Social Sciences

Abstract: The current article explores how people in contemporary America understand George Washington’s national authority through their daily cultural activities. It examines how individuals understand national symbol through ethical beliefs. Using thirty-three semi-structured online interviews and qualitative narrative analysis, the findings reveal that participants see Washington as a national symbol through personal understanding, emotional ties and their judgment of his moral character. Washington serves as a national figure whom people learn about in schools and see in popular culture yet his historical connection to slavery creates discomfort and mixed feelings for many individuals. Participants resolve this conflict through selective reverence, distancing, qualification, and informal critique. These practices illustrate a process of symbolic governance in which national authority persists because individuals continuously negotiate their understanding of national symbols through emotional and moral evaluation. Consequently, Washington is revealed as a figure whose authority is culturally constructed, maintained through varied cultural readings of his persona. This research shows how national symbols persist in modern culture, a process shaped by the continuous interplay between individual interpretation and historical awareness.

Abstract: This study investigates how Gen Z’s digital engagement with the Diyandi Festival in Iligan City reconfigures cultural participation into a hybrid experience—where faith, identity, and storytelling unfold across both physical and digital spaces. Employing a qualitative case study design, enriched by digital ethnographic and content analytic methods, the research draws from semi-structured interviews, written and online artifacts, and a robust theoretical framework that includes Hall’s encoding/decoding model, Bakhtin’s carnivalesque theory, and Adorno’s critique of mass culture. Twenty salient themes emerged, mirroring the voices, views, sentiments, and lived experiences of young Iliganons as they navigate tradition through memes, livestreams, and remix aesthetics. Overall, the paper encapsulates the symbolic tension between sacred ritual and digital disruption, highlighting the fragility of mediated spirituality. The study’s innovation lies in its fusion of ethnographic depth with digital cultural analysis, offering a localized yet globally resonant portrait of participatory heritage. It positions Iligan’s festival as a living archive that stands resilient against the tide of global cultural information. Limitations in scope and generational range prompt recommendations for comparative and longitudinal research, and suggest the viability of a “phygital” festival model—one that blends physical celebration with digital engagement to ensure cultural continuity in the age of information.

Abstract: First described in the 1980s, mentorship has evolved from an emerging idea to a well-established culture. As such, a concomitant understanding of "mentor", "mentee", and "mentorship" is indicated—something currently lacking. In response, this work examines the author's fourteen types of mentoring relationships, over 39 years, regarding outcomes of peer-reviewed publications. The results demonstrate that mentors are most effective when they possess applicable experience compared to their mentees, experience considered by the mentees as having the potential to aid in their ability to solve a problem. In this respect, mentees require a particular self-awareness to identify that they have a solvable problem, anticipate a solution, and can effectively utilize the mentor's experience. Therefore, mentees are not equivalent to protégés, who, with their mentor, develop their careers and psychosocial competencies. The basis of mentorship is problem-solving for mentees, in contrast. Consequently, most productively, mentees choose their mentors, rather than having them assigned. Therefore, much of the effort in organizing matches for advancing the mentorship culture can be misguided and unproductive. In contrast, effective mentorship matching aids a relevant self-awareness in mentees and provides them with options for selecting mentors who are willing and able to share their pertinent problem-solving knowledge.

Abstract: Inequalities persist throughout the globalized world. The overall economies of the Global South pales in comparison to the Global North. The difference between the haves and have nots are becoming more and more pronounced as the free economy continues to operate. In this study, we try to determine the factors that affect the differing degree of prosperity gained from globalization. Although we understand that there are numerous factors that contribute to a country’s prosperity that do not relate to the psychology of its constituents, we theorize that human behavior and psychology defined by cultural differences play a major role in how countries take advantage of globalization. Identifying the cause for inequalities in globalization will allow governments to tackle the root causes of their challenges, creating a more productive global community.

