Cultural Perspective Research Articles

Land Ownership (Custom) Viewed from Historical Perspectives, Socio-Cultural and Tenurial Issues in Simalungun District

This study aims to examine the status of land ownership in Simalungun district in terms of historical, social, cultural and tenure perspectives. It is important to study this issue because until now the issue of land ownership has not been thoroughly resolved because there are migrants who claim that their customary land was found in Simalungun, whereas in reality their customary land was not found in Simalungun, but what was found was the king's land ( partuanon) according to the surname of the lord of the rest of the kitchen based on the custom of the tolu sahundulan lima saodoran. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative with purposive sampling technique. Data analysis begins with the process of collecting primary data through in-depth interviews with 13 informants. By using interview guideline research instruments combined with the results of library research. The results of the interview transcripts were collected, tabulated, analyzed, verified, and displayed until the conclusions of the research results were formulated. The results of this study showed that in Simalungun district there were no customary lands, customary forests and customary lands from migrant residents and ethnic Simalungun. The land in Simalungun district is the king's land (Partuanon), the people and migrants are only given the right to cultivate, not to own in accordance with the ruling king's clan, namely Sisidapur and Simalungun customary law based on the Tolu sahundulan lima saodoran custom. The transfer of rights and land tenure in Simalungun district occurred after the proclamation of 17 August 1945 and the social revolution in 1946. All land in the former autonomous region in Simalungun became state property, including all of PT. TPL Tbk's concession land in Simalungun district.

Cultural Bias in Large Language Models: A Comprehensive Analysis and Mitigation Strategies

Abstract This paper delves into the intricate relationship between Large Language Models (LLMs) and cultural bias. It underscores the significant impact LLMs can have on shaping a more equitable and culturally sensitive digital landscape, while also addressing the challenges that arise when integrating these powerful AI tools. The paper emphasizes the immense significance of LLMs in contemporary AI research and applications, underpinning many systems and algorithms. However, their potential role in perpetuating or mitigating cultural bias remains a pressing issue warranting extensive analysis. Cultural bias stems from various intertwined factors; the following analysis categorizes cultural bias shaping LLMs into three dimensions: data quality, algorithm design, and user interaction dynamics. Furthermore, the impacts of LLMs on cultural identity and linguistic diversity are scrutinized, highlighting the interplay between technology and culture. The paper advocates responsible AI development, outlining mitigation strategies such as ethical guidelines, diverse training data, user feedback mechanisms, and transparency measures. In conclusion, the paper emphasizes that cultural bias in LLMs is not solely a problem but also presents an opportunity. It can enhance our awareness and critical understanding of our own cultural biases while fostering curiosity and respect for diverse cultural perspectives.

Foreignisation and resistance: Lawrence Venuti and his critics

This article evaluates whether Lawrence Venuti’s translation approach of “foreignisation” is likely to achieve his stated goal: translations that can resist cultural dominance. This is assessed in light of criticism of his approach from other translation scholars also concerned with cultural encounters and power relations: Maria Tymoczko, Mona Baker, Tarek Shamma and Michael Cronin. The article concludes that it is problematic to identify foreignisation and predict its effect. In spite of this, Venuti’s focus on the dangers of a one-sided privileging of fluent translation strategies is important and valuable, not least in the perspective of the internal cultural and linguistic struggles that will take place within the target culture.

