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A Study of Intersectionality and Cultural Space in American Born Chinese
Get PDFThis study explores the text of American Born Chinese (2006) through the lens of intersectionality. Intersectionality has been theoretically used for close reading of comics and graphic literature as a feminist lens. It has been primarily used for the interpretation of several contemporary North American graphic narratives. The study examines the text closely by drawing on Kimberlé Crenshaw's idea of intersectionality (1989). The concept of intersectionality provides the researcher with ideas like intersecting identities which are based on gender, class, socioeconomic status and immigration status. In the selected text there are two highly diverse communities which have all the cross-cultural elements. These cross-cultural elements intersect with the identities and power relationships among the characters. By applying the concept of intersectionality, the research recognizes the problems of those immigrants who hold multiple social identities. It highlights the complex pattern of social inequalities and exclusion of some members due to their individual backgrounds. It answers the questions like how the characters' cultural identities interact with other elements including ethnic background, sexual orientation, language, and status as immigrants by focusing on Jin and his immediate family in the novel. This approach emphasizes the particular difficulties and types of oppression that Asian people experience as a result of the compounding impacts of their intersecting identities. The study also looks at the manner in which the novel depicts the negotiation of personal identity and conflict of cultural spaces. It explores how Asian characters balance pressures to conform into Western society with ties to their cultural background. The study highlights on how intersectionality relates to the oppression and exoticization of Asian people in cultural settings and looks into misconceptions and prejudices that result from a poor understanding of their culture. This study examines significant passages, character interactions, and plot points to offer a comprehensive understanding of how the intersectionality theory influences how we read American Born Chinese
Factors predicting Self-Esteem of Baloch ESL students: Insights from Model of Acculturation using Bootstrapping Multiple Regression Analysis
Get PDFLinguistic adaptation frequently goes hand in hand with cultural immersion in the dynamic terrain of acculturation, influencing learners' language learning process. The study explores the complex relationships among acculturation, linguistic variables, and self-esteem in the ESL learning environment among Baloch students (N=285) studying at different universities in Punjab. Data was collected through an adapted questionnaire from Lopez and Bui and Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale. It was analyzed through multiple regression analysis bootstrapping to see the impact of predictor variables on criterion variables. Based on Schumann's acculturation model (1986), research indicates that students' self-esteem as ESL learners is significantly impacted by teachers' motivational techniques (P-value=0.000), assimilation into the host culture (P-value=0.030), and the quantity and quality of their contact with the target language (P-value=0.001). However, self-esteem levels are not considerably impacted by the integration of the mother tongue (P-value=0.938). However, the negative coefficient for teacher motivation (-0.381) and assimilation (-0.070) suggests an inverse relationship, which may be attributed to the scale direction or contextual factors, such as students perceiving motivation as pressure rather than encouragement and considering assimilation as a difficult phenomenon rather than a comfortable factor to influence self-esteem of Baloch ESL learners. The study ensures the accuracy of interpretation by verifying the coding of variables. These findings have important relevance for educators and legislators, highlighting how crucial it is to promote inclusive learning settings and aid in the process of acculturation to improve the academic performance and general well-being of ESL students
From Playmates to Pariahs: Exploring the Loss of “Silly” Khala
Get PDFThe feminist debate surrounding gender and sex has influenced many disciplines including literature. Similarly, Naima Rashid critically tackles the notion of ‘womanhood’ through the character of ‘Iffat’ in her short story titled Iffat Khala. Therefore, the major aim of this paper is to examine the ways in which the notion of woman is socially mediated and constructed and to find out how social constructs impact subjugated individuals. These questions are answered via close reading of selected text as this method allows for deeper analysis. Moreover, the analysis is theoretically informed by Judith Butler’s concept of Gender Performativity as the notion of ‘gender’ being performance is explored by Rashid in the text. As analysis reveals that Iffat, like every other woman around her, tries to perform socially expected acts to be ‘woman’; however, her inability to have children devoid her said identity. Moreover, the societal expectations cause Iffat to be ‘pariah’ in a circle where she used to be ‘silly’ Khala. The analysis concludes that the normalized societal expectations aided by self-implicated definition of woman including making “Barrenness” a stigma, have pushed Iffat into a place where she is not in “touch” with her “silly” and self-reflecting past. Therefore, she confines herself to her own universe, i.e. into isolation. The research contributes to ongoing debate surrounding gender and sex in literature. Moreover, it also adds to Butler’s theory as paper discusses a nuanced concept, i.e. ‘Barren’. Similarly, the research also adds to existing scholarship in Pakistani literature on issue of gender, social construct and infertility
