Socio-cultural Constraints Research Articles

PERAN MA’HAD AL-ZAYTUN DALAM PENGOLAHAN SAMPAH RUMAH TANGGA BERDASARKAN PERATURAN PEMERINTAH NOMOR 81 TAHUN 2012 DAN FIQH SIYASAH

As a country with the largest population and vast territory, Indonesia faces significant challenges in household waste management. The management of household waste in Indonesia still encounters several obstacles, including economic, socio-cultural, and technological constraints. To address this issue, the government has enacted several laws related to household waste management. The purpose of this study is to understand the role of Ma'had Al-Zaytun in household waste management based on Government Regulation No. 81 of 2012 and Fiqh Siyasah. The author uses a library research method with a legal research approach conducted in a juridical-normative manner. The research results show that the role of Ma'had Al-Zaytun in household waste management based on Government Regulation No. 81 of 2012 includes implementing the 4R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Replace) strategy by collecting food scraps and processing them into silage for animal feed. Additionally, livestock manure is processed into organic fertilizer for agriculture. Furthermore, based on Fiqh Siyasah, the study integrates environmental principles from the perspective of Islamic teachings in the approach to waste management, ensuring that waste management actions not only comply with government regulations but are also grounded in religious values that guide environmental protection and the well-being of humanity.

Pengaturan Fungsi Badan Kependudukan dan Keluarga Berencana Nasional Dalam Mengendalikan Laju Pertumbuhan Penduduk

Population growth in Kupang Regency from year to year is increasing, based on the population census data of Kupang Regency the number of residents by gender (soul), the population of Kupang Regency amounted to 372, 777 people with details of 190, 480 people for men and 182, 297 people for women. The density problem that occurred was 63 people per km2. High population growth can be a serious problem if it is not solved immediately, the high and uncontrolled population growth rate will affect the declining level of welfare of the community and family. . The family planning program began in 1968 by preparing LKBN (national family planning institution) which later became the National Population and Family Planning Agency or BKKBN, the national family planning movement aims to control the rate of population growth and also improve the quality of human resources. This research is a normative judicial research supported by an approach that uses primary data and secondary data obtained using interview methods, documentation studies and observations and the data obtained is processed using editing, coding, induction, trigulation and tabulation methods and analyzed in a qualitative descriptive manner. The results of this study show that (1) Regulation regarding the function of the district government in population control by BKKBN in Kupang Regency. In the hierarchy of legislative arrangements from the highest to the lowest level, it gives very full authority or trust to the National Population and Family Planning Agency in controlling the rate of population growth in Kupang Regency (2) In carrying out the functions of the population and family planning agency in organizing population control in Kupang Regency. The Population and Family Planning Agency has provided services and education to the public about the importance of family planning. However, the function of BKKBN has not been running well, this can happen because of the lack of public awareness, socio-cultural constraints, limited access to counter-septic tools, patriarchal gender roles, religious keyness and economic factors that make the function of BKKBN not well in controlling the population in Kupang Regency.

A Thematic Exploration of Gender Inequality in the Gujjar Community of Kotranka Tehsil, Rajouri District

The study looks into the gender disparities that exist among the Gujjar clan in Kotranka Tehsil, Rajouri District in Jammu and Kashmir. It investigates the socio-cultural and economic constraints that women confront in their communities, examining how traditional norms influence their autonomy, involvement, and access to resources. Data from 35 respondents were acquired using a descriptive study method, with structured interviews and questionnaires. The research indicates considerable limitations on women's daily lives, particularly in decision-making, mobility, and educational prospects. The findings show that male dominance prevails in financial and family decisions, but social conventions continue to limit women's roles. While some respondents acknowledge a shift toward more gender-equitable practices, traditional gender norms are nonetheless deeply established, restricting women's potential and increasing dependency. Despite government efforts and changing societal perceptions, Gujjar women in Kotranka Tehsil continue to encounter obstacles as a result of established socio-cultural expectations. The study emphasizes the crucial need for comprehensive policies and community-based programs to achieve gender equality and empower women in the Gujjar tribe.

