Literary Theory Research Articles

The impact of buy-online-pickup-in-store shopping on customer engagement: framework and propositions

This research aims to develop a new conceptual framework that investigates the effect of buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPS) shopping on customer engagement and related outcomes from the touchpoint perspective. Based on the customer engagement theory and touchpoint literature, we define the concept of contact interactivity to explore the multiple touchpoints in the BOPS shopping experience and develop a conceptual framework and an associated set of propositions related to contact interactivity. To better understand contact interactivity, we propose the three dimensions of the customer–product interaction, customer–employee interaction, and customer–customer interaction, and further investigate the advantages of BOPS by comparing it with online shopping. This study has research implications for the BOPS literature by identifying specific touchpoints in multiple phases of the BOPS shopping journey and explaining the effect of BOPS shopping on customer engagement. We conclude by discussing important theoretical and practical implications that arises from our analyses.

Race, Lived Experience, Representation, and Discrimination: Analyzing the Representative Capacities of the Racial Majority

The representative bureaucracy theory literature has often focused on the viewpoints, attitudes, and actions of minoritized groups rather than the racial majority, with studies predominately analyzing representative capacities tied to race, ethnicity, and gender. The current research employs both racial and lived experience representation lenses to analyze the viewpoints of non-Hispanic white public servants regarding the deservingness of white, Black, and unidentified clients. Using the opioid crisis as the context, results from an exploratory analysis of a nationwide survey experiment of first responders show that white law enforcement workers view white clients with opioid use disorder as more deserving than Black and unidentified clients. Both indirect and direct lived experiences with substance use disorder predict positive attitudes toward clients. Direct lived experience nullifies the negative beliefs white law enforcement workers express about Black clients, highlighting the significance of the intersection of racial and lived experience representation. Practical implications include promoting organizational practices that leverage the strength of shared lived experience to mitigate racial biases and encourage compassion for clients.

Trauma Remythologized: Natsuo Kirino’s The Goddess Chronicle

Natsuo Kirino’s The Goddess Chronicle has been so far analyzed from various standpoints by researchers such as Copeland (2018), Dumas (2018), Qiao (2018), and Lianying (2018), most of them being connected to feminism. This article takes another approach and deals with the issue of trauma and death as a literary representation as portrayed in the novel. The paper demonstrates how implementing myth in a revised form helps Kirino to depict trauma in a literary text – the task that many researchers of trauma studies deem impossible. At the center of this paper’s analysis are the main mythologems of traditional Japanese culture retold from the female viewpoint, connecting the fate of the goddess to the fate of a mortal woman: the latter in many ways repeats what happened in the “divine” story. The repetitions create a mythological cyclical description of life as well as its tragedy perceived as traumatic experiences, which is characteristic of the writer’s novels, and outline a universal archetype of human behavior. This paper attempts to analyze these mythologemes in connection to trauma studies and shows that, if put in the fantastic (in this case, mythological) realm, representation of trauma becomes possible.

Birds of Feathers may not Flock Together: Avian Imageries in Contemporary Arab Diasporic Novels

he purpose of this paper is to examine how birds and avian metaphors are used by Arab writers in diaspora to reflect themes of exile, displacement and dispersion. In particular, in Inaam Kachachi’s The Dispersal (2023) and Walid Nabhan’s Exodus of the Storks (2021) birds and avian images are thematically and aesthetically significant motifs since the covers of some editions of the two novels feature a scene from each novel in which birds are of great importance to some characters, key events and sociopolitical, historical and cultural contexts of the texts. The deployment of these imageries on the covers of some editions represents a relatively recent tendency adopted by Western publishers to reflect the complex nature of literary representations of recent developments in the Middle East rather than relying on a long history of Orientalism to mediate this process of presentation. Furthermore, the study draws on the tripartite division of the notion of translation by Roman Jakobson (1959), particularly, his notion of the intersemiotic translation to highlight the links between a novel’s cover design and the themes that it depicts.

