Sociocultural Dimensions Research Articles

Livestock Sector's Economic Significance and Livelihood Support in Afghanistan: A Focus on Small Ruminants

Afghanistan predominantly an agrarian nation with a significant rural population, relies heavily on livestock for various purposes. Despite its pivotal role in the country's economy and the sustenance of rural communities, the livestock sector, particularly small ruminants like sheep and goats, often lacks the attention it deserves. This review seeks to evaluate the economic importance of small ruminants and address the challenges faced by livestock farmers, including insufficient pastures, imbalanced nutrition, and limited access to clean water. The analysis encompasses the contribution of small ruminants to the national economy, their impact on rural livelihoods, and the impediments encountered by small-scale farmers. Additionally, the study delves into the intricacies of production systems, market dynamics, and value chains associated with small ruminants, highlighting their role in income generation, employment, and food security. Exploring socio-cultural dimensions, the paper acknowledges the significance of small ruminants in traditional practices and social norms. However, it also underscores challenges in animal health, breeding, feeding, marketing, and infrastructure that hinder the sector's growth. The review underscores the necessity for targeted interventions, including improved veterinary services, enhanced extension support, better market linkages, and policy reforms, to fortify the small ruminant sector. By offering recommendations, the paper aims to guide policymakers, researchers, and practitioners toward fostering sustainable development and inclusive expansion of the small ruminant sector, ultimately uplifting the livelihoods of Afghanistan's small-scale livestock farmers.

The bamboo weaving training as a strategy for women's empowerment toward sustainability in rural revitalization: Practices, challenges and perspectives

The present study investigates the outcomes of bamboo weaving training programs in rural China from 2015 to 2022, employing ethnographic research methods to assess the impact of these programs on the well-being of rural women and their communities. The results indicate that the bamboo weaving training program has significantly improved the scientific literacy and technical skills of rural women, enhancing their self-confidence, income generation, and entrepreneurial endeavors. These improvements contributed to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, economic growth and rural revitalization toward sustainability. Additionally, several instances of constraints and challenges were observed from technical and economic perspectives. The study highlights the role of bamboo weaving training in poverty alleviation and sustainable development, promoting women's empowerment across technical, economic, psychological, and socio-cultural dimensions. Recommendations are provided for training institutions and organizations to enhance the well-being of rural women and foster sustainability in rural areas.

A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis Content Mapping of English Language Teaching as the Second Language in Arab Countries

This bibliometric analysis maps patterns in the literature on English language teaching (ELT) in Arab countries from 2000 to 2024. and provides a quantitative mapping of the research status, trends, and developmental trajectories in this domain. A total of 512 journal articles were analyzed using scientometric techniques. Data across social science, arts, and humanities publications were retrieved from Scopus. The results establish the genesis and growth patterns, collaborative networks, influential contributors, conceptual themes, and knowledge gaps that characterize ELT research in the Arab region. Key findings show: (1) Publications grew by 24% annually, accelerating across three stages: the initial, developmental, and rapid expansion. Research has concentrated on the education and linguistics fields. (2) Saudi Arabia led to productivity, while Lebanon, Yemen, and Morocco achieved the highest citation impact. Cross-country collaboration remains limited, although it has increased in China. The most prolific authors were ELYAS and AL-AHDAL. Core journals included System and Language Learning; (3) Foundational keywords like “English language teaching” persisted prominently, while terms like “Saudi EFL learners” and “EFL writing” gained prominence, signaling rising localization. However, the integration of sociocultural dimensions is limited. This study provides empirical guidance for future research policies and strategies. This study aims to advance impactful ELT scholarship tailored to the Arab context.

