Societal Critique Research Articles

Enhancing relationship-based practice in the homeless sector by applying Hall’s representation theory (1997) and peer reviewed research

ABSTRACT A student essay for Clare Winnicott Essay Competition. A societal critique of the ongoing issues and complications for those experiencing homelessness in modern times, which applies both Stuart Hall’s Theory of Representation (1997) and peer reviewed research on social stigmas, to identify the effectiveness of relationship-based practice within the homeless sector.

Transport innovations in the cracks: reading for potential post-growth transport and mobilities with Deleuze and Guattari

ABSTRACT The post-growth literature has recently started to engage with transport and mobilities in more depth. However, despite its radical societal critique, it has done so largely in ways that either reproduce recommendations of the sustainable mobilities paradigm or apply context-independent post-growth frameworks without sustained empirical analysis. The literature has thereby largely “closed down” more open-ended explorations of what kind of transport and mobility futures are desirable and possible from a post-growth perspective. This article seeks to remedy this by highlighting the role of innovative practices in bottom-up initiatives that have been invisibilised, in expanding our imaginaries of possible post-growth transport and mobility futures. It builds on Deleuze and Guattari’s concept of the minor, an orientation towards difference-in-itself emerging immanently, to explore such innovative and experimental practices that may be of interest for post-growth transformations. We illustrate the minor’s usefulness by studying two bottom-up initiatives, a French railway cooperative and a German “rolling supermarket”, which we examine with a view towards “difference” that allows for open-endedness and the generation of questions. This article contributes to post-growth transport and mobility scholarship by advocating for a shift in three analytical focal points, building on the minor’s generativity: moving from a-contextual recommendations to examinations of socio-spatially specific transformation (1), from a concern for the “right” modes of transport to minorities (2), and from a near-exclusive focus on the public sector to a more diverse range of economic actors and practices (3).

Perspectives on Curriculum as Praxis: Implications for Higher Education Pedagogy

Curriculum reform and the resultant learning and teaching processes is the focus of this book. Since curriculum reform is a major part in the facilitation of epistemological access necessary to acquire the knowledge resources necessary for societal critique, as well as material success, this book presents curriculum as an aspect that is beyond just topics to be covered. This understanding includes asking questions about from which texts are drawn upon to tackle these topics, as well as questions about: Who does the teaching? How is the teaching carried out? Who does the learning? How is the classroom set out? Who does the speaking in class? What behaviours, including reading and writing practices, are permitted? Which behaviours are seen as appropriate and inappropriate? From whose world view are answers to these questions? In addition to all these dimensions of the curriculum, the book also acknowledges that learning can happen outside the formally planned curriculum, and that conversations at home, in residences, and experiences on the sports field also have consequences for student learning.

Valuing freedom of expression at the expense of linguistic aspect: The analysis of Kaur's selected poems

As a well-known poet, Rupi Kaur has written several poems which attract worldwide accolades. The present study explores several important aspects of her selected poems, such as feminism, humor, and irony. It was conducted qualitatively. In this case, the researchers acted to analyze and collected the data consecutively. The findings indicated that the concepts of feminism described in her poems tend to be more liberal and radical. The use of crude language to depict women as "male objects" plainly supports this notion. Furthermore, Kaur employs filthy language to prick the reader's conscience and make them aware of the societal critique offered in her poems. The element of Humor identified in the poems is used to portray the injustice of societal rules that restrict women. Despite showing poor grammatical aspects, such as the use of proper subject, the poem strives to vividly criticize the role of women, which is commonly valued solely on their physical looks, dismissing their worth and complexity as humans.

Children's dark pictures—Societal critique in children's and young people's visual and verbal expressions about the UNCRC

AbstractThis article focuses on what the author has termed children's ‘dark pictures’ to explore how children’ and young people express themselves visually and verbally about difficult issues—such as violence, death and trafficking. Two pictures created by children and young people about the UNCRC, and the interviews accompanying these pictures, are analysed as examples of the commonness of ‘dark’ issues emerging even when they are given assignments emphasising ‘lighter’ issues. The potential of children's and young people's dark pictures to comment on and challenge, how difficult issues are communicated with children by adults and society is explored with the help of socio‐cultural and relational approaches to pictures. The article proposes the notion of dark visuality to highlight the critical potential of children's and young people's engagement with darkness through visual means and propose that their expressions can be understood as societal critique.

