Culture-specific Norms Research Articles

The social vibe of the tenant/landlord relationship in a ‘tenant market’: the case of Romania

There has recently been a burgeoning interest in private rental housing, yet few studies have addressed the tenant/landlord relationship as lived. This paper contributes related insights from the ‘young’ markets of Eastern Europe where the tenant/landlord relationship is entirely market based but embedded in specific cultural norms and supply/demand balances. Drawing on cultural theories of risk and rich qualitative data from tenants and landlords in Romania, this paper examines narratives of risk and repertoires of risk mitigation practices of the relational risks of renting. Findings portray a supply-rich market where tenants have market power hence financial checks on tenants are socially unacceptable, evictions are rare, and most tenants feel at home in their rented properties. In this tenant market, landlords rely on the social vibe of the first tenant/landlord encounter, showing openness to construct win-win collaborations. These less institutionalised practices seem more inclusive to tenants’ economic unpredictability but high rents push the poor, and ethnic stigmatisation drives the Roma ‘others’ into alternative housing.

Culture-Specific Norms Regarding High-Quality Use of Task Potential for Mathematical Learning—Contrasting Researchers’ Perspectives from Germany and Taiwan

Factors like the potential of tasks to support students’ mathematical learning and its use in instruction are consensually understood to be relevant for instructional quality across cultural contexts. Yet, research has also shown that perspectives on instructional quality may vary between cultural contexts. As an explanation, it is argued that such perspectives depend on instructional norms, which correspond to the expected behavior in instruction within a cultural context. Notably, research contrasting mathematics instruction from East Asian and Western cultures hints at potentially different instructional norms regarding high-quality use of task potential, but systematic evidence is lacking so far. This study addresses this gap and uses three text vignettes of instructional situations to systematically elicit and contrast instructional norms regarding the use of word problems for mathematical learning. Researchers from Germany (N = 17) and Taiwan (N = 19) evaluated the use of tasks in various instructional situations in an online survey, and their answers were qualitatively analyzed to determine possible culture-specific norms based on their reasoning. In two of the three cases, culture-specific norms in line with assumptions could be identified. In the third case, researchers in both countries referred to an interculturally shared instructional norm. Differences between the reasoning in answers from Germany and Taiwan indicate further cultural influences in line with assumptions based on prior research. We discuss the findings and their implications for the validity of intercultural research in mathematics education.

Determinants of knowledge, practice, belief and adherence to taboos on egg consumption in Kwazulu-Natal province of South Africa

Eggs are considered to be one of the cheapest sources of protein, hence, support for their consumption ought to be particularly sought after in a nation like South Africa where many may be food insecure. With much of the population being unemployed and the unsteady economy that has contributed to the higher cost of living, malnutrition remains a challenge. The recognition and dissection of the socio-economic variables that lead to the avoidance of egg consumption will allow the implantation of programs that will encourage the incremental utilization of eggs, to improve on the moderately lower per capita consumption when compared to some African countries. This study examines the determinants of knowledge, practice, belief, and adherence to taboos on egg consumption in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa where there is the lowest level of egg consumption compared to other provinces in the country. A descriptive and quantitative research design using a multi-stage sampling technique and the Rao Soft sample size calculator were used to select 125 households. Data were obtained with the use of a structured questionnaire and analysed with t-test statistics, Principal Component analysis and Probit regression analysis. The results show a significant relationship between egg consumption and taboos. The results revealed a decreasing order on the levels of knowledge, practice, belief and adherence to taboos among respondents. The study concluded that cultural reasons exercise a greater influence on egg consumption than socioeconomic, economic and availability factors. It is, therefore, recommended that interventions such as educational programs that encourage healthier eating behaviours should be designed and implemented. These programs should be designed in a way that will incorporate culturally relevant approaches that people in Kwazulu-Natal can resonate with to enhance their potential effectiveness in improving the frequency of egg consumption. Furthermore, it is recommended that future research should delve deeper into the history of the specific cultural norms, beliefs and practices surrounding egg consumption within the region. Key words: egg consumption, South Africa, food security, KwaZulu-Natal, food taboos

