Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Análisis Y Comprensión Del Papel De Los Medios Hacia La Formación De Actitudes Xenófobas En El Sureste De México, Josselyn Ramirez Rodriguez

Mexico: Migration, Borders, and Transnational Communities

Este trabajo examina las percepciones xenófobas y antimigrantes entre los medios tradicionales que se han integrado a espacios digitales, pero a la vez analizando cómo se usan estos espacios para fomentar estas actitudes y percepciones negativas sobre los migrantes. Mediante el método de investigación cualitativa, que incluye un análisis de notas de Facebook y los comentarios que se le acompañan, una encuesta y entrevistas semiestructuradas, la investigación pretende comprender la prevalencia de las actitudes antiinmigrantes, pero también busca descubrir las razones ocultas detrás de la frecuente aparición de comentarios negativos en los medios tradicionales (radio) y digitales (Facebook) cada vez …

Raíces De Resistencia: Mujeres Aymaras Y El Preservacion De Agricultura Tradicional En El Norte De Chile, Lara Aniela Motyka

Chile: Cultural Identity, Social Justice, and Community Development

Entre la investigación histórica y la exploración cualitativa, este estudio desarrolla una imagen tanto del contexto histórico de las conexiones humanas con la tierra basadas en la filosofía aymara, como de la realidad de la preservación cultural frente a la modernización. Se comunica a través de este trabajo de investigación así como de un trabajo documental creativo que entrelaza el contenido cualitativo.

Proyecto De Investigación: ¿Cómo Los Facilitadores De Cecrea La Ligua Integran El Concepto Pedagógico De “Co-Protagonismo” En Los Laboratorios Creativos Y Cómo Dialogan Con El Modelo Tradicional Chileno?, Celine Bernhardt-Lanier

Chile: Cultural Identity, Social Justice, and Community Development

El sistema educativo chileno es reconocido como uno de los más desiguales, según datos estadísticos. Esta desigualdad socioeconómica, política y cultural afecta los modelos educativos y provoca una segregación que genera una situación de injusticia social, impactando las oportunidades de desarrollo integral de niños, niñas y jóvenes. En respuesta a esta problemática, el gobierno de Michelle Bachelet (2014-2018) impulsó una Reforma Educativa destinada a garantizar una educación de calidad. En este contexto, surgieron espacios educativos alternativos como Cecrea, un programa público y gratuito diseñado para ofrecer a niños, niñas y jóvenes (NNJ) un espacio donde puedan imaginar, explorar y desarrollar …

La Integración De La Medicina Tradicional Indígena En El Sistema De Salud Pública En La Ciudad De Santiago De Chile: Perspectivas Actuales De Los Involucrados., Mia A. Ciotti

Chile: Public Health, Traditional Medicine, and Community Empowerment

A pesar de décadas de legislación y programas en Chile que apoyan el derecho de los pueblos indígenas a recibir atención de salud culturalmente relevante, no fue hasta diciembre de 2023 que los centros públicos de salud fueron obligados a implementar un modelo de atención intercultural. El propósito de este estudio fue comprender el estado actual de la atención intercultural en salud, específicamente la integración de la medicina tradicional indígena, en el sistema de salud pública de Santiago a través de las perspectivas de los involucrados. Los objetivos fueron comprender las percepciones de los facilitadores interculturales, los curanderos tradicionales, los …

Thirst For Power: Exploring The Impact Of The 2023 Israel-Gaza War On The Jordanian Water Crisis, Lucas Geromini

Jordan: Refugees, Health, and Humanitarian Action

This study examines the impact of the 2023 Israel-Gaza War on Jordan’s escalating water crisis, a challenge compounded by rapid population growth, climate change, and regional geopolitics. Jordan, one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, relies heavily on transboundary water-sharing agreements, particularly with Israel. However, the war has intensified tensions between the two countries, disrupting existing agreements and exposing Jordan’s vulnerability to Israel’s hydro-hegemony. Through qualitative research, including interviews with Jordanian experts in water policy, environmental studies, and geopolitics, the study explores three key themes: Israel’s dominance over regional water resources, the domestic and international pressures constraining Jordan’s …

Care Here-And-There: How Transnational Family Networks Are Created And Endure Between Tunisia And Italy, Clare Corson

Tunisia and Italy: Politics and Religious Integration in the Mediterranean

Migration continues to be a highly relevant topic in Tunisia, the Maghreb, and Mediterranean regions in general. Tunisia and Italy are two countries with a specific, historical relationship of circular migration. With more and more Tunisian families living across borders, transnationalism and family networks are subjects that require more research. At their intersection is my research on how economic and social remittances come together to form the basis of transnational care networks. How do families and individuals navigate living both here and there? Using survey data and ethnographic interviews with individuals in both Tunisia and Italy, I explored questions of …

Valentine’S Day @ The Library, Raquel Estrada

University Library Publications and Presentations

The University Library celebrated its first Valentine’s Day @ the Library event in 2024 with the aim of promoting government resources. To capture patron attention this event highlighted free printable Valentine cards available from various government websites. To support this activity, digital posters were created promoting government resources, and an information table was set up featuring some of the printable Valentine cards and promotional material from the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). With positive response towards programming, we are expecting to continue this event in the future.

