Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Studies

Editorial Team

HASSS Journal — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

From the state’s development promise to the uncertain lives of farmers in eastern Thailand

Kampanart Benjanavee — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research paper aims to examine the state's development promise in relation to the Eastern Economic Corridor development (EEC) project and its impact on people's livelihoods. The study utilized a qualitative approach and ethnographic research to collect data on the operation of the EEC project and its impact on people's livelihoods. The key informants, who were actively involved in the movement for farm safety, were 25 farmers from a farmers network in Kabinburi district, Prachinburi province, and Phanom Sarakham district, Chachoengsao province. The study found that the EEC project has been a crucial development undertaking in Thailand since 2017. The Thai state has promised that the EEC project will provide a better future for the people, stating that the operation of the project will focus on investing in infrastructure, providing investment privileges, eliminating investment barriers, and establishing a centralized authority. However, the local people's experiences with the EEC project demonstrate the formation of unequal power relations that have led to an uneven distribution of the project's benefits. Although local communities are hopeful that the EEC project will provide access to new markets, they still fear the uncertainty of their lives due to various state mechanisms established in the project, which prevent them from participating in the local decision-making process. Some local farmers have experienced an expansion of factories and waste disposal plants, causing fear of pollution on farms, and other non-agricultural land use activities in the EEC backyard, or peripheral areas of the EEC project.

Conservative Muslim and textual interpretation of the hadiths in polygamy propaganda in Indonesia

Nikmatullah Nikmatullah, Emawati — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The pro-polygamy movement in Indonesia demonstrates not only Islamic doctrine and identity but also the rise of conservative Islam which is legitimized by an understanding of particular hadiths. This article aims to describe polygamy propaganda carried out by conservative Muslim groups on social media which is based on a literal textual understanding of religious texts. This qualitative research used gender analysis to investigate male dominance in polygamous propaganda employing hadith to recruit polygamous class participants. Data for the study were gathered from social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube) as well as online news about polygamy mentoring programs. The polygamous traditions employed by two mentorship communities in Indonesia such as Dauroh Poligami Indonesia (DPI) and Forum Poligami Indonesia (FPI), were used in this study. Polygamy traditions have been selected and interpreted to support polygamy, viewed as mandatory for men, with conservative narratives that support the propaganda of how to marry four wives. It is regarded as a symbol of individual piety and an Islamic lifestyle, inextricably linked to the materialization of religion, which provides polygamy with social and spiritual bliss. Therefore, polygamy propaganda initiated debate among Muslim feminist movements to advocate for gender equality and women's empowerment in modern Indonesia.

Exploring the connectedness of the aspects of Thai KFL learners’ phonological awareness, orthographic awareness, and pronunciation production

Chun-Ye Kim — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to explore how the aspects of Thai KFL (Korean as a foreign language) learners’ (beginner-level, 79 persons) Phonological Awareness (PA), Orthographic Awareness (OA), and Pronunciation Production (PP) are connected in terms of L1 interference. To investigate the aspects of these three realms, PA and OA tasks, which were modified from the previous study, were implemented for the learners, and the data on PP was collected from oral tests. The format of PA and OA tasks was developed in three domains for each: PA items were divided into initial phonemes, final phonemes, and vowel phonemes, while OA items were classified into initial consonants, final consonants, and vowels. Through the results of PA and OA tasks, ㅊ and ㅈ, and ㅍ and ㅂ were derived as the most challenging initial phonemes/letters for Thai learners. ㄹ and ㄴ were also seen as challenging final phonemes/letters. However, new error types were also found in transferring ㄴ into ㄹ, which is the reverse of the previous studies done (ㄹ was transferred into ㄴ). Diphthongs such as ㅠ, ㅛ, ㅕ, and ㅖ have emerged as the most challenging vowels. The aspects of PA and OA were closely reflected in PP, and in turn, the aspects of PP are reflections of the underlying abilities of PA and OA. Therefore, to enhance learners’ pronunciation production, Korean language educators should note that the above-mentioned phonemes and letters are difficult for Thai learners and they need to provide explicit instructional strategies for the corresponding items.

