In this chapter, we identify politically significant discursive, phenomenological and practice features of diverse phenomena manifesting as instances of group-based and collective pride. We introduce and work through limitations and oversights of prominent theories of these phenomena in research, for example, on peak collective emotional experiences (e.g., of national pride), collective self-esteem, collective empowerment, effervescence, and social identity features of collective action and ‘psychological groups’. We then explore a family resemblance of overlapping examples of politically relevant positive group pride, negative hubris and ressentiment-ful contempt in intra- and inter-group struggles and conflicts. Deeply problematic, divisive and ‘darker’ forms of collective pride that vary from hubristic leader–follower interactions to intergroup and international relations are examined (including liminal mixed and vacillating features of group narcissism and triumphalism). Central features and sequelae of group hubris are highlighted via a case study of Brexit as a pyrrhic victory for the UK conservative party.

The topic of chapter 6 is unequal representation with particular emphasis on intersecting identities, voice and agency. The chapter digs deeper into the issue of policy priorities with a view to uncover who — and to some extent also what issues — female parliamentarians in the region represent as well as the reasoning behind their choices, not based on voting patterns as has traditionally been the case in such analyses, but anchored in personal narratives. The chapter accordingly explores the quality of representation (symbolic, descriptive and substantive) and helps us gain an understanding of which women and policy areas are represented, and which are underrepresented in politics at the national level, something which has very significant implications for not only climate change mitigation, but also adaptation and impacts. As the analysis progresses, it becomes clear that the female parliamentarians in the MENA tend to represent ‘people like me’, a reality which poses a serious problem for the quality of women’s representation, because the majority of women are simply not represented in earnest.

The routines of hospital life for cancer in-patients, and the self-developed routines within these routines, are discussed here.

This chapter discusses whether the existing IP laws in Europe offer sufficient room for upcycling from the perspective of fundamental rights. It is argued that both the EU Charter and the ECHR may include obligations to facilitate the innovative reuse of materials. This is considered both as a matter of artistic freedom and as a positive obligation to safeguard the right to life, health, and a sustainable environment. From this perspective, existing IP laws may not be accommodating enough of creative and innovative upcycling practices. It is suggested that, as a matter of direct effect of primary EU law, both the Charter and free movement of goods may have a limiting effect on the enforceability of IP rights.

Upcycling, the creative reuse of pre-existing materials, offers clear environmental benefits by reducing waste and conserving resources, while also promoting sustainable consumption. However, despite its potential, consumer understanding of upcycling remains limited, with many either unfamiliar with the term or conflating it with other sustainable practices. This conceptual ambiguity can undermine confidence in upcycled products, hinder market adoption, and pose challenges for businesses. The inclusion of branded materials in upcycled goods further complicates the landscape, raising legal and reputational concerns for trademark holders and prompting questions about consumer confusion and fairness. To investigate these issues, this chapter presents empirical insights from three studies involving 2,393 participants. Study 1 examines consumers’ understanding of upcycling. Study 2 explores how branded materials in upcycled products influence evaluations and manufacturer identification. Study 3 assesses the effect of different information about manufacturers on consumer perceptions and recall. Findings provide a foundation for considering the legality of trademark use in upcycling and inform strategies for promoting consumer awareness, supporting sustainable business models, and safeguarding both brand and consumer interests in the transition from a linear to a circular economy.

This chapter focuses on the eigenvalues of a prescribed matrix associated with a signed graph. The exposition begins with the concept of main eigenvalues and examines their role in various structural analyses. It then proceeds to specific computations, including determinants, relationships with the spectrum of the underlying graph, and the effects of particular operations on signed graphs and their resulting spectra. Further developments consider signed graphs with specified spectral properties, such as those exhibiting a symmetric spectrum. The chapter also explores eigenvalue bounds, including limit points for the largest eigenvalue, spectral distances between signed graphs, and spectral deviations of a signed graph relative to related signed graphs, providing a detailed and comprehensive analysis of these spectral characteristics.

A case study of a patient diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder demonstrates the entanglements of phenomenology of spirituality and psychopathology, and the implications of failing to properly understand the importance of these entanglements when planning treatment. The concepts of entanglement, pragmatic atheism, spirituality and religion are introduced. Spirituality and religion are both complex and contested concepts which elude simple definition, but a person-centred holistic model of psychiatry requires giving attention to the whole person, ‘body, mind and spirit’. The biopsychosocial model does not explicitly address spirituality, but spirituality is entangled with the biological, psychological and social aspects of the matrix. The chapter discusses the secular context within which psychiatry is generally seen to be practised (at least in the Western world), the perceived tension between science and religion that it often evokes, the nature of psychiatry as concerned with the study and treatment of mental illnesses, and the way in which these illnesses affect our self-understanding and identity as human beings.