Community Life Research Articles

Detlaff’s Response to Pryce’s “Child Welfare System Change: An Evolutionary/Revolutionary Approach” (Point-Counterpoint)

In “Child Welfare System Change: An Evolutionary/Revolutionary Approach,” Dr. Jessica Pryce responded to my article, “Abolition of the Child Welfare System,” by offering an alternative to abolition, proposing a blend of reformative and transformative reforms. In this response, I highlight two foundational differences in our views that, I believe, distinguish our approaches to the child welfare system: First, our understanding of the system’s origins and intent, and second, our understanding of the role of reforms. These differences also underscore a broader distinction in how we view the role of the state in the lives of children, families, and communities.

Call, Response, and Compromisso: Ethical Practice in Capoeira of Backland Bahia, Brazil

Abstract In the Afro-Brazilian music-movement form capoeira, call and response saturates all interactions in live performance events (rodas). In addition to call-and-response song structures, music calls bodies into movement, bodies call to one another, and movements invoke responses from instrumentalists. Yet call and response does more than organize the roda. Demonstrating how antiphony organizes group sociality, the article argues that the music and movement also summon members to assume a range of responsibilities within the group and their lives. These include showing up for trainings and rodas, maintaining instruments, preparing for annual events, and teaching capoeira to younger generations in Bahia's underserved communities. Practitioners frame their ethical commitments to capoeira as compromisso, a concept that implies broad, long-term dedication. Grounding the study in my ethnographic research conducted in Brazil, I bridge Black music scholarship with ethical Africana philosophy to argue that capoeira practitioners use knowledge generated in their music-movement practice to conceive an ethics of compromisso. While the literature on Black musics across the Americas widely acknowledges call and response as a foundational musical mechanism, few ethnographic studies have delved more deeply into the social, ethical, and political potentials of antiphony. The article thus contributes to understandings of how Black music-dance practices generate ethical knowledge and practice through their sounds and movements. As capoeira's antiphony transcends the roda's space-time, it calls practitioners to assume an unending compromisso, making commitments that span generations to continually leverage capoeira's lessons to improve lives in Black communities of backland Bahia.

Ethnoscience of Educative Values of Margondang Custom of South Tapanuli Community in Gunung Malintang Village, Barumun Tengah Subdistrict, Padang Lawas Regency

This research has two objectives, first, to analyse the process of implementing margondang custom, and second, to analyse the educational values in margondang custom performed by the community in Gunung Malintang Village, Central Barumun District, Padang Lawas Regency. This research is a qualitative descriptive research. The informants in this research are the customary king (traditional leader), the village head, village officials, and the people of Gunung Malintang Village. The data collection techniques in this research are observation, interview, and documentation. Data analysis used the Miles and Huberman analysis method, which consists of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The research shows that the implementation of the Mandailing community margondang custom includes the stages of martahi, mangalap boru, marsattan boru, pataru itak godang, to horja godang. This procession begins with a traditional session, giving the title of king to the bridegroom, slaughtering buffalo, manortor according to customary status, patuaekkon or riding nacar, mangupa, and ends with a meal together. The margondang tradition that used to last 1-3 days is now generally only done in 1 day due to changes in people's habits. Apart from being a cultural heritage, margondang also contains educational values, namely religious, social, responsibility and moral values that are important for community life.

COMMUNITY, CULTURE AND CONSERVATION: MAPPING THE BIOCULTURAL LANDSCAPE RESOURCES OF SUNGAI TEMBUS, SEBERANG PERAI FOR TOURISM

Integrating biocultural resources into tourism development is vital to promote sustainable practices that benefit the local community and the environment. Biocultural landscape resources include biodiversity and cultural heritage, where natural and cultural attributes are interconnected and can affect the sustainability of one another. Hence, examining biocultural resources as a connected network between nature and culture is integral. This paper investigates the biocultural landscape resources of Sungai Tembus, Seberang Perai, as unique opportunities to leverage the ecological features of the area and the local cultural practices. Through a mixed-method approach, the study gathered on-ground data through semi-structured interviews with local community members to gather their insights and experiences, which were complemented by mapping the resources using Geographic Information System (GIS) and photographic documentation. The result of the study shows that the local community's livelihood and tourism activities depend on biocultural resources. The findings reveal that the cultural heritage is shaped by the ecological features, highlighting the importance of community engagement in conservation efforts and tourism planning.