Emotional Tears and Racial Stigma in Orson Welles's Othello and Vishal Bhardwaj's Omkara

Abstract On the basis of two film adaptations of Shakespeare's Othello, Orson Welles's (1952/1955) Othello and Vishal Bhardwaj's Omkara (2006), this article focuses on Othello's emotional tears, and how they mitigate, or not, the effects of racial stigmatization. The “Othello dilemma,” as I call it, refers to how Othello continues to be understood as an example of his race, rather than as an individual. How do the two films deal with this dilemma? This article draws on current research in cognitive neuroscience to underscore the pro-social function of emotional tears. Both films avoid direct views of Othello's tears but evoke lachrymal emotion to produce broader interpretations of the play, which is relevant to contemporary concerns. In black and white, Orson Welles uses Soviet montage to depict Othello's loneliness, which authenticates his grief, while Vishal Bhardwaj's colorful Bollywood film shifts attention to stigmatization on account of gender bias, invoking an array of culture-specific norms and values.

Eksplorasi Pengalaman Crossdressing di Komunitas Cosplayer Jakarta

Crossdresser, or known as cross-dresser, is an act where someone wears clothing, adopts appearances, and exhibits behavior aligned with a gender different from their own biological sex, usually influenced by specific cultural norms. This research aims to delve into and uncover the experiences of individuals involved in crossdressing practices within the cosplay community in Jakarta. Through a phenomenological approach, this study explores the motives, pleasurable experiences, and challenges in the lives of crossdressers within the cosplay group in Jakarta. In this research, the researcher employs a qualitative approach. The theories used in this study are phenomenology and social identity theory. The research findings indicate that crossdressers face quite complex dynamics in their journeys. Each crossdresser has different experiences. Comfort, entertainment, and a means of self-expression are the primary motives expressed by crossdressers. The cosplay group also plays a role in the development of the social identity of crossdressers, helping them better understand themselves and others.

ԱԶԳԱՅԻՆ-ՄՇԱԿՈՒԹԱՅԻՆ ԳՈՐԾՈՆՆԵՐԻ ԱԶԴԵՑՈՒԹՅՈՒՆԸ ՏԱՂԱՆԴՆԵՐԻ ԲԱՑԱՀԱՅՏՄԱՆ ԵՎ ՆՐԱՆՑ ԿԱՌԱՎԱՐՄԱՆ ՌԱԶՄԱՎԱՐՈՒԹՅՈՒՆՆԵՐԻ ՄՇԱԿՄԱՆ ՀԱՄԱՏԵՔՍՏՈՒՄ / THE EFFECT OF NATIONAL-CULTURAL FACTORS IN THE CONTEXT OF DEVELOPING TALENT DISCOVERY AND THEIR MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

At the core of talent management processes and all work activities lies the individual. The type of individual and their maturity shape the culture. Adapting talent management processes to the country's culture is crucial for achieving optimal results. This research explores the intricate interplay between cultural factors and talent management processes. The primary objective of this research is to comprehensively examine how specific cultural norms and behavioral patterns prevalent in Armenian society influence talent management strategies within organizations. The aim is to propose approaches that enhance the efficiency of talent management processes and address issues hindering talent development, thereby mitigating "brain drain." The tasks outlined to achieve this goal are: - To study and comprehensively evaluate the impact of cultural factors on talent management processes. - To identify positive and negative aspects and propose solutions. The article employs a comparative, collational, and analytical approach based on international literature, thematic research, and practitioner observations. In conclusion, this research offers valuable insights into the intricate relationship between Armenian culture and talent management processes. By acknowledging cultural factors and accurately assessing their impact, organizations can optimize their human capital utilization, leading to enhanced organizational performance.

