Cultural Context Research Articles

Retranslating, repackaging, and recontextualizing Simone de Beauvoir’s Le deuxième sexe in the Turkish context with an invisible feminist translator

ABSTRACT This article analyzes the Turkish retranslation of Beauvoir’s Le deuxième sexe, translated by Gülnur Acar Savran and published by Koç University Press in 2019, with a focus on the receiving cultural context. The study aims to problematize the fact that the female translator of this ‘feminist retranslation’ is often overlooked. To examine the publisher’s motivations for retranslating this work, the paratextual elements are compared to the previous translation. The previous translation was published in three volumes, each with a different subtitle inspired by the second volume of the original text. Additionally, the use of photographs of women on the front covers and the emphasis on the scandalous nature of the text on the back covers did not promote its feminist content. The main argument is that the new translation reintroduces the source text as a feminist classic to a new readership in Türkiye, with the added benefit of the translator and publisher’s ideological and academic background, without giving due credit to the translator. My analysis on the paratextual level and the current discussion about Acar Savran's invisibility as a retranslator have led me to problematize the issue within feminist translation studies, referring to the double invisibility of women as translators.

The influence of progeny-Parents family travel on the well-being of the elderly in filial piety culture.

Grounded in the cultural context of Chinese filial piety, this study employs structural equation model to analyze survey data from elderly participants. It explores the effect and path of progeny-parents family travel on the elderly's sense of well-being and examines the mediating roles of generational interaction, optimistic emotion, and psychological resilience. The findings indicate that progeny-parents family travel positively influences the well-being of the elderly, with generational interaction, optimistic emotion, and psychological resilience serving as intermediary roles. Theoretically, this study enriches the localized perspective of family travel's psychological and behavioral impact on the elderly. It elucidates the spillover effects of family travel within the framework of filial piety culture, delineates the mechanisms by which family travel enhances elderly well-being, and offers theoretical insights for businesses to develop customized family travel products and services.

Cross-Cultural Mediators in Resolving Conflicts in Indonesia

This article focuses on the role of cross-cultural mediators in resolving conflicts related to cultural violence in Indonesia and provides an overview of the cultural context in Indonesia and the factors that contribute to the prevalence of cultural violence. The article then discusses the role of cross-cultural mediators in facilitating dialogue and promoting understanding between different cultural groups. Using a qualitative research methodology, the article explores the experiences of cross-cultural mediators working in different parts of Indonesia. Diverse references like literature, academic papers, scientific publications, dissertations, and similar materials concerning delicate cultural aspects, categorization of aggression within Indonesian society, and elements impacting the development of a violent culture are mentioned within the paper. The article highlights the challenges and opportunities that mediators face in their work, including the need to build trust and develop effective communication strategies. The article argues that cross-cultural mediation can be an effective tool for resolving conflicts related to cultural violence in Indonesia. The article emphasizes the importance of developing culturally sensitive and context-specific mediation strategies that take into account the unique cultural and historical factors that contribute to violence in different regions of the country. In conclusion, the article highlights the need for greater support for cross-cultural mediators in Indonesia, including training and capacity-building programs, as well as increased awareness and recognition of the important role that mediators play in promoting peace and resolving conflicts related to cultural violence. The article argues that cross-cultural mediation has the potential to contribute to building a more peaceful and just society. Keywords: cross culture, mediation, conflict, resolution

Socioeconomic and Cultural Factors and Juvenile Delinquency in Pakistan: A Critical Analysis of Structural Theories

The article is a critical discourse on the immigration of youth crime in Pakistan as understood by structural theories. It leverages a variety of literature and empirical studies tries to show how the meeting of structural inequalities, gender norms, and individual experiences forms the background for the antisocial nature of young people, particularly in Pakistan. The practice framework integrates the strain model, social learning theory, and rational choice theory, among others, to provide the practitioner with a broader perspective of the various things that contribute to delinquency in children. The evaluation of present policies, programs, and interventions is done in a review, which checks whether they are able to address such underlying issues and recommendations on policy reforms are proposed. By emphasizing the community-specific socio-economic and cultural contexts, the work has underlined the need for a responsibility-tailored solution that integrates cultural and socio-economic considerations. The identified research shows that the requirements for community efforts to be made are a partnership among researchers, policymakers and community leaders who organize evidence-based interventions to create a more equal and fair juvenile criminal justice system in Pakistan.

