Sociology Research Articles

Darwin translated into Turkish with a Marxist agenda: a sociological inquiry into the agents of translation

ABSTRACT This paper studies the agents of translation who introduced Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species (1859) and The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex (1871) into Turkish more than one hundred years after their original publication in England. Elaborating on the agents’ motives for translating and publishing Darwin’s works in the Turkish (leftist) publication field, the study considers translator Öner Ünalan (1935–2011) and publisher Muzaffer İlhan Erdost (1932–2020), within the framework of Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of action. The findings of the study epitomize the ‘two-way relationship’ between the habituses of the agents of translation and the social dynamics of the field(s) in which they operate. The article demonstrates that Ünalan and Erdost’s translatorial interest in Darwin’s works was closely linked to the strong influence of Marxism on their social dispositions and to the dynamics of the Turkish publication field between the 1960s and 1980s. As a result, Ünalan and Erdost’s Darwin translations contributed to an increase in the scientific and social distinction of both the Marxist movement and the Turkish leftist publication field during a period of growing tension between right – and left-wing ideologies in Turkey.

A sociological study of changes of women life styles in cyberspace interactions

Aim: This aim of this study was sociological investigation of lifestyle changes of women in Garmsar city in cyberspace interactions. Methods: A survey and statistical community of women aged 19 to 59 years in Garmsar city was conducted by random sampling method on 160 women of this city. The validity of the measurement scale made by the researcher was checked and confirmed by related experts, and the reliability of the questionnaire was calculated using Cronbach's alpha method and its coefficient was 0.75 in the questionnaire. The data were evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficient, U-Mann-Whitney test and Spss software. Results: between lifestyle indicators, attention to the body (r=0.42, P=0.027), leisure patterns and spending time (r=0.34, P=0.031), nutrition (r=0.23, P=0.048), social communication (r=0.38, P=0.039), marriage or cohabitation style (r=0.44, P=0.022), and sports (r=0.21, P=0.031) has a relationship with the activity in the virtual space, so that the amount of presence in the virtual space has increased the amount of tendency towards the aforementioned indicators and the non-traditional (modern) lifestyle among them. Conclusion: There were changes and differences in the lives of the investigated women, and the conducted investigations show a significant situation in this regard. Therefore, the activity and interaction in the virtual space has been able to significantly change the lifestyle of the studied women. In fact, these changes show the significant impact that presence in virtual space can have on women's lifestyle in terms of sociology. Based on this, it was suggested that the policy makers and relevant officials regarding cyberspace should direct their attention to changing the security view, to a cultural view for better social policies and to a more positive and effective direction.

Effects of Covid-19 on cultural relativism and state sovereignty

The COVID-19 pandemic has generally affected the attitudes, behaviors, and lifestyles of people and states. Although there is still no definitive position on the causes of the new species from the coronavirus family, there have been articles and discussions leading to the blaming of Chinese cultural tradition of eating the meat of bats - mammals which were also considered by scientists as potential transmitters of SARS-CoV-2. To measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the changing attitudes towards the doctrine of cultural relativism, in anthropological and sociological terms and state sovereignty in political terms, respondents from several Western Balkan countries, such as Kosovo, Albania, Serbia, Northern Macedonia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina answered a series of questions. The research findings show that changing the attitudes towards cultural relativism and state sovereignty is significantly dependent on bilateral relations between the Western Balkan nations with Chinese Foreign Policy rather than the COVID-19 pandemic.

