Cultural Theory Research Articles

Gyambon Ciki Da Magungunansa a Bahaushiyar Al’ada

This study, titled "Gyambon Ciki da Magungunansa a Bahaushiyar Al’ada (Ulcers and their Hausa Tradomedical Remedies)," was motivated by the researcher’s long-term observation of ulcers as a silent killer in Hausa and other African communities. The study is grounded in Talcott Parsons' "functionalism theory of culture," which views society as an interdependent system where each part contributes to the stability and functioning of the whole. Just as organs in the human body must work together for proper functioning, so must the interconnected parts of society. The research focuses on the meaning, nature, types, symptoms, and effects of ulcers, as well as preventive and curative measures from the perspective of Hausa culture. It is limited to the Hausa community in Kebbi State, Northern Nigeria. Using a qualitative approach, the researcher gathered data through interviews with experts in both traditional and orthodox medicine, as well as individuals affected by ulcers. The study's major findings include a comprehensive list of locally sourced food items, plants, herbs, and animals used in managing ulcer conditions among the Hausa. Additionally, the research reveals that some of the remedies are of Islamic origin.

The social vibe of the tenant/landlord relationship in a ‘tenant market’: the case of Romania

There has recently been a burgeoning interest in private rental housing, yet few studies have addressed the tenant/landlord relationship as lived. This paper contributes related insights from the ‘young’ markets of Eastern Europe where the tenant/landlord relationship is entirely market based but embedded in specific cultural norms and supply/demand balances. Drawing on cultural theories of risk and rich qualitative data from tenants and landlords in Romania, this paper examines narratives of risk and repertoires of risk mitigation practices of the relational risks of renting. Findings portray a supply-rich market where tenants have market power hence financial checks on tenants are socially unacceptable, evictions are rare, and most tenants feel at home in their rented properties. In this tenant market, landlords rely on the social vibe of the first tenant/landlord encounter, showing openness to construct win-win collaborations. These less institutionalised practices seem more inclusive to tenants’ economic unpredictability but high rents push the poor, and ethnic stigmatisation drives the Roma ‘others’ into alternative housing.

Integrating Sustainability and Circular Economy into Consumer-Brand Dynamics: A Saudi Arabia Perspective

This study examines the evolving consumer-brand dynamics within Saudi Arabia, particularly focusing on the integration of sustainability into consumer preferences and brand loyalty. Utilizing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and non-parametric statistical methods, this research is anchored in Consumer Culture Theory (CCT) and Self-Congruence Theory, exploring how brand personality and consumer self-congruence influence sustainable consumption behaviors and the adoption of circular economy practices among Saudi consumers. The findings reveal a significant correlation between brand loyalty and sustainable purchase decisions, underscoring the pivotal role of brand identity in fostering eco-conscious consumer choices. Additionally, the research highlights a nuanced landscape of brand loyalty, where attributes, such as social responsibility, though currently less influential, present opportunities for brands to align more closely with consumer values and national sustainability goals. The study also identifies demographic factors, such as age and income level, as significant influencers of sustainable purchasing decisions. This study provides insights into the generational shift towards environmental awareness and the implications for businesses and policymaking within the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Translating Inter-country Adoption as Transcultural Communication

This article attempts to explore transcultural communication through the translated version of “Inter-country Adoption” of the National Civil Code, 2017 ( the Muluki Dewani Samhita) Ain, 2074 BS). It observes the “Hague Adoption Convention, 1993” principles and the Manu’s idea of dharmaputra (adopted sob) mentioned in the “Manusmriti”, the law of Hindu, and its influence on the formation of adoption law in Nepal. The primary purpose of Nepali legal translation is to transfer Nepali legal culture for global communication. The cultural theory of translation developed by Lawrence Venuti and Marry Snell-Hornby and the equivalence theory of Eugene Nida and Peter Newmark are were used as the theoretical base for the study. The significance of this study is to the parents waiting for inter-country adoption and to the university students who have taken translation studies as their major subject. This article concludes that legal translation in Nepal is a strategy to deliver Nepali legal culture to the globe and vice versa.

