Community Spirit Research Articles

A Battle on Social Media: Critical Discourse Analysis of the Sampradaya in Bali

Abstract This study focuses on the discourse battle on Facebook between two ideological perspectives on the existence of Sampradaya in Bali. Sampradaya refers to the Hindu spiritual community in Bali which has been adopting new traditions and practices from India since 1980. Since then, their presence in Bali has faced opposition, including the prohibition of Hare Krishna literature and the closure of Hare Krishna learning centers. Starting in 2019, this resistance has created a battleground of conflicting narratives that influence the public. This research aims to comprehend the representation of ideological perspectives and discourse battle strategies within the Sampradaya discourse on Facebook. This study combines Teun van Dijk’s discourse analysis model and nethnography. The analyzed discourses consist of 10 instances from 2022 to 2023. The research findings reveal dominant and marginal discourses representing ideological beliefs and political systems. The strategies employed include reproduction, distinction, rejection, exclusion, and transformation.

What happens when tourism is turned off: Exploring the outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions for Indigenous people in Rarotonga, The Cook Islands

The sea, sand, and sun allure of the Cook Islands has seen tourism become the most significant driver of the country's economic development. However, the increasing reliance on the tourism sector since the 1980's has created a mono-economy at the expense of diversification and alternative economic models. The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the risks and consequences associated with an over- reliance on international tourism as the lockdown measures and international travel restrictions caused the sudden shutdown of international tourism, resulting in serious negative economic consequences for tourism-dependent communities. However, the pandemic also offered an opportunity for small island societies to reflect on pre-existing challenges associated with the tourism industry. Through qualitative semi-structured interviews with Indigenous Cook Islanders in Rarotonga, this study aimed to develop a deeper understanding of how the lived experiences of participants responding to the sudden collapse of tourism may have influenced how Indigenous Cook Islands peoples perceive the role of tourism in supporting the wellbeing of their small island nation. The presented study is the result of a collaborative research partnership between an Indigenous Pacific scholar and non-Indigenous European scholar. While the research adopted a western methodology, the relationships developed between the researchers and participants were guided by the cultural values of reciprocity and respect, which are key principles underpinning Indigenous research in the Pacific. The findings revealed that participants adapted to the adverse impacts of COVID-19 through the revitalization of their traditional socio-economies, the resurgence of customary practices, a strengthened connection to nature, and a renewed sense of community spirit and pride in cultural identity—all of which were perceived to positively impact their spiritual, social, cultural, environmental, physical, and mental wellbeing. By demonstrating the positive adaptive responses of participants, this article aims to emphasize the non-economic dimensions of wellbeing that are critical to supporting the cultural values, social priorities, and the Indigenous ways of life that preceded the development of tourism. These findings can be used to inform and guide international development policy makers and tourism stakeholders who seek to reduce the adverse impacts of tourism on the wellbeing of Indigenous communities in the Pacific.

Sacred Water: Neo-Spiritual Consumerism in Catherine Chanter’s The Well

ABSTRACT Catherine Chanter’s The Well depicts a water-scarce Britain where the fertile farm of the Ardingly couple becomes a site of exploitation by a spiritual community called the Sisters of the Rose. By setting her novel on a farm named The Well, Chanter constructs a spatial map that not only exposes the cult’s manipulative power but also serves as a symbolic microcosm of their capitalist exploitation, highlighting the rise of a phenomenon I term “neo-spiritual consumerism.” Drawing on Fredric Jameson’s concept of “late capitalism” (1991) and his theory of “cognitive mapping” (1992), this study examines how Chanter uses The Well as a spatial narrative instrument to re-mythologize religious narratives as a form of cultural consumption. Through a literary analysis of Chanter’s novel, the study examines her ironic use of religious symbols to delve into the social, psychological, and political implications of associating environmental crises with divine retribution, deflecting attention from the socio-economic systems perpetuating environmental degradation. Chanter’s subversive use of religious symbolism highlights how capitalist frameworks exacerbate ecological vulnerabilities. This research prompts critical assessment of modern spiritual movements and emphasizes capitalism’s pervasive influence in sacred domains, compelling readers to consider alternative worldviews and ethical frameworks for navigating a changing world.

