Assessment of the “Faiths and Social cohe-sion” Project: What one can learn in the fight against discrimination

2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 366-382
Author(s):  
Dina Sensi

The European action named “Faiths and Social cohesion”. Building up Social Participation in Religious Difference: Local Muslim Communities inEurope» was assessed during the last six months of the project. The objective was to assess the impact of the actions taken. 

2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 182-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Altay Manco ◽  
Spyros Amoranitis

The action entitled “Faiths and Social Cohesion” the resultsof which are presented in this volume is supported by theEuropean Commission Directorate- General for Employmentand Social Affairs within the framework of the EuropeanProgramme against discrimination and in favour offundamental social rights and the civil society (Art 13 of thetreaty of the Union). This is an action for identification, validation and transnational exchanges “good practices” and information against discrimination coordinated by the Institutefor Research, Training and Action on Migrations (IRFAM).This action is carried out at the transnational level with sixsets of partners hailing from various countries.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 397-404
Author(s):  
Muhammad Umar Riaz Abbasi ◽  
Tariq Ejaz ◽  
Shamshad Akhtar

Purpose of the study: This research is focused on examining the impact of Covid-19 on societal social cohesion. Furthermore, the role of Muslim communities in tackling the challenges has also been investigated in detail. Methodology: The discussed research is conducted by detailed analysis of the related literature. This paper is thus based upon the secondary data gathered from different sources including newspapers, articles published in journals, books, and reports from diverse non-governmental, and governmental organizations. Main Findings: The biggest challenge for the globe at this crucial time is isolation and social distancing as it has impacted the world at a large level. Social interaction is vital for human existence, and its absence leads to stressed, anxious, and depressed life. Also, it hampers the economic growth of the state. Muslim communities have been afflicted with various difficulties in the context of their religious matters due to this pandemic. They have even paused their major religious tasks like Pilgrimage, congregations, and Namaz-e-Jummah to prevent the people from deadly consequences of the pandemic. Applications of this study: This study can be useful in examining the impacts of COVID-19 disease on social cohesion. Furthermore, it can be used in understanding the concept of Social cohesion according to the point of view of the Quran and Sunnah. Additionally, it aids in exploring the steps taken by the Islamic world in tackling this disease and its impacts on social togetherness. The originality of this study: This is a comprehensive study on the impacts brought about by Covid-19 on social cohesion. Also, the role played by Muslim societies in handling the social challenges imposed by Covid-19 is the focus of this study. Moreover, this study encompasses the Islamic way and guidance by Quran and Sunnah to tackle the pandemic situations.


