Cultural Studies Research Articles

The invisible community in contemporary China: a visual narrative framework for Chinese lesbian identity

This study employs the photo-elicitation (PE) interview method to explore the social construction of contemporary Chinese lesbian identity. It examines how individuals use visual symbols in their daily lives to construct and express their sexual orientation. The research highlights the diversity and creativity in Chinese lesbian identity expression, while addressing challenges from traditional family values, gender norms, and evolving social attitudes. Introducing the “Visual Narratives of Identity” (VNI) framework, this study bridges the gap between academic research and lived experiences, offering insights into identity expression under social and cultural constraints. The findings emphasize the complex strategies participants use to navigate social expectations and maintain personal authenticity. This study enriches the theoretical landscape of sexual orientation identity in visual culture studies, advocates for methodological diversity, and deepens our understanding of the complexities within Chinese lesbian subcultures.

Development of phyto-compound-based nanoformulation for skin regeneration and its in vitro evaluation

Skin regeneration is a process that regenerates damaged or aged skin cells, resulting in a healthier and younger appearance. The demand for nano dosage forms containing phyto-compounds in the cosmetics industry is increasing daily to control or prevent this process. Phyto-compounds with cell regenerative properties often show limited effectiveness in conventional use due to their low hydrophilicity and molecular weight, as well as their low absorption from the skin. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), a phyto-compound obtained from licorice root, has many pharmacological properties, including skin regeneration properties. The aim of this study is to develop a highly stable GA-containing nanoemulsion (GA-NE) formulation for topical application, determine its anti-collagenase activity, and evaluate its safety and effectiveness by in vitro cell culture methods. In this context, GA-NEs were synthesized with sixteen production procedures using independent variables (oil, water percentage, surfactant, and homogenization time). The average droplet size, polydispersity index (PdI), and zeta potential (ZP) of the synthesized GA-NEs were determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. The heating-cooling cycle (H-C) test result showed that the F4P3 formulation was the most stable formulation. Therefore, 90-day physicochemical stability tests were performed with the F4P3 formulation. In vitro release results revealed that GA was released from NEs at a rate of 93.15 ± 0.61 % within 24 h. An ex vivo permeation and penetration study was performed, and the permeation and penetration profile of F4P3 was determined. In vitro cell culture studies showed that the F4P3 formulation had higher cell viability and regeneration than GA in the HaCaT cell line. Anti-collagenase activity results also revealed a better activity of the F4P3 formulation compared to GA. Consequently, characterization, efficacy, and safety studies showed that the F4P3 formulation could be an innovative cell regeneration product candidate suitable for topical use with high stability.

Udayana School of Kajian Budaya compared to the Spell of British Cultural Studies: Critical Discourses in Debate

This article attempts to look deeper into the Udayana School of Kajian Budaya compared to the spell of British Cultural Studies to understand both modes and critical discourses in debate. It hopes to widen the horizon on the plurality of cultural studies versions existing beyond Britain, the United States and Europe; specifically the Udayana School of Kajian Budaya in Bali and broadly in Indonesia. Hence, the authors conducted a literature search to compile relevant publications, interviewed Kajian Budaya lecturers and alumni, and employed critical interpretive analysis to the data. The study indicates formation of the British and the Udayana School variants were influenced by critical theory of the Frankfurt School and postmodernism ideas of French and American thinkers, which critiqued institutions of modernity, capitalist society, positivism in scientific inquiry, ‘classical’ enlightenment thought, and the culture industry. However, the Udayana School of Kajian Budaya exhibits distinctiveness in its study areas, approach and paradigm.

DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF BUGIS MAKASSAR CULTURE IN TARUNG SARUNG MOVIE

This research aims to find out how the representation of Bugis Makassar culture in Tarung Sarung movie. The research method used is discourse analysis with Stuart Hall's Representation theory approach that can be used to describe how the director represents the existing scenes. The subjects in this study are several scenes depicting Makassar Bugis culture in Tarung Sarung movie in the movie. Data were collected through observation and literature study. The results showed that Tarung Sarong movie represented various aspects of Bugis Makassar culture, including Tarung Sarong culture, wedding procession, conflict resolution method, housewarming custom, and typical food. The findings provide insight into how local culture can be articulated through film media and enrich cultural studies in the context of mass media.