Farmers' Intentions for Sustainable Fertilizer Practices: A Study of Shallot Farmers

Sustainable fertilizer practices are needed in the context of resource degradation, climate change and population growth. Farmers' decisions to adopt sustainable agricultural practices are influenced by economic, psycho-social and technological availability aspects. This research aims to explain the factors that influence farmers' decisions to adopt sustainable fertilizer practices. The research model uses the basic Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and adds the socio-cultural dimension of farmers. The research was carried out by taking the case of shallot farmers' decisions regarding the use of fertilizer. The research was carried out using a survey approach of 111 shallot farmers taken using proportional sampling in the shallot production center of Brebes Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Square (SEMPLS). The research results found that farmers' attitudes towards adopting sustainable fertilizer practices were influenced by factors such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and social influence, while farmers' intentions to adopt sustainable fertilizer practices were influenced by farmers' attitudes and habits. The conclusions of this study have implications for technological development and socio-cultural aspects to scale up sustainable fertilizer practices.

Dissecting Gender Bias: Critical Discourse Analysis of Advertisements in Indonesia

This research aims to identify gender equality issues by deconstructing the meaning of gender equality in advertisements from a feminist perspective through Critical Discourse Analysis. This research uses a descriptive qualitative research design with a Critical Discourse Analysis approach developed by Fairclough, which focuses on three main dimensions: textual dimension (microstructural), text production practice dimension (mesostructural), and socio-cultural practice dimension (macrostructural). Research data were obtained through interviews with informants as well as from advertisements related to gender equality aired on YouTube. Data collection techniques include interviews and the method of free listening and listening (SBLC) with note-taking techniques. The data collected was then analyzed using triangulation and deconstruction methods to reveal the ideology contained in the ad text and compare it with the informants' views. The results of this study show that societal norms often undermine women's abilities and limit women's roles to the domestic domain or as companions to their husbands. This research is expected to provide a deeper understanding of the meaning of gender equality in advertising media and help build a new perspective that is more inclusive and acceptable to society in Indonesia. The phenomenon of gender equality remains a challenge in many countries, including Pakistan and Nigeria, although the approaches and responses to this inequality differ in each country. In Pakistan, gender representations in media and advertising tend to reinforce traditional stereotypes, while in Nigeria, women are more active in fighting inequality through platforms such as blogs, which are used to criticize patriarchy and fight for social change. Deconstructing meaning in advertising allows researchers and academics to critically evaluate whether gender equality always places men in a dominant position over women, thus opening space for deeper analysis and more equitable solutions.

Deconstructing the standpoint of female ex-convicts represented in the TV series Dapur Napi

Background: The representation of female ex-convicts, particularly in Indonesia, remains biased despite the increasing number of ex-convict narratives. This study focuses on addressing this gap by examining the TV series “Dapur Napi” on Vidio, exploring how the series illustrates power disparities in the reintegration of female ex-convicts into society and how the series uses hyperbolic dramatization of female ex-convicts for entertainment purposes. Purpose: This research aims to critically analyze how societal power discrepancies are represented in the media and how media constructs the identity and reality of female ex-convicts in “Dapur Napi” through the lens of standpoint theory. Methods: Employing Critical Discourse Analysis by Norman Fairclough, this research dissects the textual, discursive practice, and sociocultural practice dimensions of the TV series using a qualitative approach. Results: The study’s results reveal the portrayal of female ex-convicts, emphasizing complexities in identity construction, societal rejection, and the dual role of media in both entertainment and norm reinforcement. Implications: This research can further develop the discussion on Standpoint Theory, particularly providing insights into inequalities in the representation of marginalized female ex-convicts in popular media. Practically, this research can advocate for more accurate and diverse portrayals, and promote media literacy to challenge stereotypes and promote social inclusion.

Emotional attachment and philosophical worldviews explain human connectedness to nature in abandoned rural Spain

Land abandonment and rural depopulation are escalating worldwide, presenting sustainability dilemmas for both rural and urban regions. However, there remains a dearth of research on the sociocultural dimensions of abandonment from a local standpoint. This investigation focuses on a case study conducted in southeastern Spain, wherein a social survey was used to evaluate the perspectives of local communities concerning human–nature interconnectedness, land abandonment, and their impacts on quality of life. A survey campaign was administered in the case study region during the spring of 2021, and 122 surveys were collected. The findings identify, in the context of the progressive abandonment of rural lands in Spain, key factors that explain the desire of local people to inhabit and not abandon rural regions in southeastern Spain. Our results also show a strong connection between people and nature in rural Spain, which is explained by the capacity of locals to form relational values in rural environments and the existence of philosophical worldviews and emotional attachments to rural lifestyles. However, barriers to not abandoning rural environments were also identified, including a lack of professional and economic opportunities. Our results suggest that the mitigation of depopulation in rural areas in Spain requires actions to foster land stewardship and address socioeconomic imbalances.