Trends of climate variability and its association with farmers’ perceptions of climate change in Gassera district, southeastern Ethiopia

Climate change and variability have threatened rain-fed subsistence agriculture by affecting the livelihoods of rural communities in Ethiopia. The Gassera district is among the high-potential crop production areas and is severely affected by recurrent drought resulting from climate change. This study examined trends in climatic variability, farmers’ perceptions, and the determinants of climate change in the Gassera district, southeastern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey design was employed to select agroecologies and collect data from 444 farm households via multistage random sampling. Linear regression, the chi-square test, and rainfall anomalies were used for the data analysis. The results revealed significant (Ρ = 0.00) increasing trends in annual temperature, a decrease in annual rainfall of 2.92 mm/year, and severe rainfall variability for the Belg season. Most of the interviewed farmers reported increases in temperature, erratic rainfall, and drought frequency of 96.24%, 86.47%, and 89.73%, respectively. The study concludes that climate change variability is described by long-term average increases in temperature, erratic rainfall, and the occurrence of drought. This research also concluded that farmers’ perceptions matched well with records of increases in temperature, erratic rainfall, and drought frequency. The results also revealed gender, education, and agroecological settings were the determinant factors related to farmers’ perceptions of climate variability.

Floristic composition and carbon sequestration of traditional agroforestry on peatland in Rimbo Panjang, Kampar, Riau, Indonesia

Abstract. Isda MN, Fatonah S, Yulminarti, Oktarina NZ, Roslim DI. 2025. Floristic composition and carbon sequestration of traditional agroforestry on peatland in Rimbo Panjang, Kampar, Riau, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 26: 470-479. Trees in agroforestry systems contribute to long-term carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change. Traditional agroforestry is characterized by multifunctionality through the use a variety of native trees to maintain ecological balance and support local livelihoods. This study aimed to determine the plant composition of traditional agroforestry in Rimbo Panjang Village, Kampar, Riau, Indonesia, its utilization, and its role in carbon sequestration. Observations were made in two hamlets, namely Dusun 1 and Dusun 2, where both hamlets have traditional agroforestry systems. Observation on floristic composition was conducted by counting the number of individuals of each species and the diameter at breast height of each individual plant. Carbon sequestration was calculated based on the above-ground biomass determined using an allometric formula accounting for trunk diameter and wood density. The results showed that traditional agroforestry in Dusun 2 had a higher number of plant species, with a total of 17 species, compared to Dusun 1, which had 11 species. The dominant species in Dusun 1 was Cocos nucifera, while in Dusun 2 was Durio zibethinus. Plants in this agroforestry system have a variety of benefits, both for self-consumption and being marketed for domestic uses and as industrial raw materials. The average carbon sequestration in Rimbo Panjang Village was 508.65 tons/ha CO2 equivalent (CO2e), with carbon sequestration in Dusun 2 (618,3 tons/ha CO2e) higher than that of Dusun 1 (399 tons/ha CO2e). The high plant diversity in this agroforestry system supports community livelihoods and plays an important role in climate change mitigation through its role in carbon sequestration. These benefits highlight the need to support and develop sustainable agroforestry practices as a sustainable land use strategy, especially in Riau's extensively degraded peatlands.

Assessing the resilience of public markets amidst the pandemic: a study on social sustainability through legibility and imageability

ABSTRACT Public markets have long been the heart of cities, promoting community life and economic exchange. Yet, their resilience and role in social sustainability remain understudied. This research examines how Al Ain City’s public market in the UAE adapted during COVID-19, using a comprehensive framework integrating three physical (Legibility) and four non-physical (Imageability) factors across 16 indicators. An exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach was applied, combining qualitative tools (observation, land use mapping, aerial imagery, interviews) and quantitative tools (surveys, spatial analysis). Findings show that four of the seven developed factors significantly enhance social sustainability, highlighting the market’s adaptability and role in promoting social connections. These results underscore the market’s contribution to urban resilience during and after the pandemic, emphasizing the market’s flexibility and its role as a social anchor. This study offers micro-level insights into social sustainability, providing design guidelines to enhance public market spaces and strengthen urban resilience.

