonal shift comes straight afterward. The sudden change in hormones contributes to an impactful amount of emotions. On average, it takes about 2 to 8 weeks for hormone levels to recuperate.
Physical Responses to a Miscarriage
Emotional tolls are not the only thing that comes with the cost of miscarriage. Several symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping are extremely common the weeks after a miscarriage. Like the emotional toll that comes with miscarriage, the physical process that comes afterward is experienced differently depending on the individual and the type of miscarriage they had. Painful period-like cramps are expectant; this usually occurs because the uterus is still squeezing out the leftover content that remained in the pregnancy sac.[6] Some women even experience labor contractions. It is also likely for women to bleed heavily and even pass out. Treatment and symptoms for a woman who miscarried in her second trimester are a bit different. Since the fetus is more developed in the second trimester, hospitalization is a hundred percent necessary. Miscarrying in the second trimester also puts you through a more notable and real experience of labor. Miscarriage may also put you through certain discomfort like breast soreness and headaches.
How to Heal
Learning to heal is a different process for everyone. It is a distinctive and personal process that takes time and strength. It is crucial to consider reaching out to a mental health professional after a miscarriage, especially with a notable history of depression. A miscarriage therapist can help sort through dreadful and complicated emotions an individual might be going through. Getting in contact with someone who could help emotionally could be extremely beneficial to the woman suffering. After a miscarriage, it is especially key to make sure you are thoroughly practicing self-care. This is essential to make a good and healthy recovery. Physical activity is a great way to bring yourself joy and even let go of any emotional stress.
References
[1] Roxby, B. P. (2020, January 15). Miscarriage can lead to “long-term post-traumatic stress.” https://www.bbc.com/news/health-51093999
[2] What is a Miscarriage? | Causes of Miscarriage. (n.d.). Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/miscarriage
[4] Healthdirect Australia. (2024, May 8). Miscarriage. Types, Symptoms and When to See a Doctor | Pregnancy Birth and Baby. https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/miscarriage
[5] Nynas, J., Narang, P., Kolikonda, M. K., & Lippmann, S. (2015). Depression and anxiety following early pregnancy loss. The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders. https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.14r01721
[6] The Miscarriage Association. (2024, January 25). The physical process – The Miscarriage Association.https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/information/miscarriage/the-physical-pro cess/
A Natural Process and A Leading Cause of Maternal Mortality Worldwide
Isha Gupta
July 2024
The birth of a baby is often a tremendously joyous occasion as parents welcome a new member to their family. Pregnancy and childbirth are accompanied by drastic changes to physical and mental health. Even after their baby is born, women can experience health effects as their bodies adjust to the postpartum period. A common experience is postpartum bleeding, also referred to as lochia.[1] New mothers experience bleeding from the vagina after childbirth due to shedding and restoration of the womb lining.[2] Experiencing some bleeding is a normal part of the postpartum period. However, excessive blood loss, also referred to as postpartum hemorrhage, is a critical maternal health concern to be aware of, given that it is a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide.[3]
Women may experience postpartum bleeding regardless of if they had a vaginal delivery or Cesarean section.[2] Postpartum bleeding can last a few weeks.[1] The bleeding could temporarily get heavier and be accompanied by cramps, particularly during breastfeeding, due to the related uterine contractions.[1, 2]
Hospital and postpartum pads help effectively manage heavier bleeding, and women can use menstrual pads as their bleeding subsides.[2] Also, women who gave birth vaginally could potentially consider creating and using padsicles, an innovative term for chilled or frozen sanitary pads. Padsicles could help them reduce pain, swelling, and bruising, while simultaneously, managing bleeding and promoting healing.[4] New mothers are advised to refrain from using tampons and menstrual cups, until they have their postnatal checkup and their healthcare provider approves, in case there are wounds, tears, or cuts around the vagina, and to prevent infection while the body is healing.[1, 2]
Women should promptly seek a medical professional if they lose so much blood that they have to change their pad in less than an hour, and if the bleeding does not subside over time.[2] Also, profuse large blood clots could be a sign of the uterus having difficulty shrinking back to its original size.[2] Additionally, women experiencing postpartum bleeding should seek medical attention if they experience dizziness, irregular heartbeat, or signs of infection such as fever and chills.[2]
Postpartum hemorrhage is characterized by blood loss of 500 mL or more.[3] Postpartum hemorrhage usually occurs within 24 hours after childbirth.[5] However, it can also occur up to 12 weeks after birth.[5] Therefore, it is very important for new mothers to be aware of the signs and monitor their blood loss, in order to prevent adverse outcomes including death. Along with persistent and excessive bleeding, postpartum hemorrhage can be accompanied by symptoms of decreased blood pressure such as blurred vision, dizziness, or feeling faint.[5] Other signs of postpartum hemorrhage include pale skin, nausea, vomiting, and worsening abdominal or pelvic pain.[5] A common method that medical professionals determine the amount of blood loss among new mothers is by weighing their blood-soaked pads.[5] Additional diagnostic tests for postpartum hemorrhage include blood tests to measure red blood cells and clotting factors as well as ultrasounds of the uterus and related organs.[5]
One of the most common causes of postpartum hemorrhage is a soft and weak uterus, referred to as uterine atony.[5] Another common cause is uterine trauma, which can occur due to damage caused to the uterus, cervix, vagina, or perineum during childbirth.[5] The use of medical tools such as forceps and vacuum extraction during childbirth can increase women’s risk of uterine trauma.[5] Postpartum hemorrhage can also occur when the entire placenta does not separate from the wall of the uterus, referred to as retained placental tissue.[5]In addition, postpartum hemorrhage can occur in women who have coagulation disorders or conditions like eclampsia, because they can interfere with their body’s clotting ability.[5] Diverse factors can influence the risk of postpartum hemorrhage, including having more than one baby simultaneously, giving birth to a large baby, prolonged labor, and older maternal age.[5]
There are diverse ways postpartum hemorrhage could be treated. Each woman should be given a personalized treatment plan based on her personal root cause and the particular amount of blood she has lost. For instance, if postpartum hemorrhage is caused by uterine atony, then specific medications such as oxytocin or prostaglandins like misoprostol could help induce contractions.[5] Other ways postpartum hemorrhage is treated include uterine massages to help uterine muscles contract, removing retained placental tissue, and repairing tears or lacerations on the vagina, cervix, or uterus.[5] Additionally, the uterus could be packed with sterile gauze.[5] Moreover, a balloon could be utilized to put pressure on uterine walls.[5]In rare cases, a surgeon might need to make an incision in a woman’s abdomen to effectively determine the source of her postpartum hemorrhage, known as laparotomy, or surgically remove her womb, known as hysterectomy.[5] Furthermore, women suffering from postpartum hemorrhage may need blood transfusions to replenish the blood lost.[5]
Postpartum hemorrhage could be a painful and even traumatic experience for new mothers and it could be a stressful experience for their loved ones.[3] Furthermore, in many communities around the world, bleeding during and after childbirth is considered impure and to be caused by evil spirits, similar to stigmas surrounding menstrual bleeding.[3] Negative socio-cultural perceptions and taboos could influence delays in seeking medical attention, especially since women and their community members may end up ignoring excessive blood loss until new mothers become unconscious.[3] Combating misinformation and raising awareness of both natural postpartum bleeding and postpartum hemorrhage is crucial for improving new mothers’ health and well-being. Early detection and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage helps lead to healthier outcomes and save women’s lives.[5]
Postpartum bleeding is a common experience among new mothers. Nevertheless, it is essential to effectively understand and distinguish normal postpartum blood loss and postpartum hemorrhage.[6]It is important for women to feel safe and comfortable sharing concerns about their health after childbirth so that serious maternal health concerns like postpartum hemorrhage can be addressed efficiently.
