Social Sciences

18 pages, 641 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Do Older Adults Perceive Sexual Unwellness? A Cross-National Qualitative Study with Mexican and Portuguese Older Adults

by Sofia von Humboldt, Neyda Ma. Medoza-Ruvalcaba, José Alberto Ribeiro-Gonçalves, Alejandro Chávez-Rodríguez, Elva Dolores Arias-Merino, Gail Low and Isabel Leal

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 435; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080435 - 22 Aug 2024

Viewed by 815

Abstract

Objectives: Perspectives on sexual unwellness (SU), referring to difficulties in achieving sexual satisfaction and maintaining sexual relationships, may vary across different cultural contexts. Understanding how cultural factors such as social norms, religion, family values, and help-seeking behaviors influence SU is crucial. This cross-cultural [...] Read more.

Objectives: Perspectives on sexual unwellness (SU), referring to difficulties in achieving sexual satisfaction and maintaining sexual relationships, may vary across different cultural contexts. Understanding how cultural factors such as social norms, religion, family values, and help-seeking behaviors influence SU is crucial. This cross-cultural study aims to explore Mexican and Portuguese older adults’ perspectives on SU in the context of aging in different cultures. Methods: A total of 166 heterosexual older participants living in the community (range = 65 to 98 years of age; mean = 71.54 ± 5.0 years of age) took part. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and interview data were content analyzed. Results: Six SU themes emerged: poor sexual experiences; feeling alone; religious values; medication; not feeling attractive; and feeling pain or physical restrictions. Cross-cultural differences were evident in this study. Older Portuguese participants most often spoke of ‘poor sexual experiences’ (25.5%), ‘religious values’ (18.2%), ‘medication’ (17.3%), ‘feeling alone’ (15.5%), and ‘not feeling attractive’ (15.5%). Older Mexican participants identified most with ‘feeling alone’ (13.7%), followed by ‘poor sexual experiences’ (7.4%) and ‘feeling pain or physical restrictions’ (5.6%). Conclusions: A diversity of experiences of older adults in relation to SU was highlighted in this study. Moreover, cross-cultural research on the construct of SU is essential to understanding the cultural differences in the conceptualization of the construct and how these themes may influence sexual life in old age. Research into older adults’ SU is still scarce; hence, these findings are pertinent for outlining guidelines and health interventions by considering elements that affect SU and by focusing on the sexuality of older people with a deep cultural and ethnic sensitivity. Full article

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16 pages, 258 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Mediatized Interactions and Social Networks of Empty-Nesters: A China-Based Study

by Ru Zhao and Gaofei Ju

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 434; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080434 - 21 Aug 2024

Viewed by 749

Abstract

China is a populous country and its growing elderly population is pushing the whole country into the maelstrom of an aging society. The media practices and media interactions of empty-nesters have gradually become a real issue that is affecting the deepening transformation of [...] Read more.

China is a populous country and its growing elderly population is pushing the whole country into the maelstrom of an aging society. The media practices and media interactions of empty-nesters have gradually become a real issue that is affecting the deepening transformation of Chinese society given the dual concerns of aging and mediatization. This study conducted in-depth interviews with 23 empty-nesters, chosen using the snowball sampling method combined with participant observation, to obtain their habits and behaviors related to social media use so to analyze the impact of media interactions on their daily life and social networks from a mediatized perspective. The availability of social media was found to influence their media use habits in four dimensions—technical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral—in the face of the digital divide, media memory writing, the construction of parasocial relationships, and embodied collaboration. These influences not only shaped and promoted the socialization of empty-nesters on social media networks but also extended to their daily life, as these influences enhanced both their mental and physical quality of life in old age. Full article

19 pages, 309 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From Nuclear to Diverse: Shifting Conceptualisations of Marriage among Australia’s 1960s Generation—A Qualitative Study

by Matthew James Phillips

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 433; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080433 - 21 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1242

Abstract

In contemporary times, the conceptualisation of marriage has shifted; however, societal attitudes and cultural ideologies regarding its construction remain complex. As such, unique generational perspectives are needed to reflect on how marriage has evolved and to comment on ongoing tensions related to it. [...] Read more.

In contemporary times, the conceptualisation of marriage has shifted; however, societal attitudes and cultural ideologies regarding its construction remain complex. As such, unique generational perspectives are needed to reflect on how marriage has evolved and to comment on ongoing tensions related to it. This study explores how individuals born in the 1960s conceptualise marriage, examining the complex interplay between traditional values and evolving perspectives. Using an exploratory qualitative design underpinned by a social constructionist epistemology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants (7 female, 5 male) aged 56–65. Reflexive thematic analysis revealed three main themes: (1) Unveiling the New Vows: The Shifting Values of Marriage and Family, (2) Breaking Boundaries and Transforming Traditions: Debunking Heteronormativity, and (3) Witnessing Progression: Dismantling Barriers and Embracing Diversity and Equality in Marriage. The findings indicate a significant shift in how marriage is viewed, with participants demonstrating both nostalgia for traditional constructs and support for more inclusive definitions. Notably, many participants positioned themselves as more progressive than their peers, challenging notions of homogenous generational attitudes. This study highlights the ongoing tension between traditional and contemporary views of marriage, suggesting that efforts to promote inclusivity must address both legal barriers and deeply ingrained cultural norms. These findings contribute to our understanding of how social institutions like marriage are reconceptualised over time, emphasising the dynamic nature of social change and the capacity for individuals to evolve in their perspectives on deeply entrenched societal norms. Full article

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

17 pages, 286 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cultural Norm Transmission/Disruption amongst Somali Refugee Women: The Beauty and Privilege of Intergenerational Relationships

by Zamzam Dini, Cawo Abdi, Beatrice (Bean) E. Robinson and Jennifer Jo Connor

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080432 - 21 Aug 2024

Viewed by 3706

Abstract

Since the onset of the Somali civil war in the late 1980s, more than 2 million Somalis have been internally displaced or crossed international borders to seek haven. Yet, research on diasporic Somali women’s intergenerational communication about marriage, sex, and female genital cutting [...] Read more.

