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Mind the Net: Parental Awareness and State Responsibilities in the Age of Grooming
Evolving Capabilities and Children’s Perspectives on Poverty: The Role of Transformative Social Work
Women’s Wise Walkshops: A Participatory Feminist Approach to Urban Co-Design in Ferrara, Italy
Changing Attitudes Toward Retirement and Aging in Psychology and Social Work Students
The Lived Experiences of Non-Government Residential Youth Workers

Journal Description

Social Sciences

Social Sciences is an international, open access journal with rapid peer-review, which publishes works from a wide range of fields, including anthropology, criminology, economics, education, geography, history, law, linguistics, political science, psychology, social policy, social work, sociology and so on. Social Sciences is 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, and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary) / CiteScore - Q2 (General Social Sciences)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 34.5 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 4.6 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: 1.7 (2024); 5-Year Impact Factor: 1.9 (2024)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2076-0760

Latest Articles

23 pages, 543 KB

Open AccessArticle

Responding to Precarity: Young People’s Ambiguity Aversion, Resilience, and Coping Strategies

by Audrey Ansay Antonio, Nadiyah Afifah Niigata Ramadhani and Rita Chiesa

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(11), 668; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14110668 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

The nature of contemporary careers has shifted and is characterized by precarity, emphasizing the need for young people to possess adequate career resources in their pursuit of decent work. Grounded in the dual-process model and the conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study [...] Read more.

The nature of contemporary careers has shifted and is characterized by precarity, emphasizing the need for young people to possess adequate career resources in their pursuit of decent work. Grounded in the dual-process model and the conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study examines the loss impact caused by ambiguity aversion and low resilience on young people’s responses to career ambiguity, specifically, their coping strategies (i.e., avoidance and approach) and career anxiety. In this cross-sectional study, we collected data using online surveys from young adults aged 18–35 (N = 156) in Norway, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. Serial mediation analyses were conducted using IBM-SPSS Statistics. Our findings found that ambiguity aversion had significant positive relations with career anxiety. Furthermore, resilience and avoidance coping were found to play mediating roles in the ambiguity aversion–career anxiety association. The results of the exploratory analyses also revealed significant differences in variable levels between the three countries examined. Our results have both theoretical and practical implications that contribute to the knowledge and practices in helping young people navigate the risks of precarity by developing adaptive career resources. We acknowledge the limitations regarding sample size and research design. Full article

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

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23 pages, 727 KB

Open AccessReview

Beyond Borders: Unpacking the Key Cultural Factors Shaping Adaptation and Belonging Abroad

by Mrdah Murali, Roystone Varuma, Aaliyah Marie Almeida and Jennifer Feitosa

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(11), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14110667 - 14 Nov 2025

This paper presents a thematic literature review of 35 studies to examine key developmental factors influencing expatriate adaptation, including language, identity integration, cultural intelligence, and spousal/family relations, impacting expatriate adaptation and acclimation to the host country. For the purposes of this review, the [...] Read more.

This paper presents a thematic literature review of 35 studies to examine key developmental factors influencing expatriate adaptation, including language, identity integration, cultural intelligence, and spousal/family relations, impacting expatriate adaptation and acclimation to the host country. For the purposes of this review, the term “expatriate” refers to individuals who temporarily relocate abroad for education or professional assignments (self-initiated and assigned), often accompanied by spouses or family members. “Adaptation” is defined as the multidimensional process of adjustment to new academic, workplace, and social environments, encompassing both practical adjustment (e.g., communication, work/study tasks) and psychological well-being. This review uses two bibliometric reviews to set the foundation for exploring the impacts of language, identity integration, cultural intelligence, and family, highlighting that interactions with locals foster language development, identity integration, and cultural intelligence, which collectively enhances expatriates’ perceived sense of comfort and belonging. Spousal and family dynamics appear to be particularly influential, with the potential to either support or hinder successful adaptation. Although prior literature often focuses on these factors in isolation, this paper synthesizes them to provide a more holistic understanding of expatriate acclimation. It emphasizes the need for future research to explore the interrelated nature of these variables and their combined impact on expatriate well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section International Migration)

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18 pages, 375 KB

Open AccessArticle

Individuality Rooted in Difference: Hair and Identity from the Margins

by Saran Donahoo

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(11), 666; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14110666 - 14 Nov 2025

Inspired by the bans on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in the U.S., this article considers how DEI influences individualism. This study uses literature on Black racial identity development and the conceptual lens of individualism to examine how Black women define themselves. [...] Read more.

