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Societies
Volume 15
Issue 7
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Societies, Volume 15, Issue 7 (July 2025) – 34 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Far from a story of failure, women's return migration from Italy to Morocco and Tunisia is a story of resilience and reinvention. This article sheds light on how returnees become agents of change in their communities: they create businesses, challenge gender norms, and remodel their societies. Drawing on 25 interviews, the article reframes return not as a step back but rather as a step ahead,  with new competences and courageous endeavors in the social and political arenas of the post-uprising MENA region. View this paper
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24 pages, 5777 KiB  
Article
Women in STEM in the Eastern Partnership: EU-Driven Initiatives and Challenges of External Europeanisation
by Gabriela-Roxana Irod, Cristian Pîrvulescu and Marian Miculescu
Societies 2025, 15(7), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070204 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
This article explores the role of the European Union (EU) as a normative gender actor promoting women’s participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) within the Eastern Partnership (EaP) region. In a context marked by global inequality and overlapping international efforts, this [...] Read more.
This article explores the role of the European Union (EU) as a normative gender actor promoting women’s participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) within the Eastern Partnership (EaP) region. In a context marked by global inequality and overlapping international efforts, this paper assesses the extent to which EU-driven Europeanisation influences national gender policies in non-EU states. Using a postfunctionalist lens, this research draws on a qualitative analysis of EU-funded programmes, strategic documents, and a detailed case study encompassing Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, and Azerbaijan. This study highlights both the opportunities created by EU initiatives such as Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and regional programmes like EU4Digital and the challenges presented by political resistance, institutional inertia, and socio-cultural norms. The findings reveal that although EU interventions have fostered significant progress, structural barriers and limited national commitment hinder the long-term sustainability of gender equality in STEM. Moreover, the withdrawal of other global actors increases pressure on the EU to maintain leadership in this area. This paper concludes that without stronger national alignment and global cooperation, EU gender policies risk becoming symbolic rather than transformative. Full article
22 pages, 1217 KiB  
Article
On Est Ensemble: Stories of a Shipwreck, a Missing Pirogue, and Potential Migrants in Senegal
by Luca Queirolo Palmas and Federico Rahola
Societies 2025, 15(7), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070203 - 18 Jul 2025
Abstract
This article focuses on the story of a pirogue shipwreck that occurred in early September 2024, less than two miles from the coast of Mbour, about 200 km south of Dakar. It traces an ethnographic account of that tragic event through the lenses [...] Read more.
This article focuses on the story of a pirogue shipwreck that occurred in early September 2024, less than two miles from the coast of Mbour, about 200 km south of Dakar. It traces an ethnographic account of that tragic event through the lenses of different voices, standpoints, and testimonies from the survivors, the relatives and friends of the victims, and those involved in the organization of both the aborted ocean crossing and the rescue operations in various ways. By situating this extreme story of “potential migrants” among other accounts of migrants who disappeared at sea and of missing pirogues, the focus shifts to the different weights and possibilities of movement when dealing with disappearance and death, the unknown and known facts, addressing that which remains unknown even within this unambiguous and tragic event. Faced with the dense plot of ties at the core of that failed escape, we suggest that the reasons for the shipwreck are excess demand and solidarity, in terms of the impossibility of denying passage onboard the boat to friends, relatives, and neighbors. “On est ensemble” is therefore a way to recognize that there is no clear distinction or distance between captain and passengers, survivors and the dead, or victims and spectators, since in Mbour, everyone perfectly understands both the reasons and the risks, and the reason for the risks, of any illegal attempt to cross sea and land borders towards Europe. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Borders, (Im)mobility and the Everyday)
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28 pages, 562 KiB  
Article
Confirmatory Factors Analysis of Multicultural Leadership of Youth in the Three Southern Border Provinces of Thailand
by Kasetchai Laeheem, Punya Tepsing and Khaled Hayisa-e
Societies 2025, 15(7), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070202 - 18 Jul 2025
Abstract
Developing multicultural leadership in youth is crucial for fostering social harmony, emphasizing cross-cultural communication, adaptability, creative problem solving, and ethical leadership, particularly in Thailand’s three southern border provinces. This study aimed to analyze the confirmatory factors and assess the validity of the measurement [...] Read more.
Developing multicultural leadership in youth is crucial for fostering social harmony, emphasizing cross-cultural communication, adaptability, creative problem solving, and ethical leadership, particularly in Thailand’s three southern border provinces. This study aimed to analyze the confirmatory factors and assess the validity of the measurement model for multicultural leadership among youth in Thailand’s three southern border provinces. The study sample comprised 640 participants, and the data were analyzed using second-order confirmatory factor analysis. The findings revealed that multicultural leadership among youth in the region consists of the following six key components: (1) awareness and acceptance of cultural diversity, (2) intercultural communication skills, (3) flexibility and adaptability in multicultural contexts, (4) creative problem solving in a multicultural context, (5) building intercultural collaboration networks, and (6) developing culturally relevant morality and ethics. The measurement model demonstrated a good fit with the empirical data. Considering the Chi-square value of 411.81, p-value of 0.07, the relative Chi-square (χ2/df) was 1.11, the Goodness-of-Fitness Index (GFI) was 0.96, the Adjusted Goodness-of-Fitness Index (AGFI) was 0.94, and the Root Mean Square Residuals Index (SRMR) was 0.03. These findings provide valuable insights for formulating effective policies and concrete strategies to enhance and develop multicultural leadership among youth in diverse sociocultural contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Diversity Competence and Social Inequalities)
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16 pages, 542 KiB  
Article
Adolescent Perceptions and Use of E-Cigarettes as Smoking Cessation Tools and for Pleasure: Data Analysis from National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS), 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023
by Olusoji Ibukun, Chesmi Kumbalatara and Wasantha Jayawardene
Societies 2025, 15(7), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070201 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 105
Abstract
Once marketed as smoking cessation tools, e-cigarettes are used by adolescents mainly for entertainment, driven by aggressive marketing, appealing flavors, and safer alternatives to smoking. This study analyzes data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) to explore trends in adolescent perceptions and [...] Read more.