Abstract: Taking the recent widespread controversy surrounding Yan Xuejing's live-streamed remarks as a case study, this paper analyses how public figures' discourse within commercial communication spheres is amplified by algorithms through digital expression and metaphorical labelling, thereby triggering class perception fractures and group emotional polarisation. Employing Xi Jinping's key directives on literary and artistic endeavours (‘centring on the people’ and ‘seriously considering social impact’) alongside the ‘integrity and artistic excellence’ standard as normative benchmarks, the article distinguishes between legal liability and ethical responsibility in the arts. It contends that the issue lies not in ‘discussing money’ per se, but in the absence of empathy within the mode of expression and the imbalance in public exemplification. This paper contends that such discourse has already produced foreseeable social consequences of value misalignment at the communication level. While not necessarily equivalent to ‘incitement of group hostility’ in legal terms, it warrants serious reflection and correction in terms of artistic ethics and social responsibility.

Abstract: This review examines how cultural orientations, as defined by Hofstede’s six dimensions, shape family structures, parenting practices, and child protection systems in Ghana and Latvia. Using a systematic review guided by the PRISMA framework, 441 records were screened, and twenty-five sources were synthesized to ensure methodological rigor and transparency. Findings reveal stark contrasts between Ghana’s collectivist kinship systems and Latvia’s individualist nuclear structures. In Ghana, extended family networks and hierarchical authority dominate, reinforcing Authoritarian parenting and widespread acceptance of physical discipline. Conversely, Latvia’s emphasis on autonomy and egalitarianism aligns with Authoritative parenting, prioritizing reasoning and emotional warmth, though high rates of single-parent households introduce economic and psychosocial vulnerabilities. These cultural orientations influence not only caregiving arrangements but also the resilience of child protection systems: collectivist contexts buffer children through shared responsibilities, while individualist settings heighten risks in cases of family dissolution. The review underscores the need for culturally responsive interventions by mobilizing kinship networks in Ghana and strengthening community supports for single-parent families in Latvia. Overall, this study contributes to global social work discourse by highlighting how macro-level cultural values translate into micro-level family practices and child welfare outcomes.

Abstract: The study aimed to adapt and psychometrically validate the Socio-Educational and Cultural Ambivalence Scale (EASC) in the context of Chilean intercultural education, considering teachers, students, and parents/caregivers. Socio-educational ambivalence is defined as the coexistence of contradictory beliefs, emotions, and practices in the relationship between dominant school knowledge and Mapuche educational knowledge. Using a sequential mixed qualitative–quantitative design, we conceptually reviewed the original instrument (Quilaqueo et al., 2016) and administered the adapted version to a sample of 739 participants (266 teachers, 286 students, and 183 parents/caregivers) from the regions of Biobío, La Araucanía, and Los Lagos. We proposed two six-factor scales: one shared by adults (teachers and parents/caregivers) and another with the same structure but fewer indicators for students. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) showed good model fit both for teachers and parents/caregivers (χ² = 1,100.85, df = 311, p < .001; RMSEA = .075; SRMR = .058; CFI = .934; TLI = .926) and for students (χ² = 378.546, df = 146, p < .001; RMSEA = .074; SRMR = .033; CFI = .978; TLI = .974). Composite reliability coefficients ranged from ω = .702–.974 for adults and ω = .749–.948 for students. The results support factorial validity, internal consistency, and scalar invariance for the adult category of the instrument (teachers and parents/caregivers), confirming its usefulness for assessing epistemic and cultural tensions in intercultural educational contexts. The EASC contributes to the development of tools that foster a more plural, reflective, and context-sensitive understanding of education in Indigenous territories.

