Religious Norms Research Articles

Barriers to Contraceptive Access in Disaster Situations: A Systematic Review of Health System Preparedness and Socio-Cultural Challenges

Introduction: This study examines barriers to access to contraceptive services in disaster situations in the context of reproductive health system preparedness and socio-cultural challenges. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report in 2022, 51.3% of married women have not used contraceptives, and around 11.3% of family planning needs are unmet. In disaster situations, these problems are further complicated by limited infrastructure, unequal distribution of services, and weak health system preparedness. The inability to meet contraceptive needs can increase the risk of unplanned pregnancies and reproductive health complications, exacerbating the impact of disasters on women and other vulnerable groups. This study aims to fill this research gap by providing a comprehensive review of the factors that hinder access to contraceptive services during disasters and proposing policy-based strategies to improve health system preparedness in emergency response. Methods: This study is a systematic review that collects several studies according to PRISMA guidelines. Using relevant keywords, studies were obtained from PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus databases. Studies were collected from June to July 2024. Results: Key findings suggest that socio-cultural, religious, and economic factors influence barriers to contraceptive access during disasters. Limited knowledge, social stigma, cultural and religious norms, and financial instability contribute to low utilization of contraceptive services. In addition, disruptions due to disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic limit community mobility, hinder access to health facilities and exacerbate service gaps for vulnerable groups, including refugees and migrants. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of a human rights-based approach in ensuring the accessibility of contraceptive services in crisis situations. Policy implications include strengthening reproductive health systems in emergency response, reducing stigma through community education, and increasing stakeholder engagement in ensuring equitable distribution of services. The results of this study contribute to the global discourse on reproductive health rights in disaster contexts and provide a basis for innovative strategies to expand access to services in conflict-affected or remote areas.

The attitude of the Yemeni population towards drugs and drug use (based on empirical research)

Yemen is a Muslim country facing a sharp increase in the consumption of narcotic substances. The article presents the results of an empirical study aimed at identifying the attitudes of the country's population towards drugs and drug use, and its determining factors. The attitude of the Yemeni population towards drugs and drug use is largely influenced by cultural, religious and social norms and demonstrates a contradictory picture of the nature of the socio-cultural environment of Yemeni society.

CITRA SASTRA DAN MORAL DALAM CERPEN BULAN OKTOBER PADA SURAT KABAR KEDAULATAN RAKYAT

A short story is a work of fiction that usually focuses on an event, has a single plot, and has a relatively short and limited time scope. This research aims to describe the intrinsic structure and manifestation of moral values ​​in the short story October on Kedaulatan Rakyat. The research method for this study is descriptive qualitative. The data collection technique for this research uses reading and note-taking techniques for short stories. The steps for collecting data are by reading the short story carefully, recording appropriate data, identifying and clarifying the data. This research study is a structural study that focuses on the harmony between the intrinsic elements of short stories. The results of this research are (1) divine moral values, (2) individual moral values, and (3) social moral values. These three values ​​consist of positive and negative moral values. All actions that are based on religious and social norms are positive values, while behavior based on one's own will is a negative value.

Negotiating Global Media in Conservative Contexts: Yaoi and Yuri Consumption Among Malaysian University Students

This study explores the consumption of Yaoi (boys’ love) and Yuri (girls’ love) media among Malaysian university students, focusing on three objectives: identifying demographic characteristics and consumption patterns, exploring motivations for engagement, and examining reasons for discontinuation alongside socio-cultural perceptions. Based on a survey of 111 students from five Malaysian universities, the findings reveal the significant appeal of Yaoi and Yuri genres through their emotional depth, compelling storytelling, and alternative relationship narratives. Female respondents dominated the sample (84%), with a strong preference for non-explicit narratives such as Shonen-ai and Shoujo-ai, reflecting the conservative cultural context of Malaysia. Respondents highlighted motivations such as emotional engagement (54.2%), intricate storylines (52.8%), and aesthetic appeal (26.1%), while some emphasised representation (17.6%) and entertainment or escapism (9.2%). However, discontinuation was often driven by religious and moral values (61.2%) and dissatisfaction with repetitive storylines (28.6%). The findings reveal a nuanced engagement with these genres, reflecting both their appeal as platforms for identity exploration and the challenges posed by deeply ingrained cultural and religious norms. While Yaoi and Yuri media foster empathy and cultural dialogue, their broader acceptance remains constrained by societal values. The study underscores the need for culturally sensitive storytelling that aligns with local traditions and universal themes to promote inclusivity without undermining societal norms. These findings contribute to understanding the dynamics of globalised media consumption in conservative societies, offering insights into the interplay between global narratives and local cultural frameworks. Keywords: Yaoi and Yuri media, Malaysian youth, media consumption patterns, LGBT representation, cultural negotiation.

