Social Norms Research Articles

External Modifications of Requests among Jordanian University Students: A Socio-Pragmatic Analysis

The primary purpose of this study is to explore the external modifications of requests among Jordanian male and female university students in cross-gender settings and the factors affecting the choice of these strategies. The subjects of the study were 18 Jordanian undergraduate university students (9 males and 9 females) enrolled in different programs at Ajloun National University, Jordan. A mixed methodological approach was adopted for data collection. The data was retrieved from nine-hour audio recordings to gather naturally-occurring data and 18 DCTs to elicit organized data sets that can be analyzed based on patterns. Blum-Kulka et al.’s (1989) taxonomy of request strategies was espoused to analyze the obtained data. The data analysis revealed that the mitigating supportive moves (i.e., Imposition Minimizers, grounders, disarmers, preparators, getting a pre-commitment, promise of reward) were preferred by female students more than their male counterparts, whereas male students used Aggravating supportive moves (i.e., Threat, insult, Moralizing) more frequently than female students. Interestingly, other unique features that can be subsumed under Mitigating supportive moves manifested in Jordanian students’ requests, Namely, apology, self-introduction and gratitude. It was concluded that request strategies are not only used to fulfill certain needs, but also to manage social interactions and to strengthen relationships. Moreover, the way in which Jordanians use request strategies is strongly influenced by gender, cultural norms, and the context of interaction.

Key Determinants of Family-Centered Care for Children with Leukemia

This study examines the relationship between health status, parental knowledge, and parental attitudes with the application of family-centered care (FCC) for children with leukemia at Abdul Moelok Regional Hospital, Lampung Province. Using a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design, 92 respondents were selected from a population of 1,200 leukemia patients treated between 2021 and 2022. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire that measured parental knowledge, attitudes, and health status, with analysis conducted using the gamma correlation test. The results indicate significant relationships between health status, parental knowledge, and parental attitudes with the implementation of FCC. Factors such as age, education, income, caregiving duration, and disease length influenced the health status and FCC application. The study also reveals that caregivers face challenges in providing care, particularly due to financial burdens and physical strain, impacting their quality of life. Additionally, cultural factors affect how parents communicate the diagnosis to children, with some families delaying disclosure based on cultural norms.

Physıcal Punıshment Agaınst Chıldren in Türkiye: The Necessıty of Alternatıve Dıscıplıne Methods

The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of corporal punishment against children in Türkiye and the negative effects of this practice on children's physical and psychological health. Corporal punishment is considered as a disciplinary method that harms children's development and leads to long-term negative consequences. Studies conducted in Türkiye show that physical violence against children at home is at an alarming level and is accepted as a cultural norm. The study discusses how corporal punishment disrupts children's emotional and social development and how such punishments can lead to permanent traumas in children. The necessity of alternative discipline methods is emphasised and it is explained how positive discipline contributes to children's self-control, healthy relationships and positive behaviours. In conclusion, the importance for parents and educators to adopt and implement positive discipline methods instead of corporal punishment is emphasised. These methods contribute positively to both individual development and social adaptation of children.

An Equine-Assisted Intervention Versus Non-Manualized Psychotherapy for Youth in a Residential Childcare Facility

AbstractCharacteristics of individuals with disruptive behavior disorders often include elevated externalizing behaviors such as impulsivity, defiance of authority and antagonism of social norms. Evidence shows that adolescents diagnosed with these types of disorders are particularly challenging to treat; however, therapies incorporating horses have shown some success. We examined the impact of an equine-assisted intervention compared to a non-manualized cognitive behavioral therapy in youth between 12- and 18-years old living in a residential childcare facility. Upon admittance, youth were administered three assessments: the Youth Self-Report, Adolescent Psychopathology Scale, and Basic Empathy Scale. Youth scoring in the clinical range for at least one externalizing subscale of the Youth Self-Report were assigned to equine-assisted intervention (EQI; N = 23) or non-manualized cognitive behavioral therapy (NM-CBT; N = 20) groups. Each group received a total of 7 h of treatment per week (three 2-hr group sessions and one 1-hr individual session) for 24 weeks. After 24 weeks of treatment, the same three assessments were administered a second time. There were no significant differences between the NM-CBT and EQI groups in the amount of change between assessments. A significant time effect was found for total externalizing behaviors in the Adolescent Psychopathology Scale and Youth Self-Report such that these measures were within the normal range after 24 weeks of treatment for participants in both groups.

