Social Sciences

16 pages, 299 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Caregiving Penalty: Gender and Caregiving Effects on Career Opportunities Perceived by Italian Employees

by Irene Lantano, Giuseppina Dell’Aversana, Gertraud Bacher and Massimo Miglioretti

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(9), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14090547 - 12 Sep 2025

Despite significant improvements in gender equality in recent years, persistent gender disparities remain prevalent in the workplace. In particular, women with caring responsibilities could encounter more barriers in obtaining career opportunities. This study examines the interplay between gender, caregiving responsibilities, and the perception [...] Read more.

Despite significant improvements in gender equality in recent years, persistent gender disparities remain prevalent in the workplace. In particular, women with caring responsibilities could encounter more barriers in obtaining career opportunities. This study examines the interplay between gender, caregiving responsibilities, and the perception of workplace disparities. We hypothesized that perceived gender-based inequalities would vary depending on the type of caregiving responsibilities, specifically childcare and eldercare. An online survey of 213 employees was conducted to explore this relationship. These preliminary findings suggest that gender biases regarding prospects for career development, leadership responsibility, and opportunities offered by workplaces could persist, and these biases are exacerbated when employees hold caregiving responsibilities, particularly those associated with the care of elderly people. This research establishes a foundational investigation into how gender and caregiving responsibility still influence employees’ conception of workplace disparities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intersections Between Work–Life Balance and Gender Policies: Equality and Sustainability for Caring and Family Transition)

19 pages, 840 KB

Open AccessArticle

“That She Is Unique Is Clear”: Family Members Making Sense of the Uniqueness of Persons with Dementia and Persons with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities

by Sanne Nieuwenhuis, Sien Vandesande, Sara Nijs and Bea Maes

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(9), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14090546 - 10 Sep 2025

Abstract

Family plays an important role in person-centered care (PCC) within long-term care facilities, especially for individuals with high-support needs such as dementia or profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. The goal of PCC is to live a meaningful life by, for instance, acknowledging personhood. [...] Read more.

Family plays an important role in person-centered care (PCC) within long-term care facilities, especially for individuals with high-support needs such as dementia or profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. The goal of PCC is to live a meaningful life by, for instance, acknowledging personhood. Uniqueness is an important attribute of this personhood. Family members contribute significantly to PCC by sharing their knowledge of their relatives’ uniqueness. This study explores how family members interpret and give meaning to the uniqueness of their relatives with high-support needs through interpretative phenomenological analysis. Six participants participated in a semi-structured interview. The first research question was about what the uniqueness of their relatives is and resulted in different themes: who she used to be, who she is now, who she will become, change, and (importance of) family ties. The second research question was about the discovery of this uniqueness and resulted in the following themes: daily search, and discoveries from childhood. How this uniqueness comes to the fore, the third research question, brought forward themes such as care provided by family members, shaping care in the care organization, and importance of place. This study demonstrates that family members can describe the uniqueness of individuals with high-support needs and help shape PCC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Family Studies)

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18 pages, 1174 KB

Open AccessArticle

Gender Knowledges, Cultures of Equality, and Structural Inequality: Interpreting Female Employment Patterns in Manufacturing Through Interpretable Machine Learning

by Bediha Sahin

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(9), 545; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14090545 - 10 Sep 2025

Abstract

Persistent gender inequality in industrial employment continues to challenge inclusive labor systems worldwide. While education and labor market reforms have expanded opportunities for women, structural barriers remain deeply embedded in manufacturing sectors. This study adopts a systems-based perspective to investigate the institutional, demographic, [...] Read more.

Persistent gender inequality in industrial employment continues to challenge inclusive labor systems worldwide. While education and labor market reforms have expanded opportunities for women, structural barriers remain deeply embedded in manufacturing sectors. This study adopts a systems-based perspective to investigate the institutional, demographic, and health-related factors shaping female employment in manufacturing across ten countries from 2013 to 2022. By integrating feminist political economy with interpretable machine learning techniques—including Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, and Extra Trees regressors—the study models non-linear and interactive relationships among thirteen structural indicators drawn from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators. The findings reveal that general female labor force participation is the strongest and most consistent predictor of women’s inclusion in manufacturing. Health-related variables, such as maternal mortality and fertility rates, exhibit strong negative effects, underscoring the continued influence of caregiving burdens and inadequate health systems. Education indicators show more variable impacts, suggesting that institutional context mediates their effectiveness. The use of SHAP and Partial Dependence Plots enhances the transparency of the models and supports a more nuanced understanding of how structural forces shape gendered labor outcomes. In addition to modeling structural inequalities, this study highlights how gender knowledges and cultures of equality are contextually produced and negotiated within the manufacturing sector. The findings underscore the importance of understanding both global systems and local cultural frameworks in shaping gendered employment outcomes. By linking interpretable machine learning with systems thinking, this research provides a holistic and data-driven account of industrial gender inequality. The results offer policy-relevant insights for designing more inclusive labor strategies that address not only economic incentives but also the social and institutional systems in which employment patterns are embedded. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gender Knowledges and Cultures of Equalities in Global Contexts)

