Amita Trasi's The Color of Our Sky is a powerful work of cultural empathy that leaves the reader's feeling shaken by its jarring trauma. This book shed light on the cultural empathy and jarring trauma that have caused Indian outcasts, especially Bagnios, to perceive their traditions as a danger to their fundamental collective identities. The readers are profoundly affected by the terrible and depressing circumstances that the Indian outcasts live in. The narrative deepens the character development of those on both sides of the conflict, fostering narrative and cultural empathy and overcoming cultural gaps. The disturbing account of events illustrates the appalling conditions that the Indian population is living in. The concept of the caste system in India is explored in The Color of Our Sky , as well as how much it influences people's existences. That is how Mukta came to be. Frauen in her caste, which was lower than others, dedicate their lives to becoming the goddess' ally. This work of fiction will be studied using philosophical concepts of cultural empathy, narrative empathy, and jarring trauma with theoretical values of cultural trauma and collective identity. The ideas of Suzanne Keen, John Carlson and Jeffrey C. Alexander will have been used to analyse the text in question utilizing the theories of cultural trauma and collective identity. There will be qualitative research involved by using the idea of cultural empathy, the researcher will attempt to examine the perturbed work of this novel using critical analytical approaches. Keywords: Cultural trauma, jarring trauma, empathetic culture, narrative empathy, collective identity, and cognizant narrative DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/73-02 Publication date: April 30 th 2024
The present scoping review examines the significance of sociocultural perspectives in early childhood education (ECE), exploring implications for practice, policy, and research. Rooted in the work of Lev Vygotsky, sociocultural theory provides a framework for understanding the complex interactions between children and their social environments and considering cultural contexts. The significance of sociocultural perspectives in early childhood education cannot be overstated, directly impacting the inclusivity and effectiveness of educational practices, recognizing that each child's learning is deeply influenced by their cultural background, which shapes their experiences and interactions. Additionally, as societies become increasingly multicultural, the ability to incorporate and respect different cultural values within educational settings is crucial for fostering mutual respect and understanding among young learners. The review explores key concepts such as social interaction, language development, and the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), highlighting their role in shaping children's learning and development. Furthermore, it discusses the challenges and considerations in implementing sociocultural approaches, including addressing cultural biases, balancing individual and collective learning needs, and overcoming limited resources and institutional barriers. The review also accentuates the importance of integrating sociocultural approaches into ECE curricula, promoting Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) practices, and building partnerships with families and communities. Future research directions include exploring innovative approaches to sociocultural practices, examining the long-term impacts of sociocultural interventions, and addressing gaps in existing literature. Overall, sociocultural perspectives in ECE can create more equitable and inclusive learning environments, empowering all children to thrive and reach their fullest potential. Keywords: Socioculturalism, Sociocultural Theory, Lev Vygotsky, Early Childhood Education, DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/73-03 Publication date: April 30 th 2024
The Coronavirus 19 (CoviD-19 [1] ) pandemic has ravaged countries and disrupted the social-economic stability of communities leaving people in desperate need of essential commodities. Its effects are generally implicitly well known by many. Yet, the reality in densely populated areas such as compounds, is underestimated. The year 2020 marked a pivotal point in human history due to this global pandemic that, among other things, forced unprecedented upheaval to human lives, individual careers, economic activities, education and health systems. This research set out to explore the social-economic implications of the CoviD-19 pandemic in densely populated compounds in Lusaka. This was done with an intention to explore the impact on the human lives of those already struggling under the strain of poverty and expose how they are currently coping. As an exploratory design, the research seeks to use a case study approach of 4 compounds in Lusaka District. The intention is to use focus group interviews, complete observations and fixed questions to collect rich data in situ that is intended to demonstrate the multi-layered effects affecting settlers in densely populated compounds. This research analysed the collected data through the use of thematic analysis. Key Words: CoviD-19, Pandemic, Masks, Densely populated compound, Social Distancing, Settlers DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/73-05 Publication date: April 30 th 2024 [1] COVID-19 will be used interchangeably with Coronavirus
Besides placed at the margins of the public sphere and major political, socio-economic, and cultural processes, where their voices are rarely heard, African children and youth have many pressing development, health, education, economic and social needs that apparently stand on their way to positive, functional and productive future identities. Despite their critical value for future wellbeing, many of them still suffer minimal investments towards their healthy development, leaving them most of the time vulnerable. An argument around the construction of positive and productive futures in the continent becomes crucial in understanding African childhoods, adolescence and youth, and the perspectives and pathways that become key when young people transition to full adulthood. A major concern is the need for social inclusion in the policies, practices and frames of reference that characterise the context of child and youth development. This article profiles the way African childhood and youthhood are constructed, youth livelihoods and transition experiences, perspectives for flourishing and avoiding floundering as well as those for social inclusion and development policy orientations for African youth futures. The essence is to expand the theoretical position that childhood and adulthood are the today and tomorrow of any society, while youthhood is the bridge between them. And if childhood and youth are a mistake, then adulthood will be a struggle while old age will definitely be regretted. And that the lines etched in childhood and the years of adolescence and youth certainly draw the wrinkles of adulthood and ageing. A major conclusion is that major investments in children and youth as well as their social inclusion in the construction of their future identities is a profitable trajectory and pathway to positive and productive futures for today’s children and youth. Keywords: childhood, youthhood, social inclusion, future identities, African future identities DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/72-01 Publication date: January 31 st 2024
Peacemaking is a universal construct. It is entrenched in the cultural milieu of every society and plays a critical role in shaping and defining human interactions and endeavours. Every society has its own unique way of conducting its affairs, and has developed defined strategies and structures for preventing, managing and resolving conflicts with the view to guarding the integrity of the community and maintaining social order. In most cases, these have been achieved with the establishment of self-help organizations whose members adopt the principles of sharing, compassion, empathy and cooperation that are essential ingredients of humanity. The main thrust of this article is to explore the hidden and untapped approaches, mechanisms and strategies for preventing, maintaining and sustaining peace in traditional societies in the Eastern Region of Sierra Leone. The article argues that the utilization of self-help organizations enables societies to transcend the bitterness, hatred and suspicion of the past and to make the transition to a more stable political order and socio-economic reengineering. Keywords: Peacemaking, Reconciliation, Cooperation, Self-help, Communitarianism DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/73-01 Publication date: April 30 th 2024
