Societal Views Research Articles

Female Subordination in Pornographic

This study examines female subordination in pornographic films through “bodily power,” a concept that evolved from Foucault and Butler. Pornographic films, now commercial visual products, shape societal views on sex, gender, and more. The paper analyzes films using textual data for interpretation. It reveals the construction of subjectivity and cognition by presenting bodily experiences within power dynamics, interpreted through post-structural and feminist lenses. It uncovers the alienation of women’s bodies, hidden exploitation mechanisms, and the secretive construction of subordination. Pornographic films objectify women, making their bodies consumable commodities to fulfill male centric fantasies, supported by a patriarchal culture of false desire, reinforcing the objectification of bodies. This work reveals and explains reality, which others do not perceive easily, and the social constructs hidden within it. In addition, this work prompts a critical reevaluation of gender domination and broader socio-economic discussions.

Cerebral Death: Unraveling the Mystery of the Silent Mind

The permanent loss of all brain stem functions, such as breathing, awareness, and cranial nerve reflexes, is known as brain stem death (BSD), and it presents a significant medical and ethical issue. While other bodily functions, such as heart activity and circulation, can be maintained with medical intervention, BSD is defined by the cessation of brain stem activity. The key characteristic that distinguishes BSD from other conditions, such as coma or a persistent vegetative state, is the complete and irreversible loss of brain stem function—a critical control centre for basic physiological processes. Diagnosing BSD requires strict clinical criteria and diagnostic testing to confirm the full and permanent nature of the condition. This typically involves a comprehensive neurological examination, assessment of cranial nerve reflexes, and confirmation through additional tests, such as cerebral blood flow studies or electroencephalography (EEG). A diagnosis of BSD carries significant ethical and legal implications, particularly in relation to organ donation, as it often plays a role in identifying potential donors. The ethical considerations surrounding BSD include its impact on families, the distinction between death and end-of-life care, and the challenges posed by varying legal and cultural perspectives. It highlights the importance of a clear diagnosis, obtaining informed consent, and adhering to established medical protocols to uphold human dignity and ethical standards. As medical technology advances and societal views evolve, the discussion around brain stem death continues to be a critical issue in both bioethics and modern medical practice.

The Impact of Parental Influence on Students' Music Subject Selection at A-level in Ugandan Secondary Schools

This study investigates the impact of parental influence on students' selection of music as a subject in Ugandan A-Level secondary schools, amid declining enrolment in the music subject field. This research paper aims to understand how parental perceptions and attitudes toward music influence students’ subject choices, focusing on concerns over career viability and societal views on music subjects. A descriptive survey design was employed, involving questionnaires and interviews with 211 participants, including at A-level former music students (those who offered music at O-level and did not continue with it at A-level), their parents, school administrators, and music teachers. Stratified random sampling and purposive techniques were used to select respondents from secondary schools in central Uganda, with data collected through structured questionnaires and a Likert scale. Results indicate that parental discouragement significantly deters students from choosing music as a subject at A-level due to perceived limitations in career prospects and cultural attitudes, aligning with societal preferences for traditionally prestigious subjects. Limited generalizability outside of Ugandan A-level contexts may restrict the broader application of findings. Enhanced parental awareness and school-based counseling are recommended to promote music subject as a viable and valuable field.

Examining Relationship Between Green Human Resource Management Practices, Green Performance, and Organizational Citizenship Behavior at Tour Operators

Objectives: Sustainable tactics can be implemented through GHRM practices, which are intended to foster pro-environmental behaviors and values among employees. Methods: In addition to allowing employees to participate in eco-initiatives for the sustainability of the organization, GHRM should permit employees to practice pro-environmental values. This study develops and tests the direct and interactive relationship between green performance, organizational citizenship behavior (OCBE), and green human resource management (GHRM) practices, drawing on the Ability-Motivation-Opportunity theory. Findings: A mixed methodology will be used, with qualitative research into particular cases coming after a survey of several tour operator employees to test the research hypotheses. Green values, also known as pro-environmental, refer to societal or personal views about the importance of the natural environment's health and how humans should treat and perceive it. Conclusion: GHRM should suggest training programs that effectively develop environmental knowledge, values, awareness, and attitudes in order to be an effective implement in encouraging pro-environmental behavior or employee green. There is a significant gap in the literature on the greening of the tourism industry because, despite the significant contribution that green human resource management makes to organizational citizenship behavior for green performance, few published studies have examined this important contemporary topic.