References
[1] National Health Service. (2024, April 25). Your body after the birth. National Health Service. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/after-the-birth/your-body/
[2] Watson, S. (2018, July 23). Is Postpartum Bleeding Normal?. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/is-postpartum-bleeding-normal
[3] Akter, S., Forbes, G., Vazquez Corona, M., Miller, S., Althabe, F., Coomarasamy, A., Gallos, I. D., Oladapo, O. T., Vogel, J. P., Lorencatto, F., & Bohren, M. A. (2023). Perceptions and experiences of the prevention, detection, and management of postpartum haemorrhage: a qualitative evidence synthesis. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 11(11), CD013795. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD013795.pub2
[4] Higuera, V. (2019, December 18). Padsicles: How to Make Them, How To Use Them, Why We Love Them. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/padsicles
[6] Fletcher, S., Grotegut, C. A., & James, A. H. (2012). Lochia patterns among normal women: a systematic review. Journal of women’s health (2002), 21(12), 1290–1294. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2012.3668
How Federal Pell Grants for Incarcerated Women Could Improve Quality of Life and Change the Fabric of Education in the U.S.
Gabriela Castro April 2024
There is no question that going to college affects life outcomes. The most apparent effect is that higher education is strongly correlated with higher income.[31] The benefits aren’t limited to finances. According to one study, college completion is associated with less health issues and greater longevity across all racial and ethnic identities.[42] Furthermore, public resources like Federal Pell Grants help reduce the cost of going to college for those who qualify based on financial need. More specifically, it helps students who are from lower income brackets receive more robust financial aid for college through the program.
Prior to 2020, Federal Pell Grants were not available to people in incarceration.[26] This was due to the 1994 Crime Bill which prohibited people serving prison sentences from accessing federal aid.[23] The sole exception for this law was made in 2015 by the Department of Education, which implemented the Second Chance Pell Experimental Sites Initiative (SCP), which essentially tested using federal financial aid at state and federal prisons and invited specific colleges to participate in 2016.[36]
That is until a December 2020 Supreme Court decision in which it was decided that incarcerated individuals were eligible for the Pell Grant, which went into effect in July 2021.[13] The law was further amended in 2022 when legislators expanded Pell Grant eligibility to include prison education programs (PEP), effective July 2023.[4] With the option to fund college education through federal resources now available to them, Pell Grants can change the lives of incarcerated women across the U.S. through educational attainment, higher income potential, better physical and mental health, reduce unemployment rates, lower recidivism rates, and better generational outcomes.
In the U.S., college average annual tuition costs $10,662 for public in-state institutions, $23,630 for public out-of-state colleges, and $42,162 for private colleges.[21] These costs grow and will continue to grow every year and its impact shows. By the end of 2023, the average college loan debt was $37,090 in total per borrower.[18] The rising cost can discourage people from finishing their degrees. It is estimated that 32.9% of students dropped out of college in 2023.[19] When a 2022 survey studied why, 59% of students who dropped out before COVID and 52% of students who dropped out during COVID cited the cost of attending college as a critical reason for dropping out.[37] This is where the Pell Grant makes a difference. For the 2023-2024 award year, eligible Pell Grant recipients can receive as much as $7,395 from the program each year,[17] and it can be renewed for up to 6 years.[3] Not only does the Pell Grant make a direct financial impact, but students who receive it can be considered for other forms of financial aid from their college or universities such as scholarships simply because eligibility for Pell Grants can be used as an indicator of financial need.
Current Educational Attainment Trends Among Incarcerated Women
Incarcerated people, and more specifically, incarcerated women, are a unique demographic when we consider college attendance and graduation. In 2021, the US Census Bureau found that 37.9% of U.S. adults over 25 years old held a degree.[34] By comparison, a 2016 study found that 5.1% of incarcerated women held a bachelor’s degree while 11% had completed some college.[27]
While the proportion of incarcerated women who have any college experience or completed a degree is higher than the proportion of incarcerated men who have at least some college experience or earned a degree, incarcerated men are twice as likely to have entered prison with a GED than women.[27] Furthermore, a 2019 study found that while about 1 in 4 people who are incarcerated pursue education while in prison, only 7% complete a certificate and 2% complete an associate’s degree during their sentence.[28]
When we consider that the average prison inmate with a job working a for state-owned businesses earn between 33 cents and $1.41 per hour[33] and people with criminal records are ineligible for many scholarships, it is no wonder many incarcerated people can not afford a college education and are therefore dependent on publicly subsidized education in order to further their education.
The data shows that when academic and vocational classes are available in prisons, incarcerated women use education to their advantage. After the implementation of the Second Chance Pell Program (SCP), it was found that 15% of incarcerated women were enrolled in a college program while 7% earned a credential in 2021.[6] Researchers presume that the reason women appear to earn credentials at half of their enrollment rates has to do with disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and that women are completing their credentials after being released, which research is not keen to keep track of once they have served their sentences.[6]
A follow-up report to these findings found that between 2021 and 2022, incarcerated women made up 13% of incarcerated individuals enrolled in SCP and 11% of those who completed credentials.[36] This disparity could be due to the type of credentials being offered by a correctional facility (i.e. whether it be a certificate or a bachelor’s degree) since certain credentials may take more time to complete than others.[36] Regardless, incarcerated women make up a larger proportion of the incarcerated population enrolled in Federal Pell Grant-sponsored educational programs than they make up the incarcerated population to begin with.[39]
College Pell Grants Can Affect Social Outcomes for Incarcerated Women
If Pell Grants persist in their availability to incarcerated populations, they could change socioeconomic outcomes immensely for formerly incarcerated women. Not only could Pell Grants improve educational attainment, and consequently, income among incarcerated women,[31] but it could improve health and personal well-being, employment outcomes, recidivism rates, and break generational cycles.
