Community Identity Research Articles

Classic Maya deity concurrence: Brides, gods, and inter-dynastic ritual exchange

The Classic Maya (250–900 CE) lowlands of Mesoamerica were home to dozens of interconnected polities whose elites shared an intellectual and material culture. They also sustained common sociopolitical institutions like divine kingship, which relied in part on ritual performance to legitimate dynastic rule. This article suggests that exogamous marriage was an important context for maintaining this shared culture through inter-dynastic exchange. Using the example of deity concurrence or impersonation, I argue that noblewomen who married into another polity brought with them cultural knowledge that included ritual practices with which members of the royal family negotiated their dynastic identity. By performing deity concurrence and sharing their understanding of the ritual with their partners and offspring, foreign queens contributed to development of local dynastic tradition and to ongoing maintenance of a regional elite culture. This consideration of exogamous marriage recasts Classic Maya exogamous brides as cultural actors who shaped the identity and ritual tradition of the dynastic communities into which they married.

Contextual Theological Review Of The Meaning Of Tamo Cake In The Tulude Tradition And Its Impact On Faith Growth In The GMIM Batu Karang Bualo Congregation, Bunaken Region

This article presents a contextual theological review regarding the meaning of Tamo Cake in the Tulude Tradition and its impact on the growth of faith in the GMIM Batu Karang Bualo Congregation, Bunaken Region. Tamo cake, which is made from sticky rice, sugar, coconut and coconut milk, not only serves as a dish in Tulude ceremonies, but also holds the noble values that are the cultural heritage of the people of North Nusa. This research aims to maintain the Tulude Tradition, which includes Tamo Cake, as a means of increasing the growth of Christian faith. Using qualitative methods and in-depth analysis, this article links the Tamo Cake to Christian values, highlighting how the meaning of this cake can strengthen social bonds and increase the spiritual awareness of the congregation. Tamo cake is a symbol of unity and harmony, which is able to penetrate differences in a pluralistic society. The research results show that Tamo Cake in the Tulude Tradition not only functions as ritual food, but also as a medium for communicating theological and educational values that are relevant to the context of congregational life in relation to Contextual Theology and the cultivation of Christian values for Christian Religious Education. Thus, this tradition has great potential in building faith and harmony between religious communities. This article ends with a conclusion that emphasizes the importance of maintaining traditions as part of a community's cultural identity and spirituality.

Zines And Computational Publishing Practices

This paper explores the parallels between historical zine culture and contemporary DIY computational publishing practices, highlighting their roles as countercultural movements within their own right. Both mediums, from zines of the 1990s to personal homepages and feminist servers, provide spaces for identity formation, community building, and resistance against mainstream societal norms. Drawing on Stephen Duncombe's insights into zine culture, this research examines how these practices embody democratic, communal ideals and act as a rebuttal to mass consumerism and dominant media structures. The paper argues that personal homepages and web rings serve as digital analogues to zines, fostering participatory and grassroots networks and underscores the importance of these DIY practices in redefining production, labour, and the role of the individual within cultural and societal contexts, advocating for a more inclusive and participatory digital landscape. Through an examination of both zines and their digital counterparts, this research reveals their shared ethos of authenticity, creativity, and resistance.

Unity in Diverse Society of Malaysia

Objective: This article aims to use historical institutionalism to examine how the Malay Bumiputera Muslims identity was constructed and analyse people’s responses to related government policies. Theoretical Framework: The role of religion in constructing an identity for Malay Bumiputera (son of the soil) Muslims, who form the majority of the population, is a topic of debate among Malaysians. Since independence in 1957, the supreme law of Malaysia, the Federal Constitution, has pronounced Islam as the official religion but other religious ideologies are allowed to be practiced. Apart from the race riots of 1969, Malaysians have been living in a harmonious and peaceful multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious society; where each ethnicity promotes its own culture, while also respecting other diversities and cherishing differences to promote unity. This study applies the HI framework to examine the identity construction of Malay Bumiputera Muslims and also assess people’s responses to related government policies. Method: For empirical data analysis, the authors employ qualitative method through historical analysis based on authentic sources available in libraries as well as interviews with key informants in order to collect data from their personal opinion and experience. In other words, this comprehensive study has used mixed methods beginning with documentary analysis and using qualitative interviews to support the documentary analysis to achieve our objectives. Results and Discussion: The government has taken many steps to promote stability and racial harmony. Still, there are hurdles such as economic disparities among ethnicities, education based on vernacular languages, and others. On top of that, there are vast differences in community identity construction between the Malay Peninsula and the Borneo states, Sabah and Sarawak. To some extent, however, this historical setting has shaped Malaysian politics to be primarily centred upon the Malay and Bumiputera racial-hegemony context. This political setting cannot be avoided, but other ethnics are also permitted to form parties to represent their communities. Conclusion: To conclude, this identity construction has been a way to provide unity in diversity in the multi-racial society which is politically and socioeconomically constructed.

