Cultural Resistance Research Articles

TEACHER TRAINING FROM A DECOLONIAL PERSPECTIVE: PEDAGOGY CURRICULAR PROPOSALS AT ABYA YALA

Teacher training is a complex and challenging topic. Decolonial curricula become the object of research as a form of epistemological and cultural resistance in colonized societies that reproduce principles and values ​​that are foreign to community life and the culture of indigenous peoples. With the aim of presenting, describing and reflecting on experiences of teacher training curricula in Pedagogy courses, the text organizes and systematizes, based on documents and data available on websites, curricular proposals produced in Abya Yala. We conclude that there are possibilities for building decolonial curricula for teacher training.

Islam, Purity, and Modernity

From the 1930s to the 1950s, the Mzab region in the north of the Algerian Sahara, then under French rule, was shaken by controversies over the consumption and lawfulness of European goods. Historians typically analyze these debates as a form of cultural resistance to colonization or as a sign of the allegedly difficult adaptation of “Islam” to “modernity.” They single out two types of reaction: that of self-proclaimed “reformist” scholars and that of “conservatives,” caricatured as shoring up a barren tradition. Based on the case of the Mzab and on a wide range of Islamic legal documents, this article opens up a new perspective on the relations between Islam, modernity, and colonialism, demonstrating that other logics were also at work. For the Islamic scholars involved, the most important issue at stake was the purity of their community and its preservation in a context of cultural and political uncertainty. Using the tools of Islamic law, both advocates and detractors of these “innovations” shaped a particular vision of their community and its boundaries. By bringing together colonial and Islamic sources, and drawing on both colonial and Islamic studies, this article challenges a reading of the modern history of Islam based on notions such as modernity and reform, which were essentially instrumental in these debates. It also moves away from a historiography that is blind to the internal complexity of these societies, drawing attention to the multiple rationales at work in colonized North Africa.

The 2017 Curriculum Change in Ecuador: Representations From the School Culture

Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the social representations related to the 2017 curriculum change and the educational policies implemented for curriculum development in Ecuador, evaluating the perspective of teachers, educational administrators and academics. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on theories on social representations, educational change and school culture. These theories provide a framework for understanding how the perceptions of educational actors influence the implementation of curricular reforms. Method: A qualitative approach was employed with a descriptive phenomenological design. In-depth interviews were conducted with teachers, an educational administrator from Zone 4 of the Ministry of Education, and academics to capture their experiences and perceptions. Results and Discussion: The results revealed that cultural resistances within the educational institutions hindered the fulfillment of the pedagogical objectives of the reform. Interrelationships were observed between social representations that affect the implementation of the curriculum. Implications of the research: This research highlights the importance of actively involving educational stakeholders in curriculum change processes to overcome cultural barriers and achieve successful educational reform in Ecuador. Originality/value: The study contributes to the understanding of the influence of social representations on school culture and how they impact the implementation of curriculum policies, offering new perspectives on the promotion of educational change in the country.

Dynamics of prescribing and accessing medications for opioid use disorder: a community-based systems analysis

Background Although medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are effective for treating opioid use disorder (OUD), persistent barriers still prevent patients from accessing this life-saving care. Policies to increase MOUD access have produced suboptimal results. This study presents a qualitative system dynamics model that elucidates the complexities of accessing and staying in MOUD treatment. Methods We utilized a community-based system dynamics approach to modeling the MOUD treatment system. We engaged a cohort of system experts/stakeholders, including individuals who had received MOUD, treatment providers, and policymakers, in interviews and group model building to develop and refine a simulation model. We then created a qualitative causal loop diagram based on insights gained while developing the simulation model and a review of interview transcripts. Results The causal loop diagram captures four key factors affecting treatment initiation, retention, and leaving: (1) fraught interactions between patients and healthcare providers; (2) stigma-driven regulation of MOUD creating a culture of fear and defensive medicine; (3) a punitive culture in clinics and opioid treatment programs offering MOUD; and (4) the internalization of the abstinence narrative contributing to premature termination of treatment. Conclusions Our analysis highlights how interdependent and non-linear feedback processes diminish or counteract the effectiveness and sustainability of MOUD policy interventions. Due to system memory and cultural resistance to change, even rolling back reactionary policies may do little to curb established behavioral patterns. In addition, conflicting and competing strategies among various actors within the system contribute to goal misalignment and a lack of standardization of care.

