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Proposal for a Flipped Classroom Program with Massive Open Online Courses to Improve Access to Information and Information Literacy in Primary School Teachers
Enhancing Productivity at Home: The Role of Smart Work and Organizational Support in the Public Sector

Journal Description

Societies

Societies is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on sociology, published monthly online by MDPI.

Open Access — free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), RePEc, EconBiz, and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Sociology) / CiteScore - Q2 (General Social Sciences)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 32.4 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 4.5 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.

Impact Factor: 1.7 (2023); 5-Year Impact Factor: 1.8 (2023)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2075-4698

Latest Articles

21 pages, 4416 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What Is the (Lack Of) Integration? An Intergroup Perspective Using the Photovoice Methodology

by Eleonora Crapolicchio, Daniela Marzana, Marta Gaboardi, Cristina Giuliani and Camillo Regalia

Societies 2024, 14(10), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14100212 (registering DOI) - 18 Oct 2024

Photovoice is a participatory action research (PAR) method that employes photographic language to explore individuals’ stories and living contexts. This study explores the representations of young participants, both immigrants and non-immigrants, concerning integration—defined within Berry’s (1997) framework as a bidirectional process of cultural [...] Read more.

Photovoice is a participatory action research (PAR) method that employes photographic language to explore individuals’ stories and living contexts. This study explores the representations of young participants, both immigrants and non-immigrants, concerning integration—defined within Berry’s (1997) framework as a bidirectional process of cultural and social adaptation between migrants and host communities—and the lack of integration within their neighborhood in Reggio Emilia, Italy. The participants included 12 young individuals (6 migrants and 6 locals) aged 19 to 29, two peer researchers, and one researcher. Over the course of two weekly three-hour meetings, participants captured and discussed photos depicting their perspectives on integration. The findings highlighted diverse conceptualizations of integration. Participants emphasized the reciprocal relationship between migrants and locals, illustrating how positive interactions with schools, workplaces, and public spaces facilitate integration. Additionally, successful migrants were seen as models of empowerment. Conversely, themes such as poverty, loneliness, discrimination, and the impact of war emerged as significant barriers to integration. This study underscores the dynamic and interactive nature of integration, as experienced by young people in multicultural settings. It highlights how Photovoice methodology can effectively capture nuanced perspectives on integration, foster mutual understanding, and facilitate intergroup relationships. The method fosters personal and community reflection, actively engaging its audience in critical discussions about integration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Doing and Critically Evaluating Participatory Action Research in Migration Studies)

9 pages, 238 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Impacting Perceptions of Gender Inequality in the Spanish Society

by Mariano Méndez-Suárez and Abel Monfort

Societies 2024, 14(10), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14100211 (registering DOI) - 18 Oct 2024

This study uses Ordinary Least Squares Multiple Regression with data on perceptions regarding gender equality from the Spanish general population. Overall, the results indicate that perceptions of equal treatment under the law and equality in political life are significantly associated with perceptions of [...] Read more.

This study uses Ordinary Least Squares Multiple Regression with data on perceptions regarding gender equality from the Spanish general population. Overall, the results indicate that perceptions of equal treatment under the law and equality in political life are significantly associated with perceptions of gender equality. However, perceptions of discrimination in education do not seem to affect perceptions of gender equality significantly. In addition, the results show a clear association between the belief that gender equality leads to a fairer society and the perception of gender equality itself. Results also suggest that while certain perceptions related to the law, society, and political life are instrumental in shaping views on gender inequality, there remains a foundational level of perceived inequality in Spanish society. As a concluding remark, when examining the impact of female representation in leadership positions, the results provide empirical support that the presence of women in leadership positions improves the perception of gender equity in the contexts in which it occurs; this fact reflects the importance of promoting the participation of women in management positions through public policies. Full article

18 pages, 618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cultural Conflict and Disappointment: Hongkongers’ Sentiments Toward Taiwanese Authorities Amid Cross-Strait Tensions

by Wing-Chung Ho and Ken Ka-wo Fung

Societies 2024, 14(10), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14100210 (registering DOI) - 18 Oct 2024

The failure of the democratic movement during 2014–2020 prompted tens of thousands of Hongkongers (~40,000) to reluctantly leave their hometown and migrate to Taiwan to seek a freer future. Taiwan’s cultural similarity to Hong Kong, together with Taiwan’s democracy and geographic proximity, are [...] Read more.