Since the onset of the Somali civil war in the late 1980s, more than 2 million Somalis have been internally displaced or crossed international borders to seek haven. Yet, research on diasporic Somali women’s intergenerational communication about marriage, sex, and female genital cutting (FGC) remains scant. This paper draws from data we collected from 15 women over the age of 45 who were part of a much larger project on refugee women and sexual health and well-being. The analysis centers on how Somali women across the generations recalibrate definitions of family. We analyze the new roles that sisters, aunts, and grandmothers occupy in the lives of younger women, as family dispersal often results in the absence of biological mothers. In the new settlement, the findings showcase both continuity and change in how sex, marriage, and female genital cutting (FGC) are discussed among female family members. Our findings support not only the dynamic nature of family roles that women occupy across generations but also the malleability of cultural practices as families navigate changing cultural, legal, and social norms in their new settlements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feminist Solidarity, Resistance, and Social Justice)

22 pages, 1162 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender in Portuguese Firefighters: The Experiences and Strategies of Women

by Beatriz Gomes Lopes, António Manuel Marques and Maria Helena Santos

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080431 - 21 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1017

Abstract

This study sets out to analyze the negative effects of tokenism among a group of Portuguese female firefighters alongside the strategies they adopt to integrate into a male majority professional context and inherently associated with masculinity. Individual semi-structured interviews were carried out with [...] Read more.

This study sets out to analyze the negative effects of tokenism among a group of Portuguese female firefighters alongside the strategies they adopt to integrate into a male majority professional context and inherently associated with masculinity. Individual semi-structured interviews were carried out with nine men and nine women before their content was subject to thematic analysis. The results confirm how, in the context of the work performed by firefighters, there is a clear differentiation between the genders, with women both being more visible and leading to conformity to depicting stereotypical femininity. In order to fit in, female firefighters attempt to replicate the attitudes of their male colleagues, demonstrate high standards of performance, and tone down any expression of perceivably feminine characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Work, Employment and the Labor Market)

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13 pages, 1586 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clickbait Contagion in International Quality Media: Tabloidisation and Information Gap to Attract Audiences

by Alba Diez-Gracia, Pilar Sánchez-García, Dolors Palau-Sampio and Iris Sánchez-Sobradillo

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 430; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080430 - 20 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1315

Abstract

The competition to attract audiences has led to an increase in sensational or misleading headlines and content, with the aim of garnering user clicks in the news media. This dynamic alters the journalistic manner in which news is presented, and it does so [...] Read more.

The competition to attract audiences has led to an increase in sensational or misleading headlines and content, with the aim of garnering user clicks in the news media. This dynamic alters the journalistic manner in which news is presented, and it does so by reducing informative quality and eroding the trust of the audience. This study examines the proliferation of clickbait strategies on the front pages of reputable international ‘serious’ press and how it manifests in readers’ consumption and sharing habits. We carried out a comparative content analysis of digital news articles from four international media sources (N = 1680): The Guardian (UK), The New York Times (USA), El País (Spain) and Público (Portugal). Our results confirm the existence of clickbait (N = 516) on the front pages, the most read content and the articles most shared on social media. Most clickbait titles resort to headline strategies of containing incomplete information that affect both hard and soft news topics. This particular finding highlights the inclusion of clickbait in the agenda of ‘serious’ journalism, despite the negative implications on information quality and trust. Associated with irrelevant content, this ‘hook’ captures the attention of the online audience more than the social media audience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Digital Journalism: Issues and Challenges)

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25 pages, 3995 KiB

Open AccessArticle

African Democracy in the Context of Agenda 2063: Examining Progress and Challenges

by Hafte Gebreselassie Gebrihet and Erlend Eidsvik

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 429; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080429 - 18 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1281

Abstract

This study examines the progress and challenges in the democratic landscape of Africa within the framework of the Africa Agenda 2063 (hereafter AA2063). Initiated in 2013, the Agenda signifies Africa’s commitment to an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful continent. Despite these aspirations, Africa faces [...] Read more.

This study examines the progress and challenges in the democratic landscape of Africa within the framework of the Africa Agenda 2063 (hereafter AA2063). Initiated in 2013, the Agenda signifies Africa’s commitment to an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful continent. Despite these aspirations, Africa faces persistent challenges, including political instability, socio-economic inequalities, and health crises. This study triangulates data from Afrobarometer public perception surveys, Varieties of Democracies expert insights, and the Ibrahim Index of African Governance to provide a broad understanding of the ten-year trend in democratic governance in Africa. The study found an increased demand for democracy, contrasted with a continuous decline in the supply of democracy. The study observed that, based on the average democratic performance over the decade, measured at 45% using V-Dem indices and 44% using IIAG percentage, Africa needs to score more than twice the current performance every year to align with the democratic aspirations of AA2063. This study underscores the need for targeted reforms to bridge the gap between current democratic performance and the envisioned goals of AA2063. It identifies key areas for improvement, including the separation of powers and checks and balances, citizens’ active participation, accessibility to state-owned media, and the independence of election monitoring bodies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Democracy, Politics and Innovation, and Social Integration in the Contemporary World)

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22 pages, 1629 KiB

Open AccessReview

Unveiling the Prospects, Impacts, and Constraints of Women’s Microfinancing Initiatives in South Asia: A Systematic Review

by Saman Herath Bandara

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 428; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080428 - 17 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1402

Abstract

Empowering women requires a multidimensional and holistic approach that encompasses the social, political, and economic aspects of women’s development. Economic empowerment is particularly crucial for achieving sustainable development in society. This is especially important in South Asia, where women’s poverty levels are high. [...] Read more.

