Some theoretical perspectives on African popular music

Popular Music ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 371-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Austin Emielu
Keyword(s):  
Popular Music ◽  
Social Dynamics ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Dominant Position ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Social Reconstructionism ◽  
African Perspective ◽  
Socially Responsive ◽  
Literary Materials

AbstractPopular music occupies a dominant position in the musical landscape of contemporary Africa, yet academic study of popular music is still in its infancy in most parts of Africa. This may be due in part to the absence of theoretical frameworks that stimulate popular music discourses from the African perspective. This paper is an attempt to fill this lacuna. Based on a critical and qualitative analysis of data gathered from field situations, participant observation, interviews and published literary materials on the subject matter, the paper theorises that the creation of African popular music is characterised by two significant processes: indigenisation and syncretisation. The paper further states that African popular music is a socially responsive phenomenon, sustained through the interplay of cross-cultural and trans-national social dynamics. The paper therefore proposes ‘social reconstructionism’ as a new theoretical paradigm for the analysis of African popular music. The paper also suggests that the term ‘African pop’ should be adopted as a generic name for all popular music forms in Africa.

Effervescence Accelerators: Barriers to Outsiders in Christian Interaction Rituals

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Draper
Keyword(s):  
Social Dynamics ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Social Solidarity ◽  
Latter Day Saints ◽  
Religious Rituals ◽  
Interaction Rituals ◽  
Collective Effervescence ◽  
Social Dynamic ◽  
Christian Congregations

Abstract In interaction ritual theory, barriers to outsiders are cues that communicate who is and is not excluded from a ritual. Prior research on religious rituals has established strong support for the hypothesis that barriers promote collective effervescence and social solidarity. Questions remain, though, regarding how this social dynamic impacts the practices, identities, missions, and conflicts of congregations who strive to be inclusive. We conducted microsociological analysis of rituals based on participant-observation and focus groups at six Christian congregations: Jehovah’s Witnesses, Latter-day Saints, Christian Scientists, Brethren, Catholics, and Episcopalians. Barriers were built in all the rituals, bringing congregational distinction through contrast with different types of outsiders. We also observed effervescent moments where barriers were low and inconsequential, suggesting that severe barriers are unnecessary. Rather, the special ritual function of barriers is to provide instant jolts of effervescence, especially when other social dynamics are failing.

Critical Applications of Heterogeneity Theories to Power in Nonprofit Human Services Organizations

2021 ◽  
pp. 089976402110297
Author(s):  
Shawn Teresa Flanigan
Keyword(s):  
Human Services ◽  
Nonprofit Sector ◽  
Service Organizations ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Services Research ◽  
Nonprofit Studies ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Human Services Organizations ◽  
Nonprofit Human Service Organizations

The field of nonprofit studies often assumes that efforts of actors in the nonprofit landscape are beneficial, especially when considering nonprofit human service organizations. However, there are both theoretical and empirical reasons for scholars to adopt a more critical lens when examining these organizations. Taking nonprofit human services organizations as a common setting, the article uses a critical lens to apply classic, “mainstream” theories of the role of heterogeneity in nonprofit sector formation and illuminate risks often neglected in nonprofit human services research. In this way, the article demonstrates that classic social science theories of heterogeneity already offer us the tools we need to critically question dominant assumptions about nonprofit human services provision and challenges the reader to consider why we so rarely use these well-known theoretical frameworks in a critical manner. The article concludes by inviting scholars to utilize additional critical theoretical perspectives in future studies of nonprofit human services.

Family Theoretical Perspectives and Implications for Nursing Practice

1991 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 210-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth E. McShane
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Acute Care ◽  
Social Exchange ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Nursing Practice ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
The Family

Health care professionals have focused for the most part on individuals within families as they provide care in acute care settings. The lack of a theoretical perspective to permit observing the family as a unit with interacting parts has contributed to this practice. This article presents an overview of trends and of four theoretical frameworks that have contributed to family practice and research, both for other disciplines and for nursing. Symbolic interactionism, systems, developmental, and social exchange theories are promising frameworks for considering family relationships now and into the future. The purpose, major concepts, and implications for nursing practice of each theory are presented

scholarly journals Effect of Personality, Power, and Emotion on Developing the 2017-2022 Philippine Health Research Agenda: A Case Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandra M. Libunao ◽  
Reneepearl Kim P. Sales ◽  
Jaifred Christian F. Lopez ◽  
Ma. Rowena H. Alcido ◽  
Lester Sam A. Geroy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Research ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
Social Dynamics ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Power Dynamics ◽  
Smooth Flow ◽  
Process Documentation ◽  
Multi Stakeholder