Inspired by the bans on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in the U.S., this article considers how DEI influences individualism. This study uses literature on Black racial identity development and the conceptual lens of individualism to examine how Black women define themselves. The data used for this study came from 22 college-educated Black women who discussed their paths towards wearing their natural hair, which included personalized descriptions of the ways that race, gender, White beauty norms, workplace expectations, and the perspectives of others influenced this process. The narratives provided by these Black women reveal that DEI helps to promote their individual identity development by helping them to sort through the various messages and opinions to arrive at both a hairstyle and an identity that corresponds to their character. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Race and Ethnicity Without Diversity)

23 pages, 1352 KB

Open AccessArticle

Infected Politics in the Pandemic: How Medical Populism Shapes Politics on Two Continents

by Amélie Jaques-Apke and Reinhard Heinisch

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(11), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14110665 - 14 Nov 2025

This article investigates how populist leaders in power across Europe and the Americas responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on the extent and form of medical populism—the calculated use of health crises to challenge establishment authority, mobilize support, and promote alternative [...] Read more.

This article investigates how populist leaders in power across Europe and the Americas responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on the extent and form of medical populism—the calculated use of health crises to challenge establishment authority, mobilize support, and promote alternative governance. Drawing on speeches and public statements from a select group of populist heads of government—including Orbán, Matovič, Maduro, López Obrador, Bukele, Bolsonaro, and Trump—we compare cross-regional discursive patterns using a framework developed. Contrary to expectations of ideological or regional uniformity, we find that medical populism is a transnational and trans-ideological phenomenon. While expressions vary, all leaders engaged in anti-elitist, conspiratorial, or anti-scientific rhetoric. Centralized political authority and weak healthcare systems, rather than ideology, more reliably explain the intensity of medical populist discourse. These findings challenge the common belief in the literature that populist misinformation is mainly connected to the radical right or low institutional trust, and highlight instead the structural incentives that drive medical populism in times of crisis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section International Politics and Relations)

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16 pages, 253 KB

Open AccessArticle

Using the Multiple Streams Analysis Framework to Understand the Impact of Refugee Policy on Refugee Children: A Cross-National Perspective

by Omowunmi Olaleye

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(11), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14110664 - 12 Nov 2025

Children represent a large proportion of the world’s refugees. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that as of 2020, there were about 27.1 million refugees worldwide, and roughly half of all refugees were under the age of 18 at any [...] Read more.

Children represent a large proportion of the world’s refugees. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that as of 2020, there were about 27.1 million refugees worldwide, and roughly half of all refugees were under the age of 18 at any given time. The challenges that refugee children face prior to resettlement include interrupted education, repeated moves, exposure to violence, family separation, lengthy stays in camps, and poverty or deprivation. As a result of the experiences gained from an unexpected relocation, being the child of an adult refugee may be traumatic. But it is more damaging when laws enacted in the new host countries fail to take refugee children into account, which in turn could result in socioeconomic harm or gain for these children. In this policy analysis, the researcher intends to look at the socioeconomic outcomes of refugee children while trying to navigate their new home country. In essence, this analysis will use the multiple streams analysis framework to understand how refugee policies in the United States and Nigeria are enacted and their socioeconomic impact on refugee children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue International Social Work Practices with Immigrants and Refugees)

23 pages, 398 KB

Open AccessArticle

Gentrification and Crime: Understanding Neighborhood Change Through Third Places and Demolitions

by Kylil R. Martin

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(11), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14110663 - 12 Nov 2025

This study examines how gentrification reshapes neighborhood crime through two underexplored dimensions: third places and demolitions. Traditional research on gentrification and crime has often relied on broad socioeconomic indicators, such as property values or median income, but these measures fail to capture the [...] Read more.

