Conservation Society Research Articles

Countering International Backlash by Discrediting the Messengers: Reputational Chaining and LGBT+ Rights in Bosnia

How can LGBT+ activists counter growing international backlash, especially in conservative contexts where LGBT+ people face discrimination? We consider the consequences of linking domestic opponents of LGBT+ rights to international anti-LGBT+ messengers, arguing that such linkages might work to impede backlash. The case of Bosnia informs our study as a conservative society where LGBT+ people have made both progress but also face staunch opposition. We inquire how linking domestic anti-LGBT+ political leaders (i.e., reputational chaining) to the agenda of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a well-recognized but also polarizing international anti-LGBT+ messenger, influences public opinion. Our experiments are designed to raise questions about the moral authority of Putin and political leaders associated with him. Based on a nationwide survey experiment in July and October 2023, we find that priming on Putin’s anti-LGBT+ messaging reduces appraisals of Putin’s moral authority and increases support for LGBT+ rights. In a second experiment, we illustrate how linking Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik’s anti-LGBT+ messaging to Putin also undercuts Dodik’s appeal. We reflect on the implications of our findings for theories of norm entrepreneurship in international relations and for strategies to counter anti-LGBT+ backlash in conservative contexts.

Perceptions of Work–Family–Engineering Relationships Among Employed Female Engineers in Yemen: A Survey Study

Work–family conflict (WFC) is a worldwide and timeless dilemma that negatively and significantly impacts the performance of employees, families, and organizations. It intensifies when the career is engineering, the employee is female, and the job environment requires heavy-duty and field tasks. The present study investigates the WFC in an engineering environment for female engineers and studies many women-related issues in Yemen. Three questionnaires targeted 130 female engineer graduates, 60 senior engineers, and 20 female engineers’ husbands. The results indicated that marriage is strongly and negatively correlated to educational performance, job opportunities, and job continuity. The present study suggests that, in conservative societies, disruptions from family-to-work are more pronounced compared to work-to-family. Several external factors, including low stipends, economic downturns, and political crises, have a negative impact on job opportunities and job spillover. A significant finding revealed that the average wage of female engineers in Yemen is USD 145, which is 3.822 times lower than that of their male counterparts. The survey results indicated that only single female engineers, but not married female engineers, are currently employed in the industrial and construction sector. Most female engineering graduates are working in jobs unrelated to engineering. Employed females face balancing professional responsibilities, household tasks, and social commitments. Society needs to implement policies that alleviate the pressure on women’s work and promote and support dual-earning couples to enhance family income. The present study recommends organizations offer flexible work schedules, allow remote work options, and create a healthy work environment to address the work–family imbalance, particularly in male-dominated environments.

UK Public Attitudes and Perceptions of Seafood Sustainability: A Case Study of the Marine Conservation Society’s Good Fish Guide

Globally, the ocean faces growing pressures from various human activities, not just those related to overfishing and other fisheries related issues. In response to these pressures over the last few decades, seafood guides were developed to influence seafood purchasing behaviour and in turn increase the sustainability of the fisheries sector. However, to date there has been limited evaluation of the use and impact of these guides, and little assessment of public perceptions and attitudes to seafood sustainability. Using a public questionnaire (n = 2409) and the Marine Conservation Society’s (MCS’s) Good Fish Guide (GFG) as a case study, this study explored UK public attitudes and perceptions toward seafood sustainability and examined the role of the GFG in encouraging sustainable seafood purchasing habits. Motivational drivers and barriers to using the MCS GFG were also investigated. A positive attitude towards the guide and knowledge, including understanding of the importance of sustainability, were found to be important motivators of use. The main barrier was found as lack of awareness of the guide for 69% of participants. This study also revealed that the perception of seafood as healthy, and a more environmentally friendly animal protein than land-based alternatives is an important driver for its consumption. MCS GFG users were found to purchase significantly more (60%) seafood compared to non-users with a slight majority (53%) reporting that guide use influences their purchasing behaviour. These findings have practical implications for using guides to increase seafood consumption in line with UK government dietary guidelines whilst simultaneously meeting global sustainability goals. The study makes a unique contribution to understanding how the use of seafood guides can influence public purchasing behaviour both in the UK and globally and thus their potential for impacting the sustainability of seafood supply chains more generally.