Superdiversity and the Quest for Complexity Thinking

Complexity thinking is proposed as a crucial approach for understanding and managing superdiversity in modern societies. Drawing from complexity science, I argue that increased numbers, differentiation, and interdependence of elements in social systems lead to complex dynamics and emergent phenomena. Reductionist approaches to migration and integration are critiqued, advocating instead for a nuanced understanding of multiple, changing variables in migration dynamics. The importance of recognizing individual and societal complexity is emphasized, highlighting how Social Identity Complexity theory demonstrates that awareness of one's own multiplicity can improve interactions with others. A shift in public policy and understanding is called for, moving away from groupist and linear thinking towards an appreciation of non-linear trajectories, diverse networks, and multiple modes of belonging. It is concluded that fostering complexity thinking is vital for constructive societal views, positive appreciation of others, and a fuller self-understanding in superdiverse contexts.

Representation of Violence Against Female Characters in Indonesian Horror Novels

This study explores the representation of violence against female characters in Indonesian horror novels, examining how these portrayals reflect societal views on gender and power. By analyzing three popular novels, the research focuses on types of violence—physical, psychological, and symbolic—that female characters experience, aiming to uncover how these depictions critique patriarchal norms. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, the study uses textual analysis alongside a feminist narrative framework to interpret recurring themes and patterns within these narratives. Findings reveal that, while female characters are often portrayed as victims, they also demonstrate moments of resistance and agency, challenging traditional roles and societal expectations. This ambivalent portrayal highlights both the vulnerability and resilience of women, offering insights into the complex dynamics of gender in Indonesian culture. The study concludes that Indonesian horror novels serve as a powerful medium for social critique, using horror to comment on issues of gender-based violence and the potential for women to disrupt oppressive structures. This research emphasizes the role of literature in reflecting and challenging societal norms, particularly regarding the representation of women.

Spirituality and workplace performance: a theoretical insight

Purpose The primary objective of the study is to explore and elucidate the relationship between spirituality and workplace performance. This study aims to fill a gap in the existing literature by presenting a theoretical–methodological framework that incorporates various aspects and research propositions, differentiating them based on specific mediating variables. Design/methodology/approach This research uses a systematic literature review methodology, analyzing 95 articles published over 20 years (2002–2022). This approach is designed to collate and synthesize evidence supporting the proposed relationship between spirituality and workplace performance and to understand the nuances of spirituality’s influence on performance. Findings The systematic review reveals recurring mediating constructs and various established theoretical–empirical relationships between spirituality and workplace performance throughout the study period. It highlights the significant role of spirituality in enhancing worker well-being, engagement and productivity. Social implications This study addresses the impacts on societal views of work, employee well-being and organizational culture, especially considering the growing discussions around holistic and spiritually inclusive workplaces. Originality/value This paper introduces originality by presenting a theoretical–methodological framework that emphasizes five distinct research propositions. These propositions, rooted in a comprehensive literature review, provide insights into how spirituality might influence workplace performance through various mediating variables.

Fostering Sustainable Female Participation in STEM Through Ecological Systems Theory: A Comparative Study in Three African Countries

This study explores factors influencing female engagement in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields in Mozambique, Nigeria, and Uganda through Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory. The research collected qualitative data from 81 women across these countries through open-ended surveys. Using content analysis, the results demonstrate the critical role of personal interests nurtured by family, showing how direct interactions with family influence STEM engagement at a microsystem level. The mesosystem level reveals the supportive influence of community and school interactions, emphasizing the importance of relationships between different microsystems, such as family–school collaborations, in fostering female participation in STEM. The exosystem level identifies the impact of positive media portrayals and role models, illustrating how external environments indirectly affect perceptions and aspirations in STEM through media and societal influences. The macrosystem level underscores the persistent cultural norms shaping gender roles, reflecting broader societal and cultural values that influence gender diversity in STEM fields, with 63% of respondents in Mozambique, 57% in Nigeria, and 67% in Uganda indicating that societal views on gender roles discouraged participation. Lastly, the chronosystem level captures the temporal changes and progress in gender diversity in STEM, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and policy reforms to address longstanding gender imbalances. Despite progress, significant gender imbalances remain, necessitating targeted interventions and policy reforms. The study proposes a sustainable, collaborative model to foster early interest and sustained participation of females in STEM, emphasizing the importance of seamless cooperation among families, educational institutions, communities, and government bodies. The findings aid in creating supportive environments for sustaining female STEM participation, promoting economic and social development in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Thresholds for the value judgement of health technologies in the United Arab Emirates: a consensus approach through voting sessions

BackgroundIn the evolving healthcare landscape of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), establishing cost-effectiveness thresholds (CETs) is pivotal to informing decision-makers about the value of health technologies.ObjectiveThis study aimed to establish...

