Cultural Identity Research Articles

Youth Transition, Culture and Identity in Timor-Leste

Over the years, young people in Timor-Leste have faced difficulties accessing employment, and youth violence continues to rise. This study examines how historical events and social changes have shaped youth behaviour in Timor-Leste. It also explores the cultural representation and identity of youth who lived through periods of social turmoil and political tension. Additionally, the study addresses social issues that impact the transition of today's youth. Practical measures to improve the well-being of today's youth are crucial, including encouraging job accessibility, developing relevant youth policies, and enhancing youth-related activities.

The Constitutional Foundations of the Russian State Policy in the Field of Family Protection and Traditional Family Values

The paper presents an analysis of constitutional provisions aimed at protecting the family in various periods of Russian statehood, shows the multi-vector nature of state policy in the field of family relations in the Soviet period, characterizes the family and demographic policy of the post-Soviet period, analyzes the constitutional novelties of 2020 aimed at strengthening the family and the spiritual and moral values of Russian society. An analysis of the constitutional category of «traditional family values» is carried out from the perspective of the needs of the individual, family as a social group and the importance of family for society and the state. The institution of family is considered as an intrinsic value and a basic determinant of the formation of the spiritual and moral heritage of Russian society, the preservation of the cultural identity of the Russian nation. The author provides the data from an official survey involving Russians that testifies to the attitude towards the family. The article also outlines the results of a research conducted by domestic scientists stating the unfavorable transformational processes taking place with the institution of family in the past 30 years. These include voluntary childlessness and celibacy; postponing the birth of children to later age periods; reducing the value of a family with several children; preference among young people for actual marital relations (common-law marriage) to a registered marriage. The author considers the protection of the family and family values as a task for ensuring the national security of Russia, the solution of which is aimed at preserving the all-Russian identity, sustainable development of the state, preservation of socially significant spiritual and moral values. The author substantiates the proposal on the need to form in society the idea of the importance of the family as a value in itself, which implies a responsible attitude to marriage, birth and upbringing of children, encouragement and support of a multigenerational and large family, respect for the elderly, disapproval of the rejection of the birth and upbringing of children.

The Rajah Tradition: Cultural Identity and Spiritual Practices within an Islamic Context

This study aims to explore the rajah tradition in Kebon Panjang Village, examining its role as both a cultural artefact and a spiritual medium, and understanding how it reflects the intersection between local customs and Islamic values. A qualitative approach with a phenomenological framework was employed, allowing an in-depth exploration of the rajah tradition through interviews, participant observation, and literature review. Data were gathered from both primary sources, such as community leaders and practitioners, and secondary sources, including academic articles and books on amulets and traditional practices. The findings reveal that rajah serves multiple purposes, including protection, blessing, healing, and authority enhancement. It acts as a cultural bridge between traditional beliefs and Islamic spirituality, illustrating how local customs adapt to fit modern religious frameworks. The study also identifies the dual perception of rajah within the community—some view it as a form of Islamic devotion, while others approach it with caution, concerned about potential contradictions with orthodox Islamic teachings. This study provides insights into the sociocultural dynamics of spiritual practices, highlighting the community’s pragmatic approach to religious and cultural identity. The findings suggest that rajah contributes to social cohesion, emotional support, and cultural preservation, offering a model for similar cultural practices in other regions to adapt in the face of religious and modern influences. This research contributes to the literature on amulets and spiritual artefacts by examining rajah within the unique socio-religious context of an Indonesian village, offering a nuanced understanding of how traditional practices coexist and evolve alongside mainstream religious beliefs. The study underscores the significance of rajah as both a symbol of cultural resilience and a tool for spiritual assurance.

IMPLIKASI KARAKTERISTIK BUDAYA MASYARAKAT DALAM PENGELOLAAN HUTAN LINDUNG GUNUNG SIRIMAU KOTA AMBON PROVINSI MALUKU

This study examines the cultural characteristics of communities living around the Sirimau Protected Forest and their impact on sustainable forest management. The surrounding indigenous communities hold a deeply rooted cultural system that includes language, knowledge systems, social organization, technology, livelihoods, and religious beliefs, all of which influence their approach to natural resource management. One of the core elements is local ecological knowledge—an understanding of the forest’s ecosystem, flora, fauna, and geography that has been passed down through generations. Key social structures, such as the roles of local leaders (raja), community councils (saniri), and forest guardians (kewang), play a significant role in ecological stewardship through customary regulations, including the sasi tradition, which restricts forest use during specific periods to prevent overexploitation. The research emphasizes the importance of involving indigenous communities in forest management decision-making processes, which not only supports ecosystem sustainability but also preserves the cultural identity and values of these communities. Findings from this study advocate for community-based forest management approaches that integrate social, economic, and cultural aspects to achieve optimal environmental sustainability.