Healing Health Care Disparities: Development and Pilot Testing of a Virtual Reality Implicit Bias Training Module for Physicians in the Context of Black Maternal Health

ABSTRACT Grounded in communication models of cultural competence, this study reports on the development and testing of the first module in a larger virtual reality (VR) implicit bias training for physicians to help them better: (a) recognize implicit bias and its effects on communication, patients, and patient care; (b) identify their own implicit biases and exercise strategies for managing them; and (c) learn and practice communicating with BIPOC patients in a culture-centered manner that demonstrates respect and builds trust. Led by communication faculty, a large, interdisciplinary team of researchers, clinicians, and engineers developed the first module tested herein focused on training goal (a). Within the module, participants observe five scenes between patient Marilyn Hayes (a Black woman) and Dr. Richard Flynn (her obstetrician, a White man) during a postpartum visit. The interaction contains examples of implicit bias, and participants are asked to both identify and consider how implicit bias impacts communication, the patient, and patient care. The team recruited 30 medical students and resident physicians to participate in a lab-based study that included a pretest, a training experience of the module using a head-mounted VR display, and a posttest. Following the training, participants reported improved attitudes toward implicit bias instruction, greater importance of determining patients’ beliefs and perspectives for history-taking, treatment, and providing quality health care; and greater communication efficacy. Participants’ agreement with the importance of assessing patients’ perspectives, opinions, and psychosocial and cultural contexts did not significantly change. Implications for medical education about cultural competency and implicit bias are discussed.

Living with diabetes in Northeast India: An exploration of psychosocial factors in management

PurposeIndia is the ‘Diabetes Capital of the World’ and accounts for one in seven adults living with diabetes worldwide. Psychosocial, economic, and cultural correlates of disease have important implications for disease management but are rarely explored in India. The purpose of this study is to address psychosocial and cultural factors in diabetes management in the northeastern region of India which has a high disease burden. MethodsThis study attempts to explore the psychosocial and lived experience of diabetes in the northeastern state of Meghalaya. The sample was selected from individuals attending an outpatient facility of a multi-speciality clinic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 individuals (13 women and 12 men), above the age of 40 years, who had been diagnosed with diabetes for at least 6 months. The narratives were analysed using thematic analysis. ResultsUsing the social cognitive framework, themes were organized in terms of a thematic map linking knowledge of diabetes to the perception of diabetes as ‘a silent killer’, to coping, leading to self-efficacy. However high self-efficacy, over time, may lead to complacency, disrupting health behaviours and requiring re-establishment of those behaviours. Adequate knowledge along with cognitive adaptation and self-efficacy were important constructs that contributed to behaviour change and maintenance. Elements of the cultural context were observed in the spiritual aspects of adaptation, the socially isolating consequences of diabetes, as well as gender differences in social support and management. ConclusionUnderstanding the lived experiences of patients contributes to planning more effective interventions keeping the social and cultural context in mind for more effective management of diabetes. Additionally, acknowledging and supporting women's needs in diabetes management is called for.

