Socio-political Changes Research Articles

Ambivalent citizenship: political cynicism, community engagement and belonging among youth in Brazil

ABSTRACT This article interrogates the role of urban peripheries in creating political imaginaries and understandings of citizenship among children and grandchildren of insurgent citizens in urban Northeast Brazil. The analysis draws on data collected through 10 ethnographically informed focus groups with youth between 18 and 35. The article argues that, contrary to beliefs that young people are apathetic about politics or enthusiastic to engage in progressive social movements, youth have an ambivalent relationship with the state, informed by everyday encounters with precarious infrastructure, awareness of previous forms of collective action that determines their civic engagement, and feelings of belonging to home communities. The article suggests revisiting the concept of insurgent citizenship considering new socio-political changes that framed the lives of young people living in urban peripheries in the past two decades in Brazil and proposes ambivalence as a productive theoretical angle to make sense of ruptures and discontinuities in political practices.

Colour-Coding Aegean Elites: Status and Cultural Identities in Linear B Dyed Textiles and Late Bronze Age Socio-Political Changes

Abstract This paper analyses the dyed textiles that are recorded in Linear B tablets and explores their role within the changes that the Late Bronze Age Aegean socio-cultural and economic scenario underwent. Additionally, it addresses how Aegean elites visually conveyed cultural messages on power and identities through colours and coloured textiles. As such, this paper (i) hypothesises new associations between red-dyed textiles, the chronology of Linear B tablets from Knossos, and the socio-political and cultural development of the Late Bronze Age; (ii) contributes new insights into the cultivation of plants producing red dyes throughout the period of the Knossos tablets use; (iii) challenges the interpretation of terms referring to the red natural colour of the wool; (iv) critically reviews the interpretation of terms referring to the grey natural colour of the wool; (v) hypothesises a new interpretation of how green-dyed textiles were obtained.

Difficulties In Assisting Students With Special Educational Needs In Armenian Schools During History Lessons

Inclusive education in Armenia has changed quite much over the years, which were stipulated by various historical, socio-political, and economic changes. The system of inclusive education is oriented toward mainstreaming students with special needs into the common educational process in schools with an equal attitude toward providing all of them with appropriate education. This study is aimed at analyzing the present situation, obstacles, and management peculiarities of inclusive education in Armenia during the History lesson from the viewpoint of the history teachers. Within this frame, the current study used qualitative research methodology as a content-based approach to combine thought, emotions, ideas, and attitudes. It was intended to understand the experiences of history teachers in working with students with special educational needs and go deep to have a richer understanding of the research question. The findings of the study revealed that Armenian inclusive schools are facing various challenges in appropriately supporting students with special educational needs in the History learning environment. These areas of difficulty involve inadequate teaching differentiation to cater to the different learning needs, failure to cope with various students' comprehension levels, and lack of one-on-one attention in a mainstream class. Inadequate resource provision, limited teacher training, and poor specialized support complicate the effective delivery of history education for such learners even further.

Local crime and substance use disorders: A comparison of midlife adults in the 1990s and 2000s

This study investigated how sociopolitical changes in the United States between the 1990s and 2000s may explain the increase in substance use disorders and reduced longevity in more recent cohorts of US midlife adults. The 2008 recession which drastically increased unemployment rates across the country may have had negative implications for downstream contextual and individual processes, including both local crime rates and substance use disorders. The Midlife in the United States Survey cohort (1995; n = 6148; 20–75 years) and the MIDUS Refresher cohort (2011; n = 3543; 23–76 years) reported on substance use disorders. These data were linked to Uniform Crime Reporting violent crime rates to determine whether associations between local crime and substance use disorders changed among two separate cohorts of US midlife adults assessed before or after the 2008 recession. In 1995, despite higher local crime rates, substance use disorders were not associated with local crime. The comparatively lower crime rates of 2011, however, associated with greater prevalence of substance use disorders. Considering unemployment rates from the Decennial Census and American Community Survey, which were substantially higher in 2011 relative to 1995, completely diminished the local crime rate-substance use disorder association. The increased prevalence of substance use disorders observed in the more recent cohort of midlife adults assessed in the current study may represent maladaptive coping to local crime after the 2008 recession.

