Shift In Discourse Research Articles

Religion in Right-Wing Ecological Discourse. A Critical Content Analysis of a Far Right Periodical

Abstract While the climate crisis was denied for many years in right-wing movements, shifts in discourse have become apparent recently. Right-wing populists and extremists are developing their own narratives, such as population growth in the Global South. Religious references also become relevant in these right-wing narratives but empirical studies on religion in right-wing environmental discourse have been rare for the German-speaking region so far. The paper examines religious motifs and arguments in the new-right periodical Die Kehre representing the line of thought of the new-right discourse on ecology. 15 issues of the journal are analysed with the help of the structuring qualitative content analysis. The analysis aims to develop a first descriptive assessment of the significance of religion in the right-wing ecological discourse. Therefore, this paper is also critical to the thesis that religion contributes substantially to global climate justice.

“This story must be told:” unveiling environmental and social tapestry in Imbolo Mbue’s How Beautiful We Were

AbstractThe article examines Imbolo Mbue’s How Beautiful We Were from the scant critical attention to the question of reading Oil Culture in the light of Climate Change within the context of ecocriticism and narratology. This novel is a powerful commentary on the environmental, social, and epistemic injustices inflicted upon the Kosawa people, whose lives hung between the crossfire of corporate greed and governmental corruption. Employing eco-narratology as a critical lens, this article delves into how Mbue’s storytelling reflects and critiques environmental injustices while advocating for collective resistance. By examining the interplay of narrative techniques and ecological themes, this article fills the gap of engaging with the detrimental effects of oil extraction on the environment in the context of climate change, which have been under the radar and considered as a form of spatial amnesia within the realm of oil fiction studies. By intertwining a cluster of concepts, including chronotope, memory, and environmental justice, this analysis enhances our understanding of contemporary petroculture and advocates for a shift in energy consumption and ecological responsibility discourse.

In defence of democracy: parliamentary opposition and democratic resilience in Poland

ABSTRACT The 2023 electoral victory of Poland's liberal opposition halted democratic backsliding and exemplified democratic resilience. This study provides a novel empirical analysis of discursive strategies used by the main opposition party, Civic Platform/Civic Coalition, in parliamentary speeches on democracy from 2001 to 2020. Using a mixed-method approach with temporally sensitive word embeddings and discourse analysis, we highlight shifts in opposition discourse since 2015 – from radicalisation to a more moderate, focused response addressing key aspects of democratic breakdown – demonstrating an adaptive strategy of democratic resilience.

Female breast cancer survivor narratives on paths to healing after the conclusion of primary treatment: A qualitative study.

Female breast cancer survivors (BCS) experience different paths to healing after the conclusion of primary treatment. This study sought to describe the experiences of female BCS in the months and years after primary treatment by determining how and when healing happens, as well as what healing means to BCS. A qualitative approach was used through thematic analysis of data collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews from 17 female BCS. Data analysis identified four major themes: (i) the process of finishing treatment and continuity of care, (ii) support systems for BCS, (iii) self-efficacy and personal accountability, and (iv) the social transition after cancer. Factors that affect the healing of BCS can be conceptualized as external or personal. Participants found that barriers to healing created by external factors were addressed by improved coordination of care and high-involvement transition programs as opposed to conversational support groups. Barriers created by personal factors were mitigated through organically formed support systems and promotion of self-efficacy and resilience. Participants expressed a desire for a shift in mainstream discourse to better reflect their experiences. Each BCS conceptualized survivorship differently, with some seeing a clear end to healing, and others who viewed it as a lifelong process. Understanding the many paths to healing taken by BCS after concluding primary treatment, as well as common barriers to and catalysts for healing, can aid providers in addressing patient needs based on their individual experiences.

Discursive AI Infrastructures: Envisioned and Overlooked Museum Futures

ABSTRACTPrompted by recent innovations, artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being discussed across the museum sector regarding its implications for institutional roles and practices. However, AI in particular, is an ambiguous term, a ‘black box’ which is capable of containing and reflecting numerous values and ideals (Crawford, 2021). This paper positions discourse around AI as a ‘discursive’ infrastructure, capable of not only embodying ideals but also shaping and justifying certain institutional practices and roles. This paper thematically analyses 115 pieces of grey literature produced and shared by professional governance bodies in the museum sector from 1995–2023, mainly across Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In doing so, it identifies four preliminary themes encompassing shifts in discourse over time which give shape to a contemporary discursive infrastructure. This prompts timely critical reflections of museum professionals and stakeholders on both imagined and overlooked public roles, responsibilities, and practices of the museum in relation to AI.

