Social Sciences

15 pages, 714 KiB

Open AccessReview

Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence Interventions for Mental Health and Well-Being: Ensuring Responsible Implementation and Impact

by Hamid Reza Saeidnia, Seyed Ghasem Hashemi Fotami, Brady Lund and Nasrin Ghiasi

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070381 - 22 Jul 2024

Viewed by 15076

Abstract

AI has the potential to revolutionize mental health services by providing personalized support and improving accessibility. However, it is crucial to address ethical concerns to ensure responsible and beneficial outcomes for individuals. This systematic review examines the ethical considerations surrounding the implementation and [...] Read more.

AI has the potential to revolutionize mental health services by providing personalized support and improving accessibility. However, it is crucial to address ethical concerns to ensure responsible and beneficial outcomes for individuals. This systematic review examines the ethical considerations surrounding the implementation and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) interventions in the field of mental health and well-being. To ensure a comprehensive analysis, we employed a structured search strategy across top academic databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus. The search scope encompassed articles published from 2014 to 2024, resulting in a review of 51 relevant articles. The review identifies 18 key ethical considerations, including 6 ethical considerations associated with using AI interventions in mental health and wellbeing (privacy and confidentiality, informed consent, bias and fairness, transparency and accountability, autonomy and human agency, and safety and efficacy); 5 ethical principles associated with the development and implementation of AI technologies in mental health settings to ensure responsible practice and positive outcomes (ethical framework, stakeholder engagement, ethical review, bias mitigation, and continuous evaluation and improvement); and 7 practices, guidelines, and recommendations for promoting the ethical use of AI in mental health interventions (adhere to ethical guidelines, ensure transparency, prioritize data privacy and security, mitigate bias and ensure fairness, involve stakeholders, conduct regular ethical reviews, and monitor and evaluate outcomes). This systematic review highlights the importance of ethical considerations in the responsible implementation and impact of AI interventions for mental health and well-being. By addressing privacy, bias, consent, transparency, human oversight, and continuous evaluation, we can ensure that AI interventions like chatbots and AI-enabled medical devices are developed and deployed in an ethically sound manner, respecting individual rights, promoting fairness, and maximizing benefits while minimizing potential harm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological and Digital Interventions for Mental Health and Wellbeing: Useful, Usable, and Safe?)

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44 pages, 4103 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“When Is a School Not a School?” Dr. Carrie Weaver Smith, Child Prisons, and the Limits of Reform in Progressive Era Texas

by Sam Harrell

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070380 - 22 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1187

Abstract

This archival study explores the life and work of Dr. Carrie Weaver Smith (1885–1942), a Progressive Era social worker and prison warden. Specifically, I explore the first phase of her career as a House Physician at the Virginia K. Johnson Home in Dallas, [...] Read more.

This archival study explores the life and work of Dr. Carrie Weaver Smith (1885–1942), a Progressive Era social worker and prison warden. Specifically, I explore the first phase of her career as a House Physician at the Virginia K. Johnson Home in Dallas, Texas (1911–1915) and as the first Superintendent of the Texas State Training School for Girls in Gainesville, Texas (1916–1925). Using archival research, I detail three conflicts that defined Dr. Smith’s superintendency: her fight to reclassify a youth prison as a school, her challenges to a Ku Klux Klan-dominated legislature, and her refusal to cede authority to a State Board of Control. Together, these conflicts led the Board to terminate Dr. Smith’s position, an outcome that would replay twice more before she retired from prisonwork. I argue that when most reformers made significant concessions, compromising their visions to maintain state funding and political allyship, Dr. Smith stood out for her record of refusal. And yet, like other reformers, she left Texas with the capacity to imprison more women and girls than ever before. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Between Criminalization and Care: Reimagining Social Work's Role in the Carceral State)

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16 pages, 262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reconceptualizing ICTD: Prioritizing Place-Based Learning Experiences, Socio-Economic Realities, and Individual Aspirations of Young Students in India

by Manisha Pathak-Shelat and Kiran Vinod Bhatia

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070379 - 22 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1238

Abstract

This paper critically examines the neo-liberal conceptualization of Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICTD), which imposes the linear and simplistic notions of empowerment and development on the users from the global South. Using the rapidly growing EdTech segment in India as a [...] Read more.

This paper critically examines the neo-liberal conceptualization of Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICTD), which imposes the linear and simplistic notions of empowerment and development on the users from the global South. Using the rapidly growing EdTech segment in India as a case, this paper observes that EdTech has been touted as a magic multiplier and a savior for countries like India that aspire to educate their large populations. This has prompted EdTech companies to pursue platformization and templatization to accomplish scalability and standardization in EdTech use. Based on immersive ethnographic research with youth from low-income families in three Indian cities—Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Vadodara—we argue that the practices of young people concerning EdTech resist standardization. Our analysis reveals that three major factors—challenges of access and autonomy, continued relevance of place-based learning and in-person interactions, and uneven quality and rigor—influence low-income students and families to not completely buy the promise of access, equity, and quality that EdTech companies and governments advance. We explore the significance of the socio-economic and cultural contexts of young learners in the global South context and argue that they aspire for personalization, place-based experiences, guidance/mentorship, high grades, and in-person interactions instead of standardization. They do not fully benefit by the experimentation, DIY practices, and tech-lead learning opportunities and resources offered by EdTech platforms in their current state. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reconceptualising Communication for Development: A Critical Appraisal of the Field)

14 pages, 425 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dementia Care Decisions, Caregiving Situations, and Formal Service Use in Korean Immigrant Families: A Qualitative Application of a Sociocultural Model

by Yuri Jang, Hans Oh, Juyoung Park, Min-Kyoung Rhee, Nan Sook Park, Soondool Chung and Miyong T. Kim

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070378 - 22 Jul 2024

Viewed by 877

Abstract

Given the significant role of culture and place in dementia caregiving, we conducted a qualitative study with Korean American family caregivers of persons with dementia. Guided by the sociocultural model of dementia caregivers’ service use, we explored the categories of care decisions, caregiving [...] Read more.