Overlooked consequences of undiagnosed Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder in Pakistani women.

Madam, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a depressive disorder which comprises psychological and somatic symptoms brought on by sensitivity to fluctuations in the levels of female sex hormones throughout the menstrual cycle.1 Symptoms of PMDD present at the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and usually resolve at the end of menstruation.1 These include but are not limited to affective lability and an increase in anxiety, anger and depressive episodes. Women with PMDD may also experience certain physical symptoms that deviate from normal physiological mechanisms such as lethargy, hypersomnia or insomnia and changes in appetite.1 Women worldwide struggle with self-harm and suicidal ideation; however, new studies suggest a possible correlation between these mental health issues and the prevalence of menstrual disorders like PMDD. A 2021 meta-analysis conducted by Divya Prasad et al. indicated that PMDD increases the likelihood of suicide attempt by almost sevenfold and of ideation by fourfold.2 The findings of this study raise grave concerns in countries such as Pakistan where discussions and studies related to both menstrual disorders and mental health are limited. A study on PMDD incidence in Pakistan's general population found no research on the topic. However, a cross-sectional study in three Karachi universities revealed that only 19% of female students were aware of PMDD, highlighting the country's lack of awareness and the taboo associated with menstruation in Pakistan's conservative society.3 Cultural perspectives often overlook PMDD symptoms due to the belief that women experience moodiness and sensitivity during menstruation. This generalization disregards hormonal pathology and views PMDD as a natural physiological phenomenon. This issue affects Pakistani women and physicians, as women may be influenced by this ideology, not considering their symptoms significant enough to warrant treatment. The Pakistani community can benefit from investigating the prevalence of PMDD in rural and urban areas to identify differential factors affecting symptoms and exacerbation. Studies have shown that higher perceived stress is linked to increased perimenstrual symptoms in women with PMDD.4 Future studies should measure the knowledge gap in physicians regarding PMDD's diagnostic criteria to prevent misdiagnosis. Recent findings highlight a single gene polymorphism in the ESR1 gene and contradictory neurobiological effects of Allopregnanolone on GABA-A receptors in women experiencing PMDD.5 This validates the symptoms experienced by women, protecting them from biased dismissals and societal stereotypes. These advancements could reduce healthcare gender disparity and foster confidence in seeking suitable treatment. Continued...

Assessment of intimate partner violence victimization and its association with the psychological state of abused women and social support in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a significant global concern, profoundly affecting physical, psychological, sexual, and financial well-being. Its prevalence is notably high in conservative societies including Saudi Arabia (SA). Given the limited research on the role of social support in IPV within SA. This study aimed to assess IPV victimization and its association with the psychological state of abused women in SA, and the effects of social support on the women’s experience of IPV.MethodsA total of 128 women participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected from September 2022 to March 2023 using the World Health Organization Multi-Country Violence Against Women, the General Health Questionnaire, and the Multi-Dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support.ResultsOne-quarter of women experienced at least one type of IPV, with more than half of them experienced financial (65.6%), sexual (53.9%), emotional (57.8%), controlling behavior (43.8%) and physical (39.8%) abuse. IPV victimization, be it physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, and IPV frequency were positively correlated with psychological distress (M = 15.05, SD = 6.82, p = .009), anxiety and depression (M = 6.29, SD = 2.57, p = .004), and loss of confidence (M = 2.57, SD = 1.90, p < .001). Social support was negatively associated with physical and controlling behavior abuse (p = .01) as well as IPV frequency (p = .024). The risk factors of IPV were unemployed women, employed husbands, history of child abuse for wives and husbands, financial struggle and arranged marriage.ConclusionsThe conclusion was that IPV can cause psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of confidence and can be buffered by social support. Given its prevalence and impact on mental health, it is crucial to establish strict policies and regulations to prevent IPV and provide effective interventions and support for abused women.