The failure of the democratic movement during 2014–2020 prompted tens of thousands of Hongkongers (~40,000) to reluctantly leave their hometown and migrate to Taiwan to seek a freer future. Taiwan’s cultural similarity to Hong Kong, together with Taiwan’s democracy and geographic proximity, are commonly recognized as pull factors of migration. However, the intensifying cross-strait tensions since late 2021 have witnessed Taipei tighten its approval of Hongkongers’ applications for permanent residency mainly in fear of the infiltration of Chinese agents. Based on mixed-methods in-depth interviews (N = 15) and an online survey (N = 147) with Hong Kong migrants, this paper reveals their complex experience in adapting to the Taiwan way of life, becoming frustrated by Taipei’s attitudinal change, and contemplating onward migration. The findings reveal underlying cultural differences between Hong Kong and Taiwanese societies—manifesting as a cultural conflict—amid fears of an encroaching communist China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking Migration Governance in Society)

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13 pages, 223 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Principal–Teacher Relationships Under the Pressure of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Critical Factors and Implications for School Leadership During Crises

by Eleftheria Spyropoulou and Theodore Koutroukis

Societies 2024, 14(10), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14100209 - 18 Oct 2024

This paper aims to present the views of Greek school principals on whether and how working amid the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic affected principal–teacher relationships. It mainly focuses on the factors that contributed to the quality and course of these relationships. [...] Read more.

This paper aims to present the views of Greek school principals on whether and how working amid the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic affected principal–teacher relationships. It mainly focuses on the factors that contributed to the quality and course of these relationships. A qualitative methodology was adopted. Data were collected from 57 principals of public primary and secondary schools who answered the open-ended questions of an online questionnaire. Written answers were analyzed using the method of thematic analysis. The analysis revealed that, given the adverse working conditions, principal–teacher relationships were affected to varying degrees and in different ways in each school unit. For forty-seven percent of principals, the relationships remained unaffected; for forty percent, the relationships worsened; and for thirteen percent, they became stronger. It was found that teacher-related factors (attitude towards increased duties/obligations and ability to manage stress and fear), as well as work climate-related factors (communication and interaction, togetherness, and pre-existing work climate) contributed to the course of principal–teacher relations amid the pandemic. The findings provide practical and theoretical implications for school leadership and human resources management in a crisis context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Multifaceted Role of Educational Leadership: Human Development, Societal Transformation, and Interdisciplinary Approaches)

13 pages, 1253 KiB

Open AccessConcept Paper

Building Evidence for a Promising Home-Grown Substance Use and Mental Health Child Welfare Prevention Model

by Moira Flavin, Pilar Bancalari, Kristen Faucetta and Samantha Wulfsohn

Societies 2024, 14(10), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14100208 - 17 Oct 2024

The NYC Administration for Children’s Services and MDRC have partnered since 2021 to develop a rigorous research agenda leading to an impact evaluation of the Family Treatment and Rehabilitation (FT/R) model, a “home-grown” New York City intervention for families experiencing substance misuse and/or [...] Read more.

