Socio-cultural Dynamics Research Articles

Factors contributing to the decline of Animere Language in Ghana

The study aimed to explore the factors contributing to the decline of the Animere language in Ghana by delving into its historical context, linguistic features, cultural significance, and the broader socio-economic dynamics at play. Employing a qualitative research design, the study conducted in-depth interviews with ten respondents from the Animere-speaking community, structuring the interview guide into four sections to focus on specific aspects of the Animere language. Through thematic analysis, the research identified several factors contributing to the language's decline, including external influences like media and education, internal community dynamics, generational shifts, and socio-economic motivations, while also highlighting the deep cultural significance of the language and its role in shaping the identity of its speakers. The study acknowledged limitations in its sample size and geographical scope, primarily focusing on specific regions where Animere speakers reside, suggesting that future research could benefit from a larger sample and a more diverse geographical representation. The findings underscore the need for educational reforms, media engagement, community initiatives, policy interventions, and economic incentives to address the decline of the Animere language. It calls for collaborative efforts involving educators, policymakers, community leaders, and media professionals to rejuvenate and celebrate the rich linguistic heritage of Animere. This research offers a comprehensive exploration of the decline of the Animere language, bridging the gap between linguistic research and socio-cultural dynamics, and provides valuable insights for linguists, anthropologists, policymakers, and community leaders interested in language preservation and cultural heritage.

Non-destructive investigations at Neolithic tell-centered settlement complexes on the Great Hungarian Plain

AbstractIn Southeast Europe, recent years have witnessed a notable shift in scholarly focus related to prehistoric tell sites, expanding to encompass both their immediate surroundings and broader contexts. This shift has coincided with, and to a large extent has been generated by, significant methodological advancements in an array of non-invasive methods, including particularly magnetic prospection. This paper presents the methodology and results of an integrated set of non-destructive investigations conducted at Battonya-Parázs-tanya, a Middle/Late Neolithic settlement located in the southeastern part of the Great Hungarian Plain. In addition to various map sources, magnetometry, LiDAR, thermal and multispectral imaging, and surface survey were utilized at this tell-centered settlement complex to locate old excavation blocks and gain insights into settlement size, layout, and land use. Our data indicates that Battonya-Parázs-tanya spanned approximately 110 ha, with two primary ditches surrounding the tell and indications of a possible third enclosure, suggesting significant human alterations to the local landscape. This study underscores the importance of integrating multiple non-invasive techniques to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the organizational complexities of and variations in large Neolithic settlements, thereby shedding light on socio-cultural dynamics that shaped them.

The Impacts of Perceived Safety and Service Quality on Perceived Accessibility by Public Transport in Melbourne

In recent years, accessibility to services and activities using sustainable transport modes has become an important goal for land use and transport planning policies. Traditional approaches rely on objective measures, such as travel time, distance, costs, and other spatial data, overlooking personal preferences, experiences, demographic features, and socio-cultural and economic dynamics. Attributes that affect perceptions of accessibility require attention but our understanding of the factors influencing perceived accessibility is inadequate, particularly in Australia’s expanding suburbs. Through a literature review and questionnaire surveys, this study aims to take into account various travel characteristics and enhance the understanding of how perceived safety and service quality impact mobility behaviour and perceived accessibility within the Australian context. The study found that perceived safety and service quality have significant impacts on perceived accessibility and hence influence the use of public transport. We have identified critical factors that require proper consideration in transport and land use planning and policies to enable a better contribution from public transport to the liveability and well-being of residents in Australian suburbs.

The Rajah Tradition: Cultural Identity and Spiritual Practices within an Islamic Context

This study aims to explore the rajah tradition in Kebon Panjang Village, examining its role as both a cultural artefact and a spiritual medium, and understanding how it reflects the intersection between local customs and Islamic values. A qualitative approach with a phenomenological framework was employed, allowing an in-depth exploration of the rajah tradition through interviews, participant observation, and literature review. Data were gathered from both primary sources, such as community leaders and practitioners, and secondary sources, including academic articles and books on amulets and traditional practices. The findings reveal that rajah serves multiple purposes, including protection, blessing, healing, and authority enhancement. It acts as a cultural bridge between traditional beliefs and Islamic spirituality, illustrating how local customs adapt to fit modern religious frameworks. The study also identifies the dual perception of rajah within the community—some view it as a form of Islamic devotion, while others approach it with caution, concerned about potential contradictions with orthodox Islamic teachings. This study provides insights into the sociocultural dynamics of spiritual practices, highlighting the community’s pragmatic approach to religious and cultural identity. The findings suggest that rajah contributes to social cohesion, emotional support, and cultural preservation, offering a model for similar cultural practices in other regions to adapt in the face of religious and modern influences. This research contributes to the literature on amulets and spiritual artefacts by examining rajah within the unique socio-religious context of an Indonesian village, offering a nuanced understanding of how traditional practices coexist and evolve alongside mainstream religious beliefs. The study underscores the significance of rajah as both a symbol of cultural resilience and a tool for spiritual assurance.

