Sociocultural Approach Research Articles

The rhetoric of ideological transgression: History and psychological language in the archives of the Securitate

This paper presents a discursive and sociocultural approach to the rhetoric of ideological transgression in the archives of the Securitate (the infamous Romanian communist secret police) during the Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej (1948–65) and Nicolae Ceaușescu (1965–89) periods. First, we explore Securitate’s discursive practices of defining and responding to ideological transgression and antagonism. We examine the case of two suspected legionaries (Constantin Vaman and Petru Mureșan) to illustrate how the Securitate chose to catalogue and describe those it considered prototypical ideological antagonists. We look at the language and categories used in Securitate files, surveillance operative reports, and instructional manuals to describe people the communist state deemed ‘enemies of the state.’ The first part of the paper offers a brief historical overview of the Securitate and its role in quelling opposition and dissent. We then highlight the contribution of discursive psychology to the analysis of discursive practices of a professional community in the service of state power as a cultural form of communication. Finally, we show how psychological language is strategically mobilized to define a particular class of ideologically transgressive behavior in Securitate’s surveillance apparatus.

Aesthetic Literacies in Digital Learning Ecologies: Tracing Aesthetic Tools and Functions in a Youth Literary Salon

Concerned with disinformation, fake news, and a posttruth era, literacy research on digital learning ecologies has focused on content of the texts that youth encounter but less explicitly on aesthetics—issues of form or the way a text is written. Drawing on critical sociocultural theories, this article examines youth aesthetic meaning-making with non-neutral digital texts. The data analyzed are part of a multiyear multimethod study of the aesthetic literacy practices of queer youth of color and allies. Data were collected during an online summer literary salon where youth discussed textual content alongside issues of aesthetic forms. Findings illustrate that youth drew on a broad range of aesthetic tools to achieve (1) a poetic function concerned with how aesthetic forms elicit figurative, connotative, and storied meanings; (2) a catalytic function concerned with how aesthetic forms persuade, manipulate, or encourage particular actions; and (3) an ideological function concerned with how aesthetic forms inscribe or contest social inequalities. These tools and functions, complicate previous understandings of disinformation, fake news, and critical reasoning in literacies research. This study suggests a critical sociocultural approach to aesthetics as territory for further scholarship across many areas of literacy research.

Media Coverage of Women across Countries (The Special Case of Azerbaijan)

The relevance of this study results from the need to examine the way in which images of women and femininity are presented in the Azerbaijani media. The purpose of the study is to analyse the characteristics of the portrayal of women in Azerbaijani television advertising. The theoretical and methodological foundations of the study are based on gender and socio-cultural approaches. The method of audiovisual content analysis was used for the study. The sample includes 103 commercials collected between 2020 and 2023, with the prerequisite of the presence of female characters. The results showed two main trends in the portrayal of women. Firstly, a patriarchal perception dominates: women are usually presented as housewives or mothers, and most advertising takes place in a domestic environment. Women are often depicted in advertisements for men's products, which reinforces patriarchal stereotypes. Secondly, there is an emancipatory trend, which is reflected in the reduced objectification of women's sexuality in advertising. The plots and dialogues of commercials practically do not contain stereotypical ideas about women and present them in a positive light. Further research should aim to develop practical recommendations for improving the broadcasting of women’s images in an emancipatory context.

Socio-Cultural Approach through Digital Teaching Modules: A Solution to Improve Beginning Reading Skills in Elementary Schools

The low level of early reading skills among primary school students in Indonesia is one of the significant challenges in education. International evaluations such as PISA show that Indonesian students' basic literacy skills are still below average, affecting their overall academic development. One of the contributing factors to these low results is learning that is less relevant to students' socio-cultural context. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of a socio-cultural-based digital teaching module on primary school students' beginning reading skills. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a sample of 200 grade 1 students divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group learned using socio-cultural-based digital teaching modules, while the control group applied conventional learning methods. The instrument used was a beginning reading test with 20 questions that measured the ability to recognize letter symbols, distinguish words based on the same initial letter or syllable, and compose syllables into words. Independent Sample T-Test analyzing an independent sample, ensuring that the ty and homogeneity tests were met. The results revealed significant differences between the experimental and control groups, with the experimental group showing more significant improvement in all indicators of beginning reading ability. Further discussion showed that the socio-cultural-based approach in this module made learning more relevant, exciting and interactive for students, ultimately improving their reading comprehension and motivation. In addition, integrating digital technology in this module supports flexibility and continuity of learning, allowing students to learn according to their pace and needs. This research has important implications, namely the need for broader implementation of Socio-Cultural Based Digital Teaching Modules in primary schools to improve basic literacy. However, to ensure its successful implementation, adequate technological infrastructure support and teacher training are needed to optimize this digital-based learning in the classroom.

