Journal Description
Societies
Societies
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on sociology, published monthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access — free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), RePEc, EconBiz, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Sociology) / CiteScore - Q2 (General Social Sciences)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 34.4 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2025).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
1.6 (2024);
5-Year Impact Factor:
1.9 (2024)
Latest Articles
Social Workers’ Experiences and Collaboration with Public Health Professionals in a Low-Income Country: A Qualitative Study
Societies 2025, 15(10), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100278 (registering DOI) - 1 Oct 2025
Abstract
Social workers and public health professionals are expected to collaborate in promoting health and social equity to address the complex challenges faced by societies now and in the future. This collaboration is particularly crucial in low-income countries, where social and health issues significantly
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Social workers and public health professionals are expected to collaborate in promoting health and social equity to address the complex challenges faced by societies now and in the future. This collaboration is particularly crucial in low-income countries, where social and health issues significantly affect people’s wellbeing. This study explored social workers’ perceptions of their role in society, their collaboration with public health professionals, and the importance of sustainable development in their professional practice. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted between March and June 2024, involving semi-structured interviews with twelve professional social workers from the three main geographic regions of Mozambique (north, central, and south). Content analysis was used to identify and synthesize the key categories that emerged from the data. Four main categories were identified: limited public understanding of the mission and practice of social work; a lack of collaboration with public health professionals; the integration of sustainable development goals into social work practice; and anticipated future challenges for Mozambique’s social and public health sectors. The findings highlight a perceived lack of societal awareness regarding the role of social workers and limited interprofessional collaboration, with barriers such as poor communication and a lack of mutual understanding between the two professions. Moreover, the participants recognized the need to contribute, through their daily work alongside public health professionals, to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Holistic Approaches: The Inter-Effect Between Social Ecology and Social Work for Vulnerable Groups)
Open AccessArticle
Perceptions of Diversity in School Leadership Promotions: An Initial Exploratory Study in the Republic of Ireland
by
Robert Hannan, Niamh Lafferty and Patricia Mannix McNamara
Societies 2025, 15(10), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100277 - 1 Oct 2025
Abstract
This initial exploratory study examined the perceptions of teachers and school leaders in the Republic of Ireland regarding diversity in promotions to school principalship, framed by Equity Theory, Organisational Justice Theory, and Legitimacy Theory. A mixed-methods approach was utilised within this study. Data
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This initial exploratory study examined the perceptions of teachers and school leaders in the Republic of Ireland regarding diversity in promotions to school principalship, framed by Equity Theory, Organisational Justice Theory, and Legitimacy Theory. A mixed-methods approach was utilised within this study. Data was collected from 123 participants via an online survey comprising Likert-type statements and open-ended questions. This data was analysed using descriptive statistics and quantitative analysis for the Likert-type statements and thematic analysis was used to examine the qualitative responses, allowing for the identification of recurring patterns and themes to complement the quantitative findings. Findings indicated disparities between perceived and desired prioritisation of diversity, alongside varied perceptions of its impact on school performance and leadership. Disability, social class, and religious diversity were perceived as the least prioritised in promotion practices, while gender and cultural diversity received greater support and were more frequently linked to positive leadership outcomes. Participants reported mixed perceptions across diversity dimensions, with gender, age, and cultural diversity associated with the most positive impacts. Concerns about tokenism and the perceived undermining of merit-based promotion were widespread, reflecting the importance of fairness, transparency, and alignment with stakeholder expectations. The study underscored the need for promotion processes that are both equitable and credible, and for organisational cultures that enable diverse leaders to thrive. These findings provided a foundation for further research and policy development to foster inclusive and representative school leadership in Ireland.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Social Research in Economics, Environment, Education, and Philosophy)
Open AccessArticle
Gender Role Reversal in Gig Economy Households: A Sociological Insight from Southeast Asia with Evidence from Pakistan
by
Umar Daraz, Štefan Bojnec and Younas Khan
Societies 2025, 15(10), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100276 - 1 Oct 2025
Abstract