Modified simulated annealing for university teacher course assignment considering socio-cultural constraints

Modified simulated annealing for university teacher course assignment considering socio-cultural constraints

Effects of health education intervention on menstrual hygiene knowledge and practices among the adolescent girls of Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal.

Poor menstrual hygiene practices are one of the major public health problems in Nepal. Due to persistent taboos and socio-cultural constraints, adolescent girls are often unaware of scientific facts, knowledge, and practices related to menstrual hygiene. This paper aims to assess the effects of health education intervention on menstrual hygiene knowledge and practices among adolescent girls in Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal. A true experimental study was conducted in two government basic schools in Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal. The study population was adolescent girls who had attended the menarche. Firstly, a pretest with the help of a self-administered questionnaire was done to find out the socio-demographic information, knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene. Next, health education sessions were conducted among the intervention group. Finally, after one month of intervention, a post-test was conducted among the intervention and non-intervention group. Data analysis was done through descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings showed significant improvement in the knowledge and practice level of adolescent girls on menstrual hygiene after health education intervention. Participants in the intervention group showed a significant increase in knowledge scores from 10.0% to 67.0%, while the non-intervention group remained unchanged at 7.5%. Good menstrual hygiene practices scores in the intervention group increased significantly from 22.5% to 67.0%, whereas the non-intervention group saw a slight rise from 20.0% to 22.5%. Regarding observed practice scores in menstrual hygiene, significant improvement was observed in the intervention group (45.0% to 100.0%) in contrast to the non-intervention group (25.0% to 27.5%). This study highlights the crucial role of school health education interventions in promoting menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive educational programs tailored to early teenage girls, addressing timing, content, and delivery methods alongside ensuring the availability of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities.

The impact of socio-cultural factors on entrepreneurial failure in Soran city

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of socio-cultural factors on entrepreneurial failure in Soran City, aiming to identify the key cultural influences that affect entrepreneurial outcomes and to propose a theoretical framework that explains these dynamics.Methodology – The research employed a qualitative approach, conducting structured interviews with 10 purposively sampled entrepreneurs who hold leadership roles in the entrepreneurial community of Soran. Data collection involved preparing, structuring, and organizing interview transcripts, followed by coding to identify themes and patterns. The analysis then focused on interpreting the socio-cultural significance of the identified factors in relation to entrepreneurial failure.Findings – This study found that socio-cultural factors significantly influence entrepreneurial outcomes. The key factors identified included societal values and norms, gender roles, family background, and educational background. While gender did not emerge as a prominent factor in this study, other socio-cultural elements played a critical role in shaping entrepreneurial success or failure.Implications – The findings highlight the importance of understanding cultural nuances in entrepreneurship. The study suggests that promoting an entrepreneurial culture through targeted community training workshops, educational courses, and media initiatives could enhance entrepreneurial activity and reduce the risk of failure in Soran.Originality – This research introduces the multidimensional socio-cultural constraints theory (MDSC Theory), which provides a novel explanation of how various socio-cultural factors cumulatively contribute to entrepreneurial failure. This theory offers a new perspective on the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in culturally specific contexts, emphasizing the need for culturally informed strategies to foster entrepreneurial success.

Adolescents' accessibility and use of sexual and reproductive health services in Kaolack and Gossas, Senegal.

In Senegal, the needs for care related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) among adolescents are significant. This study evaluates the accessibility and use of gender-related SRHR services by adolescents in the municipalities of Kaolack and Gossas. It is based on quantitative and qualitative data from 2,263 adolescents in the 2 sites, 84 in-depth individual interviews, 12 focus groups with adolescents and sexual reproductive Health actors, and 4 interviews with key informants. Quantitative analysis consisted of the interpretation of univariate statistics and bivariate analyses, while qualitative analysis relied on the coding and thematic analysis of verbatim statements. The results show low use of health structures (3% and 0.4% in Gossas and Kaolack respectively). This was attributed to the perceptions that services are not suitable to the needs of adolescents, and also because of socio-cultural constraints in the two sites. Additionally, the distribution of access to reproductive health services by sex shows gaps between boys and girls. We conclude that efforts should be made to tailor the sexual and reproductive health services offered to adolescents to their needs and social circumstances.

