Social Harmony Research Articles

Forgiveness Across Gender and Other Demographics: A Brief Review

The reliability of the Heartland Forgiveness Scale (HFS) Urdu version was evaluated in this article, along with the gender differences between males and females in adults. This is an 18-item self-report questionnaire devised to assess a person's forgiving disposition. In accordance with research by Davis, Hook, Van Tongeren, and Worthington Jr (2012), Goman, Kelley, and Wiesenthal’s (2016), and Johnstone et al. (2015), forgiveness, a coping strategy, enhances relationships by facilitating healing, transformation, and liberation, thereby fostering social harmony and promoting healing and enhancing interpersonal relationships. The sample composed of 160 adults (80 females, 80 males) age range was 21 to 47 (M=30.65, SD = 4.836) through convenience sampling technique. Moreover, in this study personal information form (Rohner & Berger, 2023) was used to collect student and teacher demographic information and validity and reliability studies were carried out, were applied. The scale consists of 18 items with 7-points Likert option. The finding of this study revealed that Urdu version (HFS) had adequate internal consistency (?=.75) and it can be used to assess to forgiveness disposition among Pakistani sample. Moreover, t test also calculates to examine gender difference in forgiveness between male and female result indicates (t=1.219) which indicates insignificant gender difference among participants.

Decolonizing democratic aims of education in Botswana: Kagisano and outcome-based education

Abstract Botswana’s history is one of an unwavering exercise of self-determination and quest for self-rule. Post-independence, self-government prioritized an overarching philosophy of Kagisano or social harmony within which the aims of education were framed, in conjunction with a political commitment to Botho through democracy. For economic and social reasons the current educational policy of Botswana is driven by outcome-based education (OBE), with its metrics of quantifiable outcomes. This article argues that Olúfemi Táíwò’s analysis of decolonization provides a philosophical lens through which to interpret Botswana’s current educational pathway within the prevailing decolonization discourse. OBE clearly exhibits features of neocolonialism, as it pertains to the national value principles. We draw on Ndlovu-Gatsheni’s decolonial epistemic perspective to frame the discussions. Insofar as OBE can be integrated with Botswana’s ethnically inclusive, community-based view of democracy and associated virtues, this is a worthy goal for education, and it could lead to a particular form of indigenized democracy. Substantive distinctions among the concepts of decolonization, neocolonialism, and decoloniality underwrite this thesis. We see the project of envisaging a future of education in Botswana as having to do with disentangling colonialist–imperialist cultural reproduction from indigenous aspirations.

Basic Ecclesial Communities

Religious intolerance and blatant polarization along the lines of caste, colour, and racial differences are on the rise in India, a trend that has been compounded by the explicit religious nationalism of the incumbent ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In the face of this rising intolerance and polarization, a substantial number of Indians from different demographics have begun to envision and participate in people-centred initiatives to nurture religious and social harmony. The present article proposes that Basic Ecclesial Communities – a practical, resourceful, and sustainable means of fostering community and religious harmony through interfaith sharing, hospitality, and a welcoming mindset – represent an impactful contribution to this effort.

