Societies

22 pages, 2858 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Overview of the Socioeconomic and Biodemographic Aspects of the Vietnamese Fishing Crews

by Phuong Viet Le, Minh-Hoang Tran, Khanh Quoc Nguyen, Lan Thi Nguyen, Hung Viet Nguyen, Thuy Phuong Hoang Le and Nghiep Ke Vu

Societies 2026, 16(4), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040133 - 21 Apr 2026

Viewed by 624

Abstract

The current study provides a comprehensive overview of the socioeconomic and sociodemographic conditions of Vietnamese fishing crews, who form the backbone of the nation’s marine capture fisheries but remain among the most vulnerable labor groups. Based on interviews with 2037 captains and crew [...] Read more.

The current study provides a comprehensive overview of the socioeconomic and sociodemographic conditions of Vietnamese fishing crews, who form the backbone of the nation’s marine capture fisheries but remain among the most vulnerable labor groups. Based on interviews with 2037 captains and crew members across six coastal provinces, the study examines demographic characteristics, education, working conditions, legal arrangements, and income determinants. Results show that the fishing labor force is entirely male, predominantly middle-aged, and characterized by limited formal education and long occupational experience. Employment relationships are largely informal and verbal, leaving crews without labor protection, social or health insurance, or contractual stability. Statistical analysis revealed significant income disparities between captains and crew members, between inshore and offshore fleets, and among fisheries and provinces. Fishing experience and professional certification were positively correlated with income, highlighting the importance of skill development. The findings underscore the urgent need for socioeconomic policies that formalize labor contracts, expand insurance coverage, promote vocational training, and modernize fishing technologies. These measures, combined with income diversification and community welfare programs, are critical to improving the well-being, safety, and resilience of Vietnam’s fishing workforce and advancing sustainable marine economic development. This study provides valuable baseline information on an underrepresented segment of the commercial fishing industry, informing fisheries managers and policymakers in designing future development programs that account for the socioeconomic and demographic conditions of fishing crews. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section The Social Nature of Health and Well-Being)

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43 pages, 3956 KB

Open AccessArticle

Meta-Identity and Algorithmic Mediation on Digital Platforms: A Comparative Analysis of AI–Human Content Categorization

by Allan Herison Ferreira, Ana Carolina Trevisan, Carla Maria Baptista, Rubén Ramos-Antón, Álvaro Augusto Comin, Henrique F. Carvalho, Silvestre Vendrell and Valéria Oliveira Sá

Societies 2026, 16(4), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040132 - 20 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1388

Abstract

This article examines how algorithmic classification systems participate in the production of meta-identities, understood as operational classificatory constructs that mediate the visibility, circulation, and interpretation of digital content and its authors. The study employs a mixed-methods design combining controlled analytical simulation with qualitative [...] Read more.

This article examines how algorithmic classification systems participate in the production of meta-identities, understood as operational classificatory constructs that mediate the visibility, circulation, and interpretation of digital content and its authors. The study employs a mixed-methods design combining controlled analytical simulation with qualitative interpretive analysis, systematic thematic coding, and comparative statistical procedures. Empirical data are derived from the analysis of 150 audiovisual works produced in formative workshops and interpreted by four types of agents: authors, peers, specialized human analysts, and two Large Language Model-based AI systems (ChatGPT and Gemini). Interpretations were analyzed across micro, meso, and macro levels, using a consolidated system of thematic categories with hierarchical weighting and normalization procedures to ensure inter-agent comparability. The results demonstrate a systematic and structural divergence between human and algorithmic classifications. While human agents preserve semantic plurality and contextual anchoring, AI systems tend to reorganize thematic hierarchies through semantic aggregation and stabilization, thereby privileging broad, reusable categories. This process produces recurring, opaque classificatory patterns that serve as infrastructural references for subsequent algorithmic decisions. The article contributes methodologically by offering a replicable framework for comparing human and algorithmic regimes of meaning production in digital environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algorithm Awareness: Opportunities, Challenges and Impacts on Society)

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22 pages, 3879 KB

Open AccessReview

Parenting and Children’s Screen Use (2010–2025): A Bibliometric Mapping of Trends, Intellectual Structure, and Cross-Cultural Research Gaps

by Anusuyah Subbarao, Ahmad Salman and Kaniz Farhana

Societies 2026, 16(4), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040131 - 20 Apr 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1259

Abstract

This study maps the global scholarly landscape on digital parenting and children’s digital device use through bibliometric analysis of 628 Scopus articles (2010–2025). Using PRISMA-guided screening and science-mapping visualisations (VOSviewer and CiteSpace), the review identifies publication growth, influential sources, intellectual structures, and thematic [...] Read more.

This study maps the global scholarly landscape on digital parenting and children’s digital device use through bibliometric analysis of 628 Scopus articles (2010–2025). Using PRISMA-guided screening and science-mapping visualisations (VOSviewer and CiteSpace), the review identifies publication growth, influential sources, intellectual structures, and thematic clusters shaping the field. The mapped knowledge structure is dominated by health and media-effects traditions, with major research fronts centred on parental mediation, screen-time outcomes, online safety, and digital wellbeing. Crucially, the analysis shows that parenting perspectives remain weakly represented within this global corpus, with limited engagement with faith-based concepts that could shape mediation practices and moral reasoning in households. This underrepresentation contributes to a Western-centric evidence base, indicating a need for Islamically situated digital parenting research that integrates developmental concerns with ethics and culturally grounded mediation strategies. The study concludes by proposing a focused research agenda to strengthen theory building and empirical work in family contexts. Full article

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11 pages, 1214 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Digital Sunset: Imagine Traditional Media Narratives About the Collapse of the Internet

by Giacomo Buoncompagni

Societies 2026, 16(4), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040130 - 20 Apr 2026

Viewed by 576

Abstract

This study explored the behaviour of traditional media in the event of an extreme situation: the global collapse of the internet, using a qualitative and creative methodology. The objective was not to make a technological prediction or engage in dystopian speculation, but rather [...] Read more.

