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Beyond the Public Sphere: The Household as a Site of Cultural Persistence and Adaptation
55-61Views:132The paper examines the idea that the Tunisian migrants in Hungary are capable to preserve the feeling of home by means of conducting their domestic activities. The point is that the sphere in which cultural contingency is the most prominent is not the community life in general, but the very household where the traditions of the cooking process, family life, and ritual activity are practiced every day. Based on a questionnaire survey (N = 100) and 25 semi-structured interviews, these domestic practices remain remarkably stable and are passed to younger family members. It is observed in the analysis that daily activities aid greatly to the continuity of cultures even when the family has migrated; food preparation, hospitality, and the ritual celebrations are ordinary and routine practices that introduce cultural information and principles into the family environment. The results show how domestic heritage helps the migrants to maintain cultural continuity as they adjust to the Hungarian society. This way, they become part of the host culture without losing their identity back home because they remain involved in domestic affairs. In brief, daily domestic activities, create a hybrid experience of integration that upholds cultural identity and adopts new environments.
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The Role of National Values in Interethnic Marriages in Turkestan: Insights from Field Research in Five Villages of the Turkestan Region, Kazakhstan
7-23Views:341This study investigates the role of religion in shaping inter-ethnic marriages in the Turkestan region of Kazakhstan, specifically focusing on five rural villages: Zhana Iqan, Shornak, Turki Poselkasy, Hantagy, and Sayram. With a historically diverse population composed of various ethnic groups—such as Kazakhs, Uzbeks, and Tatars—the region presents a unique case for examining how religious practices influence family life, marriage dynamics, and ethnic integration. Based on 45 semi-structured interviews conducted during the first phase and 40 interviews and observations during the second phase of fieldwork, the study reveals that religion is a central component in everyday family interactions, impacting child-rearing, marital relations, sexual education, and broader social integration. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative data from interviews and participant observations with quantitative data from structured questionnaires, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of religious practices. The findings highlight that religion not only informs inter-ethnic marital dynamics but also reinforces cultural and familial roles within the broader social fabric. The study contributes to discussions on the intersection of religion, ethnicity, and family life, emphasizing how religious flexibility and adaptation occur in response to practical life challenges. Additionally, the study underscores the role of women within these marriages, particularly in negotiating religious and cultural expectations, thus contributing to the understanding of "lived religion" in diverse social settings.
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Assimilation and Acculturation Processes in the Study of Inter-Ethnic Marriages
7-21Views:449Inter-ethnic marriages present a captivating arena for examining assimilation and acculturation processes, where individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds merge their identities. This article delves into the dynamics of inter-ethnic marriages in the Turkestan region of Southern Kazakhstan through the lens of assimilation and acculturation theories. Utilizing data collected from 45 interviews across five villages, including Zhana Iqan, Hantagy, Shornak, Turki poselkasy, and Kentau, the study explores various aspects of daily life such as language usage, religious practices, traditions, cuisine, and ethnic values. Research questions probe how individuals negotiate cultural differences in their interactions and interpret multicultural coexistence through assimilation, acculturation, and dissimilation theories. The hypothesis posits three cohabitation patterns -acculturation, assimilation, and dissimilation- equally valid within the same cultural and geographical space. Employing qualitative methods including interviews and surveys, the study uncovers patterns of adaptation and the degree of assimilation or acculturation within relationships. By analyzing data through the prism of assimilation and acculturation theories, the study sheds light on how cultural elements are integrated into daily routines and decision-making processes within inter-ethnic marriages. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how individuals navigate cultural diversity within marital relationships, enriching scholarly discourse on multiculturalism and societal relations.
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Inter-Diasporic Relations: The Tunisian Diaspora and Arab/Muslim Communities in Hungary
219-225Views:287As the study of human cultures, traditions, and the way communities develop their cultural identities, cultural anthropology analyzes how various groups develop and evolve in different socio-cultural environments. The primary focus of this scientific field of studies is the investigation of migration, diasporas, and cultural exchanges which represent the main factors contributing to identity creation and adaptability within heterogeneous contexts. Within this framework, this paper explores inter-diasporic relations. More specifically, the Tunisian diaspora in Hungary and its contacts with other Arab and Muslim populations, particularly Turkish, Moroccan, and Syrian groups, in addition to their interactions with locals and other different groups.
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COMPARISON OF THE FAMILIARITY OF GRADE 4 ROMA AND NON-ROMA SCHOOL CHILDREN WITH SOME BIOLOGICAL TERMS IN ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
47-60Views:344Most of the Roma settlements in Croatia are spatially segregated from the settlements of the majority population. Specific cultural elements constitute the ethnic border towards the local population, making it difficult and reducing the possibility of their integration into the majority population. One of the results of that segregation is the unfamiliarity of the Roma children with the language of the majority population. This unfamiliarity with the Croatian language is a big obstacle for the integration of the Roma children into Croatian society through school education. Starting from Grade 1 they follow the regular school curriculum. Two of the subjects that are taught from the very beginning of their primary school education are Natural Science and English as a foreign language. In this paper, the authors present the results (statistical analysis and discussion) of their research study. It compares the familiarity of Roma and Non-Roma Grade 4 children (age 10) with some biological terms in English as a foreign language. Based on the results of their research, the authors suggest modifications of the school curriculum for Roma children that would enable their better school achievement and subsequently their easier integration into Croatian society.