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE MU‘TAZILITE THEOLOGICAL SCHOOL OF THOUGHT

The paper examines the historical development of Mu'tazilite theological school of thought which arises from speculative method and influences of Greek thought that sparked the discursive tradition of early Islamic intellectual history. This was essentially brought forth by the textualist and rationalist school and their classical debate that had formative influence in the rational school developed by the Mu'tazilites in the early centuries. The paper studies the history and development of Mu'tazilite theology and their conceptual and doctrinal impact on modern neo-Mu'tazilite works. The study is based on classical works that provide underlying textual and interpretive history of Mu'tazilism. It uses qualitative method based on documentary survey and content analysis. Data were collected from related primary and secondary sources and analyzed using descriptive, normative, historical and theological approaches in order to make accurate findings. The finding shows that the Mu'tazilites ideology was historically developed to counter the alleged philosophical influence of deviant sects of the heretics, Magians, Manichaeism, atheism, naturalists and materialists by refuting their philosophical premises. This contributes to the formative development of kalam or speculative theology thanks to the flowering of Mu'tazilite theology and their rational expression that helps to foster higher ethical and religious norms and theological ideas and its consequential influences on contemporary contexts that espouses neo-Mu'tazilite outlook calling for the return of reason and their enlightened movement.

Kajian Psikologis terhadap Pengaruh Pandangan Islam dalam Pembentukan Sikap dan Perilaku LGBT : Studi Kasus Pesta Seks 56 Gay di Jakarta Selatan

The LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) phenomenon has become a controversial global issue, including in Indonesia, where social and religious norms play a major role in shaping people's attitudes. Within the Islamic context, the LGBT community is regarded as being in opposition to human nature and the tenets of sharia law, leading to its frequent rejection. From a psychological perspective, individuals who identify as LGBT face mental distress, anxiety, and identity conflict due to social stigma. This research aims to analyze the influence of Islamic views in shaping attitudes towards LGBT and to examine the psychological impact of social marginalization, with a case study of the "56 Gay Sex Party" in South Jakarta. The research employed a qualitative approach, incorporating a literature review, social media analysis, and a Likert scale survey of religious leaders and the general public. The results indicated that 83.3% of respondents exhibited a negative stance towards LGBT individuals, with religion being the predominant factor influencing their attitudes. Moreover, a significant proportion of religious leaders, 85.7%, firmly asserted the pivotal role of Islamic teachings in shaping attitudes toward LGBT individuals. From a psychological standpoint, individuals who identify as LGBT frequently encounter identity conflict and emotional distress, which, in some cases, is influenced by factors such as parenting, trauma, or emotional escapism. Furthermore, 66.7% of respondents expressed the opinion that the LGBT community is growing, particularly through the medium of social media, which has emerged as a platform for advocacy and debate.