Solidarity, marginalised groups, and COVID-19 lockdowns: censoriousness and penal exceptionalism in Norwegian and Danish prisons during the pandemic

Some of the most marginalised and exposed populations during the COVID-19 pandemic have been those incarcerated in penal institutions. In the present article we compare how Norway and Denmark handled the pandemic in their prison systems and analyse these efforts through the lens of how the authorities tried to invoke specific national cultures of social solidarity during the crisis. In both countries we find that increased isolation, inactivity, lack of information, and loss of trust and contact with the outside world aggravated the prison experience. However, in Norway a bigger effort was made, compared to Denmark, to lower the prison population, as well as to create possibilities for maintaining contact with friends and families through video-visits. We then analyse the pandemic prison policies in the context of how both governments through very specific national terminologies appealed to an alleged community spirit. We examine the role and situation of prisoners in connection with these national and cultural projects of social solidarity, and find that in several cases prisoners reacted to the restrictive pandemic regimes by displaying a censorious attitude towards prison staff and authorities much in the manner originally described by Thomas Mathiesen (1965). Prisoners, in other words, held the authorities accountable to their call for community spirit and the values of social solidarity they claimed to represent. This also raises a question concerning the degree to which Danish and Norwegian policies and practices live up to the notion of Nordic penal exceptionalism, or whether the crisis unveiled different penal values.

Eco-friendly urban design: An analysis of sustainable building practices and their community impact

Eco-friendly urban design is essential in tackling the challenges arising from rapid urban growth and the increasing pressure on natural resources. This paper offers a thorough examination of sustainable building practices and their effects on communities within the framework of urban design. The initial section discusses various sustainable building methods that contribute to eco-friendly urban design, including renewable energy utilization, green materials, and energy-efficient technologies. Implementing these practices not only minimizes the environmental impact of urban developments but also strengthens the resilience of the constructed environment. The second part of the paper investigates the impact of sustainable urban design on communities. It highlights how these practices can enhance community spirit, elevate residents' quality of life, and support social equity. Sustainable urban design extends beyond environmental concerns to adopt a comprehensive approach that prioritizes inhabitants' well-being. The paper also includes case studies and examples of effective sustainable urban design projects worldwide, demonstrating the benefits of eco-friendly practices such as improved air and water quality, reduced energy use, and the development of vibrant, walkable neighborhoods. In summary, this paper underscores the significance of sustainable urban design in addressing the environmental and social issues linked to urbanization. By embracing eco-friendly building practices, communities can lessen their environmental footprint and foster healthier, more resilient, and inclusive urban spaces. This review is a valuable resource for urban planners, architects, and policymakers dedicated to advancing sustainable development and improving urban community well-being.

Sharing housing: a solution to – or a reflection of – housing inequality?

Shared housing is a rather unusual phenomenon in Sweden. However, due to the decreasing availability of affordable housing and a large share of single-person households in urban areas, sharing is on the rise and new forms of shared housing have entered the market. By analysing how shared housing overlaps with existing patterns of socioeconomic segregation and by interviewing developers of diverse forms of shared housing in the cities of Stockholm and Malmö, this article aims to evolve the understanding of sharing housing from a perspective on housing inequality. We find that while many households are sharing housing because there are no other options, others share because they have the possibility to share certain spaces and facilities, which makes life easier and enhances a sense of togetherness. While the first category is concentrated in marginalized and racialized areas of the cities, the other category is concentrated in well-off areas. Developers offering shared solutions in marginalized areas are few but do so based on a discourse of ‘receiving less for more’, while developers offering shared housing in wealthier districts are doing so based on ‘sustainability’ and ‘making life easier’, as the shared housing includes private facilities and services that aim to support an effortless lifestyle in districts with existing urban assets. The conclusion is that sharing housing is no longer solely built on community spirit and de-growth, but sharing housing is also a reflection of contemporary housing inequality.

Naming Buildings in Universities Based on the Names of National Figures to Ignite the Fighting Spirit of the Academic Community

The naming of the building at Universitas “X” as one of the leading universities in Indonesia is not fully known. This study investigates the reasons for naming places using the names of national figures, the language unit structure of place names, and the names of places that have been given special names. This qualitative research data were collected using a documentation study, a search for news on the internet with reliable sources of information, interviews with informants who have information about the building names at Universitas “X”, and direct observations. The data were analyzed qualitatively according to those presented by Miles dan Huberman: data reduction, display, and conclusion drawing. The research results in naming buildings based on the names of national figures intended so that the academic community can emulate national figures’ spirit, achievements, and fighting power. The phrase structure of building names based on the rules for English language toponymy is a combination of common nouns and proper nouns, such as Gedung Prof. Mr. H. Mohammad Yamin, Gedung Prof. Dr. Ace Partadiredja, and Gedung K.H. A. Wahid Hasyim. As a follow-up to this research, it can be investigated, among others, how to name streets or name rooms on campus with this Islamic spirit. Keywords: toponymy, place name, building name, universitas “X”