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13 pages, 460 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dating Violence on Post Secondary Campuses: Men’s Experiences

by D. Gaye Warthe, Catherine Carter-Snell and Peter Choate

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(9), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14090544 - 9 Sep 2025

Abstract

The experience of university students who identify as men and who are victims of dating violence is poorly understood. Services and supports available on campuses and in the community have not typically considered the needs of men. Aim: The purpose of this study [...] Read more.

The experience of university students who identify as men and who are victims of dating violence is poorly understood. Services and supports available on campuses and in the community have not typically considered the needs of men. Aim: The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of university men who experienced dating violence, factors influencing awareness, the impact on their lives and decisions to seek support and to disclose. Methods: A grounded theory study, using constructivist methodology was used. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants who identified as male. Thematic analysis was used. Strategies to improve credibility, dependability and auditability were implemented throughout. Findings: A theoretical framework was developed with gender as the central concept, affecting each of the core elements of interest. Most of the men were not initially aware that their experiences were considered dating violence until after leaving the relationship. This awareness was impacted not only by gender stereotypes but by their vulnerability, the context of the campus and the nature of their abuse. The impact of the violence was seen in their isolation, health, guilt and shame, their academic success and in other relationships. Men described issues with various forms of support. Family and faculty were of variable assistance in supporting their recovery. Implications: The findings underscore the need for prevention and intervention strategies tailored to the needs of students identifying as men. There are also potential implications for increased awareness and education for other populations in a post secondary context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Work in Understanding and Reducing Domestic Violence)

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17 pages, 638 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

“Anything Would Be Easier than What We’re Doing Right Now”: Early Head Start Home Visitors’ Experiences Working Through an Environmental Crisis

by Thistle I. Elias, Ashley E. Shafer, Ashwini Chaudhari and Tammy Thomas

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(9), 543; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14090543 - 9 Sep 2025

Abstract

Home Visitors and early childhood educators play a critical role in supporting the development of young children from low-income families in the United States. During the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions on service delivery dramatically impacted the professional experience of Home Visitors, presenting significant new [...] Read more.

Home Visitors and early childhood educators play a critical role in supporting the development of young children from low-income families in the United States. During the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions on service delivery dramatically impacted the professional experience of Home Visitors, presenting significant new challenges for this dedicated, often under-compensated workforce. An external evaluation team explored the experiences of Early Head Start Home Visitors serving six regions of a county in the mid-Atlantic region. Researchers engaged Early Head Start program partners in identifying issues and methods of investigation to help inform organizational efforts to support their staff and the families they serve. Findings include that Home Visitors experienced significant stress and mental health challenges due to the frequently shifting environment, loss of peer interactions and loss of personal boundaries due primarily to their efforts to sufficiently support families in a time of crisis. These experiences contribute to burnout and increase the chances of early care and education workers leaving the field despite a deep commitment to the work. Considerations for how to retain high-quality early childhood education workers, in particular through potential significant environmental disruptions, include the need for strong peer support networks and transparent, responsive leadership. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health and Social Change)

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17 pages, 2810 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Polarization Paradox: Social Media, Young Voters, and the Challenges to the Open Society

by Gil Baptista Ferreira and Lourenço Silva Ferreira

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(9), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14090542 - 9 Sep 2025

Abstract

The ideal of the open society, grounded in rational deliberation and pluralism, faces growing challenges in the digital age. This study examines how affective polarization—characterized by emotional hostility and antagonism across political identities—and populist sentiments among young Portuguese voters (ages 18–21) reshape democratic [...] Read more.