Macrosocial Identity in the North Caucasus in the Context of Contemporary Challenges: Comprehending Research Practices

Macrosocial identity in the regional communities of the North Caucasus is characterized by contradictions and complexity of formation processes, which is largely due to the frontier nature of the region. Recently, in the context of a sharp aggravation of the geopolitical situation, the conduct of a special military operation, the problems of the integrity and unity of the North Caucasian society as an integral part of Russia have come to the fore, updating issues of identity. The purpose of the study is to clarify, basing on the secondary analysis of data from various studies and comparison of the results of research projects, the levels of formation of different types of macrosocial identity in regional societies and establish their correlation with social practice in the regions. The study revealed inconsistency of the final data obtained by different scientists. Consideration of the social practices accumulated in regional societies made it possible, to a certain extent, to correct the assessment of the levels of formation of types of macrosocial identity in relation to a specific region of the North Caucasus. A conclusion is made, about the mosaic structure of public consciousness of the North Caucasian community and contradictory social practices that have developed in regional society. It has been defined that, under the influence of both external and internal destructive forces, identification processes acquire a risky orientation from time to time. The analytical material may be of interest to scientific teams studying identification problems, as well as for media and various institutions interested in using positive identification practices, such as cultural and edifying, organizing educational work among the population of the North Caucasus region.

Echoes of Dissent: The Transformative Power of Sound in Iran's Urban Nightscapes

The suppression of public dissent in Iran has catalysed alternative forms of resistance, most notably Nocturnal Rooftop Slogan Chanting (NRSC). This study explores NRSC as an urban phenomenon, illuminating its role in reshaping nightscapes under an authoritarian regime. How can politically disenfranchised citizens reclaim urban spaces and assert their voices under oppressive conditions? It is argued that NRSC creates alternative sonic geographies, challenging conventional narratives of nightscapes and expanding spaces of dissent. Combining theoretical analysis with empirical observations, this study includes a thematic analysis of 158 videos of NRSC from 2021 to 2023 and provides insights into the characteristics and content of these protests. The findings reveal that NRSC fosters communal identities and challenges state control through the creation of dispersed, anonymous, yet interconnected acts of sonic occupation. It thus transforms urban nights into platforms for collective expression and symbolic resistance. The study also demonstrates that NRSC's effectiveness lies in its ability to leverage the urban nightscape, particularly the vertical dimension of rooftops, to create a pervasive soundscape of dissent. It invites further research into the role of sensory experiences in shaping political landscapes and suggests a re-evaluation of urban nights as crucial spaces of identity formation and resistance.

Need for belonging: Exploring subcultural identity in the Chinese Lolita online community

This study explores the evolution of the Chinese Lolita fashion online communities. The inception of Lolita fashion in China began in the early 2000s and Lolita dressing culture has gained popularity with the development of digital media. We draw on 53 qualitative interviews, alongside ethnographic research, to understand Lolita participants’ perception of Lolita dressing culture and their experience with the Lolita online communities. We critique existing studies that classify Lolita dressing practice as a fashion or popular culture, and we argue that Chinese Lolita participants identify Lolita fashion participation as a subculture, with evidence of community building and identity construction involving rebellion against mainstream culture. This inquiry into the dynamics of digitally mediated communities formed by dedicated Lolita participants uncovers the evolution of Lolita online communities which exhibit a three-type typology: cohesive community, loose community and deconstructed community. We further critique the existing definitions and understanding of online communities. We argue that components such as a sense of belonging, alongside clear boundaries and rules, should still be integral to the definition of online communities. Lolita participants persistently desire a cohesive online community to attain a sense of belonging and to exhibit their subcultural identity.

