Binary Construction Research Articles

Making or faking capitalism? Socialist dreams and postsocialist experiences in East-Central Europe

ABSTRACT Our paper proposes to rethink the concepts of modernization and modernity in the context of state socialist and postsocialist transformations in Eastern and Central Europe. By focusing on historical transformations, we seek to challenge normative and static constructions of the state socialist legacy and show that such perceptions are rooted in the Cold War ideological division. One way to contest this division is to reconceptualize socialist modernity. Drawing on James Ferguson’s seminal study on the “expectations of modernity,” we argue that modernization was central to the Eastern European Communist parties’ claims to legitimacy. While the state socialist experiment proved to be a failed political and social project, the dreams of modernity bereft of socialism continued to shape people’s self-images and social visions beyond the borders of “Eastern” Europe. In order to better understand the state socialist legacy and the political and social thinking of “postsocialist” people, we propose to link the study of the small transformations of everyday life with the critique of binary constructions of the concepts of socialism and capitalism.

Ideological origins of resistance against gender‐inclusive language reforms: Singular they as a de‐gendering or multi‐gendering strategy

AbstractGender is traditionally conceptualized as a binary construct, which is reflected in the use of binary‐gendered third‐person pronouns. Gender‐inclusive pronouns such as singular they challenge this conceptualization, which can evoke resistance against their use. Singular they can be used generically when gender is unknown (de‐gendering), or to specifically highlight an individual's non‐binary gender identity (multi‐gendering). The different uses of singular they can threaten different ideological convictions and impact the use and perception of the pronoun. Experiment 1 (N = 599) showed that in de‐gendering contexts, participants preferred to use singular they but in multi‐gendering contexts they preferred binary pronouns. Social identification with one's gender group, RWA and binary gender views predicted less use of singular they in both contexts. In Experiment 2 (N = 199), participants evaluated sentences with singular they in de‐gendering and multi‐gendering contexts. Overall, sentences with singular they in de‐gendering contexts were more positively evaluated. SDO predicted less positive evaluations of they in de‐gendering contexts, while RWA and binary gender views predicted less positive evaluations of they in multi‐gendered contexts. The findings provide important knowledge in understanding ideological motivations for resistance against gender‐inclusive language.

Efficacy of arginine kinase as a promising RNAi target in Aphis gossypii genome as revealed through aphid bioassay on field-grown transgenic cotton plants

The cotton aphid Aphis gossypii is a major agricultural pest of cotton that causes substantial damage to the crop not only by sucking sap but also through virus transmission. Globally adopted traditional and contemporary approaches to control aphid infestation have certain limitations and are hazardous to human health. RNA interference (RNAi) technology has unfolded its potential as an effective crop protection strategy against various pests. In this study, we adopted plant-mediated RNAi strategy to enhance aphid resistance in cotton by targeting arginine kinase (AK), which is a crucial enzyme responsible for energy homeostasis in insects. We selected a 312bp dsRNA fragment containing eight siRNAs and showing optimum GC content, Hb index, and stable secondary structure based on computational prediction studies. The binary construct expressing dsRNA was used to transform local cotton variety MNH886 and four transgenic lines were obtained in the T1 generation. Out of the four T1 transgenic cotton lines, dsA-7 exhibited the highest aphid mortality (73.3%), whereas, dsA-1, dsA-3 and dsA-6 revealed 60%, 61%, and 66.6% aphid mortality, respectively, in comparison to 13.3% mortality in the mock control cotton line. Moreover, significant knockdown in mRNA expression of AK was observed in aphids fed dsA-7 which was 79%. In comparison, 54%, 47%, and 45% downregulation was recorded in aphids which fed on dsA-6, dsA-3, and dsA-1 transgenic cotton lines, respectively. These results revealed that plant-mediated downregulation of aphid RNA induced significant RNA interference in A. gossypii which resulted in considerable aphid mortality and led to plant protection against aphids.