The rapid growth of the gig economy and digital platforms is challenging traditional gender roles, particularly in developing countries where structural inequalities continue to shape labor and household dynamics. Despite growing global interest in gender equity and digital inclusion, limited research has examined
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The rapid growth of the gig economy and digital platforms is challenging traditional gender roles, particularly in developing countries where structural inequalities continue to shape labor and household dynamics. Despite growing global interest in gender equity and digital inclusion, limited research has examined how gig work, digital access, and women’s income contributions interact to influence household gender dynamics within culturally conservative contexts. This study aimed to investigate the multidimensional impacts of women’s participation in gig work on time use redistribution, intra-household decision making, gender ideology, and role reversal within households in Pakistan. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from a representative sample of married couples engaged in the gig economy across urban and peri-urban areas of Pakistan. A quantitative analysis was conducted employing a combination of an analysis of variance, ordinal logistic regression, hierarchical multiple regression, and structural equation modeling to evaluate the direct and indirect relationships between constructs. The findings revealed that women’s gig work participation significantly predicted enhanced digital access, greater income contributions, and increased intra-household decision-making power. These, in turn, contributed to a measurable shift in gender ideology toward equality norms and a partial reversal of traditional gender roles, particularly in household labor division. The study concludes that the intersection of economic participation and digital empowerment serves as a catalyst for progressive gender restructuring within households. Policy implications include the need for gender-responsive labor policies, investment in digital infrastructure, and targeted interventions to support empowering women in non-traditional work roles.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating Inequality and Well-Being in the Changing World of Work: A Cross-Sectoral Perspective)
Open AccessConcept Paper
Modelling Inclusion: Using Participatory Methods for Equitable Research on Inequalities in Marginalized Groups
by
Rachel Julian, Ghazala Mir, Riddhi Singh and on behalf of the PEI Partners
Societies 2025, 15(10), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100275 - 30 Sep 2025
Abstract
This paper explores the methodological implications, processes, and opportunities relating to the use of participatory approaches in the study of intersecting inequalities. Within the context of an international, interdisciplinary project (Partnerships for Equality and Inclusion (PEI)), four sub-projects elected to use participatory methodologies
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This paper explores the methodological implications, processes, and opportunities relating to the use of participatory approaches in the study of intersecting inequalities. Within the context of an international, interdisciplinary project (Partnerships for Equality and Inclusion (PEI)), four sub-projects elected to use participatory methodologies to engage with marginalized and excluded communities so that their needs, voices, and knowledge were included in the data collection process and the dissemination of findings at micro (community) and macro (policy) levels. The four project teams in Kenya, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Nigeria engaged with training and research processes so that participants with lived experience could contribute both as peer researchers and in focus groups that contributed study data. In this paper, we bring together the findings and learning from each project about how these methods contributed to equity in the research process. We conclude with insights and recommendations on how participatory methods can enable an intersectional and grounded perspective from people facing multiple inequalities in periods of crisis and political change.
Full article
Open AccessConcept Paper
The Emerging Gig Economy and Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa
by
Desmond Ayentimi, Albert Amankwaa and John Burgess
Societies 2025, 15(10), 274; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100274 - 29 Sep 2025
Abstract
Online work mediated by digital platforms is prevalent across various sectors, including food delivery, data entry, and professional services. Globally, gig work and the gig economy are growing with improved and increased Internet coverage and mobile phone sales. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is no
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Online work mediated by digital platforms is prevalent across various sectors, including food delivery, data entry, and professional services. Globally, gig work and the gig economy are growing with improved and increased Internet coverage and mobile phone sales. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is no exception as the online economy expands, albeit unevenly across the many countries in the region. Given that the region is afflicted by poverty, unemployment, and underemployment (especially for youth), low rates of female workforce participation, and a dominant informal economy where labour standards are absent, it is appropriate to consider whether the gig economy can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals linked to work. Drawing on secondary evidence, this review article considers the potential for the gig economy to contribute to jobs, income, employment standards, gender equity, and training and development. Despite the limited evidence from across the region and the evidence that many gig jobs are precarious and low-paid, it is suggested that gig working has the potential to contribute to the sustainable development of the region.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Toward Social Disclosure Alignment: Evaluating the Interoperability of ISSB S2 with ESRS and GRI Standards