Theory in Comparative Law Scholarship

Abstract The main focus of this paper is the meaning of the term “theory” in comparative law. It examines the comparative law theory literature and conducts an in-depth analysis of a sample of articles from two journals (ajcl and ejclg). Theory is considered very important in legal scholarship. ajcl articles are usually more “theory-thick” than their European counterparts. Nevertheless, the majority of European literature also places a strong emphasis on theory-related language. Yet, it is often unclear why authors used these words or what they contributed to the paragraph, section, or research objective. None of the articles reviewed discussed or acknowledged the polysemous nature of theory. This lack of clarity and transparency may hinder the progress of comparative law scholarship.

Transcending Otherness: Exploring Symbolism, Fluid Rejection, and Moral Ambiguity in Anosh Irani's The Parcel

The transgender community's historical roots, as affirmed by scholars like Mildred L. Brown and Chloe Ann Rounsley in "True Selves," persist throughout history. Despite global recognition, transgenders face enduring challenges in societal acceptance. Indian hijras, emblematic of this struggle, endure oppressive prejudice, lacking essentials and oppressed by systemic bias. Literary representations of transgender experiences are limited, but works like Anosh Irani's The Parcel provide insightful portrayals. The research scrutinizes Irani's work, focusing on its symbolism and the protagonist's turbulent journey amidst rejection, marginalisation and ethical dilemmas. Through Irani's narrative, profound insights emerge into the resilient spirit of transgender individuals confronting societal adversity. Despite strides, true equality remains elusive for the community. This article analyses and summarizes the symbolism in The Parcel by analysing static symbols such as characters, objects, occurrences , as well as dynamic symbol such as dialogue, behaviour, and thoughts, in order to further elaborate the role of symbolism in The Parcel in promoting the context of the text. This study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of their struggles, shedding light on the unyielding resilience exhibited by transgender individuals across societal challenges.

Huck’s Voice versus Herd Mentality: The Good, the Bad, and the Evil

In Mark Twain's 1884 chef-d‘œuvre, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (HF), the voice of innocence—personified by Huck Finn—evolves as a graphic reflection of his unique social and ethical standing, portraying him as a nonconforming, Adam-like wanderer seeking refuge in nature and searching for a distinct identity. Employing literary theory, this article goes beyond exposing the moral bankruptcy and hypocrisy in an allegedly ‘civilized’ white society that purports to uphold high moral standards. Drawing on Nietzsche's doctrine of good vs. bad and good vs. evil, along with the psychological phenomenon of herd mentality, the article demonstrates how Huck's voice challenges and destabilizes orthodox linguistic conventions, societal norms, ethical constructs, and long-standing beliefs in the antebellum American South during the nineteenth century. Key findings reveal that such a unique voice can be seen as a profound critique of the antebellum South’s values, introducing a newfangled perspective on America's development of a distinctive identity and its quest to establish its own voice and literature after severing ties with Britain.

Gender Representation in Postcolonial African Literature

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the gender representation in postcolonial African literature. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study found that authors often critique patriarchal structures and colonial legacies that have influenced gender dynamics. Female characters in these narratives are depicted as resilient and multifaceted, challenging traditional roles and seeking empowerment. Works by writers such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Tsitsi Dangarembga highlight the struggles and triumphs of women navigating postcolonial societies, reflecting broader themes of identity, autonomy, and resistance. Additionally, postcolonial African literature often explores the intersectionality of gender with race, class, and ethnicity, offering a nuanced understanding of the lived experiences of African women and men in a rapidly changing world. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Postcolonial theory, feminist literary theory and queer theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the gender representation in postcolonial African literature. Supporting emerging authors through literary grants and mentorship programs is essential for promoting diversity and inclusivity in literary production. Promoting gender-inclusive literary awards can incentivize authors to explore and challenge traditional gender norms in their works.