Educational exclusion and socio-cultural constraints for tribal women in the Ganderbal district

Using a phenomenological approach, this study aims at understanding tribal females' educational deprivation due to socio-cultural limitations. The study, conducted in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir in 2022, included 30 women. A semi-structured interview schedule and observation method was used to collect data, which was analyzed with Moustakas' modified Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen phenomenological approach. We identified four themes associated with women's challenges in their communities: (a) poverty, domestic duties, and co-education challenges, (b) cultural and structural barriers, (c) economic exploitation, early marriage, and gender bias and (d) intersection of marginality. Deep-seated cultural norms favoring men's education and relegating women to domestic roles hampered tribal women's access to education. These norms, in turn, resulted in detrimental practices such as child marriage, forced labor, child labor, exclusion from the market, social alienation, exploitation and backwardness, poor decision-making power, and increasing school dropouts. To promote educational inclusion among tribal members, it is necessary to implement National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 fully and make both tribal men and women aware of the impact of socioeconomic and cultural exclusion on their mobility.

Influences of sociocultural and historical constraints on athletes’ developmental experiences: a case study of baseball in Japan

Many observers have pointed out how baseball in Japan is narrated, taught, and played differently from its counterpart in North America. Hard-work, selfless behaviors, and defensive and collectivistic strategies are described as the basic tenets of Japanese baseball, often referred to as ‘Samurai Baseball’. This paper aims to investigate sports and non-sporting constraints that define this distinct way of perceiving the game. Ecological psychology, arguing individuals’ actions should be investigated at the level of interactions which happen between them and their environment, provides the epistemological foundation for this study, while the Skilled Intentionality Framework, proposing behaviours occur amid specific sets of promoted values, gives the ontological base for investigating proximal and distal influences on Japanese ballplayers’ development. Using Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model as a theoretical framework, this paper demonstrates how coaches’ strategies and training proposals, as well as players’ skill-acquisition processes, are constrained by socio-cultural-historical features of the culture of reference.

Problem of violence against girls with disabilities in the commune of Abomey Calavi (Benin)

Like several countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Benin is a country where gender inequalities still persist. These inequalities sometimes reveal themselves in the form of violence against girls and women. It is a phenomenon that still plagues society despite the creation of a legal and institutional framework. Indeed, inequalities are doubly common among girls with disabilities because of their vulnerability. For this research, the approach used is essentially qualitative. It aims to analyze the problem of violence against girls with disabilities in the commune of Abomey-Calavi. To achieve this objective, documentary research and interviews with resource persons were used as data collection techniques. Thus, fifteen people were interviewed according to four categories of actors: girls with disabilities, protection actors, municipal authorities and parents. The majority of those questioned believe that disability in itself is a real cause of the persistence of violence, especially sexual violence, among girls with disabilities. Analysis of the results reveals that several factors, including socio-cultural constraints and disability as a criterion of vulnerability, explain the increase in violence against girls with disabilities in the commune of Abomey-Calavi.

Changes in ageing women’s sexual subjectivity as seen from a life course perspective: security, caring, and desire

