Political Norms Research Articles

Understanding Online Discussion Across Difference: Insights from Gun Discourse on Reddit

When discussing difficult topics online, is it common to meaningfully engage with people from diverse perspectives? Why or why not? Could features of the online environment be redesigned to encourage civil conversation across difference? To investigate these questions, we need to explore them in a particular context. In this paper, we study discussions of gun policy on Reddit, with the overarching goal of developing insights into the potential of the internet to support understanding across difference. We use two methods: a clustering analysis of Reddit posts to contribute insights about what people discuss, and an interview study of twenty Reddit users to help us understand why certain kinds of conversation take place and others don't. We find that the discussion of gun politics falls into three groups: conservative pro-gun, liberal pro-gun, and liberal anti-gun. Each type of group has its own characteristic topics. While our subjects state that they would be willing to engage with others across the ideological divide, in practice they rarely do. Subjects are siloed into like-minded subreddits through a two-pronged effect, where they are simultaneously pushed away from opposing-view communities while actively seeking belonging in like-minded ones. Another contributing factor is Reddit's "karma" mechanism: fear of being downvoted and losing karma points and social approval of peers causes our subjects to hesitate to say anything in conflict with group norms. The pseudonymous nature of discussion on Reddit plays a complex role, with some subjects finding it freeing and others fearing reprisal from others not bound by face-to-face norms of politeness. Our subjects believe that content moderation can help ameliorate these issues; however, our findings suggest that moderators need different tools to do so effectively. We conclude by suggesting platform design changes that might increase discussion across difference.

Exile and Inner-Exile in Euclides da Cunha

In this essay, I analyze the relationship between literature and exile from the point-of-view of the renowned Brazilian engineer and writer Euclides da Cunha (1866-1909). I chose this author for his unique use of the concept of exile pertaining to his own human condition, but also for his paradoxical perspective on the Amazonian rubber tappers during the 1900s. Da Cunha himself did not experience personal displacement in the conventional sense of being expatriated. However, his work and ideas often touched upon the notion of exile, especially in the context of cultural, emotional, and intellectual separation. As a writer, sociologist, and journalist in Brazil, Euclides da Cunha was always critical and provocative. He also held various academic and governmental positions, as his work continued to explore themes related to Brazilian society, history, and culture. And while not a traditionally exiled individual during two dictatorial regimes, his ideas and perspectives sometimes put him at odds with the predominantly intellectual and political norms of fin-de-siècle Brazil. His analytical and critical approach to Brazilian society, as evident in his magnum opus Rebellion in the Backlands (1902), challenged prevailing beliefs and led to conflicts with established authorities. His book exposed the brutality of the government’s military campaign against Canudos and raised questions about the treatment of marginalized communities in Brazil. [Article copies available for a fee from The Transformative Studies Institute. E-mail address: journal@transformativestudies.org Website: http://www.transformativestudies.org ©2024 by The Transformative Studies Institute. All rights reserved.]

Music, Sound, Politics

This article reviews literature that followed from a political turn, starting in the 1980s, when new epistemological and disciplinary norms were established for articulating music and sound with politics. In an age of impotence, when neoliberal expansion led to pervasive political exhaustion, music and sound took on added potency as political forces in and of themselves. This wager rests on the presumption of music's capacity for politicization (its entry into and effect on the sphere of normative politics) under conditions of increasing depoliticization (the constraints placed on political participation). I have organized research on the politicization of music and sound into four primary categories: resistance and dissent, identity and recognition, affect and belonging, and power and dominance. The article concludes with recent wagers on music and sound to mitigate life's perils in the present and model “otherwise” possibilities for the future.

THE CONCEPT OF AESTHETICIZATION OF POLITICS IN THE IDEOLOGY OF FASCISM

This research paper explores the peculiarities of the concept of aestheticization of politics in the ideology of fascism. The influence of the aesthetic on moral and political norms is determined, and the concept of aestheticization of politics proposed by V. Benjamin is distinguished. Along with this, the theoretical boundaries of this concept were expanded and its core element – the category of fascist style as a universal attribute of all socio-political life – was determined, its characteristic features were nuanced: courage, fearlessness, rebellion, heroism, adventurism, etc. The peculiarity of realizing the aesthetic perception of the state in the ideology of fascism was also theoretically dissected.

Measuring norm pluralism and perceived polarization in US politics.

