Social Stratification Research Articles

Dietary and Social Stratification: An Anthropological Perspective

Dietary and Social Stratification: An Anthropological Perspective

Tourism infrastructures

Tourism is both infrastructured and infrastructuring. Such a claim speaks to a much wider infrastructural turn unfolding within the humanities and social sciences that has sought to take seriously both the material and social strata that undergird our ways of life, what Berlant has called the ‘living mediation of what organises life: the lifeworld of structure’ (2016, p. 393). Conventional understandings of infrastructure often rely upon physical and biological metaphors to contemplate the roads, systems, pipes, cables, connections, buildings, routes, regulations and signs that act as grounds, supports, foundations and substrates that facilitate movement and exchange. Certainly, tourism and infrastructure should be easy bedfellows given that infrastructure is primarily understood as the material networks that connect places – that facilitate the mobility of bodies, goods, ideas, data, capital and much more. This paper examines the relationship between tourism and infrastructure as it intersects with predominant geopolitical circulations such as war, security and migration. In considering how the field has addressed this relationship, and where it is going, we contemplate, literally, the roads and verges and other infrastructural formations which are bound up in tourism, but which also signal its more leaky and uncertain boundaries and its contamination with other social and political practices.

Accessing Trauma- and Violence-Informed Breastfeeding Support from Primary Care Providers among Women with Histories of Intimate Partner Violence: An Exploratory Interpretive Description Study.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a wicked social problem affecting women of all social strata and geographical location, globally. Pregnancy may be a time of heightened risk of IPV and more deleterious outcomes. Breastfeeding - a protective factor for maternal and child well-being - may be jeopardized or more challenging for women experiencing IPV. This study explored the experiences of postpartum women with histories of IPV who sought trauma- and violence-informed breastfeeding support from primary care providers. Using interpretive description and philosophically underpinned by intersectionality, in-depth semi-structured interviews were completed at 12-weeks postpartum with five breastfeeding mothers with a history of IPV who sought breastfeeding support from a family physician clinic employing a trauma- and violence-informed (TVIC) model of care. Four themes and two sub-themes shed light onto the experience of accessing breastfeeding support for women with a history of IPV and the perceived barriers that they faced when attempting to accesses this support, including: 1) The (demoralizing) navigation of the perinatal system; 2) Fostering trust: i) "It's support, but it's also knowledge"; and ii) TVIC: feeling safe and feeling "I mattered"; 3) Informal support: partners, family, and friends; and 4) Baby in focus: overcoming challenges and building confidence. TVIC may aid in the development of trusting therapeutic relationships, in turn improving access to breastfeeding support, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and breastfeeding success for women who experience violence. Further research on the implementation and evaluation of TVIC for perinatal breastfeeding education and care among women is required.

The influence of Uganda women’s entrepreneurship program on livelihoods and cultural dynamics in Amolatar, Northern Uganda

This article examines the influence of women’s economic empowerment initiatives under Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) on livelihoods and cultural dynamics in Amolatar Sub-Region, Northern Uganda. The study focused on how UWEP has contributed to improving women’s economic status and their roles within the cultural practices in the region. A Qualitative interpretive framework as well phenomenological research design was employed in this study involving in-depth and key informant interviews as well as focus group discussion with 28 participants. The study is grounded in Agency theory by Kabeer and Cultural Capital Theory by Bourdieu, which emphasise women’s participation in entrepreneurship to transform their economic lives and well-being within existing social structures. This research indicates that, UWEP greatly contributes to women’s active agency, allowing them to challenge obstacle within the communities, particularly gender inequality and social stratification. In addition, women’s participation in entrepreneurship coupled with the positive shifts in cultural attitudes in Amolatar sub-region have improved their livelihoods through self-employment. This study emphasise the significance of continuous support by Uganda government through Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development (MoGLSD) for UWEP. Constant support is important to further empower women as well as improve their economic status and well-being within their families and communities.

Self-dehumanization differences in perception of social class: The mediating role of authenticity

Lower social class is associated with many negative influences in diverse domains (e.g., health, cognition, and emotion). Given these circumstances, lower class individuals may attribute less humanness to themselves. Across three studies (N = 560), including one pre-registered study, we examined whether and how lower subjective social class (SSC) would lead to more self-dehumanization. Results revealed that SSC was negatively associated with self-dehumanization, and authenticity could mediate the relationship (Study 1). Even the experience of lower (vs. upper) SSC results in self-dehumanization via impaired authenticity (Study 2). Finally, we provide additional a causal link between authenticity and self-dehumanization by manipulating authenticity (Study 3). Therefore, these findings confirmed that lower SSC individuals would attribute less humanness to themselves through less authenticity. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the psychological processes shaped by social stratification.