Anticipatory declarations in obstetric care: a relational and spatial examination of patient empowerment, institutional impacts and temporal challenges.

Seeking an anticipatory declaration from the Court of Protection (CoP) to manage a risk of future loss of capacity in pregnant people during labour and delivery appears to be occurring more frequently. This article examines a growing case sample of recent CoP judgments in which anticipatory declarations have been sought and adopts a combined relational and spatial approach to question whether these types of anticipatory declarations empower patient autonomous choice, and to illuminate the complex web of relational, spatial, and temporal factors that hold influence over the way in which mental capacity law operates. Viewing such processes from both a patient and institutional perspective offers useful insights into the law's normative workings, boundaries, and constraints, and ultimately points to conclusions on the (in)effectiveness of anticipatory declarations as a legal mechanism for dealing with the risk of a patient losing capacity in the future. Moreover, however, taking a broader, spatial view signals the challenges posed by these cases to mental capacity legislation itself. The justifiability of the binary construct of capacity/incapacity has been challenged by some writers in this field, and this article offers further reflection on the integrity of this binary through its discussion of anticipatory orders for pregnant people.

Data-driven subclassification of ANCA-associated vasculitis: model-based clustering of a federated international cohort

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis is a heterogenous autoimmune disease. While traditionally stratified into two conditions, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), the subclassification of ANCA-associated vasculitis is subject to continued debate. Here we aim to identify phenotypically distinct subgroups and develop a data-driven subclassification of ANCA-associated vasculitis, using a large real-world dataset. In the collaborative data reuse project FAIRVASC (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable, Vasculitis), registry records of patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis were retrieved from six European vasculitis registries: the Czech Registry of ANCA-associated vasculitis (Czech Republic), the French Vasculitis Study Group Registry (FVSG; France), the Joint Vasculitis Registry in German-speaking Countries (GeVas; Germany), the Polish Vasculitis Registry (POLVAS; Poland), the Irish Rare Kidney Disease Registry (RKD; Ireland), and the Skåne Vasculitis Cohort (Sweden). We performed model-based clustering of 17 mixed-type clinical variables using a parsimonious mixture of two latent Gaussian variable models. Clinical validation of the optimal cluster solution was made through summary statistics of the clusters' demography, phenotypic and serological characteristics, and outcome. The predictive value of models featuring the cluster affiliations were compared with classifications based on clinical diagnosis and ANCA specificity. People with lived experience were involved throughout the FAIRVASVC project. A total of 3868 patients diagnosed with ANCA-associated vasculitis between Nov 1, 1966, and March 1, 2023, were included in the study across the six registries (Czech Registry n=371, FVSG n=1780, GeVas n=135, POLVAS n=792, RKD n=439, and Skåne Vasculitis Cohort n=351). There were 2434 (62·9%) patients with GPA and 1434 (37·1%) with MPA. Mean age at diagnosis was 57·2 years (SD 16·4); 2006 (51·9%) of 3867 patients were men and 1861 (48·1%) were women. We identified five clusters, with distinct phenotype, biochemical presentation, and disease outcome. Three clusters were characterised by kidney involvement: one severe kidney cluster (555 [14·3%] of 3868 patients) with high C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum creatinine concentrations, and variable ANCA specificity (SK cluster); one myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA-positive kidney involvement cluster (782 [20·2%]) with limited extrarenal disease (MPO-K cluster); and one proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA-positive kidney involvement cluster (683 [17·7%]) with widespread extrarenal disease (PR3-K cluster). Two clusters were characterised by relative absence of kidney involvement: one was a predominantly PR3-ANCA-positive cluster (1202 [31·1%]) with inflammatory multisystem disease (IMS cluster), and one was a cluster (646 [16·7%]) with predominantly ear-nose-throat involvement and low CRP, with mainly younger patients (YR cluster). Compared with models fitted with clinical diagnosis or ANCA status, cluster-assigned models demonstrated improved predictive power with respect to both patient and kidney survival. Our study reinforces the view that ANCA-associated vasculitis is not merely a binary construct. Data-driven subclassification of ANCA-associated vasculitis exhibits higher predictive value than current approaches for key outcomes. European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the European Joint Programme on Rare Diseases.

