Cultural Variations Research Articles

The Interaction and Amplification of World Society Norms: A Case Study of Environmental Conservation, Gender Equality, and Formal Education

ABSTRACT World society research analyzes the globalization of a range of norms across national boundaries that otherwise mark cultural, political, and historical variation. The more a nation-state is embedded in world society, the more likely it is to adopt particular norms. Very little research goes beyond diffusion analysis of an individual norm or script, leaving the interaction of the vast number of world society norms (which is how individuals and organizations experience them) insufficiently examined. To begin to explore the gap in our understanding of world society, this research analyzes the adoption and processes of interaction among three prominent world society scripts—environmentalism, gender equality, and formal education. Data were collected through dozens of in-depth interviews in a rural Kenyan community. I trace the processes of norm interaction and the influence each of the three norms has on the amplification of or conflict with the other selected norms. The results show that norms largely interact in a manner that amplifies one another, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of important world society diffusion processes. Additionally, this research contributes further to our understanding of the breadth of diffusion of world society norms by selecting a more remote community in the Global South for analysis.

Maternal socialization and infant helping in Uganda and the United Kingdom.

Prosocial behavior, including instrumental helping, emerges early in development, but the role parental attitudes and practices take in shaping the emergence of early helping across different cultural contexts is not well understood. We took a longitudinal approach to investigate maternal socialization of early helping across two different cultural groups. Participants were mother-infant dyads from urban/suburban York, United Kingdom (43 infants: 21 females, 22 males) and the rural Masindi District, Uganda (39 infants: 22 females, 17 males). We examined cultural variations in mother's helping-related parenting practices toward 14- and 18-month-olds and infants' actual helping in experimental tasks at 18 months. We then asked whether maternal parenting practices and socialization goals predicted individual variation in infant helping. We found that U.K. mothers scaffolded infant helping using a larger range of strategies than Ugandan mothers, but expecting an infant to help was more common in Uganda than in the United Kingdom. Moreover, we found that the Ugandan infants were more likely and often quicker to help an adult in need than the U.K. infants. Finally, we found that maternal scaffolding behaviors positively predicted individual variation in infant helping at 18 months in the United Kingdom, but not in Uganda. By contrast, maternal alignment with relational socialization goals at 11 months positively predicted infant helping at 18 months in the Ugandan, but not in the U.K., sample. These results indicate that early instrumental helping behavior varies across societies and that maternal socialization goals and scaffolding behaviors can shape infant helping in culturally specific ways. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Cultural Sensitivity in AI Language Learning: Using NLP to Enhance Language Understanding Across Cultural Contexts

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the integration of cultural awareness into AI language learning systems using Natural Language Processing (NLP) models. Recognising that the traditional methods of language learning tend not to capture cultural variations, the studies focus on how culturally relevant NLP models (GPT-3, BERT, RNNs) promote language acquisition and cross-cultural integration. Data preprocessing, cultural data augmentation and model training was used to encode cultural variables such as greetings, politeness, and contextually relevant expressions into training datasets. Experimental results suggest that culturally sensitive models outperform the generic model on tasks that involve cultural awareness, such as politeness detection, cultural phrase recognition, and tone sensitivity. GPT-3 for example improved the accuracy of politeness detection tasks from 72.4% to 85.7%. These results highlight the need to bring cultural awareness into AI to develop engaging, context-sensitive language learning. It concludes that culturally based NLP models enhance learner capacity for real-world communication and foster global cultural awareness. Future work should focus on expanding culturally diverse datasets and refining AI models to address subtle cultural complexities

Do cultural and biological variation correspond in the Middle Nile Valley Neolithic? Some insights from dental morphology – CORRIGENDUM

Do cultural and biological variation correspond in the Middle Nile Valley Neolithic? Some insights from dental morphology – CORRIGENDUM

Intercultural Communication Competency in Multiethnic Church Community

Intercultural communication has become inevitable due to the globalization concept that characterizes communities, societies, and churches today. The need for intercultural communication competency in the church communities has become unavoidable because of global citizenship, cultural sensitivity and diversities, trans-cultural communication appropriateness, intercultural communication effectiveness, and cross-cultural adjustment. This paper intends to determine the benefits of Intercultural Communication Competency in managing a Multiethnic Church Community. Through a qualitative approach, the paper explores the concepts of Communication, Intercultural Communication, Intercultural Communication Competency, and Multiethnic Churches. It highlights the benefits of Intercultural Communication Competency for managing Multiethnic Church Communities. This writer believes that competency in intercultural communication will help individuals understand personal communication skills and appreciate that of others, help others understand cultural variations in language use, information will be clear and precise, and knowledge of other cultures will be developed. There will be understanding for proper adaptation while dignity and respect will be enhanced, demonstrating a positive regard for each other and thus appreciating one another.

Self-Enhancement Mentality or Cognitive Preferences? Unpacking Different Approaches to Understanding Cultural Variations in Attribution Patterns

Self-Enhancement Mentality or Cognitive Preferences? Unpacking Different Approaches to Understanding Cultural Variations in Attribution Patterns

How Culture Shapes the Early Development of Essentialist Beliefs.

People represent many categories and their features as determined by intrinsic essences. These essentialist beliefs reflect biased views of the world that can hinder scientific reasoning and contribute to social prejudice. To consider the extent to which such essentialist views originate from culturally-situated processes, the present study tested the developmental trajectories of essentialist beliefs among children growing up in the United States and China (N = 531; ages 3-6). Essentialist beliefs emerged across early childhood in both communities, but their instantiation and trajectories varied across cultures. In the sample from the United States (but not from China), essentialist beliefs that categories and their features are fixed-at-birth and inflexible increased across age. On the other hand, in the sample from China, children held stronger beliefs that categories are objective and explanatory and viewed them as more homogenous with age. Children sampled from these two contexts also showed variation in basic explanatory, linguistic, and inferential processes, suggesting that cultural variation in the development of essentialism across childhood might reflect variation in the basic conceptual biases that children rely on to build intuitive theories of the world.

Neural plasticity in early potters: Shape analysis and TMS-EEG co-registration trace the rise of a new motor skill.

In this study, we explored the biocultural mechanisms underlying ancient craft behaviours. Archaeological methods were integrated with neuroscience techniques to explore the impact on neuroplasticity resulting from the introduction of early pottery techniques. The advent of ceramic marked a profound change in the economy and socio-cultural dynamics of past societies. It may have also played a central role in developing new craft skills that influenced the neural plasticity of the potters. Coiling, one of the most widespread neolithic techniques, requires precise hand movements and the ability to regulate finger pressure to shape the clay without deformation. In a pilot study involving intensive training in neolithic pottery, we used TMS-EEG co-registration to monitor a group of participants and we examined the shape of the artefacts they made before and after training. Our findings suggest changes in the functional properties of the primary motor cortex (M1) responsible for the control and execution of actions. We also observed an improvement in symmetry and consistency of the artefacts and a significant reduction in errors. This multidisciplinary approach sheds light on the mechanisms of material culture's variation in the archaeological field and provides promising insights into the co-evolution of technology and human skill.

Magical Realms in Folktales: Comparing East and West

Abstract: This paper works from a comparative perspective. It presents the history of folklore studies and outlines terminological issues of distinctive categorization of the fairy tale genre in East and West. Moving on from there, it examines the cultural variability of ontological borders between magical realms and the real world, outlining differences in the geography of imagination, moral attitudes, story plots, and characteristics of heroes. It focuses on Chinese and Japanese tales as examples to show similarities and divergences between East and West. Reviewing key Eastern fairy tales, such as those featuring Urashima Tarō, Princess Kaguya, the White Snake, and more, it points out the specific characteristics of the magical realms in folktales of the Far East.

Exploring adolescents’ digital information-seeking patterns and religious behavior

Generation Z adolescents' religious information-seeking behavior has undergone significant transformations in understanding and studying the patterns of searching, processing, and using religious information. Research gaps exist in local cultural variations on transforming Generazion Z adolescents' religious information-seeking behavior in the digital era, which also occurs in information access patterns, social media platform preferences, and responses to religious content. This study focused on information access using the Ellis Model to analyze the behavior of information search stages: browsing, chaining, filtering, monitoring, and understanding adolescents' religious preferences. This study used a qualitative approach with a case study method involving Rohis activists from six high schools in three cities, Medan, Yogyakarta, and Makassar, as research samples. Data were collected through observation and FGD. Study results showed that Generation Z accessed religious information digitally through social media due to its accessibility and interactivity. However, they still referred to local and popular religious figures to clarify and validate religious information. Social media played an important role in shaping religious views despite the challenges of spreading misinformation and disinformation. Their information-seeking behavior reflected a combination of digital exploration and conventional references; adolescents actively utilized, created, and shared religious information. The Ellis Model's relevance in understanding information-seeking behavior in the digital era and cultural variations contributes to information behavior study by highlighting the dynamics of technology use in meeting the younger generation's spiritual needs. Practical implications include recommendations for improving digital literacy through technology-based education and partnerships with religious authorities to provide credible and moderate content.

