Social Construction Research Articles

The Structures of Dialect as the Founding Element of Social Identity: The Case of Bursa City

Identity is a concept that consists of many concrete and abstract elements, both individually and socially. Individuals form groups emotionally and consciously within the framework of this concept and build different social identities. Social identity brings individuals together within their groups around similarities and differences, completing it as an integral part of their own self. Social identity constructs individuals and groups in societies by representing them with many character traits and self-creation motivation. Language is one of the most important characteristics in self-motivation and representation in the social identities of individuals and groups. Spoken language and its varieties (dialects) shape the identity of the individual throughout their life from birth and help them to reveal their subjectivity within the framework of a separate social group identity. Spoken language and its varieties (accent/idiom/dialect) shape the identity of the individual throughout their life and help them to reveal their subjectivity within the framework of social group identity. The subject of this study is the status of the dialect element as one of these preserved features constituting and developing the social identity of the individual in the city of Bursa. Data were collected through field research, using the qualitative analysis method. As the structure of dialects is most intensively observed in villages, the sample consisted of people selected only from the villages of Bursa city, mountain villages in particular. The people chosen in terms of representation ability were individuals with different characteristics pertaining to education, age, and occupational groups. The linguistic features and structure of the dialect used in Bursa are not examined in the study. The aim of the study is to reveal, with the qualitative field study conducted with the source persons, that the social identity approach is one of the representations that builds the individual and society.

Nursing and midwifery students’ ethical views on the acceptability of using AI machine translation software to write university assignments: A deficit-oriented or translanguaging perspective?

This paper focuses on tertiary English as an additional language (EAL) students’ ethical choices, and the factors impacting on them, when deciding whether to engage with artificially-intelligent (AI) machine translation (MT) tools for the writing of university assignments. It also investigates how student responses align with either deficit-oriented or translanguaging theoretical perspectives. Via semi-structured interviews, the voices of 23 EAL nursing and midwifery students indicate an array of ethical positions which are based on three key areas of consideration; 1) ownership of language and ideas; 2) fairness and respect; and 3) personal growth. The study highlights the scalar, strategic and dynamic nature of students’ ethical decisions and shows that questions of ethicality tap into individual, social and institutional constructs of fairness and respect, skills recognition, lifelong learning and language dominion. The findings also indicate that discussions of fairness should focus not only on differences between non-EAL and EAL students, but also inequalities within EAL cohorts. Student responses provide evidence of both deficit-oriented and translanguaging perspectives. The researchers call for universities to create clear policies concerning use of MT that recognise the levels of reflection that students engage in when writing their assignments and value the full linguistic repertoires that students bring to global educational settings.

Confirmatory factor analysis of latent constructs for measuring social well-being in African migrant samples

The present study contributes to psychology and well-being literature by investigating social well-being in minority contexts. The factor structure of the Keyes’ long format 33-item social well-being measure was investigated among African migrant samples. A cross-sectional survey methodology was used to collect data from a total of 404 African migrants living in South Africa (n = 146), Uganda (n = 158) and Kenya (n = 100). They were 202 (50%) males, 195 (48.3%) females, and 7 (1.7%) of the samples did not disclose their gender. They were aged from 14 to 70 with a Mean age of 32.21 (standard deviation = 7.696). Data collected were analysed using CFA in AMOS (version 29). We found an unstable four-factor emic solution for African migrants in Sub-Sahara Africa. We could not replicate the theoretical social well-being model of Keyes (1998) among African migrant samples in Sub-Saharan Africa. Insights from the study will be critical to designing culturally appropriate indigenous measures that accurately reflect the social realities and well-being constructs of African migrants. Our findings will also help policymakers and service providers to identify areas of need, develop appropriate socio-cultural programmes, and allocate resources more effectively to support the integration and well-being of migrants within African societies.

Impact of Consumer Socialization on TikTok Intensity and Addiction: The Moderating Role of Individual Characteristics

TikTok is an exciting social media platform that enables young consumers to create a unique social presence. Despite increasing concern about the misuse of TikTok among users, limited academic research has examined TikTok addiction and its association with consumer socialization. This exploratory study investigates how consumer socialization processes are related to TikTok intensity, defined as the extent to which an individual actively engages in TikTok activities, and addiction among Internet users. A conceptual model that integrates consumer socialization constructs (i.e., reinforcement and modeling), TikTok intensity, and TikTok addiction is developed and tested. Findings of the study suggest that consumer socialization has a positive impact on TikTok addiction. Further, TikTok intensity mediates the effect of consumer socialization on TikTok addiction. Results also show that personality characteristics specifically agreeableness, openness, and curiosity moderate the relationship between consumer socialization and TikTok intensity. This study contributes to the communication technology literature by providing theoretical insights into the use of short-form video-based social media platforms. Practical implications for marketers are discussed.