Tri Lulu: Community Resistance to Source-Based Waste Management Policies in Badung Regency Bali

Bali encounters a waste emergency due to the amplification in the type and volume of the population’s waste. The Bali government has initiated community resistance, particularly in Badung Regency, Bali. This study aims to critically reflect on this circumstance from the lens of the qualitative method using a cultural studies approach. Field research was performed by implementing the critical ethnography model. The study reveals that community resistance is categorized into three waste management dimensions called Tri Lulu, i.e., individual and public resistance, hyperregulation conflict, and disruption of local concepts. Individual and public resistance, both open and covert, reflects the failure of dialogue between subjective awareness and regulative practice in finding practical solutions. Hyperregulation in waste management causes policies to overlap and triggers conflicts of interest. Local concepts are disrupted due to increasing pressure on demographic and economic infrastructure. Pentahelix synergy is required to implement waste management policies in Bali.

Социокультурный подход к изучению феномена детства

The article substantiates the relevance of the appeal to the study of the phenomenon of childhood, analyzes the negative consequences of the collapse of the country in the 1990s, and notes a positive trend in the activities of the state in the socio-cultural sphere of modern Russia. The methodological multidimensional nature of the study of the phenomenon of modern childhood is considered and the need for its use within the framework of a sociocultural approach is argued, while the features of childhood culture and its content are revealed. The authors present examples of the implementation of the results of scientific research on the phenomenon of childhood in the educational activities of universities in the country, as well as a brief description of the educational course “Culture of Childhood”, its constituent elements, and some approaches to teaching methods. An integral element in the study of the course “Culture of Childhood” is conducting training sessions and boundary control using interactive forms and teaching methods, performing creative tasks that contribute to the development of socio-cultural technologies, and the accumulation of a “creative portfolio”. The article substantiates the idea of the need for further study of childhood and the use of research results for implementation in social practice and in the training of specialists in the socio-cultural sphere. Conclusions are drawn that the study of the world of childhood in different human societies is multi- and interdisciplinary in modern science. The peculiarity of the socio-cultural approach to the study of the phenomenon of childhood is the systematization and synthesis of existing and new knowledge about modern childhood and the integration of research results into social practice, there has been a tendency to form a new aspect in the field of socio–cultural study of the phenomenon of childhood – educational.

The accounting challenges for indigenous businesses: a Pacific Islands case study

Purpose This paper aims to examine the accounting challenges faced by indigenous businesses in the wholesale and retail market in Tonga. Design/methodology/approach The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 24 participants, from a mix of individuals from the wholesale and retail market in Tonga. This paper uses institutional logics framework to inform the study. Findings The research findings suggest an inability of indigenous businesses to adapt to significant changes in the market and overcome the economic and social challenges faced in the business environment involving accounting values. A lack of business skills and accounting knowledge, restrictive traditions and religious obligations and a poor business investment climate are key factors behind the inability of the indigenous Tongan businesses to succeed. Research limitations/implications The paper is limited to a study on Tonga only. The paper suggests better accountability from government sector on their effort to encourage inclusion of indigenous businesses. Practical implications The paper suggests better accountability from government sector on their effort to encourage inclusion of indigenous businesses. As a way forward, participants suggest that an inclusive approach for the government, businesses and stakeholders in policy formulation and consultation would create a better business environment that would foster the development and growth of the wholesale and retail business sector in Tonga. There is a dearth of cultural studies in accounting in countries within the developing world, particularly in the Oceania region. Social implications There are many accounting challenges faced by the indigenous Tongan business people in the market, which indicate specific areas where the attention of the policymakers should be directed. A better accountability from the government is needed on their efforts to encourage inclusion of indigenous businesses. Originality/value This paper extends the literature by considering inclusivity challenges for ethnically marginalised collectives of individuals in small business. The research findings suggest a gap in knowledge in the current business environment with respect to the Western accounting practices in the indigenous society.

