Societies

20 pages, 2566 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Current Evolution of International Political Economy: Exploring the New Theoretical Divide between New Globalization and Anti-Globalization

by Charis Michael Vlados

Societies 2024, 14(8), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14080135 - 25 Jul 2024

Abstract

This study explores the evolving theoretical divide within the field of International Political Economy (IPE), focusing on the debate between the advocates of new globalization and critics from the anti-globalization perspective. By conducting an integrative review of the contemporary literature, we explore the [...] Read more.

This study explores the evolving theoretical divide within the field of International Political Economy (IPE), focusing on the debate between the advocates of new globalization and critics from the anti-globalization perspective. By conducting an integrative review of the contemporary literature, we explore the foundational theories, core components, and primary theorists of both perspectives, aiming to understand their predictions for future global dynamics. The investigation reveals a polarization in theoretical orientation, reflecting divergent views on the implications of globalization. Through a critical analysis, the paper identifies the liberal international order and the respective contemporary neo-Marxist viewpoints as central to the debate, evaluating their critiques and contributions to understanding the new globalization’s trajectory. We suggest a synthesis of these perspectives, positing that the future of globalization—or “new globalization”—will be influenced by structural changes in global power dynamics, ongoing crises, and technological progress. This is encapsulated in the “evolutionary structural triptych” (EST) approach, which perceives the world economy as an evolutionary result of political, economic, and technological structures, which correspondingly reposition the objectives of stability, growth, and innovation in the new emerging era. In conclusion, we advocate for a balanced approach to globalization, emphasizing the need for policies that promote fairness, sustainability, and cooperation in the changing global environment. This leads to the re-introduction of an appealing concept for globalization’s future: a new, realistic, open, and innovative global liberalism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Globalization vs. Anti-Globalization: Current Challenges in International Political Economy)

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20 pages, 563 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influential Factors Affecting the Intention to Utilize Advance Care Plans (ACPs) in Thailand and Indonesia

by Irianna Futri, Chavis Ketkaew and Phaninee Naruetharadhol

Societies 2024, 14(8), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14080134 - 23 Jul 2024

Abstract

Demographic shifts resulting from population aging are evident globally, including in Southeast Asia, Thailand, and Indonesia. The relevance of advance care plans is becoming increasingly apparent as the worldwide demographic transforms due to aging. This study sought to investigate the factors influencing the [...] Read more.

Demographic shifts resulting from population aging are evident globally, including in Southeast Asia, Thailand, and Indonesia. The relevance of advance care plans is becoming increasingly apparent as the worldwide demographic transforms due to aging. This study sought to investigate the factors influencing the use and implementation of advance care plans (ACPs) using the health belief model (HBM) and technology acceptance model (TAM). This study selected a sample of individuals aged 30–60 in Indonesia and Thailand based on established inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study utilized the purposive random sampling method, integrating aspects of purposive and random selection. A total of 532 questionnaires were distributed via an online form, and 472 were obtained after data cleaning. Most respondents to this survey came from Indonesia, comprising 238 out of 472 respondents (50.4%), and from Thailand, comprising 49.5%; most respondents were women who were between 36 and 40 years old, and most reported graduating with a bachelor’s degree. A significant construct influences the use of advance care plans, i.e., perceived barriers. The perceived barrier (PBA) construct included data security, accessibility, and language barriers. In summary, overcoming existing barriers can indirectly increase the benefits of advance care plans. The results show that perceived usefulness (β = 0.189, p < 0.001), perceived ease of use (β = 0.150, p < 0.01), perceived susceptibility (β = 0.153, p < 0.01), perceived severity (β = 0.105, p < 0.05), and perceived benefits (β = 0.241, p < 0.001) all had significant positive effects on behavioral intention. In contrast, health motivation (β = 0.073, p = 0.100) and perceived barriers (β = 0.034, p = 0.134) did not show significant relationships with behavioral intention in Indonesia and Thailand, offering insights into both countries’ development strategies and the promotion of advance care plans with media as the technology. Full article

