Cultural Settings Research Articles

Directive vs. Commissive Illocutionary Acts?

Governments sometimes release information implicitly, and citizens have to understand their illocutionary acts. The present study examines when and how illocutionary acts encourage citizens to disseminate government information. Based on the Speech Act Theory, Study 1 demonstrates that commissive illocutionary acts make citizens in a low-power distance culture more likely to disseminate information. In contrast, directive illocutionary acts make citizens in a high-power distance culture more likely to disseminate information. Study 2 confirms the underlying mechanism of perceived social exchange relationship by looking at the interaction effects between illocutionary acts and power distance perception in a single cultural setting. By crawling 10,000 government microblogs, Study 3 provides objective evidence for the interaction between illocutionary acts and power distance perception on citizens dissemination behavior of information. Finally, we discuss theoretical implications for government information dissemination, managerial implications, and future research directions.

The Differences Between 'Uken' and 'Toa' in the Gayo Dialect

This paper examines the distinctions between the terms 'uken' and 'toa' within the Gayo dialect, spoken in the Gayo Highlands of Aceh, Indonesia. Both terms hold significant semantic and functional roles in the Gayo language, yet they differ markedly in usage and context. 'Uken' is typically employed in formal or traditional contexts, often carrying connotations of respect or authority. In contrast, 'toa' is more frequently used in informal or everyday interactions, reflecting different aspects of social hierarchy and communication style. Through a comparative analysis of these terms, this study aims to elucidate their respective meanings, cultural significance, and the roles they play in shaping social dynamics within the Gayo-speaking community. By understanding these differences, we gain insights into the intricate ways language reflects and influences social relationships in this unique cultural setting.

A Rasch Analysis of the Teacher Social and Emotional Learning Beliefs Scale (TSELBS) in Chinese Context

The impact of teachers’ beliefs on the implementation and effectiveness of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs underscores the essential need for reliable measures of these beliefs. This study aims to explore and validate the psychometric properties of the Teacher Social and Emotional Learning Beliefs Scale (TSELBS) within the Chinese educational context, utilizing the Partial Credit Model of the Rasch family models. Through the analysis of responses from 893 Chinese teachers, our findings confirm the reliability, validity, and robust psychometric properties of the TSELBS, making it a valuable instrument for assessing educators’ SEL beliefs. Additionally, our results indicate that the TSELBS demonstrates fairness across gender, educational levels, and areas. These outcomes emphasize the critical role of culturally sensitive methods in evaluating SEL beliefs and lay a foundational step for future cross-cultural research in this domain. This contribution advances the global conversation on SEL, facilitating further studies on similar validations across diverse cultural settings.

Translated and culturally adapted internet-delivered cognitive therapy for social anxiety disorder in Japanese clinical settings: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundCognitive therapy for social anxiety disorder (CT-SAD) has extensive empirical support and is recommended in several national guidelines. However, ensuring access to evidence-based psychological therapies such as CT-SAD remains a global challenge. An internet-delivered version of this treatment protocol (iCT-SAD) has recently been developed in the UK as a way to overcome this challenge, demonstrating comparable outcomes to face-to-face CT-SAD whilst requiring less therapist time per client. Initial findings also suggest its cross-cultural transferability, but the previous studies in other cultural settings used the English language programme and only included English-fluent participants as a second language. It is not yet known what outcomes can be achieved once the programme has been translated and adapted for a different cultural context. Therefore, this trial aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Japanese iCT-SAD when combined with treatment as usual (TAU) in clients with SAD.MethodsThis two-arm, parallel-group, superiority randomised controlled trial will recruit 60 Japanese participants with SAD, randomly assigning them to either Japanese iCT-SAD + TAU or TAU alone at a ratio of 1:1. The primary outcome measure is the self-report Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, and secondary.outcomes include other measures of social anxiety symptoms and processes, general mood and functioning, and response to treatment. We will also assess treatment acceptability and gather participant feedback. Assessments will take place at baseline (week 0), mid-treatment (week 8), and post-treatment (week 15), with a further 3-month follow-up (week 27) for the iCT-SAD + TAU arm. The primary analyses will be conducted on an intent-to-treat basis, comparing the primary and secondary outcome measures between groups using linear mixed-effect models, along with additional mediation analysis.DiscussionInvestigating the efficacy of translated and culturally adapted iCT-SAD in different cultural contexts is an important step in evaluating the global reach of internet interventions. This trial will provide valuable insights into the effects of iCT-SAD combined with usual care, and how this treatment could be delivered in routine clinical settings in Japan.Trial registrationInternational Standard Randomized Controlled Trials (ISRCTN), ISRCTN82859645, registered on January 19, 2024. UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR), UMIN000052702, registered on November 6, 2023.

