Societies

12 pages, 255 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Critical Analysis of Moroccan Muslim Migrant Mothers’ Perceptions on Teacher Attitudes and Discourses Towards Their Children in Spanish Formal Education

by Lucía Torres-Zaragoza

Societies 2025, 15(8), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15080218 - 8 Aug 2025

Viewed by 153

Abstract

Teachers can be transgressive agents to foster the inclusion of the growing migrant population in European schools. However, they are often faced by many challenges working with the ethnic/religious diversity in their classrooms. Moreover, they sometimes adopt stigmatised views about minoritised students that [...] Read more.

Teachers can be transgressive agents to foster the inclusion of the growing migrant population in European schools. However, they are often faced by many challenges working with the ethnic/religious diversity in their classrooms. Moreover, they sometimes adopt stigmatised views about minoritised students that affect their attitudes and discourses towards them. Muslim migrant students tend to endure discrimination and essentialist discourses in their educational experiences. Thus, this study aims to analyse teachers’ discourses and attitudes towards Moroccan Muslim migrant students in their formal education, from the perspective of their mothers. A critical qualitative study with a mixed thematic content analysis was carried out. In-depth interviews with a total of nine Moroccan mothers were conducted. There are still cases in which teachers’ discourse and attitudes can marginalise Moroccan Muslim migrant students. This can be explained by the lack of teacher training. Teachers sometimes struggle to tackle discrimination, which is eased by well-established action plans. There is a need for contextualised and specific training for teachers. Furthermore, policies, schools and the community should support and involve teachers in the development of more inclusive practices that are aware of systemic inequality and privilege. Full article

23 pages, 5587 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Beyond Technical Skills: Competency Framework for Engineers in the Digital Transformation Era

by Nádya Zanin Muzulon, Luis Mauricio Resende, Gislaine Camila Lapasini Leal and Joseane Pontes

Societies 2025, 15(8), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15080217 - 8 Aug 2025

Viewed by 209

Abstract

In the context of digital transformation and Industry 4.0, the engineering profession is evolving rapidly, demanding new skill sets to maintain employability and support career development. This study identifies the competencies engineers must acquire to meet these challenges, addressing concerns from employers who [...] Read more.

In the context of digital transformation and Industry 4.0, the engineering profession is evolving rapidly, demanding new skill sets to maintain employability and support career development. This study identifies the competencies engineers must acquire to meet these challenges, addressing concerns from employers who perceive graduates as underprepared for real-world demands. A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, using the Methodi Ordinatio technique to select and rank 59 peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2024. The review identified 47 key competencies, which were organized into a comprehensive framework of seven dimensions: 4 transversal, 9 social, 15 personal, 4 cognitive, 7 digital, 3 green, and 5 technical skills. The results highlight that, while technical expertise remains essential, soft skills—such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and adaptability—are increasingly critical for success in the digital era. The proposed framework offers insights for curriculum development, corporate training, and policymaking, contributing to aligning education and professional development with the evolving demands of Industry 4.0. Future research will focus on the empirical validation of the framework to reinforce its applicability across academic and professional settings. Full article

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20 pages, 724 KiB

Open AccessReview

Clarifying Community Concepts: A Review of Community Attachment, Community Satisfaction, and Quality of Life

by Elizabeth Long-Meek, Greta L. Asay and Michael R. Cope

Societies 2025, 15(8), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15080216 - 7 Aug 2025

Viewed by 216

Abstract

In the community research literature, the concepts of community attachment, community satisfaction, and quality of life are widely used but often lack clear and consistent definitions. Despite a substantial body of work across multiple disciplines, scholars frequently struggle to distinguish these terms, resulting [...] Read more.