by
Péter Molnár, Bence Lukács and Árpád Tóth
Societies 2025, 15(10), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100273 - 28 Sep 2025
Abstract
The evolution of sustainability reporting has led to an increased emphasis on environmental disclosures, often at the expense of social and governance dimensions. While frameworks such as the International Sustainability Standards Board’s (ISSB) IFRS S2 standard offer important advances in climate-related transparency, they
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The evolution of sustainability reporting has led to an increased emphasis on environmental disclosures, often at the expense of social and governance dimensions. While frameworks such as the International Sustainability Standards Board’s (ISSB) IFRS S2 standard offer important advances in climate-related transparency, they insufficiently address the broader social aspects of corporate sustainability performance. In response to this gap, this study investigates the interoperability of social disclosures across three major frameworks: ISSB S2, the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. Using a structured interoperability index, we systematically map and score the degree of thematic and structural alignment between these standards, focusing specifically on social disclosure topics. The analysis reveals moderate interoperability between ESRS and GRI social disclosures, but far lower alignment between ISSB S2 and either ESRS or GRI, confirming the ongoing underrepresentation of the social pillar within the ISSB framework. Connectivity ratios remain below 6% across all matrices, underscoring persistent fragmentation in global ESG reporting standards. These findings highlight the need for regulatory bodies and standard setters to advance harmonization efforts that equally prioritize environmental, social, and governance dimensions. By foregrounding the interoperability gaps in social disclosures, this study contributes to the academic debate on ESG convergence and informs policy discussions on developing multidimensional, stakeholder-responsive reporting architectures.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adapting to Change: Social, Organizational, and Technological Responses to Contemporary Challenges)
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Open AccessArticle
The Effects of a Teacher Training Program on Students’ Perceptions of the Teaching–Learning Process
by
Jorge López González, Belén Obispo-Díaz and Jesús Rodríguez Barroso
Societies 2025, 15(10), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100272 - 28 Sep 2025
Abstract
The aim of this article is to identify the effectiveness of a teacher education program based on student perceptions. In this aim, a longitudinal research project was carried out with a sample of 14,229 students at a Spanish university who evaluated their teachers
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The aim of this article is to identify the effectiveness of a teacher education program based on student perceptions. In this aim, a longitudinal research project was carried out with a sample of 14,229 students at a Spanish university who evaluated their teachers (using a Likert-type scale) after they completed a teacher training program. The CEDA teacher evaluation scale (α = 0.968; ω = 0.968) was used to assess students’ perceptions of the instructor’s role as a facilitator of learning. Complementary qualitative information was also collected, which complemented the quantitative findings. The first conclusion is the positive impact of key variables of the teacher training program: the pedagogical model, educational innovation, and evaluation strategies. Secondly, the students’ perception was slightly better in relation to the pedagogical model, followed by evaluation strategies and finally educational innovation. Thirdly, although students generally rated the teaching of technical subjects more highly than the humanities, the perception of change linked to teacher training was positive for all subjects. Finally, there was a slight difference in students’ perceptions according to the academic course (second, third, or fourth). All of the above should be considered for future teacher training programs.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic AI Trends in Teacher and Student Training)
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Open AccessArticle
Working from (a New) Home: Tensions Faced by Remote Working Immigrants in Canada
by
Samantha Jackson and Suzanne Huot
Societies 2025, 15(10), 271; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100271 - 28 Sep 2025
Abstract
Remote work has become a prevalent work model in Canada but there is limited research on how immigrants experience this type of work. This paper shares thematic findings from an instrumental case study that explored such experiences in two of Canada’s largest immigrant-receiving