Principal component analysis (PCA) as a genetic diversity tool to understand the variation of rice mutant culture

Principal component analysis (PCA) as a genetic diversity tool to understand the variation of rice mutant culture

Predictive Modeling of Soil Moisture Variability Using Machine Learning: Insights from Dry and Wet Soil Cultures

Soil moisture prediction is crucial for optimizing irrigation practices and advancing precision agriculture. This study presents a predictive modeling approach leveraging machine learning techniques to analyze soil moisture variability in dry and wet soil cultures. Utilizing data collected through IoT-enabled sensors, this research applies regression-based algorithms to forecast moisture trends. A robust data preprocessing framework, including interpolation and augmentation, was implemented to address missing data challenges. Experimental results demonstrate high prediction accuracy, with minute-wise temporal granularity outperforming other datasets. The findings highlight the potential for integrating machine learning models into sustainable irrigation practices.

Parental Reactions to Children’s Negative Emotions in France and the United States: Links to Preschoolers’ Socioemotional Outcomes

Parental reactions to children’s negative emotions (PRCNEs), a type of emotion socialization, has been theorized to shape children’s socioemotional development. Few studies have examined cultural variations in PRCNE among Western/Minority World cultures. The present study used a cross-cultural, preschool-based sample of 101 parent–child dyads (child age = 36–79 months, 42% females; parent age = 19–58 years, 89% mothers) from two countries: U.S. (n = 33, 58% White/European American, 87% with college or above education) and France (n = 68, 61% French or other European origin, 40% with college or above education). Parents self-reported PRCNEs across 12 hypothetical scenarios. Children’s behavioral problems and prosocial behaviors were rated by parents and preschool teachers. Children’s emotion knowledge was measured by a behavioral task. We examined (1) cultural group variations in PRCNEs, and (2) the relations between PRCNE and children’s socioemotional outcomes. Controlling for demographics, French parents endorsed more non-supportive PRCNE than U.S. parents. Across both cultures, parents’ higher use of distress and punitive reactions were linked to lower parent-rated child prosocial behaviors. These findings revealed differences and similarities in PRCNEs between French and U.S. families and have implications for early childhood education practices promoting socioemotional competence.

The Role of Managerial Competencies in Driving Industry 4.0 Adoption: A Comparative Study of Thailand and Vietnam’s Manufacturing Sectors

This study investigates the influence of Top Management Team Competencies (TMTCs) and Middle-Tier Managers’ Competencies (MMCs) on the intention to adopt Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies in Thailand and Vietnam. Utilizing a quantitative approach with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), data from 100 manufacturing firms reveal the critical roles of Industry 4.0 readiness level (RL) and perceived usefulness (PU) as mediators in these relationships. The findings highlight that while TMTC significantly enhances organizational readiness, its direct impact on adoption intention is non-significant. Conversely, MMC directly influences both PU and adoption intention, emphasizing the practical role of middle management in bridging strategic vision and operational execution. RL mediates the effects of TMTC on I4.0 adoption intention, whereas PU does not mediate the relationship between TMTC and adoption intention. These insights contribute to the literature on digital transformation, particularly in emerging economies, by identifying distinct managerial roles and the importance of readiness in driving adoption. This study underscores the need for tailored competency development among top and middle managers to foster successful I4.0 adoption and suggests further research into organizational culture, external support, and regional variations.

Variability analysis of Phytophthora meadii - A major causal agent of capsule rot (Azhukal) disease in small cardamom

Capsule rot disease, caused by Phytophthora spp., pose a significant challenge to the cultivation of cardamom and other spices and plantation crops, leading to considerable yield losses. In the present study, the impact of P. meadii on small cardamom was assessed in the primary cardamom-growing regions of Tamil Nadu and Kerala through a roving survey conducted during 2023–2024. The survey revealed varying levels of disease severity, ranging from 8.23% to 52.80%. The highest incidence was recorded in the Udumbanchola region (52.80%), while the lowest was observed in Thandikudi (8.32%). A total of eight isolates of Phytophthora (designated as PHY-1 to PHY-8) were collected from diseased samples and purified using the single hyphal tip method. Pathogenicity studies were conducted to evaluate the virulence of these isolates through two different methods: a detached capsule assay and an in-planta assay. Among the 8 pathogenic isolates, PHY-4 exhibited the highest level of virulence (75%) and presented typical symptoms of capsule rot disease. The isolates were analyzed for cultural and morphological variability. All eight isolates displayed distinct variations in growth patterns and sporangial morphology. Optimal growth and development of P. meadii were observed at temperatures ranging from 25–30ºC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses revealed specific morphological characteristics of the isolates, including hyaline, coenocytic mycelium and distinct sporangial structures.