The ideal of the open society, grounded in rational deliberation and pluralism, faces growing challenges in the digital age. This study examines how affective polarization—characterized by emotional hostility and antagonism across political identities—and populist sentiments among young Portuguese voters (ages 18–21) reshape democratic discourse, with a focus on the role of social media platforms. Based on a sample of 130 first-time voters in the April 2024 legislative elections, the results show that individuals with populist attitudes are 27% more likely to exhibit affective polarization. Moreover, support for radical right narratives is associated with a 27.6% increase in polarization. Notably, X (formerly Twitter) is associated with higher levels of affective polarization than Instagram, highlighting the differential effects of platform architectures. The study provides empirical evidence for the mediating role of digital platforms in fostering discursive fragmentation and ideological antagonism. It contributes to theories of digital democracy and political communication by clarifying how algorithmic environments intensify group-based hostility and undermine the normative foundations of the open society. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Open Society 2.0: Democracy in the Age of Social Media and Populism)

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19 pages, 328 KB

Open AccessArticle

Peace Education in a Post-Conflict Society: The Case Study of Sierra Leone

by Yi Yu and Michael Wyness

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(9), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14090541 - 8 Sep 2025

Abstract

The end of the conflict in Sierra Leone between 1991 and 2002 provided an important context for exploring the role of peace education in restoring governance, rebuilding institutions, and promoting socio-economic development. Following the civil war, a variety of externally designed peace education [...] Read more.

The end of the conflict in Sierra Leone between 1991 and 2002 provided an important context for exploring the role of peace education in restoring governance, rebuilding institutions, and promoting socio-economic development. Following the civil war, a variety of externally designed peace education programmes were introduced across the country. These included formal programmes integrated into the school curriculum and non-formal initiatives led by stakeholders. This study evaluated these programmes by examining their goals, implementation approaches, and effectiveness in fostering sustainable peace alongside development. The evaluation employed a social constructionist framework, recognising that understandings of peace and education are shaped by historical, social, and cultural factors. Data were gathered through the analysis of documentary sources and semi-structured online interviews with 12 key informants involved in peace education. The findings reveal important insights regarding both the potential of peace education as a developmental tool and its limitations in achieving lasting peace. Key lessons emphasise the critical role of local ownership, cultural relevance, and ongoing support for post-conflict educational interventions. These insights offer valuable guidance for enhancing future peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts in Sierra Leone and other similar post-conflict settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section International Politics and Relations)

14 pages, 411 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Bystander Silence to Burnout: Serial Mediation Mechanisms in Workplace Bullying

by Jale Minibas-Poussard, Tutku Seckin and Haluk Baran Bingöl

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(9), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14090540 - 8 Sep 2025

Abstract

The World Health Organization defines burnout as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Similarly, workplace bullying is widely recognized as a significant psychosocial stressor and a potentially traumatic experience, frequently associated with various adverse psychological outcomes. [...] Read more.

The World Health Organization defines burnout as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Similarly, workplace bullying is widely recognized as a significant psychosocial stressor and a potentially traumatic experience, frequently associated with various adverse psychological outcomes. Based on the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model, we conceptualized bullying at work as a demand whose detrimental impacts may be intensified by the actions of bullying bystanders who remain silent. This study investigates the relationship between workplace bullying and burnout, with a specific focus on the mediating roles of bystander silence and perceived stress. Data collected from 239 professionals working in the financial sector indicate that the effect of workplace bullying on burnout is significantly mediated by both bystander silence and perceived stress. The proposed serial mediation model underscores the importance of social and individual-level mechanisms in the development of burnout. These findings suggest that effective interventions aimed at preventing workplace bullying must be grounded in a nuanced understanding of organizational context and social dynamics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organizational Strategies to Combat Workplace Bullying and Foster Inclusion)

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16 pages, 298 KB

Open AccessArticle

Public Discourse of the Chilean Ministry of Education on School Violence and Convivencia Escolar: A Subjective Theories Approach

by Pablo J. Castro-Carrasco, Verónica Gubbins, Vladimir Caamaño, Ingrid González-Palta, Fabiana Rodríguez-Pastene Vicencio, Martina Zelaya and Claudia Carrasco-Aguilar

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(9), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14090539 - 6 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study analyzed subjective theories on school violence and convivencia escolar expressed in the public discourse of the Chilean Ministry of Education in 2022. This research focused on the return to in-person learning, a time when concerns about violence in schools increased and [...] Read more.