Author(s):  
Alizaman D. Gamon ◽  
Mariam Saidona Tagoranao

This study discusses the penetration of Islam in the Philippines, particularly the third wave of its expansion, which was brought by Sufi missionaries. It reinstates the historical relevance of Sufi ideas and approaches due to its contemporary relevance to the concept of social co-existence. The rational, intellectual and philosophical dimension of Islam is manifested in the cultural and traditional life of Muslim communities. The study also analyzes the impact of Muslim struggle for the development of Islamic institutions in the context of the secular state. The ongoing, unsettled debate between Islamic and government approaches to peace and development in Mindanao and Sulu continues unabated. Over the years, reforms were introduced, but in their midst, evidence of government biases and prejudices with regards to Islamic institutions have surfaced. Muslim leaders and intellectuals responded in the context of historical rights and freedom, but those views were often questioned as they are presumed to be incompatible with the national agenda for national unity. It was very recently that this incompatibility was readdressed giving support to having lasting peace and justice in Mindanao. The study argues that there have been substantial state-sponsored reforms which may contribute to the gradual advancement of Muslim communities. Though the path for the passage of Muslim concerns within the given condition is fragile and open to challenges, the study recognizes the prominence of inter-civilizational dialogue, from which the universal values of humanity will be embraced by both Muslim and non-Muslim policy makers. In addition, Muslim and non-Muslim communities in the Philippines need to embrace the universal principle of humanity and coexistence due to its relevance to the political stability and economic growth in the country.  Keywords: Muslims in the Philippines, Islamic institutions, Islamization, Muslim intellectuals, Reform. Abstrak Kajian ini mengkaji tentang kemasukan Islam, terutamanya gelombang ketiga perkembangannya, yang dibawa oleh para pendakwah sufi. Kajian itu mengembalikan semula sejarah penting tentang idea-idea dan pendekatan Sufi yang boleh digunapakai pada masa kini untuk mewujudkan keharmonian sosial di kalangan rakyat pelbagai agama. Pemahaman tentang Islam mempunyai pengaruh yang jelas terhadap kebudayaan dan tradisi Islam. Kajian ini juga menganalisis kesan perjuangan Muslim untuk pembangunan institusi Islam dalam konteks sebuah negara sekular. Perbahasan yang berterusan yang tidak menemukan penyelesaian antara pendekatan Islam dan pendekatan kerajaan untuk perdamaian serta pembangunan di Mindanao dan Sulu terus berlanjutan. Walaupun  bertahun-tahun pembaharuan telah dilakukan, namun terdapat bukti penolakan dan prasangka buruk kerajaan terhadap institusi Islam. Para pemimpin dan intelektual Muslim bertindak berdasarkan pada fakta sejarah dan hak kebebasan bersuara, namun pandangan mereka sering dipertikaikan kerana mereka dianggap tidak seiring dengan agenda dan perpaduan nasional. Baru-baru ini ketidakserasian ini mulai disuarakan semula untuk mendapat sokongan terhadap keamanan dan keadilan yang berterusan di Mindanao. Kajian ini mendapati bahawa terdapat pembaharuan yang dilakukan oleh pihak kerajaan yang boleh menyumbang ke arah  kemajuan masyarakat Islam secara beransur-ansur. Walaupun pendekatan bagi memenuhi hasrat orang Islam masih dalam keadaan yang rapuh dan penuh cabaran, namun kajian ini mengusulkan peripentingnya dialog antara peradaban dimana nilai-nilai universal manusia akan diperoleh dan dipegang oleh kedua-kedua pihak pembuat dasar iaitu  Islam dan bukan Islam. Di samping itu, umat Islam dan bukan Islam di Filipina perlu mengkaji dan mencontohi model keharmonian sosial Malaysia dan Singapura kerana kaitannya dengan kestabilan politik dan pertumbuhan ekonomi. Kata Kunci: Muslim di Filipina, institusi Islam, Islamisasi, intelektual Islam, Pembaharuan.


2021 ◽  
pp. 026921552110505
Author(s):  
Qi Lu ◽  
Dongrui Wang ◽  
Li Fu ◽  
Xue Wang ◽  
LiYa Li ◽  
...  

Objective To explore the effect of stigma on social participation in community-dwelling Chinese patients with stroke sequelae. Design A cross-sectional survey study. Setting The study was conducted in two community centres in Tianjin, China. Subjects Community-dwelling Chinese patients with stroke sequelae. Measures Chinese version of Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness, Chinese version of Impact on Participation and Autonomy, Modified Barthel index, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire, background and disease-related questions. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were computed between stigma and social participation. The impact of stigma on social participation was estimated by hierarchical multiple regression analysis after controlling for demographic, physical and psychosocial characteristics. Results In total, 136 patients with stroke sequelae were included in this study, with a mean age of 67.8 years. The Chinese version of the Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness had a mean score of 48.4 (SD 16.9), and the Chinese version of the Impact on Participation and Autonomy was 67.1 (SD 21.1). Significant correlations were found between stigma and social participation. Pearson’s correlation coefficient ranged from 0.354 to 0.605 ( P < 0.01). Enacted stigma provided a significant explanation for the variance of social participation by 1.1% ( P < 0.05). Felt stigma provided a significant explanation for the variance of social participation by 2.9% ( P < 0.001). Conclusion Felt stigma and enacted stigma have independent associations with social participation. Patients with stroke sequelae who reported higher stigma experienced a lower level of social participation.