Local Supports to Break the Cycle: A Description of Intersectional Interventions to Address Adverse Childhood Experiences and Drug Overdose.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), substance use disorders (SUDs), and overdose are interconnected issues impacting individuals and communities at multiple levels of the social ecology and across generations. Few studies describe approaches that intentionally and simultaneously address these issues. This paper examines activities of 15 sites across the country that were designed to simultaneously prevent ACEs, SUD, and overdose. This paper describes the work at the intersection as well as gaps and opportunities. Describing ways to implement intersectional programming may assist other organizations in taking similar steps in their communities. From December 2020 through July 15, 2023, funded sites received technical assistance from the National Association of County and City Health Officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for 18months to support the implementation, adaptation, and/or expansion of evidence-based programs to address ACEs, SUD, and overdose. Activities were coded to identify intersectional interventions that addressed ACEs, SUD, and overdose. Most of the ACEs prevention strategies and overdose prevention priority areas/guiding principles from which communities could choose were represented. Most activities were implemented with caregivers and families and addressed ACEs through interventions to lessen harm or to promote social norms. Primary prevention and coordination of resources were the most used overdose prevention priority area/guiding principle. It is possible to address the intersection of ACEs, SUD, and overdose on a local level. Opportunities to further address the intersection include incorporating more secondary and tertiary prevention strategies, expanding economic supports, and increasing the work focused on equity.

Public Spaces are Failing Girls and Women

Public spaces are often failing girls and women, with male dominance and a lack of representation being prevalent issues. The 2030 Agenda emphasises the need for safe and accessible public spaces for women, children and other disadvantaged or marginalised groups. Nevertheless, women and girls tend to be neglected in the development of urban areas, and their specific needs and risks are not fully considered. Hence, there is a need for feminist urban planning. Feminist planning aims to understand, challenge, and change power relations in public spaces, by involving the experiences, needs, and desires of marginalised groups in the planning process in order to create more equal cities. This approach recognises the individual and collective power that women and other disadvantaged groups already possess. Social innovation is an innovative practice for meeting social needs and shares a common goal with feminist planning of promoting social change and increasing power for disadvantaged groups. However, whereas feminist urban planning – and urban planning in general – tend to end when a project has been planned and executed, social innovation has a stronger and more explicit focus on results or impact of the process or project. This is an aspect where feminist planning can learn from social innovation. By addressing the specific needs of marginalised groups and focusing on results and actual change, feminist planning can contribute to positive social change and empower women and girls in urban development processes. This viewpoint argues that feminist planning can learn from the focus of social innovation on results (i.e. output, outcome and impact of the planning), which has the potential to change planning practices and challenge gendered social norms in order to create more equal, just and socially sustainable public spaces and cities.

Immigration restriction and the transfer of cultural norms over time and boundaries: the case of religiosity

Abstract We study the effect of an immigration ban on the self-selection of immigrants along cultural traits, and the transmission of these traits to the second generation. We show theoretically that restricting immigration incentivizes to settle abroad individuals with higher attachment to their origin culture, who, under free mobility, would rather choose circular migration. Once abroad, these individuals tend to convey their cultural traits to their children. As a consequence, restrictive immigration policies can foster the diffusion of cultural traits across boundaries and generations. We focus on religiosity, which is one of the most persistent and distinctive cultural traits, and exploit the 1973 immigration ban in West Germany (Anwerbestopp) as a natural experiment. Through a diff-in-diff analysis, we find that second generations born to parents treated by the Anwerbestopp show higher religiosity.