Metaphorical Transfigurations: Symbolism and its Dynamics in Tewfik Al-Hakim's Fate of a Cockroach

Within the convoluted theatrical universe of Tewfik Al-Fate Hakim's Cockroach, metaphor and symbolism emerge as potent instruments of societal critique and existential investigation. The seemingly mundane setting of a kitchen serves as a springboard for profound philosophical reflection in Al-Hakim's work, which is the focus of this paper's analysis. In order to probe the depths of human consciousness beyond literal interpretation, this study analyses Al-Hakim's use of symbolism and metaphor. A symbol of resiliency and existential battle is the cockroach, a lowly bug, a sign of primordial instincts, while the cat represents innate drives and the relentless course of fate. Also, the kitchen is a microcosm of society's dynamics, reflecting problems of existential misery and structural inequity. This study explores the human condition profoundly and invites readers to embark on a life-changing quest to understand the metaphorical and symbolic implication of the play.

Grušovnik, Tomaž, Reingard Spannring, and Karen Lykke Syse, eds. Environmental and Animal Abuse Denial: Averting Our Gaze. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 2021

Environmental and Animal Abuse Denial: Averting Our Gaze edited by Tomaž Grušovnik, Reingard Spannring, and Karen Lykke Syse, stands as a groundbreaking work that delves into the intricate phenomenon of denialism, a critical barrier in addressing ecological crises and advancing animal rights. Through its compelling interdisciplinary lens, the book dissects the psychological, sociocultural, and political underpinnings of denial, challenging entrenched anthropocentric views. This review provides a critical analysis of the book and highlights its pivotal role in bridging theoretical ethics with real-world environmental and animal welfare challenges. The editors’ adept selection of contributions guides readers through a thought-provoking journey in denialism, encompassing personal introspection, societal critique, and a scrutinizing look at economic, political, and legal frameworks. Despite its primarily Western-centric perspective, the book is essential in advocating for a broader, more inclusive global dialogue in future research. The book emerges not just as an academic text but as an urgent call to action, resonating with scholars, policymakers, and activists. In essence, this work emphasizes the necessity for a transformative shift in how we perceive and interact with the natural world and its non-human inhabitants.

METAPHORICAL RESONANCE: GURU DUTT’S CINEMATIC INTERPRETATION OF ‘KAAGAZ KE PHOOL’ AND ITS PARALLEL WITH ‘DEVDAS’

The paper aims to identify and analyze the metaphorical parallels between ‘Kaagaz Ke Phool’ and ‘Devdas,’ exploring Guru Dutt’s cinematic techniques and their contribution to this resonance. Existing literature on Guru Dutt’s filmmaking style and narrative techniques provides valuable insights, yet a research gap exists regarding the specific metaphorical connection between the two works. By contextualiing both narratives within the socio-cultural landscape of post-independence India, the paper highlights their lasting relevance and societal critiques. The paper examines how ‘Kaagaz Ke Phool’ reexamines the ‘Devdas’ narrative, emphasizing the emotional complexities of the protagonists and their struggles against social norms. Through meticulous film analysis, including the study of cinematic techniques and metaphorical elements such as the rain sequences, shouting pack-up, reflection, film studio setting, and the non-linear story-telling technique, the paper uncovers the subtle parallels between the two stories. The paper underscores the lasting significance of both narratives and their contributions to the cinematic landscape, while also revealing Guru Dutt’s innovative approach.