Welfare state: essential, security-legal and criminology significance

The article is devoted to the theoretical analysis of the essence of the concept of the state and social state, taking into account their characteristics by philosophers and scientists from ancient times to the present, and based on the need to form a modern state as a highly developed, legal, democratic state that defines a person as the highest social value, ensures his rights and freedom, decent conditions of existence, security and well-being, by conducting an active social policy based on the principles of civil society, social justice, equality, solidarity and responsibility.
 The question of the justification of the state’s narrowing of its own functions and responsibility for the development of society today, regardless of its main purpose, and at the same time remaining a detached “arbiter” of the natural self-development of society, has been investigated.
 The interdependence and influence of the state on crime is considered not only in a positive, but also in a negative aspect, in particular, in an effort to improve the lives of citizens with the help of widespread use of criminal law measures, the result of which can be the generation of excessively large “artificial” crime, which, in turn, will contribute to the growth of “natural” crime.
 In the direction of the formation of a modern social state as a legal, democratic state that ensures fundamental human rights and freedoms, dignified conditions for its existence, security and well-being, the main methods and directions of the socio-political and economic organization of society are considered in terms of their productivity and contradictions, social security and determination of crime. An analysis of the interrelationship and interdependence of national security and social criteria, their common priority interests, which must be taken into account when forming the strategic priorities of the social state, among which are the guarantee of the constitutional rights and freedoms of man and citizen, the development of civil society, its democratic institutions, the strengthening of political and social stability in society, the creation of a competitive, socially oriented market economy and the provision of an ever-increasing standard of living and well-being of the population, as well as the development of spirituality, moral foundations, and the intellectual potential of the Ukrainian people, strengthening the physical health of the nation, creating conditions for expanded reproduction of the population .
 The position is substantiated that the main purpose of the state, its goal and its essence is the safe existence of society, where the safety of society, that is, social or public safety in this sense is synonymous with the concept of national security, based on the fact that a nation is a community of all citizens, and stateless persons who currently live on the territory of the state and fall under its jurisdiction.
 Conclusions were made regarding the need to create a mechanism to protect people from real and potential risks and their consequences, from existing and possible violations of individual rights and freedoms, from criminal encroachments on life, health, property, honor and dignity of a person, as well as ensuring social harmony in the state on the basis of social peace and social partnership where a developed civil society should play a key role.
 The argumentation of the need to exist among the main functions of the welfare state, such as a protective (compensatory) function – is the creation of a mechanism to protect people from real, potential risks and their consequences, from existing and possible violations of individual rights and freedoms, from criminal encroachments on life and health , property, honor and dignity of a person, as well as ensuring social harmony in the state on the basis of social peace and social partnership, where the analysis, forecasting of the state and development of the state itself should be the decisive components of the process of control over the social state in the state and its regions by civil society. objects of national security, both the main values of the Ukrainian people and the goals for their achievement.

Penyuluhan Pendirian Koperasi Moderasi Beragama Di Desa Kutorojo Kecamatan Kajen Kabupaten Pekalongan

This community service project focuses on organizing workshops to establish moderate religious cooperatives in Kutorojo Village, Kajen District, Pekalongan Regency. The significance of this topic lies in addressing the economic challenges faced by the community while promoting religious moderation and social cohesion. The objective is to empower the community economically through the establishment of cooperatives while fostering interfaith understanding and cooperation. The methodological approach involves collaborative efforts between university students, local community members, and government agencies to organize and deliver informative sessions on cooperative formation, legal foundations, and principles. Additionally, discussions and interactive sessions are conducted to encourage active participation and address any concerns or questions. The results indicate a high level of community engagement and enthusiasm towards establishing cooperatives, as well as an improved understanding of the significance of moderation in religious discourse. The workshops serve as a stepping stone towards achieving economic empowerment and social harmony within Kutorojo Village, serving as a potential model for similar initiatives in other communities.

Tik Tok Ban in Nepal: Reactions of the public

TikTok was the most popular social media app in Nepal and a major source of income for content creators, artists, influencers, and users. The government of Nepal made the decision to ban TikTok on November 13, 2023, stating it was disrupting social harmony in the country, which brought anger to the TikTok users. This research critically considers how the TikTok ban has been met with reactions from the public. This qualitative content analysis approach will look for a deep exploration of the emotional, professional, and creative dimensions of public experiences. Hence, the study’s main finding is to shed light on how the TikTok ban has affected the public and to know their opinions on it. In conclusion, the findings of this study shed light on the consequences of the TikTok ban in Nepal and people’s reactions to it, emphasizing the need to find a solution and to make strict rules and regulations for social media.

Power or opportunity? Perceived inequality on life satisfaction explained by reduced trust in South Korea

AbstractThis paper presents new evidence linking different aspects of perceived inequality (education, employment, law enforcement, income and wealth, power, and gender) to life satisfaction. Using large‐scale national survey data, we examined the relationships between the six aspects of perceived inequality, life satisfaction, and generalized trust among South Koreans (N = 17,357). Exploratory structural equation modelling identified a two‐factor structure of perceived inequality: Opportunity Inequality (inequalities in education and employment) and Power Inequality (inequalities in income and wealth, law enforcement, power, and gender). Results from mediation analysis suggested that both aspects of inequality negatively predicted life satisfaction via reduced generalized trust. Those processes were consistent regardless of household income. The study underscores the critical impact that public perceptions of (in)equality in various opportunity and power aspects have on well‐being and trust and emphasizes the urgency of government and policy action to address the growing problem of inequality in South Korean society. The findings highlight the urgent need to address disparities and promote social harmony and well‐being in countries facing similar challenges.