Reflections on Recidivism and Relapse Prevention among Italian Justice-Involved Juveniles: A General Overview

Research interprets antisocial and illegal behavior among juveniles as an expression of needs, as a conscious action, or as an adherence to family, cultural, and social contexts. Professionals and researchers interested in the topic could benefit from reflections and insights on relapse prevention among justice-involved juveniles (JIJs). In light of these considerations, we investigated the criminal conduct of JIJs, identifying their background, individual characteristics, and the educational and rehabilitative programs of the 17 Italian youth detention centers from a sample of 234 JIJs (214 males and 20 females, 14–25 years old). The sample completed the following questionnaires: the high-risk situation checklist, deviant behavior questionnaire (DBQ), and the neighborhood perception questionnaire (NPQ). The study aims to provide a general overview of the justice-involved adolescents and young adults in Italian youth detention centers, focusing on perpetrator profiles, family systems and the quality of life in the Italian youth detention centers. To achieve our goals, we investigated their occupations and education, the perceived quality of life in their neighborhoods, the use of drugs, and the tendency to commit illegal or antisocial behaviors before incarceration. The study also explored the awareness related to the personal perception of the risk factors in relapse, with the aim of stimulating reflections on behavior and crime-related cognitions to promote relapse prevention. We discuss the main findings and future implications.

Readiness for Autonomy Among CFL Learners: A Malaysian Perspective

Learner autonomy is paramount in 21st-century education, representing a crucial qualification for lifelong learning. In the area of Chinese as a second/foreign language (CSL/CFL), it is also an important objective of curriculum instruction. However, there is a dearth of empirical research on learner autonomy in a wide range of cultural contexts and distinct domains of language use, especially in the context of CFL. This study aims to scrutinize the readiness for autonomy of CFL learners within the Malaysian settings. The research utilized a quantitative approach to analyze the data. A closed-ended questionnaire survey was conducted with 600 participants. Specifically, the data were synthesized through descriptive statistical analysis to concretely consider the respondents' readiness for learner autonomy in terms of perception of responsibility, assessment of ability, and engagement in the activities in Chinese learning. Findings indicated that Malaysian CFL learners demonstrated a medium readiness for autonomy in Chinese learning. While participants exhibit a relatively high perception of responsibility for autonomous learning, their ability to assess autonomy in decision-making within Chinese learning is somewhat unsatisfactory. Additionally, they express less enthusiasm about engaging in autonomous learning activities inside and outside the classroom. The current study illuminates theoretical and practical dimensions concerning the readiness for autonomy in Chinese learning among Malaysian CFL learners. Moreover, it is anticipated to offer implications for further studies on autonomy development among CFL learners in analogous contexts.

An Intersection of Social Workers’ Practice in Community Resilience and Indigenous Support Systems in Kashmir

This qualitative study delves into the intersection of social workers’ practice in fostering community resilience and integrating indigenous support systems in Kashmir. Employing purposeful sampling, the objective is to explore these practices deeply. The results unveil two main themes with their sub-themes: firstly, the role of social workers in enhancing community resilience, and secondly, the integration of indigenous support systems. The findings highlight the pivotal role of social workers in facilitating conflict resolution practices, organizing cultural festivals, and initiating holistic well-being initiatives within Kashmiri communities. These strategies emerge as fundamental components in nurturing a resilient and adaptable community amidst challenging circumstances. The study concludes by underscoring the significance of these practices not only in fostering resilience within Kashmiri communities but also in offering valuable insights for informing social work practices globally. It emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation, community cohesion, and effective resilience-building strategies, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on social work interventions in diverse cultural contexts.

The Mixed Methods Treasure Hunt: Reflecting on the Legacy of Dr. Michael D. Fetters in Teaching Mixed Methods Research

This article aims to elevate the appreciation of Dr Michael D. Fetters’s contributions to mixed methods pedagogy by highlighting his innovative teaching methods called the “mixed methods treasure hunt.” Utilizing Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, this paper provides a detailed examination of how Fetters’s legacy can be adapted and extended to Japan and beyond. It explores the efficacy of the mixed methods treasure hunt as a pedagogical tool, offering promising solutions for mixed methods research education. This paper contributes to the field by providing a practical methodology that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application and enhances learning opportunities, especially for mixed methods learners in the East Asian cultural context, thereby broadening the applicability and impact of Fetters’s legacy.