Recent research has shown how norms shape political and economic decision-making. Much of this work assumes that a single norm influences the behavior of all people, but in fact, many situations are characterized by the existence of competing normative viewpoints. We apply a method for measuring belief in the simultaneous existence of multiple norms. Such multiplicity arises naturally when norms are associated with distinctive groups, and thus political polarization can be characterized, in part, as a product of diverging norms between groups. We thus assess the validity of our measurement technique by testing whether it can recover polarization on seven salient political issues on which US Democrats and Republicans tend to hold different views. We then compare the norms elicited by our method to the norms of Democrats and Republicans elicited in a separate sample using an established and validated-but methodologically less rich-measurement approach. Our study uncovers a wide range of co-existing views between and within political groups. Partisans understand their group's norms and hold personal views that align with them. They can also recognize the diversity and polarization in US public opinion by identifying norms specific to political parties and acknowledging the variety of views within their own parties, which may indicate internal divisions. This research underscores the importance of nuanced approaches to political norms that go beyond party lines. By acknowledging a plurality of views, we can encourage productive discussions and bridge ideological divides.

Queering COVID-19: A Synergistic Approach to Theorizing Pandemic Inequalities

COVID-19 has amplified social, economic, racial, gendered and sexual inequalities from its earliest days, yet distinct contemporary experiences of COVID-related inequalities around the globe warrant further analysis. Social scientists have theorized COVID-19 and its stratifications through various analytic axes, including critical race theory, decolonial thought and queer theory, and have identified the disparate impact of COVID-19 on LGBTQ+ communities in varied global contexts. However, the ‘queering’ of COVID-19 remains a timely project. In this article, we assess how the production and (re)production of discourses and practices that further pathologize people outside the hetero-patriarchal norm is an integral part of the ways in which a queering of COVID should be conceptualized. We understand queering COVID-19 as a theoretical stance that de-centres heteronormative and binary-gendered social structures and brings a critical eye to the normative political, biomedical and economic projects therein.

Pragmatic Analysis in Digital Communication: A Case Study of Language Use on Social Media

This study investigates the pragmatic strategies employed in digital communication, specifically within social media platforms. As the use of social media continues to rise, understanding how users navigate language and meaning in these contexts becomes increasingly vital. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the research analyzes user interactions on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to identify key pragmatic strategies, including politeness, implicature, and contextual cues. The findings reveal that social media users employ diverse strategies to convey messages effectively in an environment characterized by brevity and immediacy. Additionally, the research highlights significant cultural influences on language use, showcasing variations in communication styles, humour, and politeness norms across different cultural backgrounds. These insights underscore the importance of cultural awareness in fostering effective cross-cultural communication. Ultimately, this research contributes to the field of pragmatics by enhancing our understanding of the interplay between language, culture, and digital communication. The study also offers practical recommendations for social media users to improve their communication effectiveness, facilitating more respectful and meaningful interactions in the digital space. As digital communication evolves, further exploration of emerging trends and challenges in this area is essential for adapting to the dynamic landscape of human interaction.

Between Public and Private: A Study of the Rural Fertilization System during the Collectivization Period (1949–1963) – With a Focus on Shanxi Province

Abstract Manure is a critical productive resource for agricultural development. With the advancement of the collectivization movement, household manure accumulation became a key source of fertilizer for collective agricultural operations. However, the process of farmers contributing fertilizer to the collective faced setbacks due to factors such as unreasonable compensation. In response, various localities gradually developed fertilization systems centered around tasks, compensation, and rewards and penalties. The essence of these systems was an economic balance between collective fertilizer use and increased farmer income, generally characterized by considerations for both public and private interests, but prioritizing the public over the private. In the dynamic restructuring of the relationship between labor input and income distribution, political norms and economic measures adjusted to one another. The economic rationality of the peasants interacted with the “egalitarianism” culture in rural areas, reflecting the complex interplay between public and private interests during the collectivization period in rural society.

The Religious Component in Contemporary Russian Imperialism

Ever since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, various voices in the Russian public sphere have been trying to make sense of Russia’s new place in the world, its geopolitical horizons, and the identity of its people. One of the dominant trends that have emerged is Orthodox imperialism, which combines religious symbols and narratives with a geopolitical vision of Russian expansion and “reunification”. This article provides an overview of the Russian Orthodox imperialist voices, analysing the political norms and identities they have enabled. Our investigation shows that by advancing a programme that combines geopolitical restoration and eschatological religious mission, Orthodox imperialism offers an ideological solution to the problem of Russia’s lost great-power status. This solution, however, does not envisage a bright future for Russia or the world. On the contrary, it remains firmly fixated on the past, foretelling of an apocalyptic disaster if Moscow does not regain its former imperial glory and exercise its divine role as a “restrainer” to any global domination.

