Societal Ideals Research Articles

Early appearance concerns after burns: Investigating the roles of psychological flexibility and self-compassion

Few qualitative studies have explored appearance concerns soon after burn injuries. This study aimed to understand the early experiences of appearance concerns after burns, through the lens of psychological flexibility and self-compassion. Template analysis informed data collection and analysis. Fifteen adults (nine female, six male) with appearance concerns were interviewed within three months of their burns. Three superordinate themes were identified: (1) Need for social connection; (2) Distress through difference; and (3) Experiential avoidance and self-criticism in response to early appearance concerns. Findings highlighted that early appearance concerns are influenced by the need for social acceptance and the desire to conform to societal ideals. Internalised gender and appearance ideals and concerns about rejection and stigma were activated by the burn, and individuals had difficulty responding to their early appearance concerns with psychological flexibility and self-compassion. Instead, attempts to avoid distress (experiential avoidance) occurred. Self-criticism in response to distress was evident which, for some, extended to the event leading to their burns. Early interventions to enhance psychological flexibility and self-compassion (e.g., acceptance and commitment therapy, mindful self-compassion), to help individuals respond to appearance concerns with less experiential avoidance and self-criticism, would likely promote adjustment to changes in appearance after burns.

CAN AUTOMATIC POETRY GENERATION INFUSE VALUES? UNVEILING INSIGHTS THROUGH CONTENT ANALYSIS OF GENERATED POETRY

This research examines the value underlying poetry created by artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to uncover the complex interaction of religious, philosophical, ethical, and aesthetic values presented in poetry. Eighteen poems generated by three different AI platforms were analyzed using the content analysis method to identify their social values. The results of this research demonstrate the presence of (1) religious values by revealing the AI’s ability to explore traditional and cultural barriers, highlighting themes of spirituality and faith, (2) philosophical values through the exploration of questions of human existence and the nature of reality, showing the AI's capacity to engage with deep existential themes, (3) ethical values by promoting concepts of unity, fairness, and justice, reflecting deeper humanistic perspectives and societal ideals, and (4) aesthetic values by showcasing an interest in the influence of technology and a profound admiration for the natural world's wonders, integrating modern innovation with timeless beauty. In conclusion, AI-generated poetry successfully captures a broad spectrum of human values, enriching literary traditions and intellectual discussions. This intersection of AI and poetry not only highlights technological advancements in creative fields but also opens new avenues for exploring how machines can contribute to cultural and artistic expressions, fostering a deeper understanding of the human condition and societal values.

Representations of Motherhood and Mothering in Popular Sinhala Lullabies

Popular Sinhala lullabies passed down orally from generation to generation occupy an ambiguous and neglected space within Sri Lankan music. Nonetheless, when examined closely, these lullabies offer rich and nuanced interpretations of female experiences, particularly concerning motherhood and mothering. These songs either reinforce or challenge patriarchal concepts within their intertextual frameworks. The primary aim of this study was to conduct a feminist critical discourse analysis of selected Sinhala lullabies to explore how they portray the dilemmas faced by women who are mothers or who aspire to be, caught between traditional expectations and the realities of becoming biological mothers. The findings demonstrate how these lullabies capture the complexities of Sinhalese women's experiences, reflecting their frustrations, emotional and physical suffering, and joyful connections with their children. Although the singers of these lullabies remain anonymous, their voices continue to critically engage with societal ideals and standards, revealing the multifaceted nature of mothering and motherhood within the Sinhala community.