Empowering women requires a multidimensional and holistic approach that encompasses the social, political, and economic aspects of women’s development. Economic empowerment is particularly crucial for achieving sustainable development in society. This is especially important in South Asia, where women’s poverty levels are high. Microfinancing for South Asian women expands their opportunities in public works, agriculture, finance, and other sectors, thereby accelerating economic growth and helping to mitigate the effects of current and future financial crises, especially at the household level. This study systematically examines evidence of the impact of microfinance initiatives on women in South Asian countries (SAARC countries) using 38 articles. It considers the effects on decision-making; economic gains, such as income, savings, and expenses; freedom and mobility; educational gains; and asset accumulation. The study also assesses the impact on non-financial outcomes like food security, health and nutrition, and social benefits. The results conclude that efficient and effective women’s microfinancing can bring significant benefits for women in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Economics)

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25 pages, 1778 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Visibility for Indigenous Students and Their Languages: Analysis of Home Language Data in Federal Reports across Seven U.S. States

by Karen Zyskind, Meagan Dorman, Yessenia Medina and Gabriela Pérez Báez

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080427 - 16 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1553

Abstract

There is an increasing number of children in the U.S. classified as English Learners (ELs). Accurately identifying and supporting ELs in their academic settings entails understanding their non-English language experiences. This study presents findings from language reporting practices from seven U.S. states by [...] Read more.

There is an increasing number of children in the U.S. classified as English Learners (ELs). Accurately identifying and supporting ELs in their academic settings entails understanding their non-English language experiences. This study presents findings from language reporting practices from seven U.S. states by examining how states account for the linguistic diversity of Indigenous Mesoamerican languages. Our findings reveal varied state approaches and underscore the limitations of current federal guidance, which limits the recognition of students’ non-English language experiences. We advocate for updating language identification practices and policies and propose a new framework for accurate language identification and continuous monitoring of student linguistic diversity. Full article

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

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4 pages, 163 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Children’s Wellbeing and Children’s Rights—A Nordic Perspective

by Sarah Alminde and Hanne Warming

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 426; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080426 - 16 Aug 2024

Viewed by 714

Abstract

Children’s rights and wellbeing have increasingly attracted attention both politically and in the scholarly field [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Children’s Wellbeing and Children’s Rights—A Nordic Perspective)

16 pages, 1656 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Are Our Schools Carrying Out Effective Environmental Education? In-Service and Pre-Service Teachers’ Perceptions

by Eugenio Salvador Ivorra-Catalá, María Catret-Mascarell and Elena Moreno-Gálvez

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 425; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080425 - 14 Aug 2024

Viewed by 782

Abstract

Faced with the environmental challenges facing today’s society, it is necessary to form critical, conscious, committed and competent citizens that can take action. Children represent, at the same time, the need for care and hope for a better and more sustainable world. The [...] Read more.

Faced with the environmental challenges facing today’s society, it is necessary to form critical, conscious, committed and competent citizens that can take action. Children represent, at the same time, the need for care and hope for a better and more sustainable world. The school is the ideal place to carry out this training. All citizens pass through school for many years and many hours a day. Everything in the school is designed to teach people how to learn and live together: the people who work there, the infrastructure, the rules, the resources and the opportunities to share daily actions. But are schools prepared to carry out effective environmental education? Several reasons have been pointed out as potential explanations of the lack of awareness and sustainable behavior observed in a large part of the population. Surely, one of the most important is the lack of adequate organization, which leads to a lack of long-term planning, of people in charge, or of an evaluation and communication of the results. In this paper, we present a study on environmental education carried out in a group of Early Childhood and Elementary education schools using structured interviews conducted by students of the Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir. The results obtained are congruent with the contributions made by previous studies, which have highlighted the lack of coherence between training, attitudes and teaching practices. The conclusions drawn seem to indicate that, although practicing teachers are aware of the importance of the subject, the presence of environmental policies in the school and the implementation of good educational action are far from being considered optimal, given the current need for them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Childhood and Rights in a Global World)

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17 pages, 1570 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“Groups Are Still a Problem … but a Different One!”: Reflecting on the Role Played by Non-Violent Extremist Groups in the Radicalisation Pathways of Individuals in the UK

by Elisa Orofino

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080424 - 14 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1017

Abstract

Non-violent (vocal) extremists are at the centre of inflamed debates in the UK as they use their freedom of speech to legally oppose key democratic values and national authorities while targeting specific groups in the society as alleged enemies. This paper aims to [...] Read more.

