Cultural Perspective Research Articles

28-country global study on associations between cultural characteristics and Recovery College fidelity.

Recovery Colleges (RCs) are learning-based mental health recovery communities, located globally. However, evidence on RC effectiveness outside Western, educated, industrialised, rich, and democratic (WEIRD) countries is limited. This study aimed to evaluate associations between cultural characteristics and RC fidelity, to understand how culture impacts RC operation. Service managers from 169 RCs spanning 28 WEIRD and non-WEIRD countries assessed the fidelity using the RECOLLECT Fidelity Measure, developed based upon key RC operation components. Hofstede's cultural dimension scores were entered as predictors in linear mixed-effects regression models, controlling for GDP spent on healthcare and Gini coefficient. Higher Individualism and Indulgence, and lower Uncertainty Avoidance were associated with higher fidelity, while Long-Term Orientation was a borderline negative predictor. RC operations were predominantly aligned with WEIRD cultures, highlighting the need to incorporate non-WEIRD cultural perspectives to enhance RCs' global impact. Findings can inform the refinement and evaluation of mental health recovery interventions worldwide.

Kiln–House Isomorphism and Cultural Isomerism in the Pavilions of the Yuci Area: The Xiang-Ming Pavilion as an Example

The pavilion is a time-honored architectural form in the Chinese silhouette with strong regional characteristics. Its appearance and technical means are often adaptively combined according to the characteristics of local architecture. The “kiln–house isomorphism” is a unique construction technology of the Shanxi construction type in China. Therefore, the “kiln–house isomorphism” is generally adopted for the construction of pavilions in Shanxi. This study focuses on Xiaonanzhuang Village, Yuci District, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province. Taking the Xiang-ming Pavilion, the core building of the village, as an example, we analyze the architectural characteristics of the “kiln–house isomorphism” in the pavilion in this area, describe the general construction rules of the region, and conduct a deep investigation of the five “cultural isomerism” factors of the pavilions in the region, namely, geomancy, etiquette and music, beliefs, clans, and cultivation and study. The results of this research will enrich the regional knowledge of such pavilions and add new objects for the protection of local architectural heritage, providing a theoretical basis for the contemporary adaptive reuse of pavilions in the Yuci area from a cultural perspective.

FEMALE PORTRAITS IN SOVIET AND CHINESE ART IN THE 1960-1980S: TRENDS, ARTISTIC IMAGES, VISUAL TECHNIQUES

From the end of the 1960s till the 1980s, Soviet and Chinese painters explored female portraiture, o ering visual conceptualisations in art history. This paper primarily discusses three central themes: overall trends in socio-cultural development, comparative analysis of female-themed portrait imagery, and research into the painting language of female portraiture itself. By examining the historical and cultural perspectives of Soviet and Chinese oil paintings, this study aims to reconstruct the development of female portrait themes during the aforementioned period. The indepth exploration helps the author not only understand the artistic styles and technical features behind the artists’ works but also glimpse the complex changes in gender consciousness and cultural identity against the backdrop of social and political contexts of that time.

Exploring the Balance: Cultural and Medical Perspectives on Cousin Marriages in Scheduled Castes and Other Communities

Exploring the Balance: Cultural and Medical Perspectives on Cousin Marriages in Scheduled Castes and Other Communities

Theorizing the Chair: History, Culture, and Design

In Arthur Danto’s The Seat of the Soul: Three Chairs, the chair is a source of power and authority. This paper explores the aesthetic importance of chairs and their designers and determines why people from various cultures create different designs that all perform the same function: seating. Here, the chair is examined as an artwork and design phenomenon from historical, cultural, stylistic, and aesthetic perspectives. Data were gathered through a comprehensive literature review, reports, archival materials, and museum visits. Descriptive, historical, and analytical methods were used to explore the religious, symbolic, spiritual, artistic, competitive, and academic legacies of the chair. Despite the similarity in function, the chair is more important than a sofa, bed, or bench. It displays one’s status, education, knowledge, and artistic taste. However, practicality, low-cost materials, and money have trumped aesthetics in recent years. The findings may help young chair designers highlight their competitiveness and inventiveness.

