Human Structure Research Articles

Belief Formation: A Cultural Evolutionary Lens

This paper investigates changes in belief and their evolution in relation to the paradigm of cultural evolution. It underlines the interaction of the environmental factor with the social dynamic. The model proposed herein is extremely widespread and involves the creation, maintenance, and diffusion of beliefs that afford a perspective on how such processes influence individual and collective psychological constructs. By synthesizing theories in the fields of biology, anthropology, and psychology, this research will argue that cultural evolution is one key mechanism able to explain both diversity and variability in human belief. The examination suggests that beliefs cannot be cast solely as some sort of passive variant of personal cognition; instead, they are actively generated by cultural dynamics and social learning techniques such as imitation and instruction. It is a book that places more emphasis on the role of political ideology in accepting scientific evidence and shows how directed reasoning leads to the perpetuation of noxious beliefs. It then investigates transfer biases supporting the reproduction of cultural traits across successive generations, hence affecting social structure and any effort of cooperation. This may lead to a nuanced grasp of how beliefs can be advantageous or disastrous, considering the prevailing social structures and ecology within which they live. Based on the wealth of research regarding under what circumstances beliefs arise and spread, this paper examines from a critical perspective psychological processes of belief systems and what they might portend for human behavior and social organization.

Tulum’s underwater caves: insights into the oldest human fossils in the Americas

Evidence of late Pleistocene human and fauna remains has been documented within the extensive cave systems of the Tulum region in northeast Yucatán, Mexico. This unique area is vital for paleontological and paleoanthropological research, providing insights into early human adaptation in the Americas. To date, 10 human fossils have been thoroughly studied, with two additional recent discoveries under investigation. These remains, dating from 13,700 to 8,000 BP, emphasize the paleoanthropological significance of Tulum's submerged caves. A key discovery is the skeleton of Eva de Naharon, dated to 13,721 years cal BP, making her the oldest known human fossil in the Americas. Using 3D facial reconstructions and DNA analysis, researchers have identified craniofacial similarities with South Asian populations, suggesting shared ancestry and migration patterns. These findings enrich our understanding of human migration and adaptation. Ongoing research continues to highlight the role of Tulum’s underwater caves in shaping early human history, survival strategies, and social structures over millennia.

8.C. Scientific session: Health system resilience: A Planetary Health perspective

Abstract Planetary Health is a collective and unifying approach to balance the interlinkages between human health, political, economic and social systems as well as the natural systems of our planet, the importance of which is growing in the context of climate change in European countries and beyond. Yet, there is a dearth of of research linking Planetary Health to health systems’ resilience, particularly from a public health lens. With the number of studies growing regarding impacts of climate change on health, the question remains how health systems need to be prepared, focusing for example on the emergence of infectious diseases as well as the triple crises of biodiversity loss, pollution and climate change. In addition, tools to assess climate-related risks developed at international level, such as the vulnerability, adaptation and capacity assessment developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) have rarely been piloted in European countries. In this workshop, firstly evidence is presented on the status quo of how climate change impacts health and emerging infections in Europe and at global level. Secondly, the workshop provides insights into how tools to assess vulnerability and resilience of health systems in the context of climate change may be used in the European context. Thirdly, resilience is assessed against evidence emerging from the triple environmental crises of biodiversity loss, pollution and climate change. Key messages • In a planetary health lens, using mixed methods to consider climate change vulnerability of different population groups and adaptation potentials are key to address current complex health challenges. • Synergistic solutions and joint working across climate and health offer opportunities for greater health system resilience and population health impact.

Religious-Philosophical and Anthropological Dimensions of Dialogue between Maxim Gorky and Immanuel Kant: A Study of Gorky’s Text “The Peasant”

This article addresses the influence of Immanuel Kant’s philosophy on the works of Maxim Gorky. The study aims to explore how Kant’s philosophical ideas shaped Gorky’s worldview and contributed to the development of his prose. The primary material for this research is Gorky’s unfinished work “The Peasant,” written between 1899 and the early 1900s. It is demonstrated that the text serves as a unique “epistolary dialogue” between Gorky and Kant, in which the writer engages in a polemic with the philosopher regarding human nature, social organization, justice, and morality. The article posits that Gorky’s harsh critiques of Kant, expressed in letters and within the aforementioned text, stem from his general aversion to the deliberate complexity and analytical nature of Kant’s language, as well as the philosopher’s excessively rationalist approach to interpreting the incomprehensible and understanding humanity’s place and purpose in the world, along with the laws of existence. It is argued that Gorky did not share Kant’s absolute rationalism but instead advocated for a harmony between reason and emotion in human beings. Furthermore, it is shown that Gorky resonated with the moral and ethical principles of Kantian philosophy. Thus, this study offers a fresh perspective on the religious-philosophical and anthropological aspects of Gorky’s oeuvre.