Blockchain in Enterprise Resource Planning Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Emerging Trends, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

Abstract This research paper conducts a systematic review of the integration of blockchain technology with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, a burgeoning field at the intersection of advanced technology and business management. The primary objective is to bridge the knowledge gap by synthesizing existing literature, providing insights into the current state, challenges, and potential of blockchain in enhancing ERP systems. The study follows a structured methodology involving four key stages: Literature Retrieval, Literature Screening, Biblio-metric Analysis, and Content Analysis. A comprehensive literature search in the Scopus database resulted in the identification and analysis of 250 scholarly articles, narrowed down to 66 relevant publications. The findings highlight a significant trend towards decentralized ERP solutions, driven by blockchain’s promise of enhanced security, transparency, and efficiency. Key areas impacted by blockchain integration include supply chain management, accounting, security, traceability, purchasing, and process automation within ERP systems. The bibliometric analysis reveals a growing academic interest in this domain, with a focus on scalability, data security, and interoperability. However, the integration faces challenges such as technical complexity, cultural resistance, and regulatory uncertainties. The study concludes that while blockchain presents transformative opportunities for ERP systems, realizing this potential requires overcoming substantial technical and organizational hurdles. Future research should concentrate on developing scalable, interoperable blockchain solutions, tailored to specific industry needs and compliant with regulatory standards, thereby facilitating widespread adoption and maximizing the benefits of blockchain in ERP systems.

The Impact of Mobile Health (mHealth) Interventions on Malaria Diagnosis and Treatment Adherence among Pregnant Women: A Comprehensive Review

Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) poses a significant public health threat, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to maternal anemia, preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal and infant mortality. Early diagnosis and strict adherence to antimalarial treatments are essential to reduce these risks, yet access to timely care and consistent treatment adherence remain major challenges. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions, utilizing mobile technologies such as SMS reminders, diagnostic applications, and telemedicine platforms, have emerged as innovative tools to address these barriers. This comprehensive review examined the impact of mHealth interventions on malaria diagnosis and treatment adherence among pregnant women in malaria-endemic regions. Through case studies from Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania, we explore the effectiveness of mHealth solutions in improving maternal health outcomes by ensuring timely diagnosis and promoting adherence to treatment. Methodologically, the review drew on empirical studies, program evaluations, and case reports from peer-reviewed literature. Despite promising outcomes, challenges such as technological barriers, cultural resistance, and scalability concerns persist. Future research should focus on integrating emerging technologies like AI and machine learning to enhance mHealth’s effectiveness while prioritizing equitable access to digital health solutions. Policymakers must also prioritize the integration of mHealth into national health systems to ensure long-term sustainability. Keywords: mHealth interventions, Malaria in pregnancy (MiP), Treatment adherence, Malaria diagnosis, Sub-Saharan Africa

Self-Imagining

While Western Europe’s visual cultural resistance to populism is often highlighted in both the media and academic studies, resistance to populism through artistic and cultural production is very seldom addressed in the academic studies dedicated to East-Central Europe. This does not mean that the cultural producers from the former East do not confront the surge of neo-populism in the region. How do artists understand and figure out cultural alternatives and resist right-wing populist politics and its culture in East-Central Europe? What are their strategies to react against ‘culturally popular’ formats and ethnoreligious nationalist culture in an age of generalised anxiety? This article focuses on alternative archives of visual art against populism, within which it addresses self-portraits, double-self-portraits, and multi-self-portraits understood as visual cultural productions that resist the pre-existing depictions of ‘the people’ – employed by the right-wing populist entrepreneurs – to polarise societies into friends versus enemies.

The horse as a symbol of cultural identity and resistance in Kazakhstan’s colonial history

This article examines the history of Russian colonization in Kazakhstan, focusing on identity, resistance, and independence within Russia’s neo-imperial ambitions. It addresses the socio-political barriers in postcolonial Kazakhstan due to ties with Russia and explores how the Soviet migration policies shaped Kazakhstan’s demographic and political landscape. The study outlines the phases of Russian colonization, contrasting Russian narratives of a civilizing mission with Kazakh perspectives on exploitation and cultural erasure. Using postcolonial theory, it deconstructs these narratives and reveals power dynamics. Kazakh literature and poetry are analyzed as mediums of resistance, emphasizing the horse as a symbol of cultural identity. The article concludes by discussing the post-Soviet cultural transformations and the role of literature in nation-building, highlighting the importance of reclaiming cultural symbols and myths for understanding Kazakhstan’s colonial history and postcolonial transformation.