International students’ acculturation: online cultural participation, cultural self-awareness, and cultural identity clarity

International students’ acculturation: online cultural participation, cultural self-awareness, and cultural identity clarity

Cultural Preservation and Identity: Exploring Strategies for Preserving Cultural Identity among Refugees, Migrants and Minority Communities While Promoting Integration and Social Cohesion

Abstract: The preservation of cultural identity among refugees, migrants and minority communities poses a serious challenge in the context of increasing global travel. This essay examines several tactics meant to support social cohesiveness and integration within host nations while still protecting cultural identity. This research identifies critical elements that support the effective preservation of cultural heritage by an extensive analysis of the body of existing literature. The study highlights the value of inclusive policies, community-driven projects, and educational programs in promoting a sense of respect and belonging across various communities. It also emphasizes how important intercultural communication and cooperation are to reducing cultural differences and promoting social harmony. This study offers a sound understanding of how cultural integration and preservation can coexist, ultimately leading to more inclusive and cohesive societies, by looking at successful models and potential roadblocks. Policymakers, social workers, educators, and community leaders who are dedicated to promoting social integration and cultural variety in a global community that is becoming more interconnected will find great value in these findings.

Language and Identity in Ketepik Bulian Padi Played in Gambus Belitung: A Sociolinguistic Study

Gambus and song lyrics complement each other, creating harmony while representing the history and cultural identity of their communities. This study aims to explore identity through diction choices, phonological processes, and musical notes in Gambus. These elements are assumed to reflect social relations and cultural identity. The sociolinguistic theory of isolect and identity theory are applied to analyze the lyrics and musical notes. This qualitative descriptive study employs library research using the song lyrics of Ketepik Belian Padi and the Gambus melody played by Sukino (a Gambus maestro) and his daughter, accessible at https://youtu.be/wEJMsTUhY9c. The research addresses two questions: (1) How is Ketepik Belian Padi in Gambus Belitung portrayed as a social identity? and (2) How is Ketepik Belian Padi in Gambus Belitung used as an element of social identity? The findings show that the identity of the people of East Belitung is deeply influenced by historical events and is preserved through these song lyrics.

From Artifacts to Interactivity: Optimizing Museum Outreach through Technology and Inclusivity

With the development of society, people are paying more and more attention to cultural protection, and museums have become the core of protecting and sharing cultural heritage. Today's museums are not just exhibition halls. They are educational centers and social spaces that help cultivate a sense of history, cultural identity, and community cohesion. However, many traditional museum practices are difficult to attract modern audiences, especially young tourists who pursue immersive experiences. This study analyzed the influencing factors of well-organized and well-designed promotional activities in museums, with a focus on exploring how to strengthen the role of museums as educational, social, and cultural resources. By studying core principles such as structured planning, creativity, and feasibility, this article provides feasible suggestions for strengthening museum promotion strategies. With the integration of modern technology, enhanced interactivity, and widespread use of digital media and targeted activities, museums have the opportunity to expand their audience, cultivate sustained connections, and promote cultural diversity. The study ultimately emphasizes the value of strategic external connections and positions museums as active contributors to cultural dialogue. These perspectives aim to help museums adapt to technological advancements, change public expectations, and lay the foundation for further research on digital participation, visitor protection, and international cultural exchange.