Exploring Cultural Competence in Art Education : A Literature Review on Enhancing Cultural Identity among Students in Taishan College in Shandong Province, China

This literature review explores the relationship between cultural competence in art education and the enhancement of cultural identity among students at Taishan College in Shandong Province, China. In an increasingly globalized world, understanding and integrating diverse cultural perspectives in educational curricula have become paramount. This study synthesizes existing research on cultural competence, art education methodologies, and their implications for fostering cultural identity. The review reveals that art education serves as a powerful medium for encouraging students to engage with their cultural heritage while also appreciating global artistic expressions. Key themes identified include the role of culturally responsive pedagogy, the impact of local traditions on artistic practices, and the significance of student engagement in culturally relevant projects. By highlighting best practices and potential strategies for implementing culturally competent curricula, this review aims to provide insights for educators and policymakers seeking to enhance cultural identity through art education in a Chinese context. The findings suggest that by embracing cultural competence, art education can not only enrich students' educational experiences but also promote a deeper sense of self and community identity among the youth in Shandong Province.

‘I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar!’: #March4Justice and the Desire for Law to Listen

In speaking to a particular moment in time, when women are increasingly frustrated that their stories are not heard by the law, this article analyses comments posted to the hashtag March4Justice, to offer a contextualist account of how women are locating themselves in (and against) the law by means of social media. It suggests that the use of this hashtag contributes to, and is evidence of, an overarching rallying discourse that pleads for law reform. The article showcases an empirical analysis of social media narratives to demonstrate that emotionality, narrativity, and communal identity weave together to represent (and constitute) a critique of law's ability to listen to the needs of women.

The role of university in a Korean heritage language student’s identity development

Abstract Drawing on autobiographical narratives of a second-generation Korean heritage language (HL) student who grew up in Auckland, New Zealand, this study examines the role of university study in HL students’ identity development. In her narratives, the participant describes feeling inferior about her Korean HL and culture as a child but finding that university offered space for the (re)construction and positive reinforcement of her HL and cultural identities over time. The university provided her with a multicultural community, and HL and other identity- and heritage-culture-related courses, which enabled her both to (re)construct her sense of self and to critically examine the challenges she faced in a White European-dominated society. The findings shed light on second-generation immigrant-background students’ HL and related identity development processes, and the importance of creating bilingual and bicultural educational spaces in tertiary education for their ongoing identity development.

Identitas Budaya Melayu di Asahan, Sumatera Utara

This article examines the cultural customs of the Asahan community during the era of the Asahan Kingdom, a historically Malay kingdom with deep Islamic influences located in what is now North Sumatra. Although Malay culture is predominant, the region has also seen the integration of Toba Batak and Javanese communities, enriching its cultural landscape over time. This study aims to analyze the role of Malay culture in shaping Asahan’s identity within the broader context of East Sumatra. Using a qualitative approach that combines literature review and field observations, the research highlights the significant impact of Malay cultural values—especially in religious beliefs, customs, and enduring social practices—on local identity. These findings provide valuable insights into the forms and preservation of Malay cultural heritage in Asahan, emphasizing its relevance in fostering a cohesive community identity.

Endowed with positive values and fatal weaknesses: Public art practices in post-industrial landscape --- A systematic review

Public art, due to its convenient participatory function and strong social integration ability, is being widely used in the protection, adaptive reuse and innovation of urban post-industrial landscape. In the process of urban renewal, although different forms of public art practice have brought many positive values and benefits to post-industrial landscape, such as the preference for sustainable development of the city, the continuation of urban context or the concern for local community residents based on “top-down” and “bottom-up” cases. Meanwhile, a series of fatal weaknesses arise are ultimately attributed to fragment and single protection of post-industrial landscape. The goal of this study is to systematically review and classify articles on the involvement of public art in post-industrial landscape (a process for screening articles was designed) in order to more clearly find out the positive values and fatal weaknesses of public art practice in various process of post-industrial landscape protection based on both “top-down” and “bottom-up” models. Most previous studies have focused on case analysis and have not discussed this issue or used this method. Therefore, the study is valuable. The conclusions of the study show eight positive values and seven fatal weaknesses in the application of public art practice in post-industrial landscape. It should be pointed out that “inspiring interaction and involvement” and “strengthening community identity,” are the most important factors in the practice of public art in post-industrial landscape. In the future stage, we should focus on and address the issue of "how to establish long-term artistic practice?” and “how we can better balance interests and rights among multiple stakeholders?" within public art academic ocean.

