Cultural Theory Research Articles

Ecocriticism and Environmental Awareness in Modern Poetry in Africa

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the ecocriticism and environmental awareness in modern poetry in Africa. 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 poetry aims to raise environmental awareness by depicting the beauty of natural landscapes and the destructive impact of human activity. Ecocritical poetry often incorporates imagery and symbolism that evoke a sense of urgency regarding climate change, pollution, and conservation efforts. By intertwining aesthetic appreciation with ecological consciousness, modern poets not only reflect the environmental crises of our time but also inspire readers to contemplate and engage with ecological issues. This growing trend underscores the vital role of literature in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world, thereby contributing to a broader cultural movement towards environmental sustainability. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Ecocritical theory, cultural ecology theory and reader-response theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the ecocriticism and environmental awareness in modern poetry in Africa. In practice, promoting ecocritical poetry involves integrating it into educational curricula and public discourse. Advocating for ecocritical poetry in policy involves influencing cultural and media practices to amplify environmental voices and perspectives.

Research on Strategies for Improving Information Literacy Education Quality in Universities of Ethnic Regions under Multicultural Backgrounds

University students in ethnic regions are the main force in the construction and development of these areas. Their level of information literacy not only affects their personal future development but also impacts the modernization process, social stability, and prosperity of ethnic regions. This paper, based on cultural adaptation theory, examines the current state of information literacy education in universities in ethnic regions, students' attitudes towards information literacy, influencing factors, and existing problems, all within a multicultural context. Furthermore, it proposes strategies and suggestions for effectively improving the quality of information literacy education in universities in ethnic regions.

Inclusive intangible cultural heritage safeguarding in museums: professionalism vs. ethnic attribution in a Western Balkan setting

ABSTRACT In recent efforts to bridge cultural theory with politics to prevent identity-based conflicts by advocating inclusive safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), we used academic insights on identity construction to formulate policies that utilise ICH safeguarding as a catalyst for reconciliation and development. We focus on a case study from Montenegro's Pljevlja, examining historical shortcomings in ICH identification and safeguarding, with a particular emphasis on the potential role of museum professionals in mitigating societal issues. Tamburica-playing emerges as a prime example of an ICH element that can bridge divides between communities separated by ethnicity and religion yet sharing (while contesting) many mutual ICH elements. Our approach scrutinises the role of regional museums in this transformative process and suggests potential solutions for professionals facing dilemmas of professionalism versus ethnic attribution. While offering a promising outlook, we conclude further comparative testing of this model in post-conflict societies is needed.

A Most Dangerous Tale: the Universality, Evolution, and Function of Blood Libels

Abstract Blood libels are narratives about Jews and Christians, featuring an accusation that a child or a woman had been kidnapped and assaulted due to religious or economic goals. Blood libel-like narratives, however, are not only found in Judeo-Christian history; they appear in many cultures. Using the framework of Cultural Attraction Theory, the paper considers their evolution, and identifies testable factors of attraction. The paper makes two claims regarding the morphology and the function of these ancient tales. Firstly, narratives about outgroups tend to evolve towards the shape of a blood libel, as it taps into an optimum number of universal cognitive preferences. The correspondence with the evolved features of the mind contributes to the success of the narrative in different cultures and time periods. Secondly, these narratives function as coalition signals. Upon calling ingroup members into action against an outgroup, the blood libel unifies audiences before engaging in exclusionary action.

Sentiments Organize Affect Concepts in Yasawa, Fiji: a Cultural Domain Analysis

Abstract For decades, intensive research on emotion has advanced general theories of culture and cognition. Yet few theories can comfortably accommodate both the regularities and variation empirically manifest in affective phenomena around the world. One recent theoretical model (Gervais & Fessler, 2017) aims to do so. The Attitude-Scenario-Emotion (ASE) model of sentiments specifies an evolved psychological architecture that potentiates regular variation in affective experience and behavior in lived interaction with social, ecological and normative contexts. This model holds that sentiments – functional networks of bookkeeping attitudes and commitment emotions – produce context-dependent universals in salient social-relational experiences, predictably patterning affect concepts. The present research aims to empirically evaluate implications of the ASE model of sentiments using quantitative data from 10 months of fieldwork in Indigenous iTaukei villages on Yasawa Island, Fiji. Study 1 is a series of structured interviews that aim to elicit the full breadth of the Yasawan affect lexicon. In freelists and sentence frames, Yasawans use distinct sets of terms to refer to “feelings about” particular people (attitudes), and “feelings because of” particular events (emotions). Study 2 uses a pile sort task to show that the salient features of Yasawan affective experience are social-relational dimensions of communion and power, while both HCA and MDS reveal distinct social attitudes – “love” (lomani) and “like’ (taleitaki), “respect” (dokai), “contempt” (beci), “hate” (sevaki), and “fear” (rerevaki) – anchoring the conceptual organization of Yasawan emotions. Study 3 uses hypothetical vignettes with a between-subjects attitude manipulation and Likert-style emotion ratings to show that these attitudes differentially moderate emotions across social scenarios; differences are both quantitative and qualitative; each attitude is emotionally pluripotent; and divergent attitudes (e.g., “love” and “hate”) produce the same emotions in starkly different situations – a predicted three-way interaction of attitude x scenario x emotion. These data are broadly consistent with ASE hypotheses; population variation in affective worlds may follow from differential engagement of universal attitude-emotion networks (sentiments) experienced across social, ecological and normative contexts.

