Socio-cultural Importance Research Articles

Female Genital Mutilation in Somalia: Leveraging Opinions, Perceptions, and Experiences for Effective Interventions

This review critically examines the socio-cultural and religious landscape of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Somalia, where the practice remains pervasive despite global condemnation and human rights infringements. With the highest FGM rates globally, Somalia's scenario underscores the complexities of eradicating practices deeply embedded in societal fabric. The purpose of this review is to understand prevailing attitudes towards FGM among various Somali stakeholders and to recalibrate intervention strategies accordingly, with an emphasis on harm reduction as a pragmatic initial approach towards a long-term eradication goal. The review employs a thematic synthesis of qualitative studies to discern Somali communities’ awareness of FGM health risks, ongoing support for the practice, and resistance to its abandonment. It reveals a perceptual shift towards Sunna, a less extreme FGM form, influenced by religious considerations and health awareness, yet still infringing on women's rights. The contentious role of medicalization as a harm-reduction tactic is also discussed, which, while safer, may perpetuate the practice. Overall, the review underscores the necessity for culturally sensitive, community-driven interventions that advocate for collective action against FGM. These interventions should integrate educational efforts, legal frameworks, and redefinition of FGM's socio-cultural importance, aiming for a gradual yet definitive end to the practice.

Rhizome Propagation Methods of Lowland Bamboo (Oxytenanthera abyssinica) in Central Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Bamboo is a plant species that has a range of economic, environmental, and sociocultural importance. Bamboo can be propagated through sexual and asexual propagation methods. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. This study aims to evaluate different rhizome cutting materials that are relatively suitable for large-scale plantations. The materials for propagating bamboo by vegetative means are whole or portions of the rhizomes, each with a single culm having two to six basal nodes, preferably 1- to 2-year-old culms from the peripheral portion of the clump having 2, 4, 6 basal nodes and 1.5-2 cm, 2-4 cm, and 4-6 cm in diameter. The design of the experiment is a split plot design with three replications and nine plots. This experiment is laid in 1029 m2 (21 m x 49 m). The size of each plot is 45 m2 (15 m by 5 m), and the distance between plots and plants in plots is 2 m. The number of nodes is assigned in the main plot, and the diameter of the planting material is assigned in the subplot. There are a total of 9 treatment combinations and a total of 108 planting materials. Significantly higher (P = 0.01) mean survival rate (59%) was observed in the planting material with two basal nodes and 2-4 cm diameter and the planting material with six nodes and 2-4 cm diameter. Further research is crucial to devise effective vegetative propagation methods for large scale plantations without compromising the survival capability of the planting materials.

EFFECTIVENESS OF TEACHING FOLK PEDAGOGY AS AN ACTUAL PROBLEM

Folk pedagogy, a rich reservoir of cultural knowledge, values, and traditions, plays a pivotal role in shaping the moral, ethical, and social framework of societies. However, in the contemporary educational landscape, the effectiveness of teaching folk pedagogy remains an under-explored yet crucial issue. This article investigates the challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of folk pedagogy into modern educational systems. Through an analysis of current pedagogical practices and the socio-cultural importance of folk knowledge, the study underscores the relevance of folk pedagogy in fostering holistic education. The findings suggest that an interdisciplinary approach that blends traditional and modern teaching methodologies can enhance the effectiveness of folk pedagogy education.

Guɗa in Hausa Celebrations Perspective and its Absence in the Yoruba Culture

This study investigates the socio-cultural importance of "guɗa," a customary celebration activity that involves the rhythmic generation of sound with both the mouth and the nose among the Hausa people. In important life events like marriages and births, as well as the announcement of any other happy events or good news, "Guɗa" is used as a symbol of delight especially by the women. This research investigates cultural differences in the use of music/oral sound and ritual to express joy and communal togetherness through a comparative comparison with Yoruba festive customs. The research explores the social roles, gender dynamics, and symbolic meanings that are inherent in celebration activities by utilizing theoretical frameworks, historical analysis, and ethnographic insights. The study delves into how modernity and globalization have affected customary celebration forms, emphasizing the adaptability of cultural customs in the face of shifting social environments. The results further our knowledge of how celebration plays a part in social cohesiveness, cultural preservation, and identity development in many societies. The study's conclusion highlights the ongoing importance of "guɗa" and related festive customs in maintaining cultural heritage and strengthening ties within the community.