Rethinking Development Approach: Evaluating Participatory C4d Strategies in The Swapno Anti-Poverty Initiative, Jamalpur, Bangladesh
Get PDFThis research explores the application of Communication for Development (C4D) strategies within the Strengthening Women's Ability for Productive New Opportunities (SWAPNO) project, a collaborative effort between the Government of Bangladesh and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aimed at alleviating extreme poverty among ultra-poor women in Bangladesh. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey with 15 beneficiaries from Jamalpur District to assess the influence of C4D strategies on awareness, participation, and long-term empowerment of these women. The findings reveal that participatory communication methods such as miking, union worker outreach, and mosque-based announcements were critical in ensuring effective communication with beneficiaries and building community trust. SWAPNO’s C4D approach helped women acquire essential skills, which contributed to their increased income, self-reliance, and social empowerment. Additionally, the study highlights the critical role of local government actors in facilitating community acceptance and ensuring continued support for beneficiaries. The research suggests that the C4D-driven model used by SWAPNO provides a sustainable alternative to microfinance, which is often burdensome for ultra-poor women. Rather than relying on loans, SWAPNO emphasizes training, employment, and savings, offering debt-free paths out of poverty. Findings are drawn from a 15-participant sample in Jamalpur district and may not generalize to other districts which has a different geographical landscape. This paper recommends strengthening GO-NGO collaboration for future C4D-based initiatives and advocates for replicating SWAPNO’s communication model to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of similar poverty alleviation projects across Bangladesh
Effect of Armed Banditry on Educational Outcomes in Affected Rural Communities of Katsina State, Nigeria
Get PDFMeasuring educational outcomes in terms of enrolment, attendance, academic performance and teacher effectiveness, the effect of armed banditry was investigated in affected rural communities in three Local Government Areas of Katsina State, namely; Jibia, Batsari, and Danmusa. Obtaining cross-sectional data from 450 respondents encompassing parents, students and school administrators in primary and post-primary schools in the affected communities, the Ordinary Least Squares regression technique was deployed for the analysis. Armed banditry was found to have a negative effect on educational outcomes, and this effect was found to be significant for all the educational indicators. Based on these findings, policy interventions including increased security funding, community engagement, and targeted training are recommended to mitigate these impacts. Specifically, deployment of local vigilantes, embarking on mass orientation on various response measures that can be adopted by citizens before, during and after attacks are recommended. Overall, addressing armed banditry in all its ramifications is imperative in order to improve educational outcomes in the affected rural communities of Katsina State in particular and Nigeria in general
Solo Stardom: How HYBE Managed BTS's Break and Promoted Solo Careers
Get PDFThis case study examines the strategies employed by HYBE to advance the individual careers of its seven members, thereby adeptly managing BTS's group hiatus. In 2022, as BTS transitioned from collective pursuits to individual projects, HYBE faced significant pressure to uphold its financial achievements and global influence. In reaction, the enterprise meticulously launched individual debuts, employing pre-produced material, diverse promotional strategies, and strategic timing to ensure that each member received their opportunity to shine. This study meticulously explores the financial and cultural implications of BTS's pursuits, HYBE's strategic maneuvers, and the consequential effects on artist management within the global music industry. The analysis assesses the efficacy of HYBE's strategy through the examination of financial metrics, sales figures, and industry analyses. The analysis reveals that the individual pursuits of BTS have significantly contributed to breaking sales records and sustaining fan engagement while simultaneously mitigating the risks linked to the group's hiatus. The findings provide a strategic framework for navigating group hiatuses, enhancing both individual and collective brand value, alongside a more profound understanding of the evolving dynamics within K-pop management