Биоэтический и социокультурный аспекты сообщения диагноза

Aim: The aim of the article was to analyze various approaches to diagnostic disclosure considering its bioethical, soci-ocultural, psychoemotional and sociolinguistic implications. Results: Diagnosis disclosure is considered to be one of the major challenges of doctor – patient communication as it brings forth complex bioethical, legal, sociocultural, and psychoemotional tensions. The former non-maleficence approach to diagnosis delivery has been replaced with the one based on the bioethical principle of patient autonomy obliging physicians to reveal information truthfully and completely. The current bioethical approach has been refined to develop a number of protocols used for effective delivery of nega-tive diagnostic information. However, alongside with the protocols building on this principle, alternative ways of diagnosis disclosure and patterns of diagnosis breaking are practised. The latter rest on culture specific norms, which are followed to balance the principles of non-maleficence and patient autonomy. Conclusion: The rationale behind the selection of the best approach to diagnostic disclosure has to rest not only on the dominant bioethical principle, but also align with the sociocultural norms as this is the way to ensure greater flexibility, variability and optionality and achieve better management outcomes.

Evidence-Based Intervention Adaptations Within the Veterans Health Administration: a Scoping Review.

Veterans receiving care within the Veterans Health Administration (VA) are a unique population with distinctive cultural traits and healthcare needs compared to the civilian population. Modifications to evidence-based interventions (EBIs) developed outside of the VA may be useful to adapt care to the VA healthcare system context or to specific cultural norms among veterans. We sought to understand how EBIs have been modified for veterans and whether adaptations were feasible and acceptable to veteran populations. We conducted a scoping review of EBI adaptations occurring within the VA at any time prior to June 2021. Eligible articles were those where study populations included veterans in VA care, EBIs were clearly defined, and there was a comprehensive description of the EBI adaptation from its original context. Data was summarized by the components of the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-based interventions (FRAME). We retrieved 922 abstracts based on our search terms. Following review of titles and abstracts, 49 articles remained for full-text review; eleven of these articles (22%) met all inclusion criteria. EBIs were adapted for mental health (n = 4), access to care and/or care delivery (n = 3), diabetes prevention (n = 2), substance use (n = 2), weight management (n = 1), care specific to cancer survivors (n = 1), and/or to reduce criminal recidivism among veterans (n = 1). All articles used qualitative feedback (e.g., interviews or focus groups) with participants to inform adaptations. The majority of studies (55%) were modified in the pre-implementation, planning, or pilot phases, and all were planned proactive adaptations to EBIs. The reviewed articles used a variety of methods and frameworks to guide EBI adaptations for veterans receiving VA care. There is an opportunity to continue to expand the use of EBI adaptations to meet the specific needs of veteran populations.

Culture and parenting: Polish migrant parents’ perspectives on how culture shapes their parenting in a culturally diverse Irish neighbourhood

ABSTRACT While it is now widely acknowledged that child-rearing practices vary culturally, there has been little research or consideration on how cultural difference is experienced by Polish immigrant parents in Ireland. This paper reflects on how culture is experienced by migrant parents and shapes Polish migrant parenting in the Irish context. It draws on findings from a qualitative study which elicited Polish migrant parents’ perspectives on the norms that shape parenting and their parental experiences, while residing in a culturally diverse neighbourhood in Ireland. Findings highlight that no single theoretical framework accurately captures Polish migrant parenting, which is a complex, multidimensional and dynamic phenomenon. Instead, insight is required into migration experiences, the influence of childhood, family relationships and obligations, as well as employment and parenting styles, all of which are underpinned by specific cultural norms and values, to better understand parental challenges in the adaptation to their post migration environment.

Influence of Cultural Norms on Formal Service Engagement Among Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: A Qualitative Meta-synthesis.