BTS Beyond Beats: Disclosing Semantics Through Lyric Analysis

In the contemporary music landscape, BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) has risen as a global phenomenon, captivating audiences not only with mesmerizing beats but also through conveying profound messages in their lyrics. This article explores the multifaceted journey of BTS, emphasizing their impact on global pop culture, significant achievements, and role as cultural ambassadors. The study addresses three key research questions focused on how BTS lyrics reflect profound messages, identifying hidden meanings through semantic analysis, and appreciating music as an art form. "BTS Beyond Beats" serves as an invitation to appreciate music as an intricate art form, transcending the auditory experience to unravel the beauty and depth within BTS's crafted words. The study sheds light on the artistic depth and cultural impact of BTS's lyrics, offering a captivating journey into their semantic landscape. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the wisdom and hidden meanings in BTS lyrics, fostering a richer appreciation of music as a profound art form that goes beyond mere melodic hums. The semantic revelation invites listeners to connect with BTS on a profound level, recognizing the cultural significance and wisdom encapsulated in each lyrical masterpiece. The research methodology integrates linguistic and cultural semiotics, content analysis, and qualitative research methods, aiming for a systematic exploration of nuanced meanings, metaphors, and connotations within BTS's lyrics. Results consistently highlight themes of self-discovery, resilience, love, and societal critique, showcasing the group's ability to navigate diverse emotional and social landscapes. Cultural nuances and references to Korean history, folklore, and societal norms contribute to BTS's identity as cultural ambassadors.

“I like the way I am”: invisibility and activism in children’s picture books with fat protagonists

PurposeEarly childhood and early elementary are key times when children develop internal and external antifat attitudes; thus, it is necessary to better understand the available children’s literature around fatness.This paper aims to examine children's picture books with fat protagonists to better understand the current landscape of children's literature. Drawing on relevant literature around fat characters and the fat studies movement, this critical content analysis considers five children’s books featuring fat protagonists.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses critical content analysis to analyze texts featuring fat protagonists, including two rounds of initial reading and analysis. Using lenses of critical literacy and critical multicultural analysis, the author looks for common themes, silences and absences in the texts, images and peritext.FindingsThis paper identifies themes of characters initially internalizing antifatness, then pushing back against antifat bias toward existing with joy and without stigma. Several of these texts even draw on the history of fat activism, highlighting societal critique and a potential activist component of children’s literature with fat protagonists.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has a small number of books, due to the limited number of texts that fit the study parameters.Practical implicationsThe paper concludes with examples of scaffolding for teachers and parents to have conversations with young children about antifat bias while also acknowledging notable absences, particularly boy protagonists.Social implicationsThese themes illustrate the power of young children to push back against antifat bias and critique oppressive social structures.Originality/valueThere have been very few studies looking at antifatness in children’s picture books. With more books with fat protagonists coming out in the 2020s, this study offers an understanding of the themes present, while also emphasizing the need for an intersectional approach to literature with fat protagonists.

Reinterpreting Pride and Prejudice: Cultural Representation and Aesthetic Innovation in Film, TV, and Literary Adaptations

This paper explores the diverse landscape of adaptations of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, examining how these reinterpretations engage with and expand upon the original work’s themes, characters, and societal critique. Through a comprehensive analysis of adaptations across various mediums—including film, television, and literature—the study highlights the novel’s enduring relevance and its ability to resonate across different cultural and temporal contexts. By analyzing adaptations that range from faithful recreations to creative retellings, this research underscores the dynamic interplay between Austen’s text and its subsequent reinterpretations, revealing how each adaptation contributes to a broader cultural discourse on issues of class, gender, and race. The paper argues that these adaptations do not merely serve as tributes to Austen’s work but act as active participants in a larger conversation, challenging and reinvigorating the understanding of the original novel. Through this synthesis, the study demonstrates the novel’s universality and its capacity to inspire reflection on contemporary societal issues, affirming the significance of Pride and Prejudice as a living text that continues to engage and provoke audiences worldwide.