This study explored the behaviour of traditional media in the event of an extreme situation: the global collapse of the internet, using a qualitative and creative methodology. The objective was not to make a technological prediction or engage in dystopian speculation, but rather to conduct a sociological experiment that interrogates the cultural, technical and symbolic presuppositions of contemporary communication. Using imagination as the primary methodological tool allowed a ‘potential’ case study to be constructed, while the use of artificial intelligence as an imaginative source and cognitive mediator enabled creativity and analytical rigour to be combined, producing a research space that bridges sociology, media science, and socio-technical studies (STS). The results demonstrate that, without the internet, analogue media emerge as essential social infrastructures, restoring journalism to its original purpose of facilitating human connections and collective narratives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Societal Challenges, Opportunities and Achievement)

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21 pages, 623 KB

Open AccessArticle

Artificial Intelligence, Social Media, and Web Platforms in Secondary Education: Effects on Creativity and Cultural Participation in a Global South Context

by Gabriela Arcos-Cuaspud, Andrea Basantes-Andrade, Sonia Casillas-Martín and Marcos Cabezas-Gonzáles

Societies 2026, 16(4), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040129 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1540

Abstract

This study examines the effects of a three-month pedagogical intervention that integrated artificial intelligence (AI), social media, and web-based tools to strengthen digital literacy, creativity, and cultural participation among secondary education students in Ecuador. The intervention was theoretically grounded in perspectives of inclusive [...] Read more.

This study examines the effects of a three-month pedagogical intervention that integrated artificial intelligence (AI), social media, and web-based tools to strengthen digital literacy, creativity, and cultural participation among secondary education students in Ecuador. The intervention was theoretically grounded in perspectives of inclusive digital education and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), emphasizing participation, accessibility, and collaborative knowledge construction. The intervention involved 61 students supported by 31 university facilitators and was developed under a mixed-methods action research design with a pre–post (quasi-experimental) approach. Pre- and post-test surveys were administered to assess changes in digital competencies and creativity, while semi-structured interviews explored students’ perceptions of creative expression and their engagement with the cultural and technological ecosystem. Quantitative results showed statistically significant improvements in digital literacy and creativity (p < 0.001), while qualitative findings evidenced increased student empowerment, critical awareness of algorithms, and active cultural participation. The integration of AI and social media promoted an inclusive, student-centered learning environment that enhanced autonomy, reflective thinking, and media engagement. These results suggest that hybrid and culturally contextualized AI-mediated interventions may foster 21st-century competencies, strengthen digital equity, and promote creative agency in educational contexts of the Global South, particularly within emerging digital learning environments in Ecuador. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuroeducation and Emergent Technologies)

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25 pages, 2541 KB

Open AccessReview

A Female Refugees’ Career: A Review and Agenda for Future Research

by Rūta Salickaitė- Žukauskienė, Meda Andrijauskienė, Asta Savanevičienė, Natalija Mažeikienė, Gita Šakytė-Statnickė and Rūta Čiutienė

Societies 2026, 16(4), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040128 - 15 Apr 2026

Viewed by 835

Abstract

Recent geopolitical events have led to an increased research focus on the experiences of female refugees. As careers play a crucial role in socio-economic integration, this study aims to examine the scope and characteristics of research findings on the careers of refugee women [...] Read more.

Recent geopolitical events have led to an increased research focus on the experiences of female refugees. As careers play a crucial role in socio-economic integration, this study aims to examine the scope and characteristics of research findings on the careers of refugee women in host countries. Following the general research questions for bibliometric analysis, the major trends and intellectual structures of the research field of women refugees’ careers were identified. Four hundred and fifty-three articles selected from the Web of Science database (search by title, abstract, and keywords) for the period 2000–2023 were analyzed using VOSviewer (1.6.20). The results show that key challenges faced by forcibly displaced women include mental health disorders, language barriers, discrimination, downward career mobility, and pressure of traditional gender roles. The research reveals that critical enablers for female refugees’ workforce participation and economic independence are language training, culturally sensitive healthcare, and access to childcare. Simultaneously, empowerment strategies, including entrepreneurship and participation in professional networks, are proved to foster resilience and create pathways for successful career steps. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Careers in the 21st Century: Addressing Vulnerability, Promoting Inclusion, and Advancing Sustainability and Well-Being)

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21 pages, 3068 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Artificial Intelligence in Participatory Environments: Technologies, Ethics, and Literacy Aspects

by Theodora Saridou and Charalampos A. Dimoulas

Societies 2026, 16(4), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040127 - 15 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1055

Abstract

While Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches date back more than 60 years, there is no doubt that in the last 4 years, we have entered the era of AI. The advanced capabilities of Generative AI (GenAI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) have noticeably reshaped [...] Read more.

While Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches date back more than 60 years, there is no doubt that in the last 4 years, we have entered the era of AI. The advanced capabilities of Generative AI (GenAI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) have noticeably reshaped multiple sectors, becoming a driving force in participatory environments. Recent developments in Machine/Deep Learning (ML/DL) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) have enabled the introduction of tools and applications integrated into various professional fields. Areas ranging from education and media to art, tourism, and food science incorporate AI technologies to optimize established workflows, facilitate change, enhance creativity, and foster interaction. The current Special Issue includes nineteen multidisciplinary research works exploring AI in participatory environments, primarily focusing on technologies, ethics, and literacy aspects. Employing diverse methodologies, the research identifies various uses of AI along with the critical ethical and legal risks and challenges they entail. Concerns about inaccuracy, algorithmic bias, data infringements, and the potential erosion of transparency and interpretability need to be addressed in every phase of the design and implementation of AI technologies. Co-creative human-in-the-loop processes and human judgment need to be further strengthened and supported through digital/AI literacy initiatives. In this regard, effective regulatory frameworks, inclusive institutional strategies, and targeted training programs can ensure responsible and trustworthy AI use with a balance between technological evolution and human oversight. Full article

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

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17 pages, 1299 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Approach Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process for Assessing Child-Friendly Environment in Planned Neighbourhood Parks

by Mohit Kumar Agarwal and Aurobindo Ogra

Societies 2026, 16(4), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040126 - 13 Apr 2026

Viewed by 581

Abstract

The parks and open spaces of planned neighbourhood are generally underutilized in cities due to the lack of a Child-Friendly Environment (CFE). The quality of parks and open spaces can be elevated by addressing and improving the deficiencies identified in their conditions. There [...] Read more.

