Social Sciences

15 pages, 678 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Semiotic Fracturing of Rural Cultural Symbols in Short Video Ecosystems: A Critical Discourse Analysis of “Tǔ Wèi” Labeling and Cultural Subjectivity Construction

by Xinrong Qiu, Wenjun Qu, Tongyue Feng and Xiaoxia Zhu

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 494; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080494 (registering DOI) - 13 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study interrogates the semiotic destabilization of rural cultural symbols in China’s burgeoning short video sphere, with particular focus on the discursive reconstruction of “tǔ wèi” labeling. This paper, through semantic tracing and content analysis, combined with empirical data from over 130,000 “tǔ [...] Read more.

This study interrogates the semiotic destabilization of rural cultural symbols in China’s burgeoning short video sphere, with particular focus on the discursive reconstruction of “tǔ wèi” labeling. This paper, through semantic tracing and content analysis, combined with empirical data from over 130,000 “tǔ wèi” videos on Douyin (Tik Tok), categorizes the “tǔ wèi” content into two major styles: the novelty-hunting and ugliness-seeking style and the rural original ecological style. It also compares the differences in popularity, quality, and value orientation between the two. The research finds that the semantic segmentation of the “tǔ wèi” label is rooted in clash of civilizations and the urban–rural dichotomy, as well as the promotion of the traffic logic and symbol abuse of short video platforms. This segmentation has exacerbated the stigmatization of Chinese farming culture and weakened cultural confidence. It is suggested that efforts should be made from three aspects: deep exploration of indigenous “tǔ” cultural resources, optimization of algorithm recommendation mechanisms, and reconstruction of discourse contexts, to promote the semantic return of the “tǔ wèi” label and consolidate cultural subjectivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digitally Connected: Youth, Digital Media and Social Inclusion)

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23 pages, 892 KiB

Open AccessReview

Social Impacts of Shale Oil Extraction: A Multidisciplinary Review of Community and Institutional Change

by Hannah Z. Hendricks, Elizabeth Long-Meek, Haylie M. June, Ashley R. Kernan and Michael R. Cope

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080493 - 13 Aug 2025

Abstract

The global expansion of shale oil and gas extraction has generated widespread attention for its environmental, economic, and political implications. However, its social consequences remain less systematically assessed. This review synthesizes interdisciplinary research on how shale energy development affects communities, particularly in rural [...] Read more.

The global expansion of shale oil and gas extraction has generated widespread attention for its environmental, economic, and political implications. However, its social consequences remain less systematically assessed. This review synthesizes interdisciplinary research on how shale energy development affects communities, particularly in rural and resource-dependent regions. While extraction activities may generate economic opportunities and strengthen national energy security, they are also associated with population influx, pressure on infrastructure, housing shortages, public health risks, and increased political polarization. These impacts can alter social relationships, institutional trust, and access to essential services. By organizing and analyzing key themes in the social science literature, this review offers a structured overview of how shale energy development shapes local experiences and social systems. The goal of the present paper is to support researchers, policymakers, and community stakeholders in understanding the civic, communal, and public dimensions of energy transitions and in developing more equitable and sustainable policy responses. Full article

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6 pages, 152 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue: “Gender Equality in the Workplace: Theory and Practice for Decent Work and a Climate of Inclusion”

by Silvia Platania

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 492; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080492 - 12 Aug 2025

Abstract

This Special Issue arose from the desire to explore, through a multidisciplinary and international approach, the complex dynamics—often invisible but deeply entrenched—that continue to hinder the achievement of gender equality in the workplace [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gender Equality in the Workplace: Theory and Practice for Decent Work and a Climate of Inclusion)

30 pages, 1944 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Confiscated Assets as an Opportunity for Internship on Construction Sites Aimed at Professional Qualification and Social Integration of Vulnerable People

by Serena Giorgi, Andrea Parma, Chiara Bernardini, Oscar Eugenio Bellini, Giancarlo Paganin and Andrea Campioli

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080491 - 12 Aug 2025

Abstract

In Italy, the management of built assets confiscated from organized crime groups is particularly relevant. Returning these assets to the community is becoming increasingly important for Italian municipalities, thanks to the many social benefits that can be generated (e.g., new spaces to provide [...] Read more.

In Italy, the management of built assets confiscated from organized crime groups is particularly relevant. Returning these assets to the community is becoming increasingly important for Italian municipalities, thanks to the many social benefits that can be generated (e.g., new spaces to provide community services, a visible and tangible symbol of legality, etc.). The process of redeveloping confiscated buildings, due to procedural complexity and a lack of resources, is currently characterized, on one hand, by a limited number of projects actually implemented compared to the potential of the total number of buildings available and, on the other hand, by the lengthy duration of the redevelopment process (12 years on average), which significantly increases the time it takes for the asset to return social value to the community. The objective of this research was to study, develop, and describe a mechanism that (i) enables an increase in the number of redevelopment actions of confiscated assets, (ii) accelerates the attribution of social value to these assets over time and (iii) extends the social impact of the requalification interventions that provide an opportunity for the professional training of students and the professional qualification of vulnerable people. There are two main tasks of the research shown in this article: (i) to highlight the main critical issues and needs in the management of confiscated assets by Italian municipalities, through a survey conducted among key informants; (ii) to build and test an innovative ‘win–win model’ for the requalification process of confiscated buildings, aimed at overcoming obstacles and anticipating the delivery of social benefits to a large group of stakeholders, including vulnerable people, tested in a pilot project. This “win–win model” combines building requalification and training through the activation of a “construction site school”. All original contributions are derived from the research “Co-WIN”, funded by the “Polisocial Awards 2021”, which developed methods, strategies, and tools capable of reducing social imbalances, with an equity and sustainability perspective. The results illustrated the drivers and challenges for the renovation and reuse of confiscated built assets; the necessary changes in documents and procedures to activate and replicate the “Co-WIN model”; and a training program for the construction-site school based on the social categories involved. Finally, the discussion highlights the network and the mutual benefits for stakeholders, focusing on the social relevance and social impact achievable through applying the Co-WIN model to the requalification process of confiscated buildings. Full article

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15 pages, 324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceived Parental Emotional Availability, Emotion Regulation, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adolescents

by Sofia Simão, Eva Diniz, Alessandra Babore and Tânia Brandão

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 490; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080490 - 12 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study examines differences in perceived parental emotional availability, emotion regulation (ER), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among adolescents, considering gender, age, and family structure. It also assesses contextual differences in ER (at home vs. at school) and investigates the mediating role [...] Read more.