Flouting Conversational Maxims In The Rom-Com Movie The Kissing Booth 2

To create effective communication, individuals must adhere to the four conversational maxims or principles of cooperation. However, in the world of movies, language use tends to be more varied, and sometimes not subject to the norms of language politeness and the context of language use. As a result, the information conveyed can be unclear and ambiguous, which in turn leads to violations of the conversational maxims. The purpose of this study is to analyze the types of flouting maxims found in The Kissing Booth 2 Movie and to identify the reasons behind the flouting maxim since it is very important to make communication as effective as possible. In this study, the researcher used a theory proposed by Grice in Levinson in analyzing the types of flouting maxims and the theory proposed by Leech in analyzing the reason behind the flouting maxim that occurs in the movie. This study used a descriptive qualitative method to provide a deeper understanding of the flouting maxim and the reasons for flouting. The data were collected from the conversations that occurred among the characters in The Kissing Booth 2 Movie. The results found that there were violations of the maxims of quantity, quality, relevance, and manner committed by the characters. Relevance violations are less frequent (8.3%) and typically occur when characters fail to shift topics in response to specific questions. Intriguingly, maxim violations do not invariably yield negative outcomes, as characters collaborate to convey their intended meanings smoothly. This collaborative approach is particularly prevalent (65%), signifying that characters often flout maxims when illocutionary goals diverge from social goals. Ultimately, the study concludes that the flouting maxim of quantity prevails, and collaborative reasons dominate as the most common motivation behind maxim deviations.

Workplace violence against junior doctors in Iraq: implications for job satisfaction and retention

IntroductionHealth workers worldwide report being exposed to workplace violence, but those in conflict settings (or post-conflict settings) are especially targeted, as political conflict shifts societal norms. Iraq has suffered war and conflict for decades. A 2013 study of 567 Iraqi-trained physicians found nearly 2/3 had emigrated to mostly English-speaking countries; further, half of those remaining wished to leave Iraq. While prior studies have examined the phenomenon of violence against health workers in Iraq, no qualitative study has characterized Iraqi front line junior doctors’ experiences of workplace violence within a workplace violence causal framework, to inform an educational and policy response.MethodsWe consented and interviewed 73 junior physicians at six teaching hospitals across Central Iraq between December 2021, and January 2022. We analyzed 22 of the 73 conversations, after rejecting 29 because they were terminated prematurely when doctors were called away for patient care, and 22 others where doctors indicated they had no experience with workplace violence. (Our goal was to understand these interactions, not to quantify them).ResultsThe physicians we interviewed had been practicing an average 3 years since graduating from medical school (ranging from 6 months to 7 years). Interviewees represented eight hospital departments, with most coming from internal medicine and surgery. Within a socio-ecological framework, we identified two primary individual-level factors prompting patient-associated violence: patients and their families don’t understand triage (and resent being pushed to the side when doctors focus on more serious cases), and junior doctors (by definition) are young and inexperienced. At the family level, doctors reported patient relatives often demonstrate their devotion to the patient by acting out. At the hospital level, institutions are operating in an environment of scarcity, which generates high emotions as patients compete for attention, supplies and space. At a societal level, doctors reported family attacks persist because perpetrators face no real legal consequences. In addition to causes of violence, there are consequences. Doctors who are targets of violence reported experiencing mental health problems, including depression and loss of self-esteem, and reported thoughts of leaving their positions and even their country. Doctors also expressed regret for choosing a career in medicine.ConclusionYoung, inexperienced junior doctors in Iraq are bearing the brunt of patient frustrations with the scarcity of resources in the health system. Hospitals would likely improve the job satisfaction of junior physicians, and their longevity in the health system, by attending to this problem.

Who thinks ideologically about welfare state reform? Partisanship and attitude consistency in politicians’ and mass public perceptions about the consequences of welfare service privatization in Sweden

When studying attitudes toward the welfare state or evaluations of welfare reforms, research has tended to focus on what people think rather than how they think about specific issues. Moreover, the effects of the mobilizing efforts of political parties on attitudes and belief systems are often theorized separately from the normative institutional feedback effects common to the welfare state literature. In this paper, I propose that elite political rhetoric and institutional norms may exert dual pressures leading to partisan differences in the propensity to think ideologically among the mass public, defined as a positive relationship between holding internally consistent attitudes and taking a partisan issue position. Drawing on the case of welfare service privatization in Sweden, I point out how the rhetoric of the right – emphasizing choice and private property – frequently contradicts norms about universality long espoused by the Swedish welfare state, while the rhetoric of the left – emphasizing equality of access and outcomes – is better aligned with such institutional norms. The analysis of survey data demonstrated that centre-right sympathizers, the prime receivers of conflicting elite versus institutional messages, frequently took a middling position, being neither positive nor negative, to the consequences of welfare service privatization, and that, unlike centre-right politicians and sympathizers and politicians of left parties, this position did not differ according to attitude consistency. Furthermore, political interest enhanced this relationship among right sympathizers but was of little consequence to left sympathizers, implying that in the case of a conflict between institutional norms and political rhetoric, only the most attentive sympathizers are likely to engage in ideological thinking on the basis of partisanship.

