Cultural Dynamics Research Articles

Anthropology of Music: A Review of History, Theory, and Development

Purpose: This article generally discusses music anthropology as a multidisciplinary field of study that explores the relationship between music, culture, and human behavior. The problem raised in this article is the lack of in-depth understanding of how music acts as a reflection, shaper, and connector of cultural dynamics, especially in the era of globalization which brings significant changes to the study of music anthropology. By exploring its historical roots in ethnomusicology to its development in the modern era, this article underlines the transformation and relevance of music studies in understanding cultural and social dynamics in various contexts, with the hope of providing theoretical and practical insights in understanding, preserving, and integrating traditional music into the modern context. Method: This research uses qualitative methods by integrating literature review, comparative analysis, and thematic exploration of key texts and case studies in the field. Data sources came from relevant books and scholarly articles to provide a comprehensive perspective. Triangulation techniques were used to validate the data through comparisons between definitions, theories and historical contexts, thus ensuring consistency of findings across approaches. Results and Discussion: The results in this study show that music anthropology, both in its classical and contemporary approaches, remains relevant as a cultural analysis tool. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in understanding music, not only as an artistic expression, but also as a reflection of identity and its evolving dynamics.

Socio-Economic and Cultural Impacts of Dhoho Airport Development on Buffer Villages: A Case Study in Tiron and Banyakan, Kediri

Infrastructure development plays a pivotal role in transforming rural areas, particularly through large-scale projects such as airports. This study explores the socio-economic and cultural impacts of Dhoho Airport development in Kediri on buffer villages, focusing on Tiron and Banyakan. The primary objective is to understand how airport development influences economic opportunities, social structures, and cultural dynamics in these communities. Employing a qualitative case study design, this research collected data through in-depth interviews with community leaders, participatory observations of social interactions, and documentation from government and local institutions. The findings reveal significant economic transformations, including livelihood diversification from agriculture to trade and services, fostering the growth of MSMEs. Socially, the airport has contributed to declining cooperation, reflecting a shift toward individualistic values. Culturally, modernization has accelerated acculturation, altering traditional practices and values, particularly among younger generations. Moreover, there is a growing awareness of education and skill development as communities adapt to emerging economic opportunities. This study underscores the importance of inclusive development policies that balance economic growth with the preservation of cultural identity and social cohesion.

Diagnosis of Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br (L.)] Cultivation Practices in Côte d’Ivoire and Study of the Morphological Diversity of Millet Ears Found in Cultivation Areas

The lack of improved varieties and the decline in millet cultivation in certain regions have led to genetic erosion and a drop in production. This study was conducted to examine various aspects of millet production, highlighting the social, cultural, and agronomic dynamics that influence this crop, and then to characterize the millet ears present in production areas. The results reveal a high prevalence of millet cultivation by men (88%) than women (12%), despite an earlier tradition in which it was mainly associated to women. There is great ethnic diversity among farmers, with agricultural practices and crop preferences varying from one ethnic group to another. The use of agricultural inputs, mainly mineral fertilizers (60%), is widespread, although differences in yields between genders, highlight disparities in farm management (1,420 kg/ha for men vs 745 kg/ha for women). Constraints such as pests, climatic conditions and soil quality are reported as major challenges for millet production. Analysis of the morphological diversity of millet ears revealed a high degree of morphological variability, with four distinct classes identified, pointing the potential for breeding adapted varieties.