Geographies of race in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe

ABSTRACT This article is a discipline-defining agenda. It addresses the oversight of Geographies of race in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and explores geography’s potential contributions to the unfolding debates around race, decolonisation, and whiteness. Geographies of race remain unmarked and therefore unchallenged within the field of geography in CEE. Consequently, geographers typically consider CEE as peripheral to the global racial discourses and possibly post-racial. By drawing on sociological, migration, historical, and anthropological approaches, particularly in Poland, the article emphasises the importance of geography in discussions around race, decolonisation, and whiteness. It considers the appeal of geographies of race to this “peripheral location” to demonstrate a shift in racial and colonial discourses. By bridging interdisciplinary approaches and challenging prevailing discourses, the article aims to broaden the scope of the geographies of race and foster a more inclusive and global understanding of race and colonisation.

Expanding the Concept of Sustainable Interaction Design: A Systematic Review

This paper presents a systemic literature review of Sustainable Interaction Design. We use the PRISMA model to guide the review. In the analysis of the identified papers, we identify an emergent and significant shift in the discourse on Sustainable Interaction Design from its original introduction in 2007. The shift in discourse concerns extensions both in the methodology as well as the impact, which is oddly underexplored. Regarding the methodology, we found that the objectives of sustainability are pursued by the concrete features of designed artifacts or through the use impact of design and that the design contains a process of learning for all participating parties, captured in the notion of sustainability in designing. By complementing this with the pursued impact of social, environmental, and economic sustainability, we point to where the current research tends to cluster, which areas are underexplored, and, thus, where new research agendas are needed. Here, the limited interest in studying how Interaction Design fosters sustainability while including an economic perspective stands out. In the concluding parts of this paper, we propose future research trajectories of SID and speculate and discuss opportunities and challenges for future research.

A Sentiment Analysis of News Articles Published Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the connotative language used in news articles, leveraging sentiment analysis to gauge shifts in societal attitudes and potential implications for mental health. Utilizing the statistical programming language R, we extracted and analyzed texts from 645 articles published before and during the pandemic by nine authors across three major U.S. newspapers: The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and The Washington Post. Employing the AFINN and NRC sentiment lexicons, we observed a statistically significant decrease in sentiment during the pandemic period (p < 0.0001), suggesting a pervasive shift in media discourse. This decline, consistent across newspapers and journalists, highlights the profound impact of the pandemic on societal attitudes, reflecting the pain and stress experienced by many. Such a decline in sentiment can create a negative feedback loop that exacerbates the already significant health and behavioral challenges triggered by the pandemic and its associated mitigation measures. Our findings underscore the value of sentiment analysis and text mining in assessing the effects of high-stress, long-term events on global public health while identifying a gap in the existing literature that prioritizes disease-focused research over holistic well-being. This study highlights the critical role of journalists and leaders in shaping public sentiment during crises, advocating for early recognition of concerning trends. It also offers a valuable framework for future research connecting major events with the overall media sentiment and their subsequent effects on public health.

Indigenous Early Career Researcher’s Perspectives of ‘safe spaces’’ in Higher Education

The Developing Indigenous Early Career Researchers Project is a three-year longitudinal study funded by the Australian Research Council that ran from January 2020 to December 2022. Its main focus was to investigate the experiences and perspectives of Indigenous Early Career Researchers working in universities across Australia. This article presents four main attributes identified by Indigenous Early Career Researchers as necessary to creating culturally safe spaces in Australian universities. These attributes include, safe to: (a) be Indigenous; (b) seek advice and make mistakes; (c) speak openly; and (d) trust. The successful implementation of these attributes requires institutional support and commitment in the form of relevant higher education policies and practices. Importantly, an overarching perspective of this article is that effective implementation of culturally safe spaces for Indigenous Early Career Researchers requires a significant shift in institutional discourse from the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and Knowledges to recognising Indigenous Peoples as sovereign.