Mithila Women in the Past and Present: A Journey of Resilience and Transformation

This paper explores the multifaceted journey of Mithila women, tracing their evolution from historical to contemporary times. Situated in the culturally rich region of Mithila, spanning parts of Northern India and Nepal, these women have been the custodians of a profound heritage characterized by resilience and adaptability. The paper delves into their roles within traditional societal frameworks, where they have long been pivotal in maintaining cultural practices such as the renowned Madhubani art. Through examining historical texts, cultural studies, and contemporary research, this study highlights Mithila women's enduring strength and agency. Despite rigid patriarchal structures and socio-economic challenges, Mithila women have continually carved out spaces for self-expression and empowerment. The paper investigates the transformative impact of education, economic participation, and political involvement on their lives. It emphasises how access to education has not only enhanced their capacities but also contributed to the socio economic development of their communities. The rise of Mithila women in local governance and their increasing role in Panchayati Raj institutions signify a shift towards greater political empowerment and social change. Ultimately, this paper aims to contribute to the broader discourse on gender and development by offering insights into the unique experiences of Mithila women. It underscores their journey of resilience and transformation as a testament to their enduring spirit and as a critical aspect of the region's socio-cultural fabric. The study calls for sustained efforts to address the challenges faced by Mithila women and to support their ongoing journey towards equality and empowerment.

IMPROVING STUDENTS’RESEARCH COMPETENCE IN TEACHING THE KAZAKH LANGUAGE

The article discusses the enhancement of students’ research competence within the context of teaching the Kazakh language. Developing learners’ research skills is becoming a significant factor in higher education system. This research seeks to undertake a detailed examination of students’ attitudes toward the Kazakh language, identify existing obstacles, and design effective strategies to assist the development of research competency within the context of Kazakh language and culture studies. This study examines both foreign and local studies to provide a methodology for teaching languages and culture. It also attempts to promote a successful integration of research approaches into the learning process for Kazakh language acquisition. This study paper applies a qualitative method, using semi-structured interviews, to collect thorough data on students’ opinions and experiences with developing research abilities while learning the Kazakh language. The methodology intends to explore the many features of competence, language acquisition issues, and the significance of research activities in improving students’ language proficiency.

Report on culture towards critical rapport: basis for cautious, conscious and careful contemporary cultural studies and literacy

PurposeThis paper offers a critical exegesis of popular culture and its intersections with the other cultural expressions in the contemporary Philippine scene. As a distinct Reformed-Evangelical critique, the paper hopes to shed light on the areas of popular culture that are often assumed rather than discussed; affirmed but not analysed.Design/methodology/approachAlthough the following exposition is readily and arguably Western by orientation, most especially on the (post)modern mood in the space it belongs, as hegemonised by Anglo-American discourse, most of the concepts that this paper tackles are definitely universal and principled in praxes. The persuasion is that these criticisms will cover even the Filipino sub-/culture and sensibility in its attempt to exegete culture ontologically and contemplate on the phenomenon of popular culture at the very least. In that case, everyone who reads and specialises in cultural hermeneutics is thereby urged to offer a conscious understanding, comprehension and correspondence on the aforementioned particular aspects, albeit not everyone in the masses can readily grasp what this paper intends to build its discourse on. In carrying out this cultural exegetical task, certain markers and indicators will be used as halters, so to defamiliarise one’s attention on matters that may have immediate correspondence to the Filipino culture in its contemporary scene/sense, be it urban, suburban or rural depending on the spatial location of the readers as they interact with this treatise. As a whole, this paper endeavours to mould and uphold one’s glocal consciousness, distinctions, and differentiations in the assessment of culture, popular culture and popular culture in the Philippines vis-a-vis or vs other factors of this shared reality, sub-/culture and literacy and their probable popular culture counterparts elsewhere in the signifying and significant human experiences, challenges and perspectives.FindingsThe paper finds out that without a critico-practical approach to the implications of popular culture, it will be an insidious challenge to anyone who wishes to coexist with it, most especially the subcultural expressions of certain communities.Originality/valueThe paper possesses novelty in its being an intersection of cultural studies, criticism, theology and philosophy as basis for interpretation of certain socio-cultural phenomena in the contemporary urban space.

