CENTRAL ASIAN JOURNAL OF ARTS AND DESIGN

Reframing Identities: The Influence of 21st-Century Pop Culture and Social Media on Gender Representation in Africa

Margaret Oghie Zibaghafa — 2026-02-14

This study explores the influence of 21st-century pop culture and social media on gender representation in Africa, examining how these platforms challenge or reinforce traditional gender roles. The study aims to investigate how digital platforms contribute to the reframing of gender identities, with particular focus on their potential to empower marginalized communities and influence societal perceptions of gender. Drawing on Stuart Hall’s Representation Theory, the study analyses how gendered meanings are constructed, contested, and negotiated in African contexts. The research employed a qualitative methodology, using secondary data from textbooks, journals, and media outlets, analysed through content analysis. Results show that while pop culture and social media platforms provide space for resistance against patriarchal gender norms, they simultaneously reproduce harmful stereotypes through algorithmic biases and global trends. Digital media influencers and grassroots movements are found to play a pivotal role in reshaping gender representation by amplifying alternative narratives, yet their influence remains constrained by structural challenges, including the digital divide and backlash against non-normative gender expressions. The findings underline the ambivalence of social media as both a site of empowerment and reinforcement of traditional stereotypes. The study concludes that while digital media has transformative potential for advancing gender equality in Africa, its impact is hindered by technological and socio-cultural barriers. The study recommends promoting digital literacy to foster critical media engagement and supporting intersectional gender justice movements through policy, funding, and advocacy to enhance their influence in digital spaces.

Design of Models with a Natural Frame, Zarqa Ma'in Dam, Jordan

Nour Sami A. Abdallah — 2026-02-24

Jordan is situated in an arid to semi-arid climatic zone, where a growing population, industry, and agricultural endeavors are all necessitating more water resources. The nation focused on maximizing rainwater collection, particularly in reservoirs. These dams, predominantly built in the dry regions of the nation, have a range of issues including elevated evaporation rates, siltation, landslides, and rising salinities. Nonetheless, concurrently, water and soil are accessible at dam locations and their vicinity. The latter presents problems and possibilities for landscaping by leveraging water, soil, and climatic factors to enhance the areas near dams, so mitigating erosion, siltation, and evaporation, and establishing local and regional recreational spaces in dry regions. This will also create employment opportunities and enhance agricultural output. This research examines Zarqa Ma’in Dam as a representative case for other dams in Jordan. To that end, the climate, water resources, soils, terrain, appropriate flora, and methodologies to accomplish the objective are examined thoroughly. The findings indicate that engineered landscaping has several benefits, including the reduction of siltation, evaporation, and soil erosion, as well as the establishment of green spaces in desert regions, hence facilitating resorts, employment opportunities, and agricultural output.

Methods of Using the Art of Bakhshi in Cultural Events

Umida Kurbanova — 2026-03-06

The present article studies the historical roots, developmental stages and socio-cultural significance of the art of bakhshi in Uzbekistan. Particular focus is placed on the methodological underpinnings of incorporating bakhshi performance into present-day cultural events, such as national holidays, weddings, festivals and educational initiatives. The results of the study emphasize the role of epic traditions, in particular the doston Alpomish, to form moral values, patriotism and national identity among the younger generation. Sevo is held to be alive by the article, which also estimates the value of International Bakhshi Art Festival organized in Termez and state cultural policy initiatives initiated under Shavkat Mirziyoyev era for continuity and improvement of oral folk mastery. Drawing from historical-comparative, ethnographic, and pedagogical methods, the research establishes that using bakhshi art systematically in cultural events is an influential instrument for preserving national spirituality and intangible cultural heritage within globalisation.