Cultural Dynamics Research Articles

The Mediating Role of Institutional Culture in Transformational Leadership and Organizational Performance in Faith-Based Higher Education in Kenya

This study investigates the mediating role of institutional culture in the relationship between transformational leadership and organizational performance in private, faith - based higher learning institutions in Kenya. A quantitative research design utilizing self - administered questionnaires was employed, targeting leaders and staff across selected institutions. Data analysis involved regression and mediation testing. The findings provide insights into the dynamics of leadership, culture, and performance within faith - based higher education contexts in Kenya.

Cultural Underpinnings of Ageism: Exploring the Intersection of Georgian Identity and Aging Stereotypes

This study explores the relationship between Georgian cultural identity and ageist attitudes and stereotypes towards the elderly. It investigates whether a strong identification with traditional Georgian values correlates with ageist perceptions among the younger population in Georgia. Conducted with 300 young respondents, the research revealed that those who strongly identify with traditional Georgian culture exhibited less overt ageism. This aligns with the cultural norms that emphasize respect for elders. However, these individuals may still harbor implicit biases influenced by broader societal trends that prioritize youth and productivity. Older adults were often perceived as warm and kind, but they were also stereotyped as physically and cognitively limited, fitting into the "pity" category of the Stereotype Content Model (Fiske, Cuddy, & Glick, 2002). These findings provided valuable insights into the cultural dynamics of aging in Georgia and have implications for public policy and social interventions aimed at mitigating ageism.

VALUATION OF ETHNIC-CULTURAL IDENTITY: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF EXPERIENCE REPORTS ON VISITS TO QUILOMBOS IN THE STATE OF PARÁ AND RIO DE JANEIRO

The article "Valorization of Ethnic-Cultural Identity: comparative analysis of experience reports during visits to quilombos in the states of Pará and Rio de Janeiro" analyzes visits to quilombola communities, comparing the realities of two states. In Pará, the quilombola communities of Perpétuo Socorro do Tauerá, São Raimundo do Taperú and Maripí face a lack of cultural appreciation, especially among the younger generations, who tend to reject or be unaware of their Afro-descendant heritage. On the other hand, the quilombo of São José da Serra, in Rio de Janeiro, shows a strong connection with Afro-Brazilian culture and identity, valuing traditions and memory. The research addresses the importance of educational actions in the quilombola communities of Pará to rescue and strengthen ethnic-cultural identity, proposing measures such as teacher training and the inclusion of practical activities based on Afro-Brazilian history and culture, following the National Curricular Guidelines. The technical visits carried out by pedagogy students allowed a detailed analysis of the cultural dynamics and challenges faced, highlighting the need for integration between school and community to rescue these traditions. It is suggested that strengthening relationships between younger and older generations, through discussion groups and cultural practices, could help reverse the process of denying Afro-Brazilian identity. The valorization of emotional intelligence in interpersonal relationships within the school is also highlighted as fundamental to the success of these initiatives, promoting a positive and respectful organizational climate.

The Evolution of Advertising in Nigeria: Promoting Local Content for Sustainable Development

The complex relationship between advertising and local content promotion in Nigeria is one of the huge challenges to sustainable development. Cultural oversimplification, misrepresentation, and dominance of the West do significant damage to the representation of Nigerian culture authentically in the practice of advertising. This paper, therefore, reviews this relationship by incorporating historical evolution, and technological, cultural, and regulatory dynamics. The qualitative research design followed in this study generated primary data through the use of in-depth interviews conducted on key players in the Nigerian advertising industry. The primary data collected underwent a thematic analysis, while the historical analysis was supported by multiple sources, including historical records, publications from the industry itself, and scholarly literature. This research shall, therefore, be located within the understanding of the Cultural Imperialism Theory and the Development Media Theory as a lens to critically analyse the complexity of representations of local content in advertising. The results showed that there were positive and negative perceptions toward the integration of local content in Nigerian advertisements, as most consumers appreciate culturally authentic content. It identifies challenges and also shows how to use opportunities: bridging Nigeria's multicultural identity and digital platforms for sustainable development. This research underlines the need for a balance between global advertising practices and the local cultural nuances of impactful, sensitive campaigns that shall help lead the course of sustainable development and preserve the rich cultural heritage of this great nation.