Once marketed as smoking cessation tools, e-cigarettes are used by adolescents mainly for entertainment, driven by aggressive marketing, appealing flavors, and safer alternatives to smoking. This study analyzes data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) to explore trends in adolescent perceptions and usage patterns of e-cigarettes from 2011 to 2023, focusing on their dual roles as cessation aids and recreational products. Cross-sectional data from the NYTS over four years (2011: N = 18,866; 2015: N = 17,711; 2019: N = 19,018; 2023: N = 22,069) formed the foundation of this study. This study investigated demographic trends, usage frequency, initial and future use patterns, and quitting behavior. Descriptive statistics and latent class analysis (LCA) were employed to examine adolescent e-cigarette use patterns, with statistical significance determined at p < 0.05. The reasons for using e-cigarettes have changed significantly over the years because of family or friends. In all years (2015–2023), use for smoking cessation dropped significantly (2.33% in 2023 vs. 6.95% in 2015). In 2023, 38% wanted to quit using e-cigarettes within 30 days, and 25% attempted to quit at least 10 times. Flavored e-cigarette users were more than twice as likely to consider quitting compared to those not interested in flavors (OR = 2.64). Our findings highlight a significant decrease in the use of e-cigarettes for cessation, with a corresponding increase in recreational use over time. These trends emphasize the urgency of implementing interventions to mitigate nicotine addiction and its associated health risks among adolescents. Adolescent e-cigarette use has transitioned from being primarily driven by cessation efforts to recreational purposes, largely influenced by appealing flavors and social factors such as peer influence, showing the need for stricter marketing regulations and targeted educational campaigns. Full article
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12 pages, 229 KiB  
Article
Toxic Leadership in Greek Primary Education: Impacts on Teachers’ Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment
by Evaggelos Tzortsos and Sophia Anastasiou
Societies 2025, 15(7), 200; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070200 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 121
Abstract
This study explores the perceptions of primary school teachers in Sparta, Greece, regarding toxic leadership behaviors and their impact on job satisfaction (JS) and organizational commitment (OC). The study was motivated by the need to investigate how school management practices, particularly in smaller [...] Read more.
This study explores the perceptions of primary school teachers in Sparta, Greece, regarding toxic leadership behaviors and their impact on job satisfaction (JS) and organizational commitment (OC). The study was motivated by the need to investigate how school management practices, particularly in smaller regional communities, influence teacher well-being—an area underexplored in the Greek educational context. A total of 163 teachers participated by completing validated questionnaires assessing toxic leadership, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified two factors explaining 61.3% of the variance: one linking toxic leadership and job satisfaction and another centered on organizational commitment. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlations between toxic leadership and both OC (r = −0.230, p < 0.001) and JS (r = −0.476, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis confirmed the predictive effect of toxic leadership on both variables. Interestingly, teachers with over 15 years of experience exhibited higher OC compared with those with up to 5 years of teaching experience, suggesting the resilience-building benefits of tenure. This study underscores the urgency for leadership development programs emphasizing ethical practices, emotional intelligence, and accountability to mitigate the adverse effects of toxic leadership. Full article
17 pages, 613 KiB  
Article
Integrating Human Values Theory and Self-Determination Theory: Parental Influences on Preschoolers’ Sustained Sport Participation
by Chih-Wei Lin, You-Jie Huang, Kai-Hsiu Chen and Ming-Kuo Chen
Societies 2025, 15(7), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070199 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 156
Abstract
Purposes: This study aims to construct a research framework integrating the theory of human values and Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to examine whether parents’ sport values influence their support for children’s continued participation in balance bike activities in terms of the mediation of participation [...] Read more.
Purposes: This study aims to construct a research framework integrating the theory of human values and Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to examine whether parents’ sport values influence their support for children’s continued participation in balance bike activities in terms of the mediation of participation motivation. Methods: Data were collected from 439 parents whose children participated in balance bike activities using a snowball sampling method. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to analyze the relationships among parents’ sport values, participation motivation, and continued participation intention. Results: The findings revealed that parents’ sport values significantly predicted participation motivation, which, in turn, remarkably influenced continued participation intention. Participation motivation fully mediated the relationship between sport values and continued participation intention, supporting SDT’s assumption of motivational internalization and highlighting the crucial role of intrinsic motivation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trajectory of Growth: Cognition, Learning, Playing and Child Development)
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13 pages, 225 KiB  
Concept Paper
Critical Algorithmic Mediation: Rethinking Cultural Transmission and Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
by Fulgencio Sánchez-Vera
Societies 2025, 15(7), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070198 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 90
Abstract
This conceptual paper explores how artificial intelligence—particularly machine learning-based algorithmic systems—is reshaping cultural transmission and symbolic power in the digital age. It argues that algorithms operate as cultural agents, acquiring a form of operative agency that enables them to intervene in the production, [...] Read more.
This conceptual paper explores how artificial intelligence—particularly machine learning-based algorithmic systems—is reshaping cultural transmission and symbolic power in the digital age. It argues that algorithms operate as cultural agents, acquiring a form of operative agency that enables them to intervene in the production, circulation, and legitimation of meaning. Drawing on critical pedagogy, sociotechnical theory, and epistemological perspectives, the paper introduces an original framework: Critical Algorithmic Mediation (CAM). CAM conceptualizes algorithmic agency through three interrelated dimensions—structural, operational, and symbolic—providing a lens to analyze how algorithmic systems structure knowledge hierarchies and cultural experience. The article examines the historical role of media in cultural transmission, the epistemic effects of algorithmic infrastructures, and the emergence of algorithmic hegemony as a regime of symbolic power. In response, it advocates for a model of critical digital literacy that promotes algorithmic awareness, epistemic justice, and democratic engagement. By reframing education as a space for symbolic resistance and cultural reappropriation, this work contributes to rethinking digital literacy in societies increasingly governed by algorithmic infrastructures. Full article
19 pages, 545 KiB  
Article
Socio-Scientific Perspectives on COVID-Planned Interventions in the Homeless Population
by David Melero-Fuentes and Remedios Aguilar-Moya
Societies 2025, 15(7), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070197 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 170
Abstract
Homelessness is characterised by a wide range of risk factors of a multidimensional and unstable nature. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these risk factors associated with homelessness but also prompted the development of prevention and care actions. This study identified and mapped the intervention [...] Read more.