This study analyzed subjective theories on school violence and convivencia escolar expressed in the public discourse of the Chilean Ministry of Education in 2022. This research focused on the return to in-person learning, a time when concerns about violence in schools increased and public policies aimed at addressing it were launched. Inductive content analysis and grounded theory techniques were used to examine 66 tweets issued by official ministry accounts during 2022. The analysis identified three interpretative sets. The first suggests that although violence has external structural causes, it must be eradicated from schools. The second links convivencia escolar with well-being and socioemotional skills, but without an explicit association with violence. The third locates the origin of psychological distress in external factors but assigns its management to the school system. A predominance of expert knowledge existed in the promoted solutions. These findings are discussed based on the idea that the Ministry of Education’s discourse on Twitter not only informs but also seeks to shape educational common sense and validate public policies. This raises questions about its impact on the interpretive autonomy of school communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revisiting School Violence: Safety for Children in Schools)

15 pages, 1051 KB

Open AccessArticle

Outcomes of Simulation-Based Education on Prelicensure Nursing Students’ Preparedness in Identifying a Victim of Human Trafficking

by Debra McWilliams, Geraldine Cornell and Francine Bono-Neri

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(9), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14090538 - 5 Sep 2025

Abstract

Background: Individuals who are victimized and exploited by the heinous crimes of human trafficking (HT) access healthcare during their exploitation, yet gaps in education on HT content exist in prelicensure nursing programs. This study explored the impact of an HT simulation on [...] Read more.

Background: Individuals who are victimized and exploited by the heinous crimes of human trafficking (HT) access healthcare during their exploitation, yet gaps in education on HT content exist in prelicensure nursing programs. This study explored the impact of an HT simulation on nursing students’ preparedness in the identification of victims as well as their perceptions of the impact of this educational intervention on future practices. Methods: A quasi-experimental design with a qualitative component was used. A convenience sample of 120 nursing students were recruited. The participants completed a pretest survey, viewed a preparatory education video, and participated in the simulation followed by a debriefing, a 20-min video, and posttest survey. Results: More than 3/4 of the participants reported no previous exposure to this content. A paired sample t-test showed efficacy (p < 0.001) with a Cohen’s d > 0.8, illustrating an increase in knowledge gained. The qualitative data yielded four themes: eye-opening, educational and informative, increased awareness, and preparedness. Conclusions: Nurses are well-positioned to identify, treat, and respond to victims of HT. The findings underscore the critical need to incorporate comprehensive HT content into prelicensure nursing curricula. Through integration of an HT simulation, future nurses can be better prepared to address this pervasive issue, ultimately improving victim outcomes and ensuring progress towards UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 of Gender Equality and Goal 16 of Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. In addition, addressing this topic in prelicensure nursing education ensures that future nurses are not only clinically competent but also morally and emotionally prepared to handle the complexities of HT in their professional roles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Break the Chains: Global Efforts in Eradication and Prevention of Human Trafficking)

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30 pages, 1140 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Digital Technologies for Young Entrepreneurs in Latin America: A Systematic Review of Educational Innovations (2018–2024)

by Pedro Manuel Silva León, Luis Edgardo Cruz Salinas, Gary Christiam Farfán Chilicaus, Gabriela Lizeth Castro Ijiri, Lisseth Katherine Chuquitucto Cotrina, Flor Delicia Heredia Llatas, Emma Verónica Ramos Farroñán and Celin Pérez Nájera

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(9), 537; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14090537 - 5 Sep 2025

Abstract

This systematic review based on PRISMA presents an analysis of 74 studies, conducted between 1889 and 2024, on the issue of digital technologies for the development of entrepreneurial skills of young people, with a focus on Latin America. The original review combines 44 [...] Read more.

This systematic review based on PRISMA presents an analysis of 74 studies, conducted between 1889 and 2024, on the issue of digital technologies for the development of entrepreneurial skills of young people, with a focus on Latin America. The original review combines 44 regional and 30 international studies, examining mobile platforms, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and immersive technologies. The results present a paradigm of innovation through constraint, with all successful adaptations driven by infrastructural limitations. As case studies, Latin American contexts have demonstrated the effectiveness of mobile technology and microlearning comparable to costly immersive technologies, completely contradicting deficit narratives. Seventy-eight percent of regional studies adhere systematically to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4, 8, 10), illustrating an inclusive approach to technological development that values social impact over technical sophistication. Triangulation bibliometrics confirm the institutionalization of three research traditions—techno-deterministic, constructivist, and critical—with a focus on innovation–digital transformation–technological entrepreneurship. Studies show that contexts traditionally considered “limited” generate innovations with potential for reverse transfer to developed economies. The implementation gap between research and practice reflects systemic tensions between academic frameworks and contextual complexities. This will motivate fundamental justifications for implementing educational policies in ways that support contextual diversity as a strategic strength, fostering the sustainable development of youth entrepreneurial skills in the digital age. Full article