Linguistic sensitivity in family therapy: A review of language adaptation strategies for enhancing therapeutic engagement

Language plays a pivotal role in family therapy, shaping the therapeutic process and influencing client engagement and outcomes. This review explores the significance of linguistic sensitivity in family therapy and examines various language adaptation strategies aimed at enhancing therapeutic engagement. Drawing upon existing literature, this paper synthesizes key findings and offers insights into effective approaches for addressing linguistic diversity within therapeutic contexts. Understanding the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of clients is essential for promoting inclusivity and facilitating effective communication in family therapy. Cultural competence encompasses not only an awareness of diverse cultural norms and values but also proficiency in navigating linguistic nuances. By recognizing the impact of language on therapeutic interactions, therapists can foster a more inclusive and empowering therapeutic environment. The review identifies several language adaptation strategies that therapists can employ to enhance therapeutic engagement with diverse client populations. These strategies include linguistic matching, which involves adjusting language patterns and communication styles to resonate with clients' linguistic preferences. Additionally, the use of culturally relevant metaphors, idioms, and storytelling techniques can facilitate deeper rapport and understanding between therapists and clients. Furthermore, the review discusses the importance of employing interpreters and bilingual therapists to bridge language barriers effectively. It emphasizes the need for clear communication protocols and the importance of training therapists in language adaptation techniques to ensure ethical and effective practice. Moreover, the review highlights the role of technology in language adaptation, such as the use of translation software and teletherapy platforms with multilingual capabilities. Leveraging technology can broaden access to therapy and support linguistic diversity in therapeutic settings. Linguistic sensitivity is fundamental to promoting inclusivity and effectiveness in family therapy. By adopting language adaptation strategies and embracing linguistic diversity, therapists can cultivate a more responsive and culturally competent approach to working with diverse families. This review underscores the importance of ongoing research and training initiatives to further enhance linguistic sensitivity within the field of family therapy.

The Impact of Leadership Styles, Cultural Dimensions and Values on Academic Leaders

This study investigates the cultural dimensions, values, and leadership styles of school leaders in Indian K-12 and European schools, specifically focusing on cross-cultural differences. The objective is to explore how leadership styles and cultural orientations differ between Indian and European school leaders and to examine how these variations impact organizational culture and decision-making processes. A non-experimental quantitative research design was employed, utilizing standardized instruments such as the Multi-factor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ-Form 6S), OCTAPACE, and the Scale of Individual Cultural Values (CV) to measure leadership styles and cultural dimensions. Data were collected from 165 Indian leaders across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as 156 European leaders from Croatia, Hungary, Poland, and others, using purposive and convenience sampling methods. Independent t-tests and Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) were used to compare the two regions' leadership styles and cultural orientations. The findings reveal that Indian school leaders predominantly demonstrate transformational and laissez-faire leadership behaviors, influenced by hierarchical structures prioritizing collective goals and authority delegation. Indian leaders scored higher on openness, trust, and collaboration dimensions, which align with collectivist and hierarchical cultural norms. In contrast, European leaders emphasized confrontation, authenticity, and individual autonomy, reflecting a preference for more egalitarian and individualistic decision-making approaches. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of how leadership and cultural values shape educational practices in different contexts.

Founder’s Syndrome

Why would establishing a business resemble starting a religion? When group relations start to break down, why might it feel like a cult? This article examines the blurred lines between religion and business through a focus on the small-scale action of individuals trying to start something that has both economic and spiritual aspects but does not neatly fit into either category. Ethnographically situated in participant observation fieldwork in Sedona, Arizona in 2013, this article focuses on an individual kung fu practitioner and teacher trying to establish a school for martial arts. A close examination of the failure of this attempt, and how many of the students became alienated in the process, leads to an analysis of structural similarities between new religions and startups. In the US, social groups that exist in capitalism will inevitably have economic aspects; those that are also religious face a double bind of this reality with cultural norms derived from a Protestant separation of economics and religion. This article seeks an analytic route beyond this double bind through examining how the corporate form of spiritual seminars shares structural similarities with startups.