From employee socialization to co‐evolution: A lifespan multidisciplinary conceptualization

AbstractVarious theories have highlighted how employees evolve in their organization and how organizations influence this process, but only portray part of the complex relations among these interacting social entities. We thus propose a meta‐theory to unify these multiple theories, including symbolic interactionism, employee/organizational socialization theory, human resource management (HRM) systems theory, cultural consensus theory, and self‐determination theory. This integration seeks to increase our understanding of the co‐evolution process unfolding over time between individuals and the organizations to which they belong. We first propose a multilevel expansion of the symbolic interactionist framework typically used to described employee socialization. In doing so, we integrate organizational culture, climate, identity, image, reputation, and HRM systems as distinct meso‐social phenomena that can be simultaneously considered in the co‐evolution process and themselves be influenced by macro‐social processes. We then outline how this proposed framework can explain the dynamic co‐evolution occurring between employees and the organization, hoping to spur research on the improvement of social entities through psychological means.

Symbolic Meaning of Kecak Dance Performance in Balinese Culture

This research discusses the meaning and significance or semiotic theory of Balinese culture, focusing on a dance called the Kecak Dance. Researchers used descriptive qualitative methods using a semiotic theory approach from Osgood, C. E. Focus on meaning. Mouton. The sources for this research are several journals, videos and local residents. The collection technique in this research is the reading and note taking technique. The results of this research show that (1) There is a spiritual meaning in every Kecak dance movement. (2) There is a meaning that can be called a communication to Sang Hyang or God Almighty. (3) There is a meaning regarding the form of balance like diversity.

Arena and (Re)Stabilization of Reog Bulkiyo Dance Cultural Production

Contestation among traditional art performances, in the technology and information era, creates complex and diverse challenge to the dance of Reog Bulkiyo. In 1999, the dance had to be stopped following the regeneration and economical problem. Although Reog Bulkiyo has been performed again since 2009, the conditions which makes this dance can be produced is still inexplicable. This article attempts to explain why dance experiencing production and activity stagnation. Pierre Bourdieu’s cultural production theory is used to analyze this problem, while ethnographic qualitative is used as the method. This study found that Reog Bulkiyo dance is in the arena of traditional dance art which has a double-tiered structure. The first structure leads to popular culture, while the second structure leads to art culture. In the first structure, Reog Bulkiyo dance group uses relational capital with relatives, social and Islamic groups to survive in the midst of competition with other popular arts. The dance then gains a relationship with the academy and the state which provides relational, cultural, and symbolic capital in the form of granting intangible cultural heritage status. These two relations give Reog Bulkiyo dance group the opportunity to maintain its cultural production.

Cultural values, risk characteristics, and risk perceptions of controversial issues: How does cultural theory work?

Cultural theory and the psychometric paradigm are two frameworks proposed to explain risk perceptions, mostly used independently of each other. On the one hand, psychometric research identified key characteristics of hazards responsible for their level of perceived riskiness. On the other hand, cultural studies provided evidence that different worldviews lead to divergent perceptions of risk in a way supportive of individuals' cultural values. The purpose of this research was to combine both approaches into mediational models in which cultural values impact risk perceptions of controversial hazards through their influence on the characteristics associated with those hazards. Using data from an online survey completed by 629 French participants, findings indicated specific associations between cultural values and risk characteristics, both of them exhibiting effects on risk perceptions that depend largely on hazardous issues. More specifically, we found that people confer specific characteristics on hazards (common or dreadful, beneficial or costly, affecting few or many people), depending on whether they are hierarchists-individualists, egalitarians, or fatalists; in turn, such characteristics have an impact on the perceived riskiness of hazards such as cannabis, social movement, global warming, genetically modified organisms, nuclear power, public transportation, and coronavirus. Finally, this article discussed the interest of addressing the mechanisms that explain how cultural values shape individuals' perceptions of risk.

African descent populations in the United States are not monolithic: A scoping review of African immigrants' mental health and coping strategies.

