Turkish Soaps: Understanding Pleasure Among Iranians and the Underlying Political Economy

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-36
Author(s):  
Alireza Azeri Matin ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Political Economy ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
International Markets ◽  
Soap Operas ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Non Local ◽  
Global Television ◽  
Television Market

This article examines how young urban audiences in Iran derive pleasure from transnationally broadcasted Turkish soaps. Since the early 1990s, the furtherance of developments in communication technologies and the emergence of the new forces in the global television market have resulted in a profusion of free-to-air satellite TV programmes, transforming the television in Iranians' living rooms from a local and monotonous medium into a vibrant and abundant one. Flooded with a cornucopia of tele-viewing choices, Iranian audiences have particularly been enthralled by Turkish soap operas in recent years. Such popularity, especially among younger audiences, is remarkable considering the general prohibition of satellite TV in Iran and authorities' specific censure of Turkish soaps for having corrupting effects on Iranian culture. While soaps have historically been regarded as pleasurable texts primarily aimed towards women, the consumption of non-local forms of such popular cultural programmes both by male and female Iranian audiences raises questions about the kind of pleasures derived according to their gender-specificity. Through an analysis of the data drawn from a series of focus group discussions with 25-35 years old participants in Tehran, this study explores the diverse ways in which these individuals derive pleasure from watching Turkish soaps. Ultimately, the findings challenge the extrapolation of the traditional theories of political economy, which regards Turkish soaps as global purveyors of predetermined pleasure circumscribed by forces of international markets, and instead suggests that the kinds of pleasure can only be ascertained at the local level of consumption. Keywords: Satellite TV, Iranian audiences, Turkish soaps, pleasure, political economy.

Women’s Struggle for a Voice in Local Governance: Challenges for Veiled Women in Haryana, India

2021 ◽  
pp. 097152152110305
Author(s):  
Saroj Rani
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Political Participation ◽  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Local Governance ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Governance Challenges ◽  
Experiences Of Women

This study explores the experiences of women as voters and political representatives at the local level. It includes women’s stories which capture the challenges they faced, their resistance and aspiration for change. The study also looks at men’s perception of women’s political participation. The study uses a feminist perspective with qualitative methods. Tools such as in-depth interview, focus group discussions and observations were used to gather data and information.

scholarly journals Refugee access to information in online and offline environments: results from focus group discussions

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-95
Author(s):  
Maria Jimenez-Andres
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Information Communication Technologies ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
High Commissioner ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Migrant Integration

In today migration processes, Information Communication Technologies (ICT) are increasingly important for refugee experiences and mobilities (Gillespie, Osseiran and Cheesman, 2016). In this light, there is a call by institutions such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (2016a; 2020a) and researchers in the field of refugee integration (Abujarour et al, 2019) for initiatives employing ICT to cater for refugees need for information and communication. This article discusses some information seeking practices of asylum seekers and refugees, in online and offline environments. The data was gathered by means of nine focus group discussions with refugee communities in Greece, Italy, and Spain, involving a total of 41 participants of 13 different nationalities. Issues relating to the languages and the accessibility of the information that is available to them are discussed. The results of this research will inform the subsequent phases of REBUILD, a project funded by the European Comission whose aim is the creation of a user-centred ICT-tool to promote refugee and migrant integration in Europe.

Identity Construction, Social Media, and Ifugao Rice Terraces Conservation of Indigenous People's Youth Through Appreciative Inquiry

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 47-59
Author(s):  
Consuelo De Luna Habito ◽  
Susan Janette G. Ealdama
Keyword(s):  
Identity Construction ◽  
Appreciative Inquiry ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Exchange Program ◽  
Inquiry Approach ◽  
The University

Recognizing the important contribution of the indigenous people's (IP) youth towards the sustainable development and conservation of the internationally recognized Ifugao rice terraces (IRT) of the Philippines, the University of the Philippines Open University implemented a youth capacity building and exchange program among IP youth from Hungduan, Kiangan, Banaue and Mayaoyao rice terraces in the Ifugao province. The study conducted focus group discussions that included identity construction with physical co-presence and utilization of new communication technologies (NCTs) through the strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results of an appreciative inquiry approach (SOAR). Beliefs, ethnicity and values were three key identity construction factors. Need, talent, passion, and conscience were also included among the dimensions of identity construction. These findings were subsequently used in the design and construction of training course modules customized for IP youth from the IRT using the blended-mode of learning and practical activities such as video logs and memes in NCTs.

scholarly journals Combating Human Trafficking at the Local Level: Better Informing (Inter)national Action Plans

2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 220-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Winterdyk
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Human Trafficking ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Western Canada ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Urban Centre ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Major City ◽  
Major Urban Centre