Cryo-social dynamics: the interplay of glacial dynamics and socioeconomic conditions in the Shigar Valley, Karakoram, Pakistan

Mountain communities globally are experiencing increasing challenges as climate-induced glacier changes disrupt water resources and agricultural systems. The Hindukush-Karakoram-Himalayan region of Pakistan has been witnessing environmental changes over the last few decades with widespread impacts on different sectors of life. In the Shigar Valley of the Karakoram region, communities face socio-economic challenges partly attributed to changes in glacier dynamics, which directly affect water availability and agricultural productivity. This study investigates the impacts of glacial changes on community livelihoods by integrating glacier modeling with a comprehensive socioeconomic survey. Glaciological change was analyzed from 1970 to 2020 using the Open Global Glacier Model, with projections under SSP-126, SSP-370, and SSP-585 scenarios for 2020–2100. Glacier mass balance simulations driven by historical climatological data from 1970 to 2020 reveal an overall negative trend, despite shorter periods of glacier growth driven by regional hydroclimatic anomalies. Future projections indicate glacier volume could decline by over 60% under SSP-585 by 2100, compared to approximately 30% under SSP-126. A questionnaire survey was conducted across 20 villages, engaging 375 respondents to understand the extent of dependence on glacier-fed resources, migration dynamics, and adaptive strategies to socioenvironmental conditions. The findings reveal that while 42% of respondents reported high dependence on glacier-fed and snow melt, 46% are facing challenges due to irregular water supplies. These challenges have been affecting the socio-economic fabric of the community as 71% of respondents reported that migrations were driven by declining local productivity, with 66% of migration destinations being international. The communities are aware of the challenges, and they have been adopting various strategies to cope with it. These include rainfed farming (32%), adoption of drought-resistant crops (19%), and expansion into proglacial (recently deglaciated areas and areas closer to glaciers’ termini) lands (52%).

V. I. VERNADSKY'S NOOSPHERE AND THE CONDITION FOR PROVIDING THE «DICTATORSHIP OF MIND» IN HUMAN COMMUNITIES OF TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES OF UKRAINE

The article, based on the analysis of the existing experience of using management technologies of involvement, participation and inclusion of human resources in the processes of development, adoption and implementation of management decisions important for the development of territorial communities (TC) of Ukraine, demonstrates that these technologies are still used in practical management to a very limited extent. This is caused by residual manifestations of the traditions of command-administrative management, inherent in the institutional structure of the Soviet period and the long-term impact on the formation of the consciousness of human resources on the principles of collectivism, centralized management and the laws of a non-market economy. It is shown that the radical changes taking place in Ukrainian society require adequate changes in public management technologies at all levels of the state management hierarchy and, first of all, at its basic level – territorial communities, for which it is necessary to intensify the use of the main resource of their population – social, integral or collective intelligence, capable and must ensure the «dictatorship of mind» in the management of the life of communities. A method, tool and conditions have been proposed, under which only people mentally oriented and prepared to work for the benefit of the community, and not personal or group interests and goals, will be included in the leadership and staff of a local government body. The results and conclusions obtained can potentially be used to manage the necessary changes in individual and group intellectual portraits of human resources of communities, which will require a number of additional experimental studies.

