Transition of Gender Roles across Three Generations due to Globalization in Pakistan

This study focused on how gender roles change from traditional to modern society with the impact of globalization by exploring the role of culture, technology, and environment. Globalization is the integration process that may affect human wellbeing, environment, economic development, and societal prosperity worldwide. A qualitative method was used to conduct in-depth interviews with 12 participants comprising of generation X (1965-1979), generation Y (1980-1994), and generation Z (1995-2004). Participants were sampled purposively. Through thematic analysis 10 major themes were discovered; (i) Perceived traditional gender roles, (ii) Transitional gender roles, (iii) Practicing traditional gender roles, (iv) Socio-cultural and family pressure, (v) Adopting new behavioral characteristics by females, (vi) Technology paved new ways and convenience, (vii) Negative aspects of Technology, (viii) Sensitized gender concept, (ix) Exposure to a hazardous environment, and (x) Social deconstruction of gender roles. The following information was found with regard to different generations and genders: (i) The element of acceptance and change is more evident in generation Z than in generation X; (ii) The male respondents are more persistent in traditional gender roles; (iii) The influence of technology on changing gender roles is more evident among the female participants; and (iv) Generation X and Y have more stereotypical views on gender roles than generation Z. The implication of this study is that gender roles are changing significantly over time in Pakistan due to globalization and technological development.

Microbiological Analysis of Commercially Available Poultry Feed in Pakistan

Poultry feed samples (Chick feed, Broiler feed, Layer feed and Grower feed) collected from different areas of Pakistan were evaluated for bacterial and fungal contamination. Total Viable count, Total coliform count, Total Staphylococcus Count and Total Salmonella and Shigella count was done. Isolated colonies were identified by Morphological, Biochemical (Gram stain, Catalase, Oxidase and Sugar Fermentation Test) and Molecular (16S rRNA gene) means. Bacteria belonging to seven different genera were isolated. Percentage of positive samples found for each isolate was: Bacillus (100%), Salmonella (10%), Shigella (15%), Staphylococcus (100%), Enterobacter cloacae (5%), Escherichia (90%) and Ralstonia (15%) were isolated from feed samples. The highest contamination was found in chick feed and Total Viable Count (TVC) obtained in chick feed (S1) was 9.1?108CFU/g. Total coliform count (TCC) was found in the range of 0 - 3?108 CFU/g. Total Salmonella count is found to be in the range of 3.5x106 - 3.52?106 CFU/g and total Shigella count was found to be 1.32?105- 6?105 CFU/g.Highest Staphylococcus count was 4.9x108 CFU/g. Isolated fungi were identified as Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus.