Shared Beliefs Research Articles

Forming national identity with televised cultural rituals: a critical discourse analysis of China’s Ancient Rhyme and New Voice—Qingming program

Studies on media and national identity emphasize the need for a comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach to understanding the complex relationship between media and identity. This study used critical discourse analysis to examine the depiction of cultural rituals in the Ancient Rhyme and New Voice—Qingming program and its role in forming and reinforcing national identity in China. The program, broadcast on China Central Television, showcases three traditional Chinese cultural rituals: ancestor worship, agricultural rites, and spring outings. The analysis showed that the program aroused shared emotions, beliefs, and values among Chinese audiences, enhancing cohesion and cultural identification, and advancing the construction of Chinese national identity. The study highlights the importance of such cultural programs in promoting cultural identification and underscores the significant role of televised cultural rituals in shaping and reinforcing national identity in an increasingly globalized world.

A Socio-Cognitive Analysis of the Self/other Representation in Bush’s Speech

It is known that political speeches are important as a communicative tool for politicians to maintain the power, which is essential to express political opinions and views as well as ideologies, though not always explicitly. Ideology is regarded as one of the primary objectives of text analysis in linguistic studies, particularly critical discourse analysis(henceforth CDA) , which consists of shared values, beliefs and attitudes within a group .In this way, discourse reflects the values of these ideological held by those groups who create it. The present study focuses on investigating the discursive ideological strategies of the self/other in Bush’s speech after September 11 attacks based on Van Dijk's (2006) model of ideological square. The data are collected qualitatively and a mixed method is used to analyze the results of this study. The major findings show that Bush used more ideological strategies to represent the image of “US” (selves) positively, than the image of “THEM” (others) negatively. In particular, the lexicalization is the most common strategy used by Bush’s speech, which showed that Bush emphasized on reflecting that Americans are (good, innocent, peaceful, victims, targeted, respectful, strong, great, powerful and sympathetic), while Arabs, particularly Muslims are (bad, terrorists, evil, violent, peace- haters, spiteful, murderers, vengeful, dangerous, destructive, violence and enemy). It is hoped that this study can improve the understanding of EFL learners about the importance of clarifying the hidden ideologies in politician’s speech and all kinds of discourse.

Wandering Drunkards Walk after Fibonacci Rabbits: How the Presence of Shared Market Opinions Modifies the Outcome of Uncertainty.

Shared market opinions and beliefs by market participants generate a set of constraints that mediate information through a not-so-unstable system of expected target prices. Price trajectories, within these sets of constraints, confirm or disprove the likelihood of participant expectations and cannot, de facto, be considered permutable, as literature has shown, since their inner structure is dynamically affected by their own progress, suggesting per se the presence of both heat and cycles. This study described and discussed how trajectories are built using different alphabets and suggests that prices follow an ergodic course within structurally similar tessellation classes. It is reported that the courses of price moves are self-similar due to their a priori structure, and they do not need to be complete in order to create the conditions, in resembling conditions, for the appearance of the well-known and commonly used Fibonacci ratios between price trajectories. To date, financial models and engineering are mostly based on the mathematics of randomness. If these theoretical findings need empirical validation, such a potential infrastructure of ratios would suggest the possibility for a superstructure to exist, in other words, the emergence of exploitable patterns.

Dissecting Disruption in Academia: An Activity Theory Lens on Teaching Transition Amidst COVID-19

This study examined the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on academic life at a British Columbia university. Analyzing professors’ and graduate students’ views using Q methodology and guided by activity theory, this study focused on the shift to emergency remote teaching. Participants ranked and sorted a 51-statement concourse, revealing a solution that reflected the shared values and beliefs held by those clustering together in each of four factors: Digitally Overwhelmed, Digital Optimists, Non-Digital Traditionalists, and Digital Empaths. These diverse perspectives offer valuable insights, enabling educational leaders to better adapt to support students and educators in a rapidly changing academic environment.

