Voicing heartbreak: The sociopragmatics of ‘Cidra’ and Javanese masculinity in Didi Kempot’s lyrics

Social issues often happen in everyone’s life. Not only happened in the movies, but it also happened in our real life. Some people tell it through lyrics and make it into a song, just like the problems researchers have found in the lyrics of the ‘Pumped up Kicks’ song. This study aims to address one of the social issues, namely juvenile delinquency, in the lyrics of the “Pumped up Kicks” song. The method used to analyze the juvenile delinquency in "Pumped up Kicks" song's lyrics involves descriptive, examining the lyrics, and interpreting their symbolic meanings. Researchers use the theory from Stuart Hall, which is the constructionist representation. This study examines how the song portrays themes of youth violence and the consequences of neglect. Through the lens of cultural studies, we dissect the song's lyrics to understand their reflection of broader cultural norms, values, and anxieties. The study showed that the juvenile delinquency revealed in the song’s lyrics is a minor who is struggling with mental health issues and homicidal thoughts, school violence, and gun violence in teenagers. In conclusion, this research aims to increase knowledge and bring awareness to the issues of teenagers, something that we have been hearing more and more about in the news at the time.

Reviewed by: Contesting Slave Masculinity in the American South by David Stefan Doddington Marie Stango Contesting Slave Masculinity in the American South. By David Stefan Doddington. Cambridge Studies on the American South. (New York and other cities: Cambridge University Press, 2018. Pp. xii, 246. $49.99, ISBN 978-1-108-42398-4.) There is, perhaps, no better-known account of hard-won masculinity among enslaved men in the antebellum South than Frederick Douglass’s recounting of [End Page 151] his fight with so-called slave breaker Edward Covey. “You have seen how a man was made a slave; you shall see how a slave was made a man,” Douglass wrote in his first autobiography (Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave [Boston, 1845], pp. 65–66). After an intense two-hour physical confrontation, Douglass bested Covey and emerged transformed by his victory—he was “made a man.” While Douglass’s illustration of his own manhood was undoubtedly one powerful example of masculinity as performed by an enslaved man, David Stefan Doddington offers insight into other, often competing, conceptions of enslaved men’s masculinities. In Contesting Slave Masculinity in the American South, Doddington argues that historians have been too quick to assume that enslaved communities had a singular approach to resisting enslavers’ attempts to emasculate enslaved men. Instead, Doddington draws our attention to fractures within enslaved communities and to hierarchies based on class, sex, and status. Through his exploration of multiple sites of masculine performance, including resistance and fugitivity, trusteeship and authority, work and providership, sexual violence and virility, and violence and leisure, Doddington argues that enslaved communities did not hold a monolithic ideal of masculinity. Rather, he shows that enslaved men performed many forms of masculinity and often confronted and contested other enslaved men who did not conform to their particular notion of appropriate masculine behavior. Overall, the book makes excellent use of close readings of texts written by formerly enslaved people, as well as the Works Progress Administration narratives from the New Deal era, to illustrate how enslaved people thought about masculinity and performed it. The latter sources, in particular, allow Doddington to incorporate formerly enslaved women’s voices into his discussion of masculinity. Further, Contesting Slave Masculinity in the American South troubles the agency-resistance dichotomy that has loomed over scholarship about enslaved people’s lives. While the first chapter of the text offers a familiar argument about the centrality of the image of heroic fugitives from slavery in abolitionist discourse (for example, Douglass), the remainder of the book complicates this story by articulating other ways enslaved men performed masculinity. Instead of equating masculinity with resistance, Doddington has found compelling evidence that enslaved men in positions of authority—overseers or drivers—articulated a rival masculinity centered on negotiation and occasionally collaboration with enslavers. In the case of Josiah Henson, for example, it sometimes involved prohibiting other enslaved people from escaping. Another chapter explores enslaved family life and shows how some enslaved men tacked their sense of masculinity to familial obligation through the work they performed and their economic responsibilities, as well as the protection they provided. In one of the crucial insights of the book, Doddington explores how for some enslaved men notions of what it meant to be a man were quite different. Some articulations of masculinity, he argues, were violent, particularly toward other enslaved people. In an important chapter on sex and power, Doddington argues that sexual dominance—including sexual violence—was also a site of constructing one form of masculinity. Sexual pressures, threats of rape, and homicide cases clearly illustrate the brutal reality of the effects of this masculinity for enslaved women. In this section of the text, Doddington is effective in [End Page 152] showing that categories of difference—explicitly sex—continued to matter in enslaved communities. In sum, Doddington offers new insight that provides a complex understanding of the messiness of masculinity. His examination opens a window into how enslaved men made lives for themselves and their families, and it uncovers a history of masculinity that does not always map easily onto stories of heroism. Marie Stango Idaho State University Copyright © 2020 The Southern Historical Association

