Reform Movement Research Articles

Karl Heinrich Ulrichs (1825–1895): A 200-Year Jubilee with Pitfalls

For the opponents of the sexual reform movement, he was the father of all evil; for the proponents of the decriminalization of same-sex desire, he paved the way for objective research. With the term “Urning”, he gave homosexuals an anthropological dignity. The Hanoverian lawyer Karl Heinrich Ulrichs (1825–1895) was notorious during his lifetime and at times esteemed after his death, but it was not until the 1990s that he became the secret hero of sexual emancipation and sexual history/historiography. Streets and squares were named after him, but his life’s work was also often instrumentalized.

Folk Spiritism: Between Communication with the Dead and Heavenly Forces

Examples of how Spiritism merged with local beliefs have been the subject of research in religious studies, ethnology, and folkloristics. Serbian Spiritism can also be viewed as such, but its history is an under-researched topic. We examine the syncretic product we will call ‘folk Spiritism’, being different from the ‘high Spiritism’ of elite and middle-class intellectuals. Folk Spiritism was part of a grassroots movement for Church reform in the first half of the 20th century. The difference between folk and high Spiritism is also confirmed in the emic perspective. Based on a closer reading of its texts, we can discern a better image of the dead and communication with them in the practice of folk Spiritism. We conclude that the difference between the traditional and Spiritist image of the dead is that the former causes fear, while the later brings comfort; folk Spiritism gave preference to communication with heavenly forces (God, Christ, Holy Mother, angels, saints) while retaining the traditional view of the dead.

Critical discourse analysis of Martin Luther's speech

This study aims to critically examine Martin Luther’s speech through the lens of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), focusing on the interaction between language and societal factors such as race, social class, and identity. By analyse the speech at the word, text, social, and discursive levels, this research seeks to uncover the ways in which Luther’s rhetoric reflects and influences the socio-political context of his time. The study employs a descriptive and qualitative methodology, utilizing historical transcripts as the primary data source. At the micro-level, the analysis emphasizes lexical features and transitivity, while the macro-level analysis explores grammatical, social, ideological, and discursive characteristics. The findings reveal that Luther’s strategic use of language not only challenged the dominant ideologies of his era but also played a significant role in shaping the Reformation movement. The study concludes that Luther’s speech serves as a powerful example of how discourse can be used to both reflect and enact social change.

ROLES AND CHALLENGES OF PESANTREN INTELLECTUAL NETWORKS

Islamic boarding schools, known as pesantrens, serve as institutions dedicated to the preservation of knowledge passed down by their respective kiyai. The significance of pesantrens in Indonesia within the national education framework has expanded, influencing various sectors. Their impact on both national and international education has increased progressively, emphasizing modernization, educational quality, community dynamics within Islamic boarding schools, and human capital. The primary objective of this research is to elucidate the role played by the intellectual network of pesantrens in Indonesia. This investigation is conducted through a comprehensive review of existing literature using qualitative research methods. The analytical approach employed encompasses both descriptive and critical analyses. The study reveals that present-day pesantrens encounter a multitude of challenges that necessitate appropriate solutions. Among these challenges is the emergence of the Islamic reform movement. The enduring presence of pesantrens in Indonesia can be attributed to deep-rooted socio-historical foundations and the robust support of the intellectual network within these institutions. Consequently, these schools continue to fulfill a crucial function in disseminating knowledge within the community. It is evident from this study that the intellectual network of pesantrens plays a pivotal role in shaping societal dynamics. Moreover, this network must be attuned to contemporary challenges in order to ensure the sustained relevance and enhanced quality of pesantrens as key sources of scholarly expertise.

Apresentação do Dossiê Temático - Martinho Lutero, um construtor da modernidade

The thematic dossier presented here brings together texts that result from conferences presented at the International Congress «A Builder of Modernity: Luther – Theses – 500 years», organized in 2017 to mark the 500th anniversary of what can be considered the symbolic starting date of the 16th-century reform movement. Comprising eight articles by recognized national and international researchers, this thematic dossier aims to contribute to an in-depth reflection on different dimensions of the Reformation movement, its consequences, and its current influence on the world, and to (re)visit Luther's thought as one of the builders of modernity. Besides its religious capital, in the form of knowledge and human experience, we cannot overlook the philosophical, literary, and aesthetic values that help us understand our contemporaneity.