“Good” and “bad” frictions in customer experience: Conceptual foundations and implications

AbstractBusinesses often strive for frictionless customer experiences, assuming that customers always desire seamless interactions. However, recent academic and practitioner discussions suggest that not all forms of friction are detrimental. Reconciling the conflicting views, we propose a framework that defines friction as simply the effort customers exert to complete tasks related to their consumption goals. Furthermore, drawing from the goal striving theory and customer experience literature, we identify and propose four types of friction based on dimensions of task desirability and task value: frustrating, constructive, preference‐based, and rewarding. Our framework challenges the prevailing business practice of eliminating all friction, as evidenced by a topic modeling analysis of announcements related to achieving frictionless customer experiences. Instead, we posit that while frustration friction should be minimized, the other three types of friction offer opportunities for businesses to enhance customer value. Particularly, we caution managers that eliminating constructive friction (i.e., customer effort in low‐desirability, high‐value tasks) may hinder value creation. We also recommend that managers find opportunities to infuse rewarding and preference‐based friction to enhance customer experience. By understanding these nuances, businesses can strike a balance between friction reduction and value optimization in their customer experience designs.

Exploring Setting as a Driver of Drama in Fitzgerald’s “Babylon Revisited”

This study provides an in-depth examination of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Babylon Revisited," focusing on the influential role of setting in shaping the narrative's dramatic elements. Through a nuanced analysis, the research investigates how the depiction of 1920s Paris serves as a catalyst for character motivations and actions, thereby driving the plot forward. Utilizing a combination of textual analysis and literary theory, the study seeks to elucidate the intricate interplay between setting, structure, and dialogue in Fitzgerald's narrative, aiming to uncover the underlying thematic and stylistic elements at play. The primary objective of this research is to explore the profound impact of setting on character development and narrative progression in "Babylon Revisited." By examining the portrayal of Paris as a milieu of extravagance and hedonism, the study aims to explicate how the city functions as both a backdrop and a character in its own right, influencing the behaviors and decisions of the protagonist, Charlie Wales, and other key figures within the narrative. Methodologically, this study employs a combination of qualitative textual analysis and theoretical inquiry to interrogate the relationship between setting and drama in Fitzgerald's work. Drawing upon established literary frameworks and critical perspectives, the research situates "Babylon Revisited" within its broader cultural and historical context, allowing for a nuanced examination of the novel's thematic concerns and stylistic innovations. By engaging with interdisciplinary approaches to literary analysis, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which setting functions as a driver of drama in Fitzgerald's narrative. In conclusion, this research contributes to our understanding of "Babylon Revisited" by offering a rigorous analysis of the role of setting in shaping the novel's dramatic elements. Through a meticulous examination of the text and its contextual underpinnings, the study demonstrates how Fitzgerald's adept manipulation of setting, structure, and dialogue enriches the narrative, elevating it to a timeless work of literature. Ultimately, the research underscores the enduring relevance of Fitzgerald's exploration of human behavior and emotion within the framework of a vividly rendered setting, solidifying his status as a preeminent writer of the 20th century.

Asymptotically Correct Person Fit z-Statistics For the Rasch Testlet Model.

A well-known person fit statistic in the item response theory (IRT) literature is the statistic (Drasgow et al. in Br J Math Stat Psychol 38(1):67-86, 1985). Snijders (Psychometrika 66(3):331-342, 2001) derived , which is the asymptotically correct version of when the ability parameter is estimated. However, both statistics and other extensions later developed concern either only the unidimensional IRT models or multidimensional models that require a joint estimate of latent traits across all the dimensions. Considering a marginalized maximum likelihood ability estimator, this paper proposes and , which are extensions of and , respectively, for the Rasch testlet model. The computation of relies on several extensions of the Lord-Wingersky algorithm (1984) that are additional contributions of this paper. Simulation results show that has close-to-nominal Type I error rates and satisfactory power for detecting aberrant responses. For unidimensional models, and reduce to and , respectively, and therefore allows for the evaluation of person fit with a wider range of IRT models. A real data application is presented to show the utility of the proposed statistics for a test with an underlying structure that consists of both the traditional unidimensional component and the Rasch testlet component.