Construction of the Ideal Spouse Meaning in Surah Al-Nur [24]: 26: Critique and Solution for Choosing a Life Partner

This research aims to explain the interpretation of the Quranic verse in Surah al-Nur [24]: 26 regarding the ideal spouse as a critique of the considerations commonly ingrained in society such as socioeconomic status, education, or physical appearance, and to understand the characteristics of the ideal spouse contained in the verse. This study is a library research using the 'ulum al-Qur’an approach. The primary data used is the Quranic verse in Surah al-Nur [24]: 26 and several commentaries, while other supporting data are from books, articles, dictionaries, and encyclopedias. The method used is descriptive-analytical, presenting and explaining the findings. Based on this research, it is concluded that Allah promises that good people will be given good spouses, and vice versa. This study identifies the characteristics of the ideal spouse promised by Allah in Surah al-Nur [24]: 26, including having strong faith, avoiding bad and despicable qualities, being just, preserving each other, loving each other, and having similar behavior and outlook on life. The implication of this research is to provide a deeper understanding of the ideal spouse according to the teachings of the Qur'an, the importance of loyalty and quality relationships, the need for shared values and beliefs in marriage, and criticism of worldly considerations in choosing a life partner. Thus, this research provides a more comprehensive view of how the Qur'an teaches about the ideal spouse and its implications in daily life.

Legaculturation: Turning Laws into a Culture

The interaction between law and culture is fundamental to the functioning of any society. While laws are formal rules enforced by state institutions, culture encompasses the shared values, beliefs, and practices of a society. In order to eliminate problems such as the conflict between law and culture, the pressure of law on culture, the society's behavior against the law, and similar problems, law must be adapted to the culture and existing laws must be made a culture of the society. This article explores the process of transforming legal norms into cultural ones, emphasizing the mechanisms through which laws are internalized and become an integral part of social behavior. By examining historical precedents, theoretical frameworks, and contemporary examples, the article demonstrates how legal norms can shape and be shaped by cultural norms, transcending their formal boundaries. More significantly, it illustrates how the state's promulgation, enforcement, and potential future enactment of laws can be rendered more palatable, acceptable, and culturally integrated to both the state and society. The article posits that as society embraces laws as part of its culture, not only will the state's expenditure on ensuring security decrease, but societal trust will also increase, reducing conflicts and insecurities in the application of laws. The article also, introduces the concept of Legaculturation and emphasizes the importance of turning (transforming) laws into a culture. This comprehensive research provides a professional and detailed examination of the concept of Legaculturation by combining information from existing literature. Ultimately, the article assumes that society will thrive in welfare underpinned by a harmonious blend of legal and cultural norms.

Spare or transform? Agency frames in transition intermediaries

Climate emergency is widely acknowledged. However, our institutions are struggling to find new intervention types to accelerate the transition. This paper analyses this struggle by combining agency theories and discursive approaches to study transition intermediaries, i.e, organizations seeking to foster the transition activities of others. The internal meaning structures of intermediaries are described as interlocking shared action frames, i.e., beliefs and meanings underpining their activities. These frames are characterized through the definition of pairs of contrasting frame elements along eleven framing dimensions. This conceptualization allows for a semi-quantitative mapping of internal structures. The method is developped and illustrated with the in-depth case study of a Swiss regional utility department running an energy efficiency programme. Analysing a series of exploratory workshops, we find that established frames revolve around technology-oriented, managerial approaches to the transition, ultimately narrowing the range of imaginable interventions. While these are well-studied shortcomings of energy efficiency centred approaches, further observations suggest that these frames underpin the perception of intervention impacts, helping keep staff and recipients involved. To strike a balance between energy saving targets and transformative ambitions, this paper suggests revising programme evaluation logics and reframing technological solutions as responses, rather than substitutes, to practice changes.