Enacting Social Protection Laws in Jigawa and Zamfara States, Nigeria

Legal frameworks are important for institutionalising and strengthening social protection systems. Two states in Nigeria, Jigawa and Zamfara, have enacted social protection laws. This article explores how the process of enacting such a law is influenced by state-level politics and local contexts, and how the activities of a project financed by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) contributed to much greater understanding and acceptance of social protection in both states. Primary data collected through in-depth interviews with state and non-state stakeholders and project staff was analysed to tease out the political, cultural, and power dynamics involved in enacting the laws. Findings show that a range of factors aimed at building the case for, and understanding of, social protection across a range of stakeholders was critical, and that a fairly standard package of tools employed in advocating for institutionalising social protection was influenced considerably by domestic political dynamics.

Social patterning of health misinformation in two Eastern Mediterranean populations

Abstract Background Health misinformation, the spread of false or misleading information relevant to health, has been proposed as a major global public health thread by the WHO. We aimed to identify the major social determinants of health misinformation in the general Greek and Cypriot populations. Methods Following proportional quota sampling we recruited a nationwide sample of 585 adults from Greece and Cyprus between January 2022 and May 2023. A newly developed, culturally adopted questionnaire comprising 48 items, was used to assess misinformation on COVID-19 vaccines and the pandemic. Sociodemographic determinants of interest included gender, age, marital status, area of residence, educational attainment, and income. Multiple linear regression was used to determine associations between the aforementioned social factors and the two dimensions of health misinformation, applying mutual adjustment. Results Misinformation about both vaccination and the pandemic was higher in younger age groups (p-trend 0.026 and 0.007, respectively), among those separated, divorced, or widowed (mean difference, 95% CI compared to those single: 9.73, 0.45, 19.01), and among those living in semi-urban compared to urban areas (11.14, 1.32; 20.97 and 9.44, 1.96; 16.92, respectively). We also detected strong inverse socioeconomic gradients in health misinformation based on educational attainment and income (p-trend <0.001, for both). Conclusions Younger individuals, those living alone, those residing in semi-urban areas, and those with lower educational attainment and income are particularly prone to health misinformation. Our adjusted models show that this social phenomenon is not simply explained by differences in education, hence more complex, cultural, political, perceptual, and psychosocial dynamics might be in place. Addressing the social patterning of health misinformation would help manage the issue more effectively and also reduce health inequalities. Key messages • Health misinformation is strongly socially patterned in two Eastern Mediterranean European populations. • Targeting efforts to tackle health misinformation to those more vulnerable, would render such programmes more effective, also helping reduce social inequalities in health.

Revealing Cultural Dynamics in WAIS-IV Performance: a Comparative Analysis of Age Cohorts in Taiwanese and U.S. Populations.

This study examined the relationship between culture and cognitive abilities by comparing WAIS-IV subtests, index scores, and Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) scores across various age groups in the Taiwanese and U.S. populations. The Taiwanese and U.S. versions of WAIS-IV are comprehensively compared, examining subtest items, psychometrics, and sample characteristics. Scaled scores are compared by extracting raw scores with a scaled score of 10 from each subtest scale in the Taiwanese version and applying U.S. age norms to acquire U.S. scaled scores. Despite the mean FSIQ score closely aligning with the U.S. sample, notable discrepancies are evident in the Taiwanese Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) score, potentially influenced by cultural fairness of the tests. Significant variations are observed among age cohorts in the Taiwanese sample, with younger individuals excelling in Processing Speed Index, Working Memory Index, Perceptual Reasoning Index, and FSIQ, while maintaining comparable VCI scores to their U.S. counterparts. Conversely, older cohorts demonstrate lower performance across various domains, except for visuospatial reasoning and organizational skills, compared to their U.S. counterparts. These subtest variations robustly correlate with educational disparities between the Taiwanese and U.S. samples. Despite the similarity in factor structures between the Taiwanese and U.S. versions of WAIS-IV, this study reveals cultural bias in both verbal and non-verbal subtests. The study highlights the intricate interplay among cognitive processing styles, cultural influences, and educational factors contributing to performance disparities.

