Ethnological Methods Research Articles

ВПЛИВ КОМУНІКАЦІЙНИХ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ НА ПРОЦЕС АДАПТАЦІЇ УКРАЇНСЬКИХ БІЖЕНЦІВ У СЛОВАЧЧИНІ

This article is the result of an ethnographic study designed to reveal the interaction between modern communication technologies and the processes of adaptation of Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia, which takes place in an extremely complex socio-cultural context. The author aims not only to describe the facts, but also to offer in-depth analysis and theoretical reflections that allow us to better understand the impact of communication technologies on the process of refugee adaptation. The article offers a broad overview of the communication tools used by Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia, examining their role in identity formation, adaptation strategies, and interaction with the local population. The author uses ethnological methods to examine the dynamics of these interactions in detail, paying attention to the psychosocial and cultural dimensions of the adaptation process. The article reveals how the use of mobile applications, social platforms, and other technologies affects language learning, cultural heritage preservation, and the development of social networks and virtual communities on Facebook and Telegram. The study details the obstacles and benefits that arise from this interaction, as well as the ethnic and cultural aspects of the adaptation process. It also highlights the blocks of information most often sought by Ukrainian refugees in virtual communities. The author focuses on the issues of cybersecurity and privacy related to the use of technology, as well as their impact on the preservation of individual and collective rights and freedoms of Ukrainian refugees. The article takes into account the ethical requirements and challenges arising from the use of modern communication tools in the process of migration adaptation. The conclusions of the article emphasize that the use of technology is a key factor that helps Ukrainian refugees to preserve their cultural identity, expand social ties, and successfully adapt to the new socio-cultural environment. The article also identifies prospects for further research on the impact of communication technologies on migration dynamics and adaptation strategies.

ETHNOLOGICAL RESEARCH IN THE BALKANS

Scrolling through the Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) makes one feel ethnic segregation and tension between the three constituent ethnies at every corner of the country. This tensed atmosphere stemmed from the wars in the 90s of the previous century and, even though the wars stopped after the Dayton Peace Agreement signed in 14 December 1995, is still continuing in different forms. In order to analyze the reasons for the continuity of these problems, social scientists from the ex-Yugoslavian countries and from other countries are conducting research in the region using ethnological methods, which have been assuming to be ethnology as a special field for better understanding existing conflicts. In this short piece, two books published recently will be reviewed to understand the use and function of ethnological research for the Balkans.

Infanticide: A Survival Strategy among the Gweno People during the Early Colonial Period in Tanganyika

Abstract Traditions and customs carry socio-cultural and economic values of the community where they are practised. Infanticide was a traditional practice among the Gweno people in Kilimanjaro, northern Tanzania. This practice had socio-cultural, political, and economic significance which persisted. As a global phenomenon, infanticide has attracted enormous scholarship from different disciplines covering mostly its practice, its associated beliefs, and its eradication campaigns. Despite the popularity of infanticide practices among the Gweno people, particularly during the early colonial period, little has been revealed and documented on how it was practised, associated beliefs and the socio-cultural, political, and economic significance it carried in this community. Benefitting from research findings collected in 2015 through historical and ethnological methods such as oral traditions, interviews, archival materials, and anthropological accounts, this paper uncovers the socio-cultural, political, and economic grounds of infanticide practices among the Gweno people. The paper is built on the argument that infanticide practices served as cultural, socio-political, and economic survival strategy of the Gweno people.

Varieties of sewn and stuff ed ornaments in the decor of traditional costumes of Ukrainians of Podillia in the second half of the XIX – early XX centuries

Th e purpose of the study: to analyze well-known and little-known works and mu- seum collections and explore the types of embroidered and printed jewellery as a common way of decorating Podolsk traditional clothing of the second half of the nineteenth – early twentieth century. Th e research methodology is based on the principles of historicism, comprehensiveness, systematicity and objectivity. Th e latter, in turn, are implemented through a combination of gene- ral scientifi c, historical and ethnological methods with other interdisciplinary methods, inclu ding statistical, descriptive, system-structural, as well as methods of museum source studies, visual an- thropology and technical research. Th e scientifi c novelty is that for the fi rst time an attempt is made to determine the regional and local features of sewn and printed ornaments in the form of applications or individual details for the decoration of folk clothing of Ukrainians in all subregions of Podillia. Conclusions. Th us, in order to decorate the components of the folk costume of Podolsk Ukrainians of the second half of the XIX – early XX centuries used such techniques and techniques of application and placement of decor as weaving, beating, embroidery, stripes and stuffi ng in the form of applications or individual parts. Stitched and printed ornaments as a way of decoration were widespread among underwear, waist, chest and outerwear, headdresses, belts, jewellery, shoes and clothin g accessories. Oft en sewn and printed ornaments played a central role in the overall composition, contributing to the balance and unifi cation clothing elements of the traditional com- plex of Podolian clothing. Moreover, the infl uences of neighbouring historical and ethnographic re- gions and districts, in particular, Bukovyna, Volyn, Opillia, Pokuttia, Naddniprianska and South- Steppe Ukraine, were seen in these types of methods of decorating the folk clothing of Ukrainians of Podillia. Th us, the varieties of Podolsk embroidered and printed ornaments can be considered as a valuable source of comparative information on the material and spiritual cultural heritage of Podillia in particular and Ukraine in general.