In the community research literature, the concepts of community attachment, community satisfaction, and quality of life are widely used but often lack clear and consistent definitions. Despite a substantial body of work across multiple disciplines, scholars frequently struggle to distinguish these terms, resulting in fragmented and sometimes contradictory discourse. This paper reviews and synthesizes existing literature on each concept, highlighting various interpretations, common definitions, and measurement strategies. Rather than aiming to resolve these conceptual inconsistencies, this review aims to serve as a conceptual resource for community researchers seeking to better navigate and apply these three widely used but often inconsistently defined terms. It contributes to both theory and practice by clarifying distinctions and overlaps, guiding future operationalization, and encouraging theoretical precision in community-based research across disciplines. By drawing on a broad interdisciplinary range of sources, this review provides a resource for scholars navigating this complex theoretical landscape and aims to support a more coherent and informed dialogue around these key community-based concepts. Full article

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13 pages, 638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implementation and Evaluation of a VR/AR-Based Assistive Technology for Dyslexic Learners: An Exploratory Case Study

by María Lozano-Álvarez, Sonia Rodríguez-Cano, Vanesa Delgado-Benito and Miguel Ángel García-Delgado

Societies 2025, 15(8), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15080215 - 4 Aug 2025

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Abstract

This exploratory case study investigates the implementation and educational impact of a Virtual Reality (VR)- and Augmented Reality (AR)-based assistive technology developed to support learners with dyslexia. The intervention, delivered via mobile devices and VR headsets, incorporated gamified and interactive content aimed at [...] Read more.

This exploratory case study investigates the implementation and educational impact of a Virtual Reality (VR)- and Augmented Reality (AR)-based assistive technology developed to support learners with dyslexia. The intervention, delivered via mobile devices and VR headsets, incorporated gamified and interactive content aimed at enhancing cognitive skills such as attention, inhibition, narrative memory, and phonological awareness. Two in-depth case studies were conducted with primary school students formally diagnosed with dyslexia. Cognitive performance was assessed using the NEPSY-II neuropsychological battery, and user experience was evaluated using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The results showed positive trends in executive function and language-related skills, as well as high motivation and satisfaction. While these findings suggest promising benefits of immersive educational technologies in dyslexia intervention, conclusions regarding efficacy cannot be drawn due to the limited sample size. Further research with larger and controlled designs is needed to validate these initial observations. Full article

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14 pages, 854 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Critical Impact and Socio-Ethical Implications of AI on Content Generation Practices in Media Organizations

by Sevasti Lamprou, Paraskevi (Evi) Dekoulou and George Kalliris

Societies 2025, 15(8), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15080214 - 1 Aug 2025

Viewed by 413

Abstract

This systematic literature review explores the socio-ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in contemporary media content generation. Drawing from 44 peer-reviewed sources, policy documents, and industry reports, the study synthesizes findings across three core domains: bias detection, storytelling transformation, and ethical governance frameworks. [...] Read more.

This systematic literature review explores the socio-ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in contemporary media content generation. Drawing from 44 peer-reviewed sources, policy documents, and industry reports, the study synthesizes findings across three core domains: bias detection, storytelling transformation, and ethical governance frameworks. Through thematic coding and structured analysis, the review identifies recurring tensions between automation and authenticity, efficiency and editorial integrity, and innovation and institutional oversight. It introduces the Human–AI Co-Creation Continuum as a conceptual model for understanding hybrid narrative production and proposes practical recommendations for ethical AI adoption in journalism. The review concludes with a future research agenda emphasizing empirical studies, cross-cultural governance models, and audience perceptions of AI-generated content. This aligns with prior studies on algorithmic journalism. Full article

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

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22 pages, 1119 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intergenerational Tacit Knowledge Transfer: Leveraging AI

by Bettina Falckenthal, Manuel Au-Yong-Oliveira and Cláudia Figueiredo

Societies 2025, 15(8), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15080213 - 31 Jul 2025

Viewed by 490

Abstract

The growing number of senior experts leaving the workforce (especially in more developed economies, such as in Europe), combined with the ubiquitous access to artificial intelligence (AI), is triggering organizations to review their knowledge transfer programs, motivated by both financial and management perspectives. [...] Read more.