The Politics of Menstruation

Menstrual blood is still regarded as embarrassing and taboo in many places all over the world. This article focuses on the study of the Red Tent as an example of feminist-spiritual menstrual activism established in 2007 in the US because it represents an important form of breaking the menstrual taboo. Although contemporary spiritualities present themselves as nonhierarchical and gender equal, spirituality and well-being in the women's circles is predominantly practiced by cisgender, heterosexual, and white middle-class women, excluding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and others (LGBTQ+). Constructs around the sacredness of female experiences (menstruation, menopause) are problematic for transgender women who do not share these experiences, and a lack of diversity may perpetuate systematic inequities and discrimination. This article discusses whether the Red Tent in Slovenia is open to include transgender and nonbinary people. By creating alternative domains of representation in which nonnormative bodies can exist, we disrupt the sex/gender system and dismantle normative femininity and masculinity. The article argues that in this way the Red Tent has the potential to subvert the dominant ideology of gender binary construction by providing alternative models for the embodiment of gender to challenge traditional conservative gender essentialisms in society. The methodology employed consists of ethnographic fieldwork, which was performed in the Red Tent gatherings and semistructured in-depth interviews with participants who host or participate in them. Because a part of the scope of the research “lives” in the cyber world, the ethnographic research methodology was integrated with the phenomena and data obtained from the internet in the form of netnography.

Beyond Binary Gender: Navigating Gender Ambiguity in Voice User Interfaces

This paper delves into the nuanced realm of gender ambiguity within Voice User Interfaces (VUIs) and explores the challenges and opportunities it presents. In a world that is increasingly recognizing gender diversity and moving beyond traditional binary constructs[1], [2], the design and implementation of VUIs must adapt to accommodate a spectrum of gender identities[3]. This article examines the current landscape of VUIs and identifies the limitations of binary gender options in voice interactions[4], [5], [6]. Furthermore, it investigates the implications of gendered language and voice modulation in VUIs, considering their impact on user experience and inclusivity[3], [7]. drawing on insights from gender studies, linguistics, and human-computer interaction[8], [9], this study proposes strategies for navigating gender ambiguity in VUI design[7]. These strategies encompass incorporating non-binary gender options, offering customizable voice settings, and employing gender-neutral language in VUI interactions[3], [7]. Additionally, the paper discusses the ethical considerations involved in designing gender-inclusive VUIs, including privacy concerns and potential biases in data collection and processing[3]. by addressing the complexities of gender identity within VUIs[10], this research aims to foster inclusivity and accessibility in voice-driven technology. It highlights the importance of embracing diversity in design practices and emphasizes the role of technology in reflecting and respecting the multifaceted nature of human identity[11], [12], [13]. Ultimately, this paper advocates for a shift towards gender-inclusive design principles in VUI development, contributing to a more equitable and empowering digital environment for all users[11], [12], [13].

‘Keeping two cultures together’: the binary construction of belonging in narratives of professionals on children’s cultural identity

ABSTRACT This paper analyses interviews with Italian education professionals collected in the context of a European research project on the participation of children with a migration background, aiming to understand how interviewees’ construct children’s belonging and cultural identity. We also investigated whether these constructions change because of the gender of children involved in the narratives. We found that a narrative of incompleteness underpinned the professionals’ views. They described children’s trajectories as incomplete both because of their status as children and because of their perceived division in binary terms. Furthermore, through these narratives, the interviewees work out their own professional role identities and reconfirm established institutional discourses.

