Community Identity Research Articles

Cultural filters in processing information on COVID vaccines among minoritized groups in London, UK

Abstract Introduction Vaccination coverage among minoritized groups, including migrants, is low in the United Kingdom. Cultural factors are often cited as barriers, yet the broader impact of minoritization on vaccine acceptance remains understudied. We explored the intersection of culture with individual, familial, and systemic factors in shaping trust and perceptions of COVID-19 vaccines in East London, UK. Methods We conducted focus group discussions (n = 6) and interviews (n = 19) with individuals from minoritized backgrounds in East London to elicit their perceptions and experiences of COVID-19 and the vaccination programme. Thematic analysis was used to identify individual, social, and systemic factors influencing the processing of perceived value of information on COVID vaccines. Findings Culture was rarely cited as an explicit barrier to vaccine uptake. Instead, participants’ linked their perceived vulnerability and immunity to COVID-19 with age, sex and health status. Information about COVID vaccines was processed and acted upon in the context of gendered family dynamics and support. Community identity, gatekeepers and social networks further influenced the perceived legitimacy of information received. Some participants voiced how their minoritized status shaped trust/mistrust in the national health system’s and government’s delivery of the COVID-19 information and vaccination campaigns Conclusions Unpacking cultural filters is crucial for addressing vaccine-related information barriers in minoritized groups. Going beyond mere language translation, tailored communication materials should address social enablers and systemic barriers. Further, closer collaboration between community gatekeepers and healthcare professionals to facilitate optimal use of these materials is needed to improve vaccine uptake. Key messages • Culture should not be assumed to be the main factor contributing to non-adherence and non-uptake of public health vaccine. • Vaccine uptake can be improved by healthcare workers and key community gate-keepers working collaboratively with minoritized groups.

Intangible cultural heritage versus tourism: residents’ reactions to temporal overtourism during the Day of the Dead in Mixquic, Mexico

ABSTRACT Globalisation opens small communities and their traditions to temporal overtourism, causing adaptations in the local dynamics. This study investigates responses to overtourism during the Day of the Dead in Mixquic, a semi-rural community located in Mexico City. Employing rapid ethnography, semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and content analysis of social media, it delves into local perceptions and actions regarding temporary overtourism dynamics in a global patrimonialisation context. Results reveal a complex interplay between traditional practices, community resilience, and tourist dynamics. Despite challenges, residents show a positive attitude towards tourists, often incorporating them into ancient traditions while preserving cultural authenticity. Notably, symbolic representations of tradition persist amidst external pressures, showcasing the resilience of community identity. The study underscores the importance of embracing community-centric approaches – observing and considering the community – and innovative tourism strategies to mitigate negative impacts for a better preservation of cultural heritage. By prioritising resident values and needs, tourism can lead to practices that are beneficial to both communities and visitors. Furthermore, the research highlights the importance of observing and listening to local communities.

KELOMPOK MUSIK CV. BINTANG GRUP: MEDIA MERAWAT IDENTITAS ADAT BATAK MELALUI MUSIK DI SOLO RAYA

Migration is an activity that has become a tradition for the Batak people. The migration destinations extend beyond the island, one of which is in the Solo Raya area. The identity of the Batak community remains preserved during migration because their original customs and culture continue to be an integral part of their daily lives. The purpose of this journal is to explore the cultural life of the Batak community and the steps they have taken to preserve their traditional identity through music, specifically through CV. Bintang Group. The research method used in this journal is qualitative, collecting data through observation, interviews, literature studies, and several other methods. The findings indicate that the Batak community, represented by CV. Bintang Group, has successfully preserved their traditional identity through various means. These include teaching Batak music to their children, participat ing in cultural events outside of traditional Batak ceremonies, possessing a complete set of traditional Batak instruments, and being active on social media. The conclusion of this research is that the Batakcommunity has successfully maintained their traditional identity even while living in distant lands.