"Such pushing and shoving… and the smell! Why ever would they allow these people in to the Academy” sociability and body language of Madrid's museums visitors (19th century)

In 1828 preparations were being made for the opening of the first public museum in Spain: the Royal Prado Museum. Along with the placement of the works of art and the control of their security, visitors were an essential part of the organisation of the establishment. Although the valued role of museums as democratisers of culture has been emphasised, more recent studies have observed that the first visitors to European museums were not from all social strata. This article aims to analyse the public museum as an arena of sociability and to investigate the involvement of social elites in both the control of access and the imposition of behavioural models within these "temples of the arts.” For this reason, this paper approaches the debate around the concept of citizenship. On the one hand, it explores the gradual opening of museums to all social classes and the social debates surrounding it. On the other hand, it analyses the use of the museum as a space of symbolic battle for the appropriation of these scenarios and the creation of exclusion dynamics to limit interactions between social classes. Therefore, the text analyses, among other sources of analysis, the body language of visitors. An object of study that has been understudied but which can offer us interesting answers.

Analysis of Barbie’s Impact in Mexico through a Colorist Lens: Challenging the Persistence of a Stereotyped Pink Society

This article delves into the intricate and layered concept of Mexican pink, a color with deep historical and cultural roots. It commences by tracing the colonial origins of this vibrant hue, highlighting its association with colorism as depicted in caste paintings. These artworks, serving as portraiture, often reinforced social hierarchies based on skin color. From this historical perspective, Mexican pink has transitioned to symbolize femininity and feminist resistance against gender violence. In the 1940s, Mexican pink gained prominence, largely due to the innovative fashion designer Ramón Valdiosera. His pioneering work played a pivotal role in bringing this color to the forefront of the fashion industry, making it a significant representation of Mexican identity. However, the narrative around Mexican pink has continued to evolve, particularly recently. Feminist groups have increasingly adopted this color as a powerful tool to raise awareness about feminicide. This dual use underscores the complexity of the color, which serves as both a symbol of national identity in Mexico and a rallying cry for justice. The article also addresses the tensions arising from the commercialization of pink, mainly when used for feminist purposes. This commercialization can dilute the original meaning and importance of color, leading to debates about the authenticity and commodification of feminist ideals. In conclusion, I analyze the potential impact of Greta Gerwig's Barbie 2023 film on the feminist movement in Mexico. With its significant social media presence, the film has sparked much debate. Four influential Mexican TikTok creators, who became the most followed on the platform between June and August 2023, have been instrumental. Their content, which primarily appeals to young women interested in fashion, makeup, and feminism, creates a unique intersection, further highlighting Mexican pink's ongoing relevance in contemporary culture. This article examines the relationship between the content produced by these influencers and the representation of Barbie pink, which closely resembles Mexican pink. By analyzing this connection, we aim to understand if it is possible to forge a link between the two that can enhance the feminist struggle. Given that Gerwig's film has been framed as a feminist statement, exploring three different, yet similar, shades of pink reveal how they can integrate narratives of consumption with those of feminist activism, ultimately enriching the discourse around both color and the movement it represents.

Developing an interprofessional identity complementary to a professional identity - findings related to Extended Professional Identity Theory (EPIT).

Collaboration among various professions often faces barriers owing to divergent perspectives, priorities, and expertise shaped by distinct socialization processes. These differences can hinder effectiveness, efficiency, and workforce well-being. The Extended Professional Identity Theory (EPIT) addresses this issue by fostering an interprofessional identity without weakening professional identities. Drawing from psychological theories, EPIT explains the coexistence of interprofessional and professional identities, and predicts associated behaviors. It also emphasizes the importance of combining interprofessional identity formation with developing interprofessional competencies and adapting to environmental factors to achieve synergy in (temporary or permanent) mixed profession groups. Introduced in 2018, EPIT research initially relied on the measurement of congruent interprofessional behaviors as indirect indicators of interprofessional identity that could not yet be measured. An experiment demonstrated that enhancing social identification in mixed profession groups with interprofessional assignments reduced the social hierarchy within 6 h across three meetings. The 2020 development of the Extended Professional Identity Scale (EPIS) confirmed interprofessional identity as a three-dimensional social construct. So far, several scientific studies have supported many propositions of EPIT. These propositions are related to dimensionality and various psychometric properties, cross-cultural similarities, evidence and clues for interprofessional identity formation, and its predictive validity in interprofessional education and collaborative practice. Türkiye is among several countries (e.g., the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Lithuania, Finland, and Indonesia) where EPIT-based interprofessional identity is being investigated. To illustrate contextual differences and their potential cross-cultural implications, it is valuable to explore how interprofessional identity adds value in the Turkish context. This approach facilitates understanding the regional implications of interprofessional identity, including interprofessional education initiatives, increased university engagement, the development of measurement instruments, challenges and future directions, and national and international collaborations. This paper aims to explain and clarify EPIT propositions compared to other theories, describe current evidence, and outline future research directions, with a focus on developments within the Turkish context as a showcase.

