Att kunna socialt identifiera sig med sin arbetsgrupp är för många förenat med välmående och trygghet på arbetsplatsen men även som något viktigt för gruppens dynamik. Syftet med studien är att öka förståelsen för kvinnors upplevda hinder och möjligheter att kunna socialt identifiera sig med arbetsgruppen på en mansdominerad arbetsplats och på så sätt skapa förståelse för kvinnors subjektiva upplevelser. Tio kvinnor som arbetar på mansdominerade arbetsplatser har intervjuats. Kvalitativ metod har använts tillsammans med Tematisk Analys som analysmetod. Studien har kommit fram till att kvinnor upplever fler hinder (t.ex diskriminering och bristande förtroende) än möjligheter att kunna socialt identifiera sig med sin arbetsgrupp på en mansdominerad arbetsplats. Ju fler kvinnor det finns på arbetsplatsen desto lättare är det att socialt identifiera sig med arbetsgruppen.

The transition to a care home can be a difficult experience for older people, with various changes and losses, which can impact an older person’s sense of identity. However, it is not clear how older people perceive and manage their sense of identity within a care home, particularly in the United Kingdom. This study aimed to explore how the transition to a care home impacted on the identities of care home residents, and how they addressed this impact. Findings were interpreted using the Social Identity Perspective (SIP), which postulates that people strive to maintain a positive identity. Identities are composed of a personal identity (relating to personality traits), and a social identity (relating to group membership). SIP can help to interpret the symbolic nature of interactions and experiences, although to date has been infrequently used in care home based research. This study used a case study approach with qualitative methods. Cases of three care homes were purposefully sampled within Greater Manchester. Residents, relatives, and care home staff were asked to participate. Semi-structured interviews with 18 participants (nine residents; four relatives; five staff), and approximately 260 hours of observations were conducted over one year. Data were analysed using Framework Analysis. Results revealed five overlapping themes: 1) Social comparison; 2) Frustration; 3) Independence and autonomy; 4) Personal identity vs. Care home; 5) Ageing and Changing. Overall, the transition to a care home had a negative effect on residents’ identities, due to organisational restrictions and associations with cognitively impaired older people. In order to forge a positive identity, residents without dementia aimed to distance themselves from residents with dementia, whom they perceived negatively. To achieve this distance, residents without dementia engaged in social comparison, by emphasising their comparatively superior cognitive abilities and physical independence. Symptomatic behaviours of residents with dementia also caused frustrations amongst staff and other residents. Furthermore, differing expectations of the care environment caused frustrations between residents, relatives, and staff. Most routines and restrictions made it difficult for residents to express their personalities. Although staff aimed to incorporate residents’ individuality into care, they often reported feeling restricted by a lack of staffing and resources. Additionally, residents considered the physical impact of ageing to alter their established sense of identity. However, the care home further undermined residents’ identities, particularly in relation to their independence and autonomy, which were important elements of their personal identities. Residents’ perceptions of what counted as independence changed in light of their declining physical abilities and what they were allowed to do within the care home, in order to maintain this element of their identities. Findings indicated that the care homes would benefit from more resources to organise more meaningful activities for residents. However, small changes to routines, such as allowing ‘duvet days’, also helped to support residents’ identities. Recommendations for practice include the introduction of an ‘identity champion’ to provide guidance and support on how care home staff could make identity-relevant changes.