Regional Awareness Of Historical And Ecological Impacts Of Invasive Species : A Case For Highlighting Government Resources For Local History Research, Guillermo Corona, Shannon Pensa

University Library Publications and Presentations

Historically the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas has relied on agriculture for economic development as well as travel and tourism given its proximity to Mexico. UTRGV University Library Special Collections & Archives compiles research guides to facilitate access and discovery of relevant information and resources among our collections. Our Invasive Plant & Insect Species Research Guide is also intended to raise regional awareness of the historical impacts of invasive species on the local environment and agriculture, including the transformation of ecological landscapes, endangerment of native species, economic harms, and threats to human safety and border security. You may access …

Taking The Law Into Their (Virtual) Hands: Facebook And Digital Vigilantism, Christine Anne R. Cox

Department of Communication Faculty Publications

Digital vigilantism is an emerging phenomenon whereby netizens engage in forms of targeted surveillance, naming and shaming through new media, supposedly for social justice ends. The multi-layered case of Christine Dacera, the Filipina flight attendant who was found dead on New Years Day 2021, is one such case that warrants the critical investigation of the role of Facebook in vigilant behaviors of Filipino users. Using netnographic data and an affordances approach, this study asks the following: What are the dominant affordances associated with the use of Facebook for digital vigilantism, and how does surveillance enable the new normal of community …

The Hidden Atrocity Of The Kafala System: Addressing The Domestic And Sexual Abuse Against Female Migrant Workers In Qatar, Sarah Lee

Global Studies Senior Capstone

The Kafala System is a labor sponsorship program in the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jordan, and Lebanon, originally created to be beneficial for migrant workers by providing a legal framework that provides advantages for both foreign workers and their local sponsors. However, this program has turned into an avenue for human trafficking, with different forms of exploitations increasing through it. This paper focuses on this system in the context of Qatar, discussing the history, nature of the Kafala System, as well as it’s impact on female migrant workers. Female migrant workers face a different set of struggles compared to their male …

Gender In Tanzania: People’S Perceptions On Changing Female Gender Roles In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Samantha Rice

Tanzania: Wildlife Conservation and Political Ecology

Traditional gender roles have existed in Tanzania for centuries and are only now beginning to change as the country becomes increasingly globalized and more immersed in the global scene. Many studies in Tanzania focus on the lived experiences of women and women’s equality from an outsider’s perspective. Few focus on the general population’s perception of the state of gender roles and how they are changing. The city of Dar Es Salaam is uniquely exposed to external influences, being a large commercial city growing more rapidly than most cities in Africa. By using a questionnaire and the general population of Dar …

From Conflict To Classroom: The Impact Of The Anglophone Crisis On Displaced Students' Education In Yaoundé, Sitota Therese Blomquist

Cameroon: Development and Social Change

The Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon has caused significant disruption to the education of students from the Northwest and Southwest regions, leading to displacement and resettlement in Francophone areas such as Yaoundé. This study explores the educational experiences of displaced Anglophone students aged 18+ in secondary education in Yaoundé, focusing on the challenges they face in adapting to a Francophone education system, their coping mechanisms, and the support they receive from schools, local organizations, and the government. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research conducts in-depth interviews with displaced students and key stakeholders, revealing that language barriers, cultural differences, and financial constraints …

A Green Exercise Lifestyle: The Relationship Between Outdoor Exercise, Nature Connection, And Pro-Environmental Behavior, Carolyn Casey

Australia: Sustainability and Environmental Action

This study investigates the hypothesized relationship between green exercise, nature connection, and pro-environmental behavior, exploring how engagement in outdoor exercise influences individuals' environmental attitudes and behaviors. Using a mixed-methods approach, data was collected through surveys, interviews, and personal reflection. Findings reveal that outdoor exercise participants exhibit equal or stronger connections to nature and higher levels of pro-environmental behavior than their indoor counterparts– nature connection scores for outdoor groups were consistently equal to or higher than those of indoor groups, and their pro-environmental behavior scores significantly surpassed indoor groups. Subgroup trends highlighted unique patterns, such as a productivity-driven focus among pool …

