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This study aimed to identify the impact of English language proficiency on Bangladeshi graduates in terms of its influence on local languages and cultural integration. The study was conducted using a quantitative approach, and the random sampling technique was employed to select 370 respondents from English and Bengali medium-instructed Bangladeshi graduates. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27.0. The Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and multiple regression analyses were used in line with the research objectives. The Pearson correlation shows a significant correlation among the studied variables, such as cultural erosion (R2 = 047, p < 0.001), threat to local language (R2 = 048, p < 0.001), and polluting local language (R2 = 047, p < 0.001). The ANOVA test was performed to find the mean difference in cultural erosion (CE), threat to local language (TLL), and polluting local language (PLL) with respect to respondents' qualifications (bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. degree). The ANOVA result revealed no statistically significant difference in CE and TLL in terms of graduates' qualifications, while PLL differs significantly based on their qualifications (bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. degree.). Similarly, significant differences in CE, TLL, and PLL were found among the income groups and living places of graduates. Multiple regression analysis explained 13.6% variances in the social class context with ELP-linked challenges (R2 = 0.136, p = 0.001), while the lower class was found to have positive non-significant relationships with ELP-linked challenges (B = 0. 159, p = 0.382). This was almost double that of the result for the rich class (B = 0.085, p = 0.721). However, ELP-linked challenges contain a mixture of languages and cultural blending in society, as the rich class faces fewer challenges than the lower and middle classes. The study is influential in creating an awareness of language use whenever necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Seeking help for severe depressive symptoms remains a major obstacle for particular groups within the general population. Value-related attitudes might contribute to this treatment gap, particularly in rural regions with a low density of psychiatric-psychotherapeutic services. We aimed to investigate narratives of socialization, value systems, and barriers of help-seeking to better understand social milieus at increased risk for underuse of psychiatric-psychotherapeutic services in a rural area in East Germany. This could complement the explanatory power of classical socio-demographic determinants and provide guidance for possible interventions. Method Based on results of an analysis of a population-based German cohort study (SHIP-TREND-1), 20 individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who met criteria for having been moderately or severely depressed at least once in their life. Qualitative analyses of interview data were guided by grounded theory methodology. Results Participants with severe symptoms of depression were more frequent among non-responders of this study. We identified key aspects that influence help-seeking for mental health problems and seem to be characteristic for rural regions: family doctors serve as initial contact points for mental health problems and are considered as alternatives for mental health professionals; norms of traditional masculinity such as being more rational than emotional, needing to endure hardships, embodying strength, and being independent were frequently mentioned as inhibiting help-seeking by middle-aged men; anticipated adverse side-effects of therapy such as worsening of symptoms; a frequently expressed desire for less pathologically perceived treatment options. Conclusions Our results suggest that barriers regarding help-seeking in rural regions are multifaceted and seem to be influenced by traditional norms of masculinity. We believe it is critical to strengthen existing and already utilized services such as family doctors and to implement and evaluate tailored interventions targeting the needs of the rural milieu.

Methodological nationalism as a critique of container-based and nation-state-focused theory and empirical research is currently strongly anchored within migration studies, where it was initially developed. While this has led to extensive literature and critical engagement with methodological nationalism, and ways to circumvent the national trap in many (sub-)disciplines, it has not much penetrated theories of social stratification. This conceptual paper will address this gap by discussing the social positioning of high-skilled migrants in contemporary stratified societies. This exemplary discussion will bring together a critical perspective of methodological nationalism on class and milieu theory. It will also confront the critique of methodological nationalism with the question of the origin of social power and dominance, which are the foundation of stratification theories. This article will specifically draw on Pierre Bourdieu's concept of social space and its derivative. Emphasis will also be given to Michael Vester's development of social milieu to highlight blind spots according to the critique of methodological nationalism. This paper shows that these theories have not grasped high-skilled migration thoroughly. It also outlines that migrant theories and their critique of methodological nationalism inadequately address the source of symbolic hierarchy and the formation of social stratification. Thus, both theoretical strands would benefit from a deeper conversation with each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify the impact of English language proficiency on Bangladeshi graduates in terms of its influence on local languages and cultural integration. The study was conducted using a quantitative approach, and the random sampling technique was employed to select 370 respondents from English and Bengali medium-instructed Bangladeshi graduates. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27.0. The Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and multiple regression analyses were used in line with the research objectives. The Pearson correlation shows a significant correlation among the studied variables, such as cultural erosion (R2 = 047, p < 0.001), threat to local language (R2 = 048, p < 0.001), and polluting local language (R2 = 047, p < 0.001). The ANOVA test was performed to find the mean difference in cultural erosion (CE), threat to local language (TLL), and polluting local language (PLL) with respect to respondents’ qualifications (bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degree). The ANOVA result revealed no statistically significant difference in CE and TLL in terms of graduates’ qualifications, while PLL differs significantly based on their qualifications (bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degree.). Similarly, significant differences in CE, TLL, and PLL were found among the income groups and living places of graduates. Multiple regression analysis explained 13.6% variances in the social class context with ELP-linked challenges (R2 = 0.136, p = 0.001), while the lower class was found to have positive non-significant relationships with ELP-linked challenges (B = 0. 159, p = 0.382). This was almost double that of the result for the rich class (B = 0.085, p = 0.721). However, ELP-linked challenges contain a mixture of languages and cultural blending in society, as the rich class faces fewer challenges than the lower and middle classes. The study is influential in creating an awareness of language use whenever necessary.