Abstract: Palm oil (Elaeis guineensis), one of the most widely used vegetable oils globally, originates from West Africa and has played a significant role in food, health care, and historical trade networks. While commonly viewed as an industrial commodity, in Bahia, Brazil, palm oil, locally known as azeite de dendê, holds cultural, historical, and symbolic significance. Introduced during the colonial period as a non-native species in the Atlantic Forest ecosystem, Elaeis guineensis has since adapted to local biodiversity, becoming embedded in regional agroecological systems and Afro-Brazilian cuisine, religious practices, and identity formation, particularly within the culinary and religious traditions of the region. Bahia’s dendê economy contrasts sharply with the monoculture palm oil plantations of the Brazilian Amazon and other regions of the world such as Indonesia and Malaysia. In Bahia, palm oil production is still rooted in biodiverse landscapes, maintained through artisanal methods and generational knowledge. Yet, this traditional system faces mounting pressures from deforestation, declining artisanal production, and the industrialization of palm oil supply chains. Parallel to these ecological and economic threats is the abandonment of Bahia’s historical processing infrastructure: many traditional mills and industrial heritage sites have been lost, eroding both tangible and intangible cultural landscapes. These shifts have profound implications for the baianas do acarajé, the iconic street vendors and cultural guardians of Afro-Brazilian cuisine. Representing a matriarchal cultural lineage, these women rely on high-quality, manually produced dendê to prepare dishes such as acarajé, vatapá, and moqueca baiana. The increasing cost and reduced availability of artisanal oil compromise not only their livelihoods but also the authenticity of comidas de azeite, diminishing a sensory and symbolic culinary tradition. This article argues that Bahia’s palm oil heritage embodies a multifaceted heritage, spanning religious, economic, ecological, and cultural dimensions, that remains under-recognized and vulnerable. Drawing from UNESCO’s framework of intangible cultural heritage, the study offers evidence of how these practices are transmitted across generations and the consequences of their neglect. It calls for informed recognition and support of the communities that sustain this knowledge. Failing to act risks further marginalizing these groups, many of whom are already socially and economically vulnerable, and losing a vital component of Brazil’s Afro-descendant cultural identity. Moreover, this study shows that local communities have much to teach a globalized society, offering practical tools to address contemporary challenges through traditions that foster sustainability and environmentally friendly practices.

Abstract: This study develops a conceptual and empirical framework for designing an Open Innovation Ecosystem (OIE) to support the digital preservation of Balinese cultural heritage, particularly the lontar manuscripts. The research addresses how modernization, language barriers, and limited access have led to the declining interest of younger generations in the lontar tradition. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with cultural researchers, activists, and artists, combined with field observation and document analysis. Thematic interpretation based on Open Innovation Theory, Cultural Evolution Theory, and Community Participation Theory revealed that modernization diminishes traditional engagement, while technological innovations such as digitization and augmented reality can revitalize cultural participation. The results highlight that collaboration among communities, universities, government, and private sectors fosters co-creation, technological adaptation, and policy synergy. The proposed OIE model enables knowledge inflow from research and technology to communities, and knowledge outflow through creative products and cultural entrepreneurship. This research contributes to the discourse on digital cultural sustainability by demonstrating how open innovation and community empowerment can transform cultural preservation into an inclusive and economically viable ecosystem.

Abstract: The impacts of microaggressions and the Model Minority Myth on self-rated mental health among Asian American (AA) women are unclear. A total of 183 AA women completed an online questionnaire including the Racial and Ethnic Microaggressions Scale (REMS) and the Internalization of the Model Minority Myth Measure (IM-4). Logistic regression was used to estimate associations (odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals) between the REMS and IM-4 with fair/poor mental health. Experiencing frequent microaggressions was significantly and consistently associated with fair/poor mental health, particularly those experiences involving exclusion or dismissal during interpersonal or professional interactions. Women who reported more microaggressions (>10), compared to those who reported fewer (< 5), had more than twice the odds of fair/poor mental health (OR: 2.70, CI: 1.12, 6.49). For the IM-4, compared to those who were undecided, women who agreed with statements such as “Asian Americans have stronger work ethics” had lower odds of poor or fair/poor mental health: (OR: 0.39, CI: 0.15, 0.99) than those who were undecided. Gaining a greater understanding and acknowledgement of the impacts of subtle microaggressions and stereotyping, including internalization of stereotypes, is necessary to support psychological wellbeing and design effective mental health interventions for Asian American women.