SOCIAL ILLUSIONS IN THE FORMAL PERCEPTION OF CONTEMPORARY MOSQUE ARCHITECTURE

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the search for traditional, adapted, imitated or unique formal identity in new design approaches towards contemporary mosque architecture in sociological terms. In addition, it is aimed to measure the user’s perspective and perception, to determine the level of consciousness and awareness of the public. Method: The study consists of two parts: theoretical framework and case study. In the literature review, which is the first stage of the study, the historical development of mosque architecture, contemporary approaches and formal attempts in designs were investigated. In the second stage of the study, a survey was conducted to determine the perspectives of the participants on mosque designs. The universe of the study is the mosque users of Konya Selcuklu District. A questionnaire consisting of 95 questions in four sections was directed to the users. Results: In the results of the study, 99 valid participants were evaluated. According to the results of the survey, it has been determined that the awareness of mosque users to contemporary mosque architecture is low level and they advocate the imitation mosque architecture, which is called false historicism. Conclusion: In the study, it was determined that the attitudes of the users towards the mosque architecture, in which the traditional was copied, were positive and they supported the imitation elements used in the mosque architecture. While the attitudes of the users towards the mosque architecture in which the traditional is interpreted are positive, it is seen that they do not adopt the freely shaped mosque designs. It was revealed that the awareness level of the users should be increased, and informative seminars, conferences and TV programs should be organized by the experts.

Songs as a Subject of Sociological Enquiry: Reflections from Bhupen Hazarika’s Compositions

Music is a very significant cultural artefact of any society. Music is not merely a sum of different sounds and tonal arrangements, presented in a way to soothe the human ear and mind. Rather, much like other cultural arte facts, music/songs are potent areas of sociological analysis. ‘Songs’ or music in general is not independent from the social dynamics of the one who carves it/them - both as a reflection of his/her societal location and as a contribution towards it. Moreover, studying music as a social artefact can aid in uncovering complexities of human culture, organization, politics and identity.

Volunteerism in the Republic of Tatarstan

This article investigates volunteerism within the Republic of Tatarstan, offering a comprehensive examination of the phenomenon. Its purpose is to analyze the landscape of volunteerism, considering legal frameworks, motivations, and challenges. The research relies on a sociological inquiry conducted in the Republic of Tatarstan in 2023. This investigation, a broad-scale survey targeting volunteers aged between 14 to 35 years, furnishes insights into the practices young individuals engage in as volunteers, alongside offering a snapshot of the current landscape and potential future of volunteerism in the region. The analysis points towards a promising trajectory of volunteerism within the republic, underscoring the pivotal role governmental entities play in fostering the growth of this movement locally. However, it is posited that the forward momentum of this domain within the republic is contingent upon a synergistic relationship between the volunteers and the state, viewed as a crucial facilitator. A profound interrelation is identified between the altruistic aspirations of volunteers to effectuate societal transformation and their own tangible career and material aspirations. In conclusion, the article proffers insights and recommendations stemming from the author’s research, shedding light on the future direction and enhancement of the volunteer movement in the republic.

Contractions Use as the New Trend in PR Professional Language: Linguistic and Linguodidactic

The article deals with the analysis of PR professional language variety as referred to teaching English to university undergraduates. PR terminology encompasses various contracted forms, which contain structurally and semantically encoded information that refers to language economy in terms of heuristic approach to language. The analysis of the vocabulary in question brings the subject matter into the focus of interdisciplinary research in the field of humanitarian studies, with reference to its linguistic and linguodidactic aspects. Certain spheres dealing with PR communication are subject to the analysis and synthesis in terms of linguistics, political science, economic theory, philosophy, psychology, sociology, rhetoric, and cognitive science. To elaborate the methods of teaching L2 to PR undergraduates, it is necessary to carry out consistent analysis of all language levels representatives in their interaction. The analysis of PR terminology, especially abbreviations and acronyms, is carried out to facilitate the process of professionally oriented L2 teaching. The results application deal with practical issues of linguodidactics and language teaching methodology as referred to PR studies with respect to the content and structure of teaching process, material choice and exercise samples with abbreviated forms in different types of activities. The article provides examples of possible tasks aimed at developing students' communicative and general cultural competencies based on the work with the language material under consideration. The shift of PR procedures implementation into Web 3.0 is discussed in terms of LSP teaching, which concerns with appropriate Internet materials use and processes of adequate interpretation as well as contracted realizations creation, determined by students’ abilities and their proficiency level.

