scholarly journals From ‘Islamism’ to ‘Spiritualism’? The Individualization of ‘Religion’ in Contemporary Iran

Religions ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 32
Author(s):  
Hossein Godazgar
Keyword(s):  
Material Culture ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Political Ideology ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Social Constructionist ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Sacred Places ◽  
North West ◽  
Fortieth Anniversary ◽  
The Revolution

In the first four centuries of Islam in Iran, mosques were arguably the only sacred places for Iranian Muslims to pray. It was only after the invasion of the Mongolians and the resulting expansion of Shi’ism and Sufism throughout the country that the tombs of some sacred figures, including Imams’ grandchildren (‘Imamzadehs’) or (‘Maqbarahs’), became shrines and important sites for pilgrims. It is interesting that pilgrimage to both Imams’ shrines and Imamzadehs and their associated expressions and perceptions lie at the center of the Shi’ite experience of ‘religion’, although they are rarely mentioned in the relevant core sources of Shi’ism. Nevertheless, to borrow a Weberian image, during the Islamic revolution of 1979, mosques became the ‘vehicles’ for the religio-political ideology of the revolution. Unlike Imamzadehs, they embraced dissidents from a variety of social classes, ranging from emigrants from rural areas to educated liberals and intellectuals. In the fortieth anniversary of the revolution, the findings of my three-year research project illustrates that whilst the religious status of mosques is decreasing, Imamzadehs as well as other venues detached from Islamic authority and political Islam are increasingly becoming ‘vehicles’ for ideas and sentiments for the expression of more individualistic and ‘spiritual’ sensations, rather than the manifestation of an established and institutionalized religio-political ideology. Taking inspiration from a social constructionist approach, discourse and content analysis of media, participant observation in ‘Shi’ite’ venues situated in three provinces, particularly three Imamzadehs or Maqbarahs, and thirty semi-structured interviews in north-west Iran, this article aims to report the findings of this project by focusing on the meanings of ‘religion’ (and ‘non-religion’) and ‘spiritual’ (and ‘non-spiritual’) attached to these venues, including Imamzadehs, and their material culture as well as the changes our informants have experienced in this regard through time and space, particularly during the last forty years.

scholarly journals Women working in animal husbandry: a study in the agroecological transition context

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduarda Lopes Ferreira ◽  
Rodrigo Alves Barros ◽  
Paula Dias Bevilacqua
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Economic Valuation ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
Women Farmers ◽  
Gender Inequalities ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Minas Gerais State ◽  
Agroecological Transition

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the engagement of women in animal husbandry in agroecological transitions scenarios and reflects on the advancements and challenges encountered in overcoming gender inequalities in rural areas. Semi-structured interviews and participant observation were conducted in nine properties in three municipalities in the region of Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais State. Women are involved in husbandry of different animal species, and participate in the management, processing, and marketing of products, contributing to food diversification, self-consumption, and income generation. Overcoming gender inequality in an agroecological scenario requires making the work and knowledge of women farmers visible and increasing their prominence, while ensuring economic valuation of their work and access to the market through public policies aligned with the reality of animal production in agroecological family agriculture contexts.

scholarly journals Transforming the Peri-Urban Fringe in China: The Example of Xi’an-Xianyang

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 3932 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guy Robinson ◽  
Bingjie Song
Keyword(s):  
Participant Observation ◽  
Quantitative Measure ◽  
Urban Fringe ◽  
Shaanxi Province ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
North West ◽  
Delphi Approach ◽  
Industrial Complexes ◽  
Key Issues

Rapid urbanization in the past four decades has transformed the hinterlands of China’s major cities. While urban growth has consumed large quantities of farmland, many of the remaining farms in the country’s peri-urban fringes have responded to the nearby presence of a fast-expanding and wealthier urban market by changing the farm enterprise to cater directly for this market. The various responses are exemplified herewith, for the metropolis of Xi’an-Xianyang (13 million population), in north-west China’s Shaanxi Province. Based on participant observation and structured interviews with a sample of farmers from three peri-urban fringe villages, the study charted changes in ecosystem services as a quantitative measure of change between 1986 and 2017. An additional Delphi approach focused on the chief technological innovations during this period. The survey revealed the growing multi-functionality of those villages that had switched from traditional grain production to horticulture, supported by various government-funded programs. A significant development has been the introduction of farm-based tourism catering for urban-based tourists. The physical appearance of the fringe now resembles the so-called desakota landscape associated with south-east Asian cities, as massive new urban-industrial complexes sit alongside villages amidst islands of intensive farmland. The conclusion addresses key issues regarding the overall sustainability of agriculture within this fast-changing process of rapid urbanization.