Braiding the Ropes: Adding Second or Additional Language Acquisition to Reading and Writing Metaphors

Drawing on second language acquisition theories and existing visuals, this article proposes a new educational metaphor, Lane’s L2+ Acquisition Rope, to encompass the complexities of second or additional language learning. This metaphor integrates five major strands—external factors, social factors, affective factors, innate factors, and internal factors—to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding proficient second language acquisition. Implications of this visual highlight the importance of incorporating socio-cultural, neurological, and affective dimensions into educational metaphors to support diverse learners effectively. Lane’s L2+ Acquisition Rope offers a promising avenue for educators to enhance instructional practices and promote equitable learning outcomes for English Language Learners and other student subgroups.

Exploring the Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Corrective Actions in Conservation Management: A Case Study from Taka Bonerate National Park, Indonesia

Exploring the Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Corrective Actions in Conservation Management: A Case Study from Taka Bonerate National Park, Indonesia

Resilient planning pathways to community resilience to tsunami in Chile

There is growing urgency to develop resilient coastal communities worldwide due to an increase in destructive events. Many resilience assessment models, tools, and frameworks are being developed to guide planners and policy makers for planning resilient communities. However, many lack a multidimensional approach, while others disregard regional variations in indicators' importance, and neglect an adequate community involvement level. In turn, these factors hinder the development of a ‘Resilient Planning Pathway’ (RPP), or a set of planning strategies that consider key local environmental attributes and socio-cultural capacities. The RPP approach has been used in the context of vulnerable groups and urban and landscape planning worldwide. The objective of this study is to identify key resilience aspects to develop RPPs in Chilean coastal communities exposed to tsunami hazards. We used a cross-sectional participatory method with public servants and coastal communities which identifies regional variations in resilience dimensions, in order to define challenges for planners and policy makers. A systematic international literature review in Atlas.Ti revealed 78 resilience composite indicators and six resilience dimensions for tsunami hazards in Chile. Composite indicators were evaluated according to their importance and experience by 134 public servants within 42 coastal communities, revealing the aspects that guide the current development of RPPs. Public servants' responses are similar among macrozones and suggest that RPP development has focused on the physical, socio-cultural, and institutional dimensions, neglecting the ecological and economic dimensions. In contrast, the community opinions from 10 representative coastal settlements collected in 29 focus groups indicated that the importance of composite indicators varies among macrozones and with regards to the public servants' responses. This finding suggests commonalities and differences among macrozones regarding the challenges in developing Chilean coastal communities' RPPs. We believe that our methodological approach could help generate similar assessments in other world zones.

Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic: Promoting Vaccination and Public Health Resilience, a Narrative Review.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of adaptable and resilient public health systems capable of rapid response to emerging health crises. This paper synthesizes the lessons learned from the COVID-19 vaccination campaign and explores strategies to enhance vaccine uptake in the post-pandemic era. Key challenges identified include logistical, economic, sociocultural, and policy dimensions that impact vaccination efforts, particularly in low-resource settings. The analysis highlights the need for resilient supply chains, effective communication, community engagement, and equitable access to healthcare resources. The rapid development and deployment of mRNA vaccines exemplify the potential of innovative vaccine technologies, though public trust and acceptance remain crucial. Strategies such as partnerships with local leaders, tailored messaging, and integration of digital tools are essential for combating vaccine hesitancy. By applying these insights, future vaccination campaigns can be more efficient, equitable, and resilient, ultimately improving public health outcomes globally. This paper aims to inform policy and practice, ensuring that public health strategies are evidence based and context specific, thus better preparing for future health challenges.