Socio-cultural Analysis of Gaddi Tribe - A Sociological Study of Saraj Area in Jammu Region

The present paper deals with the detail analysis of socio-cultural conditions of Gaddi tribe of Saraj area of Chenab Valley in Jammu region. This study gives focus on socio-cultural importance, constitutional status, tradition and customs of Gaddi tribe. These custom and traditions compel them to be remain ethnocentric in nature. On the basis of fieldwork, participant observations, in-depth long interviews and data collection from concern community development block, it is found that Gaddi tribes are still economically and socially backward. Since the homogenous nature of all Gaddi settlements in the region, the Gaddi hamlet namely Barshalli has been chosen as sample and locale of the present study. The study is based on four main objectives which fulfilled the requirement of the entire investigation. 1). Demographic and occupational profile of the Gaddi tribes in Saraj. 2). Socio-cultural conditions of Gaddi in the area. 3). Dependence of Gaddi on intra-religious communities. 4). Religious consciousness of Gaddi tribes in the region. The researcher has conducted fieldwork at village Barshalli and applied qualitative research techniques for data collection. The entire data so collected has been analysed with various tool and techniques. On the basis of data analysis it is found that Gaddi are ethnocentric and endogamous in nature. Their traditions and customs highlight their identity. Their dairy produce is for their domestic consumption only. They sale out few sheep and goats to meet out expenses for their rituals and diseases. They are facing identity crisis in the region. Gaddi tribes affiliate themselves with upper caste Rajputs but in turn they keep social distance from these tribes. Gaddi also maintain strong social stratification with lower castes Hindus in the area. Despite of various government initiatives adopted for their wellbeing. There is still a need of more affirmative targeted schemes as per demand of the hour for them. These tribes are facing multi-dimensional issues in their daily life.

WEAVING HERITAGE: THE ART AND LEGACY OF KUPPADAM PATTU SAREES IN ANDHRA PRADESH

Kuppadam Pattu sarees, renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and intricate weaving techniques, represent a significant cultural artifact of Andhra Pradesh. This paper explores and documents the traditional methods involved in creating these sarees, their unique features, and their historical and contemporary relevance. Through an in-depth examination of the weaving process, including the unique interlocking weft technique known as 'Kupadam,' the paper highlights the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each saree. This study delves into the socio-cultural importance of Kuppadam Pattu sarees, tracing their evolution and enduring presence in Indian fashion. By shedding light on the artistry and heritage of these textiles, the research underscores the necessity of preserving and promoting traditional handloom practices. Ultimately, this paper seeks to support artisans, support sustainable fashion, and promote a more profound gratitude for India's rich textile heritage.

Assessment of performance and egg quality in laying hens of Spanish indigenous breed Black Castellana as compared with a selected white egg-layer strain

Indigenous animal genetic resources should be preserved because of their well adaptation to the environment, their tolerance to low food availability and their sociocultural importance. The characterization of the quality of the products generated by heritage breeds may bring more arguments to encourage the raising of these animals. This study aimed at evaluating the egg performance and quality of Spanish indigenous Black Castellana (BC) breed as compared with a selected strain (Lohmann LSL-Classic). Four groups of 30 hens were arranged: 1) Lohmann hens fed a control diet; 2) BC hens fed the control diet; 3) Lohmann hens fed a diet including linseed at 70 g/kg (omega-3 diet); 4) BC hens fed the omega-3 diet. Egg production was higher by 12.3% for Lohmann hens but, since BC eggs were heavier by 15.4%, no effect of genetics was found on daily egg mass. Feed intake was higher by 5.0% for BC hens. Nonetheless, no difference was detected for feed conversion ratio. Eggshell was thicker by 6.78% in Lohmann eggs. Haugh units did not differ among freshly laid and stored eggs in Lohmann hens, whereas Haugh units decreased in stored BC eggs (80.5 vs. 76.7 vs. 72.3 at 0, 14, and 30 d of storage). Yolks of BC eggs contained less fat (57.5 vs. 60.8% DM), more protein (32.8 vs. 31.9% DM) and more cholecalciferol (1.25 vs. 1.22 μg/g DM), and showed lower proportion of saturated fatty acids (29.0 vs. 37.0%) and higher proportions of monounsaturated (45.7 vs. 39.6%) and polyunsaturated (25.2 vs. 23.4%) fatty acids. Feeding the omega-3 diet reduced the yolk proportions of saturated (32.5 vs. 33.5%) and monounsaturated (42.0 vs. 43.3%) fatty acids and increased those of polyunsaturated (25.4 vs. 23.2%) and ω-3 (7.05 vs. 2.42%) fatty acids. No effect due to genetics or diet was found on yolk color score or on yolk content in cholesterol, cobalamin, retinol and γ-tocopherol. This study represents the first exhaustive characterization of eggs from Spanish indigenous Black Castellana breed.