Non-violent (vocal) extremists are at the centre of inflamed debates in the UK as they use their freedom of speech to legally oppose key democratic values and national authorities while targeting specific groups in the society as alleged enemies. This paper aims to explore the radicalisation pathways of individuals in the UK who hold radical and extreme ideas but who have not (yet) committed any offence. More precisely, this paper aims to uncover the role (if any) played by non-violent extremist groups in pathways to radicalisation. To do so, this paper focuses on people supported by the Channel programme, the main early de-radicalisation programme within the Prevent Scheme. This paper innovatively uses first-hand data reflecting the views of Channel practitioners on radicalisation pathways. This study concludes that non-violent extremist groups (as structures) still play a role in familiarising/acculturating individuals with specific ideological concepts. However, the processes of identity building and resource mobilisation seem to be strongly agent-led when observing Channel population in the UK. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crime and Justice)

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14 pages, 287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adverse Consequences of Crime Victimization for School-Aged Girls in South Korea

by Sungil Han, Min-Suk O and Jaeyong Choi

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 423; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080423 - 13 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1063

Abstract

Crime victimization is one of the most stressful negative events and brings numerous adverse outcomes to victims. Victims suffer from physical damage, property loss, psychological trauma, and behavioral problems. Many studies have examined these adverse consequences of crime victimization, but a comprehensive approach [...] Read more.

Crime victimization is one of the most stressful negative events and brings numerous adverse outcomes to victims. Victims suffer from physical damage, property loss, psychological trauma, and behavioral problems. Many studies have examined these adverse consequences of crime victimization, but a comprehensive approach for victims who are school-aged girls has been relatively under-documented. To fill the gap in the literature, this study analyzes data from a nationally representative sample of Korean school-aged girls (N = 3762). The results of the regression analyses indicate that previous victimization is associated with lower life satisfaction, increased negative emotions, and a fear of crime, and appears to elevate the risk of revictimization and delinquent behavior. It is concluded that victims should be treated with appropriate resources and support to reduce future adverse outcomes. Full article

18 pages, 1228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

China, Greece, and Economic Relations in Southeast Europe: A Political Economy Approach

by Georgios Maris and Ioannis Kalaitzidis

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 422; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080422 - 13 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1696

Abstract

This paper investigates China’s regional role in Southeastern Europe by examining the economic strategy of neo-mercantilism using Greece as a case study. In doing so, this paper will make use of the strategy of neo-mercantilism as part of the broader theory of regional [...] Read more.

This paper investigates China’s regional role in Southeastern Europe by examining the economic strategy of neo-mercantilism using Greece as a case study. In doing so, this paper will make use of the strategy of neo-mercantilism as part of the broader theory of regional powers pursuing broader geostrategic goals. How has the strategic partnership between China and Greece evolved in recent years, and what are China’s primary objectives in Greece under the neo-mercantilism? China has intentionally sought to expand its influence in Southeastern Europe by cultivating a strategic partnership with Greece, while avoiding challenging the influence of other powers in the area. The economic turmoil in Greece over the past decade created a favorable environment for attracting Chinese FDI. China’s principal focus in developing its strategic partnership with Greece is to increase FDI as a means of achieving its economic goals and other political goals with tangible results related to China’s support in issues mainly concerning the country’s applied foreign policy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section International Relations)

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16 pages, 298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“These Researchers Think They Come From Heaven with Analytical Superpowers When They Don’t”: A Qualitative Analysis of Research Experiences in Intersex-Related Studies

by Yessica Mestre-Martínez

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 421; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080421 - 12 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1183

Abstract

This article explores diverse ethical considerations related to the study of vulnerable population groups to produce meaningful project outcomes that avoid harm to the involved communities. In the specific context of the intersex community, previous analyses have encountered various challenges, including the medicalization [...] Read more.

This article explores diverse ethical considerations related to the study of vulnerable population groups to produce meaningful project outcomes that avoid harm to the involved communities. In the specific context of the intersex community, previous analyses have encountered various challenges, including the medicalization of intersex people’s bodies, the use of pathologizing language, and misrepresentation of the population’s needs. The article explores some of the beliefs, experiences, and tools that experts in research ethics, researchers, and intersex research participants consider most important regarding research ethics in intersex-related studies. The article is based on original empirical research; semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 participants, recruited through email and snowball sampling methods, and the data were examined using thematic analysis. It moves from issues related to the research design (positionality, researcher preparation, framing intersex within the LGBT acronym) to experiences related to the research development (ethical approval, informed consent process, language use, relationship of trust). The article describes some of the major concerns and raises discussions that could be relevant for the development of future research under human rights-based perspectives. The findings are aimed to be useful beyond the field of intersex-related studies, as they can be relevant to research about other communities that have endured violations of their human rights during research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Centring Intersex: Global and Local Dimensions)

20 pages, 319 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lifetime Experiences of Housing Insecurity among Gay Men Living with HIV at Midlife: An Exploratory Study Utilizing a Social Determinants of Health Perspective

by Renato M. Liboro, Sherry Bell, Jason Flatt, Jennifer Pharr, Brandon Ranuschio, Lianne Barnes, Andrea Navarro, Alexander Ribeiro, Nadia Sheik-Yosef and John M. Waldron

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080420 - 11 Aug 2024

Viewed by 933

Abstract

Understanding the socioecological contexts of gay men living with HIV is critical to addressing the environmental conditions that influence their lifetime experiences of housing insecurity and homelessness. In line with the strategies of the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention to end [...] Read more.