This study examines how gentrification reshapes neighborhood crime through two underexplored dimensions: third places and demolitions. Traditional research on gentrification and crime has often relied on broad socioeconomic indicators, such as property values or median income, but these measures fail to capture the lived and place-based processes of neighborhood change. Drawing on place-in-neighborhood theory and routine activities theory, this research conceptualizes gentrification as a multidimensional transformation of social and physical space. Using data from Norfolk, Virginia (2015–2019), hierarchical linear models were employed to assess how the emergence of alcohol-licensed third places (e.g., bars, restaurants) and the issuance of demolition permits influenced community-level crime rates. Results indicate that third places decrease crimes against society but increase property crimes, while demolitions exert mixed effects depending on the offense type. By integrating spatial statistics and multilevel modeling, this study demonstrates the value of real-time municipal data for understanding neighborhood transformation. These results suggest that revitalization cannot be treated as a one-dimensional solution to urban crime. This work reframes gentrification as a contested process whose influence on crime depends on place, race, and neighborhood transformation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Crime Prevention and Community Safety Through Evidence-Based and Theoretically-Driven Early Interventional, Diversionary, as Well as Community Building and Engagement Programs)

22 pages, 4525 KB

Open AccessArticle

Moving from Theory to Practice: Exploring How One Community-Based Organization Develops Youth Changemakers for Health Equity

by Zaida V. Pearson, Denise L. Jones, Deanna C. E. Sinex, Lyndsey Del Castillo, Kre’Shon Singleton, Nneka Obiekwu and Dennis F. Jones

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(11), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14110662 - 12 Nov 2025

Community-based organizations are recognized as key stakeholders for public health, as their community expertise positions them to create tailored interventions to comprehensively address community needs that large-scale public health interventions may not address. The current study describes one youth-serving community-based non-profit’s approach to [...] Read more.

Community-based organizations are recognized as key stakeholders for public health, as their community expertise positions them to create tailored interventions to comprehensively address community needs that large-scale public health interventions may not address. The current study describes one youth-serving community-based non-profit’s approach to public health, where youth civic engagement is oriented by social justice coursework and integrated within youth participatory action research (YPAR) to engage youth in health equity efforts. The Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework and the Socioecological Model (SEM) were applied to student research outputs to understand student conceptualization of social issues and the subsequent interventions they suggest. This work explores the feasibility and depth of student-created interventions within each SDOH domain, identifying common themes in students’ conceptualizations of social problems and interventions to promote health equity. Suggestions for integrating SDOH frameworks into the YPAR curriculum to scaffold youth projects, identifying root causes of health disparities, and developing practical community-based solutions are provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health and Social Change)

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13 pages, 221 KB

Open AccessArticle

(En)gendering Gendered Knowledge in Northern Nigeria’s Qur’an Schools: Women and Girls, Present Yet ‘Invisibilised’

by Hadiza Kere Abdulrahman

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(11), 661; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14110661 - 11 Nov 2025

Northern Nigeria’s Qur’an schools (also known as ‘Almajiri Schools’) have existed for several centuries and remain a key source of education and socialisation for many young boys in rural northern Nigeria. The schools are the subject of often harmful and stigmatising representations and [...] Read more.

Northern Nigeria’s Qur’an schools (also known as ‘Almajiri Schools’) have existed for several centuries and remain a key source of education and socialisation for many young boys in rural northern Nigeria. The schools are the subject of often harmful and stigmatising representations and elitist discontent due to the students being seen as ‘out of school’ and ill-educated for the 21st century. The boys can sometimes be seen begging and at the mercy of the streets as the schools fall out of the purview of the state. Importantly, this system of schooling and education is largely understood as male-dominated, from the teachers to the students and the fathers who do the sending. This study therefore explores the historical and contemporary roles of women within northern Nigeria’s Qur’anic system of schooling and Islamic education more widely, paying close attention to the continuities and disruptions. By focusing on women and girls and making apparent their places in a practice regarded primarily as an avenue for educating boys, the exploration reveals ways that women have and still play an integral part especially as co-educators. From prominent women historical figures to the wives of the teachers; present-day scholars to women who act as mother figures within the local communities, women shape and influence Islamic education within northern Nigeria. Making these contributions, their roles, and agency apparent and visible is therefore a key goal, especially in a context where they have always been present yet disregarded (sometimes wilfully, sometimes inadvertently unseen), and subsequently ‘invisiblised’. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gender Knowledges and Cultures of Equalities in Global Contexts)