‘It really saves us’versus‘it doesn't cover everything’: the benefits and limitations of a non-contributory pension in the Bolivian Altiplano

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-44
Author(s):  
RACHEL GODFREY-WOOD ◽  
GRACIELA MAMANI-VARGAS
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Integral Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Access To Credit ◽  
Ethnographic Methodology

ABSTRACTNon-contributory pensions have become extremely popular in the last decade, with 78 developing countries currently distributing money in this way, and their acclaimed impacts are increasingly celebrated. Studies have found them to contribute not only to ‘obvious’ needs such as increased consumption and income security but also to investments in productivity, social relationships, health, increased access to credit and savings, while it has become common to claim that they contribute to intangible goals such as dignity and citizenship. The danger of some of these claims is that they assume that wellbeing is heavily responsive to monetary wealth, rather than other areas. To study this, an ethnographic methodology, based on participant observation and semi-structured interviews, was employed in two rural communities located in the La Paz department in the highland Altiplano region of Bolivia close to Lake Titicaca. Our analysis shows that while the Renta Dignidad increases older persons’ livelihood security, its contributions to other areas where non-contributory pensions are claimed to have major impacts, such as productive investment, health care and relational wellbeing, are actually relatively limited. The policy implication of this is that a more integral approach needs to be adopted to older persons' wellbeing, going beyond cash transfers to greater efforts to bring health-care services to older people in remote rural areas.

scholarly journals Impacts of Border in Borderland Conflict along the Ethio-Sudan Border: Evidence from Metema Woreda, North-Western Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
TEMESGEN EYILET KEBEDE
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Precise Location ◽  
North West ◽  
North West Ethiopia ◽  
North Western ◽  
Western Ethiopia

The aim of the study is to understand the dynamics of borderland conflicts in one location –Gonder, north-west Ethiopia, specifically, Metema Woreda – which lies along the Ethiopia-Sudan border. The study employed qualitative research methods such as semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, case studies, and non-participant observation. The colonial origin of the Ethio-Sudan border is the overall background to the confrontation between farmers and investors over the contested lands in the region. The continued uncertainty over the precise location of the border has aggravated conflict that has yet to be resolved.

Parental evidence of impact of policy on worst forms of child labour in rural and urban Ghana

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 239-260
Author(s):  
Obed Adonteng-Kissi
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Child Labour ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Framework Approach ◽  
Legislative Reforms ◽  
Evidence Of Impact

AbstractThis paper aimed to ascertain parental evidence of impact of policy on worst forms of child labour (WFCL) in rural and urban Ghana amongst 460 participants: I utilised 400 survey participants whose children were/were not involved in child labour and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques and applying the Stata Version 13 software. I also utilised 60 government officials; NGO representatives; and both parents whose children were/were not involved in child labour. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents (10), stakeholders (10), focus groups (30); and participant observation techniques (10) were utilised to gather the needed data and purposively sampled across rural areas (Ankaase, Anwiankwanta and Kensere), and urban areas (Jamestown, Korle Gonno and Chorkor) in Ghana. Interviews were recorded, transcribed utilising a framework approach as the main qualitative data analysis method. Parental evidence suggests that new laws, legislative reforms, programmes and activities have helped to reduce WFCL in Ghana.

Challenges and opportunities for the development and promotion of Ibaloy crafts as tourism products

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 593-607 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamaica Gayatin Ona ◽  
Leticia Susan Lagmay Solis
Keyword(s):  
Material Culture ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Indigenous Ethnic Group ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The Government

Purpose The Ibaloy is an indigenous ethnic group in the Northern Philippines. Due to modernization, changes in lifestyle, livelihood and spiritual inclination many have forgotten about their culture. Income-generating activities such as handicraft businesses and food security are among their needs and aspirations. With the potential that indigenous entrepreneurship has in improving their cultural and economic status, this study aims to identify which crafts in their material culture can be publicly shared as tourism products and to assess the landscape within which indigenous entrepreneurship can be undertaken. Design/methodology/approach The study utilized a qualitative methodology which involved a combination of participant observation and semi-structured interviews. An interview guide which consisted of open-ended questions that focused on themes such as identification of Ibaloy crafts, the crafts’ various categorization and significance, the challenges and opportunities and their perceptions on what they want done for their crafts and material culture in general was developed for this purpose. The primary respondents were the Ibaloys themselves and other key informants from government and other stakeholders. Findings Other than serving their purpose in an Ibaloy household and as objects used for special occasions, Ibaloy crafts have the potential to be developed as tourism products. While many challenges abound, availability of resources and collaborative support by the government and other institutions can bring opportunities that will lead Ibaloy crafts to become prime tourism products. Social implications The findings point to a compelling need for policymakers and concerned authorities to take immediate action to ensure the culture and heritage of the Ibaloys are protected. Originality/value The study adds to the literature about Filipino indigenous peoples, particularly the Ibaloys of Cordillera, and their aspirations for the inclusion of their material culture to the tourism industry. It can serve as a guide in addressing issues and concerns related to indigenous entrepreneurship that may be addressed through policy intervention and support from stakeholders.