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15 pages, 3708 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of a Digital Growth Mindset on Enhancing the Motivation and Performance of Chemistry Students: A Non-Cognitive Approach

by Muhammad Naeem Sarwar, Zahida Javed, Muhammad Shahid Farooq, Muhammad Faizan Nazar, Shahbaz Hassan Wasti, Intzar Hussain Butt, Ghulam Jillani Ansari, Rabia Basri, Sumaira Kulsoom and Zaka Ullah

Societies 2024, 14(8), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14080133 - 23 Jul 2024

Abstract

The current study investigates the effects of a digital growth mindset on the motivation and success of chemistry students. The approach involves the use of technological tools that encourage students to face challenges and keep trying even when things become difficult. Students can [...] Read more.

The current study investigates the effects of a digital growth mindset on the motivation and success of chemistry students. The approach involves the use of technological tools that encourage students to face challenges and keep trying even when things become difficult. Students can achieve milestones by following this fruitful methodology. This study utilized a mixed-method design of an ordered–explanatory type, as identified in one of the categories of mixed-method approaches. The quantitative aspects of the research project were conducted using a matching-only pre-test–post-test control-group design. This was conducted because the study was carried out on secondary school students in Lahore, Pakistan, and the population included students up to the tenth grade. Only the experimental group participated in digital growth mindset activities. The control group was taught using traditional methods. The qualitative aspect of the study involved conducting focus group discussions with students in the experimental group. The results showed a significant improvement in motivation and chemistry achievement among the students in the experimental group, as evidenced by the higher mean scores from the pre-tests and the post-tests compared to the control group. The present research findings reveal that digital growth mindset interventions, when appropriately incorporated into chemistry curricula, possess the capacity to not only improve student engagement and subsequent performance but also to provide educators with valuable insights into instructional practices that are worth implementing in the digital era. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Construction of a Knowledge Society: Developments in Information Technology and Educational Management)

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20 pages, 294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pet Ownership and Psychosocial Factors in Adults Aged 40 Years and Over: Results of a Large Nationally Representative Longitudinal Survey

by Pauline Rebecca Hansen, Hans-Helmut König and André Hajek

Societies 2024, 14(8), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14080132 - 23 Jul 2024

Abstract

Thus far, few cross-sectional studies have investigated the association between pet ownership and psychosocial factors. As longitudinal studies on this topic are mostly lacking, this study aimed to analyze the association between pet ownership and psychosocial factors (in terms of depressive symptoms, loneliness, [...] Read more.

Thus far, few cross-sectional studies have investigated the association between pet ownership and psychosocial factors. As longitudinal studies on this topic are mostly lacking, this study aimed to analyze the association between pet ownership and psychosocial factors (in terms of depressive symptoms, loneliness, social isolation, and life satisfaction) using a longitudinal approach. The data used were taken from the German Ageing Survey (DEAS), a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults (n = 12,438 observations). Two waves were used (year 2014 and year 2017). Validated multi-item scales were used to measure psychosocial factors. Linear fixed effects (FE) regressions were performed. In summary, only a few significant longitudinal associations were detected in regression analyses. No associations between general pet ownership and psychosocial factors were found. However, cat ownership was significantly longitudinally associated with increases in loneliness levels among the total sample and men. Cat ownership was also significantly longitudinally associated with increases in social isolation levels among men. Among women, dog ownership was significantly longitudinally associated with decreases in life satisfaction. This study reveals some associations between pet ownership and unfavorable psychosocial factors longitudinally. These associations were only significant for subgroups (cat vs. dog ownership and females vs. males). Full article

19 pages, 3132 KiB

Open AccessConcept Paper

Rural Development Projects in Latin America: The Need to Integrate Socio-Economic, Political, and Empowerment Lenses for Sustained Impact

by Raphael Leao and Luis F. Goulao

Societies 2024, 14(7), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14070131 - 22 Jul 2024

Abstract

Latin America has witnessed a significant influx of foreign aid aimed at fostering development, particularly in rural areas, over recent decades. Despite these considerable investments, persistently high levels of poverty endure, and rural communities have not consistently witnessed improvements in livelihoods. Rural development [...] Read more.