Picture a Scientist: Insights into Gender and Racial Harassment of Women Scientists

Mankind’s technological progress and transition into an industrialised society is intended for the welfare of society, including women. But due to patriarchy’s construction of multiple gender binaries (men/women, reason/emotion), the field of science and technology has become male occupied and dominated. Therefore, in the present scenario, the underrepresentation of women in science, due to gender bias, discrimination, and harassment exists across science disciplines and research worldwide. Women scientists’ work in the STEM field includes visiting and working in remote field sites that require extensive hiking and camping, late nights in observatories, working with male colleagues, etc. National Academies of Science, Medicine, and Engineering in STEM fields report (2018) states that “about 50% of women faculty and staff experience sexual harassment” (PAS1:20:06-19:59) in which sexual harassment as a form of gender harassment comprises “subtle exclusions, being left off an email, not being invited to collaborate, vulgar name-calling, obscene gestures, hostility, passed over for promotions, relentless pressure for dates” (PAS1:18:41-26), etc. The present paper attempts to study the various facets of gender and racial discrimination, and harassment experienced by both white women and women of colour scientists/researchers/faculty members in the science disciplines by analysing the testimonios of three women scientists in Cheney and Shattuck’s documentary Picture a Scientist (2020). In Picture a Scientist biologist Nancy Hopkins, chemist Raychelle Burks, and geologist Jane Willenbring share their day-to-day life experiences of gender inequality and racial discrimination in their professional field. These women’s narratives not only expose the bias of the patriarchal mindset in the male dominated field of science which drifts women scientists toward gender and racially biased unequal scientific society but also provide new perspectives on how to make science more diverse, equitable, and bias-free for women.

(Re)conceptualizing Sex and Gender in Physical Education Through Social Role Theory

ABSTRACT The line between gender and sex has become increasingly muddled in literature. Tensions surrounding this topic are ever-increasing and definitions of the two are rarely consistent. For improving conceptual clarity, we adopted the Social Role Theory to explore how these two terms differ and relate by laying out a cyclical framework of biological, sociological, and psychological components. Herein, we discuss the origins of the binary sex construct, anatomical brain/cognition differences, and sex/gender role implications for education and physical education. We confront the topic in a content area that continues to be masculine-oriented with the purpose to conceptualize sex/gender in physical education research through clarifying the evolutionary biosocial spectrum. Offering a reconceptualization of gender as a multidimensional construct could inspire further curricular reform for the content to be more inclusive of all participants, learnable by all students regardless of sex and gender, and beneficial both mentally and physically to all learners.

A hybrid multi-objective evolutionary algorithm with high solving efficiency for UAV defense programming

Emerging Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) application patterns, including the Loyal Wingman and Unmanned Swarms, have significantly challenged the administration and defense against illegal or trespassing UAVs. The weapon-target assignment (WTA) problem, a famous combinatorial optimization problem in military operations research, is decisive for the success of UAV defense programming. Related investigations face two main challenges: 1) Constructing a multi-objective optimization model reflecting the complexities of new UAV application patterns, and 2) solving the time-consuming WTA problem with high-dimension decision variables as it is NP-complete. This paper introduces a modified differential evolution based on a new mapping method called Pareto-Optimal-Matching that solves multi-objective binary optimization problems and constructs a 3 objective Sensor-Weapon-Target Assignment model. The proposed algorithm overcomes the inherent limitation of traditional differential evolution, which only performs well in continuous problems. Promising results were obtained based on different simulation metrics under various problems (proposed model, MOKP, and ZDT5), validating the superior performance of the proposed algorithm.