Historia (non?) grata: Byzantine archaeology of Istanbul during the First World War and the Allied occupation

ABSTRACT Over the course of the ‘long’ 1920s, following the First World War, there was increasing interest in Byzantine Constantinople, as well as prolific research activity characterized by a commendable collaboration between local authorities and foreign scholars such as Theodore Wiegand, Stanley Casson, David Talbot Rice, M.C. Vett, Nicholas Brunoff and Ernest Mamboury. These scholars, who laid the foundation stones for Byzantine archaeology in Istanbul, defined the key urban features of Byzantine Constantinople by bringing to light considerable data on the Mangana Quarter, the Hippodrome, the Baths of Zeuxippus, Forum Tauri, the Column of Constantine, Hebdomon and a number of Byzantine churches in Istanbul. Yet, in Byzantine Studies, the controversial political and historical conditions of war and military occupation in Istanbul, under which these scholars operated with the aim of uncovering the physical remains of the capital of the Byzantine Empire, remained largely unexplored. Against this backdrop, this paper focuses on Byzantine archaeology in Istanbul during the period between 1920 and 1930. Drawing on historical archives in Ottoman Turkish, French, English and Turkish, along with a comparative analysis of the Antiquities Law initially codified in the Ottoman Empire and later adopted by the young Turkish Republic, the paper explores the work of the pioneers of Byzantine archaeology in Istanbul within the framework of the cultural dynamics that emerged in the first decades of the twentieth century, marked by the First World War and the Allied Occupation. In doing so, the paper contextualizes the role of these precursory archaeological missions for the newly founded Turkish Republic and its renewed narrative of nationhood, as well as its cultural and archaeological heritage inherited from the Ottoman Empire.

Resilience Amidst Uncertainty: a Sustainable Development Goals Perspective on Undocumented Afghan Women's Experiences in Zeytinburnu

Objective: This study analyzes undocumented Afghan women migrants' experiences in Zeytinburnu, Istanbul, through the UN Sustainable Development Goals framework, emphasizing SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 1 (No Poverty), and SDG 4 (Quality Education). Theoretical Framework: This study combines transnational migration theory, feminist perspectives, and sustainable development concepts. It examines how cultural identity, gender dynamics, and undocumented status intersect in shaping Afghan women migrants' experiences. This intersectional approach reveals the complex realities these women face in their new environment. Method: Qualitative research conducted at Istanbul Afghan Women's Association (IAWA). Methodology included semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and analysis of 490 IAWA application forms. Thematic analysis was performed, aligning findings with SDGs, particularly emphasizing education, poverty, and gender equality dimensions. Results and Discussion: Findings reveal significant challenges for these women, including social exclusion, economic marginalization, and limited access to education and services due to their undocumented status and persistent patriarchal norms. Traditional gender practices, reinforced by community elders, continue to restrict women's autonomy in the diaspora. Despite these obstacles, the research highlights Afghan women's remarkable resilience in developing survival strategies and maintaining hope for a better future. Research Implications: The study contributes to the growing body of literature on transnational migration and gender studies by providing insights into the lived experiences of undocumented Afghan women in Turkey. It emphasizes the need for intersectional approaches in addressing the multifaceted nature of social exclusion faced by these women. Originality/Value: The study's originality lies in its application of the SDG framework to analyze the specific context of Afghan women migrants in Zeytinburnu, offering a comprehensive understanding of their challenges and potential pathways for sustainable solutions.

Salvaging the Fading Culture of the Mamanwa People in Basey, Samar, Philippines: An Ethnographic Study

This ethnographic study explores the cultural dynamics and challenges faced by the Mamanwa people, an indigenous group in the Philippines. Through immersive fieldwork and participatory observation, the research highlights the impact of modernization, environmental changes, and socio-economic pressures on the Mamanwa's traditional practices, beliefs, and identity. Interviews with community members reveal a deep commitment to preserving their heritage amidst these challenges, showcasing their resilience and adaptive strategies. This study aims to raise awareness of the Mamanwa's unique cultural contributions and advocates for collaborative efforts to safeguard their traditions, ultimately emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation in a rapidly changing world.