“I sit here thinking I can do this”—Developing justice‐centered ambitious science teaching identities in professional learning communities

AbstractExplicitly attending to justice in science teaching and learning is long overdue. Here, we examined the professional teacher identity development of 13 science teachers as they collaborated in networked professional learning communities (PLCs) to implement and revise a culture‐setting unit focused on the science of COVID and engaging in collaborative inquiry cycles to identify and refine justice‐centered ambitious science teaching (JuST) practices in classrooms. These JuST practices are conceptualized as a synthesis of justice‐centered pedagogies and ambitious science teaching. To accomplish our research aims, we drew on qualitative methods, where we relied on transcribed video recordings of 21 PLC meetings and three transcribed end‐of‐year focus group interviews of two PLCs (i.e., 13 secondary science teachers, mostly white) across a year‐long period. As a result of our analyses, we identified how professional learning arranged through PLCs, culture‐setting units, and collaborative inquiries supported professional JuST identity development by, among other affordances, providing space for the critical and emotional work of learning to discuss race, affording teachers strategies for getting to know their students and the assets they bring to classrooms, and recognition and positioning of teachers as professionals capable of identifying or developing, refining, and contributing to knowledge about JuST science teaching and learning. Challenges identified included, among others, identifying how the culture‐setting units could be effectively integrated into existing curriculum maps and the uneven implementation support from administrators. In the end, what is revealed helps better conceptualize how engaging teachers in PLCs around tasks like curriculum implementation and refinement or collaborative inquires support professional JuST identity development and how such experiences can be more carefully negotiated.

Heritage Making in Former Socialist Towns in Hungary

AbstractCentral and Eastern European countries generally view their socialist heritage as an unwanted, unpleasant burden. The new identity-building processes after the regime change were initially dominated by efforts to rewrite, suppress, or erase the socialist past, while for Western tourists the consumption of key attractions and sites of the built heritage represents a particular form of heritage tourism through which they can experience a slice of an “exotic” past beyond the Iron Curtain. At the national and local levels, there is a vast dissonance between the material heritage of socialism and the identity and aspirations of post-socialist communities, which is even more evident in the case of newly-built, former socialist towns. Through the example of Tiszaújváros and Dunaújváros, my study primarily examines the institutional strategies chosen by these towns to address their socialist heritage. What principles prevailed in the compilation of the local collection of values? What kind of representation of the past do local museums offer, what role does the ethnographic heritage of the annexed villages play in museum presentation and collection, and how are local/regional traditions integrated into the town's image? Finally, through a specific community of memory, a Facebook page, I examine how the recent past appears in individual and collective – often nostalgic – memory, what values the community associates with the town, and how all these relate to the heritagization practices of the local elite.

Intermediate and secondary school food environment in New Zealand: Food and drink menu assessment.

Nutrition-related obesity is rising among adolescents in New Zealand with an estimated one in eight children being obese. The school environment is an ideal community setting for encouraging a healthy lifestyle as schools contain a diverse population and involve students and parents. However, the healthiness of food available to intermediate and secondary school students (Years 7-13) is unknown. This study assessed how food and drink menus from schools align with policy guidelines for healthy school food environments. A convenience sample of NZ schools' (years 7-13; ages 10-19) menus was collected in 2020. Menus were classified using traffic light criteria. A toolkit was developed by three nutritionists and one dietitian (with trained staff support) to aid with menu classification. Menu quality was evaluated against school characteristics and policy use. Of the school menus assessed (n = 60), 3.3% met the recommendation for the provision of 75% 'green' items. 'Red' items were the main contributors (mean = 53.6%). Schools with high socio-economic status (deciles 8-10; 14.3%; p < 0.05) and small school size (<749 students; 14.1%; p < 0.025) were associated with a higher proportion of 'green' items. Community (19.3%) and in-house (25.9%) food providers provided a lower percentage of 'amber' items than school providers (39.3%; p < 0.001). In-house providers (64.6%) had a greater percentage of 'red' items than school providers (48.2%; p = 0.017). Food available in schools (Years 7-13) tends to be unhealthy. A national nutrition policy could improve the school food environment, especially in schools with large populations and low socio-economic status. SO WHAT?: School demographics have been associated with menu quality but further research within these schools is needed to identify the gaps to improve equitable outcomes within school food environments.