Modern information technologies for studying the cost of working time as an important tool for effective management of business processes

Relevance. In the context of economic, social and socio-political changes, growth and increased competition, it is becoming increasingly interesting to study the issues of scientific organization and labor rationing, as well as factors affecting labor productivity, and, ultimately, the effectiveness and profitability of production processes in general. There is an objective need to improve not only the methods of managing the cost of working time, but also to skillfully apply modern digital technologies. That is why it is so important to develop and modify, in accordance with the requirements of the market environment, methods, tools and methods of analysis using artificial intelligence (AI) when studying the cost of working time of employees of an organization.The purpose is based on the study of theoretical and methodological approaches to improving the system of organization and rationing of labor, to provide a scientific justification for the relevance of the development of the processes of accounting for working hours of employees of the organization through the integration of modern information technologies.Objectives: to analyze the existing approaches to the organization and rationing of labor; to identify the potential of integrating modern information technologies into the processes of working time accounting; to develop practical recommendations for improving the system of accounting for the working hours of employees of the organization using modern information technologies.Methodology. The theoretical and practical basis for the study of modern approaches to the modernization of the system of organization and rationing of labor at the enterprise were the methods of analyzing literary sources, statistical data, expert assessments, as well as using an integrated approach.Results. The result of the research in the work is a comprehensive analysis of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in studying the cost of working time to modify the processes of rationing labor functions through the integration of information technologies.Conclusions. In the course of the study, we proved the positive effect of the introduction of modern information technology systems at the enterprise, as well as scientifically substantiated the relevance of the development of processes for analyzing the cost of working time and rationing employees of enterprises through the integration of modern information technologies.

Narratives at the Crossroads: Media Reporting on Suicide in Slovenia in the Context of Socio-political Changes in 1959-1999

This study examines the representation of suicide in Slovenian newspapers from 1959 to 1999, a period characterised by profound socio-political changes. By analysing 1,785 articles from the archives of two major newspapers, Delo and Večer, we identified a dynamic relationship between the style of media reporting on suicide and the evolving societal context. Our findings suggest a transition from predominantly provocative to increasingly preventive reporting on suicide over the decades. Interestingly, despite an overall trend towards preventive approaches, the ratio of provocative to preventive aspects per article consistently favoured provocative reporting in each period studied. In the early years studied, reporting on suicide tended to be sensationalised, which could be due to a variety of factors, including less informed media practices. In the 1990s, however, a surprising increase in both preventive and provocative reporting was observed, coinciding with Slovenia's independence and the liberalisation of the media. This mixed trend contrasts with worldwide studies, but underlines the link between media, socio-political changes and public perception of suicide. The study highlights the significance of the media, and the challenge of balancing public interest and social responsibility when reporting on suicide.

Discrimination, critical consciousness, and mental health in American youth of color.

To resist and cope with oppression, youth of color may use the process of critical consciousness which involves understanding racial injustices (critical reflection), developing motivation to fight these injustices (critical motivation), and taking action to enact sociopolitical change (critical action). However, little is known about how each dimension of critical consciousness affects mental health in adolescents of color. In a sample of 367 ethnically and racially diverse American adolescents of color (age range = 13-17; 68.9% girls, 28.6% boys, and 2.5% gender minority; 84.4% US-born), we conducted multivariate regressions in Mplus to examine the cross-sectional links between each critical consciousness dimension (reflection, motivation, and action) and mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, and stress) over and above the impact of everyday discrimination. We also investigated the interaction between critical consciousness and discrimination in predicting mental health outcomes. Controlling for age, gender, nativity, and social class, we found that discrimination and critical action were both positively associated with anxiety, depression, and stress. For our covariates, girls and gender minority adolescents reported worse outcomes. No interactions were significant. Overall, critical action, while necessary to enact societal change, may have a complex relationship with youth's depression, anxiety, and psychological stress symptoms and warrants careful exploration. Future research should focus on understanding the longitudinal mechanisms of critical action and how we can maximize the benefits by protecting youth from those negative effects.

