Authors:Mark Stephens, Tarik Emre Yildirim Pages: 1 - 14 Abstract: Geojournalism is a growing field within environmental journalism at the intersection of both eco- and data-journalism. It is a new way to combine maps and data with traditional reporting in online platforms to provide scientific evidence for stories and narrative context for data. However, given its novelty, there appears to be little formal recognition of geojournalism in educational and academic contexts. In this paper, we review tools, techniques, and platforms that can be applied by educators and learners to investigate and report on geographic and environmental issues. We also describe examples of geojournalism (blog, radio show, infographic, photostory, and virtual field trip) resulting from collaboration between Geography and Journalism faculty and students at University of The Bahamas. We propose that geojournalism include geography researchers, educators, students, and citizen scientists sharing their knowledge and data with journalists and as well as being trained in journalism themselves. This study furthers the recognition and formalization of geojournalism in environmental communication and higher education. PubDate: 2023-11-30 DOI: 10.15362/ijbs.v29i2.531 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:William J. Fielding, Virginia C. F. Ballance, Niambi Hall-Campbell Dean Pages: 15 - 32 Abstract: This study analyses the treatment of Bahamian women in heterosexual relationships by their intimate partners focusing on instances of sexual and psychological abuse. An internet survey obtained information from 464 married and 1,264 unmarried women currently in intimate relationships with men. Married women were more likely than unmarried women in intimate relationships to report non-consensual sexual intercourse. Married women who admitted to being victims of non-consensual sexual intercourse or reported having been raped by their husband were more likely to have been physically harmed by their husband than those who had not suffered non-consensual sex or rape. Likewise, psychological abuse was more evident in married than unmarried women. The results indicate that behaviours of concern are inflicted by men on their female intimate partners both inside and outside of marriage. The finding that abusive behaviours, including non-consensual sex and psychological abuse, are more common within marriage than outside of marriage requires further study. PubDate: 2023-11-30 DOI: 10.15362/ijbs.v29i2.495 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Anica G. Bowe Pages: 33 - 45 Abstract: Within English-speaking Caribbean K-12 schooling systems, there has been a consistent trend of boys performing at a lower academic standard than girls. Caribbean scholars suggest approaching gendered achievement patterns from multiple perspectives, dimensions, and methodologies to help clarify the inequities that are prevalent in Caribbean schooling. To address this call, I narrow attention onto the Bahamian family context and raise the question as to whether parent involvement with schooling in The Bahamas differs for boys versus girls. Survey data (parents, n = 377) came from a comprehensive study on parent involvement with schooling that took place in Grand Bahama during summer of 2018. Multivariate analysis of factor scores using two scales, Basic Needs Involvement (11-item scale) and Academic Involvement (3-item scale), showed that parental involvement was similar for boys and girls. Like previous findings in The Bahamas, there were more girls enrolled in private schools than boys. Findings are discussed in terms of societal perceptions about whose education is valued, mandates for gender parity, the impact global trends have on local trends, and moving towards empirical-based theories for gendered achievement patterns within Caribbean societies. PubDate: 2023-11-30 DOI: 10.15362/ijbs.v29i2.523 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:William J. Fielding, Virginia C. F. Ballance Pages: 46 - 56 Abstract: This paper presents incidental data on sweethearting from a study on sexual violence in intimate-partner relationships between men and women in The Bahamas. Females participating in the study reported male infidelity to be common (with about 20% and possibly as many as about 50% of men being unfaithful) in both unmarried and married relationships. Associated with infidelity were behaviours of concern, such as physical and sexual violence, as well as psychological abuse by male partners. These abusive behaviours were associated with the woman feeling that she would leave the relationship if she could, and that the relationship was not a loving one. Furthermore, the study suggests that unfaithful married men are more likely to demonstrate activities of concern (in the form of elevated scores for domestic violence and psychological abuse) compared to unfaithful unmarried men in relationships with women. PubDate: 2023-11-30 DOI: 10.15362/ijbs.v29i2.521 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:William J. Fielding, Virginia Ballance Pages: 57 - 74 Abstract: This paper describes the treatment of heterosexual men in The Bahamas by their intimate partners. An internet study surveyed 335 married and 922 unmarried men in The Bahamas who were currently in intimate relationships with women. The study found that behaviours of concern were inflicted by women on their male partners both inside and outside of marriage. Overall, 14% of respondents reported experiencing sex against their will. Married and unmarried men were equally likely to report experiencing unwanted sexual intercourse in their current relationship, and unmarried men were more likely than married men to have been physically hurt by their