Culturally Based Education for Sustainability—Insights from a Pioneering Ultraorthodox City in Israel

Because culture affects the way people perceive human–nature relationships, it is acknowledged as a crucial component of sustainability. Israel has made efforts to involve cultural groups in education-for-sustainability (EfS). However, EfS within minorities still lags behind the dominant social majority. This study addressed incorporating EfS in the ultraorthodox sector (“ultraorthodoxing” EfS), focusing on a pioneering ultraorthodox municipality. In this interpretive study, interviews were conducted with nine stakeholders that hold key-positions regarding EfS policy-making. It explored how sustainability is introduced into ultraorthodox discourse and promoted in this community. Challenges to incorporating EfS include low environmentalism among the ultraorthodox and cultural–religious barriers. The findings indicate several directions of activity implemented by the Municipality to adapt EfS to ultraorthodox values and worldviews. The study suggests several principles for incorporating EfS in diverse cultural groups within multicultural societies (for example, allocating leaders from within the cultural group and developing their professional expertise, and establishing productive external–internal partnerships). Based on the findings, we suggest that implementing the particularistic approach within specific communities provides the means for empowering them, and is a necessary stage towards the participation of such cultural groups in pluralistic dialogue in wider society.

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When is the spread of a cultural trait due to cultural group selection? The case of religious syncretism

Behavioral and Brain Sciences ◽

10.1017/s0140525x15000229 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 39 ◽

Author(s):

Carlos Santana ◽

Raj Patel ◽

Shereen Chang ◽

Michael Weisberg

Keyword(s):

Group Selection ◽

Cultural Group ◽

Cultural Groups ◽

Cultural Group Selection ◽

Cultural Trait ◽

Cultural Systems ◽

Cultural Traits ◽

Religious Syncretism

AbstractThe reproduction of cultural systems in cases where cultural group selection may occur is typically incomplete, with only certain cultural traits being adopted by less successful cultural groups. Why a particular trait and not another is transmitted might not be explained by cultural group selection. We explore this issue through the case of religious syncretism.

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Co-Cultural Theory and Communication

Communication ◽

10.1093/obo/9780199756841-0259 ◽

2021 ◽

Keyword(s):

Lived Experiences ◽

Cultural Difference ◽

Cultural Theory ◽

The United States ◽

Basic Question ◽

Cultural Group ◽

Cultural Groups ◽

Dominant Group ◽

Group Status ◽

Group Members

Co-cultural communication theory, or co-cultural theory for short, emerged from the scholarly research of Mark Orbe in the 1990s. A co-cultural theoretical approach provides a lens to understand how traditionally underrepresented group members communicate within societal structures governed by cultural groups that have, over time, achieved dominant group status. The theory’s foundation was established by Orbe and colleagues by exploring the communicative lived experiences of underrepresented group members in the United States; the earliest work engaged the communication of co-cultural groups defined through race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, disability, and sexual orientation. The theory centralizes the lived experiences of co-cultural group members and focuses on instances when cultural difference is regarded as salient. At its core, co-cultural theory explores one basic question: How do co-cultural group members use communication to negotiate their cultural identities with others (both like and unlike themselves) in a societal context where they are traditionally marginalized? Through discovery-oriented qualitative research, six factors emerged (field of experience, abilities, perceived costs and rewards, communication approach, preferred outcome, and situational context) as central to the selection of specific co-cultural practices. Since its inception, co-cultural theory has been embraced as a core theory for individuals interested in studying the intersection of culture, power, and communication.

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Effects of Cultural and Educational Variables on a Computerized Continuous Performance Task: the EMBRACED CPT

Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology ◽

10.1093/arclin/acz029.25 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 34 (7) ◽

pp. 1258-1258

Author(s):

I Ibanez-Casas ◽

D Jannoo ◽

D Denardis ◽

F De la Cruz ◽

S Santiago ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Educational Level ◽