Historical Relationship Between Indonesia and Türkiye

This paper examines the historical relationship between Indonesia and Türkiye, tracing its evolution from the Ottoman era to the present. Despite geographical and cultural differences, both nations share a legacy of Islamic heritage and anti-colonial struggles. Early interactions began in the 16th century with the Ottoman support for the Aceh Sultanate against European colonial powers. The rise of nationalist movements in the early 20th century further strengthened their ties, particularly as Indonesia drew inspiration from Türkiye's modernisation efforts under Atatürk. Following Indonesia's independence in 1945, formal diplomatic relations were established, leading to cooperative dynamics during the Cold War despite ideological differences. In the contemporary era, economic, political, and cultural exchanges have intensified, highlighted by collaboration in international forums and shared interests in regional stability. However, challenges remain, influenced by differing foreign policy stances and domestic political changes. This overview underscores the historical foundations and potential for a robust partnership between Indonesia and Türkiye, rooted in mutual interests and a shared legacy. The significance of Ottoman archives for Asian countries like Indonesia is profound, particularly in understanding historical, political, and cultural dynamics. These archives serve as vital resources that illuminate the connections between the Ottoman Empire and Southeast Asia, shedding light on a range of topics.

EARLY IDEAS ON REFORM AND RENEWAL THROUGH JOURNALISM IN THE MALAY ARCHIPELAGO: HAMKA’S ACCOUNTS IN AYAHKU (1950)

Haji Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah (Hamka), referred to as the ‘Hamzah Fansuri of the modern era,’ writes about his ulama and scholar father, Haji Rasul’s contribution to modernist thinking in Sumatra. This is encapsulated in Hamka’s book Ayahku (My Father), first published in 1950. Hamka (1908-81), an essayist, journalist, public historian, scholar, novelist, writer and ulama, was prolific in his writings. Hamka’s writing activity had closely followed his participation in the pilgrimage to Mecca in 1927. This is when we see Hamka being closely involved in a principal medium for the spread of modernist ideas, namely periodicals, which were expanding rapidly the spread of the printing presses. His writings and narratives represent a ‘key factor’ in modernist reformism. Hamka’s works are certainly pertinent to the study of Malay society. He left us with an abundance of sources on the dynamics of culture and change in the Malay peninsula and in Sumatra, especially within the Ranah Minangkabau (Minangkabau heartland). In Ayahku, first published on 1st January 1950, Hamka wrote that writing about his father is similar to writing on the development of Islam in Minangkabau - difficult, complex, and contradictory, reflecting a society fundamentally rooted in the encounter between “pembangunan agamanya dan kekerasan adatnya” (advancement of religion and the orthodoxy of its customs). This paper delves on Chapter six titled “Semangat Pembaharuan Islam dan Mengalirnya ke Indonesia” (The Spirit of Islamic Renewal and its Penetration into Indonesia) of Ayahku. Many have narrated on al-Imam, and its origins. This paper focuses on Hamka’s views, his observations and experience on the role of the press and journalism in the contexts of reform and renewal. It peculiarly illustrates the spirit and dynamics of al-Imam in the Minangkabau heartland. The significance is Hamka’s engaging perspective on journalism as an instrument of reform and renewal in the Malay world is seen through the role of his father. Hamka attributes the Paris-based magazine titled al-Urwatul Wutsqa (1884) as producing the climate of “kesedaran” (awareness) among Muslims. According to Hamka, the magazine was the outcome of the engagement between Syeikh Muhammad Abduh, with Sayid Jamaludin (Al-Afghani). Both travelled to Paris due to unfavourable intellectual and political conditions in the Middle East. al-Urwatul Wutsqa contained anti-colonial narratives, instigating “kebangkitan Islam” (resurgence). To Hamka, the magazine’s significance, which later inspired the al-Azhar-based al-Manar, which later influenced al-Imam and al-Munir in the Malay Archipelago, as based on the combination between the power of Muhammad Abduh’s words and the depth of Jamaluddin al-Afghani’s philosophy. In Ayahku, we find the critical role of the press in the circulation of modernity to the Malays.