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Remote work has become a prevalent work model in Canada but there is limited research on how immigrants experience this type of work. This paper shares thematic findings from an instrumental case study that explored such experiences in two of Canada’s largest immigrant-receiving provinces. We interviewed 21 highly educated remote workers from the Global South who had immigrated to Canada in the last 10 years. We generated three themes from a reflexive thematic analysis of interview transcripts. (1) Shifting labour market value: despite enhancing their skillsets, many participants still faced labour market devaluation, which led to feelings of insecurity. (2) Occupational flexibility: participants enjoyed the flexibility remote work provided but often could not draw distinct boundaries between work and home. (3) Socialization and belonging: being physically removed from the workplace affected participants’ connections with others within and outside of the workplace. Participants viewed hybrid work as a possible solution for achieving better balance. Using a Bourdieusian lens, we conceptualize the Canadian job market as a site where social inequalities are reproduced by employers and immigrants. We suggest that greater governmental and workplace support systems for socialization, integration, mentorship and building cultural awareness could help immigrants better achieve their career goals.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Parental Communication and Discipline Styles as Predictors of Adolescent Aggression and Moral Attitudes: A Cross-Sectional Study
by
Mihaela Rus, Mihaela Luminița Sandu, Mariana Floricica Călin, Carmen-Mihaela Băiceanu, Maria Pescaru, Mihai Ștefănoaia, Constantina Alina Ilie Miloș, Ramona Băluțescu and Corina Costache Colareza
Societies 2025, 15(10), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100270 - 28 Sep 2025
Abstract
This research examines the impact of parental communication and education on the aggressive behavior of adolescents and their attitudes toward morality, from an interdisciplinary perspective. The study aims to investigate the relationship between parental attitudes towards aggressive behaviors, the disciplinary styles used, and
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This research examines the impact of parental communication and education on the aggressive behavior of adolescents and their attitudes toward morality, from an interdisciplinary perspective. The study aims to investigate the relationship between parental attitudes towards aggressive behaviors, the disciplinary styles used, and the school adaptation of adolescents. The central hypothesis is that a parenting style based on open communication reduces aggressive behavior and improves moral attitudes. Methods. The method involved a cross-sectional study on a sample of 403 adolescents, using structured questionnaires to assess parental communication, attitudes towards aggression, school experience, and aggressive behaviors. The findings revealed a significant positive association between parental tolerance of aggression and adolescents’ aggressive behaviors (r = 0.280, p < 0.001). In contrast, open parental communication was positively related to school adaptation (r = 0.348, p < 0.001). Moreover, negative school attitudes were strong predictors of aggressive manifestations (r = −0.374, p < 0.001). The conclusions emphasize the importance of parental intervention programs that promote effective communication and reduce tolerance of aggressive behaviors, thereby fostering the development of prosocial behaviors and healthy moral attitudes in adolescents.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Should I Stay or Should I Go? Mapping the Key Drivers of Skilled Migration Using Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision Methodology
by
Ejder Ayçin and Esra Erarslan
Societies 2025, 15(10), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100269 - 26 Sep 2025
Abstract
The emigration of highly skilled individuals has become a critical concern for many countries amid increasing global labor mobility. This study employs the Improved Fuzzy Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (IF-SWARA) method within a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (FMCDM) framework to identify and prioritize
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The emigration of highly skilled individuals has become a critical concern for many countries amid increasing global labor mobility. This study employs the Improved Fuzzy Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (IF-SWARA) method within a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (FMCDM) framework to identify and prioritize the key drivers of skilled migration. Drawing on opinions from sixteen Turkish emigrants currently residing abroad, the study captures firsthand perspectives on the structural factors influencing their migration decisions. The results indicate that the most influential factors are workplace conditions, living standards, and academic standards. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of brain drain and highlight the necessity for comprehensive policy approaches that address both push and pull dynamics. By systematically ranking these determinants, the study contributes to the growing body of evidence-based research on international human capital flows.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue International Migration and the Adaptation Process)
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Open AccessArticle
Perceptions of Care in Residential Facilities According to Functional Dependency: A Phenomenological Approach Centred on Older Adults’ Dignity
by
Sara Fernández-Ming, María Carmen Martín-Cano, Marta García-Domingo and Adrián Jesús Ricoy-Cano
Societies 2025, 15(10), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100268 - 26 Sep 2025
Abstract
Population ageing and the increase in life expectancy have heightened the demand for long-term care in residential facilities. In Spain, it is projected that by 2054 the functional dependency rate among those aged 65 and over will exceed 53.0%, posing significant challenges for