Orwell’s Animal Farm and Golding’s Lord of the Flies: A Comparative Study

The main aim of this article is to compare two emblematic works of 20th century British literature: George Orwell's Animal Farm and William Golding's Lord of the Flies. This comparative study adopts a New Critical analytical approach, focusing exclusively on the textual aspects of the novels independently of any external context or ideology. We examine in depth the plots, characters and settings of both works. The study is structured around three main themes. First, it examines the societies represented in the two novels. Secondly, it explores the power dynamics within these societies. Finally, it highlights the ultimate collapse of the societal ideals depicted in the two works. At the end of this analysis, several conclusions emerge: both works explore the creation of new societies emerging from those that have shown their limitations. The animals' ideal of society in Animal Farm and the children's societal project in Lord of the Flies fail because of similar power dynamics. Orwell's animals and Golding's children end up becoming the exact opposite of their initial aspirations. The animals in Animal Farm gradually adopt human behaviour, while the children in Lord of the Flies regress towards more animal behaviour. So, paradoxically and ironically, Animal Farm and Lord of the Flies share the same fundamental concern: the fragility of human society and the fine line between humanity and animality. By exploring in detail the themes and connections between the two novels, this analysis aims to provide an in-depth understanding of how literature reflects and critiques the complexities of human social dynamics and the fragility of the societal structures.

Missional Masculinities in Pentecostalism in Africa

Abstract The article argues for missional masculinities from an incarnational framework as the foundation for imitatio Christi among Pentecostal men in Africa. It suggests that since masculinities are defined by societal ideals that men are expected to embody, Pentecostal men should reclaim the divine vision of the new ‘manity’ in Christ. Here, Christ serves not only as the epitome of new humanity but also as the exemplar, setting the standard and modeling what it means to be human. Jesus is the primordial model, the definition, the determination, the illustration, and most importantly, the beginning and the end of what it means to be human. Therefore, missional masculinities, modeled after Christ, are primed to exhibit kenotic, relational, agapeic, redemptive characteristics, and are everyday prophetic performances of abundant life for humanity and creation.

FEMINIST PERSPECTIVES AND REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN THEKKAN PATTU

This study titled, Feminist Perspectives and Representation of women in Thekkan Pattu, is outlined on the Malayalam traditional poetic form known as Thekkan Pattu in Kerala. It reflects Kerala culture and offers a window into societal attitudes toward gender roles and women’s agency. This paper uses feminist theory, to observe in detail how women are depicted—as empowered individuals, passive subjects, or embodiments of societal ideals of femininity. The study also attempts to highlight how traditional art forms like Thekkan Pattu serve as a medium to either challenge or perpetuate gender stereotypes. research contributes to feminist discourse, emphasizing the intersections of culture, gender, and identity within regional literature and the broader socio-cultural framework.

A LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF LITERARY CRITICISM A STUDY OF HOW LANGUAGE INFLUENCES THE EVALUATION OF LITERARY WORKS

This research delves into the complex connections between language and literary criticism, illuminating how linguistic decisions impact written work assessments. The study dives into different linguistic frameworks such as pragmatics, discourse analysis, and semantics to reveal the nuanced but potent ways language affects critical interpretations and assessments. This examination shows how rhetorical devices, diction, syntax, and metaphor play a part in crucial discourse by looking at literary critiques from various eras and genres. The study delves into how cultural and historical factors shape literary criticism's linguistic representation, illuminating the complex relationship between language and societal ideals. The subjective character of literary appraisal is better understood thanks to this in-depth linguistic research, which sheds light on how critics express their opinions. The results highlight the significance of language awareness in literary criticism by arguing for a more sophisticated and reflective method of assessing literary works.

Beauty: Liberation and/or Confinement in The Life and Loves of a She Devil by Fay Weldon

This essay critically examines the transformation of the protagonist, Ruth Patchett, in Fay Weldon’s novel The Life and Loves of a She Devil (1983). The transformation that Ruth undergoes can be viewed in two ways: both in terms of her role in society and her physical appearance. Initially a submissive housewife, Ruth evolves into an independent businesswoman who undergoes extensive cosmetic procedures to conform to prevailing beauty standards. This article reveals, through an analysis of Ruth’s liberation from traditional domestic obligations and her response to societal constructs of beauty, the marginalization she experiences as a result of her deviation from societal norms. Ruth’s rebellion against the idealized attributes of a housewife reflects her pursuit of qualities associated with appealing femininity. Hence, this article highlights how Ruth transforms herself into a seductive object of the male gaze to remake herself into a powerful subject. Through this transformative journey, the article elucidates the interplay between societal ideals of beauty, female liberation, and implications on personal fulfilment. Although Ruth’s transformation into the ‘ideal’ woman endorses the patriarchal codes of ideal and standardised beauty, this essay argues that the same transformation reverses the process to reveal how female empowerment can be achieved through the manipulation of standards.