Research on the Aesthetic Value of Costume Creation in the Song Dynasty

The objective of the study is to trace the evolution of costume design in the Song Dynasty, highlighting key aesthetic influences, materials, and techniques employed in clothing creation and to explore the underlying aesthetic principles and thoughts that guided costume creation in the Song Dynasty, including notions of beauty, harmony, and symbolism. This study try to investigate the specific materials and techniques used in creating Song Dynasty costumes and their impact on the overall aesthetic value, considering aspects such as fabric, embroidery, dyeing, and tailoring methods. In the course of the aesthetic study, this study looked very closely at artworks from the Song Dynasty in an effort to comprehend the aesthetic concepts such as beauty, harmony, and symbolism that influenced costume design during that time period. During the materials and techniques investigation, this study used scientific approaches to get a better understanding of the materials that were used in the production of the costumes. Additionally, this study worked with specialists to get a more in-depth examination of the processes used for dyeing , embroidery, and tailoring. According to the findings, the aesthetic ideals that guided costume production underwent a process of evolution during the course of the Song Dynasty. During the early decades of the 20th century, there was an emphasis placed on elegance and harmony with nature. This is shown in the usage of delicate silks and subtle floral designs at the time. When Neo-Confucianism became more popular, ideas of integrity and symmetry began to influence costume design (Table 1 and Table 2). This resulted in color combinations that were more harmonious and the integration of yin-yang symbols. . Pseudo-evidence on silk, sophisticated needlework, state of the art natural coloring procedures and ahead tailoring techniques demonstrate how such components played their particular part towards the attractiveness of cloth products made under Song Dynasty. Firstly this research gives an understanding of the interplay diverse influences such as changing circumstances from historical, cultural and artistic perspectives that fused together to form a rich legacy in beauty and elegance that adds immensely to the understanding of the aesthetic nature of costume design throughout Song Dynasty.

Review The Application of Factors that Influence Customers in Increasing Purchase Intention for Local Brand Sneaker Footwear Products in Indonesia

The competition in the footwear product business in the world is very competitive. Asia is the highest footwear producer at 88.2% as well as the highest consumer at 56%, followed by the Americas which produces footwear at 6.1% while the consumption rate reaches 20.8%. This proves that countries in Asia export a lot to other countries including Indonesia as the third highest exporter of footwear after China and Vietnam. The total footwear produced by the State of Indonesia reaches 1083 million pairs of footwear. Indonesia not only meets domestic needs, but Indonesia exports footwear up to 427 million pairs, but many imported products also enter Indonesia up to 150 million pairs. This is certainly a competition between imported/global brand footwear products and local brands. However, the results of the distribution of a questionnaire conducted by an online survey named Kurious in 2023 with https://www.kurious.id website address, with a total of 399 respondents conducted from February 14 – February 22, 2023. The purpose of this study is to find out what factors can affect customers in increasing the purchase intention of local brand sneaker footwear products in Indonesia. The method used in this study is a qualitative method using a descriptive approach of analysis and analysis through literature review from various Scopus publications on existing problems. The results of the study show that the factors that can influence customers in increasing the purchase intention of local brand sneaker footwear products in Indonesia are divided into 3 perspectives, namely consumers consisting of ethnocentrism or nationalism, emotional attitudes of liking local brands, then from the perspective of producers consisting of increasing creativity, innovation, durable product quality and conducting intensive promotions with the support of celebrities to influencing consumer behavior and then the third from a cultural perspective / cultural environment, including creating a taste for local products

Implementing Industry 4.0 and circular economy through the developmental culture perspective—Driving a competitive advantage in the manufacturing industry

AbstractThe transition towards Industry 4.0 and circular economy (CE) is increasingly important for the manufacturing sector in the emerging economy context, where culture plays an important role. This study explores how organisational culture, i.e., developmental culture, influences Industry 4.0 and CE transition to achieve a competitive advantage. The findings are based on 354 survey responses from manufacturing firms in Thailand. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was adopted to explore the mediation effect of Industry 4.0 and CE between developmental culture and competitive advantage and direct relationships. The developmental culture is examined as the firm's intrinsic factor in advancing Industry 4.0 and CE implementation. The direct effect of Industry 4.0 on CE adoption is analysed. The results indicate the positive influence of developmental culture on Industry 4.0 and CE transition and their positive impact on competitive advantage. This implies that firms should align their cultural characteristics with developmental culture as part of their strategic approaches towards adopting Industry 4.0 and CE principles. This study expands the literature by incorporating the influence of developmental culture to improve the understanding of the intrinsic influencing factor that leads to effective Industry 4.0 and CE implementation.