Immersive and virtual exhibitions: A reflection on… art?

This paper explores the conceptualization and evolution of virtual exhibitions and immersive art experiences, highlighting their distinctions and similarities. Virtual exhibitions, conducted online or through digital media, offer a platform for showcasing artworks to a global audience without physical constraints. They employ multimedia elements to engage viewers and provide flexibility in exploration. Conversely, immersive art experiences create environments that envelop the viewer, stimulating multiple senses and often incorporating advanced technologies, such as virtual reality and augmented reality. These experiences aim to evoke emotional responses and facilitate active engagement with the artwork. While proponents argue that virtual exhibitions and immersive art experiences democratize access to art and offer new avenues for artistic expression, critics have raised concerns about their impact on authenticity, viewer engagement, and art commercialization. Philosophical and cultural perspectives, including phenomenology and postmodern theory, shed light on the complexities of these art forms and their relationship with reality and simulation. This paper, further, examines the social and business implications of virtual exhibitions and immersive art experiences, noting their growing popularity and influence on the art market. It discusses the viewpoints of artists, critics, and scholars, both supportive and critical, regarding technology’s role in art and its effects on the viewer’s experience. Virtual exhibitions and immersive art experiences represent an evolving landscape in the art world, offering opportunities for innovation and debate. Their impact on the perception and consumption of art remains a subject of ongoing discussion. The paper concludes with a review of successful virtual exhibitions, highlighting their role in expanding access to art and cultural experiences globally.

Deciphering visceral instincts: a scientific quest to unravel food choices from molecules to mind.

The study of biological mechanisms, while crucial, cannot fully explain complex phenomena like the instinct to eat. The mind-body connection, as exemplified by the concept of "voodoo death," highlights the profound influence of belief and cultural context on physiology. Indigenous knowledge systems further emphasize the interconnectedness of humans with their environment. Recent discoveries in gut-brain communication reveal the intricate neural circuits that drive our visceral desires, but a holistic approach that integrates both physiological mechanisms and the subjective experience of life, informed by diverse cultural perspectives, will be essential to truly understand what it means to be alive.

The Function of Honorific Term Ité: Cultural Perspectives from Manggarai, Indonesia

Culture pertains to human existence and encompasses the various aspects of a civilization’s way of life. On the other hand, language refers to the complex communication system employed by individuals inside a specific culture or group. Language utilization typically represents the societal customs, cognitive processes, cognitive functioning, historical context, and interconnections within a given human civilization. Utilizing the inclusive personal pronoun "ité" in the Manggarai language facilitates identifying a connection between linguistic elements and cultural principles. This study examines the relationship between the two specified elements, particularly emphasizing the arguments offered. The data were obtained using observations and interviews conducted with fifteen traditional representatives. Subsequently, a qualitative analysis was performed on the collected data. The findings suggest that its utilization in its various manifestations indicates the cultural norms and customs observed by those living in the Manggarai region of Indonesia. Based on the presented data, this study asserts that the first personal pronoun plural inclusive "ité" in the Manggarai language and culture serves as a means for the speaker to communicate politeness and humility towards the hearer or listener. It signifies a genuine respect for the interlocutor, particularly when they hold a high position. In addition, ité shows familiarity, brotherhood, and sincerity in interpersonal relationships by expressing respect, appreciation, and enthusiasm. Furthermore, it functions as a deep gratitude towards the Divine Father.