Health and Well-being
The importance of education on health for incarcerated women is crucial to address. Approximately 80% of women in prison have a diagnosed psychological issue.[1] Women in prison are five times more likely to experience mental health difficulties than women in the general population.[38] Adults who do not have higher education are more likely to smoke and have an unhealthy diet, and be sedentary than those who do have higher education.[10][22][30][35] Living an inactive lifestyle is tied to poorer mental health, so it is in the best interest of incarcerated women to be educated.[14] This way, they are more informed about lifestyle habits that hinder their health and can consciously improve their well-being.
Employment Rates
In 2008, it was estimated that 43.6% of formerly incarcerated black women and 23.3% of formerly incarcerated white women were unemployed.[16] To put this into perspective, this was during the 2008 Great Recession, where 11.7% of women, including 15.3% of black women and 11.1% of white women were unemployed in the general U.S. population.[41] This highlights not only economic disparities, but racial disparities among the formerly incarcerated. While we are not living in the same recession, life post-COVID has left its mark across many fields as many jobs have transitioned between in-person to remote and hybrid models. Additionally, COVID-19 has not prevented growing education expectations in labor-market demands. In fact, it is estimated that 70% of jobs will require college education by 2027.[9] Although many incarcerated women may not complete their degrees while in prison, they can still gain valuable benefits from their college experience, including improved employment opportunities and higher wages compared to peers without any college experience.
Recidivism Rates
It is estimated that 50% of formerly incarcerated women recidivate.[12] Research shows that higher education reduces recidivism rates[7]–one study found that prison education programs reduce recidivism rates by as much as 43%.[11][15] This is because education can give inmates the social facilities to work cooperatively with others, giving them the ability to interact prosocially in other settings and thus, reduce likelihood to offend again.[8][15] The changes in offending rates and positive social change extend beyond just incarcerated women.
Breaking Generational Curses
An analysis by the Prison Policy Initiative found that 72% of women who are incarcerated earned below the poverty line before the beginning of their sentences.[32] It should be noted that more than half of incarcerated women are parents.[24] A mother’s level of education is the strongest predictor of cognitive development in children and is correlated with their likelihood of attaining a college education.[20][2] Given that education is closely tied with income level, incarcerated women who have children and earn college degrees may improve the likelihood that their children will go to college and subsequently also earn more.[5][31] Lastly, Pell Grants for incarcerated women could serve as a protective factor by reducing the likelihood that their children may offend.[15]
Future Considerations
For all the reasons mentioned previously, it is clear that Federal Pell Grants stand to benefit one of the most marginalized groups in the U.S. Still, there is room for improvement.
To demonstrate how, some minority groups are underrepresented amongst people in incarceration who were enrolled in Pell Grant-sponsored educational programs, and it can vary based on gender. Hispanic women make up 19% of the prison population, but only 6% of those who accessed education programs in prison with Pell Grants between 2021-2022.[36] This disparity is similar for incarcerated Hispanic men.[36] Incarcerated African-American women attend Pell Grant programs at a slightly higher rate than the proportion of the incarcerated women population that they make up, while their male counterparts are underrepresented in Pell Grant educational programs by 6%.[36] Native American women are slightly underrepresented in these programs by 1%.[36] Incarcerated white women on the other hand, are overrepresented in Pell Grant programs by 18%.[36]
In short, efforts to promote college education in prisons that incarcerate women need to address racial equity by encouraging women of color–especially Hispanic women–to access resources such as Federal Pell Grants to fund their education. If not, these efforts will only uphold underrepresentation and further marginalization.
This is critical because Hispanic women are the most disenfranchised by the gender wage gap.[40] In 2021, when controlling for similar positions, a report found that Hispanic women and Native American women both make 58 cents relative to every dollar non-Hispanic white men make.[40] Black women make 63 cents per dollar a non-Hispanic white man makes.[40] White women make 79 cents relative to every dollar non-Hispanic white men make.[40] There are many factors which experts contend contribute to the gender pay gap, but encouraging women–especially women of color–to advocate for themselves and seek the means for a higher income by continuing with their education is a good place to start. It’s worth noting that furthering education beyond a high school diploma helps to close this wage gap.[40]
Yet another issue to be addressed is prejudiced hiring practices. It is well-documented that racial and ethnic minorities face discriminatory hiring practices. In one experiment, it was found that employers were more likely to call back or offer work positions to non-Hispanic white male job applicants with criminal records than African-American or Hispanic male applicants who did not have criminal records.[29] In another study, formerly incarcerated Latinas and African-American women were less likely to get a positive response from an employer when applying to a job than formerly incarcerated white women.[25] The inequitable hardship that formerly incarcerated racial minority women in particular face when it comes to job seeking cannot be understated. Education–however helpful on its own–is not enough to change systemic issues stemming from internal biases and inadequate effort towards restorative justice.
In summary, Federal Pell Grants recently permitted for people in incarceration can offer higher education which would increase income to formerly incarcerated women. Additionally, it could enhance physical and psychosocial health outcomes. Given that education could also improve employment, these factors in combination help to lower recidivism rates among those who complete their academic credentials. This has the double benefit of not only rectifying the lives of formerly incarcerated women, but it also has the potential to break harmful generational cycles such as poverty and involvement in criminal behavior in their kids’ lifetimes. The barriers to these benefits is the inequitable utilization of Pell Grants across racial minority groups as well as implicit hiring biases against minorities and more overt biases against those with criminal records. Federal Pell Grants, while monumental in their impact, are just a preliminary solution in closing the gaps between incarcerated women and a life of liberty and justice for all.