The parks and open spaces of planned neighbourhood are generally underutilized in cities due to the lack of a Child-Friendly Environment (CFE). The quality of parks and open spaces can be elevated by addressing and improving the deficiencies identified in their conditions. There is a need to identify the parameters for rating neighbourhood parks and open spaces. This research aims to understand the level of CFEin the planned neighbourhood parks of a metropolitan city. The research considers three parks as case study areas, Gandhi Park, Maharanapratap Park, and Balmiki Park in the city of Lucknow, the state capital of Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state. The research employed the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method to rate the parks with the use of a nine-point weighting scale. The research identified various dimensions under five major parameters of CFE, namely: perception, physical, social, cognitive, and emotional. The cognitive and perception parameters are observed to play the most significant role in generating CFE. The research result could be used in planning and developing CFE parks and open spaces in neighbourhoods by incorporating the critical dimensions and key elements of the identified parameters in policy guidelines, norms and standards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Social Research in Economics, Environment, Education, and Philosophy)

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21 pages, 1485 KB

Open AccessArticle

Societal Anxieties and Perceived Economic Vulnerability: How Social Pessimism Shapes Financial Insecurity Across Europe

by Oksana Liashenko, Oleksandr Dluhopolskyi, Viktor Koziuk, Dmytro Zherlitsyn and Tetiana Dluhopolska

Societies 2026, 16(4), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040125 - 13 Apr 2026

Viewed by 928

Abstract

Contemporary European societies face overlapping societal challenges—ecological degradation, immigration pressures, and widening economic inequality—which generate a pervasive climate of uncertainty affecting citizens’ perceptions of their own life conditions. This study investigates how social pessimism, conceptualised as a multidimensional orientation reflecting perceived threats across [...] Read more.

Contemporary European societies face overlapping societal challenges—ecological degradation, immigration pressures, and widening economic inequality—which generate a pervasive climate of uncertainty affecting citizens’ perceptions of their own life conditions. This study investigates how social pessimism, conceptualised as a multidimensional orientation reflecting perceived threats across environmental, migratory, and distributive domains, relates to subjective financial insecurity at the individual level. Drawing on harmonised cross-national data from the CRONOS-II panel (N = 8993), covering eleven European countries, we construct a composite pessimism index and analyse its association with perceived financial strain using multivariate and multilevel regression models. Results demonstrate that individuals who express greater societal pessimism report significantly higher levels of financial insecurity, even after controlling for income, education, employment status, and country-level heterogeneity. This relationship is moderated by socioeconomic position; specifically, the pessimism–insecurity link is strongest among lower-income and less-educated groups, suggesting that material precarity and anticipatory anxiety compound one another. Cross-national analysis reveals substantial variation in effect magnitude, with the strongest associations observed in Hungary, Portugal, and the Czech Republic, and the weakest in Slovenia and Iceland. These findings contribute to the interdisciplinary understanding of how macro-level societal concerns permeate individual wellbeing, demonstrating that subjective economic vulnerability is shaped not only by objective circumstances but also by the broader socio-political climate in which citizens interpret their life situations. The results underscore the need for policies that address both material conditions and the affective dimensions of societal uncertainty in order to strengthen social cohesion and reduce perceived economic risk. Theoretically, we frame social pessimism as a formative composite capturing perceived threat to societal stability, offering an integrative perspective on how structurally distinct societal concerns converge to shape economic subjectivities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Innovation Imperative: Survival, Adaptation, and Conflict in the Post-Consensus World)

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28 pages, 3157 KB

Open AccessArticle

Between Colonial Hierarchies and Mental Health Care: Structural Racism in the Lives of Racialised Brazilian Women in Portugal

by Izabela Pinheiro, Mariana Holanda Rusu, Conceição Nogueira and Joana Topa

Societies 2026, 16(4), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040124 - 4 Apr 2026

Viewed by 820

Abstract

Mental health inequities affecting migrant populations stem from structural determinants that hierarchize access to resources, recognition, and social protection. Among these determinants, structural racism plays a central role in the experiences of racialised Brazilian immigrant women in Portugal, producing vulnerabilities at the intersection [...] Read more.

Mental health inequities affecting migrant populations stem from structural determinants that hierarchize access to resources, recognition, and social protection. Among these determinants, structural racism plays a central role in the experiences of racialised Brazilian immigrant women in Portugal, producing vulnerabilities at the intersection of race, gender, nationality, and migration status. Grounded in intersectional feminist and decolonial epistemology, this study analyses how structural racism operates as a health determinant through specific mechanisms traversing material conditions of life, distress trajectories, and experiences of psychological care, and it examines how these women navigate the limitations of mental health services, identifying conditions for a practice committed to racial equity. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with racialised Brazilian immigrant women and analyzed through Reflexive Thematic Analysis. The findings indicate that racism is manifested through professional devaluation, labour precarity, documentation instability, and linguistic racialisation, impacting access to rights and the production of psychological distress. Mental health inequities are not limited to barriers to access, as institutional and clinical dynamics tend to individualize distress and disregard its historical and social bases, operating as epistemic violence. The community-based strategies mobilized by participants challenge models centred on individual intervention. This study underscores the need for structurally competent approaches and for institutional reforms oriented toward equity and racial justice within mental health systems. 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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16 pages, 271 KB

Open AccessArticle

Academic Integration as the Main Driver of Student Retention: A Multidimensional Analysis of Educational Ecosystems in Private Universities in Northern Peru

by Luis Edgardo Cruz Salinas, Marco Agustín Arbulú Ballesteros, Marilú Trinidad Flores Lezama and Mabel Ysabel Otiniano León

Societies 2026, 16(4), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040123 - 3 Apr 2026

Viewed by 717

Abstract

Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), this study examines how personal factors, academic integration, and institutional support relate to students’ intention to persist in private higher education. Using a cross-sectional online survey, composite scores were computed for validated constructs and entered [...] Read more.

Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), this study examines how personal factors, academic integration, and institutional support relate to students’ intention to persist in private higher education. Using a cross-sectional online survey, composite scores were computed for validated constructs and entered simultaneously into a single multiple linear regression model to estimate each dimension’s unique association with intention to persist. The overall model explained a substantial share of variance in persistence intentions (adjusted R² = 0.599). Academic integration showed the largest unique association, institutional support contributed a smaller additional association, and personal factors did not retain a unique association once overlap among constructs was taken into account. Given the cross-sectional, self-report design and single-institution sample, the findings are interpreted as conditional associations within this context, informing retention strategies that strengthen sustainable educational ecosystems as private higher education expands in Latin America. Full article

20 pages, 594 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rationality, Adaptation and Social Capital in Household Livelihood Shifts Following the Construction of the Bili-Bili Reservoir, Indonesia

by Safri, Darmawan Salman, Sakaria and Salsa Rizkia Meilinda

Societies 2026, 16(4), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040122 - 3 Apr 2026

Viewed by 693

Abstract

Large-scale infrastructure development disrupts not only the material foundations of agrarian livelihoods but also the social and ecological systems through which households manage uncertainty. This study argues that the livelihood shifts observed among households affected by the construction of the Bili-Bili Reservoir in [...] Read more.