This article explores the sexual subjectivity of women of post-reproductive age who seek partners on dating apps. The existing literature highlights the sexual subjectivity and agency of older women as contested and not sufficiently investigated. Even less research has been conducted on changes in the sexual subjectivity of women born in the USSR in the 1960s, with the liberalisation of sexual behaviour. The study is based on 45 interviews with women aged 55 years and over, who were born in the USSR and who now live in Israel, Finland and Russia. In the article, we examine sexual subjectivity as presented in the interviews from a life course perspective. We explain theoretically and empirically how changes in sexual subjectivity are expressed in the light of age and socio-cultural context constraints. Three life stories highlight the accumulation of experience and turning points, such as divorce and migration. They illustrate very different pathways in changing sexual subjectivity, yet all contain three Leitmotifs: desire, security and caring. The expression of post-reproductive female desire can be related to the need to feel secure and enjoy mutual care in sexual relationships. We show that these Leitmotifs shape and are shaped by women’s identifications as both sexual objects and subjects, and explore how they relate to different sexual cultures and variations in the socio-sexual positioning of women in Israel, Finland, and Russia.

SOUTH-ASIAN CULTURAL SCENARIO IN SELECTED WORKS OF TEHMINA DURRANI, TASLIMA NASREEN AND SHASHI DESHPANDE

The novels of Tehmina Durrani, Taslima Nasreen and Shashi Deshpande have brilliantly and powerfully project women-centred issues in the South-Asian Cultural Scenario. As they have inherited a shared legacy of the Pre-Independent India, they weave a rainbow (to speak metaphorically) of issues, concerns and difficulties experienced by women in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh that obstruct their growth in developing as fuller human beings. They meticulously project and define traditions values, taboos and socio-cultural constraints that make their living precarious in society. These women novelists hold patriarchy and its different manifestations responsible for the marginalisation of women in South Asian societies. The psychological delineation of women characters in the novels is superb. Their place in society, their motivation-level, their resistance to suffocating patriarchal norms and their sacrifice and compromise find expression through their interaction with other characters in the texts.

Voicing The Reality of Colonialized Women in The Novel ‘Belenggu’ By Armijn Pane

This study explores the representation of women's subjugation during the colonial period in Indonesia through Armijn Pane's novel "Belenggu." Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach that integrates literary sociology, feminist literary criticism, and postcolonial studies, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of how the novel reflects the author's critique of patriarchal societal structures and colonial impacts on indigenous women. The analysis focuses on the main character, Sukartini, highlighting her struggle for equality and autonomy. Despite being educated and progressive, Sukartini is depicted as trapped within socio-cultural and political constraints, influenced by entrenched patriarchal norms and colonial domination. This study reveals the dual layers of oppression faced by women, emphasizing the compounded struggles due to both gender and colonial subjugation. By examining Sukartini's character, the research illustrates how deeply ingrained patriarchal norms and colonial dominance restrict women's roles and voices. The findings contribute to Indonesian literary sociology by expanding the scope of analysis to include gender and postcolonial issues, underscoring the importance of examining literary works through multiple theoretical lenses. Moreover, the study highlights the role of literature in spreading awareness, providing social critique, and inspiring advocacy for gender equality and justice. "Belenggu" serves as a poignant critique of historical and ongoing gender inequality, reinforcing the relevance of literary analysis in understanding and addressing complex social issues. This research offers a nuanced perspective on the socio-political contexts shaping narratives, advocating for continued scholarly attention to literature as a means of promoting social change and a more equitable society.

English Language Teaching & Saudi Arabia Vision (2030): A Critical Scrutiny

The primary purpose of this research paper has been to argumentatively and critically scrutinize how ELT and Vision 2030, due to their relational nature, have mutually impacted each other through the visible paradigm shift from the relatively long-established system of Teaching and learning English in the Kingdom to the 2030's educational target needs. In other words, the authors of this research investigate whether ELT influences the Saudi Vision regarding foreign language education or vice versa. The authors of this paper have based this research on their background knowledge and theoretical concepts underpinned by existing literature and research article analysis.The authors have found out through methodologies, curricula, Course contents, and course specifications that English Language Teaching has been considered one of the primary keys to achieving the Saudi Vision's clearly stated objectives. Due to the holistic approach of this Saudi strategic vision, the authors have discovered that English language teaching and English as a Foreign Language have not been sidelined but still appear to be moving at a very lethargic pace. Hence, there is an urgent need for the Saudi Arabia educational authorities to come up with ways to face some constraints weighing heavily on the vision’s success. In addition, this theoretical research has scrutinized the giant steps that Saudi Arabian authorities have been making in transitioning from a hybrid English Language Teaching system trapped for a long time in several sociocultural constraints to a more tailored and customized model in line with Vision 2030 target needs.