Unity in Diversity of Religions in Bumi Flobamora, Indonesia: From Traditional to Modern Pluralism

The religiously diverse society of NTT (Bumi Flobamora) has received national title as the most tolerant province in Indonesia. However, reality shows that there are religious conflicts, such as the rejection of the establishment of Islamic places of worship and the emergence of various forms of violence with religious nuances. This study attempts to provide a new contemporary social philosophy explanation for the development of religious social conditions. With the help of philosophical methods, the results show that the ideology of pluralism has long lived in Bumi Flobamora. However, this model of "traditional pluralism,” which is based on local wisdom and supported by the government's policy of harmony, is currently no longer in line with demands for universal human rights, because "traditional pluralism" shows the unequal treatment of people of different religions. Therefore, contemporary social philosophy develops a "modern pluralism,” which is built on the principle of equality. To strengthen this new model of pluralism, efforts are needed to overcome the weaknesses of communitarianism. The main weakness of communitarianism is that it opens up a space for religious appreciation that only emphasizes the togetherness and unity of a spiritual community and views those outside the community as other people who may or should even be excluded. The study concludes that the unity of religions in Bumi Flobamora will only survive if traditional pluralism is replaced with modern pluralism, which is in line with the Political Ethics of the Indonesian nation, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, and the basic philosophy of Pancasila.

Vertically integrated project: uniting teaching, research, and community in favor of sustainability

PurposeHigher education institutions (HEIs) are crucial in sustainable development. To this end, they must infuse sustainability into all their endeavors. This study aims to delve into the unique vertically integrated project (VIP), a project-based learning approach and its impact on students’ skills and the surrounding community.Design/methodology/approachThe research design was collaborative, reflecting the spirit of the VIP. Step 1 involved an action research approach, where students and instructors worked closely with municipal representatives to identify challenges and devise solutions for local economic development. In Step 2, students' voices were heard through a survey. Step 3 encompassed presentations in scientific and nonscientific events, capturing the community’s perception as a valuable feedback loop.FindingsThe authors identified the most effective policies implemented by municipalities that excelled in indices related to the business environment. VIP enhanced students’ soft skills, including critical thinking, teamwork and community spirit. The outcomes of the VIP were effective in identifying public policies aimed at social transformation.Practical implicationsThis study’s findings offer significant insights for HEI managers, guiding them in adopting interdisciplinary pedagogical practices. These practices, in turn, foster sustainable development within both internal and external communities. Furthermore, the empirical study’s focus on improving local community governance can potentially enhance the local business environment.Originality/valueLiterature emphasizing the social dimension of sustainability in HEIs is scarce, particularly those practices related to teaching, research and extension linked to projects aimed at community sustainability. This study introduces interdisciplinary practices encouraging student involvement in addressing tangible issues and searching for solutions to community problems.

Three decades on the Chinese internet: Attention, authority, and cultural production

Emerging in the mid-1990s as an alternative space, internet culture in China has transitioned from an era of youthful idealism, egalitarianism, and communal spirit to an era of intensive commerce. This essay delves into the intricacies that define the vibrancy of digital culture, including the intense competition for user attention and the interplay between digital and traditional media. Amid contemporary challenges, such as geopolitical tensions, digital inequality, and socio-economic instability, it highlights the imperative of comprehending the strategies employed by different stakeholders to wield influence. Moreover, the essay underscores the significance of investigating how the digital sphere has emerged as a pivotal space for examining the convergence of contested ideologies and diverse generations of internet users.

Exploring Culture through Vietnamese Legends

This article addresses the role of legends in preserving the cultural and historical values of the Vietnamese people. By methods of classification, theoretical systematization, and comparison, the study demonstrates that Vietnamese legends are not only mystical stories but also deeply reflect the history, customs, beliefs, and community spirit. Vietnamese culture is depicted through legends, such as the culture of gratitude to ancestors, beliefs, festivals, customs, marriage concepts, and family culture. The maintenance and transmission of legends to younger generations are essential for protecting cultural heritage and supporting the sustainable development of national culture.