NOSTALGIA IN SONG LYRICS: A SEMIOTIC ANALYSIS OF NIKI’S ‘HIGH SCHOOL IN JAKARTA’

The present research uses a qualitative descriptive approach to explore the meanings and experiences of nostalgia contained in the lyrics of the song High School in Jakarta. The research data consists of the song lyrics as the primary data source. Data collection techniques include observation of the lyrics by noting relevant sections, literature review to understand the cultural context, and systematic text analysis. The data analysis process is conducted through three stages. First, a denotative analysis that examines the concrete elements in the lyrics, such as names, places, and events that reflect adolescent experiences. Second, a connotative analysis that delves into the emotions and deeper meanings behind the words used. Third, a myth analysis that identifies cultural myths present in the lyrics, such as societal views on adolescence and the role of social relationships in identity formation. The research findings indicate that this song serves as a reflective tool for listeners regarding adolescence, as well as how nostalgia is formed through lyrics rich in meaning and cultural context. In conclusion, semiotic analysis provides a deeper understanding of nostalgia as a strong emotional response rooted in the complexities of adolescence.

Senses and Sensibility: Huckleberry Finn's Path to Truth and Freedom

Given that some masterpieces of English literature still conceal aspects that have not been fully explored, this analysis focuses on Mark Twain’s novel "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," which remains highly relevant in the context of current global affairs, where discussion on race and tolerance are mainstream. The article argues that the novel's protagonist, Huck, rejects the social programming of his time in favour of freedom, breaking through both social and religious barriers. This work highlights the central role of human senses as the ultimate arbiters of morality and truth in Huck's life. By examining Huck's journey, this analysis emphasizes the profound impact of his intuitive senses in navigating complex moral dilemmas and making ethical decisions. This exploration of sensory perception sheds light on Huck's commitment to moral integrity, revealing the intricate dimensions of human consciousness and ethical judgment. Additionally, the article discusses Mark Twain's effort to challenge and change the prevailing mindset on race. His subtle yet powerful attempt to recalibrate societal views challenges the conventional belief that one's social circumstances dictate their role within the collective, advocating instead for the potential of individuals to transcend societal boundaries and contribute to the pursuit of a more just world.

Invisible Wounds: Analyzing Women's Trauma in Shobha Rao's Girls Burn Brighter

The current research paper analyses Shobha Rao’s Girls Burn Brighter. It examines the novel's portrayal of female trauma, which is frequently misinterpreted and not acknowledged due to systemic bias and societal norms. The researcher uses a feminist perspective, with a focus on understanding how societal norms and views shape the nature of trauma. It examines the societal structures that promote gender-specific trauma and contribute to the lack of comprehension and acceptance of female suffering. The paper explores "insidious trauma", delves into gender differences, and discusses "secret trauma” to highlight the inadequate representation of women's trauma due to the prevailing class often portraying themselves as victims at the expense of marginalized groups. The findings of the research emphasize the importance of viewing traumatic events beyond extreme occurrences and recognizing the impact of familiar and seemingly normal experiences. It aims to enhance the understanding of women's trauma, prompting the necessity to reconsider the established parameters of defining trauma.

THE PORTRAYAL OF WOMEN IN NGERI-NGERI SEDAP MOVIE: SOCIOLINGUISTICS STUDY

This study investigates the portrayal of women in the Indonesian film “Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap” movie through a sociolinguistics study. The research aims to explore how language and dialogue in the movie reflect and reinforce societal attitudes towards women, examining the representation of female characters and their interactions within the narrative. The collected data are analyzed by applying qualitative and descriptive method. The dialogues undergo thematic analysis to identify recurring themes related to gender roles, power dynamics, and language use. This approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of how women’s speech in the film reflects or diverges from established sociolinguistic patterns. Triangulation is employed by comparing the film's portrayal of women with existing literature on gender roles in Indonesian society and media, ensuring the validity of the findings (Baxter, 2019; Sunderland, 2020). The results indicate that the portrayal of women in Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap is shaped by cultural influences and prominent themes such as 5 Gender Roles as a woman, 5 Emotional Attachment, and 10 Gender Conflict and Tension. However in the film Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap by comparing woman image and man image it can be found that woman are often portrayed as inferior, weak, and marginalized, while men appear as superior, strong, and dominant. There are some symbolic resistances, but man’s power still cannot be fully seized by woman. As an obedient being, Sarma always does whatever her parents told her to do and feels she must obey completely. Never in her life does she disobey her parents. She then compared what her life to her brothers’. The result come to the fact that the brothers were able to do something freely and disobey their arents because they are men, not a woman like Sarma. The film portrays women as individuals expected to obey men’s commands. Women are also portrayed as being of lower status than men. The patriarchy in this movie is also very noticeable. This portrayal reflects and potentially reinforces societal views of patriarchy and gender hierarchy in Indonesian media