Shaping community-based curriculum of local wisdom on palmyra palm at Huai Krot community in Chai Nat province of Thailand: Initial design processes

Jutharat Nokkaew, Pannarai Subsandee, Prin Khwanriang — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the curriculum development process undertaken by the Huai Krot community in the Chai Nat province of Thailand. The curriculum is centered on the local wisdom on palmyra palm, a valuable local resource. Achievement of this objective was facilitated through the delineation of the preparation and planning phases of course development. The commencement of community curricula entailed the execution of two fundamental stages. Before integrating the community curriculum into the educational process, it was crucial to establish efficient management strategies and conduct a thorough evaluation of the community’s engagement. Data collection involved the use of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The investigation delineated two fundamental phases in the construction of a community curriculum. Preparation involved the assessing community capacity and needs. The primary stage of research was dedicated to familiarizing oneself with the field, whereas the subsequent stage of research was focused on identifying relevant curriculum concerns. The subsequent stage entailed the formulation of a curriculum plan that was firmly grounded in the local community. This stage required executing six tasks pertaining to curriculum formulation. The activities involved the forming of a committee, identifying challenges related to meeting community needs, training of trainers who would form community/local researcher teams, creating a curriculum based on community input, assessing the curriculum, and establishing a supervisory team. The article contributes to the understanding of how community-oriented curricula that utilize local knowledge and resources could play a crucial role in enabling, nurturing, and sustaining the growth of local communities.

Cultural exchange: A case study of Huizhou architecture Yin Yu Tang reassembly in the United States

Juan Chen, Sarawuth Pintong — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

In 1997, the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) acquired the Yin Yu Tang (Hall of Plentiful Shelter), a historic Huizhou building situated in Xiuning County, Anhui province, China. This structure is a significant example of China’s Huizhou architectural heritage. It was shipped to the United States, and underwent meticulous reconstruction at the museum’s premises in Salem, Massachusetts. The objectives of this research were 1) to scrutinize the transplantation of architectural heritage within the Yin Yu Tang project, as well as its related cultural and traditional aspects; 2) to describe how Yin Yu Tang was "revitalized" in a new socio-cultural environment by providing an in-depth interpretation of Yin Yu Tang in a multicultural context; and 3) to examine the essential position of Yin Yu Tang in the overseas dissemination of traditional Huizhou architecture. This study adopts research methods in architectural culturology to conduct an analytical study, gathering information from existing documents in the United States and collecting data through interviews with key individuals in China. It is clearly shown that the "transplantation" of the Yin Yu Tang provides a valuable cross-cultural opportunity for the American public to gain insights into Chinese culture, architecture, customs, and family routines. It also encourages reflection on the importance of preserving historic buildings, not only from an architectural standpoint but also in terms of adapting to evolving values through the lens of architectural culture.

Broken rung roles in the female leadership deficit phenomenon in Indonesia

Muhammad Irfan Syaebani, Dian Rezky Catur Pitaloka, Maria Ulpah — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The underrepresentation of women in top management positions is marked by a decline in participation as the hierarchy rises. This study investigates the impact of the "broken rung" phenomenon—referring to unfair promotion systems as a key barrier to female career advancement—on the leadership deficit among women in Indonesia. Using a qualitative methodology and a phenomenological approach, data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. The research analysis followed four stages of coding: open coding, axial coding, selective coding, and process coding. Findings reveal that gender stereotypes in certain industries and occupations contribute to the scarcity of female leaders. The shortage of female leaders initially stems from the limited presence of women in specific industries, influenced by these stereotypes. The "broken rung" is not the primary factor in Indonesia’s female leadership deficit, as there were already few women in specific sectors before unfair company systems impacted them. The root cause is not an unfriendly promotion system, but rather the unequal distribution of female workers across industries. Feminine-dominated sectors see higher female representation, while masculine-dominated sectors do not. Unfortunately, a significant portion of jobs are perceived as masculine, leading to an overrepresentation of male-dominated industries.