The NYC Administration for Children’s Services and MDRC have partnered since 2021 to develop a rigorous research agenda leading to an impact evaluation of the Family Treatment and Rehabilitation (FT/R) model, a “home-grown” New York City intervention for families experiencing substance misuse and/or mental health challenges that put children at risk of maltreatment. This paper will describe the first phase of that research, which had two goals: (1) to refine a logic model that would result in a shared understanding of core components of the FT/R model, and (2) to create a plan for a subsequent implementation study that would enable MDRC and ACS to understand how 18 FT/R programs are implementing the model across New York City. The paper will describe the team’s orientation to this research, including centering equity in the work by prioritizing the inclusion of staff and family perspectives. Next steps in the research roadmap will be discussed, including convening a council of lived experience advisors, as well as implications for evidence-building for sustainability. This research has the long-term potential to support FT/R’s inclusion in the Family First Prevention Services Clearinghouse and ultimately, the leveraging of Title IV-E funds to support scaling of a locally developed, culturally responsive, and adaptable child welfare prevention model beyond New York City. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building the Evidence Base for Innovative and Contextually Sensitive Programs to Prevent and Treat Child Abuse and Neglect and Reduce Child Welfare Involvement)

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14 pages, 651 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hospitality and Tourism Demand: Exploring Industry Shifts, Themes, and Trends

by Carlos Sampaio, João Renato Sebastião and Luís Farinha

Societies 2024, 14(10), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14100207 - 17 Oct 2024

Tourism demand is critical for the hospitality industry and is influenced by a set of continuously changing factors. The tourism and hospitality industries play a critical role in many regions and countries, supporting the local economy, providing employment, and fostering economic and social [...] Read more.

Tourism demand is critical for the hospitality industry and is influenced by a set of continuously changing factors. The tourism and hospitality industries play a critical role in many regions and countries, supporting the local economy, providing employment, and fostering economic and social development with effects across multiple industries. This study aims to analyse the nature of tourism and hotel demand through a thematic analysis. By conducting a review of the existing literature published over the period of 2018–2023, this research identifies overarching patterns, trends, and themes characterising the current research landscape. Research results reveal significant insights into market trends and strategic industry shifts. It particularly emphasises areas such as customer demand forecasting, technology integration, and sustainability, which are crucial for understanding demand fluctuations. The findings offer insights into the theoretical foundations of tourism and hotel demand and provide practical implications for industry stakeholders aiming to strategise effectively in a dynamic market. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism, Urban Culture and Local Development)

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14 pages, 417 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variations in Personality Traits Among Top Judo Referees from 2018 to 2022 Based on Gender Differences

by Nuša Lampe, Husnija Kajmović, Florin Daniel Lascau, Irena Nančovska Šerbec and Maja Meško

Societies 2024, 14(10), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14100206 - 16 Oct 2024

The personality traits of top judo referees are crucial for fair decision-making in elite competitions, shaping the experience for athletes, coaches, and spectators. This study examines potential differences in personality traits among 63 referees from the World Judo Tour between 1 January 2018 [...] Read more.

The personality traits of top judo referees are crucial for fair decision-making in elite competitions, shaping the experience for athletes, coaches, and spectators. This study examines potential differences in personality traits among 63 referees from the World Judo Tour between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2022. Factors analyzed include completing the IJF Academy course Level 1, elite athlete status, number of officiated events, performance ratings, and participation in the Olympic or Paralympic Games. Our research shows that older referees tend to exhibit greater extraversion, whereas less experienced officials show lower levels of this trait. Referees with limited experience generally demonstrate higher agreeableness than their more experienced counterparts. Female referees and those with top performance ratings display greater conscientiousness than male referees. Completing the IJF Academy course is associated with lower neuroticism, while lower performance ratings are linked to higher neuroticism. Openness tends to decrease with increased officiating experience, with less experienced referees showing higher levels of this trait. In conclusion, competitive experience, training completion, and officiating tenure are associated with specific personality traits among judo referees, highlighting the importance of continuous training for effective officiating. The analysis of personality traits revealed no statistically significant differences between male and female referees in the dimensions measured by the BFI (Big Five Inventory). This indicates that the levels of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness were similar for both genders, with no significant variation in how these traits were expressed. Full article

14 pages, 265 KiB

Open AccessConcept Paper

Gender-Based Violence in the Context of Mothering: A Critical Canadian Health Perspective

by Tara Mantler and Kimberley Teresa Jackson

Societies 2024, 14(10), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14100205 - 16 Oct 2024

Violence against women is a predominant, human rights violation, globally. Understood as any act of gender-based violence resulting in physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, approximately 35% of women experience violence across the lifespan. While violence can be experienced at [...] Read more.