Balancing diets: diverse values shaping sustainable food choices

PurposeThe paper aims to explore how values and knowledge are expressed in student’s discussions about food and health.Design/methodology/approachFood practices present a complex phenomenon extending beyond biomedical descriptions, including social dynamics of food in families and communities. Contextual conditions of social groups and settings have significant impacts on food choices and practices. Although values constitute a central part of educational goals, deliberate values education remains an often-neglected area, with a tendency in both curricula and educational practice to focus on knowledge and overlook how values intersect with knowledge. The paper utilises group interviews supported by participant observations to study the food and health practices as expressed in students' discussions.FindingsThe paper’s findings show how values are expressed together with knowledge as value-knowledges around food and health within the social contexts of family, cultural identities and peer relationships. While moving through their lives, students draw on and utilise biomedical, social-cultural and sensory value-knowledges, simultaneously considering the nutrition and taste of foods, the value of connecting with family and peers in cultural settings as well as getting enough food to feel satiated.Originality/valueThe paper presents an original approach around the necessity to consider and integrate cultural identities in discussions and education about food and health to empower students and their communities in a way that is socially just and equitable. This involves shifting discussions of health education away from students as (ir)rational obstacles but rather as partners in co-creating knowledge for sustainable food and health equity.

Perceptions of followership among nurses: A qualitative study

BackgroundFollowership is defined as the role individuals play in supporting, contributing to, and realizing the vision and directives set by their leaders. Such a role is indispensable in healthcare, facilitating effective team dynamics and healthcare delivery. Within the nursing field, it encompasses nurses' active engagement and participation in healthcare delivery, ensuring safety, fostering teamwork, and enhancing patient outcomes. Despite its significance, the exploration of followership within the nursing context of Saudi Arabia remains limited. ObjectiveThis study aims to explore how followership is perceived and practiced by nurses in this unique cultural and professional setting, and its implications for healthcare delivery. MethodsWe conducted a qualitative inquiry involving seven registered nurses working in hospitals affiliated with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and a thematic analysis was utilized to extract key findings. ResultsOur thematic analysis identified four main themes and several sub-themes that encapsulate the participants' perspectives on followership. The themes include: (1) Understanding of followership, where a predominant lack of clarity about the concept was observed, often conflating it with teamwork; (2) Followers' involvement in decision-making, highlighting the limited participation of nurses in decision-making processes due to hierarchical and autocratic leadership structures; (3) Barriers to followership, which encompassed issues such as poor leadership, the undervaluation of the follower role, lack of training and development opportunities, challenges in collaboration, and language barriers; and (4) Facilitators of followership, identified as effective leadership, followership training, communication skills, positive relationships, respect, collaboration, understanding of roles, commitment, and flexibility. These findings elucidate the complex landscape of followership within the nursing profession in Saudi Arabia, revealing both the challenges and pathways to fostering effective followership in healthcare settings. Conclusion and ImplicationsThis study reveals a widespread lack of awareness about followership among nurses in Saudi Arabia, highlighting significant challenges related to hierarchy and the undervaluation of the follower role in nursing practice and education. It underscores the need for educational and training interventions that redefine and elevate the role of followership in clinical settings to enhance collaboration, assertiveness, and decision-making skills. Moreover, the study advocates for the re-evaluation of leadership practices to better acknowledge and value followership, promoting a more flattened hierarchy that encourages active participation in patient care and organizational development. Implementing these changes could improve patient outcomes and increase nurse satisfaction by effectively addressing the identified barriers related to hierarchy and leadership.

The evaluation of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) reliability generalization: A meta-analysis.