Poetic Devices, Thematic Significance, and Social Realities in Poetry: A Critical Literature Review

This study critically synthesized the existing scholarly research on poetic devices, thematic significance, and social realities. The researcher used a critical literature review and content analysis to scrutinize scientific literature. Based on the review, this study bridges the gap between poetic form and societal critique, highlighting poetry's capacity for thematic depth and social analysis. The artful use of metaphors, personification, imagery, etc., empowers poets to address complex socio-political narratives within their work, positioning poetry as a mirror of society’s multifaceted issues. Poets from varied cultures have historically harnessed verse to reflect on universal themes such as mortality, justice, and human experiences, affirming poetry's role as both a narrative force and a societal barometer. Furthermore, poetry's archival value as a historical record is illuminated, capturing the spirit of different ages and contributing to our collective societal understanding. Through this synthesis, poetry is recognized as an enduring vehicle for exploring and challenging social dynamics, immortalizing the collective human psyche in rhythmic form. Through their craft, poets offer critiques and engage in the socio-political commentary that continues to shape the literary canon and our collective understanding. The study's findings underscore poetry’s timeless relevance as a medium for social critique and thematic exploration

Navigating the Divide A Marxist Analysis of The White Tiger

This study conducted a Marxist analysis of Arvind Adiga’s The White Tiger The study aims to demonstrate how desire shapes the protagonist, Balram and influences broader societal dynamics within the framework of Marxist theory. By deploying this theory as its lens, the paper seeks to unveil the underlying structures perpetuating social inequalities in the depicted Indian milieu. The narrative unfolds through a dual exploration of two distinct social classes: privileged ‘haves’ in the India of Light and the marginalized ‘have nots’ in the India of Darkness. Through meticulous examination of specific instances in the novel, the analysis reveals the illicit use of state resources by political and economic elites, showcasing the intricate interplay between desire, corruption, and societal structures. The study illuminates how Adiga portrays the extreme and practical facets of Indian society, providing a nuanced understanding of the character’s motivations and the broader socio-economic context. This exploration contributes to a deeper comprehension of the novel’s socio-political commentary, elucidating the complex connections between individual aspirations, systemic corruption, and class divisions. In conclusion, the analysis not only enriches our understanding of The White Tiger, but also augments the broader discourse on literature, ideology, and societal critique.

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION: STRUGGLES AND CHALLENGES OF RATHAKANNEER

The notion of freedom of expression, in Tamil films unsimilar to other film industries is a frequently debated topic. Tamil cinema has encountered controversies and obstacles concerning the aspect of freedom of expression over years. Lately there has been an increasing recognition and discussion, about the importance of freedom of speech in Tamil cinema. This struggle for freedom of Expression isn’t that new to Tamil cinema that the dates back to decades before. That is when the wave of Dravidian cinemaemerged the Tamil cinematic sphere faced the notable adherent struggles and challenges for expressions on screen. This research delves into the complexities of freedom of expression in Indian cinema, focusing on M.R. Radha's "Rathakanneer". Employing qualitative analysis, the study explores the challenges faced by the film due to its progressive ideas, enduring censorship, and controversies. Radha's Theatre of Cruelty intensified societal critiques. It underscores art's power to challenge conventions and navigate political and societal pressures, revealing the intricate interplay between cinema, socio-political influences, and cultural heritage.

Recognition in interaction: theoretical and empirical observations.

In the current paper we aim to combine the theoretical ideas of recognition theory to conversation analytical, empirical observations. We ask what recognition theories can give to conversation analysis, and vice versa. We operate on a model of recognition that consists of three different modes: respect, esteem, and love/care, and which distinguishes the levels of conversational actions and the attitudes of recognition manifested in such actions. In this study we examine data examples from various conversational settings (institutional, quasi-experimental, family interaction) and activities (decision-making, storytelling), focusing on the more complex cases of (mis)recognition. We show how recognition can appear both explicitly and implicitly in conversational sequences, and demonstrate how the levels of conversational actions and recognition can be either congruent or incongruent with each other. At the end of the article, we discuss the implications of this view for the interface of conversation analysis and sociological theory, arguing that it can inform and promote the development of interactionally based social and societal critique.