For victim-survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), receiving help from formal services such as specialist family violence, health, or criminal justice services can be critical for their safety and well-being. Previous research has found cross-cultural differences in the rates of help-seeking behavior, with women from non-Anglo-Saxon communities less likely to seek formal help than Anglo-Saxon populations. This qualitative meta-synthesis has integrated qualitative evidence to examine the relationship between specific cultural norms and formal service engagement for female victim-survivors of IPV from non-Anglo-Saxon communities. A comprehensive search of seven databases was conducted for peer-reviewed articles published between 1985 to May 2021, in addition to searching gray literature. Thirty-five articles met the criteria for inclusion, representing 1,286 participants from 20 cultural groups. Based on a thematic synthesis approach, five key themes that captured specific cultural norms that influence formal service engagement were identified: (1) gender roles and social expectations, (2) community recognition and acceptance of abuse, (3) honor-based society, (4) the role of religion, and (5) cultural beliefs and attitudes toward formal services. These findings have important implications for responses to family violence, particularly concerning family violence education for non-Anglo-Saxon ethnically diverse communities and best-practice strategies to improve the cultural relevancy of formal service providers.

Unexpected, but consistent and pre-registered: Experimental evidence on interview language and Latino views of COVID-19

Much uncertainty remains about effective messaging to boost public support for COVID-19 mitigation efforts, especially among people of color. We investigate the relationship between interview language and expressed support for COVID-19 public health protocols among Latinos: America’s largest ethnic group. Prior work establishes that interview language shapes opinions by cognitively structuring which considerations people use to express attitudes. Yet other work suggests interview language shapes opinions by activating specific cultural norms associated with a tongue. We predicted that interviewing in Spanish (versus English) would boost support for COVID-19 protocols by activating pro-social norms known to be strongly associated with that language. We uncover null support for this prediction in a pre-registered experiment on bilingual Latino adults ( N = 1645). Instead, we find that Latinos assigned to interview in Spanish report weaker support for COVID-19 protocols, regardless of which cultural norms are primed. We discuss implications for COVID-19 attitudes in linguistically diverse polities.

Advancing L2 Dynamic Assessment: Innovations in Chinese Contexts

ABSTRACT This introduction to the special issue, L2 Dynamic Assessment Research in China, examines the theoretical foundations of Dynamic Assessment (DA) in the writings of L. S. Vygotsky, with particular attention to the concepts of praxis, mediation, and zone of proximal development, while also recognizing contributions from notable DA researchers such as Israeli psychologist and educator Reuven Feuerstein. Trends in the general and L2 DA research literatures are considered, including: flexible, open-ended mediation (interactionist DA) and standardized, scripted mediation (interventionist DA); formats of embedding mediation in assessment procedures (so-called ‘sandwich’ and ‘cake’ formats of DA); DA administered in classroom and group settings; DA in formal testing contexts, including computerized DA procedures; mediated scores and learning potential scores; and uses of learner profiles resulting from DA to inform instructional enrichment programs. Each article in the special issue reports original research conducted by scholars in China. How the individual studies take up and extend trends in L2 DA research is explained. Given that learning activities and the thinking associated with them are deeply saturated in specific cultural practices and norms, it is argued that extension of DA principles to new cultural contexts, such as those reported in the special issue, is informative not only for assessment researchers in China but for the international community of assessment scholars, and it is essential for the continued development of DA frameworks.