Developing carotenoids-enhanced tomato fruit with multi-transgene stacking strategies

As natural dominant pigments, carotenoids and their derivatives not only contribute to fruit color and flavor quality but are regarded as phytochemicals beneficial to human health because of various bioactivities. Tomato is one of the most important vegetables as well as a main dietary source of carotenoids. So, it's of great importance to generate carotenoid-biofortified tomatoes. The carotenoid biosynthesis pathway is a network co-regulated by multiple enzymes and regulatory genes. Here, we assembled four binary constructs containing different combinations of four endogenous carotenoids metabolic-related genes, including SlORHis, SlDXS, SlPSY, and SlBHY by using a high efficiency multi-transgene stacking system and a series of fruit-specific promotors. Transgenic lines overexpression SlORHis alone, three genes (SlORHis/SlDXS/SlPSY), two genes (SlORHis/SlBHY), and all these four genes (SlORHis/SlDXS/SlPSY/SlBHY) were enriched with carotenoids to varying degrees. Notably, overexpressing SlORHis alone showed comparable effects with simultaneous overexpression of the key regulatory enzyme coding genes SlDXS, SlPSY, and SlORHis in promoting carotenoid accumulation. Downstream carotenoid derivatives zeaxanthin and violaxanthin were detected only in lines containing SlBHY. In addition, the sugar content and total antioxidant capacity of these carotenoids-enhanced tomatoes was also increased. These data provided useful information for the future developing of biofortified tomatoes with different carotenoid profiles, and confirmed a promising system for generation of nutrients biofortified tomatoes by multiple engineering genes stacking strategy.

Interweaving Narratives of Lived Experience in Mental Health Social Work Curriculum

ABSTRACT This study explored the metacurriculum of an undergraduate mental health social work subject that was developed and delivered collaboratively by lived experience and social work academics in a regional Australian university. Metacurriculum refers to implicit messages about how students learn how to learn that is, the ontological and epistemological positioning of curriculum. In this subject, students were invited to reflect on multiple, diverse, lived-experience narratives of mental distress as they developed their understanding of mental health social work practice. Using cooperative inquiry, we collectively critically reflected on the experience of teaching and learning with this curriculum. Coresearchers included a student who had completed the subject; a mental health social work practitioner/tutor, a social work academic, and a lived-experience academic who coproduced the subject material; and mental health academics acting as critical friends. Findings revealed engaging with lived-experience narratives was experienced as generating compassion for all humanity; challenging stigma by sharing the responsibility of positioning; and enabling critically reflexive dialogue. We concluded that diverse, lived-experience narratives can be incorporated to enact metacurriculum that aligns social work teaching and learning with emerging transformative approaches to mental health. IMPLICATIONS Incorporating diverse narratives of mental distress into curriculum can highlight the operation of intersectionality and privilege. Engaging with multiple narratives of mental distress undermines the binary construction of “them” and “us”. Metacurriculum enacting inclusive, collaborative knowledge development aligns teaching and learning with transformative mental health.

A dual pathway model of remote work intensity: A meta‐analysis of its simultaneous positive and negative effects

AbstractAs the COVID‐19 pandemic wanes, many organizations are asking employees to return to the office concerned that more extensive remote work could hurt employee morale and productivity. Employees, however, prefer to work remotely because of the flexibility it provides. In light of such competing perspectives, we conducted a meta‐analysis examining remote work intensity's (RWI) effects on employee outcomes. RWI refers to the extensiveness of remote work ranging from one or two days a week to full‐time remote work. We propose a dual pathway model linking RWI to employee outcomes arguing that it has indirect but opposing effects on the same outcomes via two mediators—perceived autonomy and isolation. Findings from a meta‐analysis of RWI's effects based on 108 studies (k = 110, N = 45,288) support the dual pathway model. Allaying organizational concerns about remote work, RWI had overall small but beneficial effects on multiple consequential employee outcomes including job satisfaction, organizational commitment, perceived organizational support, supervisor‐rated performance, and turnover intentions. We also conducted a meta‐analysis of the effects of remote work use (RWU), a binary construct taking on two values—remote workers (users) versus office‐based workers (non‐users of remote work). Findings from the RWU meta‐analysis based on 62 studies (k = 63, N = 41,904) suggest that remote workers generally have better outcomes than their office‐based colleagues. Altogether, findings suggest that remote work offers modest upsides with limited downsides—even for those who spend more time working away from the office.