21 pages, 779 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experiences of Online and In-Person Learning: A Case Study of Doctoral Education

by Alan Marvell and Louise Livesey

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(11), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14110660 - 10 Nov 2025

Teaching in a globalised world offers opportunities to reduce barriers, enhance understanding, and expand access for diverse learners. Blended approaches, combining in-person and online delivery, can encourage learning communities across geographical boundaries. However, disparities in access to technology, internet reliability, and conducive study [...] Read more.

Teaching in a globalised world offers opportunities to reduce barriers, enhance understanding, and expand access for diverse learners. Blended approaches, combining in-person and online delivery, can encourage learning communities across geographical boundaries. However, disparities in access to technology, internet reliability, and conducive study environments highlight inequalities and varied learner experiences. While digital networks may support identity and belonging, some students report feeling distracted or disengaged in online settings. This study explores the experiences of first-year doctoral candidates completing the final taught module of their Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at the University of Gloucestershire, UK. Participants, mostly international students now based in the UK, are engaged in both in-person classes and online staff-led webinars. Data was gathered through four in-person focus groups. Engeström’s Cultural-Historical Activity Theory was applied as an analytical framework, conceptualising teaching and learning as an activity system mediated by Tools, Rules, Community, and Division of Labour. This enabled a comparison of students’ experiences in online and in-person contexts. The findings revealed contradictions within the system, identifying barriers to engagement and adaptation, and offering insights into the evolving pedagogical demands of blended doctoral education. Full article

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

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14 pages, 280 KB

Open AccessArticle

Love, Sex, & Aging: Gendered Perspective on Relationship Desires and Satisfaction in Older Adulthood

by William Henninger IV, Melinda Heinz and Nathan Taylor

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(11), 659; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14110659 - 10 Nov 2025

This research explores gender differences in long- and short-term relationships and sexual satisfaction among older adults. Socioemotional Selectivity Theory posits that as people age, they prioritize immediate emotional satisfaction due to perceptions of limited time. This shift influences older adults’ romantic relationships, increasing [...] Read more.

This research explores gender differences in long- and short-term relationships and sexual satisfaction among older adults. Socioemotional Selectivity Theory posits that as people age, they prioritize immediate emotional satisfaction due to perceptions of limited time. This shift influences older adults’ romantic relationships, increasing the likelihood of seeking meaningful connections and reducing the prevalence of negative emotions. With healthy relationships linked to physical, psychological, and financial benefits, research is needed to further understand older adult romantic relationships. Older adults (n = 155) from the Seniors Together in Aging Research (STAR) completed a survey assessing relationship preferences and current and predicted sexual satisfaction. T-tests were used to determine gender differences. Several gender differences were noted. Men reported greater levels of sexual satisfaction and predicted more positive future sex as compared to women. Men placed greater importance on long-term relationships. There was no gender difference in short-term relationship importance. Women may have shorter-term relationship desires to avoid taking on caregiving. This aligns with previous research indicating that when seeking new relationships, women are cautious about the potential of providing care to a partner. Greater sexual satisfaction reported by men aligns with previous research noting that men tend to be more sexually satisfied throughout the lifespan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Family Studies)

24 pages, 1855 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Financial Literacy as a Tool for Social Inclusion and Reduction of Inequalities: A Systematic Review

by Mariela de los Ángeles Hidalgo-Mayorga, Mariana Isabel Puente-Riofrio, Francisco Paúl Pérez-Salas, Katherine Geovanna Guerrero-Arrieta and Alexandra Lorena López-Naranjo

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(11), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14110658 - 10 Nov 2025

Financial literacy, defined as the set of knowledge, skills, and attitudes that enable individuals to make informed economic decisions and manage resources efficiently, is fundamental for social inclusion and the reduction of inequalities. This study, through a systematic review of the scientific literature [...] Read more.