Driving a three-age learning curriculum from local wisdom under the “YANGKHINOK Model” in Thailand

Kittipong Pearnpitak, Noppon Akahat, Pratueng Moungon — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study had the objective of developing a three-age learning curriculum from local wisdom under the YANGKHINOK Model which focuses on time, resources, knowledge, skills, and sincerity to enhance competency and leverage social networks in Khueang Nai District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand. Due to the dynamics of global society influencing Thai education, integrating local wisdom in curriculum development is essential for preserving cultural heritage and community sustainability. A mixed method of qualitative case studies and quantitative evaluation was employed to assess the efficacy of the local wisdom project. Key findings spotlighted the importance of community participation, educational coordination, and the appropriate development of a curriculum for all age groups by the YANGKHINOK Model (Youth, Adult, Narration, Gathering, Knowledge, Hearkening, Impetus, Network, Older Persons, Keeping). This inclusive approach emphasizes the critical role of collaboration among local communities and educational institutions to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant and adaptable across different generations. The approach also aims to create a contemporary democratic society by promoting continuous learning and sustainable professional development that fosters long-term community resilience. It was concluded that a sustainable community curriculum must include these components to meet the actual needs of the community, as well as being adaptable to social and economic changes. Effective use of limited local resources, strategic planning, and broad participation for practical results lead to lasting sustainability, providing a framework for continuous community improvement.

Staging anxiety through magical realism: A practice-based exploration in two theatrical productions

Grisana Punpeng — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Anxiety disorders are prevalent in everyday life, yet theatrical realism often struggles to capture and convey the lived experiences from the points of view of those affected. This practice-based research explores how magical realism can serve as an alternative mode of representation to depict the internal experiences of characters with anxiety disorders on stage. The study began with a literature review on magical realism and anxiety disorders, identifying key characteristics that informed the development of performances. Through a devising process, the research culminated in two distinct productions: “The Practice,” a devised piece created with a group of seven actors and showcased at the Bangkok Theatre Festival in November 2022, and “As Fa As Farida,” a solo performance developed collaboratively by the researcher-director and an actor, staged in May and June 2023 at the Faculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University. Despite differences in scale and presentation, both performances were able to portray the inner worlds of characters with anxiety disorders through the essence of magical realism, characterized by four main themes identified through thematic analysis: the interplay of reality and fantasy, the disruption of space and time, metatheatrical reflections on society and identity, and voices from the margins. The insights from this study can guide future theatrical experiments and be applied across various media, including literature, film, and other art forms.

A probe into local cultural values in locally produced EFL textbooks in Indonesia

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0700

As a result of shifts in the objectives of teaching English as a language for international communication in the current era, a substantial modification of EFL textbooks has been made to include accounts of various cultures, including local cultural aspects, to spark students' interest in the language and promote cross-cultural awareness. Despite this transformation, a notable gap exists in the scholarly discourse concerning how local cultures are depicted in localized EFL textbooks. That said, the objectives of this research were twofold: first, it sought to examine the portrayal of local cultural norms in Indonesian locally produced English Language Teaching (ELT) textbooks; and second, it attempted to explore how the absorption of local culture promotes the intercultural communication skills of learners. To that end, two local ELT series were considered for analysis. To examine the cultural dimensions in the textbooks, a content analysis was conducted by referring to Yuen’s (2011) cultural evaluation framework with four major categories: products, practices, perspectives, and persons. The findings underscore that these course books extensively feature local cultures, with cultural products receiving the most substantial coverage, while perspectives are comparatively underrepresented. Significant exposure to localized resources effectively drives learners' learning engagement and enhances their intercultural literacy. Consequently, the study highlights the significance of the inclusion of culturally relevant content in EFL textbooks tailored for learners, offering noteworthy implications for both ELT practices and academic research.