The Role of Gender Diversity in Horticulture: Strategies for Encouraging Women Participation in The Field

This study examines the critical dimensions of gender diversity within the horticulture sector, with a particular focus on addressing the pervasive issue of workplace harassment faced by women. Gender diversity is explored within the context of its broad spectrum, extending beyond traditional binary constructs to encompass a diverse range of gender identities. A demographic analysis of respondents reveals a diverse sample characterized by varying age groups, community backgrounds, marital statuses, and family types. This diversity highlights the necessity for tailored strategies to effectively address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities associated with promoting gender diversity and inclusivity within the horticulture sector.
 The study unveils concerning findings regarding women's experiences of workplace harassment, including instances of unwelcome conduct, sexually colored remarks, humiliating treatment, and gender-based discrimination. These findings emphasize the urgent need for implementing comprehensive policies and procedures aimed at combatting harassment and discrimination, thereby fostering a workplace culture rooted in respect, equality, and safety. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the imperative of prioritizing gender diversity initiatives and addressing workplace harassment within the horticulture sector.

Reifying, Disorienting and Restoring Gender Binaries in Dialogic Literature Discussions

AbstractDialogic pedagogy aims to bring multiple voices and perspectives into conversation, to create a classroom environment inclusive of multiple student identities, and to challenge hegemonic approaches to knowledge. As such, it seems particularly well‐suited for interrogating gender binaries and enhancing gender equity. Through micro‐ethnographic discourse analysis of video‐recorded literacy lessons, this study examines how traditional gender categories were reified and/or disrupted in literacy discussions in four Israeli elementary school classrooms experimenting with dialogic pedagogy. We found students and teachers frequently relying upon gender stereotypes in the participant examples they offered and in their interpretations of the story, “Fly, Eagle, Fly,” in class discussions. Originally framed as a parable of transformation and growth, the story unexpectedly provided an avenue to explore topics such as gender, transgenderism, and transsexuality. Sporadic instances arose in the discussion in which students subverted traditional binary gender constructs. These fleeting moments of disorientation underscored dialogic pedagogy's capacity to challenge gender norms. However, students and teachers treated transgenderism as taboo, and the topic's explicit consideration generated anxiety, with the teachers and some of the students trying to silence non‐heteronormative voices. Ultimately, teachers reinforced interpretations that allowed the gender order to be restored and seemed relieved when they were able to move on from the gender trouble episode. The study highlights the potential of dialogic pedagogy to challenge the heterosexual matrix and promote gender equity. However, it also demonstrates the importance of paying greater attention to gender issues in the development of dialogic pedagogy.

Slantwise disengagement: Explaining Facebook users’ acts beyond resistance/internalization of domination binary

This theoretical and empirical investigation builds upon the concept of ‘slantwise behavior’ to further complicate notions of the ‘digital disengagement’ of subjects within technological infrastructures such as Facebook. It has been previously suggested that the ubiquity of the data privacy paradox is the most common reason for disengagement practices. Our study contributes to this discussion by examining subjects’ disengagement on Social Network Sites (SNS). While numerous concepts concerning disconnection and disengagement from SNS have been conceptualized by media theorists, largely based on a binary construct of resistance or domination, our work proposes an alternative conceptualization of subjects’ disengagement. By employing a qualitative methodological approach and using 30 semi-structured interviews to capture subjects’ discursive patterns, we illustrate that disengagement on Facebook can be seen as a hybrid reaction and a complex phenomenon in which certain disconnection practices cannot be easily classified as resistance practices or as indications of the internalization of domination but rather are best understood as slantwise behaviors, that is, actions that may unintentionally lead to obfuscation.