Artistic-Methodological Research of Anwar Obidjan

This study investigates the importance of comic stories in the evolution of Uzbek prose, with a particular focus on the originality and critique of society embedded in Anwar Obidjon's work. Using biographical, structural, and psychological techniques, this study explores Obidjon's distinctive style, which is shaped by literary influences and traditions. Through the creation of comic characters, Obidjon skillfully exposes the ugliness of prevalent society, and provides reflections on contemporary issues. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of comic storytelling and its role in societal critique, and offer implications for the advancement of literary theory and practice.
 Highlight:
 
 Anwar Obidjon's comic stories become a lens for exposing the ugliness of society, reflecting on contemporary issues.
 The utilization of biographical, structural, and psychological techniques provides insight into Obidjon's distinctive literary style.
 This study contributes to increased understanding of the role of comic stories in societal critique in Uzbek prose.
 
 Keywords : Comic Stories, Style, Artistic Skills, Personality, Composition

Essayistic Ventures in the Wake of Diasporas1

‘Essayistic Ventures in the Wake of Diasporas’ contributes to Contemporary Theatre Review’s ‘Hear Tell: Describing, Reporting, Narrating’ issue by examining performances through the essay form. The objectives of this article are twofold: to propose a nuanced vocabulary drawing from literary and film studies for describing these performances and to re-evaluate the essay form’s relation to documentary theatre. Focusing on artists such as Jaha Koo, Ogutu Muraya, Samah Hijawi, and Sachli Gholamalizad, the analysis identifies shared attributes in their solo performances, including a first-person perspective, a hybrid form, and a concentration on personal diasporic experiences intertwined with reflections on broader subjects. Utilizing the essay form as an analytical lens, the study explores how these performances contribute to a nuanced reflection on the complexities of diasporic lives. Tracing the evolution of the essay form, ‘Essayistic Ventures in the Wake of Diasporas’ positions the essayistic lens within performing arts, drawing on the revival of scholarly interest in the literary essay and the emergence of the essay film. The essayistic structure is dissected through case studies of Koo and Gholamalizad, revealing their adept navigation through subjective reflections, historical narratives, and societal critiques. The examination highlights the active role of the audience in this essayistic endeavour, emphasizing reflexivity as integral to the thought process. In conclusion, this article underscores the essayistic potential of diasporic performances, shedding light on nuanced engagements with history, memory, and self-reflection, while emphasizing the audience’s active participation in the essayistic endeavour.

“Maybe I Need Christ or Maybe I Just Need Me”: Functions of Religion among Young Black Members of the LGBTQIA Community in the United States

This qualitative study examines the functions of religion for a group of 76 young Black members of the LGBTQIA community ages 18–30 years old based on the question: What are some of the functions of religion that make continued congregational involvement viable for members of this community? Emerging adulthood theory suggests that late adolescence is a period of self-discovery and societal critique. To my knowledge, this theory has not been used to study the religious experiences of young Black sexual minorities. Content analysis shows the functions of religion as a controlling mechanism during childhood, a conflict mechanism during teen years, and religion/spirituality as a cathartic mechanism during late adolescence.

The History of Feminism and Childrens Right from the Perspective of Law Protection

The development of feminism and childrens rights protection has developed rapidly in the past centuries and has drawn many peoples attention. The research on how feminism and childrens rights protection changed in the past few decades inspired the author to write this essay, as social equality is always important and should be emphasized. The essay will explain the history of feminism and childrens rights protection from the perspective of law. Women now share an equal society with men and face fewer societal critiques. They are earning more than before and facing less shift from family, so they have improved their social position. Also, childrens proper protection is becoming common sense in society. They are actually enjoying a better social attitude than feminists, and not only are the education rights focused on by society, but the sentencing system also gives children privileges. However, social issues like stigmatization and poverty still bother females and children. Thus no country has achieved an equal society.

Toward New Feminist Aesthetics

Toward New Feminist Aesthetics