IJCM_405A: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice Regarding Menstrual Hygiene Among Students Of A Government School, Thrissur, Kerala

Background: Menstrual hygiene practices are consequently a significant public health issue. However, menstrual practices are still tainted by taboos and other sociocultural constraints, which adversely affect health since adolescent females are unaware of the scientific facts regarding menstrual hygiene practices. Objective: To determine knowledge, attitude, practice regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent school girls in a government higher secondary school, Thrissur, Kerala Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among students of 8th standard to 12th standard in a government higher secondary school Thrissur. The data was collected after obtaining permission from head of the institution and verbal consent from the participants. Results: The study was conducted among 237 adolescent girls studying from 8th to 12th standard in a government school in Thrissur. Out of the total study participants 96 % have high knowledge about menstrual hygiene and the rest have moderate knowledge. 77.6% students use sanitary pads as adsorbing material, 15.6 % use cloth and only 6.8 % use menstrual cup. But 62 % have the opinion that menstrual cup is better than pads. 49% of the students believe that menstrual blood is impure and 50 % of students believe that normal routine activities cannot be done during menstruation. Most of the participants (92 %) adopt burning as the method of disposal while 4.2 % were practicing flushing of the pads. 61.2 % students liked to share doubt with mother and 30 % like to share with friends. Conclusion: Majority of the students have good knowledge about menstrual hygiene, but the scientific knowledge about menstruation is lacking behind.

Women in politics: examining their impact on policy development — A comprehensive review

The representation of women in political offices has expanded in every country over the last few decades. Commencing with a historical overview, this review underscores the persistent obstacles and cultural constraints that have hindered women's political engagement. The primary focus is on identifying and dissecting impediments such as ingrained gender prejudices, unequal access to education, and sociocultural constraints. This comprehensive examination explores the crucial role of women in politics and their profound impact on policy formulation. Global attention has increased on gender equity and women's political representation, emphasizing the importance of understanding how women's participation in political decision-making processes influences policy outcomes. The involvement of women in politics, particularly in poorer countries where health and education are priority sectors, has led to improvements in the delivery of public services. The review delves into the political empowerment of women, highlighting the positive social change and role modeling that women in politics can provide in their local areas. Recent studies suggest that the makeup of public expenditure may not necessarily reflect the impact of female representation on legislative debates and specific policy decisions. Female participation has enhanced institutional quality by reducing corruption and yielding benefits for those in positions of responsibility. The review advocates for greater gender diversity in political decision-making by examining obstacles, proposing solutions, and emphasizing the ongoing need for research and advocacy to support and promote the invaluable contributions of women to global policy development.

How can I serve you better? Unlocking the digital D2C barriers for regional food products

PurposeThe digital direct-to-consumer (D2C) approach has seen widespread adoption across many industries, but its application to regional food products has been slower. This study aims to identify and rank the most significant challenges to the widespread use of digital D2C for regional food products.Design/methodology/approachA multi-criteria decision-making method called a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) was used to determine the order in which these obstacles were evaluated. Thirty-five barriers were identified and categorized into six categories named technological, operational, sociocultural, financial, market and institutional and regulatory barriers.FindingsMarket barriers ranked as the top barrier, and the technological barrier ranked the least significant amongst the main barrier categories for the adoption of digital D2C model for the regional food products. Lack of consumer awareness ranked number one globally, and lack of government subsidies ranked the least amongst the thirty-five identified barriers. Operational barriers came out to be second most significant barrier followed by institutional and regulatory barrier, sociocultural barrier, financial barrier and technological barrier.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this research were derived through a numerical examination of data gathered from the Indian setting. It follows that the technological, sociocultural, financial, market, operational and institutional constraints, among others, outlined here are all unique to India. Because of the unique nature of the Indian setting, the results of this study can only be used there and not elsewhere. It is possible that future research will broaden the aims of this one and refine its methodology. Digital D2C adoption for regional food products may be prioritized and ranked using quantitative and qualitative data sources like ANP and TOPSIS. It is possible that similar studies may be conducted in nations which have a different set of operational, technological, sociocultural market and financial and regulatory barriers. Conceptual framework can be formed by integrating TAM and TPB to understand the buying behavior of regional food products via digital D2C.Originality/valueThis research is the first to identify challenges to the widespread use of the digital D2C model for regional food products. Policymakers and other interested parties can use this information to better understand the difficulties of expanding the distribution of regional food products beyond their immediate regions.

