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This explanatory sequential mixed methods study investigated the psychological effects of culturally-acceptable mourning clothes on the bereaved in the Ghanaian context. Different cultures have different funeral garbs that have strong psychological ramifications on the bereaved. These psychological effects have largely not been researched in Ghana. Therefore, the study assessed quantitative and qualitative data sets from descriptive surveys and descriptive phenomenology to identify the cultural norms inherent in mourning customs surrounding funeral clothes and their psychological effects on the bereaved. Also, data on coping strategies and mental health were gathered through quantitative surveys and psychological evaluations. The results show that cultural norms have significant psychological impacts on decisions on what to wear to mourn the dead. While some of the study participants enjoyed a sense of belonging and community, others faces stress-related peer pressure. To reduce negative psychological effects, coping techniques and support tactics were recommended. The research recommends educating people about the psychological effects of adhering to funeral clothing and cultural norms were described. This study contends that cultural influences and mourning customs including culturally-acceptable mourning clothes exert significant psychological effects on the bereaved and demand an informed decision-making and assistance for those who have experienced a loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural Domain Analysis (CDA) is a theoretical and methodological approach rooted in cognitive anthropology that investigates how people in a particular culture organize, structure, and perceive ideas. Beginning in the 1960s, CDA developed into a powerful tool for collecting and analyzing data, with applications extending beyond anthropology into other fields, including public health and other social sciences. This paper outlines the procedures and methods used in CDA, its strengths and limitations, and its potential utility in breastfeeding studies. Basic features of key techniques within CDA that include free listing, pile sorting, and cultural consensus analysis are discussed. The paper also highlights how CDA seamlessly combines qualitative and quantitative data to generate culturally meaningful social theories that can inform the development of contextually relevant policies and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is an urgent threat to perinatal and infant health, with the greatest effects of climate change exposures being felt disproportionately by global majority communities who have been most harmed by systems of oppression. Human milk feeding is one recognized solution to bolster climate resilience. Yet, policies and practices to support human milk as a climate solution are inconsistent and under-prioritized, which is unsurprising given the lack of alignment between human history and current cultural context with regard to lactation and human milk access. This paper presents a new framework on lactation as a climate solution, which is unique in its incorporation of the critical history of cooperative breastfeeding in our species. Rooted in anthropogeny, or the study of human origins, and antiracist principles of lactation, the Allomilk Framework highlights five concepts of the ideal application of human milk as a climate solution, bridging ancient allonursing with present-day lactation and human milk access. These ideal applications—and the proposed development of measures to operationalize them—will advance the field through a shared understanding of the qualities that should be prioritized in the assessment of policies and practices at the intersection of climate resilience and human milk access. Application of the Allomilk Framework to assess and design future policies and practices will advance the field by increasing the potential for climate resilience and climate mitigation while working with—rather than against—the importance of cooperative breastfeeding in human history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the tenets of cultural mismatch theory using survey data from 518 high school students. Structural equation modeling examined how cultural norms influence relationships among student demographic characteristics, school location, and social, psychological, and academic outcomes. Students who identified as Black and those attending suburban schools reported greater endorsement of independent cultural norms that significantly predicted greater comfort in school, better psychological well-being, and higher aspirations for future educational attainment. Alternatively, students of color reported greater endorsement of interdependent cultural norms that were significantly associated with greater comfort in school and psychological well-being but no academic outcomes. Results point toward cultural norms as one unseen indicator that may influence classroom learning and achievement and contribute to equity issues in schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The teacher's use of representations is a crucial aspect of instructional quality in mathematics education, given their pivotal role in facilitating mathematics learning. However, in our international research community, perspectives on what constitutes high-quality use of representations may vary. This cross-cultural study aims to explore whether the perspectives from Western literature, emphasizing the importance of explicit connections between symbolic and graphic representations, can be extended legitimately to the East Asian context. Using a situated approach, the study elicited norms of high-quality representation use from researchers in Germany and Taiwan. A total of 31 mathematics education professors from both countries evaluated the use of representations in three secondary mathematics classroom situations presented as text vignettes. The vignettes, designed by the German research team, each depicted a situation where from their perspective, a norm of high-quality representation use, specifically the explicit connection between symbolic and graphic representations, was violated. Qualitative analysis of the researchers' responses revealed that in each situation, at least half of the German researchers expected explicit connections between representations. Conversely, the majority of Taiwanese researchers only expected such connections in one situation, particularly when the graphic representation served as an independent learning objective rather than solely aiding conceptual understanding. These findings indicate easily unnoticed culture-specific differences regarding how a common aspect of instructional quality is expected to unfold in teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although several studies have dealt with the use of derogatory terms on social media, only few compared the phenomenon across languages from a sociocultural aspect. This study used a mixed-method comparative analysis of 920 Arabic and English abusive tweets. The researchers used content analysis to annotate the tweets according to their type and severity. They also used qualitative thematic discourse analysis to interpret the linguistic themes. Furthermore, they used frequency analysis to statistically identify the most common targets and lexical items and to identify the sociolinguistic patterns behind them. The results reveal that Arabic tweets have higher frequencies of gender abusive terms, and they are more severe than the English ones. However, English showed greater reliance on vulgar terms because of cultural taboos. English communication was also dominated by implicit insults, while Arabic favored explicit offense in accordance with direct/indirect cultural values. Both languages used emojis intensively, but Arabic used more diverse registers within messages. Anonymity boosted prejudices for both languages. In conclusion, the difference in online toxicity between the languages is the result of linguistic differences and the cultural norms and the interaction between the two. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although attention has been paid to return migration internationally, research studies on why Chinese overseas doctoral graduates return to China are few. A study that considers gendered motivations has yet to be found. Using a qualitative study with 31 Chinese overseas doctoral graduate returnees, this study examines factors influencing graduates' reasons for returning to China and how these relate to Chinese gender and gender role‐related cultural norms. Using the push‐pull theory and the concepts of gender (as an individual characteristic) and gender norms, the study shows that the reasons for return were gendered, with females motivated by family and emotional factors and males by economic and career benefits. The study identifies inequalities derived from traditional gender roles and cultural norms that persist in China. This has implications for state policy, higher education institutions and future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetically modified (GM) crops are the most important agricultural commodities that can improve the yield of African smallholder farmers. The intricate circumstances surrounding the introduction of GM agriculture in Africa, however, underscore the importance of comprehending the moral conundrums, regulatory environments, and public sentiment that exist today. This review examines the current situation surrounding the use of GM crops in Africa, focusing on moral conundrums, regulatory frameworks, and public opinion. Only eleven of the fifty-four African countries currently cultivate GM crops due to the wide range of opinions resulting from the disparities in cultural, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. This review proposed that addressing public concerns, harmonizing regulations, and upholding ethical standards will improve the adoption of GM crops in Africa. This study offers ways to enhance the acceptability of GM crops for boosting nutrition and food security globally.