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Population ageing and the increase in life expectancy have heightened the demand for long-term care in residential facilities. In Spain, it is projected that by 2054 the functional dependency rate among those aged 65 and over will exceed 53.0%, posing significant challenges for person-centred care. This study aims to examine institutionalised older adults’ perceptions of care in relation to their functional dependency, and how these perceptions shape their dignity and participation in residential life. A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach was conducted in a residential facility located in the north-east of Andalusia, Spain, involving eight residents with varying degrees of autonomy and dependency. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews and analysed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method. The findings revealed that, as dependency increases, care is perceived as more impersonal, generating feelings of diminished dignity and greater exclusion. In addition, limitations were observed in communication and participation in residential life. Respect for privacy and personal preferences was particularly relevant for women. The study concludes that the care received is conditioned by the degree of dependency and the resources available. It is recommended to enhance staff training, increase staffing levels, and promote the active participation of residents.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Social Inclusion of Older Adults in Liquid Modernity)
Open AccessArticle
Ethics in the Shadow: Political Marketing’s Role in Shaping Electoral Trust
by
Ionela-Alina Alupoaei and Dumitru Goldbach
Societies 2025, 15(10), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100267 - 26 Sep 2025
Abstract
This study analyzes the relationships between ethical perceptions, perceived sincerity of politicians, and the influences of political marketing on electoral behavior in Romania. Relevant connections were identified using an online questionnaire, resulting in a complex model of the moral and communicational evaluation of
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This study analyzes the relationships between ethical perceptions, perceived sincerity of politicians, and the influences of political marketing on electoral behavior in Romania. Relevant connections were identified using an online questionnaire, resulting in a complex model of the moral and communicational evaluation of political actors. The findings show that people with a high level of ethical evaluation tend to interpret politicians’ lack of sincerity as being caused by external influences, such as political consultants and communication experts. At the same time, ethically oriented respondents show increased trust in independent candidates and greater openness to the possibility that electoral promises are achievable, suggesting an orientation towards moral alternatives to the traditional political system. Additionally, individuals with a high degree of psychological resilience appear to be more skeptical about the sincerity of political discourse, indicating a cognitive defense mechanism through caution and distrust. The analysis also highlights slight demographic differences, especially by gender and age, as well as a remarkable intercorrelation between perceptions of the veracity of parties and politicians, suggesting the existence of a unitary construct underlying the perception of honesty in politics. These results provide valuable insights regarding the impact of political marketing strategies on the symbolic capital of sincerity and contribute to the shaping of ethical directions for electoral communication.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Populism Development in Media Digitalization: The Role of Social Ideologies)
Open AccessArticle
Generational Climate Engagement in Liquid Modernity: Eco-Anxiety, Environmental Activism and Pro-Environmental Behavior Among Older Adults in Spain
by
María D. López-Rodríguez, Antonia Lozano-Díaz, Rubén Rodríguez-Puertas and Juan S. Fernández-Prados
Societies 2025, 15(10), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100266 - 25 Sep 2025
Abstract
Generational approaches to climate engagement among older adults remain limited. This study examines the evolution of eco-anxiety, environmental activism, and pro-environmental behavior from a life course perspective, focusing on older adults in Spain. A nationwide CATI survey of 3000 residents aged 18 and
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Generational approaches to climate engagement among older adults remain limited. This study examines the evolution of eco-anxiety, environmental activism, and pro-environmental behavior from a life course perspective, focusing on older adults in Spain. A nationwide CATI survey of 3000 residents aged 18 and older was conducted, employing validated multidimensional scales for eco-anxiety, environmental activism, and pro-environmental behavior, each rescaled to a 0–10 range. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analyses of variance, and hierarchical regression models to estimate linear and quadratic age effects beyond sex, education, and subjective social class. Results show that (1) eco-anxiety follows an inverted-U pattern, peaking at ages 45–49 and declining significantly after 60; (2) environmental activism remains high until the late sixties, while everyday pro-environmental behaviors sharply decline after retirement; and (3) eco-anxiety and environmental action in older adults are partially decoupled, reflecting the role of supportive personal and contextual factors beyond emotional concern. The findings challenge prevailing stereotypes of passive older adults by demonstrating that older age can constitute a significant period of climate engagement. Despite a slight decline in climate concern following retirement, the willingness to take action remains notably resilient. Older adults maintain consistent involvement in environmental volunteering and activism, often motivated by a desire to leave a lasting legacy and shaped by personal experiences of past crises and collective struggles. However, pro-environmental behaviors show a marked decrease in older adults, not due to diminished interest but likely as a result of structural constraints such as declining health, limited income, and inadequate housing conditions. This study suggests that, in the context of liquid modernity marked by rapid change and uncertainty, older adults may serve as societal anchors—preserving narratives, emotional bonds, and civic networks. Through policies that address structural barriers, this anchor role can be supported, empowering older adults to improve their well-being and strengthening community resilience in the face of climate change.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Social Inclusion of Older Adults in Liquid Modernity)
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Open AccessArticle
Multilevel Factors for (Non)Reporting Intimate Partner Violence: The Case of Bulgaria
by
Georgi Petrunov
Societies 2025, 15(10), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100265 - 24 Sep 2025
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Intimate partner violence is recognized as one of the most common forms of violence against women. However, it remains under-reported in many countries. The text aims to present key factors affecting women’s willingness to report intimate partner violence in Bulgaria. We proceed from
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Intimate partner violence is recognized as one of the most common forms of violence against women. However, it remains under-reported in many countries. The text aims to present key factors affecting women’s willingness to report intimate partner violence in Bulgaria. We proceed from the idea that the factors that create conditions for the existence of this type of violence in a society are also a major obstacle for women to file official complaints. Considering the complexity of the phenomenon and the numerous aspects that influence whether a victim will seek help or not, we use the three analytical levels—micro, meso and macro—to identify the main barriers to reporting intimate partner violence. The data used in the article were collected through a nationally representative adult population survey on attitudes towards violence against women in Bulgaria, in-depth interviews and focus groups with experts from various institutions related to the problem, and a survey among women victims of violence. The analysis revealed the impact on reporting willingness of macro factors such as the legal framework for preventing and regulating violence against women, as well as the existence of widely accepted cultural norms that normalize milder types of violence. At the meso level, ineffective institutional responses and a lack of support from the closest environment appear to be deterrents to reporting violence. Along with individual characteristics (such as psychological, emotional, and economic reliance) indicated by earlier studies and validated in our research, the analysis identified some poorly studied factors that positively influence the reporting of violence, such as public support expressed through social media and civil protests.
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Open AccessConcept Paper
Ikigai as a Framework for Career Counselling and Study Choices: Conceptual and Practical Perspectives in the Slovenian Context
by
Karmen Jedvaj and Vesna Skrbinjek
Societies 2025, 15(9), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090264 - 22 Sep 2025
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This paper explores the theoretical foundations and practical applications of the Japanese concept of ikigai in the field of career counselling and study choice, with particular emphasis on its potential implementation in Slovenia’s educational system. Unlike traditional guidance models that primarily focus on
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This paper explores the theoretical foundations and practical applications of the Japanese concept of ikigai in the field of career counselling and study choice, with particular emphasis on its potential implementation in Slovenia’s educational system. Unlike traditional guidance models that primarily focus on the alignment of abilities and interests, ikigai represents a holistic framework integrating values, competencies, social contribution, and economic sustainability. The paper develops a novel conceptual model of ikigai coaching, applicable across three educational phases and structured into five implementation steps. It situates ikigai within broader motivational and existential theories, while also addressing the challenges of intercultural adaptation and risks of oversimplification or commercialisation. Empirical insight is provided through an expert interview with Professor Rutger ThielenTielen (Breda University of Applied Sciences, BUAS), and limitations as well as directions for future research are critically examined. The original contribution of this article lies in its contextualisation of ikigai within the Slovenian educational and cultural framework, where such approaches have not yet been systematically applied or academically evaluated. By integrating theoretical reflection, a structured coaching model, and empirical insight, the paper advances the academic debate on meaning-oriented career counselling and provides a culturally sensitive proposal for enriching guidance practices in Slovenia.