Gamingindustrien är idag en verksamhet som årligen omsätter flera miljarder kronor. Forskning har indikerat att dess utövare, så kallade gamers, betraktar karaktärerna i spelen som mindre könsstereotypa än de som inte spelar (Gillentine 2007). Syftet med studien var därför att undersöka huruvida gamers faktiskt skattade könsstereotypa karaktärer som mindre stereotypa än icke-gamers. En förstudie gjordes utifrån vars resultat fem karaktärer valdes ut som exempel på könsstereotypa karaktärer. I en enkät skattade sedan 134 deltagare graden av könsstereotypi för dessa samt ett antal icke-stereotypa karaktärer. Vidare fick respondenterna, utöver att svara på frågor hämtade från Videogame Experience Survey (Terlecki & Newcombe, 2005), även skatta sin inställning till negativ forskning om gamers. Resultatet visade på en signifikant korrelation mellan en identifikation som gamer och att dessa gav en lägre skattning av könsstereotypi hos stereotypa karaktärer. Dock visade sig kön vara en lika stor prediktor då kvinnor i högre grad än män skattade karaktärerna som mer stereotyp. Utifrån Social Identity Theory och Banduras Social Learning Theory diskuterade studien möjligheten att skillnaderna mellan gamers och de som inte identifierar sig som gamers beror på kombinerade effekter av gamers identitetsbildning och vilja att försvara denna, samt subkulturens och spelens normalisering av könsstereotypier. Mot bakgrund av denna studie skulle det i framtiden vara av intresse att studera effekten gaming har på kvinnliga gamers och om de faktiskt blir mer accepterande gentemot könsstereotyper i videospel. / Today, gaming is an industry which has a turnover of several billion SEK. Research has shown that people who play videogames, so called gamers, see the characters as being less stereotypical than people who do not game (Gillentine 2007). The aim of the paper was therefore to see whether gamers truly did consider stereotypical characters as less stereotypical than non-gamers did. Five gender stereotypical characters were chosen as examples by conducting a pilot study. Using a survey, 134 participants graded the characters as more or less stereotypical. Besides answering the questions taken from Videogame Experience Survey (Terlecki & Newcombe, 2005), the participants were further asked to grade their own attitudes towards negative research done on gaming. The results showed that there was a significant correlation between identifying oneself as a gamer and a lower grading of gender stereotypicality of the stereotypical characters. However, gender turned out to be an equal indicator, as women in a larger extent than men graded the characters as more stereotypical. From the point of view of Social Identity Theory and Banduras Social Learning Theory it is possible to view the difference between gamers and non-gamers is based on a combination of two things; the gamers identity formation and the need to defend it, and the games normalisation of gender stereotypes. In light of this study, it would be interesting to further look at the effects gaming has on female gamers and whether they truly do become more accepting towards gender stereotypes in video games.

Objectives: The majority of individuals who sustain a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) will experience a full recovery within the first weeks or months post-injury. However, some individuals will experience ongoing difficulties, or persistent post-concussion symptoms (PCS), for years following the injury. To date, most researchers have attributed PCS to either neuropathological factors or to psychogenic factors. Lacking exploration has been the role of psychosocial variables and the consideration of PCS from a more holistic, or 'whole person', perspective. As such, the goal of the current study was to undertake an investigation of persistent PCS using a broad, neuropsychosocial framework. Specifically, this was done by investigating how (a) cognitive functioning, (b) susceptibility to anxiety while in the context of a stressful situation (i.e., anxiety susceptibility), and (c) multiple components of identity (including self-perception, TBI- related self-concept, and TBI-related social identity) influence the severity of persistent PCS. The main underlying assertion to this research is that there are multiple factors that underlie the experience of persistent PCS; a purely neuropathological or psychogenic perspective is not sufficient to understand the complex processes inherent in recovery after mTBI. Method: The sample consisted of 21 adults, between 20 and 65 years of age, who had sustained an mTBI at least one year earlier. Following a telephone interview to determine eligibility (and a separate telephone interview with a source of collateral information) the participants completed a number of standardized neuropsychological measures and self- report questionnaires during an in-person, one-on-one data collection session. Results: The only injury-related or demographic variable that had an influence on PCS was injury etiology, whereby individuals with sports related injuries reported significantly less PCS than did those who sustained non-sports related injuries (e.g., motor vehicle accidents). Cognitive functioning had no influence on PCS severity, nor did anxiety susceptibility. However, one's general propensity to experience anxiety (i.e., trait anxiety) was a significant predictor of PCS. Further, multiple aspects of identity influenced PCS with both current self-perception and TBI-related social identity being significant predictors of self-reported PCS severity. Conclusions: Despite the failure to find any impact of neuropsychological factors on PCS in the current study, other lines of research have demonstrated neuropathological changes associated with mTBI – some of which may be chronic. Therefore, cognitive functioning may not be a sufficiently sensitive indicator of possible neuropathology at more than one year post-injury. On the other hand, the current study demonstrates that psychological and psychosocial factors are highly relevant to recovery and outcome following mTBI, and are significant predictors of PCS severity. Overall, the results support the assertion that recovery after mTBI is complex and that there are multiple factors that underlie persistent PCS. Further, the study demonstrates the importance of conceptualizing the process of recovery from a broad, neuropsychosocial perspective. Implications for treatment interventions and future research are discussed. / Graduate