Designing persuasive communication models for vaccine acceptance in isolated communities: A mass communication approach

This study introduces the Persuasive Communication Model as a novel approach to address vaccine hesitancy in isolated U.S. communities, where infectious diseases such as measles and influenza continue to pose significant public health threats. By integrating mass communication theories like the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), with AI-driven message personalization, the model effectively tailors health communication strategies to the cultural, cognitive, and socio-economic contexts of vaccine-hesitant populations. In a randomized controlled trial, the model increased vaccination uptake by over 20% compared to traditional methods, while also enhancing trust in healthcare systems. The model’s adaptive communication, utilizing both digital platforms and community leaders, was instrumental in overcoming barriers related to geographic isolation, religious beliefs, and cultural resistance. These findings are particularly relevant for enhancing national public health security and reducing the economic burden of vaccine-preventable diseases. The study highlights the model's superiority over static communication frameworks, offering scalable applications for broader public health interventions.

Collaboration of Stakeholders and AI in The Implementation of New Public Service in The Digital Era

This study emphasizes the importance of applying the New Public Service (NPS) concept in public service management in the digital era through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of five articles from Scopus (2021-2024). The analysis indicates that NPS can enhance the quality of public services in an inclusive, collaborative, and responsive manner. NPS promotes stakeholder collaboration, AI integration in services, and citizen involvement in public value creation. The main challenges in implementing NPS are bureaucratic cultural resistance and insufficient policy dissemination. This study underscores the need for leaders to develop strong commitment, improve effective communication, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and involve the community in the transition towards NPS. Furthermore, the research highlights the necessity of an integrated public service ecosystem framework to facilitate collaboration among the government, private sector, and society, providing innovative solutions to public service challenges in the digital era.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence into ESG Practices: Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategic Solutions for Corporate Sustainability

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices have become increasingly important in corporate strategy in recent years, while the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has created new opportunities and challenges for corporate sustainability. AI technology driving companies for ESG time is getting more and more attention. This study examines the application of AI technologies in environmental management, social responsibility, and corporate governance, demonstrating their potential to optimize resource utilization, reduce carbon emissions, improve recruitment fairness, and prevent fraud. However, integrating AI with ESG faces many challenges, including technological complexity, high costs, data privacy and ethical issues, and organizational and cultural resistance. To address these challenges, this study proposes solutions to reduce financial burdens, secure data, and enhance cultural buy-in through strategies such as technology partnerships, open-source tools, and employee training. By delving into the convergence of AI and ESG, this study provides companies with a guiding direction to fully utilize the potential of AI while maintaining long-term sustainability.

From Crisis to Recovery: Successful Experiences in the Eradication of Narcotics in Afghanistan Local Communities

Afghanistan, as one of the world’s largest producers of narcotics, faces significant social, economic, and health challenges. Despite numerous efforts to combat the cultivation and consumption of narcotics, the issue remains a major problem in many local communities. However, some of these communities have succeeded in achieving remarkable progress in reducing narcotics cultivation and consumption through participatory programs and alternative economic development. This research aims to identify and analyze the successful experiences in narcotics eradication in local Afghan communities and to evaluate the factors contributing to these successes. A qualitative methodology was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with local community members, experts, and government officials. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The findings of the research indicate that educational programs, awareness-raising initiatives, the development of alternative economic opportunities, and active community participation have played a crucial role in reducing narcotics cultivation and consumption. Nevertheless, challenges such as financial constraints, administrative corruption, and cultural resistance remain significant barriers to the successful implementation of these programs. The study concludes that with increased international support, administrative transparency, and strengthened educational and economic programs, the dependency of local communities on narcotics cultivation can be significantly reduced. This research provides a foundation for the development of effective national policies in the fight against narcotics in Afghanistan.

Innovations in abortion care in France, Germany and the UK following the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background Through an international comparison of health systems and policies, we aim at assessing the contextual and circumstantial characteristics of abortion care innovation in three European countries following the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic. The three contrasting care models pre-pandemic constitute an interesting baseline for observing different systems’ reaction to health crises. Methods We conducted a review of the recent (2020 onward) peer-reviewed and grey literature, including national policy documents and guidelines. We then carried a comparative analysis of innovations implemented during the pandemic and their sustainability post-crisis. Results In France and the UK, where abortion care was more accessible before the pandemic than in Germany, a series of innovations were officially introduced to facilitate access during the pandemic. They included teleconsultations and the mailing of abortion medication. Most changes have been sustained since then, contributing to addressing historic and systemic health inequities in terms of access (e.g. due to geography and the existence of “medical deserts”). In Germany, innovations during the pandemic have been crafted by the civil society through NGOs offering for the first time teleabortion services (e.g. Balance Berlin and Doctors for Choice). The legitimation of those practices by professional bodies is still in the making, highlighting the limitations of the catalyst role of crises in the face of cultural barriers and resistance of health systems to innovation. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic provoked or accelerated innovation in terms of abortion care in France, Germany and the UK. Yet, its sustainability, as well as its scaling up, remains fragile, especially in Germany, where the disruptive approach of civil society organisations has not yet found its way into mainstream health care services. Key messages • International comparison of health systems’ reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of abortion care shows different paths to innovation. • The sustainability of innovation beyond the first pandemic years pertains to the wider debate on equity in access to abortion care.