Homelessness is characterised by a wide range of risk factors of a multidimensional and unstable nature. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these risk factors associated with homelessness but also prompted the development of prevention and care actions. This study identified and mapped the intervention programmes carried out for people experiencing homelessness in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve the study purpose, a thematic analysis of the scientific literature was conducted following the search strategy and analysis methodology characteristic of informetrics and scientometrics. The sources of information used were WoS, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO and ERIC. The paucity of planned actions, most of which have a local impact, reinforces the need to strengthen research that presents robust evidence on this issue. China and Europe are under-represented compared to other types of studies linked to COVID-19 and the prevalence of homelessness. Several clusters are distinguished among the plans: they are carried out in buildings or in geographical areas and according to the impact on the group (preventive, substance-related disorder support, health care and diagnostic). Among the emerging themes, health and social variables are represented, including communication and trust between health, community and homeless groups. The reduction in the thematic dimensionality shows equal planning between health care actions (81.8%) and psychosocial and prevention support (72.8%), an aspect that confirms the importance of joint actions. In this line, among the various clusters of the network analysis, the relationship between hotel, mental health support, substance-related disorder, social intervention and access to permanent housing was found. The studies analysed also highlight social exclusion, stigma, victimisation, living conditions and the risk of contagion among this group. This situation has not gone unnoticed among the studies analysed, which present proposals for the continuation of the projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Well-Being of Socially Vulnerable Groups in the Unsteadiness During Social Movements)
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28 pages, 1168 KiB  
Article
Ecotourism as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development: Conservation Governance in Mountain Regions
by Isabel Pilar Castillo-Salazar, Victoria Sanagustín-Fons and Iván López Pardo
Societies 2025, 15(7), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070196 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 247
Abstract
This study examines the multifaceted impact of ecotourism and conservation initiatives on sustainable development in the Sobrarbe region of Spain, with a particular focus on the role of the Foundation for the Conservation of the Bearded Vulture (FCQ). Using a mixed-methods approach, including [...] Read more.
This study examines the multifaceted impact of ecotourism and conservation initiatives on sustainable development in the Sobrarbe region of Spain, with a particular focus on the role of the Foundation for the Conservation of the Bearded Vulture (FCQ). Using a mixed-methods approach, including comprehensive document analysis and in-depth qualitative interviews, we investigate how ecotourism practices and land stewardship agreements contribute to local economic development, environmental conservation, and social well-being. Our findings suggest that while ecotourism has positively influenced the region’s development, significant challenges remain in balancing conservation efforts with tourism growth. The study provides nuanced insights into the complex interactions among conservation organizations, local communities, and tourism stakeholders, offering evidence-based recommendations for sustainable tourism development in rural mountain areas. By analysing the pioneering land stewardship agreement between the FCQ and the Aínsa-Sobrarbe municipality, we shed light on innovative governance models for sustainable regional development. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on social-ecological systems in mountain regions and provides practical implications for policymakers and conservation practitioners. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Embodiment and Engagement of Tourism with Social Sustainability)
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17 pages, 254 KiB  
Article
‘Finding My Tribe’—The Mixed Blessing of Neoliberal Parenting Programmes for Parents of Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder
by Keely Burch-Havers and Jon Ord
Societies 2025, 15(7), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070195 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 182
Abstract
This paper explores the experiences of parents of children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) who have participated in parenting programmes in the UK. The parents attended generic programmes before they were able to access more specific programmes geared towards the needs of children [...] Read more.
This paper explores the experiences of parents of children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) who have participated in parenting programmes in the UK. The parents attended generic programmes before they were able to access more specific programmes geared towards the needs of children with ASD. The parents found that the generic programmes were detrimental to the needs of their children and disruptive of family life, resulting in parental relationship breakdown in some instances. Whilst the ASD-specific programmes did provide some level of support, the most decisive factor was the sharing of experiences amongst those parents as well as the ongoing support that this fostered. The conclusion of this study is that the neoliberal responsibilisation of parents via parenting programmes is undermining the support networks of parents of children with ASD, and an asset-based community development approach would be more beneficial. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Critical Disability Studies, a Social Theory and Praxis Supporting Changes in Socio-Political Conditions of Social Exclusion of People with Disabilities)
22 pages, 2492 KiB  
Review
A Review About the Effects of Digital Competences on Professional Recognition; The Mediating Role of Social Media and Structural Social Capital
by Javier De la Hoz-Ruiz, Rawad Chaker, Lucía Fernández-Terol and Marta Olmo-Extremera
Societies 2025, 15(7), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070194 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 257
Abstract
This article investigates how digital competences contribute to the production of social capital and professional recognition through a systematic review of international literature. Drawing on 62 peer-reviewed articles indexed in Web of Science, Scopus, and ERIC, the review identifies the most frequently mobilized [...] Read more.
This article investigates how digital competences contribute to the production of social capital and professional recognition through a systematic review of international literature. Drawing on 62 peer-reviewed articles indexed in Web of Science, Scopus, and ERIC, the review identifies the most frequently mobilized theoretical frameworks, the predominant types and sources of recognition, and the associated dimensions of social capital. The findings reveal a growing emphasis on communicative and network-based digital competences—particularly digital communication, information management, and virtual collaboration—as key assets in professional contexts. Recognition is shown to take predominantly non-material, extrinsic, and visibility-oriented forms, with social media platforms emerging as central sites for the performance and circulation of digital competences. The results indicate that social media proficiency has become a central determinant of social recognition, favoring individuals who possess not only digital fluency but also the ability to strategically develop and mobilize their networks. This dynamic reframes signal theory in light of today’s platformed ecosystems: recognition no longer depends increasingly on one’s capacity to render competences legible, visible, and endorsed within algorithmically mediated environments. Those who master the codes of visibility and reputation-building online are best positioned to convert recognition into social capital and professional opportunity. Full article
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22 pages, 288 KiB  
Concept Paper
Evolving Poverty in Italy: Individual Changes and Social Support Networks
by Serena Quarta
Societies 2025, 15(7), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070193 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 475
Abstract
Over the last 20 years, poverty has undergone profound changes, even affecting people who were once safe from the processes of impoverishment. Hidden under the guise of normal difficulties considered part of the natural course of life, it has lost its “occasional” connotation [...] Read more.
