Cultural Values Research Articles

The Effects of Cognitive Self-Consciousness, Cultural Values, and Socioeconomic Context on Anxiety in Youth: A Meta-Analysis

Youth mental health is a global health priority due to its increasing prevalence and adverse outcomes. Although the relationship between metacognitions and anxiety is well-documented in adults, further research is needed for the younger populations. This research examines two questions: (a) What is the correlation between cognitive self-consciousness and anxiety in children and adolescents? (b) Is this correlation moderated by cultural and socioeconomic differences? Based on 22 effect sizes from 8,459 participants in 11 countries, a meta-analysis was performed to find the overall effect size, heterogeneity, publication bias, and the moderating effect of Hofstede’s four cultural dimensions and United Nation Development Programme’s (UNDP) Human Development Index (HDI). Using the random-effects model, the results revealed that cognitive self-consciousness ( r = .312, p < .0001, 95% confidence interval: [.257, .365]) showing moderate effect size in association with anxiety in children and adolescents. Meta-regressions indicated that power distance, masculinity, and HDI were important moderators. The findings show a significant correlation between cognitive self-consciousness and mental wellness in youth. The results have important implications for understanding the influence of cultural beliefs and national-level context on the associations between cognition and psychopathology. This article provides consistent evidence that there is a lack of mental health research resources in the Global South.

Does higher endorsement with collaboration lead to better performance on collaborative problem solving? An explanatory item response approach to cross-cultural comparisons

IntroductionCollaborative problem solving (CPS) is an essential competency in the 21st century. However, the understanding of how cultural background shapes individuals’ collaboration awareness and its relationship with collaborative problem-solving skills are underexplored by psychometrics.MethodsThis study employs Explanatory Item Response Modeling to examine the impact of cultural orientations on students’ endorsement with collaboration in PISA 2015.ResultsResults show that students endorsed valuing teamwork more than valuing relationships. Western countries with individualist cultures generally demonstrated higher endorsement with collaboration than Eastern countries with collectivist cultures. China has the highest collaboration endorsement, followed by the US, Canada, Korea, and Japan. In contrast, Japan has the highest CPS assessment scores, followed by Korea, Canada, the US, and China.DiscussionFindings revealed that students from collectivist cultures do not have higher endorsements of collaboration compared with students from individualist cultures. Also, higher endorsement of collaboration does not necessarily lead to better success in the CPS assessment. Further research is needed to understand the gap between students’ attitudes towards collaboration and their achievement based on cultural values and schools’ CPS training.

Honoring the Heartwork of Indigenous Scholars Through Lived Experiences: Voices from Native Women Scholars in New Mexico

This body of knowledge provides personal narratives of the lived experiences of Native women from an all-Native doctoral cohort. Through personal narratives, we aimed to highlight the unique learning experience created by strong and beautiful Indigenous scholars who honored Native identities, engaged learning with Indigenous knowledge systems, cultivated Native educational leadership, and mentorship necessary for student success, work-life balance, and giving back to tribal communities. Creating a learning community for an all-Native cohort disrupts colonial legacies and its ongoing practices, marking a significant step toward progress and change, and illuminates the voice and presence of Native American mothers, daughters, aunties, professionals, and scholars. Our experiences as Native women scholars are interconnected with our cultural values, family and community, and traditional teachings. Entering the academy with these embodied teachings and knowledge provided a foundation to engage with Indigenous frameworks and theories, relational practices with tribes and communities, and reclaim knowledge and ways of being that create new possibilities for Native futures. These experiences provide an understanding of the joy, compassion, successes, and negotiating life in the academy among two Native women scholars.

Intangible Cultural Heritage and UK Built Heritage Practice: Opportunities and Future Directions

ABSTRACT The UK’s ratification of Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in March 2024 signals a formal commitment to engage with the concept of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). This article investigates how this commitment could reshape built heritage practices in the UK through fostering a more integrated relationship between the tangible and intangible qualities of heritage. It argues that prioritising this interface is essential for contemporary built heritage management, ensuring the diverse cultural values embedded in the historic environment are represented. After examining the broader UK context, the article narrows focus to England, where Historic England’s guidance and initiatives demonstrate how shifts in policy and practice could materialise in response to the convention. The article concludes by proposing three key opportunity areas that could emerge from emphasising the tangible–intangible relationship: 1) evolving understandings of heritage, community and participation; 2) recognising the mutual influence of ICH and physical heritage; and 3) strengthening place-based cultural practices. These opportunities offer a timely pathway for the UK to become a thought leader in heritage management by aligning conservation practices with evolving cultural values and community involvement, thus setting a new benchmark for built heritage management in a Western European context.