China's National Public Cultural Security Construction under the Cultural Differences Between East and West

Since Hu Huilin's concept of China's national cultural security was proposed, it has inspired many qualitative studies, and then Han Yuan's team introduced quantitative research methods in 2021. On this basis, this study uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis to explore the current situation, challenges, and coping strategies of China's national cultural security, especially the impact of cultural differences between Chinese and Western cultures on China's cultural security in the context of globalisation. It also conducts a data-driven comparative study using Hofstede's National Culture Model and existing national cultural security assessment indicator systems. The analysis focuses on six cultural dimensions, including power distance, individualism masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation, and indulgence. The findings suggest that China differs significantly from the West in terms of individualism and long-term orientation, which has important implications for China's cultural policies and social structures. China's power distance and relatively low uncertainty avoidance index provide opportunities for the development of cultural innovation and diversity. Moreover, the balance between indulgence and restraint is equally important in preserving cultural diversity and promoting social harmony.

The Role and Strategies of Pattern Design in Intangible Cultural Heritage Preservation

This paper explores the pivotal role of pattern design in the preservation of intangible cultural heritage and its associated strategies. Initially, it establishes pattern design as a crucial component of intangible heritage, embedding rich historical and cultural information, and serving as a key medium for cultural transmission and innovation. Through literature review and theoretical analysis, the study examines the multifaceted functions of pattern design in heritage preservation, including the construction of cultural identity, the integration of tradition and modernity, and the promotion of cultural dissemination. Special attention is given to digital preservation strategies, employing technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and 3D printing for long-term preservation and widespread dissemination of patterns. Additionally, the paper discusses the potential of pattern design in fostering the cultural creative industry and enhancing transmission and innovation through education and community involvement. The conclusion highlights that effective pattern design preservation strategies should integrate traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, emphasizing public participation and cultural awareness. Implementing these strategies ensures the vitality of intangible cultural heritage, fostering cultural diversity and social harmony.

Haul Solo Tradition: Structural-Functional Analysis for the Harmonization of Multicultural Society in Surakarta

This research focuses on the Haul Solo tradition, an annual cultural event that has been celebrated for hundreds of years. The tradition has become a defining characteristic of the city of Surakarta, particularly among the people of Kampung Arab. The aim of this study is to explore the congregation's interpretation of the Haul Solo tradition, the role of societal elements within it, and their function in maintaining social harmony. This study employs a qualitative approach with an ethnographic methodology. The data was collected through ethnographic interviews, participant observation, and documentation. The implementation of the Haul Solo tradition is closely tied to the roles of various societal elements, including family descendants, close relatives, santri, local government, and local society. Each element's role is adjusted according to their social status. By collaborating effectively, the multicultural structure of society is strengthened. The Haul Solo tradition serves not only as a commemoration of the death anniversary of Habib Ali Al-Habsyi, but also as a means of preserving and maintaining harmony within a multicultural society. The function of the Haul Solo tradition in bonding elements of society consists of 3 functions, religious function, social function and economic function.

Combating Islamophobia: Compromise, Community, and Harmony in Mitigating Harmful Online Content

Despite significant advances in content moderation within HCI, social computing scholarship in this area remains constrained by secular values and Western interpretations of justice. As a result, current literature often overlooks religious and spiritual sensibilities, as well as communal peacebuilding efforts even when the harms originate from and strongly connected to faith sensitivities, such as Islamophobia. This article presents findings from a design and evaluation study on the reporting and moderation of Islamophobic posts on Twitter (currently known as “X”). By utilizing HCI theories and readily available NLP techniques, we developed an online tool for reporting and moderating Islamophobic tweets. We subsequently conducted usability studies, contextual inquiries, and interviews with 32 participants to assess the tool’s effectiveness in addressing Islamophobic content. Our study revealed that factors such as faith-related knowledge practices, fact-checking, communal leadership, social harmony, and the cultural-religious value of “compromise” significantly influence reactions to Islamophobic posts online. Expanding on these findings and drawing from the literature on conflict resolution in theology, legal studies, and justification, we explore how “Sulha,” a community-driven process for mitigating conflict and restoring communal peace, can cater to faith-based sensibilities in reporting and moderating Islamophobic content. Therefore, this article complements existing content moderation literature by recommending the adaptation of faith sensitivities in the design of computing tools and policies to mitigate Islamophobia and similar faith-related online harms.

