Group Coherence

This essay explores two related issues in the coherence of written texts: one concerning the nature of coherence and one concerning how writers are able to think about it. Most current accounts treat coherence as a feature of the design of texts, chiefly of large-scale matters of "organization" that readers then register (or not). We argue that coherence is more properly thought of not as a feature of texts but as a quality of certain reading experiences, supporting that case with a variety of evidence drawn from research into both reading and writing. We also show, however, why writers have little use for a definition of coherence that refers primarily to qualitative, ad hoc features of particular reading experiences rather than to fixed elements of a text's design. So what writers need is an understanding of coherence that avoids the false security of traditional accountsÑorganize your ideas and readers will see their coherenceÑbut that allows them to focus on the texts they are producing. For them, the coherence of a text is best thought of as a measure of the number of ways in which a text supports readers in generating a coherent understanding of it. In closing, we point to a few of the ways in which writers support a reader's achievement of coherence.

In December 1940 and January 1941, respectively, two recruiting posters appeared in the South African magazine Libertas , both carrying the slogan “Join the Springbok Army of Sportsmen.” The name, “Springbok Army of Sportsmen,” carried a clear association of the link between war, sport, and nationalism; it also created a particular kind of white masculine identity. This chapter focuses on the construction of white masculine identity in the Union Defence Force (UDF) during the Second World War as soldiers enlisted, underwent training, and were sent to the various fields of combat. This study uses a variety of sources – visual images, oral interviews, written memoirs, and archival sources. These sources complement each other and allow a multiplicity of voices and experiences of the Second World War. These voices represent different facets of South African society, signifying ideas and ideologies of wartime experience that may have been in harmony at various points and contradictory in others, but are necessary for a coherent understanding of South African identity at this key historical juncture. Enlistment The outbreak of war on September 3, 1939, had a mixed reception in the South African parliament. Prime Minister James Barry Munnik Hertzog desired neutrality, believing that joining the war on the side of the Allies would divide the country, suggesting that some South Africans had greater loyalty for Britain, which would ultimately “destroy South African unity.” In contrast, Jan Christiaan Smuts, who became prime minister two days later, supported Britain, arguing that if Hitler turned his attention to regaining South West Africa, he would present a real threat to South Africa, which could only be countered with Allied backing. Ultimately it was the Smuts' coalition that held sway with a narrow victory, marking South Africa's entry into the war.

Qualities of Interest for Spontaneous Networked Organizations

The phenomenon of religious identity politics often arises in the context of multicultural societies, such as in Indonesia, where religion is used as a tool to achieve political goals. The formulation of this research problem is the extent to which religious identity politics affects social stability and harmony in a plural society. The aim is to analyze the role of religious identity politics in socio-political dynamics, both as a catalyst for social justice and as a trigger for polarization. This research uses a literature study method with a descriptive-analytical approach to review relevant academic literature. The theory of pluralism and majority domination is used as an analytical framework to understand religious identity politics' potential benefits and risks. The results show that religious identity politics can be an effective tool to fight for the rights of marginalized groups. However, its excessive use can exacerbate inter-group polarization and conflict. In conclusion, religious identity politics should be managed with the principles of inclusivity and policies oriented toward the common good to prevent social fragmentation.

This study investigates the impact of inner-group religious belief on social cohesion in detail, leveraging empirical data from social surveys. Amidst growing religious and cultural diversity, the role of religion in societal fabric is increasingly significant. The research aims to bridge the gap in understanding how the intensity and nature of inner-group religious beliefs influence social cohesion. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of social survey data with qualitative insights from case studies, this study uncovers patterns that either foster or undermine community unity. The findings suggest that while religion can significantly bolster social cohesion through shared values and community participation, it can also introduce complexities in diverse societies, potentially leading to social fragmentation. This research contributes to the literature by providing a nuanced perspective on the interplay between religious belief and social cohesion, with practical implications for policymakers seeking to nurture social harmony in religiously diverse contexts.

Realism and Power in Mark Twain's