References
[1] “10 Things to know about women in prison.” (2021). World Health Organization . www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-determinants/prisons-and-health/focus-areas/womens-health/10-things-to-know-about-women-in-prison
[2] Augustine, J. M. (2017). Increased educational attainment among U.S. mothers and their children’s academic expectations. Research in Social Stratification and Mobility, 52, 15–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rssm.2017.08.001
[7] Choate, B. R., & Normore, A. H. (2013). Leadership’s role in reducing jail violence and recidivism. In A. H. Normore & N. Erbe (Eds.), Advances in Educational Administration (Vol. 20, pp. 163–180). Emerald Group Publishing Limited. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-3660(2013)0000020009
[8] Cobbina, J. E. (2010). Reintegration success and failure: Factors impacting reintegration among incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 49(3), 210–232. https://doi.org/10.1080/10509671003666602
How the First Woman Elected as Mexico’s President May Change the Economic Future for Mexican Women
Gabriela Castro June 2024
Mexico held its general election on June 2nd, 2024.[4] The election included voting for the next candidate to hold office for the six-year presidential term following the term of current Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO for short).[4] It was announced that Gloria Sheinbaum of Mexico’s left-wing National Regeneration Movement (Movimiento Regeneración Nacional or MORENA in Spanish) political party won in a landslide, holding about 59.5% of citizens’ votes.[10][1]
In addition to being the first woman elected as Mexico’s president, Sheinbaum holds the highest number of votes in the country’s presidential election history (35.9 million), exceeding current President Obrador’s record of 30.1 million votes in 2018.[1]
Sheinbaum has built her campaign on a myriad of pledges which she has outlined in her agenda,“100 Steps for Transformation.”[13] Many of these pledges are a continuation of AMLO’s political focus, but Sheinbaum is also notably focused on furthering social and economic progress not attributable to her predecessor.[8][13] What exactly are the specifics of these policy changes and how could they change the status quo and economic stability for women?
During his presidency, AMLO has set forth policies to increase minimum wage.[15] He established a minimum wage of 88 pesos (5 US dollars) per day in 2018 with a goal of reaching a minimum wage of 15 USD by the end of his term in 2024.[15] As of 2024, the general minimum wage in Mexico is 248.93 pesos per day (13.48 US dollars) and the minimum wage in the nation’s northern border is 375 pesos per day (20.31 US dollars).[14][5]
Sheinbaum has outlined plans to continue to raise the minimum wage by 11% annually during her term as president.[13] This means that by 2030, Mexico’s general minimum wage would increase to 465.60 pesos per day and 701.41 pesos per day in Mexico’s northern border region.[13][14] This is the equivalent of earning $25.22 and $37.99 daily in the U.S. today.[5]
Raising the minimum wage is critical for Mexico’s “informal workers,” which are employees who work jobs that do not require many skills–such as formal education or extensive training–and are not taxed or subject to government supervision.[12] In essence, this is akin to freelance work, only it is crucial for many households.[2][6]
Given what is known about the nature of informal work, increasing the minimum wage during Sheinbaum’s term would benefit women significantly. Informal work is historically pervasive among women in Mexico.[2] Recently, it was estimated that 56% of women are informal workers.[6] Additionally, informal work is less likely to be voluntary for women than men.[2] This is due to the fact that cutbacks in public sector jobs and lower wages for men force women–particularly those who are older or less educated–into the informal workforce in an effort to supplement and diversify family income.[2] Not only is involuntary work underpaid, but women who are either self-employed and work independently or self-employed while employing other workers still earn considerably less wages than women who are formally employed.[2] The higher market value set on labor due to an increased minimum wage can have the effect of not only increasing income for women who work informally, but also improving standards for those who work formally and women who are self-employed.
Formalizing Informal Labor
On top of informal workers not having labor rights or protection, they also are often not granted social security, pension plans, insurance, access to health care, or paid time off.[12] Informal workers make up 54.5% of Mexico’s workforce.[6] While experts have recommended changing this to allow for growth, there has been a dearth of efforts to actually formalize labor.[7]
Sheinbaum plans to change this by formalizing informal work.[3] This means expanding social security so that it is accessible to informal workers, which can incentivize informal workers to apply to roles which may grant them many benefits which were previously only available to those who work in formal roles.[3] Given that women are the most precarious members of the informal workforce, having social benefits improves prospects in regards to meeting their personal needs.[2]
Offering Pensions
Many older Mexicans cannot retire because they lack retirement savings.[12] Sheinbaum intends to mitigate the issues associated with retirement by providing a partial pension to women ages 60 to 64, equivalent to half of that administered to those 65 and older.[9] This helps assuage financial burden and stress for women who otherwise would be dependent on their spouse, children, or extended family to assist them in older age as their needs may grow. Needless to say, bolstering retirement for women through pensions is one example of the many social benefits that can transform the lives of women at different stages of life.
Takeaways
Sheinbaum trailblazed her way to becoming the first woman elected as president in Mexico’s 200 year history.[11] Multiple policy focuses in her strategic policy agenda, “100 Steps for Transformation,” can advance the way women grow economically and socially.[13] By increasing minimum wage, formalizing freelance work, and expanding pensions, Sheinbaum has the potential to increase standard of living for informal working women, formally working women, self-employed women, and older women who are susceptible to financial hardship. While promising, Sheinbaum’s plan should be enacted as soon as possible to realize the economic freedom Sheinbaum seeks to cultivate for women from all walks of life.
References
[1] Arroyo, L. (2024, June 3). Datos | Sheinbaum, la presidenta más votada en la historia reciente de México. El País México. https://elpais.com/mexico/elecciones-mexicanas/2024-06-03/datos-sheinbaum-la-presidenta-mas-votada-en-la-historia-de-mexico.html
[2] Biles, J. J. (2008). Informal Work and Livelihoods in Mexico: Getting By or Getting Ahead?nformal Work and Livelihoods in Mexico: Getting By or Getting Ahead?∗. The Professional Geographer, 60(4), 541–555. https://doi.org/10.1080/00330120802288743
[3] Dong, Wenchao. (2024, June 14). Top Issues on New President of Mexico’s Labor and Employment Agenda. HRPolicy. https://www.hrpolicy.org/insight-and-research/resources/2024/hr_workforce/public/06/top-issues-on-new-president-of-mexico%e2%80%99s-labor-and/
[4] Elección Federal 2024. (2024). Instituto Nacional Electoral. https://ine.mx/voto-y-elecciones/elecciones-2024/eleccion-federal-2024/
[5] Guagenti, C. (2024, June 14). MXN to USD: Convert Mexican Peso To United States Dollar. Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/money-transfer/currency-converter/mxn-usd/
[6] INDICADORES DE OCUPACIÓN Y EMPLEO (206/24). (2024). National Institute of Statistics and Geography. https://www.inegi.org.mx/contenidos/saladeprensa/boletines/2024/IOE/IOE2024_03.pdf
[7] Informal employment in Mexico: Current situation, policies and challenges. (n.d.). International Labor Organization.