Group Social Dynamics in a Seminatural Setup Reflect the Adaptive Value of Aggression in Male Mice

BackgroundMaladaptive aggression in humans is associated with several psychiatric conditions and lacks effective treatment. Nevertheless, tightly regulated aggression is essential for survival throughout the animal kingdom. Studying how social dominance hierarchies regulate aggression and access to resources in an enriched environment (EE) can narrow the translational gap between aggression in animal models and normal and pathological human behavior. MethodsThe social box is a seminatural setup for automatic and prolonged monitoring of mouse group dynamics. We utilized the social box to decipher tradeoffs between aggression, social avoidance, resource allocation, and dominance in 2 mouse models of increased aggression: 1) a model of early exposure to an EE and 2) a model of oxytocin receptor deficiency (OxtR−/−). While an EE increases aggression as an adaptive response to external stimuli, hyperaggression in OxtR−/− mice is accompanied by marked abnormalities in social behavior. ResultsEE groups exhibited significant social avoidance, and an increased proportion of their encounters developed into aggressive interactions, resulting in lower levels of exploratory activity and overall aggression. The hierarchy in EE groups was more stable than in control groups, and dominance was correlated with access to resources. In OxtR−/− groups, mice engaged in excessive social encounters and aggressive chasing, accompanied by increased overall activity. In OxtR−/− groups, dominance hierarchies existed but were not correlated with access to resources. ConclusionsMeasuring aggression and social dominance hierarchies in a seminatural setup reveals the adaptive value of aggression in EE and OxtR−/− mice, respectively. This approach can enhance translational research on pathological aggression.

New Insights on Cord Attachment and Social Hierarchy in Six Khipus from the Santa Valley, Peru

New Insights on Cord Attachment and Social Hierarchy in Six Khipus from the Santa Valley, Peru

Long-term tracking of social structure in groups of rats

Rodents serve as an important model for examining both individual and collective behavior. Dominance within rodent social structures can determine access to critical resources, such as food and mating opportunities. Yet, many aspects of the intricate interplay between individual behaviors and the resulting group social hierarchy, especially its evolution over time, remain unexplored. In this study, we utilized an automated tracking system that continuously monitored groups of male rats for over 250 days to enable an in-depth analysis of individual behavior and the overarching group dynamic. We describe the evolution of social structures within a group and additionally investigate how past behaviors influence the emergence of new social hierarchies when group composition and experimental area changes. Notably, we find that conventional individual and pairwise tests exhibit a weak correlation with group behavior, highlighting their limited accuracy in predicting behavioral outcomes in a collective context. These results emphasize the context-dependence of social behavior as an emergent property of interactions within a group and highlight the need to measure and quantify social behavior in more naturalistic environments.

Population dynamics and reproductive features of the Amazon River prawn Macrobrachium amazonicum (Heller, 1862) in Neotropical reservoirs under drought events

Here, we describe population and reproductive dynamics of four populations of Macrobrachium amazonicum in reservoirs during drought events. Additionally, we analyze possible phenotypic changes in this species promoted by fish predation. Two populations had a large-size phenotype (with large body proportions and morphotypes in males) while a small-size phenotype (with reduced sizes and no morphotypes) was found in the two other populations. Overall, females were larger than males and there were varying sex ratios among the four studied populations. All populations had bimodal or polymodal patterns in their monthly size-class frequency, suggesting a seasonal influence and a potentially great capacity of these populations to adapt to adverse environmental conditions. No major changes were found in the patterns of sex ratio, recruitment, frequency of (larger) male morphotypes and female ovarian development stages during drought events. Macrobrachium amazonicum is a resilient species and undergoes continuous reproduction. Females with immature ovaries were predominant in all populations, performing multiple spawns and exhibiting rapid ovarian development cycles. In males, the initial morphotype (TC - translucent claw) was predominant in populations with a social hierarchy. Males of dominant morphotypes (GC1 and GC2 - green claw 1 and 2) use more energy to carry out and maintain metabolic processes, which could probably one of the explanations why their number in populations are limited. We did not find any clear evidence that fish predation affected phenotypes, suggesting that phenotypic plasticity could be more related to intrinsic factors, which would have to be further investigated.