Integrating Resource-Based Theory and Contingency Theory for Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience in Malaysia: A Post-Pandemic Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted global supply chains, exposed their vulnerabilities and underscored the urgent need for enhanced resilience. In Malaysia, the pandemic's impact on supply chains has been profound, prompting a re-evaluation of existing strategies and frameworks. This study explores the integration of Resource-Based Theory (RBT) and Contingency Theory (CT) to enhance supply chain resilience in Malaysia. Through in-depth case studies and semi-structured interviews with senior managers and supply chain professionals, this research identifies key factors contributing to the successful implementation of an integrated resilience framework. The findings reveal that firms leveraging advanced technology, skilled workforce, and strategic partnerships can maintain operational efficiency and adaptability. Context-specific strategies such as diversifying suppliers, local sourcing, strategic stockpiling, and flexible logistics solutions are essential in responding to disruptions. Common challenges include high initial costs, coordination issues, regulatory hurdles, and cultural resistance to change. The integration of RBT and CT results in improved supply chain visibility, flexibility, robustness, and stakeholder collaboration. This study contributes to the academic discourse by offering practical insights for firms seeking to enhance supply chain resilience. It underscores the importance of combining internal strengths with adaptive strategies tailored to the external environment. The findings provide valuable guidance for both academia and industry in developing more robust and adaptive supply chain strategies in the post-pandemic landscape. Future research should explore the integration of RBT and CT across different contexts and industries and investigate the role of emerging technologies in enhancing supply chain resilience.

China as data coloniser? rethinking cultural production, cultural mediation, and consumer agency on Kenyan and Chinese e-commerce platforms

Has China become a neo-colonizer, exporting its cultural and economic power to the world based on its agenda of building soft power? Existing scholarship on neocolonialism and data colonialism largely focuses on how China's infrastructural expansion and increasingly platformised cultural sectors can achieve its ambitious platformised cultural sectors overseas. Yet, how China's cultural power is manifested, negotiated, or resisted in people's daily lives in a South–South setting remains under-researched and under-theorised. This article uses everyday fashion in Kenya as a case study to investigate China's cultural and economic power expansion in the Global South. We examined how cultural differences are negotiated and mediated on two Chinese(-invested) e-commerce platforms. Through focus groups and platform walkthrough method, our findings serve to enrich existing theories of cultural production–platform relationships applicable in the study of various cultural and creative sectors, to offer new understandings of how symbolic, sociopolitical and cultural meanings of fashion are constructed through divergent platform affordances, and to reveal the various forms of cultural negotiations and resistance in different contexts, multiplying our frames of reference.

Food and exercise practices among British Pakistanis; how can Bourdieu's theory of practice help to understand them?

The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are significant among the Pakistani ethnic group in the UK. Existing literature has identified food and exercise practices as contributing factors. This qualitative inquiry investigates food and exercise practices among this group. The study also identifies any cultural resistance to changing prevailing unhealthy practices. Five qualitative semi-structured interviews with local Pakistani community leaders, two focus group discussions, and 40 individual interviews with participants of both genders. Bourdieu's theory of practice was used to analyse the data. The lifestyle choices of the participants mainly follow the cultural practices of their home country. In particular, three cultural phenomena might have been contributing to CVDs among this community: a culture of consuming fatty and calorie-dense food, complexity in joint decision-making among family members, and a lack of motivation and cultural support for healthy physical activities, especially among women and older adults. It would be challenging to significantly influence this unhealthy lifestyle in the short term. Integrating religious discourse within health promotion, adopting a whole-family approach, and working with the community on healthier cooking and making exercise options culturally relevant could be helpful for reducing the prevalence of CVDs among the Pakistani community in the UK.