Understanding the socioecological contexts of gay men living with HIV is critical to addressing the environmental conditions that influence their lifetime experiences of housing insecurity and homelessness. In line with the strategies of the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention to end the HIV epidemic, it is of utmost importance to recognize how the allocation of available resources impacts health inequities affecting gay men living with HIV who experience housing insecurity and homelessness. Drawing from the World Health Organization’s social determinants of health (SDoH) framework, we used an exploratory, community-based research (CBR) approach to examine the lifetime experiences and important sources of support of gay men living with HIV at midlife who have experienced housing insecurity in Southern Nevada. Thematic analysis of our semi-structured interviews with 12 gay men living with HIV at midlife revealed three overarching themes: (1) challenges to obtaining housing and related support, (2) informal support from friends, and (3) formal support from community-based sources employing diverse support strategies. In this article, we discuss the different sub-themes we identified under these overarching themes and the implications of our findings from an SDoH perspective. We conclude with a discussion on the dire need to (1) highlight the considerable value of both informal and formal sources of support for the housing insecure, and (2) generate recommendations for interventions to address housing insecurity and homelessness with greater consideration for the impacts of SDoH in the work dedicated to helping gay men living with HIV at midlife overcome housing insecurity as they age. Full article

15 pages, 971 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neglect in Older Adults: A Sociodemographic and Health Approach in the Portuguese Context

by Joana Correia Jesus, Sofia von Humboldt, Luisa Soares and Isabel Leal

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 419; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080419 - 9 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1059

Abstract

Southern European countries have shown indicators of accelerated aging. In Portugal, a particularly worrying aspect of this reality lies in the relationship between the aging process and the incidence of violence in older adults, as the degree of dependence and/or health status becomes [...] Read more.

Southern European countries have shown indicators of accelerated aging. In Portugal, a particularly worrying aspect of this reality lies in the relationship between the aging process and the incidence of violence in older adults, as the degree of dependence and/or health status becomes a significant risk factor for the occurrence of violence. The objectives of the present study were (1) to assess the risk of violence and indicators of neglect in Portuguese older adults; (2) to examine the differences in neglect indicators according to sociodemographic characteristics and health habits. The final sample consisted of 1012 Portuguese older adults aged 65 or over. Participants were asked about sociodemographic characteristics and health habits. The risk of violence was measured using the Vulnerability to Abuse Screening Scale, and the neglect subscale of the Elder Abuse: A Multinational Prevalence Survey was used to evaluate indicators of exposure to neglect in the past year. The results show that approximately 27% of the population presents values of risk to violence. One-tenth of participants were exposed to low levels of neglect indicators and slightly fewer people (5%) were exposed to higher levels of neglect indicators. There are significant differences regarding exposure to neglect according to the age groups, gender, and marital status, depending on the living situation, years of retirement, practice of physical exercise, existence of chronic disease, alcohol consumption, and frequency of leaving home. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effects of Loneliness, Stigma, and Social Support on the Health and Mental Health of Older Populations)

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14 pages, 1880 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Information Pandemic: A Critical Review of Disinformation Spread on Social Media and Its Implications for State Resilience

by Dwi Surjatmodjo, Andi Alimuddin Unde, Hafied Cangara and Alem Febri Sonni

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080418 - 9 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 7683

Abstract

This research examines the spread of disinformation on social media platforms and its impact on state resilience through a systematic literature review of 150 peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2024. The analysis revealed that disinformation spreads six times faster than accurate information, [...] Read more.

This research examines the spread of disinformation on social media platforms and its impact on state resilience through a systematic literature review of 150 peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2024. The analysis revealed that disinformation spreads six times faster than accurate information, with emotions and platform algorithms playing a significant role in its spread. Factors such as low digital literacy, political polarization, and declining trust in institutions increase people’s vulnerability to disinformation. Impacts on national security include threats to the integrity of democratic processes, the erosion of social cohesion, and decreased public trust. The most effective coping strategies include improving digital literacy (78 percent effective), fact-checking (65 percent), and content regulation (59 percent). However, these efforts face ethical and legal challenges, especially regarding freedom of expression. This research highlights the need for a multidimensional approach in addressing the “information pandemic”, integrating technological, educational, and policy strategies while considering ethical implications. The findings provide a foundation for further policy development and research to protect the integrity of public information spaces and state resilience in the digital age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disinformation and Misinformation in the New Media Landscape)

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14 pages, 271 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Intervention That Facilitates Recovery from Gender-Based Violence: Dialogic Reconstruction of Memory

by Patricia Melgar, Olga Serradell, Claudia Hereu, Sandra Racionero-Plaza and Elena Mut-Montalva

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080417 - 9 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 990

Abstract

Services for victims of gender-based violence are an interdisciplinary work space where the recovery of women and, thus, preventing their social exclusion are among the main objectives. Although previous scientific literature provides some indicators of the social impact of these services, that is, [...] Read more.

Services for victims of gender-based violence are an interdisciplinary work space where the recovery of women and, thus, preventing their social exclusion are among the main objectives. Although previous scientific literature provides some indicators of the social impact of these services, that is, the improvements in the lives of these women, and allow them to advance in their recovery, it is necessary to deepen and broaden this knowledge. One of the objectives of the SOLNET R&D research was to more comprehensively identify the indicators of the social impact of these interventions. This objective was achieved by carrying out 8 case studies and a total of 56 interviews—32 of which involved women who were victims of violence—in third-sector organisations that tend to women victims in 7 different regions of Spain. The results of our research show that the dialogical reconstruction of the memory of violence contributes to overcoming one of the main barriers to women’s recovery: emotional dependency. To achieve this impact, the dialogic reconstruction of memory should focus on changing the image these women have of the abuser and the conceptions of love associated with violence. These results have important implications for the design and evaluation of interventions carried out in services for women victims of gender-based violence. The application of these results can help these women successfully leave the situation of violence and build a violence-free future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Work and the Promotion of Sustainable Social Development)

13 pages, 5361 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ethnic Residential Segregation: Evidence from Two Italian Functional Urban Areas

by Luca Daconto and Maria Grazia Montesano

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 416; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080416 - 8 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 794

Abstract

This article aims to update the analysis of the residential segregation of the foreign population in European cities by considering the most recent 2021 census data for two different Italian metropolitan areas, Milan and Bologna. The diachronic analysis (2001–2021) of several indices of [...] Read more.