Abstract: This review explores the foundational elements of Oromo generational wisdom, focusing on how their rich cultural heritage, particularly the Gadaa system, is passed down through generations. It explores the philosophical foundations, ethical frameworks, and practical applications of Oromo indigenous knowledge systems. The analysis highlights the dynamic interplay between traditional Oromo governance structures and their ability to adapt to conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and the preservation of generational wisdom in a rapidly evolving socio-political landscape. Despite challenges from external political and religious influences, Oromo indigenous systems remain resilient, offering viable alternatives or complements to formal legal frameworks. The critical role of elders is emphasised, as they draw on their accumulated experience to address contemporary societal challenges, ensuring the continuity of intergenerational knowledge (Tafese, 2016). This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the Oromo people's unique societal organisation, illustrating how their cultural practices and traditional institutions foster social cohesion and resilience. Central to this is the Oromo's oral tradition, which serves as a vital mechanism for transmitting collective identity and societal structures. This system of knowledge dissemination reflects the Oromo's deep connection to their environment and their communal approach to leadership. The Gadaa system, a constitutional framework, embodies these values, integrating democratic principles with a commitment to social accountability and human rights. For centuries, it has guided the Oromo people, promoting equitable governance and community well-being. This review explores the enduring relevance of the Gadaa system and its adaptive strategies in preserving Oromo cultural identity amid modernization and external pressures. By exploring these dynamics, this analysis underscores the significance of Oromo generational wisdom as a model for sustainable community governance and cultural preservation in a changing world.

Abstract: Conducting an integrative literature review on patterns of elder caregiving in Nigeria is crucial for obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the evolving dynamics and factors that influence caregiving practices in the country. As Nigeria, like many other nations, undergoes demographic shifts, such as an increasing aging population and changing family structures, it becomes essential to examine existing literature. This review aims to identify prevalent patterns of elder caregiving, explore the roles and responsibilities of caregivers, and shed light on the challenges and support needs within the unique Nigerian context. This integrative review examined elder caregiving patterns in Nigeria. The articles were sourced from databases such as Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Medline. The review followed the rigorous integrative review methodology and adhered to the PRISMA guidelines, ensuring a comprehensive and reliable analysis of the literature. This review utilized a data extraction matrix and thematic analysis to retrieve and analyze relevant information from the selected articles. The review included qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies published in peer-reviewed academic journals written in English. An intersectional lens was employed to examine the interconnectedness of individual experiences and systems of marginalization. Twenty articles published between 1991 and December 2022 that explored cultural, familial, and societal aspects of elder care-giving in Nigeria were examined. The findings revealed six main themes: cultural influences, gender differences, family dynamics, economic factors, challenges faced by Nigerian caregivers, and government policies and support, shedding light on the current and multifaceted nature of elder caregiving in Nigeria. The study highlights the intricate nature of elder caregiving in Nigeria and emphasizes the significance of enhancing existing support systems while also creating more comprehensive support systems and policies. Addressing challenges faced by caregivers, such as conflicting responsibilities, limited healthcare access, and a lack of formal support, necessitates a multi-dimensional approach involving government interventions, community initiatives, and cultural transformations. Recognizing the intersectional dynamics and promoting inclusive caregiving practices are crucial for enhancing the well-being and quality of life for caregivers and elderly individuals. Future research should further examine transnational caregiving and develop targeted interventions to address the unique needs and challenges in diverse caregiving contexts, both domestically and in the diaspora.

Abstract: The requirement for authors to disclose AI assistance in academic writing represents an expansion of academic misconduct definitions beyond their legitimate scope. This study examines current journal policies mandating AI disclosure, argues for author privacy rights in tool usage, and demonstrates how such requirements disproportionately impact authors with innovative theoretical contributions. Through analysis of recent policy developments and documented cases of systematic rejection patterns, we show that AI disclosure requirements serve as mechanisms for institutional gatekeeping rather than genuine integrity protection. The paper proposes that authors possess inherent privacy rights regarding their writing processes, analogous to historical acceptance of computational aids, and that editorial focus should remain on content quality rather than production methods.