University students’ mental health is considered among the most pressing public health issues in South Africa. Therefore, an in-depth qualitative approach to understanding how first-year students’ demands and resources impact their well-being and study outcomes in a non-Western context, such as South Africa, is critical. When designing an in-depth qualitative study to investigate student experiences through appropriate methods, it is essential to consider criteria for conducting high-quality qualitative research. This chapter outlines practical strategies to conduct such an in-depth qualitative study in a non-Western context, including considerations in preparing, executing, conducting and disseminating the research suitably. The strategies in the chapter are explained and illustrated using a completed, published, in-depth qualitative study. The study explored the insights and perspectives of staff members and service providers (i.e., support structures) working with first-year students studying at a peri-urban university in South Africa. Applying qualitative research using practical examples from an in-depth qualitative study can support emerging researchers to bridge the gap between theoretical principles and practical research. It can also increase their understanding of qualitative research conducted in non-Western settings using appropriate indigenous methods.

High spirits: heavy metal and mental health

Mental health is increasingly recognized worldwide as a significant public health challenge. However, progress in developing interventions to address mental health burdens, particularly in non-Western countries, has been remarkably slow. This stagnation may be attributed to limited research on the underlying causes of mental health issues, such as trauma, as well as a lack of awareness regarding mental health disorders and help-seeking behaviours. The current study seeks to mainstream the understanding of mental health disorders by investigating the impact of trauma awareness and mental health disorders on the variance in help-seeking behaviours for mental health in non-Western contexts. This exploration aims to enhance the discourse on mental health initiatives and inform strategies for promoting mental health awareness and access to care in these regions. A total of 2472 young adults (n = 1871) and adolescents (n = 601) were recruited from four countries (Bangladesh, n = 487; Egypt, n = 1070; Ghana, n = 695; and UAE, n = 217) to participate in this study. They completed three survey scales, namely, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, the Individual Trauma Identification and Management Scale and the Attitude toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help. Using the Statistical Package for Social Science version 29 and the Andrew Hayes PROCESS Model version 4.0, the data were subjected to hierarchical multiple regression, moderation and mediation analyses. Both trauma and mental health disorders collectively served as predictors of access to mental health help-seeking behaviour. Furthermore, mental health help-seeking behaviour was identified as a mediating factor in the relationship between trauma and mental health disorders. This study recommends the establishment of mental health and trauma awareness programs specifically aimed at young adults and adolescents across these four countries. Additionally, a comprehensive discussion of the study's implications is provided in detail.

This Journal outlines the efforts of BTS as a K-pop boy group to help to resolve the problem of Youth Mental Health, in which Korea itself has a background as one of the countries with the most mental health cases in the world. More deeply, in this study, the writer conducted an analysis of several forms of BTS activities that show their efforts in reducing mental health problems, in this case including; song lyrics in the BTS album, the social campaign they run with UNICEF, "Love Myself", and finally the public response to these BTS efforts. And in the results of this research, it can be seen that BTS does indeed have a positive impact through their songs lyrics and social campaigns. This can be seen from the response of the public who claimed to feel "healed", found motivation, and also forgot their problem after listening to BTS songs. In addition, in social media, it can also be seen how with the #BTSLoveMyself campaign, the users of this hashtag also provide support to fellow people with mental health problems.

This Journal outlines the efforts of BTS as a K-pop boy group to help to resolve the problem of Youth Mental Health, in which Korea itself has a background as one of the countries with the most mental health cases in the world. More deeply, in this study, the writer conducted an analysis of several forms of BTS activities that show their efforts in reducing mental health problems, in this case including; song lyrics in the BTS album, the social campaign they run with UNICEF, "Love Myself", and finally the public response to these BTS efforts. And in the results of this research, it can be seen that BTS does indeed have a positive impact through their songs lyrics and social campaigns. This can be seen from the response of the public who claimed to feel "healed", found motivation, and also forgot their problem after listening to BTS songs. In addition, in social media, it can also be seen how with the #BTSLoveMyself campaign, the users of this hashtag also provide support to fellow people with mental health problems.