India Pakistan cyber skirmishes and Afghan digital infrastructure: A realist analysis of cross-border cyber spillovers in post –Taliban Afghanistan
Get PDFThis paper looks at how cyber operations between India and Pakistan negatively impact cross –border data flows telecommunications network and Afghanistan’s delicate digital infrastructure, especially after the Taliban took back control in August 2021. This study examines how bilateral cyberwarfare affects Afghanistan’s delicate digital environment using classical realism as the theoretical foundation and specifically referencing the writings of Hans Morgenthau and Kenneth Waltz. From August 2021 to May 2025, the study used a qualitative technique that included expert interviews, case study analysis, and documents analysis according to research India Pakistan cyberwarfare causes serious collateral damage to Afghanistan’s digital infrastructure, posing a challenging security situation for the Taliban regime. The study shows that Afghanistan’s geographic.it is especially vulnerable to cyber crossfire due to its position and technology reliance, and these vulnerabilities are made worse by the Taliban’s poor ability to govern. The deliberate disruption of Afghan telecommunications networks, hacked cross-border data transfers and Indians and Pakistanis weaponization of digital infrastructure are some of the main conclusions. The study comes to the conclusion that regional cyberwarfare has seriously undermined Afghanistan’s digital sovereignty, with consequences for the provision of humanitarian help, economic recovery, and the stability of governance. Based on realism principles, this study offers policy proposals that include creating neutral digital corridors, broadening technology alliances, establishing cyber non-interference agreements
To Analyze the News Contents of Electronic Media in Pakistan, Whether the Media is Terrorizing or Informing the Community
Get PDFDrawing on war coverage and media studies, this article analyzes coverage of the May 7–11, 2025 interstate conflict that followed the Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir and analyses the role of electronic media in India and Pakistan. With the help of Framing Theory and a qualitative content analysis, the study analyses if the media behaved responsibly with regard to informing people about possible pandemics, or irresponsibly by spreading false rumors and exacerbating people’s anxieties. The study tracks the narratives of six top news channels — three each from India and Pakistan — measuring the coverage tone, feelings it invoked, true-true and false-true (sensational) nature of content. The results show that the media of both sides played a role in creating a higher-nationalism and mutual-hostility environment through sensational or false report, but some attempts at fact-checking and balanced journalism existed as well. The paper concludes with the thesis that media was less a force for industrial democracy than a tool of polarization. The article concludes with proposals to reinforce journalistic responsibility, cross-border media collaboration, and media literacy for the public in the event of a crisis
Theater's Twilight: A Historicist Analysis of Dramatic Decline of English Drama
Get PDFDecline of drama in mid-16th century is usually studied with a particular reference to the role of Puritanical opposition of theatre as if it was the sole major factor sealing the fate of drama after Shakespeare. This paper, however, contends that although the Puritans’ anti-theatre ideas were certainly significant and influential but the decline of drama was actually fueled by a plethora of socio-historical, philosophical and aesthetic factors e.g. death of William Shakespeare, the British Civil Wars (1642-1651), the impact of the Great Plague of London, Great Fire of London, censorship especially Robert Walpole’s the Licensing Act, opposition of Puritans as well as the lack of genius writers, that led to the sudden fall of English Drama early 17th century
Preschool Teacher Education in South Korea and Türkiye: A Comparative Analysis and Reform Proposals
Get PDFThis study compares the preschool teacher training systems of South Korea and Türkiye through a literature-based systematic review, utilizing official sources and academic literature. It examines factors such as employment, national income, education duration, school starting age, weekly class hours, holiday periods, and university admission requirements. Additionally, it analyzes teacher training program content, teacher age distribution, female teacher ratios, student-to-teacher ratios, net teaching hours, annual salaries, the proportion of teachers choosing teaching as their first career, and job satisfaction levels. South Korea’s success in international assessments, particularly PISA, is attributed to its advanced preschool education system, which could guide Türkiye’s educational reforms. Findings reveal South Korea offers higher salaries and greater professional satisfaction, while Türkiye’s teachers face heavier teaching loads. The study provides insights for improving Türkiye’s education system through reforms tailored to its socio-cultural context, contributing to the literature on comparative education and preschool teacher training