“Thriving at the Margins”: Understanding Workplace Mistreatment and the Impostor Phenomenon Among Latina Faculty in STEM

ABSTRACT Impostor phenomenon among Latina faculty in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is understudied. Latinas hold only 1.7% of all STEM-related jobs, experiencing both mistreatment (conscious and unconscious; physical, and mental forms of harassment and violence) and impostor phenomenon (feeling like a fraud and the inability to internalize success). Using Crenshaw’s theory of intersectionality, this exploratory study examined how Latina STEM faculty related their impostor phenomenon with interpersonal mistreatment. This qualitative study examined the intersectionality of multiple identities: professional, personal, and cultural, related to their impostor experiences, among 13 participants. One-on-one phone interviews were analyzed inductively. Thematic analysis revealed that interviewees experienced explicit or implicit messaging at work; mistreatment of colleagues and students; and the internalization of mistreatment. Multiple identities (cultural identity as Latina, gender identity, and professional identity as STEM faculty) intersected, contributing to feelings of being marginalized. This is the first study to examine how Latina faculty thrive at the margins, being told that they do not belong in STEM and their minority background got them the position. This study positions impostor phenomenon as more than an internal feeling and critically examines power structures that keep minorities at the periphery.

Cultural Identity, Experience Quality and Revisit Intention to Mount Tai as A Heritage Tourism Destinations: Mediation Roles of Perceived Value, Perceived Destination Image and Satisfaction

Cultural Identity, Experience Quality and Revisit Intention to Mount Tai as A Heritage Tourism Destinations: Mediation Roles of Perceived Value, Perceived Destination Image and Satisfaction

Research on Macao Study Tour Policy and Cross-strait Cultural Construction on the Macao Local Government Cultural Industry—Taking the “Ten Thousand Persons Plan”

The development of Macao's study tour policy is closely related to the cultural industry. Its evolution has enriched cultural experience, promoted exchanges, and driven the coordinated development of the cultural tourism industry from "national education" to "national education + tourism". This study uses intergroup contact theory to thematically analyze 28 respondents' views on cross-strait relations and cross-strait culture. The results show that the study tour can promote exchanges between young people in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR and Taiwan Region; it can also directly meet the ideal conditions for intergroup communication mentioned by Allport, and have a positive impact on mainstream ideology and national identity. However, the government can create a cross-strait study tour circle. This circle can provide a better platform for strengthening indirect contacts between different regions. It makes up for the lack of direct contact conditions (spatial distance). This study fills the gap in the literature on enhancing cultural integration, identity construction, and cultural policy impacts among cross-strait youth through study tours, thereby providing a deeper understanding of the cultural relations between mainland China, the Macao SAR, and Taiwan region.

First Nations Peoples' perspectives on telehealth physiotherapy: a qualitative study focused on the therapeutic relationship.

Relationships are the core of Indigenous Peoples' spiritual and cultural identities, and therapeutic relationships are an integral part of the physical rehabilitation process, directly influencing health outcomes. However, participating in therapeutic relationships can be difficult for First Nations Peoples, particularly in the virtual landscape. There is limited understanding of First Nations Peoples' perspectives on this issue, and this understanding is crucial to developing culturally safe and effective telehealth physiotherapy programs. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the perspectives of First Nations Peoples from British Columbia, Canada, on telehealth physiotherapy, with an emphasis on the virtual therapeutic relationship. A narrative qualitative study that utilized one-on-one, semistructured interviews was conducted with 19 First Nations adults from remote and rural First Nations communities in north-central British Columbia, Canada. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using an inductive approach to reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes emerged from data analysis. 'Therapist's attitude and rapport' captures participants' perceptions of what matters the most in how physiotherapists relate to First Nations Peoples and carry out their work. 'Remote nature of virtual care' encompasses the main challenges of virtual care visits, particularly how these were perceived to impact establishing and maintaining solid therapeutic relationships. 'Fostering culturally appropriate and safe telehealth physiotherapy' focuses on what is needed to advance telehealth physiotherapy in a manner that respects and reflects First Nations cultures, equipping all involved parties to provide comprehensive and sensitive services. Our findings advocate a hybrid model that combines in-person and telehealth visits to address communication barriers and the absence of physical interaction. Bridging the digital health literacy gap through training and collaboration with local support staff is crucial (as it is to bridge the possible cultural literary gap of therapists), and the incorporation of cultural elements holds promise for enhancing the engagement and effectiveness of telehealth services in these communities. The pursuit of equitable health care for First Nations communities demands not only increased access but also a thoughtful, culturally safe, trauma-informed, and holistic approach. This approach must be tailored to the unique needs of First Nations Peoples, emphasizing the integration of cultural elements and community support. A hybrid model combining in-person and telehealth visits is recommended to address logistical challenges and enhance the therapeutic relationship, ensuring that care is both effective and respectful of cultural values and practices.