Abstract Background Facilitating factors are potential factors that encourage the uptake of maternal health services, while limiting factors are those potential factors that limit women’s access to maternal health services. Though cultural norms or values are significant factors that influence health-seeking behaviour, there is a limited exploration of the facilitating and limiting factors of these cultural norms and values on the use of maternal health services in primary health care facilities. Aim To understand the facilitating and limiting factors of cultural values and norms that influence the use of maternal health services in primary healthcare facilities. Methods The study was conducted in two primary healthcare facilities (rural and urban) using a focused ethnographic methodology described by Roper and Shapira. The study comprised 189 hours of observation of nine women from the third trimester to deliveries. Using purposive and snowballing techniques, data was collected through 21 in-depth interviews, two focus group discussions comprising 13 women, and field notes. All data was analyzed using the steps described by Roper and Shapira (Ethnography in nursing research, 2000). Results Using the enabler and nurturer constructs of the relationships and the expectations domain of the PEN-3 cultural model, four themes were generated: 1, The attitude of healthcare workers and 2, Factors within primary healthcare facilities, which revealed both facilitating and limiting factors. The remaining themes, 3, The High cost of services, and 4, Contextual issues within communities revealed factors that limit access to facility care. Conclusion Several facilitating and limiting factors of cultural norms and values significantly influence women’s health-seeking behaviours and use of primary health facilities. Further studies are needed on approaches to harness these factors in providing holistic care tailored to communities' cultural needs. Additionally, reinvigoration and strengthening of primary health facilities in Nigeria is critical to promoting comprehensive care that could reduce maternal mortality and enhance maternal health outcomes.

The study examines the cultural norms of Russian and Chinese cultures as represented in proverbs with the key component “mouse”. Thirty-three Russian and nine Chinese proverbs extracted from dictionaries are analyzed. The author describes the cultural stereotypes of Russians and Chinese regarding individuals, aspects of their lives, social roles, and life experiences embodied in proverbs featuring the component “mouse”. It is noted that only two socio-cultural representations of both nations in the studied expressions intersect: five Russian and one Chinese proverb metaphorically speak of a person’s cowardice when facing a strong opponent (usually symbolized by a cat) and the impossibility of resisting them. Russian proverbs are characterized as declarative, drawing on the life experience of socially insignificant individuals who find it difficult to resist the powerful. In contrast, Chinese proverbs reflect on life’s difficulties, also featuring an opposition between the “strong” and the “weak”. To compare cultural norms in Russian and Chinese proverbs with modern stereotypical beliefs of language speakers, an associative experiment was conducted. The author concludes that the associative series of modern language speakers is more pragmatic than the cultural norms reflected in proverbs.

Background: Facilitating factors are potential factors that encourage the uptake of maternal health services, while limiting factors are those potential factors that limit women's access to maternal health services. Though cultural norms or values are significant factors that influence health-seeking behaviour, there is a limited exploration of the facilitating and limiting factors of these cultural norms and values on the use of maternal health services in primary health care facilities. Aim: To understand the facilitating and limiting factors of cultural values and norms that influence the use of maternal health services in primary healthcare facilities. Methods: The study was conducted in two primary healthcare facilities (rural and urban) using a focused ethnographic methodology described by Roper and Shapira. The study comprised 189 hours of observation of nine women from the third trimester to deliveries. Using purposive and snowballing techniques, data was collected through 21 in-depth interviews, two focus group discussions comprising 13 women, and field notes. All data was analyzed using the steps described by Roper and Shapira (Ethnography in nursing research, 2000). Results: Using the enabler and nurturer constructs of the relationships and the expectations domain of the PEN-3 cultural model, four themes were generated: 1, The attitude of healthcare workers and 2, Factors within primary healthcare facilities, which revealed both facilitating and limiting factors. The remaining themes, 3, The High cost of services, and 4, Contextual issues within communities revealed factors that limit access to facility care. Conclusion: Several facilitating and limiting factors of cultural norms and values significantly influence women's health-seeking behaviours and use of primary health facilities. Further studies are needed on approaches to harness these factors in providing holistic care tailored to communities' cultural needs. Additionally, reinvigoration and strengthening of primary health facilities in Nigeria is critical to promoting comprehensive care that could reduce maternal mortality and enhance maternal health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of JMD: Journal für Mathematik-Didaktik is the property of Springer Nature 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.)