A conceptual and theoretical framework for deep mediatisation

Among the processes related to network communication, the study presents the concept of deep mediatisation resulting from digitisation. In the theories related to traditional mass communication (printed press, radio, television), the nature of the process of mediation has been problematic since the 1980s, and some researchers have focused on researching the process of mediatisation instead of the media phenomenon. In this study, I explore the research traditions of mediatisation in terms of both media sociology and cultural theories. While the concept of mediatisation is used to describe traditional mass communication technologies and processes that operate in a classical, analogue way, deep mediatisation is the key word for network communication on a digital infrastructure. After highlighting the differences between traditional mediatisation and deep mediatisation, I present the theory of Couldry and Hepp, which underpins a new kind of social construction theory based on deep mediatisation in the social world.

Socio-Legal Inquiry of Intellectual Property Law and the Neocolonised Legal Profession in Freetown, Sierra Leone

The social task facing the Freetown, Sierra Leone legal profession requires that such a professional field should be made to metamorphose and expand in line with its growing demands and expectation. This makes Intellectual Property Law an essential relation of the Neocolonised Legal Profession in Freetown, Sierra Leone. An exploration of the socio-legal approach to the relationship between intellectual property law and the Neocolonised legal professional law in Freetown is, in plain terms, highly complex. This complexity is occasioned by the very absence, very weak theoretical construct, limited attention to creativity and novelty of Intellectual Property law as a discipline and Intellectual Property Lawyers as legal practitioners. This paper is based on the main objective of examining the sociological nature of Intellectual Property Law and the operation of the Neocolonised legal profession within the framework of society. In the methodology of this paper, respondents (163) were judgementally selected, examined the socio-legal inquiry strategically on the linkage between Intellectual Property Law and the Neocolonised legal professional law and assessed its relevance and contributions to Freetown municipal income and social growth. The data analysis draws into focus the sociological inquiry on the linkage between Intellectual Property Law and the Neocolonised legal professional law in Freetown, Sierra Leone and how both of them reinforce each other in the singular sociological mission of serving society and humanity. The findings distinguish Intellectual Property Law as both a distinct and independent field of socio-legal scholarship, filling the socio-legal lacuna in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and augment national economic growth. The paper concludes that there is a very weak linkage between Intellectual Property Law and the Neocolonised legal professional law in Freetown, Sierra Leone; The lack of a deeper understanding of Intellectual Property Law and the fact that very little attention is accorded to it by the national government and other key socio-legal actors. The researcher, therefore, recommends that there is a need for an effort to employ a comprehensive conception of law that will foster a pluralistic framework; legal pluralism should incorporate all shades of law, including Intellectual Property Law.

The Loneliness of Precarity: Social Determinants and Patients at Risk for Declining Health

This study examines loneliness within 12,019 patients in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States with existing health conditions who are at risk for worsening health, higher care utilization, and higher costs. Member survey data from Highmark, a large Blue Cross Blue Shield insurer, is used to examine the prevalence of loneliness and investigate its association with social determinants of health to understand which needs pose the greatest risk in developing or maintaining loneliness. Findings reveal that concern over a potential lack of food and housing may matter more than the material lack of resources. This study also finds that many social determinants associated with loneliness depend on age, calling for greater sociological inquiry into the processes involved in the loneliness of precarity. Identifying intervention points is key to lessening loneliness and improving health outcomes.

The Influence of Subjective Socioeconomic Status on Life Satisfaction: The Chain Mediating Role of Social Equity and Social Trust

Life satisfaction is significantly influenced by social capital, a key sociological term that links people to their social surroundings. Through a survey of 17,217 Chinese residents, this study investigated the probable processes of how subjective socioeconomic status affects life satisfaction within the framework of social capital. The results indicate that there is a positive correlation between subjective socioeconomic status and life satisfaction. Subjective socioeconomic status influences citizens' life satisfaction not only through the independent mediating effects of perceived social equity and social trust, but also through the chain mediation of perceived social equity and social trust. This research advances our knowledge of the mechanisms behind the association between subjective socioeconomic status and life satisfaction. In improving citizens' life satisfaction, we should not only provide sufficient subjective socioeconomic status to improve it, but also focus on the improvement of their social equity perceptions and social trust.