Promoting equity in the Conservation Reserve Program across the southeastern US

Black and female landowners, two of the largest groups of underserved landowners in the southeastern US, have considerably less land enrolled in the US Department of Agriculture's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) than White and male landowners. The reasons for this discrepancy are complex and interrelated. Previous studies approached different facets of this problem using a variety of methods and analyses. Here, we conducted a synthetic literature review that demonstrates how the intertwined ecological, economic, and cultural concerns of underserved landowners influence their decisions about potential land conversion in the context of CRP requirements. Other studies have rarely considered such relevant factors as the sociocultural importance of land to underserved populations or the links between the limited participation of these groups in the CRP and historical racism and sexism in land management industries and agencies. Explicitly addressing these issues will help promote conservation equity in the CRP and other conservation programs.

Connecting Water Quality and Ecosystem Services for Valuation and Assessment of a Groundwater Reserve Area in South-East Mexico

Even though the role of ecosystem services is known, the identification and assessment of water-related services is usually absent or often less represented as an ecosystem service. Progress in water quality indicator definition and compliance with regulations has been made; however, the relationship between water quality degradation and benefits to individuals and ecosystems remains little recognized. Here, we present an assessment of water quality and identification of ecosystem services in south-east Mexico. This study was performed within the geohydrological reserve zone of the Ring of Sinkholes, Yucatán Peninsula. Thirteen ecosystem services provided by the aquifer were identified. Water quality was evaluated in sinkholes based on national and international norms, considering different sinkhole uses. Results show a dynamic system, without saltwater intrusion and good to excellent water quality. The research demonstrates the relationship between ecosystem services and water quality, showing pressure in services related to uses for aquatic life protection and to a lesser extent those related to consumption. Current productive activities showed no pressure at this time. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) exhibited a significant difference in parameters and campaigns, but not between sinkholes. A long-lasting monitoring program for water quality is necessary to accurately evaluate the status of ecosystem services provided by the aquifer. Moreover, it is necessary to assess aquifers as ecosystems with economic, ecologic and socio-cultural importance. Effective water governance requires a balance of interests between all parties, within a legal and institutional framework.

“Activism is welcome as long as it’s peaceful”: athletic administrators’ perspectives on college athlete activism via stakeholder theory

The purpose of this study was to examine athletic department administrators’ perceptions of student-athlete activism via Stakeholder Theory. Since 2012, the United States has witnessed a resurgence of activism within sport, college sport including. While collegiate athletes’ point of views have been studied, college athletic administrators’ (e.g., an Athletic Director) point of view is missing. The researchers interviewed senior level athletic administrators utilizing Stakeholder Theory to identify key stakeholders athletic administrators find salient when a college athlete engages in activism. Results are broken down into sub-themes highlighting stakeholders with power (coaches, communications, campus administrators, and high-level campus leaders), legitimacy (proactive culture of accepted activism, personal investment, and type of activism), and urgency (public protest, real-life events of socio-cultural importance, and the athletes). This study’s importance lies in the practical benefit it provides athletic administrators and other stakeholders surrounding an athletic department as it relates to collegiate athlete activism.

