Qualitative Research Research Articles

Relational Cultural Theory and Intervention Approaches with Adolescent Girls: An Integrative Review

Relational Cultural Theory (RCT) offers a feminist, relationally-centered approach to therapy and social work practice, which is focused on the unique developmental experiences of girls, women, and individuals from traditionally underrepresented or marginalized groups. Much of the theoretical and intervention research on this model has focused on adult women, with less attention devoted to RCT's application with adolescent girls. This integrative literature review synthesizes qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, and case study research on RCT to assess: 1) how RCT theoretical tenets have been translated into intervention strategies with adolescent girls, and 2) the degree to which RCT intervention research includes experiences of girls from diverse and underrepresented groups. Five electronic databases were searched through August 2023. Following deduplication and screening for inclusion/exclusion, 12 studies were retained for inclusion in this review. Analysis revealed four core RCT concepts that were linked with therapeutic intervention components across all included studies: mutual empathy, authenticity, empowerment, and the overall strengthening and deepening of relational connections. Over half of included studies reported samples that were over 50% girls of color, and/or having an expressed study purpose focused on girls from a diverse or underrepresented group. Practice implications for work with adolescent girls are discussed.

The Biopolitical Kindergarten: A Critical Qualitative Examination of the Intersection Between Policymakers’ Neoliberal Reforms and Children’s Figuring of Themselves as Learners

This critical qualitative policy research study examines the intersection between policymakers’ neoliberal kindergarten reforms and children figuring themselves as learners within a publicly funded schooling community. Engaging in this examination of the biopolitical kindergarten space, which is shaped by standardized teaching and learning experience designed to prepare kindergarteners for the high-stakes reforms that await them in later grades, creates the opportunity to consider whether school spaces are designed to prepare the next generation of democratic citizens. It also provides insight as to how critical qualitative policy researchers can investigate as well as propose tangible policy responses through their work that seek to change the current era of policymakers schooling children through their neoliberal reforms.

The Importance of Tutoring Activities in Reducing Student Learning Difficulties in an Elementary School Environment

The number of children who experience difficulties in learning causes children not to develop according to their capacity. This is usually due to interference, both from internal student factors which are limited to intelligence factors and external student factors. There are two types of learning difficulties, namely pre-academic learning difficulties including: motor and perceptual disorders, cognitive learning difficulties, language development disorders, and difficulties in completing social behavior. While academic learning difficulties include difficulties in reading, writing, and arithmetic. In overcoming these problems, it is important to conduct tutoring in reducing student learning difficulties in the elementary school environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the description of the implementation of tutoring services in reducing the learning difficulties of elementary school students in Amparita village. The research location is Independent Tutoring in Amparita Village. This selection is related to the characteristics of the research subjects, namely tutoring mentors who have a Bachelor of Education background who have implemented tutoring services. The research method used a qualitative descriptive research approach. Data collection techniques were carried out by observation, interviews, and documentation studies. The result of the research is that the implementation of tutoring services can help students reduce learning difficulties. The tutoring services provided are integrated with the subject matter (when learning takes place), so that no specific service material is prepared but the mentor provides students with material according to the lessons at school. In its implementation, sometimes the mentor provides it with a cooperative learning model so that students can learn from each other and share with other students to achieve the goals of a particular learning. The success of the implementation of tutoring services in reducing learning difficulties is that students show an increased interest in learning, do and collect assignments on time and can concentrate by paying attention to the subject matter provided by the teacher.

The Ethical Issues of School-Based Occupational Therapy Practice in Quebec-Canada

ABSTRACT In Quebec-Canada, school-based occupational therapy has expanded over the last decade. This emerging practice context poses distinctive ethical issues for occupational therapists, but no empirical studies have documented them. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe the ethical issues faced by school-based occupational therapists in Quebec. Using a qualitative inductive research design, 19 school-based occupational therapists practicing in Quebec were interviewed individually. All participants reported experiencing ethical issues in their practice. Nine categories emerged from the analyzed data, covering ethical issues in the micro-environment (n = 4), meso-environment (n = 3), and macro-environment (n = 2). In the micro-environment, occupational therapists face ethical issues relating to collaboration with school teams, management of restraints and seclusion, compliance with practice standards, and accessibility of services. In the meso-environment, they experience ethical issues linked to the cultural clash between healthcare and education, the inclusion of students with disabilities in schools, and the lack of understanding and recognition of occupational therapy. In the macro-environment, they encounter ethical issues arising from the lack of resources, and the lack of intersectoral collaboration between healthcare and education systems. Describing the ethical issues of occupational therapy school-based practice is a first step toward identifying ways of preventing and resolving them.