This article aims to update the analysis of the residential segregation of the foreign population in European cities by considering the most recent 2021 census data for two different Italian metropolitan areas, Milan and Bologna. The diachronic analysis (2001–2021) of several indices of residential segregation (i.e., dissimilarity index, two group and multigroup; location quotient; and kernel density estimation) at the metropolitan scale (i.e., functional urban area) will contribute to the debate on the residential settlement patterns of foreign populations, highlighting the specificities of Southern European cities. Despite the significant differences between the two cities considered, the same desegregation trends (i.e., reduction in segregation indices) are identified in both cases. The results show a decrease in residential segregation over time in both core and commuting areas. Furthermore, phenomena of peripheralisation related to overrepresentation in metropolitan municipalities emerge, although core areas remain where the foreign population is most concentrated. The complexity and ambivalence of residential dynamics in the two cases suggest that residential segregation can also take “unusual forms” in Southern European cities that are not always related to the macro-concentration phenomena. In this sense, the “urban diaspora” hypothesis seems to be a suitable concept for capturing the new distributional trend of the foreign population in the Southern European context. Full article

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

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8 pages, 196 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Erased, Displaced, Misplaced: Reclaiming [Chinese Canadian] National Identity through Co-op Radio

by Rachel Wong

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080415 - 8 Aug 2024

Viewed by 579

Abstract

This paper explores some of the conversations currently taking place within Asian Canadian studies as they relate to coalitional spaces and community building. Specifically, I look at a co-op radio program from Vancouver called Pender Guy which aired in the 1970s. The members [...] Read more.

This paper explores some of the conversations currently taking place within Asian Canadian studies as they relate to coalitional spaces and community building. Specifically, I look at a co-op radio program from Vancouver called Pender Guy which aired in the 1970s. The members of Pender Guy were comprised of artists and activists from the Asian Canadian community attempting to establish and solidify their own collective identity during a time when minority communities and people of color were often sidelined or else considered as “surplus” to a national narrative that privileged Anglo- and Franco-Canadian identities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Populations Rendered ‘Surplus’ in Canada)

19 pages, 1839 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Brújula Intersexual: Working Strategies, the Emergence of the Mexican Intersex Community, and Its Relationship with the Intersex Movement

by Eva Alcántara, Laura Inter, Frida Flores and Carlos Narváez-Pichardo

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080414 - 8 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1499

Abstract

After a decade of work, Brújula Intersexual has become a reference in Mexico and Latin America. However, the presence of the Latin American intersex movement in the specialised literature in English is restricted. We consider that conducting a self-reflexive review of Brújula Intersexual [...] Read more.

After a decade of work, Brújula Intersexual has become a reference in Mexico and Latin America. However, the presence of the Latin American intersex movement in the specialised literature in English is restricted. We consider that conducting a self-reflexive review of Brújula Intersexual could contribute to understanding (1) the work strategies implemented by Brújula Intersexual; (2) the formation of the Spanish-speaking intersex community and movement in Mexico; and (3) the heterogeneous dynamics of the global intersex movement. We designed a qualitative–quantitative study involving discussion meetings with the Brújula Intersexual team, revision of the Brújula Intersexual archive, a scoping review, and a timeline. The results and discussion are focused on two axes: (1) Brújula Intersexual: structure and working strategies, in which two concepts are developed, namely, the intimate sphere and the atmosphere of trust; (2) The articulation of Brújula Intersexual within the intersex movement and its resonances in public policy. Researching Brújula Intersexual contributes to the collective memory and reveals important events that link the Spanish-speaking and global anglophone intersex movements. In particular, Brújula Intersexual was configured as a critical counter-device that manages intense flows of affection, allowing for the production of new subjectivation modes for people with intersex bodies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Centring Intersex: Global and Local Dimensions)

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15 pages, 567 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is There a Single Profile of a Victim of Workplace Bullying? The Prevalence of Workplace Bullying in the Educational Sector in Spain and Its Consequences for Teachers’ Health

by Jorge J. López-Vílchez, Ester Grau-Alberola and Pedro R. Gil-Monte

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080413 - 8 Aug 2024

Viewed by 843

Abstract

Dysfunctional work environments are characterized by the presence of psycho-social risks, such as workplace bullying (WB): hostile, systematic, and planned behaviors toward other workers in order to get them to leave the organization they work for. The aims of this study are (1) [...] Read more.