Financial literacy, defined as the set of knowledge, skills, and attitudes that enable individuals to make informed economic decisions and manage resources efficiently, is fundamental for social inclusion and the reduction of inequalities. This study, through a systematic review of the scientific literature using the PRISMA methodology, selected 120 primary studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and presented a low risk of bias. These studies examined aspects related to financial literacy programs, the populations benefited, their effects, the challenges encountered, and the lessons that can guide the replication of these initiatives. The results show that the most frequent programs include training in basic financial concepts—savings, budgeting, access to banking services and microfinance—as well as workshops, seminars, and group training sessions. The populations most benefited were rural communities and women, although informal workers, migrants, and refugees could also significantly improve their financial inclusion and economic resilience. Among the positive effects, improvements were observed in income and expense management, increased savings, investment planning, preparation for emergencies and retirement, and the strengthening of economic empowerment and the sustainability of microenterprises and small enterprises. These findings highlight the importance of implementing financial literacy programs adapted to specific contexts to promote inclusion and economic well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Economics)

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23 pages, 1574 KB

Open AccessArticle

Brazilian Girls’ Perspectives on STEM Careers

by Catarina Sales Oliveira, Josilene Aires Moreira and Susana Villas Boas

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(11), 657; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14110657 - 10 Nov 2025

This research examines the professional aspirations of teenage girls attending secondary school in a Brazilian state and how they perceive potential careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). STEM remains a masculinised field, not only due to the predominance of men but [...] Read more.

This research examines the professional aspirations of teenage girls attending secondary school in a Brazilian state and how they perceive potential careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). STEM remains a masculinised field, not only due to the predominance of men but also because of enduring cultural representations that associate it with exceptional academic performance and highly technical competencies. In response, various educational intervention initiatives have sought to challenge these assumptions and promote the inclusion of girls and women in STEM. This article discusses an intervention carried out in four public schools as part of a project led by the Centre for Informatics at the Federal University of Paraíba. The project collected quantitative and qualitative data on subject preferences, professional expectations and perceptions of STEM among teenage girls. A mixed-methods exploratory approach was adopted to analyse the data and therefore to contribute to understand better the specific challenges of implementing such interventions in socioeconomically disadvantaged contexts, which remain underrepresented within the Women in STEM scholarship. The findings illustrate how social and financial constraints shape these young women’s career aspirations, intensifying both the desire for economic stability and the pursuit of personal fulfilment. At the same time, many perceive the future as uncertain and regard STEM as difficult to access, frequently associated with anxiety surrounding core science subjects. This article contributes to ongoing debates on gender and STEM education, offering insights into the Brazilian context and outlining considerations for the development and refinement of future school-based interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gender-Inclusive Education and Teaching in STEM: Strategies, Challenges, and Contradictions)

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15 pages, 250 KB

Open AccessArticle

‘If the Father Says So, That’s How It Is’: Meanings Ascribed to the Notion of the Military Family

by Janja Vuga Beršnak, Alenka Švab and Andreja Živoder

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(11), 656; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14110656 - 7 Nov 2025

This paper builds on findings from the first systematic study of military families in Slovenia (2019–2022) to critically examine how military families are perceived and constructed within broader sociocultural and institutional frameworks. Using perspectives from family studies, military sociology, defense studies, and critical [...] Read more.