Strengthening uptake of breast cancer screening services in Tanzania; re-visiting the breast cancer screening messages

BackgroundBreast Cancer remains among the top five cancers responsible for morbidity and mortality globally. For many years, infectious (communicable) diseases were a primary concern in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to higher-income countries, where non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were already a major concern. However, starting from the early 2000s, the LMICs including Tanzania has witnessed an epidemiological transition being equally affected by NCDs, and breast cancer, is among the prevalent NCDs. While the evidence is vast on the role of breast cancer screening messages in promoting screening, debunking myths, and addressing barriers to the uptake of breast cancer services, context-specific messages are limited. Amidst the changing technology, growth of social media and cultural dynamics, context-specific breast cancer screening messages are needed. We aimed to analyze the breast cancer screening messages from the experiences of women seeking care at Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Tanzania.MethodsAn exploratory qualitative case study adopting in-depth interviews (IDI) and focused group discussion (FGD) was carried out among purposefully selected women aged from 18 years to 65 years seeking care from Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Eighteen women participated in the IDIs, and 16 women participated in FGD. Data analysis followed inductive qualitative content analysis.FindingsThree main categories emerged: the existence of multiple sources of breast cancer screening messages, the strengths and weaknesses of breast cancer screening messages, and clients’ mixed perceptions of breast cancer screening messages.ConclusionThe findings of this study depict that although breast cancer screening promotion messages are regarded as a source of information about cancers, they fall short of completeness and relevance to the otherwise at-risk population and trigger negative perceptions toward screening. Therefore, this study advocates revisiting the breast cancer screening messages, employing participatory approaches to tailor the screening messages and communication media to fit specific audiences. This calls for re-designing both the content of the messages and means of delivery; thus, collaborative efforts are needed.

Beyond influence: unraveling the complex tapestry of digital influencer dynamics in hyperconnected cultures

Purpose This paper aims to the intricate relationship between digital influencers (DIs) and their followers, aiming to develop a comprehensive framework that explains how influence works in the digital world. It focuses on understanding the cultural aspects that shape these relationships in today’s global and digital marketplace. Design/methodology/approach This study employs a holistic methodology, intertwining historical, cultural and theoretical insights to decode the DI phenomenon. Applying a Grounded Theory approach, this paper coded articles into categories, developed abstract concepts and refined them through cycles of literature collection and analysis that allowed identifing gaps in the Influencer Marketing field. This comprehensive review and inductive analysis of globalization, mediated communication and digital interactions aim to unravel the intricacies of digital and virtual influence. This paper’s theoretical development advances propositions that dissect the facets influencing digital adoption, usage, interest and value perception, leading to a detailed model of digital influence grounded in both theory and real-world examples. Findings This research uncovers the significant impact DIs have, driven by global connections and the way we communicate in the digital age. Historical context situates DIs within the broader narrative of mediated persuasive communication. A preliminary typology of DIs and influence contexts forms the foundation for further exploration. Research limitations/implications This study enhances the discussion around DIs by considering the influence of technology and culture together. It draws from the thoughts of leading thinkers on how technology connects us, providing a strong foundation for future studies. Practical implications As digital influence and the surrounding technology continue to change, it’s important to think critically about these trends. This research offers valuable insights for businesses looking to navigate the digital landscape effectively, helping them make better strategic decisions about their online presence. Originality/value This study breaks new ground by offering a detailed categorization of DIs and proposing a fresh way to understand their role. It links important ideas from the past about persuasion through media to the current state of digital influence, offering insights into how digital trends might affect communication strategies.