Dysfunctional work environments are characterized by the presence of psycho-social risks, such as workplace bullying (WB): hostile, systematic, and planned behaviors toward other workers in order to get them to leave the organization they work for. The aims of this study are (1) to analyze the prevalence of WB in a sample of teachers and (2) to determine the relationship between socio-demographic and socio-labor variables in relation to three study groups: teacher victims of WB, violent behaviors, and null or low violence. The sample consists of 3442 teachers working in publicly regulated educational centers located in the province of Valencia (Spain). Estimated frequencies, cross-tabulations, and effect sizes were analyzed using SPSS 24. The following results were obtained: (1) 12.26% were potential WB cases, and (2) potential victims of WB were not influenced by the socio-demographic and socio-labor variables proposed. The results obtained did not make it possible to determine a single profile of a teacher victim of WB. It is recommended that training protocols be developed to help teachers recognize and manage WB more effectively. This will improve their health, well-being, and performance in educational centers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emotional Labor, Stress, and Well-Being: Components of the Sustainability and Dignity of Work)

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17 pages, 634 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Smartphone and Tablet as Digital Babysitter

by Ruggero Andrisano Ruggieri, Monica Mollo and Grazia Marra

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080412 - 7 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1589

Abstract

Several scientific studies have highlighted the negative impact of new technologies (NTs) on children’s psychological development, both in terms of emotional and cognitive development. NTs, such as smartphones, tablets, and video games, have a significant impact on children’s development, both in terms of [...] Read more.

Several scientific studies have highlighted the negative impact of new technologies (NTs) on children’s psychological development, both in terms of emotional and cognitive development. NTs, such as smartphones, tablets, and video games, have a significant impact on children’s development, both in terms of social relationships and cognitive functions. This study aims to identify and explore the cultural models that shape children’s exposure to new technologies in early childhood. This study involved 48 subjects between parents and infant educators. Unstructured interviews were conducted. Emotional Text Analysis was applied. The findings reveal the existence of three cultural repertoires (clusters): Connected but isolated (45.2), Technology education (30%), and Mistrust (24.8%). Their placement in the factorial space explains how the negative effects on children’s psychological development are determined. Technology education seems to be a protective factor for the cognitive and affective development of children. These findings are discussed, comparing them with Musk’s recent experiment and the rapid loss of social ties due to the lack of an educational plan. Full article

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13 pages, 1241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Cultural Factors in the “Systemic Revictimization” of Rape Survivors in Mwenga (DRC)

by Buuma Maisha, Janelle Anglin, Timothee Mwindo, Carolanne Tomsine and Sandrine M’Bassé Florent

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080411 - 7 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1025

Abstract

This study builds on past research noting the psychosocial challenges women face in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as survivors of rape. There is an interpretation of rape in these communities as a sexual taboo and as a danger to the families and [...] Read more.

This study builds on past research noting the psychosocial challenges women face in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as survivors of rape. There is an interpretation of rape in these communities as a sexual taboo and as a danger to the families and communities of the survivors. The participants in this study described how these social norms and beliefs lead to isolation, feelings of shame, interpersonal difficulties, and hesitancy to seek medical and psychological treatment. In this study, we used a qualitative research methodology to investigate the subjective experiences of survivors and what support they thought to be the most useful in their families and communities. Three themes emerged from the data analysis: general social practices and beliefs, social reactions and consequences of rape, and the ideal social reaction to rape. The participants shared insights into two sets of values. On the one hand, there are relationship-focused values with the potential to influence revictimizing social reactions. On the other hand, there are person-focused values with the potential to rally the community in solidarity and support for survivors. These results suggest that local communities and families are key stakeholders in creating a safe and supportive social environment necessary for the survivors’ journey to recovery. Prioritizing efforts to mitigate the conflict between relationship-focused and person-focused values is recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gender Differences and Inequalities in Social and Health Sciences Research)

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19 pages, 1251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Research Trends and Students’ Perceptions

by Sandra Saúde, João Paulo Barros and Inês Almeida

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080410 - 7 Aug 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 9934

Abstract

In this paper, the effects of the rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) in higher education (HE) are discussed. A mixed exploratory research approach was employed to understand these impacts, combining analysis of current research trends and students’ perceptions of the [...] Read more.

In this paper, the effects of the rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) in higher education (HE) are discussed. A mixed exploratory research approach was employed to understand these impacts, combining analysis of current research trends and students’ perceptions of the effects of Gen AI tools in academia. Through bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review, 64 publications (indexed in the SCOPUS and Web of Science databases) were examined, highlighting Gen AI’s disruptive effect on the pedagogical aspects of HE. The impacts identified by the literature were compared with the perceptions held by computer science students of two different HE institutions (HEIs) on the topic. An exploratory study was developed based on the application of a questionnaire to a group of 112 students. The results suggest that while Gen AI can enhance academic work and learning feedback, it requires appropriate pedagogical support to foster critical, ethical, and digital literacy competencies. Students demonstrate awareness of both the risks and benefits associated with Gen AI in academic settings. The research concludes that failing to recognize and effectively use Gen AI in HE impedes educational progress and the adequate preparation of citizens and workers to think and act in an AI-mediated world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 8th World Conference on Qualitative Research)

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14 pages, 790 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Social Media Motivation in Enhancing Social Responsibility

by Islam Habis Mohammad Hatamleh, Rahima Aissani and Raneem Farouq Suleiman Alduwairi

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080409 - 7 Aug 2024

Viewed by 2086

Abstract

This study explores the impact of social media platforms on enhancing social responsibility, employing a rigorous research framework based on the Uses and Gratifications Theory. We developed and tested a model to investigate how motivations for using social media influence social responsibility. A [...] Read more.

