Non-material Aspects Research Articles

Playing the sycophant card: The logic and consequences of professing loyalty to the autocrat

AbstractDespite the centrality of the loyalty–competence framework in research on authoritarian politics, scholars have only focused on material aspects of what elites do in their service to the dictator. Yet nonmaterial aspects such as sycophantically praising the autocrat in speech—a common, everyday practice under authoritarianism, have been ignored. We propose a novel theory to explain under what conditions elites “overpraise” the ruler and imitate his rhetoric, and whether they will be rewarded. We test the empirical implications through semisupervised text analysis and an original dataset of almost 1000 annual legislative addresses of Russian governors. Contrary to common assumptions that sycophancy is uniform across elites, we find that governors who are politically and economically vulnerable and without alternative career paths behave more sycophantically and show that they survive in office longer. Our results have important implications for how personality cults develop and how dictators navigate the loyalty–competence trade‐off.

Disentangling associations of human wellbeing with green infrastructure, degree of urbanity, and social factors around an Asian megacity

ContextOften called a ‘Garden city’, Bengaluru is renowned for its green infrastructure. However, the association of human wellbeing with the amount of tree cover (as an example of green infrastructure), degree of urbanization, and local people's socio-demographics has not been explored.ObjectiveWe investigated how human wellbeing is related to the amount of tree cover at household and neighborhood levels, the degree of urbanity, and underlying social factors among respondents.MethodsThe study was conducted in 61 towns along the rural–urban gradient of Bengaluru, surveying 836 respondents in total. Data on multiple dimensions of respondents’ wellbeing was collected between December 2016 and May 2017. The percentage of tree cover at the household and neighborhood levels was obtained based on WorldView-3 images. Logistic regression models were applied to assess correlations between human wellbeing and tree cover. Kruskal–Wallis tests, Mann–Whitney tests, and cross tabulation with chi-square tests were conducted to investigate relations of human wellbeing with the degree of urbanity, and with social factors.ResultsWe found that several variables of human wellbeing were positively associated with tree cover. Measures of wellbeing also differed along the rural–urban gradient and among social groups.ConclusionsThough urbanization is often considered to promote material wellbeing, non-material aspects (e.g., community activities and social relationships) are also important components of overall human wellbeing in urbanizing landscapes. Holistic interactions among natural, spatial, and social factors should be considered while designing interventions for equitable urban landscapes that promote human wellbeing and ecological restoration.

Factors that influence the Islamic Perspective Human Development Index as Evidence of the Development of the Muslim Community

This study aims to analyze the relationship between macroeconomics and zakat on the Human Development Index (HDI) and the Islamic Human Development Index (I-HDI) using the maqāṣid al-sharī'ah theory approach. We also calculate I-HDI based on maqāṣid al-sharī'ah theory by combining material and non-material aspects and then compare between I-HDI and HDI. The indicators used in the calculation of I-HDI are indicators that are relevant and in accordance with the objectives of maqāṣid al-sharīʿah, so that I-HDI can give a general picture of the results of human development. By employing the dynamic panel regression two-step Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) the study finds that there is a significant difference and quite a large disparity between the results of the HDI and I-HDI, in 34 provinces of Indonesia. The study reveals that economic growth, health fiscal policy, and zakat have a positive effect both on HDI and I-HDI. Nevertheless, the education fiscal policy variable has a positive effect on I-HDI, and conversely, has a negative effect on HDI. This condition occurs because the target and strategy for absorption of the education budget are not optimally carried out by the government. This research suggests that in formulating budget policies, the government should not only focus on material elements but also non-material elements which are reflected in the I-HDI model.

Education and culture: cross-cultural analysis

The paper deals with the basic pedagogical categories of education, training, upbringing in cross-cultural aspect. The differences in the conceptual apparatus of domestic and foreign pedagogy in the definition of education, as well as in the allocation of upbringing and training as components of education are shown. Recently, the content of education is largely understood as a projection of the main components of culture. Culture is an umbrella term that includes all the material and non-material aspects of any human society. The understanding of «culture» is important for pedagogy in general, since it is the transfer of culture that is the purpose of education, which is recognized by the whole world pedagogy. Education is understood as a process of transfer – appropriation of culturally formalized samples of human activity and its results in the form of knowledge, ways of activity, attitudes, values. Education is the basis for the transfer and sometimes transformation of culture. Understanding this interaction is difficult because «education» and «culture» are difficult to define precisely, and also because the interaction goes in both directions: culture influences education, and education influences culture.