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The Impact of Cultural Heritage on Coexistence Relations in a Local Community
175-184Views:294The analysis of community processes in peripheral local rural societies is usually described in terms of assimilation, integration and segregation. The basic motivation for the research presented in this paper was that, in my experience, the integration processes of the largest ethnic minority in Hungary can only be fully comprehended if the autonomous narratives of local communities concerning their own life situations are acknowledged as interpretations that underpin our conclusions. A field study was conducted using ethnographic and anthropological methods in two settlements in Hajdú-Bihar County. The aim was to investigate the impact of the structure of the Gypsy subcommunity's traditional heritage, its recurrent functions and the emerging revival processes on coexistence. I was looking for an answer to the question whether the traditional practices of the Roma, the use of language, the set of customs, the ethnic norms help or hinder social integration. This paper presents the results and conclusions of a research conducted in one of the settlements, in Nagyrábé. The objective of the research was to identify the factors that influence the social acceptance of local Roma communities and examine their relation to the quality of the preservation of ethnic traditions.
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The Role of National Values in Interethnic Marriages in Turkestan
45-58Views:255The present study focuses on the importance of national values in inter-ethnic marriages within the Turkestan region of Kazakhstan, specifically in the rural villages of Zhana Iqan, Shornak, Turki Poselkasy, Hantagy, and Sayram. The study explores three primary areas: the significance of preserving national values within inter-ethnic families, attitudes toward marriage involving children of different nationalities, and the participants’ acceptance of the national values and social norms of their spouse. Drawing from 85 interviews and observational data, the analysis presented here examines the role of national values in shaping family dynamics, focusing on Kazakhs as the main ethnic group as well as their cultural integration with Uzbeks, Azerbaijanis, and Russians. The findings highlight how Kazakh values influence family structures and foster adaptive frameworks through cultural blending. Drawing on anthropological and sociological theories, the research demonstrates how inter-ethnic marriages in Turkestan create a dynamic interplay of traditions, promoting unity and coexistence in the region. The mixed-methods approach utilized in the study combines qualitative data from interviews and participant observations with quantitative data, offering a comprehensive view of how these values are preserved and negotiated. The findings open up that national values are not only fundamental to inter-ethnic marriages but also promote mutual understanding, adaptation, and respect between partners from different ethnic backgrounds. Additionally, the study emphasizes the significance of the "dominant spouse" in upholding and negotiating these values, providing insight into how cultural expectations are maintained and adapted within the realities of inter-ethnic family life in the Turkestan region.
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The Existence of Larvul Ngabal Law in the Life of the Kei Community
81-97Views:270The legal status of larvul ngabal represents a customary legal system that serves as the fundamental framework governing the social, political, and cultural life of the Kei Islands community. This legal system functions not only as a normative regulatory framework but also as a repository of moral values and a mechanism for conflict resolution that has been passed down through generations. This study aims to examine the contemporary relevance of larvul ngabal within Kei society and explore the ways in which this customary legal system interacts with modern legal frameworks. Employing a qualitative methodology with a historical and cultural analytical approach, this research investigates the role of larvul ngabal law in shaping social structures, resolving conflicts, and preserving customary and cultural values. The findings reveal that larvul ngabal law continues to be a central pillar in maintaining social equilibrium within the Kei community, despite the increasing integration of positive law as part of the formal legal system. The seven principal articles within larvul ngabal law are categorized into three primary legal domains, namely nevnev (criminal law), hanilit (family law), and hawear balwirin (property law). This customary legal framework fundamentally asserts that blood symbolizes life, thereby designating violence and murder as grave offenses that necessitate resolution not only through state law but also through customary legal mechanisms. In instances of disputes or customary law violations, the Kei people predominantly favor resolution through customary legal assemblies rather than formal judicial proceedings, as customary law is perceived to be more culturally congruent and socially integrative. This research contributes to the scholarly discourse on customary law and socio-legal studies, offering insights into the continued significance of indigenous legal systems in fostering social cohesion, regulating communal interactions, and preserving traditional governance structures within indigenous societies at a global level.
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National Commemoration and Cultural Identity in the Light of Changing Traditions: An Anthropological Study of Kuwait's National and Liberation Days
137-150Views:259This study undertakes an anthropological analysis of Kuwaiti National celebrations. It examines the construction and reinforcement of national identity, the development of the nation-state, and how these are expressed within the local community. Through an examination of historical narratives, governmental influence, and public performative expressions, this paper aims to identify the mechanisms by which these national commemorations function as tools for collective memory, social integration, and the processing of historical trauma within Kuwait’s diverse demographic landscape. The anthropological investigation also considers the historical evolution of these commemorations, the role of governmental influence in the construction of collective memory, and the performative aspects of public participation, particularly concerning the processing of transgenerational war trauma and intergroup relational dynamics. The study's objective is to provide a nuanced understanding of how these traditions function to construct identity, facilitate social integration, and shape historical narratives within the local group context. Examining the development and historical changes of Kuwait’s National and Liberation Days reveals a dynamic interplay between official commemoration and popular expression.