[8] Ioanes, E. (2024, June 2). What to know about Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s next president. Vox. https://www.vox.com/politics/353131/claudia-sheinbaum-amlo-lopez-obrador-mexico-elections-politics-morena-pri-pan
[9] Motwani, A. (2024, June 3). Claudia Sheinbaum’s Vision for the Future of Work in Mexico. Mexico Business. https://mexicobusiness.news/talent/news/claudia-sheinbaums-vision-future-work-mexico
[10] NEWS WIRES. (2024, June 3). Ruling leftist party candidate Sheinbaum elected Mexico’s first female president. France 24. https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20240603-sheinbaum-set-to-win-mexico-election-becoming-first-female-president
[11] Rivers, M. (2024, June 3). “Presidenta! Presidenta!” chants fill victory party as 1st female president elected: ANALYSIS. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/International/presidenta-presidenta-chants-fill-victory-party-1st-female/story?id=110772353
[12] Rodriguez Diaz, A. (2023, February 21). How Labor Informality in Mexico Hinders Socioeconomic Progress. HU Econ Review. https://www.economicsreview.org/post/how-labor-informality-in-mexico-hinders-socioeconomic-progress
[13] Sheinbaum proposes double-digit minimum wage increases through 2030. (2024, June 5). América Economía. http://www.americaeconomia.com/en/politics/sheinbaum-proposes-double-digit-minimum-wage-increases-through-2030
[14] Suárez, K. (2023, December 1). El salario mínimo en México aumentará un 20% en 2024. El País México. https://elpais.com/mexico/2023-12-01/el-salario-minimo-en-mexico-aumentara-un-20-en-2024.html
[15] White, K. (2024, January 8). Mexico increases minimum wage by 20% in 2024. https://info.siteselectiongroup.com/blog/mexico-increases-minimum-wage-by-20-in-2024
Did you know that 95% of fiction books published in the U.S. between 1950 and 2018 were written by white authors?[7] Considering the fact that 10.5% of the U.S. population were minorities in 1950 and that percentage has only increased in the years since, this shows a historical underrepresentation of authors of color in literature.[3][4]
Contemporary BIPOC Authors are Persistently Underrepresented
Needless to say, efforts to understand and address the racial disparity of authored works have been sluggish. Only two of the infamous Big Five publishing houses–which control over 80% of the publishing market–have just begun to show transparency in surveying the diversity of its authors.[7] Penguin Random House–arguably the biggest literary publishing conglomerate–published a survey review which found that 23.5% of its authors who published between 2019 and 2021 were people of color.[7] By comparison, in 2022 Hachette publishing disclosed its third annual report on diversity that 34% of book acquisitions were written by minority authors in 2021, an increase from 29% in 2020, and 22% in 2019.[7] Considering the fact that racial minorities make up about 40% of the U.S. population, this shows a persistent underrepresentation of authors of color in literature despite recent efforts by these two literary publishing agencies to amplify and publish BIPOC writers.[4]
A review of the literary agencies demonstrates that this diversity issue isn’t limited to authors. According to Lee and Low, approximately 72.5% of publishing, review journal, and literary agency staff are white.[5] While this report noted a moderate improvement from the 79% of publishing, review journal, and literary agency staff who identified as white in 2015, this data is misleading as minorities make up a 63.8% majority of literary interns but hold less than 30% of executive, editorial, sales, marketing, book reviewing, literary specialist, and literary agent positions.[5] It is dubious to claim that diversity in publishing has truly improved if minorities are holding the majority of entry-level literary positions but are lacking in associate positions or higher.
Not only are writers of color historically and persistently marginalized in the literary industry, but this disenfranchisement is pervasive in the staffing of those involved in the publishing industry. To underscore this issue, the vast majority of literary employees are straight (68.7%), nondisabled (83.5%), and/or cis women (71.3%), highlighting the need for LGBT+, disabled, and gender nonbinary personnel in the literary industry.[5]
Representation in Literary Content
Among youth-centered literature, recently published books themselves have diversity on par with the population. In 2023, the Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) found 40% of total books for children and teens have at least one BIPOC primary character (fiction) or human subject (nonfiction).[8] This is also considering the fact that many published books may not include human characters or subjects since they are imaginative and intended for kids.[8] In terms of content, the CCBC noted that 49% of the children and YA books had significant BIPOC content, an increase from 46% in 2022.[8]
The caveat to diversity in children’s and teen’s books is that it comes in the wake of scrutiny and pushback in the form of book bans.[6] While it is important to be critical of media consumption, especially for the safety of children, the drastic extent of book censorship can create an overly sanitized and homogenized selection of literature for readers to choose from.
These book bans can hinder critical thought from young readers by preventing children’s exposure to an identity they would not otherwise understand outside of verbal opinion. In other words, banning books on the basis of them being “too diverse” or controversial leaves children susceptible to others’ bias and unable to form opinions of their own. Denying access to books that address social issues such as racism, sexism, or discrimination leaves children and readers in general liable to internalize and perpetuate stereotypes they hear or witness elsewhere. This can be mitigated by reading books related with various social transgressions. Books that are related to real-life issues can give children examples of ways people interact with each other that are not positive, or healthy. Such books can be used as lessons for children to learn how to productively and prosocially interact with others. This is supported by the fact that reading fiction books fosters empathy.[2] Giving children access to them the faculties and compassion to live inclusively with others.
Additionally, readers from all backgrounds, but especially marginalized backgrounds, can benefit from being immersed in literature that focuses on characters both like and unlike themselves. Having more diverse authors allows room for more diverse experiences and creative stories. This way, young readers are exposed to literature written by authors who know from experience that they are not a monolith, but complex individuals with unique backgrounds, invaluable cultural backgrounds, worthy of being seen as they are and in places beyond their imagination.[1] It is important to inspire future leaders and adults of tomorrow.
Conclusion
To summarize, the vast majority of books published in the US have historically been written by white authors.[3][7] Not only have publishing agencies been reluctant to publish author demographics, but these disparities persist despite efforts by publishers to close such gaps.[4][7] The majority of staff in the literary publishing industry are white, cisgender, women, straight, and non-disabled, with racial minorities being concentrated in entry-level positions.[5] While we see a significant uptick in children’s books written by POC writers, these have equally been challenged by book bans in school districts across the country.[6][8] These book bans prevent children from learning about social isues, dismantling social issues in their own day-to-day lives, and simply seeing themselves or their peers represented in the literature they consume.[1][2] It is imperative to address obstacles to diversity in publishing because it is important for consumers and publishers of literature to see themselves in literary contexts and for people to practice the golden rule–-treating others how they would like to be treated.[1][2]
[2] Bal, P. M., & Veltkamp, M. (2013). How does fiction reading influence empathy? An experimental investigation on the role of emotional transportation. PLoS ONE, 8(1), e55341. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0055341
In recent years, shows with female leads have grown popular, often aiming to showcase strong, powerful women. Essentially attempting to erase any femininity from shows, an example being Fate: The Winx Saga; a teen series adapted from a popular kids animation, Winx Club, which originally depicted strong women who embraced their femininity as guardians of their fairy world, whereas the live-action adaption took a different turn, scrapping most of its femininity and original message. On the other hand, shows like Bridgerton started to show women not only in all shapes and sizes but personalities as well. Whether they were more or less feminine, they still had their own strengths and weaknesses.