Latin America has witnessed a significant influx of foreign aid aimed at fostering development, particularly in rural areas, over recent decades. Despite these considerable investments, persistently high levels of poverty endure, and rural communities have not consistently witnessed improvements in livelihoods. Rural development initiatives frequently achieve their inherent objectives at the output level but less frequently attain the intended outcomes and are seldom successful in establishing the prerequisites for enduring impact over the long term. The existing literature on this topic is extensive but often fragmented, with some scholars examining the context through socio-economic and political lenses, others scrutinizing the intrinsic characteristics of projects, and still others emphasizing levels of empowerment and local participation. This paper synthesizes and critically evaluates key aspects that influence the sustained impact of rural development projects across these three analytical streams. Through an integrative compilation of insights from these disparate perspectives, this work lays the foundation for a comprehensive analysis, shedding light on crucial considerations that may have previously “fallen into the cracks” through an examination of the segmented discourse. Full article

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15 pages, 270 KiB

Open AccessConcept Paper

Coming Out as Undocumented: Identity Celebrations and Political Change

by Raffaela Puggioni

Societies 2024, 14(7), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14070130 - 20 Jul 2024

Abstract

By focusing on the notion of ‘coming out as undocumented’, this concept paper critically explores whether identity politics has the potential to transform dominant ‘illegalisation’ processes. It argues that although the coming out strategy has helped make marginalised communities more visible and audible, [...] Read more.

By focusing on the notion of ‘coming out as undocumented’, this concept paper critically explores whether identity politics has the potential to transform dominant ‘illegalisation’ processes. It argues that although the coming out strategy has helped make marginalised communities more visible and audible, it does not necessarily help disrupt dominant stigmas. Drawing upon insights from Disability Studies and Fat and Queer Politics, it suggests that the celebration of stigmatised identities through coming out events does not necessarily disrupt and transform unequal systems. What is needed is a radical shift in focus: from identity celebration to political projects, from an ‘unliveable’ present to an inclusive tomorrow. Full article

15 pages, 228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Higher Education in Youth Justice: A ‘Child-First’ Approach to Diversion

by Andrew Brierley, Alison Bruell and Danielle McDermott

Societies 2024, 14(7), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14070129 - 19 Jul 2024

Abstract

This article examines the perspectives of justice-involved children regarding the obstacles to accessing higher education (HE). It outlines the regulatory approach of the Office for Students (OfS) aimed at ensuring the sector aids disadvantaged children in ‘raising attainment’ through outreach activities to enhance [...] Read more.

This article examines the perspectives of justice-involved children regarding the obstacles to accessing higher education (HE). It outlines the regulatory approach of the Office for Students (OfS) aimed at ensuring the sector aids disadvantaged children in ‘raising attainment’ through outreach activities to enhance the equality of opportunity. The analysis incorporates both desistance theory and ecological systems theory to understand children’s viewpoints on how being outside mainstream education affects their transition from specialised programs to further learning beyond secondary school. This approach is anchored in the ‘Child-First’ principle, a core aspect of the Youth Justice Board’s strategic plan for 2021–2024, emphasising the importance of children’s voices in efforts to divert them from the youth justice system, thereby reducing victimisation and fostering safer communities. The findings indicate that justice-involved children not in mainstream education who have supportive micro- and mesosystems are more likely to develop an identity aligned with continuing education post secondary school, through positive encouragement and relational environments that promote educational pathways. Thus, higher education can contribute to raising attainment for justice-involved children not in mainstream education by focusing on the broader ecological system surrounding the child, which can encourage a pro-social and pro-educational identity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Youth Justice: Social Policy, Social Work and Practice)