Performance Test ◽

Hispanic Americans ◽

Continuous Performance Test ◽

Continuous Performance ◽

Cultural Group ◽

Continuous Performance Task ◽

Cultural Groups ◽

American Children ◽

University Degree

Abstract Objective The continuous performance tests (CPTs) are the gold standard to assess vigilance or sustained attention. Many studies have shown that educational level is significantly associated with performance on the CPTs. However, very few studies have made comparisons that included cultural factors (Miranda et al, 2008). Given the breadth of educational systems in different parts of the world, it could be expected that the effect of educational level will vary depending on the culture of origin. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of education on performance on a CPT task in 3 ethnically diverse groups (Hispanic, Non-Hispanic and Spanish). Participants and Method This study includes 57 participants in the EMBRACED project: 12 Hispanic Americans, 26 non-Hispanics Americans, and 19 Spaniards (8.3%, 30% and 57% with high education respectively). Educational level was defined as high (university degree and above) or low (less than a university degree). The EMBRACED CPT is computerized and demands the participant to touch the iPad screen each time a target is presented. In 3 blocks of 100 stimuli each, the number of hits, omissions, and commissions is recorded. Results A mixed between-within subjects analysis of variance was conducted to compare scores in the three blocks of the CPT in relation to the three cultural groups and by education levels. Results showed no interaction effects between cultural groups and education, and no main effects of education for any of the studied variables. However, there was a significant main effect for cultural group for hits (F = 4.676, P = .014) and omissions (F = 5.614, p = .006). Conclusions The overall results for education in this study were not significant and would need further study. The variability in cultural group revealed a consistent effect across all studied variables. The non-Hispanics scored higher in hits and the Spaniards had more omissions. These results justify the need for cultural adaptation of neuropsychological measures. References Miranda, M. C., Sinnes, E. G., Pompeia, S., & Francisco Amodeo Bueno, O. (2008). A comparative study of performance in the Conners' Continuous Performance Test between Brazilian and North American children. Journal of Attention Disorders, 11(5), 588-598.

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Between the market and the state: the capacity of business associations for policy engagement in Uganda

The Journal of Modern African Studies ◽

10.1017/s0022278x16000598 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 54 (4) ◽

pp. 617-644 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Annette Kuteesa ◽

Joseph Mawejje

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Policy Making ◽

Policy Decision ◽

The State ◽

Professional Expertise ◽

Business Associations ◽

State Institutions ◽

Internal Structures ◽

Policy Decision Making ◽

Policy Engagement

AbstractThis study assesses the capabilities of business associations for conducting meaningful policy engagements with government. Using information from 21 associations and five state institutions, this work investigates the level of autonomy and ability of business associations to coordinate and order their interests for policy decision-making. Findings reveal that the ability to organise an association's own interests is hindered by weak systems and internal structures, especially at sub-sector level. Most associations are financially weak, have limited professional expertise and experience a low level of commitment from members, which affects their capacity for autonomy. It is important that business associations create regulations to make membership ties binding, so as to strengthen their influence on policy. Associations should also be more aggressive in mobilising finances, and they should identify synergies and develop partnerships with the state to build their capacity for participating in policy-making.

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Filial responsibility: does it matter for care-giving behaviours?

Ageing and Society ◽

10.1017/s0144686x11000821 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 32 (7) ◽

pp. 1128-1146 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

NEENA L. CHAPPELL ◽

LAURA FUNK

Keyword(s):

Hong Kong ◽

Living Arrangements ◽

Strong Predictor ◽

Total Sample ◽

Hong Kong Chinese ◽

Structural Factors ◽

Cultural Group ◽

Cultural Groups ◽

Filial Responsibility ◽

Care Giving

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the relationship between attitudes of filial responsibility and five different types of care-giving behaviours to parents among three cultural groups. It does so within an assessment of the relative importance of cultural versus structural factors for care-giving behaviours. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 100 Caucasian-Canadians, 90 Chinese-Canadians and 125 Hong Kong-Chinese. Multiple regression analyses assessed the association of cultural and structural factors with behaviours among the total sample and each of the three cultural groups. Limited support was found for an association between care-giving attitudes and care-giving behaviours. Attitudes are related to emotional support only among the two Chinese groups as well as to financial support among Chinese-Canadian respondents and to companionship among Hong Kong-Chinese respondents. Attitudes are not the strongest predictors and are unrelated to assistance with basic and instrumental activities of daily living. However, cultural group per se is a strong predictor of care-giving behaviours as are: parental ill health, living arrangements, and relationship quality. This study suggests gerontological assumptions about the role of societal norms and personal attitudes in parental care-giving should be questioned. It also suggests the need for further inquiry into unpacking those aspects of ‘cultural group’ that are related to behavioural differences, and the importance of examining multiple types of care-giving behaviours and of distinguishing task-oriented helping behaviour from other types of assistance.