Социальные и политические основания конструктивной девиации студенческой молодежи: анализ цифровых следов в региональных сетевых сообществах

Deviant behavior is a popular research topic. The article examines interdisciplinary approaches to its causes, types, and consequences in university students. Constructive deviation is a relatively new phenomenon, which requires systematization and formalization. The current socio-political changes encourage certain socially significant values and helping behavior practices, which makes it possible to develop social resources, as well as social, intellectual, and civic potential in young people. The authors studied internet activities of first-year university students to reveal the social and political prerequisites of constructive deviation. These foundations included the institutional conditions for the development and implementation of the state youth policy, youth initiatives, helping behavior practices, hypernormality, such socially significant values as patriotism and altruism, etc. The sociological interpretation of constructive deviation clarifies the challenges that are relevant for young people and directions for their social consolidation.

“Exploring Gender and Identity in 20th-Century Literature: Feminist Perspectives in Doris Lessing's The Golden Notebook and Angela Carter's The Bloody Chamber”

This research investigates the themes of identity and gender in twentieth-century literature, with an emphasis on the role of feminism in Doris Lessing's The Brilliant Notebook )1962) and Angela Carter's The Bloody Chamber (1979). The research aims to examine how the two writers question and dismantle conventional gender roles, featuring the impact of women's activist ideas in molding female identity inside the setting of the sociopolitical changes of the 20th 100 years. The objectives are to examine the women's perspectives introduced in every text, research the depiction of female independence, and investigate the crossing point of gender, power, and personality in the account structures. The methodology is a relative scholarly examination, using women's activist and gender theory structures to examine the texts. Essential sources, including the two books, are broken down closely by optional academic deals with women's activist scholarly analysis. Key subjects like female freedom, the disruption of man-centric designs, and the rehash of personality are investigated through character development, narrative techniques, and imagery. The outcomes show that both Lessing and Carter utilize their attempts to challenge regulating gender builds, with Lessing's The Brilliant Notebook focusing on the fracture and remaking of female identity, and Carter's The Bloody Chamber utilizing Gothic and fantasy themes to scrutinize conventional gender roles. The conversation underlines how each creator adds to women's activist artistic talk by offering complex, nuanced depictions of ladies who explore, oppose, and eventually reshape the jobs forced upon them by man-centric culture. This study concluded that Lessing and Carter, through their specific strategies, offer tough women's dissident assessments that continue to reverberate in contemporary discussions on gender and identity. Their novels feature the phenomenal ability of writing to test gender principles and advance feminist ideologies. Keywords: Gender, Identity, Feminism, The Golden Notebook, The Bloody Chamber

Етнічні меншини України: роль греків Приазов'я у формуванні національної ідентичності

The purpose of the article is to explore the role of the Greeks of the Azov region in shaping the national identity of Ukraine, as well as to analyze the impact of their ethnocultural heritage on the development of modern Ukrainian society. The methodology of the research is based on a combination of historical-ethnographic and cultural-anthropological approaches, as well as the use of interdisciplinary methods of analysis, including comparative analysis, data systematization, and synthesis. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the fact that, for the first time, a comprehensive analysis of the transformation of the national identity of the Greeks of the Azov region has been carried out, from their resettlement from Crimea to the modern period, particularly in the context of socio-political changes in Ukraine and the influence of external factors, such as the war in Donbas. Conclusions. The article concludes that the Greeks of the Azov region have played a significant role in forming the multinational identity of Ukraine. Their cultural heritage, preservation of language, and traditions in the face of historical challenges serve as an example of the resilience and adaptability of an ethnic minority within the context of modern Ukrainian society. Further research in this direction may contribute to a deeper understanding of the processes of ethnic and national identification in Ukraine.