This study examines differences in perceived parental emotional availability, emotion regulation (ER), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among adolescents, considering gender, age, and family structure. It also assesses contextual differences in ER (at home vs. at school) and investigates the mediating role of ER in the relationship between perceived parental emotional availability and HRQoL. The sample consisted of 202 Portuguese adolescents (M age = 13.44 years, SD = 1.01; 52.5% girls) who participated in this cross-sectional study. Self-report scales were used to assess perceived emotional availability, ER, and HRQoL, with data collected during classes using a paper-and-pencil procedure. The results showed that girls’ perceptions of mother and father emotional availability were smaller than perceptions reported by boys; girls reported lower HRQoL. Also, adolescents from divorced/separated families reported higher levels of expressive suppression at home and lower HRQoL. Both maternal and paternal perceived emotional availability were positively associated with better HRQoL in adolescents. Furthermore, expressive suppression (within the home context) and cognitive reappraisal (within the school context) partially explained these associations. These findings have important implications for both practice and research, highlighting the significance of perceived parental emotional availability and the role of ER in enhancing adolescents’ HRQoL. Full article

15 pages, 238 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Accessible Educational Material for Higher Education Students with Disabilities: Knowledge and Skills of Teaching Staff

by Konstantinos Papadopoulos, Eleni Koustriava, Elena Chronopoulou, Rafael Molina-Carmona, Flavio Manganello, Lisander Isaraj, Christina Fountouki and José María Fernández Gil

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080489 - 11 Aug 2025

Viewed by 156

Abstract

Students with disabilities in higher education often encounter challenges that hinder their graduation rates and impede their fundamental right to quality education. One significant barrier is the lack of accessible educational materials, which restricts their ability to acquire knowledge. University faculty respond positively [...] Read more.

Students with disabilities in higher education often encounter challenges that hinder their graduation rates and impede their fundamental right to quality education. One significant barrier is the lack of accessible educational materials, which restricts their ability to acquire knowledge. University faculty respond positively to inclusive teaching practices, but they lack the relevant knowledge, skills, and experience. The study aimed to examine the knowledge of the higher education teaching staff regarding the types and forms of accessible educational materials, as well as their experience in using and developing such materials. Additionally, it explored their involvement in distance education programs and courses for students with disabilities and their related needs. Thirty-six members of the teaching staff, from Italy, Germany, Greece, and Spain, participated in interviews, and 131 members of the teaching staff in questionnaire-based research. The results showed that participants may present limited knowledge of accessible materials used by students with disabilities and appear to be even less experienced in developing and utilizing such materials. Teaching staff tend to be familiar only with the types of educational materials they regularly use in their teaching practice. Overall, the findings suggest that teacher training and upskilling initiatives remain the foundation of progress, but more massive approaches should be implemented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Belonging and Engagement of Students in Higher Education)

22 pages, 586 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cultural, Ideological and Structural Conditions Contributing to the Sustainability of Violence Against Women: The Case of Bulgaria

by Georgi Petrunov

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080488 - 8 Aug 2025

Viewed by 335

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the conditions that contribute to the sustainability of violence against women in Bulgaria, an EU member state with high rates of this phenomenon. The analysis is based on data obtained through qualitative and quantitative methods, including in-depth interviews [...] Read more.

This article aims to analyze the conditions that contribute to the sustainability of violence against women in Bulgaria, an EU member state with high rates of this phenomenon. The analysis is based on data obtained through qualitative and quantitative methods, including in-depth interviews and focus groups with experts from state institutions (the police, prosecutors, courts, and social services), politicians, journalists, and from non-governmental organizations working with victims, as well as a nationwide sample survey of the adult population of Bulgaria. The qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The article demonstrates that cultural, ideological, and structural conditions in Bulgarian society facilitate the sustainability of violence against women. These include patriarchal norms prevailing in the family, specific characteristics of the popular culture, the neoliberal ideology of extreme individualism, the withdrawal of the state from its obligations, and ineffective institutional response. These conclusions point to the need to enhance the state’s capacity to counteract the phenomenon as well as the need to address ingrained cultural norms of conduct. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Family Studies)

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22 pages, 686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Embedding Critical Thinking in Global Virtual Exchange—Teaching Sociology Across National Borders in Virtual Classrooms

by Heying Jenny Zhan and Jing Liu

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080487 - 8 Aug 2025

Viewed by 258

Abstract

Global virtual exchange is a mode of teaching that can reach classrooms beyond national borders and across disciplines. This paper utilizes students’ online conversations and learning projects as primary data to demonstrate experiential learning and critical thinking processes in a global virtual classroom [...] Read more.

Global virtual exchange is a mode of teaching that can reach classrooms beyond national borders and across disciplines. This paper utilizes students’ online conversations and learning projects as primary data to demonstrate experiential learning and critical thinking processes in a global virtual classroom between students in the U.S. and China. Findings reveal that guided weekly online conversations between American and Chinese students provided experiential learning about personal and familial experiences as well as deep insights into healthcare and pension policies affecting individuals and societies. Furthermore, collaborative learning projects on healthcare and pension systems among international students embedded critical thinking in the learning process. These learning projects are comparative and thought-provoking, offering students a chance to apply a critical and global lens to the understanding of social policies and services in different social and cultural contexts. The expansion of global virtual exchange may be a byproduct of COVID-19 distant learning; it may have opened new channels for breaking geographic boundaries of learning sociology in global and critical perspectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global and Virtual Sociological Teaching—Challenges & Opportunities)

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14 pages, 229 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Silence, Secrecy, and Coded Language: Ethnographic Encounters with Cisgender Women and Trans Women Involved in Sex Work in Kolkata, India

by Sunny Sinha and Satarupa Dasgupta

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080486 - 7 Aug 2025

Viewed by 429

Abstract

Gender-neutral terms such as “sex work” and “sex worker” have gained prominence in academic, activist, and policy discourses. Unlike terms such as ‘prostitutes’ and ‘prostitution,’ these terms serve to reduce stigma and emphasize the labor involved in sex work. However, numerous studies suggest [...] Read more.