Exploring Self-Reflexivity in Selected Dalit Literatures

Dalit literature, which emerged prominently in the 1970s and 1980s, represents a significant shift in Indian literary and cultural discourse. It is deeply connected to the Dalit Panther Movement in Maharashtra, which sought to confront and challenge entrenched caste hierarchies and social injustices. Historically, Indian literature has been dominated by upper-caste perspectives, which marginalized lower-caste voices and reinforced existing social structures. Dalit literature disrupts this hegemony by foregrounding the experiences of those historically marginalized, challenging traditional literary canons that glorify upper-caste perspectives and advocating for a redefined cultural legitimacy. Self-reflexivity, a process of critical self-examination within social contexts, plays a crucial role in Dalit writings. It involves reflecting on one’s identity and its formation within oppressive socio-cultural frameworks. Dalit literature often explores the interplay between spatial identity and caste discrimination, emphasizing how physical and social spaces are laden with historical and cultural meanings. This reflexivity enables Dalit writers to question and reconfigure their identities in response to systemic inequalities. Historically, Dalit writings can trace their roots back to Vedic traditions that justified caste hierarchies. Figures like Sharankumar Limbale and Eleanor Zelliot highlight how Dalit literature is a counter-narrative to these oppressive traditions. Early Dalit writers, influenced by social reformers like B.R. Ambedkar and movements such as Bhakti, used their works to critique caste-based injustices and advocate for social change. Education has been a transformative force in Dalit autobiographies, serving as a means for personal and societal advancement. Despite historical resistance to the education of untouchables, British colonial reforms and missionary schools played a pivotal role in improving educational access. Figures like Jyotiba Phule further advanced educational opportunities for marginalized communities, challenging entrenched social norms and promoting empowerment through learning.

RETURNING TO SAID AND HIS «ORIENTALISM»

This article examines the impact of Edward Said’s concept of Orientalism on the contemporary geopolitical landscape. The authors argue that while the critique of Orientalism has significantly influenced academic discourse and domestic policies in Western countries, particularly the United States, it has not led to fundamental changes in global geopolitical strategy. The paper focuses on two key aspects: the natural connection between knowledge and power, which cannot be altered by anti-colonial declarations, and the shift of colonial discourse to new regions, specifically non-Western Europe. The authors posit that the strength of a modern state lies in its ability to dynamically bifurcate its image into internal and external faces, presenting different aspects to its society and foreign partners. Using the United States as a case study, the article demonstrates how internal anti-colonial discourse coexists with an unchanging foreign policy strategy of global dominance. The authors criticize the illusions about the possibility of changing the fundamental principles of US foreign policy, which has remained consistent since 1941. The paper emphasizes the continuation of a strategy aimed at fostering global dependence on the West, despite anti-colonial rhetoric. The article explores the complex interplay between domestic movements for social justice and decolonization, and the pragmatic realities of international relations. It argues that the deconstruction of Orientalism, while challenging the legitimacy of historical colonial practices, has not transformed the core geopolitical interests of Western states.The authors contend that the apparent dichotomy between internal anti-colonial discourse and external policy reflects both the complexity and strength of states like the US, where domestic and foreign policies can be shaped by different institutional and ideological forces. The paper also discusses the expansion of the concept of liberal democracy as an export product to regions deemed lacking in popular sovereignty.In conclusion, the article suggests that the critique of Orientalism, despite its academic and cultural impact, has been effectively neutralized in geopolitical practice. This is achieved through a shift in focus to regions not traditionally considered part of the «old» Western colonies, allowing for the implementation of economic partnership policies without the moral self-flagellation associated with charges of Orientalism. The paper ultimately argues that renaming reality does not change its underlying structure, and that the postmodern belief in the power of language to transform geopolitical realities is akin to magical thinking. It concludes that the critique of Orientalism has not fundamentally altered the eternal principles and interests guiding global geopolitical strategies.