With lead women like Daphne Bridgerton and Kate Sharma, it is clearly shown that both women are capable of being robust, while also embracing their femininity. Daphne, with her grace and determination, and Kate, with her boldness and intelligence, both highlight the multifaceted nature of female strength.
This approach contrasts with shows such as Fate: The Winx Saga where the emphasis seems to have shifted from the colorful, vibrant representation of femininity which was found in the original series. “But by rejecting the aesthetic and vibe of its source material entirely for a pale imitation of other YA [Young Adult] properties, “Fate: The Winx Saga” might just end up slipping through the cracks[2].”The live adaptation has been heavily criticized for its opposite representation, as shown by the review provided. It emphasizes a darker, more somber tone, which some argue: strips away what made the original show appealing to children.
However, Bridgerton still highlights the rebellious nature of teens such as Eloise Bridgerton. Eloise, well known for her sharp wit and yearning for independence, challenges the societal expectations of the Regency era and its standards for women. She seeks intellectual fulfillment, often questioning the need for marriage; in her case, Eloise finds safety in her femininity after the fallout with Penelope. In other words, Bridgerton portrays that not all femininity is true to the person.
Although Penelope Featherington is the same age and shares similar ideologies as Eloise, she uses her femininity to embrace her growth as a woman instead of wallowing in her mother’s tastes. Her ability to embrace her femininity on her own terms emphasizes her strength and resilience in the world of Regency London.
Bridgerton contributes to a richer, more inclusive representation of women on screen, encouraging viewers to appreciate the many forms of female strength. This trend applies to shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, featuring a woman thriving in a male-dominated field while staying true to her identity, and My Lady Jane, featuring strong female characters navigating romance and societal expectations with wit and resilience in a historical fantasy setting. Overall, Bridgerton successfully balances the portrayal of women by acknowledging their vulnerabilities and showcasing their growth and resilience throughout their stories.
References
[1] Burgess, G., & Glynn, M. (Executive Producers). (2024). My Lady Jane [TV series]. Prime Video.
[2] Framke, C. (2021, January 22). Fate: The Winx Saga Review: Netflix’s Winx Club Adaptation Fizzles. Variety. Retrieved July 16, 2024, from https://variety.com/2021/tv/reviews/fate-the-winx-saga-netflix-review-1234889555/
[3] Palladino, D., Sherman-Palladino, A., Lawrence, S. R., Gilbert, D., & Shapiro, M. (Executive Producers). (2017). The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel [TV series]. Prime Video.
[4] Quinn, J. (2021). Bridgerton. Avon Books
[5] Sampson, E. (Executive Producer). (2021). Fate: the Winx saga [TV series]. Netflix.
Access to education is a basic human right that every woman should have access to. Despite clear evidence showing how important girls’ education is for progress and growth, differences between boys’ and girls’ education continue to exist and girls are still being denied their right to a quality education. There is still a lot of work to be done globally to achieve equal education for all despite the barriers that exist among countries and communities. While countries have pledged to provide education for every child, less than half of all countries worldwide have achieved gender equality in primary education. [1]
According to UNICEF, globally over 129 million girls are not attending school. This translates to 32 million girls in primary school, 30 million in lower-secondary, and 67 million in upper secondary not receiving education. Girls in conflict-affected countries are over twice as likely to be out of school compared to those in peaceful countries. Only 49% of countries have gender parity in primary education. This number drops to 42% for lower-secondary and 24% for upper-secondary education. [1] Furthermore, as of 2024, Afghanistan is the only country where women and girls face restrictions on education. They are banned from education beyond primary school (sixth grade). It is reported that this ban impacts over one million girls in Afghanistan. [2]
Obstacles that exacerbate the education gap between girls and boys
Various obstacles and barriers prevent girls from getting an education or a proper one, and these challenges differ from one country and community to another. Gender stereotypes that confine women to gender-normative family roles create significant barriers to girls getting a good education. Society often expects girls to take on domestic duties such as cooking and cleaning, assuming they will rely on men financially. This stereotype also means boys’ education is often seen as more important because they’re expected to be the sole earners for the household. [3, 4]
Laws and policies in many countries also hinder girls’ education rights. Even rules that seem fair often end up excluding girls because of socially adopted norms. For example, some laws allow child marriages or state that pregnant girls cannot attend school. This restricts girls’ freedom and keeps them from getting an education. Additionally, those who marry at a young age are more likely to drop out of school or complete fewer years of education. According to a 2017 report, more than 41,000 girls are married each day. To put this into perspective, ending child marriage could lead to attaining higher education, earning high wages, and can generate more than 500 billion in benefits each year. [3, 4]
Furthermore, financial problems and poverty keep girls from going to school. Poor families often cannot pay for things like school fees or uniforms. Parents might also prioritize boys’ education, thinking it will give them better jobs. When schools are far away from home, especially in rural areas, girls have an even harder time attending. They might have to do household chores like getting water or childcare, which can keep them out of school. [3, 4]
Violence plays a big role in girls not completing their education. In countries affected by conflict, fragility, and violence, the education gap is much wider. Girls in these countries are 2.5 times more likely to be out of school than boys. At the secondary education level, girls are 90% more likely to be out of school compared to those in more stable countries. In addition, data shows that girls face the risk of being sexually assaulted when just walking to school. What’s more troubling, pregnancies resulting from assault or violence compound this problem. Unfortunately, pregnant girls often face stigma and discrimination causing many girls to drop out of school and not return. [3, 4]
What does this all mean?
Quality education is a necessity that fosters numerous benefits not just for girls but for their families and communities. As a society, we must invest in girls’ education because women help lift economies in addition to promoting gender equality and building healthier communities. [5] Denying girls and vulnerable groups’ education is a severe form of discrimination that limits an individual’s ability to succeed and build prosperity for entire countries.
Malala Fund, Too Young to Wed, Mercy Beyond Borders, and WomenOne are just a few of countless nonprofit organizations, support programs, and charities that work to promote girls’ education, help low-income families cover schooling costs, and provide girls the tools they need to take control of their lives.