Rapport: affective cultural structures in sociological inquiry

Rapport: affective cultural structures in sociological inquiry

Re-examination of religion, philosophy and art in contemporary China's oil paintings

Up to now, China's painting has not completely shaken off the influence of the spirit of European philosophy or a fundamental change in the way of viewing. The spirit of the unity of subject and object in ancient China philosophy influenced the formation and development of China's paintings. Since China Art Institute introduced figurative expressionism, a new art, into the contemporary art education system of China, it has shown its unique value in professional theory and practical skills. It not only provides new opportunities for reforming contemporary art education in China but also adds a new development direction for contemporary oil painting art in China. This article attempts to reveal the existence and artistic concept of violence in contemporary Chinese oil painting through the description and analysis of painting images and artists' emotional expression, combined with interviews with artists. Based on the development of contemporary Chinese society, the rise of new literary and artistic trends, and the influence of western painting, this paper analyses the historical causes of violence in contemporary Chinese oil painting, and examines the value of contemporary Chinese oil painting in terms of aesthetics and sociology. Therefore, establishing cultural core values is still the indispensable spiritual power of contemporary artists' artistic creation.

YENİ NESİL SANAYİ BÖLGELERİ: OSB’LERDE YENİLİKÇİ DÖNÜŞÜMÜN SOSYOLOJİSİ

Türkiye’de organize sanayi bölgelerinin (OSB) yenilikçi dönüşümüne ilişkin çaba ve olanakları sosyolojik bir bakış açısıyla ele almayı amaçlayan makalede, imalat sanayi ekosisteminin temel bileşenlerinden bir tanesi olan organize sanayi bölgelerinin gelişiminde etkili olan unsurlar deşifre edilerek bütüncül bir analiz yapılmıştır. Organize sanayi bölgelerini bilgi temelli toplumsal bir dönüşümün üretim ayağının temel yapılandırıcısı ve hızlandırıcısı olarak konumlandırma stratejisini anlamak, açıklamak ve kurgulamak makalenin temel hedefini oluşturmaktadır. Analizin temel çerçevesi Bourdieu tarafından geliştirilen düşünümsel sosyoloji yaklaşımını kullanarak alan, habitus ve sermaye kavramları üzerinden yürütülmüştür. Manisa Organize Sanayi Bölgesi’nin yenilikçi dönüşümünü hızlandırmak adına kurulan Yenilik Merkezi çarpıcı bir vaka olarak ele alınmış ve bu bağlamda analiz edilmiştir. Çalışma neticesinde, kuramsal çerçeveden yola çıkarak organize sanayi bölgelerinin dönüşümüne ilişkin temel eksenler belirlenmiştir. Bu bağlamda, konu hakkında ileride yapılacak daha detaylı çalışmalar için teorik bir altyapı oluşturulmaya çalışılmıştır.

THE SOCIOLOGICAL CONCEPT OF THE STRANGER AND ITS METHODOLOGICAL USE IN LITERATURE

This article aims to demonstrate the methodological approach I took on my research about the sociological term “Stranger” and its expression in literary terms. I deconstruct the term “Stranger”, since it was coined in 1950, analyzing sociological and cultural theories which address the concept: foreigner, immigrant, alien, outsider, pariah, marginal. Although all these deal with the point of view of identity, the definition of Stranger lies primarily in the difference between the “other” versus a group. This binary thinking can be conditioned by geography or bring about discomfort as the Stranger is seen by the group as someone who does not belong to their circle. I found these concepts reflected in post-colonial novels, where notions of identity and the Stranger mingle, in the struggle between the dominant outsider and the submissive colonized people. Since Stranger may be an acquired condition and its status is not rigid, for it is a given characteristic rather than a natural one, I followed a methodological cross-cultural comparison of the term Stranger in both a diachronic and synchronic perspectives. This project deals with cross-cultural identities and contributes to highlight the notion of the Stranger in literature.