The Global Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda

The Iberarchivos program, which is a financial fund for the implementation of archival projects, is a benchmark of archival cooperation in Ibero-America for archival development. Based on the perspectives of culture as a pillar of sustainable development advocated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Quadruple Bottom Line (QBL), the aim of this study is to present the contributions of the Iberarchivos program to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Methodologically, it is an applied, exploratory, and descriptive study in terms of objectives, as well as bibliographic and documentary research in primary sources as technical procedures. After a critical reading of each strategic plan for the Ibero-American partnership (PACCI) for the period of 2019 to 2026, all the initiatives related to the Iberarchivos program for the achievement of sustainable development will be identified and described to map the existence of sustainable practices and actions intended for the Ibero-American archives in their activities. This work has identified efforts and movements that highlight the relevance of guaranteeing the right of access to information, culture, and memory for citizenship and the objectives of the SDGs of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, as well as mobilization with other social sectors for the development and monitoring of cultural public policies. The conclusion of this research is that the contributions of the Iberarchivos program are essential for achieving the SDGs, consolidating the QBL, and, above all, the richness and diversity of Ibero-American culture in building sustainable knowledge for society in general and the archival community, as well as democratizing access to culture.

Applying cultural perspective in Indonesia municipal solid waste management process towards a grounded climate concept and action: A mini-review of opportunities and challenges.

This mini-review emphasises the role of municipal solid waste (MSW) as the biggest contributor to climate change, as well as the need for more grounded climate action. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 2023 Synthesis Report by the co-facilitators on the technical dialogue Key Finding 3 of applying the 'whole-of-society' approach in this article is interpreted as a cultural approach in MSW management planning and implementation process. Using anthropological critiques of development, the cultural approach is frequently considered an obstacle or a justification for a project's failure rather than an important aspect of the people being developed. Therefore, the goal of this mini-review is to showcase the findings and explore the practical application of UNFCCC Key Finding 3, emphasising its importance in every phase of the solid waste management process for climate action. This mini-review argues that applying a cultural perspective presents both opportunities and challenges. More importantly, without careful acknowledgement and consideration, opportunities can become challenges, if not vice versa. The discussion section explores the ways in which religious and economic conditions might offer a contextual understanding and effective techniques for managing MSW at the local level. To apply Key Finding 3 in practice, academia needs to move away from generality and embrace multiple 'modernities', while practitioners also need to include cultural perspectives to complement scientific knowledge.

Examination Structural Model of Suicidal Behaviors and Perfectionism with the Mediation of Hopelessness, Interpersonal Needs and Suicidal Crisis Syndrome in Women from Culture Perspective

Examination Structural Model of Suicidal Behaviors and Perfectionism with the Mediation of Hopelessness, Interpersonal Needs and Suicidal Crisis Syndrome in Women from Culture Perspective

Crimscapes. Kulturanthropologische Perspektiven auf Politiken der Kriminalisierung

At the end of the last century, criminalisation has become a globally accepted mode of governing social problems. Using two policy fields, sea rescue in the Mediterranean and combating hate speech on the internet, we propose a cultural anthropological perspective on the punitive turn and the politics of criminalisation. Using the concept of crimscapes, we describe the dynamic landscapes that unfold around criminal justice interventions, in which new figures of threat and vulnerability emerge, moral orders are restructured and new constellations of actors and practices are brought to the fore. By relating different policy fields, understood as local articulations of global dynamics of criminalisation, the concept also points to the ambivalences of this policy, which can also have an enabling and protective effect alongside exclusionary, stratifying and punitive effects. This underlines the need for critical cultural anthropological research that highlights the ambivalences and contradictions of criminalisation and contributes to an informed critique that is not based solely on normative evaluations, but can also draw attention to unintended effects and contradictions in political debates.