Edward Prendick’s Harrowing Journey on Doctor Moreau’s Island: A Tale of Trauma in H.G. Wells’ Novel

This study explores the representation of traumatic experiences in H.G. Wells' novel The Island of Doctor Moreau. Traumatic experiences are unpredictable, unpreventable situations that overwhelm victims and disrupt their ability to cope. Literature can provide insights into the range of responses to such overwhelming experiences as a reflection of human existence. The objective of this research is to increase awareness and understanding of trauma and mental illness through the analysis of literary depictions. Using a qualitative research approach, the study examines the traumatic experiences encountered by the protagonist, Edward Prendick, in the novel. The analysis categorizes Prendick's traumatic experiences into three main themes: a) being stranded, drifting away, and lost; b) witnessing death and seeing dead bodies; and c) meeting scary creatures, being attacked, and being terrorized. The findings reveal how the novel portrays the psychological and emotional impact of trauma on the protagonist, highlighting the challenges faced by victims of overwhelming and life-threatening situations. By analyzing the literary representation of trauma, this study aims to foster greater empathy and understanding for those affected by traumatic experiences and mental health issues. The in-depth qualitative analysis of the narrative techniques and thematic elements in the novel contributes to the literature on the literary depiction of trauma and its implications for raising awareness and promoting mental health.Keywords: Traumatic experiences, psychology, novel

Emotion and Conversion on the Early Modern Spanish Stage

ABSTRACT Historians of the religious culture of early modern Spain have long paid attention to the emotional and sensual valences of their subject. Yet it is only recently that Hispanists have begun to fully exploit the systematic theoretical approaches offered by historians of emotion and the senses. This article examines two literary representations of conversion—one successful and one failed—in order to demonstrate how close attention to seventeenth-century concepts of emotion and sense can help us better understand the social dynamics of conversion and religious experience in the period. Both Lope de Vega’s Bautismo del príncipe de Marruecos and Calderón de la Barca’s Nuevo palacio del Retiro explicitly link conversion to the body’s sensory and emotional capabilities. Though they take quite different approaches, both suggest that physical revelation must precede intellectual enlightenment. Faith was, in their presentations, a matter of the eyes, ears, and heart. The author argues that future scholarship on the religious cultures of early modern Spain must take account of the ways in which contemporary authors paid so much attention to emotion and sensory experience in their depictions of conversion and of religious experience more generally.

How platformisation shapes sports betting consumption practices and implications for harm

In this paper, we explore how platformisation facilitates potentially harmful consumption practices of sports betting. Our research draws on ideas from the platformisation and social practice theory literature and features a netnographic study of a sports betting community of practice hosted on the English-language platform Reddit. We consider how platformisation shapes sports betting consumption practices, and the implications for consumers. Our findings demonstrate how platformisation facilitates harmful sports betting consumption practices by causing: (1) intrusion of these practices into work, time, and the consumption of sport; and (2) competitive intensification among and between consumers, against the gambling industry, and against consumers themselves. We discuss the implications from our research findings for platformisation theory, the platformisation of consumption practices, and sociocultural perspectives on gambling. Further, we offer suggestions for how policy and practice can ameliorate gambling harms that are facilitated through platformisation, and identify opportunities for further research.

Kemiskinan Struktural dalam Novel Dompet Ayah Sepatu Ibu karya J. S. Khairen

This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the forms, causes, and impact of structural poverty in the novel Dompet Ayah Sepatu Ibu by J.S. Khairen. Drawing on the principles of literary sociology theory, a descriptive method is employed, utilizing content analysis techniques. Through data analysis, five distinct forms of structural poverty are identified: limited access to education, inadequate healthcare services, lack of sanitation and clean water, limited job opportunities and unfair wages, and insufficient social welfare support. The factors contributing to poverty are categorized as either individual or government-related. Moreover, the impact of structural poverty is classified into three distinct categories: legal, moral, and social consequences.

Potret Kenakalan Remaja dalam Novel Dignitate karya Hana Margaretha

This research aims to explain the different forms of juvenile delinquency, the factors that contribute to it, and the impact it has in the novel Dignitate by Hana Margaretha. The theory used in this study is literary sociology theory. The research employs a descriptive method and utilizes the novel Dignitate by Hana Margaretha as the primary source of data. The study results show that there are two forms of juvenile delinquency: (1) delinquency that does not violate the law and (2) delinquency that does violate the law. Additionally, the factors contributing to juvenile delinquency can be categorized into two types: internal factors, which originate from the teenagers themselves, and external factors, which come from outside influences like the family environment and the community environment. Lastly, the impact of juvenile delinquency manifests in three ways: affecting the teenagers themselves, impacting the family, and influencing society as a whole.