The Status of Scholar-Activism in South Korean Sport: Challenges and Implications for Advancement

In the current study, we aimed to explore the status of scholar-activism in the South Korean sport and the transnational relationship and solidarity for scholarly activism. Using narrative inquiry as a method, we interviewed scholar-activists in the South Korean sport field who have extensive experiences engaging in sport-based activism. Their experiences are presented in a format of narrated stories, chronologically describing their initial engagement with scholar-activism, constraints to their activist work, and suggestions for the future practice. Findings indicate that their educational background motivated their engagement in social activism work, but various sociocultural constraints in South Korean society posed notable challenges to advancing their activist agenda and scholarly career. Specifically, the ongoing conservatism and anti-progressive Confucian culture has stigmatized scholar-activism. Based on the findings, we suggest that transnational solidarity among scholar-activists and cross-field collaborations will help advance scholar-activism.

Turning Older Women’s Life Stories into Hypermedia: Reflections on the Production of Feminist Creative Analytic Practices

This article discusses our development of a new form of feminist Creative Analytic Practices (CAP) by creating knowledge through interactive video installation and web-based interactive re-storytelling ( https://kimchoi.net/a-story-of-ones-own/ ). Since the 1990s, qualitative social researchers have been developing alternative methods and forms to capture and represent the complexity of lived experiences. Through referencing feminist postconstructionist CAP, Deleuzian rhizomatic narrative inquiry, and feminist film theories and films, our project – consisting of reflexive writing experiments and re-enactment of 43 older Hong Kong women’s life stories in hypermedia – contributes to this expansive knowledge. Specifically, we describe our writing and production processes, including the strategies and tools considered, medium specificity and cinematic apparatuses used, and challenges encountered when attempting to create a nonlinear, multi-layered, polyphonic, and interactive narrative. Our main concerns are: How can researchers produce a self-conscious, research-based creative work that highlights women’s agency under socio-cultural constraints, whilst acknowledging selfhood as rhizomatic, knowledge as situated, and “truths” as partial and multiple under conditions of its own making? How can we produce alternative social science research practices that carry both logic and affect? How can we engage the audience to open up and interpret older women’s life stories in embodied and experiential ways?

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Menstrual Hygiene among Adolescent Girls in Urban and Rural Schools of Belagavi - An Observational Study

Background Due to taboos and sociocultural constraints surrounding menstruation and menstrual practices teenage girls continue to be unaware of scientific facts and hygienic health practices about their periods which can result in adverse health effects in the future.Objective To compare menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in urban and rural areas of Belagavi.Methods This observational survey study which included 100 young adolescent high school girls aged 12-16 years as per inclusion and exclusion criteria was carried out in rural and urban schools in Belagavi. Data were collected using a menstrual hygiene management survey questionnaire regarding the knowledge practice and attitude towards menstrual hygiene.Results This observational survey study revealed that awareness and hygiene practices during menstruation were quite low in rural adolescent high school girls compared to urban adolescent high school girls.Conclusion This study concludes that practice knowledge and attitude towards menstrual hygiene was higher among adolescent girls in urban schools as compared to rural adolescent girls.