From Learning Ecologies to a Social Ecosystem Model for Learning and Skills

The growing relevance of socio-ecological systems (SESs) thinking reflects both the challenges of an anthropogenic poly crisis and attempts to understand the complexities of societal development in an era of globalisation. The article begins by suggesting there are two related variants of SES thinking—relationships between the natural and human worlds (Variant 1) and whole social and human system analysis using metaphorical transfer and theorisation of natural ecological principles (Variant 2). This article elaborates Variant 2 through the development a social ecosystem model (SEM) applied to post-compulsory education and skills development. An exploration of the SEM is conducted through a review of the literatures on ‘Learning Ecologies’ to assess the strengths and limitations of this human ecological approach. Perceived limitations are addressed by the development of the SEM that adds a political economy dimension to the learning ecological model, which is then applied to the field of learning and skills in the English context in support of an inclusive and place-based approach to vocational education and training (VET). The article concludes by suggesting that the SEM can be further expanded by its application to transitioning to more sustainable futures, being developed by scholars of indigenous communities and populations of the Global South, that arguably brings Variant 2 of SESs thinking closer to Variant 1.

Formation of human kinship structures depending on population size and cultural mutation rate

How does social complexity depend on population size and cultural transmission? Kinship structures in traditional societies provide a fundamental illustration, where cultural rules between clans determine people's marriage possibilities. Here, we propose a simple model of kinship interactions that considers kin and in-law cooperation and sexual rivalry. In this model, multiple societies compete. Societies consist of multiple families with different cultural traits and mating preferences. These values determine interactions and hence the growth rate of families and are transmitted to offspring with mutations. Through a multilevel evolutionary simulation, family traits and preferences are grouped into multiple clans with interclan mating preferences. It illustrates the emergence of kinship structures as the spontaneous formation of interdependent cultural associations. Emergent kinship structures are characterized by the cycle length of marriage exchange and the number of cycles in society. We numerically and analytically clarify their parameter dependence. The relative importance of cooperation versus rivalry determines whether attraction or repulsion exists between families. Different structures evolve as locally stable attractors. The probabilities of formation and collapse of complex structures depend on the number of families and the mutation rate, showing characteristic scaling relationships. It is now possible to explore macroscopic kinship structures based on microscopic interactions, together with their environmental dependence and the historical causality of their evolution. We propose the basic causal mechanism of the formation of typical human social structures by referring to ethnographic observations and concepts from statistical physics and multilevel evolution. Such interdisciplinary collaboration will unveil universal features in human societies.

Why people work past retirement age: The continuity of routines, future imaginaries, and practical evaluation

ABSTRACT In this article, we synthesise existing qualitative evidence published in English, aiming to comprehend why workers keep working past retirement age and to link human agency and social structures in the decision-making process behind such occupational choices. The study was prompted by the growing attention that later-life working has been garnering from policymakers and academics in the context of aging societies. Drawing upon agency and meaningful work theories, we disaggregate the iterational, projective, and practical-evaluative orientations of agency, and argue that practical evaluation leads to more reflexive and satisfying choices between working and retiring. Here, actors consider their contribution, self-development, and financial benefits achieved through work in light of their ageing and capacity to adjust work contexts to their needs. Beginning a process of practical evaluation is contingent upon work relations that facilitate meaningful work experiences. However, such meaningfulness, characterised by autonomy, recognition, and dignity, is unevenly distributed across populations, leaving some without access or experiencing it as fleeting. This study enriches understandings of the dynamics behind the decision to work beyond retirement age. Its insights have the potential to shape policies aimed at age-friendly workplaces that promote meaningful work. Overall, this can contribute to the well-being of older workers and society as a whole.

Family types and family dimensions: The paradigmatic framework and the circumplex model

AbstractThe Paradigmatic Framework is a formal and rigorously derived systems‐theoretic model of the organization and operation of human systems, a map covering not just families but also the broader range of human social systems in general. The origins, derivation, and development of the framework and its salient features are summarized. The framework is applied to a close examination of the well‐known and influential Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems in terms of its theoretical premises and assumptions and its typological and dimensional features, placing the Circumplex Model within the larger context of other relevant theoretical models of family and the still larger context of human systems in general. Implications for research and practice in the marriage and family field are highlighted with special attention to socio‐cultural context.