Over the last 20 years, poverty has undergone profound changes, even affecting people who were once safe from the processes of impoverishment. Hidden under the guise of normal difficulties considered part of the natural course of life, it has lost its “occasional” connotation and has become “established” in people’s lives, causing new and dangerous trends. The article offers some reflections on how these dynamics have become particularly widespread in Italy, resulting in two types of poverty: cultural poverty, linked to the phenomenon of young NEETs (Not in Employment, Education, or Training), and working poverty. These types of poverty are linked and risk feeding off each other. On the one hand, poor cultural tools force young people to settle for low-paid jobs. On the other hand, poor-quality work, due to poor training, discourages people from pursuing education and training and traps poor workers in a situation of social stagnation. A possible tool to tackle these issues could be Responsible Welfare, which focuses on the person as a unique entity, implementing the resilience of individuals to promote self-esteem while also enhancing relational, social, and community resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Inclusion and Well-Being, How Contemporary Societies Have Transformed)
15 pages, 912 KiB  
Article
Weaker Association Between Financial Security and Health in the Global South
by Shervin Assari
Societies 2025, 15(7), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070192 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 280
Abstract
Background: Subjective socioeconomic status (SES) is a powerful determinant of health and well-being, capturing individuals’ perceptions of their material conditions and security. While higher perceived financial and basic needs security are generally linked to better health outcomes, little is known about how these [...] Read more.
Background: Subjective socioeconomic status (SES) is a powerful determinant of health and well-being, capturing individuals’ perceptions of their material conditions and security. While higher perceived financial and basic needs security are generally linked to better health outcomes, little is known about how these associations differ across global contexts. Drawing on data from 23 countries, this study tests whether these relationships are systematically weaker in Global South countries. Methods: Cross-sectional data from Wave 1 of the Global Flourishing Study (n = 207,000) were used to examine associations between subjective SES indicators—financial security and security in basic needs (food, housing, safety)—and two outcomes: self-rated physical health and mental health. All variables were measured on 0–10 scales. Linear regression models were estimated separately by Global South and Global North country status, adjusting for age and sex. Global South classification was based on standard development and geopolitical frameworks. Results: In both global regions, individuals with higher perceived financial and basic needs security reported significantly better mental and physical health. However, the strength of these associations was consistently weaker in Global South countries. Interaction terms confirmed that Global South status moderated the association between subjective SES and health outcomes. Conclusions: These findings suggest global-scale “diminished returns” of subjective SES on health, echoing patterns previously observed within countries. Structural inequalities, weaker public systems, and contextual adversity may dilute the health benefits of perceived security in Global South settings. Global health equity efforts must therefore move beyond individual-level interventions to address the broader systems that constrain the translation of socioeconomic resources into health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Power Structures and Health Equity: Analyzing Structural Determinants of Healthcare Access and Outcomes)
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30 pages, 517 KiB  
Article
‘They Say There’s More Equality…’: Women’s Perspectives on Progress and Setbacks in Gender Equality in Northern Iceland During Times of Crisis
by Marya Rozanova-Smith, Embla Eir Oddsdóttir and Andrey N. Petrov
Societies 2025, 15(7), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070191 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 465
Abstract
Enabling gender equality through the empowerment of women to fully participate in modern society is one of the most critical steps toward sustainable development. However, recent UN reports indicate that the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have jeopardized the achievement of Sustainable Development [...] Read more.
Enabling gender equality through the empowerment of women to fully participate in modern society is one of the most critical steps toward sustainable development. However, recent UN reports indicate that the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have jeopardized the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5 by 2030 in many countries worldwide, including Iceland, which has consistently been ranked as a global leader in gender equality. The main objective of this qualitative study is to examine the gendered impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic by exploring women’s lived experiences during the crisis and its aftermath across the primary domains of gender equality—personal and social. The study is based on 72 in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted in the Northeastern Region of Iceland (Norðurland eystra) in 2022–2023, utilizing both strength-based and deficit analyses. The findings from the study indicate that, despite high government gender equality standards and support programs, as well as the considerable resilience demonstrated by women during the pandemic crisis, women in Iceland continue to encounter significant constraints to empowerment in achieving genuine gender equality within the personal and social domains. The study outcomes suggest that the further integration of a gender-responsive approach into policy development is crucial for the implementation of more comprehensive, nuanced, and locally adaptive gender equality measures. Advancing such policies will not only strengthen Iceland’s position as a global leader in gender equality but also contribute to its long-term social sustainability. Full article
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18 pages, 716 KiB  
Article
The Meaning of Sexual Harassment in the Eye of the Beholder: 25 Years After the Enactment of Israel’s Prevention of Sexual Harassment Law
by Sima Zach, Rona Cohen and Michal Arnon
Societies 2025, 15(7), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070190 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 262
Abstract
This study examines perceptions of sexual harassment in sports 25 years after the enactment of Israel’s prevention of sexual harassment law, building upon a 1999 study by Feigin and Negbi. Utilizing feminist and power relations theories, this research investigates how perceptions have evolved [...] Read more.