This paper builds on findings from the first systematic study of military families in Slovenia (2019–2022) to critically examine how military families are perceived and constructed within broader sociocultural and institutional frameworks. Using perspectives from family studies, military sociology, defense studies, and critical military theory, the study investigates whether these perceptions continue to reproduce the traditional binary logic that positions the family as a feminized, private domain and the military as a masculinized, public domain, or whether late modern discourses have begun to disrupt these dichotomies. The analysis focuses on the intersection of gender roles, family practices, parental responsibilities, and the symbolic and practical meanings ascribed to the notion of the “military family.” We used a reflexive approach to thematic analysis, combining qualitative interviews with young adults (aged > 18) who grew up in military families (14 participants), interviews with military and civilian experts (41 participants), survey data from service members, their spouses, and civilian respondents (411 and 125 open-ended responses from separate surveys). Findings reveal significant differences in how military families are understood and experienced. More critically, the study highlights how military institutional power and its greediness extend into the familial realm, not only through logistical demands, but also through the normalization of military values, hierarchical gendered expectations, and parenting practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Family Studies)

23 pages, 344 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preventing Gang Violence Through Healing Circles: The Case of the Círculo de Hombres in San Diego

by Juvenal Caporale

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(11), 655; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14110655 - 7 Nov 2025

The purpose of this essay is not only to examine how Chicano and Mexican men navigate and negotiate street gangs, the criminal justice system, and self-destructive behaviors that dehumanize them, but also how they rehumanize themselves through the development of culturally rooted consciousness [...] Read more.

The purpose of this essay is not only to examine how Chicano and Mexican men navigate and negotiate street gangs, the criminal justice system, and self-destructive behaviors that dehumanize them, but also how they rehumanize themselves through the development of culturally rooted consciousness based on Indigenous cosmologies and epistemologies. It examines how these marginalized men integrate a Maya–Nahua philosophical syncretism with restorative and transformative justice practices, rooted in dialogue, that emphasize ethnic identity and social justice. Specifically, this piece focuses on the processes of re-indigenization and re-humanization that these men embrace within community-based spaces. The aim of this inquiry is twofold: (1) to understand the curative and culturally rooted cosmologies and practices of community-based healing circles to prevent self-destructive behaviors and (2) to identify the complexities of re-humanization and Indigenous-based pedagogies as a liberatory praxis that resists the discourses and mechanisms of dehumanization. Using Freire’s liberatory praxis framework, supplemented with indigenous pedagogies and qualitative methods, I argue that their engagement in re-indigenization facilitates their conversions as they begin to see themselves as subjects, rather than objects, subjugated by the created apparatuses of power or knowledge. The Círculo de Hombres plays a pivotal role in transforming men’s lives as they learn to see themselves as creators of historical knowledge and change agents, possessing the ability to transform themselves and the world around them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preventing Gang Violence)

14 pages, 286 KB

Open AccessReview

Finding Solutions: Meeting Essential Needs to Overcome Health and Educational Inequities Among College Students

by Nicholas Freudenberg and Rashida Crutchfield

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(11), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14110654 - 7 Nov 2025

Many economic, academic, and social factors influence college completion, and scholars have documented that a significant cause of students leaving school before graduation is that many do not have their basic needs for food, housing, and health care met. These barriers undermine their [...] Read more.

Many economic, academic, and social factors influence college completion, and scholars have documented that a significant cause of students leaving school before graduation is that many do not have their basic needs for food, housing, and health care met. These barriers undermine their academic success by forcing students to reduce the time spent on their studies, work more hours, or stop out of school to support themselves or their families. Unmet essential needs jeopardize academic and life success for students in higher education across the United States and widen racial/ethnic and class inequities in college completion and health. Our review is based on a synthesis and summary of the recent multidisciplinary literature on this topic and our own 15 years of experience planning, implementing, and evaluating essential needs initiatives at two large university systems. This report summarizes evidence on the prevalence and the health- and academic-related consequences of these unmet needs and reviews their proximate and fundamental causes. We assess common approaches that universities, governments, and other institutions use to reduce unmet needs, and suggest policies and programs that can contribute to more equitable educational and health outcomes for college students by meeting their basic needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Class Divide in Higher Education: Compounding Privilege, Multiplying Barriers)

23 pages, 1110 KB

Open AccessArticle

Human Security Under Siege: Displacement, Deprivation and Agony Among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Tigray, Ethiopia

by Gebrehawerya Haile Hadgu, Hafte Gebreselassie Gebrihet, Mhrtay Adisalem Tikue, Tewelde Gebresslase Haile, Girmay Tadele Assefa and Gebregewergis Alemu Gebremedhn

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(11), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14110653 - 6 Nov 2025

This study examines the multidimensional human security challenges faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Adigrat City, Tigray, Ethiopia, in the context of conflict-induced displacement. Guided by the Human Security Framework, the analysis addresses threats across economic, food, health, environmental, personal, community, and [...] Read more.