In recent years, there has been a growing need and popularity for sustainable development as well as research within the field. One of the research fields within sustainability is corporate social responsibility (CSR), i.e., how organizations act and commit to sustainable endeavours that benefit the immediate environment. CSR research on the meso- and macro-level has been studied extensively since the last century, but the subfield of micro-level CSR research is quite underdeveloped and has only in the last few years obtained popularity (Aguinis & Glavas, 2012). Micro-level CSR research focuses on stakeholders associated with an organization (customers and employees) and examines how organizations ought to conduct CSR initiatives so that these stakeholders become engaged with them.  Within micro-level CSR research, scholars have examined how to increase employees' engagement with CSR, how employees' perception of CSR could be influenced by different mediators, amongst others. A recent study by Hejjas et al. (2019) examined how organizational culture might influence employees' engagement and perception. Hejjas et al. (2019) concluded that future research ought to examine subcultures' potential influence on employees' perception and engagement with CSR, which this thesis attempts to do. To examine subcultures' potential influence on employees, the thesis makes use of interviews because of the current Covid-19 pandemic, together with prior research advocacy for qualitative research in the field of micro-level CSR research.  The dissertation found elements that have given insight and understanding that would suggest that subcultures do have an influence on employees' perception of CSR as well as their engagement with the concept. The author argues that it is due to factors such as subcultures' decision-making power, their geographical location, the heterogeneity of employees, amongst others. Lastly, the thesis advocates for future research within a similar subject when the pandemic is over and with an observational methodology as prior research recommends it when examining cultures.

Within the sociolinguistic field of accent attitudes, it has often been shown that both native and non-native speakers show preference for certain accents, especially for native varieties. This ‘native speakerism’ can have a negative impact on second language speakers, as the stigmatisation they may experience can hinder their willingness to speak. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate accent attitudes of an English as a second language speaker group: Swedish L1 speakers of English, focusing on their attitudes towards their own English accents and their attitudes towards other Swedes’ English accents. The relationship between these attitudes were also examined. In doing so, the study drew on Standard Language Ideology and Social Identity Theory as the theoretical frameworks. In order to answer the research questions, data was collected through a questionnaire which collected 612 responses. Respondents’ answers were then quantified into descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that most respondents were positive towards their own and other Swedes’ English accents. However, there was a strong conformity to the Standard Language Ideology amongst the participating Swedes. The participants generally did not have a strong need to express their Swedish identity through their Swedish accents, which could also be attributed to the strong native norm. The results also showed that native norms were stronger in English L2 settings, while Swedish identity was more important for those living in a native English-speaking country. Finally, those who were positive towards Swedes’ English accents were more likely to value their Swedish identity, while those who were negative towards other Swedes’ English accents were themselves more likely to conform strongly to native norms.

Violent islamistic extremism has together with violent right-wing extremism been marked as the highest probable threat for potential terrorist attacks in Sweden. Research within violent extremism has shown a certain level of consensus around what factors drive radicalization. A consensus about theories or models that most adeptly explain its causation is however not prevalent within the academic community. This paper presents a model based on conclusions drawn from the Social Identity Theory (SIT) and will test this model's relevance by analyzing empirical data from interviews made with five practicing Muslims. The interviewees' attempts to explain factors of radicalization have been analyzed by being compartmentalized into an ideological- or identity-based continuum. Factors of radicalization able to be explained by the SIT-model have been categorized as identity-based explanations, whereas factors depending on knowledge, ideology, or religion have been categorized as ideology-based explanations. Most of the experienced factors could be explained by the SIT-model, while only some of two interviewees` experiences could be categorized as ideology-based. The significance of the empirical data from this research and its implications will be presented in the chapter of discussion along with previous research and its theoretical framework; recommendations for de-radicalization and continued research will be given at the end.