INTERNATIONAL MARRIAGES: LEGAL PROBLEMS OF MARITAL RELATIONS WITH AN ALIEN ELEMENT

A comprehensive study of the legal aspects of family and marriage relations with a foreign element in Kazakhstan and abroad is aimed at identifying the problems of the existing legal system to improve legal security and protect the rights of all participants in these relations. The study and comparison of legal norms and practices in Kazakhstan and other countries is conditioned by the task of identifying common and distinctive approaches to regulating family and marital relations with a foreign element. The assessment and interpretation of legal norms is carried out through the prism of the theory of human rights and comparative law, which makes it possible to substantiate the features and problems of regulating family and marital relations. Based on modern scientific methods, the analysis of existing approaches in different countries to the issues of marriage, the definition of applicable law in international family disputes in the context of various legal systems is made. The analysis of the family legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan is carried out taking into account the historical context of development. The article emphasizes that, against the background of globalization and increasing migration flows, family law is facing new challenges related to multiculturalism, diversity of cultural and religious norms. An important aspect of the analysis is the need to adapt international norms and standards into national legislation. The study touches upon topical issues of the application of conflict of laws rules in family and marital relations with a foreign element. One of the important results of the study is the substantiation of the problem of restoring the norms of private international law in the current legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan in order to create a more transparent and secure legal environment for all participants in international family relations. The study allowed us to draw conclusions about the need for further development of family legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan aimed at protecting the rights of citizens and meeting modern international requirements.

A Culturally-Sensitive Approach to Sexual and Reproductive Health Education: A Critical Review of a Parenting Sexuality Book

Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) education has become increasingly critical in contemporary society, with reports of child sexual and physical abuse appearing almost weekly in mainstream media. The current generation of parents, who were raised in environments where discussions about sexuality were relatively private and infrequent, now face the challenge of addressing these issues with their teenage children. Consequently, there is a pressing need to raise awareness and equip parents with the necessary skills for effective communication about SRH. This review examines the book "Berbual-bual dengan Anak tentang Seksualiti (BBDATS)" by Wan Nur Syakira Wan Musa, analyzing its content, purpose, and relevance. The book uniquely integrates Islamic perspectives, which is essential for addressing the needs of Malaysia's predominantly Muslim population. It ensures the content respects cultural and religious norms while promoting effective SRH education. The book features 18 engaging chapters, employing various techniques such as dialogue, highlights, Q&A sections, checklists, and step-by-step guides, making it relevant and accessible. By skillfully linking Islamic knowledge sources, such as the Quran and Hadith, with practical storytelling methods, the book helps readers connect fundamental life principles with the technical skills needed for effective communication. This review highlights the valuable insights provided by BBDATS, suggesting that benchmarking its best practices can enhance SRH education initiatives.

Leveraging faith-leaders to prevent violence against women and girls: A qualitative study of evangelical faith-leaders' perceptions in Woliso, Ethiopia.

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) affects 1 in 3 women globally. Religion can be both a driver and a potential solution for VAWG. Evidence suggests that faith-leaders can create positive change around VAWG and improve ideas of gender equality, but it is critical to have a context-specific understanding of existing awareness. In Ethiopia, Evangelical faith-leaders' perceptions of VAWG have not been studied. To increase understanding of Evangelical faith-leaders' perceptions of gender equality and VAWG and their views on how they can address VAWG, in Woliso, Ethiopia. A qualitative study design drawing on 14 semi-structured interviews and observational data from workshops with Evangelical faith-leaders that explored their views on gender equality and VAWG. An inductive reflexive thematic analysis approach was used. The data analysis generated 4 themes, 8 sub-themes, and 22 categories. The themes include: (1) differing perceptions of VAWG as a problem in the community; (2) navigating between social and religious norms as explanations of VAWG; (3) differing interpretations of biblical scripture; and (4) navigating who has a role in countering gender inequality and VAWG. Many faith-leaders condemned forms of VAWG and expressed hopes for equality, but some failed to grasp all elements of VAWG and utilized religious reasoning to justify VAWG. The majority of faith-leaders expressed an interest in increasing awareness and held hopes for improved gender equality. Faith-leaders hold different understandings of what constitutes VAWG. Faith-leaders' hopes for equality and their willingness to address VAWG indicates the potential of faith-leaders as important actors in VAWG prevention efforts. Yet, trainings and support are critical.