Development of a metaverse model to enhance Renu Nakhon Phu-Thai cultural tourism in Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand

Suwisa Jarutkamolpong, Athirach Nankhantee, Kanlaya Mikhama — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research aimed to: 1) develop a metaverse model to enhance Renu Nakhon Phu-Thai cultural tourism in Nakhon Phanom Province 2) assess the suitability of the metaverse model to enhance Renu Nakhon Phu-Thai cultural tourism, and 3) study the satisfaction of using the metaverse model of Phu-Thai cultural tourism. This research adopted a qualitative study approach. The research method comprised three steps: 1) developing a model synthesis using document synthesis techniques, 2) assessing the suitability of the metaverse model with input from 9 experts, and 3) implementing the metaverse model for Renu Nakhon Phu-Thai. The target group for the study included 400 tourists in the Mueang Nakhon Phanom area who used the metaverse model of Renu Nakhon Phu-Thai between November 2022 and January 2023, selected through purposive sampling. Data collection tools included: 1) a form for synthesizing the data, 2) a suitability assessment form, and 3) a web application satisfaction questionnaire. Statistical analysis of the collected data involved calculating the mean and standard deviation. The results indicated that the development of the metaverse model to enhance Renu Nakhon Phu-Thai cultural tourism in Nakhon Phanom Province comprised three elements: 1) cultural architecture, 2) local wisdom identity, and 3) creative local community. The developed metaverse model of Renu Nakhon Phu-Thai was found to be highly suitable for use (mean = 4.17, standard deviation = 0.54). Moreover, satisfaction with the developed metaverse model was high (mean = 4.30, standard deviation = 0.76). Suggestions for improvement included adding a distance calculation section and a map of nearby places to aid tourists in deciding whether they could travel at their desired time using the metaverse model.

From words to wealth: Decoding the language markers and compositions of shop names in Banda Aceh

Tgk Maya Silviyanti, Yunisrina Qismullah Yusuf, Saiful Akmal — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This qualitative study examines the names of 100 local and independent businesses to study the linguistic diversity and features of the linguistic landscape in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. The names here refer to those written in specific languages used in Aceh (Indonesian, Acehnese, English, Arabic, and other indigenous languages spoken in the province). The data was collected from five main roads, capturing the shop names for analysis. The results show that English is the dominant language choice, composing a majority of 45% of signage, showing the influence of globalization and the desire for international appeal. While English appears to convey prestige, some businesses blend it with Indonesian or Acehnese, connecting with local culture and engaging diverse audiences. This deliberate language choice reflects a commitment to cultural preservation and authentic customer experiences. Meanwhile, diverse linguistic combinations, emphasizing global influences, cultural preservation, and strategic branding, were also revealed. The most prevalent linguistic structure of signs is product+X (57%), which highlights product types, followed by place+X (14%) which emphasizes regional or cultural identity. In addition, a name/person’s name+X establishes a personalized connection (6%). Finally, in language markers, shop names reveal globalization’s prevalence and demonstrate efforts to convey a global image. The revitalization marker reflects the commitment to the Acehnese language and cultural pride. Identity markers, which include place, name, abbreviation, product, plant name, and brand, establish trust, familiarity, and resonance, creating a dynamic linguistic and cultural landscape where businesses steer global influences and local heritage to connect authentically with customers. To conclude, shop names in Banda Aceh illustrate a vibrant linguistic and cultural environment where businesses use global influences and local heritage to create meaningful bonds with customers.

Studying the current situation of screening, providing assistance, and monitoring elementary school students with learning disabilities in Thailand

Pattaraporn Jamsai, Suteera Boonnak, Charinrat Ruangcham — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This article examines the current situation of screening, providing assistance, and monitoring elementary school students with learning disabilities in Thailand. This research applies a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to study existential ontology by gaining an understanding of the personal experience individuals undergo. 70 Thai Language teachers, special education teachers, guidance counsellors, and school administrators were surveyed. Then, the researchers conducted a focus group involving 10 participants, including teachers, school administrators, and education specialists. Teachers’ responses to the questionnaire and questions in the focus group were analyzed using a selective or highlighting approach. Each researcher analyzed the responses independently. The researchers then discussed the produced codes, categories, and subcategories in several meetings and exchanged their coding results. After there was consensus, every category and every subcategory were closely examined to look for any overlaps. The results of the analysis are presented in three topics: screening, providing assistance and monitoring. There are two themes, strengths and weaknesses, in each topic. The strengths of the screening topic include basic student assistance, systematic workflow, and teachers’ expertise. The weaknesses of the screening topic include limited teacher numbers, teachers lacking expertise, and inappropriate screening timing. In the providing assistance topic, the sub-themes for strengths include student development, teachers’ expertise in providing student assistance, and making teachers aware of students' actual problems. The sub-themes for weaknesses include teachers lacking tools for assisting students, low-quality tools for providing student assistance, and teachers lacking expertise. Lastly, in the monitoring topic, the strengths include teachers continuously receiving students' information, fostering collaboration in caring for and assisting students, and producing reliable system-generated progress reports. The weaknesses of monitoring include teachers lacking knowledge, lacking tools for monitoring students' progress, and the student progress monitoring system lacking quality.