The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) is widely used for detecting psychiatric disorders, but its reliability across different populations remains to be determined. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the reliability of GHQ-12 across varied cultural and demographic settings. This meta-analysis evaluates the reliability of General Health Questionnaire [GHQ-12]' across diverse populations, employing a systematic search strategy and rigorous inclusion criteria. This meta-analysis evaluates the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) using a pre-registered protocol (CRD42023488436) to ensure unbiased results. Data from 20 studies published between 2016-2023 were analysed using a random-effects model, with quality assessment guided by COSMIN Risk of Bias and QUADAS-2. This study enhances our understanding of GHQ-12's psychometric properties. For the GHQ-12 subscales, Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.72 (90% CI [0.68, 0.75]) for anxiety and depression, 0.82 (90% CI [0.79, 0.86]) for social dysfunction, and 0.72 (90% CI [0.68, 0.76]) for loss of confidence. However, the analysis showed substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 90.04%), with significant variability in reliability estimates across different studies. The overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.84 (95% Cl [0.810, 0.873]) with SE = 0.016 (90% CI [0.68, 0.82], p < .05), indicating moderate to high internal consistency. Quantifying heterogeneity revealed a substantial level (se = 0.0016, I2 = 96.7%), signifying considerable variability in the reliability estimate among the studies. Results further show Cronbach's alpha coefficients range from 0.82 to 0.85 (95% Cl [0.77, 0.86 to 0.81, 0.90]) for the GHQ 12 items. While reaffirming the GHQ-12's utility in mental health assessment, our findings urge a more cautious and context-aware application of the questionnaire. The substantial heterogeneity and variability in reliability scores indicate a need for further research. Future studies should explore the reasons behind this variability, focusing on cultural, socio-economic, and methodological factors that might influence the GHQ-12's reliability. This critical analysis underscores the need for a deeper understanding of the GHQ-12's applicability and the importance of tailoring mental health assessment tools to specific population characteristics.

Yield of repeat blood cultures in acute myeloid leukemia patients with febrile neutropenia and bacteremia following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

This study explored the efficacy of repeat blood cultures in bacteremic acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This was a retrospective study of AML patients who experienced febrile neutropenia (FN) and bacteremia following HSCT at the Taussig Cancer Center from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2022. The primary endpoint was the rate of positive repeat blood cultures following initial positive blood culture. Fifty patients were included in the study. There were 50 occurrences of FN with positive initial blood cultures that were diagnosed following HSCT. Fifty initial sets of blood cultures and 96 sets of repeat blood cultures were drawn between the 50 occurrences of FN. Twelve of 96 (12.5%) repeat blood culture sets were positive for a pathogen, which occurred over nine of 50 (18.0%) episodes of FN. Three of 96 (3.2%) repeat blood culture sets grew a pathogen that differed from the pathogen that grew in the preceding positive blood culture. Among bacteremic AML patients in the post-HSCT period, the yield of repeat blood cultures for detecting previously detected and new pathogens was low.

Exploring Domestic Violence Causes in Saudi Arabia: Factor Analysis Approach

The objective of this research is to ascertain the elements that have an impact on and drive domestic violence in Saudi Arabia, a phenomenon that has a prevalence rate of around 35% among women globally. The researchers administered a survey to a sample of 550 individuals and used exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to analyze the collected data. The findings revealed three factors: a lack of familial unity, encouragement of detrimental characteristics, and economic turmoil. The authors examined the consequences of these characteristics on preventive and intervention programs and proposed suggestions for policymakers and researchers. This research enhances the existing body of knowledge on domestic violence by conducting a statistical analysis to examine the factors that lead to it and the resulting outcomes within a particular cultural setting.

Comparative Measurement of Citizens’ Perceptions of Local Policies: A 3MC (Multinational, Multicultural, Multiregional) Approach

Comparative social policy research continues to face considerable methodological challenges. Scholars particularly struggle to capture sub-national policy variation in comparatively reliable ways, including subjective perceptions of local policies. Local-level variation increases the need for conceptual and methodological attention to comparability across differing national, cultural, and linguistic settings. The article outlines a conceptually grounded approach relying on the 3MC (multinational, multicultural, multiregional) method to measure and compare individual perceptions of local policies cross-nationally. Often applied in cross-national survey research, a 3MC approach can help address methodological challenges inherent in comparative policy research and improve cross-national studies of local policy differences.

