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In this article we explore how people who experienced a stroke, transient ischaemic attack, or heart attack sought health care during the COVID‐19 lockdown periods. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 27 patients admitted to hospital between March 2020 and May 2021, and one carer who was recruited from cardiac and stroke rehabilitation services in two large acute NHS trusts in England. Drawing on concepts of candidacy, illness and moral work, we discuss how people’s sense‐making about their symptoms fundamentally shaped both their decisions about seeking help and the impact of COVID‐19 on help seeking. Risk perception and interactional ritual chain theory allow further exploration of constructing symbols of national identity in times of crises, managing risk and levels of acceptable risk and critique of ambiguous national messaging over accessing health‐care services for people with emergency health‐care needs. Our findings have wider implications for supporting access into health care for those with life‐threatening conditions under highly publicised strain on the health system, including winter pressure and staff strikes, as well as policymaking and public messaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemporary discourses on feminism’s role in Australian boys’ lives focus on how feminism might guide strategies that train boys to resist negative or ‘toxic’ performances of masculinity and instead encourage them to strive for a ‘healthy’ or ‘positive’ masculinity. In this article, I question whether training young people to attach themselves to a particular masculinity is aligned with a commitment to queer politics or serves the interests of boys, particularly queer boys or gender-diverse young people. I begin by tracing unsettled contests over masculinity's ontological foundations, including the roles of biology, identification, ‘gendered’ traits, and affective attachments. Through the method of autoethnography, I then explore issues that arise in the logic and implementation of common desires to train boys into ‘healthy’ men. I argue that, drawing on a queer liberation tradition, feminism can be an invitation to solidarity and freedom as well as a ‘way out’ or ‘refuge’ from the regulatory policing of gender norms associated with boyhood. I suggest a detachment or disaffection with masculinity does not have to lead to an identity crisis and can instead be part of a feminist killjoy survival kit [Ahmed, Sara. 2017. Living a Feminist Life. Durham: Duke University Press]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a review of two books related to the works of Stephen Sondheim. The first book, "Sondheim in Our Time and His," edited by W. Anthony Sheppard, contains essays that examine various aspects of Sondheim's works, including the role of gender and collaborators in shaping his oeuvre. The review also highlights essays on Sondheim's visit to the Actors Studio, his adaptation of Mary Poppins, and the influence of his identity on his work. However, the review concludes with a critique of an essay that discusses Sondheim's whiteness and cultural difference. The second book, "Here for the Hearing: Analyzing the Music in Musical Theater," explores the challenges of analyzing musical theater and emphasizes the importance of musical structure in understanding the storytelling. The book is divided into two parts, with the first part discussing multiple works and the second part focusing on a single work. It offers insights into the creative process of musical theater and how musical structure contributes to the stories presented on stage. [Extracted from the article]

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Copyright of Studii de Ştiintă şi Cultură is the property of Studii de Stiinta si Cultura and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

"The Emotions of Immigrant Identity Processing in Cristina Henríquez's The Book of Unknown Americans" is an article that analyzes the emotional turmoil experienced by immigrant characters in Henríquez's novel. The novel explores the repercussions of disillusionment with national identity and the struggle to belong on either side of the border. It depicts migrants from diverse origins as culturally disenfranchised citizens who face marginalization and institutionalized violence. The article also examines the impact of trauma and long-term insecurity on migrants' perception of identity and their struggle to negotiate a new cultural identity in the United States. The novel serves as a critique of anti-immigrant discrimination and offers an emotionally-based portrayal of immigration that appeals to readers' empathy. [Extracted from the article]

This article links late Neoliberal Financialized Capitalism (NFC) with biopolitics, identity crises, and emerging death cults. It is argued that late NFC entails spreading violence in state and society, increasing premature and violent deaths in growing subcultures. Individualistic ideologies—which lower social strata now embrace as enabling myths—suggest renewed celebration of struggle for survival and death cults. From an institutionalist perspective, the regressive institutional change increases the predominance of ceremonial values and habits, which indicates a "triumph of imbecile institutions over life and culture" (Veblen, Thorstein B., The Instinct of Workmanship). Contemporary death cults convert violent dying into a consumable merchandise and a form of entertainment. We illustrate the normalization of violent death in the popular youth culture of Mexico's drug trafficking industry. Its musical genre, known as corridos sanguinarios, songs of blood, is analyzed. Our results show manifold ambivalences of contemporary death cults between social compliance and revolt, which may deepen our understanding of the socioeconomic, institutional, and political future under late NFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reads Malika Moustadraf’s recently translated collection of short stories as an instance of a new generation of Moroccan female writing that subverts conventional expectations of female fiction and understanding of gender identities in Morocco. Following a narrative criticism approach, the article investigates how Moustadraf uses fiction to communicate an identity crisis when the experiences of the body toggle between desire and disgust, rot and purity, and ultimately, life and delusion. In Moroccan