2003 ◽  
Vol 183 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emad Salib

BackgroundThe tragic events of 11 September 2001 and televised scenes of the terrorists' homicidal and suicidal acts could have had an impact on the behaviour of some people, who harbour suicidal ideation or homicidal tendencies.AimsTo assess the effect of 11 September 2001 on the rate of suicide and homicide in England and Wales.MethodAnalysis of the number of suicides (ICD–9 codes: E950–E959), undetermined injury deaths (E980–E989) and homicides (E960–E969) in England and Wales in the 12 weeks before and after 11 September 2001 and during a similar period in the previous two years.ResultsThe number of suicides reported in the month of September 2001 was significantly lower than other months in the same year and any September of the previous 22 years in England and Wales. A suicide reduction in men, regardless of age, occurred in the week starting Tuesday 11 September 2001. A reduction in female suicide occurred during the four weeks following the attack. There was no evidence of a similar effect on homicide.ConclusionsThe tragic events of 11 September 2001 appear to have had a brief but significant inverse effect on suicide. The finding of this study supports Durkheim's theory that periods of external threat create group integration within society and lower the suicide rate through the impact on social cohesion.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-75
Author(s):  
C. C. Nyarko ◽  
K. Agyarko ◽  
P. K. Nyarko ◽  
L. Brew

Generally, the constant change in demographic trends among the aged depict gradual increase in the size of the aged population globally. The aged population is often capitalised with degenerative conditions such as chronic illness which affect their ability to function effectively and often require special support. Despite the increase in the size of the aged population and their associated degenerative conditions, very few descriptive studies on the determinants of chronic illness among the aged has been researched especially in developing countries such as Ghana and there is no compelling evidence on the association of chronic illness and its determinants. Thus, this study seeks to analyse and predict the impact of age, gender, education, marital status, Quality of Life (QoL), social cohesion, settlement and depression on chronic illness among the aged population in Ghana. From the studies a Multinomial Logit Regression (MLR) was employed to analyse the data obtained from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) under, Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE), 2012. It was revealed that out of the 1384 sampled, 71% had no chronic illness whilst 22% and 7% had one and two or more chronic illness respectively. Again, it was observed that, Depression State, Gender, Marital Status and Settlement Type (rural or urban) play significant roles in determining the likelihood of the aged getting chronic illness while Physical Function, Social Cohesion, QoL, Age and Education Level were not statistically significant determinants of chronic illness. Our findings demonstrate that chronic illness among the aged is constantly increasing in Ghana especially in the urban communities and need to be addressed urgently through governmental policies and programs in the quest to help salvage the deteriorating conditions of the aged.   Keywords: Aged Population, Multinomial Logit Model, Chronic Illness


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Sophie Grenier ◽  
Louise Lafontaine ◽  
Andréanne Sharp

It is well known and documented that sensory perception decreases with age. In the elderly population, hearing loss and reduced vestibular function are among the most prevalently affected senses. Two important side effects of sensory deprivation are cognitive decline and decrease in social participation. Hearing loss, vestibular function impairment, and cognitive decline all lead to a decrease in social participation. Altogether, these problems have a great impact on the quality of life of the elderly. This is why a rehabilitation program covering all of these aspects would therefore be useful for clinicians. It is well known that long-term music training can lead to cortical plasticity. Behavioral improvements have been measured for cognitive abilities and sensory modalities (auditory, motor, tactile, and visual) in healthy young adults. Based on these findings, it is possible to wonder if this kind of multisensory training would be an interesting therapy to not only improve communication but also help with posture and balance, cognitive abilities, and social participation. The aim of this review is to assess and validate the impact of music therapy in the context of hearing rehabilitation in older adults. Musical therapy seems to have a positive impact on auditory perception, posture and balance, social integration, and cognition. While the benefits seem obvious, the evidence in the literature is scarce. However, there is no reason not to recommend the use of music therapy as an adjunct to audiological rehabilitation in the elderly when possible. Further investigations are needed to conclude on the extent of the benefits that music therapy could bring to older adults. More data are needed to confirm which hearing abilities can be improved based on the many characteristics of hearing loss. There is also a need to provide a clear protocol for clinicians on how this therapy should be administered to offer the greatest possible benefits.