Transcending cultural barriers in Thai mythology: Unveiling the intercultural dynamics through the “Home Sweet Home” video game’s translation

Suttipong Permpoon, Chappawit Piromnak, Pattilada Pattanakraisin — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study examines the translation strategies employed for culture-specific terms from Thai to English in episodes 1 and 2 of the video game "Home Sweet Home" (2017–2023). Applying a thematic approach and textual analysis, the source language data were categorized into six groups: ghosts, humans, ritual and religious acts, abstract religious concepts, items, and places. The findings indicate that the most frequently used strategy was absolute universalization (41.5%), followed by linguistic (non-cultural) translation (27.7%), limited universalization (16.2%), deletion (11.5%), orthographic adaptation (2.3%), and intratextual gloss (0.8%). However, no instances of repetition, extratextual gloss, synonymy, or autonomous creation strategies were identified. The discussion explores why different strategies were used for various phrasal tokens. The study also highlights five major topics concerning video game translation: universalization versus preservation, translatability and untranslatability, language limitations, cultural barriers in the target language, and the game's future translations. It can be concluded that a comprehensive understanding of the language and culture used in the game and its translation is critical for the game's success and effectiveness for both players and creators. Furthermore, in the digital era, where postmodern imaginations and reinterpretation of Thai folk beliefs and superstitions can boost the economy, numerous opportunities for creative soft powers are always available.

Animals and posthumanist discourse in children's literature

Sujinah, Encik Savira Isnah, M. Kharis — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Children’s literature is associated with various imaginary, impossible, and real creatures that blur the line between reality and fiction, creating a challenge that prompts us to question the rigid, hegemonic humanist worldview in line with the principles of post human thought. Both children’s literature and posthumanism possess a unique potential to present progressive agendas that blend fantastical possibilities with tangible real-world transformations. This article aims to analyze the role of animal characters in challenging anthropocentrism and traditional humanist viewpoints in children’s literature, and to answer research questions How do animal characters in children’s literature function as a critique of anthropocentrism, going beyond mere anthropomorphic portrayals to challenge societal perceptions and prompt considerations of the potential of other entities? To achieve this objective, the qualitative interpretive method is employed, utilizing the data source "Doctor Panda Cures Mr. Gecko's Tail | Super Panda Rescue Team | Baby Bus Cartoon". The findings reveal the following: First, animal characters serve as a counterpoint to anthropomorphism. This underscores the notion that animal characters are necessary for conveying messages effectively to children. Second, animal characters are portrayed on an equal footing with humans. The portrayal of animals in roles such as rescue teams, welders, drivers, and the like is based on their inherent traits. Finally, animals function as a critique of anthropocentrism. This critique extends beyond the concept of animals merely "thinking and acting" like humans; it pushes us to reconsider animals' roles and to explore the potential of non-human entities. This study bridges children’s literature and posthumanism, contending that children's fiction offers a nuanced contribution to the discourse on the essence of humanity, particularly in the context of human-animal relationships.