Reality TV, Nigerian Idol, and cultural preferences for Afrobeats music

ABSTRACT Reality TV, particularly Music Reality Shows (MRSs) like Nigerian Idol, has emerged as a significant dimension of television programming, providing a platform for cultural representation and interactivity. Afrobeats, a music genre that originated in West Africa, has gained global acceptance and recognition in recent years with great influence on the global cultural landscape. This study examined the cultural preferences of viewers towards the use of Afrobeats music in the Nigerian Idol reality TV show. Cultivation theory was adopted as the theoretical framework to investigate the level of viewership of Nigerian Idol among residents of Lagos, Nigeria, and explore their cultural preferences for Afrobeats music. Through a mixed methods approach involving a quantitative survey and focus group discussions (FGD), the study gathered data from residents of Lagos, Nigeria. The results reveal a reduction in viewership of Nigerian Idol compared to previous seasons, indicating shifting audience interests. However, there is a significant cultural preference for Afrobeats music compared to other genres of music, particularly those of foreign origin, among viewers who have encountered the Nigerian Idol. This also confirms the growing influence and acceptance of the fast-rising Afrobeats genre. The findings underscore the role of media, particularly television programmes such as Reality TV Shows, in shaping cultural identity and preferences. The correlation analysis confirms a strong relationship between viewership levels and cultural preferences for Afrobeats music in Nigerian Idol, highlighting the impact of television programming on audience perceptions and tastes for cultural artifacts like music. The study contributes to understanding cultural dynamics in the context of Reality TV Shows, music, and cultural entertainment, emphasizing the need for producers to adapt to evolving audience preferences and embrace digital innovations to sustain viewer interest.

Spatial analyses of archaeobotanical record reveal site uses and activities at Early to Middle Holocene Takarkori (Libya, Central Sahara).

This study investigates botanical remains from the Takarkori site in the Tadrart Acacus region (SW Libya) to reconstruct socio-economic and cultural characteristics of human groups during the Holocene. By analyzing micro- and macrofossils of plant origin, we aim to understand the availability and management of environmental resources and how plant taxa were used by humans. The exceptional preservation of archaeobotanical material across all occupation levels, facilitated by the region's geomorphological and environmental conditions, provides a unique opportunity to study pre-Pastoral and Pastoral Neolithic activities within a comprehensive diachronic framework. Our research extends previous investigations by examining the spatial distribution of archaeobotanical remains in association with site furniture and material correlates, offering insights into the functional use of space within the site. Also, the features of plant assemblages and their distribution patterns indicate the planning in the use of plant resources and the diverse uses beyond subsistence, including ritual and cultural practices. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of Holocene environmental and cultural dynamics, highlighting the importance of archaeobotanical data in archaeological research.

Costly Signaling as an Integral Part of the Systemic Approach to Religion

In this commentary on Purzycki and Sosis’ book Religion Evolving: Cultural, Cognitive, and Ecological Dynamics (2022), I subject their central assumption, namely that religious costs function as honest signals of commitment to systematic scrutiny. Many studies show that people who partake in (costlier) rituals cooperate (to a larger extent), but these studies are often non-experimental and say only a little about the causal relationship between signals and signaled quality, i.e., willingness to cooperate. Reviewing the existing literature on religious costly signaling, I argue that the core costly signaling model originally developed in evolutionary biology (and economics) is only partially supported when applied to religious signaling. At the same time, I show that little is known about the interactions between costly signals and supernatural beliefs. I discuss the results of the recent experimental work that tested basic assumptions of human costly signaling within the religious context.

How Are Religious Systems Ultimately Adaptive?

In their new book, Religion Evolving: Cultural, Cognitive, and Ecological Dynamics, B. G. Purzycki and R. Sosis (2022) argue that religions should be viewed as adaptive systems not just by-products of cognitive capacities that evolved for other purposes. In this essay, I argue that they are correct that the types of religious systems that are widespread across cultures and eras (i.e., “world religions”) have been selected for because they help individuals to solve adaptive problems. However, I disagree with their claim that this fact proves the by-product camp wrong. Rather, I argue, religious systems that are successful are both cognitively catchy and provide adaptive benefits. It is not either/or, it is both/and. Further, I argue that to be truly adaptive, religious systems must accomplish the ultimate evolutionary goal of genetic replication by sexual reproduction and not just the proximate goal of pro-sociality or group cohesion.