Understanding the Impacts of Child Sexual Abuse in China from a Cultural Perspective: An Analysis of Posts from an Online Q&A Forum

Understanding the Impacts of Child Sexual Abuse in China from a Cultural Perspective: An Analysis of Posts from an Online Q&A Forum

The Transition of Scientific Theories into Social Discourse

Abstract This study delves into how the Chinese intellectual community of the early 20th century interpreted scientific ideas, specifically the “theory of evolution” and “theory of relativity.” The conservative publication, The Eastern Miscellany, underwent a transformation during the May Fourth Movement, embracing concepts like “Mutual aid: A factor of evolution” and the theory of relativity in the 1920s. Editors and writers used these scientific concepts to counter radical intellectuals, reshaping cultural and ideological perspectives in journal texts. This reinterpretation aimed to not only adopt modern values but also challenge the dogmatism of scientific discourses in China’s political and cultural context. Scholars associated the mutual help hypothesis with evolutionary studies, aligning it with cultural diversity and opposing centralized political structures. The relativistic theory, connected to anarchism and coexistence within civilization, offered an alternative discourse to radicalism, rejecting a singular modern value system. Their goal was to establish a discourse community reflecting their rationality and principles while restoring traditional values in Eastern civilization. This paper considers this as evidence of how they struggled to maintain conservative legitimacy during the political system’s modern transition and aims to elucidate it through textual analysis of contemporary magazines. Furthermore, the paper aims to remind us once again of the dangers of scientism, which are often overlooked when compared to the absolute nature of science that is still recognized today.

The impact of customer incivility on employee negative emotions: an organizational culture perspective

Purpose The primary purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of customer incivility on employees' negative emotions (i.e. anger, fear and sadness) considering the moderating role of organizational power distance. Design/methodology/approach A survey sample comprising 312 service employees was collected from 51 Taiwanese and Vietnamese companies spanning different industries. Given the multilevel characteristics of the data structure, hierarchical linear modeling was used to rigorously test the proposed hypotheses. Findings The results indicate a significant contribution of customer incivility to employees' negative emotions. Notably, this impact is more pronounced among employees in organizations characterized by low power distance compared to those in organizations with high power distance. Originality/value This research significantly advances our understanding of the emotional repercussions of customer incivility on employees by integrating cognitive–motivational–relational theory and organizational culture perspectives. The findings not only provide valuable theoretical insights but also offer practical implications for effectively managing employee well-being in culturally diverse contexts. The study recognizes certain limitations and puts forth suggestions for future research directions.

Philosophical Dimensions of Digital Transformation and Their Impact on the Future

This article aims to highlight digital transformation within the context of an in-depth philosophical analysis from the perspectives of epistemological, axiological, ethical, and anthropological dimensions. The period of general philosophical interpretation of the practical-everyday status of digitalisation has evolved into a need for a comprehensive characterisation of the essence of the digital space. The tasks of the article involve organising various philosophical characteristics of digital transformation and aligning them within the scientific worldview paradigm of the future. The article's methodology is based on a qualitative study of the problem of digitalisation within the scientific-philosophical discourse of the last five years. A varied sampling in the literature review has facilitated the analysis of most philosophical dimensions of digitalisation in its contemporary manifestation. The scientific-philosophical synergetic approach is intended to ensure a holistic understanding of the essence of digitalisation as a socio-cultural phenomenon and to optimise the use of its practical structural-technological characteristics. The research results demonstrate the alignment of thematic clusters within the philosophical dimension of digitalisation. The initial dominance of epistemological themes related to the innovation of the digital space is gradually being transformed into a more balanced philosophical interpretation with the actualisation of axiological, ethical, and anthropological contexts. The impact of digital products on individuals and society requires evaluation and understanding how to regulate their activity. Therefore, a review of the literature dedicated to the philosophical aspects of digitalisation indicates a quantitative increase in works of a value-ethical and anthropocentric nature. Philosophy is dynamically shaping the content and format of the structural analysis of digital transformation as a critical sociocultural phenomenon of modernity. At the same time, prospects for philosophical research into the digital space are emerging, which involve outlining short-term tactics for understanding digital transformation in the ethical and anthropological segments and long-term strategies for the axiological and epistemological dimensions. Conclusion: Digital transformation has reached a large scale and intensity within the sociocultural dimension and requires a comprehensive worldview interpretation from science, philosophy, and cultural perspectives. A complete philosophical characterisation of digital transformation should consist of epistemological, axiological, ethical, and anthropological justifications for digitalisation's institutional-organisational and structural-functional aspects.