The meaning of culture in nursing at the end of life – an interview study with nurses in specialized palliative care

BackgroundThe countries of the world are becoming increasingly multicultural and diverse, both as a result of growing migration, of people fleeing countries at war but also due to increased mobility related to labour immigration. Culture is a broad concept where the definitions focus on learned and shared values, traditions, and beliefs of a group of individuals. People’s culture affects health and perceptions of illness as well as treatment, symptoms, and care. Moreover, people who are at the end of life, live and exist within all levels and contexts of care. Specialized palliative care requires that the nurse has sufficient knowledge and skills to be responsible for meeting the patient’s nursing needs also on a cultural level, regardless of cultural affiliation. The aim of the study was to highlight nurses’ experiences of the meaning of culture when caring for patients at the end of life in specialized palliative care.MethodsThe study was conducted with a qualitative design and inductive approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve nurses in western Sweden. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsThe nurses had an awareness of culture as a phenomenon and how it affected palliative care at the end of life. The results showed two categories, Awareness of the impact of culture on nursing and Culture’s impact and influence on the nurse’s mindset and approach, consisting of seven subcategories that highlight the nurse’s experience. It emerged that there are differences between cultures regarding notions of dying and death, who should be informed, and treatments. There were also challenges and emotions that arose when cultural preferences differed among everyone involved. A person-centred approach allowed for recognition of the dying person’s culture, to meet diverse cultural needs and wishes.ConclusionProviding culturally competent care is a major challenge. There are often no routines or methods prescribed for how nurses should relate to and handle the diversity of cultural notions that may differ from the values and cornerstones of palliative care. Having a person-centred approach as strategy can help to better manage the situation and provide equitable care on terms that respect cultural diversity.

The Influence of Physical Workplace Environment (PWE) for A Healthy Culture of Employees

The paper reviews the influence of the physical workplace environment (PWE) on the organisational culture of employees that can affect the employees’ performance, well-being, satisfaction, engagement, and creativity. It emphasises that the physical environment can reflect and shape the organisational culture, which is the shared values, beliefs, and norms that influence how employees interact and work. A healthy workplace environment of an organisation will influence the innovation and collaboration between employees, decrease absenteeism and increase the performance of employees. The paper employs analytical reviews of the related articles to justify the influences of the physical workplace environment on employees’ well-being in the organisational culture. The content analysis is used to analyse the literature framework of the article. The findings revealed the significance of the physical workplace environment on employees who are well-equipped with positive environment support, who will be highly satisfied and show a high level of commitment towards the organisation. It is essential to design a physical workplace environment aligned with the organisational culture and supporting the employee's needs and preferences. A well-designed physical workplace environment can enhance the organisation’s communication, collaboration, innovation, and productivity and influence the employees’ attitudes, behaviours, and outcomes

Exploring school culture and climate: The case of Dilla university community school

This study was undertaken to explore the culture and climate of Dilla University Community School, focusing on examining the school's shared values and beliefs across seven key dimensions that constitute its shared values and beliefs: attention to detail, innovation and risk-taking, people orientation, team orientation, outcome orientation, aggressiveness, and stability within its cultural framework. The participants in this study were teachers selected using the purposive sampling technique. The research employed an exploratory qualitative case study. The interview was the major data gathering instrument from key informants and the results were analyzed using thematic analysis, aided by NVivo 10 software designed for qualitative research, which facilitated the classification, sorting, arrangement, and analysis of the data. According to the results, the school culture placed a high value on attention to detail, outcome orientation, people orientation, and aggressiveness. Conversely, areas needing improvement were identified as innovation and risk taking, team orientation, and stability. Hence, it was recommended that Dilla University Community School should work on establishing systems that encourage all crucial dimensions of key values and beliefs, fostering positive interaction among members for the progress of the school.

“I go back to it every f**king time”: the normalization of problematic Trenbolone use in online anabolic-androgenic steroid communities