Balancing Effective Visual Communication and Anti-Stereotype in Women’s Empowerment Visuals

Visuals have been increasingly preferred as a means for advocating for feminism. Visual content creators with such ends design visual content in particular ways to attract and create resonance with female audiences. However, in doing so, visual creators may be contributing to the social construction of “female”, potentially undermining their efforts. The current study provides an explanation of the components of effective visual communication and anti-gender stereotypes, identifies their connection and a dilemma for visual creators, and suggests possible solutions as to how to balance the two. There is no one solution that is capable of solving the problem entirely, and the efficacy of the solutions varies based on the particular visual communication method and/or the circumstances and viewpoint of the affected group, indicating the necessity for customized approaches.

Who is killing South African men? A retrospective descriptive study of forensic and police investigations into male homicide

Not much is known about the perpetrators of male homicide in South Africa, which has rates seven times the global average. For the country’s first ever male homicide study we...

Open and Collaborative Innovation for the Social Construction of Learning: Descriptive Analysis of an xMOOC Design

In education, technological advances have boosted digital processes that expand training possibilities, such as xMOOCs (eXtended Massive Open Online Courses). The purpose of this study was to analyze the design of the xMOOC in the light of open and collaborative innovation and the social construction of learning. The quantitative method and descriptive statistical analysis were used to analyze the perceptions of eight expert’s MOOC developers based on the results of a Likert scale questionnaire. The results were integrated with a previous study carried out with inferential statistics on 217 xMOOC students. The findings revealed two approaches to innovation to support the social construction of learning and its challenges: (a) design and teaching-learning strategies that integrate social learning activities; (b) learning objectives to strengthen social learning activities through pedagogical and technological innovation. The contribution of this research is to add value to the body of knowledge available to trainers, researchers, and stakeholders in MOOC design, the social construction of learning, and open and collaborative innovation.

Schrödinger’s cat goes online: Exploring the psychopathology of digital life

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic forced therapists to embrace online sessions, creating a sudden shift in the therapeutic environment. However, the integration of technology into therapy was already underway, prompting the need to explore how the online environment impacts clients and the therapeutic process. Drawing upon Heidegger’s philosophy of technology and Whitehead’s process philosophy, this article argues that our environment and technologies shape our consciousness and subjectivity, and that both the therapist and the client are partly a product of the media ecologies of the digital age. This paper explores the concept of transitionality as proposed by Winnicott, which refers to the dynamic process through which individuals navigate between inner subjective experiences and external reality. It also examines Deleuze and Guattari’s notion of faciality and the social construction of subjectivity through the screen/face as a territorializing force. By integrating these theoretical perspectives, this study seeks to shed light on the intricate relationship between individual subjectivity and online environments in shaping our experiences and identities on the screen. Overall, the article raises some questions about the use of technology in therapy and the implications for understanding the human psyche. It highlights the need to approach online therapy with awareness of the potential limitations and disturbances that may arise.

A Scoping Review of Children, Empowerment, and Smartphone Technology Regarding Social Construction Theory with the Aim of Increasing Self-Direction in Democracies

Children are Dependents in a version of social construction theory regarding their inability to self-direct their behavior in democratic society. In this regard, childhood represents a lack of self-direction, a life period when people require the guidance and protection of adults. The assumed necessity of adults supervising children in democracies necessitates substantial social resources, reducing the self-direction of those charged with overseeing children. Given that self-direction defines the optimal experience of people within a democratic society, finding ways to increase the self-direction of children is an individual and a social benefit. In this regard, smartphones have improved self-direction in children. How children have become empowered to self-direct their lives with smartphone use considering social construction theory—as Advantaged, Contenders, or Deviants—is the focus of a scoping review conducted on “children, empowerment, smartphones” of the following databases: OVID, JSTOR, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The result is that children permitted to self-direct their activities aided by smartphone technology have comparable social behavior to adults positioned as Advantaged, Contenders, or Deviants, and as such, they should be encouraged to utilize smartphone technology to improve their self-direction, as doing so will augment individual and caregiver self-direction, providing increased social benefit.