Beyond networks and institutions: Rethinking the role of organization in illicit drug market interaction

Social network and sociocultural approaches generally dominate current research on illicit drug markets. The main argument of these perspectives is that networks and social norms are more important elements than organization in drug markets. However, there is a need to understand aspects of interaction in drug markets that actors explicitly make decisions about – aspects that are the result of organization – alongside the emergent aspects emphasized in the social network and sociocultural approaches. In this conceptual article, we argue that partial organization theory offers a much-needed complement to existing approaches, and is useful in understanding how different groups, gangs, networks, states and market organizers in drug markets use decisions to organize their activities and the market as such.

One health and social research in disease ecology: A social contextual study of vector-borne diseases in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Although disease ecology recognizes the multiplicity of factors involved in the (re)emergence of vector-borne diseases (VBD), it is necessary to strengthen attention to the social context and the social determinants of health. It is essential to integrate a sociocultural approach to health into the biological analysis of VBD ecology. To implement a coherent One Health approach in the prevention and control of VBD, it is pivotal to first understand the social and ecological interactions of the local context. Between October 2021 and June 2022, a social contextual study was made through surveys, semi-structured interviews and participatory activities in 12 localities with diverse ecological, economic and socio-cultural contexts in the Yucatan Peninsula. Through the perceptions of the populations on health and VBD, specifically mosquitoes, we gained knowledge on socio-cultural dynamics that influence people's relationship with pathogens. Local knowledge, management, and control of vectors; interactions with domestic and wild animals; and health-landscape relationship, were identified as factors that determine health-disease processes. This study contributed to a better understanding of local contexts and therefore, to the design of socially pertinent strategies for the reduction of vector-borne diseases risk scenarios in the study sites with an integrated approach.

Evolution of Theatrical Culture of Ukraine in the context of National Identity

The purpose of the article is to analyse the main aspects in the evolution of theatrical culture in Ukraine in the context of the formation and preservation of national identity. The research methodology is based on a combination of different approaches, including historical, sociocultural and artistic analysis of theatrical events and their interaction with political, sociocultural and economic factors. The historical approach enabled the author to trace the main stages of the development of theatrical culture in Ukraine, in particular the influence of political and social conditions on the formation of the national theatre. The artistic analysis enabled focusing on the aesthetic aspects of theatrical creativity, and the socio-cultural approach – to investigate the relationship between the theatre and society. Scientific novelty. The study is groundbreaking in its analysis of the impact of contemporary events, such as Euromaidan 2014 and the full-scale invasion of 2022, on Ukrainian theatre culture, as well as exploring the process of de-Russification in theatre. In addition, the article emphasises the role of individual artists and the development of modern drama, which underlines the theme of war and national identity. Conclusions. The process of formation of national identity in Ukraine in the context of historical events and cultural transformations was highlighted. Despite the various prohibitions of the desire to destroy national identity, the activities of outstanding national figures, in particular theatre figures, have always popularised Ukrainian culture. A promising direction in the development of theatre culture is to take into account all mental and ideological differences within the framework of Ukrainian values, since every Ukrainian is currently rethinking the question of their identity. The evolution of Ukrainian theatrical culture is an integral part of the process of formation and preservation of national identity. The theatre itself is an important tool of socio-cultural development, which helps Ukrainian society to realise its uniqueness and preserve its cultural heritage.

Native American language rights in light of Lau: Overlapping policies and possibilities

ABSTRACT Using a sociocultural approach with Indigenous epistemology, we examine language policies related to Lau. We researched how Lau impacted Native language policies through the Sinajini v. Board of Education of San Juan School District. Native education rights are embedded in treaty rights. As such, Native students have unique statuses with political and racialized identities, both of which Lau references. Native students are also unique as heritage language learners, English language learners, and members of Tribal Nations. Although the Lau case was not intended for Native students, it has possibilities to strengthen the argument for Native heritage languages.