Unveiling Risk: Marital Deception and HIV Susceptibility Among Married Women in Indonesia

Objectives The Indonesian Ministry of Health reports a significant three-fold increase in newly diagnosed HIV cases among women aged 15 and above, rising from 12,537 cases in 2015 to 35,415 in 2024. Over the past decade, the largest group of new HIV cases in Indonesia has been among women of reproductive age (15–49 years). This trend is largely driven by the widely held and fallacious belief that heterosexual, married women are not at risk of HIV. In this study we aim to challenge this misconception and investigate the complexity of HIV transmission, with a focus on HIV susceptibility among married women in Indonesia. Methods Feminist Participatory Action Research was conducted with 24 women living with HIV (WLWH) in Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Interviews and focus group discussions were employed to assess the impact of the actions of women and men who partake in high-risk behaviors that could result in them passing HIV onto their spouses. Results The study shows that among 24 women living with HIV, 14 contracted HIV from male partners who engaged in unsafe sexual behavior, and who often knowingly transmitted HIV. Those male partners may have had extra-marital affairs with women, women sex workers, or with other men or been involved in polygamous marriages. This article provides insight into the vulnerability of married women getting HIV from their spouse and highlights that healthy marital sexual relationships depend on respect, trust, and clear communication. Conclusions We argue that improving HIV health literacy in Indonesia, along with open discussions about sexual practices, are crucial. While these conversations may challenge deeply ingrained social, cultural and religious norms regarding sexuality, marriage and ideal gender relations, they are critical for halting the spread of HIV in Indonesia

Reproductive Coercion and Abuse Among Forcibly Displaced Populations Worldwide: Evidence from a Systematic Review.

Reproductive coercion and abuse (RCA) is a significant public health issue, with high prevalence expected in forcibly displaced populations. Despite its severe health impacts, studies on the extent, determinants, and impacts of RCA in forcibly displaced populations are notably lacking. This systematic review examines forcibly displaced women's experiences of RCA, its perpetrators, associated factors, and health consequences. We conducted a systematic search across nine databases-Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Embase, Global Health, Scopus, Emcare, and SocIndex-on July 30, 2024, using targeted search terms related to RCA and forcibly displaced populations. We included studies of any design (qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods) published at any time and in English, regardless of study settings. We used a socio-ecological framework to guide our narrative analysis of the findings. A total of 15 studies were included in the review, demonstrating various forms of RCA. These included coerced and unwanted sex, intentional contraception misuse, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, imposition of contraception without consent, control over reproductive decisions, forced marriage, and physical abuse for failing to give birth to male offspring. RCA was found to be supported and exacerbated by a range of challenges situated across multiple socio-ecological levels: individual (economic dependency, accommodation), relationship (partner), community (community members, religious and cultural norms), institutional (armed forces, international forced migration), and societal and global levels (country-level policies, state actors, international forced migration). The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions that address the underlying socio-economic, legal, and cultural factors contributing to RCA in these settings.

PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN INTERAKTIF BERBASIS AHASLIDES DI SDN 5 MOOTILANGO, GORONTALO

This study aims to develop interactive learning media based on Ahaslides at SDN 5 Mootilango, Gorontalo, using the Research and Development (R&D) methodology. The development process follows the 4-D model, which consists of four stages: define, design, develop, and disseminate. In the define stage, the researcher identifies the needs for effective learning media. During the design stage, the researcher creates 20 slides covering the general definition of norms, religious norms, politeness, indecency, and law, as well as interactive videos and quizzes. The develop stage involves creating and testing the media to ensure its functionality, while the disseminate stage focuses on distributing and utilizing the media among teachers and students. Evaluation results indicate that this interactive learning media allows teachers to monitor student participation in real-time. From the feasibility validation conducted by three expert validators in the fields of content, media, and psychology, the Ahaslides media received an average score of 95.56%, indicating that it is highly suitable for use. This research makes a significant contribution to the development of interactive and effective teaching methods, offering innovative solutions to enhance student engagement in the learning process.

Are ‘time’ and ‘culture’ useful and necessary diagnostic requirements for ICD-11 Prolonged Grief Disorder? A Cross-national study

ICD-11 PGD can only be diagnosed if symptoms persist beyond 6 months after bereavement and for longer than would be expected from societal, cultural, or religious norms. This study examined the validity and utility of these diagnostic requirements using self-report cross-sectional data from samples of bereaved adults from the United Kingdom (UK; n = 1,012), Ireland (Ireland; n = 1,011), and Ontario (n = 1,167). PGD symptoms and rates of probable PGD were not markedly higher in those bereaved within the last 6 months, and participants didn’t view 6 months as the normative timeframe to come to terms with a bereavement. Approximately a quarter of those meeting symptom and impairment requirements couldn’t determine if their grief exceeded cultural norms. Applying time and cultural requirements significantly reduced diagnosis rates. We argue that these findings may undermine the validity and clinical utility of these diagnostic requirements.