THE NOTION OF THE ‘MELTING POT’ REBUFFED: PORTRAYAL OF AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE IN RALPH ELLISON’S INVISIBLE MAN

United States of America is immigrant Nation hence; the word immigration resonates especially strongly with Americans. Critics claim that regulations intended to stop illegal immigration encourage the use of racial profiling by the police, raising the risk of unlawfully detaining and interrogating citizens & legal immigrants. Racism & racial identity are complex social construct. People from all over the world continue to experience racism, which can result in social marginalization when they visit developed nations like the USA. Invisible Man (1952) addresses socio-cultural, economic, political, and ideological issues that African-Americans experienced in 20th century. This study interprets the concept of invisibility in Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man over Bois’s theory of “Double consciousness”. Story's unnamed young black narrator exists in surrealist America of 20th century dependent on deception to survive. America can only live over pretense. The focus of study is on the struggle of unnamed protagonist to survive and be visible in America. This research will highlight challenges that African Americans face due to their race. It will look at the choice the African Americans make; assimilate or maintain their unique identity.

PERILAKU PEZIARAH PADA MAKAM SYEKH YUSUF DI KABUPATEN GOWA

This study aims to (i) analyse more deeply the causes of the motivation of pilgrims to visit the Sepulchre of Sheikh Yusuf and (ii) analyse and explain further the shape and behavior of Pilgrims of the Sepulation of Shah Yusuf in Gowa district. The type of research is descriptive by using qualitative approaches with methods of phenomenological analysis, as well as using primary and secondary data. Data analysis techniques include data collection, data reduction, data presentation, conclusion withdrawal and verification. The results of this study show that: (i) Pilgrims may see a visit to the tomb of Sheikh Joseph as an opportunity to purify the soul, improve the quality of life, and spiritual growth. The concept of a baraka or blessing of a sanctuary, as well as love and seeking spiritual enlightenment and obtaining bliss from religious figures. Visiting the Sepulchre of Sheikh Yusuf is also part of the religious identity of individuals and groups. The interaction with the symbols, rituals, and experiences in the tombs reinforces the religious identity of the pilgrims. (ii) The diversity of the forms of pilgrimage performed by pilgrims, as well as reflecting the complexity of relations between religious and cultural values in their religious practice, giving offerings, or following certain ceremonies, as an expression of spiritual need and adherence to religious teachings or social traditions. Emphasis on Peter L. Berger's Theory of Social Construction The ritual of pilgrimage to the tombs of Sheikh Yusuf as a form of externalization, plays a role in preserving and communicating the meaning of religion, as well as building and strengthening the religious identity of individuals and groups.

Analysis of LazLive Utilization in Mobile Applications Lazada at Sahoor Time

Live streaming is becoming a global trend that is popularly used in many sectors, including e-commerce. Lazada, as one of the largest app-based e-commerce in Southeast Asia, also utilizes the use of live streaming by initiating LazLive (Lazada Live Streaming) as one of the featured features in their mobile application. Unlike most e-commerce such as Tokopedia and Shopee, Lazada as a brand also creates official live stream content from the company through a series of special programs, which are actual features as well as customized marketing messages. This study aims to examine Lazada's strategy of creating a new live streaming method in its mobile application (LazLive). Based on the view of the social construction theory of technology, this study analyzed 23 Lazada live streams held from March 23 to April 24, 2023, during sahoor time. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this study used content analysis techniques. The results found that (1) Lazada personalized several of its live streaming features to match the feel of the program, and (2) Lazada continues to update its features according to customer needs and feedback. (3) LazLive received a positive response from Lazada app users and contributed to the number of reviews received by the Lazada mobile app in the Google Play Store. All the innovations that Lazada provides through LazLive are expected to increase application consumers and the welfare of sellers.

新时代高校培养好青年的路径探究

Youth is the hope of a country and the future of a nation. Training good young people in the new era is of great significance, which is conducive to improving the quality of young people in colleges and universities, helping young people to take up the historical mission and promote national rejuvenation. Therefore, colleges and universities should take the training of the new era ideal, the new era of responsibility, the new era of hardship and the new era of strugglers as the goal and main content. But there are many problems in the process of training young people. Therefore, colleges and universities should form the cultivation mode of cooperative development, set up a well-structured cultivation mechanism and perfect network training system. The cultivation of good young people in colleges and universities in the new era helps to enhance the sense of historical mission and responsibility of Chinese youth, and plays a significant and far-reaching significance for the future development of the Party and the country and the construction of socialism.