СПРИЙНЯТТЯ ЖИТТЄВИХ ЦІННОСТЕЙ УКРАЇНЦЯМИ ТА ІНШИМИ ЄВРОПЕЙЦЯМИ В КОНТЕКСТІ ПРОБЛЕМ ІНТЕГРАЦІЇ УКРАЇНСЬКИХ БІЖЕНЦІВ У ЄС

Установлено, що в процесі інтеграції українських біженців у ЄС виникають непоодинокі випадки недостатнього взаємного розуміння учасників міжнаціонального спілкування. Характерними прикладами цього є контакти біженців з офіційними службами країн перебування. Біженці незадоволені тим, що швидкому й безпроблемному вирішенню питань перешкоджають незвичні бюрократичні регламенти, складні процедури, тривалі терміни очікування. Офіцери служб також незадоволені нерозумінням і неспокійним прийняттям біженцями передбачених правил. Обидві сторони взаємно незадоволені поведінкою одна одною. Ця поведінка здається незрозумілою і невиправданою, хоча насправді є цілком звичайною для іншої сторони. Але контрагентам бракує обізнаності про культурні особливості поведінки, прийнятій в іншій країні. Оскільки людська поведінка значною мірою зумовлюється цінностями, визначено особливості сприйняття важливості основних життєвих цінностей українцями і жителями інших країн ЄС. За даними об’єднаних 2017–2020 рр. проєктів World Values Survey і European Values Study було виконано вторинний аналіз соціологічних показників важливості шести основних складових життя: сім’ї, друзів і знайомих, роботи, вільного часу, релігії та політики для жителів восьми європейських країн з різних кластерів Світової мапи крос-культурних розбіжностей Інглхарта – Вельцеля. Визначено, що за більшістю показників у міжкраїнному порівнянні простежується значно більше спільного, ніж відмінного. Це є сприятливим чинником для налагодження доброго взаємного розуміння учасників міжнаціонального спілкування в процесі інтеграції українських біженців у ЄС. Для покращення взаєморозуміння запропоновано більше інформувати біженців про чинні правила надання адміністративних послуг і поширювати в публічному просторі країн перебування знання про національні особливості культурних норм, традицій, звичаїв і поведінки, характерних для різних європейських народів.

Audio-Visual Interactions During Emotion Processing in Bicultural Bilinguals.

Despite the growing number of bicultural bilinguals in the world, the way in which multisensory emotions are evaluated by bilinguals who identify with two or more cultures remains unknown. In the present study, Chinese-English bicultural bilinguals from Singapore viewed Asian or Caucasian faces and heard Mandarin or English speech, and evaluated the emotion from one of the two simultaneously-presented modalities. Reliance on the visual modality was greater when bicultural bilinguals processed Western audio-visual emotion information. Although no differences between modalities emerged when processing East-Asian audio-visual emotion information, correlations revealed that bicultural bilinguals increased their reliance on the auditory modality with more daily exposure to East-Asian cultures. Greater interference from the irrelevant modality was observed for Asian faces paired with English speech than for Caucasian faces paired with Mandarin speech. We conclude that processing of emotion in bicultural bilinguals is guided by culture-specific norms, and that familiarity influences how the emotions of those who speak a foreign language are perceived and evaluated.

Assessment of the Individual Experience of Sexual Violence in War and Forced Displacement and its Consequences Among Male Victims: A Narrative Literature Review

From a psychological perspective, male survivors of sexual violence in the context of war and forced displacement represent a highly burdened population. An adequate assessment of traumatic events and trauma related disorders is often hampered by both disclosure barriers from the patient side as well as by lack of awareness on the part of healthcare professionals regarding male victimization. Based on a narrative literature review, relevant characteristics of violence and their relation to the diagnostic process are elaborated on eight dimensions of individual experience of violence (form of violence, frequency and severity, perpetrator-victim context, societal discrimination, subjective evaluation, concept of masculinity, culture-specific norms, and trauma sequelae). The dimensions are delineated in a case study. In order to thoroughly assess sexualized experiences of violence, there is a need for sensitivity on the part of practitioners to the signs of male victimization and regular assessment of sexualized violence in male patients. In this context, certainty about the confidentiality of the information disclosed and recognition of the injustice are of central importance for those affected. In the long term, the development of specialized support services for male victims is needed.