A Pathological Diagnostic Method for Traditional Brick-Masonry Dwellings: A Case Study in Guangfu Ancient City

Many regions of the world have traditional dwellings, which not only represent the main form of residential architecture, but also carry the local vernacular culture, display the region’s unique architectural style, materials and technology, and have important historical and cultural value. Due to environmental factors, traditional dwellings often suffer from architectural damage that threatens the stability of their structure and affects their esthetics value, resulting in a significant number of abandoned and demolished houses. In order to scientifically and effectively solve the damage problems of traditional dwellings, based on the theory of architectural pathology, the following diagnostic method for damage manifestation and the characteristics of traditional houses is proposed: “Architectural Pathology Appraisal–Pathological Environment Analysis–Mechanical Properties Testings”. The traditional dwellings in the ancient city of Guangfu were used as a case study for the practical application of the methodology for analyzing the main types and causes of the damage of the dwellings by examining the damage information of the dwellings, collecting the environmental data of the damaged walls, and testing the mechanical properties of the damaged walls. The results show that the main damage type in the ancient city dwellings of Guangfu is dampness damage, with corrosion deterioration, wall alkali flooding, and the moisture infiltration phenomenon as the manifested symptoms, and the damage is mainly concentrated in the lower part of the wall. In addition, the humidity and moisture content in the lower part of the wall is higher than that in the upper part of the wall, and the compressive strength of the damaged part of the wall is lower than that of the undamaged part. The humid environment of the old town contributed significantly to the destruction of the dwellings, and water intrusion led to a reduction in the strength of the dwellings’ bricks. Through the diagnostic method of building pathology, the causes of Guangfu dwellings’ damage are identified, and scientific and targeted damage intervention suggestions are made. This is expected to provide guidance for the treatment and prevention of building pathology in the ancient city of Guangfu and serve as a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of pathology in traditional dwellings in other areas.

ANALYSIS OF THE POTENTIAL FOR WATERMELON PRODUCTION AND MARKETING IN THE STATE OF GOIÁS FROM 2019 TO 2023

The state of Goiás stands out in agribusiness, especially in fruit production, due to its growing domestic and foreign markets. Among fruits, watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) stands out, being relevant both economically and socially, generating jobs in several sectors. However, this emerging market lacks policies and techniques as developed as those present in sectors such as soybeans and corn, which highlights the underutilization of the potential of watermelon production in the state. This study aims to evaluate innovations, whether public policies or private initiatives, that can improve the production and marketing of watermelon in Goiás. The research seeks to analyze performance indicators and identify actions that promote efficiency and gains for the local community and producers, considering that watermelon is widely consumed in several sectors, standing out for its nutritional and cultural value. The study methodology follows two stages: a review of the literature on fruit production chains and the agricultural market in Goiás, followed by an analysis of data on competitiveness, consumption trends and opportunities in the watermelon production chain. Based on these results, strategies will be proposed to optimize production, increasing the competitiveness of producers and promoting the sustainable development of the sector. The study will also highlight the main weaknesses and strengths of marketing and production, using variables such as production size, demand, and available technologies.

The Socialization of Children from Vietnamese - Korean Multicultural Families: A Case Study of Korean International Schools in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

From the moment of birth, an individual exists as a biological entity. However, true integration into human society necessitates the acquisition of cultural norms, values, knowledge, and beliefs specific to their given community. This process involves adapting to social roles and cultural practices, ultimately enabling effective communication and fulfillment of societal responsibilities. Notably, language assumes a pivotal role in this intricate web of socialization and stands as arguably the most influential factor in the overall process. To delve into the current state of socialization among children from Vietnamese-Korean multicultural families residing in Vietnam and attending a Korean International School, this research employs socialization theory, descriptive statistical methods via questionnaires, and interdisciplinary research techniques.

Empathetic concern and social entrepreneurial intention: a moderated mediation model of social entrepreneurial self-efficacy and perceived cultural support

Purpose This study aims to explore whether social entrepreneurial self-efficacy (SESE) mediates the empathetic concern (EC)–social entrepreneurial intentions (SEIs) relationship. In addition, drawing on institutional theory, the authors propose that the EC–SESE–SEI relationship is contingent upon perceptions of cultural support (PCS) towards social entrepreneurship in a society. Design/methodology/approach Data from 232 Taiwanese business and management undergraduates were used to test the proposed relationships. Findings SESE was found to mediate the relationship between EC and SEI. However, cultural support towards social entrepreneurship in society had a negative moderating effect on the EC–SESE–SEI relationship, suggesting that the EC–SESE–SEI relationship was stronger under conditions of low, rather than high PCS. Originality/value This paper provides further insights into not only the link between EC and SEI but also the conditions under which EC is translated into SEI. It also enhances the recent limited knowledge about how context and cultural attitudes and values towards social entrepreneurship shapes SEI.