O manuscrito contra os protestantes do Padre João Baptista de Castro (1756)

The complete inventory of Portuguese documents regarding the Reformation and Portuguese perceptions of the lives of Protestant nations remains to be done. This paper aims to contribute to that inventory with a study of a manuscript from the Évora Public Library (codex CXII/2-13, on folio 51). The Discurso sobre Vários Pontos da Religião contra os Hereges Protestantes by Father João Baptista de Castro (1700-1775) lists, from a Catholic point of view, the prejudices Protestants had about the rites of Roman Catholicism. This text, dated February 2, 1756, also reveals Baptista de Castro’s extensive knowledge of Anglican authors little known in Portugal, such as Bishop Edward Stillingfleet (1635-1699) and the publicist Joseph Addison (1672-1719), founder of The Spectator. Baptista de Castro, better known for his popular works, in which he sometimes used the pseudonym Custodio Jesam Baratta (e.g., Recreaçam Proveytosa, 1728), does not rise above the level of anecdote. Figures like Luther and Henry VIII are belittled in his view as authors of erroneous interpretations of religious texts. He refuses, therefore, to attribute any merit to the Reformation movement. The paper concludes with a reflection on the enduring value of documents like this Discourse.

Editorial - N.º 12 / 1-2024

«Martin Luther, a builder of modernity» is the theme of the thematic dossier that this new issue of e-Letras com Vida offers, bringing together eight articles by renowned national and international researchers, which present a deep reflection on various dimensions of the Reformation movement, based on the figure and thought of Martin Luther, highlighting its consequences, its ongoing influence in the contemporary world, and its role in understanding the current era.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TAX REVENUES AND DEMOCRACY: AN APPLICATION ON EMERGING AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

States collect taxes as one-way revenues based on their sovereign power to provide public goods and services. However, over time, taxes have evolved from being based solely on the pure sovereign power of the states to an authority arising from the power of representation. In this context, the connection between taxation and democracy has become one of the critical discussion topics in the fiscal sociology literature. Since the 13th century, the expeditions guiding economic and political reform movements, coupled with rebellions against non-representative taxation, have played a fundamental role in shaping concepts such as representation and taxation in the evolution of the modern public financial structures. In parallel with the theoretical discussions, a broad empirical literature examining the connection between democracy and taxation has emerged due to attempts to measure the typology of political regimes in a country. Empirical findings indicate a positive relationship between democratization and taxation in advanced economies; however, this connection is ambiguous for emerging and developing countries. This study takes this gap in the literature into account and examines the effects of democratization, urbanization, and institutional quality indicators on tax revenues for 41 emerging and developing countries in the 2000-2018 period with dynamic panel data analysis techniques. Our findings indicate that democratization and the increasing share of urban population in total population have a positive impact on tax revenues in the context of emerging and developing countries.

Distress Relief and Social Reform in Malabar: The Role of A. V. Thakkar

There was a spate of social reform movements in Kerala in the early decades of the 20th century. These were initiated mainly by religious and spiritual leaders. A few communal organizations also arose during this period and sought to cure the ills from which their particular community was suffering. Besides religious zeal, they were motivated by progressive views. They fought against superstitious practices as well as caste based social discrimination. Despite all these eventualities, Malabar was rather insulated by these progressive developments. Following the rebellion of 1921, Malabar became a center of national attention, as the entire area was thoroughly devastated by the aftermath of the riot, socially, culturally, and economically, and paralyzed politically. Great personalities associated with several service organizations flocked to the area to conduct relief, reconstruction, and reform activities on a massive scale.

The American Peace Movement’s Use of Religious Influence and “The Pulpit” as a Public Relations Strategy in the Early 1800s

In response to calls for more public relations historical research in sectors outside business and before the 20th century, this research examines the communication efforts of American peace societies from the early to mid-1800s. It finds that peace societies demonstrated strategic intent, honored human agency, and employed full-time public relations practitioners. In addition, this research documents a nondenominational reform movement applying the strategic communication systems developed by American evangelical Christianity. Moreover, it pushes back the boundaries of the earliest known use of a religious public relations strategy by a social reform movement by 65 years.

Critically framing Florida’s anti-Woke education reform movement

Critically framing Florida’s anti-Woke education reform movement

Adam Smith’s influence on British reform movements of the early-to-mid-19th century

Adam Smith’s influence on British reform movements of the early-to-mid-19th century