Large-scale infrastructure development disrupts not only the material foundations of agrarian livelihoods but also the social and ecological systems through which households manage uncertainty. This study argues that the livelihood shifts observed among households affected by the construction of the Bili-Bili Reservoir in Lanna Sub-district, Gowa Regency, Indonesia, are best understood as products of contextual rationality operating at the individual level and enacted through household-level strategies. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach with 15 purposively selected informants, each representing a distinct household directly affected by the reservoir’s construction functioned as a structural shock that exceeded the adaptive capacity of the existing agrarian system, triggering differentiated household responses—including reservoir fisheries, small-scale trade, home-based enterprise, and labor migration—whose variation reflects systematic differences in individual skills, asset endowments, and social capital access rather than arbitrary or purely compelled choice. Theoretically, this study advances the sustainable livelihoods framework by specifying the mechanism linking individual rationality to household adaptive outcomes, and by showing how social capital—in its bonding, bridging, and linking dimensions—shapes the option set within which rational calculations are made. These findings suggest that post-displacement livelihood recovery is more effectively supported by policies that strengthen social network structures alongside physical and financial provision. Full article

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16 pages, 597 KB

Open AccessArticle

Do the Police See Individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities as Dangerous?

by Danielle Wallace and Isabella E. Castillo

Societies 2026, 16(4), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040121 - 2 Apr 2026

Viewed by 834

Abstract

In police culture, the danger imperative is the idea that the most important part of policing is to “come home at the end of the night.” Neurodivergence brings uncertainty to police encounters; because of the danger imperative, police officers may respond to that [...] Read more.

In police culture, the danger imperative is the idea that the most important part of policing is to “come home at the end of the night.” Neurodivergence brings uncertainty to police encounters; because of the danger imperative, police officers may respond to that uncertainly with increased use of force. We examine the likelihood of being handcuffed and detained (low levels of use of force) for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DDs) (i.e., neurodiverse diagnoses) during discretionary stops using data from police stops in California (n = 3,300,671) and doubly-robust inverse-propensity weighted regression. Results show that the average effect of being I/DD on the likelihood of being handcuffed is nearly 6.5% percentage points higher than people without I/DD; similarly, the average effect of being I/DD on the likelihood of being detained is also nearly 7.5% percentage points higher than people without I/DD. Our findings point to officers’ perceptions of danger and safety (i.e., the danger imperative) during encounters with individuals with I/DD, creating disparate experiences with low levels of use for force for this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neurodivergence and Human Rights)

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22 pages, 287 KB

Open AccessArticle

Life Stress and Cyber Deviance Among College Students: The Mediating Role of Anxiety Sensitivity

by Jianmin He and Mohd Rustam Mohd Rameli

Societies 2026, 16(4), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040120 - 2 Apr 2026

Viewed by 803

Abstract

This study evaluates how life stress acts as a catalyst for network anomie (online deviance) among college students, specifically examining the mediating influence of anxiety sensitivity. Through a quantitative framework, data were gathered from 612 undergraduates utilizing the Life Stress Scale, the Anxiety [...] Read more.

This study evaluates how life stress acts as a catalyst for network anomie (online deviance) among college students, specifically examining the mediating influence of anxiety sensitivity. Through a quantitative framework, data were gathered from 612 undergraduates utilizing the Life Stress Scale, the Anxiety Sensitivity Inventory, and the Network Anomie Behaviour Scale. Initial findings confirmed that digital deviance is relatively prevalent across the cohort. Demographic analyses revealed distinct patterns: male respondents and single-child participants experienced elevated punishment-related stress and engaged more frequently in online infringement. Furthermore, academic performance demonstrated a clear polarization effect; students at both extremes of the academic spectrum—particularly those in the lowest 5%—exhibited the most pronounced anomic behaviors. Regression models identified life stress, notably the punishment dimension, as a strong positive predictor of online norm violations. Additionally, anxiety sensitivity serves as a partial mediator in this dynamic, accounting for 7.78% of the overall effect. Ultimately, these results characterize life stress as a critical environmental vulnerability that directly fosters network anomie while indirectly aggravating these behaviors by elevating student anxiety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-Bullying in the Digital Age: Evidences and Emerging Trends)

15 pages, 277 KB

Open AccessArticle

Passing the Thread: The Intergenerational Transmission of Textile Practices

by Romana Andò and Leonardo Campagna

Societies 2026, 16(4), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040119 - 1 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1047

Abstract

This article examines the resurgence of a series of diverse practices from mending and sewing, to embroidery, knitting and crochet, which are traditionally situated in broader debates about gender and domestic labor but also care work, everyday life, and sustainability. While recently reframed [...] Read more.

This article examines the resurgence of a series of diverse practices from mending and sewing, to embroidery, knitting and crochet, which are traditionally situated in broader debates about gender and domestic labor but also care work, everyday life, and sustainability. While recently reframed as feminist and eco-conscious practices, these crafts have only been partially explored in their material, symbolic, and emotional aspects due to their association with the feminine and domestic sphere, their invisibility within public discourse, and the stigma attached to repair in consumer capitalist societies. Drawing on an ethnographic study conducted between 2023 and 2025, the research examines the intergenerational transmission of these skills within eleven Italian families. Semi-structured dyadic interviews were carried out with at least two members of each family, predominantly women, exploring learning processes, everyday uses, emotional meaning, and their influence on clothing consumption. Findings reveal a complex and discontinuous trajectory of transmission, shaped by gender expectations, class dynamics, and shifting cultural meanings: while older generations often learned these crafts out of necessity and social obligation, younger generations approach them as creative hobbies, tools for self-expression, or forms of sustainable consumption. Across generations, however, the crafts emerge as powerful affective languages through which care, memory, and relational bonds are materialized in clothing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue “In Hard Times, Fashion Is Always Outrageous”: The Political Challenges of Fashion in a Changing World)

27 pages, 2333 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Building Resilience and Equity: An Umbrella Review of Evidence for Crisis Management in Grassroots Sport

by Simone Ciaccioni, Youngjun Lee, Laura Capranica, André Urban, Rachel May, Sara Massini and Flavia Guidotti

Societies 2026, 16(4), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040118 - 1 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1040

Abstract

Crises such as pandemics, displacement, climate change, and economic downturns disrupt grassroots sport, undermining participation, equity, and resilience. This umbrella review synthesised evidence on strategies that sustain and adapt community sport participation during crises. Following PRISMA 2020, a protocol was registered in PROSPERO [...] Read more.