The growing number of senior experts leaving the workforce (especially in more developed economies, such as in Europe), combined with the ubiquitous access to artificial intelligence (AI), is triggering organizations to review their knowledge transfer programs, motivated by both financial and management perspectives. Our study aims to contribute to the field by analyzing options to integrate intergenerational tacit knowledge transfer (InterGenTacitKT) with AI-driven approaches, offering a novel perspective on sustainable Knowledge and Human Resource Management in organizations. We will do this by building on previous research and by extracting findings from 36 in-depth semi-structured interviews that provided success factors for junior/senior tandems (JuSeTs) as one notable format of tacit knowledge transfer. We also refer to the literature, in a grounded theory iterative process, analyzing current findings on the use of AI in tacit knowledge transfer and triangulating and critically synthesizing these sources of data. We suggest that adding AI into a tandem situation can facilitate collaboration and thus aid in knowledge transfer and trust-building. We posit that AI can offer strong complementary services for InterGenTacitKT by fostering the identified success factors for JuSeTs (clarity of roles, complementary skill sets, matching personalities, and trust), thus offering organizations a powerful means to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of InterGenTacitKT that also strengthens employee productivity, satisfaction, and loyalty and overall organizational competitiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revitalizing Workplaces: The Intersection of Public Health and Sustainable Wellbeing in Organizations)

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25 pages, 893 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploring Sustainable Development Goals and Curriculum Adoption: A Scoping Review from 2020–2025

by Robert Pham Xuan and Marcia Håkansson Lindqvist

Societies 2025, 15(8), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15080212 - 31 Jul 2025

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Abstract

This scoping review examines the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—specifically SDG 4, which concerns quality education—into national curricula at various levels of education between 2020 and 2025. This qualitative study uses the scoping review method to synthesise international research, identifying thematic [...] Read more.

This scoping review examines the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—specifically SDG 4, which concerns quality education—into national curricula at various levels of education between 2020 and 2025. This qualitative study uses the scoping review method to synthesise international research, identifying thematic trends, methodological approaches, and implications for curriculum development. The analysis reveals a strong focus on higher education, with articles from Asia and Europe dominating the discourse, while perspectives from early childhood education and the Global South are under-represented. Most articles favour qualitative designs, engaging with the SDGs as curricular content, institutional transformation frameworks, or community-based education tools. Despite these promising approaches, significant gaps remain in addressing behavioural change and equity across educational systems. Therefore, the study calls for more inclusive, context-sensitive, and interdisciplinary strategies to support the transformative ambitions of the 2030 Agenda. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Citizenship Education in Times of Social Turbulence: Education for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion)

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16 pages, 235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Populist Radical Right: Illiberal Erosion or Liberal Decay? Assessing Theoretical Explanations in the Wake of the 2024 European Parliament Election

by Alfonso A. López-Rodríguez and Jesus M. Benitez-Baleato

Societies 2025, 15(8), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15080211 - 30 Jul 2025

Viewed by 529

Abstract

This article identifies the structural factors underlying the rise of the Populist Radical Right (PRR) in Europe and evaluates its implications for liberal democracies. Our research finds that the emergence of the PRR is driven by the decay of democratic institutions resulting from [...] Read more.

This article identifies the structural factors underlying the rise of the Populist Radical Right (PRR) in Europe and evaluates its implications for liberal democracies. Our research finds that the emergence of the PRR is driven by the decay of democratic institutions resulting from the neoliberal globalization that was catalyzed by the collapse of the Soviet Union. We argue that the electoral success of the PRR lies in its capacity to use emotionally charged, single-issue narratives that resonate with the political demands of orphaned electorates, who engage in protest voting to express their frustrated expectations. Far from being an ephemeral phenomenon, we show that the PRR reflects structural transformations of the liberal political architecture, and is capable to further eroding democratic institutions by procedurally adopting liberal norms as a means to undermine them. A critical reassessment of the liberal perspective is necessary to address the dysfunctions of democratic institutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Populism Development in Media Digitalization: The Role of Social Ideologies)

16 pages, 251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Online Probability Panels in Europe: New Trends and Old Challenges in the Era of Open Science

by Luciana Taddei, Dario Germani, Nicolò Marchesini, Rocco Paolillo, Claudia Pennacchiotti, Ilaria Primerano, Michele Santurro and Loredana Cerbara

Societies 2025, 15(8), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15080210 - 29 Jul 2025

Viewed by 280

Abstract

Online Probability Panels (OPPs) have emerged as essential research infrastructures for social sciences, offering robust tools for longitudinal analysis and evidence-based policy-making. However, the growing role of the Open Science movement demands systematic evaluation of their compliance. This study compares major European OPPs—including [...] Read more.