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Undo Caves Multi-staged Karstic System and Temporary Camp of the Neanderthal Hunters

South Caucasus – Archaeological Context ◽

10.52147/2667-9353/2021-1-96-108 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 96-108

Author(s):

Nikoloz Tushabramishvili ◽

Keyword(s):

Rock Art ◽

Scientific Study ◽

Northern Caucasus ◽

Middle Paleolithic ◽

Middle Palaeolithic ◽

Cultural Group ◽

Cultural Groups ◽

Cave System ◽

Multi Stage ◽

Zagros Region

In Georgia, a strong foundation for scientific study of this period was developed in 1930-ies. Since then more than 500 Paleolithic sites were identified The frequency of paleolithic sites on the territory of Georgia was determined by geographic position of Georgia itself, as it is situated at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe According to some archaeologists the archaeological evidence demonstrates the different local-cultural groups. Despite the small territory we have at least 5 local-cultural versions in the Middle Palaeolithic singled out with us four out of which are represented in the Rioni-Kvirila basin (Fig ). Most quantity of levallois industries were recovered in Imereti region (Western Georgia). 1. Drouchula,-Kudaro Local-cultural group.Mousterian assemblages characterized by blades and elongated points, as recovered in Drouchula, Tsona,Kudaro and other sites, resemble the “Tabun D-type” and Hummallian entities in the Levant.Unfortunatly, we have not the dates from this sites, but we assume that they are younger than Levantian “Tabun-D type”; at the same time, this industry has some similarities with the Northern-Caucasus Miqoqian industries , as well. 2. Tsutskhvati caves Local-cultural group. Multi-stage cave system characterized by the industry which resemble the Zagros region, but there are some differences-the non-Levalloias industry of Tsutskhvati is denticulated; 3. Tskaltsitela local-cultural group- Levalloiasian, denticulated industry (by M.Nioradze); 4. Tsopi Local-cultural.The industry of Tsopi site differs from above mentioned sites by the high quantity of the tools of Quina and Demi-Quina type; 5. Tskhinvali local-cultural group (according to v. Lubin)-Levalois, Unretouched industry. Another type of industry is represented I Ortvala Klde, Djieti open-air site etc.- Mousterian assemblages such as in Ortvala Klde demonstrates similarities with the Middle Paleolithic industries of Anatolia, the Zagros region-recurrent Levallois big number of the convergent tools. Most of the local-cultural groups and the sites are discovered in Western Georgia (Imereti Region) A first evidence of the Middle Paleolithic hunters temporary camp which, possibly has been used as place for some kind of rituals and where is represented a first evidence of the cave rock-art in Georgia has been determined in Rion-Kvirila basin as well. This is a cave-site named “Undo Cave”. Recently, we discovered some other cave-sites near Undo Cave. This fact gave a reason to consider Undo Cave as a one of the caves of Multi-staged cave system which doesn’t belong to any above mentioned groups.

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Ethno-cultural disparities in mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study on the impact of exposure to the virus and COVID-19-related discrimination and stigma on mental health across ethno-cultural groups in Quebec (Canada)

BJPsych Open ◽

10.1192/bjo.2020.146 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Diana Miconi ◽

Zhi Yin Li ◽

Rochelle L. Frounfelker ◽

Tara Santavicca ◽

Jude Mary Cénat ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cultural Group ◽

Cultural Groups ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Public Health Authorities ◽

Health Related ◽

The Impact

Background Although social and structural inequalities associated with COVID-19 have been documented since the start of the pandemic, few studies have explored the association between pandemic-specific risk factors and the mental health of minority populations. Aims We investigated the association of exposure to the virus, COVID-19-related discrimination and stigma with mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, in a culturally diverse sample of adults in Quebec (Canada). Method A total of 3273 residents of the province of Quebec (49% aged 18–39 years, 57% women, 51% belonging to a minority ethno-cultural group) completed an online survey. We used linear and ordinal logistic regression to identify the relationship between COVID-19 experiences and mental health, and the moderating role of ethno-cultural identity. Results Mental health varied significantly based on socioeconomic status and ethno-cultural group, with those with lower incomes and Arab participants reporting higher psychological distress. Exposure to the virus, COVID-19-related discrimination, and stigma were associated with poorer mental health. Associations with mental health varied across ethno-cultural groups, with exposed and discriminated Black participants reporting higher mental distress. Conclusions Findings indicate sociocultural inequalities in mental health related to COVID-19 in the Canadian context. COVID-19-related risk factors, including exposure, discrimination and stigma, jeopardise mental health. This burden is most noteworthy for the Black community. There is an urgent need for public health authorities and health professionals to advocate against the discrimination of racialised minorities, and ensure that mental health services are accessible and culturally sensitive during and in the aftermath of the pandemic.