Balancing Identity and Liberty: A Comprehensive Analysis of Liberal Nationalism

Nationalism studies examine political and cultural nationalism as fundamental frameworks for understanding nation-building and identity formation. Political nationalism emphasizes the importance of sovereignty, self-determination and governance structures that support these principles. In contrast, cultural nationalism focuses on preserving and promoting shared heritage, language and traditions that define a community's distinctive identity. Liberal nationalism, on the other hand, seeks to balance collective identity with the protection of individual rights and freedoms and seeks to harmonize these elements in a democratic context. Leading thinkers such as Yael Tamir, David Miller and Will Kymlicka have engaged in rigorous debates about the merits and challenges of liberal nationalism. These thinkers address the complexities and tensions that arise in different and pluralistic contexts regarding liberal nationalism and explore its potential to promote inclusive and harmonious societies. One critical debate focuses on the applicability of liberal nationalism, particularly in societies with significant ethnic, cultural and religious diversity. This article aims to fill an important gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of liberal nationalism. It compares this ideology with other forms of nationalism, such as ethnic and civic nationalism, providing a nuanced understanding of its distinct features and potential benefits. The article also assesses the applicability of liberal nationalism through literature reviews. By examining the theoretical foundations and practical implications of liberal nationalism, this study offers a perspective on its role in contemporary democracies. It highlights how liberal nationalism can be a viable framework for nation-building that respects collective identity and individual rights and offers a balanced approach to governance in increasingly diverse societies.

“Can Corpses Undie?” Traces of Rothberg’s Trauma Model in Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé’s Ace of Spades

Interdisciplinary studies in memory have become more relevant since the turn of the twentieth century with scholars giving their divergent views. That way, personal and collective memories have been explored vis-à-vis communal identities. How tragic/traumatic events affect personal and collective memories remains the concern of trauma theory which has critically investigated both the personal and intergenerational traumas of victims of injustice. One major contribution of Michael Rothberg to collective memory is his advancement of solidarity between group victims of diverse cultures, nationalities, races, and identities in order to create a more peaceful world to live in. This paper purports that Rothberg’s multidirectional memory and theory of implication are useful theoretical tools for analysing Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé’s Young Adult novel, Ace of Spades (2021). The paper, therefore, indicates how diverse sites of trauma in the author’s world synergise with those of the protagonists. Also, the paper notably identifies some white characters in Ace of Spades as implicated subjects of racism and white supremacy. On the whole, the premise of this paper is that the new media can serve as a convenient site of thoughtful convergence for different victim groups to devise a means of dismantling long-existing regimes of oppression and injustice.

PSYCHOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF THE MASS CONSCIOUSNESS OF PEASANTS DURING PUGACHEV’S REBELLION

The article describes the prerequisites, factors and characteristics of mass consciousness of peasants during the years of Pugachev’s Rebellion (1773-1775). The analysis is carried out on the basis of the model of the functional system of the psyche, differentiation-integration theory of development, social constructivism, psychological- historical and intellectual-historical reconstruction. The peasant rebellion is considered as a result of the functioning of mass consciousness of this social group under the influence of historical, political and economic factors. It is shown that the peasant consciousness was based on communal identity, and its inherent values of stability and tradition were in conflict with the innovative values of secularism and rationalism that had entered Russia since the times of Peter the Great’s reforms. The inconsistency of the authorities’ actions with the needs of the population led to the emergence of social problems and determined behavioural activity in the form of riots.