Gender-neutral terms such as “sex work” and “sex worker” have gained prominence in academic, activist, and policy discourses. Unlike terms such as ‘prostitutes’ and ‘prostitution,’ these terms serve to reduce stigma and emphasize the labor involved in sex work. However, numerous studies suggest that these terms carry different meanings across cultural contexts, and their impact is experienced differently by various sub-groups of sex workers. Although originally coined by American activist Carol Leigh to unify sex workers across genders and sectors, these terms are, in some settings—including Kolkata, India—met with silence, coded language, or secrecy, particularly among transient sex workers, including cisgender and transgender women. As researchers with two decades of ethnographic research with 46 cisgender and 37 transgender women engaged in sex work in Kolkata and Eastern India, the authors argue that such silence and non-verbal forms of communication should not be interpreted merely as ignorance or disengagement but rather as strategic/willful acts of agency or resistance. These practices enable sex workers situated in different contexts to navigate unequal power dynamics within NGOs, manage respectability, mitigate structural violence, and foster communal identity. By examining how diverse groups of sex workers employ silence and secrecy, this study contributes to a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of the complexities surrounding the former’s lives and their agency. The study results indicate that it is essential for scholars, advocates and activists to employ strengths-based, context-specific language and research practices to be able to hear the stories of subaltern groups like commercial sex workers. It is also suggested that training of service providers and helping professionals focus on accepting and honoring the language people use to identify themselves in varied spaces and contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Gender Studies)

16 pages, 369 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Addressing Sleep Health in Refugee Populations: A Systematic Review of Intervention Effectiveness and Cultural Adaptation

by Jaclyn Kirsch, Christine E. Spadola, Kabir Parikh, Kristen Kerr and Hrayr Attarian

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080485 - 7 Aug 2025

Viewed by 250

Abstract

Refugees experience disproportionately high rates of sleep disturbances due to trauma, displacement, and resettlement stressors. Sleep health is critically linked to both physical and mental well-being, yet remains an underexplored area of intervention for refugee populations. This systematic review aimed to (1) identify [...] Read more.

Refugees experience disproportionately high rates of sleep disturbances due to trauma, displacement, and resettlement stressors. Sleep health is critically linked to both physical and mental well-being, yet remains an underexplored area of intervention for refugee populations. This systematic review aimed to (1) identify interventions implemented to improve sleep health among refugees, (2) assess their effectiveness, and (3) evaluate the extent of cultural adaptation in their design and implementation. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature from 2004 to 2024 identified nine studies focused on adult refugees in high-income countries. Interventions included psychoeducation, music-assisted relaxation, guided imagery, and nightmare-focused therapies. Several demonstrated improvements in sleep quality, insomnia severity, and nightmare frequency. Music-based interventions and sleep health education stood out as accessible, non-stigmatizing strategies that may be particularly well suited to refugee contexts. However, cultural adaptation emerged as the most significant gap. Using the 4-Domain Cultural Adaptation Model (CAM4)—which assesses adaptation across context, content, delivery, and engagement—most studies showed only surface-level modifications. Few incorporated community voices, and none validated sleep assessment tools for cultural relevance. Future research should prioritize co-creation with refugee communities to ensure interventions are not only evidence-based, but also culturally grounded, trusted, and sustainable across diverse refugee populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section International Migration)

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18 pages, 310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Voluntary Sector’s Contribution to Integrated Care: The Case of Cyprus

by Despina Cochliou and Olivia Patsalidou

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080484 - 6 Aug 2025

Viewed by 580

Abstract

At a time when globalisation and the economic crisis have forced a reduction in public expenditure at all levels, social policy and social welfare systems’ efforts for sustainable development are focused on identifying alternative ways to provide integrated services and achieve balanced social [...] Read more.

At a time when globalisation and the economic crisis have forced a reduction in public expenditure at all levels, social policy and social welfare systems’ efforts for sustainable development are focused on identifying alternative ways to provide integrated services and achieve balanced social development. Post-colonial Cyprus has experienced radical socio-political changes that have demanded rapid responses to address its needs. This paper aims to discuss the role of the Cypriot voluntary sector in the national integrated care. Within the spectrum of ensuring social rights and social justice, the voluntary sector has emerged as a key factor of social policy implementation. Through the exploration and analysis of this context, an in-depth insight is given into socio-political and economic factors, dimensions, relationships, processes, patterns, and critical junctures that, under the influence of history, have shaped the voluntary sector’s path, formed its major stages of transformation, and defined its relationship with structures and institutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Work and Social Policy: Advances in Theory and Practice)

24 pages, 337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

State-by-State Review: The Spread of Law Enforcement Accountability Policies

by Hossein Zare, Danielle R. Gilmore, Khushbu Balsara, Celina Renee Pargas, Rebecca Valek, Andrea N. Ponce, Niloufar Masoudi, Michelle Spencer, Tatiana Y. Warren and Cassandra Crifasi

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080483 - 5 Aug 2025

Viewed by 451

Abstract

Purpose: Following George Floyd’s death, the push for law enforcement accountability policies has intensified. Despite robust legislative action, challenges in enacting and implementing meaningful reforms persist. This study analyzes police accountability policies (PAP) in the U.S. from 2020 to 2022, identifying barriers and [...] Read more.

