Social Sciences

Abstract: The municipality of Yaonáhuac, situated in the Northern Highlands of the state of Puebla, Mexico, has a population that is predominantly comprised of individuals belonging to various Indigenous communities. This region is distinguished by its strong adherence to Indigenous traditions and customs, which have been handed down through generations and continue to play a significant role in the cultural identity and practices of the community. A significant proportion of the population is reliant on ethno-agricultural practices, with smallholdings constituting a primary source of income for local communities. However, in recent years, the extractive cultivation of potatoes for the snack food industry has been expanding in Yaonáhuac, resulting in environmental impacts that have altered water and soil conditions, thereby diminishing the possibilities of successfully practicing ecologically more sustainable agroforestry. The potato variety cultivated in the Northern Highlands is predominantly Atlantic, FL 2027. The cultivation of these crops necessitates a substantial water supply, thereby reducing the availability of this vital liquid from both surface and groundwater sources. This has a detrimental effect on traditional ‘milpa’ crops and results in the depletion of the soil due to the excessive use of agrochemicals. In this context, the present article will discuss the benefits and feasibility of developing traditional agroforestry techniques in Yaonáhuac to promote the application of ethno-agricultural knowledge for the benefit of the local economy, ecology and the conservation and maintenance of water resources, all of which are threatened by the arrival of industrial agriculture and ecological imperialism for potato chip production. This study is based on data on the strategies implemented for legislation and the proper use of resources in the communities surrounding the Northern Puebla Highlands, carried out by different territorial cooperatives that have demonstrated within their own communities and that can be replicated in the community of Yaonáhuac.

Abstract: The limited real-world adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare is often attributed not to technical performance, but to a poor fit with the cultural, social, and ethical contexts of diverse populations. This study investigates this gap by exploring how cultural determinants shape the acceptance and implementation of AI-driven technologies in healthcare. Using multi-source qualitative design approach that combines a global narrative review with an in-depth case study of the AIMIX project in Kenya, we identify key socio-cultural factors—such as religious beliefs, family structures, and community governance—that are critical for designing trustworthy AI. The findings from extensive stakeholder engagement, including 84 participants through interviews and workshops, demonstrate that local legitimacy, secured through community co-design and ethical partnership, is as crucial as technical accuracy for successful implementation. This research suggests that moving beyond Western-centric models—that prioritize individual autonomy and technocratic ethics—to develop context-aware, culturally grounded frameworks is essential for achieving equitable and effective AI in global healthcare.

Abstract: This article asks how religious transformation affects the capacity of Tahtacı Alevi communities in Western Anatolia to reproduce ritual knowledge across generations. Drawing on multi-sited ethnographic fieldwork conducted between 2021 and 2026 in thirteen settlements in İzmir, Aydın, Muğla, and Denizli, including participant observation and interviews with twenty-five participants, it compares five ritual and moral domains: the three-knotted belt, Hak Üleştirme, Yas Nefesi and funerary practice, Öznek, and Hearth Digging. Rather than treating transformation as either rupture or preservation, the article develops “Keeping the Path” as an ethnographically grounded framework of religious transmission. It identifies five interacting mechanisms: boundary work and communal recognition, relational authority, intergenerational participation, embodied and oral-musical learning, and selective adaptation. The findings reveal uneven reproductive capacity. Practices embedded in multiple settings of family life, communal obligation, ritual authority, and everyday moral evaluation remain comparatively resilient, whereas practices dependent on infrequent occasions or narrowly distributed musical and procedural competence are more vulnerable. By distinguishing cultural recognition from performative competence, the study argues that transformation is best understood as a reorganization of transmission ecologies. The Tahtacı case contributes to contemporary Alevi Studies and broader debates on lived religion, authority, memory, and religious change.

Abstract: This study examines how giftedness is experienced by adults with a migration background, addressing a gap in the literature, in which giftedness and migration are typically studied as separate domains. Drawing on talent development perspectives and Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, giftedness is conceptualized as a context-dependent developmental process shaped by sociocultural environments. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. The findings indicate that giftedness is not consistently recognized across contexts but is mediated by educational practices, cultural expectations, and social positioning. Participants described recurring experiences of underrecognition and the need to validate their abilities, reflecting how dominant norms influence the identification of giftedness. In addition, the results highlight the central role of belonging and identity, with participants navigating multiple contexts and experiencing persistent misalignment. For some participants, additional identity-related dimensions, such as adoption and religion, intensified processes of meaning-making. The study contributes to the literature by conceptualizing giftedness and migration background as mutually constitutive and by demonstrating how early recognition processes and structural inequalities shape developmental trajectories across the lifespan. These findings underline the need for more context-sensitive and inclusive models of giftedness.