The Effect Of Leader Member Exchange On Individual Performance Of Logistics Employees And The Mediating Role Of Career Satisfaction

Employees’ individual performance is influenced by many factors, and empirical studies in various cultures and sectors are conducted on this subject. There is a need for empirical research to identify the predictive factors of individual performance in different cultures and sectors. In this study, the factors affecting employees’ individual performance were examined based on Social Exchange Theory. In this context, the purpose of the study is to reveal the effect of logistics sector employees’ perceptions of leader-member exchange on performance outcomes and to examine the mediating effect of career satisfaction on this relationship. Quantitative research methods have been used in the study. It was conducted through a survey on a sample of logistics sector employees (n= 409) operating in Türkiye. In the study, it was determined that employees with high leader-member exchange have high career satisfaction and individual performance, and career satisfaction has a partial mediating effect on the effect of LMX on individual performance. Accordingly, the effects of LMX on individual performance can be enhanced mainly by improving career satisfaction. Since career satisfaction ensures that employees are satisfied not only with their jobs but also with their career development, the positive impact of this satisfaction on individual performance is significant. Therefore, it is critical for the success of the organization that logistics firm managers give importance to the career development of their employees and be supportive in this regard. Limitations, future research directions and theoretical and practical implications are discussed at the end of the study.

The Media Culture of Telegram Media Channels: Coverage of the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict

This article focuses on the study of the media culture of Telegram journalism. This messenger has long ceased to be a platform for messaging between users. Journalists have subordinated the functionality of Telegram to their activities: here they unite the audience, transmit information in the format of a personal message and provide a fi eld for expression. Russian journalists have begun to actively use the messenger for their professional activities since 2022: editorial offi ces of large media outlets create channels, and traditional media outlets quote publications from their own Telegram channels and the channels of colleagues in their materials. The relevance of the study lies in the fact that the media culture of Telegram media channels remains poorly studied, while the messenger is gaining popularity among online platforms for journalistic activities, posing strong competition to traditional media sites. In the process of research, the author used sampling, comparison and comparison methods and also turned to scientifi c theoretical materials on Internet journalism, journalism in social media and, in particular, the journalistic activities of Telegram. The purpose of the research is to study the media culture of modern Telegram journalism. The objective of the study is to use the example of practical material, namely, based on posts from the Telegram channels RIA Novosti, Readovka and Mash during the beginning of the Palestinian-Israeli confl ict, to study the tools of work of journalists in the messenger and determine their features in comparison with work on the websites of publications. The study revealed the features of the media culture of Telegram media channels: journalists more willingly and quickly transmit information in the messenger, in comparison with the publication’s website, actively integrate different formats for transmitting content, tools for infl uencing the attention of the audience, including at the stylistic level. The conducted research introduces the media culture of Telegram journalism and demonstrates the need for further and detailed study of the concept of Telegram journalism, the prospects for the development of modern Internet journalism, in particular in social media. Keywords: Telegram-journalism, media culture, messenger, online media, RIA Novosti, Mash, Readovka

Economic feasibility and trends in fish production: A case study of composite fish culture in Karnataka

Economic feasibility and trends in fish production: A case study of composite fish culture in Karnataka