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

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59 pages, 697 KB

Open AccessArticle

Plague and Climate in the Collapse of an Ancient World-System: Afro-Eurasia, 2nd Century CE

by Daniel Barreiros

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(9), 536; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14090536 - 4 Sep 2025

Abstract

This article examines the potential role of the Antonine Plague (165–180 CE) and climate change in the mid-2nd-century collapse of the Afro-Eurasian world-system. Following the model proposed by Gills and Frank, the world-system cycles between phases of integration (A) and disintegration (B). Integrative [...] Read more.

This article examines the potential role of the Antonine Plague (165–180 CE) and climate change in the mid-2nd-century collapse of the Afro-Eurasian world-system. Following the model proposed by Gills and Frank, the world-system cycles between phases of integration (A) and disintegration (B). Integrative phases are marked by increasingly complex exchanges of goods, services, information, and populations, which enhance connectivity and intensify the circulation of matter and energy. Yet, this very complexity, while driving growth and expansion, also generates systemic vulnerabilities. The plague and climate change are examined here as critical shocks that triggered the shift from an A phase to a B phase, destabilizing interconnected regions such as the Roman Empire in the West and the Han Dynasty in China. The demographic losses and logistical strains of the pandemic eroded the integrative structures underpinning Afro-Eurasian connectivity, creating conditions for prolonged disintegration. These developments are further situated within the broader history of the Silk Roads, whose role in fostering transcontinental connections had reached a peak in the centuries preceding the crisis. The analysis underscores how pandemics like the Antonine Plague, together with episodes of abrupt climate change, can act as decisive agents in the disintegration phases of world-systems, reshaping the trajectories of complex societies and accelerating the collapse of established networks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disasters, Social Movements, Policy Responses and Sociocultural Evolution)

12 pages, 236 KB

Open AccessArticle

Abolition and Social Work: Dismantling Carceral Logics to Build Systems of Care

by Durrell M. Washington, Brittany Ribeiro Brown, Diana Ballesteros and Rebecca Lynn Davis

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(9), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14090535 - 4 Sep 2025

Abstract

Social work has historically operated as an extension of the carceral state, embedding policing, surveillance, and punishment into youth-serving institutions under the guise of care. This paper examines carceral seepage—the infiltration of punitive logics into social work practice—across child welfare, education, and juvenile [...] Read more.

Social work has historically operated as an extension of the carceral state, embedding policing, surveillance, and punishment into youth-serving institutions under the guise of care. This paper examines carceral seepage—the infiltration of punitive logics into social work practice—across child welfare, education, and juvenile legal, revealing how these systems function as interconnected circuits of criminalization rather than support. Using abolitionist frameworks, we critique social work’s complicity in punitive interventions and address common concerns about safety, scalability, and sustainability. Instead of reforming oppressive institutions, we argue for a fundamental transformation of social work, advocating for non-carceral models such as community-led crisis response, restorative justice, and mutual aid. By divesting from punishment and investing in collective care, abolitionist social work can move beyond harm reduction and toward genuine liberation. Full article

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

17 pages, 1052 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Lived Experiences of Youth-Workers: Understanding Service-Delivery Practices Within Queensland Non-Government Residential Youth Care Organisations

by Kassandra Wales, Ines Zuchowski and Jemma Hamley

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(9), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14090534 - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

Young people under the care of child protection agencies are at increased risk of entering the criminal justice system. Residential youth organisations support young people who are unable to reside with their families or in foster care. Youth workers in these environments ensure [...] Read more.