Exploring the cross-cultural validity of attachment theory: a study of Egyptian mother-child dyads using the Strange Situation Procedure

ABSTRACT Given the dearth of literature on attachment theory in the Arab world, this study explores the cross-cultural validity of attachment theory within an Egyptian sample of 60 mother-child dyads through the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP). The study examines the applicability of attachment theory’s universality, normativity, and secure base hypotheses, as well as the prevalence and manifestations of insecurity in an Egyptian sample. The findings supported attachment theory’s universality, normativity and secure base hypotheses, while simultaneously pointing towards cultural variations in attachment manifestations. Specifically, this study found that all children were classifiable according to the ABC classification system, and that secure attachment was the most prevalent within the sample. Additionally, trends of exploration and crying highly aligned with Ainsworth’s findings in the Baltimore study, supporting the secure base phenomenon within this Egyptian sample. Nevertheless, resistant attachment was more common than avoidant attachment, which differs from the global prevalence. Resistant attachment also primarily took the form of inconsolability rather than anger.

The US Individualism–Collectivism and Labor Investment Efficiency

ABSTRACTResearch Question/IssueWe examine whether the variation in the ndividualism–collectivism dimension within the US affects labor investment efficiency.Research Findings/InsightsUsing the collectivism index developed by existing literature, we find that firms headquartered in collectivist states are more likely to deviate from the optimal level of hiring. The effect is stronger in firms with high agency problems and information asymmetry. Additional analyses suggest that collectivism induces more inefficiency in firms with larger boards, less independent boards, firms with high R&D intensity, and states that adopt antitakeover laws.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsOverall, we find convincing evidence that cultural differences across US states contribute to labor investment decisions.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThe study extends the existing literature on the effect of cultural dimensions on labor investment decisions, particularly in the context of the United States. It also extends our understanding of how cultural variations across headquarters states can adversely affect firm hiring and firing decisions.Jel ClassificationM14, G30, G34, G40

Supplemental Material for Cultural Variation in the Smiles We Trust: The Effects of Reputation and Ideal Affect on Resource Sharing

Supplemental Material for Cultural Variation in the Smiles We Trust: The Effects of Reputation and Ideal Affect on Resource Sharing

Enhancing Supportive and Adaptive Environments for Aging Populations in Jordan: Examining Location Dynamics

This study explores home modification and personalization as mechanisms to promote aging in place and independence for older adults in Jordan. Personalization and home modification are important because they help older people age in place and promote independence. Thus, this study investigated elderly adaptability and housing alteration methods in Jordan. As the first study in Jordan, this research examined the meaning of aging and cultural variations in aging in place. The study tested the following hypotheses for different governorates, all showing significant effects: (I) overall, the sense of control is different in different locations, (II) space personalization is different in different locations, (III) home modification is associated with location, (IV) the association between space personalization and overall sense of control varies across locations, and (V) home modification is associated with the overall sense of control differently in different locations. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of regulated and well-organized home care services to ensure seniors can receive the necessary care while remaining in their families and communities. This research offers valuable insights into the cultural variations surrounding visions of aging in place and emphasizes the need for further research.

Fears about artificial intelligence across 20 countries and six domains of application.

The frontier of artificial intelligence (AI) is constantly moving, raising fears and concerns whenever AI is deployed in a new occupation. Some of these fears are legitimate and should be addressed by AI developers-but others may result from psychological barriers, suppressing the uptake of a beneficial technology. Here, we show that country-level variations across occupations can be predicted by a psychological model at the individual level. Individual fears of AI in a given occupation are associated with the mismatch between psychological traits people deem necessary for an occupation and perceived potential of AI to possess these traits. Country-level variations can then be predicted by the joint cultural variations in psychological requirements and AI potential. We validated this preregistered prediction for six occupations (doctors, judges, managers, care workers, religious workers, and journalists) on a representative sample of 500 participants from each of 20 countries (total N = 10,000). Our findings may help develop best practices for designing and communicating about AI in a principled yet culturally sensitive way, avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches centered on Western values and perceptions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).