Accounting Practices in the Barapan Kebo Custom in Sumbawa Regency

Traditional accounting practices in the context of the Barapan Kebo tradition in Sumbawa Regency have not yet been widely researched. This research seeks to fill this gap in the literature by focusing on how buffalo breeders and traditional actors in this tradition record, measure costs and determine profits. Using an ethnographic approach, data was collected through observations and interviews for days in the field. The results show that the concept of profit and loss is not only seen from a material perspective, but is also influenced by spiritual beliefs and local beliefs. Even though financial recording practices tend to be informal, the importance of financial monitoring is still reflected through simple recording carried out by the executive committee. The emphasis on non-material aspects in assessing profits, such as happiness and gratitude, illustrates that spiritual cultural values play a key role in accounting practices in the Barapan Kebo tradition. Accounting is understood as financial management that is not only practical, but also closely connected to the cultural and spiritual values of society.

Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Protection of Refugees and Refugee Camps

Abstract The Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention was established to recognize and protect non-material aspects of culture. Through an analysis of the experience of Bhutanese refugees, we argue that the Convention could be used to aid, protect, and acknowledge refugees in the absence of other mechanisms. Bhutanese refugees began living in camps in 1991, and a population remains in camps without formal international or national support. During this residency, the culture and identity of the Bhutanese refugees were transformed. As sites of cultural meaning and transformation for the refugees, the camps should be protected. Unfortunately, the current state-centric process for nominating intangible cultural heritage for protection excludes stateless and minority groups, such as refugees. Consequently, the nomination process should be amended to allow for bottom-up, community-led nominations.

<em>Roman Culture in the Ottonian World</em>

Roman culture outlived its empire in the West. Any study aiming to assess its relevance in the medieval period must consider that related conceptions and cultural features may change over time. A significantly different definition may have applied to medieval periods compared to what we know from the time of the Roman Principate. This paper studies Roman culture in the Ottonian world by considering the significance and role attributed to the culture of the Roman past and the Byzantine present. The first section focuses on cultural elements related to politics and the exertion of power, the second deals with Roman culture in the material heritage, and the third discusses related non-material aspects. The study argues that although the Ottonians called themselves emperors of a Roman empire, elements that may have been conceived as Roman or were related to the Byzantine world were far from abundant and largely limited to the court. The Roman empire was part of their western heritage, while Roman and Byzantine models represented the sole known sets of adequate examples or sources of inspiration to represent western emperorship. These models had already been adopted and adapted by the Carolingians, who remained an important reference among their imperial successors. Still, while influences from Byzantine court culture were present at the Ottonian court, monastic and popular Byzantine culture was largely absent from the Ottonian world. .

Refleksi Nilai-Nilai Non Materi di Balik Penggunaan Pendapatan oleh Guru Honorer

Purpose: This study aims to reveal the non-material values behind the salary of honorary teachers. Methodology/approach: This research uses the Islamic paradigm. The approach used is Islamic ethnomethodology. There are five data analysis stages: charity, knowledge, faith, revelation information, and ihsan. The method used is qualitative, with data collection techniques in structured interviews and passive participatory observation. Results/findings: The results of the study show that there is a value of responsibility and worship behind the use of income by honorary teachers. This value of responsibility is reflected through the actions of honorary teachers in using their income to finance their personal and family needs. The value of worship is reflected in the decision of honorary teachers to use the income they earn for charity activities. Even if the income they earn is tiny, sufficient, or a lot, honorary teachers will continue to try to set aside the income they earn for charity. Limitations: This study was limited by the time available to collect data. The research was only carried out briefly; some important aspects may have yet to be revealed.. Contribution: The results of this research can be a basis for developing better education policies that consider non-material aspects of supporting honorary teachers and improving the quality of education.