The Impact of Designating a Sports Area in Sena Village, Batang Kuis District, Deli Serdang Regency on Regional Development

This study examines the impact of designating a sports area in Sena Village, Batang Kuis District, Deli Serdang Regency, on local regional development. The development of a sports area has significant potential to drive local economic growth, improve the quality of life for residents, and create new job and business opportunities. The study aims to identify the extent to which the presence of the sports area influences various aspects of regional development, including infrastructure, economy, and socio-cultural dynamics. The research employs a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Data was collected through field observations, interviews with various stakeholders, including local residents, regional government officials, and local business owners, as well as relevant literature reviews. Additionally, data analysis was conducted to understand the relationship between the development of the sports area and its impact on regional development. The results indicate that the designation of the sports area in Sena Village has had a significant positive impact on regional development. Infrastructure around the area has improved, including roads, transportation, and public facilities that support accessibility to the sports area. Economic impact is evident from the increase in local tourist visits, which has led to higher incomes for the community, especially in the small and medium enterprise sectors. Furthermore, the sports area has contributed to an increase in social and cultural activities within the community, with numerous sports events and festivals held regularly.

A Comparative Study of the Translated Arabic Versions of the Novel ‘To the Lighthouse’ under Feminist Translation Theory

This paper, A Comparative Study of the Translated Arabic Versions of the Novel to the Lighthouse under Feminist Translation Theory, examines the influence of feminist translation theory on the interpretation of Virginia Woolf’s iconic novel. It focuses on two Arabic translations, both completed by female translators, to investigate how gender, cultural context, and personal experiences shape the depiction of Woolf’s female characters and the feminist themes central to her work. The study delves into the translators’ individual backgrounds and feminist ideologies, exploring how their perspectives and the sociocultural dynamics of the Arab world influence translation decisions. By analyzing shifts in language, tone, and narrative emphasis, it reveals how these translations navigate the challenges of preserving Woolf’s feminist voice while resonating within the framework of Arabic literary traditions. The paper also investigates the interplay between power relations, societal norms, and translation strategies, highlighting the translators’ efforts to balance fidelity to the original text with cultural relevance. It emphasizes the complexities involved in translating feminist viewpoints into a linguistic and cultural context where gender discourse often intersects with deeply rooted societal structures. Through this lens, the study underscores the transformative potential of feminist translation theory in reinterpreting literature, challenging patriarchal narratives, and enriching cross-cultural dialogue. By bridging feminist theory and translation studies, this research contributes valuable insights into the evolving role of gender in literary interpretation and cross-cultural communication.

Enacting policy change in Jordanian public schools: interrogating the reproductive habitus of Al Faza’a leadership

ABSTRACT An extensive longitudinal study examining the enactment of Jordan’s Education Reform for Knowledge Economy (ERfKE) policy in public schools uncovered the pervasive influence of Al-Faza’a leadership, which is deeply rooted in tribal values of solidarity and kinship. This article analyses Al-Faza’a leadership as a culturally potent force that profoundly challenges policy change for education reform. Through a sociological study guided by Bourdieu’s theory of practice, our findings reveal Al-Faza’a leadership as a distinctive form of illusio that is all the more powerful when intertwined with the doxa of Sheikhocracy. We illustrate how Al-Faza’a leadership embodies a persistent reproductive habitus, obstructing ERfKE’s transformative potential and exemplifying resistance to externally imposed and culturally ill-suited reform agendas in Jordan’s schools. By dissecting nuanced sociocultural dynamics shaping leadership practices, the article focuses on the experiences and perspectives of public school principals charged with policy enactment. It illuminates embedded cultural practices within schools and the Ministry of Education that are steeped in long-held traditions and beliefs which undermine policy objectives. This grounded theory-building study highlights the unsuitability of imported policy ideals that assume universal applicability and emphasizes the necessity of culturally sensitive approaches to education policymaking, policy enactment, and, hence, to education reform.