An Illustrated, Experiential Field Guide To Melbourne, Elissa Steil

Australia: Sustainability and Environmental Action

This paper documents the creation of a field guide designed to promote sustainability by encouraging connection and understanding of Melbourne's native environment. The guide features illustrations, distribution maps, and descriptions of their physical traits and traditional Aboriginal uses. The guide emphasizes accessibility for diverse audiences, using simple language and a balance of visuals and text to appeal to both beginners and experts in plant identification. Grounded in respect for the Traditional Owners of the land, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong/Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, the project integrates traditional ecological knowledge to highlight Aboriginal approaches to environmental stewardship. These …

Exploring Sustainability In The Fashion Industry: A Comparative Study Of Melbourne-Based Brands, Annabel Nemeth

Australia: Sustainability and Environmental Action

As the Australian fashion industry continues to grow, the environmental and social consequences of its rapid expansion are becoming increasingly unsustainable. The “fast fashion” model, driven by overproduction, overconsumption, and disposable culture, has led to significant waste, the depletion of natural resources, and the exploitation of workers in developing countries. In response to these issues, sustainable fashion practices have gained attention as a potential solution. This study investigates the sustainability efforts of four Australian fashion brands: Kara Baker Couture, Par Moi, Kuwaii, and Elk the Label. This study focuses on their use of sustainable materials, ethical production processes, and strategies …

Overcoming Barriers To Sustainable Fashion In Australia: Insights From Clothing Producers And Consumers, Britain Polk

Australia: Sustainability and Environmental Action

The fashion industry is one of the world's most polluting sectors, contributing approximately 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of global wastewater. Despite growing awareness of fashion's environmental impact, sustainable practices face significant adoption challenges in Australia, where the majority of clothing is imported and fast fashion remains dominant. This study aimed to identify and analyze the key barriers preventing both producers and consumers from fully engaging in sustainable fashion practices in Australia, with a particular focus on New South Wales and the Gold Coast regions. The study employed a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative data collection. Eight …

The Competition Between Sustainability And Profitability In Byron Bay, Nsw Businesses, Elise Leroux

Australia: Sustainability and Environmental Action

Byron Bay, NSW is a unique community made up of surfers, hippies, and tourists where both the natural environment and the businesses downtown are central to the area. To be a successful business among these varying lifestyles requires thought into both creating profit and acting sustainably. This paper aims to understand how the culture of the Byron Bay community influences the balance between sustainability and profitability in local businesses. To achieve this goal, I conducted six interviews of businesses that are local to Byron Bay. Businesses in the organics, clothing, beer, and handmade industries were interviewed regarding their sustainability practices, …

The Barriers And Motivations To Recycling Behaviors In The Byron Shire, John Pearl

Australia: Sustainability and Environmental Action

This research investigates the key factors influencing recycling behaviors in the Byron Bay area, focusing on barriers and motivations within the community. The study aimed to identify perceptions and practices around recycling, with particular attention to confusion, social norms, and infrastructure. Data was collected through a survey of 62 local residents, supplemented by interviews with waste management professionals Findings revealed that confusion over recycling rules was a significant barrier, with 42% of survey participants reporting it as a challenge. Despite this, 97% expressed confidence in knowing what can and cannot be recycled, indicating a gap between perceived and actual knowledge. …

Exploring Sustainable Strategies For Businesses In Byron Bay, Jackson Davies

Australia: Sustainability and Environmental Action

The presence of sustainability within business is a rapidly growing concept. As public awareness of sustainability grows, businesses need to adapt to fulfill the wants of their customers. However, the implementation of sustainability is accompanied by many hardships. This research paper aims to understand the presence of sustainability within the businesses of the Byron Bay area, analyze how sustainable efforts may be working or failing within these businesses, and theorize how sustainability may be better implemented in the businesses in ways that can not only make the business more environmentally friendly but also generate revenue. To properly accomplish this task, …

Crime, Corruption, And Construction: Exploring The Impact Of The “Construction Mafia” On Public Infrastructure Development, Sada Kalbach

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Recent government policies and a state-led focus on “radical economic transformation” have spawned a range of business forums, colloquially known as the “construction mafia,” seeking to capitalize on economic reform. However, competition for construction contracts have led to the widespread use of intimidation, violence, and government corruption within the eThekwini Municipality. This research seeks to understand how the construction mafia in eThekwini impacts the local government’s ability to develop public infrastructure, as well as the extent to which government responses enable or hinder organized criminal networks in the construction industry. Utilizing a qualitative method of semi-structured one-on-one interviews and notes …

Seizing The Moment: Climate Mainstreaming In The Ethekwini Municipality And Lessons On Leveraging Major Events, Xenia Ellis