ANALISIS KETERKAITAN LATAR BELAKANG KEHIDUPAN SPIRITUAL DALAM NOVEL TEMUKAN AKU DALAM ISTIKHARAHMU KARYA ADI RUSTANDI MENGGUNAKAN PENDEKATAN EKSPRESIF

A novel is a depiction of daily life that is found in a specific sastra. The novel originated in Italian, was known as a novella in Jerman, and was then translated into English before traveling to Indonesia. Novels are also described as prose-based short stories. “Temukan Aku dalam Istikharahmu” a novel by Adi Rustandi, is the only sacred work published in 2014 by Jakarta, Zettu Cetakan. This book draws inspiration from Tokoh Rengganis, which is explained throughout the novel. The authors not only expresses his feelings, but also offers ideas and solutions to the current problem. The authors in the story of his life expresses his private spiritual guidance through a tokoh of a devout old man who depicts his spiritual life and connects him to his spiritual community with his god. This study is being conducted to understand the life at the bottom of the pyramid.

Ritual Dynamics and Spiritual Practices in the Teaching of Tarekat Qadiriyah wa Naqsyabandiyah

This study explores the intricate dynamics of rituals and spiritual practices within the Tarekat Qadiriyah wa Naqsyabandiyah, a prominent Sufi order in Indonesia. Through a comprehensive literature analysis, in-depth interviews, and participant observation, the research delves into the historical evolution, theological foundations, and the multifaceted role of rituals and spiritual exercises in shaping the followers' spiritual journey. The findings reveal that the integration of Qadiriyah and Naqsyabandiyah traditions fosters a unique spiritual path that balances exoteric religious observance with esoteric contemplation. Key themes include the transformative impact of rituals, the pivotal role of the sheikh, the significance of communal practices, and the holistic pedagogical approaches employed within the Tarekat. The study concludes that these rituals and practices are central to individual and collective spirituality, providing a cohesive and supportive spiritual community. This research contributes to the broader understanding of Indonesian Sufism and the enduring relevance of Sufi practices in contemporary Islamic spirituality.

Instilling Family Values among Students through the Tradition of Ro'an (Community Service) in Islamic Boarding Schools

This study aims to describe the implementation of the Ro'an (mutual cooperation) tradition at the Sunan Kalijaga Islamic Boarding School in Patianrowo, Nganjuk, to explain efforts to instill family values among students through this tradition, and to analyze the outcomes of these efforts. A qualitative approach was employed, based on interpretive philosophy, to gather in-depth insights. The research findings reveal that the Ro'an tradition is effectively conducted, fostering strong social bonds among students as they work together with sincerity and cooperation. This tradition significantly contributes to nurturing a sense of family among the students, strengthening their social relationships and communal spirit.

Barriers to Public Participation in Urban Green Infrastructure in China from Stakeholders’ and Residents’ Perspective, A Case Study in Yangzhou

Public participation has always played an important role in urban design and planning. Urban green infrastructure is a part of urban planning and design. This research uses a policy review and semi-structured interviews with residents and stakeholders. The findings suggest that the lack of public participation in urban green infrastructure projects is the result of a combination of both government and the general public. Residents have low interest in participating in urban green infrastructure due to social cultural, public competence and lack of community spirit. Stakeholders have tried to avoid public participation in projects due to limited participation methods and limited project timeline. Citizen participation can be increased through improved technical support, media advocacy and legislation and regulations.

THE INFLUENCE OF JAZZ AND BLUES ON AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERATURE

This research paper explores the profound influence of jazz and blues on African American literature, highlighting their role in shaping themes, narrative techniques, and cultural expressions. Jazz and blues, with origins rooted in African traditions and their evolution in the United States, serve as cultural symbols representing the resilience, creativity, and spirit of the African American community. The Harlem Renaissance marked a significant intersection of music and literature, with key figures such as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Ralph Ellison incorporating musical elements into their works to explore themes of identity, struggle, resilience, and community.Langston Hughes' poetry, notably "The Weary Blues," captures the rhythmic and emotional depth of blues, while Zora Neale Hurston’s novels, including "Their Eyes Were Watching God," integrate musical elements and African American folklore. Ralph Ellison’s "Invisible Man" employs jazz influences to explore themes of identity and cultural expression. These works demonstrate how jazz and blues have shaped the narrative structures and thematic depth of African American literature.Contemporary African American writers continue this tradition, drawing on jazz and blues to enhance their storytelling. Toni Morrison’s "Jazz" and Jesmyn Ward’s "Sing, Unburied, Sing" exemplify the ongoing influence of these musical genres, using them to deals complex themes and preserve cultural narratives.The paper concludes that the interconnectedness of music and literature in African American culture is a testament to the community's rich artistic heritage. Jazz and blues are integral to the African American narrative, providing a soundtrack to the community’s experiences and enhancing the emotional and cultural depth of their literature. This relationship celebrates the past and inspires future generations, ensuring the enduring legacy of jazz and blues in African American literary tradition.