Introduction This study addresses the dearth of research on specific anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), focusing on the contentious substance Trenbolone. With increased potency and risks, Trenbolone’s effects, both in animal studies and among human users, raise concerns for neurodegeneration, genotoxicity, and significant social harms. Despite these risks, people persist using Trenbolone and other AAS, navigating the harm-to-benefit ratio. The study explores the representation of Trenbolone in online AAS forums, to gain nuanced insight into dynamics of identity and behavior specific to the Trenbolone context. Methods We employed a digital ethnographical approach to collect data from four Australian AAS forums. Grounded in a social constructivist framework and recognizing the influential role of identity and social categorization in shaping behaviors within these digital communities, we utilized inductive thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes from user discussions about Trenbolone. Results Three key themes were developed: shared cultural language and beliefs, experienced users’ perceptions of Trenbolone mastery and risk avoidance, and the normalization of problematic use of Trenbolone and signs of dependence within the community. The findings reveal a nuanced interplay of language, beliefs, and behaviors, providing insights into how the community navigates its cultural norms, showcases expertise, and collectively grapples with usage patterns. Conclusions We delineate the emergence of a 'Trenbolone prototype’ within online AAS-using communities. The findings point to a potential disconnect between community beliefs and empirical evidence on Trenbolone’s health effects. Addressing these disparities, public health campaigns should align with the community’s language and norms for effective harm reduction.

Rally-around-the-destination? Changes in host-guest emotional solidarity after crises

Utilizing the political concept of “rally-around-the-flag”, this study takes Jiuzhai Valley as a case to construct a framework of host-guest emotional solidarity and examines the dynamics of such solidarity after an earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic. Thematic and sentiment analyses are applied to interpret Sina Weibo data and the narratives derived from residents’ interviews as a form of triangulation. Results show that under crisis: (1) host-guest emotional solidarity includes shared beliefs, shared emotions, and interactive behaviors; (2) the short-term rally effect is emotion-driven and depends on “we-ness” relationships, emotional empathy, and place identity; (3) the long-term rally effect is value-driven and emerges when host-guest emotional empathy develops into value resonance through resource integration and relationship reconstruction. The results have implications for emotional solidarity theory and destination recovery in times of crisis.

INCLUSION IN THE CONTEXT OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSROOM: TEACHERS’ CURRENT BELIEFS AND PRACTICES

As the perspectives of English language teaching pedagogy change globally, new trends and issues emerge, and achieving effective inclusive language education is one of them. But what are teachers’ current beliefs and practices of inclusion? This paper explores the beliefs that English language teachers in the Sultanate of Oman have confidence in and feel about inclusion giving most of the attention to integration of visually impaired students into the mainstream classroom. Based on the findings of a year-long research project conducted at the Centre for Preparatory Studies of Sultan Qaboos University, these cover such mostly cited and supported by research components, or factors and conditions of inclusive education (Bricker, 2000), as classroom practices, including teaching strategies, classroom environment, classroom management, collaboration and teaming, including special needs students’ interaction with regular students in the mainstream English language classroom, participation in group activities, and teacher attitude, including teachers assumptions regarding inclusion, in general, and in the context tertiary education English language teaching and learning, and teacher professional development. Shared experiences and beliefs, as well as the components of inclusion, may lead to stronger culture of inclusion within the researched institution and a broader context of Oman’s tertiary education.

Ugly produce and food waste management: An analysis based on a social cognitive perspective

Despite a proliferation of literature exploring and testing marketing measures to overcome consumer barriers towards ugly produce, acceptance of it and the adoption of sustainable behaviours remain far from unanimous. The current research explores the role of an #imperfect-produce Instagram community in fostering shared knowledge and beliefs that establish positive social norms towards ugly produce. We employed a non-random sampling methodology to analyse the #imperfect-produce community on Instagram, chosen for its active and abundant nature in documenting visually imperfect produce. Following a comprehensive inclusion/exclusion criterion, we collected a sample of posts spanning May 2021 to May 2023 and conducted a thematic approach to analyse the data through manual sifting and coding. Four themes of shared content emerged within the hashtag thread, highlighting distinct unidirectional causal relationships among the three factors (Behavioural, Personal and Environmental) of social cognitive theory (SCT). The findings indicate that online communities formed by like-minded individuals create supportive communities that normalise sustainable behaviours and encourage social modelling. This research offers managers and marketers valuable insights into leveraging online communities and provides a foundation for future research. It also addresses a critical gap in SCT literature, which has previously neglected the impact of contextual factors.