Young people under the care of child protection agencies are at increased risk of entering the criminal justice system. Residential youth organisations support young people who are unable to reside with their families or in foster care. Youth workers in these environments ensure the safety and wellbeing of young people in their care, consequently supporting the wellbeing of the overall community. This research explored the views and experiences of Queensland residential youth workers via a focus group interview. The data captured a thick description of service delivery practices. Constructivist Grounded Theory was used to conceptualise a theoretical framework based on the various empirical realities of participants. The findings highlight occasions where complex power dynamics had damaging consequences for youth workers and young people. Participants explored systemic constraints and structural inequalities, thus detailing the implications of top-down organisational structures on their service delivery, safety, and outcomes for young people. Participants were concerned about the implications of interrupted attachment and young people’s progression into crime. Practice recommendations centre around improving the disconnection between front-line realities and systemic hierarchies. Residential out-of-home care service delivery should focus on building community connection and belonging; mental, emotional and physical safety; collaborative care; and support. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Crime Prevention and Community Safety Through Evidence-Based and Theoretically-Driven Early Interventional, Diversionary, as Well as Community Building and Engagement Programs)

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18 pages, 304 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Third Sector of Social Action and Roma People During the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Ariadna Munté-Pascual, María Virginia Matulič, Paula Abella, Miguel Ángel Pulido-Rodríguez, Manuela Fernández, Adriana Aubert and Ramon Flecha

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(9), 533; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14090533 - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

The most recent scientific literature shows the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on socially vulnerable groups such as Roma people. Non-profit social initiative organizations were active agents in overcoming the effects of the pandemic. This article shows the role that Third Sector of [...] Read more.

The most recent scientific literature shows the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on socially vulnerable groups such as Roma people. Non-profit social initiative organizations were active agents in overcoming the effects of the pandemic. This article shows the role that Third Sector of Social Action organizations played in alleviating the impact of the pandemic in collaboration with the Roma community itself, as part of the R&D&I research project ROM21, which studied the social agency of the Roma population in Spain regarding overcoming inequalities caused by the pandemic in relation to education, social services, and civic organizations. Based on the communicative methodology, discussion groups and interviews were conducted with Roma people and professionals from social services, civic organizations, and the health and education sectors, with 54 Roma women, 24 Roma men, 40 professionals, and 5 social activists participating. The results show the social initiative entities’ social action strategies in collaboration with the Roma community and the public administrations that responded to the needs that arose during the pandemic and in the post-pandemic context. Full article

14 pages, 252 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs, Knowledge, Access, and Barriers to Services Among Rohingya Adolescent Refugee Girls in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

by George Palattiyil, Md. Tariqul Islam Limon, S. M. Niaz Mowla, Raihan Mahmood Kadery, Dipak Kumar Mitra, Habibur Rahman, Pritom Muztahid, Dina Pervez Sidhva and Harish Nair

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(9), 532; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14090532 - 2 Sep 2025

Abstract

This paper examines the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge, experiences, service access, and unmet needs of Rohingya adolescent refugee girls living in the camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The refugee population in these camps is approximately 1.3 million, with more than half [...] Read more.

This paper examines the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge, experiences, service access, and unmet needs of Rohingya adolescent refugee girls living in the camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The refugee population in these camps is approximately 1.3 million, with more than half under the age of 18 and girls representing over one quarter of the total. Given the growing proportion of adolescent girls, SRH knowledge and service provision are critical both for the refugee community and for Bangladesh’s broader sustainable development goals. Drawing on direct accounts from adolescent girls and insights from community-based key informants, this research explores levels of SRH awareness, willingness to seek care, encounters with sexual violence, understanding of sexually transmitted diseases, and reproductive health priorities. It also identifies barriers to service delivery faced by healthcare and humanitarian providers. The findings highlight how cultural norms, social constraints, and religious beliefs intersect with structural barriers—including lack of education, financial dependence, gender-based violence, and the need for parental or spousal consent—to restrict access to SRH services. Despite these challenges, some participants reported successfully receiving reproductive health care. This paper calls for coordinated action from the government, humanitarian agencies, and social service organisations to improve both the availability and accessibility of SRH services for adolescent refugee girls. Strategies should include enhanced outreach, culturally responsive engagement, and sustained follow-up care to promote safety, dignity, and well-being within the camps. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health and Migration Challenges for Forced Migrants)

11 pages, 316 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Weight of Loneliness: Family Resilience and Social Support Among Parents of Children with and Without Special Needs

by Batel Hazan-Liran and Inbar Levkovich

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(9), 531; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14090531 - 31 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: Raising children with special needs presents unique emotional and practical challenges, often increasing parental loneliness and diminishing perceived social support, both of which can undermine family resilience. Although previous studies have explored these constructs separately, there is limited understanding of how loneliness [...] Read more.