Background. Social dynamics, specifically personalities, power dynamics, and emotions, have been shown to influence the methods, outputs, and quality of multi-stakeholder processes, especially the development of a national health research agenda. Objective and Methods. Using a case analysis approach utilizing related conceptual frameworks, the paper determined how personalities, power dynamics, and emotions affected the research priority-setting exercise, identified lessons learned, and recommended how to effectively manage these social dynamics in consultations. Data gathering methods were participant observation and process documentation, results of which were codified and analyzed. Results. Dominant personalities, stakeholders with power, and stakeholders that openly expressed dissatisfaction were most likely to attempt to change the methods and final outputs of the consultation, with varying level of success. Other dominant personalities used their power constructively for a smooth flow of generating and agreeing on ideas. Conclusion. In this case, social dynamics was shown to heavily influence the decision-making process, thus underlining its importance in organizing multisectoral representation. Effectively managing social dynamics may thus have to consider building trust and respect between participants, mediating discussions, reaching a mutually beneficial solution, and establishing and implementing mutually agreed house rules. The significant role of facilitators in developing a climate for truly inclusive participation must also be recognized.

scholarly journals Investigando sobre los medios: una reflexión sobre la metodología

Comunicar ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 9 (18) ◽  
pp. 15-19
Author(s):  
Letizia Caronia ◽  
André Caron
Keyword(s):  
Everyday Life ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Methodological Issues ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Contemporary Research ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Life Context ◽  
Sobre Todo

This paper presents some reflections on the methodological issues raised by contemporary research on the appropriation and daily uses of communication and information technologies. The authors argue the need for links between theoretical frameworks, hypothesis and methodological tools, suggesting that methodological matters are never «pure» methodological queries insofar as they reflect the researcher’s commitment to a broader level of theoretical perspectives. The purpose of the study was to focus on the subjective construction of the meaning people give to technologies and their uses in an everyday-life context. This paper discusses the methodological strategies that we-re used in the design of the study. Este trabajo muestra algunas reflexiones sobre las cuestiones metodológicas surgidas en la investigación actual sobre la apropiación y uso cotidiano de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación. Los autores argumentan la necesidad de unir marcos teóricos, hipótesis y herramientas metodológicas sugiriendo que los instrumentos metodológicos nunca son puros desde el momento en que reflejan los compromisos del investigador con un nivel más profundo que el de las ideas teóricas. El propósito de este estudio era sobre todo la construcción subjetiva del significado que la gente confiere a las tecnologías y a sus usos en el contexto cotidiano.

scholarly journals Exploring the relationship between community-based physical activity and wellbeing in people with dementia: a qualitative study

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 522-542
Author(s):  
ALAN WRIGHT
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Social Constructionist ◽  
Attitudes And Beliefs ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Ethnographic Approach ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Informal Carers ◽  
The Relationship

ABSTRACTThis study sought to identify factors which influenced how a group of people with dementia living in their own homes participated in community-based physical activity and explored the effect that exercise groups, dance and walking had on their wellbeing. A broadly ethnographic approach was adopted in which participant observation and interviews were employed. Nineteen people with dementia and seven formal and informal carers were included in the participant observation phase. Eleven people with dementia were interviewed. The analysis and interpretation of data was informed by embodiment and social constructionist theoretical perspectives. Findings suggest that a complex interplay between attitudes and beliefs, retained embodied abilities, and aspects of the physical and social environment influenced how individuals engaged in physical activity and the degree to which they experienced wellbeing as a result. Findings suggest that when certain factors co-exist, physical activity can provide a context within which people with dementia are able to use embodied skills in order to support fragile identities, connect with others and express themselves.

The Politcal Economy of Knowledge Management in Higher Education

2011 ◽  
pp. 2301-2313
Author(s):  
Amy Scott Metcalfe
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Social Dynamics ◽  
Postsecondary Institutions ◽  
Information And Communications Technologies ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Political Implications ◽  
The Social ◽  
Communications Technologies

In this chapter, I discuss the economic and political implications of knowledge management in higher education. First, I examine the linkages between KM and capitalism, with the help of theoretical frameworks that connect increasing managerialism in higher education with the promises of profit-making in the New (Knowledge) Economy. Next, I discuss the politics of information and the ways in which knowledge is stratified in postsecondary institutions. Third, the social dynamics of information and communications technologies (ICT) are explored in the context of higher education institutions. These perspectives provide a counter-balance to the decidedly functionalist views of much of the knowledge managementliterature. The intent of the chapter is to provide a foundation for the rest of the volume and the more specific studies of KM in higher education to follow.