AbstractDespite increasing awareness of human trafficking in Canada (and internationally), there is limited knowledge about how local communities are responding to the experiences of trafficked persons. By focusing on the case of counter-trafficking responses in a major city in western Canada, this project represents the first Canadian attempt to document how a major urban centre is addressing human trafficking. The exploratory project surveyed 53 respondents representing agencies involved in the counter-trafficking response, which in various capacities serve individuals victimized by trafficking. Building on the survey findings, five focus group discussions were also conducted. The article suggests that, while a criminal justice framework is important for addressing human trafficking, local strategies will benefit from an emphasis on cross-sector collaboration that emphasizes the rights of the trafficked persons above the needs of law enforcement. Implications for (inter)national responses are also presented.

scholarly journals Implementation status of community adaptation plans: a case study from Parbat District, Nepal

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 119-126
Author(s):  
Reeti Acharya ◽  
Ganesh Paudel
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Fiscal Year ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Community Forests ◽  
Community Adaptation ◽  
Effective Implementation ◽  
Implementation Status

This study was carried out in three community forests of the Parbat District, Nepal with the objective of assessing the implementation status of Community Adaptation Plans (CAPs). Three focus group discussions, observations and several informal discussions were made with the local people. Physical and financial progresses of the CAPs were assessed. Altogether 26 climate change adaptation activities were proposed for the fiscal year 2071/72 among them 46% activities were implemented completely, 19% activities were started but not implemented and 35% activities were not implemented. The physical and financial progresses of the CAPs were 41.79% and 27.47 % respectively. For ensuring the effective implementation of CAPs mainstreaming them into local level development plan is recommended. Analysis of the effectiveness of the implemented CAPs in reducing vulnerability is recommended for future researchers.International Journal of Environment Vol.5(3) 2016, pp.119-126

scholarly journals Impact of Microcredit on Women’s Empowerment in Some Selected Villages in Bangladesh: Exploration of Change in Women’s Status and ‘Peace in the Family’

2021 ◽  
pp. 29-64
Author(s):  
Sultan Salah Uddin ◽  
Alison Dundon ◽  
Most Aeysha Sultana
Keyword(s):  
Participant Observation ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Relational Dynamics ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
The Family ◽  
Local Contexts

The empowerment of women has been a primary goal of microcredit programs in Bangladesh: but what empowerment is, or „should be‟, is contested terrain, as are causal relationships drawn between the implementation of microfinance and the empowerment of women. This paper explores the connection between microcredit and empowerment through analyzing data of a qualitative study. In this study data were collected from 98 adults (male=30; female=68) with age ranged from 18 to 56 years, through individual interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation for six months period of field work in three villages in Bogura, Bangladesh. The study elicited understandings of empowerment from women engaged in microcredit programs, as well as other members of their households. In the paper, we argue that exploring local contexts for, and meanings of, empowerment is crucial for assessing the criteria on which the success (or failure) of microcredit or empowerment is determined. We suggest that more sustained engagement with the local-level experience of empowerment may challenge assumptions about aims and objectives of empowering processes in development, and stand as a corrective to models of the empowered woman that may not acknowledge the extent to which empowerment is framed in, and by, social and relational dynamics and goals. Philosophy and Progress, Vol#63-64-; No#1-2; Jan-Dec 2018 P 29-64

Marriage and transnational family life among Somali migrants in Finland

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mulki M Al-Sharmani ◽  
Abdirashid A Ismail
Keyword(s):  
Family Life ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Family Obligations ◽  
Family Ties ◽  
Transnational Family ◽  
Companionate Marriage ◽  
Spouse Selection ◽  
Larger Sample ◽  
Married Male

In this article, we investigate how marriage practices of Somali migrants in Finland are influenced by their transnational kinship. We examine how transnational family ties play a role in migrants’ spouse selection, marriage arrangements, and management of spousal resources. We also identify the factors that enable migrants to successfully navigate marital challenges caused by their transnational kin-based ties. These factors are: companionate marriage relationship based on emotional closeness and flexible spousal roles, compatibility in spousal resources, and the cooperation of couples in navigating transnational family obligations. We show how gender and generation are at play (in complex ways) in the interplay between transnational kinship and marriage. We draw on interview data from 16 married male and female interviewees, taken from a larger sample of 37 informants of different marital statuses. Our analysis is also based on data from focus group discussions

Nomadic Migration and Rural Violence in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-95
Author(s):  
Nsemba Edward Lenshie ◽  
Patience Kondu Jacob
Keyword(s):  
State Government ◽  
Migration Pattern ◽  
Land Resources ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Security Governance ◽  
North East ◽  
Descriptive Approach ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Depth Interviews

The relationship between Fulani herdsmen and farmers has in recent years become hot-tempered motivated by competitive control of land resources, particularly in central and north-east Nigeria. In Taraba State, the ongoing nomadic migration pattern from the Sahel in quest of pastures has led to violent confrontation between Fulani herdsmen and farming indigenous natives. Using a descriptive approach consisting of documented evidence, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions, the analysis revealed that conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and indigenous native farmers have culminated in population displacement and destruction of life and property in numerous rural enclaves in Taraba State. Despite the consequences of the conflicts, the Taraba State government was unable to act proactively because of the centralization of command over Nigerian security agencies. Accordingly, the study suggests decentralization of security agencies in Nigeria, especially the police, as the way forward for effective security governance in Nigeria.