Domestic Migrant Well-Being Orientations in Policy in a Developing Country (India): A Reflection

This article reflects on domestic migrant well-being orientations in policy in a developing country—India. Well-being has been conceptualized in many different ways, both in scholarly and practitioner literature. Given the lack of consensus on the well-being construct in general and especially so for domestic migrants, this study conceptualizes domestic migrant well-being in terms of three key dimensions—economic, sociocultural and health—and reflects on well-being orientations in policy in pre-COVID years and thereafter. The three-dimensional approach shows domestic migrant well-being in policy is more geared towards the economic relative to the sociocultural and health dimensions in the developing country context of India. This article also observes gaps and issues vis-à-vis standards recommended by global bodies. While the article commends the need to prioritize economic well-being, it also reflects on the current scope for improvement on all three dimensions and suggests measures to further strengthen the same.

Enhancing sustainable crop production through integrated nutrient management: a focus on vermicompost, bio-enriched rock phosphate, and inorganic fertilisers – a systematic review

Securing a consistent food supply remains a pressing global challenge, particularly for small-scale farmers grappling with obstacles in enhancing agricultural yields, especially in tropical soils. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) techniques, employing organic manures like vermicompost and bio-enriched rock phosphate, emerge as recommended solutions. Vermicompost is lauded for its nutrient richness and positive soil health impacts. At the same time, bio-enriched rock phosphate serves as a sustainable alternative to conventional phosphorus fertilisers, specifically tailored for tropical soil conditions. Despite individual studies assessing the effects of vermicompost, bio-enriched rock phosphate, and soluble fertilisers on plant growth, a comprehensive overview of their combined application is noticeably lacking. To fill this gap, this study employs the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) method to explore the synergies of combining these elements and their impacts on crop production and the environment. This review is among the first to comprehensively summarize the complexities of combining vermicompost, bio-enriched rock phosphate, and chemical fertilisers on various crops. It thoroughly examines potential advantages, disadvantages, effects on agricultural systems, socio-economic implications, and existing policies governing their usage. Our findings reveal that the combined application of vermicompost, bio-enriched rock phosphate, and soluble fertilisers leads to significant improvements in plant growth, yield, and soil properties. The optimal impact is observed when vermicompost constitutes 25% and soluble fertiliser comprises 75 or 100% of the recommended fertiliser dosage. Moreover, incorporating a mixture of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) strains in rock phosphate further enhances its positive effects. Despite these positive findings, we identified gaps in comprehensive approaches addressing socio-cultural dimensions and the lack of literature on prevailing policies regarding vermicompost use in agricultural systems highlighting the need for a more holistic understanding of vermicompost incorporation and a better grasp of the institutional frameworks guiding these practices. However, to secure sustainable crop production, farmers need to integrate vermicompost and biofertilisers with chemical fertilisers. In fostering the adoption of sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices on small rural properties, it is advisable to incorporate agricultural education into farmer training programs.

Educational technology, higher education discourses and the lived experience of lecturers as users

Abstract Technological innovations, under the aegis of ‘technology-enhanced learning’ (TEL), are high on policy agenda in higher education institutions (HEIs) in the UK and elsewhere. These developments have a direct impact on the conditions of teaching and learning. The socio-cultural dimension – the impact of change on working communities and their practices and beliefs on the ground – appears under-researched in empirical work (Selwyn, 2022). This paper reports on a qualitative study incorporating an analysis of linguistic metaphors that attempted to investigate that gap in one institutional context. It begins with a critical review of metaphors associated with policy and educational technology innovation in education discourses more broadly. Teaching staff were interviewed from across the institution’s main faculties. The interview transcripts formed a databank of naturally occurring language. Respondents used a range of metaphors, both conventional and novel, revealing insights into the affective and sociocultural dimensions of experience and understanding as well as perceptions of changing professional roles. For triangulation, linguistic analyses of relevant documentary sources, where available, were made and an example is included here. Overall, a more nuanced understanding of lecturers’ lived experience and engagement with educational technology was achieved by focusing on their metaphor usage.