Cultural Imprints on Urban Housing: A Spatial Analysis of Apartment Designs in Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa

Apartment design is often assumed to follow a standardized model, disregarding cultural influences. However, cultural context can significantly shape the spatial organization of living environments. A significant gap exists in addressing how cultural factors influence apartment design in rapidly urbanizing African cities. Modern architectural practices frequently overlook the sociocultural dynamics essential for creating living spaces that resonate with local populations. This study investigates the spatial configuration of apartment units in three African countries—Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana—challenging the notion of universally homogeneous apartment designs. By applying Space Syntax, a quantitative analysis tool, this study examines how cultural factors distinctly influence the layout of apartments. The findings reveal significant variations, particularly in the design of corridors, domestic servant quarters, and the separation of private zones. This research highlights the importance of incorporating cultural considerations into architectural design processes to promote housing solutions that are functionally efficient, culturally relevant, and responsive to local social norms. Future research could explore how these cultural influences manifest across different housing types, such as informal settlements and high-rise apartments, or examine the impact of migration and globalization on evolving housing needs.

Socio-Historical and Contemporary Context of Black Home Education within the Black Belt of the American South

ABSTRACT This research article explores the socio-historical and contemporary context of Black home education within the Black Belt of the American South through a literature review. This literature review aims to uncover the historical evolution, socio-cultural dynamics, and contemporary challenges and opportunities associated with Black home education in this region.

The elegance of lacquer: Unveiling traditional lacquer techniques in East Asia

This research delves into the intricate world of lacquer art in East Asia, aiming to unravel the relationships among artisan perspectives, aesthetic values, and the contemporary relevance of this ancient craft. The purpose is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how historical development, apprenticeship traditions, and evolving aesthetic values shape the intricate landscape of lacquer artistry. Employing a qualitative approach, this study conducts in-depth interviews with artisans and experts in the field of lacquer art. The research involves a comparative analysis of past literature, drawing upon historical and contemporary works to contextualize the findings within the broader trajectory of lacquer art. Thematic analysis is also applied to unravel the nuances of artisan perspectives, the transmission of knowledge through apprenticeship traditions, and the cultural and aesthetic dimensions embedded in lacquer paintings. This mixed-methods approach enriches the study by providing a holistic and nuanced exploration of the identified variables. The findings illuminate the enduring significance of apprenticeship traditions in preserving traditional lacquer techniques, with artisans actively navigating challenges posed by globalization and digital platforms. Aesthetic values, including symbolism and visual harmony, are revealed as integral components contributing to the narrative richness of lacquer paintings. The study uncovers the dynamic relationships among these variables, emphasizing the adaptive nature of lacquer art in a contemporary context. The implications extend to cultural preservation, heritage management, and educational initiatives, offering valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and educators involved in the realm of traditional crafts. The study contributes to theoretical frameworks on cultural continuity, knowledge transmission, and the socio-cultural dynamics of artistic practices.

Implementation of Betulungan on Multiethnic Women in Preserving The Haul Tradition in Samarinda East Kalimantan

This ethnographic study investigates the Haul tradition's execution in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, emphasising the procedures and challenges of preserving this significant religious and cultural event. The Haul custom- an Islamic observance that pays tribute to esteemed progenitors or saints, is of great spiritual significance; however, it is currently facing contemporary challenges, such as ethnic diversity and generational shifts. Betulungan, a native term that signifies cooperation and communal assistance, is the foundation of the Haul's prosperity in Samarinda. Betulungan's role in fostering collaboration among women from various ethnic backgrounds—Javanese, Banjar, Kutai, and Dayak—who are involved in the administration and maintenance of the Haul is further clarified in this study. The research employed a case study methodology, utilising data collected from five key informants chosen for their substantial contributions to the organization of the Haul within their communities. The neighborhood leader, a critical participant in organising community events, is identified as a key informant because he fosters collaboration and ensures inclusion in this multiethnic environment. The research, conducted through participant observation and exhaustive interviews, illustrates how Betulungan is a conduit for bridging ethnic divides and promoting interethnic collaboration in preparing food, rituals, and logistics for the Haul. The data indicate that Betulungan fosters a collaborative environment where women, regardless of ethnicity, unify to achieve a common spiritual goal, thereby preserving the Haul heritage and enhancing social cohesiveness. In response to the socio-cultural dynamics of a modernizing, multiethnic Samarinda, the Haul heritage has continued to evolve, with the culture of mutual assistance being crucial to its preservation. The research improves understanding of the substantial role those local cooperative behaviors play in conserving cultural and religious traditions among various groups.