scholarly journals The Impact of Xenophobic Attacks on the Livelihoods of Migrants in Selected Provinces of South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 254-259
Author(s):  
Enoch Rabotata ◽  
◽  
Jabulani Makhubele ◽  
Themba Baloyi ◽  
Prudence Mafa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Undocumented Migrants ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
North West ◽  
Mpumalanga Province ◽  
The Impact

Migration and xenophobia are realities that cannot be ignored globally. Recently, there has been a plethora of xenophobic attacks as a result of structural and socio-economic conditions in South Africa. This paper aimed to establish the impact of xenophobic attacks on the livelihoods of migrants in selected provinces of South Africa. Researchers opted for a qualitative study using a case study design. Participants were drawn from the population in Limpopo, North-West and Mpumalanga Province. A snowball sampling technique was used to sample seven migrants from Zimbabwe, India, and Ethiopia using semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed thematically. The study revealed that most migrants who reside in the rural areas of South Africa seldom experience xenophobic attacks, and therefore their livelihoods are not always negatively affected. The study concluded that displacement, deportation, and loss of income due to xenophobic attacks are experiences of undocumented migrants in the cities and not in the rural areas. This study also makes recommendations that migration management policies be implemented fully in the rural areas because this is where undocumented migrants find comfort.

‘Wrath from the Gods’: Traditional Institutions and Electoral Politics in Bali

2015 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 324-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Numvi Wallace Gwaibi
Keyword(s):  
Participant Observation ◽  
Electoral Politics ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Municipal Elections ◽  
North West ◽  
The People ◽  
Traditional Institutions ◽  
Traditional Authorities ◽  
The Impact

This paper examines the 2013 municipal elections in Bali subdivision, North West Cameroon. The ethnography utilises participant observation, semi-structured interviews, document analyses and so forth to unearth strategies employed by the CPDM and SDF parties to retain and/or regain Bali Council. The CPDM, in collusion with traditional authorities, was accused of utilising a sacred cult ‘Voma’ to intimidate voters. The SDF was accused of importing witchdoctors from Nigeria and Pygmies from East Cameroon to cast magical spells on the population, to make the people vote for it. The CPDM won a landslide, but struggled to dispel rumours about the impact and consequences of Voma.

scholarly journals Reconstruction of Ethnic Identity among Bugis Community In Pontian Johor

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 5-8
Author(s):  
Andi Adijah ◽  
Rosman Md Yusoff ◽  
Mohd Koharuddin Mohd Balwi ◽  
Tariq Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Identity ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Material Culture ◽  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Government Policy ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Data Organization ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ethnographic Approach

This study focuses on the Bugis ethnic identity and retention efforts, among the Bugis community in Pontian, Johor. This study used qualitative methods with ethnographic approach through semi-structured interviews, moderate participant observation and documentation. Data were analysed using NVIVO 8 software to assist in the process of transcription and data organization. NVIVO 8 generates data analysis has been prepared based on coding, themes, order and categories. The entire data have been organized checked using triangulation, data, technique and time. The results show that the Bugis ethnic identity, which is still practiced in Pontian until now, is a form of Bugis non-material culture. While maintaining the identity of the efforts made by individuals and groups by way of inheritance of cultural values through the filtering process of filtering elements of culture that is based on Islam, adaptation to local culture and government policy.

scholarly journals Institutional Work Affecting Institutions in a Tourism Cluster

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 2099
Author(s):  
Márcio Jacometti ◽  
Ellen Correa Wandembruck Lago ◽  
Leandro Rodrigo Canto Bonfim
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Institutional Work ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Two Cities ◽  
Practical Implications

This article aims at understanding how institutional work influenced the implementation of the Tourist Route Senses of Countryside (TRSC), located in two cities in Paraná, Brazil, between 2009 and 2018. It is a descriptive qualitative case study, whose data were collected through semi-structured interviews, non-participant observation, and documents, which were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results showed that the implementation of the route was based on creation, maintenance, and interruption of institutional work, and on alteration of the regulatory, normative, and cognitive pillars of the organizational field, involving different actors (public and private). The main theoretical contribution of the research was to identify the types of institutional work and to reconcile them with typologies of institutional pillars. Also, it has practical implications for public policymakers and organizational actors, intending to establish and institutionalize a tourism cluster in rural areas, considered a source of regional economic development.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document