P186 Impact of glucocorticoids on appearance and sense of self in rheumatic diseases

Abstract Background/Aims To explore patients’ perspectives on the impact of appearance changes attributed to glucocorticoid treatment. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of semi-structured interviews with patients with rheumatic conditions receiving glucocorticoids in the UK, USA, and Australia. Interview data were analysed inductively to develop preliminary individual and overarching themes. Results 60 patient interviews were analysed. Patients ranged from 26-84 years, and 39 (65%) were female. Patients had diagnoses of systemic vasculitis (n = 19), inflammatory arthritis (n = 14), crystal arthropathy (n = 2), connective tissue disorders (n = 16), or other/multiple (n = 9). Interviews contained rich data on how appearance changes impacted health-related quality of life. Three preliminary overarching themes were identified. i) Societal influences: participants reported pressure to conform to cultural and societal ideals: “I think with the weight gain it was more of an emotional response. [⋯] There's a part of you that's thin is better. So, I think that impacted me the most, just because of that aspect of what others thought of me…” (Female [Mixed/Multiple ethnicity] aged 27, granulomatosis with polyangiitis [Australia]) and “…within a week my dad had seen me and said, “Gosh you’ve put on a lot of weight”. Obviously, that’s not what I want to hear [⋯] but I think it was just pure shock." (White female aged 40, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis [UK])”.ii)?Impact on mental health and sense of self: glucocorticoids were often described as making participants ‘not look like’ themselves, associated with changes in mood, self-confidence, and reluctance to socialise: “It makes you feel down. It makes you feel depressed. You don't want to socialise because you're not you.” (White male aged 65, inflammatory myositis [Australia]) and “Yeah, that’s it and it will hopefully look nice, which is a really vain thing to think about isn’t it, but it does really affect [⋯] how you feel and kind of your state of mind and things…” (White female aged 39, Takayasu arteritis [UK]). iii) Burden of adjustments included dieting, purchasing additional clothing sizes, working from home, discontinuing hobbies, and postponing key life events: "I have a wardrobe right now that goes four different sizes as my weight goes up and down and up and down." (White female aged 55, systemic lupus erythematosus [USA]) and "Well, with the high dose of prednisone since I gained weight, I get really tired if I try to do like exercise or something. And I used to be very sporty, so that just completely changed." (Hispanic female aged 29, systemic lupus erythematosus [USA]). Conclusion Patients attribute a variety of impacts on their health-related quality of life to glucocorticoid-related appearance changes and report a burden of adjustments above management of their chronic rheumatic condition. Further work is required to establish ways to mitigate these through improved information provision and support. Disclosure S.J. Lax: Grants/research support; post funded by National Institute for Health and Care Research Advanced Fellowship [grant number NIHR300863]. E. Dures: Grants/research support; recipient of grants from Above & Beyond Bristol Hospitals Charity, UWE Bristol, Vifor Pharma, National Institute for Health and Care Research (Research for Patient Benefit) and Sanofi. S. Bridgewater: None. C. Silverthorne: None. V. Lowndes: None. P. Richards: None. J. Dawson: None. C. Hill: Grants/research support; recipient of an Australian Rheumatology Association Project Grant, administered by Arthritis Australia. S. Goodman: None. S.L. Mackie: None. M.E. Ndosi: None. F.A. Pearce: Grants/research support; recipient of a National Institute for Health and Care Research Advanced Fellowship [grant number NIHR300863] and a grant from Vifor pharma. J. Robson: Consultancies; consultancy and speaking fees from Vifor Pharma. Grants/research support; recipient of grants from Above & Beyond Bristol Hospitals Charity, UWE Bristol, Vifor Pharma, National Institute for Health and Care Research (Research for Patient Benefit) and Sanofi.