15 pages, 703 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plagiarism in the Academic Environment

by Ľubica Rumanovská, Jarmila Lazíková, Ivan Takáč and Zuzana Stoličná

Societies 2024, 14(7), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14070128 - 19 Jul 2024

Abstract

Plagiarism is a serious problem in the academic environment that affects academic honesty. However, there is usually a lack of knowledge regarding what kinds of practices can be regarded as plagiarism, as it is defined according to various ethical rules that differ from [...] Read more.

Plagiarism is a serious problem in the academic environment that affects academic honesty. However, there is usually a lack of knowledge regarding what kinds of practices can be regarded as plagiarism, as it is defined according to various ethical rules that differ from country to country. There is no commonly accepted definition encompassing all currently recognized forms of plagiarism. Therefore, some authors consider pedagogy to be the best measure against plagiarism. To research the impact of educating students on how to correctly quote sources on rates of plagiarism and the impact of specific factors causing plagiarism, we analyzed the measures of association among nominal variables from a dataset based on a survey of bachelor’s and master’s degree students in Slovak universities. According to our results from the Slovak universities, we can confirm that education has a positive impact on the elimination of plagiarism; however, teaching itself is not a sufficient measure to fight plagiarism. Other measures, e.g., checking seminar papers for plagiarism or making regular changes in topics for assignments, must accompany the educational measures that make an effort to eliminate plagiarism. The prevention of certain types of misconduct involves a long process; the teachers must implement educational measures and then uncompromisingly demand that students respect those measures. Full article

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22 pages, 1835 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Holistic Approach to Define Important Digital Skills for the Digital Society

by Ioannis Zervas, Emmanouil Stiakakis, Ioannis Athanasiadis and Georgios Tsekouropoulos

Societies 2024, 14(7), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14070127 - 19 Jul 2024

Abstract

Nowadays, transactions carried out with digital currencies are increasing. Modern societies are asked to respond to growing challenges related to the management of digital currencies in their daily lives. However, due to the lack of digital skills of users, the management of digital [...] Read more.

Nowadays, transactions carried out with digital currencies are increasing. Modern societies are asked to respond to growing challenges related to the management of digital currencies in their daily lives. However, due to the lack of digital skills of users, the management of digital currencies hides risks. To the best of our knowledge, the originality of the current research lies in the act of combining the concept of digital skills with the use of digital currencies. After all, the use of digital currencies is constantly increasing, which means that citizens should familiarize themselves with their use, an element that makes this study valuable for digital societies. Digital skills effectively contribute to the development of digital societies because they increase the employment of citizens, facilitate access to information, and contribute to the social inclusion of individuals through digital communication, while also increasing efficiency and productivity in the workplace. Also, the government and banking institutions can more effectively sensitize citizens to digital skills for more effective use of digital currencies. In this way, tax payments will be facilitated, the use of e-wallets will be safer, and e-governance will be greatly promoted, while the quality of banking services will be improved. The methodology of this study was based on the Digital Competence Framework for Modern Societies (DigComp) and was applied through a questionnaire completed by 443 respondents. The main objective was to evaluate their digital skills from the perspective of digital currency use. The analysis of the responses was carried out by using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The most important result from this research reveals that users of digital currencies are significantly capable of developing communication to solve everyday problems. At the same time, users of digital currencies mostly detect digital threats and effectively manage fake news without being affected by them. However, users of digital currencies consider that security issues are important, but only for transactions and not for their supporting functions. The study concludes with suggestions for improving the experience of digital currency users through individual actions, thus having a positive impact on the state and banking institutions. Full article

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22 pages, 304 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Negotiating Visibility: Mediating Presence through Zoom Camera Choices in Post-Secondary Students during COVID-19

by Gerald C. Cupchik, Clara B. Rebello, Renad Albar, Jessica Cocunato, Eva Cupchik, Angelie Ignacio and Emily Faubert

Societies 2024, 14(7), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14070126 - 18 Jul 2024

Abstract

Students at a large and socially diverse urban university completed an anonymous survey examining online learning experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic with an emphasis on decisions to keep their cameras on or off during synchronous class. The 505 student respondents used 7-point scales [...] Read more.