Practices of Trans-National Corporations: The Need to Change Global Economic and Political Norms; Comment on "National Public Health Surveillance of Corporations in Key Unhealthy Commodity Industries – A Scoping Review and Framework Synthesis"

Trans-national corporations (TNCs) are recognised as having an adverse impact on public health through the marketing and sale of unhealthy products. In addition to this some of their practices affect health, including taxation avoidance, lobbying politicians to gain favourable legislative and regulatory environments for their operations, and failure to abide by occupational health and safety standards. We argue that while considering the individual practices of commercial actors is crucial the true public health harms are only evident when the synergistic impacts of the practices are considered. We also note that the practices are supported by a global economic and political system which operates in the favour of commercial actors rather than the health of people and the planet. Consequently there needs to be a norm change by which norms and power are shifted away from commercial interests and externalities of commercial practices are no longer outsourced to the public purse.

Examining Gender Differences in Slang Usage Among Gen Z and Millennials in Surabaya

This study investigates the differences in language use and politeness norms between Millennials and Generation Z. Through a mixed-methods approach combining surveys and interviews, the research examines how digital communication and cultural shifts influence these generations' communication styles. Findings reveal Generation Z's frequent use of slang and direct, inclusive communication, contrasting with Millennials' more reserved approach, especially in professional settings. The study highlights the importance of understanding these differences for effective intergenerational communication and suggests educational programs, workplace training, and digital literacy enhancement as strategies to bridge generational gaps. By promoting adaptability and inclusivity, these recommendations aim to foster a cohesive and understanding society.

Exploring Political Socialization through the Lens of Giddens' Structuration Theory

Socialization is a fundamental process for the dissemination and comprehension of ideas, essential for maintaining and strengthening societal structures. It involves the exchange of values, beliefs, and perspectives, ensuring that these ideas are understood and valued within a community. This process also integrates individuals into social groups, fostering familiarity and acceptance among members. This study explores political socialization through the lens of Anthony Giddens’ Structuration Theory, which emphasizes the duality of structure and agency. By examining the interplay between social structures and individual actions, this research aims to provide a deeper understanding of how political norms and practices are produced and reproduced. This research employed a descriptive qualitative method, specifically the Literature Study Method, to trace theoretical details and provide an analytical focus on political socialization and Structuration Theory. The findings highlight that political socialization is a complex process influenced by various agents such as family, education systems, media, and political institutions, which shape individuals' political identities and behaviors. Moreover, Giddens’ Structuration Theory elucidates that social structures both constrain and enable political actions, emphasizing the reciprocal relationship between individuals and their social contexts. This study contributes to our understanding of how political socialization mechanisms contribute to societal stability and change by elucidating how individuals navigate and negotiate political structures through their everyday practices and interactions.

Fighting for Oxford and Cambridge: National Security and Imperial Ambition in the ‘Transition of Power’

ABSTRACT This article uses the rise of the doctrine of ‘national security’ in US statecraft and strategy to re-examine Brian McKercher’s work on the ‘transition of power’ from Britain to the United States. World War II marked the great watershed in American foreign relations, in particular the ability, and more specifically the willingness, of Americans to project power beyond the western hemisphere. Not coincidentally, the war also marked another crucial turning point in American war and diplomacy: the transition from concepts like ‘national self-defence’ and ‘the national interest’ to a strategic doctrine that blended the blunt necessity of defence with the capacious ambition of interests. This new doctrine of ‘national security’ conceived of self-defence in a new way, not just as the protection of territorial sovereignty but as the protection of values, morals, and political norms. This much more capacious idea of defence was designed to be the bastion of a new liberal order to safeguard Western civilisation. In this light, American internationalists conceived of US power as the rightful heir to the mandate of the British Empire, albeit in ways that privileged command of the global commons over direct control of foreign territory. This article investigates the construction of ‘national security’ and the nature of Anglo-American empire in a new light.

