Intersection Of Culture Research Articles

A Holistic Approach to Early Relational Health: Cultivating Culture, Diversity, and Equity.

Early Relational Health (ERH) is the foundation for infant and child emotional and social wellbeing. ERH is a quality of relationships co-created by infants, caregivers, and other members of their families and communities from pregnancy through childhood. Relationships themselves are not ERH; rather, ERH can be a feature of relationships. Those that are characterized by positive, shared emotionality become contexts within which members co-develop mutual capacities that enable them to prevail and flourish. This essay offers a synthesis of current knowledge about ERH in the US and begins to integrate Indigenous and non-Indigenous research and knowledge about ERH in the hope that readers will embrace "Etuaptmumk"-"Two-Eyed Seeing". The authors maintain that systems of care for infants, families, and their communities must first and foremost attend to revitalization, cultural context, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Authors discuss key concepts in ERH; Indigenous and non-Indigenous research that inform ERH; structural and systemic factors in the US that affect ERH ecosystems; the critical intersections of culture, diversity, equity; the broader concept of village support for fostering ERH; and efforts to revitalize ERH discourse, practices, and policies. The authors advocate for a holistic approach to ERH and suggest future directions for research and advocacy.

Culturally Diverse Students' Perspectives on Sexual Violence Policies: Recommendations for Culturally Sensitive Approaches to Prevention in Higher Education.

Culturally sensitive approaches in sexual violence prevention (SVP) refer to the proactive measures and strategies designed to address unique cultural circumstances impacting SVP. It focuses on fostering a culture of consent, respect, and equity and creating a safe and supportive environment for all individuals regardless of your identity. Increasing cultural diversity on university campuses poses unique challenges in preventing sexual violence (SV). Cultural diversity brings different perspectives, norms, and values regarding sex, sexuality, and gender roles. It can contribute to varying understandings of consent, differing attitudes toward SV, and diverse victimization experiences. These differences can create barriers to effectively addressing and preventing SV. The multiphase Culture and Perspectives on Sexual Assault Policy study, conducted at four universities in Eastern Canada, employed a qualitative research design involving focus groups with culturally diverse student participants. The findings revealed a strong desire for more education on sex, sexuality, SVP, and the intersections of culture. Additionally, the findings emphasize the importance of education and comprehensive prevention efforts that consider cultural differences, challenge gender normativity, debunk rape myths, and address the shame and secrecy associated with experiencing SV. These insights have significant implications for promoting a sense of community ownership, increasing the effectiveness and sustainability of prevention efforts, and helping to create a campus environment where all students feel safe, supported, and valued.

IJCH – COVID-19 in the Arctic: special issue

ABSTRACT The Circumpolar region, comprising the Arctic territories encircling the North Pole, is home to diverse Indigenous cultures facing unique socio-economic challenges. Indigenous communities such as the Inuit, Sámi, Athabaskan, Gwitchin, and Russian Arctic groups exhibit rich traditions and adaptive practices tied to their environments. Environmental diversity, from icy tundra to boreal forests, influences livelihoods and biodiversity, while significant socio-economic disparities persist, impacting access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. Against this backdrop, the global COVID-19 pandemic accentuated the intersection of environment, culture, and health in remote Arctic regions, presenting distinct challenges and opportunities. Initiated by a collaborative research project led by Fulbright Arctic Initiative Alumni, this special issue of the International Journal of Circumpolar Health explores the impacts of COVID-19 on Arctic Indigenous and rural communities. Building on previous work and recommendations, the issue features community case studies, highlighting community experiences and collaborative approaches to understand and address the pandemic’s effects. The authors highlight both positive and negative societal outcomes, presenting community-driven models and evidence-based practices to inform pan-Arctic collaboration and decision-making in public health emergencies. Through sharing these insights, the special issue aims to privilege local and Indigenous knowledge systems, elevates community responses to complex and multifaceted challenges, and contributes to the evidence base on global pandemic response.

Living with dementia: Exploring the intersections of culture, race, and dementia, stigma.

Research documents the presence of stigma and discrimination as key components in the lived experience of dementia. However, to date, there is limited understanding regarding how social location, particularly as it relates to culture and race, may shape this experience of stigma and discrimination. In this qualitative exploratory study, personal interviews were held with ten Chinese Canadians living with dementia focused on better understanding how culture, race, and dementia stigma influence their experiences. From the onset, themes related to stigma and discrimination were woven into the participants' stories about living with dementia. Consistent with other research, all participants described an increased sense of vulnerability and invisibility related to how both they and others responded to their diagnosis of dementia. Participants also provided examples of how this experience of stigma was compounded by culture, race, and immigration status. Importantly, these acts of stigma and discrimination were both externally and internally imposed, resulting in feelings of lack of safety and insecurity. This research draws attention to the increased vulnerability that accompanies a diagnosis of dementia and illustrates how this may be heightened by one's culture and racism.