Perioperative Considerations in Anesthesia for Pediatric Bariatric Procedures

Obesity is a global epidemic affecting a broad range of individuals, regardless of economic and social strata. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 16% of adults and 160 million children were living with this condition. The economic impact is significant, with a recent Milken report estimating the annual cost of obesity in the US at 1.4 trillion dollars, accounting for almost 7% of the United States gross domestic product. It is widely recognized that the most severe forms of pediatric obesity (120% of the 95th percentile for age and sex) represent an epidemic within an epidemic, given their potential for diminished long-term health and shortened lifespan. The treatment paradigm for obesity covers a range of approaches, with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommending behavior and lifestyle modification as initial components of care. Since 2004, bariatric surgery has increasingly been utilized as an additional option for treating adolescent obesity, as long-term findings have shown sustained reductions in BMI and improvements in comorbid conditions.1,2 For anesthesiologists, these patients present specific challenges that require review.

Dźwiękowe emanacje oporu i strategie przetrwania w Litzmannstadt Ghetto

The history of the creation and activities of the Lodz Ghetto is a tale of escalating terror techniques. The structure of repression included isolation, starvation, slave labor, persecution on personal, cultural and religious grounds, as well as measures that reinforced social and material stratification. Against this background, practices of resistance of an acoustic nature – one of the few forms of resistance that could slip through the dense web of oppression – take on particular significance. Acoustic strategies of survival include, on the one hand, artistic creation or singing during work, strikes and opposition gatherings, and on the other, practices that ensured survival: deliberate silence, listening to the radio, or secret communication systems between those in hiding. The article illustrates the multifaceted nature of the resistance undertaken by those imprisoned in the ghetto, emphasizing the importance of sound strategies – hitherto overlooked in Holocaust studies. Key-words: Holocaust audiosphere, sound history, holocaust, Lodz ghetto, sound studies

Effect of Economic Policies on Income Inequality: A Comparative Study of Switzerland and Bolivia

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the effect of economic policies on income inequality: a comparative study of Switzerland and Bolivia. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Switzerland, with its advanced economy, implements progressive tax policies, robust social welfare programs, and equitable education systems, contributing to relatively low income inequality. In contrast, Bolivia, a developing nation, faces challenges in reducing income inequality due to less effective economic policies, limited social safety nets, and a larger informal sector. The study underscores that while Switzerland's policies effectively mitigate income disparities, Bolivia's efforts are hindered by structural economic issues and policy limitations. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Kuznets curve theory, the human capital theory & the social stratification theory may be used to anchor future studies of climate change on risk management practices in agriculture in Switzerland. From a practical perspective, the study provides actionable insights for improving the design and implementation of economic policies. The study offers several policy recommendations for both developed and developing economies. Policymakers in Switzerland should consider revising tax policies to address the increased burden on higher-income individuals and improve the overall equity of the system.

Factors associated with attitudes towards sexuality in Venezuelan migrants in Pamplona, Colombia

Introduction: Sexuality is an essential dimension in human beings. Migrants become a vulnerable population in situations that affect their sexual and reproductive rights. Objective: This study aimed to identify the factors associated with attitudes towards sexuality in Venezuelan migrants in Colombia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of Venezuelan migrants over 18 years of age, selected at convenience. Sociodemographic characteristics were evaluated, and the Trueblood Sexual Attitudes Questionnaire (TSAQ) scale was applied, which evaluates attitudes towards one's sexuality (self) and others. Results: Participated 369 adults. The study group's average TASQ score was 5.81 ± 0.65. By subscale, the highest average occurred in homosexuality (8.39), followed by sexual variation (6.37), autoeroticism (4.93), commercial sex (4.70), and heterosexuality (4.27). Conclusions: Sociodemographic factors such as schooling, having children, occupation, level of study, social stratum, and sexual orientation influence attitudes toward sexuality in migrants.