Background: Raising children with special needs presents unique emotional and practical challenges, often increasing parental loneliness and diminishing perceived social support, both of which can undermine family resilience. Although previous studies have explored these constructs separately, there is limited understanding of how loneliness and social support interact to influence family resilience. We examined the mediating role of loneliness and the moderating role of parent groups (parents with and without special needs children) in the association between social support and family resilience. Method: This cross-sectional study included 120 parents (60 parents of children with special needs, 60 parents of typically developing children), with children aged 3 to 18 years. Participants completed questionnaires measuring perceived social support, loneliness, and family resilience. Statistical analyses included t-tests, Pearson correlations, moderation, and mediation analyses using Hayes’ PROCESS macro. Results: Parents of children with special needs reported significantly lower levels of perceived social support and significantly higher levels of loneliness. However, no significant differences were found in family resilience. Across the sample, social support was positively associated with family resilience and negatively associated with loneliness. Moderation analysis revealed that the association between social support and family resilience was stronger among parents of typically developing children. Mediation analysis showed that loneliness fully mediated relations between social support and family resilience. Conclusions: These findings highlight loneliness as a critical psychological mechanism linking social support and family resilience. Although no significant group differences were found in family resilience, it is possible that unmeasured protective factors, such as coping strategies, may have buffered the negative impact of loneliness among parents of children with special needs. Interventions that focus on enhancing social support and addressing loneliness are vital for promoting resilience in parents, particularly those with special needs children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Family Studies)

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22 pages, 306 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reframing Migration: Toward a Human-Centered Security Approach

by Blendi Lami and Albert Kojku

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(9), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14090530 - 31 Aug 2025

Abstract

As Albania emerges not only as a transit country but increasingly as a destination for migrants, its migration policies are undergoing notable shifts. This article examines Albania’s evolving migration governance, focusing on the transition from a traditional, state-centered security approach to a human-centered [...] Read more.

As Albania emerges not only as a transit country but increasingly as a destination for migrants, its migration policies are undergoing notable shifts. This article examines Albania’s evolving migration governance, focusing on the transition from a traditional, state-centered security approach to a human-centered security framework. Drawing on qualitative methods—interviews with stakeholders from state institutions, academia, and NGOs, alongside a thematic analysis of the key literature and policy documents—this study identifies the drivers of this shift, including democratic reforms, EU integration, and alignment with international standards. The findings reveal a growing emphasis on human security in policy discourse and design, yet also underscore persistent challenges in policy implementation. This article contributes to debates on migration policy by highlighting the tensions and interplay between state security imperatives and human security priorities within Albania’s EU integration trajectory. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section International Migration)

28 pages, 871 KB

Open AccessArticle

“You Have the Choice of Whether You’re Going to Get Help or Attempt Suicide”: Exploring the Process and Impact of Mental Health Help-Seeking with Young People (16–25 Years)

by Louise Lynch, Anne Moorhead, Maggie Long and Isobel Hawthorne-Steele

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(9), 529; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14090529 (registering DOI) - 31 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: Youth suicide is a global issue and a type of death that can be prevented through early access to evidence-based mental health interventions, which can contribute to improved quality of life as well as health, educational and employment outcomes. Young people are [...] Read more.

Background: Youth suicide is a global issue and a type of death that can be prevented through early access to evidence-based mental health interventions, which can contribute to improved quality of life as well as health, educational and employment outcomes. Young people are encouraged to seek help for mental health problems, yet help-seeking rates remain low. Objective: The aim of this research was to explore how young people with a mental health problem decide to search and ask for professional help, and the impact of help-seeking experiences. Methods: Young people aged 16–25 years with experiences of help-seeking to mental health services were recruited (N = 18). Data analysis was informed by Constructivist Grounded Theory methods, and the findings were presented across four sub-categories: 1. Deciding to Seek Help; 2. Searching for the Right Help; 3. Reflecting on Help-seeking Experiences; and 4. Living with the Impacts of Help-seeking. Findings: Young people often sought help while highly distressed and required the skills and resources of a family member or friend to access the right type of help. Help-seeking was multi-episodic and had lasting positive and negative impacts. Young people’s help-seeking patterns were found to be similar to the ways in which they problem-solve in learning contexts, and the concept of a formal help-seeking skillset was presented. Conclusions: To minimise harm and improve provision and outcomes for young people’s health, education, and employment, research needs to urgently address the theoretical gap by developing distinct youth mental health help-seeking models or frameworks that acknowledge and incorporate how young people decide, search, and ask for help, and the important social relationships that support this process. Full article

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