Exploratory Study: Forms of Animism and Dynamism in the Islamic Religious System and Culture in the Indigenous Community of Kampung Kuta, Ciamis District

This exploratory study delves into the intricate interplay between animism, dynamism, and the Islamic religious system within the indigenous community of Kampung Kuta in Ciamis District. Despite the predominant influence of Islam in the region, the inhabitants of Kampung Kuta have maintained a unique blend of traditional animistic beliefs and dynamic cultural practices, shaping a distinctive religious landscape. The research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing ethnographic methods such as participant observation and in-depth interviews to unravel the nuanced expressions of animism and dynamism within the community's religious framework. The results of this study indicate that Nyuguh is an inseparable part of the culture of the Kuta village community and collaborates with the values of Islamic religious ideology. The conclusions of this study can inform future research on the complex relationship between Indigenous spirituality and religious ideology, encouraging a more comprehensive understanding of religious dynamics in diverse cultural settings.

P-456 Sexual attitudes in men undergoing Infertility treatment:Turkish sample

Abstract Study question 1. What are the sexual attitudes in men undergoing Infertility treatment ? Summary answer When the infertility reason arises from their spouse, men tend to display a more self-centred sexual attitude. What is known already Men experiencing infertility often hesitate to seeking information or ask questions about sexuality due to prevailing societal norms.Health professionals predominantly focus on addressing women’s issues, leaving the male partner feeling like an outsider who observes the treatment process from a distance. Study design, size, duration This research was conducted in cross-sectional type.,September and December 2017. 141 participant. Participants/materials, setting, methods 141 men who applied to an infertility clinic in Istanbul on Tuesdays and Thursdays between September 2017 and December 2017. The participants’ inclusion criteria were as follows: being men between the ages of 18-49, literate, accepting to participate, and having no diagnosed psychiatric illness.. All men meeting the sampling criteria were invited to participate, and there were no refusals. This setting accepts couples who have been married for at least one year and infertility problems. Main results and the role of chance The mean score of Hendrick Sexual Attitude Scale (HSAS) was 69.78 ± 9.46. Among its subscales, Birth Control had the highest mean score (11.95 ± 2.81), while Instrumentality had the lowest mean score (10.43 ± 4.34). Men whose spouse was over 30, whose marriage age was over 27, and the cause of infertility was unexplained had higher HSAS mean scores. Additionally, men with male-factor infertility scored higher in HSAS than female-factor infertility. Healthcare professionals involved in infertility treatment must prioritise addressing the sexuality of both partners. Male partners may struggle in this aspect, leading to potential misunderstandings or incomplete understanding of sexual information. By addressing and dispelling erroneous cognitive schemas, false beliefs, and self-centred attitudes, healthcare professionals can play a significant role in supporting both partners in their sexual well-being throughout the infertility treatment process. Providing sexual counselling for couples, both jointly and individually, can have a positive impact. However, it is essential to recognise that male partners may be reluctant to engage in such counselling, resulting in suppressed problems and thoughts. Healthcare providers must actively involve male partners and encourage them to share their feelings and concerns professionally and openly. Limitations, reasons for caution The participants included from a single outpatient clinic and little sample size which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Due to the topic’s taboo in Turkish society, some men might not feel openly expressing their thoughts and feelings while answering the questions, potentially affecting the accuracy of the responses. Wider implications of the findings The findings of this research highlight the significance of further investigations into men facing infertility issues from various cultural backgrounds. Qualitative and quantitative research can offer valuable insights into the complexities of sexual attitudes in diverse cultural settings. Collobaration between infertility clinics and liaison psychiatry may be advantageous. Trial registration number not applicable

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE NON-USE AND ABANDONMENT OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Assistive technology is recognised as a necessary tool to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. The use of assistive technology and the quality of related services varies from country to country. However, in most countries, there are some factors that influence the non-use or abandonment of assistive technology.This paper aim is to present the results of studies published in the period between 2015 and 2023 on the factors of non-use and/or abandonment of AT published in the articles cited in the Web of Science database. It also presents some results of three studies conducted in Croatia.The results show that difficulties in not using and abandonment AT appear in different social and cultural settings. Some of the most common factors identified were the health condition of the user, problems with use, inappropriate AT, lack of training of users and experts, lack of support, non-involvement of users in the AT design, etc.The non-use and abandonment of AT can harm the quality of life of people with disabilities. Many factors can influence AT abandonment. It is necessary to determine which factors influence the non-use and refusal to use assistive devices and which types of AT are most frequently not used. Understanding these factors is the first step in reducing the problem. Keywords:assistive technology, non-use, abandonment