Female Socio-economic Conditions and Feminization of Poverty in Rural Areas of District Larkana of Sindh, Pakistan

This paper explores out the relation of feminization of poverty and education as well as the devaluation of the female workforce. Feminization of poverty is a global phenomenon and the prominent in underdeveloped countries. Pakistan does not have any concrete data on the female workforce or feminization of poverty. The ethnological methods were adopted to find out the changes over time. However, such the data acquired through focus group discussion, in-depth interviews, and participant observations. The study aimed to understand the feminization of poverty through the lens of feminism theory. The effect of education was observed. The study shows that the devaluation of female work is more prominent in uneducated female and female-headed households than educated females and male-headed households. The difference between a male and female household and their wage difference was also underpinned in the study. The educated female who was economically independent possessed and heightened confidence level important position in the family as compared to uneducated females. Education had a positive impact on female empowerment and self-awareness. Social norms of rural areas influenced female behaviors towards jobs and earnings. The study examines the everyday life of women in district Larkana. The narrative points out the feminization of poverty and the vicious cycle of poverty in females due to lack of education and low-paying jobs.

Sociological and ethnopolitical aspects of state ethnic policy

The article presents the sociological and ethnological features (aspects) in the analysis of state ethnic politics. The possibilities of synthesis between sociological and ethnological methods in the process of analysis of state ethnic politics are determined. The relevance of the influence of sociological and ethnological aspects on the process of rational and prudent ethnic politics in the country in our time is analyzed. The definitions of sociology and ethnology and the sphere of their knowledge and scientific efficiency are given. Constructive derivatives during the synthesis of sociological and ethnological methods of cognition of society are found out. The work of foreign and Ukrainian scientists and researchers on state ethnic politics is considered. The historical process of the late nineteenth - twentieth centuries, which led humanity to the emergence of modern state-administrative issues and problems, is analyzed. The types of social structuring of societies and the social structure of modern Ukrainian society, which is considered to be the most acceptable and generally recognized, are defined as schemes. The ethnic structure of human society on the theory of ethnogenesis, proposed by LM Gumilev at the end of the twentieth century, and the author's vision of socio-ethnic structuring of societies in a schematic form are highlighted. The author presents a schematic view of one of the possible variants of the scientific vision of the ethno-social structuring of the societies of the world, including Ukrainian society. The logical definition of the important scientific term "nation" (nation) and the importance of universalizing the terminological and conceptual base in the analysis of national ethnic politics are presented. Conclusions have been made regarding the prospects for further development of public administration science.

Parents' Attitudes to Risk and Injury to Children and Young People on Farms.

ObjectivesChildren and young people growing up in a farm environment run a greater risk of being injured or dying in an accident than their non-farming counterparts. This study examines farming parents’ attitudes and experiences of having their children grow up on farms, one of the most dangerous work environments as their home, everyday environment and playground.MethodData were collected using two ethnological methods, a question list and interviews, with a study population of 20 parents. The data were analysed phenomenologically.ResultsThe analysis pursued four themes: i) the most dangerous places and situations on the farm; ii) children’s tasks on the farm; iii) children as a safety risk on the farm; and iv) farm risk education for children.ConclusionsMost parents know the risks on their farm, but are sometimes careless when working under stress or exhaustion. Some parents wanted more information and some wanted compulsory preventative or safety measures by manufacturers, e.g. a safety belt as standard on the extra seat in tractors. Children’s friends were described as one of the greatest risks for injury due to peer pressure. Some parents mentioned that people who grow up on farms are sometimes ‘blind’ to the dangers. Other parents seemed to overlook the risks and had their children carrying out tasks for which they were not mentally or physically equipped. Some of the tasks the children reportedly carried out on farms contravened Swedish legislation. It is thus important for farming parents to be repeatedly reminded of the risks to their children and to increase their awareness of how to prevent and eliminate risks in order to avoid accidents on the farm. The situation for farm children is highlighted in a critical discussion.

From International to Cross-cultural: The Influence of Traditional Values in Chinese Reasoning (A Case–Study)

In this case-study we try to emphasise how traditional value as mental programs can be found in a modern Chinese life and teaching. Using anthropological and ethnological methods we can better understand the universal reasoning and also, if they are, some differences, how they are operating in different areas and why? We made some observation in Chinese culture and tried to compare them with western logic reasoning.