Middle-class mothers’ participation in tutoring for spoken English: a case of unlocking middle-class identity and privilege in contemporary India

ABSTRACT Sociological inquiries on parental involvement seldom consider the investments parents make in themselves to realise educational advantages in their children's schooling. This gap hides the processes underlying class-making and class-produced privileges. To address this gap, this article investigates middle-class mothers’ participation in tutoring and coaching for spoken English in Dehradun, India, focusing on their reasons for soliciting such paid tutoring support. It shows that mothers subscribe to these services to facilitate home-teaching, productive communication with their children, and effective home-school partnerships. Mothers’ subscription to private tuition emerges in this context as a source of cultural capital that parents use to unlock their middle-class identity and privilege in the educational landscape. The article argues that English private tutoring is a case of a capital exchange – economic for cultural and social forms of capital – which parents may use to accumulate key resources and produce, maintain, and intergenerationally sustain their middle-classness.

International library standards for low-resource countries: the example of Rwanda

AbstractLibrary standards for low-resource countries are intended to make it easier to set up and run a library even with few resources. The client for this thesis is COERESO (Cooperation, Equality, Respect), an association active in Rwanda. In order to develop an understanding of the conditions in low-resource countries, relevant sociological terms are defined. Then, based on the literature and on statements from school officials and students, criteria are created which serve as a basis for library standards. In addition, the standards and manifestos of IFLA and UNESCO were used as a source of inspiration.

A Historical and Sociological Study of the Nigerian Air Force (1962 – 1970): Politics, Ethnicism and Army Influence

ABSTRACT The Air Force in Nigeria is a compelling subject for sociological enquiry, with an entirely different formative process to the Army. At its inception in 1964, Army officers, not career airmen, commanded the force until 1975. However, whereas the Army cast a long shadow over NAF identity, the Air Force had other institutional pathologies. The “Quota System” of ethnicized recruitment within the military, introduced to balance out ethnic representation, was one such issue. The paper examines how this system, along with the tumultuous politics of 1960s Nigeria, ethnicism and Army influence, shaped the NAF’s formative years.

Sociology of Alcohol Consumption – In Search of a Theory

Alcohol consumption takes place in society and because of society. The “social” aspect of this phenomenon gives a meaning that manifests itself in the framework of interaction. This paper discusses basic problems of previous sociological approaches to alcohol consumption: (1) focus on a problem-oriented approach – drinking and alcoholism, (2) abstract empiricism of alcohol consumption, and (3) unclear theoretical background for a sociological approach to alcohol consumption. Focusing exclusively on alcoholism or excessive drinking neglects a number of social dimensions inherent in alcohol consumption. Therefore, when considering this phenomenon in sociological terms, clear theoretical-methodological starting points should be established in order to understand the social consumption of alcohol. The main objective of this paper was to provide a basic paradigmatic and epistemological framework for the development of a sociology of alcohol consumption. The paper starts from the assumption that two theoretical-methodological principles should be considered: methodological individualism and methodological situationism. Each of these approaches has certain advantages and disadvantages, but in further conceptualising the paradigmatic foundations of the sociology of alcohol consumption, the paper proposed a two-level approach, that is, a synthesis of methodological situationism and methodological individualism. However, this synthesis does not constitute a theory of the sociology of alcohol consumption, but a framework for a sociological approach to the phenomenon, as well as the possibility of overcoming the problems presented in the sociological analysis of this topic.

THE INFLUENCE OF GLOBALIZATION ON LAND OWNERSHIP IN INDONESIA IN TERMS OF PERSPECTIVE SOCIOLOGY OF LAW

The influence of globalization on land ownership in Indonesia, viewed from the perspective of legal sociology, is the difficulty for people to obtain land ownership in urban areas. This is not due to bureaucracy but rather the influence of urban and preeconomic progress in the city center so that the land for residential houses is getting narrower (exhausted) and left out. The challenge ahead for the Indonesian nation in terms of legal sociology in responding to the influence of globalization, especially economic globalization on land ownership is not to make land a business commodity because it is supported by easy land ownership registration services so that land with clear legal status becomes easy to trade and get economic benefits even though these benefits are only temporary.