Social Sciences

20 pages, 280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Refusing Surveillance, Reframing Risk: Insights from Sex-Working Parents for Transforming Social Work

by Kimberly Fuentes

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(7), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14070413 - 30 Jun 2025

Social work has long operated at the intersection of care and control—nowhere is this more apparent than in its treatment of sex-working parents. This article draws on participatory research with thirteen sex-working parents in California to examine how the child welfare system, family [...] Read more.

Social work has long operated at the intersection of care and control—nowhere is this more apparent than in its treatment of sex-working parents. This article draws on participatory research with thirteen sex-working parents in California to examine how the child welfare system, family court, and public benefit infrastructures extend punitive surveillance under the guise of support. Utilizing the framework of prison industrial complex abolition, the analysis identifies three key findings: first, family policing systems often mirror the coercive dynamics of abusive relationships that sex work helped participants to escape; second, access to social services is contingent on the performance of respectability, with compliance met not with care but with suspicion and deprivation; and third, sex-working parents enact abolitionist praxis by creating new systems of safety and stability through mutual aid when state systems fail. As social work reckons with its complicity in the carceral state, the everyday practices of sex-working parents offer a powerful blueprint for care rooted in trust, unconditional positive regard, and self-determination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Between Criminalization and Care: Reimagining Social Work's Role in the Carceral State)

36 pages, 2135 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Barriers and Enablers for Women Entrepreneurs in Urban Ireland: A Qualitative Study of the Greater Dublin Area

by Marcus Goncalves, Megan Trainor and Andreana Ursini

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(7), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14070412 - 30 Jun 2025

Abstract

This research investigates the pivotal role of women’s entrepreneurship in urban Ireland. Utilizing a demand–constraint–choice framework for analysis, it explores the diverse motivations behind Irish women’s entrepreneurial ventures, emphasizing the impact of time- and place-specific factors. The study also assesses gender equality and [...] Read more.

This research investigates the pivotal role of women’s entrepreneurship in urban Ireland. Utilizing a demand–constraint–choice framework for analysis, it explores the diverse motivations behind Irish women’s entrepreneurial ventures, emphasizing the impact of time- and place-specific factors. The study also assesses gender equality and disparities. This qualitative research presents a comparative analysis of motivations, perceptions, and experiences conducted through semi-structured interviews in Ireland’s diverse cultural and economic contexts. The findings highlight the influence of cultural factors on women’s entrepreneurial choices and the significance of government support systems. They underscore the necessity of proactive government intervention for gender-inclusive economic development, offering insights applicable beyond Ireland. Valuable for policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs, the findings enhance understanding of women’s entrepreneurial leadership, contributing to global strategies for empowering women in entrepreneurship. Several policy recommendations are provided. Full article

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

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20 pages, 1562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Photovoice Study on the Lived Experiences of Youth and Mothers of Incarcerated Fathers and Husbands, Highlighting the Relevance of Abolitionist Social Work Practice

by Elizabeth K. Allen, Jason Ostrander and Kate Kelly

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(7), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14070411 - 29 Jun 2025

Abstract

This community-based participatory research (CBPR) study explored, using a Photovoice methodology, the lived expeiences of northeastern Black and/or African American youth and mothers who were currently experiencing the incarceration of their fathers and husbands. Grounded in critical theories of dual consciousness and comparative [...] Read more.

This community-based participatory research (CBPR) study explored, using a Photovoice methodology, the lived expeiences of northeastern Black and/or African American youth and mothers who were currently experiencing the incarceration of their fathers and husbands. Grounded in critical theories of dual consciousness and comparative conflict, the findings provide valuable insights into how this population navigates the intersections of family, school, and community within the context of the criminal legal system, and, in the process, underscore the relevance of Abolitionist practice in capturing their theoretically lived experiences. Participants documented through photography and narrative reflections the multifaceted impacts of incarceration on fathers and husbands, including disrupted family dynamics, social stigma, and barriers to community resources. A focus group with the mothers of these youth highlighted the profound impact of incarceration on their family structure, revealing significant emotional burdens for caregivers as well as personal changes to parenting styles as a result of this project. A central theme that emerged was the development of a “double” or “dual consciousness”—an ability to see humanity and injustice in their circumstances, fueling a desire for systemic change. Overall, this CBPR project amplifies the voices of marginalized youth and mothers, illuminating how the criminal legal system perpetuates cycles of trauma, stigma, and disempowerment. The implications call for a radical reimagining of the role of social work in creating more equitable, restorative, and healing-centered communities, including an immediate embrace of Abolitionist practice concepts and interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Between Criminalization and Care: Reimagining Social Work's Role in the Carceral State)