Impact of Gender-Specific Marketing on Consumer Purchasing Behavior in Philippines

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze impact of gender-specific marketing on consumer purchasing behavior in Philippines. Methodology: 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: Recent studies on the impact of gender-specific marketing on consumer purchasing behavior in the Philippines reveal that tailoring marketing strategies to gender preferences significantly influences buying decisions. Research indicates that campaigns designed with gender-specific appeals are more effective in resonating with target audiences, thereby enhancing engagement and driving sales. For instance, marketing messages emphasizing traditional gender roles or specific lifestyle aspirations often result in higher purchase intentions among female consumers, while campaigns highlighting strength and technology tend to appeal more to male consumers. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social role theory, consumer culture theory (CCT) & theory of planned behavior (TPB) may be used to anchor future studies on the impact of gender-specific marketing on consumer purchasing behavior in Philippines. Organizations should implement mentorship programs tailored to the specific needs of women in different sectors and career stages. Policymakers and organizations should develop and enforce structured mentorship policies that include regular evaluations, clear objectives, and accountability measures.

Prevailing Organizational Culture Strategies in Public Primary Schools in Rorya District Council, Tanzania

The study investigated the prevailing organizational culture strategies in public primary schools in Rorya District. The study was guided by cultural dimensions theory and organizational culture model. The study employed pragmatism research philosophy and concurrent triangulation mixed research design. The target population comprised Chairpersons of School Management Committees, teachers, and heads of schools. Questionnaires and interviews were used for data collection. To ensure validity and reliability, various strategies were implemented, including expert reviews, member checking, Cronbach’s Alpha, and pilot studies. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Ethical considerations were addressed through obtaining approvals from relevant authorities. The study found that the organizational culture in public primary schools in Rorya District is generally perceived positively by teachers, with strong support for collaboration, shared values, teamwork, and effective communication. The culture also fosters a sense of belonging and commitment to school goals. However, areas such as continuous learning and professional development were rated slightly lower, indicating potential opportunities for improvement. The study recommends strengthening collaboration, teamwork, and a sense of belonging in Rorya District's public primary schools while enhancing continuous learning and professional development to further support teachers and align with effective organizational culture practices.

Translation of the Qur'an <i>Bebaso Plembang</i> (Study of its Cultural Function and Preservation)

This article aims to find out the cultural functions and maintenance of the Baso Plembang Qur'an translation. By using qualitative methods and Edi Sedyawati's cultural theory approach in his work Indonesian in Culture, namely protection, development and utilization, the results and conclusions show that: first, the function of the presence of the Baso Plembang Qur'an translation is one of which can facilitate the local community to understand the contents of the Qur'an, so that it can be used as a guide to life and provide religious services for Muslims in Palembang city. Secondly, the translation of the Baso Plembang Qur'an is a physical form of culture that is evidence of the consistency of the process of maintaining cultural heritage, namely the culture owned by every region in Indonesia, even the world. Based on the theory of cultural preservation (sustainanble tourism) for the maintenance of the Baso Plembang al-Qur'an translation, the protection of the Baso Plembang al-Qur'an translation is not a form of preserving the Qur'an, but rather an effort to translate it as a form of realization of the protection of the Palembang city language culture. Its development is carried out by printing it and disseminating it free of charge to various communities. Meanwhile, utilization is a form of community concern by holding courses or publishing books that talk about Baso Plembang and the translation of the Qur'an Baso Plembang, supported by the role of UIN Raden Fatah Palembang which carries Malay civilization as its distinction.