Ageism and Sexism in Films with Older People as the Lead

Examination of ageism and sexism in films can reveal aspects of cultural norms and values. Utilizing content analysis, representations of older people who were the lead in a film were analyzed from a 20-year time frame. Forty-six characters from 28 US and UK films were evaluated employing a screening tool based on five ageism scales. Results indicated that positive stereotypes were found more often, particularly for female leads. Portrayals largely represented a model of “successful aging;” that is, active and without significant health issues. Consistent with past research, women were underrepresented, and people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community were nearly absent, substantiating continued marginalization in film. This study also adds to the substantiative literature by demonstrating that while films perpetuate the neoliberal pressure to maintain middle-age health standards, some shifts toward a more balanced portrayal of older adulthood are occurring. As many countries experience an aging of the population, pressure from the “silver economy” may challenge ageist presentations in film, including the double standard of aging.

The Ndalem Wuryaningrat Hall of Pillars in Aesthetic Studies

The Ndalem Wuryaningrat is a Javanese noble heritage building with Javanese cultural significance designed exclusively for noble descendants. This research aims to show four main pillars in Javanese building known as soko guru. Not only does the soko guru pole serve as a foundation, but it also represents Javanese cultural values. This research method is ethnographic, which examines meaning through direct observation and interviews with sources. The results of this study are the meaning behind the hierarchy of soko guru in The Ndalem Wuryaningrat. Each element's meaning is strongly tied to Javanese cultural notions and reflects its owner. Even though it changed shape throughout the preservation of the Ndalem Wuryaningrat building, the shape of the soko guru pillar at Ndalem Wuryaningrat remains intact and has Javanese cultural significance. This study discovered that the soko guru pole symbolizes Javanese culture and the owner's position through the pole system, shape, and pattern. The conclusion of this research is soko guru pole represents Javanese culture and is associated with the Javanese people's belief in Islam through the soko guru pole features meaningful columns, motifs, and embellishments.

A probe into local cultural values in locally produced EFL textbooks in Indonesia

A probe into local cultural values in locally produced EFL textbooks in Indonesia

Cultural influence on metacognition: comparison across three societies

We tested the hypothesis that metacognition—the ability to evaluate one’s own cognitive processes and mental states—is modulated by cultural values. We used retrospective confidence ratings to objectively measure metacognition in a mental rotation task in three culturally different regions: the Middle East (Saudi Arabia), Western Europe (Portugal) and the Far East (China). Our data support the theory that metacognition is social in nature, at least to some extent, and is influenced by culture. Differences in metacognition between societies can be accounted for by cultural values pertaining to individualism and uncertainty avoidance. Lower individualism and greater uncertainty avoidance tend to be associated with higher metacognitive abilities. Sex-based differences typically observed in mental rotation do not emerge at the metacognitive level, with both males and females in all three societies efficiently detecting those responses when they are more likely to make a mistake. Metacognitive bias—the tendency to be over- or underconfident in one’s own decisions—might be modulated by cultural differences in the masculinity cultural dimension. However, this bias seems to be independent of metacognitive sensitivity and detecting decisions with a heightened likelihood of an error.

Investigating cultural influences on Chinese Parents’ formation of Parenting Style

This study aims to explore the influence of cultural factors on the formation of parenting styles among Chinese parents. Parenting style is a crucial factor in child development, and there are significant variations in parenting practices across different cultural backgrounds. While numerous studies have indicated that parenting patterns are influenced by various factors, research specific to the parenting styles within the unique cultural context of China remains insufficient. Employing a qualitative research methodology, this study analyzes the current status of four classic parenting models (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglecting) proposed by Diana Baumrind within Chinese families and the cultural influences behind them. Through questionnaires and in-depth interviews, data were collected from eight Chinese families to examine how cultural values, religious beliefs, social environments, and gender roles shape parenting styles. The study found that Confucianism in Chinese culture significantly impacts parenting styles, emphasizing collectivism, respect for authority, and the importance of education. Additionally, with the dissemination of Western culture, an increasing number of Chinese parents are beginning to value granting their children more autonomy and self-reflection space. However, regardless of the culture, cultural factors exert a profound and complex influence on parenting patterns.