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to understand the role of suicide literacy and suicide stigma in laypeople's intention to recommend professional help in Korea. Additionally, the study focuses on the role of expressive suppression as a sociocultural factor. Methods: Participants read vignettes depicting either subclinical distress or suicidal ideation and answered questions measuring suicide literacy, stigma, and expressive suppression. Mediated moderation analyses were used to examine the interactions between these factors. Results: The result found the significant effect of expressive suppression. The mediating effect of suicide stigma on the relationship between suicide literacy and recommendation of professional help was significant for those who do not suppress their emotions. This result indicates that when individuals were not hesitant to express negative emotions, high suicide literacy lowered suicide stigma and led to more willingness to recommend professional help. Conclusions: The results showed that expressive suppression acts as a barrier deterring Koreans from professional help for their mental health. The findings underscore the importance of sociocultural factors such as expressive suppression in developing suicide prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This qualitative descriptive study explored the perceptions of dementia, dementia care, and caregiving within the African immigrant community. Methods Six community conversations (focus groups) were held with 24 participants. Three conversations were led by project advisory board members and utilized a 12-question conversation guide. The recorded conversations were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Of the 24 African immigrants who participated, 52% were 55–75 years old, 67% identified as female, and 39% were married or cohabitating. Twenty percent were currently providing care to a relative with dementia and 40% had provided care to a relative with dementia in the past. Four themes were identified. These included (1) attitudes toward mental health, illnesses, and poor health, (2) community attitudes toward dementia, and dementia caregiving, (3) barriers to dementia care and caregiving, and (4) current dementia care resources in the African immigrant community. Discussion The findings show that African immigrant cultural beliefs significantly shape dementia care and caregiving attitudes, preferences, and behavioral practices. African immigrants' cultural backgrounds influence (or have the potential to influence) timely access and engagement in dementia care. And, depending on how deeply held these cultural beliefs are, they could affect dementia care and caregiving both positively and negatively. With the rapidly growing immigrant older adult population, there is a need for systemic strategies to facilitate affordable and culturally responsive dementia care for African immigrants and other minoritized older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shift of focus from a cognitive to social view has drawn the attention of second language assessment researchers to delve into interactional competence as an intriguing topic in paired oral tests. To fill the gap on how interactional patterns compare across L1 and L2 interactions this study was specifically set to explore and compare 45 paired interactions of L1 English speakers, L1 Persian speakers, and L2 English learners. While the findings indicated that the collaborative pattern was the most common pattern in the three groups less than half of the interactions in total were collaborative. Furthermore, not all the interactional patterns were found in all the groups. The frequency and prominence of the common patterns also varied. The findings could be explained by cultural norms of speech (e.g., in taking turns) and interlocutor effects (e.g., dominating the conversation or adopting a passive role). The findings imply challenges for fair assessment when using paired tasks as assessment tools. Furthermore, the findings call for rubric development and rater training programs to include description and discussion of interactional patterns to help raters improve their understanding and rating of paired interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This narrative review examines the interplay among body image perceptions, social media influence, physical measurements, and their impact on psychological well-being, focusing on the roles of cultural and gender differences and the need to understand the research methodologies employed in this field. In the age of digital proliferation, platforms like Instagram and Facebook have reshaped body image concerns, often leading to increased dissatisfaction and psychological distress due to constant exposure to idealized images and a culture of social comparison. Physical attributes such as weight, height, and BMI are scrutinized under societal standards of health and attractiveness, contributing to a spectrum of mental health issues including low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders. This examination reveals how cultural norms and gender expectations further complicate body image perceptions, affecting individuals differently based on societal and personal ideals. It synthesizes current research and types of methods to illuminate how these factors together influence mental health and self-esteem, advocating for comprehensive interventions and policy measures aimed at mitigating body dissatisfaction and promoting a healthier, more inclusive understanding of body image. By delving into the complexities of body image satisfaction and its psychological implications, this review highlights the necessity of addressing these concerns within public health and social policy frameworks, underscoring the importance of a multifaceted approach to enhance individual and societal well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Western society generally highly values happiness. As a result, people sometimes experience pressure not to feel negative emotions. In this study, we comprehensively investigated this pressure, and how it manifests itself, in adult romantic relationships. Specifically, we first examined when, how often and how intensely people experience pressure not to feel bad from their romantic partners (94 different-sex couples). Additionally, we investigated (both between- and within-person) how this pressure is related to context (presence of, contact and or conflict with a partner), emotional processes (i.e. experienced sadness and anxiety, emotion suppression, and how their partner perceived their affect), and relationship well-being. Using experience sampling methodology data (6/14 reports per day over one week) we found that although participants generally did not experience strong pressure from their partner, they experienced some feelings of pressure about 50% of the time. Furthermore, within-person predictors associated with negative processes/emotions (i.e. negative emotions, conflict, emotion suppression) were related to the momentary frequency (odds) and/or intensity of perceived pressure not to feel bad. At the between-person level, individuals who experience more sadness, anxiety and reported suppressing their emotions more often tended to experience more and/or stronger pressure. Only weak associations with relationship well-being were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this research are analytical study of Kishwar Naheed's work, her feminine writings and find out her the ways of resistance in her poetry and writings and highlights her experiences as women writers engaged in creative and civic areas. Literature always remains a mode of expression. In the country Pakistan where women have to face a lot of problems due to patriarchal norms, traditions, values and social discrimination. Kishwar Naheed (1940), a known poetess of Pakistan highlight the miseries of women in Pakistan through literature. She is known for direct and bold writings. She celebrates equal human rights, Justice and freedom through her writings. The names of her work are mostly feminine. She dealt with official, social and political backlashes. Poetry, articles and writings have chosen by the researchers to apply the Qualitative research method to draw some results about the status and role of women in Pakistani Society. Literature is mirror of society in which we can see the face of people. Literature is also the alternate source of history. History is not only reflected through achieves but also through writings of the contemporary period. The writings and poetry of Kishwar Naheed challenge patriarchy, social injustice, gender inequality in Pakistan. These writing paved a way for social reforms. This research also suggest the impacts of Kishwar's writings in Pakistani society. Women became more conscious about their rights. Literary always paves a way for reforms and women get legal