‘Keeping up with the Korean Yeojas’: the paradox of Korean women’s participation of aesthetic exercise in contemporary Korea

Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable increase in the engagement of Korean women (‘yeoja’ in Korean translation) in physical activities. Despite discussions emphasizing active exercise and fitness, motivations for women’s participation have often been centered around weight management and dieting. This study explores the experiences of Korean women participating in aesthetic exercise – physical activities such as yoga, Pilates, and pole fitness which focus on female-appropriate weight management. Aesthetic exercise participation emerges as a complex and paradoxical phenomenon, blending feminized workouts, ideal body images, and individual aspirations to attain social standards. Participants express ambivalence, viewing exercise as both a ‘healthy way of losing’ and a means to ‘keep up with’ societal ideals of the female body. Thus, it highlights the intricate interplay between societal expectations, personal goals, and the pursuit of an envisioned ideal, offering insights into the dynamic nature of women’s involvement in aesthetic exercise in the Korean context.

“Live like a Man:” Analysing The White Tiger’s Balram Halwai in a Patriarchal India

Gender, as a socially constructed role that societies assign to individuals based on their perceived sex, has been significantly influenced by social and cultural norms throughout history (Connell 1987, 70). In patriarchal societies like India, the concept of masculinity is particularly shaped by the prevailing social and cultural factors. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of masculinity through the character of Balram Halwai in Arvind Adiga’s The White Tiger (2008). The primary focus of this study lies in exploring how rigid gender roles contribute to the perpetuation of child abuse and child labour under the guise of upholding “masculinity.” By employing R.W. Connell's theory of masculinities, Judith Butler's theory of gender performativity, structural functionalism perspectives on gender, the paper delves into the character of Balram Halwai to investigate the profound impact that social expectations and gender roles have on his psyche. Furthermore, the paper investigates the extreme measures Balram undertakes in his pursuit of embodying the societal ideals of being a “man.” This study offers an intricate multidimensional exploration of masculinity in a patriarchal Indian context, uncovering the ways in which social expectations and gender roles can profoundly impact individuals’ lives.

Unmasking Distorted Reflections: Exploring Body Image, Alcohol, and Drug Use in Nighttime Entertainment Districts

Background: Violence within nighttime entertainment districts (NEDs) has been blamed on problematic masculinity and has predominantly been attributed to excessive alcohol intake and steroid use in men. In this report we conducted two studies to: (1) ascertain whether researchers could act as third-party raters of body weight and muscle mass in NED patrons; and (2) to examine the relationship between body self-image, inebriation, alcohol preloading behaviors and drug use in the NEDs. Methods: Study 1 employed an observational approach to establish inter-rater reliability for ratings of muscle mass and weight. In Study 2 data (n = 2,745) were collected through breathalyzing and questionnaires to examine individuals’ self-image and drinking and drug-taking behaviors. Results: Participants’ self-ratings of muscle and weight significantly differed from researchers’ ratings, with males perceiving themselves as less muscular and females perceiving themselves as heavier. Perceived weight and muscle size did not relate to alcohol levels, but an interaction was found for female steroid users who perceived themselves as less muscular. Conclusions: Findings indicated a distortion in participants’ perceived body image, with a desire for muscularity among both males and females. These results underscore the complex interplay between self-perception, societal ideals, and drug use in young NED patrons.

Diagnosen Prolonged Grief Disorder ændrer forståelsen af sorg - en diskursanalyse i et sygeplejefagligt perspektiv

The purpose of the article is to create a foundation on which the profession can begin its professional approach to the diagnosis of grief and what opportunities and limitations this holds from a nursing perspective. Background We are witnessing a historic change in the way grief is practiced in connection with death, as the diagnosis "Prolonged Grief Disorder" appears in the diagnosis manual ICD-11 that appears in the latest version published in 2022. Nurses are considered central actors in the practice of the grief diagnosis. Either in relation to preventive measures or by identifying those suffering from complicated grief by referring them to appropriate services. Method A Foucault-inspired discourse analysis has been prepared, exploring how the expression of grief has changed and which societal conditions have supported the change. Results Pervasive patterns are identified, which are regarded as three discursive strategies; A love discourse, a psychological adaptation discourse and a diagnostic discourse. Conclusion Societal ideals have supported the change in the articulation of grief. Nurses can use the insight into this historical development as well as the critical view built on a social constructivist point of view as a foundation for positioning themselves scientifically in this field.