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INVISIBLE LINES, INVISIBLE LIVES; EDUCATION OF AFGHAN MIGRANT CHILDREN AND THEIR FUTURE WITHIN IRAN’S BORDER
91-108Views:388During the Soviet Union occupation of Afghanistan, the Taliban insurgency within this country’s borders, and a subsequent war with the USA, people inhabiting this land were forced to leave their country to cross the neighbouring borders with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Exploring their right place in Iran’s society resulted in the residency of approximately 3.000.000 of them, which has yielded both constructive and at the same time disturbing economic and educational experiences for both nations. Cultural similarities and deviations, in some cases mutual language, and common religion have been presented as the underlying reasons for integration opportunities and also challenges. This study explains how the trends for delivering education to Afghans in Iran have fluctuated so far, yet been remarkably more efficient than their departure point. The educational future of the second, third, and even fourth generation of Afghans in Iran has become a big question with regard to the economic status and political relations of the two countries. What this study manifests is the need to recognize and fill the gaps in the education of Afghans. This goal will be achieved through a review of human rights opposing geographical determinism, illiteracy, and mistaking prejudice and excessive behaviours in the host country.
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Determination and Prejudice: the Challenges of Integration for People of Roma Origin
139-149Views:178In this study, the determinative effects of prejudice-based disadvantage factors frequently emphasised in relation to Roma living in Hungary are analysed. For this purpose, the individual life stories of protagonists appearing in documentary films produced in the AntRom Filmműhely (University of Debrecen), as well as the analysis of community processes observed in various local societies, are utilised. The aforementioned disadvantage factors (e.g. ethnic origin, gender, family and socio-cultural background, education, labour-market status, housing) are understood to shape, both individually and collectively, the expectations and future opportunities of the individuals concerned. The aim of the study is to make visible how, and under what conditions, a life different from the “expected” can be realised.
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Educational Policy Responses to Support Roma Students
113-121Views:201This study examines Hungarian educational policy measures implemented between 2015 and 2025 to improve the academic success of Roma students. Education is viewed not only as a means of knowledge transmission but as a key driver of social mobility and equality. Roma students face complex challenges rooted in social disadvantage, cultural differences, and systemic issues such as segregation and institutional discrimination. The paper provides an overview of major interventions, including compulsory early childhood education, the Complex Instruction Programme (CIP), community-based tanoda initiatives, the Útravaló Scholarship Programme, and Roma Special Colleges. While these programmes have yielded positive local outcomes—such as improved cooperation, reduced dropout rates, and enhanced access to higher education—their long-term impact is limited by underfunding, project-based approaches, and lack of systemic integration. The study adopts a critical perspective, highlighting the need for sustainable strategies, teacher training in inclusive pedagogy, community involvement, and comprehensive monitoring systems. Recommendations include strengthening teacher education, promoting integrated social support, and ensuring Roma participation in decision-making. The findings underscore that only systemic, long-term measures can effectively reduce educational inequalities and foster genuine social inclusion for Roma communities.
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Playgrounds Past and Present
115-125Views:296Playgrounds have become an integral part of modern urban life, and their change in function have a significant impact on children and on the design of community spaces. The study examines the historical development of playgrounds, starting from the pedagogical reforms of the 19th century up to today's modern and thematic playgrounds. The research covers the social and pedagogical role of playgrounds, as well as their comparison with playgrounds. The historical overview shows that playgrounds were first created to ensure the free movement of children, and then, during the 20th century, they increasingly fulfilled a social and educational function. Modern playgrounds are not only playgrounds, but also arenas for social integration and community building. The examples of the Sziget-Kék and Máltai playgrounds in Debrecen clearly illustrate the new functions of the playgrounds: the former is a thematic park that also offers cultural experiences, while the latter provides social and community services. The study points out that while public playgrounds developed and acquired new functions, the playgrounds of institutional education changed less. Playgrounds of this type are still basically safe, but less inspiring spaces that cannot compete with the community-forming and developing effects of modern public playgrounds. The research concludes that the modernization of playgrounds poses new challenges for the institutional educational environment and necessitates a change of attitude and development of playgrounds.
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Issues of Urbanizations in Kyrgyzstan: New Settlements of Bishkek
35-45Views:270Urbanization in Kyrgyzstan, in particular the capital city of Bishkek faces the rapid growth of new settlements that often outpaces the developmental issues such as infrastructure, housing shortages, social services, employment, environmental impact, cultural and social integration, security, land ownership and property rights. These issues can be complex, and lead to disputes and uncertainty for residents. This can hinder development in new settlements. Efforts to address these urbanization issues in new settlements around Bishkek city should involve comprehensive urban planning, infrastructure development, land management, and social policies. It's essential to ensure that urbanization contributes to improved living conditions and opportunities for all residents, fostering sustainable and inclusive growth.