Exploring Institutionalized Oppression in The Book of Not (2006)

ABSTRACT Tsitsi Dangarembga’s exploration of education takes on distinct forms in her literary works. The Book of Not (2006) focuses on traditional education encompassing classes, assessments and discipline. This article presents an analysis of Dangarembga’s second literary work, interrogating the tension between the promises of educational liberation and the entrapment of black female students within the confines of Young Ladies’ College of the Sacred Heart, an educational institution that replicates colonial practices. The concept of education is read within the framework of Paulo Freire’s critique of the banking model, where practices of colonial education are shown to manifest neuroses in colonial subjects, exposing the hypocrisies and ironies within the colonial education model. Through this lens, we observe the profound alienation Tambudzai (Tambu) experiences with liberatory education. To succeed within the system, Tambu is pressured to abandon her cultural identity under the misguided belief that doing so will lead to acceptance. This forced renunciation causes psychological breakdowns, highlighting how the school exhibits institutional traits akin to asylums. Instead of fostering independence and collective thought, the school’s true aim is to enforce dependence by compelling students to discard themselves.

Sports poverty alleviation: concept and model innovation for the development of Chinese sports towns in the new Era

In recent years, sports-themed towns have emerged as a key component in China's rural revitalization and poverty alleviation strategy, integrating sports, culture, tourism, and health industries to drive regional economic and social development. However, the literature often overlooks their long-term impact on social, cultural, and community development. Research aims to explore the concept of “sports poverty alleviation” and propose a new development model for sports towns in China, focusing on economic growth as well as social and cultural enhancement, public health, community integration. The study employs mixed methods, including documentary analysis and empirical research, to evaluate the effectiveness of various sports town models in poverty alleviation. Findings reveal that while these towns successfully boost short-term economic growth, especially through tourism and events, their sustainability is challenged by homogenization and a lack of competitiveness. Many towns fail to capitalize on local cultural and natural resources, and while they contribute to immediate economic benefits, they often lack long-term employment and integration strategies for local communities. Successful cases like the Mashan model demonstrate how integrating local resources and cultural identity with sports industries can lead to sustainable development and poverty alleviation. The research concludes that a more holistic approach to the development of sports towns in China is needed. Economic benefits should be complemented by a focus on social, cultural, and community development to ensure long-term success. The proposed innovative development models offer practical solutions to enhance the uniqueness and sustainability of sports towns, contributing to China's rural revitalization and poverty alleviation efforts.

Enhancing cross-cultural well-being: a mixed methods study on critical thinking, cultural intelligence, and eudaimonic well-being in arts students’ cultural identity development

IntroductionThis research explores the role of critical thinking and cultural intelligence in psychological well-being through the lens of cultural identity development. It aims to understand how individuals think critically and navigate different cultural challenges that influence their psychological wellbeing.MethodsThe quantitative analysis utilizes various scales to elucidate the correlation between critical thinking beliefs, cultural intelligence, and well-being. The qualitative exploration employing NVivo 20.0 uncovers the interplay between critical thinking, cultural intelligence, and well-being in the construction of cultural identity and psychological selfhood.ResultsThe research results show a significant positive correlation between critical thinking, cultural intelligence, and psychological well-being. Themes such as well-being, cultural intelligence, critical thinking, and facing challenges illustrate how individuals navigate obstacles to achieve a meaningful and purposeful life. The findings from both the quantitative and qualitative analyses provide a comprehensive understanding of how critical thinking, cultural intelligence, and well-being intersect and influence individuals’ perceptions of themselves and their cultural identities.DiscussionThe research results suggest that developing critical thinking and cultural intelligence positively impacts individuals’ psychological well-being in cultural identity development. This can lead to greater belonging and acceptance in diverse cultural settings.