Human Environment

The relationship between humans and the environment is a complex and dynamic interplay that has evolved over millennia. This paper explores the multifaceted interactions between human societies and their surrounding ecosystems, emphasizing the profound impacts of human activities on the environment and vice versa. As human populations have grown and technological advancements have accelerated, the scale and intensity of environmental impacts have increased, leading to significant challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The study begins by tracing the historical development of human-environment interactions, highlighting key periods such as the Agricultural Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and the current Anthropocene epoch. Each period is characterized by distinct environmental impacts and societal responses, providing a framework for understanding contemporary environmental issues. The paper then delves into the concept of sustainability, examining how it has emerged as a crucial paradigm in addressing the environmental crisis. Sustainable development goals and practices are discussed, illustrating how they aim to balance economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection. Central to the discussion is the notion of environmental ethics and the role of cultural values in shaping human attitudes and behaviors towards the environment. The paper reviews various ethical frameworks, including anthropocentrism, biocentrism, and ecocentrism, and their implications for environmental policy and management. By analyzing case studies from different parts of the world, the paper demonstrates how cultural perspectives influence environmental decision-making and outcomes. Furthermore, the paper addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by environmental governance. It explores the roles of governmental and non-governmental organizations, international agreements, and community-based initiatives in promoting environmental stewardship. Special attention is given to the concept of adaptive management, which emphasizes flexibility and learning in addressing environmental uncertainties. The paper concludes by proposing a holistic approach to human-environment interactions, advocating for integrated strategies that recognize the interdependence of social, economic, and ecological systems. By fostering collaboration across disciplines and sectors, and by embracing a long-term perspective, humanity can work towards a more sustainable and resilient future. This exploration of the human environment underscores the urgency of rethinking our relationship with the natural world. It calls for a collective commitment to sustainable practices that respect the intrinsic value of the environment while ensuring the well-being of present and future generations.

Islamic Religious School as An Alternative Education Institution in the Global Era: A Bibliometric and Thematic Analysis

This study conducted a bibliometric and thematic analysis on research related to Islamic religious schools from 1995 to 2022. The research objectives were to: (1) assess the current growth and publication trends in Islamic religious school studies; (2) identify the most prolific contributors in this field; (3) determine the highly cited documents in Islamic religious school research; and (4) explore emerging research themes and areas in Islamic religious school studies. Data were collected from the Scopus database using keywords such as "Islamic religious school," "Islamic school," "pesantren," "madrasa," "pondok," and "Islamic schooling." A total of 690 documents were initially obtained, and after screening, 297 documents were included for analysis. The data were analyzed using tools like Biblioshiny and Microsoft Excel. The results showed that most publications were in 2022 (63 publications). The most significant publishers with the most research documents were Merry MS by the author (5 publications), University of Malaya by institution (26 publications), and Jurnal Pendidikan Islam by the source (24 publications). This study found the article entitled; ‘‘Unveiled Sentiments: Gendered Islamophobia and Experiences of Veiling among Muslim Girls in a Canadian Islamic School’’ written by Zine, as the most global cited document with 152 citations. Moreover, based on the results of thematic map and evolution, Islamic religious school research was divided into four main themes: Islamic Education and Pedagogy, Social and Cultural Perspectives, Comparative Studies and Global Perspectives, and Leadership and Governance. This study highlighted the need for further comparative studies across diverse contexts, inclusion of underrepresented regions and countries, examination of pedagogical approaches and educational outcomes, exploration of contemporary challenges, and policy implications and educational reform. By addressing these gaps, researchers can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of Islamic religious schools and their role in providing alternative education in the global era.

Princess power: Deconstructing the influence of popular culture on local traditions in a novel

The study employed a descriptive methodology with a cultural perspective, with a key focus on dissecting the novel ‘Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia’ by Jean Sasson published in 1993 to explore the impact of popular culture on the identity of Saudi women, focusing on the princesses within the royal palace. The cultural environment of Saudi Arabia presents a complex scenario for women as they reconcile traditional Islamic values with pervasive Westernized influences. This inquiry scrutinized how popular culture, introduced through migration and media exposure, molded Saudi women’s attitudes and actions, particularly those of the royal lineage. This novel is the source of data for the research. The analysis focused on themes, representations, and cultural significance. It examined language, imagery, and narratives to uncover meanings and relate them to broader societal issues, ultimately revealing how popular culture reflects or challenges prevailing ideologies. The findings revealed Sultana’s struggle to balance her Saudi princess identity with Western influences, revealing the complexities of cultural exchange, marriage practices, and societal expectations in both Western and Islamic contexts. Sasson’s narrative highlights how global influences, particularly Western culture, shape perceptions and interactions, enriching yet complicating societal norms. Vivid depictions of gender roles, sensory experiences, and emotional responses underline the ongoing struggles women face in patriarchal societies. These stories provide an understanding of the intersections of culture, gender, and identity, reflecting personal journeys while echoing broader themes of empowerment, resistance, and evolving cultural identities in a globalized world.