Transqueer Negotiations and Decolonial Space-Making in Tsitsi Dangarembga’s Nervous Conditions

Abstract: This article intervenes in the long critical reception of Tsitsi Dangarembga’s Nervous Conditions as a postcolonial feminist novel by using a decolonial framework—one that is attuned to the history of how the cisgender heterosexual gender binary constructs patriarchy—to propose a transqueer reading of the novel. A transqueer hermeneutic serves two functions in this article: first, it foregrounds the centrality of movement in the prefix “trans”; and, second, it emphasizes how this movement queerly manipulates gender and sexual normativity. A transqueer reading of Dangarembga’s novel points to gendered and sexual subversions of the colonial gender binary by arguing that the protagonist, Tambu, queerly reorients herself to and transly negotiates with the physical spaces in which she is placed instead of simply escaping them. Thus, Nervous Conditions quietly delinks from the colonial cisgender heterosexual binary. Overall, I examine the relation between colonial physical space and Tambu’s transqueer subversions by showing how she moves, however fleetingly, within and through decolonial and liminal spaces of refusal.

IT’S THE SAME OLD STORY

These paintings are part of a series that are a pastiche of the Americas tradition of Retablos. The conventional Retablos featured narratives of Christian Gods and Saints in a miraculous realm. They were painted on inexpensive sheets of tin, which allowed for a higher rate of production and wider distribution of as a product. The small paintings were sacred objects whose uses ranged from converting indigenous people to Christianity to being treasured devotional objects for the faithful. In these small 8 inches square (20.32 x 20.32cm) paintings I have expanded the scope of the narrative to move beyond the confines of a deity/saint trope to embrace a wider cast of characters capable of speaking to the miraculous as well as the mundane. They reference ideas of creation myths, evolution, mortality, sex, birth, death, gender, fairy tales, and a variety of binary constructs, all existing in a phallic world. In this series, you can easily find a floating teddy bear as a stand-in for the Archangel Gabriel bringing the annunciation news to Mary who might be sitting next to the Frog Prince waiting to be redeemed by a princess. In fact, those two stories might share the same content about consent and surprise endings. I see these paintings as a collaboration between me and the viewer, where I provide narrative opportunities while the viewer can construct a story.

Promoting Cross-Cultural Psychology Research in the Caribbean: Best Practices in Intersectionality

Given the Caribbean region’s post-colonial history with entrenched and daunting challenges of: structural racism, patriarchy, and colorism as epiphenomenal outcomes, it is imperative that cross-cultural investigators using 21st century research paradigms honed and crafted from strengths-based approaches interrogate issues surrounding national, cultural identity, and cultural hybridity. Additionally, push-pull factors in migration, acculturative influences, psychological resilience, and coping strategies within non-pathologizing frameworks of inclusivity and intersectionality are fodder for empirical research. These holistic perspectives borrow from multiple perspectives in Black Psychology paradigm shifting as they reject and deconstruct Eurocentric models in explaining Black psyche and behaviors. The discursive frame around subaltern voices, is that, it deracinates “grand” theories, splinters and challenges hegemonic assumptions. Moving from the mechanistic, binary constructions placing a premium on only quantitative models with a concomitant devaluation of qualitative approaches, this author argues that the kinds of cross-cultural research that offers the most qualitatively-rich analysis is ethnography, as this approach embraces concepts of lived epistemological realities of participants. As a cross-cultural tool, it triangulates participant observations, interviews, and case studies. The ethnographic report generated from this data-gathering methodology and comprised of multiple sections, illuminates the following: the uniqueness of indigenous psychologies; provides important historical contexts; addresses issues of language, cultural rituals, and norms; and grounds the work within multidisciplinary perspectives offering more integrative, cogent analyses of cultural phenomena. Further, even research ensconced in knowledge-production for academic consumption should hue to the penultimate, translational goals of nation building, community flourishings, and human capital development. Keywords: cross-cultural research, Caribbean psychology, intersectional research