Childhoods, Cultures, and Critical Qualitative Inquiry: Researching the Political and Life Worlds of Children

The purpose of this special issue is to present work that moves beyond the dominant logic of childhoods as imposed on those who are younger, and instead, to demonstrate how critical empirical qualitative investigations that honor, as well as answer, the complex political and life worlds of children in the present and the past offer a way forward; a path that supports communities and the public institutions important to them so that all children can thrive and become the persons they want to be. To do so, these articles draw on different theoretical and methodological critical orientations and traditions to broadly consider the ways in which cultural studies rooted in critical qualitative research can generate knowledges that expand conceptualizations of/for multiple worlds of children/childhood. In doing so, these pieces examine the contemporary, multiple, and immanent cultural worlds and life conditions of children and notions of childhood—both past and present. Such work speaks to the complex, and often unjust, worlds of children and childhoods, and in doing so, the authors propose and illuminate discourse, policy, and relationship changes and actions required to address the complex pressing needs faced by children across a range of communities and/or public institutions.

Childhoods, Lives, and Histories of Critical Qualitative Inquiry

The purpose of this article is to briefly overview this history of critical inquiry as conducted by early childhood education and care scholars; research by those with direct daily experience usually as teachers and/or caregivers with those who are younger, and remind everyone, including myself, that we have multiple locations and possibilities for putting forward justice-oriented critical activist research agendas. Before doing so, however, the understanding the reasons for engagement with critical histories can be very important to that work, along with an understanding of the research context from which the scholarship has emerged.

Redefining Futures: Resilience and Empowerment Among Latinx DACA College Students in a Politicized Climate

ABSTRACT This study examined the experiences of Latinx DACA college students in the context of a highly politicized climate in the United States, marked by exclusion and xenophobia. The study employed a qualitative research design, which involved conducting interviews with 12 participants to explore how they responded to the exclusionary forces. The findings highlight that despite facing discrimination and microaggressions, the participants actively challenged negative stereotypes and redefined their identities as valuable members of the U.S. In addition, they distanced themselves from the threat of deportation and projected a future in which they continued to contribute to their community. The study emphasizes the significance of understanding and supporting DACA and undocumented students in higher education through faculty training, financial assistance, and the establishment of support programs.

Nature and causes of conflict among communities bordering in Borabu-Sotik Border Kenya

This study sought to analyse the nature and causes of conflict among communities bordering in Borabu-Sotik border Kenya. Cross-border conflicts have long existed worldwide, with recent ethnic and communal tensions affecting Africa, including Kenya. This study utilised descriptive statistics and a qualitative research design, focusing on churches at the Borabu-Sotik border, such as SDA, PAG, and Catholic, with a target population of 7,738 respondents. In the context of interfaith relations at Borabu and Sotik, churches play a significant role in conflict resolution through mediation and negotiations. Religious leaders actively mediate disputes and promote compromises between conflicting parties. Additionally, the church contributes to nation building by advocating for peace and supporting youth often involved in conflicts. The church collaborates with the government and other agencies to address social issues like land rights and ethnic discrimination, thus maintaining stability and security. The study used purposive and simple random sampling to select a sample size of 392 respondents, comprising 35 church leaders and 357 church members. Proportionate sampling methods were employed to categorize the sample according to churches. Stratified random sampling was usedto select the respondents, who were then given questionnaires. Data collection tools included interview schedules for church leaders, questionnaires for church members, focus group discussions, and a checklist. Descriptive statistics such as percentages, means, and standard deviations were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

The Pentahelix Role in Tourism Destination Management Sebangau National Park Palangka Raya City