Why Has Migration Research So Little Impact? Examining Knowledge Practices in Migration Policy Making and Migration Studies

Scientific and expert knowledge on migration is often disregarded in policy making and plays only a minor role in public debates - despite the massive growth and institutionalization of migration research in recent years. This article interrogates the limited impact of migration research(ers) by examining knowledge practices in both policy making and academia. We first look “outwards” at migration policy making. Revisiting and integrating the hitherto separate scholarship on knowledge use and knowledge production, we identify the main mechanisms that characterize knowledge practices of policy actors, such as individual and institutional self-preservation, issue politicization, or unequal power dynamics. We then mobilize these insights to look “inwards” at our own knowledge practices in migration studies, showing that similar mechanisms shape how migration scholars produce and use knowledge. In particular, we identify a fragmentation of migration studies into ever-more fine-grained sub-fields, each with their own knowledge practices and impact strategies - and with little dialogue across them. In fact, rather than acknowledging their complementarity, these sub-fields tend to delegitimize each other's knowledge and efforts to achieve socio-political change. We argue that such “academic tribalism” creates a self-sabotaging dynamic that undermines the field's wider credibility and impact. Ultimately, we hope that this paper empowers migration researchers to act upon this diagnosis and inspires a collective discussion on how to foster more mutually-reinforcing knowledge practices that strengthen the field's role in political debates and public life.

The Abu Dhabi adhan: An orienting soundmark through scaled configurations of space and time

AbstractAmid its superdiverse population, the call to prayer, the adhan, identifies the UAE as an Arab, Muslim nation state while forming discrete ethno‐class publics around its numerous urban mosque calls. I conceptualize the adhan as a soundmark, which functions as a vital sonic place‐maker and orients listeners' attendant actions through a series of scaled chronotopes. I posit two intersecting umbrella chronotopes, masjid and jāmi‘, which frame how each adhan is listened to and taken up. For autochthonous Emiratis, the chronotope of masjid opens up a portal of copresence with God and attendant rituals of ethical self‐formation. Meanwhile, the chronotope of jāmi‘ positions Emiratis in the iterative constitution of their nation, community, and family. Through these chronotopes, I examine how members of an extended Emirati family use the adhan to reinforce discourses of ethnonational and gendered socialization within their cloistered urban tribal enclave in the capital, Abu Dhabi. However, as the state gradually divests from full economic dependence on oil, infrastructural transformations are leading young Emiratis toward two‐income single‐family homes in multiethnic suburbs. Accordingly, I show how the marked reduction in the adhan in new developments becomes a synecdoche for sociopolitical changes and Emiratis' ambivalence toward them.

Unusual times: Remembering Turkey’s long sixties

The two decades spanning from 1960 to 1980 in Turkey marked a period of profound socio-political change, characterized by the emergence of new ideas, movements, and transformations that significantly influenced the entire society. This era, punctuated by three coups d’état and other pivotal historical events, shaped the formative experiences of diverse members of the young generation of time, regardless of their level of involvement. This article seeks to present a pluralistic memory narrative of Turkey’s long sixties, derived from the lived experiences of ordinary people, rather than solely focusing on the perspectives of activist individuals of the time. In doing so, the article aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of Turkey’s long sixties, shedding light on both the violence and utopian ideals that characterized the era. Furthermore, it seeks to contribute to an “agonistic memory” narrative of this contested period by acknowledging its complexity and bringing to light other perspectives alongside the dominant narratives.