The Rhythm of Hidden Religious Heritage: Dhol Puja of India’s Hijra Community

This Context of Religious Research commentary describes why scholars should attend to the Hijras of India. The Hijras are a marginalized transgender community in India. Although having a long historical presence with sociocultural importance, this community was often stigmatized and discriminated against due to their ambiguous gender identity and expression. The commentary identifies the Dhol Puja as a traditional clandestine ritual of the Hijra community that reflects their unique identity and cultural, religious heritage. Based on prior ethnographic research and community study throughout various locales of India, this commentary provides insights into the symbolic meaning and significance of the Dhol Puja for the Hijra community. It asserts that their spiritual performance serves as a form of sacred ritual that is resisting adaptation to modern times, and which could be a revival or adaptation of an ancient tradition. Additionally, the spiritual performance continues to serve as a celebration of the unique identity and religious tradition of the Hijra community. Offering this context can cultivate greater recognition and understanding of the religious practices in promoting social inclusion of Hijra community in India.

Opportunities and challenges in value chain analysis for sustainable management of sharks and rays

Studies on elasmobranch trade have often focused on a single commodity, shark fins. Such a narrow focus can result in an incomplete understanding of the socio-cultural importance of sharks, limiting discussion on the range and efficacy of potential management interventions. Assessments must be performed across the value chain from fisher to retail vendor to better conserve vulnerable elasmobranch species, offering a broader view of capture, use, and trade. Here, we collate insights from shark value chain assessments conducted in eight countries (Mexico, Peru, Guinea-Bissau, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Fiji) spanning five continents. Approaches and processes implemented in a shark value chain analysis (VCA) were reviewed to: (1) understand better approaches and tools and (2) collate shared experiences. Our results demonstrate that VCAs broaden the outlook of fishery and trade assessments when capturing a more comprehensive range of economic and socio-cultural aspects (e.g., livelihoods, cultural use of commodities) of trade in all shark commodities. Time invested in various components of assessments produced different outcomes, with considerable returns from stakeholder selection, survey design, and assessor/stakeholder relationship building. Contrastingly, results demonstrated that efforts in communication with stakeholder groups and policymakers could be further streamlined to focus on key results using a variety of communication formats. Outcomes from this study offer guidance to those embarking on shark VCAs, facilitating improving the assessment process and outcomes.

A bottom-up perspective on green infrastructure in informal settlements: Understanding nature's benefits through lived experiences

Twenty per cent of the world's urban population lives in inadequate housing, including informal settlements (IS). This population often experience a low quality of life and faces multiple environmental challenges heightened by climate change, such as air pollution, flooding, and drought. While there is extensive academic literature substantiating the potential of enhancing green infrastructure (GI) as an effective approach to manage environmental risks, it is often overlooked as an academic focus in the analysis of development issues in informal settlements. Similarly, GI is neglected as an effective environmental approach and planning response in this context often due to a lack of clear understanding of its benefits. This perspective leads to considering GI as a luxury rather than essential in IS. To address this gap in the literature and by considering the socio-cultural importance of green infrastructure, this paper attempts to provide a bottom-up perspective on GI and the ecosystem services (ESS) it supplies for the residents of IS. To do so, two IS in Tehran metropolitan area, Iran, have been studied. Through semi-structured interviews, residents’ conceptions of ESS provided by GI were explored to identify the in/significance of GI in their daily life. The results show that residents' lived experiences provided them with a profound understanding of the benefits of nature and GI. Through analysing residents’ experiences, this research describes the socio-cultural bonds, environmental benefits, and economic reliance between residents and their surrounding environment. This paper demonstrates that the GI provides valuable and yet substantially different ESS for residents of IS compared to how the concept is conventionally conceived in the global North. The paper argues for necessity of GI in IS as it provides environmental comfort, hazards mitigation, and economic support while having cultural values. Therefore, understanding their lifestyle, relationship with surrounding nature and sociocultural considerations is both effective and necessary in discussing GI in informal settlements.