and constitutional rights in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Interpretative Phenomenological study seeks to unravel the experiences of infertile women regarding societal violence in Jordan. By focusing on different types of community violence - physical, psychological, and emotional - The study aims to provide nuanced insights into the challenges these women confront. It also endeavors to identify contributing factors, including societal attitudes, cultural beliefs, and individual encounters, while informing policy and practice to mitigate this issue. Methods: Employing a qualitative approach, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with purposively sampled infertile women. Thematic analysis was utilized to uncover recurring patterns and themes, facilitating a comprehensive exploration of their experiences. Results: Five main themes were identified: How the surrounding people view me as an infertile woman; I am suffocated by their questions; they interfere in the smallest details; I got burned and turned to ashes, and I have no right to complain; The problem of childbearing and the treatment plan is a matter for me and my husband only; and who supports me and what do I want from those around me? Implications: This study's implications are significant for policy and practice. By foregrounding the prevalent violence faced by infertile women, it underscores the urgency of interventions. Raising awareness, providing education, and extending support can counteract societal stigma and violence. Creating a more compassionate societal fabric can ensure a safer, more inclusive environment for these women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The institutionalization of inequality represents an important research focus in various strands of the social sciences. Much theory has emerged within organizational studies and economic sociology, and within intersectionality research. However, there has, as yet been only limited work on the micro-processes by which institutions create and perpetuate inequality at the individual level. This article addresses this issue in terms of a new conceptual model that combines institutional theory on field conditions and Amartya Sen's capability approach. We describe how inequality is institutionalized in terms of the distribution of identity positions and opportunities at the individual level. Specifically, we suggest that the institutionalization of inequality is a product of various types of institutional belonging that leads to (cumulated) disadvantaged identity positions for the individual. Our work connects Senian theory on conversion factors, multiple identities, and opportunity with established organization theory on fields and institutionalization processes to offer news insights into how patterns of inequality persist and may change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescent attitudes toward housing are influenced by established norms, particularly preferences for single‐family detached dwellings, years before making independent housing‐related decisions. In today's challenging homeownership landscape, this study, guided by housing adjustment theory, explores the timing and factors shaping adolescents' awareness of housing. In surveying 12–18‐year‐old 4‐H participants in a Southeastern state, age emerges as a pivotal factor, with awareness of housing by at least age 12. The impact of housing costs on participants' responses suggests exposure to broader affordability challenges. Analyzing these early experiences may offer educational opportunities to empower adolescents to make informed housing decisions later in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 21st century, there have been significant indigenous advancements in the field of physiotherapy. However, there still exist certain sociocultural and spiritual beliefs among practitioners. Through meticulous examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and physical intervention, physiotherapists utilise mechanical movements and force to treat impairments and help improve function, mobility, and quality of life. The cultural framework plays a crucial role in how individuals experience health, illness, and disability. Simultaneously, sociocultural factors are pivotal in the physical function, health, and illness of individuals. This paper explores the social, cultural and spiritual influences on physiotherapy across different societal and professional contexts. While there have been several recent studies providing snapshots of advancements in technologies in the healthcare system, there are not as many focusing on these three aspects in the clinical practice of physiotherapists. Due to the different eras in the history of physiotherapy, the present article demonstrates how physiotherapists are influenced by social, cultural, and spiritual domains. It is challenging to generalise the results in every situation and geographical area. Therefore, physiotherapists should be proactive in addressing these healthy beliefs at the grassroots level within the healthcare society. To create a personalised treatment plan, goal-setting, and care plan for the patient, the physiotherapist finds great value in understanding the patient’s sociocultural and spiritual history.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) achieved a series of military successes in revolutionary wars. Based on new county-level panel datasets from China, this study uses the shocks brought about by a civil and foreign war to test the impact of Confucianism on the war mobilization capacity of the CPC. We find that, during the civil war, Confucianism did not significantly affect CPC's war mobilization; however, during the foreign war, it significantly improved CPC's capacity to mobilize people. This demonstrates the differentiated effects of Confucianism by war type through three different mechanisms: "loyalty," "just war," and "patriotism." Our findings shed light on the role of native cultural norms in collective action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research article explores the intricate relationship between social structures and criminal behavior in Pakistan, with the aim of informing effective legal policy. Key social determinants such as poverty, unemployment, educational disparities, family dynamics, and cultural norms are analyzed to understand their contributions to criminal activities. High youth unemployment rates exacerbate poverty and economic inequality, which are the primary drivers of crime. Educational inequalities further compound the issue by limiting legitimate opportunities for socio-economic advancement. Family instability and socialization processes, influenced by peer and community norms, play crucial roles in shaping criminal behavior. Additionally, the article highlights cultural practices related to honor and revenge, as well as the influence of tribal and feudal systems, as significant factors complicating the legal landscape. The article concludes with policy recommendations that advocate for comprehensive legal reforms, coupled with social and economic interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of crime. Emphasizing community-based approaches, the study suggests fostering collaboration between local communities, law enforcement, and legal institutions to bridge the gap between formal and traditional systems. This holistic strategy aims to reduce crime rates, enhance social cohesion, and promote a more just and effective legal system in Pakistan. The following article employs qualitative research methodology [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unmet cultural norm of motherhood can constrain a woman's sense of social equality. Childlessness is often accompanied by social stigma and shame. The author identifies personal barriers within both patient and analyst that were unforeseen prior to the treatment process. The author implements reverie to open deeper aspects of her mind that allows further exploration into the patient's dreams. This interplay between analyst and patient evokes additional memories from the patient's earlier life. The paper is written in a lovely prose style that demonstrates the creative growth of the author while transforming the artistic pursuits of the patient. Both patient and analyst benefit from this mutual awareness of limitations towards new creative possibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we explore how existential aspects of being diagnosed and living with cancer are shared in stories that are publicly communicated online. Through a narrative analysis of online texts and blogs, we explore how people deal with their cancer experiences, how cultural norms about illness are expressed in their stories and why they write and publish their stories online. We found that the writers described cancer diagnosis as a defining moment in their lives. They portrayed it as a crisis that was