From Social Darwinism to Sociobiology: The Developmental Trajectory of Biological Determinism in Social Sciences

Biological determinism, the theory that human behavior is primarily determined by genetic factors, has sparked extensive debate and controversy between social and biological sciences since the late 19th century with the introduction of Darwin's theory of evolution. By examining the origins, development, and impacts of these theories on modern scientific research and social policy from historical and theoretical perspectives, this article reveals the limitations and potential risks inherent in scientific research and social policymaking. The article emphasizes the complexity of using these theories to explain human behavior and social structures, as well as their importance in formulating inclusive social policies.

To confront or not to confront? Seeing minorities’ responses to ethnoracial stigmatisation through Goffman’s ritual interaction order

The last decade has seen a proliferation of sociological research on minorities’ responses to ethnoracial stigmatisation. Compared to social and cultural structures, face-to-face interaction has thus far received insufficient theoretical attention, even though social situations are a prime site for stigmatisation. This has resulted in three shortcomings in the research: (1) a tacit individual–structure dualism; (2) neglect of situational variation; and (3) neglect of dialogical concerns behind people’s responses. Building on 20 in-depth qualitative interviews with Norwegians of ethnic and/or racial minority backgrounds, and homing in on non-confrontations to ambiguous stigmatisation, we investigate the role of face-to-face interaction as such. We rely on Erving Goffman’s theories of interaction order and interaction ritual. The interaction order highlights social interaction’s semi-autonomous existence vis-a-vis both human personalities and social structures, and is sustained by interaction ritual, that is, the mutual protection of selves in interaction. Among our key findings is that non-confrontations are concurrently self- and other-oriented, mirroring Goffman’s concept of facework. Regarding situational variation, we distinguish, for instance, situations of hierarchy from those of assumed equality; interactions with strangers from established relations; situations framed by professional ethics from those not; work from private settings and public spaces.

Sociology of Totems, Myths, and Tawhid: Exploring the Interplay Between Symbolism and Theology with Critical Analysis of Theological or Mythical Stage of August Comte’s Law of Three Stages

Introduction: Totems and myths, integral components of social, cultural, and religious expression, carry profound symbolic meanings within diverse societies. This paper investigates the interplay between these symbolic elements and Islamic theology, exploring how Islamic communities respond to the presence of symbols and symbolism. The paper presents a critical analysis of theological stage of August Comte’s law of three stages. Objectives: The research objectives of the present paper aim to examine the prevalence of totems and myths in various societies and their negative impact in terms of theology, sociology, and identity formation. It will investigate the theological responses of Islam to the incorporation of totems and myths with a critical analysis of theological stage of August Comte’s law of three stages philosophically known as Positive Philosophy. Explore the implications of the interplay between totems, myths and Islamic theology on religious identity and belief system. Methods: The present work is qualitative in nature and hence uses qualitative methodology. Results and Conclusion: The findings of the paper suggest that Totemic and Mythical thinking must be dealt with a serious and sensitive approach to protect the fabric of Muslim society under the core teachings of Tawhid. Understanding the sociological implications of the symbolic systems, advocated by Islam, provides valuable insights into the intricate diversity of human culture, belief systems, and social organization. As societies continue to evolve, it becomes imperative to navigate the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage, acknowledging diversity, and upholding the principles of justice and equality. Originality/Value: the research presents a unique and original perspective on the intersection of sociology, symbolism, and theology. In essence, it delves into the intricate relationship between cultural symbols, religious beliefs, and social structures. What sets this paper apart is its innovative approach to studying the role of totems and myths within the framework of Tawhid, the Islamic concept of the oneness of God. By examining how totems and myths function within different cultural contexts and their implications for theological understanding, the paper offers fresh insights into the dynamics of religious symbolism.