Where It Should Always Be

“Where It Should Always Be, ” is a powerful poem written by Carlos Andres Olivera Caballero. The poem delved into the complex interplay between urban spaces and social movements. It illustrates how public spaces, often overlooked, became crucial arenas for the expression of communal identity, resistance, and aspirations for a just society. Set against the backdrop of a city undergoing turmoil, the poem is narrated through the experiences of a young individual witnessing the transformation of everyday urban landscapes into sites of collective action and contestation. It captures the essence of public space as a platform for civic engagement, where the community’s fight for equality, dignity, and freedom is articulated and enacted. Through vivid imagery and emotive storytelling, the poem reflects on the role of public spaces in shaping social dynamics, highlighting their potential to foster solidarity, empower marginalized voices, and challenge structures of power. It emphasizes the solidarity of resonates the reader’s interest in urban cmovements underlining thepoem’son message of community empowerment.

Politicizing belonging: Community formation at the Late Preclassic Maya hamlet of Dos Ceibas

Abstract People are often assumed to expand existing mechanisms—kinship in particular—to include others when they form communities. These models (con)fuse similarity with sameness, as we argue based on Husserl's concept of empathy. People recognize others without overlooking differences. They form community by negotiating belonging. We ask how individuals materialize community, how they create unity in a political process, and how they employ bordering and bonding social interactions. Our case study is Dos Ceibas, a Late Preclassic (350 b.c. to a.d. 250) Maya hamlet in the Petexbatun region. The North Plaza originated as a residential group—possibly of the hamlet's founder—and was transformed over multiple construction episodes into a public and ceremonial place. By a.d. 250, Dos Ceibas consisted of a small pyramid overlooking a plaza and two likely residential buildings. Its growth pattern sets the North Plaza apart from nearby Group MP16 and magnified internal differences. At the same time, Dos Ceibas's pyramid and plaza were likely communal constructions that project a shared community identity. The comparison with contemporary settlements nearby identifies distinct settlement layouts and suggests localized community identities.

Group-swinging as a strategic approach to curating multiple minority identities online: A study of lesbian gamers

Building upon platform-swinging, this study introduces the concept of identity-driven “group-swinging” within a single platform, focusing on how users with multiple minority identities strategically curate corresponding identities through this process. Collecting all created and engaged posts ( n = 31,084) from 102 lesbian gamers in both lesbian gamer and female gamer groups, this research utilizes structural topic modeling to delineate their productive and consumptive curation across different groups. The results indicate that lesbian gamers often prioritize discussions on women and queer issues within the female gamer community while presenting a more gamer-centric identity in the lesbian gamer community. Group-swinging emerges as an optimal strategy for exploring a balance between belongingness and distinctiveness, enabling lesbian gamers to navigate their multiple minority identities effectively. This study enriches the understanding of identity curation and optimal distinctiveness theory, offering plausible strategies for the online resilience of marginalized groups within the polymedia context.

Peran Pemerintah dalam Pelestarian Kesenian Ludruk di Surabaya

Ludruk is a native East Javanese folk art originating from Jombang, but is also a typical Surabaya cultural mascot. Ludruk is a traditional drama performed by an arts group on a stage based on stories about people's daily lives. Ludruk art is part of East Java's rich and unique cultural heritage. Its preservation is important to maintain local cultural identity which can be a valuable asset for the community, due to the threat of loss and extinction. Ludruk is not only an artistic performance, but is also part of social life and preserving the community's identity can help strengthen a sense of solidarity and pride in local culture. . By choosing this topic, researchers can make a meaningful contribution to efforts to preserve and promote the desirability of ludruk art for the future. This research method is descriptive qualitative by collecting primary data through in-depth interviews and observations from related informants. Based on the research results that: 1. The role of the Surabaya City Culture, Youth and Sports and Tourism Department (Disbudporapar) as a regulator, plays a significant role in supporting arts and cultural activities in the preservation of ludruk art, ensuring that this traditional art remains alive and growing among young generation in ASPK policy.2. The role of the Department of Culture, Youth and Sports and Tourism of the City of Surabaya (Disbudporapar) as a facilitator, currently there is still a lack of support and facilities, allowing regeneration, regeneration of ludruk artists to be slow, competition with modern media, limited training: training programs are often undirected and inconsistent. 3. The role of the Department of Culture, Youth and Sports and Tourism of the City of Surabaya (Disbudporapar) as a dynamist, has been running well, but the current condition is that many ludruk groups in Surabaya have arts registration marks (TDK) and are registered at Disbudporapar. However, many of them have already died and Ludruk performances currently only rely on invitations from the Surabaya City Youth and Sports Culture Service (Disbudporapar).