19 pages, 441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Community Engagement Boost Pre- and In-Service Teachers’ 21st-Century Skills? A Mixed-Method Study

by Khaleel Alarabi, Badriya AlSadrani, Hassan Tairab, Othman Abu Khurma and Nabeeh Kasasbeh

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(7), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14070410 - 29 Jun 2025

Abstract

This study investigated community engagement in developing the 21st-century skills of pre-service and in-service teachers in the context of four skills: communication, creative thinking, collaboration, and critical thinking. It focused specifically on the effectiveness of community engagement in promoting the 4Cs for pre- [...] Read more.

This study investigated community engagement in developing the 21st-century skills of pre-service and in-service teachers in the context of four skills: communication, creative thinking, collaboration, and critical thinking. It focused specifically on the effectiveness of community engagement in promoting the 4Cs for pre- and in-service teachers and whether such effectiveness differs between pre-service and in-service teachers. This study used a sequential mixed-methods design. A quantitative survey of 160 pre-service and 80 in-service teachers in Abu Dhabi was conducted followed by purposeful qualitative interviews with 20 pre-service teachers. The instrument was adapted from an existing 21st century skills measures. Quantitative data were described using descriptive statistics and analyzed using inferential statistics. The interview transcripts were analyzed. The findings showed that in-service teachers’ performance was better than that of pre-service teachers in all four elements of 21st-century skills, with significant disparities recorded in critical thinking and collaboration, possibly because of field experience. These qualitative results show that community engagement promotes the 4Cs by allowing teachers to apply theoretical knowledge in field contexts and sharpen problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills. Nevertheless, challenges such as limited resources and time must be compensated for with better initiatives that organizations can employ to promote community engagement activities. This study suggests that using social engagement activities in teacher training is a fruitful way to address this skill gap. This provides implications for teacher preparation and the infusion of community engagement into teachers’ training to foster the 21st-century development of competencies in teachers-to-be. Full article

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20 pages, 1765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Communication in Disaster—The Contribution of the Press to Highlighting Vulnerabilities: The Case of Rio Grande Do Sul State, Brazil

by Fernando Pereira Silva, Osvaldo Luiz Leal de Moraes, Rita de Cassia Marques Alves, Marcia Cristina Barbosa and José Antonio Marengo

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(7), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14070409 - 29 Jun 2025

Abstract

In this article, we explore the role of the media in highlighting an important yet often underestimated aspect of disasters: vulnerability. We use coverage of a disaster that occurred in Brazil’s southernmost state to demonstrate that the effects of a disaster extend far [...] Read more.

In this article, we explore the role of the media in highlighting an important yet often underestimated aspect of disasters: vulnerability. We use coverage of a disaster that occurred in Brazil’s southernmost state to demonstrate that the effects of a disaster extend far beyond the intensity of the extreme event itself. The concept of vulnerability is increasingly recognized in disaster literature, but the communication factors influencing this concept have not been thoroughly examined. We employ a modern conceptual framework that suggests disasters, such as the one that occurred in Brazil in 2024, stem from two interconnected threats: one natural and one anthropogenic. This second component, often not explicitly mentioned in reports, becomes evident when viewed through the lens of disaster risk. This understanding is beneficial for researchers, policy makers, and disaster experts in systematically identifying the socio-structural factors that affect the impact of extreme natural events. Furthermore, effective disaster reporting can transform how individuals and crisis managers understand hazards and respond to disasters. Full article

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22 pages, 1000 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Navigating Non-Linear Education-to-Work Trajectories: Integration of Ubuntu to Enhance the Readiness Programs

by Adalbertus Fortunatus Kamanzi, Nangula Iipumbu, Judith Namabira and Hedvig Nyanyukweni Mendonca

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(7), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14070408 - 26 Jun 2025

Abstract

The transition from school to university and subsequently into the workforce is increasingly non-linear, shaped by diverse socio-economic realities and interrupted learning pathways. This study examines the effectiveness of Readiness Programs in preparing students for higher education and explores the potential of integrating [...] Read more.