Sociocultural dimensions of research on public health roles for community pharmacists in tuberculosis disease control in a developing country

Sociocultural dimensions of research on public health roles for community pharmacists in tuberculosis disease control in a developing country

Critical Discourse Analysis of Television News Coverage on the Relocation of Indonesia’s Capital City

The new phase of the State Capital Relocation (IKN) began in 2019, after President Joko Widodo inaugurated that Indonesia's capital would move to East Kalimantan. The relocation has been ongoing since then and has entered the infrastructure development stage. However, beyond the grandeur of the IKN construction, many aspects have been affected. This research aims to understand how the examined media construct discourse on capital relocation. This research employs a qualitative method, utilizing Norman Fairclough's critical discourse analysis model. Discourse analysis is conducted through three stages: text analysis, discourse practice analysis, and sociocultural analysis. Data collection methods were carried out using observation techniques, documentation studies through television media reporting, and in-depth interviews with informants representing Trans TV, Kompas TV, SCTV and NET. The research results in the text dimension indicate that the majority of the reporting is not in favour of the government's decision to relocate the capital because it is considered rushed in planning and has various negative impacts. In the discourse practice dimension, the reporting is heavily influenced by the media's socio-economic status (SES) in shaping the discourse. In the sociocultural dimension, it is shown that the capital relocation is one of the political strategies, and there is disagreement among various parties regarding the relocation. Therefore, the researcher suggests that the examined media should present balanced reporting and provide a balanced perspective in their coverage. Furthermore, caution is needed from the media to avoid being influenced by external media domination, ensuring that the information reported is accountable and prioritizes the public interest.

Nursing Care to Promote Comfort for People in Palliative Care: A Scoping Review

Introduction: Understanding the meaning and significance of comfort for people in palliative care can be a challenge for nurses when defining care. Objective: To map the available scientific evidence on nursing care that promotes comfort for people in palliative care. Materials and methods: This is a literature review based on the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A complete search was conducted in the Medline Complete, Cinahl Complete, Scopus, Web of Science, Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal, and OpenGrey databases. Primary studies were included, with quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods designs, published between January 2014 and March 2023, in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. The search syntax was adjusted for each database. A combination of MeSH, text words, and indexing terms using the boolean operators AND and OR was used. Truncation * was used to enhance the search. Results: 681 articles were found, of which 239 were duplicates. A total of 442 studies were analyzed and 409 were excluded for not reflecting the theme. The full texts from 33 articles were retrieved, of which eight were included in the review. Comfort-promoting nursing care integrates the physical, psychospiritual, environmental, and sociocultural dimensions. Of particular relevance are the implementation of pharmacological measures, respect for religious and cultural beliefs, encouragement for the presence of family members, communication, and the relaxation of rules. Conclusions: Promoting comfort for patients in palliative care includes direct care and support for the family. The individualization of care and the response to specific needs can result in relief, ease, and transcendence.

Mapping for connection, a life beyond mapping for control: lessons from ‘mapping-as-performance’ with Empatheatre in South Africa