Cultural MemoryA Dream of Red Mansions

This paper applies the theory of cultural memory, proposed by Jan Assmann, to the study of the Chinese classical novel A Dream of Red Mansions. The first part of this paper introduces the historical development of Cultural Memory theory and its features. In the second part of the paper, it applies Cultural Memory theory to the narrative structure and novel characters research of A Dream of Red Mansions. Through analysis, the complexity and inherent contradictions in the narrative structure of A Dream of Red Mansions provide evidence for the hypothesis that A Dream of Red Mansions is a combination of Mirror for The Romantic and The Story of Stone. A Dream of Red Mansions may have more than one author, besides Cao Xueqin, another author is Cao Xueqin's elder, who experienced the rise and fall of the Cao family firsthand. This also explains the contradictions in the character images in A Dream of Red Mansions, especially the persona of Jia Baoyu, which consisted of the authors' life experience and ideal personality. The novel A Dream of Red Mansions has a dual nature of cultural memory.

An activity theory perspective on interprofessional teamwork in long-term care.

Teamwork in healthcare is shaped by reciprocal interactions among individual team members and their clinical context. Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) provides a framework to study teamwork from a developmental perspective. We observed interactions between members of an Interprofessional Healthcare Team (IHT) to identify practical guidelines for educators. Three Health Care Providers (HCPs) with more than 22-years' experience in a semi-urban LTC facility participated. We video-recorded two regular IHT meetings and selected excerpts for subsequent video-recall interviews. The excerpts were shown and discussed first with each team member, then with members in pairs and finally with all members reunited. We prompted participants to explain what was happening on the videos. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using CHAT's unit of analysis based on Activity Systems. We observed contradictions within the Activity Systems involving diverging views on outcomes of enhancing or maintaining quality of life; using non-traditional tools and spaces to sustain resident mobility; safeguarding community and patient safety despite time constraints and job titles, and unease for being paid to perform unconventional interventions. The contradictions have been grouped into three themes reflecting the Activity Systems: 1) enhancing versus maintaining quality of life; 2) improvising to achieve care goals; and 3) role fluidity. Our findings show that practical goal-oriented and contextual adaptations rely heavily on improvisation and dialogue. Educating HCPs for interprofessional teamwork should focus on developing situational awareness to foster continuous adaptation of disciplinary interventions.

Expansive learning in the learning assistant model: how instructors’ goals lead to differences in implementation and development of LAs’ practices

BackgroundThe learning assistant (LA) model supports student success in undergraduate science courses; however, variation in outcomes has led to a call for more work investigating how the LA model is implemented. In this research, we used cultural historical activity theory (CHAT) to characterize how three different instructors set up LA-facilitated classrooms and how LAs’ understanding and development of their practices was shaped by the classroom activity. CHAT is a sociocultural framework that provides a structured approach to studying complex activity systems directed toward specific objects. It conceptualizes change within these systems as expansive learning, in which experiencing a contradiction leads to internalization and critical self-reflection, and then externalization and a search for solutions and change.ResultsThrough analyzing two semi-structured retrospective interviews from three professors and eleven LAs, we found that how the LA model was implemented differed based on STEM instructors’ pedagogical practices and goals. Each instructor leveraged LA-facilitated interactions to further learning and tasked LAs with emotionally supporting students to grapple with content and confusions in a safe environment; however, all three had different rules and divisions of labor that were influenced by their perspectives on learning and their objects for the class. For LAs, we found that they had multiple, sometimes conflicting, motives that can be described as either practical, what they described as their day-to-day job, or sense-making, how they made sense of the reason for their work. How these motives were integrated/separated or aligned/misaligned with the collective course object influenced LAs’ learning in practice through either a mechanism of consonance or contradiction. We found that each LA developed unique practices that reciprocally shaped and were shaped by the activity system in which they worked.ConclusionsThis study helps bridge the bodies of research that focus on outcomes from the LA model and LA learning and development by describing how LA learning mechanisms are shaped by their context. We also show that variation in the LA model can be described both by classroom objects and by LAs’ development in dialogue with those objects. This work can be used to start to develop a deeper understanding of how students, instructors, and LAs experience the LA model.

Portrait of Lithuanian Striking Teachers

Teachers are one of the most frequent and largest groups of strikers in Lithuania. Using data from the four waves of Teachers‘ Civic Empowerment Index survey, the article aims to give individual level description of the teachers participating in the strikes in Lithuania. The results of the analysis show that teachers who participate in strikes have significantly stronger civic power in terms of civic activism and influence than teachers who do not participate in strikes. Cultural theories of political action, which emphasise the importance of pro-democratic value orientations, also are important explaining the behaviour of striking teachers.