fiction, identity, the body, and sexuality have often been considered a male territory, mostly explored through male lenses. By tackling issues of gender fluidity, cybersex, and body relations in the Moroccan context as early as the beginning of the twenty-first century, Moustadraf’s short stories contribute to an avant-garde female literary tradition that would only gain ground about two decades later. While female writing has long been conditioned by social expectations for language and themes to be feminine, Moustadraf stands out by breaking through the boundaries of taboo identities and excessively polished writing. A close reading of Moustadraf’s long-lost works provides a fresh perspective on the development of Moroccan fiction and gender consciousness in contemporary Morocco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines Iran's internal identity conflicts and its strategy to expand Shia influence in the Middle East. Iran's growing confidence in its regional power stems from its perceived victory in the prolonged confrontation with the United States and the belief that its constructive role will soon gain recognition. However, Iran faces internal ideological rifts as the younger generation challenges the conservative regime, exemplified by recent hijab protests. Simultaneously, Iran has been fostering Shia militant groups in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen to project its influence and engage in shadow warfare against Israel and Saudi Arabia. The escalating Iran-Israel conflict and Iran's involvement in the Syrian civil war highlight its geopolitical maneuvers. The study argues that there is an interplay between Iran's internal politicized identity crises and its external power projection, as the regime seeks to consolidate its legitimacy by emphasizing anti-Western and anti-Israeli sentiments. However, this strategy faces a dilemma, as resources allocated to suppressing domestic dissent and maintaining regional influence may further strain Iran's economy and exacerbate internal instability. The changing regional dynamics, such as the U.S.—Iran nuclear deal and the Arab-Israeli normalization, also pose challenges to Iran's strategic calculus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the religious factors that contribute to religious identity dissonance (ID) for sexual minority men. Our aim was to model the path of religious factors to depression symptoms through ID and internalized stigma (IS). US sexual minority men (N = 168) participated in a survey about religious factors and mental health. Serial mediation of religious factors through ID and IS to depression symptoms was assessed using Hayes PROCESS macro. Results indicate that two religious factors significantly increase depression through ID and IS. Negative parental religious messages about LGBTQ people play a meaningful role in ID and increasing depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Films on trans children often portray transgenderism as a disorder with a tragic ending for the protagonists, thereby ignoring the existing research on children being capable of expressing their own gender. In this article, we perform a close reading of the feature film 20,000 Species of Bees from a queer and feminist perspective. We focus on the potential of the film as a tool for educational practice as part of queer pedagogies. This coming-of-age movie portrays a family in which both daughter and mother undergo an identity crisis, challenging the traditional (gender) norms in the Basque society in which they are embedded. We argue that, unlike some of the recent films featuring trans children, 20,000 Species of Bees breaks with the conventional structures of mediated trans identities as problematic and opens a new perspective on the pedagogical use of the media, particularly cinema, as a space for imagining a 'future to become'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berber question is a substantial component of an enduring identity crisis, in which Algerian authorities had been found entrapped since the very beginning of independence. This article examines the extent to which the escalation of this identity crisis may be explained either in colonial legacy terms, or as a result of Algerian authorities’ mismanagement of an exclusively identity-oriented claims widely recognized as legitimate. Although, the exploration of different stages – through which identity claims agenda had been set – made the point of controversial patterns; however, mismanagement pattern prevails as a sustaining factor of an ongoing crisis. Today, despite the constitutional recognition of the Berber dimension as an integral part of Algerian identity (via the constitutional amendment of 2016), dealing solely with the Berber heritage in its folkloric dimension, is what some militant forces within the Berber movement fear and other matters that have yet to be adequately resolved (e.g. the use of Tamazight as the language of instruction). This article surveys the developing situation of the Berber question and aims for a better understanding that will hopefully help determine the future of the Berber question in Algeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Alevi movement, originating more than three decades ago in Turkey and the Western European diaspora, has led to significant social and cultural shifts within Alevi communities. This movement witnessed the emergence of Alevi associations, increased religio‐political activities, and a fervent search for a redefined Alevi identity. The quest for a comprehensive understanding of Alevi identity remains a contested debate, prominently reflected within Alevi youth, who navigate complex socio‐cultural landscapes and encounter challenges in defining their identity amidst competing narratives and associations. This paper examines the identity formation strategies of young Alevis in Berlin, drawing on ethnographic fieldwork conducted between 2021 and 2023. Contrary to mainstream portrayals of Alevi youth experiencing a loss of identity, this study argues for the presence of continuity dynamics, emphasising inherited Alevi mindsets and emotions. Through interviews and analysis of a documentary produced by Berlin Alevi youth, the paper explores new narratives about Alevi history, sociology, and theology constructed by young Alevis, highlighting their role in shaping contemporary Alevism in Germany. This research contributes original data and discussions to the existing