Cultural Intersections in the Late Fifteenth-Century Song Practices of the Italian South

Cultural Intersections in the Late Fifteenth-Century Song Practices of the Italian South

Identity development in multicultural context: Multidimensional self exploration approaches employed by Modern Orthodox women

The aim of this study is to examine identity development of Modern Orthodox women as they pursue their studies within a multicultural and multi-faith environment. Content analysis was used to analyze the final papers of undergraduate religious female students in Israel (N = 47) who participated in a semester-long dialogue course for Jewish students. The findings revealed three salient themes, suggesting that women's self-exploration developed noticeably within a rich multicultural context: (a) participants engaged in self-reflection by drawing comparisons between themselves and Arab students, leading to an exploration of their religious beliefs and group affiliations; (b) participants embraced their individuality within a multicultural context while balancing their religious duties; and (c) participants critically examined the status of Orthodox women in society, particularly within the family context. These findings highlight the process of identity exploration among Modern Orthodox women, complicated by intersections of religion, gender, and culture. In doing so, this study contributes to the understanding of identity development in multicultural societies.

Cross-cultural Narrative in Romantic Comedy by Chinese-American Director -- Take the Case of 'The Half of It'

Chinese-American groups have always existed as "marginalized" in the Western cultural context, and this article uses the romantic comedy "The half of it" as the research object to explore its cross-cultural narrative strategy. With the dual cultural identity of director Alice Wu as the entry point, the film narrative space is divided into three parts of family life, campus life and table tennis platform as a cross-cultural intersection of Chinese and Western culture, focusing on the film's character image design and the cultural phenomena behind the film, from Audio-visual design, plot structure and value connotation of three aspects to assist intercultural narrative of the film, explore the background of the cultural differences between China and West. The focus on the marginal groups highlights humanistic care, directs implicit, humorous narrative technique, so that the film shows more inclusive and provides ideas for the cross-cultural narrative of Chinese-American films.

INFLUENCERS, HASHTAGS AND CAMPAIGNS: THE ROLE OF INSTAGRAM IN ADVANCING MALE BODY POSITIVITY

This research paper investigates the role of social media in shaping and advancing the male body positivity movement. The male body positivity movement has recently gained significant traction, challenging traditional masculinity norms and promoting body acceptance among men. Research indicates that men, like women, experience body dissatisfaction, although they often remain silent about it due to societal expectations that frame body image concerns as predominantly a female issue. Social media platforms, especially Instagram, offer men a space to discuss these concerns, share their experiences and build supportive communities. Given that India has the highest number of Instagram users globally, it is important to examine how male body positivity is represented and perceived on Instagram. With a focus on the intersection of digital culture and body image activism, this study examines how online platforms such as Instagram contribute to the dissemination of body-positive messages and the promotion of diverse representations of masculinity in the international and Indian spheres. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the paper analyses user-generated content created by Instagram influencers, body positive movements and hashtags as well as focus group discussions of users from India. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of contemporary discourses surrounding masculinity, body image and digital activism. The study concludes that while social media can reinforce harmful body image ideals, it also has the potential to promote body positivity and self-acceptance.

Realizing Participation Rights of Minority Youth in Conflicted Societies: The Case of Councils Integrating Jewish and Palestinian-Arab Youth in Israel

This study explored the intersection of participation rights, politics, and culture in youth councils operating in a polarized socio-political climate. It drew on the case of youth councils integrating Jewish and Palestinian-Arab youth in Israel. Based on interviews with youth council members, adult leaders, and Ministry of Education officials, the findings portray the interrelated political, lingual, and cultural barriers hindering the participation of Palestinian-Arab youth. These barriers were embedded in top-down activities, practices, and structures, unintendedly importing unequal power relations into the councils. We argue that realizing participation rights in youth councils operating in diverse and conflicted societies requires adapting the councils to their participants, their locality, and the circumstances. These adaptations should acknowledge that youth participation is a multidimensional concept whose implementation is contextual, rely on a willingness to relinquish the common one-size-fits-all model of youth councils and aim to create participation spaces that challenge inequalities and social friction.

Intersections in the digital society: cancel culture, fake news, and contemporary public discourse.