Ethical leadership and pro-social behavior in the hospitality industry: Does social norms matter?

Ethical leadership (EL) plays a pivotal role in shaping organizational culture and influencing employees' behaviors, especially in service-oriented sectors like hospitality, where interpersonal interactions are fundamental. This study investigates the mediating role of social norms (SN) in the relationship between EL and pro-social behavior (PSB) within Saudi Arabian hospitality enterprises. This research posits that SN serve as a critical conduit through which EL affects PSB among employees. A quantitative approach using self-administered questionnaire, gathering data from Saudi Arabian hotel employees to measure perceptions of EL, SN, and PSB. Structural equation modeling using Smart-PLS was used to analyze the data and test the proposed mediation model. The findings indicate that EL significantly enhances PSB and SN. Furthermore, SN partially mediate the relationship between EL and PSB. These results underscore the importance of fostering a culture of EL to promote PSBs in the hospitality industry, thereby enhancing overall service quality and employee satisfaction. Several theoretical and practical implications have been discussed for hospitality managers and researchers.

The Impact of Societal Expectations on Women’s Self-Esteem and Psychological Health

In today’s globalized world, women are increasingly subject to conflicting societal expectations that shape their roles, behaviors, and self-perceptions. This paper explores the complex relationship between societal expectations and the psychological well-being of women. It delves into how societal norms and standards influence women’s self-esteem and contribute to mental health challenges. By examining definitions, empirical studies, and the role of cultural context, the paper highlights the pervasive impact of societal pressures on women’s lives. This study is significant because it sheds light on how deeply ingrained societal expectations contribute to the mental health challenges faced by women. The discussion focuses on specific effects, the mediating role of self-esteem, and potential strategies for societal change. The main theme of this research is to investigate how societal expectations, shaped by cultural norms, influence women’s self-esteem and psychology. This research underscores the need for a broader societal shift to support women’s psychological health and well-being. The findings of this research reveal a significant relationship between societal expectations and the psychological well-being of women, particularly in terms of self-esteem.

Why are some nations more entrepreneurial than others? Investigating the link between cultural tightness–looseness and rates of new firm formation

AbstractResearch SummaryWe evaluate the role of cultural tightness–looseness as an explanation for cross‐cultural variation in new firm formation rates. Modeling cultural tightness–looseness as an antecedent for individual entrepreneurial dispositions and informal institutions, we examine its impact on the number of new limited‐liability companies registered per 1000 people and the rate of new entrepreneurs in the working‐age population. Our findings show that cultural tightness–looseness explains 56% of the variation in new firm formation rates in a sample of 156 nations, and 71% of the variation in the rate of new entrepreneurs in the 50 US states, with greater cultural looseness corresponding to higher rates of entrepreneurship, on average. This effect is robust to various model specifications, measures, and controls for other cultural dimensions.Managerial SummaryOur study examines how cultural tightness–looseness impacts new firm formation rates across nations and US states. We find that cultural looseness, characterized by flexible social norms, significantly influences entrepreneurial activity. Specifically, it explains 56% of the variation in new firm formation rates across 156 nations and 71% of the variation in new entrepreneur rates in the 50 US states. Nations and states with looser cultures tend to have higher rates of entrepreneurship. These findings are robust across different model specifications, measures, and control variables. Managers and policymakers should consider the strength and enforcement of social norms as factors in fostering new firm formation.