Infertility psychological distress in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment: A grounded theory study.

While there exists an ample body of research in international contexts focused on the characterization and quantification of infertility psychological distress, the level of scholarly scrutiny directed towards this phenomenon within the context of China remains scant. To investigate the formation and developmental processes of psychological distress associated with infertility and infertility treatment among women within the Chinese cultural context and to construct a theoretical framework that elucidates this phenomenon. Qualitative approach with grounded theory methodology. This study was conducted within the reproductive medicine department of a tertiary-level hospital located in central China from May to August 2023. Twenty-seven women who experienced infertility and underwent assisted reproductive treatment (ART) were interviewed. The interview sessions spanned durations ranging from 20 min to 1 h and 35 min. Data analysis included open coding, axial coding and selective coding. The study is reported using the COREQ checklist. The infertility psychological distress experienced by women undergoing ART is a socially constructed phenomenon influenced by a dynamic interplay of forces that construct and conciliate it. The formation and progression of infertility psychological distress are rooted in the process of self-construction. A Middle-Ranged Theory titled 'self-reconstruction under the dome of infertility and infertility treatment' (SUDIT theory) was developed to explain this phenomenon. Within this framework, infertility psychological distress manifests across three distinct phases under the gambling ofthe constructive force and conciliative force: (1) distress of disrupting the former self; (2) distress linked to the struggling present self; and (3) the renewed-self harmonized with distress. It is imperative for healthcare professionals and policymakers to acknowledge the socially constructed nature of infertility psychological distress, and proactively implement measures aimed at ameliorating it. No patient or public contribution.

Hand in hand: Consuming symbols, language and identity in post‐ETA Basque society

AbstractThis study examines the evolution of ethnic symbol consumption in the Basque Country following the end of ETA's violent activities in 2011. It delves into the shifting political and cultural context of the Basque provinces during this period, underscoring the impact that terrorism and its cessation have had on creating distinct patterns of cultural consumption. The focus then turns towards the case of the ‘Hand of Irulegi’, an Iron Age relic discovered in 2022 that allegedly contains the oldest inscription in an ancestor of Euskera—the Basque language. The paper argues that the rapid adoption of the Hand of Irulegi by Basque society as an ethnic symbol is directly related to transformations in the conception of Basque identity in the aftermath of ETA's dissolution. These transformations include, mainly, the intentional forgetting of recent historical events by a large segment of Basque citizens and the emergence of Euskera as the main fulcrum of contemporary Basque cultural identity. The Hand, due to its chronological remoteness and its exclusive association with the Basque language, seems to be custom‐made to serve as a symbol for this new type of identification.

Replicating the Nordic welfare model: policy prescriptions that recognize the cultural antecedents of solidarity

PurposeIn this article, we examine the historical and cultural foundations of Nordic states’ strong contemporary social indicators to understand whether their successes can be replicated in other contexts.Design/methodology/approachWe draw on a range of academic literature to frame a comparison of two regions’ cultural and theological roots, identifying contrasts to make arguments about prescriptions for contemporary welfare policy.FindingsWe find Nordic history contributes to a duty-based culture with strong cohesion and social trust. These cultural norms make palatable welfare policies with strong activation measures, while the US model prefers to avoid the latter because of its strong cultural orientation to rights and autonomy.Social implicationsTo mitigate differences between the Nordic states and other cultural contexts, policymakers seeking to replicate Nordic welfare successes should consider welfare programming that combines stronger activation policies with oversight and relational components that mitigate gaps in social cohesion.Originality/valueWe uniquely bring together the literature on comparative welfare policy and on religion and culture to understand the precursors of contemporary attitudes and their implications for welfare policy prescriptions.