Male View on Aesthetic Procedures: A Local Survey.

Background Cosmetic procedures have become increasingly popular worldwide; however, male participation remains relatively low, especially in conservative societies like Saudi Arabia. This study explores the awareness, attitudes, and experiences of men concerning aesthetic procedures in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on sociodemographic factors and sources of information. This study aimed to assess male awareness, attitudes, and experiences with aesthetic procedures in Saudi Arabia and identify factors influencing their engagement with these interventions. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 818 male participants from various regions in Saudi Arabia. Data on sociodemographic profiles, awareness levels, and attitudes toward cosmetic procedures were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression models were used for data analysis performed using SPSS version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results The study found that 504 (61.6%) participants had never undergone a cosmetic procedure. The most common reasons for not undergoing such procedures included the social image of men (198, 39.2%), cost (145, 28.7%), and no health issues requiring aesthetic intervention (66, 13.1%). Awareness of cosmetic procedures was relatively low, with 223 (27.3%) participants rating their awareness as "low" and 101 (12.3%) as "very low." Social media (333, 40.7%), physicians (211, 25.8%), and television (144, 17.6%) were the primary sources of information. Significant factors influencing attitudes included age, education level, employment status, and marital status, all of which had a significant p-value below 0.05. Conclusions Awareness and acceptance of cosmetic procedures among Saudi males are increasing, influenced by various cultural, societal, and personal factors. This study highlights the need for targeted campaigns and education to promote understanding and acceptance. Further research is needed to examine how these attitudes evolve and their implications for the cosmetic industry and healthcare providers.

Bisexual Identity Concealment for Marital Harmony: Cultural and Religious Pressures in Malaysia

This study investigates the concealment of bisexual identity among married men in Malaysia, a country where homosexuality is both stigmatized and criminalized under Syariah law. The problem lies in the immense cultural, religious, and legal pressures that compel these men to hide their sexual orientation, leading to significant emotional and psychological challenges. The primary objective of this research is to explore how these men manage their bisexual identities while maintaining marital harmony within a conservative, heteronormative society. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 self-identified bisexual men married to heterosexual women. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings reveal that societal expectations, fear of divorce, and family reputation are key factors influencing their decision to hide their sexual orientation. Participants reported high levels of anxiety, guilt, and isolation due to the dual pressure of performing heteronormativity in public while concealing their true selves in private. This study contributes to understanding the challenges faced by bisexual men in mixed-orientation marriages in Malaysia, particularly the psychological toll of maintaining secrecy. The implications underscore the need for culturally sensitive mental health services and policy reforms to provide adequate support for bisexual individuals. Such interventions are critical to reducing stigma and promoting emotional well-being in conservative societies.

Qualitative Analysis of Social Factors Contributing to Gender Inequality: Evidence from Rural Bangladesh

Gender is a sensitive issue in the traditional societal setup of Bangladesh. People hesitate to discuss gender even in the 21st century. The problem of gender inequality has been widespread in Bangladesh since the ancient and medieval periods. Moreover, this problem is more acute in rural parts of the country, where people have less privilege and live in a more conservative society. This qualitative study explored rural communities' social, cultural, and economic structure to determine the social factors of gender inequality in rural Bangladesh. To do that, this study used a qualitative research approach. Employing semi-structured in-depth interviews and critically analyzing secondary data, the research scrutinized the perspectives of male and female village residents across diverse roles, such as students, employees, farmers, homemakers, and entrepreneurs. The findings highlighted several social factors causing gender disparity, including the inescapable influence of patriarchal structures, gender stereotypes, preference for male offspring, child marriage, the notion of girls as liabilities, a lack of awareness, socioeconomic barriers, and a lack of explicit policy. With nearly 60.29% of the total population residing in remote areas where gender gaps persist, this research sheds light on the urgent need for intervention. Moreover, this study provided significant recommendations after critically examining the findings. Finally, the study underlined the imperative for governmental and decision-making bodies to prioritize these findings, advocating for the introduction of comprehensive gender awareness initiatives within rural communities to combat deep-rooted inequalities and pave the way toward a more equitable society.