We must use our voices to promote education and eliminate the continuing disparities that prevent universal access to education such as systemic inequalities, oppression, and discrimination. Education is vital for learning about the world we live in and every effort should be made to empower girls to write their own stories rather than having others write them for them.
[2] Afghanistan’s school year starts without more than 1 million girls barred from education by Taliban. (2024, March 20). AP News. https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-school-year-girl education-ban-df1a1d722353db006e1a2650a1e12c36.
[3] TheirWorld. (2017, July 26). Why girls around the world are still denied an equal chance of education. Theirworld. https://theirworld.org/news/why-girls-are-still-denied-equal-chance-of education/.
Hormones play a significant role in women’s mental health. These secretions influence mood, emotions, and overall psychological well-being. They occur throughout various stages of a woman’s life, including the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum period, and menopause. These phases bring distinctive challenges, ones that can profoundly affect mental health. Understanding these impacts is crucial for developing effective strategies to support women’s mental health across different life stages.
The menstrual cycle is a prominent period of hormonal fluctuation in women. Monthly, estrogen and progesterone levels change. This can lead to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or even premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) [3]. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS, causing both emotional and physiological symptoms [3]. There are distinguishing factors between the two. In PMDD, one or more of these symptoms can stand out: sadness or hopelessness, anxiety or tension, extreme moodiness, marked irritability, or anger [3]. These cyclical changes significantly impact a woman’s quality of life on a day-to-day basis.
Pregnancy is another critical period of hormonal change that can influence mental health. During pregnancy, women experience dramatic increases in estrogen and progesterone, like the menstrual cycle [5]. These hormonal changes are necessary for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. However, they can also contribute to mood swings, anxiety, and depression [5]. Prenatal depression and anxiety are common, however are often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Mental health support during pregnancy is necessary for the well-being of both the mother and child.
In the postpartum period, the time after childbirth is marked by a sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone, which accounts for the “baby blues” or postpartum depression (PPD) that many mothers face [6]. PPD affects many new mothers, causing feelings of sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion [6]. These symptoms can severely interfere with their ability to care for themselves and their babies. Postpartum psychosis (PPP), though less common, can also occur in new mothers. PPP refers to hallucinations and delusions and it can cause intense fear and anxiety and requires immediate medical intervention [6]. Supporting new mothers with resources can help them navigate postpartum mental health challenges.
Another wave of hormonal changes arrives upon menopause, the stage marking the end of a woman’s reproductive years. The decline in estrogen and progesterone levels during menopause can lead to symptoms such as mood swings, depression, and anxiety [5]. Menopausal women may also experience cognitive changes. These include memory lapses and difficulties concentrating [2]. There are a few treatments that can help manage these symptoms, like hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which focuses on replacing the estrogen that your body no longer makes after menopause [1]. Along with these kinds of treatments, it is vital to provide psychological support and counseling to address the emotional aspects of menopause.
Hormonal changes play a pivotal role in shaping women’s mental health across different stages of life. From the menstrual cycle to menopause, these fluctuations can lead to various mental health challenges. By recognizing the impact of hormonal changes and providing appropriate support and treatment, we can help women navigate these changes more effectively and help their overall mental health and well-being. Facing the mental health needs of women during these critical periods head-on is essential for ensuring they can sustain a good quality of life.
References
[1] Hormone therapy: Is it right for you? (2022, December 6). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/in-depth/hormone-therapy/ar t-20046372
[2] Introduction to menopause. (2024, March 18). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/introduction-to-menopa use#:~:text=During%20this%20transition%20time%20before,of%20the%20symptoms% 20of%20menopause.
[3] Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Different from PMS? (2024, January 19). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/expert-answers/ pmdd/faq-20058315#:~:text=Premenstrual%20dysphoric%20disorder%20(PMDD)%20is ,daily%20life%20and%20damage%20relationships.
[4]Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.). Postpartum psychosis. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24152-postpartum-psychosis#:~:text=Postpartum%20psychosis%20(PPP)%20is%20a%20condition%20that%20disrupts%20your%2 0sense,of%20this%20mental%20health%20condition.
[5] The Healthline Editorial Team. (2017, August 29). What bodily changes can you expect during pregnancy? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/bodily-changes-during#:~:text=Hormonal %20changes%20during%20pregnancy,a%20number%20of%20other%20hormon [6] What happens to your hormones after birth? (2023, March 2). https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthu/2023/03/02/what-happens-to-your hormones-after-birth#:~:text=Hormonal%20Changes%20After%20Birth&text=Estrogen %20and%20progesterone%20decrease%2C%20which,hormone%20responsible%20for% 20lactation%E2%80%94increases.
Understanding and Overcoming the Tendency to Take Things Personally
Paz Etcheverry, MS, PhD July 2024
Taking things personally is an irrational thought pattern that assumes people’s behaviors, words, and actions are targeted at you. It involves blaming yourself and believing that events around you are your fault or responsibility.
For example, imagine driving on a Tuesday morning and the driver behind you unexpectedly honks. Your mind might jump to, “She thinks I’m a horrible driver,” followed by, “But I am a good driver. She’s just a jerk!” In reality, her honking might have nothing to do with your driving skills. She might have accidentally honked after spilling her hot coffee, or could be in a hurry to reach the emergency room because of a distressed toddler with a broken arm in the back seat.
At the supermarket checkout, you hear the cashier grunt audibly as you approach with a cart full of food and water bottles. Your brain might think, “I’m bothering him with all these items. He thinks I’m annoying.” In truth, the cashier might be suffering from back pain, struggling with personal issues, or having a tough day at work.
People have many reasons for their actions, and often, these reasons are unrelated to you.
Taking things personally is a cognitive distortion. Cognitive distortions are negatively biased errors in thinking that can lead to depression. They represent an inaccurate perception of the world, a distorted lens through which we view it.[3] Cognitive distortions were first introduced in 1979 by researchers Beck, Rush, Shaw, and Emery and later expanded by Burns in 1980.[2]
Taking things personally represents a poor understanding of boundaries. When it comes to interpersonal relationships, establishing and maintaining boundaries helps distinguish where the other person ends and you begin.[1]When personalizing behaviors or actions of others, you are showing that your boundaries are lacking or blurred because you assume that their behavior and actions are a projection of you, as opposed to their own struggles, limitations, and character. It is essential to separate people’s issues from your own.