This study examines perceptions of sexual harassment in sports 25 years after the enactment of Israel’s prevention of sexual harassment law, building upon a 1999 study by Feigin and Negbi. Utilizing feminist and power relations theories, this research investigates how perceptions have evolved across genders, competitive levels, and coaching statuses. A total of 361 participants, including non-competitive, competitive, and Olympic athletes, completed a questionnaire assessing perceptions of potentially harassing behaviors. The results reveal significant shifts in awareness, particularly among female athletes, across all four factors of sexual harassment examined. The most substantial change was observed in the “Between concern and interest” factor, indicating increased sensitivity to ambiguous behaviors. Olympic athletes and coaches demonstrated heightened awareness compared to non-competitive athletes. Gender disparities persisted, with female participants consistently showing higher sensitivity to potentially harassing behaviors. These findings underscore the need for tailored educational programs, policy revisions, and increased representation of diverse perspectives in sports leadership. Full article
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12 pages, 242 KiB  
Article
Knowledge of Homosexuality and Attitudes Toward Lesbian and Gay Parenting Among Israeli Nurses in Mother-Child Health Clinics
by Eitan Gur, Oren Wacht, Dorit Segal-Engelchin and Orli Grinstein-Cohen
Societies 2025, 15(7), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070189 - 6 Jul 2025
Viewed by 390
Abstract
The growing number of lesbian and gay (LG) parent families in Israel, along with the increasing involvement of nurses in Mother-Child Health Clinics (MCHCs) in supporting them, served as the impetus for this study. The study aimed to examine (1) MCHC nurses’ knowledge [...] Read more.
The growing number of lesbian and gay (LG) parent families in Israel, along with the increasing involvement of nurses in Mother-Child Health Clinics (MCHCs) in supporting them, served as the impetus for this study. The study aimed to examine (1) MCHC nurses’ knowledge of homosexuality and attitudes toward LG parenting; (2) the association between their knowledge and attitudes; and (3) their association with socio-demographic, professional, and LG-related characteristics. Findings from 65 MCHC nurses revealed moderate levels of knowledge about homosexuality, low levels of negative attitudes, and moderate levels of positive attitudes toward LG parenting. Nurses who were Jewish, secular, or living in a city had greater knowledge about homosexuality and fewer negative beliefs about LG parenting. Acquaintance with LG individuals was associated with fewer negative beliefs about LG parenting. Greater knowledge about homosexuality correlated with fewer negative beliefs and more positive perceptions of LG parenting, suggesting that enhanced knowledge fosters more positive attitudes toward LG parenting. The findings emphasize the need for tailored, knowledge-based training in nursing education for MCHC settings, considering nurses’ diverse cultural backgrounds, level of religiosity, and familiarity with LG individuals. Incorporating content on homosexuality and LG parenting may promote more inclusive and supportive care practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Queer Care: Addressing LGBTQ+ Needs in Healthcare and Social Services)
24 pages, 5607 KiB  
Article
Selective Permeability, Political Affordances and the Gendering of Cities
by Matthew Crippen
Societies 2025, 15(7), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070188 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 368
Abstract
Women disproportionately encounter negative affordances in urban environments—defined as features that severely restrict movement and impose harm. City venues are, thus, selectively permeable to women, though men face their own challenges, especially in intersectional contexts. The data in this study suggest that gender [...] Read more.
Women disproportionately encounter negative affordances in urban environments—defined as features that severely restrict movement and impose harm. City venues are, thus, selectively permeable to women, though men face their own challenges, especially in intersectional contexts. The data in this study suggest that gender combines with ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and visible religious markers, making obstruction a shifting but nonetheless real phenomenon, much like a staircase genuinely impedes wheelchair access. Cultural context also matters: a Black woman may face one set of barriers in Paris, another in Seoul, with a Latin American woman encountering different ones in both. Building on these observations, the article argues that urban landscapes manifest gender-based political affordances—material configurations that reflect and reinforce social inequalities. As an affordance-based framework, the selective permeability model (1) draws on a well-supported theory of perception, where settings objectively present both favorable and hostile values relative to agents. The outlook (2) thereby challenges the stereotype that women’s spatial concerns are merely subjective. The position also (3) affirms that despite differences, people share bodily constraints and, hence, have largely overlapping values and experiences. The perspective accordingly avoids exaggerating divisions to the point of denying the mutual understanding that underlies empathetic norms. Full article
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22 pages, 389 KiB  
Concept Paper
Displaced Communities: Can They Be Healthy?
by Iris Posklinsky, Ram A. Cnaan, Hani Nouman, Limor Musayell and Odeya Shabtai Getahun
Societies 2025, 15(7), 187; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070187 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 370
Abstract
Emergency displacement has become an increasingly salient global phenomenon, precipitated by the intensification of climate crises and persistent geopolitical conflicts. These events forcibly displace millions each year and generate complex social, political, and institutional challenges. While the literature on displacement is expanding, much [...] Read more.
Emergency displacement has become an increasingly salient global phenomenon, precipitated by the intensification of climate crises and persistent geopolitical conflicts. These events forcibly displace millions each year and generate complex social, political, and institutional challenges. While the literature on displacement is expanding, much of it centers on individual and household experiences, often overlooking the collective dimensions of displacement. This article addresses this gap by critically examining the concept of the displaced community, a term used to describe collectivities formed in host societies comprising individuals who have been forcibly uprooted. The article undertakes a conceptual investigation of displaced communities, seeking to define their constitutive features while accounting for their internal heterogeneity and contextual variability. To sharpen analytical clarity, the study contrasts displaced communities with healthy communities, thereby situating two polar ends of a continuum. Based on these two types of community, the question arises, “can displaced communities be healthy communities?” The article advances a conceptual model of a healthy displaced community, positing that such a construct extends conventional understandings of resilience by foregrounding the processual dynamics of recovery and adaptation. Specifically, it is argued that community health in contexts of forced displacement must be understood as the outcome of iterative processes intentionally involving community-based intervention, empowerment, and long-term sustainability. Drawing on published case studies and empirical accounts of work with displaced populations, the article demonstrates how these three pillars—community intervention, empowerment, and sustainability—are implemented in practice. It concludes with policy and practice recommendations designed to prevent further deterioration and promote the development of health and well-being within displaced communities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Healthy Communities)
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27 pages, 1413 KiB  
Review
Corruption: An Uneven Field of Research—Between State and Private Topics
by Fabián Belmar and Aldo Mascareño
Societies 2025, 15(7), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070186 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 429
Abstract
Research on state corruption has flourished since the 1990s; however, studies focused on corruption within non-state organizations are still limited. In this study, we conducted a systematic review of 18,435 articles from the Web of Science database, covering the years 2002 to 2020. [...] Read more.