Resilient teaching in the northeast of Thailand—Emotional dynamics and performance in private education

Kyaw Thi Ha, Russell Rodrigo — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Examining the emotional well-being of teachers in Thailand’s private school sector provides significant insights into the dynamics of educational environments. Utilising a cross-sectional quantitative approach, this study investigates the emotional landscapes, attitudes, and coping methods of 109 teachers and 155 students in the Northeast region. This study highlights a young demographic among teachers, an indicator of a call for much inclusivity, particularly LGBTQIA+ representation, and an increase in male educators. The results revealed the teachers’ nuanced perceptions regarding instructional challenges and aspirations, with age, marital status, years of experience, and school size notably shaping these perspectives. Teachers principally reported lower levels of negative emotions. However, a significant concern was exhaustion, pointing to the urgent need for coping strategies to mitigate student disengagement and boost teaching efficacy. The study’s findings underscore the pressing need for these coping strategies, such as relaxation, communication, social support, and mindfulness, signalling the significance of both personal and communal support systems in navigating teaching stress. The study critically identifies significant correlations highlighting the interconnectedness between teachers’ emotions and attitudes and the impact of the school or work environment on performance. These results could influence the global discussion on educators’ health and well-being. This could urge re-evaluation of educational policies and advocacy for in-depth support systems that prioritise teachers’ well-being, thus fostering a transformative educational environment marked by enhanced teacher resilience and improved academic outcomes.

Designing a LINE OA HR bot to support human resources management between company employees and outsourced staff

Yuvadee Jitgosol, Boonraksa Udomdej — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study presents a method for Thai international airline contractual workers in the vicinity of the Ubon Ratchathani Airport to get to classes punctually. To effectively train outsourced employees, this research intended to design a LINE Official Account (LINE OA) HR bot as a tool to support human resources management between company employees and outsourced staff. Initially, this study was qualitative, using case studies executed to reveal the problem of missing training courses and what can be accomplished in a practical setting. A cohort of 7 persons was chosen, comprised of key informants including both regular employees and outsourced workers. An individual in-depth interview form was used as a research method, and the case study was created using descriptive analysis of the results. Therefore, a LINE OA HR bot was developed and tested on users for each interviewee position to determine whether or not it could be used to resolve problems at the next step. The results of the research are that the LINE OA HR bot replied swiftly and with accurate, complete, accessible, and comprehensible information. Additionally, it offered a shortcut menu that aided the outsourced staff with other inquiries and an option to seek a personal meeting with the administrator, which improved the effectiveness of cooperation between the companies.

Psychological conditions, social coexistence and rehabilitation of ex-prisoners under Internal Security Act in the southern border provinces of Thailand

Jiraporn Ruangying, Ajcharapun Kunsuya, Danuwat Suwanwong — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Ex-prisoners are defined as those under the Internal Security Act who have previously committed offenses connected to the incidences of disturbance/conflicts in Thailand's southern border provinces. Additionally, certain people have a strong propensity for repeat transgressions, which could be detrimental to society. This study used qualitative research techniques and in-depth interviews to examine psychological circumstances, social coexistence, means of subsistence, occupations, and current support practices. Following a period of reintegration into society, some observations were made namely: i) 23 ex-prisoners in the southern border provinces were on insurgent charges, ii) 10 government employees with five years of experience were in care, assistance, healing, and rehabilitation process, and iii) four members of civil society with five years of experience in aid, recovery, and rehabilitation were among the informers for the sources of information. The results also revealed that most ex-prisoners experienced psychological stress and anxiety after re-entering society. This phenomenon occurs due to issues related to debt, low income, localized violence, and frequent visits by the army troops' to their houses, it was discovered that some groups were stigmatized by local residents. Nevertheless, they were found to have adjusted to living and got along well with their families. In terms of occupation and sources of income, it was found that most were merchants, general laborers, and rubber tappers. Additionally, the community networks supporting the restoration of coexistence in the community are either the responsibility from government agencies or authority both direct or indirect involvement of the civil society organizations/Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs). The findings of this study will be helpful in establishing a framework for assisting and rehabilitating the quality of life of ex-prisoners under the Internal Security Act that is congruent with the local requirements and context.