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Abstract

With the significant threat that climate change poses to societies across the world and specifically those in the Global South such as the eThekwini municipality, urgent and comprehensive action is necessary to mitigate and adapt to the devastating effects of climate change. Climate mainstreaming, which is the process of integrating climate strategies into all policies, plans, investments, decisions, and implementation in a government, is essential to addressing the issue. Existing literature has emphasized this importance, however, there has been minimal study of the process within the eThekwini municipality. This study aims to fill that gap and build an understanding …

Harvesting Connections: A Creative Documentary On Sustainable Food Practices & Community In The Byron Shire, Abigail Wadkins-Daub

Australia: Sustainability and Environmental Action

This research explores the intersection of sustainable food practices and community connection in the Byron Shire, New South Wales Australia. This study specifically focuses on how practices such as composting, organic agriculture, farmers markets, and shared meals encourage both environmental well-being and social bonds. This project is presented as a 21 minute documentary titled Harvesting Connections, which included five semi-structured interviews with community members, including local farmers, home gardeners, market managers, and community garden leaders. Interviews were conducted over a five week period in November 2024, with participants including Sharon Gibson, Dave Forrest, Sue Mangan, Allie Godfrey, and Ahbi. These …

Optimizing Local Access To Information On Saving The Planet!, Sami Garcia

Environmental Engagement in the Community (ENVR 319): Student Projects

Environmental Engagement in the Community projects, fall 2024

A poster titled Optimizing Local Access to Information on Saving the Planet! for client Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department.

The Green Office Initiative: Managing Waste With Purpose, Allison Page, Lauren Smith, Naomi Mark

Environmental Engagement in the Community (ENVR 319): Student Projects

Environmental Engagement in the Community projects, fall 2024

A poster titled The Green Office Initiative: Managing Waste with Purpose for client Lincoln Electric System (Katie Gutierrez and Dalton Johnson).

Battery Recycling In Nebraska, Kathryn Singh, Keegan Dunn, Emily Klinger

Environmental Engagement in the Community (ENVR 319): Student Projects

Environmental Engagement in the Community projects, fall 2024

A poster titled Battery Recycling in Nebraska for clients Douglas County Environmental Services and Recycling Council.

Local Energy For Local Water: Urban-Rural Collaboration, Meg Brady, Clementine Ewomsan

Environmental Engagement in the Community (ENVR 319): Student Projects

Environmental Engagement in the Community projects, fall 2024

A poster titled Local Energy for Local Water: Urban-Rural Collaboration for client James Persson.

Wrack Lines Volume 24, No. 2, Fall-Winter 2024-2025, Farwa Mohsin, Seth Kinter, Elena Smith, Eden Torres, Dominic Moore, Isaiah Sosa

Wrack Lines

Six recipients of the Wrack Lines Voice of Diverse Youth Scholarship share personal essays about their relationship to nature and climate change.

Khet खेत: Board Game Development As A Knowledge Producing Mechanism For Agroecological Development In Nepal, Margaret Mclaughlin

Nepal: Development, Gender, and Social Change in the Himalaya

Sustainable agriculture is a frequently weaponized phrase with a varying degree of intentions and applications world-wide. For Nepal, true sustainability lies within cultivating traditional indigenous agricultural practices in favor of imported western methods which are ill suited for the unique geography of Nepal and the longevity of the people and place they call home. Agroecology, or the focus on the importance of biodiversity conservation and attention to the greater natural balance lies at the heart of agricultural development and community building efforts which sustain Nepali agriculture at its core. By using board game play as a facilitator of cooperative knowledge …

Stories From Nepal: Internship With The Kathmandu Post, Ellie Davis

Nepal: Development, Gender, and Social Change in the Himalaya

This report examines the role of print media in Nepal and recounts my experience working as an intern reporter for a month with the Kathmandu Post. I worked roughly 40 hours each week developing my own story pitches, identifying sources, conducting interviews, and writing stories relevant to the themes of Gender, Development, and Social Change. Throughout this month, I published 11 stories online and in print with the Kathmandu Post. This report discusses the history of print media in Nepal, the role of the Kathmandu Post within the Nepali media landscape, and my experience working as a part of the …

Street-Side Sovereignty: Informal Produce Vendors, Subsistence, And Chosen Interdependencies, Owen W. Lee

Samoa: Social and Environmental Change in Oceania

This paper summarizes findings from a 2024 survey and interview conducted with street-side produce vendors in Western Samoa. Produce vendors are understood within the informal economy in Samoa and the phenomenon is contextualized through a history of Pacific food regimes. In opposition to the contemporary corporate food regime, produce vendors operate through small-scale, informal operations which demonstrate variability and individual agency. Through the theoretical framework of food sovereignty, informal produce vendors’ survey and interview responses are analyzed to position vendors’ work within both the global and the Pacific food sovereignty movements, with special attention to land access and localized food …