BackgroundWestern mental health models prioritise biomedical explanations and interventions at the expense of indigenous non-Western belief systems that offer culturally relevant understandings of mental health. In Zimbabwe, Ngozi [reconciliatory and restorative spirits] play a significant role in shaping mental health experiences and perceptions. This article introduces the Dandemutande [Spiderweb] approach, an innovative framework that responds to the limitations of solely relying on the Western-based mental health conceptualisation by considering a multidimensional approach that acknowledges and respects cultural and spiritual dimensions alongside Western-based medical interventions to address mental health challenges in non-Western contexts.ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the relationship between mental health challenges and Ngozi, and how Ngozi influences the understanding and management of mental health challenges in Zimbabwe.MethodA multi-layered, autoethnographic methodology integrating personal reflections, narrative accounts, the literature, and media analysis was employed to investigate how Ngozi is believed to affect mental health outcomes.ResultsThis article identifies Ngozi as a significant and influential factor within Zimbabwean cultures, which contributes to mental health issues.ConclusionThe findings introduce the Dandemutande approach to mental healthcare, which integrates cultural and spiritual dimensions with Western-based medical interventions to address mental health challenges.ContributionThis article highlights the importance of inclusive mental health practices that incorporate indigenous belief systems, for example, reparation and healing initiatives such as compensation. The proposed framework has the potential to positively contribute to mental healthcare in other non-Western contexts where mental health has cultural and spiritual dimensions.

Introduction and Objectives. The importance of the study of social representations of mental disorders and psychiatry in music, and particularly in songs lyrics, have been discussed in previous communications. It is a small-explored topic, and most published articles do not exhibit a rigorous research methodology. In this communication, we review the methods used in published studies addressing depictions of mental disorders or mental health concerns in music (advantages and limitations); in order to propose a framework for the study of the social representations of psychiatry and mental disorders in song lyrics. Methods. Descriptive study. Methods used in thirty-seven articles addressing the depictions of mental disorders or mental health issues in music were reviewed. Frequencies of the research methods used are provided. Finally, a theoretical review of the advantages and limitations of different research strategies was performed. Results/Conclusion. Research designs are heterogenous between studies. Despite Content Analysis was the most frequent research strategy identified, there is a high representation of opinion articles or essays. Quantitative methods are rarely used (if we consider Content Analysis as a Qualitative Strategy). Content analysis is frequently used in studies addressing exposition to risk factors (mostly, depictions of substance use). We propose a mixed method by using descriptive statistics (frequency measures of references to mental disorders in song lyrics, that is a quantitative content analysis), followed by qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis. This strategy allows a deeper approximation to the contents, favoring the access to the social meanings of psychiatry or mental disorders expressed throught music.

BackgroundWhile many Western countries have implemented mental health recovery-oriented and peer support services, they are still in the early stages of development in Taiwan, and the existing literature on professionals’ perspectives regarding recovery-related issues in non-Western contexts remains limited. This study investigates the perspectives of professionals from well-established psychiatric rehabilitation organizations in Taiwan on the concept of recovery and peer support.MethodsData were collected through semi-structured interviews involving 19 professionals from nine organizations, which were then recorded and transcribed verbatim. Subsequently, the data were coded using Atlas.ti 8.0, followed by thematic analysis.ResultsThe analyses identified three main themes. First, attitudes toward recovery encompassed six subthemes: (1) coexisting with illness while finding personal fulfillment, (2) exercising one’s rights and taking personal responsibility, (3) maintaining hope throughout the recovery journey, (4) recognizing the non-linear nature of recovery, (5) acknowledging the individuality of each recovery path, and (6) affirming that recovery is achievable for all. Additionally, four types of peer support were identified: supportive peer, staff assistant, life assistant, and mental health workforce. Furthermore, perspectives on peer support workers included four subthemes: (1) attitudes toward people with mental illness, (2) the need for a robust career support system, (3) organizational and professional support, and (4) self-awareness of people with mental illness.ConclusionsThis study is one of the few that explore the perspectives of professionals on recovery and peer support in non-Western contexts. Professionals from well-established psychiatric rehabilitation organizations in Taiwan embraced most mental health recovery principles, but inconsistencies were found regarding the applicability of recovery to different individuals. Peer support in Taiwan remains largely informal, with concerns primarily focused on environmental factors. However, one personal factor is also critical. People with mental illness in non-Western contexts may require more extensive preparation to serve as peer support workers.