Psychological Healing process of Grief Resolution: Nepali (Hindu) Cultural Perspective

Grief is a natural reaction to the loss; mainly due to the death of a loved one. Sometimes, such reactions may be problematic or complicated. Culture serves as a buffer to deal with such losses, and supports the mature way of coping. Nepali cultural practices or the death rituals favor the restoration-oriented grieving process and are prophylactic approach in order to prevent any form of grief-related psychological reactions. This paper provides a narrative approach in which the writer shares his experiences as a Psychiatrist in dealing with grief-related problems of the clients in his own clinical practice. In addition, he also shares his own personal experience of losing his father and illustrates how the traditional practices followed by himself and his family during that time facilitated the grief-resolution process. He is very much convinced that the Nepali cultural approach during death rituals is very much scientific and psychotherapeutic.

Marine spatial planning for socio‐ecological management of animal‐associated microbiomes

AbstractBiodiversity changes and habitat shifts are two phenomena substantially reshaping marine life on our present and future planet. Although those phenomena are well recognized on the macrobial level, they currently do not receive similar attention on the microbial level. Generally, microbiome diversity and function, associated with and governing the health and fitness of their host organisms, are neglected in conservation efforts. This is especially problematic as previous research has highlighted that host‐associated microbes (microbiomes) may display distribution patterns that are not only correlated with host animal biogeographies but also with other factors such as prevailing environmental conditions. Here, marine spatial planning for socio‐ecological management of animal‐associated microbiomes is discussed, using deep‐sea sponge and coral‐associated microbiomes as an example of how to incorporate microbial diversity into conservation planning. We advocate for a holistic and integrative approach to marine spatial planning that incorporates the larger habitat, the host, the microbiome, as well as the socio‐economic and cultural perspective, throughout the whole decision‐making process. A general workflow containing the needed steps to establish microbiome‐integrated marine protected areas is presented, as well as the analytical steps and results underlying the implementation of the world's first microbiome‐considered marine conservation network on the Scotian Shelf off eastern Canada.

The Nature-based Tourism Sustainability: Cultural Measures and Personality Trait

A tourism that relied on nature-based tourism (NBT) was not enough as a reason for revisit intention. Revisit intention are the key of tourism sustainability. This study aim to determine cultural background as personalities of tourism destination. The objectives are to justify the tourism destination culture personality relevant for destination personality measurement which seen from culture perspective. Through destination personality approach, this study investigates the role of tourism destination culture personality to strengthen the effect of tourist engagement and memorable tourism experience which can lead to a higher revisit intention considering the match between destination image and tourist’s self-concept. Tourism destination culture personality is a concept that integrates the concepts of destination personality and Hofstede's dimension of culture to describe the unique cultural identity of a tourism destination. In this matter, 259 respondents from a single nation was involved to evaluate 15 scale items of tourism destination culture personality and the framework of current research. Results show that all scale items of tourism destination culture personality were valid. The SEM-PLS and The importance-performance map analysis (IPMA) justified that tourism destination culture personality is essential concept for optimizing the relationship between tourist engagement and memorable tourism experience on revisit intention. Moreover, the tourism destination culture personality has È-Shape curvilinear relationship on the tourist engagement and revisit intention which projected. The last, these results were assessed by robustness and configuration tests to reduce the possibility of error regarding our findings. Overall, this study contributes to the extant literature on tourism destination culture-personality by constructing a composite picture of tourism destination culture-personality dimensions on the tourist’ engagement, memorable tourism experience and revisit intention of NBT. The study’s theoretical contributions, its restrictions and practical implications for NBT operators are further discussed.