followed by unpredictability, doubt, grief and loss, fitting with the term 'existential uncertainty'. Writing and sharing their stories online, connecting with others and staying positive were ways of dealing with this uncertainty. These naturally occurring data offer insights into phenomena that are not easily accessed in a clinical setting; moreover, they provide unique insights into the cultural norms in which online illness narratives are embedded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This study aims to examine why harmful cultural practices or human rights violations seem to have persisted in African polities despite the existence of relevant national, regional, and international standard practices on human rights. Design/Method of Enquiry – The study adopted qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Qualitative methods were conducted through interviews involving 3 focus groups, 7 university professors, and 1 senior government official from the Ministry of Gender Equality. Other data sources were drawn from secondary information gathered from academic journals, books, and online publications. Quantitative data was used mainly for graphical illustrations as well as to justify the use of statistical information. The 3 countries under study (Namibia, Ethiopia, and Zambia) were selected because of their distinct historical trajectories. For instance, Ethiopia was never colonised by Western powers. Namibia was colonised by Germany and later, by the South African apartheid regime, while Zambia was colonised by Britain. In terms of population size, Ethiopia has around 123 million people; Namibia only has about 2.6 million people while Zambia has around 20 million people. These differences, i.e., the unique political histories and quirky demographic spread helped to gauge whether these dissimilarities provide any statistical significance on the overall study findings. Findings – The study finds that there is a complex relationship between laws governing human rights and traditional norms. However, this tension – far from being destructive – can in fact be beneficial to both universalists and culturalists by potentially generating new ideas that fortify global and local efforts to bring human rights to brighter existence. Crucially, the study notes that by snubbing the opposing views from traditionalists, the universalists -unwittingly- forecloses a vital imperative of knowledge exchange that could illuminate and bring about real transformation on the human rights discourse. The study reveals that sensitisation and constructive engagement with traditional actors is key to the attainment of universal human rights. Furthermore, the study discovers that there is no statistical significance on the net comparable results among the 3 countries studied. The study concludes that change or reform is best attained when such change is driven from within a given constellation. Originality/Value – The juxtaposes examined in this study helps the reader to see human rights in contextual terms. It is ironic, for instance, that vices such as gun culture, gangsterism, raping of women, abductions, aggravated robberies, and drug abuse seem to be a common feature in Western inclined (African) urban areas where universal human rights are preached and embraced, yet such heinous activities are virtually alien in traditional settings where the supposed 'harmful cultural norms' are practiced. Thanks to urban criminal activities – they have reinforced and legitimised the dyed-in-the-wool trademark defiance stance of traditionalists. So, by exposing this gap in human rights comprehension, this study helps the reader to grasp human rights with greater definition and drives Plato's point home on the dynamism of knowledge: that knowledge is an intersection of truth and belief, where knowledge cannot be claimed if something is true but not believed or believed but not true. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 21st century, there have been significant indigenous advancements in the field of physiotherapy. However, there still exist certain sociocultural and spiritual beliefs among practitioners. Through meticulous examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and physical intervention, physiotherapists utilise mechanical movements and force to treat impairments and help improve function, mobility, and quality of life. The cultural framework plays a crucial role in how individuals experience health, illness, and disability. Simultaneously, sociocultural factors are pivotal in the physical function, health, and illness of individuals. This paper explores the social, cultural and spiritual influences on physiotherapy across different societal and professional contexts. While there have been several recent studies providing snapshots of advancements in technologies in the healthcare system, there are not as many focusing on these three aspects in the clinical practice of physiotherapists. Due to the different eras in the history of physiotherapy, the present article demonstrates how physiotherapists are influenced by social, cultural, and spiritual domains. It is challenging to generalise the results in every situation and geographical area. Therefore, physiotherapists should be proactive in addressing these healthy beliefs at the grassroots level within the healthcare society. To create a personalised treatment plan, goal-setting, and care plan for the patient, the physiotherapist finds great value in understanding the patient's sociocultural and spiritual history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Female circumcision (FC) affects the lives of millions of girls and women worldwide. This study assessed the demographic and socio-economic factors associated with female circumcision among women aged 15-49 in Maldives. Data for this study were extracted from the 2016-2017 Maldives Demographic and Health Survey, collected from a nationally representative probability sample of 7699 households interviewing women aged 15-49 years. The statistical analysis of this study focused on women aged 15-49 years who have heard about FC, excluding those who have never heard of FC (n = 5943). Analyses of data entailed descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and estimation of logistic regression models to examine the roles that demographic, economic, and social factors play in the occurrence of FC in Maldives. The primary variable of interest (dependent variable) was the occurrence of FC. The factors included women's current age, age circumcised, highest education level, occupation, region, wealth quintile, and women's reported attitudes towards FC. Among all respondents, 17 % of the 5943 women who have heard of female circumcision reported having undergone the procedure. The findings revealed a significant difference in female circumcision by age, education, occupation, and attitudes towards FC. Furthermore, most circumcisions occurred before age 5 and were highest in Malé (capital city) and the island atolls in Maldives's South and North regions. The variables related to opinions were most strongly associated with female circumcision. Women who believed that their religion required FC or that the practice of FC should continue are more likely to be circumcised than women who do not hold this opinion. It was more than double. In addition, cross-tabulations of the opinion variables with age and region have found that the highest proportion of women who held these beliefs was in the age group 25-39 and lived in Malé. Therefore, we recommend further research and encouragement to enact policies and legislation that would eliminate the practice of female circumcision in Maldives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the representation of taboo language and euphemisms in David Fincher's "Fight Club" (1999), aiming to understand their reflection of late-1990s American cultural norms and societal disillusionment. Framed within Allan and Burridge's (2006) theoretical perspectives on euphemisms and Timothy Jay's (1992) work on taboo language, a qualitative content analysis of the film's script was conducted. Findings reveal a prevalence of profanity with 46 instances noted, alongside strategic use of euphemisms, notably 20 instances referring to death and killing, and 13 instances related to sexual activity. These linguistic choices underscore countercultural themes, portraying characters' resistance to societal norms. The study highlights the intricate relationship between language, culture, and social dynamics, suggesting further exploration of linguistic choices in media narratives to illuminate broader cultural phenomena, aiding in the understanding of authenticity and rebellion within contemporary society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Barn: Forskning om Barn og Barndom i Norden is the property of Cappelen Damm Akademisk 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.)