The existence of Sebangau National Park in Central Kalimantan is a government effort to save and protect ecosystems that have started to deteriorate in the Sebagau area due to logging, poaching, and forest burning for land clearing conducted illegally by the community. In addition to these problems, the existence of Sebangau National Park is also to minimize the impact caused by global warming in the form of high air temperatures, which can trigger forest and peatland fires which occur almost every year in Palangka Raya City. Forest fires can damage ecosystems, releasing carbon and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere so that they can pollute water, soil and air. In addition, the smoke produced can also interfere with public health. The involvement of Pentahelix actors in the management of the Sebangau National Park tourism destination in Palangka Raya City is to make tourism at this destination sustainable. This research is designed as qualitative research supported by quantitative data, often referred to as a mixed method. Data collection was conducted through observation, semi-structured interviews, document studies, and questionnaires. The analysis method used in this study is Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM) to map the role of Pentahelix with three elements consisting of: actor elements, need elements, and constraint elements. The ISM analysis results identified the main actors in the management of the Sebangau National Park tourism destination in Palangka Raya City as the Sebangau National Park Office in Palangka Raya City (government) and the Getek Maju Mandiri Group (community). The primary need in management is the Pentahelix collaboration and sustainable ecotourism. The main constraints in management are the incomplete availability of facilities and infrastructure and the lack of coordination between the government, private sector, and community.

Political Dichotomy and Disciplinary Processes of Employees in Local Government Administration, A Case of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality, in Mopani District of Limpopo Province in South Africa

Political dichotomy in the disciplinary processes of local government employees has significant implications for governance and service delivery. This study focuses on the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality in the Mopani District of Limpopo Province, South Africa, to explore how political affiliations and influences shape disciplinary outcomes. Using qualitative research methods, including interviews and document analysis, the study uncovers the extent to which political considerations override procedural fairness, leading to inconsistent disciplinary measures. The findings emphasize the need for depoliticized disciplinary frameworks to enhance administrative efficiency and integrity in local governance. Political patronage and interference have been shown to affect employee morale and organizational culture negatively. In the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality, specific cases of political favouritism and bias have resulted in either undue leniency or harsh disciplinary actions. This study contributes to the understanding of the intricate relationship between politics and administration, highlighting the detrimental effects of political influence on the principles of accountability and transparency in local government. This research is unique in its detailed case study approach, providing a micro-level analysis that offers insights into broader national and regional trends in local government administration. It also proposes practical recommendations to mitigate political interference in disciplinary processes. By ensuring fair and consistent application of disciplinary procedures, local municipalities can improve service delivery and foster a more positive work environment.

Evaluation the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka Programme in Indonesia:

This study aims to evaluate the MBKM (Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka) Programme in Indonesia, describe sustainability, and challenges in implementing the programme. This research uses descriptive qualitative research by utilising data sources from books, articles, and related journals. The data collection technique was carried out by reviewing and analysing documents from several universities that have implemented the programme. The result of this study is that the universities that became the sample in the evaluation of MBKM implementation did not all implement the programme. Although there are universities that implement the programme, the percentage is still low. Therefore, universities need to do several things to improve it: 1) socialisation and inspire/motivate students to get involved in the programme. One of the strategies that can be anticipated to overcome the difficulties in producing outcomes that are aware of scientific and technological advances and able to compete in global progress is to design programme policies; 2) involve cooperation with several partners outside the college to equip students with MBKM programme experiences that are in accordance with student preferences; 3) colleges need to pay attention to the interests of students in implementing MBKM programmes, especially internship programmes that require extra funds. In addition, to support this programme, it is necessary to innovate learning models, collaborate with partners outside the campus, and adjust the study programme curriculum to be more adaptive in preparing graduates for the world of work.

Exploring the Post-COVID-19 Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Placement Experiences of Hospitality Students

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak disrupted many industries including the hospitality industry. Work-integrated learning (WIL) placement within the hospitality sector was also affected by changes that occurred during the pandemic. The pandemic resulted in the closure of hospitality establishments, enforcement of health and safety protocols, retrenchments and a transformed hospitality work environment. All these changes affected the experiences of students under WIL placement. Accordingly, this study sought to explore the post-COVID-19 WIL placement experiences of hospitality students. The study collected data using the qualitative research methodology. The study population consisted of university students who were enrolled on a hospitality and tourism management course. A purposively selected sample of 20 participants was interviewed using semi-structured providing data on WIL placement experiences in the post-pandemic period. The data were analysed and presented using thematic analysis. The main findings of the investigation revealed that there is a significant change in employment readiness, skills gap as well as career prospects uncertainty. Furthermore, students are facing challenges in handling the transition, dealing with negative career prospects and coping with digital competence requirements. Based on these findings, the study recommends the restructuring of the curriculum to accommodate changes in the hospitality industry, stakeholder consultations regarding WIL placement activities and training to accommodate all changes that affect the efficient delivery of WIL placement within the hospitality industry.