This article critically examines the intricate relationship between cancel culture and fake news, shedding light on their collective impact on current societies. The changing social landscape, marked by the transition from the "network society" to the "platform society," has given rise to unprecedented phenomena such as cancel culture. Rooted in social media complaints, cancel culture intersects with the dissemination of intentionally created false information, forming a complex web of dynamics. The study explores the multifaceted nature of cancel culture, its unintended consequences and the nuanced definitions surrounding it. The synthesis of erasure culture and fake news prompts critical reflections on the democratization of information, the protection of fundamental rights, and the potential risks to democracies of an unbridled online narrative. As digital networks continue to play a central role in everyday life, understanding and addressing these challenges is essential to maintaining a balanced discourse that upholds democratic values.

Impact of Globalization on Post-Millennial Literatures in English Since 2000

Globalization, as a slowly spreading risk factor, covers almost the whole country with its full force. Literature and literary studies have evolved into a space for the evocation, promotion and interpretation of various social, political, literary and cultural ideas in the world of globalization. Indian Literature after Independence of India has seen some significant changes. Today, the younger generation in the country are searching for a new identity and they are at the intersection of Individuality, Culture and Society. In the world of literature, the call-center generation sees itself as India’s cultural commissars, projecting India as a land of illumination and emancipation. The major Samson of the youth lies in the power of the youth through the unlimited consumption of natural and human resources. The novels of the millennium assist us in dispelling the myth that contemporary writing is only for the light entertainment of the younger generations.

Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCAs) in combatting anti-Black racism and reducing recidivism

The Gladue report, named after R. v. Gladue, is a landmark Supreme Court of Canada case which emphasizes the need to consider unique circumstances faced by Indigenous individuals when determining appropriate sentences. Given the overrepresentation of Black identities at all levels in the justice system, it is argued that the use of pre-sentencing reports referred to as Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCAs), also needs to be comprehensively implemented for Black offenders in Canada. IRCAs are pre-sentencing reports that help sentencing judges better understand the effect of poverty, marginalization, racism, and social exclusion on the offender and their life experiences, and how those factors inform the circumstances of the offender, the offence committed, and the offender’s experience with the justice system. This is significant as it goes beyond a one-size-fits-all punitive justice system that has been ineffective in reducing recidivism. By recognizing the intersections of race, culture, and justice, IRCAs enable judges to make more informed decisions contributing to an equitable consequence for the accused. More importantly, we argue that the insights from IRCAs should be used to connect offenders with culturally reflective wraparound social services upon return into the community to address the root causes in areas of employment, education, and housing that gravitate people towards criminality. By acknowledging historical and systemic biases and tailoring supports to individual identities, life experiences, and community conditions, IRCAs have the potential to transform the criminal justice system through promotion of alternatives to custody that correlates with reductions in recidivism.

Indigenous Games as a Catalyst for Sport Tourism Development in South Africa

This preliminary study seeks to investigate the role of indigenous games as catalysts for sport tourism development in South Africa. By employing a mixed-methods approach, qualitative data will be gathered through in-depth interviews with key informants, including government officials responsible for cultural affairs, organizers of indigenous games, and various stakeholder groups. Quantitative data on its part will be sourced from residents in host communities and from event participants and spectators. By examining multi-stakeholder perspectives on the phenomenon, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how indigenous games can be utilised as tools for sport tourism development in South Africa. The anticipated outcomes of the study include insights into the ways indigenous games can enhance South Africa's appeal as a sport tourism destination. Understanding key stakeholders’ perspectives regarding indigenous games could reveal the potential areas of leveraging indigenous games for sport tourism. The implications of this research could be far-reaching, offering guidance to policymakers, tourism boards, and cultural organisations involved in their hosting. By recognizing the value of indigenous games in the broader context of sport tourism, stakeholders could develop strategies to promote sustainable tourism practices, preserve cultural heritage, and foster inclusive economic growth. This study's outcomes should contribute to the ongoing discourse on the intersection of culture, sports, and tourism, emphasising the importance of indigenous games as a unique and underexplored asset in South Africa's sport tourism landscape. Ultimately, the findings could inform initiatives that capitalise on the synergies between cultural heritage and tourism for the benefit of both local communities and the broader South African economy.