Musical Literacy in Chinese Fuyang Folk Songs through the ‘Dui Duo Luo’ Music Piece

Fuyang folk songs, rooted in the cultural traditions of Anhui Province, China, represent a vital component of intangible cultural heritage, encapsulating the region’s linguistic, musical, and cultural identity. This study explores the musical literacy in Chinese Fuyang folk songs through the ‘Dui Duo Luo’ music piece. The research investigates the song’s textual, melodic, and performative elements using qualitative methods, including fieldwork, interviews with five key informants, and musical analysis. The findings reveal that the lyrics of ‘Dui Duo Luo’ serve as a repository of local dialects and idiomatic expressions, reflecting the cultural values and everyday lives of Fuyang communities. The melodic structure, characterized by pentatonic scales and rhythmic patterns, facilitates oral transmission and fosters cultural continuity. The performative aspects highlight its communal and participatory nature, such as its duet format and call-and-response interaction. These dimensions collectively underscore the significance of literacy in folk music as a multifaceted competence encompassing cultural awareness, interpretive ability, and artistic appreciation. The study concludes that integrating Fuyang folk songs into educational frameworks can enhance cultural literacy and preserve these traditions amid modernization. Recommendations include incorporating folk music literacy into curricula, leveraging digital tools for preservation, and conducting comparative studies with other regional folk traditions.

Converting paddy to upland alters soil neutral sugars by influencing microbial community and life history strategy

Neutral sugars, derived from plants and microorganisms, are essential components of the labile soil organic carbon (SOC) pool, serving as crucial C and energy sources for soil microorganisms and influencing the accumulation and stability of SOC. However, the extent and mechanisms of the change of soil neutral sugars after converting paddy fields to upland, remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of converting paddy fields to upland (vegetable and jasmine fields) on soil microbial communities and neutral sugars in Fuzhou, Fujian province, subtropics China. We found that the conversion of paddy fields (anaerobic) to uplands (aerobic) significantly decreased neutral sugars and altered their composition, while increasing the relative proportion of microbial-derived sugars (e.g., galactose and mannose). Compared to paddy soil, the total neutral sugars were reduced by 20.6–51.9 %, and microbial diversity was also reduced, shifting dominant species from r-strategists to K-strategists in vegetable and jasmine field soil. These results suggest that the conversion of paddy fields to uplands is unfavorable for soil C sequestration, but potentially enhance the soil C stability. Random forest and correlation analyses indicated that the changes in soil microbial community composition and life history strategies significantly influence the concentrations and composition of neutral sugars in soils. Overall, these findings underscore the critical roles of microbial diversity and life strategies in shaping soil C dynamics, suggesting that the agriculture practices that promote microbial diversity and support K-strategists may enhance soil C stability and sequestration.

Chronic Stress and Severe Water Insecurity During the Historic 2022 Drought in Northern Kenya Were Associated With Inflammation Among Daasanach Seminomadic Pastoralists.

Extreme climatic events, like droughts, are increasing in frequency and severity. Droughts disrupt community livelihoods and resources with serious implications for human biology. This study investigated how chronic stress, measured by fingernail cortisol concentration (FCC), and water insecurity status were predictive of C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker of inflammation, during a historic drought among Daasanach seminomadic pastoralists. Data were collected at the height of the 2022 drought from 128 Daasanach household heads aged 16-80 years in northern Kenya using household surveys, anthropometric measurements, and dried blood spots to assess CRP levels and fingernails to assess FCC. We employed mixed-effects linear and logistic regression models to examine the relationships between log-transformed FCC, high water insecurity status measured via the Household Water Insecurity Experiences (HWISE ≥ 24) scale, and serum-equivalent CRP (log-transformed and dichotomized at mild, low-grade inflammation ≥ 1 mg/L) adjusted for covariates. The mean serum-equivalent CRP was 4.1 mg/L and 56.3% of Daasanach adults had at least mild, low-grade inflammation. Linear models indicated that ln(FCC) was positively associated with ln(CRP) (β = 0.56, SE = 0.12; p < 0.001). Further, logistic models demonstrated that ln(FCC) (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.84-3.95; p < 0.001) and high water insecurity (OR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.34-3.72; p = 0.002) were both associated with greater odds of low-grade inflammation. This study provides evidence for how chronic stress and severe water insecurity may impact inflammation levels among pastoralists during drought. Since inflammation is central to cardiometabolic disease etiology, this is an additional reason to mitigate the negative health impacts of droughts and water insecurity exacerbated by climate change.