Psychological Well-Being Among Nursing Staff in an Emergency Department: A Mixed-Methods Study

IntroductionEmergency departments worldwide are faced with in-hospital crowding and fast-paced admissions, creating an increasingly high workload for health care personnel. In recent years, emergency departments have also experienced an increase in emergency admissions, resulting in burdened workplaces. This has led to debates about nurses’ work environment and mental well-being. This study aimed to gain knowledge on the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as insight into the factors influencing the mental well-being of the nursing staff in a Danish emergency department. MethodsThis is a mixed-methods study with an explanatory sequential design. A questionnaire (the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale – 21 Items) was sent to nursing staff (N = 146) in a large emergency department in the Region of Southern Denmark. Afterward, a smaller sample participated in semistructured interviews. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U test, and the chi-square test. In the qualitative part, a thematic analysis was performed. ResultsCompleted surveys were received from 78 nursing staff (53.4%). Overall, the nursing staff reported severe to extremely severe levels of depression (14.1%), anxiety (23.1%), or stress (47.2%) within a week before completing the survey. Higher levels of psychological distress were significantly associated with fewer years of clinical experience and having previously experienced or received treatment for depression, anxiety, or stress. Ten staff members later volunteered to participate in the interviews. The qualitative results formed 3 themes: (1) high work pace and responsibility, (2) professional community and nursing identity, and (3) culture with an increased focus on mental well-being. DiscussionThe nursing staff reported high mental strain, especially in the forms of high stress and anxiety levels. They explained that their mental health was affected by overcrowding, a pressured work environment, and lack of resources.

Factors Contributing to Formation and Existence of Community Identities in Bangkok Metropolis

In Bangkok, some traditional communities have maintained their identity despite urbanization. This research investigates the factors that influence the formation and existence of identities in three historic communities: Sam Phraeng, Talat Noi, and Soi Prachanaruemit (Wood Street). The research uses surveys, observations, and interviews to examine tangible and intangible elements. The results indicate that community identity originates from tangible elements such as architecture and landmarks, including intangible elements such as economics and society. Participation is essential to maintaining these identities, which requires effective community management, leading to income generation through activities and tourism that reflect the existence of community identities.

Tradisi Tebokan dalam Perspektif Pengembangan Usaha Mikro Kecil Menengah (UMKM) Masyarakat Kaliputu Kota Kudus

The tradition of Tebokan in Kaliputu Village, Kudus, is a local cultural heritage that strengthens community identity and plays an important role in economic development through the involvement of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This annual event, which coincides with the celebration of 1 Muharram, combines religious values and local culture with a procession of gunungan jenang that symbolizes prosperity. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques in the form of interviews, documentation, and literature studies. The results showed that Tebokan Tradition is not only a cultural ritual, but also serves as a promotional strategy that supports the growth of jenang MSMEs. Government support and synergy between MSME players and the local community have increased the popularity of jenang as a local superior product, while strengthening the village economy. Despite facing obstacles, such as limited budget and community participation, this tradition still has great potential to grow through cross-sector collaboration. Through the preservation of the Tebokan Tradition, Kaliputu Village not only maintains its cultural heritage but also strengthens economic resilience and enriches the social life of the community.

Maintaining Malay Culture amidst the Current of Globalization

This globalization has led to political, economic and cultural integration. Malay culture is now being hit by globalization. This is because many foreign cultures have been allowed to enter regions that have a Malay feel, both through print media and electronic media. With the fading of Malay culture, the identity of the Malay community has also faded, which is characterized by people who are innocent, polite, modest, and able to adapt to various cultures without letting go of their Malayness. The aim of this article is to explain the efforts that can be made to preserve Malay culture amidst the rapid flow of globalization. This paper uses library research research methods. The results of this research are that the process of preserving Malay culture must of course come from public awareness first, then it can be done by means of culture experience and culture knowledge.