The transition from school to university and subsequently into the workforce is increasingly non-linear, shaped by diverse socio-economic realities and interrupted learning pathways. This study examines the effectiveness of Readiness Programs in preparing students for higher education and explores the potential of integrating the African Ubuntu philosophy to enhance these programs. Using a quantitative research design, a structured survey was administered to 1132 participants enrolled in the University of Namibia’s 2024 Readiness Program. Descriptive statistics and ordered logistic regression were employed to analyse key predictors of readiness, including program structure, delivery, academic skills, and resilience to challenges. The findings indicate that program delivery, improved academic skills, and academic performance significantly influence students’ readiness to pursue university studies, while resilience to personal challenges shows a weaker correlation. The results suggest that structured interventions play a more pivotal role than individual perseverance in ensuring academic preparedness. The study concludes that integrating Ubuntu principles, such as communal support, ethical leadership, and collaborative learning into readiness programs can strengthen student engagement and institutional inclusivity. This integration aligns with decolonial imperatives in African higher education and contributes to more contextually relevant, supportive, and transformative readiness initiatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Education-to-Work Transition for Young People)

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18 pages, 256 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Supporting Children and Their Families in Gauteng Public Schools: The Roles of School Social Workers

by Gift Khumalo, Nolwazi Ngcobo and Mbongeni Shadrack Sithole

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(7), 407; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14070407 - 26 Jun 2025

Abstract

School social work practice in the South African context is a growing field; however, there is limited research regarding the roles and responsibilities of school social workers, particularly in the Gauteng province. This province is unique in that school social workers are employed [...] Read more.

School social work practice in the South African context is a growing field; however, there is limited research regarding the roles and responsibilities of school social workers, particularly in the Gauteng province. This province is unique in that school social workers are employed by multiple institutions, including individual schools and the education and social development departments. This study aimed to explore and describe the roles and responsibilities of school social workers in the Gauteng province, recognizing them as critical specialists in addressing learners’ psychosocial needs within school settings. An explorative qualitative design was used in this study. Data were collected from 22 purposively selected participants, comprising school social workers, supervisors, and provincial managers of school social work programs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data, and thematic analysis was employed to identify themes. The findings revealed context-specific roles of school social workers, including the creation of conducive teaching and learning environments, advocacy for social justice and child protection, conducting interviews and psychosocial assessments, providing counseling and trauma debriefing, conducting home visits and offering family services, removing abused learners from harmful environments, including their respective homes, and providing parental skills training and support. As a conclusion, this study highlights the need for standardized national and provincial guidelines to formalize and support school social work practice. It is recommended that the identified roles be incorporated into future practice frameworks. Furthermore, it is suggested that a uniform assessment tool be developed to promote consistency and guide school social workers in the initial evaluation processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child Poverty and Social Work)

23 pages, 327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Observations on the Implementation of Relationships, Sex, and Health Education (RSHE), Which Include LGBT Themes in an English Primary School

by Alex Baird

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(7), 406; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14070406 - 26 Jun 2025

Abstract

The latest Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education, and Health Education (RSHE) Draft Guidance seeks to reduce the inclusion of LGBT themes in English schools. Additionally, the Gender Questioning Draft Guidance for Schools and Colleges and the Cass Review overlook the rights of [...] Read more.