Analysis of the impact of communal reform movements on Indian Nationalism

Reform movements had a very deep connection with Indian nationalism. Since Indian leaders believed that social and religious renaissance was necessary before political independence, they initiated religious and social movements. These reform movements had a decisive impact on Indian nationalism and national consciousness and these movements proved to be the forerunners of India's political awakening. The religious reformers of India knowingly or unknowingly linked religion with politics and national ideology. In fact, social, religious and political activities cannot be separated from the national stream. This is the reason why the second half of the nineteenth century is considered the most important period in the history of the rise of Indian nationalism. Abstract in Hindi Language: सुधार आन्दोलनों का भारतीय राष्ट्रवाद से अत्यन्त गहरा सम्बन्ध था। चूंकि भारतीय नेताओं का यह विचार था कि राजनीतिक स्वतन्त्रता से पूर्व सामाजिक व धार्मिक पुनर्जागरण आवश्यक था, इसलिए उन्होंने धार्मिक व सामाजिक आन्दोलनों का सूत्रपात किया। भारतीय राष्ट्रीयता एवं राष्ट्रीयता चेतना पर इन सुधार आन्दोलनों का निर्णायक प्रभाव पड़ा तथा ये आन्दोलन भारत की राजनीतिक जागृति के पूर्वगामी सिद्ध हुए भारत के धर्म सुधारकों ने जाने अनजाने में धर्म को राजनीति व राष्ट्रीय विचारधारा से सम्बद्ध कर दिया था। वस्तुत सामाजिक, धार्मिक और राजनीतिक क्रियाकलापों को राष्ट्रीय धारा से पृथक नहीं किया जा सकता। यही कारण है कि उन्नीसवीं सदी के उत्तरार्द्ध को भारतीय राष्ट्रवाद के उदय के इतिहास में सर्वाधिक महत्वपूर्ण काल माना जाता है। Keywords: भारत, राष्ट्रवाद, सुधार आन्दोलन, पुनर्जागरण।

Beyond the Shadows: Unveiling the Socio-Political Contribution of Women in Colonial Rajasthan in India

The paper deals in Socio-Political aspects of women in Rajputana region during the freedom struggle especially during the 20th century. The authors have read literature of the period and later one to know about the women of the period. Most literature focused upon the Elite women like the Royal Rajput ladies. So, this paper tries to fill in the gap by shedding light on non-elite women including the tribal women. Firstly, they talk about social conditions in which women had to live like Purdah, Sati, Witchcraft or Dakan etc. Women could go to fairs but their outer mobility was limited. After taking a brief view about social conditions, authors try to understand their role in political movements like in Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements, Peasants’ Movements, Social Reform Movements and Prajamandal movements which gives many names like Janaki Devi Bajaj, Ratan Shastri, Anjana Devi Chaudhary etc. Then the paper moves towards Tribal women by briefly discussing their altered social structure which brought them at par with their caste counterparts by diluting their customs and traditions which gave women an upper hand at some places. Their Political participation in Bhil movements and valor of young girls like Kaalibai is also discussed.

Evolusi Gerakan Salafisme: Dari Masa Ibnu Taymiyyah Sampai Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahab

Salafism, a reformist movement that follows a school of Islamic understanding unaffected by Hellenism. Its aim is to maintain the views of the salaf scholars. The author uses the historical method by collecting data through library research sourced from books, articles, and other related information. The results of this study discuss various Salafi schools that emphasize three main characteristics in their teachings, namely placing Islamic law (sharia) above reason, avoiding rationalist interpretations, and upholding the text of the Quran and Hadith. Of course, this is closely related to the influence of thinkers such as Ibn Taymiyyah who was the main thinker, followed by Muhammad bin Abdul Wahab as his successor

Hungarian choral tradition from the music pedagogical reforms to the end of the twentieth century

ABSTRACT In the first half of the twentieth century a vast transformation in Hungarian school music education occurred. The ideological foundations of music pedagogical reforms and the means of their implementation were laid down by Zoltán Kodály. The music pedagogical model of Kodály’s concept strongly linked the Central European life reform movement and pedagogical reform trends of the early twentieth century. Kodály’s pedagogy emphasised the concept of developing the individual throughout his or her entire lifespan, nature appreciation, folk music, community engagement, and the transformative power of the arts. Kodály believed in the profound impact of choral singing on individuals and communities. László Lukin (1926–2004), an outstanding music educator of the twentieth century, significantly impacted Hungarian choral life. He remained a consistent presence in professional publications until his death. This study focuses on showcasing his writings on choral pedagogy in the music trade press and how Lukin incorporated and modified Kodály’s guidance on choral singing. The results reveal that Kodály’s key principles in choral pedagogy are also evident in Lukin’s articles. Lukin aimed to fulfil the musical reform ideals of the early century by realising the “education of the whole person” through singing communities and musical experiences.