Социокультурный подход к изучению феномена детства

The article substantiates the relevance of the appeal to the study of the phenomenon of childhood, analyzes the negative consequences of the collapse of the country in the 1990s, and notes a positive trend in the activities of the state in the socio-cultural sphere of modern Russia. The methodological multidimensional nature of the study of the phenomenon of modern childhood is considered and the need for its use within the framework of a sociocultural approach is argued, while the features of childhood culture and its content are revealed. The authors present examples of the implementation of the results of scientific research on the phenomenon of childhood in the educational activities of universities in the country, as well as a brief description of the educational course “Culture of Childhood”, its constituent elements, and some approaches to teaching methods. An integral element in the study of the course “Culture of Childhood” is conducting training sessions and boundary control using interactive forms and teaching methods, performing creative tasks that contribute to the development of socio-cultural technologies, and the accumulation of a “creative portfolio”. The article substantiates the idea of the need for further study of childhood and the use of research results for implementation in social practice and in the training of specialists in the socio-cultural sphere. Conclusions are drawn that the study of the world of childhood in different human societies is multi- and interdisciplinary in modern science. The peculiarity of the socio-cultural approach to the study of the phenomenon of childhood is the systematization and synthesis of existing and new knowledge about modern childhood and the integration of research results into social practice, there has been a tendency to form a new aspect in the field of socio–cultural study of the phenomenon of childhood – educational.

Conflict And Consensus in Fiqh Siyasah: The Practice of Islamic Law Across Various Cultures

The Acehnese in various regions face the challenge of reconciling Islamic teachings with local cultural realities. Addressing religion-based conflicts is particularly difficult because local cultures often contain norms and traditions that differ from Islamic teachings. This research aims to explore how the dynamics of conflict and consensus in fiqh siyasah shape the cultural life of the Acehnese. The research consolidates previous studies using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). The findings indicate that the practice of siyasah jurisprudence is highly relevant in fostering social solidarity and tolerance. Local traditions and customs hold deep significance for the Acehnese community; however, conflicts often arise due to differences in approaches and interpretations of Islamic law, leading to tension, mistrust, and suspicion among individuals. Presently, religion-based conflicts are mediated solely by Sharia courts, raising concerns as the prevailing consensus favors a socio-cultural approach. Such resolution methods generate diverse perspectives, as decisions made by customary institutions may not endure in a dynamic socio-cultural context. Although the Acehnese community firmly adheres to a culture-based approach, religious issues remain difficult to compromise. These findings imply a need for harmonization between local customs and interpretations of Islamic law to reduce conflict.

Predictors of Deep Learning and Competence Development in Children Aged 5–7 Using Augmented Reality Technology

While a number of studies have shown the potential and benefits of augmented reality (AR) technology for preschool education, less attention has been paid to the problem of children’s deep learning and development of the competencies applying AR and to the pedagogy of AR. The aim of the study presented in this paper is to uncover the educational predictors of deep learning and competence development of 5–7-year-old children using AR technology. The research adopted a quantitative research approach and a survey design. The participants were 319 preschool teachers using AR technology for children’s education. The study revealed that a statistically significant predictor of promoting deep learning in preschool children is teachers’ roles, based on a constructivist and socio-cultural approach, when using AR. The research highlights the roles of the teacher as a creator of learning contexts and situations that engage children; the teacher as a proactive facilitator of children’s learning; and the teacher as an educator who acts, thinks and reflects with children, among others. Statistically significant educational predictors of children’s competence development were found to be: teachers’ perceptions of AR technology, the roles assumed by teachers, and the areas of children’s education in which AR technology is used.

Malay identity in the exploration of miniature creation as souvenirs: contextual miniature of Malay architecture of North Sumatra, Indonesia

As a testament to the past Malay glory, there are monumental architectures in Medan (North Sumatra, Indonesia), Langkat (North Sumatra, Indonesia) and Batubara Regencies (North Sumatra, Indonesia) that have become Malay icons. The city of Medan and several areas in North Sumatra are known as tourist destinations since the early 20th century. The tourism has strong potential but it has not been supported by representative souvenir products. This article discusses the preservation of Malay identity through research into the manufacture of miniatures as souvenirs. The aim is to explore the potential of Malay architectural forms to be explored in the production of miniature souvenirs to revitalize North Sumatra’s Malay identity. The replicated research methods are survey, creation (creative experiment), and conservation methods in the socio-cultural approach. Research data was collected from various sources and analyzed using an interactive model. The results of the study explain that the potential identity of Malay architecture can be mapped based on its type (function) and structure. Its exploratory potential, both technically and aesthetically, lies in the dynamic visualization of roof forms and architectural facades. As it is researched based on the iconic Malay architectural figures, the miniature products are exclusive in the form of unique souvenirs with a strong Malay identity.

