Cultural Connections
Asynchronous Session
Navigating the Himalayan Crossroads: Identity, Socio-Environmental Challenges, and Community Governance in the Shadow of Conflict View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Wafa Rasheeq Mir
This paper delves into the multifaceted issue of conflict in the Himalayas, shedding light on its profound implications for community diversity and governance within the region. Against the backdrop of the ongoing territorial dispute between China and India, this study explores the intricate interplay of identity, and socio-environmental challenges in shaping the conflict's dynamics. In doing so, it presents a comprehensive analysis that spans the realms of socio-cultural identity, ecological resilience, and inclusive governance. The paper's body is divided into three main sections, each offering a unique perspective on the Himalayan conflict. First, it investigates the profound influence of identity on the territorial dispute, emphasizing how these factors influence the perceptions and aspirations of the diverse communities residing in the region. Second, it dissects the intricate relationship between the conflict and pressing socio-environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and natural disasters, and the disparate impact on local communities. Lastly, the paper highlights the pivotal role of community diversity and governance in addressing the conflict and fostering peace, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies and the empowerment of marginalized communities. In conclusion, this paper summarizes the key findings and insights, underlining the significance of addressing issues related to identity, and socio-environmental challenges as essential components of any strategy aimed at promoting lasting peace in the Himalayas.
Authentic Leadership’s Impact on Black Student-Athletes’ Identity and Persistence: Navigating Challenges and Forging Success on and off the Field View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Chanel Bradden, Sandra Cleveland, Jennifer Butcher, Edward Raimundi III, Erika Kimberly Stanley Wesley
This research study explores the critical intersection of authentic leadership within sports administration and its profound impact on Black student-athletes' identity development and resilience. The study adopts a mixed-methods research design, drawing insights from both sports leaders and student-athletes to investigate this dynamic relationship comprehensively. The importance of authentic leadership in sports administration cannot be overstated. It emphasizes leaders' genuine and transparent engagement with their teams, fostering trust and shared values. In the context of Black student-athletes, this research seeks to uncover how authentic leadership practices can significantly impact their experiences both on and off the field. The qualitative component of this study involves in-depth interviews with five (5) sports leaders, such as coaches, athletic directors, and administrators, to understand their perceptions and practices of authentic leadership. This qualitative data will provide rich insights into how authentic leadership manifests within sports administration. Quantitative surveys and data collection from 100 Black student-athletes will be employed to examine the impact of authentic leadership on their identity development and resilience. By analyzing these factors, the research aims to shed light on how authentic leadership contributes to Black student-athletes' personal and athletic growth. This study's findings hold significant implications for sports organizations, educators, and policymakers. Understanding the role of authentic leadership in the context of Black student-athletes can inform strategies to enhance their overall well-being, identity formation, and resilience, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and supportive sports environment.
The Dilemma and Adaptation of I-Kuan-Tao Internationalization: A Case Study of Curriculum Implementation in Thailand Community View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Lim Pey Huan
I-Kuan-Tao is one of the most representative contemporary Chinese religions, emerging as a folk religion in China and originating in Taiwan, blending the doctrines of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Islam. This study explores the effectiveness, challenges, and coping strategies of multicultural religious education curriculum design and teaching practices using the example of the Fa Yi Chong De Tao Class in Thailand, a five-year Tao Class within I-Kuan-Tao. It investigates the relationship between promoting religious education tailored to different cultural contexts and the Fa Yi Chong De Tao Class in response to the latest trends in religious globalization. Fa Yi Chong De Tao Class is the most systematic among all the branches of I-Kuan-Tao, making it an optimal reference and also for others religion. This research adopts an action research methodology to design the curriculum for Tao Class, focusing primarily on the second-generation population in the Thai branch. The curriculum involves participation in four sessions covering different thematic elements. Throughout the action process, data are collected through observations, interviews, document analysis, and thematic analysis, supplemented by focus group interviews on curriculum design and individual interviews with practitioners involved in curriculum design and teaching practices, as well as recordings and photos of class activities and reflections on the four sessions. Finally, based on the research findings, recommendations are provided for future curriculum design, teaching practices, and research directions for the Fa Yi Chong De Tao Class in response to the profound changes in the new generation.