literature on Alevi youth, shedding light on their evolving identities and the dynamics of Alevi discourse in diasporic settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Locating the people's intense identity consciousness in the region within the larger Indian national identity crisis, this article deals with how the distinct religious identities and practices of the Hindus and Christians are forged in Northeast India. As a betwixt and between people (neither fully Indic nor Sino, but a combination), the people's new identities are shaped between South Asian Indic culture and East Asian Confucian values. While conversion has been attributed to Christianity mostly, the article shows how the people in the region converted from their Sino-Tibetan primal religion to Hinduism, forming distinct Hindu traditions. Similarly, the indigenized Christian communities have also made their faith their own producing distinct Christian traditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the perception among farmers of lack of appreciation and being devalued by the non-farming public. Oral history interviews were conducted to gather farmers' viewpoints of what the non-farming public needs to know about their occupation. The creation of a public awareness campaign utilizing interview data, including canvas bags, information cards, and a website. The public awareness campaign provides the non-farming public with opportunities to learn about the lives of farmers and their contributions to society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This single-participant idiographic study examines the implications of a student's identity crisis in the climate classroom through the lens of existential phenomenology. The study analyses the ontological sense-making process of a mixed-race, bisexual female student reckoning with the racial dimensions of climate change during an environmental course in a liberal arts college in the Netherlands. By delving into the ontological implications of the participant's experience of the course, the analysis shows that environmental education can meaningfully impact the mind-body relationship and self-identification of students with marginalized identities. The findings challenge some of the assumptions of popular frameworks for understanding marginalization in environmental education, like intersectionality, and post-humanist perspectives. The authors conclude that attending to human sense-making in environmental education can benefit students with marginalized identities by grounding environmental education in practices that make space for these identities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Filosofija, Sociologija is the property of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences Publishers and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper focuses on Indo-Canadian Sikh women's issues after Covid-19 and their challenges of diasporic consciousness. It is based on a study conducted with face-to-face interviews in Victoria, Canada, to assess these women's post-Covid-19 challenges in healthcare and employment and their diasporic dual identity crisis. The research addressed questions like: What are the challenges of Indo-Canadian Sikh women in Canada after Covid-19 and the impact of current political affairs? What are women's integration challenges (perhaps insecurity, discrimination, etc.)? This research is significant for understanding the difficulties of Indo-Canadian Sikh women as a vulnerable group in terms of diasporic dual consciousness, racial discrimination and post-Covid experiences. Discussions on identity incorporate a diasporic theoretical understanding of the dual identity crisis and elaborate on Canadian multicultural policy from a political perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contextuality is one of the concepts that emerged in the post-modern era and became associated with it as a design strategy. Its purpose is to generate context as a relationship between elements drawn from memory and stored (heritage). Context has both physical and intellectual dimensions in architecture, serving as the language of intellectual and material dialogue between the building and its surroundings. Among its principles are harmony and suitability with the environment, whether through the general form, the materials used in construction and decoration, or through the underlying architectural concept and its alignment with the region's customs and traditions. The absence of context leads to an architectural identity crisis and consequently results in randomness. This is why the research problem revolves around the lack of conceptual clarity regarding the possibility of achieving context in local architecture through the use of nanomaterials to create contemporary architecture. The research aims to elucidate the knowledge about nanomaterials and their potential in achieving contextualism through two direct (as a primary material) and indirect (as a secondary material enabling traditional materials) approaches. Additionally, it examines the environmental context brought about by nanomaterials (harmony with the environment). This is based on the assumption that nanomaterials can be used to enable traditional materials to achieve architectural context for the city. The research employs an analytical and deductive methodology to elucidate knowledge about nanomaterials and their manifestations in architectural production. It derives their influential role in shaping the architectural output by interpreting a set of their properties and characteristics and analyzing a group of buildings where nanomaterials were used. The research concludes that nanomaterials have a direct impact on the final appearance in terms of color, texture, and, hence, the architect must thoroughly study the materials and select the most suitable ones for the region to achieve contextualism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article delves into the topic of ghosts and their significance in our cultural consciousness. It examines how ghosts challenge binary oppositions and represent a state between states. The article also explores the relationship between architecture and the ethereal, highlighting how architecture is intertwined with our understanding of the unknown. It argues that architecture has become overly focused on physical aspects and has lost its imaginative ambiguity in the face of technological advancements and societal changes. The article calls for a reevaluation of architectural practices to address the uncertain and indeterminate nature of emerging spaces. It discusses the concept of hauntology, which explores the spectral and paradoxical nature of ghosts, and presents various perspectives on hauntology, including discussions on conservation architecture, LiDAR scanning, erasure, and the manifestation of hidden histories. The text also explores the use of photography, X-rays, and stereoscopic imaging in capturing the spectral. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of embracing the spectral and imaginative ambiguity in architecture to address contemporary uncertainties. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: Academic procrastination is a common issue among students that significantly impacts their educational outcomes. The objective of this study was to explore the impact of childhood trauma on academic procrastination and examine the mediating role of identity crisis among female high school students in Karaj, Iran. This research aimed to elucidate the complex interrelationships between personal trauma, identity development, and educational behaviors. Methods and Materials: The study utilized a descriptive correlational design, employing structural equation modeling to analyze the data. A total of 384 female high school students from Karaj participated in the study. Data were collected using standardized instruments, including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Identity Crisis Questionnaire, and various measures of academic procrastination related to different academic tasks. Statistical analysis was performed using SmartPLS to assess direct and indirect relationships among the variables. Findings: The results revealed significant direct effects of childhood trauma on academic procrastination (β = .201, p < .001) and identity crisis (β = .290, p < .001). Furthermore, identity crisis significantly mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and academic procrastination (indirect effect β = .091, p < .001). These findings underscore the profound influence of early adverse experiences and identity struggles on academic behaviors. Conclusion: The study concludes that childhood trauma and identity crisis are significant predictors of academic procrastination. Identity crisis mediates the impact of childhood trauma on procrastination, suggesting that interventions addressing both psychological healing and identity development could be beneficial in reducing procrastinatory behaviors among students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The current study aims to explore the experiences of athletes transitioning from amateur to professional sports. Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing a grounded theory approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 22 athletes residing in Ontario, Canada, who had transitioned to professional sports within the past three years. Participants were selected using purposive sampling to ensure diverse representation across sports disciplines. Interviews were conducted in person or via video conferencing, lasting between 60 to 90 minutes, and were audio-recorded with consent. Data analysis involved open, axial, and selective coding to identify themes and develop a substantive theory. Findings: The study identified four main themes: transition challenges, support systems, personal growth, and external influences. Athletes reported significant psychological adjustments, including identity crises and performance anxiety. Financial struggles due to lack of sponsorship and high living costs were prevalent. Social life changes, such as isolation from family and friends, and increased physical demands were notable challenges. Effective support systems involving family, coaches, peers, and institutions were crucial for navigating these challenges. The transition also facilitated personal growth in skill development, mental toughness, and career management. External factors, including media scrutiny and cultural influences, significantly impacted athletes' experiences. Conclusion: The transition from amateur to professional sports involves multifaceted challenges that require comprehensive support systems. Psychological, financial, social, and physical adjustments are significant, and robust support from family, coaches, peers, and institutions is essential. Addressing these challenges through tailored interventions and support mechanisms can enhance athletes' well-being and success in professional sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research delves into the nuances, origins, and societal effects of irrational religious orientations within China's Generation Z, employing grounded theory methodology for a comprehensive analysis. The focus is on those born between 1995 and 2010, a demographic raised amidst rapid information technology growth and significantly influenced by digitalization and globalization. The study identifies three primary dimensions of irrational religious orientations in Generation Z: religious spiritual dependence, religious instrumental tendency, and religious uniqueness identity. These are shaped by factors such as the overwhelming influx of information via digital media, societal pressures and psychological dilemmas, conflicts in values and identity crises, as well as feelings of social isolation and the need for group belonging. To address these trends, the study suggests several interventions: enhancing multicultural and values education, implementing stricter online information regulation and literacy programs, boosting mental health awareness and support, and fostering engagement in social and cultural activities. These recommendations are essential for comprehensively understanding and effectively responding to the irrational religious orientations of Generation Z, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and healthy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the identity crisis faced by young Pakistanis who have returned from living in Dubai. The author shares two examples of individuals who are struggling with their sense of identity after returning to Pakistan. The article highlights the unique cultural landscape of Dubai, which blends Western modernity with Middle Eastern traditions, and how this can shape the experiences of the younger generation. The author emphasizes the need for recognition, empathy, and proactive measures to address this complex issue. The article also mentions that the identity crisis is not limited to Pakistani families in the Middle East, but also affects those living in other developed countries. The author concludes by suggesting that psychotherapy, family support, and educational institutions can help address the psychological problems faced by the younger generation. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Globally, infertility is known as a major problem which can ruin a couple's relationship. In recent years, many studies have addressed the causes of infertility, the outcomes of treatments for infertility, and the effects of infertility on couples' mental health; however, the concept of dignity of women living with infertility has never been examined in depth. Objective: This study aimed to explore the dignity of women living with infertility in Iran. Design: This qualitative research was conducted via conventional content analysis approach. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in Iran from February to December 2022. In this research, the data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews with 23 women living with infertility selected via purposive sampling. The interviews were continued until reaching the data saturation point. Data analysis was performed simultaneously with data collection. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through Graneheim and Lundman style content analysis, with data management done using the MAXQDA software. To achieve the accuracy and validity of the study, the four-dimension criteria by Lincoln and Guba, namely credibility, dependability, conformability, and transformability, were considered and used. Results: Analysis of the qualitative data yielded three themes and eight subthemes. The three main themes were (1) overcoming identity crises (overcoming dysthymia, coping with unaccomplished motherhood), (2) respect for personal identity (respect for confidentiality; respect for beliefs, values, and attitudes; avoidance of stigma and pity), and (3) compassion-focused therapy (sympathizing, mental and spiritual support, and enhancement of life skills). Conclusion: Dignity of women living with infertility encompasses overcoming identity crises, respect for personal identity, and compassion therapy. The policymakers and administrators in the healthcare system can use the findings of this study to create a proper clinical environment toward preserving the dignity of women living with infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This research investigates the heritage language (HL) as a core value of first-generation Yorùbá English bilingual immigrants in the United States and explicates HL maintenance practices among them. Methodology: It uses observation and semi-structured interviews with first-generation Yorùbá–English bilingual immigrants residing in New York, Texas and Maryland. Data and analysis: Transcripts from the interviews and field notes from the observation were analysed and coded using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) and some features of the Interlinear Morpheme Glossing (IMG) rules which are conventions useful for transliterations and translations. Findings: The heritage language is the distinctive identity of first-generation Yorùbá–English bilingual immigrants in the United States. Hence, they adopt maintenance strategies similar to those of other immigrants identified in previous studies (home language, language of familiarity, language as code and language for admonition) and devise ingenious strategies to ensure maintenance including language for setting intergroup boundaries, language for maintaining connectedness and language for naming realities. Originality: Previous studies have examined HL maintenance among Asian, Hispanic and European immigrants who have HLs with high numeric strength, but this study examines immigrants of African descent and an HL with low numeric strength. It also presents unobserved HL maintenance strategies which are peculiar to first-generation Yorùbá–English bilingual immigrants in the United States. Implications: Despite English monism, immigrants/ethnic minorities can go beyond common HL maintenance strategies and create unique ones that will ensure the continued use of their languages. The ability to do this advances a positive ethnic identity, guarantees an improved lifespan for HLs in host communities and reduces instances of identity crisis among immigrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examined the association between psychological distress and identity distress related to the COVID-19 pandemic among college students experiencing a campus red alert status (akin to a campus lockdown). Results from an online survey implemented 30 days after the red alert status began indicated that large percentages of students reported severe or very severe identity distress regarding long-term goals (42.1%), friendships (33.1%), and career choice (27.7%). Psychological distress related to the COVID-19 pandemic was a significant predictor of identity distress related to long-term goals (B = 0.060, p < 0.01), career choice (B = 0.040, p < 0.01), friendships (B = 0.066, p < 0.01), values or beliefs (B = 0.036, p < 0.01), and group loyalties (B = 0.044, p < 0.01). Similarly, psychological distress was a significant predictor of total identity distress (B = 0.279, p < 0.01). Implications for practicing college clinicians and campus health professionals include the need for the consideration of identity distress as an important aspect of college student mental health to assess during ongoing public health crises. Additionally, college students may benefit from identity-related programming during these types of events. More research is needed to better understand the psychological impact of public health crises on college students' identity development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main assumption of the text is that, in Poland, small fan groups are facing a threat to their existence, and many of them are functioning in an evident crisis. Based on secondary data, the main mechanisms influencing the problems of fan groups from smaller clubs in maintaining and developing their potential will be reconstructed. These mechanisms are: economic emigration of supporters, ageing of supporter group members (lack of generational replacement), 'old-fashioned' style of supporting based on violence and aggression, the changing attitude of the young generation to