PENDIDIKAN PLURALISME DALAM PERSPEKTIF GUS DUR DAN SYAFI’I MA’ARIF

Gus Dur (KH Abdurrahman Wahid) and Syafi'i Ma'arif, as Muslim intellectuals who came from Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, had very valuable ideas, including in the context of pluralist education. Gus Dur and Syafi'i Ma'arif's perspective on pluralism education reflects a deep understanding and values such as tolerance, diversity and respect for differences in society. Here are some important aspects in both views. In Gus Dur's perspective, the main focus lies on tolerance and diversity. He emphasized the importance of equality and understanding religion as the foundation for a harmonious life. On the other hand, Syafi'i Ma'arif focuses on multicultural education and humanist education. Although there are differences in approach between the two, there are similarities in their views. These two figures have the common goal of avoiding conflict, as well as building awareness and integration of religious values in society. Thus, Gus Dur and Syafi'i Ma'arif's approach to pluralistic education creates a strong foundation for realizing social harmony and respect for diversity Keywords: Pluralism Education; Gus Dur's Pluralism Education; Syafi'i Ma'arif's Pluralism Education.

Barriers to Social Harmony in Indian Society

Barriers to Social Harmony in Indian Society

Stages of formation of social harmonyin Kazakhstan

The article is devoted to the analysis of the process of forming social harmony during the period of independ-ent Kazakhstan. The authors focus on the historical experience of this process, emphasizing the main stages of the country's socio-cultural development and social changes. The article examines and reviews the works of foreign and domestic scientists. By analyzing the literature on social consent, the article identifies the most important problems of modern Kazakhstani societyand presents mechanisms for further consolidation and development of social consent. In conclusion, the authors assert that effective management of modern society requires consideration of the historical context of social harmony and current demands.

Media baru: tren berita provokatif ditinjau dari etika komunikasi

This study aims to analyse and explain the urgency of communication ethics in the new media era (new media). This study uses a descriptive qualitative method with a post -positivist approach, where researchers observe and identify the phenomenon of communication ethics in new media (new media) Instagram on the @lambe_turah account naturally. This research data was obtained from the Instagram account @lambe_turah as a source of primary data, as well as from a literature review as secondary data. This research data was analysed through data reduction process, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of this study indicate, with technological developments that allow the spread of fast and broad news on social media platforms, the need to maintain integrity, honesty, and peace in communication becomes more urgent. Communication ethics plays a major role in guiding media actors to verify information carefully, avoid sensationalism, and reduce the risk of provocation to individuals or groups. In dealing with the complexity of new media, enforcement of integrity, honesty, and peace becomes a crucial foundation in ensuring public trust, promoting social harmony, and preventing unwanted conflict escalation. Although the dominance of sensational and provocative news in user interest, ethical principles remain relevant in ensuring that the message distributed is true, useful, and not detrimental. With an emphasis on the principles of communication ethics, we can use new media as a means to strengthen the values of truth, justice, and wisdom in society, as well as facilitate a deeper understanding of various groups.

Violation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Violence Against Women: A Case of Flagrancy in Kisangani City (Tshopo Province), DR Congo

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) imposes on signatory States the obligation to implement and apply legal measures promoting equality and the elimination of gender discrimination. The General Assembly adopted it in 1979. Violence against women is, on the one hand, one of the most systematic and widespread forms of human rights violation in the world and, on the other, a socio-economic problem that impacts social harmony, economic growth and threatens overall development progress. The consequences include the deterioration of women’s mental and physical health, disruption of communities, and a decrease in economic productivity. The manifestation of unequal power relations between women and men is one of the most extreme forms of gender-based discrimination and an attack on the dignity and fundamental rights of women and girls. Gender-based violence stems from structural causes linked to the norms and values of a society, culture, or community. These factors legitimize and perpetuate various gender inequalities based on a hierarchy of relationships between men and women, thus contributing to gender-based violence. Harmful stereotypes and traditional expectations further bolster these inequalities, restricting women's autonomy and frequently rationalizing acts of violence. At the beginning of October 2023, a woman was subjected to cruel and degrading treatment, tied up and beaten by law enforcement officers in Kisangani, the capital of Tshopo province, on the orders of her ex-husband; the latter, using his position as a public official, ordered the arrest and beating of his ex-wife by law enforcement officers; As a result, the person who gave the order and the officers who carried out the manifestly illegal order were prosecuted and convicted, in accordance with the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, which requires States to act with due diligence to prevent, investigate and punish acts of violence against women in accordance with national law, whether perpetrated by the State or by private persons. Every woman has the right to respect for the inherent dignity of the human person and to recognition and protection of her human and legal rights. This article is timely and calls for the unfailing application of provisions on respect for the recognised rights of women and girls, in the interests of a fairer and more balanced society.