Career aspirations are a crucial aspect of future adult development for individuals of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. However, Black emerging adult men may face specific challenges and obstacles that can hinder the formation of career aspirations. Social and economic disadvantages, racism, and development in low-resourced constrained environments are known variables that impede a positive perception of their future career capabilities. Afrocentric theorists have proposed that African heritage identity and African thematic cultural norms such as religiosity and collectivism may promote educational and career aspirations in young Black men, but these assumptions have not been empirically verified. This study examined the relationships between African heritage identity, African-centered cultural norms, and career aspirations in a sample of 300 young Black men. Our findings revealed that participants who had a positive perception of their African heritage and embraced African thematic cultural norms of religiosity and collectivism reported higher educational and career aspirations. Implications for practice and research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the effect of traditional practices and cultural norms on entrepreneurship and business success in Bangladesh. Using a constructive survey questionnaire, data was collected from 172 businesspersons. Factor analysis and regression analysis were employed to analyze the data. The findings highlight that traditional family structures, gender roles, social hierarchies and traditional business networks significantly influence entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. These factors can either enable or hinder entrepreneurial activities, access to resources and funding, and decision-making processes. The study also identifies challenges faced by entrepreneurs because of traditional practices and cultural norms, such as limited resources for female entrepreneurs and barriers to fair competition. Based on the findings, implications are drawn for policy development, programming within educational institutions and entrepreneurial practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family business research across academic disciplines has increasingly considered the causes of "bad behavior" in family firms and its impact. A review of this literature is important because different emphases in different disciplines may obscure the nature of dysfunctional behaviors in family firms. After reviewing 160 studies from 64 journals, we propose family firm dysfunction is better understood by emphasizing the roles the family and the firm's external environment play because negative behavior often traces to family interactions predating firm engagement and to external pressures. We also present research questions to guide future studies on family firm dysfunction across disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is dedicated to John Milton’s poem “Samson Agonistes” (published in 1671) and its two translations: the Ukrainian translation was done by Ivan Franko (1912; published in 1913), and the Slovak translation was rendered by Marián Andričík (2022). The translation strategies applied in both target texts illustrate the ways and limits of the reception and perception of common European – sometimes predominantly Christian – poetics among modern readers. Local divergences can contribute to the integral theory of textual recreations in reader-oriented translation strategies. The focus of the paper is on three hypotheses: 1) older translations have poorer quality than newer ones. The time span of a century is usually a period which can cause some linguistic changes turning an actual text into an outdated one; 2) Milton is a product of a monarchical society. Franko, as a citizen of an empire (Austro-Hungarian Empire), could better understand the monarchical expression than Andričík, as a citizen of a republic (Slovak Republic); 3) both Ukrainian and Slovak have similar problems and solutions for dealing with the high-fl own style of Milton’s text. The political dimension of high-fl own style can be traced throughout Milton’s poem: it gives some specifi c but not decisive fl avour to the text. The storyline focus is still on the biblical plot, and its violation can threaten the correct understanding of the poem. Despite the time span between Franko’s publication and today’s reader, this translation does not sound outdated, and it can satisfactorily perform all informative and aesthetic functions. Andričík’s translation is very precise: the brevity of his style impresses, while he manages to keep equilinearity in his translation. Moreover, the use of abstract nouns instead of specifi c high-fl own lexemes can serve as effi cient advice for other translators who have to cope with the lingual asymmetry.

Considerable research in western, low-fertility contexts has examined minority-vs.-majority fertility differentials, typically focusing on minority groups cultural idiosyncrasies and on socioeconomic disadvantages associated with minority status. However, the formation and functioning of ethnic complexities outside the western world often diverge from the standard western model and so may their impact on fertility preferences, behavior, and outcomes. We expand on the previous research by analyzing ethnic variation in completed and desired fertility in the multiethnic transitional setting of Kyrgyzstan, where ethnic groups and their ethnolinguistic subparts are characterized by both different stages of the demographic transition and different positioning in the socioeconomic and political hierarchies. Using combined data from two rounds of a nationally representative survey, we find that ethnic-specific levels of completed fertility generally align with culturally shaped group-level normative propensities. In contrast, in desires to have a(nother) child, the ranking of the ethnic segments is more reflective of their collective societal positioning, with more disadvantaged segments having lower fertility desires, regardless of actual number of children and various other characteristics. We also find that ethnic homophily of respondents social milieu and their optimism about the future of their ethnic group are positively associated with fertility desires, even though these associations are more potently present among women, compared to men. We relate our findings to the extant scholarship and reflect on their implications for a better understanding of ethno-racial fertility dynamics and differentials in transitional contexts.