Performance de crescimento do feijão caupi sob diferentes concentrações iônicas da solução nutritiva

ABSTRACT: Cowpea is a food crop representing an important source of proteins and income, mainly for people living in the north and northeast of Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance of two cowpea cultivars under four different ionic concentrations of the growth solution. Thus, a pot experiment was performed using the sand culture technique and set up in a completely randomized design with a 2 x 4 factorial scheme, using four replications and one plant per plot. After the period of growth, the parameters such as length of the shoot, stem diameter, number of leaves, number of secondary branches, number of pods, fresh weight of the stem, stem dry mass, leaf dry mass, shoot dry mass, and root/shoot ratio were obtained. The results pointed out that there was a significant interaction effect on parameters like stem diameter, leaf dry mass, shoot dry mass, and number of leaves. Both cultivars were strongly responsive to changes in ionic concentration, indicating a greater biomass production at ionic concentrations of 90% and 120%. A greater growth performance for BRS Rouxinol than BRS Itaim was observed, while the second cultivar indicated a high tolerance as exposed to the highest ionic concentrations.

Family cohesion and its relationship to the level of ambition among high school students

Introduction. By investigating family cohesiveness and student ambition in the Karak Educational Directorate, this study sheds light on how family dynamics affect high school students' ambitions. In a specific cultural and educational setting, it examines the intricate relationships between family togetherness and student ambition. The study's regional focus makes it stand out; it furthers our understanding of how families affect adolescents' growth and development and provides helpful data for educational policymakers in similar circumstances. The study aimed to explore family cohesion and its relationship to the level of ambition among high school students in the Karak Educational Directorate and the effect of the variables (gender and academic field) on them. Study participants and methods. This study used the descriptive correlational approach, and the sample consisted of (858) high school students in the Karak Qassabah district. After developing them and verifying their validity and reliability, the family cohesion and ambition level scales were used. Results. The study indicated that high school pupils in the Karak Educational Directorate had an average degree of family cohesion. The areas of communication and empathy had the greatest average scores (3.93), while intellectual stability and conformity had the lowest (3.51). On average, we got 3.66. The pupils demonstrated a high degree of ambition, with an average score of 3.74 indicating a range from a high of 3.89 for optimism to a low of 3.62 for tolerance for frustration. There was a strong positive association (r=0.572) between ambition and family cohesiveness. Regarding the correlation between family unity and aspirations, gender disparities benefitted women, whilst in the realm of academia, they favored students majoring in science. Practical significance. The study highlights the significant impact of family dynamics on students' aspirations. As a result, it's clear that teenagers whose families are generally cohesive have high levels of academic ambition, highlighting the importance of parental encouragement in this important life transition. The results offer important information for parents, teachers, and lawmakers, especially on the gender and academic speciality differences in family cohesiveness and aspirations. In order to inspire and motivate high school pupils, this study stresses the importance of supportive home settings and individualised educational plans. Future efforts to improve students' educational and personal development through family involvement might use this research as a basic reference.

BEYOND SURFACE: EXPLORING POLITICS IN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE

This paper explores the complex interplay between body politics and children's literature across cultures and time. By analyzing accounts from assorted social and cultural settings and historical periods, the paper validates how these apparently naive stories replicate and form societal standards, outlooks, and power undercurrents associated with the human body. From traditional folk tales to present-day literature, the analysis highlights how children's literature can both strengthen and challenge societal typecasts, endorse body positivity, and sanction young readers to critically participate in cultural representations. The paper also considers the role of neuroscience in understanding how children's brains process and respond to narratives about the body, emphasizing the importance of culturally sensitive and inclusive approaches to children's literature.