Students at a large and socially diverse urban university completed an anonymous survey examining online learning experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic with an emphasis on decisions to keep their cameras on or off during synchronous class. The 505 student respondents used 7-point scales to assess their school performance and everyday life experiences during the pandemic, general classroom values, pre-pandemic and current pandemic experiences, technological proficiencies related to Zoom, and camera on/off attitudes, as well as the online behavior of professors, and the role of social media in their everyday lives. The findings underscored two motivations underlying school engagement. Students could be motivated by a need for belonging involving authentic self-presentation while experiencing the emotional presence of others, and/or be instrumentally motivated by a need to perform well and advance their careers. The importance of professors creating a safe online space to foster a sense of belonging was highlighted. Finally, the findings show that feelings about having one’s camera on or off during online classes are related to everyday social media experiences. The social-emotional and pragmatic aspects of university education are complementary facets of a university experience. Full article

20 pages, 252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping Driving Factors of UK Serious Youth Violence across Policy and the Community: A Multi-Level Discoursal Analysis

by Luke William John Watkins and Alinka Gearon

Societies 2024, 14(7), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14070125 - 18 Jul 2024

Abstract

The discussion of factors driving young people’s involvement in serious violence continues to be well documented across policy, news media, and academic research. The government response to riots taking place across the UK in 2011 set a precedent for an increasingly punitive discourse [...] Read more.

The discussion of factors driving young people’s involvement in serious violence continues to be well documented across policy, news media, and academic research. The government response to riots taking place across the UK in 2011 set a precedent for an increasingly punitive discourse surrounding young people’s involvement in criminal lifestyles, as well as the Criminal Justice System’s response to the overall issue. In order to develop a greater understanding of the complex breadth of driving factors behind serious youth violence and their discoursal representation, this article presents findings of a multifaceted investigation through the interpretivist paradigm, merging macro-level policy with micro-level community insights. The article commences with an argumentative discourse analysis of a selection of Government and Youth Violence Commission policy documents before drawing on three semi-structured interviews with community-level practitioners in England working within policing and youth work organisations. The findings reveal a complex interplay of socio-environmental factors, poverty, domestic trauma, cultural dimensions, and street-based exploitation positioned alongside constructs of social exclusion and masculinity. The study uncovers a broad issue of systemic marginalisation and reduction in community resources, exacerbating conditions of social exclusion that create a greater propensity for involvement in serious youth violence. The findings support calls for the framing of serious youth violence as an issue of ‘public health’, encouraging deeper investigation into underlying socio-economic, cultural, and political conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Youth Justice: Social Policy, Social Work and Practice)

20 pages, 355 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Silenced Voices in Portuguese Public TV News: An Intersectional Analysis of the Representation of Women with Disabilities in RTP’s Telejornal

by Carla Cruz, Maria João Cunha and Célia Belim

Societies 2024, 14(7), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14070124 - 17 Jul 2024