A Cultural Publishing Perspective on the Development of Artificial Intelligence in the Process of Impacts and Opportunities

In the wave of informatization and digitization, generative artificial intelligence (AIGC), an important branch of artificial intelligence technology, is gradually penetrating and reshaping the publishing industry. Through systematic analysis and research, this paper discusses the current status of the application, its development path, and the challenges generative AI faces in the publishing industry. Firstly, this paper explains the basic principles of generative AI technology and its advantages in content generation. It also analyses its specific application scenarios in various content forms such as text, image, audio, and video. Secondly, this paper discusses the various paths of generative AI to enable the high-quality development of the publishing industry, including improving content production efficiency, promoting creative diversity of content, and optimizing the publishing process. At the same time, this paper also analyses the technical bottlenecks, market barriers, and ethical and safety issues faced by the application of generative AI in the publishing industry, and puts forward some strategies and suggestions to cope with these challenges.

Cultural Perspectives on Financial Accountability in a Balinese Traditional Village

Abstract This study aims to develop accountability practices that harmonize with the local spiritual culture in the Jimbaran traditional village. The current accountability practices are viewed not just as formal procedures but also as informal practices involving moral and ethical relationships with God. An ethnomethodological study integrated with Catur Marga culture as a critical perspective revealed the problem of delays in submitting accountability reports due to the shift in the cultural meaning of “ngayah” and the shift in the implementation of religious ceremonies from spiritual practices to more formal activities. These problems can be addressed by synergizing Catur Marga principles with accountability practices. First, involve community representatives, religious leaders, and traditional elders in the village's financial management, as in regular meetings to align the vision and mission to strengthen the “ngayah” motivation in governance and financial accountability. Second, the traditional village governments must consistently provide Dharmawacana and management accounting training to balance scientific knowledge with traditional spiritual–cultural knowledge. Last is the development of the Catur Marga-based Pararem, which regulates the technical aspects of financial management accountability and should be synchronized with the spirit of devotion to God to preserve the local spiritual culture in the Jimbaran traditional village.

Different Materialities – Different Authenticities? Considerations on Watercraft Exhibited in Museums

Abstract Museums are often considered to be spaces of the authentic, where the real, unique and original is exhibited, and where the accurate past is conveyed. By means of two watercraft, Nydam Boat and Kon-Tiki, it is illustrated how their materiality and authenticity are shaped by processes of musealization, reconstruction, restoration and ways of narrating the past and staging exhibits. While their substances remain present and perceptible, they are also subjected to material changes and changing perceptions over time. From a cultural constructivist perspective, it is illustrated how museum exhibits may be perceived as authentic and how this is related to their materials.

Prevalence and Socio-demographic Variations in Traditional Medicine Use: A Study from East Nile Locality, Sudan

Traditional medicine (TM) remains a cornerstone of healthcare in Sudan, across urban and rural settings. We explored TM use and its association with socio-demographic characteristics (age, sex, education, economic status, and residence) in East Nile locality (ShargAlneil), Khartoum State. A survey encompassing 609 households (44.7% rural, 55.3% urban) revealed a high prevalence of TM use: over 80% reported using at least one form. Notably, significant socio-demographic variations emerged. Individuals with higher education leaned towards herbalists (p<0.05), while those with lower education favored religious healers (p<0.05). Similarly, older adults preferred religious healers (p<0.05), while males tended to choose herbalists (p<0.05). The most common ailments preferred to be treated by TM practitioners were spiritual and psychological issues, bone injuries, stomachaches, and headaches. Conversely, conditions like malaria, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease were primarily preferred to be managed by modern medicine. This study highlights the widespread use of TM across diverse demographics, with preferences for specific types of practitioners. It also underscores a selective trust in modern medicine for certain diseases. Integrating socio-demographic and cultural perspectives into healthcare delivery can enhance understanding of community needs and guide the development of appropriate interventions. Further research is warranted to delve deeper into the reasons behind these variations in treatment preferences.