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Editorial Comments

Health SA Gesondheid ◽

10.4102/hsag.v7i2.638 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Editorial Office

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Health Care ◽

Attitudes And Beliefs ◽

Cultural Group ◽

Cultural Groups ◽

Ethical Problems ◽

Knowledge And Skills ◽

Official Languages

South Africa is a multicultural and multilingual countrywith eleven official languages and many more dialects.Persons from each cultural group adhere to uniquevalues, attitudes and beliefs influencing their health.Nurses come from all cultural groups. Rendering culturesensitive and culture congruent care in such diversehealth care settings, poses unique ethical problems,which can only be addressed if the health care workerspossess the required knowledge and skills.

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Attributing Human Uniqueness and Human Nature to Cultural Groups: Distinct Forms of Subtle Dehumanization

Group Processes & Intergroup Relations ◽

10.1177/1368430209340415 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 789-805 ◽

Cited By ~ 57

Author(s):

Paul Bain ◽

Joonha Park ◽

Christopher Kwok ◽

Nick Haslam

Keyword(s):

Cultural Studies ◽

Human Nature ◽

Cross Cultural ◽

Implicit Method ◽

Cultural Groups ◽

Ethnic Chinese ◽

Human Uniqueness ◽

Cross Cultural Studies

Research on subtle dehumanization has focused on the attribution of human uniqueness to groups (infrahumanization), but has not examined another sense of humanness, human nature. Additionally, research has not extended far beyond Western cultures to examine the universality of these forms of dehumanization. Hence, the attribution of both forms of humanness was examined in three cross-cultural studies. Anglo-Australian and ethnic Chinese attributed values and traits (Study 1, N = 200) and emotions (Study 2, N = 151) to Australian and Chinese groups, and rated these characteristics on human uniqueness and human nature. Both studies found evidence of complementary attributions of humanness for Australians, who denied Chinese human nature but attributed them with greater human uniqueness. Chinese denied Australians human uniqueness, but their attributions of human nature varied for traits, values, and emotions. Study 3 ( N = 54) demonstrated similar forms of dehumanization using an implicit method. These results and their implications for dehumanization and prejudice suggest the need to broaden investigation and theory to encompass both forms of humanness, and examine the attribution of both lesser and greater humanness to outgroups.

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Policy-Making and Secretariat Influence in the U. N. General Assembly: The Case of Public Information

American Political Science Review ◽

10.2307/1978299 ◽

1960 ◽

Vol 54 (2) ◽

pp. 359-373 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Leon Gordenker

Keyword(s):

United Nations ◽

Policy Making ◽

Public Information ◽

Secretary General ◽

General Assembly ◽

Expert Committee ◽

Great Weight ◽

Professional Expertise ◽

The Many ◽

Internal Balance

During the annual sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations the policy and budget of the Office of Public Information (OPI) of the organization have been the perennial center of a complex debate. Instructions first given the Secretariat in 1946 provide some elements of this debate, while others depend on the professional expertise of the international civil service and on its influence and support in a General Assembly divided several ways. As a whole, the outcome demonstrates once more both the durable force of an attractive idea and the truth of the maxim that secretariats have great weight in the policy processes of international, as of other, organizations. For despite repeated debate and attack OPI has proved enduring and resilient.During the last 15 years the many-faceted program of the agency has shrunk somewhat, to be sure, under the economizer's knife. In particular, it was under unusually severe criticism in 1957, when the General Assembly established an expert committee to investigate UN public information activities, and also in 1958, when the results of the inquiry were discussed. This committee, appointed with the unenthusiastic concurrence of the Secretary General, and made up of six governmental nominees not all of whom had experience with public information, directly challenged some of the working assumptions of OPI and called attention to difficulties with others. Their report struck a blow, too, at the internal balance of OPI, accused it of substantive failures and urged it to design new programs.

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