Interpreting, Representing and Integrating Scientific Knowledge from Interdisciplinary Projects

We describe a coherent, eclectic approach to interpreting, representing, and integrating knowledge from different scientific disciplines or communities of practice. The approach, called ECLECTIC, draws from a complementary blend of ethnological methods, the hermeneutic analysis of domains, and ecology. Our description focuses on the conceptual bases of this approach, its value, and uses, particularly in handling the methodological considerations in the overlapping phases of interpretation, representation, and integration. We give examples from our use of the approach and describe how it handles difficult methodological issues: (1) knowing what questions to initially ask of members of science communities, (2) identifying their states of knowledge, (3) determining the analyst’s role, (4) determining how the knowledge may be self elicited by the members themselves, (5) verifying that the interpretation and representation of the knowledge is meaningful to the members, and (6) integrating differing representations from the communities.

Carnival on the Clipboard: An Ethnological Study of New Orleans Mardi Gras

Ethnological methods determined that New Orleans Mardi Gras is a time for socializing with friends and family, as opposed to an opportunity to engage strangers in acts of fellowship or communitas. People prefer to be wild or silly within confines of their own group. Outside of costumed performers or those engaged in ritualistic bead exchanges, norms of pedestrian behavior are maintained. This study is methodologically innovative as it is first to obtain a nonfestival baseline in order to distinguish standard, culturally appropriate behavior from that which results from a change in normative order. Moreover, it is first to identify interpersonal contexts in which behavior is inverted, intensified, or remains neutral in street interactions among strangers. (Carnival, communitas, ritual, New Orleans) In 1991, ABC's television program, Good Morning America, traveled to New Orleans to cover Mardi Gras, interviewing tourists concerning their perception of city and carnival. From their vantage point, in safe confines of television control booth on Canal Street, hosts admitted that they had not yet had courage to enter French Quarter and see what one woman described as craziness of day. The implication was that farther within Quarter, anything goes and one would see unmentionable on television. It is conventional wisdom that Mardi Gras is a special kind of festival or carnival which not only tolerates but encourages people to bend, invert, and ignore standard norms of public conduct. Within this setting, participants experience feelings of playful excitement, good cheer, and warm fellowship that ensure an open posture toward anyone attending festival. Social scientists, for most part, have upheld this image of urban festival. Anthropologists have long speculated on how ordinary daily activities have evolved into ritual performances, keying on social structure or highly differentiated organization of social statuses, social roles, and their interrelationship. This analytical orientation contributed to carnival as being conceptualized as a ritual of inversion (Bakhtin 1968; Da Matta 1979; Gluckman 1956, 1962) in which the proprieties of structure are lampooned and even violated, blasphemy is encouraged, and kings of misrule are crowned (Rappaport 1999:218). For others, carnival is best seen as an arena for status intensification (Edmonson 1956) whereby social structures are reified and maintained. Most often, carnival is seen as a dialectical dance around interplay between processes of inversion and intensification, a paradoxical ritual of rebellion where social rules are seemingly protested or abandoned, seeming to mock social order while actually preserving or even strengthening that order (Cowley 1996; Eco 1984; Kinser 1990; Turner 1977). Carnival manifests as a time-out phase, a time for play (Babcock 1976; Falassi 1987; Manning 1983). Carnival provides an occasion for representation of stylistic, formal humor (Bricker 1973; Cox 1969; Leach 1961; Steward 1929, 1931) and informal humor (Kugelmass 1994; White 1998). It is a venue for theatrics and spectacle (Beeman 1993; MacAloon 1984; Schechner 1985) and a highly charged political event (Cohen 1993; Davis 1988; Gill 1997). Finally, in its more contemporary gloss, carnival is an arena characterized by social flux and ambiguous meanings (Beeman 1993; Da Matta 1979). Leach (1961), building on observations of Mauss and Van Gennep, illustrated how periods of festival correlate with generalized rules of rites de passage, beginning with a symbolic death, a period of ritual seclusion, and a symbolic rebirth. For Leach (1961:134), festival time is marked by four corollary phases. In first, moral participant is transferred from Secular-Profane world to Sacred world; he `dies.' Then comes a marginal state, a time out of time, as it is often called, which is heart of festival and where real fun begins. …

Ethnological Methods, Results, and the Question of Advocacy in Andean Research

Ethnological Methods, Results, and the Question of Advocacy in Andean Research

Carnaval annexé : essai de lecture d'une fête romaine

Le 25 février 1634, samedi gras, le cardinal Antonio Barberini donne au peuple de Rome la Giostra del Saraceno. Préparée pour un prince polonais et exécutée malgré son départ, cette fête aristocratique se déroule durant le Carnaval. Notre but est d'éclairer, par une lecture de type ethnologique, le sens du rite dans la fête périodique cyclique et son fonctionnement dans une société moderne.Longuement détaillée en une Relation imprimée illustrée, rédigée à la demande du cardinal Antonio Barberini, évoquée en des Avvisi, lettres ou journaux, s'inscrivant dans la suite logique d'une description du Carnaval romain faite en 1632 par un Français arrivant à Rome, Jean-Jacques Bouchard, libertin notoire, érudit très curieux de toutes cérémonies ou fêtes populaires et familier de la casa Barberini, cette fête officielle peut en effet être mise en rapport avec la gazzarra (manifestation de rue, débordement carnavalesque) qui révèle, comme elle, des caractères d'ordre esthétique, social et psychologique indissolublement associés.