Óscar Fernández-Álvarez

Bio: Óscar Fernández-Álvarez is an academic researcher from University of León. The author has contributed to research in topics: Higher education & Rural area. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 15 citations.

Key considerations in the analysis of the development of social anthropology in Spain

Abstract: Abstract The objective of this article is to present a brief overview of the long history of anthropology in Spain. Of primary importance is positioning this history both within Spain’s wider social and political contexts, and also against the development of scientific research throughout the country. Methodologically, this study is based on extensive existing literature concerning the history of the discipline, from the start of the twentieth century to contemporary times, which informed the decision to structure this writing in four sections, segmenting the period of history covered. The first section considers the primary or formative development of a regionalist Spanish ethnography at the beginning of the twentieth century. Following this, in the second section, we explore the Francoist era when the twentieth century was well underway; this was a period marked by the strong influence of foreign research on the establishment of teaching methods and practical approaches to anthropology. In the third section, we observe how, as Spain transitioned from a dictatorship to a strong democratic state formed of autonomous regions, a uniquely Spanish anthropology emerged and, as we discuss in the fourth section, the country entered a time of consolidation and institutionalisation throughout the wider field of Spanish scientific endeavour. In this way, we examine Spanish anthropology from the context of intellectual development not dissimilar to that taking place on a global scale. The article concludes with an exploration of the current challenges facing Spanish anthropology.

Transformative Learning: Intercultural Adaptation of Chinese Teachers at the Confucius Institute in Spain

Abstract: Abstract In recent years there has been a proliferation of studies demonstrating the value of teaching abroad as much for its benefits for the training and professional development of these teachers, as for its impact and beneficial effects on students. This article uses transformative learning as a theoretical framework to interpret the achievements associated with the experience of teaching abroad, and to identify and analyze different motivational factors, adjustments, changes, challenges, and perspectives of Chinese teachers linked to a Confucius Institute in Spain, through a qualitative analysis of narratives elicited through in-depth interviews and focus groups. It highlights the role and potential of the transnational, intercultural experience of these teachers as authentic actors in the part played by the Confucius Institutes in language teaching and the promotion of Chinese culture, indicating many issues including language difficulties, professional adjustment, ideas about education, beliefs of teachers and the management of the program.

Disorderly freedom: Changes in family relations in rural China

Abstract: The period of reform and opening-up that occurred between 1978 and 1991 revolutionised what had been the economic structure of the People’s Republic of China since its foundation, changing the traditional social structure that had endured for thousands of years in rural settings. This change had a significant impact on rural mobility in contemporary China; it brought about a shift in the rural population’s values and led directly to the largest migrant mobility in China’s history. This article analyses these changes in terms of family and marriage and their consequences for rural families. The method employed was ethnographic fieldwork carried out in Sichuan Province. 7 men and 14 women, aged between 25 and 64 took part in the research and were both members of different families, as well as teachers involved in the education of their children. The information obtained from these 21 people was supplemented with data from other sources, including references in the literature and statistics. The results show that the changes taking place in Chinese family and rural society are of such magnitude that traditional values are being replaced by others associated with economic activity and a new individualism. Additionally, the effects of the phenomenon of left behind children are shown.

The construction of masculinity amongst sex offenders in Limpopo province.

Abstract: xi CHAPTER

Gender Issues When Working with Men with Depression: A Novice Counsellor’s Perspective

Abstract: Gender is an important cultural consideration for any counsellor, seasoned or novice. There is evidence to support the view that counsellors do not receive adequate training regarding gender issues and are ill-equipped to work with men and the unique issues that men face within North American culture. Depression is one of the most widespread mental health conditions worldwide, and cultural gender norms impact the symptoms of depression. It is important for novice counsellors to consider cultural influences on gender norms when working with male clients with depression. The purpose of this article is to outline the uniqueness of male depression, to show the effects of cultural gender norms and identity on the experience and perception of depression within clients and counsellors, and to provide recommendations for treatment for novice counsellors working with men with depression.

Concerns about body change behaviors, and construction of flexible masculinity among Iranian students

Abstract: The present study uses the results of semi-structured interviews with 17 male university students in Kerman, the capital of the largest province of Iran The objective of the study is to understand the focus on the body and body change behaviors Physical features constitute one of the core components of masculinity; the focus on the ideal body and the tendency to change the body shape or size can therefore be associated with masculinity The grounded theory approach was used to analyze the concerns about the body, body change behaviors, and construction of flexible masculinity among Iranian students Four main themes emerged from the analysis of the interviews: ideal body, body satisfaction and body change behaviors, the role and function of attraction and the ideal body, reasons for the focus on the body The core theme is emerged from four themes: consumer masculinity–hegemonic masculinity (construction of flexible masculinity) The findings reveal the emergence of a new flexible type of masculinity in Iran The results of the present study showed that young Iranian men have combined components of traditional Iranian hegemonic masculinity with western hegemonic masculinity and consumer masculinity to describe the ideal body and make efforts to achieve it Moreover, some elements of traditional hegemonic masculinity were noticed to still persist in the students’ lives More extensive use of visual media, cultural globalization and the changing social roles are the main causes of the changing type of masculinity in the society and lead to the creation of a new gender system in the society

Knocking Down Walls in Political Science: In Defense of an Expansionist Feminist Agenda

Abstract: This article offers one possible answer to the question “What is the future of feminist political science?” by outlining and defending an expansionist agenda that is centred on challenging the male-female binary that has been upheld and replicated in the discipline to date. Such an approach draws heavily on the insights of intersectional analyses, transgender, queer and gender-fluid articulations of identity and requires that the field of political science investigate the varied and complex gendered experiences of “men.” Overall, this article argues that such as expansionist agenda is key to responding to the interrelated challenges presented by the perceived “crisis” of feminism and the ongoing “masculinity” of the discipline of political science.