The Intersection of Gender, Culture, and Metacognitive Reading Strategies in Iranian EFL Education: A Mixed-Methods Analysis in Pursuit of Inclusion and Equity

In English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education, metacognitive reading strategies (MRS) play a crucial role in learners' reading comprehension. This mixed-methods study investigated MRS among 178 Iranian EFL learners, focusing on gender and sociocultural dimensions. Utilizing an explanatory sequential design, participants—116 females and 62 males—were randomly sampled from two universities in Neyshabur, Iran. For the quantitative phase, a descriptive-correlational design using the Survey of Reading Strategies (SORS) and the TOEFL iBT reading section was employed. Descriptive analysis revealed nuanced differences in the use of MRS among Iranian EFL learners across genders, with an overall higher application by females (M = 3.61) compared to males (M = 3.44). In Support Reading Strategies, females demonstrated a higher application of strategies (M = 3.87) compared to males (M = 3.68). For Problem-Solving Strategies, female learners exhibited more frequent usage (M = 3.72) than their male counterparts (M = 3.46). Additionally, in Global Reading Strategies, there is a slight gender differential, with females showing a higher average score (M = 3.37) as opposed to males (M = 3.26). Independent samples t-tests revealed gender-specific differences in the overall MRS application, particularly in the subcategories of support and problem-solving strategies (p < .05), favoring females. In the qualitative phase, 12 participants were purposively sampled for semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis identified gender disparities exacerbated particularly by implicit teacher biases and sociocultural factors. These qualitative results corroborated and enriched the quantitative data, especially regarding gender-specific variations in MRS usage.

Exploring the Intersection of Aquaponics and Ornamental Fish Culture in Italy’s Aquaculture Evolution: A Review of Innovative Integration

The global imperative for sustainable food production has ignited a surge in interest and creativity at the nexus of aquaculture and agriculture. Italy, renowned for its historical embrace of aquaculture, has become a focal point for innovation through the fusion of aquaponics and ornamental fish farming. This review extensively explores Italy’s dynamic aquaponics landscape, with a specific spotlight on the integration of ornamental fish into closed-loop systems. The study delves into the intricate relationship between fish culture and plant development within aquaponic systems, presenting a comprehensive approach to nutrient recycling in the realm of sustainable agriculture. This symbiotic interaction not only enhances resource efficiency but also provides a pragmatic means to counter the environmental drawbacks associated with conventional aquaculture methods. Furthermore, the review assesses the financial ramifications of incorporating decorative fish species into aquaponic systems, shedding light on the economic viability of this innovative approach. Based on a careful review of 27 research articles about the integration of aquaponics and ornamental fish culture in Europe, specifically in Italy, as well as 20 articles about aquaponics with edible fish, two about perspectives on hydroponics, and five about the integration of aquaponics and ornamental fish culture perspectives in Europe, Asia, and other regions, the study clarifies the efforts of Italian farmers. This review seeks to contribute to the ongoing success of this creative integration by synthesizing current knowledge and outlining critical avenues for future research.

Sociolinguistic Analysis of TED Talk “We Should All Be Feminists”: A Feministic Perspective

This research paper examines the complex interplay between language, feminism and social expectations through the sociolinguistic analysis of “TED talk ‘We Should All Be Feminists’ by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie,” taken as a sample. The dialogues used in the talk were transcribed. The study explores the use of the Nigerian English dialect in Adichie’s talk, highlighting its cultural authenticity and the effect of language on propagating feminist ideals. Through descriptive and qualitative methodology, the study challenges conventional gender norms expressed in the speech, shedding light on social variables such as language use, culture, power dynamics and gender inequality. Besides this, the paper focuses on reshaping social expectations and abandoning gender discrimination. It contributes significant insights into gender studies and linguistics, underscoring the vitality of language in social progress and in shaping feminist discourse. Hence, comprehending the power of language to shape perspectives enables one to foster inclusivity and challenge biases. Therefore, this study is crucial for advocating social change and empowering individuals to reshape and challenge entrenched gender norms. Overall, this research highlights universal issues of social justice and gender stereotypes. It ensures solidarity in the struggle for gender equality globally by examining the intersection of feminism, language and culture.

Intercultural Communicative Competence in English Teaching and Learning for Islamic Universities: Students Perceptions and Expectations

This research delves into the realm of intercultural communicative competence within the context of English teaching and learning, specifically focusing on Islamic universities. The study centers on the perceptions and expectations of students regarding this competence. By exploring the intersection of language, culture, and education, the research aims to provide insights into how students enrolled in Islamic universities conceptualize intercultural communicative competence as part of their English language education. Through a qualitative approach, the study analyzes students' perspectives from three Islamic universities to uncover their attitudes, beliefs, and anticipated outcomes related to intercultural communication in an academic setting. The findings hold implications for curriculum development, pedagogical approaches, and the enhancement of cross-cultural understanding within English language programs at Islamic universities.