The troubling impact of political interference in Indonesian public sector institutions on ethical leadership credibility

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of political interference on the capacity to combat corruption within Indonesian public sector institutions. It analyses the troubling impact of politicians in strategic leadership positions in public institutions and the impact this has on its ethical leadership credibility.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative multi-method approach was followed. Firstly, media publications were analysed to describe typical cases of corruption by political and public leaders and to evaluate the current state of the country. Secondly, the authors studied the selection and appointment processes for strategic leadership in two types of leading Indonesian public sector institutions based on laws and regulations and critical (media) publications to assess the problem of political interference. Lastly, the authors used insights from 42 face-to-face interviews within one leading public institution to understand the problem of political interference and its impact on ethical leadership credibility in Indonesia.FindingsWhen politicians are appointed in strategic leadership positions of public institutions, including CEOs, the board of directors and commissioners, the downside is that such political support causes a conflict of interest that seriously threatens the independent functioning of public institutions and the ethical reputation of the public sector as a whole. The influence of specific Indonesian cultural values and norms only reinforces these ethical challenges in building public sector integrity.Originality/valueMost empirical studies on ethical leadership focus on middle managers and the impact of ethical leadership on organisational outcomes. In addition, little is yet known about the effectiveness of ethical leadership in developing countries. This study attempts to address this gap and analyses the troubling role of politicians in strategic leadership positions in Indonesia's public institutions and the impact this has on its ethical leadership credibility.

Stigma Toward Bariatric Surgery in the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom: Protocol for a Cross-cultural Mixed Methods Study.

BackgroundBariatric surgery is an effective procedure for the treatment of obesity. Despite this, only 0.1% to 2% of eligible individuals undergo surgery worldwide. The stigma surrounding surgery might be a reason for this. Thus far, no research has systematically studied the nature and implications of bariatric surgery stigma. The limited studies on bariatric surgery stigma are often conducted from the perspective of the public or health care professions and either use small and nonrepresentative samples or fail to capture the full essence and implications of the stigma altogether, including attitudes toward patients and perpetrators of the stigma. In addition, studies from patients’ perspectives are limited and tend to address bariatric surgery stigma superficially or implicitly. Finally, the extent to which cultural factors shape and facilitate this stigma and the experiences of patients have not yet been researched.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the perceptions, experiences, and consequences of bariatric surgery stigma from the perspective of the public, health care professionals, and patients before and after bariatric surgery. Furthermore, although the concept of stigma is universal, every society has specific cultural norms and values that define acceptable attributes and behaviors for its members. Therefore, this study also aimed to explore the extent to which cultural factors influence bariatric surgery stigma by comparing the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom.MethodsThis paper describes the protocol for a multiphase mixed methods research design. In the first part, we will conduct a scoping review to determine the current knowledge on bariatric surgery stigma and identify knowledge gaps. In the second part, semistructured interviews among patients before and after bariatric surgery will be conducted to explore their experiences and consequences of bariatric surgery stigma. In the third part, surveys will be conducted among both the public and health care professionals to determine the prevalence, nature, and impact of bariatric surgery stigma. Surveys and interviews will be conducted in the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom. Finally, data integration will be conducted at the interpretation and reporting levels.ResultsThe study began in September 2020 and will continue through September 2025. With the results of the review, we will create an overview of the current knowledge regarding bariatric surgery stigma from patients’ perspectives. Qualitative data will provide insights into patients’ experiences with bariatric surgery stigma. Quantitative data will provide information related to the prevalence and nature of bariatric surgery stigma from the perspective of the public and health care professionals. Both qualitative and quantitative data will be compared for each country.ConclusionsThe findings from this study will lead to new insights that can be used to develop strategies to reduce bariatric surgery stigma and improve access, use, and outcomes of bariatric surgery.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/36753

Influence of alcohol provocation on medical professionals in Taiwan: A qualitative study.