재난 서사에 내재된 공포 정치와 젠더 레짐

By analyzing the politics of fear in the narrative of disasters kind of infectious diseases and the gender regime that is practiced within social constructs, we can critically explore the everyday discrimination inherent in communities and the sense of place where members are separated. Furthermore, in order to create a healthy society that recognizes the value and diversity of human beings, violent discriminatory behavior within gendered organizations must be examined from a gender perspective. In this study, focusing on Jung Yoo-jung's novel “28” and Choi Jin-young's “To the Warm Horizon”, we will examine the narrative aspect of discourse on the risk of life as a threat of gender in order to have power in a disaster situation. It aims to raise a problematic awareness of the political act of creating fear by instrumentalizing the risk of infection and segregating the sex differences written on the body by dividing them into classes. In the two novels, after the spread of the epidemic, gendered women are confined to a defined sphere and marginalized in a limited role in the public sphere. However, the author attempts to deconstruct the power structure within the community that sexually exploits women's bodies by depicting the future of humanity through a system of domination and obedience. The novel point out the contradictions of the heterosexual patriarchal system by ideally portraying the restoration of relationships formed on empathy and love by rejecting masculinity in which the female body is disciplined. In the end, the novel emphasizes that the logic of power or the predominance of power in the private/public sphere is not the orientation of a positive community that sustains life. Emphasizing that the communal value, which is closer to hope than the disciplinary power that oppresses others, is the sentiment of caring to respect each other and live together as it is, the author embodies the gender regime as a social practice in the novel.

‘I can hear the wind and feel it touch me on the nose’: The search for agency of the environment in the dialogue between human and nature. The case of Austin, TX

This study explores specific relationships between humans and nature and seeks an extended ‘social construction of nature’ in the direction of place agency. The research assumes that place can be in agented action and a reciprocal relationship with human and non-human beings. The study’s main aim is to identify whether, from the perspective of contemporary city users, a partnership with the biotic and geographical environment is possible both within and outside the city. From this aim arises a research question: Does an inhabitant of a large city realize the possibility of a dialogue involving an ‘exchange of meanings’ between two entities of interaction that are often highly different (human and non-human beings)? The research uses a questionnaire survey (to recognize general quantitative opinion) and in-depth interviews with selected respondents (to look for deeper explanations). Results show that some urban respondents can see some environmental elements (in and out of the city) as agents and can describe the relationship human-environment in case of a reciprocal action called dialogue.

Transformations of the Family Institution in the Perception of Student Youth in the South of Russia

Introduction. The family, being one of the most important social institutions, is subject to significant changes that occur in society and in its social organization. However, the direction of family transformations does not immediately become obvious, which actualizes their scientific understanding on the basis of sociological measurements. The purpose of the article is to identify the attitude of student youth in the South of Russia to the nature of the transformations taking place in the modern institution of the family and, on their basis, to formulate generalizing conclusions and recommendations. The importance of such research is determined by the special role of the student social group in ensuring the sustainability of society and in shaping its future appearance. Materials and Methods. The object of the study was student youth of the South of Russia. The empirical basis of the study was the results of a survey of full-time students at 13 universities and university branches in the South of Russia (Rostov Region, Krasnodar and Stavropol Territories) based on a representative sample (n = 639). The questionnaire survey method made it possible to identify some of the students’ attitudes and aspirations regarding the institutional state of the family. The conceptual basis of the study was the constructivist approach, which considers the most important theoretical meanings and trajectories of the process of family transformation (crisis and modernist) as social constructs that influence students’ perception of the direction of development of the family institution. Results. Analysis of the collected empirical material shows a certain duality in the position of student youth in the South of Russia in determining priority trajectories for the development of the family institution. This is evidenced by students’ perception of the crisis and modernist constructs of family transformation through the analysis of their main indicators (the state of attractiveness of a family-child lifestyle; attitude to the dominance of having few children and having one child; perception of childfreeness; attitude to divorce and cohabitation, etc.). The survey also revealed a certain predominance among students of negative assessments of the influence of individualistic value sentiments on the institutional stability of the family. Discussion and Conclusion. Using the example of the southern region of Russia, the conclusion was confirmed that the worldview, socio-economic and information-cognitive state of society influences the priority of perception of various trajectories of transformation of the family institution (crisis and modernization). The attitude of students to semantic indicators of their perception is ambiguous. This is largely due to the heterogeneity of value orientations in our society. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that it made it possible to identify the opinion of student youth about their attitude to the current state of the family institution and the prospects for its development. The results obtained may be useful to scientists studying this issue, as well as practitioners forming and implementing youth policy.