The Disillusionment of the American Dream in "The Great Gatsby"

F. Scott Fitzgerald is regarded as the spokesman of the American "Jazz Age." "Jazz Age" denotes the temporal span, including 1919 to 1929. The economy flourished during this particular period in American history, leading to a significant shift in societal ideals. Consequently, a discernible decline emerged in individuals' cognitive and ethical faculties. The Great Gatsby, a literary work that portrays the terrible existence of Gatsby and carries notable scholarly and pragmatic ramifications, symbolizes the disintegration of the "American Dream." The cohort of individuals in the United States, commonly called the "lost generation" during the 1920s, saw a notable discrepancy between their aspirational objectives and the prevailing realities of their day. This study examines the fundamental significance of Gatsby's interpretation of the "American Dream" and uncovers the inescapable inevitability of Gatsby's sad demise and the disillusionment associated with the "American Dream" through a thorough analysis of the primary textual elements inside the novel. The primary aim of this essay is to enhance readers' understanding of the widespread appeal of riches and worldly possessions while encouraging them to reflect on the development of moral, healthful, and dynamic principles.

The sense of inadequacy and uncertainty arising from teacher work: Perspectives of pre- and in-service teachers

This study is based on the notion that teacher work has changed rapidly in recent decades. Teachers all over the world face students with diverse needs, and increased duties beyond actual teaching. Thus, teacher work has become more complex and demanding, with in-service teachers experiencing stress stemming from their work in general and different relationships, in particular. Simultaneously, pre-service teachers experience inadequacy and uncertainty about whether they can meet society's expectations of teachers. This phenomenon has been studied before, but most relevant research has addressed pre- and in-service teachers separately; hence, the commonalities and differences between these groups have been ignored. The present study focuses on Finnish pre- and in-service teachers’ experiences of inadequacy and uncertainty in teacher work. The data consist of 37 pre-service teachers’ and 21 in-service teachers’ written narratives on teacher work. Narrative categorical analysis resulted in four conceptual categories: 1) the sense of inadequacy and uncertainty stemming from the nature of teacher work, 2) the sense of inadequacy and uncertainty stemming from a lack of concreteness in teacher education, 3) the sense of inadequacy and uncertainty stemming from not fulfilling societal ideals of a proper teacher, and 4) coping with inadequacy and uncertainty. The second and third categories were found only among pre-service teachers. The findings suggest that feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty arise from various interacting factors, including the solitary nature of teaching responsibilities, heavy workloads, and the demands imposed by the national curriculum. The pre-service teachers had a realistic understanding of the demands and responsibilities of teaching. The in-service teachers’ experiences related more closely to the actual concrete practices of teachers’ everyday work, whereas the pre-service teachers’ concerns were more general. The implications for the development of initial and in-service teacher education are discussed.

Unveiling Lady Audley’s Secret: Navigating Femininity, Autonomy, and Societal Constraints in Victorian Literature

The paper analyzes Lady Audley's Secret in the context of Victorian gender inequality. During this era, women faced societal expectations rooted in domesticity, limiting their access to education and public life. Braddon's novel challenges these norms, portraying a complex heroine, Lady Audley, who engages in criminal activities to navigate the constraints of her gender and social expectations. The novel explores themes of economic dependence, the limitations of marriage, and the use of madness as a societal tool. Lady Audley's character embodies paradoxes, reflecting the tension between societal ideals and individual desires. Braddon's portrayal of ordinary women's struggles provides a nuanced perspective on femininity, challenging the prevailing stereotypes of the time. The analysis examines the societal implications of madness and the consequences of resisting prescribed gender roles. Lady Audley's Secret emerges as a subversive work that addresses the invisible lives and personal conflicts of ordinary women, contributing to the broader discourse on female autonomy in the Victorian era.