This study examines the multidimensional human security challenges faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Adigrat City, Tigray, Ethiopia, in the context of conflict-induced displacement. Guided by the Human Security Framework, the analysis addresses threats across economic, food, health, environmental, personal, community, and political domains. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey using structured questionnaires administered to a stratified sample of 349 IDPs, and analysed through descriptive statistics. Content analysis was conducted on interviews from 17 respondents who were selected purposefully, and secondary data was collected to understand IDPs’ experiences and institutional responses. The findings reveal severe and overlapping forms of deprivation: IDPs reside in overcrowded and inadequate shelters, face chronic food insecurity, and lack access to clean water, healthcare, and education. These conditions are compounded by psychosocial distress, including trauma, anxiety, and the erosion of social cohesion. The study finds that governmental and international responses remain limited, poorly coordinated, and insufficiently responsive to the complex needs of displaced people. While the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of displaced populations to their areas of origin should remain the ultimate objective, this outcome could be realized by fully implementing the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. Responses including improved shelter, essential services access, livelihood recovery, and mental health support systems are essential to address urgent needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Conflict, Migration and Forced Labour: Contemporary and Emerging Issues)

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20 pages, 823 KB

Open AccessReview

Students’ Emotions Toward Assessments: A Systematic Review

by Yenny Marcela Aristizábal Gómez, Ángel Alfonso Jiménez Sierra and Jorge Mario Ortega Iglesias

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(11), 652; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14110652 - 6 Nov 2025

This systematic review aims to identify and analyze studies that address emotions related to assessment processes. Using the PRISMA methodology, we reviewed 15 studies published between 2019 and 2024. The search took place between January and April 2025 across the following databases: Scopus, [...] Read more.

This systematic review aims to identify and analyze studies that address emotions related to assessment processes. Using the PRISMA methodology, we reviewed 15 studies published between 2019 and 2024. The search took place between January and April 2025 across the following databases: Scopus, Web of Science, Redalyc, Scielo, ProQuest, Dialnet, and ScienceDirect. The findings show that anxiety emerges as the most frequent emotion, particularly in standardized, oral, or memory-based assessments. In contrast, positive emotions such as hope, pride, and satisfaction appear more prominently in contextualized and collaborative assessments. These results highlight the crucial role of the emotional dimension in assessment processes, as emotions can either enhance or hinder learning outcomes. We conclude that assessment practices require rethinking by integrating the emotional dimension as a formative axis in their design and implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Educational Technology for a Multimodal Society)

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18 pages, 865 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Review of Canine-Assisted Interventions for Youth Involved in the Criminal Justice System

by Renata Roma, Laleh Dadgardoust, Carolyn Doi, Colleen Anne Dell and Ghazal Mousavian

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(11), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14110651 - 6 Nov 2025

Given the complex risk factors associated with youth offending, a comprehensive approach is needed to support the reintegration of incarcerated youth. Canine-assisted interventions (CAIs), involving structured, facilitator-guided programs with dogs, have emerged as a strategy to promote human well-being while sometimes attending to [...] Read more.