This study explores the impact of social media platforms on enhancing social responsibility, employing a rigorous research framework based on the Uses and Gratifications Theory. We developed and tested a model to investigate how motivations for using social media influence social responsibility. A quantitative methodology was utilized, analyzing data from a sample of 520 participants using SmartPLS 4. The findings reveal various social media motivations—specifically information seeking, information sharing, self-status, social interaction, entertainment, being fashionable, and relaxation—significantly and positively impact social responsibility. The results underscore the constructive role of social media motivations in fostering social responsibility. They also suggest that further investigations into additional dimensions could provide deeper insights into how digital media might be leveraged to benefit society more broadly and enhance the concept of social responsibility. This study contributes to the expanding discourse on digital media’s potential to effect positive societal change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disinformation and Misinformation in the New Media Landscape)

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11 pages, 255 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding Epistemic Justice through Inclusive Research about Intellectual Disability and Sexuality

by Lesley Verbeek, Mark Koning and Alice Schippers

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080408 - 6 Aug 2024

Viewed by 2191

Abstract

Formal language: This paper discusses inclusive research and epistemic justice by using an example of a published study the authors conducted on intellectual disability and sexuality in supported living environments. Our study addressed taboos and pushed boundaries in content and methodology through two [...] Read more.

Formal language: This paper discusses inclusive research and epistemic justice by using an example of a published study the authors conducted on intellectual disability and sexuality in supported living environments. Our study addressed taboos and pushed boundaries in content and methodology through two ways of inclusive research: (1) the second author of this paper who has an intellectual disability was a main researcher in the study; and (2) we interviewed people with intellectual disabilities about their own experiences as well as their desired solutions to obstacles they face in their supported living environments. Their input was centralized in the final research report. This method challenged the epistemic injustice of who have historically not been ‘allowed’ to produce knowledge in research. This paper offers historical insight into epistemic injustice as well as relational approaches from critical disability studies and non-Western understandings of disability that ‘rethink’ disability and that can thus promote epistemic justice in academic theory. By addressing both practice and theory in this paper, we aim to contribute to the growing body of inclusive research and to the epistemic justice of people with intellectual disabilities. Plain language: (1) Epistemology = thinking about knowledge, producing knowledge, sharing knowledge. (2) In history, people with intellectual disabilities have often been excluded from participating in this. This is called epistemic injustice. It is caused by the discrimination of people with intellectual disabilities (ableism). (3) Performing inclusive research with people with intellectual disabilities challenges this. It contributes to epistemic justice. Researchers and interviewees with intellectual disabilities can bring knowledge from lived experience into research. (4) Knowledge from lived experience has not always been valued in traditional research. That means we also need to think differently about ‘knowledge’, and about ‘disability’ and its ‘value’. (5) Discrimination based on disability has a long history. For instance: during colonialism by European countries (starting in the 15th century), false ideas about ‘poor health’ and ‘low intelligence’ were already used to justify slavery. People with disabilities have often been locked away or even killed because they have been seen as ‘less valuable’. These ways of thinking still exist. They influence our understanding of ‘epistemology’ because they decide whose way of thinking and way of life is valuable or not valuable. We need to change this way of thinking. (6) Some academic fields that help are critical disability studies, indigenous studies, and feminist posthumanism. These fields challenge ableist ways of thinking. They can help us understand disability as something that is not negative or less valuable, but simply part of what makes us human. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inclusive Research: Is the Road More or Less Well Travelled?—2nd Edition)

18 pages, 671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Debt and Attainment Relate through the GPA of Non-White College Students

by Binh Chi Bui

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 407; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080407 - 5 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1028 | Correction

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of U.S. student loans on attainment via the GPA of non-white undergraduates. The data for the study were drawn from the 2012/2017 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS: 12/17), encompassing a nationally representative sample of 1500 African American, [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effects of U.S. student loans on attainment via the GPA of non-white undergraduates. The data for the study were drawn from the 2012/2017 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS: 12/17), encompassing a nationally representative sample of 1500 African American, Hispanic, Asian, multiracial, and other non-white students. The results, based on regression models and the bootstrapped confidence interval (BCI) method, indicated that student loans were associated with GPA, and both student loans and GPA were associated with attainment. Notably, the indirect effect of loan status on attainment was negative, whereas the indirect effect of high debt on attainment was positive. These findings highlight the indirect relationship between student loans and attainment and suggest that high debt has the potential to offset the negative effect of loan status on academic outcomes. The implications of these findings for higher education practice and policy debates are critical, particularly in the context of addressing non-white students’ financial needs and enhancing their academic outcomes. Full article

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14 pages, 337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Victimization and Perpetration of Online Dating Violence and Emotional Dependence by Gender among University Students in Ecuador

by Mayra Castillo-Gonzáles and Emilio Terán Andrade

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(8), 406; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13080406 - 4 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1317

Abstract

The present study investigates the roles of online dating violence and emotional dependence within the context of interpersonal relationships. The primary objective of this research is to analyze the perpetration and victimization of online dating violence and emotional dependence among men and women. [...] Read more.

The present study investigates the roles of online dating violence and emotional dependence within the context of interpersonal relationships. The primary objective of this research is to analyze the perpetration and victimization of online dating violence and emotional dependence among men and women. Utilizing a quantitative approach with a descriptive and explanatory focus, this research employed a non-experimental cross-sectional design. A sample comprising 3202 university students completed the Dating Online Abuse Scale (DOAS) and the Emotional Dependence Questionnaire (EDQ). Statistical analyses, including Student’s t-test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and simple linear regressions, were conducted. Significant gender differences (p < 0.01) emerged concerning both victimization and perpetration of online dating violence. Furthermore, a noteworthy association (p < 0.01) was observed between online dating violence and emotional dependence, with the latter serving as a predictive factor for online dating violence across genders. Full article

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Soc. Sci., Volume 13, Issue 8 (August 2024) – 54 articles

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