Rethinking Indonesia's Response to the Sino-U.S. Competition through the Lens of Constructivism

Abstract
 The emergence of China as a major power in the world has provoked turmoil among countries, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. This situation was then responded to by the Western major powers, especially the United States and the United Kingdom, which carried out various maneuvers to counter China. Facing this situation, Indonesia has consistently conducted a middle-ground policy by not siding with one of the conflicting parties. Some scholars name this policy as a hedging strategy. Notwithstanding, existing research limits the explanations of the economic and security factors influencing Indonesia's position while overlooking non-material aspects. Against this background, this article seeks to fill this gap by analyzing Indonesia’s policy using the constructivist approach and explanatory qualitative research method. This research found three ideational aspects that shape the Indonesian government in issuing foreign policies related to major power competition in the Asia-Pacific, namely principles, values, and state identity. The concerned values and principles highlight that Indonesia adheres to Pancasila and “free and active” foreign policy principles which are primarily influenced by past colonialization and the struggle for independence. Meanwhile, identity refers to the international situation in which Indonesia has been exercising a vital role as the leader of global south countries.
 Keywords: China, constructivism, hedging strategy, Indonesia, the United States

A Review of Research on the Development of Cultural and Creative Products from the Perspective of "Intangible Cultural Heritage" Inheritance

Purpose: The development of cultural and inventive foodstuffs from the perspective of “ambiguous cultural heritage” has become the object of much study in recent years.
 
 Theoretical Framework: Elusive cultural heritage refers to the non-material aspects of culture, for example oral traditions, performing arts, societal exercises, rituals and festivals, that are passed down from generation to generation.
 
 Method: One of the main research focuses on this area is the role of cultural and inventive foodstuffs in promoting the preservation and transmission of elusive cultural heritage. Many scholars have argued that the marketing of cultural and inventive foodstuffs can serve as a way to increase public consciousness and interest in elusive cultural heritage and create economic opportunities for communities traditionally associated with such live out.
 
 Results: Elusive Cultural Heritage, also known as Elusive Cultural Heritage, is a distinct form of the most important cultural and historical resources in the world. Its importance to the world's history, culture, arts, fine arts, and cultural aesthetics is very important and unique. It is also an invaluable capital of culture and art of human society.
 
 Conclusions: In many cases, traditional knowledge found in a particular culture supports the self-identity of ethnic groups and allows members of these groups to embrace the distinctive characteristics of their culture. In this research review, we will discuss the development of cultural and inventive foodstuffs from the perspective of “ambiguous cultural heritage” inherited from previous research studies.

A Conceptual Framework of The Islamic Human Development Index (I-HDI) and its Relationship with Maqāṣid Al-Sharī'ah

Measurement of development in general uses the Human Development Index (HDI) indicator, but this concept cannot yet be a comprehensive measure of human development. The concept of HDI has an aspect of inequality and only measures the material session, while the spiritual is not measured. Therefore, the Islamic Human Development Index (I-HDI) is here to provide solutions for measuring human development in a complex way by measuring people's welfare through material, spiritual, and moral aspects. The purpose of this study is to explain the concepts and indicators of the human development index from an Islamic perspective and their relevance to maqāṣid al-sharī'ah. This research uses a method with a descriptive qualitative approach, which is an effort to understand the concepts found in the research process, using content analysis techniques and library research or literature review. The findings from this study indicate that the concept of the Islamic Human Development Index (I-HDI) provides an overview of the achievement of human development based on maqāṣid al-sharīʿah by measuring material and non-material aspects. I-HDI is an attempt to translate conventional development concepts into an Islamic perspective, in which the analytical tool used is based on the five maqāṣid al-sharīʿah dimensions as indicators of human needs both materially and spiritually. The I-HDI measurement is based on five maqāṣid al-sharīʿah, namely the protection and safeguarding of religion (ad-dien), protection of the soul (an-nafs), protection of the mind (al-aql), protection of offspring (an-nasl), protection of property (al-maal).

Systemic Suffering as a Critical Tool

In this paper, I defend that the concept of systemic suffering represents a useful tool for social criticism. I shall first make some preliminary methodological remarks (1) and present different meanings that have been attributed to the concept of social suffering (2). I will then suggest that we adopt the concept of systemic suffering instead (3). The next step consists in showing how this form of suffering is connected to the existence of non-material aspects that contribute to social reproduction and that can be defined as systemic doctrines (4). Finally, I shall offer some remarks on possible strategies for criticizing systemic suffering (5).

What Is the Role of the Body in Science Education? A Conversation Between Traditions

Bodily engagement with the material and sociocultural world is ubiquitous in doing and learning science. However, science education researchers have often tended to emphasize the disembodied and nonmaterial aspects of science learning, thereby overlooking the crucial role of the body in meaning-making processes. While in recent years we have seen a turn towards embracing embodied perspectives, there persist considerable theoretical and methodological differences within research on embodiment in science education that hamper productive discourse. What is needed is a careful examination of how different traditions and disciplines, among them philosophy, social semiotics, and cognitive science, bear on embodiment in science education research. This paper aims to explore and articulate the differences and convergences of embodied perspectives in science education research in the form of a dialogue between three fictitious personas that stand for the cognitive, social-interactionist, and phenomenological research traditions. By bringing these traditions into dialogue, we aim to better position the role of the body in the science education research landscape. In doing so, we take essential steps towards unifying terminology across different research traditions and further exploring the implications of embodiment for science education research.