From gadgets towards community

South Africa is a divided racially, religiously, economically, politically and digitally country. Gadgets become personal and humans gravitate towards them instead of towards each other where botho can be experienced. Technology has negative and positive impacts on the community. This article provides some practical steps from theological perspective for citizens to cross the digital divides. It is here recommended that botho be interpreted through communion ecclesiology lenses. To do this communion ecclesiology and botho will be elaborated, compared, and contrasted. Through the literature review and social media, these two tools are presented as a solution towards divided communities of faith. The findings are that the digital divides can be overcome through theological reflections, self-offering, and robust engagement with communities. The contribution made by this article is that communality cannot be bought. Becoming a spiritual community comes through self-denial and crossing the digital divides – being incarnationally present on the cutting edges of communities.

Migrant and refugee communities strengthening disaster resilience

This paper presents insights from a community-led initiative in South Australia aimed at enhancing disaster resilience in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) migrant and refugee communities. Anchored in the principles of community cohesion, empowerment and informed action, the project addresses socio-cultural dynamics and communication barriers. A series of workshops and forums, tailored to account for cultural sensitivity, showed strengthened community collaboration, skills development and increased awareness of the psychosocial effects of disasters, prompting proactive strategies that consider the unique vulnerabilities and strengths of CALD communities. Participant testimonials noted increased community spirit and practical application of acquired knowledge, including understanding local hazard risk profiles and trust-building with emergency services organisations. The findings demonstrate the importance of mitigating access challenges, integrating diverse community perspectives into resilience- building activities and ensuring the inclusivity of management policies. Highlighting the significance of strengths-based community-driven approaches in emergency and disaster management, particularly for marginalised groups, this initiative found that engaging communities as active contributors enables more resilient and self-efficacious populations that effectively bridge cultural and linguistic gaps in preparedness.

The Dinosaur on your Doorstep: raising awareness of Hastings’ dinosaur heritage

Historic sites of palaeontological heritage are all too often off the radar of the local communities which reside alongside them. Local museums that hold related collections, along with curators with the remit to champion this heritage, can address deficits in local knowledge and improve relationships between museums and communities through outreach and working with community partners. The benefits of heritage outreach in communities include the generation of greater community spirit, a greater sense of place, and an ambition for communal spaces. The Royal Society’s Places of Science scheme funded a community outreach project to celebrate and raise awareness of the story of Hastings’ dinosaurs. Through outreach events over the summer of 2022, The Dinosaur on your Doorstep project engaged residents in Hollington with their local palaeontological heritage. The focus of the project was the creation of a permanent outdoor artwork telling the story of a locally found Cretaceous dinosaur named Iguanodon hollingtoniensis. The project also provided an opportunity to work with an under-engaged local community and the involvement of local charities and a social housing provider were key components. The project aimed to engage the community with their paleontological heritage, promote museum participation, and foster interest in geological sciences, while cultivating pride and ambition for communal spaces and local heritage.

Religious and Spiritual Communities Must Adapt or Die: Surviving and Thriving during Challenging Contemporary Times

Current trends within both religious and secular communities suggest that contemporary times mean that people spend more time alone than with others. Community engagement in general has been declining, while religious and spiritual community engagement in particular has dropped off significantly in recent decades, and most especially following the COVID-19 global pandemic. Although humans are social beings and benefit from community engagement, we tend to avoid or minimize our affiliations and associations, including our religious and spiritual ones today. Religious and spiritual communities must adapt to changing times or risk becoming irrelevant, diminishing further, and losing their sustainability to continue with their activities and services. Religious communities might wish to consider the best state-of-the-art evidence-based practices to engage their members, as well as appeal to those who might be interested in joining with them. There are many mental and physical health benefits to active engagement with spiritual religious practices and communities. The world could use more rather than less community engagement, including religious and spiritual engagement, during our challenging contemporary times.