Purpose: Following George Floyd’s death, the push for law enforcement accountability policies has intensified. Despite robust legislative action, challenges in enacting and implementing meaningful reforms persist. This study analyzes police accountability policies (PAP) in the U.S. from 2020 to 2022, identifying barriers and facilitators through expert perspectives in enforcement oversight, policy advocacy, and community engagement. Methods: The study used a dual approach: analyzing 226 police accountability bills from all 50 U.S. states, D.C., and Puerto Rico via the National Conference of State Legislatures database, and categorizing them into six key areas such as training, technology use, and certification. Additionally, a survey was conducted among experts to identify the challenges and drivers in passing police accountability legislation. Findings: A legislative analysis showed that although 48 states passed police accountability laws, California, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Colorado have made significant strides by passing multiple pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing law enforcement accountability and ensuring better policing practices. The most common policies focused on training and technology, enacted by 16 and 12 states, respectively. However, crucial certification and decertification policies were adopted in just 13 states, highlighting the inconsistent implementation of measures critical for police accountability and transparency. The survey identified several barriers to passing PAP, including inadequate support from local governments (72.7%). Structural exclusion of poor and minority communities from policing resources was also a significant barrier (54.5%). Facilitators included community support (81.8%) and a cultural shift in policing towards viewing officers as “guardians” rather than “warriors” (63.6%). Conclusions: While some progress has been made in passing PAP, considerable gaps remain, particularly in enforcement and comprehensive reform. Resistance from law enforcement institutions, lack of community support, and structural inequalities continue to impede the adoption of effective PAP. Full article

22 pages, 338 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Configuration of Subjectivities and the Application of Neoliberal Economic Policies in Medellin, Colombia

by Juan David Villa-Gómez, Juan F. Mejia-Giraldo, Mariana Gutiérrez-Peña and Alexandra Novozhenina

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080482 - 5 Aug 2025

Viewed by 874

Abstract

(1) Background: This article aims to understand the forms and elements through which the inhabitants of the city of Medellin have configured their subjectivity in the context of the application of neoliberal policies in the last two decades. In this way, we can [...] Read more.

(1) Background: This article aims to understand the forms and elements through which the inhabitants of the city of Medellin have configured their subjectivity in the context of the application of neoliberal policies in the last two decades. In this way, we can approach the frameworks of understanding that constitute a fundamental part of the individuation processes in which the incorporation of their subjectivities is evidenced in neoliberal contexts that, in the historical process, have been converging with authoritarian, antidemocratic and neoconservative elements. (2) Method: A qualitative approach with a hermeneutic-interpretative paradigm was used. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 41 inhabitants of Medellín who were politically identified with right-wing or center-right positions. Data analysis included thematic coding to identify patterns of thought and points of view. (3) Results: Participants associate success with individual effort and see state intervention as an obstacle to development. They reject redistributive policies, arguing that they generate dependency. In addition, they justify authoritarian models of government in the name of security and progress, from a moral superiority, which is related to a negative and stigmatizing perception of progressive sectors and a negative view of the social rule of law and public policies with social sense. (4) Conclusions: The naturalization of merit as a guiding principle, the perception of themselves as morally superior based on religious values that grant a subjective place of certainty and goodness; the criminalization of expressions of political leftism, mobilizations and redistributive reforms and support for policies that establish authoritarianism and perpetuate exclusion and structural inequalities, closes roads to a participatory democracy that enables social and economic transformations. Full article

22 pages, 1408 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Positive Psychology Interventions in Workplace Settings

by Kevin Martínez-Martínez, Valeria Cruz-Ortiz, Susana Llorens, Marisa Salanova and Marcelo Leiva-Bianchi

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080481 - 4 Aug 2025

Viewed by 426

Abstract

Job stress and burnout are major challenges in today’s workplaces. While most interventions adopt a clinical or deficit-based approach, this meta-analysis takes a positive perspective by examining the effectiveness of Positive Psychological Interventions (PPIs). A total of 24 studies conducted in workplace settings [...] Read more.

Job stress and burnout are major challenges in today’s workplaces. While most interventions adopt a clinical or deficit-based approach, this meta-analysis takes a positive perspective by examining the effectiveness of Positive Psychological Interventions (PPIs). A total of 24 studies conducted in workplace settings were analyzed to assess the impact of PPIs on psychological well-being, subjective well-being, and job performance. The results showed significant and sustained improvements across all three outcomes, with moderate effect sizes: subjective well-being (g = 0.50, 95% CI [0.18, 0.81]), psychological well-being (g = 0.46, 95% CI [0.15, 0.78]), and performance (g = 0.42, 95% CI [0.21, 0.62]). Higher effects were found for in-person interventions and those conducted in Western contexts. No significant moderation was observed for structural factors (e.g., implementation level: Individual, Group, Leader, or Organization [IGLO]) or sample characteristics (e.g., gender), among other variables examined. These findings highlight the relevance of PPIs for promoting well-being and sustaining performance, which may reflect the preservation of personal resources in the face of occupational stressors. Regardless of type, well-designed interventions may be key to fostering healthier workplace environments—especially when delivered face-to-face. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Job Stress and Burnout: Emerging Issues in Today’s Workplace)

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16 pages, 448 KiB

Open AccessEssay

The Application of a Social Identity Approach to Measure and Mechanise the Goals, Practices, and Outcomes of Social Sustainability

by Sarah Vivienne Bentley

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080480 - 4 Aug 2025

Viewed by 475

Abstract

Today, ‘social sustainability’ is a key feature of many organisations’ environmental, social, and governance strategies, as well as underpinning sustainable development goals. The term refers to the implementation of targets such as reduced societal inequalities, the promotion of social well-being, and the practice [...] Read more.

Today, ‘social sustainability’ is a key feature of many organisations’ environmental, social, and governance strategies, as well as underpinning sustainable development goals. The term refers to the implementation of targets such as reduced societal inequalities, the promotion of social well-being, and the practice of positive community relations. Building a meaningful, accountable, and quantifiable evidence-base from which to translate these high-level concepts into tangible and achievable goals is, however, challenging. The complexities of measuring social capital—often described as a building block of social sustainability—have been documented. The challenge lies in measuring the person, group, or collective in interaction with the context under investigation, whether that be a climate goal, an institution, or a national policy. Social identity theory is a social psychological approach that articulates the processes through which an individual internalises the values, norms, and behaviours of their contexts. Levels of social identification—a concept capturing the state of internalisation—have been shown to be predictive of outcomes as diverse as communication and cognition, trust and citizenship, leadership and compliance, and health and well-being. Applying this perspective to the articulation and measurement of social sustainability provides an opportunity to build an empirical approach with which to reliably translate this high-level concept into achievable outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Policy and Welfare)

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18 pages, 871 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Innovation and Social Care: Local Solutions to Global Challenges

by Javier Castro-Spila, David Alonso González, Juan Brea-Iglesias and Xanti Moriones García

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080479 - 31 Jul 2025

Viewed by 400

Abstract

This paper presents a case study of the Local Care Ecosystems developed by the provincial government of Gipuzkoa (Basque Country, Spain) to strengthen coordination between social services, health services, and community-based initiatives at the municipal level. The initiative seeks to personalize care, enhance [...] Read more.