With immigration controversies increasingly found at the forefront of the European public arena, understanding the social and cultural forces driving negative perceptions of immigrants becomes a pressing task of academic scholarship. Situated within the broader theoretical framework of group-conflict theories, human values theory and social identity theory encourage different interpretations of how our interest to the welfare of the people closest to us (benevolence) and the broader human community (universalism) can inform attitudes towards immigrants. Human values theory argues for a unidirectional, negative effect of benevolence and universalism on negative perceptions of immigrants, while social identity theory suggests that, unlike universalism, benevolence would increase such perceptions. The present study seeks to examine how self-transcending human values (a.k.a. benevolence and universalism) affect perceptions of immigrant threat and whether the locus of our value priority matters. Using nationally pooled data from the European Social Survey (ESS) for 15 European countries, the results provide robust evidence that benevolence and universalism affect perceived immigrant threat in opposite directions, generally aligning with the propositions of the social identity theory. The group we place our loyalty matters. At the same time, national context matters too suggesting that grand scheme interpretations of this phenomenon fall short. Theoretical implications and future directions are further discussed.

The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine the development and promotion of local brands in Kuwait, to understand the cultural practices used to create their branding, and how they compete with global brands within the competitive marketplace. Specifically, the study looks into the brands of Kuwait and the need to be self-reliant and self-sufficient to generate incomes within the country and achieve national competency. The Western brands influence the local brands and sometimes squashing them by transitioning from global to local brands. The Covid-19 has also sparked the need for supporting local brands and the national economy, as evident in the way countries are gradually transitioning their business practices. Therefore, the author provides an understanding of how locals use the cultural identity theory for their owned brands and shift the perception of consumers to try, use, and support local brands. Furthermore, the author analyzes the digital marketing strategies applied by local and global brands in achieving effective communications by promoting their brand image to Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

Summary This study deals with Jesus and the outsiders in John 4, with particular focus on John 4:1-42. Methodologically, the study focuses on social identity theory, and asks the question of how Jesus gets the Samaritan woman, who is a member of the outside group, into the insider group. The focus of the study is thus what the behaviour and attitude of the historical and non-conventional Jesus, in the strongly hierarchical social structure of his day, was toward outsiders. John 4:1-42 is often used in works that focus on missional tendencies in the church. This research attempts to place the missionary responsibility of the church on the table in a new light, resulting from the research results. Firstly, the inter-relational connection between identity, ethos and ethics with regard to Jesus’ attitude toward the outsiders in John 4:1-42 is researched. Secondly, the interpretation history of John is described, whereafter the social-scientific approach and the way in which social identity theory can be applied to John 4:1-42, is described. The purpose of the study is to suggest a new missional approach for the church, based on the research results of the study. In John 4:1-42 Jesus did not only repair the relationship between Him as a Jew and the Samaritan woman, but also the broken relationship between the Samaritans and the Jews - two previously conflicting ethnic groups who are now born into the new family of God (John 1:12). In the narrative, the Samaritan woman becomes a μαρτυρούσης (John 4:39). The result of the Samaritan woman’s testimony (John 4:39) becomes a personal testimony that eventually convinces the others of Jesus’ true identity (John 4:39). The woman’s testimony provided the initial impetus for them to come to Jesus, but now they have heard for themselves and have drawn their own conclusion. Many had believed in Jesus on account of the Samaritan woman’s testimony. Many more believed on account of Jesus’ word. Jesus’ harvest among the Samaritans therefore signals the return of a part of the unbelieving world to God as a first sign of the universal scope of Jesus’ saving mission. / Thesis (PhD)-- University of Pretoria 2017. / New Testament Studies / PhD / Unrestricted