Beyond the Boundaries of Faith: A Multidimensional of Religious Spatial Segregation in the Context of Urban Society

This study aims to analyzes the spatial dimension of religion contributes to polarization and conflict between religious groups in urban societies. Using a qualitative descriptive approach and literature review method, this research explores the forms, impacts, and prevention efforts of religious spatial segregation through analysis of cases involving the dissolution of religious rituals and rejection of houses of worship construction. This study argues that the spatial dimension of religion reinforces the boundaries of religious differences, transforming them from imaginary to clear and practical boundaries, thus giving rise to tensions between religious groups. In order to address religious violence resulting from segregation, this study proposes a peacebuilding design with an integrative structural and socio-cultural approach. The research findings indicate that the concept of religious spatiality is both ambiguous and paradoxical, with blurred categorizations of space trigger contestation of meaning between groups, potentially leading to conflict and violations of religious freedom. This study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of religious conflict in urban contexts and highlights the importance of a spatial approach in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts.

THE ROLE OF LINGUISTIC BACKGROUND IN SHAPING STUDENTS’ READING PROFICIENCY IN VIRTUAL SETTINGS: A CORRELATIONAL STUDY

This research draws from the linguistic relativity hypothesis and sociocultural literacy perspectives to investigate how students’ linguistic backgrounds influence their digital reading practices in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) settings. Specifically, it examines the impact of Algerian Arabic and Berber languages on digital literacy habits among university students. Utilizing a sociocultural approach that views reading as a social activity, a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative analyses was employed to ensure the credibility of the findings. The study surveyed students from two different Algerian universities situated in cities where the inhabitants primarily speak different native languages, namely Kabyle and Arabic, respectively. The data were collected through a questionnaire and analysed using both statistical and content analysis methods. Results reveal contrasting reading practices between Arabic and Berber speakers, with Arabic speakers emphasizing cognitive benefits of reading, while Berber speakers view it as a cultural tradition, particularly evident in their digital literacy habits. Digital literacy, for Berber speakers, represents both freedom and a continuation of their oral heritage, shaping their preference for narrative texts. In contrast, Arabic speakers lean towards descriptive texts. In conclusion, this study underscores the influence of linguistic backgrounds on Algerian EFL students’ digital reading behaviours.

Diversity is not inclusion: a four-dimensional approach to corporate creative-intensive ecosystems

This paper aims at presenting a four-dimensional approach to studying and managing creative-intensive ecosystems, namely flows, spaces, temporalities, and processes. The study departs from a sociocultural approach and draws on the authors’ qualitative research on innovation management, historical facts, and related studies on creativity. The research corpus includes 11 semi-structured interviews (13 hours and 37 minutes) with innovation managers with experience in large companies in Brazil and interpreted with a framework analysis technique. The text concludes that the potential of corporate creative processes lies in their ability to manage communication flows, spaces, temporalities, and processes that allow for systemic differentiation between more conservative social arrangements. The dimensions are deductively implied from the results of the framework analysis.

Systematic Review in Solving Mathematical Problems

The ongoing challenges faced by mathematics students are highlighted through an analysis of the effectiveness of different teaching styles used worldwide. A systematic review of the literature selected nine articles from a total of 598 relevant articles using rigorous inclusion criteria and quantitative techniques. The results suggest that incorporating problem-solving skills into educational programs can significantly improve students' critical thinking and academic performance. Constructivist and sociocultural approaches, which promote collaboration, introspective practice, and participation, have been shown to be highly effective. The conclusion is that to foster a fruitful and meaningful learning environment and to enhance students' critical thinking and academic achievement in mathematics, a balanced teaching approach that combines direct instruction and independent learning is essential. This can be achieved through the use of technology and collaborative resources.