Evaluating Mentorship in the Aquatic Sciences in the Context of a Global Pandemic (COVID‐19)

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic drastically altered human social systems. To better understand ramifications of the pandemic for aquatic scientists, we assessed perceptions of mentorship within the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography, focusing on impacts felt during the pandemic. We also evaluated current preferences and practices (e.g., valued traits, network composition, communication tools) related to mentoring, as a way of gauging change within the community and informing ongoing or future resilience and recovery efforts. In surveying this group, we found the largest pandemic related professional development gaps to be lost opportunities for mentoring, the absence of in‐person meetings, and missed collegial/collaborative interactions. We also assessed which mentorship characteristics were highly valued and found that, “communicative” was the most consistently valued characteristic. Finally, we assessed mentor network composition and code of conduct use. Findings show a limited range of disciplines within most mentees' networks, suggesting lack of access to mentors in outside fields or disciplines, and widespread valuation of codes of conduct but limited implementation. We advocate for mentoring practices that foster personal connections, expand networks, and develop clear plans for mentoring relationships, as a path toward general improvement and resilience within mentoring networks in the face of disruption.

Exploring the foundations of tourism geography: between flat ontology and J. Searle’s vertical social ontology

This article explores the theoretical foundations of tourism geography, focusing on the dialectic between flat ontology and John Searle's vertical ontology. Drawing from contemporary debates in the field, it examines the philosophical underpinnings of tourism geography and their implications for understanding the social and spatial dynamics of tourism. The concept of flat ontology, rooted in posthuman approach, posits an egalitarian view of the world, where both human and nonhuman entities possess equal ontological status. Proponents argue that this perspective provides a holistic understanding of tourism, acknowledging the co-agency of non-human elements such as landscapes, ecosystems, and material culture. In contrast, J. Searle's ontology underscores the significance of human intentionality and social structures in shaping the institutional frameworks and practices of tourism. By engaging with these two ontological frameworks, the article highlights the potential synergies, but also tensions between flat ontology and vertical social ontology within tourism geography.

Tinjauan Literatur Transformasi Sosial dalam Era Virtual

Social transformation in the virtual era has become an increasingly relevant research subject with the expanding penetration of digital technology in human life. Recent literature studies reveal various aspects related to virtual sociology, including the formation of online communities, the role of technology in identity formation, and the impact of social media on culture and public opinion. This research aims to compile a comprehensive literature review on social transformation in the virtual era, identifying current trends, important findings, and recent developments in virtual sociology studies. Additionally, this study aims to investigate the social impacts arising from changes in social interaction and culture in the digital world. Employing a comprehensive literature review approach, this research gathers and evaluates various relevant literary sources, including journal articles, books, research reports, and other information sources related to social transformation in the virtual era. The findings of this research provide a deeper understanding of social dynamics in the virtual era, including the formation of online communities, digital identity, and the role of social media in shaping public opinion. The information obtained from this literature review can serve as a reference for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in addressing challenges and opportunities arising from social changes driven by digital technology. The social transformation in the virtual era plays a significant role in shaping the dynamics of modern society. Studies on virtual sociology offer valuable insights into how digital technology influences human behavior, interaction, and social structures in the virtual world.

A Synopsis of Crimes in the South African Beekeeping Industry: Contextualising the Industry Harms, Malpractices, and Risks

Honeybee species have received widespread attention of late, concerning various threats and criminal activity within the industry. As beekeeping involves human–environment interactions, it is situated at the interface between the human social system and the ecosystem. This is primarily owing to the role of pollination in regulating the ecosystem and its implications for global food security. Seed dispersal is also important for biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability. However, capitalistic economic drivers continue to mismanage natural resources, threatening beekeepers, and honeybee species. This article sheds light on two major issues in the beekeeping industry in South Africa: hive theft and vandalism, and malpractices related to eco-labelled honey. It discusses these as instances of green crimes and provides insights into their implications.

Hperkeystone Humans Social Advancements and Social Hemostasis

According to Dr. Pain (Zoologist, University of Washington University of Washington) the Natural force behind Heathy ecosystems is the Keystone Spices and in Human Social Systems Hperkeystone. A keystone specie has a disproportionately large effect on its natural environment relative to its population size. The Hperkeystone Individual effects the human community also on a large scale in relationship to their physical size and numbers. Additionally, Dr. Paine suggested that not all species in an ecosystem or Social System are NOT created equal. Some species exert strong influence in an ecosystem/social system, while others do not, they are the “keystone Species, and Hperkeystone individuals”.

Compiling and applying atmospheric resource balance sheet in off-office auditing of leading cadres in China.