Abstract

(1) Background: Studies on women with disabilities (WwD) are rare and tend to reveal certain representation patterns. This study aims to understand how and to what extent WwD and chronic diseases are deemed newsworthy in the Portuguese public news TV station RTP1 primetime [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Studies on women with disabilities (WwD) are rare and tend to reveal certain representation patterns. This study aims to understand how and to what extent WwD and chronic diseases are deemed newsworthy in the Portuguese public news TV station RTP1 primetime news program. Feminist disability, standpoint, agenda-setting, and framing theories are used alongside the concept of intersectionality. (2) Methods: A mixed-method approach is adopted, combining quantitative content analysis of all broadcasted news in January 2020 (n = 704), and qualitative discourse analysis of news items on PwD (n = 5). (3) Results: The results reveal that disability is a reduced issue in Telejornal’s agenda. PwD, in general, are often portrayed in secondary roles and without a voice. The protagonists of news stories about disability or persons with disabilities are predominantly women without disabilities, occupying traditional roles as caregivers (mothers, nurses), while men are more often portrayed as public agents. Discourse analysis deepens understanding by uncovering the prevalence of negative news values and a problem-centred framing, often associated with negativity, rather than presenting solutions. (4) Conclusions: Consequently, WwD were found to be deprived of news representation with a more positive or ‘normal’ focus and an intersectional approach reveals a lack of inclusion, with the few existing news tending to focus on exclusion issues, portraying only white Portuguese women. This study underscores the urgent need for a more equitable approach in media representation, recognising the diversity and positive contributions of WwD to promote an inclusive narrative. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and the Media)

23 pages, 4300 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Arthur Project: Evidence-Based Mentoring in a Social Work Framework with a Social Justice Approach

by Karen Miner-Romanoff and Jessica Greenawalt

Societies 2024, 14(7), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14070123 - 17 Jul 2024

Abstract

Low-income students from underrepresented communities experience significant educational inequalities, including chronic absenteeism, mental health crises, trauma exposure, and social injustices. These conditions escalate risks of dropping out and justice system involvement. Middle-school youth must navigate intense social and emotional change. To address such [...] Read more.

Low-income students from underrepresented communities experience significant educational inequalities, including chronic absenteeism, mental health crises, trauma exposure, and social injustices. These conditions escalate risks of dropping out and justice system involvement. Middle-school youth must navigate intense social and emotional change. To address such challenges, The Arthur Project (TAP) provides intensive, in-school, therapeutic mentoring and family support. The program teaches students essential life skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and academic engagement. Students are empowered to strengthen their resilience, perseverance, self-actualization, and confidence. TAP provides up to 500 h of therapeutic mentoring yearly over three years, delivered individually and in small groups by social work interns. The research question was as follows: Does structured, intensive in-school therapeutic mentoring with social work interns increase the socioemotional, cognitive, noncognitive, and academic skills and engagement of underserved middle-school students? This evaluation for the school year 2022–2023 is based on the program of 200 students and 30 mentors, with quantitative mentee, mentor, teacher, and caregiver surveys and qualitative interview data. The program and evaluation methodology are described, with results and conclusions. Students showed significant improvement in all domains; mentors reported student increases in confidence, perseverance, problem-solving, and communication; and teachers and caregivers reported students’ increased academic engagement. The Arthur Project program can become a national middle-school mentoring model to address widespread student inequalities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Youth Justice: Social Policy, Social Work and Practice)

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18 pages, 278 KiB

Open AccessConcept Paper

The Impact of Dissonance? A Valuation Perspective on Rural Social Innovation Processes

by Jonathan Hussels, Ralph Richter and Suntje Schmidt

Societies 2024, 14(7), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14070122 - 16 Jul 2024

Abstract

Social innovation (SI) has been credited with fostering novel solutions to the socio-economic challenges many rural areas face. The quest for a substantiated understanding of its potential for regional development has spawned a rich literature on SI impact assessments. Yet, having been instrumental, [...] Read more.