Given the significant role of culture and place in dementia caregiving, we conducted a qualitative study with Korean American family caregivers of persons with dementia. Guided by the sociocultural model of dementia caregivers’ service use, we explored the categories of care decisions, caregiving situations, and formal service use within the context of culture and place. Data from in-depth interviews with 16 Korean American dementia caregivers living in the greater Los Angeles area were analyzed using the constant comparison method. Across the three conceptual categories, we derived eight themes: (1) personal motivation; (2) family context; (3) attitude toward formal care; (4) strains; (5) rewards; (6) language and geographic region; (7) knowledge and awareness; and (8) social support and cultural stigma. Our findings demonstrate not only varied experiences in care decisions, caregiving situations, and formal service use but also their interconnectedness. Supporting the influential role of culture and place in dementia caregiving, the findings include positive and negative elements within each domain and provide implications for programs and services to respond to identified needs and barriers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Family Studies)

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16 pages, 314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

May I Come In? EU Policies to Control Migration: The EUTF

by Ana Beatriz da Costa Mangueira

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070377 - 22 Jul 2024

Viewed by 965

Abstract

What types of policies has the European Union (EU) implemented to control migration flows in recent decades, and what are their strategies? This paper aims to explore the measures developed by the EU to manage migration flows and identify how they operate. While [...] Read more.

What types of policies has the European Union (EU) implemented to control migration flows in recent decades, and what are their strategies? This paper aims to explore the measures developed by the EU to manage migration flows and identify how they operate. While a securitisation approach, such as activities of border control, has been widely discussed by scholars in this field, it is worth exploring and understanding other kinds of instruments aimed at curbing irregular flows through executing programs such as the Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF), developed in the aftermath of the Arab uprisings to address the “root causes” of the displacement. In light of this, this research conducts a case study and qualitative content and descriptive analysis of documents on the EUTF. Preliminary findings indicate patterns in what motivated the EU to undertake these actions and present the main strategies of the Fund in the North Africa region. However, some factors may have led to disappointing outcomes for the EUTF, such as the increase, in 2019, of nationals leaving the North Africa region towards Europe, as reported by UNDESA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Globalization and International Migration to the EU)

16 pages, 493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Athlete Maltreatment as a Wicked Problem and Contested Terrain

by Haewan Park, Michael P. Sam and Steven J. Jackson

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070376 - 20 Jul 2024

Viewed by 872

Abstract

Athlete maltreatment in organized sport has attracted considerable attention from governing bodies, stakeholders and the general public. Despite numerous studies and policy proposals from various countries, the problem remains unresolved due to its inherent complexity. Drawing upon the concept of ‘a wicked problem’ [...] Read more.

Athlete maltreatment in organized sport has attracted considerable attention from governing bodies, stakeholders and the general public. Despite numerous studies and policy proposals from various countries, the problem remains unresolved due to its inherent complexity. Drawing upon the concept of ‘a wicked problem’ widely utilized in policy analysis, this study first identifies the wicked features of maltreatment, focusing on: (1) the difficulty of establishing a definition of maltreatment; (2) the challenges of identifying its causes; and (3) the impediments to identifying solutions in a context of embedded stakeholders and unintended consequences. To provide further analysis, we compare athlete maltreatment with other issues in sport such as doping and match-fixing, to suggest that lessons can be drawn from other wicked problems in the same contested terrain. Overall, given the complex interplay between maltreatment and the maintenance/legitimization of sport systems, this paper calls for continuing attention and evaluation of existing research/policies and advocates for a more multidimensional view that acknowledges maltreatment as a wicked problem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Contested Terrain of Sport: Sociological, Political and Policy Perspectives)

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13 pages, 246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Drought on Child Protection in Hard-to-Reach Communities in Kenya

by Samuel Mburu, Irene Wali, Sarah Mukisa, Nancy Sironga and Hussein Adan

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070375 - 19 Jul 2024

Viewed by 970

Abstract

This study aimed to assess child protection-related needs among drought-affected populations in selected arid counties in Kenya. The specific objectives included: to understand the different underlying vulnerabilities that children and adolescents face during drought with a gender and disability lens; to assess the [...] Read more.

This study aimed to assess child protection-related needs among drought-affected populations in selected arid counties in Kenya. The specific objectives included: to understand the different underlying vulnerabilities that children and adolescents face during drought with a gender and disability lens; to assess the current or potential presence of emergency risks and their likelihood of occurrence, the capacities, and coping mechanisms of families; identify emerging areas of concern regarding children and adolescents, including those with disability; and informing the interventions through development partners and relevant government ministries. This study adopted a non-experimental design that utilized a mixed-methods approach. The quantitative data collection involved a survey of 1800 households. The information was collected about children (i.e., individuals aged 0–17), their caregivers, and their households. Two methods were used to collect qualitative data. These included Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The study established that during drought and in the recovery period, there were increased cases of children dropping out of school mainly due to the migration of families. Child labour and household chores were also mentioned as other vulnerabilities that children and adolescents faced during drought. The findings also noted an inter-linkage between female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage, and teenage pregnancy across all communities under study. The difficulties occasioned by drought forced many families in ASAL counties to prepare their girls for marriage through the practice of FGM. Despite the high occurrences of sexual violence against children, child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and neglect, the child protection services available for affected children were low. This study recommends strengthening child protection structures at the community level by building the recruitment and capacity of child protection volunteers; sensitizing both parents and children to knowing the proper reporting channels in case of child protection issues; and strengthening the engagement of grassroots organisations, community-based groups, and local-level networks to prevent and respond to child protection concerns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Child Abuse and Child Protection)