Crises such as pandemics, displacement, climate change, and economic downturns disrupt grassroots sport, undermining participation, equity, and resilience. This umbrella review synthesised evidence on strategies that sustain and adapt community sport participation during crises. Following PRISMA 2020, a protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251132267). PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO were used as sources, and eligible studies were selected: systematic reviews on grassroots or community sport in crisis contexts. Methodological quality and evidence certainty were assessed using established appraisal frameworks (AMSTAR-2, GRADE, and CERQual). Fifteen reviews (2021 to 2025) were included, spanning health, climate, economic, and displacement crises. Overall certainty of evidence was low. Quantitative evidence showed moderate certainty that psychosocial interventions reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms among youth during COVID-19. Qualitative syntheses provided moderate confidence that organisational safeguarding, culturally tailored programmes, instructor role modelling, and collaborative community approaches support participation and resilience. Conceptual and policy reviews offered frameworks for governance, sustainability, and crisis management, although confidence in these syntheses was generally low–moderate. Across evidence types, recurrent strategies included community-driven and culturally tailored programmes, digital or hybrid delivery, infrastructural and environmental adaptations, and integration of sport within broader sustainability and crisis-recovery policies. This umbrella review integrates heterogeneous evidence to identify key organisational and policy strategies capable of strengthening resilience and equitable participation in grassroots sport during periods of societal disruption. Full article

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19 pages, 959 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Profile of the Astrotourist in Aragon—Keys to Guide Sustainable Tourism

by Francisco Escario-Sierra, Victoria Sanagustin-Fons and Jose A. Moseñe-Fierro

Societies 2026, 16(4), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040117 - 1 Apr 2026

Viewed by 636

Abstract

The search for sustainable practices in the tourism industry has opened new horizons in a polluting industry. This study explores astrotourism in the region of Aragon, Spain, considering Allan Schnaiberg’s environmental theory, which points out that as society becomes more industrialized, individuals become [...] Read more.

The search for sustainable practices in the tourism industry has opened new horizons in a polluting industry. This study explores astrotourism in the region of Aragon, Spain, considering Allan Schnaiberg’s environmental theory, which points out that as society becomes more industrialized, individuals become increasingly disconnected from nature and develop a sense of alienation from the natural world, leading to a longing for reconnection and deep experiences. The hypothesis postulates that astrotourists reflect the current trend of seeking knowledge-enriching, emotional, and nature-based experiences. Analyzing 407 astrotourists visiting the region’s attractions, we explore their profiles and travel motivations, uncovering subtle differences in prior knowledge, changing perspectives, and sociodemographic. The findings inform destination policies, marketing strategies, and management practices. The research outlines a structured profile encompassing sociodemographic, tourist behaviors, and assessments of Aragon’s astrotourism. This profile sheds light on astrotourists’ motivations, attitudes, and consumption patterns, serving as a foundation for future research and tailored experiences. This study contributes to understanding the dynamics of astrotourism and its implications for the evolution of astrotourists’ preferences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Embodiment and Engagement of Tourism with Social Sustainability)

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19 pages, 387 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ctrl + Alt + Remedy? Child Rights, Access to Justice and Preventive Responses to Cyberbullying in the European Union

by Enikő Kovács-Szépvölgyi, Brigitta Molnár and Bernadett Szakács

Societies 2026, 16(4), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040116 - 31 Mar 2026

Viewed by 807

Abstract

This study examines how European Union Member States address cyberbullying affecting children through legal and policy frameworks, paying particular attention to children’s rights. It employs a qualitative, document-based comparative methodology, applying a harmonized codebook to analyze definitional, legal, preventive, and reactive responses across [...] Read more.

This study examines how European Union Member States address cyberbullying affecting children through legal and policy frameworks, paying particular attention to children’s rights. It employs a qualitative, document-based comparative methodology, applying a harmonized codebook to analyze definitional, legal, preventive, and reactive responses across all 27 EU Member States. The analytical framework is grounded in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child, the Better Internet for Kids (BIK+) initiative, and the Digital Services Act, which serve as normative benchmarks. Coding draws on EU-level harmonized sources, including Joint Research Centre outputs and the 2025 BIK policy reports, and aggregates the findings into a composite structural indicator capturing the formal regulatory and policy coverage of cyberbullying from a child rights perspective. The results indicate a high level of formal regulatory attention in most Member States, particularly regarding criminal law protection, educational prevention, and institutional reporting mechanisms. However, child-specific and child-friendly elements—such as explicit cyberbullying definitions, adapted reporting procedures, and tailored civil law remedies—remain uneven and limited. The study concludes that, despite comprehensive formal regulation, significant gaps persist in the integration of child-centered and access-to-justice-oriented mechanisms, underscoring the need for strengthened child rights approaches and further research on implementation and children’s lived experiences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-Bullying in the Digital Age: Evidences and Emerging Trends)

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22 pages, 4347 KB

Open AccessArticle

Inclusive AI-Enhanced Civic Engagement: Empowering Marginalized Voices

by Maria Schneller, Michael Bedek, Eva De Lera, Otilia Kocsis, Jonas Seier and Dietrich Albert

Societies 2026, 16(4), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040115 - 30 Mar 2026

Viewed by 1759

Abstract

Civic online participation platforms offer valuable opportunities to involve citizens in local governance and benefit from collective intelligence. Yet, vulnerable groups, such as older adults, people with disabilities, and the less educated, are often underrepresented in online political engagement. Aiming to empower these [...] Read more.