The Dissemination, Impact and Effectiveness of Jameson’s Cultural Theory: A Survey-Based Study in the Chinese Context

This study explores the dissemination, impact, and effectiveness of Fredric Jameson’s cultural theory within Chinese mass culture by conducting a comprehensive survey across various social groups and regions. The paper examines the acceptance and communication of Jameson’s theories, focusing on how his insights into cultural expansion and ideology resonate with different demographics in China. The results indicate that the primary audience for Jameson’s works consists of individuals aged 25-35 with high educational backgrounds, with significant interest in regions like Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. The survey also reveals varying degrees of familiarity with Jameson’s theories among respondents, highlighting a growing influence yet uneven understanding. These findings suggest that a systematic interpretation of Jameson’s cultural theory can significantly contribute to the development and enrichment of Chinese mass culture.

Mulheres distópicas: representações femininas em Nós e Jogos vorazes

This paper aims to compare the representations of women in the novels We, by Yevgeny Zamiátin, and The hunger games, by Suzanne Collins, to examine how women are represented in dystopian literature and whether there are significant changes in these representations in the 20th and 21st centuries and how they influence the construction of the dystopian novel. The study was based on feminist and cultural theories, which helped to understand the processes of oppression and resistance present in the characters O-90 and I-330 in Zamiátin's novel and Katniss Everdeen in Suzanne Collins' narrative. The study concludes that, in classic dystopias, women were often portrayed in a stereotyped and unimportant way, despite being essential to the development of the plot, while in more recent works they play a leading role, both in the writing and as characters. However, they are still held responsible for the mistakes they make and suffer greater repression than men. Finally, by placing the characters side by side, it was possible to understand that women are of paramount importance to the construction of dystopia as literature, because they are the most critical characters within the plot, who make it possible to fulfill the dystopia’s premise: to build critical thinking in its reader from an exaggerated reality.

Facilitating and following school leaders’ work on reframing the teachers’ activity across time: tracing the objects of a formative intervention

ABSTRACT This article examines a formative intervention conducted as a series of workshops in partnerships between school leadership teams and researcher-interventionists. The intervention focused on leading reform work in upper secondary schools. This paper contributes to increased knowledge about the processes involved in the development of a joint and durable purpose of collective activity (object) over time. Qualitative content and interaction analyses were employed on video data involving the leadership teams of three upper secondary schools and a team of university researcher-interventionists. The researcher-interventionists applied specific tools to trigger processes of development in the schools. The empirical context is the current curriculum reform in Norway. The study is anchored in cultural historical activity theory. Zooming in on one school leadership team, I have traced the object over two years showing how the initially abstract object expanded during the intervention, and how the leadership team developed transformative agency by double stimulation in the workshops when planning and reporting on reframing the teachers’ work activity. I argue that studying object-oriented processes over time is necessary for capturing the slow but observable transformation of a local activity system through double stimulation.

The Continuous Negative Framing of Africa in the Media: A Content Analysis of Stories sourced by the Ghanaian Times Newspaper from the BBC

This article looked at how the ‘Ghanaian Times’ newspaper, using stories sourced from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), framed Africa to the rest of the world. The study which utilized the mixed approach also employed the gatekeeping, framing and cultural imperialist theories in its attempt to find out which of the regional blocs in Africa dominated the coverage and whether the portrayal was positive or negative. The study found that the majority of the stories that the ‘Ghanaian Times’ sourced from the BBC were negative about Africa hence framing Africa as an unhealthy place for living. Out of the 154 stories the newspaper sourced from the BBC, only 52 stories focused on the positive happenings in Africa while 94 stories painted a catastrophic image about Africa. Also, political unrest and crime were the two dominant themes Africa was associated with. In all, the general image of Africa as portrayed by the newspaper was negative as the editors focused more on negative stories of Africa compared to the positives amidst the abundance of stories published by the BBC. This arguably means that Africa’s negative image could only be corrected if editors are deliberate in selecting more positive stories about Africa for publication. This work will indeed add to the literature on the framing of Africa in the media especially the contribution of the African media to the dominant negative image Africa continues to be associated with. Keywords: Africa, Images, Gatekeeping, Media Framing, BBC Stories, Regional Blocs Coverage