Online Probability Panels (OPPs) have emerged as essential research infrastructures for social sciences, offering robust tools for longitudinal analysis and evidence-based policy-making. However, the growing role of the Open Science movement demands systematic evaluation of their compliance. This study compares major European OPPs—including LISS, GESIS, the GIP, ELIPSS, and the Swedish and Norwegian Citizen Panels—focusing on their practices of openness, recruitment, sampling, and maintenance. Through a qualitative analysis of public documentation and methodological reports, the study examines how their diverse approaches influence data accessibility, inclusivity, and long-term usability. Our findings highlight substantial variability across panels, reflecting the interplay between national contexts, governance models, technological infrastructures, and methodological choices related to recruitment, sampling, and panel maintenance. Some panels demonstrate stronger alignment with Open Science values—promoting transparency, interoperability, and inclusive engagement—while others operate within more constrained frameworks shaped by institutional or structural limitations. This comparative analysis contributes to the understanding of OPPs as evolving knowledge infrastructures and provides a reference framework for future panel development. In doing so, it offers valuable insights for enhancing the role of OPPs in advancing open and socially engaged research practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reshaping Social Reality: Digital Societies and the Data-Based Approach)

18 pages, 271 KiB

Open AccessArticle

AI Pioneers and Stragglers in Greece: Challenges, Gaps, and Opportunities for Journalists and Media

by Sotirios Triantafyllou, Andreas M. Panagopoulos and Panagiotis Kapos

Societies 2025, 15(8), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15080209 - 28 Jul 2025

Viewed by 512

Abstract

Media organizations are experiencing ongoing transformation, increasingly driven by the advancement of AI technologies. This development has begun to link journalists with generative systems and synthetic technologies. Although newsrooms worldwide are exploring AI adoption to improve information sourcing, news production, and distribution, a [...] Read more.

Media organizations are experiencing ongoing transformation, increasingly driven by the advancement of AI technologies. This development has begun to link journalists with generative systems and synthetic technologies. Although newsrooms worldwide are exploring AI adoption to improve information sourcing, news production, and distribution, a gap exists between resource-rich organizations and those with limited means. Since ChatGPT 3.5 was released on 30 November 2022, Greek media and journalists have gained the ability to use and explore AI technology. In this study, we examine the use of AI in Greek newsrooms, as well as journalists’ reflections and concerns. Through qualitative analysis, our findings indicate that the adoption and integration of these tools in Greek newsrooms is marked by the lack of formal institutional policies, leading to a predominantly self-directed and individualized use of these technologies by journalists. Greek journalists engage with AI tools both professionally and personally, often without organizational guidance or formal training. This issue may compromise the quality of journalism due to the absence of established guidelines. Consequently, individuals may produce content that is inconsistent with the media outlet’s identity or that disseminates misinformation. Age, gender, and newsroom roles do not constitute limiting factors for this “experimentation”, as survey participants showed familiarity with this technology. In addition, in some cases, the disadvantages of specific tools regarding qualitative results in Greek are inhibiting factors for further exploration and use. All these points to the need for immediate training, literacy, and ethical frameworks. Full article

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

20 pages, 304 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Normative Power and Europeanization: The EU’s Global Agenda for Gender Equality

by Oana-Andreea Ion, Gabriela-Roxana Irod and Cristian Pîrvulescu

Societies 2025, 15(8), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15080208 - 27 Jul 2025

Viewed by 413

Abstract

This article explores how the European Union (EU) promotes gender equality beyond its borders, situating the analysis within broader debates on external Europeanization and normative power. While most studies have examined the domestic impact of EU policies, this paper focuses on how gender [...] Read more.