Contribution of wildlife tourism in improving local communities’ livelihood in Burunge Wildlife Management Area in Tarangire Manyara Ecosystem, Tanzania

The overall objective of this study was to assess the role of wildlife tourism in improving the livelihood of communities in Burunge Wildlife Management Area (BWMA) by focusing on the economic and the socio-cultural roles. Data were obtained through household questionnaire, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews in three study villages. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26 and Microsoft Excel. The findings revealed that wildlife tourism operations in the three villages associated with BWMA have generated significant benefits. Several economic and socio-cultural livelihood indicators in the study villages were significantly impacted by wildlife tourism activities. Wildlife tourism appears to have a considerable impact on increasing household incomes, but a relatively lesser impact on reducing agricultural production, which is the economic mainstay for many households in the Babati district. In terms of socio-cultural livelihood indicator, wildlife tourism operation seem to have a significant (x2 = 191.613, df = 8, N = 117 and p < 0.0001) impact in raising the profile and fame of the villages, while having a lesser impact on the erosion of local customs and culture, as most of the villagers continue to uphold their cultural practices. These findings suggest that wildlife tourism in the WMAs can improve people's standard of living and strengthen cultural values. The study recommends full consideration of socio-economic and cultural values of the communities at individual level by the potential stakeholders including policy makers. This will enhance the achievement of sustainable conservation in WMAs and community development through wildlife tourism activities.

A sociotheological interpretation of Genesis 50:25 in a Zimbabwean context

Migration to foreign lands is as old as the biblical stories of Abraham leaving his native land, Ur of the Chaldeans to go to a land that God was to show him. Concomitant with migration, however, is the possibility of death in the new habitat and oftentimes important decisions are made on how to fund the funerals. In the case of Zimbabwean diasporas, this has seen the rise in popularity of funeral insurance companies such as Diaspora Insurance and the GoFundMe initiatives. While the issue of funding funerals appears to be the primary thing that people are seized with when a funeral strikes, the most salient aspects would be issues of religion and culture. This article endeavours to show how, despite the challenging economic environment, the costly repatriation of dead relatives can best be appreciated through a sociotheological interpretation of Genesis 50:25. In other words, Genesis 50:25 can be used as a mirror to understand the value people place on issues of religion and culture. It is thus my argument that the religious background of the actors as well as their socio-cultural setting are critical in making important decisions regarding the place of interment as well as influencing the funding logistics to take the corpse to the desired resting place.Contribution: As the death toll continues to rise of diasporas who would have gone offshore in search of a reprieve from the economic challenges that have become almost an indelible mark of Zimbabwe, issues around the values of traditional religion and culture continue to come to the fore. This research adds a voice to the ongoing religious and political dialogue in Zimbabwe in so far as it seeks to explain and understand the underlying reasons behind the costly repatriation of deceased relatives through a sociotheological reading of Genesis 50:25.

Does endemic mammal conservation in Jamaica conflict with maintaining biocultural heritage?

AbstractUnderstanding human–wildlife interactions within biocultural systems is essential to support evidence‐based conservation and Indigenous cultural integrity, and to identify inclusive “win‐win” options for coexistence with threatened species. Jamaica's Blue and John Crow Mountains contain a population of the Endangered Jamaican hutia or coney (Geocapromys brownii), one of the last surviving Caribbean mammals, as well as Maroon communities that practice hunting as a traditional cultural activity. An interview survey was conducted in two Maroon communities within this conservation‐priority landscape to understand local knowledge and attitudes toward coneys, and the cultural importance and dynamics of interactions with coneys. Experience of coney consumption is relatively widespread through small‐scale local trade in hunted animals, but few respondents consider hunting to be of cultural or economic importance, very few people specifically hunt coneys, and most respondents support coney conservation. Conversely, crop damage caused by coneys is considered a substantial problem and is associated with decreased conservation support. Although we estimate that almost 530 coneys were killed during the previous year by our respondent sample, local perceptions suggest that hunting may not be having a negative impact on the coney population, and coney conservation can hopefully be integrated equitably with Maroon cultural values and needs.