The Wa Concept and its Effects on Deaf Education in Japan

Japanese society has been noted for the emphasis it places on social harmony. As with other cultural values, ideas of harmony may have played a part in written and unwritten rules of the community. As a marginalized group whose existence itself is seen to not be in accordance with the norm, disabled people might particularly be affected by such normative values. This research discusses how values within the wa concept are interwoven in the educational practice for deaf children, as well as the effects it has on them. Values of self-reliance and ‘sameness’ pushes deaf children into assimilation, and to become independent society members that can adapt to the comfort of their surroundings. The deaf education system that has been permeated by the wa concept has resulted in numerous issues, mainly in regards to the childrens’ linguistic skills, as well as social and emotional development. This research shows that while the wa concept is supposed to create societal harmony, normative values created through the lens of the wider and typical society could create a paradoxical situation when applied to marginalized groups such as deaf people.

Analysis of Politeness Strategies from the Perspective of the Interpersonal Function of Language in Systemic Functional Grammar

Politeness strategies play a crucial role in maintaining social harmony and establishing interpersonal relationships. The interpersonal function of language in Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG) provides a framework to analyze how language is used to interact with others. Our research aims to analyze the interpersonal functions of politeness strategies in conversation from the perspective of mood, modality, and person in SFG, with a focus on politeness theory, face theory, and politeness strategies. It shows how language is used to manage social relationships and establish social hierarchies in communication, and how understanding politeness strategies can help communicate more effectively and respectfully in different contexts.

Mihail Ralea – ministru al Muncii în guvernele dictaturii regale (martie 1938 – iulie 1940)

Very few studies have dealt with Mihail Ralea’s activity as Minister of Labor. Scholars mostly focused on his involvement in the creation of the movement “Muncă şi voe bună“ [Work and Good Will]. Several authors who explored the history of the late interwar period referred to M. Ralea’s role as prominent member (even founder) of the National Renaissance Front, the only legal political party during King Carol II’s dictatorship. In contrast, the article examines M. Ralea’s activity by tying it to a variety of topics pertinent to labor politics: the definition of industrial work as a matter of national security; the search for social harmony in a state that invoked “workers’ justice“, but relied on big industrialists and financiers close to the dictator king; the infiltration of the working class by the fascist Legionary Movement; corporatism; the evolution of the „Work and Good Will“ movement; the establishment of the Guilds; and, the nationalist drift within the Ministry of Labor under Ralea, previously perceived as a center-left politician. I also examine the importance of M. Ralea’s main collaborator at the Ministry of Labor: Stavri C. Cunescu. The contribution relies on the following sources: Ralea’s and Cunescu’s files at the National Council for the Study of the Securitate Archives (CNSAS); material drafted by various informative-repressive bodies; relevant documents from the Ministry of Labor collection at the Central National Historical Archives; and, specialized publications from the late 1930s.

Present Challenges in Indian Politics: An Overview

Indian politics faces a myriad of challenges in the contemporary era, which significantly impact the world's largest democracy. This overview highlights key issues that challenge the political landscape of India. Corruption remains a persistent issue, eroding public trust and hindering development. Political polarization is on the rise, fueled by religious and ideological differences, endangering social harmony. Economic inequality persists, with a vast wealth gap affecting millions. Regionalism continues to strain federal relations, posing threats to national unity. Inadequate governance and bureaucratic inefficiencies hinder progress, while populism often takes precedence over pragmatic policymaking. Electoral reforms are needed to address issues like money power and criminalization in politics. These challenges, while daunting, also present opportunities for India to strengthen its democratic institutions, foster inclusivity, and embark on a path of sustainable development. Solving these challenges will be pivotal in ensuring a brighter future for Indian politics and the nation as a whole.