spend free time and decreasing interest of young people to participate in fan culture, lack of sporting success of clubs, lack of fan rivals in low-level football leagues. The article concludes that in the near future, the number of fan groups of small clubs will drastically decrease, and the whole fan culture in Poland will face crisis and uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"A MAN BORN WHEN HE IS OLD" is a fictional story by Gabriel González Núñez about Cleopas bar Simon, a Zealot living in Jerusalem during Roman occupation. Cleopas initially plans to use Jesus of Nazareth to incite rebellion against the Romans but becomes uncertain after hearing Jesus' teachings. He ultimately decides to follow Jesus, leaving behind his old life. The text briefly mentions the tragic fate of an individual in Rome after Jerusalem's destruction. Gabriel González is a respected writer and professor, born in Uruguay, known for his children's books, short stories, and poetry. The text also mentions a woodcut artwork titled "Blessed be the Caretakers" by Sarah Winegar in 2022. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses two books: "Insecure Guardians" by Oskar Verkaaik and "Fifty Years of Bangladesh, 1971-2021: Crises of Culture, Development, Governance, and Identity" by Taj Hashmi. "Insecure Guardians" focuses on the militarization of policing in Karachi, Pakistan, and its impact on policing culture and practices. It provides insights into the historical and political roots of policing in Karachi and the perceptions of corruption within the police force. "Fifty Years of Bangladesh" examines the history, politics, society, and culture of Bangladesh from 1971 to 2021. It explores the identity crisis faced by Bangladeshis and the patron-client relationship prevalent in the country's politics. The book challenges existing narratives and sheds new light on the country's history. [Extracted from the article]

The paper investigates changes to Copenhagen's landscape of commemoration concerning its former colony, the Danish West Indies (DWI), prompted by the 2017 centennial anniversary of the Islands' sale to the US. It argues that Denmark, like other European nations, navigates a postcolonial identity crisis and that the landscape of commemoration plays a significant role within it. The paper advances our understanding of postcolonial Europe's identity crisis not only by shedding light on the under-explored case of Denmark, but also by emphasizing the role of the landscape of commemoration in this crisis. In addition to demonstrating how landscapes function as 'arenas' for negotiating expressions of hegemonic identity and territorial claims, it argues that the commemorative landscape is pivotal in tackling the construction of 'Europe' as a detached, self-made entity rather than a space (re)produced through connections with other (ed) places and people. It underscores that Europe's allegedly monochromatic historical fabric is woven from diverse global threads. Re-membering Europe with the people and regions vital to its (re)production re-writes them into European history and re-locates detached Europe (with)in the world. • Denmark can be situated within (post)colonial Europe's identity crisis. • Memories of the Danish West Indies are leveraged to negotiate Danish identity. • Copenhagen's commemorative landscape is instrumental in navigating the crisis. • Copenhagen's commemorative landscape redefines 'the Dane' and 'Denmark.'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last decade on the 19th century saw a major crisis of identity in what is known today as Finland. Having emerged from under centuries of Swedish rule and being incorporated into the Russian Empire, the population turned to its true ethnic roots. The compilation and the publishing of the Kalevala set in motion a series of cultural and artistic events which resonated deeply with the political aspirations of the moment. Amidst this effervescence came the young Jean Sibelius to present one of his earliest monumental works, Kullervo Op 7. Often mislabeled as a symphonic poem, this programmatic symphony draws upon the story of the Kalevala's 6th cycle. The unfolding plot is a typical tragic hero story set in a very Finnish framework. The composer had therefore to solve the task of presenting a particular version of a universal archetype and to create a symphony that can be both a testament to the struggles of his own time and a monument within the history of universal music. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an overview of the issue of school violence in Trinidad and Tobago. It emphasizes that violence in schools should be seen as a symptom of larger social problems rather than individual acts of deviance. The article explores various factors contributing to school violence, including socio-cultural frameworks, the education system, family dynamics, media influence, and peer groups. It calls for urgent intervention to address this issue and achieve the Ministry of Education's goal of eliminating school violence by 2027. The Trinidad and Tobago National Human Development Report 2020 raises concerns about the education system's impact on youth and questions its effectiveness in achieving its goals. [Extracted from the article]

The article, titled "Wealth as Responsiveness to Earth Wisdom," discusses the importance of recognizing and respecting Indigenous perspectives and wisdom in relation to the Earth. The author emphasizes the need for Occidentalized societies to understand their origins and the consequences of their actions on the Earth. They argue that the concept of duality, which separates humans from nature, has led to the exploitation and commodification of the Earth. The author also highlights the importance of unlearning Western thinking and reimagining wealth in a way that aligns with Indigenous philosophies and values. The article concludes with a story that illustrates the idea of collective well-being and the interconnectedness of all beings. [Extracted from the article]