Destination and place: social sustainability and social innovation in second-home tourism

ABSTRACT Second homes are of great sociocultural importance in many countries, and their significance intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic when they acted as refuges in times of crisis. However, the growth and unsustainable impact of second-home tourism questions second-home tourism’s value for host communities and their residents, how it affects destination and place, and collaborative processes. After emphasizing economic and environmental aspects of sustainability in second-home tourism, attention is now directed to the inclusion of the social dimension in tourism and policies due to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This study investigated second-home tourism’s effects on a community and how social sustainability elements can drive innovation to fashion a destination and place for everyone involved, using the case of Øyer Municipality in Southeast Norway. By analyzing tourism strategy goals, political policies, and in-depth interviews, results revealed a gap between strategy goals and the informants’ perspectives, indicating that a lack of resident involvement in innovation processes and poor collaboration between stakeholders affect residents’ quality of life, visitor satisfaction, and destination development. However, economic aspirations and growth involved in second-home development continue to prevail.

Proverbs as an agent of cultural wisdom and identity among the Xhosa speaking people

Abstract The Xhosa speaking people, in common with other African people, possess a rich folklore tradition comprising mostly of tales, proverbs, riddles and poetry. Of these verbal arts, proverbs are by far the most frequently employed, in a number of ways for different purposes. In their daily communication, the Xhosa speaking people often resort to proverbs as an important and most effective strategy to optimize the rhetorical effectiveness of their speech messages. Because proverbs are frequently used in normal, everyday speech situations, the Xhosa speaking people, like any other African communities, assign great socio-cultural importance to the proverbs. This paper explores the moral nature and significance of the Xhosa proverbs which contribute to the norms and conventions and cultural wisdom well-ordered society. In the Xhosa culture, a feeling for language, imagery and expression of abstract ideas through compressed and allusive phraseology is realized in proverbs. Data were gathered from two published sources in Xhosa language titled Izaci namaqhalo esiXhosa by EWM Mesatywa (1954) and IsiXhosa 4 by JA du Plessis (1978). The data for this paper also included my knowledge, experience and introspection, based on being a Xhosa native speaker and experienced academic in language-related culture dimensions of African languages.

Shallow subtidal marine benthic communities of Nachvak Fjord, Nunatsiavut, Labrador: A glimpse into species composition and drivers of their distribution.

Marine fjords along the northern Labrador coast of Arctic Canada are influenced by freshwater, nutrients, and sediment inputs from ice fields and rivers. These ecosystems, further shaped by both Atlantic and Arctic water masses, are important habitats for fishes, marine mammals, seabirds, and marine invertebrates and are vital to the Labrador Inuit who have long depended on these areas for sustenance. Despite their ecological and socio-cultural importance, these marine ecosystems remain largely understudied. Here we conducted the first quantitative underwater scuba surveys, down to 12 m, of the nearshore marine ecology of Nachvak Fjord, which is surrounded by Torngat Mountains National Park located in Nunatsiavut, the Indigenous lands claim region of northeastern Canada. Our goal was to provide the Nunatsiavut Government with a baseline of the composition and environmental influences on the subtidal community in this isolated region as they work towards the creation of an Indigenous-led National Marine Conservation Area that includes Nachvak Fjord. We identified four major benthic habitat types: (1) boulders (2) rocks with sediment, (3) sediment with rocks, and (4) unconsolidated sediments, including sand, gravel, and cobble. Biogenic cover (e.g., kelp, coralline algae, and sediment) explained much of the variability in megabenthic invertebrate community structure. The kelp species Alaria esculenta, Saccharina latissima, and Laminaria solidungula dominated the boulder habitat outside of the fjord covering 35%, 13%, and 11% of the sea floor, respectively. In contrast, the middle and inner portions of the fjord were devoid of kelp and dominated by encrusting coralline algae. More diverse megabenthic invertebrate assemblages were detected within the fjord compared to the periphery. Fish assemblages were depauperate overall with the shorthorn sculpin, Myoxocephalus scorpius, and the Greenland cod, Gadus ogac, dominating total fish biomass contributing 64% and 30%, respectively. Understanding the composition and environmental influences within this fjord ecosystem not only contributes towards the protection of this ecological and culturally important region but serves as a baseline in a rapidly changing climatic region.