“I married because …”: Motivations to marry early among female spouses in child marriages in northern Ghana

Child marriage is practised in Ghana with a prevalence rate of 27.2 %. This high prevalence is due to how marriage is conceptualized and constructed in communities that practice child marriage. Though reasons for the practice of child marriage are well documented, empirical studies of the married adolescent girls’ reasons for marrying early in the Ghanaian context are scant. This study, therefore, sought to present experiential factors that influenced the early marriage of adolescent girls. Twenty-one married girls aged between 13 and 17 years were recruited from selected communities in the Northern region of Ghana using purposeful, convenient and snowball sampling techniques. Individual face-to-face in-depth interviews with a semi-structured interview guide were adopted for the collection of data. A generic inductive qualitative analysis method was used to analyse the accounts of their experiences. Three core themes emerged as reasons influencing participants’ decision to marry. Personal motivating factors focused on adolescent girls’ personal need for children, idleness, peer group comparison and love. Economically motivated reasons include poverty, the quest for a better life and enticement by men. Sociocultural reasons include teenage pregnancy, family pressure and societal views on marriage among others. Information on the motivations for marriage among adolescent girls may be relevant to policymakers and interventionists in developing measures and interventions that are tailored to the needs of individuals affected by the practice of child marriage.

Consent to sexual activity in accordance with article 197 of the Criminal Code

Abstract In the 21st century, legislation in many jurisdictions is moving away from defining the crime of rape based on the use of coercion and instead focusing on the violation of the injured person’s will. This analytical article aims to highlight changes in the understanding of the features of a crime under Article 197 of the Criminal Code, aligning it with the current societal awareness and views. This issue is relatively absent in scientific discourse, likely because phenomena such as stealthing have only recently received attention. The authors posit that, given the current interpretation of the features of the crime of rape in both doctrine and case law, the present legal framework satisfies the criteria of Article 36 of the Istanbul Convention. However, the doctrine, jurisprudence, and potentially the legislator face the challenge of adapting the crime of rape to contemporary needs. The conclusions drawn from the conducted research reveal problems that are only briefly touched upon in criminal law literature.

Environmental Degradation and its Metaphors in Cormac McCarthy's 'The Road’: A comparative study with other prominent Narratives

This research provides a comparative literary analysis focusing on Cormac McCarthy's "The Road" within the context of post-apocalyptic literature, emphasizing the novel's unique use of environmental degradation as a central theme. By contrasting McCarthy's work with other prominent narratives in the genre, the study explores the nuanced ways post-apocalyptic literature reflects and influences societal views on environmental issues. "The Road" is distinguished by its stark depiction of a desolate, ash-covered world and its profound exploration of survival's psychological and moral dimensions in the aftermath of an unspecified cataclysm. The analysis reveals McCarthy's subtle yet impactful use of environmental metaphors to delve into themes of hope, despair, human resilience, and the ethical dilemmas survivors face. Through this comparative approach, the research highlights McCarthy's contribution to the broader literary and cultural discourse on environmental degradation, positioning "The Road" as a pivotal work that enriches the genre by emphasizing the interplay between humanity and the natural world. The study underscores the importance of literature in fostering a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship and the urgent need for collective action in the face of ecological crises.

Construction of Expert Image in Genre of Editorial: Discursive Practices

This research focuses on discursive practices employed to construct the expert image within the genre of editorial articles. The expert image aligns with the goals of this textual form. Initially, editorials served as a tool for expressing the publication’s voice and ensuring the status of an independent social institution. While this function has somewhat diminished today, editorials still play a significant role in shaping societal views and values, especially during pivotal political events. Therefore, it is crucial for authors of editorial articles to maintain authority and expert status. Research findings demonstrate that discursive practices such as referencing authoritative sources, highlighting the author’s achievements in discussing the issue at hand, presenting quantitative data, formulating predictions, and recommendations are utilized to shape the expert image in editorial articles. These practices are perceived by readers as elements of expert knowledge, yet they actually belong to distinct realms: expertise and counter-expertise. The author of the article differentiates between expertise, anti-expertise, and counterexpertise.