SOCIAL MOOD OF RUSSIAN SOCIETY AS A MARKER OF SOCIO-POLITICAL CHANGES IN CONDITIONS OF UNCERTAINTY

Based on the analysis of monitoring research data, the article proposes a view of social mood as a marker of socio-political changes, including a socio-psychological mechanism of adaptation to a traumatic period of uncertainty. Based on the data of the Institute of Socio-Political Problems of the Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences and in comparison with the results of studies by leading analytical centers of the country, the psychological state of Russian society is characterized, in particular, the dynamics of social mood over the past three years through the prism of emotional and rational indicators: an assessment of the current situation in the country, the dynamics of social expectations, the direction of social optimism, the spectrum of the problem field of Russians, an assessment of the perception of power, political loyalty and political alienation, political participation. The mobility and variability of social mood is presented in the values of its intensity and the vector of changes. The interdependence of the tonal and subject socio-political orientation of social mood is revealed. A conclusion is made about the positive tonality and restrained right-center political orientation of the social mood of Russian society. At the same time, the accumulation in social memory of the result of reflexive orientation toward social changes forms in the mass consciousness a potential source of both obstacles and opportunities for the transformation of social memory. The question is raised about the direction of such transformation, about the possible mutual influence of social mood, socio-political practices, changes in the structure of social memory depending on the socio-political context and time.

Challenges and Triumphs of Democratisation in Mongolia

The major socio-political change in Mongolia was the change of political system from one-party socialist to multi-party democracy in 1990s. The political liberalisation of ideas- the change of economic system, inauguration of the new constitution in 1992 and the first ever free parliamentary elections are the key features of the Mongolia’s Democratic revolution. The importance of researching democratic consolidation in Mongolia can be underscored in several keyways. Firstly, Mongolia serves as an exemplary case of a nation that has transitioned positively towards democracy in a global landscape where democracy often remains an outlier rather than the norm. From the events that Mongolia had to overcome and the knowledge that was gained, there is much to learn on how democratisation processes could be maintained in transitional societies. Qualitative research approach is fitting for this study since it enables the researcher to gain an insight into subjective experiences as well as perceptions of those who are either involved in or affected by a democratic transition in Mongolia. Findings of this research highlights Mongolia's democratisation process both possibilities as well as difficulties involved. Mongolia has done fairly well in terms of institutionalising democracy, but numerous challenges are still persistent which require continuous attention and concerted efforts being made towards addressing them. By introducing strategic reforms, endorsing comprehensive development, fostering transparency culture and nurturing a sense of accountability within state institutions Mongolia can reinforce further consolidation of its democratic gains.

Opportunities and Challenges in the Implementation of Modular Construction Methods for Urban Revitalization

The urban landscape is undergoing significant transformations due to economic shifts, urban planning initiatives, technological advancements, and sociopolitical changes. Almost 89% of the U.S. population is projected to reside in urban areas by 2050, which increases a pressing need for innovative and efficient urban revitalization strategies. Modular construction is an extensively researched topic with potential promise for addressing these challenges; however, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of its specific opportunities and challenges within the context of urban revitalization. This paper explores the potential of modular construction methods as a viable solution in densely populated areas with limited space and competing land uses. This study employs a systematic literature review using PRISMA and mixed methods analysis with NVivo to identify the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing modular construction in urban settings. The findings highlight the advantages of modular construction, including reduced construction time, enhanced quality control, and improved sustainability. However, challenges such as land scarcity, restrictive zoning laws, and the need for innovative planning and collaboration among stakeholders are also emphasized. This paper provides valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and developers to effectively leverage modular construction methods for sustainable and efficient urban renewal efforts.

Undergraduate Researchers and The Academic Librarian: Case Studies and Best Practices

The 2023 second edition of Undergraduate research and the academic librarian: Casestudies and best practices co-edited by Merinda Kaye Hensley, Hailley Fargo, and StephanieDavis-Kahl, reflects the recent socio-political cultural changes that have impacted the evolutionof academic library programs focused upon the undergraduate population and their researchskill development. Through the models chosen for this edition, programs which highlight thenecessity for remote learning, the needs of minoritized students and the overall benefits ofinitiating research skills at the undergraduate level are provided to inspire the reader. Theprograms described also provide creative collaborations between the academic libraries andvarious university programs. By providing program descriptions, reflections, recommendationsand best practices in each chapter, Undergraduate research and the academic librarianprovides guidance and creative suggestions for new librarians, academic librarians and researchand instruction programs seeking to address the research instruction needs of a diverseundergraduate student population.