This paper presents a case study of the Local Care Ecosystems developed by the provincial government of Gipuzkoa (Basque Country, Spain) to strengthen coordination between social services, health services, and community-based initiatives at the municipal level. The initiative seeks to personalize care, enhance service integration, and support community-based care with the overarching goal of improving the quality of life for older adults living at home. These ecosystems incorporate social, institutional, and technological innovations aimed at supporting individuals who are frail or vulnerable throughout the care cycle. At present, 18 Local Care Ecosystems are active, providing services to 1202 people over the age of 65 and 167 families. The model addresses a growing global challenge linked to population aging, which has led to increasing demand for care and support services that are often fragmented, under-resourced, and constrained by outdated regulatory frameworks. These structural issues can compromise both the quality and efficiency of care for dependent individuals. Based on the findings, the paper offers policy recommendations to support the transfer and adaptation of this model, with the aim of improving the well-being of older adults who wish to remain in their own homes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Innovation: Local Solutions to Global Challenges)

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27 pages, 973 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Risks in Hybrid Work and Teleworking Contexts—Insights from a Study in Portugal

by António R. Almeida, Glória Rebelo and João P. Pedra

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080478 - 31 Jul 2025

Viewed by 376

Abstract

With the development of information and communication technologies, analysing new risks of moral harassment at work is becoming increasingly pertinent, especially with the expansion of teleworking and hybrid working (a mix of remote and face-to-face work per week) in the wake of the [...] Read more.

With the development of information and communication technologies, analysing new risks of moral harassment at work is becoming increasingly pertinent, especially with the expansion of teleworking and hybrid working (a mix of remote and face-to-face work per week) in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In an attempt to respond to the new issues of labour regulation, this study places special emphasis on new risks of moral harassment in hybrid work and teleworking contexts, considering both the international and European framework and the legal regime in Portugal, identifying its specificities. With the rise in teleworking in the post-pandemic period, the online monitoring of workers has accentuated the difficulty in drawing the line between managerial power and harassment. Moral harassment at work is a persistent challenge and organisations must recognise, prevent and respond to inappropriate behaviour in the organisation. The results of this study—based on the results of an online survey completed by employees (with employment contracts)—show that teleworking employees recognise that they have been pressured, above all, both to respond to messages quickly and pressure to work beyond hours and suggest possible gender differences in the way harassment in hybrid work and teleworking contexts is reported. Full article

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19 pages, 408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender Leadership Imbalance in Academia: An Etiological Approach

by Maria Krambia Kapardis, Petroula Mavrikiou and Loizos Symeou

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080477 - 31 Jul 2025

Viewed by 389

Abstract

Whilst there has been an increasing trend of women holding academic positions in European Higher Tertiary Institutions (HTIs), leadership positions are held predominantly by men. The study draws on radical feminism theory with which its methodology is aligned by investigating the perceptions of [...] Read more.

Whilst there has been an increasing trend of women holding academic positions in European Higher Tertiary Institutions (HTIs), leadership positions are held predominantly by men. The study draws on radical feminism theory with which its methodology is aligned by investigating the perceptions of both genders. To that end, the study categorizes the impediments holding women back from breaking the glass ceiling into endogenous and exogenous factors. By doing so, the authors are in a better position to recommend the implementation of policies and procedures to address this inequality and navigate towards achieving sustainable gender equality. The research was conducted using an online survey questionnaire administered among all academic and administrative staff of universities in the Republic of Cyprus, the country with the highest glass ceiling in the EU. The authors found that the binary genders differ in their perceptions of what keeps women from breaking the glass ceiling and that this is attributable to exogenous factors, namely, (a) the walls created by male leaders, reinforcing a feeling of marginalization and mansplaining; and (b) family obligations enhancing women’s experiencing a lack of time and burnout. Furthermore, the exogenous factors and the extremely gendered higher echelons of HTIs underpin the endogenous factor of self-sabotage, making women feel they would rather avoid the toxic leadership environment with its lack of professional credit, a view supported by radical feminism theory. The authors suggest practical policy implications to rectify the gender imbalance in leadership in HTIs and suggest directions for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gender Equality in the Workplace: Theory and Practice for Decent Work and a Climate of Inclusion)

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13 pages, 248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fake News: Offensive or Defensive Weapon in Information Warfare

by Iuliu Moldovan, Norbert Dezso, Daniela Edith Ceană and Toader Septimiu Voidăzan

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080476 - 30 Jul 2025

Viewed by 412

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Rumors, disinformation, and fake news are problems of contemporary society. We live in a world where the truth no longer holds much importance, and the line that divides the truth from lies, between real news and disinformation, becomes increasingly blurred [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Rumors, disinformation, and fake news are problems of contemporary society. We live in a world where the truth no longer holds much importance, and the line that divides the truth from lies, between real news and disinformation, becomes increasingly blurred and difficult to identify. The purpose of this study is to describe this concept, to draw attention to one of the “pandemics” of the 21st-century world, and to find methods by which we can defend ourselves against them. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted based on a sample of 442 respondents. Results. For 77.8% of the people surveyed, the concept of “fake news” is important in Romania. Regarding trust in the mass media, a clear dominance (72.4%) was observed among participants who have little trust in the mass media. Although 98.2% of participants detect false information found on the internet, 78.5% are occasionally deceived by the information provided. Of the participants, 47.3% acknowledged their vulnerability to disinformation. The main source of disinformation is the internet, as 59% of the interviewed subjects believed. As the best measure against disinformation, the study group was divided almost equally according to the three possible answers, all of which were considered to be equally important: imposing legal restrictions and blocking the posting of certain news (35.4%), imposing stricter measures for authors (33.9%), and increasing vigilance among people (30.5%). Conclusions. According to the statistics based on the participants’ responses, the main purposes of disinformation are propaganda, manipulation, distracting attention from the truth, making money, and misleading the population. It can be observed that the main intention of disinformation, in the perception of the study participants, is manipulation. Full article