Violence against women is a predominant, human rights violation, globally. Understood as any act of gender-based violence resulting in physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, approximately 35% of women experience violence across the lifespan. While violence can be experienced at any age, women of reproductive age suffer the greatest prevalence, underscoring that for many women, experiencing violence or the health and social sequelae, which may follow violence, co-occurs with mothering. Mothering in the context of gender-based violence in Canada is complex and multifaceted. In this article, the interplay among gender-based violence and the childbearing stages of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum are explored using an intersectional lens, including consideration of social disparities and equity-deserving groups. Approaches to address gender-based violence among childbearing women, such as an ecological approach and trauma- and violence-informed care, are discussed as implications for further research and practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Social Politics of Gender-Based Violence: A Critical Canadian Health Perspective, 2024)

19 pages, 578 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Artistic Interventions in Urban Renewal: Exploring the Social Impact and Contribution of Public Art to Sustainable Urban Development Goals

by Yun Zhou, Alexia Sanz-Hernández and Silvia María Hernández-Muñoz

Societies 2024, 14(10), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14100204 - 14 Oct 2024

The aim of this study was to explore the multiple roles of public art in urban renewal and sustainable development goals, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, with an emphasis on community engagement and the application of theoretical frameworks. Through a detailed analysis of [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to explore the multiple roles of public art in urban renewal and sustainable development goals, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, with an emphasis on community engagement and the application of theoretical frameworks. Through a detailed analysis of public art projects in Teruel, Spain, and Chengdu, China, this study shows how public art plays an important role in enhancing cultural values, promoting social inclusion, and driving economic growth. Qualitative methods such as interviews and content analysis were used to gain in-depth insights into the views and experiences of artists, urban planners, policymakers, and community members. At the same time, quantitative methods such as questionnaires and spatial analysis were used to assess the specific impacts of public art on urban beautification, social inclusion, and economic growth. Full article

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19 pages, 581 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perspectives on Necessity-Driven Immigrant Entrepreneurship: Interactions with Entrepreneurial Ecosystems through the Lens of Dynamic Capabilities

by Yu-Heng Chen and Han-Shen Chen

Societies 2024, 14(10), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14100203 - 14 Oct 2024

This paper explores the interaction between immigrant small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the entrepreneurial ecosystems of their home and host countries. These SMEs, often established out of necessity due to economic hardship or unemployment, contrast with opportunity-driven ventures that seek to exploit [...] Read more.

This paper explores the interaction between immigrant small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the entrepreneurial ecosystems of their home and host countries. These SMEs, often established out of necessity due to economic hardship or unemployment, contrast with opportunity-driven ventures that seek to exploit new market prospects. Employing a dynamic capabilities framework, the study investigates how immigrant SMEs identify and mobilize critical resources in unstable environments, and how these resources are dynamically adapted and transformed to meet organizational objectives while responding to ecosystem changes, ultimately cultivating competitive advantages. Interviews were conducted with 25 immigrant entrepreneurs from eight countries, and the interviews took place within their business environments, with native speakers of the interviewees′ home countries present to ensure accuracy and authenticity. The findings highlight that immigrant entrepreneurs effectively leverage resources from both home and host country ecosystems, with human capital being the most essential asset. Additionally, the role of immigrants′ social networks is emphasized as a crucial mechanism for resource acquisition. This study further illustrates the positive contributions of immigrant enterprises to entrepreneurial ecosystems, revealing a co-evolutionary relationship whereby the businesses and ecosystems both mutually evolve. This co-evolution strengthens the resilience and sustainability of immigrant ventures, significantly enhancing their long-term success. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue International Migration and the Adaptation Process)

