scholarly journals Old women and tablets: information behaviour in unfavourable contexts and social mediators

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martha Sabelli ◽  

Introduction. In Uruguay, the Ibirapitá Plan provides a tablet for every low-income retired woman. That motivated the research of old women’s information behaviour related to access and use of inclusive information for overcoming their disinformation. This work has the following purposes: (i) contributing to research focused on knowing and interpreting the role of social mediators and old women in the processes of access, search and appropriation of information using the Plan’s tablets; (ii) investigating users' needs of local information; and, (iii) offering such information in a participatory design of a digital solution for tablets by an interdisciplinary team. Methods. A mix of methods was applied using a questionnaire and mainly qualitative methods: in-depth interviews with qualified informants and trainers, observation of tablet-distribution workshops, focus groups and validation workshops of the digital solution designed for tablets applied in two capital cities and two small towns with the collaboration of community organisations. Analysis of the results.The analysis of the results is presented according to five dimensions of analysis and the questions that the research seeks to respond to. Discussion and conclusion. The affirmations and experiences raised regarding the technological device open a wide range of challenges to overcome and learning opportunities both for tablet users and for the production, content management and future designs of search interfaces.

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Murilo Carrazedo Costa Filho ◽  
Roberto P.Q. Falcao ◽  
Paulo Cesar de Mendonça Motta

Purpose Low-income consumers (LICs) have gained more attention from marketers after Prahalad and Hart (2004) called attention to untapped opportunities among the world’s poorest. Once neglected and seen as price-driven, more recent research has depicted LICs as brand-conscious consumers who are willing to pay a premium for quality. However, because LICs must balance their tight budgets with aspirations for branded items, this perspective may be too optimistic. To address this issue, the purpose of this paper is to investigate brand consideration and loyalty among LICs across a wide range of products. Design/methodology/approach The authors used a qualitative-inductive approach to assess LICs’ brand considerations across ten fast-moving consumer goods. In-depth interviews with 20 Brazilian LICs were conducted. Findings The authors found that brand loyalty among LICs is both context- and category-dependent. Patterns of loyalty are influenced by five factors: perceived differentiation, perceived risk, contextual usage, proportion of the category expenditure to household income and hedonic vs functional consumption. It seems that the interplay of these factors ultimately shapes differently the attitudes and repeated patronage of brands within each category among LICs. Research limitations/implications Generalizability of findings is limited owing to the qualitative method used. Practical implications The authors provide practical insights to managers concerning key attributes that influence brand consideration and loyalty among LICs. Originality/value This paper adds to the yet limited knowledge on LICs and provides a deeper and more holistic understanding of the relation of LICs with brands.


Journalism ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 609-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin Vandevoordt

While recent decades have seen the rise of a vast body of work on war reporting, there have been few sociological explanations of why journalists deal with challenging situations in particular ways. This article contributes to bridging the gap between practice-based studies of war reporting and general sociological studies of journalism as a profession, by providing a systematically sociological account of the factors that influenced how the Syrian conflict was covered by Dutch and Flemish reporters working for a wide range of media. In doing so, this article draws on 13 in-depth interviews with those reporters, which is informed by a content analysis of their work, and Pierre Bourdieu’s concepts of economic, social and cultural capital on both an institutional and an individual level. In addition, it is argued that Bourdieusian analyses may be developed further by distinguishing between endogenous and exogenous forms of cultural capital.