This article examines the importance of freedom in learning, self-discovery, and personal development. It argues that freedom allows individuals to explore different activities and interests, leading to valuable information about their preferences and desires. The article discusses various dimensions of diagnostic value and proposes ways to measure it. It also explores the concept of preference learning and the different types of preference changes that can occur. The text emphasizes the significance of appropriate preference changes that improve evaluative capacities and are driven by epistemic improvements. Additionally, the article discusses how making choices can inform our value judgments through preference change, confidence change, and awareness growth. The author argues that being a better evaluator is not only useful but also inherently good. The text addresses the issue of how our attitudes affect the diagnostic value of options and the trade-off between empirical soundness and epistemological justification in determining authoritative preferences. Overall, the article highlights the importance of considering diagnostic value when evaluating the value of freedom and options. [Extracted from the article]

Joaquin Sorolla's Social Realist work Sad Inheritance! provides the grounds for this cross-sectional case study into Social Realism in Spain, Spanish politics at the turn of the twentieth century, and affect theory in art. By formally analyzing this work, presenting its differing receptions in France and Spain, and discussing the identity crisis that Spain experienced at the end of the twentieth century, all within the frame of Jill Bennett's conception of practical aesthetics and affect in art, this article will show how Sorolla produced an image that had differing valences of affect depending on the context in which it was viewed. Through his singular pictorial strategies, Sorolla successfully created an image that was political and sentimental, controversial and appealing, fraught with emotion, and ultimately affective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

James Kelman, the first Scottish author in history to win this award twice, is renowned for his distinct language style and his focus on Scotland's underclass. In Hardie and Baird: The Last Days, Kelman skillfully intertwines narratives to illuminate the challenges faced by ordinary Scottish workers amidst the backdrop of the Battle of Bonnymuir in 1820. This paper aims to analyze Kelman's portrayal of the Battle of Bonnymuir and to explore the ethical identity and choices of Hardy, a character navigating a socially disadvantaged milieu. Additionally, it delves into the motivations behind Hardy's ethical decisions, aiming to unravel the identity crisis experienced by the Scottish people. It argues that Kelman's approach of narrating "history from below" not only infuses his work with a distinct Scottish national character but also establishes the unique essence of his artistic expression. Furthermore, it embeds meaningful ethical reflections into the historical narrative, showcasing Kelman's ethical contemplations that transcend local confines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biographical study through the lens of Mills' sociological imagination and Erikson's identity crisis provides a unique understanding of Dr Fauzi AR, a dedicated Islamist. Fauzi grew up in a devout Muslim family in Kauman, Yogyakarta, the heartland of the modernist Islamic organisation Muhammadiyah. He was educated in Muhammadiyah schools and eventually became a qualified medical doctor. He was politically active in the Islamic United Development Party and joined Laskar Jihad, a Salafi-Wahabi paramilitary group, during the inter-religious conflict in Maluku in 2000. This article argues that the political turbulence during the democratic transition in 1998--1999 led Fauzi to have an identity crisis, which spurred his desire to participate in jihad (holy war). Afterwards, Fauzi became a reformed "maverick post-jihadist," in that he was unpredictable yet competent. He was unorthodox in his methods, remaining active in mainstream political Islam through the United Development Party while also engaging in physical jihad, which is contradictory because participation in partisan politics is forbidden by the Salafi doctrine. He also remained a heavy smoker although smoking is forbidden by Salafi religious decree. He further defied Salafism by supporting his wife in an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the national parliament as a member of the secular-nationalist party Gerindra in the 2009 election. This case study of Fauzi AR reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of political Islam and Islamic movements in the post-Soeharto era, including those who resorted to extremism and violence to achieve greater Islamisation of society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan's national identity has been a contested subject since the conception of the country in 1947. This article examines Pakistan's struggle to create a coherent national identity, which has led to major identity crises caused by the conflict between the nation's markers of identity, including religion, ethnicity, language, culture and historical reminiscences. While employing Benedict Anderson's concept of nationalism, the article explores the perceptions of Pakistanis asking what should be the principal underpinning for defining Pakistani identity. In-depth interviews were used as the main qualitative method for the data collection. In order to conduct in-depth interviews, 47 residents of Rawalpindi, both males and females belonging to diverse sociocultural, political and educational backgrounds were selected through purposive sampling technique to ensure a variety of perspectives. The findings suggest that religion, ethnicity, language and patriotism emerged as major markers of Pakistani identity while the dissension between these indicators persistently exacerbates identity crises and undermines the values of religious and cultural pluralism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of this paper is on father absence in the South African context, a growing concern with significant implications for family well-being, relationships, morality, and children's development. Father absence poses a considerable social challenge for many communities across South Africa, necessitating efforts to address and restore family cohesion. Research indicates that men often struggle to confront their identity crisis, which in turn hinders effective fatherhood and exacerbates the issue of father absence. Addressing this challenge is crucial for promoting healthier family dynamics and societal well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenges that military adolescents face, including frequent relocations, pose potential risks to their identity development. The central