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Open AccessArticle
Critical, Qualitative and Situated: Pedagogical Initiatives in a Datafied Society
by
Riccardo Pronzato and Ana Kubrusly
Societies 2025, 15(9), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090263 - 19 Sep 2025
Abstract
Social researchers have extensively examined the systematic role played by digital platforms, algorithms and datafication processes in shaping social life. In response to the overwhelming power asymmetries, datafication processes and extractive conditions imposed on users, different scholars have emphasized the need for educational
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Social researchers have extensively examined the systematic role played by digital platforms, algorithms and datafication processes in shaping social life. In response to the overwhelming power asymmetries, datafication processes and extractive conditions imposed on users, different scholars have emphasized the need for educational initiatives that foster forms of critical digital literacy. This article explores how critical pedagogical approaches can be embedded into research and teaching practices to support the analysis of everyday media experiences. Specifically, we discuss four case studies drawn from our prior and ongoing research on youth: (i) the use of autoethnographic diaries; (ii) the constitution of youth juries; (iii) the development of a critical digital literacy educational manual; (iv) the implementation of interactive workshops. We contend that these interventions share three key elements, i.e., a critical theory stance, a qualitative orientation, and the cultivation of situated knowledge, the intertwinement of which can promote instances of critical awareness and reflexivity, challenging the individualism and resignation frequently characteristic of contemporary digital life. We use this set of cases to offer a practical, multi-level approach for researchers and educators, showing how the theoretical principles of critical pedagogy can be put into concrete practices, addressing critical digital literacy across different levels.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reshaping Social Reality: Digital Societies and the Data-Based Approach)
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Open AccessArticle
Challenges Faced by Female Leaders Through a Lens of a Western Hungarian Research
by
Jázmin Lőre and Lívia Ablonczy-Mihályka
Societies 2025, 15(9), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090262 - 18 Sep 2025
Abstract
In the global work culture of the 21st century, the image of female leaders is marginal. The stereotypical opinion links the terms leaders and managers to the male gender and predetermined gendered characteristics typical to men. The aim of this study is to
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In the global work culture of the 21st century, the image of female leaders is marginal. The stereotypical opinion links the terms leaders and managers to the male gender and predetermined gendered characteristics typical to men. The aim of this study is to redefine certain perspectives through empirical research based on previous literature regarding gender stereotypes in leadership and challenges facing female leaders. This paper looks at the main issues that concern female leaders throughout their careers and even after reaching a higher position and discusses the differences between male and female workers on the top levels of the organizational hierarchy. The research was conducted in the Western Transdanubia region of Hungary. The research was based on eight semi-structured interviews with mid- and senior managers, which were analyzed through thematic analysis to identify patterns and challenges. As an exploratory qualitative study with a region-specific sample, the findings provide valuable insights but should be interpreted cautiously as they cannot be extrapolated to a comparable situation. The findings of the study indicate that gender gaps in the corporate world can be attributed to the presence of stereotypes resulting from gender roles embedded in patriarchal societies, gender-based discrimination in the labor market. As the results suggest, these non-quantifiable problems are of great importance in terms of the position of women in the labor market and society.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adapting to Change: Social, Organizational, and Technological Responses to Contemporary Challenges)
Open AccessArticle
Causal Factors of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG): Perspectives from the Brazilian Higher Education Students
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Muhammad Qasim Rana, Angela Lee, José Fernando Rodrigues Bezerra, Lekan Damilola Ojo and Guilherme Hissa Villas Boas
Societies 2025, 15(9), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090261 - 18 Sep 2025
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Violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains a critical problem within Brazilian higher education institutions, where deep-rooted cultural norms and institutional shortcomings continue to foster unsafe environments for female students. Although national and international bodies have raised concerns, few studies have thoroughly examined
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Violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains a critical problem within Brazilian higher education institutions, where deep-rooted cultural norms and institutional shortcomings continue to foster unsafe environments for female students. Although national and international bodies have raised concerns, few studies have thoroughly examined the layered causes of VAWG in academic settings using comprehensive analytical methods. This study aims to explore the causal factors of VAWG within Brazilian universities by applying a structured survey and analyzing the responses using the Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE) approach. This method allows for a nuanced interpretation of the collected data by assigning weighted values to various contributing factors. The research assessed five major dimensions—individual, interpersonal, institutional, community and societal causal factors. The findings reveal that societal and institutional causes significantly contribute to VAWG, while individual factors play a comparatively minor role. These insights point to the structural and systemic nature of VAWG in academic settings, emphasizing the need for broad reforms. Based on the results, practical recommendations, including cultural reorientation, stricter institutional policies, and gender-sensitive training are recommended. By applying FSE in this context, the study offers a novel approach to evaluating and addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in higher education, contributing to a valuable model for future research and institutional policymaking. The results offer critical insights that can guide interventions to foster safer and more inclusive university environments in Brazil.