2008 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross Langmead

AbstractThis paper argues that reconciliation can function as an integrating metaphor (or model) for Christian mission. The mission of God is for transformed relationships in all dimensions – between humans and God, between humans, and between humans and creation. Reconciliation is all about setting things right. Used metaphorically in the theology of mission it beautifully covers and draws together a wide range of ideas which, it is argued, are simply facets of the one mission of God for reconciliation. The paper analyses the role of metaphor in theology. It considers biblical terms related to reconciliation, such as sacrificial atonement, shalom, justice and peacemaking. It then considers five dimensions of Christian mission to illustrate the integrative power of reconciliation as a governing metaphor for mission: conversion as reconciliation, international peacemaking, reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples, reconciliation between Christians and reconciliation with creation. Cet article soutient que la réconciliation peut fonctionner comme métaphore d'intégration (ou modèle) pour la mission chrétienne. Le but de la mission de Dieu est de transformer les relations dans toutes leurs dimensions – entre les êtres humains et Dieu, entre les humains eux-mêmes et entre eux et la création. Le but de la réconciliation est de tout remettre droit. Utilisée comme métaphore en théologie de la mission, elle recouvre et rassemble magnifiquement tout un éventail d'idées qui ne sont que des facettes de l'unique mission de réconciliation de Dieu, dit notre auteur. L'article analyse le rôle de la métaphore en théologie. Il examine les termes bibliques ayant trait à la réconciliation tels que le sacrifice d'expiation, le shalom, la justice, la construction de la paix. Il reprend ensuite cinq dimensions de la mission chrétienne, pour illustrer la force d'intégration de la réconciliation considérée comme métaphore de la mission : la conversion comme réconciliation, la construction de la paix internationale, la réconciliation entre les peuples indigènes et les non indigènes, la réconciliation entre chrétiens et la réconciliation avec la création. Dieser Beitrag behauptet, dass Versöhnung als eine integrierende Metapher (oder Modell) für christliche Mission funktionieren kann. Die Mission Gottes zielt auf veränderte Beziehungen in allen Bereichen – zwischen den Menschen und Gott, zwischenmenschlich und zwischen dem Menschen und der Schöpfung. Versöhnung bedeutet alle Dinge in die rechte Beziehung zu setzen. Wenn man sie metaphorisch in der Missionstheologie verwendet, schließt sie sehr schön einen weiten Bereich von Ideen ein und bringt sie zusammen, weil sie, so wird behauptet, einfach Facetten der einen Mission Gottes für Versöhnung darstellen. Der Artikel analysiert die Rolle von Metaphern in der Theologie. Er untersucht biblische Begriffe mit Bezug auf Versöhnung, wie Vergebung durch Opfer, Schalom, Gerechtigkeit, Friedensarbeit. Dann überlegt der Artikel fünf Dimensionen der christlichen Mission, um die Integrationsfähigkeiten von Versöhnung als Hauptmetapher für Mission zu beschreiben: Bekehrung als Versöhnung, internationale Friedensarbeit, Versöhnung zwischen einheimischen und nicht-einheimischen Völkern, Versöhnung unter Christen und Versöhnung mit der Schöpfung. Este artículo propone que la reconciliación puede funcionar como una metáfora (o modelo) integrante para la misión cristiana. La misión de Dios se dirige a relaciones transformadas en todas las dimensiones – entre los seres humanos y Dios, entre la gente y entre los humanos y la creación. La reconciliación tiene que ver sobre todo con articular las cosas de manera correcta. Cuando se la usa metafóricamente en la teología de la misión, ella cubre bellamente y junta una amplia gama de ideas que, según se propone, son simplemente facetas de la única misión de Dios por la reconciliación. Este artículo analiza el papel de una metáfora en teología. Considera los términos relacionados con reconciliación, como son la expiación sacrificial, shalom, justicia, hacer las paces. A continuación considera cinco dimensiones de la misión cristiana para ilustrar el poder de integración de la reconciliación como una metáfora central para la misión: la conversión como reconciliación, el trabajo internacional por la paz, la reconciliación entre pueblos indígenas y no-indígenas, la reconciliación entre cristianos y la reconciliación con la creación.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 427-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernadett Csurgó ◽  
Boldizsár Megyesi