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19 pages, 340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fostering Entrepreneurial Mindsets: Factors Shaping Student Intentions in a Challenging Economic Landscape

by Vicente González-Prida, Jesús César Sandoval-Trigos, Fabricio Miguel Moreno-Menéndez, Kesler Osmar Gomez-Bernaola, Diego Alonso Tello-Porras and Diana Pariona-Amaya

Societies 2024, 14(10), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14100202 - 13 Oct 2024

This research aims at investigating factors affecting entrepreneurial intention among university students in Selva Central-Peru. The study seeks to explore how perceptions of behavioural and social norms, as well as entrepreneurs’ self-efficacy, impact entrepreneurial intentions among students. The research method used is a [...] Read more.

This research aims at investigating factors affecting entrepreneurial intention among university students in Selva Central-Peru. The study seeks to explore how perceptions of behavioural and social norms, as well as entrepreneurs’ self-efficacy, impact entrepreneurial intentions among students. The research method used is a quantitative one, which in turn praises data obtained through questionnaires applied to 114 active students and analysed by statistical methods. Confirmed the positive influences of self-efficacy on entrepreneurial intention are six times larger than those of attitude and subjective norms, with 79.2% explained variance, respectively, in relation to the proposal model’s findings. Results showed that although the majority of students demonstrated medium to high entrepreneurship intentions, much scope remains for increasing this. These findings confirm just how critical it is to provide an educational context that supports entrepreneurial locus of control-building and, in so doing, draws on broader conversation within the education-occupational landscape. With this, the study highlights avenues to better leverage entrepreneurship as a pathway toward sustainable livelihoods and economic inclusion in an economically divided region. Full article

15 pages, 2402 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Applying Bourdieu’s Theory to Public Perceptions of Water Scarcity during El Niño: A Case Study of Santa Marta, Colombia

by Miguel A. De Luque-Villa, Hernán Darío Granda-Rodríguez, Cristina Isabel Garza-Tatis and Mauricio González-Méndez

Societies 2024, 14(10), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14100201 - 11 Oct 2024

This study investigated the sociological dimensions informing public perceptions of water scarcity during the El Niño drought period in Colombia. We conducted this study in Santa Marta, Colombia, and surveyed 405 urban and rural residents to understand their perceptions of water scarcity, management, [...] Read more.

This study investigated the sociological dimensions informing public perceptions of water scarcity during the El Niño drought period in Colombia. We conducted this study in Santa Marta, Colombia, and surveyed 405 urban and rural residents to understand their perceptions of water scarcity, management, and the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon. The survey used a Likert scale to measure responses and employed a multivariate analysis of variance to analyze the data while considering factors such as location (urban versus rural) and gender. The study results indicated that urban residents often experience an irregular water supply all year, whereas most rural respondents noted a more consistent availability of water. The perception of water scarcity also differed notably between urban and rural areas due to their different historical and cultural experiences (habitus). Urban respondents mostly recognized the presence of water, while rural perspectives were less conclusive, likely influenced by their direct access to natural water sources. Participants across various demographics consistently reported that poor management by local, regional, and national governments contributes to the water scarcity crisis, highlighting the importance of improving communication about climate events like El Niño and water management to increase community engagement in public policies. Our research suggests that better understanding the social foundations of such perceptions using Bourdieu’s concepts of social fields, habitus, and capital forms can significantly enhance water management strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Sociology — Achievements and Challenges)

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18 pages, 247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Mirrors: AI Companions and the Self

by Theodoros Kouros and Venetia Papa

Societies 2024, 14(10), 200; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14100200 - 8 Oct 2024

This exploratory study examines the socio-technical dynamics of Artificial Intelligence Companions (AICs), focusing on user interactions with AI platforms like Replika 9.35.1. Through qualitative analysis, including user interviews and digital ethnography, we explored the nuanced roles played by these AIs in social interactions. [...] Read more.