Arboreal Assemblages and Ecologies of Feeling: The Bodhi Tree in the Buddhist Reform Movement in Colonial South Asia

This article centres on the Bodhi tree, aśvattha/pippala or Ficus religiosa, in Bodh Gaya, India. It analyses the tree as an assemblage by combining concepts from the ancient Buddhist Pali literature with recent interventions in new materialism and posthumanism. The text foregrounds the role of emotions in the relational cosmologies of both early South Asian Buddhist texts and contemporary general ecology, tracing how they connect the tree-as-assemblage with other human and nonhuman actors. This allows the article to recover an emergent agency in the assemblage, informing a re-examination of the tree’s role in the Buddhist reform movement in colonial India, specifically in its connections to the Anagarika Dharmapala and the Maha Bodhi Society. Besides its contribution to the history of Buddhism in colonial modernity, the article thus develops theoretical reflections on writing history beyond anthropocentrism by mobilising the potential of South Asian vernacular philosophies to speak to contemporary issues in philosophy and the Anthropocene at large.

Unveiling the Legacy of Pandit Karuppan: A Critical Analysis of Jathikkummi and Balakalesam in Kerala’s Social Reform Movement

The paper entitled Unveiling the Legacy of Pandit Karuppan: A Critical Analysis of Jathikkummi and Balakalesam in Kerala’s Social Reform Movement delves into the profound impact of two seminal works, Jathikummi and Balakalesam, in catalyzing a transformative shift within the social fabric of Kerala. Emerging as responses to the entrenched caste system prevalent in Kerala society, these works served as significant milestones in the broader context of social reform movements in the region. Jathikummi and Balakalesam, attributed to Pandit Karuppan, epitomize the spirit of resistance against caste-based oppression, advocating for the rights and dignity of marginalized communities. Through a comprehensive examination of historical records, literary analyses, and socio-political contexts, this paper elucidates the multifaceted dimensions of these revolutionary texts. It explores the socio-cultural landscape of Kerala during the time of their inception, highlighting the pervasive influence of caste hierarchy on various aspects of life. Furthermore, it investigates the strategies employed Pandit Karuppan to challenge existing norms and ignite conversations around social equality and justice. Central to the discussion are the themes of education, empowerment, and collective mobilization elucidated in Jathikummi and Balakalesam. These works not only served as instruments of consciousness-raising but also as blueprints for practical activism aimed at dismantling caste-based discrimination and oppression. By critically engaging with these works, we gain valuable insights into the complexities of caste dynamics and the ongoing struggle for inclusive and egalitarian societies.

Pursuing Beauty in Bitterness and Cruelty: From Ansayana Samajim

The study entitled The Hapless Life of Namboodiri Women and the Ripple of Changes by Antharjana Samajam intended to reveal the pathetic life and conditions of Namboodiri women. It also portrays the roles plays by Antharjana Samajam and its leader Parvathy Nenmeni Mangalam in emancipating the Namboodiri community. Namboodiri women were popularly called as Antharjanams. The term Antharjanam means those who belong to inside or the inside people. The present study recounts the suffering of Antharjanams and role of Antharjana Samajam in their reform movements. Antharjana Samajam was an organization founded by Namboodiri women for emancipating themselves and to eradicate the social evils. Parvathy Nenmeni Mangalam raised the first voice from among the Antharjanams for community reforms. She along with other leaders fearlessly throw away the ghosha and marakkuda, two traditional symbols of a Namboodiri women and began to appear in public platforms.

EMPOWERMENT AND WOMEN IN POLITICS: A STUDY OF QUEEN MAISNAM KUMUDINI IN B.M. MAISNAMBA’S NINGTHEMNUBEE

In her book The Mothers of Manipur: Twelve Women Who Made History, Teresa Rehman (2017) quotes about the collective strength of Manipuri women – “Once we are out of the house and are with women, we don’t care about our family and mundane affairs. Ours is a community in itself. We don’t care what husbands, sons, or our daughters-in-law will think. We feel empowered to take our own decisions.” (p. 20) Women in Manipur have been known for their unique status and their representation in shaping the historiography of the state. Apart from their role as housewives and caretakers, they also took a prominent role in policy framing and governance of the family and the state. It has been witnessed that during the time, the administration of the state was influenced by the two Nupi Lan (Women wars) in 1904 and 1939 as “The Nupi Lan, which started as an agitation by the Manipuri women against the economic policies of the Maharaja and the Marwari monopolists, later on changed its character to become a movement for constitutional and administrative reform in Manipur” (Yambem, 1971, p. 325). The character of Maisnam Kumudini (Ponglenkhombi) in B.M. Maisnamba’s (2006,2023) Ningthemnubee will be analyzed to expose the power and representation of women in state formation and politics. Kumudini, the queen regent and mother of King Chandrakirti (1831-1886), is considered one of the most influential ladies in Manipuri History. Therefore, the paper will also focus on how women took responsibility for maintaining peace and stability in the kingdom, thereby analyzing the roles of mediator, ruler as well as a mother. Also, the analysis will delve further to bring out the status of women, their empowerment, and their representation in the histography of Manipur as represented in the novel.