Socio-Cultural Representations and Therapeutic Itineraries of Parents of Autistic Children Followed in the INSP’s Children’s Mental Health Services

Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) remain little known to populations in developing countries. In black Africa their social representations remain strongly influenced by local belief systems. The general objective of this study was to understand the perceptions and representations of Ivorian parents vis-à-vis PDD. This was a mixed (qualitative and quantitative) prospective cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim that involved a sample of 49 parents. The sampling was of the qualitative type by multiple cases with reasoned choice by saturation. Our results showed that male parents were mostly aged between 40 - 49 years (48.98%) with a higher level of education (67.34%) while mothers were mostly aged between 30 - 39 (61.22%) and a higher level (30.61%). Autistic children were negatively perceived by their parents: either as a source of psychological suffering (82.85%), or as mysterious children who sacrificed their parents (44.66%), or as “bobo” children (mute children in common Ivorian language) (16.66%) or like rude children (13.34%). The supposed origin of the disorder according to the parents was mystical-religious (60.94%);natural (25%);hereditary (6.25%). In 6.25% of cases, PDD were assumed to be of unknown or iatrogenic origin attributable to vaccination (1.56%). 75.51% of parents said that in addition to conventional medical therapies, they also used traditional therapies. The use of this therapeutic alternative would be linked to the perceptions and beliefs that feed the socio-cultural representations of our respondents.

Major Problems in American Education: From a Socio-Cultural Perspective

American intellectuals of different generations and in various eras,with a strong sense of social responsibility and a critical mind,have dedicated themselves in revealing some major problems existing in American education,namely educational inequality,declining academic performance,inadequate funding,and school violence.By describing and probing into these problems from a socio-cultural perspective,they offer a solution of eliminating the socio-economic inequality in America,which is fundamental and essential.

Environmental archaeology on Longshan Culture （4500-4000 aBP） at Yuhuicun Site in Bengbu, Anhui Province

Based on the samples collected from the west wall of the ABYT2004 at Yuhuicun Site in Bengbu, Anhui Province, the multi-environmental substitute indexes such as the grain-size, Rb/Sr, zircon crystal morphology and magnetic susceptibility were analyzed. The age of archaeological strata was determined by AMS^14C dating. According to the results, combined with the information of the ancient human activities and the cultural heritage data obtained from the Longshan cultural archaeological strata, it can be concluded that （1） Before 4500 aBP, the climate was humid and water level was high in the Huaihe River and its tributaries, the drainage basin and its surrounding areas were even flooded, so the site area was submerged and there were no human activities around the site. （2） About 4500 aBP, the climate began to become drier and water level of the Huaihe River and its tributaries began to decline, thus floodplain gradually appeared, Yuhuicun Site and Longshan Culture began to appear. （3） Around 4100 aBP, the climate was humid and rainfall was abundant, which resulted in frequent flood disasters in the whole Huaihe River Basin. （4） After 4100 aBP, the climate gradually transited to be cold and dry, agricultural production was constrained to reduce the food source, Yuhuicun Site was almost abandoned. （5） The environmental information in sedimentary strata and historical records based on ancient books agree with each other. In addition, Yuhuicun Site was related to Dayu Zhishui （Yu the Great in taming the floods） in ancient books.

社会-物质视角下旅游与传统手工艺可持续发展——以东莞莞香为例

旅游业的发展为传统手工艺的保护、振兴和传承提供了新的场景和机遇,但现代化与商品化下的原材料与生产技艺创新可能与其原本的物质性形成张力和矛盾。文章从社会-物质视角出发,以东莞传统手工艺莞香为研究对象,探讨旅游地建设与旅游业发展情境下传统手工艺可持续发展的机遇与挑战。通过对沉香文化博物馆、牙香街、莞香小镇等旅游场景下现代莞香种植、加工与贸易的参与式观察以及对30位行动者的深度访谈,研究揭示了传统手工艺作为重要的物质本身如何在与旅游结合发展过程中得以振兴与改变,以及由其物质性产生的争议和矛盾。研究发现:1)莞香结香时间长、结香条件苛刻和自带独特的香味等物质特点使其生产离不开东莞的地理环境、地方香农总结的特定技艺,莞香生产与制作的传统手工艺成为东莞的国家级非物质文化遗产;2)旅游地建设背景下,与旅游相结合的发展使得莞香相关技艺、文化和产业得以振兴,并在其商品形式、制作技艺、传承场景和香市贸易上产生了符合旅游需求与现代生产的创新与转变;3)莞香的物质特点引发了关于植物保护与开采、质量与效率、独特性与标准化、具身性与品质和价值等一系列矛盾,对莞香的可持续发展产生挑战。文章引入新物质主义哲学思想下的物质性概念深化了文旅融合背景下的传统手工艺研究,揭示了物质性对其保护、传承与发展的独特作用,有助于在实践上推动莞香的可持续发展。