Abstract Self-promotion and reinterpretation of local identity is becoming increasingly important in rural communities. Local identity building is succeeded very differently by rural municipalities and regions. The paper analyses the role of small towns in local identity creation. There are varying interpretations of places in Hungary as ways of achieving meaningful territorialisation. Small towns based on their leading and central position within the micro regions can dominate the place-making processes. Using the example of six Hungarian rural micro-regions we analyse how rural small towns position themselves by local image building. The aim of this paper is to investigate interactions between territorial position and innovative capacity of rural towns through the analysis of symbolisation process and image building. We purpose to introduce a concept of a place oriented approach and demonstrate its usefulness for analysis of rural innovation and place-based development. The case-studies are based on qualitative methods: document-analysis, semi-structured interviews, transect walking and participatory observation. The paper analyses the process of local community and identity building in six rural micro-regions. We seek to understand how small towns position themselves in place-making, the aim of ‘placing’ themselves in the territorial hierarchy of the settlements of micro region. Our results suggest that small towns play very different roles in local image building. Characteristics and territorial scope of local cultural heritage significantly determine the innovative capacity of small towns in local image building where there is a wide range of meanings procedures and processes of place-making.


Author(s):  
Alexandru Gribincea ◽  
Aliona Daniliuc ◽  
Silvestru Maximilian ◽  
Genadii Brovka

In the present article the authors describe the essence of cooperation and those strategic problems that can be solved internationally only through cooperation efforts. In this context, the authors propose to understand cooperation as the actions of a few companies, corporations from one country or several countries that through their activities contribute to the achievement of goals of economic, ecological and social importance for a region, a country, many countries or for all humanity. The role of consumer cooperation arises undoubtedly from the fact that, with the craft, it is a component of the private sector, structured coherent, able to guarantee and develop a good middle class individual. Consumer cooperation is mainly directed social section with relatively low income and its role, in the fact, is to unite material and intellectual efforts, to a wide range of individuals can become, through a participatory coherent system, totally economic independent, thus ensuring a decent and adequate social protection. Cooperation generates productive systems based on principles and technologies, it can be multispectral, creates preconditions for demand increasing, solves some marketing problems, creates a comfortable space for the activities of all economic subjects.   В статье рассмотрена сущность кооперации и те стратегические проблемы, которые могут быть решены только на международном уровне и путем сотрудничества между странами. Авторы предлагают рассматривать кооперацию как совместные действия нескольких компаний, корпораций из одной или нескольких стран, которые своими дей­ствиями делают вклад в общее экономическое, экологическое и социальное развитие регионов, стран и человечества в целом. Кооперация рождает производственные систе­мы на основе технологий, создает предпосылки для роста спроса, решает проблемы маркетинга, создает условия для эффективного функционирования всех экономических субъектов.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 628-628
Author(s):  
Jessica Brewer ◽  
Maria Santos ◽  
M. Pia Chaparro

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study is to assess the perceived role of food assistance programs (FAPs) in the development and prevention of overweight/obesity (OW/OB) in two low-income districts of Lima, Peru and analyze how these perceptions have changed across time. Methods In 2009, we conducted focus groups with FAP beneficiaries and in-depth interviews with FAP administrators (N = 34) from three common FAPs in two low-income districts of Lima, Peru. These data captured participants’ perceptions of OW/OB and their recommendations to address them. We conducted grounded theory analysis on this dataset to identify dominant themes and structure a second round of data collection. In January-February 2021, we are conducting in-depth interviews with FAP beneficiaries and administrators from the same programs and districts (current N = 16, expected N = 36). We will conduct grounded theory analysis on the second dataset and cross-analyze the two datasets to measure differences and similarities. Results In 2009, nearly all FAP beneficiaries and half of FAP administrators identified OW/OB as a public health problem in their community. They expressed need for more nutrition education, potentially through FAPs. Most FAP administrators and some beneficiaries also recommended offering healthier food in one particular FAP (Community Kitchens). Preliminary results from 2021 reveal that nearly all FAP beneficiaries and administrators perceived OW/OB to be a problem in their community. Educational resources about OW/OB were limited and participants continued to recommend increased outreach, potentially through FAPs. Most beneficiaries of Community Kitchens cited the need for healthier food options. Conclusions From 2009 to 2021, more FAP beneficiaries and administrators perceived OW/OB to be a problem in their communities; however, resources to address this problem remained limited. Our findings suggest the need for increased nutrition education through FAPs and adjustments to foods available in specific FAPs. Funding Sources Tulane University.