Rediscovering human capital in the conditions of reflexive modernity

Relevance. The relevance is due to the need to revise approaches to the theoretical understanding of the concepts of «human capital» and «reflexivity» as social phenomena, the need to identify the relationship between these phenomena.The purpose is to show the possibilities of expanding the understanding of the phenomenon of human capital based on the analysis of existing theoretical approaches of various sciences to the concept of «reflexivity».Objectives: to study the peculiarities of understanding the phenomenon of reflection in philosophy, psychology, sociology and to highlight the meaningful characteristics of reflexivity as a component of human capital in modern society.Methodology. The author relies in the study on the possibilities of an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the phenomenon of reflection. The sociological analysis is based on the ideas and principles of systemic, synergetic, sociocultural approaches. The starting point for the analysis of the phenomenon of human capital was the concept of V. S. Golubev.Results. The article substantiates the idea that the transition to a new type of social organization, accompanied by the appearance of new characteristics in the social system, led to the development and strengthening of the importance of reflexivity of society. At the same time, the requirements for the individual are changing and the content of human capital is being revised. This process is conditioned by the need to increase awareness, objectivity of ideas about the system of social relations in conditions of expanding individual freedom, its role in social processes, increasing the volume of information produced by society and the subjects involved in this process.Conclusions. Reflexivity as a characteristic of a social system has appeared relatively recently. The basis of its formation was the evolution of human psychological processes and a qualitative change in the living conditions of society. There is an expansion of the potential of the individual and society, and, on the other hand, the risks that she has to face. The ability to reflect is considered as part of the intellectual and spiritual capital of the individual. It presupposes the activity of the individual in the perception of social processes and events, which was previously the lot of the elite, the development of sophisticated intellectual mechanisms for working with information, analyzing their own and others' experiences.

Sociological Roots of the Emergence of Terrorism in Indonesia: An Interdisciplinary Approach

This study aims to analyze the sociological measurement of the emergence of terrorism in Indonesia, as well as the development of terrorism and its prevention. The purpose of the research is to look at the sociological roots in more detail to find more comprehensive steps in preventing terrorism in Indonesia. This study uses qualitative description. The research method uses library research which obtains secondary data including literature books, laws and regulations, official documents, and other relevant data. In this writing, the author uses a sociological history approach. The result of this paper is that terrorism has many dimensions, namely the local dimension, the regional dimension, and the global dimension to unravel the sociological roots of the emergence of terrorism in Indonesia, then the overcoming steps need cooperation from all parties, the government, the community, and the international world because the overcoming action is not by using repression so that it can violate human rights, but also using a socio-cultural approach by inviting all components including the so that the seeds of terrorism that exist in society can be minimized, and cut off the roots of its development to grow radicalism in common life.

THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF THE SOCIOLOGICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE REGIME OF TEMPORALITY: THE FOUNDATIONS OF ARCHITECTONICS

The aim of this work is to investigate and conceptualize the ‘temporality regime’ as a socio-cultural phenomenon, primarily analyzing its impact on social processes and social transformations. This study characterizes the concept of ‘temporality regime’ by employing heuristic resources of sociological theorization, particularly the socio-cultural approach, discourse theory, P.Bourdieu’s principle of double structuration of reality, and specific provisions of practice theory. Two levels of inter connection in the architectonic soft he temporality regime are established: static and dynamic. It is determined that the static level includes the inter connection of the objective background (culture) and the subjective plane (interpretative activity of subjects). The objective background is defined by cultural postulates that have imperative power, where as the subjective plane includes the activities of actors who interact with the products of cultural production. It is noted that the dynamic level of the temporality regime concerns the inter connection of social changes and the discursive field of the temporality regime through the pragmatic dimension. Social changes act as factors of transformation of the temporality regime, and conversely, temporality regimes influence social dynamics. It is found that this double interconnection forms a new level of discursive production, where social practices transform into discursive practices and vice versa, affecting the formation and development of social changes. The theoretical significance of the study lies in a deeper understanding of the temporality regime as a socio-cultural phenomenon, enabling the analysis of the interaction between culture and social practices in the context to social changes. The practical significance of the studies that understanding these inter connections will allow form or effective management of social changes and prediction of their consequences. The scientific novelty of the research is associated with the identification of static and dynamic levels of interconnection in the architectonics of the temporality regime, allowing for a concrete analysis of the impact of culture on the activities of actors and social changes, and vice versa. Limitations of the study include the need for additional empirical data to confirm theoretical conclusions. Therefore, future research prospects involve the collection of additional empirical data.

Strategic Steps To Make Effective National Energy Conservation Movement

The aim of this research is energy conservation as a pillar of national energy management which has not received adequate attention in Indonesia. The method used in this writing is qualitative descriptive. This method is used to describe the facts in the field. The results achieved in this research are the increasingly popular idea of ??using energy economically as a "smart way of living". The clearest indicator of the work carried out by the energy conservation center and other elements of society is Japan's success in positioning itself as the country with the best energy usage productivity in the world and maintaining this position over the period until now. The conclusion of the results obtained is the acceleration of the formation of an energy saving culture by involving all elements of society with a religious and sociocultural approach.