Civic online participation platforms offer valuable opportunities to involve citizens in local governance and benefit from collective intelligence. Yet, vulnerable groups, such as older adults, people with disabilities, and the less educated, are often underrepresented in online political engagement. Aiming to empower these citizens to raise their voice online, we conducted two studies using an inclusive-by-design approach for developing an online civic engagement platform. In the first study, 39 individuals from two digitally low-performing European countries were surveyed about functions and features that would motivate and support their online participation. In the second study, focus groups with 13 digital and AI experts identified technical and informational requirements for effective use of the features desired by citizens. Our findings show the wishes for accessible, unbiased and secure AI-driven civic engagement platforms with transparency and user education about AI tools. In particular, chatbots require clear disclaimers and user guidance. Once citizens have been involved in the technical design process, both technical and informational feature preferences must be taken into account to avoid access and usability barriers or misunderstandings during the platform’s use. This is important to facilitate participation, especially for citizens from vulnerable groups. Full article

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

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32 pages, 312 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Digital Competence in Foreign Language Education: An Integrated SELFIE and SELFIE for TEACHERS Study of Bulgarian Secondary School Teachers

by Irena Dimova, Plamen Tsvetkov and Mihal Pavlov

Societies 2026, 16(4), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040114 - 30 Mar 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 827

Abstract

This study explores the digital competence of foreign language teachers in Bulgarian secondary education by focusing on the institutional context of which they are a part, the strengths and gaps of their competence, and their levels of competence. It draws upon empirical data [...] Read more.

This study explores the digital competence of foreign language teachers in Bulgarian secondary education by focusing on the institutional context of which they are a part, the strengths and gaps of their competence, and their levels of competence. It draws upon empirical data that were collected and analyzed within an integrated, dual-instrument framework, combining the SELFIE (Self-reflection on Effective Learning by Fostering the Use of Innovative Educational Technologies) and SELFIE for TEACHERS (Self-reflection on Effective Learning by Fostering the Use of Innovative Educational Technologies for Teachers) EU-aligned assessment tools. The results from the questionnaire data show that the foreign language teachers state that they work in a relatively good technological environment and evaluate the usage of digital technologies for teaching and communication purposes within the school context as a salient aspect of their digital competence. The results also reveal three areas in the study participants’ digital competence that are in need of improvement: (1) empowering learners/personalizing the educational process, (2) assessment and (3) facilitating learners’ digital competence. In addition, the findings indicate that the foreign language educators rate their digital competence at a low to medium level. By blending institutional and teacher-oriented perspectives into a single integrated study of Bulgarian secondary school foreign language teachers, this investigation extends the existing research and makes evidence-based recommendations for institutional capacity building, teacher education policy and targeted professional development aimed at improving the educators’ digital competence. Full article

26 pages, 2109 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pre-Service Teachers’ Knowledge to Promote Equity with a Gender Perspective

by Margarita Calderón and Elizabeth Martínez

Societies 2026, 16(4), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040113 - 30 Mar 2026

Viewed by 937

Abstract

This study examines how pre-service teachers construct pedagogical knowledge to promote equity in school settings through reflection and research from an intersectional gender perspective. Situated within current debates on gender, interculturality, and social justice in teacher education, the study explores how pre-service teachers [...] Read more.

This study examines how pre-service teachers construct pedagogical knowledge to promote equity in school settings through reflection and research from an intersectional gender perspective. Situated within current debates on gender, interculturality, and social justice in teacher education, the study explores how pre-service teachers develop critical awareness of inequality and envision transformative practices. Using a qualitative design, three reflective workshops were conducted with students from Early Childhood and Elementary Education programs in Chilean universities. Thematic analysis identified nine principal codes, which were later organized into four analytical domains: knowledge construction, interculturality and inclusion, gender practices, and intersectional meanings. Results show that participants conceive teaching as a political and ethical practice linked to community engagement, democratic coexistence, and affective responsibility. They also challenge traditional gender roles by proposing co-care and collective well-being as foundations for equitable education. Furthermore, intercultural and situated pedagogies emerge as key strategies for connecting theory with practice and validating diversity within the classroom. Participants demonstrate emerging forms of intersectional and gender awareness, questioning the feminization of teaching and proposing notions of co-care and collective well-being that transcend binary gender norms. They also value intercultural and contextual pedagogies, emphasizing empathy, recognition of diversity, and the validation of students’ origins and trajectories. 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, 429 KB

Open AccessReview

Systems-Level Interventions to Disrupt Structural Racism and Improve Black Adolescent Health Outcomes: A Scoping Review

by Tamara Taggart, Simone Sawyer, Connor Mitchell, Marcy S. Ekanayake-Weber, Robert W. Faris, Nisha O’Shea, Luz E. Robinson, Belinda Woodard, Wan-Chen Lin, Yinuo Xu, Yutong Gao, Kate Nyhan and Dorothy L. Espelage

Societies 2026, 16(4), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040112 - 27 Mar 2026

Viewed by 1367

Abstract

Structural racism and discrimination (SRD) is a fundamental cause of health inequities that emerge during adolescence and persist throughout adulthood. This scoping review systematically synthesizes the evidence on policy and community-level interventions designed to disrupt SRD exposure among Black adolescents and mitigate its [...] Read more.

Structural racism and discrimination (SRD) is a fundamental cause of health inequities that emerge during adolescence and persist throughout adulthood. This scoping review systematically synthesizes the evidence on policy and community-level interventions designed to disrupt SRD exposure among Black adolescents and mitigate its impact on their health behaviors and outcomes. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we searched five databases for peer-reviewed intervention studies published through October 2025. Of 3417 abstracts screened, 9 studies met inclusion criteria. We examined the study characteristics, theoretical frameworks, implementation strategies, and effectiveness of interventions targeting three primary mechanisms of SRD exposure for adolescents. The majority focused on neighborhood and social integration interventions, with limited representation of resource-based and school-based approaches. Culturally grounded, community-engaged interventions buffered SRD’s negative effects on mental health, empowered youth as change agents, and removed structural barriers to health-promotive resources. The review identified several gaps in the research, including methodological and theoretical rigor, geographic contexts, and follow-up. Findings underscore the potential of culturally grounded, multilevel interventions to reduce inequities across mental health, physical health, and social outcomes for Black youth. This review highlights the need to expand systems-level interventions that address the root causes of the persistent racial health inequities experienced by Black youth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems and Structures of Racism and Oppression, Health and Potential Solutions)

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20 pages, 254 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Turkish Cypriot Traditional Children’s Games on Students with Special Needs in the Context of Values Education

by Özlem Dağlı Gökbulut, Burak Gökbulut and Mustafa Yeniasır

Societies 2026, 16(4), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040111 - 27 Mar 2026

Viewed by 958

Abstract

This study, which aimed to instill values effective in developing social adaptation skills in students with special needs through traditional Turkish Cypriot children’s games, employed an action research model within a qualitative research design. The participants in the study were 5 students with [...] Read more.