Виктимность в юношеском возрасте: роль социальных связей и характера отношений в семье и студенческом сообществе

Introduction. Currently, there is an increase in the risks of victimization among representatives of different age and social strata, including young people. The aim of this study was to reveal the role of the quality of students’ relationships with peers and parents in the determination of their victimization. Materials and methods. Russian university students (M=105) took part in the study. The following methods were used: a demographic questionnaire, O.O. Andronnikova's Methods for Studying propensity to Victim Behavior by O.O. Andronnikova, G. Armsden and M. Greenberg's Parent and Peer Attachment Questionnaire, Alvarez's Family Social Capital Questionnaire, Lau and Lee's Student Social Capital Questionnaire. The obtained results indicated the positive role of secure attachment to the mother and to the friend, family cohesion and the negative role of conflicts in the family in the prevention of victimized behavior in adolescence Realised victimhood is more closely related to mother attachment than to father and friend attachment. Communication and cohesion among family members prevent the realisation of victimhood, while conflictual relationships within the family contribute to it. The propensity for aggressive behaviour is determined by the characteristics of attachment to mother, father and close friend; family relationships, attachment to mother and attachment to friend predict the propensity for self-harm; the propensity for dependent and uncritical victimization is determined more by family relationships than by peer relationships. The practical significance of the results is discussed.

Landscapes on the edge

AbstractMany landscapes are on the edge literally, particularly here on the Atlantic Coast of Canada. But landscapes everywhere are on the edge metaphorically: on the edge of change. Tackling the collective challenges we face, and redefining a “good life” in these new circumstances, will likely transform the places and landscapes that we care about. Yet change is hard and it is felt unevenly across space and social strata. We often instinctively feel that the landscapes of the present should dominate the future—an idea I've been calling “climax thinking”—but in many cases, those current landscape settings solve old problems and cause new ones. Drawing on recent empirical Atlantic research about renewable energy and coastal adaptation, this lecture explores some of the cultural shifts required to reimagine our landscapes and to meet the challenges ahead, identifying key roles for geographers along the way.

원삼국~백제 한성기 취락의 저장 양상 변화

In the process of state formation, storage methods can change according to political, economic, and social transformations. This study aims to identify such changes in storage methods, storage amounts, and stored crops by comparing and analyzing various types of archaeological evidence, such as crop remains, pottery, storage pits, and above-ground structures from sites of the central region of the Korean Peninsula dating the Proto-Three Kingdoms to Baekje’s Hanseong period. The results of the analysis revealed that, in the Gyeonggi region, the tendency to store crops indoors was weakened by the Hanseong period. However, in major settlements, this tendency persisted, and the use of external storage facilities increased, with rice becom-ing a significant crop for external storage. In the Yeongseo region, the change in indoor storage methods was not as distinct as in the Gyeonggi region, but there was a noticeable change in external storage patterns. Overall, the use of deep storage pits increased, new storage crops were added, and the use of external storage facilities increased somewhat in the Namhan River basin. Analyzing the reasons for these changes based on contemporary contexts, it was found that both the Gyeonggi and Yeongseo regions were influenced by changes in agricultural production methods. In the case of the Gyeonggi region, the in-creased complexity of society, such as the intensification of social stratification and the dif-ferentiation of site functions, also influenced storage strategies.

THE DANCE OF JUSTICE: A RAWLSIAN PERSPECTIVE IN SRIVIDYA NATARAJAN’S THE UNDOING DANCE

This article delves into the role of Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance, as a transformative force for Kalyani, the protagonist in the novel The Undoing Dance (2018). It investigates how Bharatanatyam serves not only as a form of artistic expression but also as a means of transcending caste boundaries and societal expectations. By applying the concept of the difference principle, a framework within socio-political theory, the study examines how caste-based discrimination is confronted and reimagined through the medium of dance. Natarajan's narrative, which alternates between past and present, underscores the significance of Bharatanatyam in conveying Kalyani’s inner turmoil, struggles, and ultimate empowerment. Kalyani’s journey is marked by her revaluation of her Devadasi roots—a lineage steeped in both cultural richness and societal stigmatisation. As she reconnects with her heritage, she gains a deeper understanding of the matriarchal traditions within her community and begins to reinterpret them through her dance. This exploration leads to a redefined sense of identity and womanhood, where Bharatanatyam becomes a vessel for Kalyani’s self-expression and liberation. This study argues that classical dance, particularly Bharatanatyam, provides a unique lens through which the complexities of the Indian caste system can be viewed, offering Devadasi women in South India a powerful tool for reclaiming their narratives and challenging the entrenched social hierarchies. Through dance, Kalyani not only reclaims her heritage but also transforms her pain and suffering into a powerful statement of resilience and identity.