Research on state corruption has flourished since the 1990s; however, studies focused on corruption within non-state organizations are still limited. In this study, we conducted a systematic review of 18,435 articles from the Web of Science database, covering the years 2002 to 2020. Using topic modeling Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), we analyzed the field of corruption research. Our analysis identified four main dimensions: state corruption as the predominant field, private-to-public corruption, private-to-private corruption, and technological–biological corruption. Our findings indicate that state corruption has a well-established research tradition, whereas private corruption remains underexplored. We highlight key conceptual limitations in understanding the mechanisms of non-state corruption and propose the idea of operational deviation from regular procedures to address these issues. This article concludes that further empirical research is needed on non-state corruption to develop a conceptual framework specific to this area, which features distinct characteristics from state corruption. Finally, we suggest implications for policy and practice based on our findings. Full article
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17 pages, 442 KiB  
Article
The Social and Citizen Participation of Older People as a Factor for Social Inclusion: Determinants and Challenges According to a Technical Expert Panel
by Francisco Francés-García, Clarisa Ramos-Feijóo and Asunción Lillo-Beneyto
Societies 2025, 15(7), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070185 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 557
Abstract
The social and civic participation of older adults has proven to be an asset that positively influences the dynamics of social inclusion that affect them, and expert opinion from international organisations calls for its inclusion in the development of public policies in response [...] Read more.
The social and civic participation of older adults has proven to be an asset that positively influences the dynamics of social inclusion that affect them, and expert opinion from international organisations calls for its inclusion in the development of public policies in response to the increasing longevity worldwide. However, the characteristics of this participation have not been sufficiently analysed. The main objective of this study was to test the explanatory capacity of an operational proposal relating to the participation of older people based on a multidimensional participation structure. Four dimensions were established: two relating to social participation (associations and volunteering and public sociability) and two linked to citizen participation (political and electoral participation, as well as active citizenship and civic engagement). Based on the proposal, a technical expert panel (TEP) was asked to identify the main participation challenges faced by older people across the four dimensions identified. Consensus was sought using prioritisation matrices. The results showed, among other issues, the key role of the dimensions of citizen participation in identifying participation challenges that have an impact on social inclusion. The political and electoral participation dimension had a specific weight regarding the challenges linked to current problems and characteristics. On the other hand, the active citizenship and civic engagement dimension was oriented towards the challenges linked to desirable conditions and recommended initiatives in the future to improve the impact of older people’s participation. The expert panel’s statements coincide with the recommendations of international organisations on the need to involve older persons in policymaking from a perspective of comprehensive and person-centred care. This provides a concrete response to people’s demands and fosters bottom-up planning policies that contribute to social cohesion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Social Inclusion of Older Adults in Liquid Modernity)
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15 pages, 749 KiB  
Article
Tourism Gentrification and the Resignification of Cultural Heritage in Postmodern Urban Spaces in Latin America
by Javier Benedí-Artigas, Victoria Sanagustín-Fons and J. Antonio Moseñe-Fierro
Societies 2025, 15(7), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070184 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1248
Abstract
This article presents a social and historical analysis of Barranco district in Lima, Peru, examining its evolution as a postmodern tourism destination. Through documentary analysis of historical records, guidebooks, press articles, and novels, we investigate the significant social milestones along history with cultural, [...] Read more.
This article presents a social and historical analysis of Barranco district in Lima, Peru, examining its evolution as a postmodern tourism destination. Through documentary analysis of historical records, guidebooks, press articles, and novels, we investigate the significant social milestones along history with cultural, and economic impacts on tourism development in Barranco. The research employs a methodology to identify key elements that have shaped Barranco’s trajectory from a fishing settlement to a bohemian district in a lively city and finally to its status as a “hipster” neighbourhood. Drawing on postmodern tourism theory and Hawley’s socioeconomic development theory, we argue that Barranco represents a distinctive case of how cultural capital transforms and resignifies tourism spaces through complex identity processes. Findings reveal that Barranco’s development follows three clear phases: rural settlement (until the 19th century), seaside resort (mid-19th century to 1940s–60s), and urban district with postmodern tourism appeal (1990s onward). The study concludes that while Barranco’s bohemian and artistic identity has become a distinctive tourism asset, the district faces gentrification challenges that threat its sociocultural diversity and authenticity. This research contributes to understanding how postmodern tourism influences territorial identity transformation and illuminates the social, historical, and economic forces that shape distinctive urban tourism destinations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Embodiment and Engagement of Tourism with Social Sustainability)
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13 pages, 457 KiB  
Article
Revisiting the Correlation Between Vaccine Acceptance and Trust in Hospitals: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Valentina Marinescu, Darie Cristea, Bianca Fox, Dragoș-Georgian Ilie, Anda Anca Rodideal and Ramona Marinache
Societies 2025, 15(7), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070183 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 386
Abstract
The realities of the COVID-19 pandemic and the decision to control it through a worldwide vaccination programme brought to the forefront the debates about people’s attitudes towards vaccines and vaccination in general, and people’s attitude towards COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination, in particular. This [...] Read more.
The realities of the COVID-19 pandemic and the decision to control it through a worldwide vaccination programme brought to the forefront the debates about people’s attitudes towards vaccines and vaccination in general, and people’s attitude towards COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination, in particular. This study focuses on trust in hospitals, as a predictor of Romanians’ hesitancy towards vaccination. The study utilizes a longitudinal approach, examining data from two distinct periods: 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic; and 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings show that the COVID-19 pandemic has altered public attitudes towards vaccination and may also have compromised the link, considered implicit before the pandemic, between the level of trust in the medical system and favorable attitudes towards vaccination. Full article
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15 pages, 543 KiB  
Article
Free and Open: A Descriptive Study of Energy and Sustainability Programming Geared Toward Adult Learners
by Corey Young
Societies 2025, 15(7), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070182 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 235
Abstract
This study investigates participation patterns in publicly accessible educational events organized by a college policy and research center. These programs, which addressed topics related to energy and sustainability, were conducted both online and in person and featured expert speakers from government, business, and [...] Read more.