The latest Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education, and Health Education (RSHE) Draft Guidance seeks to reduce the inclusion of LGBT themes in English schools. Additionally, the Gender Questioning Draft Guidance for Schools and Colleges and the Cass Review overlook the rights of trans and non-binary young people, further intensifying the heated debates surrounding their lives. In response, the author draws upon research conducted in a primary school in Greater London in 2021, when statutory RSHE, including LGBT content, was first introduced. The research aimed to understand how teachers felt about teaching RSHE and to collaborate with them to enhance pupil learning within and beyond the RSHE curriculum. This paper critiques lesson observations and teachers’ reflections on their lessons using a Framework for Sexuality Education and Queer Theory. The researcher’s call to rethink how RSHE is taught should not be taken to mean it should not be taught. To the contrary, the findings suggest a need for the school to broaden its curriculum, teaching methods, and strategies to become a truly ‘LGBT-inclusive’ environment. However, the paper also illuminates the apprehensions these primary school teachers experienced, which in turn influenced pedagogical decisions. The article concludes by recommending specific whole-school approaches and effective pedagogical practices for RSHE in the school, which could be beneficial to other primary school settings. Effective teaching of LGBT themes requires clear support for educators, especially within the complexity of a primary school setting and given the changing political and social climate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Embodiment of LGBTQ+ Inclusive Education)

31 pages, 1734 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bi⁵: An Autoethnographic Analysis of a Lived Experience Suicide Attempt Survivor Through Grief Concepts and ‘Participant’ Positionality in Community Research

by amelia elias noor

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(7), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14070405 - 26 Jun 2025

Abstract

This paper explores suicidality and suicide research from an autoethnographic analysis framed through grief concepts. Self-identifying as a Muslim in the United States, the author explains how lived experiences being racialized through Islamophobia, identifying as a genderfluid non-binary woman, being socially biracial, holding [...] Read more.

This paper explores suicidality and suicide research from an autoethnographic analysis framed through grief concepts. Self-identifying as a Muslim in the United States, the author explains how lived experiences being racialized through Islamophobia, identifying as a genderfluid non-binary woman, being socially biracial, holding a postpartum bipolar diagnosis, and being connected to a diaspora, are critical elements to develop a deeper sociocultural understanding of suicide. Grief concepts that are used to analyze these themes include disenfranchised grief, ambiguous loss, anticipatory grief, and secondary loss. While these grief concepts are understood as part of the author’s embodied lived experience as an individual, there is also a collective grief that is explored through the author’s bilingual experience with Arabic as it relates to the topics of suicide and genocide occurring in the Arabic-speaking diaspora located in Gaza, Palestine. A conceptual framework is offered to make sense of the author’s lived experience by both incorporating and challenging existing academic perspectives on suicide and research. The emic, or insider, perspective is contextualized such that it may hold implications beyond the individual author, such as for U.S. Muslims and other hard-to-reach populations. A positionality statement demonstrates the author’s reflexivity of being an insider ‘participant’–researcher in conducting transformative research approaches with the U.S. Muslim community. Further directions are shared for scholars with lived experience who may seek to utilize comparable individual or collaborative autoethnographic approaches with such majority-world communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Critical Suicide Studies: Decolonial and Participatory Creative Approaches)

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12 pages, 266 KiB

Open AccessOpinion

Beyond ‘Culturally Sensitive Care’: Reimagining Dementia Care for Families with Migration Backgrounds

by Menal Ahmad and Anne-Mei The

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(7), 404; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14070404 - 26 Jun 2025

Abstract

People with migration backgrounds (PwM) and their loved ones living with dementia often encounter multiple disparities for appropriate care and support. Simultaneously, care professionals may feel inadequately prepared to address the needs of PwM effectively. As a response to these concerns, research and [...] Read more.

People with migration backgrounds (PwM) and their loved ones living with dementia often encounter multiple disparities for appropriate care and support. Simultaneously, care professionals may feel inadequately prepared to address the needs of PwM effectively. As a response to these concerns, research and practice have increasingly emphasized the importance of culturally sensitive care. These efforts center on understanding the cultural norms and beliefs of migrant communities and developing professional strategies tailored to these cultural factors. However, while cultural factors clearly play a role in the care experiences of PwM, the emphasis on culture in research and practice has drawn criticism from various scholars. In our contribution to this debate, we highlight the shortcomings of the concept of culturally sensitive care within the context of dementia and propose a perspective that responds to these shortcomings. We present the following arguments: (1) The prevailing discourse, which treats culture and culturally sensitive care as fixed concepts and relies on separate tools for addressing the needs of PwM, fails to offer comprehensive guidance for inclusive care. (2) Instead of attributing care-related obstacles to cultural differences, we must shift our focus to understanding individual experiences of inequality as well as the systemic structures that perpetuate inequality. (3) To address the diverse needs of PwM and the challenges of ongoing diversity within Western societies, dementia care services should embrace diversity as the norm rather than an exception requiring separate tools. This requires a paradigm shift in which professionals are trained to navigate relationships in ways that minimize reliance on rigid (ethnic and cultural) categorizations. Full article