Family health beliefs and cascade genetic testing in Asian families with hereditary cancer risk: "Okay, now what?"

The limited literature on Asian family communication of hereditary cancer risk and cascade genetic testing for pathogenic variants (PVs) in BRCA1 and BRCA2 has reported that Asian patients have selective communication of test results and lower cascade testing rates. To better understand the factors that impact communication and cascade testing in Asian families, we conducted an in-depth qualitative study guided by the Health Belief Model. Participants with heterozygous PVs in ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, or PALB2, who identified their family's origins to an Asian country, were recruited from the Stanford Cancer Genetics Research Database in October-November 2021. Utilizing a constructivist approach, we conducted sixteen semi-structured interviews around family communication and cascade genetic testing. The research team analyzed the transcript data using a reflexive thematic approach. Extensive discussions between the research team resulted in three primary themes presented in this paper: (1) the role of family health beliefs in cascade genetic testing, (2) changes in communication as a result of genetic testing, and (3) genetics providers' role in supporting family discussions on cascade genetic testing. Certain health beliefs, such as perceived susceptibility to cancer and self-efficacy to take action, were co-created by family members and these shared beliefs influenced decisions about genetic testing, family communication, and family support during the cascade genetic testing process. Participants shared strategies for how genetics providers can prepare Asian patients for more effective conversations with relatives and better address potential testing barriers by tailoring information and providing anticipatory guidance. This study represents an important contribution to the literature about cascade testing among an underrepresented group. Shared family health beliefs about genetic testing may be particularly relevant for this community and these findings can inform strategies to increase cascade genetic testing in Asian families.

Everything changes but nothing changes: gender stereotypes in the Italian population

PurposeGender stereotypes refer to consensual or cultural shared beliefs about the attributes of men and women, influencing society behaviors, interpersonal relationships, education, and workplace. The literature has shown the existence of gender stereotypes on career choices, internalization of roles, and school and social experiences and demonstrates the impact of demographic factors on stereotypes. However, all the studies conducted in Italy available in scientific literature analyzed small sample sizes within specific schools of university settings, with a limited age range.MethodsTo assess the current state of gender stereotypes in Italy, we conducted an online survey from October 2022 to January 2023 on the general population residing in Italy. The questionnaire comprised sociodemographic factors and questions about gender stereotypes, investigating six fields: games, jobs, personality traits, home and family activities, sports, and moral judgments.ResultsThe study involved 1854 participants, mostly women (70.1%) with an undergraduate or postgraduate degree (57.5%). The statistical and descriptive analyses revealed that gender stereotypes influenced respondents’ beliefs, with statistically significant effects observed in most questions when stratifying by age, gender, and degree. Principal component analysis was performed to assess latent variables in different fields, revealing significant main stereotypes in each category. No statistically significant differences between men and women were found for the fields home and family activities, games, and moral judgments, confirming that stereotypes affect both men and women in the same way.ConclusionsOur results show the persistence of gender stereotypes in any fields investigated, although our cohort is predominantly composed of high educational level women living in the North of Italy. This demonstrates that the long-standing gender stereotypes are prevalent, pernicious, and, unfortunately, internalized at times even by successful women pushbacking and sabotaging them unconsciously.

Bridging perceived psychological and social risks with shared beliefs: unveiling tourists' behavioral intentions through nostalgia