Collective Value-Laden Grief Among Hongkongers: We Left, We Grieve, We Live

This qualitative study aimed to examine the collective grief of Hongkongers who have left their hometown and moved to the United Kingdom following the 2019 social movement in Hong Kong. Seventeen participants underwent an in-depth interview. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted. The main theme, “Collective value-laden grief: Double loss of hometown,” and three subthemes, “Left but still care,” “I am a Hongkonger,” “In values: We grieve, we live” were identified. Participants revealed their value-laden grief over their double loss—the symbolic loss of their hometown, like the loss of freedom, and the loss of leaving the hometown physically. They grieved because of the values they upheld for Hong Kong, but they also left with these values. It is the values that connect individual grief that becomes collective grief. Participants still showed great concern about the socio-political changes in their hometown, and they maintained a strong Hongkonger identity which they perceived to be defined by values, including supporting freedom and justice. Shared values may facilitate their articulation of grief and mutual support among other Hongkongers but also motivate them to live and integrate into life in the UK. The findings have helped us to reflect on the role of values in shaping collective grief and how values may be addressed in supporting people with collective grief at individual and collective levels. Following the socio-political changes in Hong Kong, some Hongkongers left their hometown. We grieve but continue to live with the grief and our values genuinely.

“Determined to prove a villain”

Abstract Shakespeare’s play Richard III represents a fascinating phenomenon from the perspective of critical disability studies. On the one hand, his portrayal stands at the root of the much-criticised link between evil intentions and a physical deformity; on the other, the play allows Richard to reclaim some of the agency of his own corporeality, as he uses his body to gain his political goals. Translations of this play inevitably mirror contemporary views of non-normative bodies, and the two Slovak versions of the play marking the immediate aftermath of World War II and the last years of the communist rule in former Czechoslovakia provide an ideal ground for observing these shifts against the backdrop of significant sociopolitical changes. This article explores how the subtle nuances in individual translated versions reshape Richard’s image, and ultimately highlights the changing historical narratives of disability translated for different generations of Slovak readers and theatregoers.

Pengaruh Aktivis Mahasiswa Dalam Perubahan Sosial Politik Di Era Digital 5.0

The study explores how student activists at the Islamic State University of North Sumatra (UINSU) influence the socio-political dynamics of the digital era 5.0. This era is marked by technological advances that integrate the physical, digital, and biological worlds, thus providing a new platform for student activism. Student activists not only act as agents of change through social and political activities, but they also use digital technology to expand their influence. The research uses a survey method with structured questionnaires distributed to UINSU student activists, as well as a qualitative approach to gaining an in-depth understanding of their views, attitudes, and experiences of socio-political change. Research findings indicate that student activists effectively use social media and digital technology for campaigns and mobilization. Through social media and internet platforms, activists can quickly mobilize people and draw attention to key topics such as gender equality, climate change, and human rights on a global scale. In the digital age of 5.0, student activists can also more successfully challenge existing forces by using digital tactics, including online campaigns, digital petitions, and online boycott movements, in addition to conducting physical demonstrations in public spaces. They not only use technology as a tool of struggle, but also as a new space for building critical awareness and solidarity. However, the research also finds challenges faced by student activists, such as the spread of disinformation and hoaxes, digital gaps, and technology access. Nonetheless, student activists continue to adapt quickly and innovate to overcome these barriers. The study provides significant insights into the role of digital technology in student activism and its implications for healthy political participation in the digital age 5.0, as well as solutions to strengthen the integrity of democracy at the local level.