15 pages, 1307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Entrepreneurship Ecosystem of Cooperatives in Mexico City

by Denise Díaz de León, Igor Rivera and Edgar Rogelio Álvarez

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070374 - 18 Jul 2024

Viewed by 704

Abstract

This study enhances our understanding of entrepreneurial ecosystems in Mexico City, emphasizing their crucial roles in fostering cooperative activity within specific contexts. It delves into the intricate interplay of ecosystem elements and their interconnectedness, shedding light on how it shapes entrepreneurial ventures in [...] Read more.

This study enhances our understanding of entrepreneurial ecosystems in Mexico City, emphasizing their crucial roles in fostering cooperative activity within specific contexts. It delves into the intricate interplay of ecosystem elements and their interconnectedness, shedding light on how it shapes entrepreneurial ventures in the region. We used a qualitative methodological approach and conducted semi-structured interviews defined from theoretical analysis and snowball sampling to identify key local actors, how they interact, and what obstacles they face. Our data show that the ecosystem comprises many actors, such as social economy organizations, civil society, beneficiaries, and alternative markets, as well as such diverse elements as the regulatory framework, public policies, and financing programs. The actors who have the most impact and work most consistently with cooperatives are the academy, cooperative unions, and government entities. All of them actively interact with each other, but we underscore the need for greater dynamism to enhance entrepreneurial activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Economics)

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8 pages, 216 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Experimental Investigation Examining the Impact of Medical Association Statements about Drug Addiction on Perceptions of Criminal Culpability and Punishment

by Pete Leasure and Hunter M. Boehme

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070373 - 17 Jul 2024

Viewed by 891

Abstract

This study examined whether public opinion on drug addiction, perceived culpability/responsibility, and punishment were impacted by statements from medical associations that drug addiction is a disease and not a choice. We utilized an experimental information provision survey distributed via Qualtrics to heads of [...] Read more.

This study examined whether public opinion on drug addiction, perceived culpability/responsibility, and punishment were impacted by statements from medical associations that drug addiction is a disease and not a choice. We utilized an experimental information provision survey distributed via Qualtrics to heads of household in South Carolina with an associated email address. The randomized treatment variable had two conditions. The first condition presented participants with a statement from several noteworthy medical associations/institutions noting that drug addiction is a disease. The second condition provided no statement (control condition). Results from our sample of over 5000 indicated that a large majority of respondents felt that individuals who have been diagnosed with a drug addiction should be fully responsible for any crimes that they commit. The presentation of official statements that addiction was a disease did not produce meaningful differences from the control group. Additionally, a large majority of respondents did not agree that addiction should relieve a defendant from punishment for drug crimes, theft crimes, or violent crimes. Here again, the presentation of official statements that addiction was a disease did not produce meaningful differences from the control groups. Finally, our results indicated that a majority of respondents viewed addiction as both a choice and disease, and the presentation of official statements that addiction was a disease did not meaningfully alter any responses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crime and Justice)

14 pages, 297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence: Victimization and Risk Factors

by Rafaela Monteiro, Helena Grangeia and Anita Santos

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070372 - 17 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1103

Abstract

Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence (TFSV) has been a permanent concern in contemporary society. This study aims to provide a global understanding of the TFSV phenomenon in Portuguese context. Using quantitative analyses, the rate and prevalence of victimization, victim characteristics, and technology use were examined. [...] Read more.

Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence (TFSV) has been a permanent concern in contemporary society. This study aims to provide a global understanding of the TFSV phenomenon in Portuguese context. Using quantitative analyses, the rate and prevalence of victimization, victim characteristics, and technology use were examined. An online questionnaire was completed by 500 people (75.8% female) aged 18–70, mostly cisgender (96.2%), and heterosexual (85.8%). The main results point to a high victimization global rate (72%) as well as in the last 12 months (70.8%). There were no significant differences between the sexes except in sexual aggression/coercion, with more females suffering the more severe type of TFSV. However, the gendering of TFSV emerges with specific behaviors. Females tend to be more sexually harassed, only females report non-consensual sexual experiences with someone they met online, and males tend to report receiving offensive content about their gender/sexuality. Younger people tend to report a higher rate of victimization. The regression model with only victim characteristics is more predictive of TFSV victimization, with younger and heterosexual victims as significant predictors. This study argues that the culture of harassment is deeply rooted and finds an easy way to be disseminated in the digital world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Family Studies)

19 pages, 1446 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceptions of Ukrainian and Other Refugees among Eighth-Graders in Slovenia: Characteristics of Students towards Inclusion of Refugee Students in Mainstream Schools

by Eva Klemenčič Mirazchiyski

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070371 - 17 Jul 2024

Viewed by 763

Abstract

Background: There is a lack of empirical data on the school-age population’s attitudes toward refugees. Despite this, the attention being paid to the integration of refugee students in schools worldwide is increasing. Objectives: First, the present study aims to explore the attitudes of [...] Read more.