Shattering the ceiling: exploring culture and religion’s impact on female empowerment in the Nigerian hospitality industry

PurposeThis study addresses the persistent impact of patriarchal societal structures on women’s empowerment in Nigeria, where social power, political authority and autonomy continue to elude them. Despite advancements made by women in workplaces worldwide, gender inequalities prevail, particularly in the Nigerian hotel industry. Existing qualitative evidence on the intersection of gender, culture and religion in shaping gender diversity and career progression within this industry remains limited. To address this gap, this study employs intersectionality and hegemonic masculinity frameworks to explore the influence of local cultures, religion and gender practices on gender imbalances in three distinct cultural settings in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachDrawing from in-depth interviews with 38 hotel workers, this research provides original insights into their lived experiences, offering a deeper understanding of the narratives underlying gender inequality statistics. By delving beyond surface-level observations, this study uncovers the multifaceted dynamics that perpetuate gender imbalances. By examining the interplay between gender, culture and religion, this research contributes to a nuanced comprehension of the factors that shape career trajectories in the Nigerian hotel industry.FindingsThe findings of this study reveal the enduring influence of patriarchal societal structures, highlighting the challenges faced by women in accessing social power, political authority and autonomy. By extending intersectionality and hegemonic masculinity approaches, this research unveils the intricate stories that illustrate the underlying complexities of gender imbalances. In doing so, it fills critical gaps in the qualitative evidence surrounding gender diversity and career progression in the Nigerian hotel industry.Originality/valueThis study is original in its comprehensive examination of the intersection of gender, culture and religion in the Nigerian hotel industry. It offers unique insights by conducting in-depth interviews with 38 hotel workers, unravelling the underlying factors contributing to gender imbalances. By extending intersectionality and hegemonic masculinity frameworks, it provides a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by women and highlights the need for tailored interventions to promote gender equality.

Exploring the Intersection of Religion and Culture: A Phenomenological Inquiry into the Cokaiba Tradition among the Fagogoru Community in Central Halmahera Regency

In sociological contexts, the interaction between culture and religious content naturally reflects the dynamic nature of social phenomena, arising from the harmonization of societal norms and religious principles. The Cokaiba tradition exemplifies this intersection, blending cultural heritage with Islamic commemoration. This study utilizes a phenomenological approach to explore the significance of the Cokaiba tradition within Halmahera society in North Maluku, aiming to elucidate broader perspectives on the interplay between culture and religion. Through qualitative research rooted in phenomenology, this study investigates the dynamics of the Cokaiba tradition within the Fagogoru Community in Central Halmahera, North Maluku. Data collection involves immersive engagement with key informants, including religious figures, community leaders, practitioners of the tradition, and local residents, through interviews, observations, and documentation. Findings reveal the emergence of Cokaiba as a fusion of cultural heritage and Islamic celebration, embodying principles of monotheism and serving as a means to propagate Islam within the region. Despite diverse interpretations, the convergence of religion and culture within Cokaiba fosters harmonious coexistence, facilitating the integration of religious values with cherished cultural practices. However, limitations include the challenge of fully capturing individual experiences and perceptions with a phenomenological approach and the potential lack of generalizability due to the study's focus on the Fagogoru Community. Future research incorporating a broader range of perspectives and cultural contexts would enhance understanding of the intricate dynamics between religion and culture manifested in traditions like Cokaiba.

Gender Politics and Stereotypes in Bollywood Films Dhrishyam 1 and 2<b></b>

Indian cinema is one of the most influential and powerful tools for addressing various social issues via the medium of a screenplay. The Indian film industry, commonly known as Bollywood, is one of the largest and most prolific film industries (Pillania 115) in the world. This article aims to explore Gender Roles and Stereotypes prevalent in Bollywood films, through an in-depth analysis of the popular films Dhrishyam 1 and 2, hereafter referred to as the Dhrishyam film series. By examining the portrayal of lead characters, the study aims to shed light on the ways in which Indian cinema perpetuates societal norms and biases. Through a combination of qualitative content analysis and audience reception analysis, the research provides empirical evidence to support the claim that Indian films, including the “Dhrishyam” film series, contribute to the diffusion of gender stereotyping, consolidating unreasonable societal expectations. With a focus on the intersectionality of gender, identity, and culture, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships between Indian cinema and societal constructs, leading to critical insights into theneed for more diverse and inclusive portrayals in the film industry.