‘I’m the witch, you’re the world’: Monstrosity and ‘Othering’ in Into the Woods

I have always been intrigued by and enamoured of fairy tales. However, no Black person can ever have an uncomplicated relationship to these stories, which, due in large part to Disney, now are almost entirely identified with Western Europe. Fairy tales – highly adaptable and designed to speak to fundamental concerns – reflect, reinscribe and sometimes create societal ideals. As a Black girl, fairy tales are at once a reminder of everything you are told you are not by wider society – beautiful, desirable, worthy of status, admiration and often supernatural blessing. They also reinforce our notions of purity and justify dehumanization, and this is why James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods has always been particularly fascinating to me. Sondheim and Lapine take the fairy tale as a text and dissect it – taking a variety of tales in their older, darker iterations as retold by the Brothers Grimm and showing the way they navigate complicated dynamics of purity and corruption. The first time I watched Into the Woods, I found, rather surprisingly, that I identified most closely with the Witch and the Giantess, the villains of the story and those categorically revolted and feared as ‘Other’. Whereas the other characters in the musical – the ones who are attached to the notion that they are, in fact, good – ignore or justify their own terrible (and very human) behaviour in the name of righting injustices and obtaining their desires, the Giantess and the Witch are not accorded the same humanity.

Why do they decide to stay? Experience of Indian women surviving intimate partner violence

PurposeIntimate partner violence (IPV) is a prevalent public health issue impacting women’s physical and mental health and psychosocial walks of life across cultures and societies. Despite this, many women continue to stay in such relationships. This study aims to examine, from a constructionist perspective, why women stay in abusive marriages and what factors prevent them from taking appropriate actions. Also, women’s experiences of surviving IPV were explored.Design/methodology/approachUsing a descriptive qualitative research method, the authors recruited and interviewed 17 women from northern India. The data were analysed thematically.FindingsThe underlying themes that emerged in response to the research questions were the lack of family support, societal ideals, the culture of normalizing violence, fear, love and hope and emotional turmoil. The reason for women not to leave abusive marriages corresponds to the broader social constructions of marriage and women’s perceived positions in family and society.Originality/valueResearch on women’s decision to stay in abusive relationships is limited, especially from the Global South. This study generates fresh evidence on the subject matter, specifically from the Indian context. The study result contributes uniquely by approaching the problem of staying in an abusive relationship from a social constructionist perspective. This study has implications for policy and psychosocial interventions to bring progressive changes in the lives of women experiencing IPV.

The Impact of Multi-Culture on International Business


 
 
 
 Migration of populations from various backgrounds and cultures is an important feature of globalisation and the development of global society. Migration, free labour movement, and the cultural diversity they generate have all become significant components of current global economic theory and demographic growth. They stress the importance of coexistence and collaboration among different ethnicities, countries, and cultures. As many Western cultures experience declining working-age populations, the solution appears to be in the hiring of immigrants and foreigners. However, this results in a clash of cultures, beliefs, and fundamental societal ideals. It is consequently critical to recognise and grasp the nuances that exist in multicultural corporate environments, as well as to benefit from the managerial techniques that emerge in those environments. Multicultural and diversity management can thus become a useful instrument for boosting the efficacy of international business practices and, as a result, become more widely adopted.
 
 
 

Issues of identity, perceptions and isolation: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of women's experience of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome.

The objective of this study was to explore the personal experience of women with MRKH, a rare condition characterised by congenital abnormalities of the genital tract. There are very few qualitative studies into the lived experiences of women with MRKH. Interviews were conducted with 13 women with MRKH and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four superordinate themes are discovered: maintaining a viable female identity; acceptance and coping; normality, secrecy and shame and the isolating impact of a lack of knowledge amongst the medical profession. This study also suggests that societal ideals of a 'normal woman' are influencing how MRKH impacts on the self-experienced psychological health. It is suggested that the psychological wellbeing of women with MRKH could be improved with continued multidisciplinary support beyond the initial diagnosis and alongside any vaginal correction.