Background: There is a lack of empirical data on the school-age population’s attitudes toward refugees. Despite this, the attention being paid to the integration of refugee students in schools worldwide is increasing. Objectives: First, the present study aims to explore the attitudes of eighth-grade students in Slovenia regarding refugees and to investigate whether there are differences in their attitudes based on the geographical areas from where refugees originate. Second, the study also explores the connections between attitudes and some characteristics of students. Methods: The present study is quantitative; sample: 3466 respondents (representative sample; year 2022). Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression are used. Results: Most of the students would be willing to help refugees coming from any country. The students are least willing to help refugees from Syria and Afghanistan or Africa. A high proportion of students express fears about what refugees bring, though these fears are varied. Logistic regression shows that civic knowledge and positive attitudes towards immigrants are significantly and negatively related to students’ opinion that refugee children should study in separate schools, while student socio-economic status (SES) and own immigration status are not. Conclusions: The results call for different approaches to be maintained/introduced in schools for tolerance and reducing prejudices for (certain) groups of immigrants/refugees. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section International Migration)

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11 pages, 315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Flow of Offenders to the Metropolitan Region of Chile

by Pablo Cadena-Urzúa, Javier Guardiola, Adina Iftimi and Francisco Montes

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070370 - 15 Jul 2024

Viewed by 707

Abstract

This study, based on data from 2015 to 2019 on the movement of offenders to the Metropolitan Region of Chile, uses Poisson and Negative Binomial models to analyze the flow of offenders from other Chilean regions. It confirms that factors such as gender, [...] Read more.

This study, based on data from 2015 to 2019 on the movement of offenders to the Metropolitan Region of Chile, uses Poisson and Negative Binomial models to analyze the flow of offenders from other Chilean regions. It confirms that factors such as gender, educational level, location of crime, and type of crime significantly motivate displacement. The profile of the typical offender is an educated man who commits crimes against property on public roads, coming mainly from neighboring and populated regions. These findings have implications for crime prevention, suggesting that strategies to prevent crime should take this into account. Future research at the commune level is proposed for a more detailed understanding of offender displacement patterns and to inform local crime-prevention strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crime and Justice)

12 pages, 213 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Caring without Tolerance: Care Literacy as an Enabler of an Inclusive Society

by Hiroko Costantini, Misato Nihei and Takazumi Ono

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070369 - 12 Jul 2024

Viewed by 922

Abstract

Japanese society has been undergoing significant social changes in recent years, which has led to a greater variety of lived experiences in juxtaposition with pressures to conform from its group-oriented cultural context. Achieving inclusion in an increasingly heterogeneous society depends on how relatedness [...] Read more.

Japanese society has been undergoing significant social changes in recent years, which has led to a greater variety of lived experiences in juxtaposition with pressures to conform from its group-oriented cultural context. Achieving inclusion in an increasingly heterogeneous society depends on how relatedness connects people, for example, in caring for others. The purpose of this study is to examine aspects of caring for others in Japanese society based on in-depth narrative interviews conducted in 2022 involving 18 informants. The fieldwork findings point to constraints on individual autonomy from relations stemming from care being intertwined with a broader relational context. Additionally, cultural conformity pressures lead to a propensity to assess social practices and, in turn, provide “excessive care”. Yet, such “excessive care”, as premised on cultural conformity, is at odds with increasingly heterogeneous choices. This leads to the emergence of intolerance, which supresses individuals’ autonomy and agency. Instead, to achieve an inclusive society, these findings point to the need for appropriate relations of understanding, tolerance and caring. This would be enabled by fostering “care literacy” across communities and stakeholders, thus supporting the transition towards a more inclusive society. Full article

13 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“The Adultery of a Woman Is a Very Serious Attack on the Honor and Dignity of a Man.” Perceptions about Gender Violence of Judges and Inmates

by Catarina Frois and Antónia Lima

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070368 - 12 Jul 2024

Viewed by 855

Abstract

Crossing the analysis of court rulings on domestic violence produced in Portuguese courts and semi-structured interviews of men convicted of this same crime, this article emphasizes the transversality of gender categories as social markers in the different dimensions of Portugal’s social and institutional [...] Read more.

Crossing the analysis of court rulings on domestic violence produced in Portuguese courts and semi-structured interviews of men convicted of this same crime, this article emphasizes the transversality of gender categories as social markers in the different dimensions of Portugal’s social and institutional life, as well as the processes through which an inseparability between gender and state is built. From the comparative analysis of our research, we have identified the presence and relevance of these moral models that ascribe meanings and expectations to gender-based violence in different contexts—in courts and in prisons, with judges and inmates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Gender Studies)

14 pages, 266 KiB

Open AccessReview

Juvenile Waivers as a Mechanism in the Erosion of the Juvenile Justice System

by Angela M. Collins and Maisha Cooper

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070367 - 11 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1539

Abstract

This paper discusses how juvenile waiver policies may be leading to a reduction in the rehabilitative nature of the juvenile justice system. The first section discusses the value of the juvenile justice system. Here, the beginning of the juvenile justice system and why [...] Read more.