SOCIAL STOCK EXCHANGE: A WAY FORWARD TO MAKE INDIA A VIKSIT BHARAT (DEVELOPED NATION) @ 2047

This research paper delves deep into the mechanisms of the Social Stock Exchange, unravelling its potential to shape a sustainable future, where economic growth seamlessly integrates with social well-being, guiding India towards its visionary goal to become developed nation by 2047. This qualitative research study attempts to give comprehensive view on Social Stock Exchange (SSE) proposed in India by providing information on Framework, Global outlook, Significance, Challenges & Limitations of SSE. The study also shows that how this revolutionary concept will significantly contribute to attain United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and in the development of India to become Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Transnational social fields of Italian Bangladeshis in Europe and beyond: Towards a new geography of ways of belonging

AbstractIn view of the growing onward migration and multisited transnationalism among naturalized EU citizens, this article seeks to advance the current understanding of transnational social fields, cataloguing the complex interplays of migrants' ways of being, belonging, and in‐betweenness across different places and spaces. Drawing on multisited qualitative research with Italian Bangladeshis in Italy and the United Kingdom, the paper presents how their ‘ways of being’ are expressed by maintaining transnational attachments to the country of origin and the wider Bangladeshi diaspora. In addition, they maintain transnational ‘ways of belonging’ by incorporating the Bengali language, culture, traditions, and values, and transmitting them to the next generation. Beyond these multiplicities of being and belonging, the findings put forward two important, yet contrasting, observations. On the one hand, there is an ongoing pursuit of onward migration to the UK among a section of the community—often influenced by social networks and transnational connections with the recognised Bangladeshi diaspora in the UK. Apart from being in the ‘community comfort zone’ and language advantage in the integration process, many migrants perceive living in the UK as having a higher ‘prestige’, ‘class’ or ‘status’ vis‐a‐vis Italy in terms of life quality, wealth, cultural, and religious freedom. On the other hand, another cohort is emotionally and culturally embedded in Italian societies and is in a dilemma of whether to migrate onward. In this process, they constantly blend, shift, and negotiate their ways of belonging. The findings unfold how a new geography of belonging takes shape, characterised by fluidities, multifaceted identities, and everyday life practices in a transnational space.

Strengthening Change Management Principles to Eliminate Corruption in Local Government of the Republic of South Africa. A Case of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality

Change management is crucial in addressing corruption within local governments, particularly in developing countries like South Africa. This study examines the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality, focusing on how intensifying change management principles can effectively eliminate corruption. By analysing various stakeholders' roles, including employees, politicians, and directors, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the corruption dynamics within the municipality. Using a qualitative research design, the study explores the effectiveness of change management strategies through detailed data collection and analysis. The findings underscore the importance of robust change management in fostering a corruption-free local government environment.

A Study on the Employment Support Service System for Visually Impaired College Students in China

At present, the problem of difficult employment for disabled college students in China is becoming more and more prominent, and the construction of an employment support service system for colleges and universities is one of the most important means of alleviating the employment pressure on disabled college students and promoting the healthy development of society. Based on the perspectives of visually impaired college students and colleges and universities, this study adopts qualitative research methods such as interview method and observation method, selects 10 visually impaired students from a college in China as the research object, and statistically analyses the raw data of the interviews with NVivo data analysis tools, and builds a college employment support service system with the core of education and training and support, employment guidance and consulting, social resources integration and enhancing social and enterprise inclusiveness. The service system is of great practical significance for promoting high-quality employment and better integration of visually impaired students into society, as well as creating a harmonious and inclusive employment support environment.