Moral trauma, moral distress, moral injury, and moral injury disorder: definitions and assessments.

We propose new definitions for moral injury and moral distress, encompassing many prior definitions, but broadening moral injury to more general classes of victims, in addition to perpetrators and witnesses, and broadening moral distress to include settings not involving institutional constraints. We relate these notions of moral distress and moral injury to each other, and locate them on a "moral trauma spectrum" that includes considerations of both persistence and severity. Instances in which moral distress is particularly severe and persistent, and extends beyond cultural and religious norms, might be considered to constitute "moral injury disorder." We propose a general assessment to evaluate various aspects of this proposed moral trauma spectrum, and one that can be used both within and outside of military contexts, and for perpetrators, witnesses, victims, or more generally.

Teacher Strategies Applying Religious Modernation Values To The Islamic Religious Education Learning Process At SMPN 19 Singkawang City

The purpose of this study is to examine how teachers at SMPN 19 Singkawang City apply religious moderation principles in the Islamic Religious Education curriculum. A key component of fostering tolerance, appreciating diversity, and averting radicalism in the classroom is religious moderation. The socio-religious educational approach is the scientific technique used in this study, which takes a qualitative approach using the phenomenology method as its methodological approach. The study's findings show that teachers employ a scientific approach, group projects, discussions, and other techniques to promote religious moderation norm character development programs and role models. In addition, the role of teachers as role models is a key factor in building an understanding of religious moderation for students. The obstacles faced include limited student understanding of the concept of moderation and external influences that can affect their attitudes. Thus, effective strategies in implementing religious moderation values ​​can help create a harmonious and inclusive educational environment. This study is expected to contribute to curriculum development and improve teacher competence in instilling religious moderation values ​​in students.

The Effect of Religiosity on Purchase Intention of Luxury Brands Moderating Impact of Brand Addiction

This study aims to analyze the influence of religiosity on luxury brand purchase intentions among working women in Banda Aceh and explore the role of brand addiction as a moderating variable. Data was obtained from 95 respondents who met the criteria and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with PLS. The results show that religiosity has a negative but not significant influence on luxury brand purchase intentions. However, when brand addiction is used as a moderating variable, religiosity has a positive and significant influence on luxury brand purchase intention. This indicates that brand addiction can strengthen the relationship between religiosity and purchase intention. This shows that women with religious tendencies but experiencing brand addiction tend to still have the intention to purchase luxury products. These findings imply that although religiosity typically decreases luxury brand purchase intentions, brand addiction may alter this effect, encouraging religious consumers to participate in luxury brand consumption. Practical implications of these results include understanding that psychological factors such as brand addiction are capable of influencing purchasing decisions despite religious norms and beliefs. This research recommends further exploration of other factors that may play a role, such as social status and peer influence, to gain deeper insight into consumer behavior in the social and cultural environment of Banda Aceh.

LINGUOCOGNITIVE CHARACTER OF TABOO IN THE TURKIC-SPEAKING WORLD

Taboo concept founded as basiс notion in linguistic worldview originated from an ancient beliefs. Taboo is a forbidden word and action. The article contains views on taboo meaning based on principles, norms of beliefs, traditions, customs of Turkic people, determined by sociocultural, eсological environment. This study is devoted to prohibited lexics, its place in worldview of various cultural representatives, implementation of linguocognitive analysis.The value of the study identify national, cultural features of prohibitions in Turkic languages. Facing taboo specifics in real use and materials, based on conclusions related life, culture, civilization, describes theories of moral, religious norms supporting by examples. The main goal is focusing on taboo in cognition, to consider prohibition concepts of Turkic and Kazakh people. Determine taboo’s linguocognitive, linguocultural, educational value based on the continuity of cognition and traditions. During the study methods of selecting, collecting, classifying, analyzing materials were used. The theoretical part based on scientists works studying lexicology and ethnolinguistics; showed the specificity, originality of prohibitions by prism of Turkic world languages. The practical significance is the use of materials from Turkic languages allows to create taboo dictionary.Тhe result of the study presented groupings of taboo types in Kazakh and Turkic people which preserved to present days. Analyzed linguistic manifestation of taboos in the Turkic languages, identified characteristics and common features. Taboos and linguistic taboos in Turkic languages can serve for analysis of linguistic units, create dictionaries, as a source of linguocognitive works.