Social innovation (SI) has been credited with fostering novel solutions to the socio-economic challenges many rural areas face. The quest for a substantiated understanding of its potential for regional development has spawned a rich literature on SI impact assessments. Yet, having been instrumental, these assessments harbour several ambiguities as they seek to unveil objective impacts in a results-oriented manner. First, SI processes take diverse directionalities, questioning the idea of them being ‘straightforward facts’ and giving leeway to a more constructivist understanding. Second, a results-oriented perspective tends to obscure social processes that initially contribute to the emergence of impacts. In response to such concerns, we suggest a valuation perspective that explores how SI impacts are constructed iteratively throughout the innovation process. To do so, we operationalise the notion of dissonance as a critical factor embedded in innovative activities in three instances: impulses, turning points, and lock-ins. This perspective allows us to study how value is experienced, assigned, and strategically attracted while shedding light on how SI processes and their impacts are co-constructed in valuation processes. The article uses empirical vignettes from selected case studies with SI initiatives in Northern Germany. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Innovation in Urban and Rural Areas: Empowerment, (Disruptive) Transformative Processes and Impact on Community Development)

24 pages, 910 KiB

Open AccessReview

Instruments to Assess People’s Attitude and Behaviours towards Tolerance: A Systematic Review of Literature

by Hiroko Costantini, Muhammad Abdul Aziz Al Mujahid, Kengo Hosaka, Takazumi Ono and Misato Nihei

Societies 2024, 14(7), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14070121 - 16 Jul 2024

Abstract

While tolerance is recognised as important, especially to diverse societies, understanding tolerance poses complexities, both theoretically and in practical application. Tolerance is relevant in different social contexts, yet these pose distinct challenges to measurement. Thus, understanding the measurement of tolerance is important. This [...] Read more.

While tolerance is recognised as important, especially to diverse societies, understanding tolerance poses complexities, both theoretically and in practical application. Tolerance is relevant in different social contexts, yet these pose distinct challenges to measurement. Thus, understanding the measurement of tolerance is important. This study provides a systematic review of tolerance scales, with the procedure based on the PRISMA statement. The initial collection of over 1600 papers through the systematic review process yielded a set of 11 papers. These papers trace the development of tolerance scales to encompass distinct social contexts over time, including political, cultural, ethnic and racial, racial and religious, gender and sexual, and social. Correspondingly, the approaches reflect particular challenges relevant to these domains for understanding and measuring tolerance. In contrast, some recent contributions aim to develop broader, less context-specific means to assess tolerance. Notwithstanding the breadth of articles included, this systematic review yielded articles that covered only selected Western-centric geographies: this indicates the opportunity for further research to access and integrate non-English-language articles to broaden the geographical and cultural perspectives on tolerance. Full article

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20 pages, 353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptation of the Work-Related Quality of Life-2 Scale (WRQoL-2) among Portuguese Workers

by Ana Sabino, Ana Moreira, Francisco Cesário and Mafalda Pinto-Coelho

Societies 2024, 14(7), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14070120 - 16 Jul 2024

Abstract

In the present study we aimed to fulfill two main goals. The first was to adapt the WRQoL-2 Scale among Portuguese workers and the second was to verify the associations between WRQoL-2 dimensions and perceived organizational performance dimensions (e.g., social and economic). To [...] Read more.

In the present study we aimed to fulfill two main goals. The first was to adapt the WRQoL-2 Scale among Portuguese workers and the second was to verify the associations between WRQoL-2 dimensions and perceived organizational performance dimensions (e.g., social and economic). To reach our research goals, we used a sample of 635 Portuguese workers. The WRQoL Scale has been widely used for academic and practical ends and comprises six dimensions: Job and Career Satisfaction, Control at Work, General Well-Being, Home–Work Interface, Stress at Work, and Working Conditions. Recently, the authors proposed a revised measure—WRQoL-2—in which they added a seventh dimension—Employee Engagement. As this second version had not yet been translated into the Portuguese language for Portugal, this was our first goal. By performing a set of statistical analyses such as EFA, CFA, reliability, convergent and discriminant validity, and invariant analysis, the results suggested a six-factor structure where the dimensions of Job and Career Satisfaction and Employee Engagement were united. The final structure suggested good reliability as well as convergent and discriminant validity as it showcased invariance according to gender and sector. Because there is a lack of studies focusing on the links between quality of work life and organizational performance, we then tested the interplay between WRQoL-2 and perceived organizational performance dimensions, and we verified that, although most are significantly associated, the results suggest a low intensity. This work also presents several theoretical and practical implications. Full article