Evaluate the Role of Socio-cultural Factors in the Global Localization of TNC Activity

As an increasing number of firms are exercising transnational operations to occupy markets and exploit location-specific factors,some scholars claimed that 'the world is flat' and the local particularities no longer matter for the 'invincible' transnational corporations(TNC).But I argue that there exist some socio-cultural factors in the host countries influencing the actions of TNCs.I point out six local factors which include social norms,local attitudes,class formation,family structure, religion,and consumption pattern.Social norms are regulating TNCs' activities and local attitudes in varying contexts are encouraging or resisting against the transnational operators.Class formation generates new demands benefiting TNCs ' expansion. Religion structure and family value are reshaping TNCs' operational practices in production as well as distribution spheres.The location-specific consumption patterns are transforming TNCs' operations,deepening their territorial embeddedness,or even exposing them to the danger of overlocalization.

Culture Self- Consciousness in Transmission of Chinese Philosophy from the Perspective of English Globalization -- Taking the Belt and Road Initiative for Example

The Belt and Road Initiative contains the aspiration of Chinese nation to pursue ideological freedom and desire of strengthening international exchanges and cooperation. This paper takes the Belt and Road Initiative for example,emphasizing the interpretation of the inheritance and development of Chinese culture so as to study the importance of Culture Self-Consciousness in Chinese Philosophy,in the context of English globalization. That is to say,this paper stresses the spirits and the stand of nation 's demonstration on pursuing peace,cooperation and sustainable development in the civilization continuity from traditional China to the contemporary China,with practical philosophic view.

Personal, Situational and Socio-Cultural Factors as Correlates of Intimate Partner Abuse in Nigeria

This study established the relationships between personal, situational and socio-cultural factors and intimate partner abuse among couples in Nigeria. A multiple regression statistical procedure was employed in analyzing the data collected from 200 participants randomly selected from five ministries in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. Results obtained indicated that the three variables when combined effectively predicted intimate partner abuse (F-ratio of 5.756 significant at 0.05 alpha level). Taken separately, situational and socio-cultural factors contributed significantly to the prediction (t = 2.146, p t = 2.284, p (t = 1.705, p > 0.05). On the basis of these findings it was suggested that counselling psychologists should design intervention strategies to promote life-skills training in schools and out-of-schools settings. These include age-appropriate content on sexuality, conflict resolution, building healthy relationships and personal safety. Also, it was suggested that couples should be informed on the long-term health and social consequences of physical and sexual abuse.

Socio-Cultural Identities, Perceptions of Sexuality/Sexual Behavior and Cultural Contexts as Determinants of HIV and AIDS Prevalence in Southern Africa

This paper attempts to examine the connection between one’s socio cultural setting and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Often, local communities form the contexts within which people negotiate their social and sexual lives and identities. These communities also play a key role in enabling or restraining people from taking control over their health. The paper will try to demonstrate through specific examples that in African societies, sexual behavior is a product of one’s socio-cultural environment and structural contexts and not the cognitive properties of the individual. The article draws from the qualitative study (Focus group sessions, individual interviews) conducted in three high schools in the Boland area of the Western Cape with about 18 learners, 3 Life skills teachers, 3 Performer-Educators on the efficacy of the HIV/AIDS intervention by The Centre for HIV/AIDS Management theatre group based at the University of Stellenbosch. The aim of the study was to ascertain the cultural content of their campaign model as well as their knowledge of the determinants of sex and sexuality of their target areas. Based on the findings of this study, I argue that theatre will achieve greater success in its campaign against HIV/AIDS in South Africa if the designers of the campaign models adopt a more participatory approach, make indigenous culture central to the design of their intervention model and pay closer attention to what Campbell refers to as “community level of analysis” which simply put implies a greater understanding of the target audiences local communities and its determinants of sex and sexuality.