2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 273-287
Author(s):  
Michal Perlstein ◽  
Sylwia Ciuk

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to contribute to cross culture training (CCT) literature by exploring the HR managers roles in CCT provision and the reasons affecting the given role enactment. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory study is based on in-depth interviews with 15 Israeli HR managers in charge of the provision of CCT in their respective companies and five interviews with CCT professionals who provide CCT training for a wide range of companies operating in Israel. Findings The study highlights the significant impact of HR managers’ awareness and perceptions of CCT on its provision and discusses a related self-perpetuating cycle of current practice reinforcement that limits the likelihood of practice improvement. Research limitations/implications The limitations of the exploratory design of the study call for further research on HR roles in CCT provision. Practical implications The findings suggest that HR managers partly design and implement practice according to what they believe are unmet expatriate needs and what they perceive as effective HR tools. The authors discuss the practical value of raising their awareness not only of CCT designs and methodologies, but also of the complexities of expatriate adjustment and the opportunities offered by rigorous evaluation of current practice. Originality/value The study departs from the dominant focus in the literature on the content and methodologies of CCT and instead explores the neglected role of HR managers in CCT provision.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-131
Author(s):  
Vibeke Krane ◽  
Ellen Andvig

Adolescents’ homes are fundamental components of their living conditions and essential for their everyday life, health, well-being and development. Previous research has focused on how housing affects adolescents through investigating certain aspects of adolescent health and future outcomes. In this qualitative study, we explored low-income family adolescents’ subjective experiences of their homes and in what ways their experiences of housing influenced their everyday lives. Seven participants aged between 12 and 20 years were recruited through a housing project. The participants were interviewed using individual in-depth interviews. The data were analysed using a thematic analysis and organised into four themes: 1) housing features affecting social life and privacy, 2) moving around, 3) the importance of neighbourhood and 4) worries and dreams. The findings show how the housing standards affected adolescents’ social life and privacy. House moves could provide new opportunities but also lead to a lack of continuity in relationships. The neighbourhood was highlighted as a public sphere, providing access to places and friends. Adolescents’ worries and dreams concerning housing conditions are also presented. The results show how housing is central in shaping adolescents’ social relationships, the importance of access to neighbourhood spheres and how adolescents adapt to their situation. The findings further reveal the important underlying processes to facilitate a greater understanding of the role of housing in low-income family adolescents’ lives.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Yang ◽  
Sharon DeCelle ◽  
Mike Reed ◽  
Karl Rosengren ◽  
Robert Schlagal ◽  
...  

This article presents a qualitative study following a 6-month Taiji (T'ai Chi)/Qigong (Ch'i Kung) intervention for older adults. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews of eight selected participants who elected to continue practicing Taiji after the intervention ended, in order to explore their subjective experiences of Taiji's effects and their motivations for continuing to practice. We created a Layers Model to capture the significance and meaning of the multidimensionality of their reported experiences. Participants not only reported simple benefits along five dimensions of experience (physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual) but also described complex multidimensional experiences. Overall findings indicate that participants derived a very wide variety of perceived benefits, the most meaningful being a felt sense of body-mind-spirit integration. Our results support the important role of qualitative studies in researching the effects of Taiji and Qigong.


2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Kigozi ◽  
J. Ssebunnya

Mental health care is receiving increased attention in low-income countries with the availability of a wide range of effective evidence-based treatments for acute and chronic mental disorders amidst scarce resources. Availability of these treatments and competent human resources enables the use of a variety of interventions at several levels of care for persons with mental illness and makes it feasible to ensure observance of quality in the treatment approaches that go beyond institutionalisation. However, unlike developed countries which are endowed with many and relatively well-paid mental health specialists, low-income countries face a dire shortage of highly trained mental health professionals in addition to several other challenges. In light of this, there is need to re-assess the role of the few available psychiatrists, with a shift to new core tasks such as designing mental health care programmes that can be delivered by non-specialists, building their health system's capacity for delivering care, including supporting front-line health workers through support supervision, raising awareness on mental health and patients’ rights in addition to promoting essential research. This requires a fundamental paradigm shift from the current training for mental health specialists to a public health oriented approach and providing incentives for community engagement.


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