NEW CINEPHILIA TASTE: A STUDY ON ACADEMICS’ TASTE IN THE CASE OF NETFLIX TÜRKİYE AND MUBI TÜRKİYE

This study examines the views of cinema academics, which can be called ‘new cinephiles’ and ‘masters of symbolic taste,’ on MUBI and Netflix streaming platforms. In the theoretical part of the study, the boundaries of taste are first emphasized in cultural consumption. Then, the views on the formation of boundaries formed by the consumption of cultural products were emphasized. Categorical boundaries play an important role in cultural consumption, dividing art as popular or elite and individuals as high or low culture. Bourdieu’s cultural capital theory emphasizes how individuals with high cultural capital create class distinctions. Previous studies have shown that upper-middle-class individuals or ‘cultural omnivores’ tend to appreciate high and popular culture. With the emergence of digital platforms, these boundaries are being reconsidered. Research suggests that algorithmic recommendation systems on these platforms shape users’ tastes and potentially reinforce existing social and cultural divisions. This study used qualitative research methods and a phenomenological design to investigate the impact of viewing preferences and digital platforms on class divisions. The findings reveal that while these platforms increase access to a wide range of content, they reinforce class-based viewing practices. Characteristics of new cinephiles: Participants show a deep attachment to films and use various digital devices to watch them, suggesting a nuanced interplay between technology, cultural consumption, and social stratification.

Relational Cultural Theory and Intervention Approaches with Adolescent Girls: An Integrative Review

Relational Cultural Theory (RCT) offers a feminist, relationally-centered approach to therapy and social work practice, which is focused on the unique developmental experiences of girls, women, and individuals from traditionally underrepresented or marginalized groups. Much of the theoretical and intervention research on this model has focused on adult women, with less attention devoted to RCT's application with adolescent girls. This integrative literature review synthesizes qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, and case study research on RCT to assess: 1) how RCT theoretical tenets have been translated into intervention strategies with adolescent girls, and 2) the degree to which RCT intervention research includes experiences of girls from diverse and underrepresented groups. Five electronic databases were searched through August 2023. Following deduplication and screening for inclusion/exclusion, 12 studies were retained for inclusion in this review. Analysis revealed four core RCT concepts that were linked with therapeutic intervention components across all included studies: mutual empathy, authenticity, empowerment, and the overall strengthening and deepening of relational connections. Over half of included studies reported samples that were over 50% girls of color, and/or having an expressed study purpose focused on girls from a diverse or underrepresented group. Practice implications for work with adolescent girls are discussed.

Revitalizing Rural Landscapes: Applying Cultural Landscape Gene Theory for Sustainable Spatial Planning in Linpu Village

In the context of rapid urbanization, it is imperative to address the preservation and sustainable development of rural landscapes. This study introduces a novel framework using cultural landscape gene theory to enhance the landscape spatial pattern of Linpu Village, China. Employing a multi-method approach, including data collection and historical data analysis, GIS analysis, and field surveys, we analyze the village’s landscape features and identify a well-preserved “one core, two wings” spatial configuration with diminishing accessibility from the center to the periphery. The study uncovers significant challenges to landscape coherence and legibility, including landscape element discontinuity, inadequate maintenance, and fragmented information. To address these issues, we propose optimization strategies aimed at revitalizing weakened cultural landscape genes, repairing disrupted elements, ensuring corridor integrity, and improving spatial organization. The extraction–construction–analysis–preservation model established in this research not only delivers a comprehensive analysis of Linpu’s cultural landscape but also offers a scalable framework for preserving the ecological and cultural integrity of traditional villages. This study contributes to the practical implementation of sustainable landscape strategies, enhancing the ecological adaptability and resilience of rural environments in the face of urban encroachment.

“It Will Always Feel Worse Because it Comes with That Added ‘Betrayal’”: Intersectionality Praxis and Black Young Women Survivors’ Perspectives on Cultural Betrayal Trauma Theory

ABSTRACT Because of interlocking oppressions of racism and sexism (e.g. intersectionality), Black women’s experiences of high rates of sexual violence are often ignored. A critical Black feminist framework, cultural betrayal trauma theory (CBTT) examines within-group violence in the Black community, which has compounding harm due to inequality. Though quantitative research has found support for CBTT, Black young women survivors’ perspectives have not been examined. Therefore, the purpose of the current exploratory study was to engage in intersectionality praxis to qualitatively examine Black young women survivors’ perspectives on CBTT through structured thematic analysis and coding based on theory. Respondents (N = 37; 18–30 years), provided their thoughts on CBTT following participating in a quantitative study. With most survivors in agreement that cultural betrayal in trauma is harmful, a key theme was community orientation in understanding both the harm and healing of cultural betrayal trauma. Black young women survivors’ resonance with CBTT, as well as their recommendations for community-level solidarity and healing have important implications.