Taking things personally suggests that one does not understand the concept of the Circle of Control. First introduced by Stephen R. Covey in his book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, the Circle of Control is a graphical representation of what we can and cannot control. Within your circle of things you can control, you have your actions, how you spend your spare time, your values and goals, your beliefs, how you treat others, and your thoughts. Outside your circle are things beyond your control, such as the past and the future, other people’s beliefs, the weather, others’ opinions, and reactions to your boundaries. Understanding this helps you let go of things outside your control and realize they are not your responsibility.
However, sometimes the actions and words of others are, in fact, about you. If you betrayed your best friend, and she refuses to talk to you, then you should definitely take things personally. You should ask for forgiveness and work on becoming a better person who is kind, compassionate, loyal, and humble. But what if the new co-worker is dismissive and cold towards you, even though you have done nothing to warrant such behavior? Even in this case, you should not internalize their actions, as their behaviors are not a reflection of your worth, but of their emotional unavailability, fears, and struggles.
To avoid taking things personally, consider challenging your negative thoughts with the following questions:
When I conclude that the driver behind me thinks I’m a horrible driver or that the cashier finds me annoying, is there truth in my thoughts? Are they based on facts? Can I categorically prove my conclusions?
Are there other possible explanations for people’s actions and behaviors?
Are their actions or behaviors in direct response to something I said or did?
Do I recognize that many things, like people’s behaviors, words, and actions, fall outside my control?
In “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz, the author reminds us…
“Whatever happens around you, don’t take it personally. Nothing other people do is because of you. It is because of themselves. All people live in their own dream, in their own mind; they are in a completely different world from the one we live in. When we take something personally, we make the assumption that they know what is in our world, and we try to impose our world on their world.
Even when a situation seems so personal, even if others insult you directly, it has nothing to do with you. What they say, what they do, and the opinions they give are according to the agreements they have in their own minds. Taking things personally makes you easy prey for these predators, the black magicians. They can hook you easily with one little opinion and feed you whatever poison they want, and because you take it personally, you eat it up.”
In conclusion, taking things personally is a cognitive distortion that skews our perception of reality and often leads to unnecessary emotional distress. By understanding that others’ actions and reactions are often driven by their own circumstances and challenges, we can learn to separate our self-worth from external factors beyond our control. Embracing the concept of boundaries and the Circle of Control allows us to focus on what we can change—our thoughts, actions, and responses—while letting go of what we cannot. By not taking things personally, you foster healthier relationships and good mental health, you become less reactive and more resilient, and you begin to feel a sense of inner peace.
References
[1] Peterson, E., & Solomon, D. (1998). Maintaining healthy boundaries in professional relationships: a balancing act. Home Care Provider, 3(6), 314–318.
[2] Rnic, K., Dozois, D. J., & Martin, R. A. (2016). Cognitive distortions, humor styles, and depression. Europe’s Journal of Psychology, 12(3), 348–362. https://doi.org/10.5964/ejop.v12i3.1118
[3] Wang, B., Zhao, Y., Lu, X., & Qin, B. (2023). Cognitive distortion based explainable depression detection and analysis technologies for the adolescent internet users on social media. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, 1045777. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1045777
The Most Underrated Woman Scientist in Germany: The Legacy of Maria Goeppert Mayer
Unnati Shekhar July 2024
Max Planck and Albert Einstein are two of the most prominent names in the pantheon of German great scientists. But Maria Goeppert Mayer is a name that ought to be far more well-known. Mayer was a theoretical physicist who won a Nobel Prize for her innovative work, yet women’s contributions to science are sometimes overlooked in favour of their male peers. Nonetheless, her contributions to the nuclear shell model have had a significant influence on our comprehension of nuclear physics and atomic structure.
On June 28, 1906, Maria Goeppert Mayer was born in Kattowitz, which was then a part of Germany (now Katowice, Poland). Her father was a pediatrics professor, so she grew up surrounded by academics and had a strong regard for learning early on. Maria’s early affinity for science and maths led her to study physics at the University of Göttingen, where she was taught by Nobel laureate Max Born to finish her Ph.D.
Goeppert Mayer had several challenges because of her gender, even though she was clearly talented and passionate. It was quite uncommon for women to have academic positions in the sciences at that time. She relocated to the US after marrying American scientist Joseph Mayer, but despite her credentials, she had trouble getting hired as a salaried scholar. She spent several years teaching part-time or as a volunteer at a number of universities, including Columbia and Johns Hopkins.
The most important contributions to physics were made by Goeppert Mayer while she was an unpaid employee at the University of Chicago. She created the nuclear shell model in 1948, which clarifies why specific nucleon counts—the protons and neutrons that make up an atomic nucleus—lead to especially stable configurations. The idea of “magic numbers,” or particular numbers of nucleons that form whole shells within the nucleus and contribute to atomic stability, was first proposed by this model. Her study was a significant advancement in the field of nuclear physics and offered a clear explanation for the patterns in nuclear stability that had been discovered.
At first, Goeppert Mayer’s theory was viewed with suspicion. The notion that nucleons may form shells akin to atoms’ electron shells was groundbreaking and contradicted accepted nuclear models. Nonetheless, the scientific world quickly came to accept her predictions due to their accuracy. She shared the 1963 Nobel Prize in Physics with J. Hans D. Jensen, who had created a comparable model on his own. She became the second woman, after Marie Curie, to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics as a result of this acknowledgment.
Even with her impressive accomplishments, Maria Goeppert Mayer’s impact is not widely recognized by the general public. There are multiple factors that contribute to this lack of clarity. Initially, her contributions to theoretical physics are groundbreaking, but they are intricate and not as easily understandable to the general public as the work of other scientists from the same time period. Also, the gender prejudices during that era frequently led to her successes being minimized or credited to her male peers. In addition, Goeppert Mayer had a humble and understated demeanor, and she did not actively pursue attention, opting instead to allow her research to shine on its own. This modesty, though commendable, also added to her lack of recognition in a field where promoting oneself can boost one’s reputation.
Recently, there has been an increasing effort to acknowledge the impact of women in the field of science, with Maria Goeppert Mayer’s narrative being emphasized more as a testament to determination and intelligence despite facing challenges. Her legacy proves that genuine scientific brilliance is not limited by gender and that women scientists’ contributions should be acknowledged equally.By exploring and honoring the achievements of trailblazers such as Maria Goeppert Mayer, we not only pay tribute to their legacy but also motivate upcoming scientists, regardless of gender, to follow their dreams with determination and perseverance.
The life and work of Maria Goeppert Mayer serve as a reminder that the journey to scientific breakthroughs is frequently difficult, yet it is these obstacles that enhance the significance of the achievements. She serves as a source of motivation, not only for females in the science field, but also for individuals willing to challenge the limits of human understanding.