This exploratory study examines the socio-technical dynamics of Artificial Intelligence Companions (AICs), focusing on user interactions with AI platforms like Replika 9.35.1. Through qualitative analysis, including user interviews and digital ethnography, we explored the nuanced roles played by these AIs in social interactions. Findings revealed that users often form emotional attachments to their AICs, viewing them as empathetic and supportive, thus enhancing emotional well-being. This study highlights how AI companions provide a safe space for self-expression and identity exploration, often without fear of judgment, offering a backstage setting in Goffmanian terms. This research contributes to the discourse on AI’s societal integration, emphasizing how, in interactions with AICs, users often craft and experiment with their identities by acting in ways they would avoid in face-to-face or human-human online interactions due to fear of judgment. This reflects front-stage behavior, in which users manage audience perceptions. Conversely, the backstage, typically hidden, is somewhat disclosed to AICs, revealing deeper aspects of the self. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence in Participatory Environments: Technologies, Ethics, and Literacy Aspects)

20 pages, 292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Children’s Journeys into the Youth Justice System from Multiple Perspectives: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

by Hannah Smith and Elizabeth Paddock

Societies 2024, 14(10), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14100199 - 8 Oct 2024

In order to contribute to research into youth crime prevention, the current study aimed to explore the experiences of children in conflict with the law prior to receiving their first caution or conviction. Participants were recruited at a Youth Justice Service and included [...] Read more.

In order to contribute to research into youth crime prevention, the current study aimed to explore the experiences of children in conflict with the law prior to receiving their first caution or conviction. Participants were recruited at a Youth Justice Service and included five children working with the service, their five case managers, and two of their parents/guardians. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and timelines were used to support the children in sharing their experiences. Data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, which focuses on understanding how individuals experience the world and how they make sense of those experiences. Six group experiential themes were identified within the analysis. These consider the events leading up to offending and whether it could have been predicted, the extent to which the children felt supported, the effect of school practices, the impact of peer influences, difficulties with managing emotions, and the children’s readiness for change. Each theme is discussed and recommendations for practice and future research are considered. The importance of placing children’s experiences at the forefront of research is highlighted throughout. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Youth Justice: Social Policy, Social Work and Practice)

14 pages, 300 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Age Discrimination of Senior Citizens in European Countries

by Agnes Santha and Emese Emőke Tóth-Batizán

Societies 2024, 14(10), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14100198 - 7 Oct 2024

This paper addresses perceived age discrimination of older persons in European countries. This disturbing issue has become all the more prominent, having doubled over a relatively short period between 2018 and 2021. Strongly associated with bad health outcomes, low levels of wellbeing, and [...] Read more.

This paper addresses perceived age discrimination of older persons in European countries. This disturbing issue has become all the more prominent, having doubled over a relatively short period between 2018 and 2021. Strongly associated with bad health outcomes, low levels of wellbeing, and considerable social tensions, age-related discrimination against senior citizens is a sign of the lack of their social integration. Our study used secondary data analysis based on survey methodology. Statistical analysis was performed on data from the European Social Survey wave 10 (2021) subsample of people aged 65 and above to assess the senior population’s age-based discrimination experiences and its individual and macro-level determinants. The results indicate that in all European countries, low socioeconomic status, older age, and living alone are strongly associated with the experience of age discrimination. Having bad health and being functionally limited in everyday activities results in a state of dependency that is connected to a higher risk of perceived exposure to age discrimination. Smaller populations, such as those in villages, are protective against discrimination at older age. Finally, compared to other welfare regimes, in social democratic welfare states with egalitarian redistribution systems and high levels of social benefits, there is a significantly larger share of old people who reported to have been victims of age discrimination. Our results have implications for policy in the context of ageing societies. Full article

14 pages, 250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Migration on Smoking among Colombian Migrants

by Michael B. Aguilera

Societies 2024, 14(10), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14100197 - 5 Oct 2024

Background: Colombian migration globally has had many consequences. This study focuses solely on the smoking behavior of Colombian migrants. This study addresses how the act of international migration impacts the likelihood of smoking among Colombian migrants. Smoking has been found to be [...] Read more.