African immigrants in the United States have unique experiences and stressors, resulting in diverse outcomes and disparities. As such, examining the effects of cultural stressors (e.g., discrimination, the negative context of reception, bicultural stress) on immigrant populations' mental health can provide a useful framework for explaining and identifying malleable targets to reduce African immigrants' health disparities. This review mapped conceptual and methodological knowledge of cultural stress in African immigrants by applying the cultural stress theoretical framework to reveal (a) what we currently know about the impact of cultural stressors on African immigrants' mental health and (b) coping strategies African immigrants utilize to persist in achieving positive health outcomes. Conforming to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Review guidelines, this scoping review spans five interdisciplinary, health-focused databases and includes peer-reviewed articles published in English since 1980. Covidence software was used to screen 2095 articles, review 129 full-text records, and extract data from the 22 studies that met criteria and focused on mental health. Participant and study characteristics (i.e., country of origin, generation, methodology, duration) are highlighted. The impact of discrimination on African immigrants' mental health was the dominant research focus. Congruent with cultural stress theory, negative context, bicultural stress, and immigration-related familial stress also negatively impact their mental health. Nevertheless, African immigrants utilize various coping strategies to achieve positive outcomes. Mapping the existing evidence of immigrant cultural stress and mental health elucidates gaps for research and demonstrates that culturally relevant interventions ought to address immigration-related stressors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Role of Public Art in Community Development

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the role of public art in community development. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study indicated that public art can act as a catalyst for community engagement, bringing together diverse groups of people and encouraging collective participation in community activities. It often reflects the unique cultural heritage of a community, helping to strengthen local identity and pride. Additionally, public art installations can attract tourism and investment, boosting local economies. They also improve the aesthetic appeal of public spaces, making them more inviting and conducive to social interactions. In urban settings, public art contributes to placemaking, creating landmarks and gathering spots that become central to community life. Moreover, it has been observed that public art projects can inspire local creativity and innovation, providing opportunities for local artists and fostering a sense of ownership and involvement among residents. Overall, the presence of public art in a community is a powerful tool for promoting social, cultural, and economic development. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social capital theory, place attachment theory and cultural policy theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the role of public art in community development. From a practical standpoint, integrating public art into community development projects requires a multifaceted strategy that emphasizes collaboration among stakeholders. On the policy front, there is an urgent need for governments to prioritize public art as a vital component of urban planning and community development agendas.

Impact of Social Media on Cultural Identity in Urban Youth

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of social media on cultural identity in urban youth. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Social media platforms serve as significant spaces where urban youth engage, express, and negotiate their cultural identities. These platforms provide access to a diverse range of cultural expressions, facilitating the blending and reshaping of traditional and modern cultural elements. Studies have shown that social media influences urban youth by offering a sense of community and belonging, where they can connect with like-minded peers globally, thus fostering a globalized cultural perspective. However, this exposure also poses challenges, such as cultural homogenization and the potential loss of distinct local cultural identities. Additionally, the curated nature of social media content often promotes idealized cultural norms, influencing youth to conform to certain stereotypes and societal expectations. Despite these challenges, social media remains a powerful tool for cultural expression and identity formation, enabling urban youth to navigate and redefine their cultural landscapes in dynamic and innovative ways. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social identity theory, uses and gratifications theory and cultural convergence theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the impact of social media on cultural identity in urban youth. Practically, there is a pressing need for digital literacy programs that educate youth on critical engagement with social media. From a policy perspective, integrating cultural education into school curricula is essential.

Echoes across cultures: navigating the diversity in transcultural professor-student communication

Increased globalization of the world has caused the frequent surge in the number of students studying internationally, especially in the United States. This has led to a situation where classrooms and institutions of higher learning have become more multicultural in nature, thereby demanding students, professors, faculty members and all relevant stakeholders to consciously seek to develop competence in thriving in transcultural learning environments. Therefore, this research attempts to examine the concept of culture, and how various elements of culture influence professor-students communication in classroom settings. In attempts to achieve this main objective, some of the themes discussed include the concepts of culture; transcultural communication; cultural dynamism; and building inclusivity in learning environments. The theoretical underpinning that this research was predicated upon is the Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions Theory, with its comprehensive treatise of the 6 dimensions of distinguishing various cultures. Keywords: Culture, Transcultural Communication, Cultural Dynamism, Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions Theory, Inclusivity of Learning Environment.