Given the complex risk factors associated with youth offending, a comprehensive approach is needed to support the reintegration of incarcerated youth. Canine-assisted interventions (CAIs), involving structured, facilitator-guided programs with dogs, have emerged as a strategy to promote human well-being while sometimes attending to animal wellness. This scoping review, conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, examines the characteristics and benefits of CAIs for youth aged 12–17 involved in the criminal justice system. This review included studies published in English through 2024, focusing exclusively on dog-based interventions. Studies were sourced from databases and grey literature between 1998 and 2020. This review maps program designs, objectives, participant profiles, practitioner qualifications, dog roles, and reported outcomes for the youth participants and dogs. Findings reveal that some studies reported improved participant behavioural, psychological, and social outcomes, while few found no significant differences or noted symptom worsening. Some studies noted that training dogs in a CAI may boost their chances of adoption. Gaps include non-standardized terminology, need for more research, inadequate handler training, and insufficient focus on animal welfare. The study concludes that standardized protocols, enhanced handler training, and rigorous program evaluation are essential for ethical and effective CAI implementation that contributes to the well-being and successful reintegration of youth following incarceration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crime and Justice)

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12 pages, 259 KB

Open AccessArticle

Identity, Discrimination, and Resilience Among Two-Spirit Indigenous Emerging Adults

by Steven L. Berman, Annie Pullen Sansfaҫon, Elizabeth Diane Labelle and Aubrianna L. Stuckey

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(11), 650; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14110650 - 6 Nov 2025

Previous research has shown that Two-Spirit Indigenous people may experience more trauma, interracial violence, and violent crimes than youth from other cultural backgrounds. This study aims to examine how identifying as Two-Spirit, an identity that integrates both non-cisgender and non-heterosexual identities, as well [...] Read more.

Previous research has shown that Two-Spirit Indigenous people may experience more trauma, interracial violence, and violent crimes than youth from other cultural backgrounds. This study aims to examine how identifying as Two-Spirit, an identity that integrates both non-cisgender and non-heterosexual identities, as well as Indigenous identities simultaneously and congruently, may allow one to feel more resilient and empowered. The sample consisted of Indigenous, sexual gender minority emerging adults (N = 91) with ages ranging from 18 to 29 with an average age of 24.78 (SD = 2.35). This sample reported perceived discrimination for being Indigenous, for their gender identity, and for their sexual orientation. The amount of discrimination for each of these categories was not significantly different, but the source was, and the predominant source for all three types was White individuals. The combined effects were related to lower self-esteem; more psychological symptoms of anxiety, depression, and somatization; and greater identity distress and higher scores on disturbed identity and lack of identity. In this study, Two-Spirit identification did not reduce the negative effects of discrimination by connecting with historical memory through this identity, but that does not necessarily mean that it cannot, only that its potential has yet to be fulfilled. Many participants did not have a full understanding of the label and its history. Further research into this idea is another area of study that might be fruitful. Full article

20 pages, 699 KB

Open AccessArticle

Emotional Support and Opposition for National Environmental Policies in the UK

by Benedict Hignell, Zorzeta Bakaki and Elia Valentini

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(11), 649; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14110649 - 5 Nov 2025

Understanding affective responses to the climate and ecological emergency is essential for developing and ensuring compliance with mitigation policies. Previous evidence indicates that individuals feeling negative emotions about the state of nature and the climate are more likely to show greater support for [...] Read more.

Understanding affective responses to the climate and ecological emergency is essential for developing and ensuring compliance with mitigation policies. Previous evidence indicates that individuals feeling negative emotions about the state of nature and the climate are more likely to show greater support for environmental policy. This study investigates which of twenty distinct emotions predict attitudes towards nationally relevant UK environmental policies, with specific hypotheses differentiating between unambiguous and ambiguous emotions. We conducted two cross-sectional online surveys with 651 UK residents, who rated their support for three policy sets: the Conservative Government’s manifesto, the Climate and Ecology Bill, and the Green New Deal Bill. By integrating theoretical expectations with exploratory analysis, we found that higher levels of worry and horror predicted greater policy support, whereas boredom predicted opposition. Our analytical strategy underscores the importance of integrating both a priori and explorative models to enhance statistical sensitivity, thereby capturing a broader spectrum of affective states that might otherwise be overlooked but may be crucial for designing targeted interventions. These findings suggest that policymakers can leverage specific emotions, such as worry, to foster support, while addressing boredom to mitigate resistance, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of environmental communication and interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Environmental Policy/Politics and Sustainable Development Goals)

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