Young people as a political subject in the context of environmental governance

The discourse on environmental challenges has evolved significantly in recent years, with climate change emerging as a central global concern. This transformation has been heavily influenced by the last wave of youth-led social movements, notably the Fridays for Future movement, who have mobilized young people at a global scale contributing at a shift in public discourse on the topic of climate action. However, despite the impact of the newly emerged youth-led movements it is still rather unclear if and where has youth gained recognition as a group with special interests within environmental policy and governance. In this study we report on a research were we investigated the positioning of youth in contemporary environmental governance, and propose a theoretical perspective to understand how the subject category of “youth” is constructed in public discourse and its implications for political recognition. We study the progressive emergence of Greta Thunberg as a voice for a generation of youth climate activists and undertake a document analysis of selected material generated in relation to selected international political events. By addressing questions of recognition, discourse structure, and legitimacy, this research aims to shed light on the nuanced dynamics shaping the role of youth in environmental policy and governance.

Le hockey pour tous, mais pas pour toutes? Regard croisé sur la médiatisation du racisme et du sexisme au hockey

This article analyzes two cases specific to ice hockey in the Quebec media/sport cultural complex that highlight recent shifts in discourses on racism and sexism. The authors argue that sexism is the least contested form of discrimination in hockey, while overt and explicit racist acts are widely condemned. This is not to say that racism has disappeared from hockey. If acts of blatant racism are denounced by the media and sports structures, the same would not apply to forms of blatant sexism, where entire arguments and vocabulary are put into action to diminish the scope of sexism involved in these situations. This analysis also demonstrates the workings of the symbolic development of contemporary North American ice hockey. The reasons for the discrepancies between the public expressions of racism and sexism are that hockey remains a sport where many forms of hegemonic masculinities are still expressed.

From crisis to "permacrisis" in media communication in Romania

The article examines how the crisis phenomenon is discussed in the Romanian public communication environment. The authors argue that in the current context, where society is marked by multiple crises, the term "permacrisis" has become relevant, describing a state of permanent crisis affecting the society at multiple levels. The authors analysed how the topic of crisis has been represented in the Romanian media, focusing on articles published online between 2017 and 2022. Through quantitative and qualitative analysis, the study highlights a significant increase in crisis-related mentions since 2020, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase indicates a shift in public perception and media discourse, suggesting the normalisation and acceptance of the crisis as a constant state. Four dominant themes associated with the crisis were identified in media discourse: the economic crisis, the health crisis generated by COVID-19, the domestic political crisis and the crisis generated by the war in Ukraine. These themes illustrate the different facets of the permacrisis in Romania, from the economic and social impact, to political uncertainty and the consequences of pandemics and geopolitical conflicts. The paper highlights the importance of recognising and understanding the phenomenon of permacrisis in Romanian society in order to develop more effective strategies for managing crises and building a more resilient society.

What’s a Black feminist doing in a field like special education?

ABSTRACT Special educators are increasingly drawing from intersectionality and Black feminist theory to make sense of the disproportionate deleterious outcomes experienced by racialized students labeled with disabilities. While intersectionality gains a stronger hold in special education discourse, agencies like the Florida Department of Education are misrepresenting Black feminist theory and intersectionality as “ranking people” based on their social identities. Audre Lorde—a member of The Combahee River Collective credited for generating an intersectional shift in feminist discourse—called on the creative use of difference to push back on the marginalization of multiply-marginalized women. Lorde asserted that explicitly attending to the diversity within human experiences challenges harmful attitudes that frame differences as markers of inferiority, deviance, or failure. In this article, I draw from Black feminism and Audre Lorde’s theorizing about difference to present a framework for educators who advocate for specialized education programming that affirm student differences.

The Role of Indigenous Peoples in Local Wisdom-Based Forest Management in Papua: Case Studies and Development Strategies

Nestled within the heart of Papua's lush forests lies a narrative of profound significance—the intertwining destinies of its indigenous inhabitants with their ancestral lands. This exploration unveils the pivotal role played by Papua's indigenous communities in local wisdom-based forest management. Against mounting environmental challenges like deforestation and climate change, their stewardship embodies a holistic ethos of sustainability, melding cultural heritage with resource conservation. Through empirical analysis and case studies, this study reveals the resilience ingrained within indigenous forest management practices, from Dani governance structures to Asmat agroforestry techniques. Furthermore, it explores the multifaceted implications of indigenous engagement, advocating for inclusive governance models that honor indigenous rights and foster community-driven sustainability. By amplifying indigenous voices and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, this study advocates for a transformative shift in conservation discourse—one that recognizes indigenous wisdom as a cornerstone of environmental stewardship. In essence, it calls for a future where forests embody not only biodiversity but also indigenous heritage, fostering a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.