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Open AccessArticle
Hikikomori 2.0: A Mixed Method Investigation to Reconceptualization the Social Withdrawal in the Digital Age
by
Vincenzo Esposito and Felice Addeo
Societies 2025, 15(9), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090260 - 17 Sep 2025
Abstract
This study reconceptualizes the hikikomori phenomenon in light of the digital revolution, examining the extent to which online practices shape the dynamics of social withdrawal. The primary objective is to assess whether the digital sphere constitutes a structural component of the contemporary hikikomori
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This study reconceptualizes the hikikomori phenomenon in light of the digital revolution, examining the extent to which online practices shape the dynamics of social withdrawal. The primary objective is to assess whether the digital sphere constitutes a structural component of the contemporary hikikomori experience. The research employed a three-phase sequential design: a 33-item online questionnaire administered to a stratified sample of 399 parents of children in isolation for at least six months, with a 100% completion rate; a non-participant netnographic observation conducted within a single Telegram group, consisting of one month of silent observation followed by six months of formal observation between late May and early November 2023, during which membership declined from 121 to 89 and approximately 90,000 messages were produced and subsequently analyzed through an inductive narrative lens; and a Delphi consultation involving 21 experts (psychologists, psychiatrists, educators, and researchers), conducted across three rounds—two of which were qualitative—interpreted with the same analytic framework. The findings underscore the growing significance of the online dimension in defining the hikikomori experience. Survey data indicate that the majority of individuals in withdrawal, both primary and secondary, maintain online relationships. Netnographic evidence highlights how the digital sphere functions as a form of selective and mediated sociability, simultaneously serving as both refuge and bridge. Delphi results converge in recognizing digital engagement as a structural component of the phenomenon and further delineate configurations of semi-withdrawal. Taken together, the three phases point to a paradigmatic shift: from an “offline” hikikomori to a digital hikikomori, in which the Internet is no longer a compensatory pastime but rather a central dimension that reshapes daily routines, social ties, and identity processes.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reshaping Social Reality: Digital Societies and the Data-Based Approach)
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Open AccessArticle
Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ): Validation in Mexican University Athletes
by
Faviola Corvera-Velarde, Abril Cantú-Berrueto, Francisco Javier Mendoza-Farias and Jeanette M. López-Walle
Societies 2025, 15(9), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090259 - 16 Sep 2025
Abstract
From the psychology of sport, the impact of group cohesion on sports performance has been studied extensively; therefore, it is considered important to measure this variable to design interventions that improve collective work to achieve goals together. This study adapted and validated the
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From the psychology of sport, the impact of group cohesion on sports performance has been studied extensively; therefore, it is considered important to measure this variable to design interventions that improve collective work to achieve goals together. This study adapted and validated the Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) for Mexican university athletes. In a cross-sectional instrumental design, 226 athletes from various team sports completed the scale. Internal consistency statistics and confirmatory factor analyses Goodness-of-Fit Index (GFI), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) evaluated psychometrics. After removing three items with weak loadings, three structural models were tested as follows: (a) unidimensional, (b) task vs. social cohesion, and (c) attraction vs. integration. The unidimensional model showed the best fit (χ2 = 177.33; GFI = 0.90; CFI = 0.92; RMSEA = 0.07) and high reliability, indicating that cohesion can be treated as a single overarching construct. Task items exhibited higher consistency than social items. In conclusion, the adapted version of the GEQ is a useful tool for the evaluation of cohesion in Mexican university sports, although it is recommended to improve social items and expand its application in different disciplines and competitive levels.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative and Multidisciplinary Approaches to Healthcare)
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