“We Got Tired”

In this commentary, I raise the issue of how well we can distinguish between religious systems and those presided over by messianic “quasi-divine” leaders. This problematizes the degree to which all such systems can be described as ecologically functional when they can also be directed by the idiosyncratic whims of unstable charismatic individuals. Aside from such issues, I also raise the issue of how we can be sure that the “religious system” is reliably adaptive, if we may not have an accurate tally of such systems in the first place, particularly given the fact that religious studies scholars are incapable of providing a distinction between a “cult” that may contain but a few individuals and quickly “fail” due to its esoteric demands, and millennia-old traditions commanding millions of adherents and enforcing prosocial norms. I also raise two issues that have long bedevilled functionalist approaches but that do not make much of an appearance in Religion Evolving: Cultural, Cognitive, and Ecological Dynamics (Purzycki & Sosis 2022): the boundary problem and the Pangloss problem. Despite these reservations, I applaud the book both for its rigour and for providing a sorely needed template for analyzing religious systems within the cognitive and evolutionary study of religion (CESR). I close by tentatively suggesting that religion’s ubiquity lies not with its adaptiveness per se, but with its capacity to accelerate cultural evolution by causing societies to lock in values that may either be adaptive or maladaptive, making sacralization ubiquitous even when its outcomes can be destructive.

Cultural, Cognitive, and Ecological Dynamics of Individual Religiosity

In the following, I consider how to better link the study of cognition and behavior to the evolutionary origins of cognitive mechanisms, within the framework of embodied cognition theory. Specifically, I attempt to show this by examining the topic of individual commitment, its origins, and its relationship to beliefs and identity. I then go on to point out that the way we talk about cognition and cognitive processes can be misleading, and although we cannot dispense with the use of metaphorical language, it might be worth considering some of the shortcomings of the metaphors in order to rid ourselves of misconceptions.

Constituting the Body of State: Paper, Parchment, and Political Thought in the Age of the American Revolution

Abstract This essay considers the material and visual cultural dynamics through which the modern state emerged during the Age of Revolutions in the Atlantic world. It centres upon the emergent rhetoric of the ‘written constitution’ in Revolutionary North America and the new United States, arguing that this mode of constitution-making represented not the invention that many claimed it to be, but instead a revision of the relationship between document, statecraft and the body in early modern British empire that built upon seventeenth-century English critics of monarchical power. The continuities between the material substrates of empire and nation came to be masked by a rhetoric of disavowal that posited the US constitutional form as both an innovation and a template for the material entanglements of the modern state.

The Effects of Identity Politics on Security in Baringo County, Kenya

Identity politics have been found to create divisions in societies with multiple ethnic communities due to varied cultural and ethnic dynamics leading to insecurity. Baringo County, situated in Kenya's North Rift Valley region, h hosts different ethnic communities and has historically grappled with protracted conflicts. However, there has been limited research exploring the effects of identity politics and the county's security landscape. This study sought to investigate the effect of identity politics on security in Baringo County. This study employed a descriptive survey design utilizing a mixed methods approach for data collection. The target population was comprised residents of Baringo County who had resided there for at least ten years. The findings from the two sets of tools were triangulated to obtain a thick description on the relationship between cultural dynamic and security. This study found that, identity politics had negative effects on security in Baringo County, Kenya manifested four pathways which were: fragmentation and polarization of communities, conflict and violence between communities, radicalization and extremism community members and diversion of resources from the localities. The findings demonstrated that these aspects mutually reinforced each other creating an environment of hostilities that led to violent conflicts. Therefore, rather than unite to fight challenges faced in development, identity politics created fissures whose end result is insecurity thus denying residents peace. To enhance peaceful coexistence there is need to address the underlying issues that that encouraged ethnic diversionary politics and instead embrace inclusivity to enhance unity in the region.