Housing and psychosocial well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic

The loss of psychosocial well-being is an overlooked but monumental consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. These effects result not only from the pandemic itself but, in a secondary way, from the Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) made to curb the spread of disease. The unprecedented physical distancing and stay-at-home requirements and recommendations provide a unique window for housing researchers to better understand the mechanisms by which housing affects psychosocial well-being.This study draws on a survey conducted with over 2,000 residents of the neighbouring Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta in 2021. We propose a new multi-dimensional model to examine the relationships between the Material, Economic, Affordances, Neighbourhood, and Stability (MEANS) aspects of housing and psychosocial well-being. Our analysis reveals the direct and indirect pathways by which deficiencies in each of these areas had negative effects on psychosocial well-being. Residential stability, housing affordances, and neighbourhood accessibility exert stronger direct impacts on psychosocial well-being than material and economic housing indicators (e.g. size of living space and tenure). Notably, we find no significant well-being differences between different homeowners and renters when we account for other housing MEANS. These findings have important implications for housing policy across pandemic and post-pandemic contexts, suggesting a need for research and policy focus on understanding housing and well-being in terms of non-material aspects, such as residential stability and affordances that housing provides.

The ‘inner’ dimension of Dutch farmers’ trajectories of change: drivers, triggers and turning points for sustained agroecological practices

ABSTRACT Transformation to sustainable agriculture in the Netherlands is increasingly called for. Agroecology is acknowledged as a sustainable – potentially transformative – alternative for conventional methods of agriculture. However, few farmers adopt agroecological practices. Recent literature suggests failure to achieve sustained and transformational change may be due to neglectance of personal, nonmaterial aspects of such processes, also referred to as “inner” dimensions of sustainability. Aiming for empirical underpinning, individual transition pathways of nine agroecological farmers were explored, and processes of change were analyzed using a conceptual framework of “zones of friction and traction” across three interconnected and embedded spheres of transformation: the personal, the practical and the political. The chosen framework allows for seeing the role of the personal aspects of transformation, without losing sight of pressures and influences from the “outside.” Identification of zones of friction and traction revealed where and why transformation was happening, as well as the drivers behind farmers’ choice and passion for agroecology. We argue that focus on the “inner” dimension or personal sphere is foundational to sustained transformational change in the practical and political spheres, i.e. the outside world. The presented findings have implications for strategies targeting envisioned transition toward a sustainable food system.

Evolution and new potentials of landscape commons: Insights from Japan and Slovenia

Commons were traditionally associated with rural societies, but socioeconomic changes have triggered new forms of commons linked with urban areas. Despite an emerging literature on these new commons and their connection to landscape management, more knowledge is needed. This study focuses on various forms of commons and their contribution to landscape management in Japan and Slovenia. The aim is to gain insights into the specificities of such commons, explore their evolutionary aspect, and to investigate their governance challenges. Empirical analysis was based on literature, web search and in-depth interviews. The study reveals 1) a great diversity of commons related to landscapes, 2) the evolution of some traditional commons into so-called 'transforming commons', whose main characteristics are the greater involvement of non-owners and the linking of rural–urban areas, 3) new types of commons developed with different resources, mainly in urban areas, and 4) in addition to material benefits these commons also provide non-material aspects and social benefits. The analysis also shows that all commons face governance and social challenges due to ageing of participants, challenging legal procedures, and difficulties in participating in collective actions.

Sustainable Development Efficiency of Cultural Landscape Heritage in Urban Fringe Based on GIS-DEA-MI, a Case Study of Wuhan, China.