ТЕКСТУАЛНА ЛИНГВИСТИКА (ДИЈАХРОНИСКИ ПРЕГЛЕД)

In the paper that is the subject of my processing and analysis, the linguistic points of view in the field of linguistics of the text, as well as applied linguistics, will be covered. The place of the linguistic approach to the text in traditional linguistic theories, but also in modern linguistic and cultural theories, will be analyzed. The concept of language culture includes all the listed skills (logical exposition, text expansion, etc.) Both in the mother tongue and in the foreign languages that are being learned, but also in the learning of the different languages and cultures of the carrier language variants. We will also pay attention to the Prague School, which expands interest in all areas of language use, thus defining functional use through functional styles, expanding interest in language to all types of linguistic texts. Namely, in the paper we will emphasize the importance of the different points of view of the language structure in textual linguistics, but also in the communicative aspects of linguistics.

The moderation of culture dimensions on the relationships between expectancy-value factors and reading achievement

The expectancy-value theory (EVT) explains the relationship between reading achievement and expectancy-value factors (i.e., self-concept and task value). As an extension of EVT, the situated expectancy-value theory (SEVT) emphasizes the influence of situational context. Adopting a multi-level modeling approach and drawing on Hofstede's (2011) Cultural Dimensions Theory, we investigated the relationship between SEVT factors (i.e., reading enjoyment and self-concept) and reading achievement using the PISA 2018 dataset. We focused on the moderation effects of six cultural dimensions (e.g., collectivism-individualism) on the relationship between reading enjoyment, self-concept, and reading achievement, along with socioeconomics factors (i.e., country income inequality, country affluence) as country-level covariates. Our findings confirm that (1) there is a positive relationship between the expectancy-value factors and reading achievement and (2) reading self-concept but not enjoyment is a stronger predictor of reading achievement in countries that highly value individualism, egalitarianism, and short-term orientation. Besides, reading enjoyment is more strongly linked to reading achievement in wealthy countries. Educational relevance statementThe findings of this study have important implications for teaching and educational policy-making. Since self-concept and enjoyment strongly correlate with reading achievement, the intervention in students' reading enjoyment and self-concept should be an important consideration in reading classes. In addition, the strength of the association between expectancy-value factors and reading achievement depends on the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics. While it is difficult to change a country's cultural norms and socioeconomic situation fundamentally, reforms can be made to create a school and family environment that affords the motivation “seeds” to grow. Particularly, policymakers need to consider how to promote egalitarianism, respect personal goal pursuit and autonomy, emphasize both long-term and short-term goals during teaching and learning. Finally, in developing countries, boosting education investment can provide additional resources to foster the literacy development of students with a passion for reading, ultimately enhancing their reading achievement.

How to View Cultural Conflict in Intercultural Chinese Language Teaching Class from Freire s Critical Theory Perspective

As an international education practitioner, the author is aware of the importance of language teaching in education. However, international teachers often neglect intercultural teaching and learning in language teaching. In this article, the author uses Bourdieu s theory of cultural capital and related theories to analyse the intercultural perspective in Freire s critical theory. At the same time, the author draws on her own experience to give practical advice on teaching methods in different cultures, in relation to Freire s theory of education, which has been applied in her work.

Encourage sustainable consumption among the elderly through generativity

Generativity is closely related to sustainable consumption, and this effect is gradually reinforced as consumers age, but there is little discussion on how to utilize generativity to promote elderly's purchase intentions. Based on Consumer Culture Theory (CCT), this research analyzes the impact of generativity on the sustainable consumption of elderly when they face different consumption decisions and its intrinsic mechanisms. This research sample included 640 elderly (56 years old and above), and the results provided by two studies. Study 1 demonstrated that the incorporation of generativity information into social cues in the context of consuming for self will increase the self-expression and affiliation inspiration of elderly, which in turn increases their purchase intention. Study 2 showed that this positive effect persists in contexts where consumption decisions are considered (for next generation vs. for themselves), where elderly are more likely to buy gifts for the next generation in sustainable consumption and the mediating effects of self-expression inspiration and affiliation inspiration remain valid; this effect will be moderated by the product's typeface design, as handwritten typeface (vs. machine-written typeface) humanize the gift and enhance the presence and empathy of elderly, thus reinforcing their consumption inspiration. Theoretical insights and practical implications are discussed.