Menopause knowledge, attitudes and experiences of women in Saudi Arabia: a qualitative study

BackgroundMenopause can be seen as a complex phenomenon influenced by an individual’s cultural norms, belief systems, and lifestyle choices. In conservative societies such as Saudi Arabia, some women silently struggle with menopause due to cultural taboos and social stigma, making their experiences invisible and lowering their quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore in-depth the knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of middle-aged Saudi women with menopause.MethodsThe study employed qualitative methods using semi-structured interviews with middle-aged women undergoing menopause in Saudi Arabia from February to May 2023. The interviews were conducted online in Arabic, recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analysed inductively using thematic analysis.ResultsA total of twenty-nine women, aged 40–64 years, were interviewed. Three key themes were identified: mixed emotions towards menopause; experiencing biopsychosocial changes; and adapting to the transition. Overall, most participants had mixed perspectives on menopause. Negative aspects included feelings of uncertainty and the loss of fertility while positive aspects included a sense of relief from menstruation and the newfound freedom to engage in religious activities at any time. Notably, during the interviews, many participants reconsidered their initial negative views and voiced predominantly positive perspectives. Several women reported inconvenient menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, disturbed sleep, and fatigue. Concerns about being perceived as less attractive led many to keep their symptoms private, and societal expectations played a significant role in influencing how women managed these symptoms and sought help. Many women opted to seek information discreetly online rather than seeking support from others. Self-care practices were favoured for managing menopause, with medical care being undervalued or at times deemed unsatisfactory.ConclusionIn Saudi Arabia, menopause is generally seen as a natural phase of life. Many women appreciate the positive aspects it brings, such as relief from menstrual pain and an enhanced ability to participate in religious practices. However, they also encounter challenges, including hot flashes and concerns about perceived decreases in attractiveness. A notable trend is the preference for self-care strategies over medical interventions or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). There is a need to raise awareness about menopausal symptoms to reduce negative perceptions and experiences and to develop health promotion and educational interventions to support and empower women during this transition. Future research with healthcare professionals would extend these findings.

Exploring Gender Roles Through Video Games Literature: Fostering Critical Thinking in Education

Objectives: This study aims to examine the potential of video games as educational tools to challenge and deconstruct traditional gender roles, particularly in conservative societies where gender norms are rigidly enforced. Theoretical Framework: Grounded in gender studies and critical media analysis, the research explores how video games both reinforce and subvert societal gender stereotypes, offering an innovative avenue for fostering critical thinking and achieving gender equality (SDG 5). Method: The study employs qualitative content analysis of selected video games, alongside a review of pedagogical practices in gender studies. It further considers cultural contexts to address the resistance to integrating video games into educational frameworks. Results and Discussion: Findings reveal that while many video games perpetuate stereotypical portrayals—men as strong heroes and women as passive victims—there exists significant potential to use video games to critically engage students with these representations. The analysis highlights how indirect engagement with such media can provoke reflection and discussions about societal gender norms. Research Implications: The study underscores the need for integrating video games into educational curricula as tools for addressing sensitive cultural topics, providing educators with strategies to navigate resistance while leveraging the medium's unique capacity for critical engagement. Originality/Value: By addressing the underexplored intersection of video games, education, and gender studies, this research contributes to the discourse on innovative pedagogical tools for advancing gender equality in conservative cultural settings.