“I beat my wife to correct her…” perpetration of intimate partner violence by men in low-income settings of Ibadan municipality: a qualitative exploration

BackgroundGlobally, intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health problem. Recent studies have focused on women’s experience of abuse. However, only few studies have documented men’s perpetration of abuse in low-income countries. This study describes male perpetrated IPV and triggers of IPV among men in low-income communities of Ibadan, Nigeria.MethodsThis qualitative study adopted a descriptive phenomenology method to understand the lived IPV experience of men in Ibadan, southwest, Nigeria. The study was conducted in five communities selected by simple random sampling from a list of low-income communities within Ibadan municipal. Fourteen In-Depth Interviews (IDI) were conducted among eligible men aged 26 to 50 years, selected by convenience sampling. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was done to generate themes and sub-themes using NVIVO software.ResultsThe forms of male perpetrated IPV included: physical, emotional, economic and controlling behaviour. Respondents also reported using money to control their wives. Sexual violence (marital rape) was not recognized as a form of IPV by the men interviewed. Participants disagreed that marital rape exist, because they believe that sex is an obligation of the wife to the husband. IPV was fostered by traditional marital expectations and ideals, norms that supported patriarchy, ‘wife’s disobedience’, domestic financial challenges.ConclusionMen perpetrated different forms of violence against their partners. IPV perpetration was encouraged by men’s beliefs as well as the social norms. Interventions to educate men on the consequences of IPV on individuals, families and communities are recommended.

Bride kidnapping and informal governance institutions

AbstractBride kidnapping, a forced marriage practice, has surged in post‐Soviet Kyrgyzstan alongside a revival of traditional values. The central government has empowered councils of elders, or aksakals, to handle local disputes based on cultural norms, including bride kidnapping. This study uses data from a national survey and a latent class nested logit model to examine how aksakal governance influences men's decisions to kidnap brides. Findings indicate that living under aksakal governance makes men 9% more likely to obtain a wife through bride capture, with men substituting kidnapping for choice marriage modalities such as elopement and standard love marriages.

Hierarchy, class, race and PPE in an American hospital in the early days of COVID-19: What the pandemic stress test can teach us about building equitable health systems

Because hospitals are spaces where life and death are routinely at stake, social hierarchies, pressures, and cultural norms are heightened. This was particularly true in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Examining the dynamics in that era can provide insight into the nature of race and hierarchy in hospital structures.In the large literature on the experiences of hospital staff in the COVID-19 era, class and racial dynamics in hospitals are often sidestepped. In addition, the experiences of service staff such as environmental service workers and food service workers are severely under-represented.Here, we explore hierarchy, class, race and risk in two hospitals in the city of Baltimore in the first months of the pandemic in 2020, through the lens of availability of PPE. We draw on a survey of 403 staff in two Baltimore hospitals, and semi-structured interviews with 57 of those staff. Respondents worked in a variety of roles, from administration to clinical to service staff.A large majority of non-clinical service staff identified as Black, in contrast to a small minority of clinical staff with advanced degrees. The experience of access to PPE in the early pandemic differed across cadres of workers. Everyone in the hospital had to ration PPE, but many service staff felt that they were not prioritized in the same ways as clinical staff. PPE availability took on powerful symbolic resonance as a demonstration of how different cadres of workers were valued.The COVID-19 pandemic threw social and class dynamics within the hospital into relief, shedding light on what so often ran below the surface. Thus, it could also potentially be an impetus to examine these fault lines, and to push hospital structures a bit more in the direction of justice.

Cultural Underpinnings of Ageism: Exploring the Intersection of Georgian Identity and Aging Stereotypes

This study explores the relationship between Georgian cultural identity and ageist attitudes and stereotypes towards the elderly. It investigates whether a strong identification with traditional Georgian values correlates with ageist perceptions among the younger population in Georgia. Conducted with 300 young respondents, the research revealed that those who strongly identify with traditional Georgian culture exhibited less overt ageism. This aligns with the cultural norms that emphasize respect for elders. However, these individuals may still harbor implicit biases influenced by broader societal trends that prioritize youth and productivity. Older adults were often perceived as warm and kind, but they were also stereotyped as physically and cognitively limited, fitting into the "pity" category of the Stereotype Content Model (Fiske, Cuddy, & Glick, 2002). These findings provided valuable insights into the cultural dynamics of aging in Georgia and have implications for public policy and social interventions aimed at mitigating ageism.