Phylogenetic evidence reveals early Kra-Dai divergence and dispersal in the late Holocene

Studying language evolution brings a crucial perspective to bear on questions of human prehistory. As the most linguistically diverse region on earth, East and Southeast Asia have witnessed extensive sociocultural and ethnic contacts among different language communities. Especially, the Kra-Dai language family exhibits tremendous socio-cultural importance in these regions. Due to limited historical accounts, however, there are several controversies on their linguistic relatedness, ambiguities regarding the divergence time, and uncertainties on the dispersal patterns. To address these issues, here we apply Bayesian phylogenetic methods to analyze the largest lexical dataset containing 646 cognate sets compiled for 100 Kra-Dai languages. Our dated phylogenetic tree showed their initial divergence occurring approximately 4000 years BP. Phylogeographic results supported the early Kra-Dai language dispersal from the Guangxi-Guangdong area of South China towards Mainland Southeast Asia. Coupled with genetic, archaeological, paleoecologic, and paleoclimatic data, we demonstrated that the Kra-Dai language diversification could have coincided with their demic diffusion and agricultural spread shaped by the global climate change in the late Holocene. The interdisciplinary alignments shed light on reconstructing the prehistory of Kra-Dai languages and provide an indispensable piece of the puzzle for further studying prehistoric human activities in East and Southeast Asia.

Socio-Cultural Archetypes: Interrogating African Virginity Discourse in Tunde Kelani’s Films.

In African culture generally, virginity is associated with innocence from sexuality; it is ascribed the position of the pride of every woman and for the Yorubas’, one who has not “spoiled” herself. Public and empirical discourses on the influences of westernisation on cultural values like virginity in Nigeria-Africa have been significantly negative as a paradigm shift from the indigenous concept of communal honour and personal/ public morality and modesty to representations of westernisation and modernisation. This study examines four films by Tunde Kelani (Narrow Path, Magun, Campus Queen, and Arugba) to explain the unevolved socio-cultural importance attached to virginity before and after the embrace of westernization.

Usos medicinales y alimenticios de flora introducida en el Chaco Seco argentino: Contrastes entre el conocimiento local y el científico

Introduced species generate worldwide concern due to in many cases manifest their potential as invasive as invasives. However, little is known about its sociocultural importance and biocultural interaction. Through open and semi-structured interviews, guided walks and participant observation, the main uses and cultural valuations of biogeographically introduced plants in localities of the Dry Chaco (Catamarca and Córdoba) were investigated. A total of 53 species were documented, 18 with medicinal use and 40 for food. The most recurrent treatments correspond to digestive disorders and respiratory conditions; in food, those for direct consumption stand out. Most taxa with local therapeutic applications coincide with theoretical studies on active principles and their curative effects. Finally, it is concluded that the biogeographic origin of the species is independent of the cultural valuations as long as they are potentially usable, in addition to recognizing that ethnobotanical knowledge based on experience supports the uses found from the academy.

Linking people and riparian forests: a sociocultural and ecological approach to plan integrative restoration in farmlands

Global initiatives to restore habitats aim to improve ecosystem health; however, restoration programs are challenged with balancing human needs with ecological restoration objectives. To advise programs that aim to restore forest in farmlands and complement other analyses on ecologically‐based reference sites, we (1) identified species with sociocultural importance, termed as “priority species”; (2) developed an integrative index to find habitats where priority species coincide with healthy ecological conditions (i.e. relatively high diversity, specific plant composition, etc.); and (3) evaluated whether sociodemographic profiles of landowners influenced their plant knowledge and ecological condition of habitats. Our approach was applied to riparian forests in farmlands of the Toltén watershed in southern Chile. We conducted structured interviews to gather information on traditional uses and management of trees in riparian habitats from 45 landowners. We developed an integrative index by combining sociocultural information from interviews with existing vegetation data. From the list of 65 trees provided by landowners, we selected five priority species based on their high saliency, multiple uses, and known management. Only 6 out of 98 sites had high integrative index scores, with the majority showing low values for sociocultural and ecological conditions. Except for a difference in ecological criteria and gender, the evaluation of landowners' knowledge level with sociodemographic profiles did not show significant relationships. These findings suggest that our integrative index can guide the design of restoration objectives, emphasizing on species that are important to local communities by providing information on the ecological conditions in which these plants co‐occur.