Integrating animal welfare into the WHO pandemic treaty: a thematic analysis of civil society perspectives and comparison with treaty drafting.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed critical weaknesses in the global health system, highlighting the urgent need for a coordinated international approach to pandemic prevention and management. As negotiations for a new WHO pandemic treaty progress, the effective integration of animal welfare is crucial. This paper aims to investigate the perspectives of key civil society organizations on the integration of animal welfare provisions into the pandemic treaty. Through a thematic analysis of documents prepared by FOUR PAWS, Wildlife Conservation Society, and Action for Animal Health between 2020-2023, five major themes are identified: prevention of zoonotic spillover, One Health approach, animal health systems and infrastructure, sustainable and ethical animal management practices, and policy coherence and governance. A comparative analysis of these themes against the April 2024 draft of the pandemic treaty reveals areas of alignment and divergence. Due to the ongoing controversies and the need for further improvements, the WHO's intergovernmental negotiating body was unable to finalize the treaty text for the 77th World Health Assembly in May 2024, leading to an extended mandate until 2025. Based on the findings, the paper proposes recommendations to strengthen the integration of animal welfare into the treaty, arguing that incorporating these recommendations is critical for developing a transformative, equitable, and effective treaty that addresses the systemic drivers of pandemic risk.

Innovative address terms: Linguistic tools for social reconstruction among urban Jordanian females

This research paper examines the sociolinguistic significance of address terms currently used by urban Jordanian females as a linguistic behavior that marks their resistance to the stereotypical image of women in a conservative society. It particularly investigates the introduction of new and innovative address term variants into their linguistic repertoire, identifying four main categories: nicknames, pet names, descriptive phrases, and innovative terms. The paper also explores how females’ usage of contemporary address terms is influenced by social variables such as generation and social class, aiming to understand the role of language in shaping social identity and challenging traditional norms. For this study, a purposive sampling of 32 informants was selected, distributed almost equally across generations, genders, and social classes and semistructured interviews were conducted to collect data. Semistructured interviews provide an access to the informants’ perceptions of and attitudes toward current address terms usage in their urban community; the open-ended questions are effective for gaining desired and meaningful insights into the case of change in the Jordanian address system which could cause some concern in certain groups of the population. The analysis is based on both variationist theory and the concept of social identity, which enhance our understanding of how new variants of address terms contribute to social construction and formation of identities. By linking these two theories, I highlight how variations in address term usage are not just random, but connected to social identities. The findings prove that urban Jordanian females, particularly from the younger generation, initiate linguistic change by adopting new, innovative address term variants, replacing and stigmatizing their traditional variants, moreover, females from both social classes participate in this linguistic change but in different directions. This evolvment of address terms over time has strong implications for intercultural communication.

Crossing Borders, Shifting Identities: The Transnational Journey of Wafa Faith Hallam from Morocco to America

Wafa Faith Hallam's memoir, The Road from Morocco, presents a profound narrative that spans the personal and cultural journeys of two Moroccan women, Wafa and her mother Saadia, against the backdrop of postcolonial shifts and Western influences. Born into a conservative Muslim society and later migrating to America, their stories intricately map the contours of identity, freedom, and resistance within and across the boundaries of tradition and modernity. Wafa's transition from a lifestyle characterized by personal freedom in Morocco to confronting the harsh realities of domestic violence in America, alongside Saadia's quest for autonomy and escape from patriarchal constraints at home, reveals a profound disillusionment. Both women anticipated that America would offer them romance and liberation, only to encounter even more intense patriarchal oppression. The idea conveyed in the narrative is that the West, contrary to its image as a bastion of gender equality and freedom, can exhibit even more severe forms of gender despotism than those found in traditional Oriental societies. The memoir presents a deconstructive counternarrative that critiques both the West and Western feminism. The Road from Morocco is not merely a recounting of personal history but a significant contribution to the discourse on postcolonial identity, gender dynamics, and the immigrant experience, inviting a reevaluation of simplistic paradigms of gender liberation and oppression.

