About the Journal
The Journal of Comparative Research in Anthropology and Sociology – Compaso is an online, open-access, peer-reviewed academic journal published by the Department of Sociology and the Doctoral School of Sociology at the University of Bucharest. The journal provides a platform for scientific dialogue by advancing a comparative outlook that bridges empirical research and theoretical inquiry within and across the fields of anthropology and sociology.
Current Issue
Vol. 15 No. 2 (2024): JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE RESEARCH IN ANTHROPOLOGY AND SOCIOLOGY
The journal publishes original research articles that offer rigorous empirical analysis, whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods in nature, situated within a clear theoretical framework and with an explicit comparative dimension. In addition to research articles, Compaso accepts shorter research notes that highlight emerging findings or methodological reflections, review essays that critically engage with recent literature in the field, theoretical interventions that advance comparative thinking, and book reviews relevant to its thematic and disciplinary scope.
Published:
2025-04-17
Articles
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Ethnomethodology as an alternative method for the qualitative study of challenging social arenas: The Nightclub
Abstract
The current paper discusses the possibility of employing an ethnomethodological research model to generate qualitative data in challenging social contexts, where conventional procedures and techniques present a number of difficulties. These are social settings where it is either difficult or unnecessary to observe or conduct interviews for a variety of reasons. Through basic immersion and documentation of the scene’s phenomena, ethnomethodology enables the gathering, selection, and analysis of valuable data by utilizing the viewpoint of the researcher-expert who has membership knowledge after being acquainted with the scene under study. The study’s question is whether and to what extent ethnomethodologically produced descriptions, categories, and relationships can be legitimately used in qualitative research aimed at generating theory or identifying more general patterns, given its emphasis on how social order is produced through interaction and its seeming refusal to acknowledge the influence of general norms. The nightclub dance floor was selected as the challenging terrain for evaluation, and one of the ethnomethodology-specific techniques was used to investigate it (ten Have, 2004). The research findings were examined to determine their suitability for traditional qualitative analysis. Beyond the inherent findings of the ethnomethodological research, which are intriguing in and of themselves, the endeavor’s conclusion is that ethnomethodology can generate, from the bottom up, data in the aforementioned challenging spaces that construct the actual forms of the background values, beliefs, and norms present in the scenes under study. These forms can then be utilized for the development or production of concepts and theory.
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The ECtHR judgment on the Armenian Genocide: Freedom of expression vs. victims’ right to memory
Abstract
The article analyzes the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) judgment in Perinçek v. Switzerland, addressing the conflict between freedom of expression and the victims’ right to memory, particularly in the context of the Armenian Genocide. The scope of the research is to explore how the ECtHR interprets freedom of speech in cases involving historical denialism and to assess the Court’s application of human rights principles in genocide-related matters. The primary objective is to evaluate the Court’s decision in balancing these rights and to highlight the implications of allowing the denial of the Armenian Genocide as protected speech under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The research problem lies in the Court’s inconsistent approach to historical atrocities, wherein Holocaust denial is treated as hate speech while Armenian Genocide denial is protected as free expression. The academic value of the paper lies in its interdisciplinary approach, blending legal analysis with sociological insights, to critique the ECtHR’s judgment and its broader impact on international human rights law. The paper contributes to discussions on the role of memory in transitional justice and the ethical responsibility of international courts to protect historically marginalized communities. Ultimately, the article underscores the need for a more consistent legal framework to address genocide denial, ensuring both freedom of expression and the protection of victims’ rights are appropriately balanced.
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The social and temporal construction of climate change. A comparative study of The Guardian and Washington Times newspapers
Abstract
This study examines how media outlets with opposing political orientations construct different temporal narratives around climate change. Through a comparative content analysis of The Guardian and Washington Times’ online platforms, I analyze how these newspapers use time as a rhetorical device to shape the public understanding of climate change. The analysis reveals distinct temporal frameworks: The Guardian emphasizes urgent future threats and immediate action, while Washington Times employs past-oriented narratives to minimize climate concerns. These contrasting temporal constructions reflect broader ideological divisions and demonstrate how media outlets use time work to support their political perspectives on climate change. The findings contribute to our understanding of how temporal framing in media discourse influences public perception of environmental issues.
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Perspectives of Bucharest students on automation in contemporary society amid the rise of new artificial intelligence technologies
Abstract
This study examines the perceptions and approaches of Bucharest students towards emerging Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) technologies and increasing global automation of work. As rapid technological changes affect lifestyles, socialization patterns, routines, and professional futures, industries and governments often prioritize efficiency over individual well-being. The research employs qualitative methods, including one-on-one interviews and a group interview, involving 13 students from diverse academic backgrounds such as STEM, humanities, social sciences, and arts. Data collection spanned six months. Findings reveal a general concern among participants about endangered domains, particularly the arts, due to fears of property theft and plagiarism facilitated by GenAI tools. Notably, the study uncovers a striking contrast between STEM and humanities students regarding future coexistence with these technologies. STEM students tend to perceive a prophetic mission to optimize these technologies, while humanities students focus more on the need for regulation. This research raises important questions about the social construction of reality in interaction with digital technologies and how Generation Z navigates persistent socio-technical acceleration.
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Age quartile effect in determining actual and preferred working hours: Regression discontinuity design
Abstract
It is known that age-stratified quartiles are used in numerous studies, e.g. in epidemiological studies, as an important instrument in the estimation of working life changes and health issues. The aim of this study is to investigate how achieving different age thresholds (32, 42, or 52 years) affects changes in actual and preferred working hours. The data for this study are based on the European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS) for the period from 1991 to 2015. The data for Finland contained 5,646 respondents. We use the regression discontinuity design (RDD) method to predict a categorical outcome (actual or preferred working hours per week) paired with other predictors (age quartile). We found that, on average, the number of actual working hours is 2.46 points higher and the number of preferred working hours is 4.62 points higher for employees reaching 32 years of age. On the contrary, the average number of actual working hours is lower for employees reaching 42 years (1.16 points) and for employees reaching 52 years (3.03 points). To conclude, we found higher dynamics in increasing actual and preferred working hours when achieving the cutoff age of 32 years, while in the ages of 42 and 52 years, dynamics in changes of actual and preferred working hours are lower. We suppose that the age factor is an important instrument in the overall dynamics of working hours with regard to one’s whole working life.