Analysis of metrosexual consumer lifestyle in urban areas: A phenomenological study of male-targeted beauty consumers on social media

Julio Pasha Arigi, Z. Hidayat, Devi Olivia Putra, Agus Gulo — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This in-depth study explores the evolving metrosexual consumer lifestyle within Indonesia's urban centers and specifically delves into how the metrosexual community utilizes Instagram as a platform for self-representation and social interaction. Employing a qualitative, phenomenological approach anchored in constructivism, data were gathered through a multifaceted approach, including in-depth interviews with key informants, participant observation through examination of Instagram profiles and online interactions, as well as a comprehensive literature review to contextualize findings. To identify study participants, strategic keywords such as "metrosexual," "lifestyle," and "men's beauty" were applied on Instagram search. The selection was meticulously narrowed down to ten highly active endorsers and followers with the most significant engagement. The approach ensured that rich insights from individuals deeply embedded within the metrosexual community on Instagram were captured. The study unveils intriguing aspects of Indonesian urban metrosexuals' consumption habits and social media preferences. Their primary concern lies in the effectiveness of beauty products in enhancing their appearance, prioritizing results over mere brand prestige. The focus on practicality is further reflected in their preferred places to meet. Shopping malls emerge as their preferred destinations for social activities. When it comes to social media, Instagram is the most popular choice. Its visual focus and content sharing align perfectly with the metrosexual community's interest in self-presentation and cultivating a meticulously crafted online image. The research also highlights the significant role of physical appearance in boosting self-esteem within the metrosexual community, influencing their interactions both online and offline. The managerial implications of this study indicate the importance of paying attention to male consumers for beauty products and services.

Online sexism in the German-speaking Twitter community

Jacqueline Fong Tze Yen, Farhana Muslim Mohd Jalis, Noritah Omar — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The impact of movements that gain momentum worldwide by virtue of hashtags, such as #MeToo, varies across countries owing to linguistic and cultural differences, among others. Nevertheless, online sexism remains a pervasive issue, particularly on social media platforms. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of online sexism in the German-speaking Twitter community based on the hashtag #sexismus from 2020 to 2022 and categorize and analyze the various forms of online sexism in regard to #sexismus during the same period. Employing a mixed-method approach, this study collected and analyzed 8,242 relevant tweets of #sexismus, utilizing quantitative analysis to track tweet volume trends and qualitative thematic analysis to categorize the content into seven key themes: criticism on sexism, calls for changes and actions, personal experiences of sexism and sexual harassment, LGBTQ+, movements related, media representation, and no specification possible. Key findings reveal fluctuations in tweet volume within the criticism on sexism frame, with peaks in early 2022, and highlight that the most prevalent themes included sexism in the media (28% of tweets), sexism at work (19%), and patriarchy (15%). The results suggest that while online activism against sexism exists in the German-speaking community, audience engagement varies over time and across topics. This underscores the need for dedicated efforts to address sexism in various contexts, including media, workplaces, and broader societal structures.

Language characteristics illustrating mass suicide in the destructive cult sermons

Raymund T. Palayon, Richard Watson Todd, Sompatu Vungthong — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Destructive cults remain a significant focus in religious research due to their extreme behaviours and tragic outcomes. Among the most notorious were Peoples Temple led by Jim Jones and Heaven’s Gate led by Marshall Applewhite. They shocked the world by committing mass suicide. Previous studies have mainly focused on the psychological and behavioural aspects of these groups, particularly in the context of these tragic events. This paper examined the meaningful linguistic features in Jim Jones’ sermons and Marshall Applewhite’s sermons in the period leading up to the mass suicide. By comparing them to the mainstream sermons and sect sermons using keyword and collocation analysis, distinct patterns emerged. Jim Jones’ sermons contain words associated with negative sociopolitical views (such as socialism, communism, war, violence, and killed), which allowed Peoples Temple to express mass suicide literally. In contrast, Marshall Applewhite’s sermons contain implicative words associated with distance and movements (such as heavenly, planet, vehicle, overcoming, and separate), enabling Heaven’s Gate to express mass suicide in a figurative manner. Both sermons apply communication styles where three styles: othering (we, they), intensification (very, really), and negation (can’t) are common in the two datasets, allowing each leader to convey mass suicide. The findings guide us to characterize the behavioural effects of mass suicide and these provide communication signs to identify the dangerous characteristics of suspicious religious groups before their destructive activities happen.