ВІД ЮНОСТІ ДО МОЛОДОСТІ: МОЖЛИВОСТІ ЕПІГЕНЕТИЧНОЇ МОДЕЛІ В СОЦІОКУЛЬТУРНОМУ АНАЛІЗІ

1970 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-97
Author(s):  
Олена Злобіна
Keyword(s):  
Identity Development ◽  
Theoretical Basis ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Transition Process ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Identity Statuses ◽  
The Status ◽  
Empirical Material

Статтю    присвячено    аналізу    можливостей    застосування    міждисциплінарного    підходу    в  дослідженнях трансформацій конструкту ідентичності. Виокремлено обмеженості дослідження стадій  циплінарних  підходах.  Запропоновано  застосувати  стадійний  підхід  в  аналізі  вікової  групи  «молодь»  з  метою верифікації положення про її диференціацію на різні вікові підгрупи, які відрізняються статусами  ідентичності. Теоретичним підґрунтям дослідження є теорія психогенетичного розвитку особистості Е.  Еріксона та статусна динамічна модель розвитку ідентичності Дж. Марсіа. Емпіричну основу склали  матеріали аналізу 14 фокус-групових дискусій, проведених у молодіжних аудиторіях: 7 груп з молоддю у віці  18-21  рік  і  7  з  молоддю  у  віці  26-30  років.  Підтверджено  внутрішню  диференціацію    вікової  стадії  «молодість». Показано, що динаміка психогенезу на цій стадії характеризується домінуванням дифузного  статусу у молодшої групи та статусу досягненості у старшої.  Інші статуси зустрічаються значно  рідше.   Наявний   емпіричний   матеріал   не   дає   можливості   простежити   чинники,   які   зумовлюють  зафіксовані відмінності, проте отримані в ході дослідження типові портрети зазначених груп  дозволяють   розвинути міждисциплінарний підхід до проблеми персоногенезу та застосувати його можливості для  вироблення стратегії дослідження «процесу переходу» від стадії до стадії The article is devoted to the analysis of the possibilities of using the interdisciplinary approach in studies of transformations of the construct of identity. The limitations of studies of stages of development in monodisciplinary approaches are singled out. It is suggested to apply the step-by-step approach in the analysis of the age group "youth" in order to verify the position on its differentiation into different age subgroups that differ in identity statuses. The theoretical basis of the study is the theory of psychogenetic development of the personality of E. Erickson and the status dynamic model of identity development of J. Marcia. Empirical basis was made by the analysis materials 14 focus group discussions held in youth audiences: 7 groups with youth aged 18-21 and 7 with young people aged 26-30. The internal differentiation of the age stage "youth" has been confirmed. It is shown that the dynamics of psychogenesis at this stage is characterized by the dominance of diffuse status in the younger group and the status of attainment in the older group. Other statuses are much less common. The existing empirical material does not provide an opportunity to trace the factors that cause the observed differences, but the typical portraits of these groups obtained in the course of the research allow developing an interdisciplinary approach to the problem of personogenesis and applying its possibilities for developing a strategy for studying the "transition process" from stage to stage.

Dari Idealisme ke Pragmatisme: Pergeseran Paradigma dalam Pengembangan Hukum Ekonomi Syariah di Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-210
Author(s):  
Addiarrahman Addiarrahman ◽  
Illy Yanti
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Business World ◽  
Key Informants ◽  
The Public ◽  
Financial Products ◽  
Legal Consideration ◽  
Economic Law ◽  
Islamic Economic

This study seeks to understand the pragmatism of the development of sharia economic law, and its implications for Islamic financial products in Indonesia. The data comes from the results of interviews and focus group discussions with key informants from academics, practitioners, authorities, and the public. This research finds that pragmatism in the development of Islamic economic law is an approach that still dominates the DSN-MUI fatwas. The pragmatism style used is complex-eclectic pragmatism which is represented through makhārij al-fiqhiyyah, which is to choose a mild opinion by sticking to the strongest method or also called "taysīr al-manhajī". The use of this method is intended to ensure that the fatwa is truly able to answer the needs of the business world, as well as being in line with sharia principles. DSN-MUI also does not use maslahah as a legal consideration in a free or liberal way. Rather, it returns maslahah in consideration of the method, so that it is permissible to use the bay’ al-'inān contract only in a forced state (ḍarurah).

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