Serendipity and surprise: A diachronic analysis of <em>International Baccalaureate</em> in the global press 1977-2019

This study examines perceptions of the International Baccalaureate (IB) over five decades to better understand its growing influence on education systems around the world. As part of the global education industry, the IB plays an important role in shaping national public education discourse. Building on previous synchronic analyses that used a corpus-assisted discourse studies (CADS) approach, the present study conducts a diachronic exploration of the same 28 million word corpus of global press articles to see how perceptions of the IB may have changed over its 55-year history. Trends over time revealed five main shifts in IB discourse: (i) from education to brand; (ii) from concrete curriculum-related lexis to recurring value-laden terms; (iii) from comparison to competition with other national curricula; (iv) from academic qualification to institutional regulation; and (v) from students to IB coordinator. Findings also showed a stable group of collocates that occurred consistently across all time periods, pointing to an “invariant core” (Morley & Partington, 2009) meaning of the IB that provides fresh insight into how the dominant view of the IB as a singular standardized brand may be entrenched and taken for granted.

We cannot afford another lost year for food and climate action

ABSTRACT In recent years, recognition has grown of the significant role that food systems play in driving climate change, constituting about one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, while also playing a key role in sequestering carbon and adapting to climate changes. The COP28 climate conference signaled a pivotal shift, spotlighting food and agriculture in discourse. However, despite pledges and declarations, concrete plans and targets to address emissions from food chains remain elusive. Urgent action is imperative to transform food systems and avert surpassing critical warming thresholds.

Upotreba istorije, poricanje zločina i koncept nekažnjivosti u Republici Srpskoj (1992–2022)

The article analyzes how Republika Srpska publicly articulated its stance regarding the July 1992 massacre in Srebrenica, which the International Court of Justice and the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia both classified as genocide. It assesses how this Bosnian entity grapples with and communicates its response to this internationally recognized atrocity within the public domain. The conflicting conclusions of three reports on Srebrenica—issued by the Bureau of the RS Government for Relations with the Hague Tribunal of the Government of Republika Srpska (2002), the Commission for the Investigation of Events in and around Srebrenica from July 10 to 19, 1995 (2004), and the Independent International Commission for Research on the Suffering of All Peoples in the Srebrenica Region in the Period 1992–1995 (2021) — illustrate the ongoing initiatives of local communities to memorialize the 1992–1995 war and reflect shifts in official political discourse.

Unveiling the Nuances and Enduring Relevance of Machiavelli’s Theory: The Process of Acquisition to Power and Maintenance Statecraft in a Multipolar World

Niccolo Machiavelli, a pivotal figure of the Renaissance era, epitomized rationality and realism in his political philosophy, bridging the gap between medieval and modern political thought. His seminal works, including “The Prince” and “Discourses on Livy”, marked a revolutionary shift in political discourse, earning him the title of “First Modern Political Thinker”. Machiavelli's life was characterized by a quest for pragmatic knowledge and a deep engagement with the political landscape of his time. Influenced by a myriad of philosophers and writers, ranging from Thucydides to Dante Alighieri, Machiavelli synthesized diverse ideas to craft his unique perspective on statecraft. Employing historical, empirical, and inductive methods, he dissected the acquisition and preservation of power, emphasizing pragmatic realities over abstract ideals. The central theme of Machiavelli’s political theory was the notion of statecraft as a practical endeavor tailored to contemporary needs rather than a product of divine ordination. He delineated methods for seizing power, advocating for a blend of force, cunning, and citizen support. Machiavelli prescribed specific qualities for rulers, urging them to embody a combination of fortitude and cunning. Regarding morality, Machiavelli distinguished between state morality and personal morality, endorsing a pragmatic approach for rulers while upholding individual virtue for the ruled. He emphasized the separation of politics and religion, asserting that each realm should fulfill its distinct functions without interference. Despite criticism for perceived inconsistencies and immorality, Machiavelli’s enduring legacy lies in his transformation of political thought. His influence on practical politics and his role as a harbinger of the modern era underscore his profound impact on the trajectory of political philosophy. While his theories continue to provoke debate, Machiavelli remains an enigmatic figure whose ideas reflect the evolving ethos of his time.