Cultural landscape heritage refers to the rare and irreplaceable cultural landscapes recognized by UNESCO and the World Heritage Committee. It is recognized as a “common works of nature and human beings” of outstanding significance and universal value, and is a type of world heritage. Dueto construction, land isincreasingly limited in urban and rural areasin the process of urbanization, and cultural landscape heritage faces a huge threat, especially larger culturallandscapeheritagelocated at the edgesof cities. However, most of the existing studies have mainly focused on the material protection of heritage but have not paid enough attention to the non-material aspects of heritage sites, failing to reveal the inseparable nature of heritage and land. Therefore, this study takes sustainable development efficiency as its analysis tool, examines two pieces of cultural landscape heritage (the Panlongcheng site and the Tomb of the King of the Ming Dynasty) in the urban edge area of Wuhan, China as examples, innovates and establishes a multidimensional evaluation method based on the GIS-DEA-Ml model, and compares the dynamic changes of the spatial development efficiency and non-spatial development efficiency of the above two cultural landscape heritage cases. The results show that: both the spatial development efficiency and non-spatial development efficiency of Panlongcheng from 2010 to 2019 are significantly higher than that of the Tomb. This method makes up for the deficiency of traditional subjective qualitative analysis. It can be used to study the development efficiency of cultural landscape heritage more objectively and comprehensively, and promote the overall sustainable development of material and intangible cultural heritage. It can provide the basis for early decision-making and post-implementation evaluation for the preservation and utilization of cultural landscape heritage under the background of urban renewal.

Pendampingan Penentuan Harga Jual Buku di Penerbit Peneleh

Abstract: Purpose: to overcome problems related to determining the selling price of books appropriately by considering material and non-material aspects. Method: This assistance was carried out at Peneleh Publishers using the Participatory Action Research (PAR) method. Data were collected through observation, Focus Group Discussion, interviews, and documentation. Analysis of the success of the mentoring program can be seen through three indicators, namely knowledge, action, and evaluation. Results: The implementation of the program is carried out in three stages, namely socialization, mentoring, and review. The socialization stage of this program was carried out in 5 meetings. From the socialization stage, information was obtained regarding the problems faced by participants related to setting the selling price of books and giving discounts. The next stage is mentoring. The activities carried out at this stage are identifying material and non-material aspects in determining the selling price of books, identifying differences in the components of determining the selling price of printed books and digital books, calculating the cost of goods sold with the agreed method, determining the pattern calculation of selling prices and book discounts, as well as applying formulas with the designed system. The stage of reviewing the abilities and skills of participants is carried out to evaluate the entire program that has been carried out. Based on the review of the abilities and skills of the participants in determining the selling price of books, it can be said that the abilities and skills of the participants are good. Conclusion: The mentoring program have been achieved well. Participants of the mentoring program can understand the concept and urgency of setting selling prices on their products, be able to identify the components of costs, both material and non-material, understand the right discount calculation pattern, and be able to apply the technique of determining the right selling price for book products. published. Keywords: 1. Cost of Goods Sold 2. Participatory Action Research 3. Selling Price

Islamic Palm-Leaf Manuscripts from Lombok

Abstract The religious background of manuscripts and texts from Lombok is not always certain. Nevertheless, in view of the overwhelming Muslim population on the island, many texts in manuscripts are inspired by Islam. Most manuscripts in Lombok are written on palm leaves, and these lontar manuscripts used to be kept by the people in great numbers, especially among the Waktu Telu, Muslims who adhere to a local variety of Islam, distinct from mainstream Sunni Islam. Material and non-material aspects of the lontar manuscripts from Lombok are discussed here. Apart from the Sasak inhabitants of Lombok, the Balinese community in West Lombok is also familiar with Muslim texts, and some aspects of the materiality of the lontar manuscripts from both communities containing Islamic texts are discussed here. The examples of the manuscripts highlighted here offer wider insights about these so far ill-studied manuscripts from Lombok in Indonesia.

Civilisation, Its Concept, History, Necessity, And Various Characteristics

The thrust of this paper is civilisation, its concept, history, necessity, and various characteristics. It is divided into twelve parts entitled: first, various definitions of civilisation; second, types of civilisations; third, civilisation and culture; fourth, the inner side of civilisation; fifth, the material and non-material aspects of civilisation; sixth, history of civilisation; seventh, God, human beings and nature; eighth, reasons for studying the history of human civilisations; ninth, the need for civilisation; tenth, characteristics of civilisation; eleventh, positive and negative effects of civilisation on human lives and the environment, twelfth, a glance at ancient nations and the Muslim nation from the Qur’anic perspective. This article is based on desk research and it draws on primary Islamic sources namely, the Qur’an and Hadith, as well as secondary works on the concept of knowledge from the Islamic and Western perspectives. Translation of the meanings of the selected verses from the Qur’an is based on ‘Abdullah Yusuf ‘Ali’s Translation of the Meaning of the Qur’an.