Navigating the Labyrinth of Gender Incongruence in Conservative Societies: A Call for Compassion and Understanding

Abstract In the conservative heartland of Haryana, India, a poignant encounter in a hospital chamber revealed the raw, often overlooked struggles of gender incongruence. A young woman, presenting in masculine attire and identifying herself with the pronouns ‘he’ and ‘him’, sought not only medical assistance for transition to male but also the validation of his identity amidst a backdrop of societal prejudice. This case underscores the complexities faced by individuals with gender incongruence in a society resistant to non-binary identities. The narrative illustrates the profound impact of societal norms on personal identity and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support systems. It calls for a multifaceted approach encompassing medical, psychological, and social support, advocating for education and empathy to dismantle ignorance and foster acceptance. By embracing diversity and advocating for transgender rights, healthcare professionals and society can facilitate the journey toward self-acceptance and dignity for individuals struggling with gender incongruence. The resilience and courage of this young patient serve as a powerful testament to the human spirit’s quest for authenticity, urging a compassionate and inclusive societal transformation.

Dieback of spruce plantations: deadwood stands and management heterogeneity enhance beetle diversity and habitat connectivity

Forest ecosystems are important for biodiversity conservation and human societies, but are under pressure due to climate change and human interventions. This applies to natural forests as well as tree plantations. The latter are globally widespread and therefore gaining increasing importance for biodiversity conservation. However, even after dieback due to increasing disturbance frequencies, such plantations are primarily managed for economic returns, leading to growing conflicts among stakeholders. In particular, the impact of forest management on biodiversity is being discussed. This study investigates the effects of five management approaches in a landscape severely affected by spruce (Picea abies L.) dieback on beetle diversity, conservation, and community composition. We considered direct effects of management and indirect effects of environmental parameters separately in ground-dwelling and flight-active beetles. Beetle diversity was strongly affected by forest management, with non-intervention deadwood stands being most beneficial for beetles. In addition, we show indirect effects of environmental factors. In general, parameters related to salvage logging (e.g. open canopies, tree stumps) influenced beetle diversity and conservation negatively, while positive effects were found for soil nutrient availability and plant species richness. Community composition differed strongly among management categories and indicated a lack of landscape connectivity for open habitat species, as we found only low proportions of such species even on salvage-logged sites. We propose a mixture of management approaches after bark beetle outbreaks, including a substantial proportion of non-intervention deadwood stands, to increase landscape heterogeneity and connectivity. This may increase overall biodiversity while addressing the concerns of both forestry and species conservation.

Case Study — Breaking Barriers: Women Empowerment in a Conservative Society

Muhammad Ali Mugheri (Mr. Mugheri), a Pakistani high school teacher, had to overcome crucial obstacles to change the mindset of the school management, the government, and the society — a male-dominated environment conserved in laws and culture for girls’ education. For the first time in history, such a change agent highlighted how the male gender faced issues on the way of bringing a positive change in the conservative society of Sindh, Pakistan. His educational background and work experience led him to rapid progression from the role of a girls’ high school teacher to a headmaster in the primary girls’ school to a boys’ high school teacher. After more than 14 years of working as a teacher and a headmaster, he struggled for female education in the conservative society and negligent government. As he reflected on the hard journey he had been through, although he was sincere and dedicated, he wondered what was next? In 2022, Mr. Mugheri faced yet a tough decision to change the workplace under pressure from authorities; if so how would he continue working for the cause of women’s education? In September 2022, Mr. Mugheri was confronted with another setback challenging a serious threat to his mission of fighting for girls’ right to education. As a school headmaster, he aimed for many positive changes to bring but he felt cornered. He contemplated on the challenging times he had seen to reach this point of time. Mr. Mugheri was passionate about the success of girls’ education in a conservative society. For a man, staying for long in the girls’ school, be it government girls higher secondary school or primary girls school, was a distant reality. Considering the challenges, he wondered if he could continue as a head of school, or was it time for him to change? Mr. Mugheri was the headmaster in the girls’ primary school, Lalu Raunk, Sindh, Pakistan. All his staff were female teachers. This was not acceptable to many in the conservative societies. The community heads and parents raised their concerns for his appointment in a girls’ school. Nonetheless, due to his earlier contributions to the schools, he could continue following his passion. He was greatly respected for his charismatic leadership style and his outstanding work on female education. He attributed his superior performance in the education sector to his drive, unwavering motivation to work, passion for female education, and tough decisions he had made in his career. “Give me an educated mother and I will give you an educated nation” the quote he stated repeatedly.