Implementation Challenges of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) Participating in Public Projects in Qatar

This research investigates the implementation challenges of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) participating in public projects, with a focus on the construction industry in Qatar. Through a combination of literature review, surveys, and interviews, the study identifies key obstacles such as interoperability issues, financial constraints, organisational and cultural resistance, and the lack of comprehensive training programs. The literature highlights the fragmented nature of construction projects and the potential of BIM to improve efficiency through enhanced data handling and collaboration. However, SMEs often struggle with the high initial costs of software and hardware, as well as the need for extensive training to bridge the skill gap. Interviews with industry professionals reveal that while mandatory BIM integration in public projects drives adoption, it also exacerbates these challenges for SMEs, which may lack the necessary resources and expertise. Survey findings indicate that contractors frequently encounter issues with understanding and implementing BIM and meeting the government body standards, suggesting a need for better training and support. The study also emphasises the importance of strategic incremental adoption, where SMEs gradually integrate BIM into their processes, starting with low-level implementation in privately funded projects. The research concludes that while BIM offers significant benefits for the construction industry, its successful adoption requires targeted support for SMEs. This includes financial incentives, improved interoperability standards, comprehensive training programs, and strategic change management approaches. Addressing these challenges will enable SMEs to fully leverage BIM's potential, enhancing project efficiency and competitiveness in the construction sector.

The Role of the Religious Affairs Office in Reducing Early Marriage (Implementation of Law No. 16 of 2019 in Sidowayah Village, Pancur District, Rembang Regency)

This research aims to examine the role of the Religious Affairs Office (KUA) and the effectiveness of the implementation of Law No. 16 of 2019 in reducing early marriage in Sidowayah Village. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with a phenomenological approach. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation. The results showed that the KUA in Sidowayah Village plays an active role in socializing and edufuture bride and groomg the community about the dangers of early marriage and the provisions of Law No. 16 of 2019. The KUA's efforts have increased the community's understanding of the negative impacts of early marriage and children's rights. The implementation of Law No. 16 of 2019 has shown positive results by increasing public awareness of the minimum age for marriage. Education programs related to the dangers of early marriage and children's rights have shown positive results with indications of a decrease in the number of early marriages. However, there are several challenges in the implementation of this law, such as a lack of public awareness of the importance of complying with the law, strong cultural resistance in some environments, inconsistent law enforcement against violations of underage marriage, and social structures that support early marriage such as poverty and gender inequality. This research provides an overview of the role of KUA and the effectiveness of Law No. 16 of 2019 in efforts to reduce early marriage. Continuous and collaborative efforts from various parties, such as KUA, local government, and the community, are needed to address early marriage and achieve children's welfare. Keywords: Early marriage, Law no. 16 of 2019, KUA

Application of Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence for Risk Mitigation of Accidents in Construction Sites: A Case Study of Brazilian Construction Companies

The construction industry constantly faces challenges related to workplace safety. Managing work safety is crucial to ensuring worker protection and successful project completion. In this context, this study investigates the applicability of Internet of Things technologies and Artificial Intelligence models, such as YOLO, to enhance safety on construction sites. The research identifies significant cultural resistance to the adoption of disruptive technologies in the Brazilian construction sector, and interviews with industry professionals reveal a low level of awareness and interest in these technological innovations. Through case studies and quantitative analyses, the study demonstrates YOLO's potential in identifying risks, such as detecting PPE and structural hazards. The results highlight the need to overcome conservative barriers and invest in technological solutions to increase safety and efficiency in construction.

‘When extramarital sex threatens patriarchy’: the iwushi-miri rite among Mgbowo women of southeastern Nigeria

This study argues that not every instance of extramarital sexual intercourse among the Igbo women of southeastern Nigeria is adulterous. Using the sex-related rite of iwushi-miri (pouring of water) among the Mgbowo women of southeastern Nigeria (Igboland) as an example, the study explores the different means that the women have used in negotiating extramarital relationships, and sexual behaviours in the traditional, colonial and Christian patriarchal environments. The study brings together both ethnographic and feminist cultural resistance research to appraise the distinctions between punishable and culturally permitted extramarital sexual practices, and to highlight the role that extramarital sexual culture played in resisting the patriarchal domination of female sexuality in the age of empire. It also explores the challenges and the responses of Mgbowo women in negotiating extramarital relationships in a modern-day patriarchal setting. It sets out to explore how women’s sex power, agency and influence have been silenced in the colonial archives and mainstream scholarship. Through semi-structured interviews, the analysis of material culture, and participant observation, this study provides insight into traditional sexual culture(s), marital intercourse, and sex-related rituals among Mgbowo women.