Introduction: Previous studies that focused on socioeconomic differences did not comprehensively explain existing inequalities in psychosomatic rehabilitation in Germany. We applied a social milieu approach, which additionally includes sociocultural factors such as lifestyles, attitudes and values, to investigate differences among patients in symptom severity, psychosocial impairment and improvement over the course of the intervention. Methods: As a model for social milieus, the empirical Sinus milieus were used. 2,000 patients of two psychosomatic rehabilitation clinics in Germany were included and their milieu was assessed with the Sinus milieu indicator for Germany 10/2018 questionnaire. BDI-II (N  =  1,832) and HEALTH-49 (N  =  1,829) questionnaires were used to measure depressiveness and psychosocial impairment at admission (T0) and discharge after 5  weeks of treatment (T1). Milieu differences in severity and improvement were analyzed by mixed-model ANOVAs. Results: Milieu distribution was not representative of the overall population of Germany. We found significant differences between patients from different milieus in both BDI-II and HEALTH-49 (p  <  0.001). Patients from the Precarious Milieu had the highest burden of depressive symptoms in BDI-II and the highest impairment on all HEALTH-49 scales at T0 and T1. Over the course of rehabilitation, patients from all milieus improved significantly in all domains (p  <  0.001). Significant interaction effects showed milieu-dependent differences in improvement for depressiveness on the BDI-II [F(9, 1822)  =  2.50, p  =  0.008] and for three HEALTH-49 scales, namely Psychological well-being [F(9, 1819)  =  3.30, padj  =  0.005], Interactional difficulties [F(9, 1819)  =  2.74, padj  =  0.036] and Activity and Participation [F(9, 1819)  =  4.94, padj  <  0.001], while post-hoc tests only revealed two significant group differences for the last scale. In all domains, patients from the Precarious Milieu retained higher symptoms and impairment at T1 than patients from better-off milieus had at T0. Discussion: Social milieu was associated with symptom severity, treatment access and outcome of psychosomatic rehabilitation patients. Milieuspecific sociocultural habits, psychosocial needs and therapeutic demands may help describe differences and should be considered in therapy planning and implementation, to improve equal access, quality and effectiveness of rehabilitation. Therefore, further research on milieu-specific differences and needs is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionPrevious studies that focused on socioeconomic differences did not comprehensively explain existing inequalities in psychosomatic rehabilitation in Germany. We applied a social milieu approach, which additionally includes sociocultural factors such as lifestyles, attitudes and values, to investigate differences among patients in symptom severity, psychosocial impairment and improvement over the course of the intervention.MethodsAs a model for social milieus, the empirical Sinus milieus were used. 2,000 patients of two psychosomatic rehabilitation clinics in Germany were included and their milieu was assessed with the Sinus milieu indicator for Germany 10/2018 questionnaire. BDI-II (N = 1,832) and HEALTH-49 (N = 1,829) questionnaires were used to measure depressiveness and psychosocial impairment at admission (T0) and discharge after 5 weeks of treatment (T1). Milieu differences in severity and improvement were analyzed by mixed-model ANOVAs.ResultsMilieu distribution was not representative of the overall population of Germany. We found significant differences between patients from different milieus in both BDI-II and HEALTH-49 (p