Background: Colombian migration globally has had many consequences. This study focuses solely on the smoking behavior of Colombian migrants. This study addresses how the act of international migration impacts the likelihood of smoking among Colombian migrants. Smoking has been found to be the leading cause of preventable death, and so it is a health risk for Colombian migrants. This study pertains to the communities sampled in Colombia, where the migrants originated. Methods: This study uses the Latin American Migration Project to address how migration impacts the smoking behavior of Colombian migrants. Using logit regression, the statistical analysis predicts the likelihood of smoking among Colombian migrants. This study compares the smoking behavior of current and former Colombian migrants, which is compared to that of Colombian non-migrants. Because current and former migrants were surveyed, the study is able to control for health selectivity. Results: After accounting for health selectivity, the study finds that migration, as measured by time abroad, is positively and significantly related with the smoking of migrants relative to non-migrants. Additionally, this study shows that former migrants are more likely to smoke than current migrants, providing support for the salmon effect. Conclusion: This study adds to the literature on smoking by studying an understudied group, Colombian migrants, and provides a better measure of the impact of migration on smoking behavior by accounting for health selectivity and the salmon bias. The findings are consistent with assimilation theory, as more time abroad is associated with negative health behaviors that are common in the culture of the receiving country, but the fact that such behaviors are harmful to the migrant is consistent with the immigrant health paradox. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue International Migration and the Adaptation Process)

16 pages, 1236 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trauma-Informed Photovoice for Adolescents and Young Adults with Child Welfare Involvement

by Colleen C. Katz, Moiyattu Banya, Astraea Augsberger, David Collins, LaShawnda Kilgore, Kerry Moles, Cheyanne Deopersaud and Michelle R. Munson

Societies 2024, 14(10), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14100196 - 3 Oct 2024

Youth who age out of foster care face a constellation of challenges associated with navigating the transition to adulthood and often do not have opportunities to express their perspectives. The purpose of this project was to partner with these youth to develop a [...] Read more.

Youth who age out of foster care face a constellation of challenges associated with navigating the transition to adulthood and often do not have opportunities to express their perspectives. The purpose of this project was to partner with these youth to develop a trauma-informed photovoice program that can be freely utilized in child welfare programming. This youth participatory action research (yPAR) project engaged youth and young adults with child welfare experience in a long-term partnership to co-develop and pilot test a trauma-informed photovoice program called Photovoice for Change (P4C). P4C evolved into a three-meeting structure: (1) orientation and launch; (2) preparation for sharing; and (3) share back. Youth participants revealed photographs of “places and spaces” that impacted their lives, sharing their meaning with other youth and supportive adults in a group setting. The project concluded with a gallery showing, featuring a video highlighting the program participants’ experiences. Trauma-informed photovoice may be an important program to embed within the child welfare system, as it can provide youth with an opportunity to: (a) strengthen within-group relationships and (b) express important aspects of their lives in a supportive and safe environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building the Evidence Base for Innovative and Contextually Sensitive Programs to Prevent and Treat Child Abuse and Neglect and Reduce Child Welfare Involvement)

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29 pages, 6750 KiB

Open AccessReview

Navigating the Digital Public Sphere: An AI-Driven Analysis of Interaction Dynamics across Societal Domains

by Jasmin Schmank and Rüdiger Buchkremer

Societies 2024, 14(10), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14100195 - 26 Sep 2024

The increasingly digital nature of modern societies necessitates continually examining how individuals interact in the public sphere. This systematic literature review comprehensively analyzes emerging research on public interaction across diverse contexts. By employing an innovative method of applying artificial intelligence on a large-scale [...] Read more.