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

20 pages, 815 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptation and Validation of a Child-Reported Measure of Parental School Involvement

by Helena Mocho, Cátia Martins, Elias Ratinho and Cristina Nunes

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080475 - 30 Jul 2025

Viewed by 319

Abstract

Parental school involvement (PSI) is an important contributor to children’s academic and overall positive development. Such activities as discussing schoolwork and tracking progress can boost children’s motivation and achievements. Although the multifaceted nature of PSI is widely recognized, there are limited reliable measures [...] Read more.

Parental school involvement (PSI) is an important contributor to children’s academic and overall positive development. Such activities as discussing schoolwork and tracking progress can boost children’s motivation and achievements. Although the multifaceted nature of PSI is widely recognized, there are limited reliable measures that comprehensively capture all its dimensions, particularly for children and adolescents. This study aims to develop a measure for assessing children and adolescents’ perceptions of parental involvement based on parent- and teacher-validated self-report measures—the Parental School Involvement Questionnaire—Children’s version (PSIQ-CV). A total of 537 children and adolescents (M_Age = 9.64, SD_Age = 2.43), mainly female (52.8%), from the south of Portugal participated in this study. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA, n = 150) and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA, n = 387) were carried out. The EFA indicated a three-factor solution (i.e., support in learning activities, parent–school communication, and supervision), supported by the CFA, with good quality-of-fit indices (χ² = 225; df = 101; χ²/df = 2.23; CFI = 0.91; TLI = 0.89; RMSEA = 0.060 [CI: 0.049–0.070]). Our data confirmed that the PSIQ-CV has robust psychometric properties, with acceptable reliability and validity. The PSIQ-CV can be considered a relevant and valid tool for measuring the perception of parental school involvement among children and adolescents, in line with Epstein’s theoretical model, and useful for both researchers and practitioners. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Childhood and Youth Studies)

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26 pages, 504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Role of Social Protection in UK Asylum-Seeker Wellbeing Using Human Scale Development Theory

by Michelle James and Rachel Forrester-Jones

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 474; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080474 - 30 Jul 2025

Viewed by 426

Abstract

This article utilises Max-Neef’s Human Scale Development (HSD) framework (1991) to answer two research questions: what impact does government and community-based social protection (SP) have on UK asylum-seeker wellbeing; how are interactions with all forms of SP, both as giver and receiver, supporting [...] Read more.

This article utilises Max-Neef’s Human Scale Development (HSD) framework (1991) to answer two research questions: what impact does government and community-based social protection (SP) have on UK asylum-seeker wellbeing; how are interactions with all forms of SP, both as giver and receiver, supporting or harming the satisfaction of asylum-seekers’ fundamental human needs at this time? The research study utilised a mixed-methods, collaborative, case study design situated within a refugee and asylum-seeker (RAS) support charity in Southwest England. Methods included peer-led Qualitative Impact Protocol interviews, Photovoice, surveys, and staff interviews. Data were subjected to an inductive, bottom-up process on Causal Map software (version 2, Causal Map Ltd., 39 Apsley Rd., Bath BA1 3LP, UK) and the analysis used the HSD framework. We found eight over-arching themes. The four main needs-violators/destroyers of asylum-seeker wellbeing were dehumanisation, unfreedoms, enforced ignorance, and (re)traumatisation, and the four main needs-satisfiers were common humanity, autonomy and resistance, exerting agency through knowledge exchange, and healing. Five policy and practice-focused bridging satisfiers are recommended to help move individual and collective experience from a negative to a positive state in the research population. Policy and practice should be transparent and evidence-based, efficient and equitable, supportive of participation and productivity, trauma-informed, and multi-agency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section International Migration)

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18 pages, 1176 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Service Difficulties, Internal Resolution Mechanisms, and the Needs of Social Services in Hungary—The Baseline of a Development Problem Map

by Zoltán Csizmadia, Krisztina Kóbor, Péter Tóth and Tamara Zsuzsanna Böcz

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080473 - 29 Jul 2025

Viewed by 193

Abstract

This study focuses on the current service/care difficulties and challenges that social institutions in Hungary are facing during their daily operations; how they can react to them utilizing their internal resources, mechanisms, and capacities; and what concrete, tangible needs and demands are emerging [...] Read more.

This study focuses on the current service/care difficulties and challenges that social institutions in Hungary are facing during their daily operations; how they can react to them utilizing their internal resources, mechanisms, and capacities; and what concrete, tangible needs and demands are emerging in terms of methodological professional support, potential forms, interventions, and direction for professional development. A total of 24 general and 55 specific service and operational problems were identified and assessed in eight different service areas (family and child welfare services, family and child welfare centers, respite care for children, care for the homeless, addiction intervention, care for people with disabilities, care for psychiatric patients, specialized care for the elderly, and basic services for the elderly). The empirical base of the study uses a database of 201 online questionnaires completed by a professional target group working for social service providers in two counties (Győr-Moson-Sopron and Veszprém), representing 166 social service providers. The questionnaires were completed between November and December of 2022. The findings will be used to develop a professional support and development problem map. Social institutions face complex and serious service/care difficulties and challenges in their daily operations. Three distinctive basic problems clearly stand out in both severity and significance from the complex set of factors assessed. The biggest problem in the social care system is clearly the complex challenge of low wages, followed by the administrative burdens in the ranking of operational difficulties, and the third key factor was the psycho-mental workload of staff. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Creating Resilient Societies in a Changing World)

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11 pages, 240 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Institutional Control, Biopower, and Symbolic Stigma: Applying the Sociology of Deviance to Breastfeeding Refusal and Cessation in Spain

by Pilar Teruel-Francés, Isabel Morales-Moreno and José Manuel Hernández-Garre

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080472 - 29 Jul 2025

Viewed by 269

Abstract

Discourses on breastfeeding extend beyond simple scientific evidence, framed within a dialogue between diverse sociocultural perspectives throughout history. Building on this premise, this article aims to explore, from the perspective of the sociology of deviance, the maternal experiences of women who choose not [...] Read more.