Fostering Mother Language and Cultural Preservation: Perspectives of Three Latina Immigrant Mothers in the United States

ABSTRACT This article explores the experiences of three Latina women who migrated to the United States from different countries and navigated the challenges of raising their children in a cross-cultural environment while striving to preserve their cultural heritage and language. Through narrative interviews and thematic analysis, the study highlights the significance of language as a cultural bridge and the advantages of bilingualism in a multicultural society. The findings reveal that these mothers actively engage in teaching their children their native language, emphasizing the importance of language in maintaining cultural roots and connections with their home countries. They recognize the economic advantages of bilingualism, believing it provides their children with increased job opportunities and professional advantages. Additionally, the study underscores the sacrifices these mothers make for their children’s education and the crucial role of parental involvement in language development and cultural preservation. The findings have implications for policymakers, educators, and parents, emphasizing the importance of supporting bilingual education and recognizing the value of cultural diversity in society. By fostering bilingualism and cultural preservation, these mothers shape their children’s cultural identity, expand their opportunities, and prepare them for success in a diverse and globalized world.

Is rooting for the US Women’s National Team un-American? Populism and popular misogyny within conservative digital sports media

Following Megan Rapinoe’s statement that she would not attend a White House visit under former president Donald Trump, she and the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) have become focal points of right-wing online abuse. To explore the connection between populist style common within right-wing media and the misogynistic treatment of women in sport, this study analyzes the intertwining logics of populist style and popular misogyny within media coverage of the USWNT on two conservative sports media outlets, Barstool Sports and OutKick. The findings indicate that the outlets utilize populist style to construct a cultural identity of their ideal American sports fan that stands at odds with the progressive ideals encompassed within the USWNT, making the team particularly susceptible to popular misogynistic treatment and attacks. As such, a critical analysis of gender must be incorporated into analyses and understandings of populist style.

Transforming agricultural land into agrotourism area: Environmental, economic and socio-cultural perspectives

This study investigates the impacts of converting agricultural land into agrotourism areas on environmental, socio-cultural, and economic perspectives within Batukliang District, Central Lombok Regency, Indonesia. With a case study approach, this qualitative descriptive research employed interviews with three target groups: local farmers, residents, and tourism actors. The findings revealed seven key points identified as influences affecting the socio-cultural aspects of land change, including community impact, cultural preservation, cultural identity loss, community dynamics change, local cultural commercialization, cultural heritage loss, and traditional livelihoods. The results also unveiled nine financial impacts, 8 of which were associated with economic implications such as economic challenges, risk management, brand building, costs and investments, market access, increased revenue, and income diversity, which contribute positively to local economic development. The study concluded that integrating community involvement empowerment strategies, income diversification, sustainable farming promotion, and land-use regulation is crucial for developing a successful sustainable agrotourism destination.

A Systematic Review of Cultural Values in Indonesian Folklore: Preserving Local Wisdom through Educational Integration

This systematic review examines the integration of cultural values from Indonesian folklore into educational practices, with a particular focus on the Merdeka Curriculum. The study aimed to analyze peer-reviewed articles published between 2019 and 2024 to assess the impact of folklore-based education on student learning, cultural awareness, and moral development. The research followed PRISMA guidelines, initially identifying 150 relevant articles. After applying strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, 50 articles were further analyzed, leading to the selection of 7 studies for in-depth review. The results reveal that incorporating folklore into the curriculum significantly enhances students' cultural identity, moral reasoning, and engagement in learning. However, challenges such as the adaptation of traditional folklore to modern educational contexts and the effective use of digital platforms were identified. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive synthesis of recent empirical evidence on the educational use of Indonesian folklore, providing insights into the potential of folklore-based education to preserve local wisdom. This review contributes to the broader discourse on cultural preservation and educational innovation, highlighting the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge into formal education to foster a culturally responsive learning environment.

Integrating Local Languages in Indonesian EFL Classrooms: A Literature Review on Pedagogical Implications

Integrating local languages in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching has become a significant area of inquiry within Indonesia's multicultural educational landscape. This literature review explores the role and impact of local languages in supporting English language acquisition among Indonesian students. By examining fundamental studies and theoretical perspectives, this review addresses the challenges and benefits of incorporating local languages in EFL classrooms, including the potential for enhancing students' cultural identity, cognitive development, and linguistic skills. Findings from various studies highlight the pedagogical value of translanguaging and other multilingual approaches that leverage Local languages as a bridge for understanding English. However, the review also underscores obstacles such as lack of teacher training, limited resources, and institutional constraints. This study emphasizes the need for a more inclusive EFL curriculum that respects linguistic diversity and promotes sustainable language practices in Indonesia. Recommendations for future research are provided, focusing on effective strategies for balancing local and global language competencies within EFL pedagogy.