This study, which aimed to instill values effective in developing social adaptation skills in students with special needs through traditional Turkish Cypriot children’s games, employed an action research model within a qualitative research design. The participants in the study were 5 students with mild intellectual disabilities aged 9 to 12. In the first step of the two-stage implementation plan, data were collected by having the students play traditional Turkish Cypriot children’s games, selected by the researchers and containing the relevant values, three times a week. In the second step, on the day following the game phase, the students’ acquisition of the target value was assessed through worksheets containing activities prepared by the researchers, which covered the basic points related to the target value. The aim was to instill 8 core values through applications that continued for a total of 5 weeks. After the completion of the application phase, a one-week break was given. During this period, the aim was to determine the short-term retention level of the targeted values. After a one-week follow-up, the researchers evaluated whether the students had learned the relevant values permanently in the short term through visuals and texts. The findings of this study, in which traditional Turkish Cypriot children’s games were practiced three times a week for five weeks, show that the games positively contributed to the learning of the targeted values and that the children adopted these values. However, the findings reflect only short-term retention; longer-term follow-up studies are needed to assess the long-term internalization of the values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Disabled People/People with Disabilities (Non-Medical Coverage))

18 pages, 575 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Framing on Heterosexuals’ Attitudes Toward Homosexuals: Evidence from Two Cohorts of Turkish University Students

by Ebru Ger and Sura Ertaş

Societies 2026, 16(4), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040110 - 26 Mar 2026

Viewed by 889

Abstract

Framing—how issues are communicated—can influence attitudes. This study examined (1) the impact of value-framing on attitudes toward homosexuality among Turkish university students in 2012 and 2024, (2) cohort differences over time, and (3) socio-demographic predictors. Participants were 199 psychology students (161 female; M [...] Read more.

Framing—how issues are communicated—can influence attitudes. This study examined (1) the impact of value-framing on attitudes toward homosexuality among Turkish university students in 2012 and 2024, (2) cohort differences over time, and (3) socio-demographic predictors. Participants were 199 psychology students (161 female; M age = 21). Attitudes were most positive after equality framing, followed by neutral, then morality framing. Cohorts did not differ in overall attitudes. Morality framing led to significantly less positive views than neutral framing. Positive attitudes were associated with being female, higher parental education, and having more gay friends (for women) or lesbian friends (for men). Findings highlight the negative impact of morality framing and suggest that personal and social factors shape attitudes toward homosexuals. Full article

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30 pages, 523 KB

Open AccessConcept Paper

Critical Reflective Praxis for Travel-Based Research: Decolonizing Urban Health and Sustainable Development in Northeast Thailand

by Gareth Davey

Societies 2026, 16(4), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040109 - 26 Mar 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 887

Abstract

The call to decolonize our teaching, research, and universities is gaining momentum, and change begins with our everyday actions. In this concept paper, I advance critical reflective praxis—grounded in critical race theory, decolonial thought, and Indigenous studies—as a heuristic for identifying and challenging [...] Read more.

The call to decolonize our teaching, research, and universities is gaining momentum, and change begins with our everyday actions. In this concept paper, I advance critical reflective praxis—grounded in critical race theory, decolonial thought, and Indigenous studies—as a heuristic for identifying and challenging colonialism, Eurocentrism, racism, and other biases and systems of power across the entire research process, and for moving beyond critique into praxis. I also advance research as a site of praxis, and I argue for reconceptualizing praxis as praxis-in-motion, and for diagnostically evaluating praxis rather than assuming it is inherently ethical. To exemplify the process of critical reflective praxis, I evaluate a travel-based study I conducted about urban health and sustainable development in northeast Thailand that utilized the Moving Worlds Framework (also known as the travelogue methodology), a critical and decolonial approach to research that positions travel as a dynamic condition of knowledge production. In this evaluation, critical reflective praxis is operationalized as a whole-of-process intervention, embedding critical analysis, reflexivity, accountability, and praxis throughout the research process, based on social justice perspectives. My analysis demonstrates how bias can infiltrate research planning, design, methods, representation, and publication, even within decolonial methodological approaches. Critical reflective praxis is proposed as an evaluative and diagnostic tool for evaluating research and praxis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section The Social Nature of Health and Well-Being)

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17 pages, 294 KB

Open AccessArticle

Unheard but Uncompromising: Quiet Politics and Parental Resistance Among Chinese Immigrant Families of Autistic Children in the U.S

by Yue Xu, Liya Lin and Yu-Shiuan Sun

Societies 2026, 16(4), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040108 - 26 Mar 2026

Viewed by 968

Abstract

Background: Chinese immigrant families of autistic children in the United States face intersecting barriers related to language, culture, immigration, and fragmented service systems. Yet little is known about how Chinese immigrant parents engage in advocacy or how such efforts relate to disability and [...] Read more.

Background: Chinese immigrant families of autistic children in the United States face intersecting barriers related to language, culture, immigration, and fragmented service systems. Yet little is known about how Chinese immigrant parents engage in advocacy or how such efforts relate to disability and human rights. Methods: This qualitative study draws on in-depth interviews with fourteen Chinese immigrant parents of autistic children across multiple U.S. regions. Data were triangulated with analyses of publicly recorded advocacy events and parent-produced textual materials. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to examine motivations for advocacy, advocacy practices, and structural, linguistic, and cultural constraints. Results: Advocacy rarely emerged as an intentional or identity-driven pursuit. Instead, parents were compelled into advocacy through institutional exclusion, service denial, and unmet care needs. Parents engaged in diverse forms of advocacy, including migration, negotiation within institutions, information translation, community-building, and grassroots organizational leadership. Cultural norms shaped advocacy strategies, producing quiet, relational, and collective forms of action often overlooked in dominant rights-based models. Conclusions: Interpreted through a disability justice lens, parental advocacy functions as burdened and unequally distributed labor compensating for systemic failures. Findings underscore the need for institutional reforms that reduce reliance on families’ capacity to fight for access, dignity, and care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neurodivergence and Human Rights)

17 pages, 508 KB

Open AccessArticle

Academic Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Among Adolescents and University Students: Associations with Self-Esteem, Self-Efficacy, and Academic Confidence and Anxiety

by Manuel Gámez-Guadix and Estibaliz Mateos-Pérez

Societies 2026, 16(4), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040107 - 25 Mar 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1729