There is a paucity of research on the issue of alcohol provocation in the medical field. While studies have been performed concerning alcohol abuse among students, no studies have concentrated on alcohol provocation among medical professionals. Therefore, it is essential to look at the underlying factors that may influence alcohol use by medical professionals. A qualitative study using focus groups was conducted to construct themes depicting medical professionals’ experiences of alcohol provocation. Physicians (n = 32) and residents (n = 29) were recruited from a large teaching hospital in Taiwan. The volunteers included both subjects and instigators of alcohol provocation (individuals being pressured to drink and those who exert such pressure on others). A questionnaire on their alcohol use was used to quantitatively assess the prevalence of alcohol consumption and inebriation. The participants were then interviewed separately in groups. All interview data were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. A notable prevalence of recent alcohol consumption was observed in both the physicians (n = 18, 56%) and residents (n = 17, 59%). Three prominent themes were identified and summarized: (1) Social drinking in the Taiwanese medical profession (2) Workplace hierarchy and changes in drinking culture, and (3) Influence on the medical profession. The behaviour of alcohol provocation among these medical professionals was revealed with its underlying factors of specific cultural norms, workplace hierarchy and social expectations. An understanding of alcohol provocation helps increase the awareness of adverse consequences associated with alcohol provocation, encourage medical professionals to avoid inappropriate drinking behaviors, and reduce the risk of compromising medical professionalism.

Cultural and societal motivations for being informal caregivers: a qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis

ABSTRACT Informal caregiving constitutes the mainstay of a society’s care supply. Motivations for caring and continuing to provide care are crucial to understanding the nature of caregiver experiences and their relationship with the person/people they support. This systematic review of qualitative evidence examines determinants of motivations and willingness to provide informal care. One hundred and five qualitative studies published before August 2019 and fitting the inclusion criteria were identified, 84 of them pertaining to cultural and societal motivations for caregiving. Grounded theory-based, thematic synthesis was conducted. Cultural and societal factors strongly underpinned motivations and willingness for informal caregiving. The main cultural motives for caregiving were cultural values and beliefs encompassing the ethnocultural context of the caregiving role, culture-specific norms, cultural and spiritual beliefs, illness beliefs and socialisation. Societal norms and perceived expectations, such as gendered roles, norms and expectations of caregiving, and perceptions of health and social care services further shaped caregiver motivations and willingness to provide care. These meta-synthesis findings contribute towards novel understandings about the cultural and societal aspects shaping informal care provision. These findings bear important implications for theory, research, policy and practice; all of which contributing to the issue of the sustainability of informal care from a ‘macro’ perspective.

ЖІНОЧА ГІГІЄНА: ДОГЛЯД ЗА ТІЛОМ, ВОЛОССЯМ ТА ОБЛИЧЧЯМ У ТРАДИЦІЙНІЙ КУЛЬТУРІ УКРАЇНЦІВ СЕРЕДИНИ ХІХ – поч. ХХ ст.

This article presents an approach to analysis of women’s hygiene and beauty practices in the traditional Ukrainian society. As a key message, the article discusses female hygiene and body care as a historically determined, complex process, affected by popular beliefs stemming from people’s living, natural and, more specifically, climatic conditions. The author presents the rules of society, especially taboos, which influenced women’s hygiene as a special practice. Hence hygiene, body care and beauty standards are recognized as a function of specific social and cultural norms established for woman’s body. In addition, the notion of bodily health, hygiene and beauty was most closely tied to the popular view of «proper» and «improper» days for body care. For instance, ritualistic washing of the body was mandatory on the eve of major calendar holidays, especially Christmas and Easter, however, bathing, washing or sprinkling, practiced during these periods, had as its object rather some sacred than any hygienic purpose. Accordingly, on the days of traditional Christian fasting (Wednesdays and Fridays), it was forbidden to bathe, the same goes for Sundays and the time during certain calendar periods: on the eve of Whit Sunday festivities, Midsummer Night, also after Elijah’s Day or the Feast of Transfiguration. The emphasis was put on hygiene, standards of beauty, care, etc. as a construct of cultural and social norms, where the age and marital status of women would be of great importance. As woman grew older, she had to become more inconspicuous: excessive primping, self-care, and adorning were strongly condemned by the society of that time. Thus, it appears that all hygienic procedures of body and hair care were under the scrutiny of society, with imposition of a significant number of taboos, restrictions and precautions. Women had to follow all those precepts because otherwise they would be accused of violating sacred traditions.