Reconceptualizing racism in Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner and J. M. Coetzee's Disgrace

Surendra Prasad Ghimire — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study reports how Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner and J. M. Coetzee's Disgrace depict racism in different contexts and how racially victimized people understand and interpret racism based on their diverse racial perceptions and experiences. In this study, Sally Haslanger's notion of racism as a social construction and Ali Rattansi's idea of racism as a social prejudice are utilized as theoretical perspectives to analyze the both novels. The findings reveal that racially victimized people in Hosseini's The Kite Runner conceptualize racism as the social exclusion of minority ethnic groups by depriving them of receiving the essential requirements of their lives, and the findings further identify that racism is interconnected with religion and creates an overarching impact in human relations by creating social division. Moreover, the study uncovers the fact that racially victimized people in Coetzee's Disgrace interpret racism as the exploitation of mainly non-whites and a form of revenge for the white treatment of non-whites in the colonial period. In addition, the study reveals that the realization of racism is based on individual perception and power dynamics in local contexts instead of universally homogenizing perceptions and experiences of victimized people. This study has great significance as it reconceptualizes racism from victimized perspectives and provides a clear direction for further exploration of racism in novels and daily social activities.

Revolutionizing art exhibitions: Photogrammetry's role in virtual reality experiences

Gomesh Karnchanapayap, Piyanon Somboon — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted many aspects of human life, including the way we work, travel, and even our art-viewing habits. In the past, art exhibitions were the primary channel through which art lovers could view, experience, and purchase artwork. However, the pandemic brought the art industry to a sudden halt as people are unable to visit physical exhibitions. Even after the pandemic has passed, what will happen if a similar outbreak occurs? Recent advances in photogrammetry, 3D scanning, and virtual reality technology enable the creation of an immersive and realistic digital environment. The integration of the two technologies could be a revolutionary approach to art presentation. In this mixed-method study, the researchers used a photogrammetry scanning technique to scan sculptures of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and turn them into a virtual reality exhibition. We invited three experts in art, design, and technology to share their perspectives on the exhibition. We asked forty-five participants to evaluate the exhibition's ease of use, level of immersion, and satisfaction. The study reveals expert and participant feedback on a virtual reality exhibition. The visual art expert praised the virtual reality experience for offering new opportunities and remarkable immersion, though it lacked tactile elements compared to physical galleries. The design expert lauded the intuitive navigation and impressive spatial design, which enhanced immersion. The technology expert noted that while a photogrammetry-based virtual reality experience offers unprecedented immersion, the quality varies based on hardware and technical factors. Participants found the virtual reality exhibition largely positive, with 86.7% rating it as easy or very easy to use. More than 91% felt the exhibition was immersive, and 100% were satisfied, with 62.2% expressing extreme satisfaction. These results highlight the strong potential of virtual reality exhibitions.

Interactive short films and online activities using the grow model to guide senior students

Ingtawan Suwansupa, Prapassorn Wongdee, Pakorn Supinanont, Kuntida Thamwipat — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research aimed: 1) to develop and evaluate the quality of interactive short films combined with online activities using the GROW Model to guide fourth-year students before entering internships, 2) to compare the perceptions of the sample group before and after viewing the media combined with online activities, and 3) to assess the satisfaction of the sample group towards the developed media and online activities using the GROW Model to guide fourth-year students before entering internships. Data were collected from undergraduate students enrolled in the ETM 363 Knowledge Management course during the first semester. A simple random sampling method was used, with a sample of 30 students. The statistics used included mean, standard deviation, and t-test. The research findings are as follows: The researchers developed 15-minute interactive short films combined with online activities using the GROW Model to guide fourth-year students before entering internships. Expert evaluation results indicated that the content quality of the media and activities was at a good level (X̅ = 4.32, S.D. = 0.38), and the quality of media presentation was at a good level (X̅ = 3.80, S.D. = 0.32). The perception results of the sample group showed that their perception after viewing the media combined with online activities using the GROW Model to guide fourth-year students before entering internships was significantly higher than before viewing, at the .05 statistical significance level. The satisfaction evaluation of the sample group towards the media and online activities was at a high level (X̅ = 4.34, S.D. = 0.50).