The transformative potential of AI-enabled personalization across cultures

Purpose The widespread integration of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled personalization has sparked a need for a deeper understanding of its transformative potential. To address this, this study aims to investigate the mental models held by consumers from diverse cultures regarding the impact and role of AI-enabled personalization in their lives (i.e. individual well-being) and in society (i.e. societal well-being). Design/methodology/approach This paper uses the theories-in-use approach, collecting qualitative data via the critical incident technique. This data encompasses 487 narratives from 176 consumers in two culturally distinct countries, Belgium and Pakistan. Additionally, it includes insights from a focus group of six experts in the field. Findings This research reveals that consumers view AI-enabled personalization as a dual-edged sword: it may both extend and restrict the self and also contribute to an affluent society as well as an ailing society. The particular aspects of the extended/restricted self and the affluent/ailing society that emerge differ across respondents from different cultural contexts. Originality/value This cross-cultural research contributes to the personalization and well-being literature by providing detailed insight into the transformative potential of AI-enabled personalization while also having important managerial and policy implications.

Linking social media addiction and student retention through the lenses of student engagement

PurposeThis research is designed to explore the relationship between social media addiction, student engagement and student retention. Social media addiction is dealt with as an independent variable student engagement acts as a mediating variable and student retention as a dependent variable.Design/methodology/approachThis is a cross-sectional and quantitative research. Primary data are collected from 600 respondents (university students) with the help of a structured questionnaire. Multistage sampling techniques, i.e. simple random sampling and judgment sampling, are used for the selection of respondents.FindingsResults indicate that for direct relationships, social media addiction has a significant positive impact on student engagement and student retention, respectively, while student engagement is partially mediating the relationship between social media addiction with student retention.Research limitations/implicationsIn the future, these kinds of research may also be conducted on students of different universities in Pakistan, which are located in other cities of Pakistan besides Lahore. This research provides a practical framework for the higher authorities of the universities of Pakistan and explains how the use of media positively fosters the levels of student retention directly and indirectly through the path of student engagement. It is commonly believed that media addiction is bad but the result of this research indicates that anything is not dangerous but depends upon its use, media addiction itself is not bad but if someone uses this for a good purpose in limitation then it has better outcomes. The result indicates that the media addiction of students has a positive impact on student retention. This means that if someone uses media for a positive purpose then he/she will use it as a supporting tool for success. Longitudinal research on these variables will also help to check the status after a specific interval of time.Practical implicationsThe current study will help the practitioners or policymakers (Managers) of higher education institutions by providing practical insights into the positive use of media by students for increasing their knowledge and grades. This research can also help practitioners or policymakers to focus their students on the positive use of social media for fostering the levels of student retention.Originality/valueTo the best of the researcher’s knowledge, no previous study has been done to incorporate social media addiction and student engagement in a single model in the Pakistani cultural context. Similarly, the relationship of variables social media addiction with student engagement is rarely checked empirically because the research of Wang et al. (2011) proposed that social media addiction has a relationship with student engagement so that is why this is the rationale of the research is to check this empirically. Moreover, this study is an initial effort to check the mediating effect of student engagement in the relationship between social media addiction and student retention. This research is also proposing the framework of social media addiction, student engagement and student retention based on the social exchange theory (SET).

Linguistic variation, Philippine English and mental health issues

AbstractThis article is a study of how Filipinos talk about their depression and recovery in Philippine English, as compared to how users from other Englishes talk about their experiences with the same illness. As such, this is an attempt at examining what contextual factors give rise to variations in Englishes. World Englishes research has posited that different geographical and cultural contexts engender ‘new’ Englishes; hence, different Englishes are named via country or culture and are considered to be distinct from each other. This article is concerned with the issue of how contexts of use, such as depression, can lead to systemic changes in the English that different individuals use. This study extends research on how particular discursive features may characterize one variety of English as compared to another by examing how ideational and interpersonal meanings relate to construe a ‘world’ of depression in Philippine English and Inner Circle Englishes.