This qualitative study delves into the impact of Bangladeshi organizational culture on internal communication practices. Through semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and content analysis, the research explores various aspects of communication channels, cultural norms, challenges, and opportunities within Bangladeshi organizations. The findings highlight the dominance of hierarchical communication structures, collectivist cultural norms, and high-context communication styles. Formal channels like meetings and emails are prevalent, alongside significant informal channels such as face-to-face interactions and gossip. However, the study identifies challenges, including language barriers and limited employee participation, which hinder effective communication. Despite these challenges, the study uncovers opportunities for enhancing communication effectiveness through digital technologies and leveraging cultural strengths. Practical implications emphasize the importance of tailored communication strategies to address cultural nuances and promote inclusivity and collaboration within organizations. Social implications underscore the role of effective internal communication in fostering positive workplace cultures and enhancing employee satisfaction and engagement. The study's originality lies in its focus on the underexplored intersection of organizational culture and internal communication within the Bangladeshi context. However, it is not without limitations, notably its qualitative nature and sample size, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research could adopt mixed-methods approaches and explore larger, more diverse samples to enhance the validity and reliability of the findings. This study contributes to our understanding of the complex relationship between organizational culture and internal communication practices in Bangladesh. By shedding light on the cultural nuances, challenges, and opportunities associated with internal communication, the research offers valuable insights for organizational leaders and communication practitioners seeking to improve communication effectiveness in diverse cultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For victim-survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), receiving help from formal services such as specialist family violence, health, or criminal justice services can be critical for their safety and well-being. Previous research has found cross-cultural differences in the rates of help-seeking behavior, with women from non-Anglo-Saxon communities less likely to seek formal help than Anglo-Saxon populations. This qualitative meta-synthesis has integrated qualitative evidence to examine the relationship between specific cultural norms and formal service engagement for female victim-survivors of IPV from non-Anglo-Saxon communities. A comprehensive search of seven databases was conducted for peer-reviewed articles published between 1985 to May 2021, in addition to searching gray literature. Thirty-five articles met the criteria for inclusion, representing 1,286 participants from 20 cultural groups. Based on a thematic synthesis approach, five key themes that captured specific cultural norms that influence formal service engagement were identified: (1) gender roles and social expectations, (2) community recognition and acceptance of abuse, (3) honor-based society, (4) the role of religion, and (5) cultural beliefs and attitudes toward formal services. These findings have important implications for responses to family violence, particularly concerning family violence education for non-Anglo-Saxon ethnically diverse communities and best-practice strategies to improve the cultural relevancy of formal service providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health problem that impacts approximately one in three women worldwide in their lifetime. The purpose of the study was to explore the lived experiences of women teachers and violence in Kenya. It also explores the intersection between intimate partner violence, HIV risk, and gender inequality. Data were collected through two focus groups of a total of 15 women teachers. We recruited women ages 21–44 from two geographically diverse urban and rural schools. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis method to identify text themes and meaning patterns. Three contextual experiences emerged: socio-cultural influences of gender norms, masculinity and patriarchy; uneven power dynamics; and institutionalized gender inequality. Findings suggest that education alone is not sufficient to end GBV. Comprehensive and gender transformative governmental policy approaches are needed to mitigate GBV in Kenya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the association between gender role beliefs and the prevalence and likelihood of experiencing pregnancy among 8525 young women and girls aged 13–19 years in Colombia. The primary outcome of interest was adolescent pregnancy. Retrospective cross-sectional analysis utilised data from the 2015 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in Colombia, which included an add-on questionnaire on gender relations. Our analysis measured both pregnancy prevalence and pregnancy likelihood in relation to gender role beliefs. With one exception, young women who disagreed with traditionally conforming gender roles had a lower prevalence of pregnancy and were less likely to experience pregnancy than those who agreed with them. The highest likelihood of pregnancy prevalence and likelihood was found among those who agreed with statements suggesting male dominance and those who agreed with women's homemaking responsibilities. The greater the adherence to traditionally conforming gender role beliefs, the higher the likelihood of experiencing pregnancy during adolescence. Girls' and young women's adherence to traditional gender role beliefs appeared to be a risk factor for adolescent pregnancy. Our findings support Colombia's current sex education policies and practices within the framework of gender equity, and evidence the link between gender equity and girls' and young women's reproductive health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into the intricate relationship between the symbolic representation of skin color in virtual avatars and its profound impact on people's self-value within American society. Over time, white skin has been bestowed with societal significance, often associated with power and privilege. This research addresses the profound implications of these avatar choices on individuals' self-identity and the reinforcement of prevailing cultural norms. It highlights the subtle yet impactful ways in which modern technology intertwines with and reinforces societal attitudes toward race and appearance. By shedding light on this phenomenon, this paper aims to encourage further discussions on the potential consequences of associating skin color with value and self-worth in virtual spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistanis know that masculine attitudes inhibit emotions based on masculinity. Nationwide, women face work, education, and movement impediments. The patriarchal system limits women's autonomy, and sons' preference often hurts daughters financially and academically. The study aims to show youth and women's different forms of discrimination. It also investigates how social norms and cultural practices perpetuate gender inequity. Furthermore, the study examines how inequality affects women's status. The study uses interpretive, inductive qualitative research, and collected secondary data. Content analysis was used for data analysis, which guided the analysis of gender inequality themes and trends in Pakistani society. Pakistani gender discrimination affects both men and women, according to a study. Cultural norms, economic inequality, and biased practices hinder women's autonomy and education and employment opportunities. The impact on women's position is enormous, emphasizing the need for awareness, collaboration, and government action to reduce discrimination and empower women. The study examined gender imbalance in Pakistan, highlighting cultural context and offering solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children's songs have an impact, on the wellbeing, personality development, communication skills and cognitive growth of preschool and elementary school children. They teach values, character education and positive behavior through creativity. This study aims to explore how Sinhala children's songs can be used as a medium to instill values. A purposive sampling method was used to select twelve songs for analysis. Each song underwent an examination to identify phrases and ideas related to ten fundamental values using discourse analysis. Through qualitative approach, the research focused on uncovering values embedded in the lyrics. The importance of these values was