aim of this study is to understand the impact that frequent relocations have on the identity development of highly mobile military adolescents. Military adolescents between the ages of 16 and 18 years were interviewed. An interpretive phenomenological design was employed to inform the interview and analytic approach. An inductive approach using humanistic interpretation through Hermeneutic circles was conducted. Four overarching themes were identified, including self-perception in the world, building relationships, overwhelming emotions, and fostering healthy transitions. Several subthemes developed and gave rise to common adolescent experiences. Military adolescents facing frequent relocations experience a series of identity crises that are often masked in daily life and kept secret from peers and family. Healthy transitions require the adolescent and family to openly and repeatedly explore the impact of relocations on the inner and social life of adolescents. This study calls for future research on the military adolescent-provider relationship to explore how to better help meet the needs of this population from a health care standpoint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Misrecognition describes everyday practices that deny the autonomy of minority members to define who they are and instead impose identities that may diverge from their own sense of self. Being misrecognized is particularly relevant for the historically marginalized Roma people, whose national belonging is repeatedly questioned despite centuries of co‐existence and citizenship. Our aim was to understand whether the experience of misrecognition, along with discrimination, would predict identification patterns that represent an obstacle to dual identification among Roma people in three East‐Central European countries: Hungary, Romania and Serbia. We collected data among Roma participants online and face‐to‐face with convenience sampling (N = 1,325). Latent class analysis revealed three similar classes based on national and ethnic identification scores in all subsamples: (1) disidentification, (2) Roma identification and (3) dual identification. Logistic regression analysis showed that misrecognition and discrimination predicted stronger Roma identity than dual identification in Hungary and Serbia. However, misrecognition predicted stronger dual identification in Romania, possibly as a reaffirmation strategy in response to misrecognition. Our results show that misrecognition can add to our understanding of minority group members' identification with the superordinate category of the nation as well as subgroup ethnic minority identity, and this connection could be key for advancing Roma inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Disruptive life events, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, may trigger adjustment and revision of older adults' identities. This mixed-methods study explored how older adults perceived their identities changing as a result of the pandemic, and how such identity dynamics related to pandemic-related events and well-being. Methods Participants included 2,248 older adults who participated in the longitudinal COVID-19 Coping Study spanning from April/May 2020 to April/May 2021. Mean age was 67.8 years, 70% were women, and 93% were White. We used qualitative thematic analysis to identify the ways the pandemic affected participants' identities. We then investigated the association between identity themes and testing positive for COVID-19, having a friend or family member hospitalized or dying due to COVID-19, or being vaccinated. Finally, we tested whether identity disruption was associated with 12-month trajectories of well-being (including life satisfaction, loneliness, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and self-rated health) using latent growth curve models. Results Some participants reported positive identity themes, such as rethinking and revising priorities and realization of strength and resilience. Others indicated harmful effects, including identity disruption. Individuals reporting identity disruption had worse well-being at baseline and remained consistently worse over time. Discussion Findings highlight that identity remains malleable in later life and that stressful events like the COVID-19 pandemic may trigger positive adaptive identity processes, but can also cause identity disruption that is associated with persistently worse well-being over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osamu Dazai, one of the most prominent Japanese writers is known for his introspective writing style and existential angst. No Longer Human which means 'Disqualified as a human being' is a Japanese modern fiction published in 1948. It is considered as the final work of Osamu Dazai before his suicide. The work depicts Dazai's own life through the eyes of protagonist Oba Yozo. Dazai's works often explores the themes of human suffering, isolation, identity crisis and sense of despair. Dazai shows strong inclination towards existentialist and nihilist explication of human suffering. The novel is powerful exploration of an individual's existential crisis. It traces Yozo's development of experiences and his perception from his childhood to adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article studies the Negotiation of Muslim Identity in Ayad Akhtar's Disgraced (2012) that Muslim characters practice after the 9/11 attacks in the USA. The paper, moreover, evaluates the Muslim characters encountering the backlash, discrimination, harassment, othering, religious profiling, media propaganda, and alienation despite their complete integration and assimilation into the hostland identity. To explore how the Muslim Immigrant characters, as members of the minority out-group(MO), adopt the strategies of identity negotiation and construct the reactive Muslim identity in the selected play in the post-9/11 American context, The Social Identity Theory by Tajfel and Turner (2004) is used as the theoretical model through the textual analysis and Close Reading Method. The paper, furthermore, aims to study the Muslim characters struggling with the identity crisis and the derogatory treatment from the majority in-group Americans (MI). It also adds to research on the selected play the comprehensive understanding to the readers about the identity negotiations and Muslim identity construct after the 9/11 attacks in America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]