current partner. Married men who admitted to being victims of unwanted sexual intercourse by their wives were more likely to report having been physically hurt by their wife than those who had not experienced unwanted sex. Psychological abuse was more evident for unmarried than married men. These findings suggest that men may need more help in coping with abuse than is commonly recognized. Investigating why abusive behaviours, including unwanted sex, were more common outside of marriage than inside of marriage may be a useful area of future research in the Bahamian community. PubDate: 2023-11-30 DOI: 10.15362/ijbs.v29i2.537 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Theresa Moxey-Adderley, Berthamae L. Walker Pages: 75 - 100 Abstract: The Bahamas is reported to have a high per capita number of rapes and this has led to concerns about rape in general and other issues concerning gender-based violence. The focus of this scoping review of the literature, while cognizant of these concerns, is more narrowly focused on the act of a husband forcing his wife to have sexual intercourse with him when she does not wish to do so. PubDate: 2023-11-30 DOI: 10.15362/ijbs.v29i2.545 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Shananda Miller Hinsey, Felicia Armbrister Pages: 101 - 116 Abstract: The 21st-century learner has changed the way that libraries are being used. Academic libraries must demonstrate their value to university governing boards, therefore, libraries must understand current user perceptions to be prepared for the future. Continuous assessment of library collections, space, and services provides data needed to understand and demonstrate the impact of libraries in academia. University of The Bahamas Libraries administered the web-based LibQUAL+® survey twice, first in 2008 and 10 years later in 2018, to assess users’ perceptions and to measure service quality. The survey designed by the Association of Research Libraries and Texas A&M University has been used globally by libraries to gain insight from their user communities. In the survey findings, library users highlighted a need for more computers, printers, and updated equipment, along with more current books and journals. The survey results also revealed that University Libraries had helpful staff who provided efficient service. Users perceived that the libraries’ information literacy sessions helped them gain skills allowing them to become more efficient in their academic pursuits. With the opening of two new library buildings during this period, the onsite use of resources increased significantly for both the Harry C. Moore Library and UB North Campus Library. Overall, the general satisfaction level of users increased in 2018. PubDate: 2023-11-30 DOI: 10.15362/ijbs.v29i2.477 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Saskia Furst , Dustin C Hellberg Pages: 117 - 124 Abstract: To date, there has been no published research on the use of expressive writing therapy in The Bahamas. However, studies within the fields of clinical psychology and psychiatric medicine have explored both the emotional and physical benefits of expressive writing therapy in dealing with various types of trauma. In the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, expressive writing workshops were conducted at the University of The Bahamas in an ad hoc manner to potentially assist in reducing the trauma experienced by students. This paper will explore the potential for future, long-term studies as well as the potential need to raise greater awareness and appreciation for this method of reducing the negative mental and physical health impacts of traumatic natural disasters on the emotional well-being of Bahamians and residents. Results could also potentially be applicable to other Small Island Developing States. PubDate: 2023-11-30 DOI: 10.15362/ijbs.v29i2.539 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Nikolaos Karagiannis Pages: 125 - 138 Abstract: Following the third Sustainable Grand Bahama Conference held in 2022 under the theme Diversifying and Expanding Our Economy, this contribution seeks to reinforce the importance of a national development framework for The Bahamas that considers the country’s historical, social, cultural, institutional, and political influences. It is argued here that qualitative policy intervention ought to be an important positive force within the context of transnationalism, financialization, and imperfect competition, as socioeconomic advancement is a continuous work in progress for countries at all levels of development. The methodological approach utilised in the article is based on a distinctively Bahamian developmental state perspective alongside aspects of international political economy. The main focus of this contribution is to sketch out the policy framework that might be advisable to develop and diversify Bahamian production lines—given the country’s excessive reliance on tourism and financial services—while helping the country move to the next level of socio-economic progress. A developmental state with Bahamian characteristics is proposed here as a necessary policy framework for the support of selected industries of high potential and achievability while leaving space for further social and political advancement. PubDate: 2023-11-30 DOI: 10.15362/ijbs.v29i2.475 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Ian Anthony Bethell Bennett Pages: 139 - 148 Abstract: This is a creative non-fictional meditation on Public Space in The Bahamas. It is part one of a three part focus that hopes to get us to think about how we expereince space. PubDate: 2023-11-30 DOI: 10.15362/ijbs.v29i2.541 Issue No:Vol. 29, No. 2 (2023)
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