Atmospheric resources provide important support for human economic and social systems through their unique ecosystem service functions. Implementing the off-office auditing of atmospheric resources for leading cadres holds great strategic significance for fundamentally solve air pollution problems. Exploring the compilation of an atmospheric resource balance sheet is a necessary pre-step in the implementation of outgoing audits. In this paper, atmospheric resources are innovatively divided into atmospheric capacity resources and atmospheric quality resources from the perspective of the ecosystem service functions of atmospheric resources. The value of atmospheric resource assets is calculated by combining the environmental capacity value method and the environmental loss evaluation method. This study evaluates atmospheric ecological achievements based on the atmospheric resources balance sheet and related accounts as the data carrier and opens up the key "blocking point" of the off-office auditing of atmospheric resources. This paper takes Anhui Province as an example and applies the accounting results of the prepared atmospheric resource balance sheet to evaluate the atmospheric resource ecological achievements of leading cadres from 2016 to 2020. The results clearly reflect the ecological achievements and shortcomings of local leading cadres during their tenure.

Disability Justice and Animal Advocacy in Audrey Schulman’s Theory of Bastards

Audrey Schulman’s speculative fiction Theory of Bastards (2018) juxtaposes the lifestyle of a peaceful, matriarchal community of bonobo apes with a human culture engaged in technological warfare, violence, and environmental destruction, thereby demonstrating the fallacy of assuming the superiority of human social structures. Schulman’s protagonist has experienced since the age of twelve severe and debilitating endometriosis (endo), raising questions about pain, disability, and ableism, suggesting that the human tendency to privilege human social structures and abilities has skewed our perspective regarding our evolutionary advantage. Drawing from Sunaura Taylor’s Beasts of Burden (2017), the article argues that the novel presents the interdependency of humans and nonhumans as key to the long-term survival of humankind by demonstrating the necessity of diverse mental and physical abilities across species.

Domestication and the evolution of crops: variable syndromes, complex genetic architectures, and ecological entanglements.

Domestication can be considered a specialized mutualism in which a domesticator exerts control over the reproduction or propagation (fitness) of a domesticated species to gain resources or services. The evolution of crops by human-associated selection provides a powerful set of models to study recent evolutionary adaptations and their genetic bases. Moreover, the domestication and dispersal of crops such as rice, maize, and wheat during the Holocene transformed human social and political organization by serving as the key mechanism by which human societies fed themselves. Here we review major themes and identify emerging questions in three fundamental areas of crop domestication research: domestication phenotypes and syndromes, genetic architecture underlying crop evolution, and the ecology of domestication. Current insights on the domestication syndrome in crops largely come from research on cereal crops such as rice and maize, and recent work indicates distinct domestication phenotypes can arise from different domestication histories. While early studies on the genetics of domestication often identified single large-effect loci underlying major domestication traits, emerging evidence supports polygenic bases for many canonical traits such as shattering and plant architecture. Adaptation in human-constructed environments also influenced ecological traits in domesticates such as resource acquisition rates and interactions with other organisms such as root mycorrhizal fungi and pollinators. Understanding the ecological context of domestication will be key to developing resource-efficient crops and implementing more sustainable land management and cultivation practices.

Student Perceptions of Two Preclinical Medical School Exam Feedback Approaches

Background: In medical school, where learning an abundance of information in a short period of time is required, it is necessary that learners receive valuable feedback after summative assessments (i.e., unit exams). First-year medical students at Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) begin their education with a course titled Human Structure (HS), followed by Molecules to Cells and Tissues (MCT). Both courses provided different formats for exam feedback, resulting in anecdotal comments about preference and utility of feedback. This study uses qualitative research methods to examine IUSM-Bloomington students’ perceptions of exam feedback formats with respect to their utility and applicability.
 Methods: Five, second-year IUSM-Bloomington medical students participated in a focus group to discuss their utilization and perceived usefulness of HS and MCT exam feedback. A thematic analysis was used to interpret data from the focus group. This study was deemed exempt by the IU-IRB (19409).
 Results: The thematic analysis revealed that students’ discussions fell into three categories: logistics, utilization, and mentality. These categories were further broken into themes and subthemes, revealing 13 unique codes. Students spent a substantial amount of time discussing logistics of exam feedback. Barriers to utilization of exam feedback included a lack of information provided at the feedback sessions and a lack of time in the schedule available for feedback sessions. Students preferred MCT approach to exam feedback, however they recognized HS course logistics may prevent similar adoption. Students had small suggestions on how to improve feedback in both courses.
 Conclusions/Implications: The data suggest students would benefit from small changes in how first-year medical school courses at IUSM provide exam feedback. Improvements could include extending the time of exam review sessions, incorporating a discussion on commonly missed exam concepts, providing answer explanations for incorrect and correct answers, and transitioning statewide reviews to be campus led.