The process of identity construction has been of high interest to different critical approaches in the human sciences in general and sociological and psychoanalytical approach in particular. The present paper seeks to explore the subjectivity formation and identity construction process in the characters of William Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury in terms of Lacanian structuralist paradigm. Versatile theoretical standpoints concerning the definition and mechanism of the unconscious have caused different readings of the subject. The theoretical framework of the present study focuses on the critical concepts of psychoanalysis including the unconscious and identity formation in both Freud and Lacan. Also, the Lacanian concept of subjecthood in the social milieu of the subject constitutes another theoretical framework of the present paper. The study demonstrates how the parents’ behavior and attitudes towards the children in Compson family shapes the latter’s subjectivity and their ultimate state of Identity. The employment of the psychoanalytical concepts of the repressed desire, the structure of the unconscious, linguistic alienation, the name of the father and the signifiers of the lingual system fully indicates the central role and inevitable impact of both the Symbolic and the social milieu in the emergence of subjectivity. The subjectivity construction of the major characters in William Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury is processed in and by the socio-cultural context in which they were brought up, and is represented in their unconscious desires and tangible manners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zeitschrift für Qualitative Forschung (ZQF) is the property of Verlag Barbara Budrich GmbH 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 present study aims at reviewing Residential Satisfaction (RS) from both theoretical and empirical points of view. Various theories from different fields underpin RS and empirical studies on RS also indicate different determinants; however, there is a paucity of research on reviewing RS studies, identifying the roots of its theories and categorizing RS empirical studies into core determinants. Therefore, the main research questions are: which theories support RS and what are RS determinants and indicators? To answer these questions, valid RS-related studies were extracted using the search strategy and after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 107 studies were selected for the final review. Besides, the findings of RS studies were structured into four determinants, namely urban policy and planning, design principles, social milieu and residents' attributes. This review provides fresh insights into RS interdisciplinary aspects and the concept of residential dissatisfaction, and offers useful suggestions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a search for appropriate theory, this essay inserts drug trafficking, the world’s largest illicit economic activity, within a wider analytical frame called the ‘covert netherworld.’ Through the convergence of three factors—covert operations, illicit commerce, and social milieu—such netherworlds can form at regional, national, and international levels, thereby transforming social margins of crime and illicit commerce into potent sources of political change. By deftly playing upon this netherworld’s politics and illicit commerce along the Burma-Thai borderlands, a regional ‘drug lord’ amassed sufficient local power to dominate the global heroin trade for over a decade and simultaneously sustain an ethnic revolt for nearly 15 years. In the Philippines, the illicit traffic in synthetic drugs developed a parallel power to influence the character of national politics, compromising three presidential administrations and shaping the moral economy of political life. For the past 40 years in Afghanistan, an illicit commodity, opium, has shaped the fate of military intervention by the world’s sole superpower, allowing it an initial success and later contributing to its ongoing failure. Through the sum of these cases, the essay concludes that the covert netherworld can serve as invisible incubator for a range of extralegal activities and has thereby attained sufficient autonomy to be treated as a significant factor in international politics.

The camp community understands that participation in camp produces a variety of impacts; what is less understood are the causal mechanisms leading to outcomes. In the past, research on the camp experience treated causal mechanisms as monolithic; this commentary argues that a weakness in existing camp research is the assumption that "camp" is "camp" and that there is a lack of attention to how components of camp interact to produce valued developmental outcomes. Using two indices from complementary fields (Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment [HOME] and Healthy Sports Index [HSI]) as exemplars, a framework exploring variation in the elements of tri-dimensional offerings between camps is proposed. What the HOME index and HSI have established in other fields is what the camp community could have: a tool that initially helps researchers examine how the structural variations within and between individual camps may eventually help explain the quality and strength of outcomes for campers and counselors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is often considered that weak ties permit obtaining new information which contributes to successful ventures. However, is this true for all segments of the population? We explore the use of ties in very poor microsocial milieus of people who have resorted to microcredit. We find that strong ties and weak ties are both relevant in different situations for borrowers with different profiles. For the very poor, strong ties are more important in obtaining knowledge of sources of finance. However, more educated people in our sample of microcredit borrowers are able to exploit weak ties better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre 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 aim of the present paper is to awake awareness of the term “sustainable development” and show that the very term is not understood in a unilateral way. A discrepancy of perception and thus understanding of the notion of sustainability blurs its meaning. Numerous scholars and researchers use the term sustainable or sustainability to refer to the area where abilities of using methods to prevent natural resources can be demonstrated. Besides, scholars and researchers, especially in Central Europe, approach sustainability in a holistic way, paying more attention to a doer (subject) than to the doer’s vicinity full of natural resources (objects). Also school teachers in Poland, when given a task to explain the meaning of sustainable development, tend to underscore personal, social and intellectuals’ abilities and skills of people. The teachers’ observations served as catalysts to develop the presented in the paper discussion and conclusions.

The term 'identity 'covers a huge range of languages, cultures to chart the connection with the social milieu. It is important to bear in mind that Indian English literature emerged solely in the postcolonial period as a response to the identity issues related to the gender, feminist issues, hybridity, diaspora and politics. The invention of se lf is an important index in the formation of identity. Identity is a dynamic and a continuing changing process: it is not static and it continues to be modified and finally becomes generally accepted with the times. The issues of identity are related within the framework of culture and social bonds. There are certain traditional Indian concepts of identity in the post colonial Indian English Literature which are by no means simplistic in their explorations. Mitra Phukan s The Collector s Wife portrays the identity issues of women in Northeast India, It portrays the sedate and unexciting life of Rukmini Bezbaruah, the wife of the District Collector Siddharth Bezbaruah. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]