PurposeThe study examines tourists' psychological and social risk and shared beliefs – devotion, concerns and entertainment – at a religious and cultural heritage destination. It also examines how shared beliefs impact tourists’ nostalgia. Further, it examines whether nostalgia affects choice deferral and revisit intentions. Finally, it investigates how moderation of place attachment strengthens the link between shared beliefs – devotion, concerns, entertainment and nostalgia.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected from 439 inbound tourists, with 272 completing online questionnaires and 167 participating in face-to-face survey. Data analysis was performed using Amos 24.0 and SPSS 25.0, employing structural equation modeling (SEM) and the PROCESS macro.FindingsThe findings suggest that perceived psychological and social risk negatively impacts tourists' shared beliefs – devotion, concerns and entertainment – which positively impacts nostalgia. Positive nostalgic association boosts revisit intention and hampers choice deferral. The data also show how strong place attachment strengthens the relationship between shared beliefs – devotion, concerns and entertainment – and tourists’ perceived nostalgia.Research limitations/implicationsThis work contributes to information behavior using S-O-R theory. It analyzes the psychological and social risks of destination visits and how nostalgia affects shared beliefs and revisit intentions. Management and policymakers at destination enterprises can use the findings to design measures to enhance revisit intentions despite risk considerations.Originality/valuePakistan's destination tourism is underutilized amid its religious and cultural heritage significance. The literature has ignored how perceived psychological and social risk affects travelers' shared beliefs and nostalgic feelings. Thus, this study suggests and validates these linkages utilizing stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) theory in Pakistan's unique environment with inbound tourists.

The Use of Figurative Language in Feminist Songs

Songs employ figurative language to convey messages, capturing listeners’ attention with captivating melodies. Listeners generate several interpretations by depending on personal observations to infer intended meanings in different settings. The primary objective of this research is to identify figurative language in Taylor Swift’s feminist songs: ‘The Man,’ ‘long story short,’ and ‘I Did Something Bad.’ The framework applied in this research is based on Perrine’s (1977) theory of figurative language. The data analysis procedure is based on Alan Bryman’s (2012) four phases of analysis. This research demonstrates that feminist principles can be effectively expressed through music, utilising figurative language as a compelling instrument for communicating feminism in musical compositions. Singers can use figurative language to advocate for and reinforce shared feminist beliefs while constructing a bridge of connection and a beautiful symphony. Lyrics enhanced by figurative language, successfully deliver feminist ideals, making them a powerful means for women to empower themselves through listening to feminist music.

Responsive strategies and self-identity construction in “Versailles Humblebragging” on Chinese social media

Abstract Versailles humblebragging is becoming an increasingly pervasive pragmatic and linguistic phenomenon since late 2020 in face-to-face and social media communication in China. Despite its ubiquity, there is a relative paucity of empirical research on this new phenomenon, particularly on the reactions of followers in the digital communicative context and the self-identities constructed by the posters, as well as the theoretical limitations to explicate the social cognitive factors behind the novel pragmatic behavior. This study integrated pragmatic and social cognitive theories to conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses of the responsive strategies followers used and the self-identity the humblebraggers built in this phenomenon. Based on the data retrieved from Chinese social media Weibo, we have found generally two major types of responsive strategies, namely the explicit and implicit. A majority of followers employed the implicit strategies to express their acceptance and liking with a preponderance of clicking the “like” affordance, suggesting that Versailles humblebragging helps to build good interpersonal relationship on Weibo. We have also identified seven types of self-identities and explored the underlying factors from the perspective of social cognition. It might be concluded from the findings that certain social and cultural shared beliefs, values and patterns of life are potent factors in shaping Chinese posters’ interpretation of themselves and other people.

The implications of the Madonna/Whore Constellation: A common fantasy underlying misogyny?

AbstractThe Madonna/Whore Constellation of fantasies often underlies well‐recognized and pervasive misogynistic attitudes in our culture. These common and disturbing ideas about women serve to validate continued societal acceptance of the degradation of those people who are identified as female. The author suggests that there is a dynamic connection between the often‐unconscious Madonna/Whore complex of fantasies and consciously recognized misogyny. The author suggests that this set of fantasies is driven, in part, by overwhelming (i.e., traumatic) annihilation anxiety. It is argued in this paper that men who have felt overstimulated by women both emotionally and sexually as they develop are likely to feel helpless, anxious, and powerless in relation to women as adults. To defend against these feelings, some men wish for omnipotent control and place women into the binary, dichotomous categories of Madonna or Whore. These fantasies serve to solidify masculine identity and a male sense of superiority. The author proposes that the prevailing norms in our culture that reflect male supremacy not only reflect shared patriarchal beliefs but also function to justify these particularly dangerous hateful beliefs ‐ as if they were appropriate and even necessary to maintaining superior male status.