Post‐road traffic injury experiences and challenges faced by college students: A qualitative study in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, India

AbstractRoad traffic injuries (RTIs) are a pressing public health concern in India, leading to a rise in injury‐related deaths, hospitalizations, and disabilities. India accounts for a significant portion of the world's fatal traffic accidents, with two‐wheelers being involved in the majority of these accidents. The impact of non‐fatal injuries on individuals extends beyond the bodily consequences of the injury and includes both the physical and psychological dimensions of the injury. The literature indicates the need for policy cascades and implementation framework for the prevention of road traffic injury. This study aimed to investigate the post‐RTI experiences and challenges faced by college students who experienced road traffic injury during their college life by using a qualitative research approach in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, India. The study found that college students who experienced RTIs faced a wide range of physical, emotional, and social difficulties. The study highlights the need for a more comprehensive and holistic approach to RTI prevention that takes into account the complex interplay of individual, environmental, and societal factors that contribute to RTIs. The study also underscores the urgent need to improve the quality and availability of healthcare and rehabilitation services for RTI survivors.

Supplementary Learning Materials for Nursing: Students’ Speaking Need Analysis

The purpose of research is to discover the supplementary learning materials for speaking skills of nursing students. This qualitative research involved 30 nursing students, 2 lecturers and 5 alumni at Qamarul Huda Badaruddin University. The research information was obtained through an interview approach and questionnaire. The results are that; (1) general needs include the purpose of the training, level of difficulty, dreams, happiness, training changes, type of guidance, obligations, tools, preferred positions, lecturer positions, and types of evaluations required; (2) 12 tenses are required; (3) 45 language functions are required; and 4) 50 nursing vocabulary are required. Those results can be beneficial alternative for nursing class. Development of the study results into learning materials are highly suggested to conduct.

Proposed Marketing Strategy and CRM for a Parking Technology Company (Case Study: PT. Oranye)

This research examines issues faced by PT Oranye, a parking technology company in Indonesia, the study focusing on enhancing their marketing strategies and client relationship management (CRM) within the B2B landscape. The main problem identified is the company’s struggle to generate sufficient business leads and maintain competitive performance in a post-pandemic market, leading to unsatisfactory revenue achievements. The objective of this study is to analyze the industry perspective and challenges. The research will be utilizing marketing strategies for PT Oranye’s improvement in brand awareness and CRM practices to encounter the business issue. The theoretical data analysis is based on strategic management theories such as PESTLE, Porter’s Five Forces, and competitor analysis for external factors. Internal factors include VRIO, Marketing 4Ps, Value Chain analysis, and interviews as qualitative research to be structured in a Thematic framework with the objective of obtaining useful findings into effective marketing strategies and CRM standardization to improve business performance. The purpose of the study is also to provide PT Oranye with a comprehensive marketing strategy plan to increase brand awareness and strengthen relationships with both new and existing clients. This involves a detailed examination of the internal and external business environment, stakeholder perceptions, and the competitive landscape.

Unrolling the Invisible: Socio-Cultural Grounds of Child Mortality in the Slums of Dhaka

According to World Health Organization, there is an 85% decline in the recorded child deaths from 1971 in Bangladesh from 371.3 to 22.6 per 1000 live births. However, the rate of child mortality is still quite significant considering the growing development of Bangladesh. In maximum literatures, the prevalent reasons behind child mortality are portrayed as complete biological phenomena and medical conditions (e.g., asphyxia, prematurity, and low birth weight) for the children under the age of 5 in Bangladesh. This research focused on the reasons behind child mortality beyond the biological and medical conditions while stressing on finding the preventable causes of child mortality, through a systematic method of death study named Social Autopsy. Social autopsy refers to a structured qualitative research tool that aims at identifying social, behavioral, and health systems contributors to child deaths. Using this tool, the research has identified that multiple socio-cultural, structural, and behavioral conditions along with medical conditions for child mortality. The research was done in two of the biggest slum areas of Dhaka city: Hazaribagh and Kamrangir Char. 15 families who lost children under 5 years and 5 health care providers were interviewed with a semi-structured method to draw an inclusive picture of socio-cultural dynamics of child mortality. The data was analyzed manually through thematic analysis and narrative analysis which showed the interconnection of all the broader underlying reasons and a detailed impacts of specific causes of child mortality.