Maqashid Sharia as the Foundation of Religious Moderation and Resilience in Aceh's Border Communities

The implementation of Islamic law in Aceh over the past two decades has not only reflected the enforcement of Sharia but also illustrated the cultural and political dynamics of Acehnese society. As a region rich in customary law traditions and social pluralism, the response of Acehnese communities, particularly in multicultural border areas, to violations of Islamic law and its existence varies widely. Islamic law in Aceh is often interpreted through the lens of political identity and local culture, while the maqashid sharia values, such as the protection of life, property, and security have yet to be fully integrated into daily practices. This study employs an anthropological approach with qualitative methods. Data collection was conducted through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and narrative analysis of the experiences and perspectives of local communities. The study focuses on how communities construct, understand, and respond to Sharia as part of their social lives. The findings reveal that border communities in Aceh perceive Islamic law not only as a religious rule but also as a political identity symbol to reinforce their social standing, including in rejecting the construction of non-Muslim places of worship. However, the study also highlights a gap in understanding and applying maqashid sharia, attributed to limited socialization and cross-cultural dialogue. Nevertheless, Islamic law remains respected as a crucial element of the social structure, although its interpretation is often situational and contextual.

Harnessing AI to Illuminate the Soul of the Organization

Artificial intelligence and advanced analytics are emerging as promising new tools for gaining meaningful insights into organizational culture. Traditional qualitative methods for assessing culture are time-intensive and limited in scope, while AI offers data-driven, comprehensive approaches. This article reviews recent developments in using AI at both the macro and micro levels to enhance understanding of cultural dynamics. At a macro level, AI is powering new tools for conducting large-scale cultural assessments across multiple dimensions. More granularly, natural language processing, network analysis, and predictive modeling are illuminating sentiments, interactions, and influence within internal communications data. Examples from pioneering organizations demonstrate impactful applications of cultural insights derived from AI in areas like mergers and acquisitions, recruiting and onboarding, diversity initiatives, and efforts to nurture vibrant cultures. While the field is still evolving, innovative practitioners are beginning to harness AI’s potential to illuminate the complexity of organizational culture in compelling new ways.

Developing a culturally-responsive training program: Workplace violence against physicians in Türkiye

Workplace violence against physicians is a critical issue in Türkiye, requiring comprehensive strategies for prevention and management. This paper outlines the development of a culturally-responsive training program aimed at equipping Turkish physicians with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively address workplace violence. The program is built on the findings from semi-structured interviews with Turkish physicians, a national survey of 136 healthcare workers, historical analysis of workplace violence against physicians in Turkish online newspaper archives, and a workshop with practicing physicians, medical professors, communication experts, and patients. The training program integrates cultural sensitivity and empirical evidence to create a robust framework for mitigating violence in healthcare settings. The training consists of 16 interactive units, each focusing on different aspects of workplace violence and its management specific to Turkish hospital settings. They incorporate real-life scenarios, practical suggestions, and legislative guidelines on effectively managing and mitigating violence. By simulating actual situations, the modules provide hands-on experience and practical knowledge. A crucial aspect of the training is its culturally-responsive approach, which addresses the unique cultural dynamics and sensitivities within Turkish healthcare environments. This program ensures that Turkish physicians can perform their duties without fear of violence while respecting and understanding the cultural values and dynamics of Turkish society. This culturally-responsive dimension is key to creating an effective and impactful training program that enhances the safety and well-being of healthcare professionals in Türkiye.

Shades and Lengths of Change: Exploring Fashion Changes in Post-Soviet Azerbaijan

This paper explores the historical origins and enduring significance of the debates surrounding the color black and the appropriateness of dress length in Azerbaijani society. By combining archival research, fieldwork, interviews, and visual analysis, it was possible to explore the relationship between fashion choices and socio-economic and cultural dynamics. This paper suggests that the preference for black attire and debates surrounding the length of dress are associated with the particular socio-economic and cultural dynamics of the 1990s, set against the backdrop of Azerbaijan’s post-Soviet context. This time represents a liminal period in the country’s recent history, characterized by ambivalence that enabled a renegotiation of gender roles and dress norms. There is limited existing literature on Azerbaijani dress and this study offers a socio-semiotic ethnographic approach to understanding the complex relationship between fashion, and social change.