Abstract

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in academic contexts has expanded rapidly in recent years, yet limited evidence exists regarding its prevalence across educational levels or its association with psychological and academic variables among adolescents and young adults. This exploratory study aimed [...] Read more.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in academic contexts has expanded rapidly in recent years, yet limited evidence exists regarding its prevalence across educational levels or its association with psychological and academic variables among adolescents and young adults. This exploratory study aimed to examine the prevalence of GenAI use for learning-related academic purposes among pre-university and university students, including gender differences, and to analyze its relationship with self-esteem, self-efficacy, academic confidence, and academic anxiety. The sample comprised 1043 participants aged 13 to 23 years (M = 16.16, SD = 2.42; 59.1% female) who completed self-report measures. Structural equation modeling was conducted controlling for gender, age, and Internet use. Overall, 95% of students reported using GenAI for academic purposes, with higher usage among university than pre-university students and among female than male students. GenAI use was significantly associated with higher academic anxiety, although the effect size was small, and no significant associations were observed with the remaining variables. These findings suggest that while GenAI use is widespread, its associations with psychological and academic variables appear to remain limited. Full article

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19 pages, 494 KB

Open AccessArticle

AI Ethics Bylaws for Academia: Teaching, Learning, and Assessment

by Ali F. Almutairi, Jonathan Pils, Nazeer Muhammad and Shafiullah Khan

Societies 2026, 16(4), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040106 - 25 Mar 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1165

Abstract

The establishment of AI ethics bylaws in academia is needed for teaching, learning, and assessment. The adaptive parameters of these bylaws define the ethical, pedagogical, and operational standards for the use of artificial intelligence tools within academia. The main aim is to ensure [...] Read more.

The establishment of AI ethics bylaws in academia is needed for teaching, learning, and assessment. The adaptive parameters of these bylaws define the ethical, pedagogical, and operational standards for the use of artificial intelligence tools within academia. The main aim is to ensure that AI tools are used to enhance educational practices while preserving human judgment, safeguarding academic integrity, and promoting critical thinking. Specifically, these are intended to mentor all domains of academia to uphold the core values of fairness and transparency while adapting to the advent of modern technologies. While many are enthused by the support provided by large language models, it is also important to prevent over-reliance or misuse of AI technologies. This establishes clear responsibility for faculty, students, and administration. These significant bylaws pay more attention to these issues to provide a foundation for good governance, evaluation, and amendment of AI-related practices. To provide normative insight into the anticipated reception of these bylaws, we conducted a small exploratory pilot study with STEM faculty. The resulting observations offer preliminary indications of the feasibility of the proposed method for future research and policy development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic AI Trends in Teacher and Student Training)

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22 pages, 4193 KB

Open AccessArticle

Operationalizing Symbolic Violence to Advance Gender Equality: Women’s Mobility and Everyday Injustices in Public Transport in Mexico

by Lorena Suárez Alvarez, José M. Álvarez-Alvarado, Avatar Flores Gutiérrez and Juvenal Rodríguez-Reséndiz

Societies 2026, 16(4), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040105 - 25 Mar 2026

Viewed by 952

Abstract

Gender-based violence in public transportation is a global phenomenon that restricts women’s rights and autonomy. Most of the documentation relies on harassment and physical aggression, but the subtle internalized mechanisms that reproduce gender inequities remain insufficiently analyzed. This study involves the concept of [...] Read more.

Gender-based violence in public transportation is a global phenomenon that restricts women’s rights and autonomy. Most of the documentation relies on harassment and physical aggression, but the subtle internalized mechanisms that reproduce gender inequities remain insufficiently analyzed. This study involves the concept of symbolic violence as an analytical category to unveil how resignation and normalization of violence perpetuate gender power relations and limit women’s mobility. A cross-sectional survey of 263 women aged 15–60 was conducted in Querétaro, Mexico, a rapidly growing city with significant mobility challenges. The questionnaire included items on perceptions of safety, violent experiences, responses to acts of violence, and prevention strategies. An inductive–abductive analysis was implemented to construct empirical indicators derived from Bordieu’s concept of symbolic violence and habitus. Findings reveal that fear, avoidance, and self-regulation are normalized responses to violence in public transport. Women implement strategies such as changing routes, limiting night travel, or increasing their expenses to access safer options. Six empirical indicators were identified: perceived insecurity as normality, resignation to harassment, bodily and emotional self-regulation, preventive reorganization of mobility, personal costs of safety, and collective inaction. In conclusion, the study demonstrates how symbolic violence operates through behaviors, actions, perceptions, and thoughts that reproduce inequities. Operationalizing symbolic violence provides a methodological and conceptual tool to advance gender equality and inform gender-sensitive mobility policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Mobilization of Social Justice and Gender Equality)

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26 pages, 2728 KB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Road Safety Behavior Patterns in Colombia Using Explainable Artificial Intelligence

by Hugo Ordoñez, Cristian Ordoñez, Carlos Cordoba and Luis Revelo

Societies 2026, 16(4), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16040104 - 24 Mar 2026

Viewed by 750

Abstract

This study identifies and explains road safety behavior patterns in Colombia using explainable artificial intelligence (XAI). Based on 9232 records and 38 variables from the Territorial Survey of Road Safety Behavior, the CRISP-DM methodology was applied, including data cleaning, normalization, encoding, and feature [...] Read more.

This study identifies and explains road safety behavior patterns in Colombia using explainable artificial intelligence (XAI). Based on 9232 records and 38 variables from the Territorial Survey of Road Safety Behavior, the CRISP-DM methodology was applied, including data cleaning, normalization, encoding, and feature selection. XGBoost, Random Forest, Bagging, and AdaBoost models were evaluated, incorporating three domain-specific indices: Distraction Index (DI), Risky Road Interaction Index (RRI), and Normative Compliance Index (NCI). AdaBoost achieved the best overall balance (Precision = 0.78; Recall = 0.75; F1-score = 0.77), simultaneously reducing false positives and false negatives. SHAP analysis revealed that environmental and infrastructure factors (lighting, traffic signals, intersections, congestion, perceived crime) explain more variance than self-reported behaviors (mobile phone use, alcohol consumption, speeding). The complementary indices indicated above-average distraction levels, high exposure to risky interactions, and low compliance in specific segments. These findings enable the prioritization of targeted interventions (improvements in lighting and crossings, focused enforcement, and educational campaigns) and support operation with thresholds adjusted to error costs, providing traceable decision support for public road safety policies. Overall, the proposed approach integrates prediction and explainability to enable actionable decisions and continuous monitoring aimed at reducing traffic accidents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algorithm Awareness: Opportunities, Challenges and Impacts on Society)

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Societies, Volume 16, Issue 4 (April 2026) – 31 articles

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