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

47 pages, 6710 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Life Satisfaction: Insights from the World Values Survey

by Daniel Homocianu

Societies 2024, 14(7), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14070119 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

This paper explores enduring influences on life satisfaction using empirical analysis of World Values Survey (WVS) data (four versions of the most comprehensive dataset, namely 1.6, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0). Five significant values emerged—financial satisfaction, happiness, freedom of choice, health, and democracy. Through [...] Read more.

This paper explores enduring influences on life satisfaction using empirical analysis of World Values Survey (WVS) data (four versions of the most comprehensive dataset, namely 1.6, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0). Five significant values emerged—financial satisfaction, happiness, freedom of choice, health, and democracy. Through rigorous selection processes and various statistical techniques, a subset of three determinants resulted, along with consecrated socio-demographic variables such as age, gender, marital status, social class, and settlement size. Advanced methodologies such as feature selection, random and non-random cross-validations, overfitting removal, collinearity and reverse causality checks, and different regressions served to evaluate and validate robust models. Nomograms helped to predict life satisfaction probabilities. The findings contribute to understanding life satisfaction dynamics and offer practical insights for future research and policy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Lifestyle: The Relevance of Health Promotion for Society)

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12 pages, 459 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender Differences and Critical Thinking: A Study on the Written Compositions of Primary Education Students

by Domingo Albarracín-Vivo, Eduardo Encabo-Fernández, Isabel Jerez-Martínez and Lourdes Hernández-Delgado

Societies 2024, 14(7), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14070118 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

The development of critical thinking is essential to the treatment of gender perspective in Primary Education. For this reason, this study focused on determining the critical ability of primary students depending on gender, analysing the possible connections between the participants’ breadth of thought [...] Read more.

The development of critical thinking is essential to the treatment of gender perspective in Primary Education. For this reason, this study focused on determining the critical ability of primary students depending on gender, analysing the possible connections between the participants’ breadth of thought and spelling competence. The methodology was based on a humanistic–interpretative ad hoc approach to categorical organisation. A total of 636 Primary Education students from the Region of Murcia (Spain) participated in a field activity in which they created a written composition based on a pretext that contained an image showing a controversial gender situation; this illustration incited a critical response in the creation of each story. The compositions were analysed individually and qualitatively using the Atlas.Ti software (v.8.4). The most relevant results appear to prove the higher critical ability of the girls who participated in this study, and additionally show connections with the spelling competence of these students. However, the critical thinking and spelling values shown were still far from what would be expected of a developed society. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Critical Thinking, Gender, and Education)

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15 pages, 276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dual Vocational Training Students in Andalusia: Perspectives and Challenges

by Juan García-Fuentes and María Navarro-Granados

Societies 2024, 14(7), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14070117 - 9 Jul 2024

Abstract

The implementation of the dual vocational training policy establishes horizontal training between schools and the labour market, contributes to educational continuity and is an effective measure against early school leaving. In addition, it has a link with the business sector that enables labour [...] Read more.

The implementation of the dual vocational training policy establishes horizontal training between schools and the labour market, contributes to educational continuity and is an effective measure against early school leaving. In addition, it has a link with the business sector that enables labour integration and also participates in the training and qualification of students. To approach it, we start from a historical overview of education, where we analyse the different laws passed in recent decades and investigate dual vocational training as an effective policy for training for employment and training of skills, abilities and competences necessary for the acquisition of a job. To this end, we present a study in which we make visible, through interviews, the perspective of students in relation to vocational training in the autonomous community of Andalusia. The majority of those interviewed gave a positive assessment of these studies. Moreover, the interviews show how this educational policy has a positive impact on the labour market insertion of the participants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Youth Transitions: Implications, Challenges, and Opportunities)

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