This article explores how the European Union (EU) promotes gender equality beyond its borders, situating the analysis within broader debates on external Europeanization and normative power. While most studies have examined the domestic impact of EU policies, this paper focuses on how gender equality norms are projected internationally and conceptually investigates the mechanisms involved in their diffusion. Drawing on existing theoretical literature, the article analyzes how EU-level normative strategies may interact with domestic political, institutional, and societal dynamics in third countries, often in complex and contested ways. Rather than providing empirical testing, the study identifies core mechanisms—such as strategic communication, partnerships, and funding tools—and reflects on their limitations and the role of local agency in interpreting or resisting EU-promoted norms. The findings highlight the difficulty of isolating EU influence from other international and transnational drivers of norm diffusion, and the need for caution in attributing policy shifts solely to EU action. The article concludes that a better understanding of these processes requires more attention to domestic contexts, as well as future empirical research to complement conceptual analyses of Europeanization in sensitive policy domains such as gender equality. Full article

18 pages, 1588 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“Sacred Rock in the Way”—The Interplay of Modernity and Cultures in the Highway Construction of Southwest China

by Hai-Xia Zou, Heying Jenny Zhan and Alexandra Tosone

Societies 2025, 15(8), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15080207 - 22 Jul 2025

Viewed by 261

Abstract

Highway construction in China has bolstered Chinese claims of having the longest highways in the world, yet it has led to the involuntary relocation and resettlement of millions of people all over China. This study examines the interplay of power relationships in modernity [...] Read more.

Highway construction in China has bolstered Chinese claims of having the longest highways in the world, yet it has led to the involuntary relocation and resettlement of millions of people all over China. This study examines the interplay of power relationships in modernity and ethnic cultures. Using interviews with 201 Zhuang ethnic minority people and participant observations from two years in the Southwest of China, this paper presents findings that show both the positive and negative effects of urbanization and modernization as the consequence of highway expansion. By discussing the removal of a religious Sacred Rock which was in the way of the highway construction, the authors reveal the subtleties of the power interplay of majority–minority relations and the meanings of cultures and rituals in the face of modernity. In the process of modernization, highway construction reconstructs new communities while deconstructing the old one. The authors argue that recognizing the meanings of ethnic cultures as defined by ethnic people themselves is the first step to the reconciliation of social relationships between the majority and minority people in created new communities. To enhance social integration, religion has an important role to play in Chinese society. Full article

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20 pages, 281 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Older Caregivers of Children with Physical Disabilities: A Dual Challenge for Social Participation?

by Mercedes Molina-Montoya and Yolanda Domenech-López

Societies 2025, 15(8), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15080206 - 22 Jul 2025

Viewed by 409

Abstract

Older people’s social participation is being shaped by the current context of “liquid modernity,” characterized by the erosion of traditional roles and identity, fragile social ties, individualism, economic precariousness, and uncertainty. The challenges entailed by these trends can be exacerbated when a circumstance, [...] Read more.

Older people’s social participation is being shaped by the current context of “liquid modernity,” characterized by the erosion of traditional roles and identity, fragile social ties, individualism, economic precariousness, and uncertainty. The challenges entailed by these trends can be exacerbated when a circumstance, such as being the parent of an adult with a physical disability, is combined with old age. This study aimed to explore how this dual condition influences processes of aging and community participation. This work presents the findings of a phenomenological study conducted in 2025 through semi-structured interviews with a sample of 24 elderly people with children diagnosed with spina bifida. The results show that the children’s support needs, especially when they live with their parents, but also if they have become independent, impact the parents’ aging and social participation processes. Likewise, concern for the future is identified as a recurring aspect due to the children’s lack of support from a social network. It was concluded that public administrations and non-profit organizations should develop social intervention strategies aimed at promoting social participation, guaranteeing external assistance in the home, and providing coexistence resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Social Inclusion of Older Adults in Liquid Modernity)

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Societies, Volume 15, Issue 8 (August 2025) – 13 articles

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