From local to global: Village YouTubers and rural creator cultures in South India

This article examines emerging rural creator cultures in South India. Specifically, it focuses on the uptake and production of YouTube videos by village creators, a relatively understudied but increasingly important phenomenon given the rapid spread of social media entertainment in rural India. Through a case study on My Village Show, a YouTube media collective, this article shows how rural cultural producers transformed into ‘media workers’, ‘creators’, and ‘influencers’. The South Indian YouTubing landscape, with a multitude of village-centric social media entertainment channels, reveals a new dynamic of cultural production in the Global South, distinguished by collective, collaborative, and formalizing creator labor practices. Drawing upon ethnographic observation and in-depth interviews with rural cultural producers, this article analyzes and conceptualizes rural creator cultures within particular socio-cultural, vernacular, and regional dynamics in India.

Павел Бажов – антикризисный управляющий военного времени

This article investigates the managerial experience of P.P. Bazhov, one of the most renowned and influential writers from the Ural region. It analyzes his role as a leader and chairman of the board of the Union of Soviet Writers (1940–1950) and the impact he had on the functioning of the writers’ organization in Sverdlovsk during the Great Patriotic War. The article is based on cultural-historical, biographical, structural and comparative-historical research methods, which allows for a deeper understanding of the context and conditions in which Bazhov worked. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the attitude towards Bazhov on the part of ordinary members of the Union of Soviet Writers, famous metropolitan writers, local authorities and colleagues from other regions. The author of the article also examines the managerial aspects of Bazhov’s activities, his ability to navigate the challenging demands of wartime adversity, and his contributions to the development of Ural literature. Through this analysis, the article aims to shed light on Bazhov’s leadership style, his strategies for unifying and motivating writers under the pressures of war, and his lasting influence on the literary culture of the Ural region during a tumultuous historical period. The exploration of these dimensions not only highlights Bazhov’s achievements but also enriches our understanding of the broader socio-cultural dynamics at play during the war years, thus providing valuable insights into the interplay between literature, culture, and crisis management.

The psychological mechanisms of the better-than-average effect in the moral and competence domains under self-enhancement and self-protection motives among young Japanese adults.

The better-than-average effect (BTAE) refers to the phenomenon where individuals perceive themselves as better than the average person. This effect has been independently examined in terms of social perception dimension and motivation. Additionally, no psychobehavioral traits have been found to be associated with the BTAE in the moral domain. However, the interactive effects of social perception dimension and motivation on the BTAE remain unclear, and its association with a broad range of psychobehavioral traits has not been extensively validated. In this study, we assess self-and average other-evaluations across four domains, based on two social perception dimensions and two motivations, to investigate their interactive effects on the BTAE (n = 678). We measured seven sets of psychobehavioral characteristics to examine their association with the BTAE, as well as self-and other-evaluations. Results indicated that the BTAE occurred only under negative moral conditions, while the worse-than-others effect was observed under two competence conditions. Furthermore, the BTAE was associated with only a few psychobehavioral characteristics in the moral domains, compared to many in the competence domains. Notably, both self-and other-evaluations were correlated with many trust-relevant characteristics in the moral domains. These findings suggest that sociocultural dynamics may influence the BTAE differently across various domains.

The Neglected Modern Architectural Heritage: Analysis of Housing Estates in the Second Half of the 20th Century from Izmir, Turkey, Case Study Area

Twentieth-century housing estates are an important part of the architectural heritage of the modern age, reflecting not only the evolution of housing forms, but also the technological advances and sociocultural dynamics of the twentieth century. However, awareness of the value of this heritage is still insufficient, resulting in a lack of legal protection and numerous threats in the form of transformation and negligence. In this research, we present the problem using the example of modernist Turkish architecture. The settlements of Izmir, a cosmopolitan port city with a diverse socio-cultural fabric and rapidly developing housing architecture, are chosen as the subject of the study. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the state of conservation and the degree of transformation of the selected estates. The overall assessment of the maintenance of the legibility of urban layouts and the form of individual buildings shows that, despite the lack of systematic protection, it is possible to preserve the existing architectural heritage in the examples analyzed and to provide recommendations for future policies to sustain the heritage values of modernism. The research aims to fill the existing gaps in the discourse on modern housing and contribute to a broader international dialogue on the conservation of modern architecture. By including these estates in the ongoing discussion, we recognize their historical significance and promote their preservation as important participants in contemporary urban life.