Modernization provides a major change in the structure of human life, including in relations between men and women in the marriage life. This change creates a new dimensions of masculinity, including those found in the lyrics of dangdut koplo songs. This research was conducted to answer the question, what is the form of the new dimension that represents Javanese masculinity in the lyrics of dangdut koplo songs? This research uses descriptive qualitative method by using Jonet Saltzman Chafetz's concept of masculinity. Chafetz divides masculinity into six areas, namely physical, functional, sexual, emotional, intellectual, and impersonal. The research gives conclusion that the Javanese dangdut songs raise three dimensions of masculinity, namely functional, emotional, and intellectual. The functional dimension places men in the role of breadwinners. The emotional dimension places men in a person with high emotional stability and maturity. Meanwhile, the intellectual dimension presents a male figure with logical, rational, and realistic thoughts.

BackgroundThe mental health of left-behind children in China has become a core societal concern. This study examines the impact of school empowerment on the mental health of left-behind children through the internal pathway of psychological empowerment, aiming to address the gap in existing research on the “environment-psychology” interaction mechanism.MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted among 317 left-behind children in Yunnan Province, China. The School Empowerment Scale, Psychological Empowerment Scale, and Mental Health Scale were used for measurement, and the mediator model was tested using Model 4 of SPSS PROCESS.ResultsAmong the left-behind children sample in this study, school empowerment exerted a direct positive impact on mental health; psychological empowerment demonstrated a substantial partial mediating effect (49.015%) between school empowerment and mental health, indicating that nearly half of the total effect of school empowerment on mental health was transmitted via psychological empowerment. Additionally, both the direct path of school empowerment to mental health and the indirect path through psychological empowerment exhibited stronger explanatory power in left-behind children compared to non-left-behind children (direct path R²: 0.206>0.180; mediation model R²: 0.374>0.340). Psychological empowerment also showed a more pronounced explanatory role in left-behind children (R²: 0.226>0.214).ConclusionThis study validates the pathway of “school empowerment influencing psychological empowerment, which in turn affects mental health” among left-behind children in China. The findings not only expand the application of empowerment theory in non-Western contexts but also provide an actionable practical framework for mental health education for left-behind children in China.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-025-03382-9.

Since the beginnings of modern popular music, listening to pop songs has been one of the major pastimes in Western countries, raising the question how popular music contributes to the shaping of beliefs and attitudes in general and gender roles and stereotypes in particular. While there is a considerable body of research concerning the depiction of men and women in pop music videos, the lyrics of pop songs, so far, have largely been neglected as a viable source of data. On the basis of two corpora of contemporary pop songs by male and female artists, respectively, the present paper explores discourses of femininity and masculinity as represented in the lyrics of pop songs. It is shown that although the two corpora behave surprisingly similarly in some respects, the way in which male and female artists refer to themselves or to the opposite sex might contribute to the consolidation of unfavourable roles for women.

Discourse of masculinity is a discussion that is widely presented in literary works. Although not expressed directly, forms of masculinity appear in line with the process of telling the behavior of existing male characters. Bekisar Merah is a novel by Ahmad Tohari which represents masculinity through various male characters. Each character has a different background, giving rise to different thoughts and actions. The concept of masculinity according to Janet Saltzman Chafetz can be seen from the male aspects in the form of (1) physical aspects; (2) functional aspects; (3) sexual aspect; (4) emotional aspects; (5) intellectual aspects; (6) interpersonal aspects. This study aims to describe the form of presentation of masculinity and its causative factors in Ahmad Tohari's Novel Bekisar Merah according to Janet Saltzman Chafetz's theory. The source of the data in this research is the document of the novel Bekisar Merah by Ahmad Tohari. The data collection technique used in this study was document analysis using the look-and-note method, in which the author first reads the contents of the novel carefully, then records any important findings. Then the validity of the data was tested by theoretical triangulation to check its suitability with Janet Saltzman Chafetz's theory of masculinity. The results of this study found that there were 47 data presenting six aspects of Janet Saltzman Chafetz's masculinity in Ahmad Tohari's novel Bekisar Merah.

The article is based on the debate about care concepts and care practices currently being held in the cultural and social sciences. It is shown how gender, and in particular concepts of masculinity, have been linked with care since the 19th century. It turns out that the feminine connotation of care that was popular for a long time only represents one side of the relationship between care and gender. From a transdisciplinary perspective, the complex interdependency between care and modern concepts of masculinity is demonstrated. Based on historically and theoretically meaningful texts, processes of excluding and including care aspects in aesthetic-literary, philological, philosophical, and socio-scientific narrations, constructions and discourses of masculinity are revealed. In reference to a critical reading of the tradition of the art of living, these considerations seek to offer and to point out alternative, non-hegemonic masculinities by incorporating practices of everyday (self-)care in male forms of existence. Particular emphasis is placed on contemporary literature.