Introduction

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-42
Author(s):  
Anya P. Foxen

This introduction presents the argument and general parameters of the subsequent chapters. It argues that modern postural yoga as practiced in popularized contexts (such as gyms and corporate studios) is only tangentially related to premodern Indian yogic traditions. Broadly, it makes the case that the dynamics of cross-cultural translation necessitate that we examine both the original and host context of the concept or practice in question. It then outlines the main areas that must be considered in framing such an argument, specifically the difficulty of defining yoga, the historical role of Orientalism, the definition of “harmonialism,” and the issues surrounding gender, race, class, and white supremacy.

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 231-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sameer Deshpande

Background: Over the past half century, social marketing has come into its own, both as a discipline and a practice, for creating positive social outcomes. However, as the operating environment continues to evolve, the role of social marketing in the change landscape requires consideration. Focus of the article: In this article, the author presents a commentary on the present and future role of social marketing research and practice through the lens of a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis. Topics discussed in the analysis include the boundary definition of social marketing, modalities of practice, sources of funding, the complexity of target issues, and professional standing and competition. Importance to the social marketing field: Critical analysis of social marketing research and practice can assist to maintain and grow its relevance and adoption among key stakeholders. Recommendations for Research or Practice: Several recommendations are made for addressing the issues identified in the SWOT analysis. These include conscious effort to market social marketing; clarify the concept of audience orientation when designing social marketing solutions; address specific research questions that produce academic and managerial insights; utilize corporate partnerships creatively; offer social marketing course to retain accreditation of professions such as marketing, public health, environmental studies, or public administration; and, encourage documentation of initiatives. Limitations: The discussion presented here is based purely on opinions and experience of the author.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 118
Author(s):  
Raja Khaleel Al-Khalili ◽  
Maen Ali Al-Maqableh

This article is a cross-cultural approach that examines the historical and literary significance of the concept of Arabian knighthood during the Crusades (1095-1292 A.D.) and especially during the period of the Islamic leader Saladin who was famous in the West for his bravery and chivalry. The concept of Arabian knighthood for Saladin embodied characteristics of bravery, chivalry, and altruism which were present in Arabic poetry. As for the West, there was a distinct definition of knighthood; however, it changed after the Crusades and the physical encounter of western fighters with the legendary Saladin. The role of knightly values that Saladin embodied in changing the Western perception of knighthood is illustrated in both the historical and literary narratives of both Islamic and Western origins.


1981 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-313
Author(s):  
Craig Hendricks ◽  
Robert M. Levine

This study explores the convergent ground of two separate research projects: an analysis of the role of the state of Pernambuco in the Brazilian federation between 1889 and 1937, and a forthcoming study of the Recife Law School. The first part of this presentation will discuss the definition of the political elite, describe its composition, and examine the theme of continuity and change over the period of study. The second part will focus on the Law School per se, the principal vehicle for the training of the political elite.Pernambuco's political elite constitutes less a model for other Brazilian states than a phenomenon specific to Pernambuco's own historical role. This elite may be examined systematically, although only in the broadest sense. For one thing, its membership never remained static, but changed constantly according to the ebb and flow of political life. Relative power within an elite is not easily measurable; nor does there exist a single elite; rather, one observes a fluid set of power relationships, arrayed vertically according to levels of influence and authority, and horizontally from small urban interest nuclei through local elites to subgrous scattered across regional, economic, and social networks.


2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-99
Author(s):  
Pooja Sawrikar ◽  
Ilan Barry Katz

Social researchers and activists who use the sociological definition of racism – that 'Racism = Prejudice + Power' – generally aim to attain racial equality by equalising differences in social power among racial groups. However, this definition can be taken to extreme when the role of social power is given disproportionately more weight than the role prejudice in explaining the occurrence and entrenchment of racism in society, such as assertions that racism is synonymous with White supremacy. Such a definition is logically flawed, demonstrates reverse racism, is disempowering for individuals from all racial groups who strive for racial equality, and absolves those who do not. We examine how the recent literature on cultural competency may provide a more effective strategic framework for reducing racism. Cultural competency is a move away from ethnocentrism and towards respect and value for cultural difference, with no racial group treated as a reference point around which the discourse on race relations revolves. In short, by properly acknowledging the role of prejudice, and not exclusively focusing on power, all racial groups can be better empowered to take responsibility for protecting the human right to racial equality.


2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Manning

Abstract The term “civilization,” articulated in eighteenth century Europe, has been widely used in many languages from the nineteenth century to the present. It refers both to widespread societies governed by powerful states in modern times and to prestigious urban and monumental civilizations of ancient times. This essay explores the history of the concept of civilization through science, ideology, and schooling. Scientific exploration of civilization was an implementation of emerging studies in social science. Ideological statement of social priorities appropriated civilization, especially in the era of expanding capitalism, empire, and white supremacy. In the school systems set up around the world, the term “civilization” was included in the curriculum both to explain ancient heritage and the comparison of modern great powers, religious faiths, and cultural practices. Weaknesses in the concept of civilization are becoming apparent as knowledge expands. New factors to consider include the significance of the end of empire; increased attention to network dynamics as well as hierarchies; comparisons of biological equality and social inequality; the roles of commoners and local scales; the rise of global social and institutional structures; shifting balances of societies and regions; and more attention to the historical role of schooling and science.


2017 ◽  
Vol 225 (3) ◽  
pp. 189-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina B. Lonsdorf ◽  
Jan Richter

Abstract. As the criticism of the definition of the phenotype (i.e., clinical diagnosis) represents the major focus of the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) initiative, it is somewhat surprising that discussions have not yet focused more on specific conceptual and procedural considerations of the suggested RDoC constructs, sub-constructs, and associated paradigms. We argue that we need more precise thinking as well as a conceptual and methodological discussion of RDoC domains and constructs, their interrelationships as well as their experimental operationalization and nomenclature. The present work is intended to start such a debate using fear conditioning as an example. Thereby, we aim to provide thought-provoking impulses on the role of fear conditioning in the age of RDoC as well as conceptual and methodological considerations and suggestions to guide RDoC-based fear conditioning research in the future.


2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Karremans ◽  
Camillo Regalia ◽  
Giorgia Paleari ◽  
Frank Fincham ◽  
Ming Cui ◽  
...  

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