This paper discusses how juvenile waiver policies may be leading to a reduction in the rehabilitative nature of the juvenile justice system. The first section discusses the value of the juvenile justice system. Here, the beginning of the juvenile justice system and why the juvenile justice system is important will be summarized. The second section explains the movement that is being made toward a more punitive approach in regard to juvenile delinquents and how this could lead to the erosion of the juvenile justice system. Next is a discussion of how waivers play a part in the erosion and how their continued use could prove very dangerous for the juvenile justice system. The next section will look at the implications of the erosion and what could potentially happen if we lost the juvenile system. Last, there will be a glance at possibilities for the future, along with suggestions on how to improve the use of waivers. Overall, this paper will show that the use of juvenile waivers may be leading the United States away from a rehabilitative system for juveniles to a smaller version of an adult criminal court. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Youth Violence, Crime and Juvenile Justice)

13 pages, 302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Contested Terrain of Sport and Well-Being: Health and Wellness or Wellbeing Washing?

by Steven J. Jackson, Michael P. Sam and Marcelle C. Dawson

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070366 - 11 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1213

Abstract

Wellbeing has firmly established itself within contemporary practice, politics and policy. Indeed, the cultural, commercial, and terrestrial landscape of the concept is staggering and manifests within popular discourse and across global organisations and institutions, national governments, workplaces, and consumer lifestyle products and services. [...] Read more.

Wellbeing has firmly established itself within contemporary practice, politics and policy. Indeed, the cultural, commercial, and terrestrial landscape of the concept is staggering and manifests within popular discourse and across global organisations and institutions, national governments, workplaces, and consumer lifestyle products and services. Notably, the field of sport, exercise, and physical activity has been identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations, and the OECD as a key sector with the potential to contribute to people’s wellbeing. This should not be surprising given that there is a large body of literature espousing the benefits of regular physical activity (in myriad forms) as part of a healthy lifestyle. However, there are increasing concerns that wellbeing’s global ubiquity may be leading to a range of unintended consequences and/or unscrupulous practices within both international organisations and nation-states. This largely conceptual essay focuses on the concept and process of wellbeing washing by (1) tracing the historical roots and evolution of wellbeing; (2) exploring its reconceptualization within the framework of neoliberalism; (3) offering a preliminary outline of the concept of wellbeing washing; and (4) briefly describing how wellbeing washing is manifesting within the context of sport in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Overall, this analysis explores wellbeing as a contested terrain of interests marked by a range of complexities and contradictions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Contested Terrain of Sport: Sociological, Political and Policy Perspectives)

17 pages, 3064 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Child Participation to Build Citizenship and to Transform the School Territory in a Global World

by Ana Castro-Zubizarreta, José M. Osoro Sierra, Adelina Calvo-Salvador and Carlos Rodríguez-Hoyos

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070365 - 10 Jul 2024

Viewed by 664

Abstract

This article presents a participatory research project developed in a school in Cantabria (Spain) that has sought to enhance the participation of the educational community to transform the school. The article focuses on the analysis of the contributions of the students (children from [...] Read more.

This article presents a participatory research project developed in a school in Cantabria (Spain) that has sought to enhance the participation of the educational community to transform the school. The article focuses on the analysis of the contributions of the students (children from 3 to 12 years of age), key agents and promoters of change. Pedagogical documentation has been used as a tool to narrate the development of this research and to encourage subsequent reflection. The students have experienced what it means to participate, to listen, to be listened to, to feel recognised and to exert influence in their own lives. The results go beyond mere changes in the configuration and use of spaces. The project has made it possible to think of the school as a forum for citizen participation, favouring the experience of a democratic school, the development of otherness, the feeling of belonging and the experience of community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Childhood and Youth Studies)

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17 pages, 497 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Sleep Health Education Intervention Improves Sleep Knowledge in Social Work Students

by Christine E. Spadola, Danielle Groton, Minjaal Raval, Cassie J. Hilditch, Kerry Littlewood, Philip Baiden, Suzanne Bertisch and Eric S. Zhou

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070364 - 10 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1362

Abstract

Introduction: Social workers, the largest group of mental health clinicians in the United States, play a pivotal role in mental health promotion. Despite the importance of sleep for mental health, there is no empirical research on sleep education interventions for social workers. Method: [...] Read more.

Introduction: Social workers, the largest group of mental health clinicians in the United States, play a pivotal role in mental health promotion. Despite the importance of sleep for mental health, there is no empirical research on sleep education interventions for social workers. Method: We designed an online sleep health education intervention to equip social work students to promote healthy sleep practices among their clients. An interdisciplinary team of experts devised the 90 min intervention using an empirically supported behavioral change theoretical model (COM-B). The intervention discusses multi-level factors that impact sleep and emphasizes considerations for health disparities in populations commonly served by social workers (e.g., unhoused populations, clients with substance use disorders, etc.). We assessed sleep knowledge, sleep quality, and acceptability using survey and focus group data. Results: Ninety social work students (92.2% female, 38.8% non-Hispanic white) completed pre- and post-intervention assessments. Participants demonstrated significant improvements in sleep health knowledge and their personal sleep quality. Quantitative and qualitative data revealed perceived usefulness for social work practice. Conclusions: A short online sleep education intervention can improve sleep health knowledge, offering a practical method to expand social workers’ understanding of healthy sleep promotion that can be readily implemented in clinical training and practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technological and Digital Interventions for Mental Health and Wellbeing: Useful, Usable, and Safe?)

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15 pages, 287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Credentials, Perpetual “Foreignness”, and Feeling out of Place: Three Stories of Resilience from Teachers of Refugee Background

by Shyla González-Doğan, Adnan Turan, Setrag Hovsepian and Dilraba Anayatova

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070363 - 9 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1094

Abstract

This qualitative research project seeks to examine the obstacles faced by educators who come to the U.S. as refugees. The three participants in this study are from Iraq, Sudan, and Turkey. While there are similarities between them, there are also differences in terms [...] Read more.