Support for Partisan Violence among the Political Fringe: The Case of Antifa and QAnon Supporters

ABSTRACT Recent surveys have shown that significant numbers of partisans in the United States harbor violent attitudes towards out-party politicians and out-party members. This finding has corresponded with the increased visibility of political fringe groups, such as Antifa on the political left and QAnon on the political right. Fringe groups such as these take ideologically extreme political positions and defy political norms, including prohibitions on political violence. Are partisan supporters of these fringe groups more likely to hold violent political attitudes? Using survey data from the Understanding America Study (UAS), we test whether Antifa supporters and QAnon supporters are more likely to report violent attitudes compared to non-fringe group supporters. We find supporters of both groups are more likely to wish harm towards out-party members, support violent protest, and support various forms of interpersonal violence towards out-party members. The results hold even when controlling for ideological extremity, personality, and affective partisanship.

UNDERSTANDING AND ENHANCING CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE WORKPLACE

Culture is a global phenomenon that is derived from social, economic, legal, political, and religious norms, values, and traditions of the society. Culture shapes the behavior of individuals to act accordingly in different situations faced by individuals in all spheres of life. Thus, from the last few decades of the 20th century until now, organizational culture has been researched extensively. Culture exerts influence over every facet of individuals' conduct within a particular society. Consequently, individuals raised in disparate countries with varying cultural norms cultivate distinct patterns of behavior and cognition. Organizational culture is an important determinant of organizational success. The workplace environment is crafted through the interactions of employees, forming organizational culture. In the new Malaysia, the focus has shifted towards embracing the diversity of cultures and interests, necessitating attention. In an era marked by polarization and limited social mobility, cultural intelligence emerges as a crucial asset across all socioeconomic and ethnic groups. In a heterogeneous society like Malaysia, the capacity to collaborate with diverse cultures will provide disadvantaged individuals with a competitive advantage and enhance social mobility. This conceptual paper aims to investigate the Model of Cultural Intelligence, examining how employees in Malaysia embrace a diverse range of cultures in their daily activities.

Analysis Politeness And Impoliteness Youtube Chanel"Prabowo Subianto Bicara Gagasan Mata Najwa

Politeness and impoliteness are integral aspects of pragmatics, deeply embedded in the fabric of social interaction. This study aims to analyze the manifestations of politeness and impoliteness in the live verbal interactions featured on the YouTube channel "Mata Najwa." Specifically, the focus is on the episode titled "Prabowo Subianto Bicara Gagasan Mata Najwa." By examining the discourse in this episode, the study seeks to elucidate how conversational strategies either adhere to or deviate from societal norms of politeness. Such an analysis is pivotal for understanding the dynamics of communication and the implicit power relations within social interactions. The findings can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of face-saving and face-threatening acts, contributing to the broader field of pragmatics and its application to real-life media interactions. This investigation underscores the relevance of politeness theory in contemporary digital communication platforms.

From Civil Society Organisations to Pirate Parties to Digital Democracy

Reshaping our political and social systems for a sustainable future requires a multifaceted approach that addresses several key areas, such as: political reform, social change, economic development, environmental preservation, or technological innovation. In order to achieve a sustainable future, we need to implement its ideals in every societal sector. When dealing with the political system, we cannot ignore the antidemocratic tendencies arising or taking over our everyday life even in the Western World. Under these circumstances, political reform is a must and we have to admit that one of its most important tasks is strengthening democracy. The actual political discourse is full of ideas like proportional representation, direct democracy, sustainability-focused governance, transparency, accountability, and equity. Among the many actors that try to solve these problems there is a group that proposes some new solutions, based on the means of Information Society, Pirate Parties. Emerging from the digital world, they are a fresh wave of political movements with deep roots in online activism. These parties, some born from anti-establishment protests, have rapidly spread across the globe in just two decades. Their journey is one of transformation, from grassroots movements to established political players. Pirate Parties have a clear digital agenda, focusing on issues like copyright reform, open access to information, and online privacy. They champion net neutrality and the free flow of knowledge. However, most of them have recognized the importance of broader democratic values for political success. Beyond their digital focus, Pirate Parties also advocate for traditional democratic ideals, including civil rights, transparency, and combating corruption. They promote free speech, direct democracy, and exploring alternative forms of citizen participation in government, often leveraging technology (e-democracy). The future impact of Pirate Parties remains uncertain, but their influence is undeniable. They’ve challenged traditional political norms and brought issues of the digital age to the forefront. Pirate Parties have reshaped the European political landscape and inspired similar movements around the world. My paper aims to briefly present these political formations, with special regard to their origins in and their relations with civil society. After outlining the broad framework, I present some of the most notorious of these formations.