Communicating in English as a Second Language Aboard a European Cruise Line: An Autoethnographic Sketch

Working aboard an international cruise ship that travels to Europe is an exciting adventure with the many wonderful ports of call to visit, exquisite dining experiences, and a multitude of crew members who come from different countries. Because they have to serve foreign guests, crewmembers speak English frequently. This paper is an autoethnographic sketch of a pianist who works in an international cruise line and befriends a Polish musician who has English language issues such as inability to pronounce correct English words and phrases, excessive use of non-verbal cues in communication, and a generally low English comprehension level, but with an inquisitive spirit to learn the second language, the two communicators manage to foster a mutual understanding. Narratives are drawn from self-reflections, analyzed and interwoven as a self-culture assemblage of cross-cultural communication. Results of the study reveal that interpersonal communication hovers within diverse cultural settings despite certain language impediments, emphasizing that the English language as a second language spoken by both second language speakers tends to eliminate speech anxiety. European crew members mingling with multi-cultural individuals establish good interactive skills while fostering good relationships while they learn practical English in the exercise of their daily duties.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in cultural context II: a comparison of the links between ADHD symptoms and waiting-related responses in Hong Kong and UK.

The concept of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is considered to have cross-cultural validity, but direct comparisons of its psychological characteristics across cultures are limited. This study investigates whether preschool children's ADHD symptoms expressed in two cultures with different views about child behaviour and parenting, Hong Kong and the UK, show the same pattern of associations with their waiting-related abilities and reactions, an important marker of early self-regulation. A community sample of 112 preschoolers (mean age = 46.22 months; 55 from UK, 57 from HK) completed three tasks measuring different waiting elements - waiting for rewards, choosing the amount of time to wait, and having to wait unexpectedly when a task is interrupted. Participants' waiting-related behavioural and emotional reactions were coded. Parents rated their children's ADHD symptoms and delay aversion. Our findings revealed that the associations between ADHD symptoms and waiting-related responses were comparable in both UK and HK samples. This suggests that the core psychological characteristics of ADHD, particularly in relation to waiting behaviours, may exhibit similarity across cultural contexts. Future research can extend this cross-cultural analysis to other ADHD-related psychological domains and explore additional cultural settings.

The influence of cultural dimensions on social enterprise models: a comparative study between Italy and Romania

In the current context of increasing social inequalities and global economic fragility, the social economy represents a new economic model with people at its center. It promotes poverty reduction, a transition towards sustainable cities and communities, and responsible consumption and production. In recent years, various social economy initiatives have been developed in the European Union, inspired by the community's legislative and regulatory framework. European social economy development follows different rhythms due to the socio-economic, cultural, and political diversity of various Member States. However, this diversity is often overlooked in academic literature, which tends to focus on individual country-level examinations. To address this gap, a comparative study was conducted between Italy and Romania, two culturally different countries with varying levels of economic development. This study aims to investigate the relationships between Hofstede's cultural factors and dominant social enterprise models for each country. A descriptive analysis of the two contexts was conducted to determine if cultural factors influence one social enterprise model over another. The study sheds light on how social economy manifests uniquely across diverse cultural settings. The findings may be useful for political leaders when selecting appropriate policies and development strategies for the social economy, to achieve a unified and shared vision and definition.

Gendered Deification: Women Leaders and Political Iconography in Bangladesh

This paper explores gendered political deification in Bangladesh with emphasis on the situation of women politicians in Bangladesh today. Using political deification tools developed by Sen and Nielsen with the help of the concept of political leadership feminism, we look at the interaction of gender with the construction of political imagery. In accomplishing this research, critical discourse analysis and visual semiotics are employed to establish an understanding of the representation and received portrayal of two key Bangladeshi ‘women of power’, namely, Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia. These findings uncover a multi-layered duality based on the gender and dynastic-political relations in Bangladesh, along with the persona of the supreme leader of a country. We map out how the concept of mother and family relations is mobilized to build strong political discourses, even as the patriarchal framework is both affirmed and subverted. In trying to attain gender equality, female leaders obtain the most political power but are subject to gender roles and, at times, contribute to the perpetuation of those roles. By contextualizing this study in South Asian politics, we are indeed helping the existing scholarly discourse on gender and political iconography, women’s participation in democratization, and the dilemmas of female leadership in patriarchal societies. This study advances knowledge on gender, power, and political symbolism in SA with the potential for introducing similar phenomena in other cultural settings.