This paper critically examines the intersections of Science, colonialism, and cartography in shaping perceptions of the ocean and its human-nature relationships. Drawing on Postcolonial Science and Technology Studies (PCSTS) and Decolonial Theory, it scrutinizes historical mapping practices, revealing how they perpetuated ontological hierarchies and controlled narratives of the ocean. Through archival research spanning from the Revolution to colonial exploration, the paper exposes how maps framed the ocean as a controllable entity, obscuring socio-cultural dimensions of biodiversity. Focusing on a case study in Northern Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, the authors explore an Empatheatre mapping process, that challenges Western ontologies and promotes counter-hegemonic cartographic practices. Situating this within critical cartography and PCSTS literature, the paper reveals how colonial projects molded perceptions of oceanic space and influenced environmental governance. In the South African context, the ocean is haunted by a violent history of racial exclusion and ecological exploitation. Initiatives like Operation Phakisa’s Blue Economy plan underscore the tension between economic growth and ecological sustainability, leading to rapid coastal developments. Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) emerges as a tool to reconcile these interests, yet its implementation raises questions about inclusivity and community participation. Introducing the Empatheatre method, characterized by a ‘Call and Response’ approach, the paper invites local communities to co-create maps reflecting their concerns and relationships with the ocean. Through attentive listening and collaborative storytelling, Empatheatre challenges traditional consultation methods, prioritizing meaningful engagement and collective meaning-making. Mapping in this context is not merely a static representation but a dynamic process of collective thinking and relationality. By foregrounding the social, cultural, and ecological context, Empatheatre’s approach redefines the mapmaker-map relationship and empowers communities as active agents in shaping their narratives. The transformative potential of Empatheatre lies in its ability to shift power dynamics and foster empathy between diverse stakeholders. Through performative storytelling and visual representations, Empatheatre creates space for marginalized voices and alternative modes of knowledge transmission. In conclusion, this paper advocates for a decolonial approach to oceanic cartographies that acknowledges diverse ontologies and fosters inclusive governance structures.

Clear in advance to whom? Exploring ‘transparency’ of assessment practices in UK higher education institution assessment policy

ABSTRACT This study examines transparency in assessment practices within UK higher education institutions (HEIs), addressing a gap in how transparency is framed within policy documents. Employing content analysis on policy documents from 151 HEIs, we explore the multifaceted nature of transparency through techno-rational approaches, socio-cultural practices, and socio-material enactments to offer a nuanced understanding of transparency conceptualization and its intended audience. Findings indicate a predominant focus on techno-rational approaches – emphasizing clear documentation and information dissemination – while often overlooking the socio-cultural and socio-material dimensions crucial for thorough understanding and stakeholder engagement. We propose a nuanced framework integrating these three approaches, urging a shift beyond mere information disclosure to active stakeholder engagement with assessment criteria through dialogue and interaction. This research contributes to the discourse on transparency in assessment by offering theoretical and practical insights. Theoretically, it advances our understanding of transparency as a dynamic and contextually situated practice, challenging static conceptualizations. Practically, it provides a robust basis for refining assessment policies and practices, emphasizing clarity, comprehensibility, and inclusivity. By recognizing the diverse needs of stakeholders – students, educators, and assessors – the study advocates for policy enhancements that promote a deeper, actionable understanding of assessment practices. The findings lay the groundwork for future research on the conceptualization and impact of transparency in higher education, guiding more effective policy development and implementation. This study underscores the importance of comprehensive, well-articulated policies in fostering a shared understanding of transparent assessment practices within HEIs.

Applying the anthropological theory of didactics to enhance a multicultural approach to statistics education for engineering students

PurposeThis work aims to introduce basic principles of the Anthropological Theory of Didactics applied to enhance the multicultural sensitivity in engineering statistics classroom. The approach emphasizes understanding learners’ socio-cultural backgrounds to tailor educational practices that resonate more effectively with engineering students.Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines the application of the Anthropological Theory of Didactics within the context of statistics education for engineering students. This study aims to explore how integrating socio-cultural dimensions of learning can make teaching statistics more effective and engaging.FindingsThe application of the Anthropological Theory of Didactics reveals significant potential for enhancing the educational experience in statistics. By acknowledging and incorporating the diverse cultural perspectives of students, educators can develop teaching methods that are not only more inclusive but also more engaging. This methodology encourages a deeper connection between statistical concepts and engineering practices, aiding in the conceptualization of statistics among future engineers.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the field by providing concrete activities and pedagogical strategies that use the Anthropological Theory of Didactics in a novel context. These activities are designed to foster a better integration of statistical education with engineering, highlighting the theory’s versatility and its relevance to modern educational challenges. This innovative approach promises to enhance how statistics is taught to engineering students, potentially leading to more profound educational outcomes and a stronger grasp of statistical applications in engineering.