Social Interaction and Religious Tolerance in Education: A Case Study of Islamic and Buddhist Communities in Gondang Village, North Lombok

This study aims to analyze social interaction and interfaith tolerance in Gondang Village, North Lombok, as well as to explore the factors that support social harmony amidst religious diversity. The background of this research highlights the importance of interfaith tolerance as a fundamental aspect of maintaining peaceful community life. This study employs a qualitative descriptive approach, utilizing data collection techniques such as observation, interviews, and documentation. The subjects of this research include one community leader, three religious leaders, and two government officials. The focus of the study is to observe actions and social reactions that reflect interfaith interaction and to explore tolerance practices implemented by the local community. The findings reveal that religious differences in Gondang Village do not hinder the creation of harmonious relationships. Mutual respect and appreciation are demonstrated through collaboration in social and religious activities, contributing to a safe and peaceful living environment. It can be concluded that harmonious social interaction and tolerance in Gondang Village play a significant role in fostering an inclusive and prosperous community life. This study contributes to the development of interfaith tolerance studies and is relevant for application in multicultural education.

Environmental Security and Local Livelihoods: Challenges and Opportunities in the West Philippine Sea

Abstract The discourse on the West Philippine Sea is framed in the context of traditional security, and the territorial disputes between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China, and other claimant countries in the region. However, the West Philippine Sea is not just a geographical region that is playing a role in geopolitics. It is also an economic resource providing livelihoods even to local communities. This article frames the discourse on the West Philippine Sea in the context of environmental security and adopts a political-ecological framework that is also cognizant of the role of non-state actors. It explores non-traditional diplomatic channels that would give privilege to the region as an important source of livelihoods for local communities. It also recognizes the fact that the sources of threats are not solely emanating from China, but also from large scale commercial fishing industry in the country.

Governance Practices at the Grassroots Level to Strengthen Rural Livelihoods through Mahatma Gandhi NREGS

Millions of people’s socio-economic lives have been profoundly impacted by the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, one of the largest programmes implemented in independent India. It is a demand-driven, people-centred, bottom-up initiative. Public policymakers, academicians, and people have often discussed the programme’s shortcomings and accomplishments in great detail. However, it is undeniable that the programme has improved peoples’ socio-economic empowerment and purchasing power by guaranteeing them 100 days of employment. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many saw the programme as the main source of food for India’s rural populace. The number of workers requesting employment under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS increased after COVID-19. The main objective of the paper is to identify the exemplary practices implemented by different Gram Panchayats (GPs) to effectively execute Mahatma Gandhi NREGS and improve the livelihoods of rural communities, to investigate the current status of Mahatma Gandhi NREGS implementation in the state of Tamil Nadu, and to examine the challenges associated with implementing best governance practices for the effective execution of Mahatma Gandhi NREGS. As a result, a systematic investigation was carried out in two districts, Dharmapuri and Mayiladuthurai, and the results of the investigation are reported in the article.

Total Economic Value of Mangrove Ecosystems in Amahai Village Central Maluku District

The characteristics of mangrove ecosystems as public goods have great potential for degradation if they continue to experience pressure and the absence of sustainable management. The impact will be reduced economic value and require considerable rehabilitation costs to overcome other negative impacts that may occur in the community. This study was conducted to estimate the total economic value of mangrove ecosystems in Amahai Village, Central Maluku District. Respondents are 30 local communities selected by purposive sampling and 1 owner of the mangrove tourism by total sampling. Data analysed using quantitative methods. The results showed that the utilisation of mangrove resources by local communities consisted of fish, shrimp, crab, eco-tourism, research and education. The total economic value (TEV) with an area of 43.9 ha is IDR 5,899,162,139/year or IDR 134,377,270/ha/year, which consists of direct use value IDR 189,839,601/year, indirect use value IDR 5,619,753,331/year, option value IDR 21,025,247/year, existence value IDR 49,560,000/year, and bequest value IDR 18,983,960/year. This economic value indicates that the mangrove ecosystem plays an important and strategic role in the lives of local communities. Therefore, this value can be a source of information for the government as a policy holder in managing mangrove ecosystems in Amahai Village.