Analisis Teologi Sosial Dalam Pemertahanan Identitas Kultural Kesamen Masyarakat Hindu Di Desa Sembiran Buleleng

Kesamen, as a local wisdom passed down through generations, is preserved and maintained by the Sembiran community as a core part of their identity. From a social theology perspective, Kesamen represents efforts to uphold ancestral values that emphasize equality and unite the community in a socio-religious framework, while also preventing conflicts of interest. This study aims to examine the Kesamen system in the Sembiran community through the lens of social theology, particularly as a form of cultural identity preservation. The research uses a qualitative approach with data collection methods including observation, interviews, literature studies, and documentation. The findings show that Kesamen values align with the concept of social theology, reflected in daily practices such as Tri Hita Karana, Karma Phala, Tat Twam Asi, and Menyama Braya. Sembiran village is known for its rich traditions and culture, with moral values integrated into various aspects of social life, from individual relationships to community interactions. The preservation of Kesamen holds significant meaning, especially in maintaining religious values, fostering togetherness, ensuring social and cultural sustainability, and stabilizing society. In conclusion, Kesamen plays an essential role in strengthening social cohesion, preserving the cultural identity of the Sembiran community, and resisting external cultural domination. These values also boost the community's confidence in safeguarding their identity and solidarity.

From soldiers to vigilantes: the Catholic Ex-Servicemen’s Association in Northern Ireland on the brink of civil war

ABSTRACT This article assesses the importance of an often-ignored vigilante group; the Catholic Ex-Servicemen’s Association. 1969 saw the mobilisation of Irish Catholics in Northern Ireland who had served in the British Army as part of ad-hoc vigilante groups defending nationalist areas. These groups protected Catholic neighbourhoods from loyalist assault and from incursion by the security forces who were increasingly seen as a hostile force. In 1971, this ex-service personnel formed an all-Ireland organisation: the Catholic Ex-Servicemen’s Association. At their peak in the early 1970s, they claimed a membership of 17,000 and an ability to mobilise a further 20,000 in a ‘doomsday scenario’. CESA’s prominence waned by the late 1970s. CESA has received very little academic attention. This article aims to ameliorate that, supplementing the scant secondary literature with newspaper and archival material to account for the emergence of the Catholic Ex-Servicemen’s Association, analysing their importance in shaping the trajectory of the Troubles and saying something of the complexities of identity in the nationalist community in the early period of the conflict.

From Exile to Integration: Immigration Patterns and Cultural Identity of Chinese and Jewish Communities in the United States

The Chinese immigration experience began in the mid-19th century, driven by economic opportunities and marked by significant challenges. In contrast, Jewish immigration, primarily occurring in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was driven by severe religious and racial persecution in Europe. Jewish immigrants sought refuge from violence and the Holocaust, finding a relatively open environment in the U.S. to maintain their religious and cultural traditions. This paper examines the immigration patterns and cultural identities of the Chinese and Jewish communities in the United States, highlighting their distinct historical backgrounds and experiences. This study applies theoretical frameworks from sociology and anthropology, including Everett Lee’s “Push-Pull Theory,” Stuart Hall’s cultural identity theory, and Anthony Giddens’ theory of modernity, to analyze how these communities’ immigration patterns have influenced their cultural identities. The study compares the Chinese community’s economic-driven integration and the Jewish community’s diverse approach to cultural preservation. The findings provide insights into the complexities of cultural identity within the U.S. multicultural landscape and highlight the varied strategies adopted by different immigrant groups. Limitations of this study include its focus on Chinese and Jewish communities, which may not fully represent other immigrant experiences. Future research should consider a broader range of immigrant groups to enhance understanding of cultural integration and identity.

An agile city? Tactical urbanism and responses to protracted displacement in the City of Amman, Jordan

This study seeks to understand the working dynamics through which Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) responds to the challenges of protracted displacement in the city, focusing particularly on the concept of “tactical urbanism” (TU) as a tool and framework. This could be broadly useful to key actors in reconsidering response strategies, strengthening the role of local administrations. The research adopted a qualitative data collection and analysis framework via participatory forums and key informant interviews, steered by guiding research questions. Findings reveal the presence of interconnected multi-scale limitations, opportunities and roles that determine GAM’s response towards displacement and constrain its ability to act within a comprehensive planning rationale. Instead, GAM is driven towards TU as an alternative approach that mitigates these determinants and offers a means for more responsive, constructive action. It is argued that TU affords a more agile response towards displacement, enhancing community engagement, innovation, resilience and identity.