Navigating complex mergers: A blueprint for strategic integration in emerging markets

This study explores strategic integration in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), focusing on emerging markets. As M&A activity in these regions grows, companies face unique challenges due to diverse regulatory environments, cultural dynamics, and operational complexities. This research aims to provide a comprehensive framework to navigate these complexities, identifying core integration components, external influencing factors, technological advancements, and associated challenges. Methodologically, the study synthesizes existing literature on M&A integration, analyzing key strategic approaches across cultural alignment, risk management, and operational harmonization. Key findings indicate that successful strategic integration requires technological and human-centered approaches, including tools like ERP systems, data analytics, and cloud computing, which streamline operations, and emphasize cultural alignment, leadership synergy, and proactive risk management. Additionally, the study underscores the impact of regulatory and economic factors on integration strategies, highlighting the need for adaptable frameworks tailored to the complexities of emerging markets. The study concludes that structured integration strategies and flexible, technology-driven frameworks foster long-term M&A success and competitive advantage. Recommendations include adopting sustainable integration models, enhanced cross-functional collaboration, and robust regulatory compliance strategies. Future research opportunities are outlined, particularly regarding open innovation and sustainable practices in emerging market M&A.

Exploring the role of biospheric/egoistic values, scientific engagement, and cross-cultural effects in high school students’ willingness to take climate action

This cross-cultural comparative study investigates the relationships among biospheric and egoistic values, willingness to take climate action, and science engagement in two distinct cultures: Finland and South Korea. The results indicate that Finnish students tend to exhibit a higher willingness to take climate action, particularly at the individual level, which may be influenced by cultural tendencies that emphasize personal autonomy. In contrast, Korean students, while belonging to a society where collective values are often highlighted, demonstrate higher egoistic values. This could be shaped by other cultural dynamics, such as hierarchical structures or the competitive nature of the education system. Additionally, in both countries, interest in science and the perceived value of science positively correlate with the willingness to take climate action, highlighting how nature-focused learning can motivate students in this regard. Finally, cluster analysis reveals that in Finland, biospheric values play a pivotal role in fostering the willingness to take climate action, whereas in Korea, egoistic values are a significant predictor of the willingness to take collective climate action.

The Influence of Cultural Diversity on Team Performance in Multinational Corporations

The primary objective of this research is to examine and analyze the impact of cultural diversity on the overall effectiveness and productivity of teams operating inside international organizations. The primary objective of this research is to bridge the existing knowledge deficit in the domain of cross-cultural management and organizational behavior. This is achieved by conducting an investigation into the intricate association between cultural diversity and team performance inside MNCs. In the context of this study, a mixed-methods approach is considered the most suitable methodology. This methodology enables a thorough examination of the correlation between cultural diversity and team performance, encompassing the utilization of both quantitative and qualitative data. The results emphasize the importance for MNCs to implement comprehensive strategies that take into account the specificities of leadership, organizational culture, and team dynamics in order to effectively use the benefits of cultural diversity. By engaging in such practices, firms can effectively tackle the complexities associated with cultural diversity and bolster their global competitive advantage. Through the implementation of these strategies, MNCs have the opportunity to effectively utilize the advantages presented by cultural diversity, hence enhancing their competitive advantage within the global market.

Remake as resistance: re-narrating Hong Kong Chineseness in The Taking of Tiger Mountain

Abstract It is often assumed that yangban-xi (model theatre), crafted by the Chinese Communist Party during the Cultural Revolution (1966–76), represents a homogeneous Chinese identity. However, this assumption overlooks the intricate cultural, economic, and political dynamics embedded in these works, especially when remade by Sinophone artists. Following the 2003 Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), these dynamics are further complicated by increasingly blurred boundaries between Hong Kong and mainland China. This paper examines The Taking of Tiger Mountain (Zhiqu weihu shan) (Tsui Hark 2014), a Hong Kong-Mainland coproduced remake of a yangban-xi film. Through an analysis of the film’s intertextual connections with its 1970 predecessor and its genre-blending and narrative strategies, this study argues that the remake challenges the authority of official history by exposing fissures in collective memory and the inherent subjectivity in historical narratives. The paper posits The Taking of Tiger Mountain as a cultural battleground where the top-down homogeneity of ‘Chineseness’ is contested by diverse peripheral voices, reflecting the ongoing negotiation of cultural identities within the post-1997 Hong Kong-Mainland context.