Discourses on breastfeeding extend beyond simple scientific evidence, framed within a dialogue between diverse sociocultural perspectives throughout history. Building on this premise, this article aims to explore, from the perspective of the sociology of deviance, the maternal experiences of women who choose not to breastfeed or cease breastfeeding within the hospital setting. To this end, this qualitative and phenomenological study was conducted, using semi-structured interviews with mothers in the municipality of Lorca who had decided not to breastfeed or had discontinued breastfeeding as a data collection tool. The results indicate that breastfeeding is influenced by the repercussions of delivery room routines and a challenging learning process where complications often arise, contradicting the prevailing innatist discourse of maternal instinct. Within this framework, mothers feel pressured by professionals to breastfeed, and their identities are undermined by symbolic stigma when they express their decision not to breastfeed. We conclude that it is essential to propose clinical approaches and support models that genuinely consider the sociocultural, historical, and experiential factors influencing breastfeeding, moving beyond an exclusive focus on its biological or nutritional aspects. Full article

19 pages, 305 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender Inequalities and Precarious Work–Life Balance in Italian Academia: Emergency Remote Work and Organizational Change During the COVID-19 Lockdown

by Annalisa Dordoni

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080471 - 29 Jul 2025

Viewed by 403

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and intensified structural tensions surrounding work−life balance, precarity, and gender inequalities in academia. This paper examines the spatial, temporal, and emotional disruptions experienced by early-career and precarious researchers in Italy during the first national lockdown (March–April 2020) and [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and intensified structural tensions surrounding work−life balance, precarity, and gender inequalities in academia. This paper examines the spatial, temporal, and emotional disruptions experienced by early-career and precarious researchers in Italy during the first national lockdown (March–April 2020) and their engagement in remote academic work. Adopting an exploratory and qualitative approach, the study draws on ten narrative video interviews and thirty participant-generated images to investigate how structural dimensions—such as gender, class, caregiving responsibilities, and the organizational culture of the neoliberal university—shaped these lived experiences. The findings highlight the implosion of boundaries between paid work, care, family life, and personal space and how this disarticulation exacerbated existing inequalities, particularly for women and caregivers. By interpreting both visual and narrative data through a sociological lens on gender, work, and organizations, the paper contributes to current debates on the transformation of academic labor and the reshaping of temporal work regimes through the everyday use of digital technologies in contemporary neoliberal capitalism. It challenges the individualization of discourses on productivity and flexibility and calls for gender-sensitive, structurally informed policies that support equitable and sustainable transitions in work and family life, in line with European policy frameworks. Full article

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

18 pages, 519 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Disqualified and Discarded: The Emotional and Institutional Fallout of Career-Ending Injuries in College Sport

by Regina C. Johnson and Jeffrey C. Sun

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 470; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080470 - 28 Jul 2025

Viewed by 243

Abstract

This study examines how medically disqualified NCAA Division I student-athletes experience the abrupt end of their athletic careers and how those experiences reflect broader cultural and psychological dynamics within college sport. Utilizing an interpretive phenomenology analysis, we explore if the experiences of National [...] Read more.

This study examines how medically disqualified NCAA Division I student-athletes experience the abrupt end of their athletic careers and how those experiences reflect broader cultural and psychological dynamics within college sport. Utilizing an interpretive phenomenology analysis, we explore if the experiences of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I student-athletes, who become medically disqualified, can be conceptualized by researchers through the stages of the Kübler-Ross model addressing grief responses. Unlike the prior research criticizing the application of the model to injured athletes, we found ample support for the possible applicability of each emotional stage; however, our study findings also reveal that the staged transitions do not necessarily follow in sequential order, as suggested by Kübler-Ross. Thus, the model applies as a general framework of grief from loss, but not as a fixed set of grieving processes for elite student-athletes who become medically disqualified. We conclude with implications for NCAA policy, athlete mental health services, and the cultivation of exit cultures that prioritize human well-being over athletic productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Social, Cultural, and Psychological Dimensions of Lived Experiences)

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21 pages, 751 KiB

Open AccessReview

Empowerment of Rural Women Through Autonomy and Decision-Making

by Neida Albornoz-Arias, Camila Rojas-Sanguino and Akever-Karina Santafe-Rojas

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 469; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080469 - 28 Jul 2025

Viewed by 634

Abstract

The empowerment of women in rural areas implies that they have power and control over their lives and participate in individual and collective decision-making. Empowerment depends on autonomy or the ability to act independently. The lack or weakness of autonomy is due to [...] Read more.

The empowerment of women in rural areas implies that they have power and control over their lives and participate in individual and collective decision-making. Empowerment depends on autonomy or the ability to act independently. The lack or weakness of autonomy is due to traditional gender roles in rural communities, which reinforce norms and expectations that restrict women, limiting their empowerment and ability to make informed and effective decisions. This context fosters the creation of unequal power structures and women’s dependence on male figures. This article explores the relationship between autonomy and decision-making capacity in rural women. Through a review using the PRISMA approach, we analysed whether the absence of autonomy limits empowerment and decision-making. A total of 141 records were identified, and after excluding duplicate documents, those with no relation to the population and the purpose of this article, 35 articles with research results were included in this review. The categories addressed were empowerment, autonomy, decision-making and sustainable development, the latter emerging in the reviewed literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Precarious Work to Decent Work)

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23 pages, 276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship of Grandparents and LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Grandchildren, as Perceived by the Grandparents

by Ahuva Even-Zohar, Tal Abargel, Ofel Mualem and Almog Shaibi

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080468 - 28 Jul 2025

Viewed by 526

Abstract

There has been a growing trend of young people coming out as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) in recent years. Research on the relationship between LGBTQ grandchildren and their grandparents is limited and primarily focuses on the grandchildren’s perspective. This pilot study [...] Read more.