2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 189
Author(s):  
Shaimma El Naggar

<p>Over the past few decades, televangelism has emerged as one important media phenomenon, inter alia, among Muslim communities. As a phenomenon, televangelism is interesting in many respects; it is a manifestation of the phenomenon of "info-tainment" as televangelists integrate entertainment features such as sound effects and music in their sermons. It is also a manifestation of the rise of the celebrity culture as televangelists have become 'media celebrities' with thousands of hundreds of fans and followers on social media networks.</p><p> </p><p>Thematically, this study is divided into two main sections. First. I delineate the characteristics of televangelism as a novel form of religious expression in which televangelists adopt a modern style and use colloquial language; and in which televangelists present religion as a source of individual change. I have argued that these features seem to have granted televangelists popularity particularly among Muslim youth who view televangelism as a new form of religious expression that is modern in appearance and relevant to their everyday lives.</p><p>The study has further highlighted the importance of digital media technologies in popularizing televangelists' programmes and sermons. Drawing on two case studies of popular televangelists, namely Amr Khaled and Hamza Yusuf, the study has shown that televangelists draw on a plethora of digital media tools to extend the visibility of their programmes including websites and social media networks. The study has found that televangelists' fans play an important role in popularizing televangelists' programmes. Moreover, the study relates televangelism to the rise of digital Islam. The study has argued that digitization and the increase of literacy rates have changed the structure of religious authority in the twenty first century, giving rise to new voices that are competing for authority. </p><p>Having provided an explanatory framework for the phenomenon of televangelism, the study moves in the second section to critique televangelism as an 'info-tainment' phenomenon.</p>Drawing on Carrette and King's <em>Selling Spirituality, </em>one issue that the study raises is the extent to which televangelism fits into the modern form of 'spiritualities'. Rather than being a critical reflection of the consumer culture, modern spiritualities seem to 'smooth out' resistance to the hegemony of capitalism and consumerism. I have proposed that it is through a content-related analysis of televangelists' sermons that one can get a nuanced understanding of how the discourses of particular televangelists can possibly relate to dominant (capitalist) ideologies, how structures of power are represented in their discourses and what their texts may reveal about the socio-historical contexts of Muslims in the twenty first century.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 1142
Author(s):  
Wen-Chou Chi ◽  
Wei-Chen Cheng ◽  
Ting-Hung Chen ◽  
Po-Jin Lin

Background: In Taiwan, the Chiayi City Government and Industrial Development Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs have worked together to promote smart health management in the community and encourage people to use the intelligent physical health measurement system (IPHMS) with Smart Body Health Measuring Machine. Volunteers help participants in the community to use the IPHMS to ensure that measurements are taken correctly. Objectives: This study aimed to explore volunteers’ satisfaction with using the IPHMS and the effects of the measurement service on the participants’ measurement behavior intention, and further explore the impact on their active aging. Methods: This study used a paper questionnaire to survey both the participants of the measurement service and the community volunteers from March to April 2021. A total of 180 valid responses were collected. Results: The sociodemographic information showed that the volunteers were mostly female, were aged over 61 years old, had received junior college education, had spent less than 3–6 years in community service, and had 6 months to 1 year of measured service experience. Additionally, the participants of the measurement service were mostly female, were aged over 61 years old, had received below middle school education, had spent less than 1–3 years in community service, and spent an average of 5 days in the community each week. Our results showed that the information quality (β = 0.352, p < 0.001) and system quality (β = 0.701, p < 0.001) had significant effects on volunteers’ satisfaction of using the IPHMS. Subjective norms had significant effects on participants’ perceived disease threat (β = 0.347, p < 0.001) and behavior intention of management service (β = 0.701, p < 0.001); furthermore, behavior intention had significant effects on their social participation for active aging (β = 0.430, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Improving the system and information quality is likely to improve volunteers’ satisfaction with the system. Active aging factors only affect social participation, which represents the measurement services promote for social interaction mostly.


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