Abstract: The intersection of data protection regulations and academic transparency presents complex challenges for scholarly publishing platforms, particularly preprint servers operating under European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP). This article examines the tension between editorial transparency advocates' calls for open disclosure of peer review correspondence and legal requirements for third-party consent in data processing. Through analysis of current regulatory frameworks and publishing practices, we identify key conflicts between transparency principles and privacy protection in academic contexts. Our findings suggest that while data protection laws legitimately restrict unauthorized disclosure of identifying information about third parties, these regulations may inadvertently limit scholarly discourse and accountability mechanisms. We propose a framework for balancing competing interests that maintains legal compliance while preserving opportunities for constructive academic critique. The analysis reveals that current interpretations of data protection law may be overly restrictive in academic contexts where transparency serves legitimate scholarly purposes, suggesting need for clearer guidance on the boundaries between personal data protection and academic freedom.

Abstract: Cultural heritage is increasingly mobilized as a tool of international engagement, yet the diplomatic uses of heritage remain conceptually underdeveloped and analytically fragmented. This paper introduces the Heritage Diplomacy Spectrum, a multidimensional framework that maps how states and affiliated actors use heritage — both tangible and intangible — to pursue strategic, symbolic, and normative goals in cross-border contexts. Drawing on critical heritage studies, international relations, and memory politics, the study identifies five analytical dimensions (e.g., proactive vs. reactive, cultural vs. historical, strategic vs. moral) and develops seven ideal types of heritage diplomacy, ranging from soft power projection to post-dependency and corrective diplomacy. These ideal types, constructed in the Weberian tradition, serve as heuristic tools to illuminate the varied motivations and diplomatic postures underlying heritage-based engagement. A central matrix is presented to illustrate how each type aligns with different strategic logics and affective registers. The study argues that heritage diplomacy constitutes a distinct modality of heritage governance — one that transcends soft power narratives and encompasses conflict, reconciliation, symbolic redress, and identity assertion. The framework contributes both to theory-building and policy analysis, offering a diagnostic lens through which the ethical, political, and communicative dimensions of heritage diplomacy can be more systematically understood.

Abstract: Background/Rationale: Transnational caregiving may be influenced by religious beliefs and cultural traditions that frame elder care as both a moral and religious obligation. While migration alters caregiving dynamics, religious teachings and cultural expectations remain central in guiding transnational caregiving practices. This study examines how Christian Nigerians who have immigrated to Canada navigate caregiving responsibilities within a transnational context, integrating their religion, cultural values, and the practical realities of cross-border. Methods: This study employed a predominantly qualitative narrative approach, drawing on in-depth interviews with Nigerian Christian immigrants (N=10) providing transnational care. Data collection involved a pre-interview survey and semi-structured interviews, providing opportunity for participants to share their lived experiences. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring themes related to the role of religion and culture in caregiving, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of participants’ perspectives. Findings: Caregiving is shaped by religious duty and cultural obligation, reinforced by biblical teachings and cultural values. Participants view elder care as a moral responsibility, tied to spiritual rewards and familial duty. Despite migration demands, family-based care remains preferred over institutional care, with social stigma attached to neglecting elders. Conclusion: Religion and culture remain integral to transnational caregiving practices, sustaining caregiving responsibilities despite migration-related realities. While religious teachings provide moral guidance and emotional support, cultural expectations reinforce caregiving as a collective and intergenerational duty. These findings high-light the need for policies and resources that support transnational caregivers, ensuring they can fulfil their care-giving roles while adapting to new sociocultural environments.