Navigating policing and work-life balance in the South Pacific

ABSTRACT Policing in the South Pacific is influenced by a myriad of factors including cultural norms, historical legacies, socio-economic disparities, and geopolitical dynamics. Against this backdrop, law enforcement officers face multifaceted challenges in reconciling the demands of their profession with personal and familial obligations. This article discusses the challenges faced by police officers as they attempt to balance their professional and personal lives. Interviews were conducted with male (N = 50) and female (N = 50) constables from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to gain insight into the challenges they face as RSIPF officers, the support available to them and the further resources they see as necessary to improve their work-life balance. Findings reveal a complex interplay of factors shaping officers’ work-life dynamics, including shift work schedules, high-pressure environments, community expectations, and the emotional toll of policing in small, tight-knit societies. It also highlights the significance of informal support networks, cultural values, and adaptive coping mechanisms in mediating the impact of work-related stressors on officers’ well-being. Notably, data suggest that RSIPF work-life balance, wellness and workplace structures are highly gendered. These findings offer insights that can inform the development of more effective support mechanisms and policies aimed at enhancing the holistic wellbeing of police officers. They further substantiate the need for greater formal support systems within the RSIPF to assist employees with managing their work-life balance.

Development and validation of a questionnaire to evaluate the productive engagement of Chinese older adults in the community

BackgroundThe evaluation of productive engagement of old adults has become a challenging task because cultural, ethical, religious, and other personal values may influence perceptions of the meaning and consequences of productive engagement. Assessing the productive engagement of the older adults is crucial to promote active and productive aging. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire concerning the productive engagement of Chinese older adults in the community.MethodsA draft scale was created via a literature review and interviews with 17 older adults in the community, following the cross-cultural framework for productive engagement in later life. Content validity was assessed by seven experts. Subsequently, a preliminary questionnaire containing 33 items was developed and its psychometric properties were evaluated.ResultsThe final version of the questionnaire was composed of 27 items distributed across five dimensions. The overall standardized Cronbach’s α for the productive engagement questionnaire was 0.904, with individual dimension values ranging from 0.759 to 0.869. Nearly all dimensions displayed satisfactory factor loadings. The correlation coefficient between each item’s score and its respective dimension ranged from 0.473 to 0.723.ConclusionsThe developed questionnaire exhibited good validity and reliability, showing promise for effectively evaluating the productive engagement level of Chinese older adults within the community.Trial registrationNot applicable.

«Языковая личность» - понятие и роль в современном мире

Relevance: In recent years, the Russian Federation has paid close attention to the official activities of employees of the internal affairs bodies from authorities, public organizations and institutions, and the population. First of all, we are talking about the observance by the employees of the internal affairs bodies of the norms of morality and ethics, rules of conduct in everyday life and speech culture. State policy determines the main areas of activity of the internal affairs bodies of the Russian Federation. Thus, in the decisions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation it has been repeatedly noted that the successful solution of the tasks facing the internal affairs bodies largely depends on the level of training of the personnel. Fostering high civic, professional, psychological and moral qualities in employees, as well as the formation of a high professional culture, one of the key competencies of which is proficiency in language as a means of communication, strengthening the authority of the internal affairs bodies in society, increasing the prestige of the service are priority goals in the activities of the police and are regulated by the order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia dated December 25, 2020 No. 900 "Issues of organizing moral and psychological support for the activities of the internal affairs bodies of the Russian Federation". Therefore, the problem of general language processes occurring in the internal affairs bodies of the Russian Federation at present leads to the need to study the features of communication underlying official activity, and therefore to its creator - the "linguistic personality". Statement of the problem: The article considers the issues of state support for traditional values ​​in the Russian Federation, the need to protect the norms of the Russian literary language, the role of language in human life. What are the features of the "linguistic personality"? One of the important conditions for the formation of a person's pedagogical culture is the study of pedagogical thought that has gone through a centuries-old historical path. The article considers the main and most significant stages in the development of the education system in the world, as well as domestic pedagogy, the founder of which is K.D. Ushinsky. Purpose of the study: clarification of the definition of "linguistic personality" based on the presented basic concepts of "linguistic personality" formed in world linguistics. Research methods: analysis of modern scientific definitions of the concepts of "personality", "linguistic personality", generalization of the results obtained. Results and key findings: the conducted research allowed us to formulate and propose the author's definition of the concept of "linguistic personality", which is proposed to be understood as a bearer of cultural and linguistic values, endowed with will and aspirations, moods and assessments, and also fully using language in business communication, professional activities and in everyday life.

Practical Research on Integrating Folk Art into Public Art Education Courses

This study focuses on the feasibility and practical strategies for integrating folk art into public art education courses. By exploring the cultural heritage and educational value of folk art, it analyzes the current shortcomings in public art education and underscores the necessity of incorporating folk art into the curriculum. The study designs suitable content and methods, including traditional art optimization and diverse resource applications, to strengthen students' cultural identity and aesthetic development. Additionally, case studies demonstrate the tangible effects of integrating folk art into public art education, with results indicating a significant improvement in students’ understanding and appreciation of local art. This research provides new insights for future public art course designs and proposes expanding folk art education with technological support.