This qualitative research project seeks to examine the obstacles faced by educators who come to the U.S. as refugees. The three participants in this study are from Iraq, Sudan, and Turkey. While there are similarities between them, there are also differences in terms of race, sex, and religion. While this work examines practical barriers, such as those related to credentialing, it also considers how these educators negotiate their identity in the workplace. Using labeling theory, the impact of the category of refugee and how that label impacts work life is interrogated. Partially as a result of the labels associated with being a refugee, findings indicate that, for educators from refugee backgrounds, there are significant barriers to credentialing, their knowledge and experience from outside of the U.S. is rarely taken seriously in many workplace environments, and, consequently, a lack of confidence can easily develop. Despite all of this, educators from refugee backgrounds often have extensive experience in education and can more easily connect to diverse student populations and their families. Suggestions for how best to expand the hiring of educators from refugee backgrounds are provided, as well as implications for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Teaching and Learning in Refugee/(Im)Migrant Communities Around the World)

12 pages, 280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond the Finish Line: Sustainability Hurdles in the EU–Mercosur Free Trade Agreement

by Rossella Palmieri, Charlotte Amice, Mario Amato and Fabio Verneau

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070362 - 8 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1030

Abstract

The European Union (EU) and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) free trade agreement (FTA) aims to increase regional trade and major integration between the regions; after decades of negotiations, in 2019, finalization of the agreement was reached. However, there are several blockages from [...] Read more.

The European Union (EU) and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) free trade agreement (FTA) aims to increase regional trade and major integration between the regions; after decades of negotiations, in 2019, finalization of the agreement was reached. However, there are several blockages from both parties in the ratification process: whilst few EU members the criticize environmental and sustainability issues within the agreement, the Mercosur partners oppose the imposition of sustainability standards onto the region without adequate financial support. On this topic, the literature is still too poor to build a systematic literature review; thus, the present analysis follows a quasi-historical approach considering the major steps of the EU–Mercosur FTA looking both at the scientific and gray literature. The study underlines how environmental and sustainability issues are at the core of the European policies; thus, themes such as deforestation and pesticides could be a dealbreaker in the ratification of the agreement. For the EU, the FTA with Mercosur could mark a new step in the race towards it being a new “global standard” for sustainability and production. Full article

26 pages, 378 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Inclusion of Gen Z Ukrainian Refugees in Lithuania: The Role of Online Social Networks

by Isabel Palomo-Domínguez, Jolanta Pivorienė and Odeta Merfeldaitė

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070361 - 5 Jul 2024

Viewed by 937

Abstract

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Lithuania, a country of barely 3 million inhabitants, has welcomed more than 85,000 refugees, mainly minors and young people. This research focuses on the youth segment, members of Gen Z, which exhibits a marked gender [...] Read more.

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Lithuania, a country of barely 3 million inhabitants, has welcomed more than 85,000 refugees, mainly minors and young people. This research focuses on the youth segment, members of Gen Z, which exhibits a marked gender bias, as the majority are women. The purpose of this study is to determine the role played by online social networks in the process of social inclusion in the host community. Methodologically, this research conducts a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews with open code content analysis. The results point to changes in their behavior as social media users, such as using new online social networks, and greater attention to practical topics such as knowing necessary services and leisure opportunities in their new environment. Among the conclusions, the positive effect of online social networks in the social inclusion process of these young refugees stands out: being members of the local virtual community facilitates new social interactions in the physical world of the host country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Inclusion of Children, Youth and Families from Refugee and Migrant Backgrounds)

16 pages, 1141 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contested Terrains: Mega-Event Securities and Everyday Practices of Governance

by Amanda De Lisio, Michael Silk and Philip Hubbard

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070360 - 5 Jul 2024

Viewed by 846

Abstract

Sport mega-events (SMEs) remake cities as global brandscapes of leisured consumption; reliant in part upon securitization designed to create an atmosphere free from disturbance and render invisible those “abject” populations who might puncture the tourist bubble that surrounds stadia and fan-zones. Yet, such [...] Read more.

Sport mega-events (SMEs) remake cities as global brandscapes of leisured consumption; reliant in part upon securitization designed to create an atmosphere free from disturbance and render invisible those “abject” populations who might puncture the tourist bubble that surrounds stadia and fan-zones. Yet, such “shiny” cityspaces are not devoid of complexity, contestation, and compunction. In this paper, we draw on extensive ethnographic- and community-based participatory research in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (prior to, during, and after two SMEs) collected in collaboration with sex workers, working in areas of SME intervention. Our focus is on the contingent nature of securitization amidst the contested terrains and trajectories of SME urbanism. Our analysis resonates with observations from other host cities, challenging dominant myths that the sport mega-event creates impermeable securitized cityscapes by revealing the fluid topography of formality and informality, contestation and negotiation, and oppression and power. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Contested Terrain of Sport: Sociological, Political and Policy Perspectives)

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18 pages, 553 KiB

Open AccessArticle

State Aspirations for Social and Cultural Transformations in Qatar

by Hira Amin, Khoulood Sakbani and Evren Tok

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 359; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070359 - 5 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1200

Abstract

Qatar is on a mission to cultivate a thriving, globally competitive, knowledge-based economy, shifting away from its rentier economic model, as well as being a key international player on the world stage. This article focuses on Qatar’s social and cultural sphere, exploring the [...] Read more.