Traditional sacred meanings in the ethnoregional culture of Altai

This article presents the study of methodological approaches to the study of the traditional sacred ethnoregional culture of Altai. The essence of the concept of "sacred" culture is considered. The theoretical aspects of the study of the "sacred" ethnoregional culture of Altai are revealed. A comparative analysis of various traditional forms of sacredness in the development of the ethnoregional culture of Altai is carried out. The problem of preserving the cultural heritage of Altai is considered.The purpose of the study is to reveal the features of traditional sacred meanings in the ethnoregional culture of Altai. Objectives: - to consider the theoretical aspects of the study of the sacred ethnoregional culture of Altai; - to conduct a comparative analysis of various traditional forms of sacredness in the development of the ethnoregional culture of Altai. The subject of the study is the traditional sacred meanings in the ethnoregional culture of Altai.The object of the study is the ethnoregional culture of Altai. The practical significance of this work lies in the possibility of using the data obtained in the creation of local regional programs for the preservation of ethnocultural traditionalism. The method and methodology of the work: the basis of the research is the principle of a systematic approach. To study methodological approaches to research, the sources of information were textbooks and monographs by such authors as M. Eliade, T.V. Bernyukevich, I.Ya. Murzina, N.I. Kaplan, G.M. Kazakova, V.A. Lipinskaya and others. Based on this study, it can be concluded that the culture of Altai is a huge layer of ethnographically diverse ethnic groups. Each ethnic group has its own sacred values and social patterns through which these values can be passed on to subsequent generations. This can be traced by the example of the Altai house painting, in everyday objects there is a complex semantic complex of sacralization. On the one hand, painting appears as a way of sacralizing human existence, on the other hand, it is a channel for transmitting appropriate social patterns that influence the consolidation of bearers of a particular culture. The boundaries of the sacred here are determined by the substantial meanings of human existence and the civilizational level of development of the sacralization of values. Traditional sacred meanings are intertwined with the way of life, culture and way of life of the people.

The roles and ethics of journalism: A comparative study of journalistic cultures in two student cohorts

This study uses journalistic instrumental-value surveys to compare how two cohorts of postgraduate journalism students, one of which completed undergraduate studies in Australia and the other in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), weigh the importance of journalistic ethics and roles. It finds that the students who previously studied in Australia consistently value the adversarial and interpretative functions of the press as more important, while the students who studied in China rate the mobilizer and disseminator function of journalists as more significant. While the differences surrounding perception of ethical issues are not pronounced, the students who had studied in China perceive greater difficulty resolving issues of taste and decency. Drawing on a schema used by Hanusch and Hanitzsch in 2019, the study analyses the results in respect of differing journalistic cultures and notes the implications for an Australian journalistic education system that increasingly services international students.

The Periodical as Political Educator

Abstract This essay discusses how forms like political magazines, cultural journals, and party newspapers produced by twentieth-century anticolonial, left, and oppositional movements instituted practices of alternative pedagogy and political education across the Global South. These “revolutionary papers” served as a pedagogical infrastructure encompassing a critical curriculum drawn from ongoing movements, alternative histories, and regional literary production, to be used for collective practices of debate and inquiry. The essay introduces a series of digital teaching tools featured in the issue that study revolutionary periodicals such as the Cairo-based Afro-Asian literary magazine Lotus and underground pamphlets from the Mau Mau movement in Kenya. These teaching tools are accessible, interactive resources that provide archival, literary, and historical insights on movements and associated print cultures and are designed as pedagogical aids for the classroom and for political education in community settings. Along the way, the essay reflects on anticolonial periodicals as a resource for ongoing debates around decolonizing the university, and the possibilities presented by digital humanities approaches for the study of anticolonialism and Global South cultures.