Language Choice and the Problematics of Ideology in the Pre- and Post-Independence Ghanaian Press: A Historical and Cultural Analysis

This study adds to the existing literature on the history of the Ghanaian press from pre-colonial times to 1992, focusing on language: its choice and ideological, socio-cultural, and political ramifications. While the history of the press has received massive scholarly attention, the same cannot be said of language and its use in historical accounts. Thus, from a historical research perspective, employing an analytical and interpretive study of secondary data sources, and underpinned by cultural theories such as linguistic imperialism and hegemony, this study analyses how language was featured in the press during the research period and the implications thereof. This analysis shows that various institutions and individuals exploited language to foster narrow socio-cultural, ideological, and political agendas in the Gold Coast, later Ghana. This study also revealed that language use and its ideological forces during the pre- and immediate post-independence periods contributed immensely to Ghanaian media’s current state and Ghanaians’ general language attitudes. This study’s significance lies in the realisation that language, as a cultural artifact, and its choice, use, and consumption could have far-reaching consequences for the self-realisation, actualisation, and general progress of a society. Thus, African societies should be mindful of the ideological implications of language choices not just in the press but also in other societal contexts. This study, therefore, invites further studies on language and its use in the media, especially from 1992, for a more comprehensive appreciation of the issues raised in this study.

The impact of international internships on Japanese undergraduates’ English achievement: perspectives on cultural capital theory

PurposeDrawing on the perspectives of cultural capital theory, this study investigated the impact of international internships on the performance of Japanese undergraduates on the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) using a between-group pretest-posttest experimental design.Design/methodology/approachStudents participating in international internships were compared to their counterparts in a noninternational internship control group. Using TOEIC data collected in June 2019 and September 2019, we performed t-tests and estimated a difference-in-differences model with propensity score matching to measure the impacts of participation in international internships, students’ demographic information, family socioeconomic status, and independent learning characteristics.FindingsThe study showed that students’ participation in international internships and independent learning activities had significant effects on TOEIC performance. The findings of this study also indicate that in addition to the effects of international internship experience and independent learning on students’ English performance, learner learning behavior may be important for improving students’ performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis empirical research provides meaningful insights for parents, educators, and researchers not only in Japan but also in a broader context in which international internships and independent learning activities have a crucial impact on student performance. It also sheds light on our understanding of the role of activities conceptualized through the lens of cultural capital in educational stratification.Originality/valueThis study elucidates the association among cultural capital theory, international internships, and students’ linguistic achievement and makes an important contribution to the broader conceptual literature.

Influence of Historical Events on American Literature of the 21st Century

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of historical events on American literature of the 21st century. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The terrorist attacks marked a significant turning point, inspiring a wave of literature that grapples with themes of loss, trauma, and the complexities of patriotism. This era saw the rise of novels, memoirs, and poems that explore the personal and collective impact of the event, such as Don DeLillo's "Falling Man" and Jonathan Safran Foer's "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close." Additionally, the economic downturn of 2008 influenced a body of work that critiques capitalism and explores themes of financial instability and inequality, exemplified by novels like John Lanchester's "Capital" and Jess Walter's "The Financial Lives of the Poets." The rise of social movements, such as Black Lives Matter and #MeToo, has significantly shaped contemporary American literature, prompting a surge in works addressing racial injustice, gender equality, and social activism. Authors like Ta-Nehisi Coates with "Between the World and Me" and Angie Thomas with "The Hate U Give" provide powerful narratives that reflect the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social justice. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Historical materialism, trauma theory and cultural theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the influence of historical events on American literature of the 21st century. Encouraging the inclusion of diverse voices and perspectives in literary production and academic studies is essential. Government and private institutions should provide funding and grants specifically aimed at supporting literary works that address significant historical events.

Role of Translation in Global Literary Circulation

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the role of translation in global literary circulation. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study found that translation not only facilitates the accessibility of literary works to a broader audience but also enhances the global understanding and appreciation of diverse literary traditions. Through translation, works of literature from less commonly spoken languages gain international recognition, contributing to cultural diversity and inclusivity in the literary world. Additionally, translation fosters cross-cultural dialogue and enriches the global literary landscape by introducing unique narrative styles and perspectives. Consequently, the translation of literary works plays a crucial role in shaping a more interconnected and culturally aware global society. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Cultural translation theory, the polysystem theory and postcolonial translation theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the role of translation in global literary circulation. To enhance practical applications, stakeholders in the literary community should prioritize collaborative translation initiatives that involve diverse perspectives and expertise. In shaping policy frameworks, policymakers should prioritize funding initiatives that support translation projects for underrepresented literary traditions and genres.