This study investigates participation patterns in publicly accessible educational events organized by a college policy and research center. These programs, which addressed topics related to energy and sustainability, were conducted both online and in person and featured expert speakers from government, business, and nonprofit sectors. By analyzing registration data from over 1400 participants across multiple events, the study identifies key trends in attendance, including sector affiliation, repeat attendance, and the impact of regional relevance on program popularity. The findings indicate that most participants were private citizens or affiliated with the business sector, with lower attendance rates from academia, government, and nonprofit sectors. Furthermore, the study underscores the popularity of regionally pertinent topics and the challenges in attracting participants to more specialized topics. The research highlights the importance of providing low-barrier, accessible adult environmental education (AEE) opportunities. It suggests that colleges and universities, with organizational capabilities and access to expert speakers, are uniquely positioned to offer these programs. This study contributes to the limited quantitative research on AEE, addressing a gap in understanding participation patterns and engagement within the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Education Across the Lifespan)
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25 pages, 349 KiB  
Article
Psychosocial Outcomes from Self-Directed Learning and Team Mindfulness in Public Education Settings to Reduce Burnout
by Carol Nash
Societies 2025, 15(7), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070181 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 416
Abstract
Attaining psychosocial health for learners self-identifying as burned out is challenging. Yet, positive psychosocial outcomes are possible. Learner burnout is reducible if learners accept their and others’ rights to self-direct their learning. This acceptance requires a community that demonstrates team mindfulness. Successful self-directed [...] Read more.
Attaining psychosocial health for learners self-identifying as burned out is challenging. Yet, positive psychosocial outcomes are possible. Learner burnout is reducible if learners accept their and others’ rights to self-direct their learning. This acceptance requires a community that demonstrates team mindfulness. Successful self-directed learning with team mindfulness is possible at diverse academic levels and in various public education settings. The author co-founded three such educational initiatives aiming to reduce burnout in learners. To reveal the results, the author assesses the total works published since 2020 regarding these initiatives, using narrative methodology. Some form of consensus decision-making is imperative for team mindfulness—it may take different forms. For these initiatives to succeed online, a participant-trusted facilitator who takes on the role of an authentic leader is necessary. If one is lacking, the participants may achieve positive psychological outcomes but not the positive social consequences of a decision-making method upholding team mindfulness. In working with burned-out learners, positive sociological outcomes are possible when a group focuses on self-directed learning and has a learning-related team mindfulness goal in common. By summarizing the positive psychosocial effects regarding burnout and outlining the difficulties of these publicly supported programs for self-directed learning, future research directions are suggested on this topic. Full article
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17 pages, 248 KiB  
Article
Rethinking Women’s Return Migration: Evidence from Tunisia and Morocco
by Stellamarina Donato, Consuelo Corradi and Umberto Di Maggio
Societies 2025, 15(7), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070180 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 771
Abstract
Return migration is frequently associated with failure, particularly in the context of women returnees from the global south. This research challenges this notion, focusing on women returnees from Italy to North Africa. It aims to analyze return migration by focusing on women who [...] Read more.
Return migration is frequently associated with failure, particularly in the context of women returnees from the global south. This research challenges this notion, focusing on women returnees from Italy to North Africa. It aims to analyze return migration by focusing on women who returned to Morocco and Tunisia in the last 15 years, and the aftermath of the Arab uprisings, emphasizing the transformative potential of migration experiences for themselves and the local community. Women returnees not only redefine their roles in society but also foster socio-economic development, community building, and political changes in the countries of return. The study employs thematic analysis to examine 25 semi-structured interviews conducted with returnees aged 25–60, where women shared insights into their migration, re-adaptation experiences, and challenges upon return. Returnees utilized skills gained abroad to achieve economic empowerment, often starting businesses or finding new jobs. However, they faced cultural challenges, particularly societal expectations of traditional gender roles. Nonetheless, migration empowered many returnees to question these policies and norms, and contribute to societal change. Full article
14 pages, 224 KiB  
Article
Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Brief Form of the Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire (ICQ-15) into Japanese
by Noelia Lucía Martínez-Rives, Pilar Martín Chaparro, Kenichi Asano, Jone Aliri Lazcano, Olatz Goñi-Balentziaga, Yudai Kaneda, Akemi Hara and Yasuhiro Kotera
Societies 2025, 15(7), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070179 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 351
Abstract
(1) Background: This study aimed to translate and develop a culturally adapted Japanese version of the brief form of the Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire (ICQ-15) and to evaluate its psychometric properties for Japanese adults. (2) Methods: In the pilot test, we asked five Japanese [...] Read more.