Nurturing Black Male Mental Health Through the Black Church: A Conceptual Approach from a Social Work Perspective

ABSTRACT This article introduces a conceptual framework rooted in social work principles to support the mental well-being of Black males within the nurturing and supportive setting of the Black Church. It addresses how historical trauma, societal views of Black masculinity, and social determinants of health have made Black men more likely to experience mental health challenges. The framework combines vulnerability theory and social work theory to focus on Black men’s strengths and cultural sensitivities. It emphasizes the Black Church as a critical resource for promoting mental wellness and resilience. The approach includes implementing effective interventions to challenge stigma, improve the availability of mental health services, and encourage Black men to seek assistance. This article presents a holistic approach aimed at addressing mental health disparities experienced by Black males. It proposes using the strengths of the Black Church to promote resilience, facilitate healing, and encourage Black men to prioritize their mental well-being.

Right-wing authoritarianism, social dominance, system justification, and conservative political ideology as predictors of mental health stigma: The Hungarian case.

Insights from mental health stigma research indicate the importance of societal and political views on mental health perceptions. Most studies originate from typical Western neo-liberal settings and focus on generic mental health issues. Our research explores these associations in Hungary, an understudied post-communist context with significant stigma levels, examining a broad range of stigmas related to both general and three specific mental illnesses: schizophrenia, depression, and alcohol use disorder (AUD). The study aims to connect a wide array of political dispositions to stigma associated with both general and specific mental illnesses, exploring both attitudes and behavioral intentions. We surveyed 492 participants (147 males, 342 females) on their political dispositions, including Right-Wing Authoritarianism (RWA), Social Dominance Orientation (SDO), general and economic system justification, and conservative political ideology, and their attitudes toward general and specific mental illnesses. Regression analyses identified key political dispositions influencing stigma. RWA was significantly linked to most stigma outcomes, while conservative political ideology showed a selective impact. Other predictors had minimal influence on stigma outcomes. Our findings suggest that perceptions of danger, threat, and unconventionality, as indicated by RWA, are crucial for mental health stigmatization in Hungary. Intervention programs should target these factors, particularly in similar contexts.

“with my love”: the colonial legacy of racialized pedophilic pornography in the atlantic world

This essay provides a critical analysis of early-20th-century American postcards, focusing on the portrayal of black and white children as an aesthetic tool of white supremacy and pedophilic racist pleasures. These representations not only reflected but also perpetuated colonial ideologies and racial stereotypes, directly influencing educational practices and policies, and contributing to a social environment where discrimination and sexualization of children was normalized. The article begins with the contrast in the depiction of white and black children, revealing a pattern in which white children were often fetishized as embodiments of innocence and purity, while black children were subjected to pornified portrayals that reinforced negative stereotypes and sought to ensure the continued intergenerational subjugation of African Americans in the afterlife of slavery. A significant aspect of this analysis delves into the role of the zealous purity crusader Anthony Comstock in shaping societal views on childhood innocence and obscenity during the Progressive Era. As a U.S. postal inspector, Comstock wielded influence over public discourse and policy, particularly through his campaigns against the distribution of what he considered morally objectionable representations. This examination extends to the racial implications of Comstock’s adult-centric actions, exploring how they contributed to the differential treatment of black and white children in both media representations and broader societal contexts. The article argues that these images were not merely passive reflections of societal beliefs; rather, they were active tools used to shape and influence the educational and socialization processes of children, and they contributed to the perpetuation of Jim Crow violence, which was manifested through the sexual assault, castration, and lynching of black youth. Furthermore, this essay examines the broader socio-historical context in which racist and pedophilic images were produced and circulated. These postcards are still trafficked today under the false designation of ‘Black Memorabilia,’ reaching significant prices as vintage collector’s items, but the article reframes them as a genre of child pornography. This perspective critically challenges prevailing narratives that may sanitize or downplay the exploitative and violent nature of these images. This essay urges a reconsideration of these consumer items’ historical significance as instruments intricately complicit in sustaining colonial structures and ideologies surrounding childhood innocence in North America. Within this analytical framework, the dehumanization of black children through pedophilic pornography reflects a long heritage of anti-child violence in Western traditions and the colonial strategy of exploiting children of color as a lucrative mechanism for profit and libidinal pleasure.