The Performativity of Organizational Gender Norms in Saudi Arabia

This study explores how gendered norms are performed in organizations in Saudi Arabia and the boundary work managers engage in when (re)producing a norm. Drawing on 33 semi-structured interviews with firm owners, managers and government representatives in Riyadh, the analysis highlights the fluidity between politics and religion in Saudi Arabia and how this has shaped local regimes of recognition and organizational forms of gendered space. Based on the findings, four interconnected forms of performativity are theorized – precarious, sovereign, hyperbolic and paradoxical performativity. Thereby, this study advances a novel perspective on how the intimate entanglement between cultural and religious norms and laws engenders different forms of performativity through which managers try to pursue an ideal gendered arrangement in the workplace. Future areas for research and practical implications are proposed to deepen the understanding of the interplay between performative agency and organizational dynamics and policies.

Polyphony in Mary Borden’s selected poems

This study examines the manifestation of polyphony in the war poetry of Mary Borden, an American-British poet whose works capture the multiplicity of voices, both heard and silenced, during wartime. It contributes to modernist and postmodernist literary discourse by addressing the overlooked polyphonic dimensions of her poetry. The research focuses on three poems from her collection The Forbidden Zone (1929): At the Somme: The Song of Mud, The Hill, and Unidentified. The data collection and analysis involve close textual examination and application of postmodernist conceptions of polyphony by exploring various forms of polyphony, including dialogical relationships, levels of communication, diversity of voices, styles of discourse, and perspectives to explore how polyphony shapes the structure, unity, and meaning of Borden’s poetry. The findings reveal that Borden manifested polyphony as fragmentation, religious and mythological norms, muted voice, philosophical and religious voices, juxtaposition, vocalized icons, psychological and introspective polyphonic dialogs, and rhetorical voices. They are used to depict the horrors of war, capturing the suffering, anguish, and trauma experienced by soldiers through the fragmented and subjective perspectives of a nurse and an eyewitness. Her use of trench poetry accentuates the emotional turmoil of war, reflecting grief, despair, and anger through a polyphonic and fragmentary style. The research argues that the relationship of multiple voices within these poems reflects the brokenness of nations and the fragmented consciousness of war survivors. By engaging with polyphonic voicing, this analysis demonstrates how Borden’s poetry challenges readers to confront the incompleteness, indeterminacy, and enduring psychological impact of war.

Gender equality in education and community pharmacy practice in the Middle East: A systematic review of literature.

Most of the world has made progress towards attaining gender equality in education and practice of healthcare. Nevertheless, in the Middle East, noting restrictive social and religious norms, there are questions as to whether such equality witnessed in other parts of the world is a reality in this region. A comprehensive search of 4 electronic databases was carried out for literature on gender equality on education and community pharmacy practice in the Middle East. A total of 9 articles directly addressing issues on the study topic within the Middle East were included in the systematic review. The findings showed good progress in educational attainments across most of the Middle Eastern region. Women and men alike have almost equal chances in education, with some nations like Saudi Arabia having more women than men graduating from universities. However, there are high-level disparities in community pharmacy practice, where despite many of the workers in pharmacy within the region being women, their representation in top positions in pharmacy is very low. They also earn less than their male counterparts, and at times they are forced to engage in unpaid healthcare work like it recently emerged in Lebanon following the financial crisis within the nation. Barriers such as restricted mobility, gendered social roles, and discrimination at work present as the key factors fueling the inequality levels witnessed in the region in pharmacy practice. The Middle East is a region that like other parts of the world, is making good progress towards equality in education. However, such equality in education appears not to translate to equal job opportunities in the practice of community pharmacy, pointing to a need for relevant stakeholders to engage in measures for addressing the identified barriers that prevent women from fully equaling men in healthcare practice for the benefit of the larger society.