Qatar is on a mission to cultivate a thriving, globally competitive, knowledge-based economy, shifting away from its rentier economic model, as well as being a key international player on the world stage. This article focuses on Qatar’s social and cultural sphere, exploring the Qatari state’s vision for society in the midst of these grand agendas. Through a systematic analysis of six key national documents (KNDs), such as the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy, it extracts the state’s aspirations for its society, as well as the values or traits they are attempting to preserve or inculcate. We identify five key overarching themes in the KNDs: (1) the advancement of society; (2) the preservation of traditions and values; (3) keeping up with the Gulf, Arab and Islamic countries and the world; (4) the empowerment of women; and (5) the importance of the family. The paper concludes with an assessment of some top-down initiatives and policies that were designed to achieve these ambitious agendas, and highlights some of their pitfalls. These issues include a lack of civic participation and engagement; the need for more localisation and indigenous social innovation; and, lastly, more attention given to social dynamics, including their inter- and intra-relations, which often lead to unintended consequences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Contemporary Politics and Society)

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17 pages, 1031 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital News Blindspot: Radon Awareness in Portuguese Digital Media

by Ricardo Zocca

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070358 - 5 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 726

Abstract

This study addresses the underrepresentation of radon gas within the media discourse, particularly in Portugal. Employing a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, this paper examines how major Portuguese digital newspapers have covered radon gas, aiming to deepen our understanding of this critical issue. The findings [...] Read more.

This study addresses the underrepresentation of radon gas within the media discourse, particularly in Portugal. Employing a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, this paper examines how major Portuguese digital newspapers have covered radon gas, aiming to deepen our understanding of this critical issue. The findings reveal a significant lack of coverage on radon gas over 24 years in the selected newspapers. Surprisingly, only a few articles were identified, failing to convey its importance effectively. Despite identifying some risk communication strategies, their impact was statistically insignificant, indicating a clear discrepancy in attention. This study emphasizes the urgent need for balanced reporting on public health risks like radon gas and offers insights into enhancing risk communication strategies. Ultimately, it contributes to advocating for more comprehensive coverage of critical public health issues in the media. Full article

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10 pages, 217 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Matter of Style: Community Building between Seduction and Indirect Communication

by Tito Vagni

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070357 - 3 Jul 2024

Viewed by 729

Abstract

Diverging from studies that categorize influencers solely as advertising figures subject to interpretation within marketing frameworks, this research employs an extensive netnography to examine influencers through the lens of cultural production theory. It views them as creators and creative individuals who adeptly cultivate [...] Read more.

Diverging from studies that categorize influencers solely as advertising figures subject to interpretation within marketing frameworks, this research employs an extensive netnography to examine influencers through the lens of cultural production theory. It views them as creators and creative individuals who adeptly cultivate communities around themselves using communicative techniques akin to literary narration. On digital platforms, social connections are reshaped into a seductive game, unfolding on both aesthetic and communicative planes. This process yields influence indirectly, gradually reshaping the community imaginary, over time. Users become immersed in a realm of objects, each bearing the distinctive mark of the influencer who has imbued them with their unique style, “like that of the potter cradling a clay cup”. Influencers’ ability to invent and inhabit digital platforms effectively positions them as key figures in shaping the dynamics of these new environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalyzing Change: Social Love, Emotions and Transformations of Social Relationships)

19 pages, 641 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceptions of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and La Niña Shape Fishers’ Adaptive Capacity and Resilience

by Richard Pollnac, Christine M. Beitl, Michael A. Vina and Nikita Gaibor

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070356 - 3 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1175

Abstract

Much research has raised concerns about how a warming planet will interact with natural cyclical climatic variations, and the implications for the resilience and vulnerability of coastal communities. As the anticipated effects of climate change will continue to intensify, it is necessary to [...] Read more.

Much research has raised concerns about how a warming planet will interact with natural cyclical climatic variations, and the implications for the resilience and vulnerability of coastal communities. As the anticipated effects of climate change will continue to intensify, it is necessary to understand the response and adaptive capacity of individuals and communities. Coastal communities in Ecuador have evolved in an environment of such cyclical climatic variations referred to as El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and La Niña. These climatic events are frequently characterized by extreme variations in precipitation, violent storms, and coastal flooding during El Niño and lowered sea water temperatures and drought during La Niña. This paper draws on survey data and long-term ethnographic research in Ecuadorian coastal communities to explore how fishers understand the impacts of ENSO and implications for their livelihood decisions and resilience to climate variability. The results suggest that fishers along the coast of Ecuador understand and respond differentially to the impacts of ENSO depending on social, cultural, environmental, and geographical factors. These differential levels of response suggest that livelihood diversification may uphold social resilience, which has implications for how coastal communities may adapt to the increasingly harsh weather conditions predicted by many climate models. Our findings further suggest that the impacts of El Niño are more salient than the impacts of La Niña; these findings have significant implications for fisheries management and science communication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anthropological Reflections on Crisis and Disaster)

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20 pages, 1982 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Short-Term Accommodations and Long-Term Housing Challenges in the Margaret River Tourist Destination: A Perspective of Population Movement and Pricing

by Emeka Ndaguba and Cina Van Zyl

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070355 - 2 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1098