The Impact of Technology and Social Media on Marriage and Divorce: A Study in Besilam Village, Langkat Regency

In today's rapidly evolving digital era, technology and social media have become integral parts of daily life. From connecting people worldwide to shaping how we communicate, work, and play, these advancements have profoundly transformed social, cultural, and economic dynamics. This article explores the significant role of technology and social media in the modern world and examines their influence on how we live, interact, and share information. While social media serves as an effective two-way communication tool, its impact can vary depending on how it is used. The concept of communication and information-sharing via computer networks, which predates modern social media, marked the foundation for what we now recognize as social media platforms. As technology and social media continue to advance, they have given rise to new societal phenomena, including divorces stemming from relationships formed through social media interactions. Remarkably, marriage ceremonies can now be conducted via video calls, and divorces can be finalized through video conferences. The ongoing development of technology has significantly broadened societal knowledge. The emergence of diverse social media platforms has further enabled people to expand their social networks and forge new friendships.

Women’s voices in literary translation: a Bourdieusian look at symbolic capital in post-revolution Iran

ABSTRACT The present paper utilizes Pierre Bourdieu’s sociological framework to examine how Iranian women literary translators have earned and utilized symbolic capital in the literary translation field over the past four decades since the 1979 Revolution. The study investigates how these women have acquired and applied symbolic capital. The paper specifically delves into the challenges women translators encounter in obtaining and managing symbolic capital and the complex cultural, social, economic, and linguistic dynamics involved in their translation process. Furthermore, the paper evaluates whether they experience similar opportunities compared to their male counterparts. To achieve this, the study employs quantitative methodologies, such as surveys conducted through questionnaires, and qualitative research, including in-depth interviews with influential figures in Iran’s literary translation field, such as literary translators, publishers, and university scholars of both genders. The findings of this study suggest that symbolic capital can be a significant goal and an external source of motivation for many Iranian women working as literary translators, as it has the potential to offer rewards and recognition in their professional pursuits.

Book Review: Critical perspectives on equity and social mobility in study abroad: Interrogating issues of unequal access and outcomes

International student mobility has often been conceived as an avenue for upward social mobility and, if paired with appropriate training, developing intercultural competence and other skills to professionally succeed in the global village. However, multiple contextual factors may stratify access to student mobility or hinder its potential. Critical perspectives on equity and social mobility in study abroad: Interrogating issues of unequal access and outcomes interrogates aspects related to cultural and socioeconomic dynamics that affect students’ access, outcomes and experiences.

Mental Health in China: Social Change in Life Course Trajectories

AbstractKnowledge about life course trajectories and intercohort changes in mental health is limited mainly to Western populations. To address this gap, our study analyzes mental health trajectories in China, drawing on data on depressive symptoms from the China Family Panel Studies over the period 2012–2020 (N = 31,700 individuals aged 16–70; N = 87,787 person‐years). Employing hierarchical linear regression models, our findings reveal moderate increases in depressive symptoms over the life course and across cohorts. Subgroup analyses indicate that women, people with lower educational attainment, and people with rural hukou experienced more depressive symptoms and a more pronounced increase in depressive symptoms with age. These disparities narrowed across cohorts. We discuss these patterns in the context of Chinese cultural dynamics, including son preference, the impact of education and hukou on the accumulation of stress over the life course, family policy and equity policy transitions, and the changing stigma of mental health.