Exploring Culturally Responsive Voice Care: Introduction

Purpose: The purpose of this introduction is to broadly discuss cultural responsiveness and serve as a prelude to the forum articles, which discuss specific aspects of cultural responsiveness within voice care. Conclusion: Cultural responsiveness encompasses practices that consider the patient's cultural beliefs, values, and perspectives in all aspects of the therapeutic process. Voice is a cultural construct, and as such, the presence or impact of a voice disorder is impacted by a patient's culture. Each article in this forum is briefly introduced.

Spatial Expansion, Planning, and Their Influences on the Urban Landscape of Christian Churches in Canton (1582–1732 and 1844–1911)

Canton (present-day Guangzhou, China) has a long history as a trading port and serves as a window for studying the history of Sino-Western cultural exchanges. Canton was a city built under Confucian orders, leading to significant differences (when compared to Christian cities) in urban functional zoning, layout, urban landscape, and methods for shaping spatial order. Therefore, the churches constructed by Christian missionary societies in Canton merit particular attention in missionary history research and urban planning history. Based on local gazetteers, historical maps, export paintings, Western travelogues, and archives at that time, from a cultural landscape perspective, this article compares and analyzes the spatial expansion of Christian churches and their influences on the urban landscape in Canton in two stages. In the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, the spatial layout of the churches indicated an active integration into Canton City. After the Opium War, churches were not only used for religious purposes but also served as symbols asserting the presence of Christians and Western powers (which made the situation more complicated). Missionary societies attracted believers through the construction of public facilities, building Christian communities centered around churches, thereby competing with authorities for spatial power and influencing the urban functional system and spatial layout controlled by the authorities. Comparatively, the Roman Catholic Cathedral has profoundly changed the traditional landscape order in Canton, while the Protestant Dongshan Church interacted more closely with the city.

Legitimating language and emotional tone in antenarratives: A cultural entrepreneurship perspective

The concept of storytelling has gained prominence within entrepreneurship, especially as the key property underpinning the process of cultural entrepreneurship. Although it is conventionally assumed that entrepreneurial communications take the form of fully formed stories (e.g., business pitches), by relaxing this assumption, we are able to advance cultural entrepreneurship and test its boundaries. We theorize that when new ventures choose specific legitimating language to share very short story fragments (i.e., antenarratives) online, the audience is compelled to engage. Furthermore, we suggest that the effect of legitimating language on stakeholder engagement will vary based on the emotional tone conveyed in these antenarratives. To test our theory, we construct dictionaries to measure three types of legitimating language (pragmatic, moral, cognitive) and empirically analyze a large, unique dataset of new ventures from X. Results offer support for our theorizing.

An Exploration of Arab International Students’ Campus Engagement Experiences

Arab international students are considered an integral part of American universities bringing cultural and academic perspectives that enrich campus diversity. Grounded in Bronfenbrenner’s (1977) ecological theory of development, we seek to understand the mutual interactions of ecological factors contributing to Arab international students’ campus engagement and academic success in the United States. We used open-ended questionnaires with 18 Arab students to capture their overall lived experiences and conducted semi-structured interviews with five students to get rich insights into their experiences. The findings of this study have revealed the significant role of global and sociopolitical context in shaping Arab international students’ social and academic engagement, identity, and wellbeing. Implications of this study drive the need for a sociopolitical turn in designing a culturally engaging campus environment and enacting critical pedagogy to support diverse students’ engagement and identity development.

Integrating cultural perspectives in online ablution water usage monitoring: a design for sustainability

Integrating cultural perspectives in online ablution water usage monitoring: a design for sustainability