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of short-stay accommodation (SSA) on housing dynamics, community welfare, and economic development in the Margaret River regional area. Grounded in an exploratory research paradigm, qualitative methods were used to gather insights from key stakeholders such as [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of short-stay accommodation (SSA) on housing dynamics, community welfare, and economic development in the Margaret River regional area. Grounded in an exploratory research paradigm, qualitative methods were used to gather insights from key stakeholders such as property owners, realtors, and council officials. Purposive sampling was utilized to select participants with diverse experiences and perspectives on SSA. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, totaling 21 interview sessions spanning almost 600 min, to capture in-depth and nuanced perspectives on SSA’s impact and regulatory landscape. Thematic analysis of the interview data, which was divided into two segments, revealed significant concerns regarding housing affordability, community well-being, and regulatory effectiveness. Additionally, the study uncovered a complex relationship between SSA and population dynamics, highlighting implications for the local housing infrastructure and market stability. The findings underscore the urgency of collaborative policy interventions to address the housing crisis and mitigate the adverse effects of SSA on local communities. Policymakers and stakeholders can utilize these insights to develop holistic strategies that prioritize equity, inclusivity, and shared prosperity in shaping the future of housing in regional areas such as Margaret River. This study contributes original insights by providing a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted implications of SSA on housing dynamics and community welfare in a regional context. By using qualitative methods and engaging key stakeholders, the research offers unique perspectives on the challenges and opportunities associated with the proliferation of SSA, thereby advancing scholarly discourse, and informing evidence-based policymaking in the field of housing studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Policy and Welfare)

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18 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Women’s Participation in Community-Based Adaptation to Climate Change (CBACC): An Intersectional Analysis

by Gulay Jannat and Kyoko Kusakabe

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070354 - 30 Jun 2024

Viewed by 939

Abstract

This study explores which women participate in community-based adaptation (CBA) from an intersectional perspective. This study followed in-depth interviews (IDIs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) methods for data collection in Latachapli, Bangladesh. It explores women from different ethnic and religious identities participating in [...] Read more.

This study explores which women participate in community-based adaptation (CBA) from an intersectional perspective. This study followed in-depth interviews (IDIs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) methods for data collection in Latachapli, Bangladesh. It explores women from different ethnic and religious identities participating in community-based adaptation (CBA) activities. The diversity among women leads to varying levels of participation. Three main areas—sense of insecurity, support from family members, and women’s literacy—and the NGO’s administrative bias have been seen to influence different levels of women’s participation in CBA. All these findings suggest that women’s intersectional challenges when participating in activities must be considered. The problem with the NGOs that implement the CBA activities is that they focus on marginalized communities (Rakhine) and women in general without taking into consideration the cultural, religious, and historical barriers that these different women face. Full article

21 pages, 1030 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Individual Attitudes and Settlement Perspectives of Refugees in Greece: The Case of Samos Island

by Kostas Rontos, Luca Salvati, Nikolaos Panagos and Maria Kourmoulaki

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070353 - 30 Jun 2024

Viewed by 818

Abstract

Expanding refugee influxes have involved a rising number of European countries in recent years. In this context, our study investigates attitudes of international protection seekers regarding their prospects of staying permanently in a transit country such as Greece. This research was based on [...] Read more.

Expanding refugee influxes have involved a rising number of European countries in recent years. In this context, our study investigates attitudes of international protection seekers regarding their prospects of staying permanently in a transit country such as Greece. This research was based on primary statistical data collected through the dissemination of structured questionnaires from a sample of refugees from the Closed Controlled Facility of Samos island, Eastern Greece, one of the most attended gates allowing access to Europe from Turkey and the Middle East. Descriptive and non-parametric statistics and results from a logistic regression contributed to the examination of factors that simultaneously determine the will of the refugees to stay in Greece instead of moving to another country. The main reasons they want to stay in Greece are primarily for employment opportunities and a better quality of life. They aspire to learn Greek to integrate better into the local society, actively seeking this skill from their initial arrival. However, their social integration into the local host community cannot be achieved effectively at the current time due to the absence of appropriate strategies at the local/regional levels. The need for employment (expressed by attempts to find work), the quality of life (access to public and private services), the country of origin, marital status and, finally, the sense of safety based on the existence (or, conversely, lack) of xenophobic and racist incidents are the main reasons that simultaneously determine their decision to stay permanently in Greece. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immigration, Ethnic Residential Segregation or (vs.) Socioeconomic Integration in Urban Areas)

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17 pages, 471 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enforced Togetherness: Change and Continuity in Relationship Satisfaction among Parents during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Marni Fritz, Sejin Um and Barbara J. Risman

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070352 - 30 Jun 2024

Viewed by 931

Abstract

This paper investigates how the sharp increase in time spent at home due to COVID-19-related restrictions shaped parents’ relationship satisfaction with their partners. Drawing on 78 in-depth interviews with heterosexual partnered parents with at least one child aged 18 or under, we find [...] Read more.

This paper investigates how the sharp increase in time spent at home due to COVID-19-related restrictions shaped parents’ relationship satisfaction with their partners. Drawing on 78 in-depth interviews with heterosexual partnered parents with at least one child aged 18 or under, we find that this experience of what we call “enforced togetherness” had varied effects on couples’ relationships. More than half of the respondents (fifty-five percent) reported improved relationship satisfaction, while fifteen percent reported a decline, and the remaining thirty percent no change. Individuals with higher satisfaction took advantage of enforced togetherness and sought out more frequent and intense communication and leisure activities, underscoring the importance of spending time in strengthening relationships. On the other hand, those who were unable or unwilling to engage in these activities, due to lack of support for increased care needs and their continued uneven distribution across the couple, saw their relationships deteriorate. Finally, individuals experienced stability in their relationships when their prior routines and arrangements remained largely undisrupted by the pandemic. Our findings shed light on the significance of time as a valuable resource for couples’ relationships, while at the same time emphasizing the role of their agency in its utilization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gender, Work and Family in Turbulent Times: COVID-19, Remote Work and Diversity)

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Soc. Sci., Volume 13, Issue 7 (July 2024) – 56 articles

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