Digital literacy and strategic (dis)engagement: examining how functional and critical digital literacy shapes participation

ABSTRACT Employing semi-structured interviews enhanced by think aloud and diary methods, this article explores how digital experts (e.g., information/IT/media professionals) and civic advocates (e.g., political party candidates, activists) deploy digital literacy to participate in society. These groups – who are digitally savvy and civically active, respectively – are ideal for exploring the intersection of digital literacy and participation in public, community, and/or political life. This study found that their practices (e.g., reading news, sharing political content, campaigning) are informed by a wealth of functional and critical digital skills and knowledge. These enable them to strategically overcome bias, misinformation, and their own privacy concerns, and to navigate both the potentials and limitations of the internet in line with different ideologies. Their practices, furthermore, often involve what this article refers to as strategic disengagement (i.e., the deliberate withdrawal from engaging with online content and/or platforms). This article shows how functional and critical dimensions of digital literacy can be deployed in tandem to make strategic decisions to participate. In doing so, it problematises the assumption that critical digital literacy is inherently progressive and that online disengagement results necessarily from poor functional digital literacy. The implications of these findings for research and practice are discussed.

The Process of Subjectivization within a Religious Organization

Abstract This article uses Taylor’s subjective turn to examine the impact of such a change on organized religion, focusing on the Dutch Apostolic Society (AS). Drawing on oral history data from twenty-seven members belonging to six different generations, we investigate their perceptions of changes in leadership, rituals, and community life. Findings show a shift from external religious authorities to immanent forms of spirituality and self-authority. Whereas the subjective turn has been mostly understood as a ‘bottom-up movement,’ several changes were imposed top-down. We conclude that the process of subjectivization has also extended to the AS, but the recognition and valuing of a subjective attitude vary across generations and a complete adoption of the subjective turn has not uniformly transpired across all strata of the AS.

TATA CARA HIDUP ORANG MELAYU RIAU: WARISAN BUDAYA YANG LESTARI

The Malay community of Riau is known for its rich culture, which reflects noble values of life passed down through various traditions and ways of life from their ancestors. The principle of "adat bersendi syarak, syarak bersendi kitabullah" serves as a guide in their lives, integrating Islamic values into every aspect of their existence. This article aims to examine the way of life of the Malay community in Riau as part of cultural heritage that needs to be preserved, as well as its relevance in the present time. Using a qualitative approach and literature study, this research explores various aspects of Malay Riau culture, such as customs, oral literature, traditional clothing, and how the Malay community preserves the environment. Amid the challenges of globalization and modernization, this article shows that the values within the Malay Riau way of life remain essential in creating a harmonious, cultured, and virtuous society. Efforts to preserve culture through education and cultural festivals are also crucial so that younger generations can continue to appreciate and maintain this cultural heritage.

Pelatihan dan Pendampingan Pengolahan dan Potensi Buah Kelapa menjadi Kopra Putih di Desa Simpang Tiga Daratan Kecamatan Enok

The implementation of community service activities in Simpang Tiga Daratan Enok Tembilahan Village is motivated by the community's livelihood in the agricultural and plantation sectors with plantation products in the form of Coconuts and Areca Nuts, however, community income in Simpang Tiga Enok Inhil Village is still low due to a lack of innovation in processing plantation products. Coconuts are sold raw to collectors without processing them first so the selling price is low. Therefore, assistance and training is needed for the community in Simpang Tiga Daratan Enok Village to process plantation products. For this reason, this community service activity provided socialization and training on making coconut skullcaps to the people of Simpang Tiga Daratan Enok Inhil Village. There are several programs that will be implemented related to the problems that have been described, namely providing socialization on the use of coconuts to make coconut shells on a national scale, namely coconut shells, providing training on processing coconuts into innovative products and mentoring coconut shell businesses. The response of community leaders and residents to the realization of this training was very positive.