Brownfields to Healthfields: A Retrospective Ripple Effect Mapping Evaluation in Three Rural Communities

The environments in which we live influence our health behaviors and outcomes. The redevelopment of brownfields sites to health-promoting land uses may provide an array of benefits to individuals and communities, but these impacts can be particularly difficult to assess in rural communities using traditional evaluation approaches. Using Ripple Effects Mapping, we evaluated three rural brownfields redevelopment sites across Appalachian portions of EPA Region 3. Adult members of these communities participated in guided reflection on the redevelopment and subsequent impacts. Data were constructed as digital mind maps, then coded to the Community Capitals Framework by two authors coding independently. Member checking was conducted with representative workshop participants. Commonly cited impacts were site improvements, facilitation of social and physical activity, and engaging community identity. The most discussed community capitals were social and built; the least discussed capitals were natural and political. Future directions for brownfield redevelopment evaluation are discussed.

진주지역 다실(茶室)과 차인회 고찰 - 문화자본 이론을 중심으로

This study explores the multifaceted value of tea culture in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do, with a focus on its revitalization in contemporary society. By applying cultural capital theory, this research illustrates that tea rooms and tea societies not only serve as custodians of tradition but also play a pivotal role in reinforcing cultural heritage, social cohesion, and communal identity within local contexts. Furthermore, the study underscores the growing significance of tea rooms as wellness spaces in the post-pandemic era, suggesting that traditional tea culture holds considerable potential as a cultural and economic asset in modern society. The findings highlight the strategic potential of integrating tea culture into regional tourism initiatives, thereby contributing to local economic revitalization and the sustainability of cultural practices, while providing new perspectives on the contemporary application and preservation of traditional culture.

Social Construction of All-Russian Identity in the North Caucasus: Status and Prospects

Introduction. The relevance of the issues under study, which is due to the need to strengthen the all-Russian identity in the multi-ethnic North Caucasian community in the context of a sharp aggravation of geopolitical contradictions. The purpose of the article is formulated – on the basis of empirical material, to determine the specifics of the manifestation of macrosocial identity in the life of the population of the North Caucasus Federal District and to identify opportunities for further construction of an all-Russian identity in the North Caucasus region. Materials and methods. The section identifies the sources of the empirical base of all subjects of the Russian Federation that form the North Caucasus Federal District, the main of which are regional regulatory legal acts, scientific articles in journals that are freely available in the RSCI, and expert opinion obtained during an expert survey. The use of methodical triangulation (content analysis, discourse analysis and semi-structured expert interviews) made it possible to highlight different aspects of the process of forming a macrosocial identity, making the research picture more voluminous and complete. The heuristic value of the results obtained through this triangulation was manifested in clarifying the structure of the macrosocial identity of the North Caucasian society and fixing the priority of ethnic and partially religious identities. Results. It is substantiated that for studying the problems of constructing an all-Russian identity in the subjects of the federation that are part of the North Caucasus Federal District, the most optimal is the analytical model of identity proposed by M.V. Nazukina and includes three main levels of identity policy implementation on a regional scale: normative, narrative-mythological and symbolic. The current stage of the formation of macrosocial identity in the North Caucasus is characterized at all three levels by a certain priority of ethnic identity, which is enhanced by confessional identity. Discussion and Сonclusion. Based on the results of scientific analysis, it was concluded that a relative balance has developed in the North Caucasus between the all-Russian and ethnic components of macrosocial identity with a partial predominance of ethno-confessional. Analytical material may be of interest to scientific teams studying the problems of humanitarian security in the North Caucasus; structures interested in strengthening ethnopolitical unity in the region on the basis of all-Russian values. The main results and conclusions of the work can be useful for the media, various cultural and educational institutions in organizing and conducting educational work among the population of the region, including youth.