The increasingly digital nature of modern societies necessitates continually examining how individuals interact in the public sphere. This systematic literature review comprehensively analyzes emerging research on public interaction across diverse contexts. By employing an innovative method of applying artificial intelligence on a large-scale academic corpus, we systematically identified and categorized eight major research clusters: social media and public discourse; public Governance in health and education; urban environments and data systems; group interaction dynamics; complex systems modeling; human-display interfaces; political processes; and public service design. Sub-topic mapping revealed key themes such as digital civic engagement, transport sustainability, behavioral dynamics, and socio-environmental impacts. Our interdisciplinary synthesis highlights public interaction as a multifaceted phenomenon intertwined with technological change, policy decisions, environmental factors, and social constructs. These insights underscore the need for holistic, cross-disciplinary approaches to navigate the challenges and opportunities of public interaction in our rapidly evolving digital age. This review provides a unified knowledge base to guide future research while informing decision-makers on cultivating participatory, adaptive, and sustainable public spheres. Full article

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18 pages, 961 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emotional Management Strategies and Care for Women Defenders of the Territory in Jalisco

by Daniela Mabel Gloss Nuñez and Silvana Mabel Nuñez Fadda

Societies 2024, 14(10), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14100194 - 25 Sep 2024

The struggles of several women defending their territories and lives are marked by family tensions and reactions to the overload of care tasks and community rules according to their socially established roles. In this qualitative research, we analyze and discuss the cases of [...] Read more.

The struggles of several women defending their territories and lives are marked by family tensions and reactions to the overload of care tasks and community rules according to their socially established roles. In this qualitative research, we analyze and discuss the cases of three women’s collectives from different suburban and rural communities in Jalisco. Information recollected through the new ethnography approach over six years was coded and analyzed with the Atlas ti program. Results: Women’s defense of their land involvement, organizing, and social mobilization actions move to an overload of care and raise adverse reactions in their community and families in response to what is seen as a transgression of women’s roles. This increases dominant demobilization emotions: fear, sadness, loneliness, guilt, and shame. Through emotional management strategies linked with alternative forms of appropriation of space, starting with their bodies and sharing emotions and actions with their companions, the women in these collectives produced emotions of resistance: pride, hope, friendship, and anger, which led to reconfiguring their identities, family relationships, and roles within other place domains: bodies, family, and community. Conclusions: Women defenders, as principal carers of life, have produced and inherited a set of strategies that configure a growing “politics of the ordinary. “These strategies, through emotional management, subvert dominant emotions, feelings, and acting rules, gradually questioning and reinventing their roles and human and nonhuman relations in their most immediate contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Sociology — Achievements and Challenges)

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Navigating Challenges and Leveraging Technology: Experiences of Child Welfare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Sarah Maiter, Daniel Kikulwe, Uzma Danish, Peyton Drynan and Mykayla Blackman

Societies 2024, 14(10), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14100193 - 24 Sep 2024

This qualitative study explores the experiences of child welfare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic through virtual interviews, focusing on the challenges and adaptations in their work and support systems. Participants reported significant difficulties in maintaining a healthy work–life balance, heightened stress, anxiety, and [...] Read more.

This qualitative study explores the experiences of child welfare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic through virtual interviews, focusing on the challenges and adaptations in their work and support systems. Participants reported significant difficulties in maintaining a healthy work–life balance, heightened stress, anxiety, and increased workloads due to sick leaves and burnout. This study highlights the dual role of technology as both a stressor and a crucial tool, with rapid integration posing challenges while also enabling continued support for children and families. Despite these challenges, workers demonstrated resilience and creativity, developing innovative solutions to navigate the new landscape. The findings underscore the importance of robust support systems, clear communication, and equitable access to technology. This study suggests integrating lessons learned during the pandemic into future child welfare practices to enhance resilience and adaptability in the face of future crises. Full article

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