Decolonizing Literary Studies: Unveiling Postcolonial Narratives in Post-Yugoslav Academic Curricula*

This paper explores the presence and integration of postcolonial studies in literature education within the faculties of philology in the capitals of the former Yugoslav countries. Focusing on the emerging field of critical curriculum studies, the research delves into the nuanced landscape of literature education, particularly at higher levels, specifically emphasizing literary students’ specialized education. The study contextualizes postcolonial studies as a hybrid space for theoretical discourse, tracing its roots to anticolonial critique and contemporary Western theories. Drawing on the anticolonial heritage of socialist Yugoslavia and its involvement in the Non-Aligned Movement, the paper navigates the complexities of (post)colonial dynamics in the Balkans. This paper investigates the presence, or absence, of postcolonial theory in literature curricula within humanities faculties in the former Yugoslav countries’ capital cities. This research is based on the close interconnection of literature and postcolonial theory, whose origins lie within the literary representation of colonization relations. The primary objective is to discern the extent to which postcolonial studies are integrated into literary education and what implications this holds within the national context. Through an examination of course programs and content at various academic levels, the research aims to illuminate the role of postcolonial theory in shaping the narrative of literature education in the context of the former Yugoslavia.

Managing the threat of decoupling in the U.S. affordable housing industry

AbstractDecoupling, or the practice of communicating different organizational values and goals than those rigorously pursued, is a concept discussed in the organization theory literature. Organizations engage in it when their legitimacy hinges on obtaining the support of stakeholders with disparate interests, and they attempt to appease some stakeholders with words and others with actions. One problem with decoupling is that it can lead organizations to operate in ways that are not reflective of their stated missions. With this concern in mind, the analysis presented here explores the prevalence of decoupling in the U.S. affordable housing industry and considers how, when, and why it occurs, and to what effect. Thematic analysis of interview data collected from industry practitioners suggests decoupling is common, comes in multiple forms, and must be effectively managed if municipal governments hope to partner with for-profit and nonprofit affordable housing providers to achieve their social policy goals.

Analisis Desain Kemasan Teh Cikarau

The appeal of a product is undoubtedly linked to its packaging design. The packaging design serves as the primary identity that distinguishes a product from other similar products. This study aims to analyze the packaging design of Cikarau Tea, a product developed by students of the Agribusiness Study Program at Adzkia University, using theories of visual and practical appeal. This study uses a qualitative method that provides descriptive data on packaging design and its information that is in line with the theory and visual literature used. Data collection was carried out through observation and interview stages. Data analysis was carried out qualitatively consisting of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawn. The result of this study is a visual analysis of Cikarau Tea packaging as an academic reference that can be useful for designers and business people who will make similar products

Data quality assurance practices in research data repositories—A systematic literature review

AbstractData quality issues can significantly hinder research reproducibility, data sharing, and reuse. At the forefront of addressing data quality issues are research data repositories (RDRs). This study conducted a systematic analysis of data quality assurance (DQA) practices in RDRs, guided by activity theory and data quality literature, resulting in conceptualizing a data quality assurance model (DQAM) for RDRs. DQAM outlines a DQA process comprising evaluation, intervention, and communication activities and categorizes 17 quality dimensions into intrinsic and product‐level data quality. It also details specific improvement actions for data products and identifies the essential roles, skills, standards, and tools for DQA in RDRs. By comparing DQAM with existing DQA models, the study highlights its potential to improve these models by adding a specific DQA activity structure. The theoretical implication of the study is a systematic conceptualization of DQA work in RDRs that is grounded in a comprehensive analysis of the literature and offers a refined conceptualization of DQA integration into broader frameworks of RDR evaluation. In practice, DQAM can inform the design and development of DQA workflows and tools. As a future research direction, the study suggests applying and evaluating DQAM across various domains to validate and refine this model further.