“He would do nothing in the office”: Work and alienation in cinematic adaptations of Herman Melville’s Bartleby.

This paper analyzes the representation of the office workplace in filmic adaptations of Melville’s short story “Bartleby, the Scrivener”. Following a brief overview of film adaptations of Melville’s short story, this article will discuss Miro Bilbrough’s (2001) and Gerard Amsellem’s (2013) short films, Andreas Honneths (2010) experimental interpretation as well as Laura Naylor and Kristen Kee’s (2017) stop-motion movie. By, for instance, analyzing how the movies try to replicate the first-person narration, find visual images for Melville’s uncinematic descriptive prose, or underline the thematic importance of writing by incorporating different forms of written text, I will firstly examine techniques of intermedial transposition. Since the filmmakers deploy the setting to reimagine or modernize the story, the set design is to be regarded as an essential part of the adaptation process. Paying particular attention to the usage of space, the visual presentation of physical and metaphorical walls, as well as the utilization of non-human entities as ‘actors,’ I will seek to demonstrate how the movies under study reflect contemporary office environments and dynamics of work culture. Updating the nineteenth-century quills and inkpots to modern office technology, for example, allows the directors to reflect upon how electronic communication can cause or reinforce isolation. Different concepts of alienation serve as an essential theoretical framework for the movies. The adaptations concern themselves with social disconnect, engage in questions of ecological alienation, or focus on a political and socioeconomic interpretation of Bartleby’s passive resistance to productivity and consumption.

PERAN PENYULUH BERBASIS MASYARAKAT DALAM MEMPERTAHANKAN HUTAN JANDA (KAOMBO OHUSII) DI KABUPATEN BUTON SULAWESI TENGGARA

This study aims to explore the management practices of Widow Forest (Kaombo Ohusii) in Buton Regency through the lens of local wisdom and development communication, by revealing the social, cultural, and environmental dynamics involved in forest management. This study uses a variety of data collection methods. Participant observation allows researchers to be directly involved in Widow Forest management activities, observe the practices carried out, and interact with local communities and other parties involved in natural resource management. In-depth interviews will be conducted with widows, poor women, community leaders, government officials, and non-governmental organizations involved in the management of Widow Forest. The results of the study show that community-based extension by traditional officials in Takimpo Village in the management of Widow Forest (Kaombo Ohusii) is an example of effective local participation in sustainable natural resource management. The involvement of this traditional institution also shows the importance of integrating local values in development, ensuring that decisions taken are in accordance with community expectations, and supporting environmental conservation and community empowerment.

Sports as an instrument of nationalism and patriotism: a systematic literature review on the role of sports in shaping national identity in various countries

This study investigates how nationalism and patriotism are reflected in sports across various countries through a systematic literature review (SLR). Sports are often used as a tool to disseminate nationalistic and patriotic values, shape national identity, and strengthen social and cultural bonds. This study identifies and analyzes relevant literature from the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases to provide a summary of current knowledge regarding the relationship between sports and nationalism/patriotism. The findings indicate that sports media plays a crucial role in propagating nationalism through the broadcasting of sports events, creating deep national narratives. Symbolism in sports also plays a role in reinforcing national identity, as seen in traditional sports in Scotland. Additionally, sports are used as a political tool to promote nationalism and political legitimacy, particularly in countries like China and South Korea, where sports heroes and naturalized players become symbols of nationalism and patriotism. The study also reveals that media shapes public perception of nationalism and patriotism through narratives that highlight athletes' achievements as a form of national sacrifice. Various theories and analytical approaches, including critical discourse analysis and necropolitical theory, are employed to understand the complex dynamics between sports and nationalism. In conclusion, sports have a multifaceted role in shaping social and cultural dynamics, as well as national identity in various countries. This research provides valuable insights for academics, policymakers, and sports practitioners in leveraging the potential of sports to promote nationalism, patriotism, and social cohesion at both national and international levels. By understanding this role, we can create a more cohesive and united society amidst increasingly complex global challenges.