assessed based on their presence and influence on the theme and narrative. Application of Schwartz's Theory of Basic Human Values revealed a range of values within the selected songs that reflect experiences and perspectives influenced by cultural norms, family dynamics and societal expectations. The songs highlight concepts such as thoughtfulness, empathy, respect, education, tradition, relationships, personal growth, ethical reflection and cultural values such as benevolence and harmony with nature. Among this identified values benevolence emerges as the main theme in the songs symbolizing nurturing love and support. Conversely, power appears to be the least emphasized value in these songs, suggesting that they place an importance on relationships, empathy, personal growth and kindness. In a nut-shell, it is crystal clear that children's songs have the ability to impart values in children, aiding the overall development of a child's character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because bread consumption significantly contributes to salt intake and health risk, the acceptance of low‐salt reformulations has mainly been examined from an organoleptic perspective. However, the influence of cultural patterns has largely been neglected; working in the French context, our study aimed to fill this gap by considering the conflicts between health and cultural norms associated with bread, a totem food. We adopted a sequential and mixed (qualitative and quantitative) research approach based on interviews to grasp the cultural representations associated with bread and to sodium‐reduction strategy and based on a quantitative survey at worksite canteens that combined the overall sensory appreciation of a reformulated bread, along with a questionnaire on motivations and attitudes. We used structural equation modeling to explore the acceptance of this new bread, as well as segment analysis to highlight the potential heterogeneity among consumers. The results showed the influence of sensory appreciation and health motivations, which were found to be highly determined by the perceived benefits of a low‐salt diet. Unexpectedly, an attachment to the cultural values associated with traditional bread and seeking hedonism through salty food did not inhibit the consumption of reformulated bread. We discussed the scope of an approach embracing the normative pluralism around a totem food to better envision the future of low‐salt bread in collective food services. Practical implications can help restaurant managers promote sodium‐reduced meals while ensuring compliance with social normativity and cultural values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study delves into the intricate interplay of cultural norms, social networks, and unique challenges impacting female entrepreneurship in Mandan Village, Yunnan Province, China. Amidst evolving economic realities and entrenched traditional values, this research aims to unravel how these factors shape women's entrepreneurial endeavors in a rural context. The study's objectives are threefold: (1) to explore the influence of cultural norms on female entrepreneurship, (2) to investigate the role of social networks in supporting or challenging female entrepreneur, and (3) to identify the unique challenges and opportunities faced by female entrepreneurs in Mandan Village. Employing semi-structured interviews, field observations, and analysis of government documents, the study captures diverse perspectives from 3 village committee members, 6 local residents, 3 NGO representatives, and 3 female entrepreneurs, totaling is 15 individuals. Results uncover that conventional social standards altogether impact ladies' choices to become entrepreneurs and the kinds of organizations they lay out. Social networks are found to assume an essential part, offering fluctuating levels of assistance and assets. Female entrepreneurs face difficulties like adjusting business and family obligations, restricted admittance to resources, and exploring the digital gap. These experiences add to a nuanced comprehension of the variables influencing rural female entrepreneurship, offering important ramifications for policymakers, educators, and local area leaders. This research enriches the academic discourse on gender, culture, and entrepreneurship and underscores the importance of considering local contexts in fostering female economic empowerment and entrepreneurial choices in rural settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developed countries have been related to a higher prevalence of mental disorders. This led us to hypothesize that cultural values typical of developed countries could be associated with mental disorders. Here, we sought to determine the association of indulgence (seeking momentary pleasure and freely expressing oneself) and individualism (being able to deviate from in-group norms) with the burden of four mental disorders: depressive, bipolar, anxiety, and eating disorders. We controlled for socio-economic factors (socio-demographic development, income inequality, and unemployment rate), negative life experiences, quality of health care systems, and quality of measurements. We also included world regions fixed effects to account for unobserved geo-spatial factors clustered at the regional level. Our sample included ninety-seven countries. Fully adjusted models revealed that indulgence was associated with an increase in the burden of all four disorders (p < 0.05). A 30 points increase in the indulgence dimension (from Italy = 47 to the UK = 77) was associated with an increase in DALYs by 8.4% (depressive disorders) to 21.0% (eating disorders). Other factors did not demonstrate any such systematic association. Developed nations may be exposed to mental disorders due to socio-cultural factors: seeking pleasure and freedom might be deleterious to population-level mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research demonstrates that Black American men are significantly less likely to seek help for mental distress than other gendered or racial groups. Yet, Afrocentric theorists propose that African cultural norms of interdependence may serve as important facilitators in promoting mental health in Black populations. This study explored how Ubuntu— an African construct expressing adherence to principles of compassion, interdependence, and humanism — is associated with help-seeking perceptions among Black men. Results from surveying 300 participants recruited using social media, showed that Black men with higher acceptance toward African cultural norms reported higher inclination to seek mental health services for emotional distress. Implications for future research and practice to improve uptake of mental health services of Black men are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are all always culturally embedded. But some people in Western multicultural societies are treated as though they are more affected by cultural norms than others (Williams, in: Minorities within minorities, Cambridge University Press, 2005. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511490224.002; Kukathus in Political Theory 20: 105–139, 1992. ; Shahvisi in International Journal of Impotence Research, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-021-00514-8; Galeotti in Constellations 14: 91–111, 2007. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8675.2007.00424.x, in European Journal of Political Theory 14: 277–296, 2015; Townsend in Philosophy & Social Criticism 46: 878–898, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1177/0191453719854212, in: The child's right to genital integrity:Protecting the child, resisting harmful practices, and enabling sexual autonomy, 2021a. http://hdl.handle.net/10871/125329, in International Journalof Impotence Research, 2021b. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-021-00503-x). Members of marginalised cultural groups are treated as more 'driven' by culture than their dominant cultural group member counterparts (Honig, in: Is multiculturalism bad for women? Princeton University Press, 1999. https://doi.org/10.1515/9781400840991-005). I focus on the treatment of genital cutting and modification practices conducted by diverse groups in contemporary Western societies and argue that they should all be understood as culturally 'influenced' as reported by Chambers (Sex, culture, and justice: The limits of choice, Penn State University Press, 2008). Further, different legal and moral treatment of genital cutting and modification practices within Western liberal societies is a form of cultural discrimination that hinders productive intercultural dialogue and the integration of diverse groups. I argue that policy on genital cutting and modification should be the same across groups to reduce socio-cultural disadvantage and enable smoother integration in Western democracies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]