Socio-Cultural Barriers Influencing Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Information and Services among Adolescents and Youth 10 - 24 Years in Pastoral Communities in Kenya

Background: As in other developing countries, sexual and reproductive ill-health continues to mostly affect adolescents and youths. Samburu and Turkana counties in Kenya have some of the highest levels of total fertility rates (TFR) at 6.3 and 6.9 respectively placing them well above the national TFR of 3.9. Establishing factors that influence utilization of SRH services among adolescent and youth aged 10 - 24 years is critical in developing an effective program. Method: We used primary data from qualitative and purposeful study design. Data collection used Focus group discussions (FGD), In-depth interviews (IDIs) and Key informant interviews (IDIs). The target groups were adolescents and youth aged 10 - 24 years, health care providers, community health volunteers (CHVs), chemist assistants, parents of adolescents and youth, teachers, spiritual leaders and traditional activists. Findings and Conclusion: Socio-cultural factors were found to influence utilization of SRH services and information. Early marriage, being youth, male only decisions on sexuality matters and fear of family contribute to unprotected sex while myths and misconceptions on contraceptives affected utilization. The findings revealed that youth needs to know sources, how contraceptives work and how to use them. The findings suggest capacity building of health care providers, CHVs, teachers, parents and community leaders on adolescence, sexuality needs of adolescents and disadvantages of female genital mutilation (FGM) including early marriage.

Socio-Cultural Challenges of Small and Medium-Scale Batik and Tie-Dye Industry in Ghana

This paper investigates the socio-cultural challenges of the small-scale batik and tie-dye production and retailing industry in Ghana. The research is based on a qualitative research approach that employs interviews and observation for data collection. In all, sixteen (16) participants were sampled through purposive techniques. Data collected were transcribed, classified and analysed through thematic and descriptive analysis. The study found that family roles contradict the business role, pressure from family members, poor support from society members, some religious teachings, age, ethnicity and lifestyle of certain people among others. The study concludes that socio-cultural challenges have led to the collapse of most batik and tie-dye production and retailing sectors leaving thousands of Ghanaians jobless. It recommends among others that producers and retailers of batik and tie-dye must separate family roles from work responsibilities to enable them to perform effectively. Again, family members, parents and peers must desist from putting pressure on the entrepreneurs for freebies and the government must resource NBSSI, GEPA and GSB to have regular in-service training to batik and tie-dye producers and retailers to address poor financial management and technical challenges and also on product quality on the international market.

Research of Socio-Pragmatic Failures in Cross-Cultural Communication

Dozens of studies on socio-pragmatic failures carried out over the past 20 years have yielded rich on this research subject. The paper makes a specific illustration on the reasons of the socio-pragmatic failures that English learners encounter in crosscultural communication. It also analyzes all the possible factors which might cause miscomprehension in cross-cultural communication. The goal is to explore some effective approaches to handle these socio-pragmatic failures in cross-cultural communication.

On Folk Culture Translation in Tales of Hulan River from the Perspective of Deconstructionism

Since the beginning of 21 th century, promoting culture export and spreading Chinese culture have become the top priorityof China. As the main carrier of culture, excellent literary works become the best choice for Chinese culture"going out". The trans-lation of folk culture in Tale of Hulan River translated by Howard Goldblatt is analyzed from the perspective of deconstructionismwith an aim to give other translators some inspiration and enlightenment on translation of Chinese culture.

The Influence of Culture and Biographical Variables on the Brand Image of Google and Baidu: An Exploratory Study in Guangzhou,China

The study found significant correlations between the culture dimensions of Confucian work dynamism,humanheartedness and moral discipline and the brand image dimensions of online search engines.It was also found that several significant relationships exist between the biographical variables of age and education and the brand image dimensions,and that culture and biographical variables have a linear relationship with brand image.The findings highlight that culture and biographical information can influence Chinese consumer perceptions of an international or local brand.Organizations thus need to align their brands with the culture and biographical profile of their target markets.