There has been a growing trend of young people coming out as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) in recent years. Research on the relationship between LGBTQ grandchildren and their grandparents is limited and primarily focuses on the grandchildren’s perspective. This pilot study seeks to understand the relationship between grandparents and their LGBT grandchildren, from the grandparents’ perspective. Six Israeli grandparents were interviewed using a qualitative methodology, guided by a semi-structured interview protocol. Analysis of the interviews revealed three main themes: grandparents’ exposure to the grandchildren’s sexual orientation and their gender identity; the shattering of the grandparents’ dream and concern for the grandchild; and the relations between the grandparents and their LGBT grandchildren. The research findings in this pilot study indicate that the relations remained close and did not change following disclosure of the sexual orientation. However, some grandparents needed time to resume their regular relationship. The insights learned from the research findings regarding the process undergone by the grandparents upon discovering their grandchildren’s sexual orientation can help professionals treat and counsel family members, when necessary, how to bridge the gaps, and rebuild the relations between the grandparent and the grandchild, as these relations are important for the well-being of both. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Family Studies)

20 pages, 554 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Proximity of Hybrid Universities as a Key Factor for Rural Development

by Jacobo Núñez-Martínez, Laura Rodríguez-Fernández and Luisa Fernanda Rodríguez

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080467 - 28 Jul 2025

Viewed by 309

Abstract

Currently, the role of a university in promoting the development of rural areas has been emphasized. However, an increase in academic training can lead to a growth in rural migration due to the lack of job opportunities for university graduates. Given the scarcity [...] Read more.

Currently, the role of a university in promoting the development of rural areas has been emphasized. However, an increase in academic training can lead to a growth in rural migration due to the lack of job opportunities for university graduates. Given the scarcity of studies on the impact of higher education institutions in areas at risk of depopulation, a research study has been conducted with university students residing in Castilla y León (Spain) in order to understand their insights on the benefits that university education can bring to rural areas, as well as to comprehend the reasons that would motivate the migration of university students or even the interest of institutions in addressing the issue of depopulation. The results achieved suggest that an increase in education could help slow down this process, with the proximity of the university being a decisive factor for population settlement. Additionally, while the shortage of job opportunities would be the main cause of migration, there would also be other factors contributing to depopulation, such as lack of leisure or services, despite a will to stay. Finally, the survey respondents expressed skepticism about the institutions’ interest in addressing this problem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Community and Urban Sociology)

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13 pages, 490 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Economic Development and Marriage Stability: Evidence for a Concave Relationship Between per Capita Income and Divorce Rate

by Menelaos Apostolou

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080466 - 28 Jul 2025

Viewed by 806

Abstract

When the economy grows, people become wealthier and more autonomous from their intimate partners. This autonomy potentially has a negative impact on relationship stability: As per capita income increases, so does the divorce rate. Nevertheless, there is evidence that, after a certain income [...] Read more.

When the economy grows, people become wealthier and more autonomous from their intimate partners. This autonomy potentially has a negative impact on relationship stability: As per capita income increases, so does the divorce rate. Nevertheless, there is evidence that, after a certain income level, the divorce rate starts to decline, suggesting that the relationship between the two factors is not linear. The purpose of the current research is to examine the relationship between per capita income and divorce rate by analyzing historical data from the UK (obtained from the UK Office of National Statistics) and USA (obtained from the CDC and the Federal Reserve), as well as contemporary data encompassing a sample of 107 societies (obtained from the World Population Review and the World Bank). Our analysis finds a concave relationship between the two variables: an increase in per capita income corresponds to a rise in the divorce rate. However, beyond a certain threshold, the increase in per capita income is associated with a decrease in the divorce rate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intimate Relationships in Diverse Social and Cultural Contexts)

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20 pages, 400 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Debt Before Departure: The Role of Informal Credit in Trapping Migrant Workers

by Abdelaziz Abdalla Alowais and Abubakr Suliman

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080465 - 28 Jul 2025

Viewed by 364

Abstract

In the last two decades, the prevalence of South Asian migrant workers has significantly increased in the UAE’s construction sector, and they are under huge debt. Although researchers heavily stress the role of employers in migrant workers’ debt, the role of debt before [...] Read more.

In the last two decades, the prevalence of South Asian migrant workers has significantly increased in the UAE’s construction sector, and they are under huge debt. Although researchers heavily stress the role of employers in migrant workers’ debt, the role of debt before departure has not been investigated. Thus, this study bridges this gap in the literature in the context of South Asian construction migrant workers. The objective of this study is to investigate how informal recruitment fees and debt arrangements contribute to bonded labor and dependency among migrant workers. A qualitative approach was used to conduct in-depth interviews with 30 South Asian migrants employed in the construction sector. This article highlights how pre-migration debt—which is often accrued through informal loans and exploitative recruitment fees—has been underexplored in migration studies. Drawing on interviews with 30 South Asian laborers, this study identifies five interconnected themes: pre-migration debt bondage, exploitative lending practices, lack of legal recourse, emotional manipulation, and a cycle of dependency. While UAE labor policies have improved, the real vulnerabilities lie in the informal recruitment systems and weak oversight in migrant workers’ countries of origin. Consequently, five themes were generated from the analysis: pre-migration debt bondage, exploitative lending practices, no legal recourse, emotional manipulation, and cycles of dependency. This study contributes to our existing knowledge by revealing the experiences of migrant construction workers from South Asia in the UAE. While the UAE has established one of the region’s most progressive legal frameworks to protect migrant workers and set clear labor standards, many exploitative practices occur outside its jurisdiction, particularly in the workers’ countries of origin. This study underscores that the root of the problem lies in weak enforcement and informal recruitment networks in sending countries, not in UAE policy itself. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated international action to ensure that migrant protection begins well before arrival. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Civil Society, Migration and Citizenship)

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Soc. Sci., Volume 14, Issue 8 (August 2025) – 48 articles

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