Assessment of the mechanical and physical characteristics of PET bricks with different aggregates

Construction and demolition waste, along with discarded PET plastic bottles, have evolved into a widespread global resource. However, their current disposal in landfills poses a significant environmental pollution challenge. This research is centered on evaluating the performance of cement mortar composed by larger PET particles in conjunction with sand, construction and demolition waste, and lightweight expanded polystyrene aggregates. The primary objective of this study is to formulate a blend suitable for non-structural elements that can be easily manufactured for social housing construction. This modified blend extends upon the original certified mixture employed at CEVE for brick production, which encompasses cement and 3 mm-long PET particles. The experimental analysis revealed that blend containing 8 mm-long PET particles, in combination with fine aggregates of construction and demolition waste, attained a required mechanical strength of 2 MPa, while preserving the bulk density and hydric properties of the initial PET bricks developed at CEVE in Argentina.

A Theoretical Study on the Effectiveness of Grassroots Social Governance

Social stability is one of the important pursuits of rulers with great priority over other aspects. From the perspective of social construction, social stability marks the stability and happiness of people’s lives, so the improvement of people’s happiness is important. Social stability is also the premise of people’s peace and contentment for harmony. Grassroots social governance is an important part of social governance that is a necessary prerequisite for maintaining social stability and promoting social development. This paper explains the necessity of improving the effectiveness of grassroots social governance, points out the shortcomings of the current system, and analyzes and discusses methods to improve its effectiveness.

Understanding the Intersection of Technology and Traditional Arts in Modern Sporting Events

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to look into the intersection of technology and traditional arts in modern sporting events. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to technology and traditional arts in modern sporting events. Preliminary empirical review revealed that technological advancements have fundamentally altered the presentation and reception of traditional arts within such contexts. Notably, studies examining augmented reality (AR), digital media, virtual reality (VR), wearable technology, and 3D mapping have revealed their positive impact on enhancing the spectator experience and attracting larger audiences. Additionally, research on the influence of social media platforms has underscored their role in promoting traditional arts performances, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. The incorporation of VR and wearable technology has further enabled immersive experiences, enriching audience engagement with traditional arts. This research highlights the transformative potential of technology in preserving and promoting cultural heritage in sporting events, emphasizing the importance of ongoing innovation and collaboration between artists, technologists, and event organizers to create inclusive and culturally enriching experiences for global audiences. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social Construction of Technology (SCOT), Cultural Hybridization theory and Diffusion of Innovations theory may be used to anchor future studies on the intersection of technology and traditional arts in modern sporting events. The study provided valuable insights and recommendations for theory, practice, and policy. It emphasized recognizing and embracing the fusion of technology and traditional arts, advocating for their integration to enhance accessibility and engagement. Collaborative efforts between stakeholders were encouraged, along with policy interventions to support innovation while safeguarding cultural heritage. A holistic approach was recommended, considering socio-cultural implications and promoting inclusive and ethical practices. Continuous research and evaluation were highlighted for monitoring the evolution of this intersection. Overall, the study aimed to advance understanding and foster innovation in the integration of technology and traditional arts in sports events.

The Production of Locality During the Pandemic: Feel the Rhythm of Korea and “Dynamite”

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the social construction of locality? To examine the impact of the ruptures between physical mobility and digital fluidity on the media representation of locality, I analyzed two cases (the Korea Tourism Organization’s Feel the Rhythm of Korea project and BTS’ media performances for “Dynamite”) produced during the pandemic. Based on a textual analysis of the chosen video projects, I identified three social techniques in shaping locality: a mixture of the past and present, the territorialization of cultural references and performed bodies, and the rhetorical dichotomization of cultural space. I thus claim that locality is molded through a social practice of subjectivity that theatricalizes place attachment and spatial imagination, both influenced by border closures and digital adoption during the global crisis.