(1) Background: This study aimed to translate and develop a culturally adapted Japanese version of the brief form of the Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire (ICQ-15) and to evaluate its psychometric properties for Japanese adults. (2) Methods: In the pilot test, we asked five Japanese university students to rate their understanding. Then, a final sample of 428 adults between 18 and 40 years old (45.1%male and 54.0% female) completed the Japanese version of the ICQ-15. To examine the psychometric properties of the ICQ-15, item analyses, confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency analyses, and convergent and divergent validity analysis were performed. (3) Results: Although the items did not follow a normal distribution, most of them showed a good homogeneity index, suggesting good internal consistency between the items. The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the five-factor model had acceptable fit indices. Spearman correlations between the ICQ-15 and the Communication Skills Questionnaire (CSQ) supported its convergent validity, while correlations between the ICQ-15 and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) supported its divergent validity. (4) Discussion and conclusions: A Japanese version of the ICQ-15 was developed showing good psychometric properties to be used to assess interpersonal competence in adults. This questionnaire demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency reliability among Japanese adults. A future study will investigate the criterion-related validity and temporal stability of the scale. Full article
16 pages, 233 KiB  
Article
Family Chains: Kinship as a Mechanism of Labour Exploitation Among Bangladeshi Migrant Workers in Manufacturing and Labour-Intensive Sectors
by Abdelaziz Abdalla Alowais and Abubakr Suliman
Societies 2025, 15(7), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070178 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 255
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the role of kinship-based control, which serves as a mechanism of labour exploitation among Bangladeshi migrant workers in manufacturing and labour-intensive sectors in the Northern Emirates. The current study explores different case studies regarding participants [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to explore the role of kinship-based control, which serves as a mechanism of labour exploitation among Bangladeshi migrant workers in manufacturing and labour-intensive sectors in the Northern Emirates. The current study explores different case studies regarding participants dominated by familial control mechanisms that lead to Bangladeshi migrant workers finding themselves in vulnerable situations. This study incorporated an ethnographic research method. Data was gathered through participant observation, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews. The study includes different participant cases, including accounts from Bangladeshi migrant workers and their family members. In-depth interviews were conducted with a total of twelve participants to understand the experiences of Bangladeshi migrant workers and analyzed using a thematic approach. The findings of this study reveal six major themes: moral blackmail, isolation within the family, moral obligation and silence, familial control structures, abuse framed as duty, and informal hierarchies. This study shows that the existing labour mechanism is challenging for Bangladeshi workers, requiring strict attention from the host country to address challenges related to cultural obligations, the minimum wage, restricted movement, and harsh working conditions. It is implied that Bangladesh must make policy changes to create protective migration policies, establish worker independence, and provide pre-departure welfare programmes. Educational programmes developed by NGOs and public officials must include widespread awareness initiatives to heighten the focus on migrants and their family members and break unsustainable cultural standards. The novel aspect of this study lies in the fact that it explores family-based labour exploitation, which is rarely studied in migration research. Full article
15 pages, 483 KiB  
Article
Neighborhoods and Racial Inequality in Assortative Mating and Fertility in the United States
by Karl Vachuska
Societies 2025, 15(7), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070177 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 191
Abstract
While racial inequalities in assortative mating and fertility have been well documented, the role of neighborhoods has frequently been overlooked in explaining these disparities. In this study, I use restricted birth record data from the state of California with neighborhood-level socioeconomic and demographic [...] Read more.
While racial inequalities in assortative mating and fertility have been well documented, the role of neighborhoods has frequently been overlooked in explaining these disparities. In this study, I use restricted birth record data from the state of California with neighborhood-level socioeconomic and demographic data to explore the roles of neighborhoods and structural neighborhood inequality in mediating racial inequality in assortative mating and fertility in 2018 and 2019. Overall, neighborhood disadvantage, particularly disadvantage measured in a neighborhood’s mobility network, mediated a substantial proportion of the disparity in fathers’ educational attainment between White and Black or Hispanic mothers in California in 2018 and 2019. Additionally, while I observe evidence of Black and Hispanic neighborhoods having significantly greater fertility rates than White neighborhoods, this gap can be entirely explained by neighborhood disadvantage. Lastly, a significant share of the fertility gap between less-educated White and Black women is mediated by neighborhood disadvantage. This study motivates more research at the intersection of assortative mating and fertility at the neighborhood scale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gender and Class: Exploring the Intersections of Power and Inequality)
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19 pages, 256 KiB  
Article
Do Mini-Publics Answer Environmental Demands by Youth? Promises and Perceptions of ‘Voice’ in Four European Cities
by Laura Bullon-Cassis, Christine Lutringer, Maria Mexi and Yanina Welp
Societies 2025, 15(7), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070176 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 256
Abstract
This study examines how climate citizens’ assemblies (CCAs) influence youth engagement, both in practice and in shaping perceptions of political “voice”, drawing on Albert O. Hirschman’s “Exit, Voice, and Loyalty” framework. Through qualitative analysis of 71 interviews, participatory workshops, and observational data across [...] Read more.
This study examines how climate citizens’ assemblies (CCAs) influence youth engagement, both in practice and in shaping perceptions of political “voice”, drawing on Albert O. Hirschman’s “Exit, Voice, and Loyalty” framework. Through qualitative analysis of 71 interviews, participatory workshops, and observational data across four cities—Barcelona, Bologna, Geneva, and Paris—it explores whether CCAs address youth climate activists’ demands, enable meaningful participation, and yield policy outcomes aligned with their claims. Findings reveal divergent perceptions: in Bologna, co-design with activists tended to foster trust, while Barcelona saw disillusionment due to unmet expectations. Geneva’s embedded deliberative processes strengthened institutional loyalty, whereas Paris faced skepticism as activists turned to civil disobedience. Overall, CCAs’ effectiveness hinges on inclusivity, follow-through, and communication; when perceived as tokenistic, they risk reinforcing disengagement (“exit”). The study underscores the need for embedded, responsive democratic innovations to sustain youth participation amid climate crises. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Embedding Public Participation in Planning, Governance and Climate Action: A Cross-Disciplinary Overview)
20 pages, 275 KiB  
Article
Democracy Dysfunctions and Citizens’ Digital Agency in Highly Contaminated Digital Information Ecosystems
by Juan Herrero, Hazal Dilan Erdem, Andrea Torrres and Alberto Urueña
Societies 2025, 15(7), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15070175 - 23 Jun 2025
Viewed by 261
Abstract
Social media platforms have been recognized as significant contributors to the dissemination of polarizing content, the spread of disinformation, and the proliferation of far-right populist discourse. While certain political actors deliberately seek to disseminate disinformation, a more nuanced understanding is necessary to elucidate [...] Read more.
Social media platforms have been recognized as significant contributors to the dissemination of polarizing content, the spread of disinformation, and the proliferation of far-right populist discourse. While certain political actors deliberately seek to disseminate disinformation, a more nuanced understanding is necessary to elucidate why users consume and accept this biased content. Using data from over 120,000 participants across five European and Spanish surveys, we empirically examined the relationships between social media use, disinformation, false news, users’ digital agency, far-right ideology, and far-right voting. We postulated that a lack of users’ digital agency is a significant contributor to this phenomenon and found a significant association between users’ low digital agency and the adoption of far-right ideologies (odds ratio [OR] = 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–1.23). This association remained after controlling for trust in social media news, psychological and social factors, sociodemographic variables, and response bias. Full article
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