Identity development of Arab drama therapists: The role of ethnic boundary work

Previous studies have suggested that creative arts therapists who work in conservative societies must adapt their Western therapeutic ideologies to collectivist and traditional norms. Less is known about how these creative arts therapists construct and maintain their professional identity in diverse sociocultural contexts. Building on the literature that emphasizes the role of ethnic boundary work in professional identity processes, we examined how Arab drama therapists maintain, challenge, and negotiate ethnic boundaries in the process of professional identity construction.Participants were 38 Israeli-Arab drama therapists (36 female) working in Israeli-Arab schools. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews (27 participants) and playback theater groups (12 participants). Thematic analysis revealed three different forms of ethnic boundary work: "Distinguishing Arab identity from drama therapy", "Drama therapy as an act of challenging ethnic and gender boundaries", and "Negotiating ethnic boundaries within the context of drama therapy".The current study emphasizes the sociocultural context of boundary work by illustrating how Israeli-Arab drama therapists define their professional identity across ethnic, gender, and political tensions. We conclude with implications for research and practice.

Islamic views on local tourism engagement in conservative societies: an insight from Oman

ABSTRACT Understanding the diverse viewpoints within host communities is vital for achieving sustainable tourism development. While literature often addresses pro-tourism perspectives, scant attention is given to anti-tourism factions (unsupportive cohort of society) and those not directly benefiting. The current study addresses this gap, employing social exchange and social distance theories to explore opposition to Western-style tourism. Interviews with 22 respondents across five traditional villages in Oman reveal concerns about religious and cultural preservation, privacy, and lifestyle. The results showed that perceptions of social distance significantly shape community attitudes and behaviours towards tourists, particularly those perceived as cultural outsiders. Despite challenges, respondents adopt a nuanced approach, balancing cultural preservation with respect for tourists. Findings further illustrate that communities use symbolic markers to maintain cultural identity and cohesion amid external pressures and perceived risks. The study offers insights into culturally sensitive tourism strategies in religiously conservative societies.

Supporting inclusive scientific communities: Insights from the ATBC society survey

AbstractAcademic societies have a special responsibility in supporting the inclusivity of scientific communities. A survey of 224 Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation society members indicates that, while the society provides stronger support for equity and inclusion compared to workplaces, there is a need for continued promotion of diversity within the broader scientific community.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.

Demography leads to more conservative European societies

ABSTRACT Using the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (a total of 66,188 participants from 15 European countries) and the European Gender and Generation Survey (a total of 121,248 participants from 12 countries), we investigated i) whether differences in political attitudes and attitudes toward family values (i.e. attitudes toward homosexual couples, attitudes toward female reproduction) are associated with differences in the average number of children, and ii) whether such an association between fertility and attitudes affects the population share of these attitudes in subsequent generations. We found that in most of the countries analyzed, right-wing (conservative) individuals have, on average, more children and grandchildren than left-wing (liberal) individuals. We also found that the proportion of right-wing individuals increases from generation to generation. Since political attitudes are presumably evolved traits that are socially and genetically transmitted from one generation to the next, these findings may suggest that demographic differences can lead to shifts in prevailing political attitudes. Thus, to some extent, demography may explain longer-term political trends.