Social Inequalities in Colombia: An Analysis from a Cultural and Social Perspective

The objective of this article was to analyze inequalities in Colombia using a strategic prospective approach to identify the social, economic and cultural dynamics that prolong such asymmetries and propose actions to reduce these gaps. The methodology employed is based on the use of advanced prospective analysis tools, such as influence matrices and variable mobility diagrams, in addition to the identification of key actors involved in the formulation and execution of public policies. The results point to the complexity of the interactions between critical variables such as access to technologies, gender equity and youth participation in employment; likewise, the study showed that certain actors, such as the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Equality and Equity, have a significant influence on the achievement of objectives that seek to mitigate social inequalities in Colombia. The study concludes the need to work on public policies for social and economic development, but with an approach based on education and changes in cultural patterns in society that allow the gradual reduction of inequalities. The discussion points out that through strategic collaboration among diverse actors and a comprehensive approach, progress can be made towards a sustained reduction of inequalities, promoting a more equitable and inclusive development in Colombian society.

Boekpayoo Customary Ceremony of Ga-Dangme in Nungua: Culture Versus Law in Ghana’s Fight Against Child Marriages

Child marriage has been an age-long problem in Ghana’s quest of protecting the rights and development of young girls. Though there are various international and domestic legal frameworks to assist the Ghana government in taking proactive steps in fighting against child marriages, there are some deep-rooted cultural practices commemorated in some Ghanaian traditional communities that seem to derail the government’s efforts. This paper aims to analyze the Boekpayoo customary ceremony organized by the Nungua Traditional Council in Ghana at the Gborbu temple on the 30th of March 2024. It offers a deeper understanding of the appropriateness and legality of the Boekpayoo customary ceremony to show how Ghana struggles to end all forms of child or early marriage. This paper puts the customary ceremony under the lens of existing domestic and international legal frameworks and cultural anthropology perspectives. This paper has relied on and has been critically analyzed through secondary data from national and international legal instruments, cultural anthropology literature, and news reports. This study revealed that the procedure for the Boekpayoo ceremony, as well as the fitting appointment for occupying the position of Naa Yoomo Ayemuede, is legitimate, as it helps in the preservation and promotion of the place-identity history and culture of the Ga-Dangmes. However, the timing and selection of Naa Okromo need to be analyzed as they are not in accordance with the established national and international legal frameworks.

Bridging realms: Western client perspectives on psychotherapy inspired by Indigenous healing

ContextThe decolonial turn in psychology criticizes conventional Western psychotherapeutic frameworks and seeks to decolonize therapeutic practices by considering diverse cultural perspectives. Indigenous healing has been increasingly used in the psychotherapy of ethnic communities, but also in the psychotherapy of Western clients. The research questions of the present study were focused on how Western clients experience the therapies inspired by Indigenous healing. ObjectiveThe study aimed to explore the motivations, experiences, and mental health outcomes of participants of therapies inspired by Indigenous healing with a focus on issues related to intercultural transfer of therapeutic practice. DesignSemi-structured qualitative interviews were used to gather narratives from 28 participants. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. ResultsParticipants reported the following long-lasting outcomes of Indigenous therapies: increased well-being, calm, satisfaction with life, better emotion regulation, coping with stress, behavioral control, problem solving, decision making as well as a more sensitive and deeper experience of reality. Conventional Western psychotherapy was perceived as conversation-based, while Indigenous therapy was perceived as experience-based and more complex. The integration of experiences from Indigenous therapies was more difficult in the Western sociocultural environment compared to participation in the place of their origin, within the community of Indigenous people. ConclusionIndigenous healing has beneficial outcomes for Western clients, but the integration of these experiences is quite difficult and requires systematic psychotherapeutic support in the Western cultural environment.