Abstract: Contemporary society is experiencing a surge in physical, mental, and spiritual ailments, attributable to factors such as irregular lifestyles, diminished consumption of natural foods and herbs, and reduced interaction with the natural world. Concurrently, humanity faces formidable global challenges, such as environmental degradation, owing to narrow-minded materialistic mindset, intolerance, excessive exploitation of natural resources, deforestation, etc. In contrast, such issues were not generally seen in the ancient Indian culture, as it was characterized by profound empathy for all living beings. To make this ethos an integral part of the culture, the ancient Indian sages instituted various practices within the social framework, of which an important one was - festivals. Festivals not only fostered conviviality and collectivity in life, but also instilled idealism and cultivated empathy towards nature and all sentient beings. Therefore, comprehension of the epistemology (philosophy and science) of festivals may offer avenues for resolving contemporary individual and global predicaments. In this vein, the present research paper elucidates the epistemology (philosophy and science) of 'Avala Navami', a festival characterized by the veneration/worship of the Avala tree. The ritualistic worship entails profound inspirations, such as recognizing the importance of enhancing greenery and committing to its preservation; consuming medicinal herbs for better health; and, engaging in cooperative and joyful worship. Furthermore, the pivotal role of women (imbued with heightened empathy), in the protection and enrichment of nature, has resonated with scholars of contemporary cultural ecofeminism. Thus, proper understanding and assimilation of the epistemology (philosophy and science) of 'Avala Navami' can potentially contribute to the mitigation of various challenges.

Abstract: This study investigates shopping behaviors for essential services among Black middle-class homeowners in Ward 8, Washington, D.C., a historically underinvested neighborhood experiencing a rise in Black homeownership. The research examines how these residents manage limited local retail options, address safety concerns, and evaluate quality perceptions when choosing where to shop. Using survey data from 58 homeowners, we categorized shopping patterns into Inside-only, Mixed, and Outside-only. Exploratory factor analysis identified three main motivational factors: Service & Quality, Access & Convenience, and Economic. Multinomial logistic regression showed that higher scores on the Access & Convenience factor significantly increased the likelihood of Outside-only shopping (OR = 1.67, p = .02), while residential tenure showed a non-significant trend toward predicting Mixed shopping. To explain these findings, we introduce the concept of the “Small Spatial World,” an adaptation of Chatman’s Small World theory, to describe how routine spatial behaviors, not social networks, shape resource gathering in limited urban settings. These behaviors reflect the ongoing impact of racial capitalism and spatial disinvestment, which limit consumer choice even among middle-class residents. This research advances urban studies by linking race, space, and class in daily consumption and by advocating for targeted retail investments to foster equitable, community-focused development.

Abstract: The scientific community faces a paradox: research findings that appear to be strongly supported by experimental data with high statistical probability are often false. Despite John Ioannidis's seminal 2005 assertion that "most published research findings are false," the scientific establishment continues to operate under the assumption that findings with high probability support are correspondingly likely to be true. This paper examines why this fundamental misconception persists and explores the underlying causes of false findings in scientific literature. Through analysis of the replication crisis, statistical bias, and case studies including microwave absorption theory and Kanazawa's beauty-daughters hypothesis, we demonstrate how flawed statistical standards and theoretical deficiencies in mainstream theories create a systematic bias toward false positive results. The paper argues that the emphasis on replication experiments, originally proposed by Feynman to combat "cargo cult science," has paradoxically contributed to the problem by flooding journals with non-innovative content that dilutes truly innovative research. Furthermore, the modern peer review system systematically suppresses minority viewpoints that challenge mainstream theories, treating them as "pseudoscience" despite the historical reality that scientific progress is typically driven by non-mainstream minorities rather than conformist research.

Abstract: This study critically examines peer review, academic bias, and scientific integrity in the field of microwave absorption research. The paper documents how mainstream publications routinely ignore well-known opposing theories, reject manuscripts without concrete evidence, and perpetuate practices that resemble cargo cult science. Drawing on journal rejection correspondence, ethical guideline, and insights from public intellectuals such as Eric Weinstein and Richard Feynman, the analysis highlights systemic flaws in current peer review processes. The argument is made that present peer review serves more to safeguard the reputation of mainstream scientists than the reputation of science itself. Real peer review, in contrast, begins only after a paper has been published—when the broader scientific community can engage with and challenge the work. Proposed reforms emphasize transparency, evidence-based rejection, and the restoration of scientific integrity. The study emphasizes William Penn's principle that "right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it," particularly relevant when mistakes from majority, big figures, and prestigious journals cannot be criticized.