To Problem of Defining the Influence of Comics on Media Culture and Media Studies

The relevance of the article derives from increasing popularity of comics, which forms a certain need for qualitative research of this phenomenon. The purpose of the article is to identify the dominant research points of view on the concept of “comics” in media studies, as well as to spot out problematic aspects in the issue of evaluating the influence of comics on modern media culture and society. The research methodology can be considered as traditional for works which are devoted to the study of comics and is based on a structural-semiotic approach. The need to use this methodology is determined by the narrative specifi cs of comics, based on its semiotics, which combines verbal and non-verbal narrative elements within a single system. The study focuses on revealing the specifi c aspects of the two dominant positions regarding the defi nition of comics and spotting out problematic aspects which are common for the most studies based on these points of view. The fi rst position defi nes comics as a genre, while the second identifi es it as a narrative format. The results of the study showed that due to the key differences in the defi nition of nature of comics, existing points of view assess the impact of the comics on culture and society differently. The position which defi nes comics as a genre mainly concentrates on the social aspects of comics as a cultural phenomenon, without taking into account aspects related to the narrative specifi cs and the form of this phenomenon. Meanwhile the point of view which considers comics as a narrative format, on the contrary, shifts the focus of attention towards the linguistic aspects of comic books without taking into consideration its social and cultural characteristics. Despite the fact that each of the defi ned positions is applicable to a specifi c fi eld of knowledge, these gaps in modern studies do not allow to formulate comprehensive defi nition for comics and properly assess its impact on society and culture. Keywords: comics, popular culture, transmedia storytelling, narrative form, creolized text

100 Jahre im Dazwischen. Ein- und Ausblicke in die Arbeit kulturwissenschaftlich-volkskundlicher Landesstellen

Regional centres for cultural and folklore studies in Germany are regionally and nationally networked institutions and are organised in different ways. They research, document, advise and communicate topics of everyday culture. They act in the in-between, as an interface between academia and the public. Their work primarily involves the transfer of knowledge into cultural practice and the exchange of knowledge with universities, specialised societies, museums and civil society institutions. To mark the centenary of the Regional Centre for Everyday Culture in Stuttgart, this article looks back at its past and considers the challenges and opportunities of the future. These include new needs and requirements for counselling in the context of intangible cultural heritage, but also with regard to new mediation formats, online presence and the digital availability of collections and archives. As a further challenge in times of scarce resources and public funding, the work and self-image of the regional centres must also be increasingly aligned with the expectations of the funding bodies and the public.

On the Translation of Culture-loaded Terms in Subtitles from the Perspective of Cultural Adaptation-A Case Study of the Overseas Promotional Film of Creation of The God: Kingdom of Storms

On the Translation of Culture-loaded Terms in Subtitles from the Perspective of Cultural Adaptation-A Case Study of the Overseas Promotional Film of Creation of The God: Kingdom of Storms

Women characters in the text Sekaśubhodayā: A Cosmopolitan voice of Moral and Ethical Values

“Social organization cannot be really understood expect as a part of culture; and all special lines of enquiring referring to human activities, human groupings and human ideas and beliefs can meet and become cross fertilized in the comparative study of cultures” Values, Morality and Ethics – this try polar system i.e. (the sense of righteous) are the epitome of Human existence. Although it is differ from man to man. In the present century search for a theory of values has become a separate branch and has been called axiology. According to our opinion the main approach to value system comprises two parts i.e. theistic and humanistic. Theistic approach opines that absolute values are related to absolute reality where the supreme power is the upholder of all values. Whereas, humanistic holds that the values are as a distinct component of the total human personality, which guide or affect attitude and behaviour of the individual and social groups. The text we are dealing here is entitled with Sekaśubhodayā; is a hagiological literature which attributed to Halāyudha Miśra. The blending of Sanskrit and Bengali makes the text unique. Political discrepancy, social and moral degeneration, adultery and mutual rivalry projected boldly without much pretention. Although the text is a pen picture of decadent Medieval Bengal, still a handful of Women excels in their own merit and retains the morality that is equally relevant even in 21st century. The position of women in Medieval Bengal, especially of the house-wives of well-to-do families, as reflected in this story is somewhat unparalleled in Sanskrit literature. This text predicts as a unique collection in the genre of Sanskrit literature because of its sharp representation of women characters. Characters like Madhavī, Vidhutprabhā taught us a lesson that the concept of Satyam, Śivam and Sundaram is the beauty of human nature if we violate one another one automatically disturbed. Our endeavor is to reevaluate this value system in our life which is still relevant.