“Symptoms” of Chinese Women’s Appearance Anxiety

The pervasive issue of “appearance anxiety” among young females has emerged as a significant psychosocial concern in contemporary society. This study employs qualitative research methods to investigate the social mechanisms underlying the development of “appearance anxiety” among young women, adopting a sociological standpoint on body-related matters. The findings of this study reveal that social factors contribute to the development of “appearance anxiety” in young women, as they strive to establish intimate relationships and attain societal validation. Consequently, young women are compelled to conform to societal gender norms, subjecting themselves to the scrutiny of aesthetic standards, while simultaneously resisting the detrimental effects of “appearance anxiety” through various forms of body consumption practices. Although the proliferation of information network media has provided women with expanded platforms for self-presentation, it has concurrently reinforced both societal aesthetic ideals and consumerist culture. Moreover, the media’s perpetuation of rigid body image standards, coupled with the propagation of misconceptions about body consumption, further entangles young women in a cyclic social framework characterized by “societal aesthetics - appearance anxiety - body consumption.”

Women’s Perception in Late Medieval European Preaching: A Comparative Analysis

The perception of women in the late medieval European preaching is rather complex and interesting. The theological viewpoint against medieval women is constrained towards their moral and social deliverance and virtues. However, late medieval sermons of preachers have helped to understand and amplify the conception of medieval society towards the social standing of European medieval women. In retrospect, this article examines women’s representation in the sermons of three prominent preachers from the 14th and 15th centuries: Giordano da Pisa, Bernardino of Siena, and St. Vincent Ferrer. The research individually analyzes the preachers' sermons through a comparative analysis, addressing women's weaknesses in the European medieval era. The sermons focus on the societal perceptions of women and their moral constitutions, aiming to promote spiritual conversion. Although the preachers share common perceptions, they have also managed to adopt the use of vernacular language, thus condemning sins, for instance, lust and adultery. Moreover, the preaching style and context they present medieval women vary significantly. Giordano da Pisa addresses an educated audience with an academic approach, whereas Bernardino da Siena preaches the broader and intellectual society in an accessible and didactic style. St. Vincent Ferrer employs a vehement tone, centered on instilling fear of the Final Judgment. The analysis reveals the importance of the image of women in medieval preaching. Moreover, the sermons of the preachers also aim to reinforce and redefine the social and religious norms related to women of the medieval era, therefore emphasizing on their role in maintaining moral stability and developing the institution of moral enrichment and social nourishment of their offspring.

A Comparative Study on Music Curriculum Design in Universities based on AR technology: A Survey of 10 Undergraduate Colleges in Nanjing

Purpose: During the past few decades, there has been a huge increase in the usage of technological devices like mobile phones, which are now an indispensable part of our everyday lives. AR-based applications for smartphones and tablets have proven to be a game-changer in a number of fields, most notably education. Currently, Nanjing's college music programmes are undergoing a fast development. Universities are currently experiencing innovation and a reform of their teaching methods in the field of music education. Improving music education in higher education institutions has emerged as a crucial concern for the music Students in Nanjing's undergraduate institutions. Method: An analysis of how AR technology has affected the evolution of music curricula in undergraduate institutions in Nanjing through comparisons. Pre- and post-tests were used to evaluate the cultural understanding and motivation for the study of music of both groups. An Overview of Ten Nanjing Bachelor Colleges. Through the use of augmented reality technology, the experimental team introduced undergraduates’ students to a range of cultural contexts, practices, and norms. Results: The results show that as compared to the control group, the experimental group, which received AR-based training, had noticeably greater levels of intercultural competency and motivation for music learning. Conclusion: Quantitative data analysis revealed that AR-based training increased undergrad participants' involvement, motivation, and understanding of culture. This study provides insights into prospective patterns and paths that AR technology could take in learning, giving readers a preview of future advances. This comprehensive viewpoint provides teachers, scholars, and professionals with significant insights into the instructional implications, technological characteristics, and practical issues of AR. Increasing the development of music education in institutions of higher learning can play an obvious role in helping to grow the influence.