Abstract: Marriage rituals constitute a central cultural domain through which communities articu-late social values, regulate social relations, and construct collective identity. This study investigates the semiotic functions of marriage ritual objects in Kangean society, Indone-sia, focusing on their symbolic structure, social roles, and implications for cultural conti-nuity. A qualitative interpretive design was employed, drawing on ethnolinguistic and social semiotic approaches, with data collected through observation and in-depth inter-views with cultural practitioners and community members. The findings show that ritual objects such as sere penang, kettan, beras koneng, koade raje, and sawer money operate within a structured ritual cycle comprising four stages: pepentaan, akad, resepsi, and ko-kocoran. These objects function as dynamic semiotic agents within layered systems of meaning, including denotation, connotation, and myth, and are continuously re-signified across ritual stages. They mediate social interaction, encode moral obligations, and rein-force cultural ideologies that position marriage as a socially regulated and publicly vali-dated institution. This study concludes that Kangean marriage rituals represent an inte-grated semiotic system in which material culture, symbolic practice, and social structure converge, contributing to the reproduction of cultural identity and the resilience of local traditions in contemporary society.

Abstract: This paper explores the relationship between information practices, creativity, and sustainable cultural development within localized cultural ecosystems. Drawing on perspectives from cultural studies, information behavior research, and heritage studies, the study examines how culturally embedded forms of information seeking, sharing, interpretation, and reuse contribute to creative expression and the continuity of local cultural identity. Using the island of Corfu as an indicative case study, the paper investigates how informal knowledge networks, community-based cultural interactions, and heritage-centered meaning-making shape creative cultural practices. Particular attention is given to the role of everyday information interactions in sustaining local cultural memory and enabling cultural adaptation in the context of globalization and digital transformation. Methodologically, the study adopts a qualitative and interpretive approach based on contextual analysis and theoretically informed synthesis of existing literature on cultural ecosystems, creativity, and information practices. Rather than focusing on quantitative measurement, the paper seeks to illuminate the socially situated and culturally embedded dimensions of creativity within local communities. The analysis suggests that creativity in cultural ecosystems emerges not merely through access to information, but through participatory processes of interpretation, collaboration, and cultural reinterpretation. These practices support both the preservation and the renewal of cultural heritage, contributing to forms of sustainable cultural development that reinforce community identity and cultural resilience. By connecting information practices with cultural sustainability and local heritage dynamics, the paper contributes to interdisciplinary discussions on cultural ecosystems and offers insights for culturally responsive cultural policy, heritage management, and community-centered cultural development strategies.

Abstract: Pakistan’s approximately 36,000 to 43,000 registered religious seminaries enroll an estimated 3.5 to 4.6 million students annually, yet their internal economic architecture remains a critically understudied dimension of the country’s developmental crisis. This paper argues that a significant segment of Pakistan’s madrasa network has undergone a structural transformation evolving from an institution of religious formation into a self-sustaining economic enterprise that systematically instrumentalizes impoverished children as primary agents of revenue generation, while simultaneously violating the foundational Islamic legal principles it claims to embody. Drawing on Islamic jurisprudence, institutional economics, and ethnographic observation conducted across madrasa institutions in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (2020–2025), the study identifies four interlocking mechanisms of institutional dysfunction. First, Cultivated Mendicancy wherein children are systematically conditioned through sermons, organized campaigns, and coercive incentive structures to solicit seasonal charitable contributions including grain harvests, animal hides, and monetary donations normalizing solicitation as spiritual practice in direct contravention of established Prophetic prohibitions. Second, the Tamleek Juridical Mechanism through which communally-donated assets are converted into privately-controlled institutional property, circumventing Islamic Waqf law and Zakat distribution ethics. Third, Dynastic Institutional Capture whereby hereditary succession supplants scholarly merit, and teacher appointments reflect student revenue-generation capacity rather than pedagogical qualification. Fourth, Epistemic Closure through Religious Sanction wherein alternative educational pathways are delegitimized as irreligious, and institutional accountability is systematically suppressed through the weaponization of sacred authority. The cumulative consequence is the large-scale, intergenerational production of a chronically dependent population structurally excluded from productive economic participation and conditioned toward institutionalized solicitation from childhood. Against Pakistan’s declining education expenditure of 0.8 percent of GDP and its ranking of 164th out of 193 countries on the Human Development Index, this paper contends that madrasa-mediated dependency cultivation constitutes a measurable and systematically overlooked impediment to national human capital formation. Evidence-based policy recommendations are advanced for regulatory bodies, civil society organizations, and international development institutions.

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.