Psychosocial Variables That Enhance Marital Stability Among Couples in Southeast Nigeria

The rising divorce rates in Nigerian society stress the need to prioritize marital stability. This study seeks to contribute to mitigating this issue by investigating key psychosocial factors that promote marital stability. Specifically, the study explores the psychosocial variables that enhance marital stability among couples in Nsukka Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State. Data were sourced from 24 married couples through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Purposive sampling was employed, and data generated for the study were meticulously translated, transcribed and analyzed thematically. The findings revealed the pivotal role of love, effective communication and cultural factors in sustaining marital stability. To enhance marital stability, the study recommends the need for social service providers such as social workers and guidance/family counselors to provide adequate counseling to married couples. The goal of promoting resilience, strengthening relationships, and supporting the well-being of married couples and their families in diverse cultural contexts underscores the importance of social service research in addressing complex social issues and improving outcomes for individuals and communities. Future research should expand to include larger and more diverse populations and assess the longitudinal effects of social service programs on marital stability in Southeast Nigeria.

The association of Dark Triad personality traits with infidelity: Evidence from the Greek-cultural context

AbstractThe Dark Triad is an important aspect of human personality, and there is evidence that it associated with infidelity. The current research aimed to examine the association between Narcissism, Psychopathy, and Machiavellianism traits and different aspects of infidelity in the Greek cultural context. In particular, using a sample of 509 Greek-speaking participants [57.5% women, mean age 36.5 (SD = 11.7), 42.5% men, mean age 40.1 (SD = 13.1)], we found that higher scores in Psychopathy were associated with higher incidence of infidelity and willingness to be unfaithful to one's partner. Moreover, men and women who scored higher in Psychopathy were more likely to be detected by their partners when unfaithful. Men who scored high in Psychopathy were also more suspicious of their partners for being unfaithful than men who scored low. However, the scores in the Dark Triad traits did not predict the probability to detect a partner's infidelity neither for men nor for women. Overall, in the Greek cultural context, the Dark Triad traits were associated with certain aspects of infidelity.

Influence of Chatbot on Consumer Purchase Intention

This research explores the intricate relationship between chatbot interactions and consumer behaviour in online service delivery and decision-making processes. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, to investigate the impact of chatbots on purchase intention. Through a comprehensive sampling strategy targeting diverse online shoppers, the research aims to provide insights into various aspects of chatbot interactions across different demographic groups and product categories. Analysis tools such as Pearson correlation coefficients and significance testing reveal nuanced relationships between variables, highlighting factors influencing consumer perceptions and behaviour regarding chatbots. Findings suggest that age plays a role in the perceived need for assistance with chatbots, emphasizing the importance of demographic considerations in understanding user experiences. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights into optimizing chatbot functionalities to enhance consumer trust, satisfaction, and purchase intention, paving the way for more personalized and effective chatbot experiences in diverse cultural contexts. Keywords: Chatbots, Purchase Intention, Consumer Behavior, Online Service Delivery, Trust, Transparency, User Expectations, Cultural Considerations, Interactivity, User Control, Design Elements, Customer Satisfaction

Anotacja socjolingwistyczna w Korpusie dawnych polskich tekstów dramatycznych (1772–1939)

SOCIOLINGUISTIC ANNOTATION IN THE CORPUS OF OLD POLISH DRAMATIC TEXTS (1772–1939) The article presents the criteria applied in the sociolinguistic annotation in the Corpus of old Polish dramatic texts (1772–1939) (KorTeDa). This level of annotation was about assigning the three basic sociolinguistic variables: age, sex and social status to all the utterances of drama characters (except for collective statements). Six values were selected for determining age (underage, young adult, middle- aged adult, older adult (senior), indeterminate adult, indeterminate); three for sex (female, male, indeterminate); and four for social status (low, medium, high, indeterminate). The article shows the interdependence between those factors and the historical, social and cultural context. Additionally, the authors illustrated substantial and technical problems they faced during the process of this type of annotation. KorTeDa may become an important tool for analysing the history of the Polish language taking into account the methods of corpus linguistics and sociopragmatics.