Collective Identity and Ethical Dilemmas Among College Students in Chinese Anonymous Online Communities: Sensory Stimulation and Media Effects of Online Exposure Discourse

This paper explores the dynamics of viral social media exposure posts within anonymous online communities in China, specifically concentrating on college students. Based on theories of effervescence and collective frenzy, this research probes into the emotional triggers and functions of group polarization and social identity reconstruction in the digital sphere. Adopting a mixed-methods approach that integrates semi-structured interviews and surveys, it evaluates participants' interactions with online exposure. The anticipated findings are expected to shed light on how factors like group identity, anonymity, and virality cultivate a carnival-like ambiance in social media exposure. These posts function as instruments for mobilization, provide support for social and political causes, and act as platforms for community building and identity formation. They also offer psychological and emotional outlets, aiding users in processing and expressing personal and societal grievances. The paper aims to deepen people's understanding of how digital interactions influence collective identities and social behaviors.

Ain’t I a Woman? A Look at the Beauty of Blackness Amid the Internalized Body Politic of Genteel Whiteness

Ain’t I a Woman? This question was raised by activist and self-emancipated former slavewoman Sojourner Truth, who validly questioned the body politic of identity when contextualized to perceptions of female personhood. Essentially, what Truth challenged were presumptions about the standards set to revere female bodies through markers of genteel Whiteness, while the worth of embodied Blackness, precisely the beauty of Black women, is reviled. In this article, I seek to raise awareness about factors of patriarchy and societal ramifications. Patriarchy is a systematized phenomenology of norms privileging the male gaze. The White male gaze, particularly in strongholds of power, influences the body politic of communal identity. Black women tend to lean on their faith to embody strength, yet patriarchy also encumbers the gendered body politic in religious spheres. As a womanist scholar, my analysis considers the intricate roles that patriarchy holds in the cultural production of a genteel, pretty woman image, wherein the aura of Whiteness grounds a body politic that deems Blackness as other. Despite the influences of prevailing macrosystems, I propose a theoethic of self-love to push against negatively biased identity boundaries by affirming ways to embrace Black beauty with a subversive imperative to love oneself regardless.

Religious Unification, Regional Divergence: Exploring Multifaceted Linguistic Practices and Identities among the Israeli Druze and the Druze Community in the Golan Heights

This study delves into a comparative analysis of language and identity within two distinct Druze communities: those residing in the Golan Heights, who transitioned from Syrian to Israeli governance post the 1967 War, and their counterparts within Israel proper. Both communities find themselves situated as 'sandwiched' communities, with the Golan Druze caught between Israeli and Syrian nationalisms and the Israeli Druze positioned amid the dynamics of Israel and the Arabs. Given the fluid nature of collective identities, which are subject to continuous shaping by sociopolitical influences within and beyond state boundaries, this study focuses on two pivotal political debates in each community during the fieldwork period. The Israeli Druze community is primarily concerned with the Israeli-Nation State law controversy. Meanwhile, the Golan Heights Druze community is grappling with the intensifying and widely publicized speculation regarding secret negotiations between Assad's regime and Israel, which suggests that the Golan was sold to Israel rather than being a result of a 'lost war.' This study explores how these debates gradually shape the collective identities of the respective communities. The research illuminates how navigating between opposing forces leads to the emergence of novel national identities and linguistic variations within these 'sandwiched' contexts.

The politics of platform folklore: Emotion, identity, and sense-making in far-right populist Twitter communities

Platforms are increasingly part of everyday life, but they remain opaque and impenetrable spaces for most users. To manage life on platforms, users thus need to engage with sense-making practices that help them understand and navigate online spaces. This paper studies how far-right populist activists interpret and navigate their presence on Twitter, using the concept of platform folklore, that is, unofficial and collective narratives aimed at relieving feelings of uncertainty associated with the opacity of platforms. The data consists of 20 life-history interviews with Swedish and American Twitter activists from right-wing populist communities, who all participated in populist Twitter debates. The analysis shows how platform folklore is constructed not only based on observations of content moderation, as emphasized in previous research, but also in correspondence with the political ideology and identities of the activists. This led them to interpret Twitter as a leftist organization that disfavored them, which stopped them from developing strategies to reach the goals they held as central to their Twitter activism. The paper concludes by discussing the role of emotions and ideology in platform folklore within political communities and suggesting directions for future research.