Local Cultural Approach in Navigating Family Conflict: Understanding Cultural Strategies for Human Well-Being

Objective: This study explores the complexities of family conflict within a local cultural framework, focusing on its impacts on physical and mental well-being through mapping its intensity, root causes, and long-term consequences. The study aims to understand how unresolved interpersonal tensions can negatively impact emotional and social health, ultimately affecting harmony and balance within local communities. The approach uses a theoretical framework that underscores the importance of culture-based communication, negotiation skills that respect local norms, and appreciation for diverse perspectives as steps to reduce conflict and promote mental health. This research contextualizes conflict within various local cultural settings, specifically within families influenced by communal and intergenerational values. Through in-depth analysis of the family as the unit of study, variables such as communication and social relationships are examined with an emphasis on unique socio-cultural dynamics. The findings highlight the negative impact of unresolved family conflict on emotional well-being and the stability of social relationships within the family unit. Conflict can disrupt interpersonal dynamics, creating long-term disharmony that undermines family cohesion. These adverse effects underscore the need for systematic, ongoing interventions to support mental health and collective well-being. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing family conflict as a critical component in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Good Health and Well-being. Interventions that adopt a local cultural approach—such as effective communication strategies and conflict resolution skills rooted in communal norms—are essential for fostering healthier and more harmonious family environments. By identifying three primary approaches—cultural rehabilitation processes, the development of communication that values local culture, and conflict management skills—the study provides practical insights aligned with global efforts to improve mental health and social well-being in accordance with the SDG framework.

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.

Community Engagement and Collaboration between Researchers and Community Stakeholders for Schistosomiasis and Malaria Projects in Ingwavuma, uMkhanyakude District, KwaZulu-Natal.

Community engagement is a multiphase process that is crucial for successful community-based health interventions. This study investigates the collaborative phase of community engagement, specifically within a co-developed framework implemented in uMkhanyakude District, South Africa. A qualitative case study approach was employed to explore the experiences of key community stakeholders during the collaborative phase of project implementation. Data collection involved key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observation. The findings demonstrate the potential for effective collaboration among village headmen, community advisory board members, and community research assistants to address local health challenges. Community research assistants played a particularly valuable role in facilitating participatory research and hands-on engagement with researchers. However, several barriers hindered the collaborative process, including demanding work conditions, communication issues regarding compensation, inappropriate behavior from the research team, and culturally insensitive interactions. While community-based participatory research offers a promising collaborative approach for addressing health issues, a careful consideration of local socio-cultural dynamics is essential to avoid misunderstandings and overcome potential barriers. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring that collaborative partnerships effectively empower communities and achieve sustainable improvements in health outcomes.

Ethnic Identity and Violence in Urban Spaces: Looking Through the Lens of ‘Cultural Conditioning’

In the recent past, the episodes of violence against the Northeast migrants in major metropolitan cities have raised debates on the racial nature of such violence and have drawn scholarly attention. This article maps the experiences of differential treatment and violence among the Northeast migrants in the national capital city and looks into the consequences of such experiences and strategies to cope with various challenges in daily life. It critically examines the experiences through the sociocultural dynamics of the local societies within the city where the ethnic migrants live. It considers the experiential accounts of a sample of 130 Northeast migrants from different urban local cultures in the national capital of India. Data on lived experiences and various perspectives of the Northeast migrants are collected using a mixed-method approach. The article reveals that ethnic identity plays a role in everyday experiences with some sorts of disadvantages. The ‘construction of otherness’ is found to have a disproportionate impact on their day-to-day life. However, there have been perceived positive changes in the ‘perceptual distance’ and inter-group behaviours. Given that most of the experiences of differential treatment and violence among Northeast migrants are located within the context of the local societies in the city and they have everyday encounters for social acceptance, the article argues that the inter-group relationships are exceedingly shaped by the sociocultural orientations of the people in local societies. The article asserts that understanding the violence against a migrant ethnic minority in cosmopolitan cities cannot undermine the role of social and cultural boundaries of urban local societies.

Socio-economic evaluation of human-dog coexistence: A 40,000 years history.

The human-animal relationship and its benefits have been a popular issue in recent decades. This study focuses on the dog as a paradigmatic example of this complex bond. The relationship between human and dog evolved over thousands of years through the domestication process. During this period, climatic, cultural, geographical and social changes have had a direct impact on this bond. Dogs have a remarkable capacity to play a variety of roles that mirror the evolution of human societies. Subsequently, questions arise regarding the important and symbolic roles that canines played in ancient cultures, religions and mythological traditions. Specifically, how have these roles changed through history? This research aimed to explore the socio-economic aspects of the human-dog relationship, spanning from ancient civilizations to modern societies. Through a systematic search methodology, this investigation seeks to provide insights into the dynamics of the complex human-dog relationship, including historical backgrounds, socio-cultural dynamics, economic implications and associated challenges. Additionally, the present study addresses the environmental concerns that emerge alongside rising stray dog populations. This research emphasizes the importance of strategies to balance the benefits of this coexistence that promote human and animal welfare.