Listening and Learning through ICT with Digital Kids

2016 ◽  
pp. 1016-1037
Author(s):  
Dianne Forbes
Keyword(s):  
Student Teachers ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Social Dynamics ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Teaching Profession ◽  
Initial Teacher Education ◽  
Listening Skills ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Information And Communication

The following case reports on the involvement of children in online discussion with student teachers within initial teacher education in New Zealand. The focus is on listening to children, with wider implications for listening as a professional capability extending beyond the teaching profession. In this case, student teachers and pupils communicated online, exchanging ideas, debating, and engaging in co-construction of understandings around the place of Information and Communication Technologies in teaching and learning. The case explores the interaction and social dynamics observed and mutual learning experienced, with links to theoretical perspectives including constructivist and democratic pedagogies. Implications for improved practice are considered. It is argued that there is a need to explicitly teach listening skills and to encourage professionals in training to listen to clients. It is argued that the online environment is an excellent training ground for developing effective listening skills as it lends itself to reflective practice and to meta-listening awareness.

scholarly journals Care management for the hospitalized child with chronic cancer pain: intervening conditions

2019 ◽  
Vol 72 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 181-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thiago Privado da Silva ◽  
Laura Johanson da Silva ◽  
Benedita Maria Rêgo Deusdará Rodrigues ◽  
Ítalo Rodolfo Silva ◽  
Marialda Moreira Chistoffel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Care Management ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Professional Qualification ◽  
Chronic Cancer Pain ◽  
Caring Relationship

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the intervening conditions of care management for the hospitalized child with chronic cancer pain. Method: Qualitative research, anchored in the methodological and theoretical frameworks, respectively, Grounded Theory and Complex Thinking. The semi-structured interview and non-participant observation were used to collect the data. Twenty-one health professionals, organized in three sample groups: nurses; nursing technicians; and professionals of the multiprofessional health staff. Results: They emerged as intervening conditions of care management: human resources and materials, teamwork, absenteeism, professional relocation, professional qualification, family, playful, dialogue, empathy and caring relationship. Conclusion: It was understood as limiting conditions for care management: deficits of human resources and materials, absenteeism, ineffective teamwork, professional relocation, and insufficient professional qualification. On the other hand, they were presented as facilitating conditions: adequate professional knowledge, effective teamwork, dialogue, empathy, playful and affective relationship with the child.

Architects and rural post-disaster housing: lessons from South India

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 206-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gertrud Tauber
Keyword(s):  
South India ◽  
Social Dynamics ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Indian Ocean Tsunami ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Post Disaster

Purpose – This research aims to examine three housing projects implemented by local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and planned by local architects after the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 in rural South India. The key to the acceptance of post-disaster houses lies in meeting the peoples’ wishes and needs, and in integrating local know-how into the course of the project process (a premise intensively discussed in theory). After the tsunami of 2004, many (NGOs) appointed architects, assuming that these professionals would be qualified to facilitate the implementation of people-oriented houses (and villages). However, the architects’ roles vary significantly, which had, as will be shown here, a considerable impact on the degree of success of the project. Design/methodology/approach – Primary data for this study were gathered through household questionnaires (110); informal interaction; participant-observation (work assignment: 2.5 years; field survey: 4 months); semi-structured interviews (NGO representatives, architects and engineers). Secondary literature was studied on post-disaster housing, building cultures and cultures of knowledge. Findings – This study reveals that, in the course of rural post-disaster reconstruction, there is a crying need to appoint the “right” personnel having, first of all, the capacity to comply with the social dynamics at project level, and, second, being able to address those aspects critical for the realization of people-oriented housing. Architects can be a valuable resource for both the NGO and the villagers. However, this paper shows that key to this is, among other considerations, a thorough understanding of the rural (building) culture, its abilities and requirements, the strategic interplay of various roles and abilities during the course of an intricate building process and the design of appropriate roles for adequately-skilled architects. Originality/value – To this date, the debate on the role of architects in the context of post-disaster housing has neglected to examine empirically the implications of appointing these professionals in rural post-disaster contexts. This paper addresses this imbalance and complements the existing corpus of work by examining the impact of different roles of architects on the degree of success of the project at village level.

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