13 pages, 780 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Multivariate Analysis with MANOVA-Biplot of Learning Approaches in Health Science Students

by Ana B. Sánchez-García, Zaira Zárate-Santana and Carmen Patino-Alonso

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(7), 403; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14070403 - 26 Jun 2025

Abstract

The acquisition of new knowledge by students represents a significant area of interest for universities, which seek to facilitate this process to enhance educational experience. There are two principal categories of learning approaches: surface and deep. The prevalence of a particular approach is [...] Read more.

The acquisition of new knowledge by students represents a significant area of interest for universities, which seek to facilitate this process to enhance educational experience. There are two principal categories of learning approaches: surface and deep. The prevalence of a particular approach is contingent upon a number of individual and contextual factors. The aim of this study is to determine whether there are discernible differences in learning styles based on the geographical area of origin of the student. To this end, a multivariate analysis will be employed to compare the predominant learning approaches of health science university students using the Biggs R-SPQ-2F scale. A sample of 464 students was subjected to a multivariate analysis, specifically a Manova-Biplot, with the objective of facilitating the graphical representation of the relationships between the two learning approaches. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on the sample to corroborate the factor structure of the R-SPQ-2F. The findings indicated that the majority of students demonstrated proclivity towards deep learning, although their profiles exhibited heterogeneity related to their geographical context. The results may prove valuable in the characterization of the predominant learning approaches in a university community and the design of teaching strategies. Full article

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

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15 pages, 1429 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Straddling Two Platforms: From Twitter to Mastodon, an Analysis of the Evolution of an Unfinished Social Media Migration

by Simón Peña-Fernández, Ainara Larrondo-Ureta and Jordi Morales-i-Gras

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(7), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14070402 - 26 Jun 2025

Abstract

Social media have been fundamental in the daily lives of millions of people, but they have raised concerns about content moderation policies, the management of personal data, and their commercial exploitation. The acquisition of Twitter (now X) by Elon Musk in 2022 generated [...] Read more.

Social media have been fundamental in the daily lives of millions of people, but they have raised concerns about content moderation policies, the management of personal data, and their commercial exploitation. The acquisition of Twitter (now X) by Elon Musk in 2022 generated concerns among Twitter users regarding changes in the platform’s direction, prompting a migration campaign by some user groups to the federated network Mastodon. This study reviews the onboarding of users to this decentralised platform between 2016 and 2022 and analyses the migration of 19,000 users who identified themselves as supporters of the platform switch. The results show that the migration campaign was a reactive response to Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter and was led by a group of highly active academics, scientists, and journalists. However, a complete transition was not realised, as users preferred to straddle their presence on both platforms. Mastodon’s decentralisation made it difficult to exactly replicate Twitter’s communities, resulting in a partial loss of these users’ social capital and greater fragmentation of these user communities, which highlights the intrinsic differences between both platforms. Full article

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14 pages, 884 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Challenges and Advances in Gender Equity: Analysis of Policies, Labor Practices, and Social Movements

by Kiara Geoconda Peralta-Jaramillo

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(7), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14070401 - 26 Jun 2025

Abstract

Gender equity is one of the most complex contemporary challenges, encompassing political, economic, labor, and cultural dimensions. This study aims to analyze the impact of public policies, labor practices, and social movements in promoting gender equity across various socio-political contexts. To answer the [...] Read more.

Gender equity is one of the most complex contemporary challenges, encompassing political, economic, labor, and cultural dimensions. This study aims to analyze the impact of public policies, labor practices, and social movements in promoting gender equity across various socio-political contexts. To answer the central question of how these elements influence a reduction in gender inequalities, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted, complemented by a Bibliometric Analysis, following PRISMA protocol guidelines. The bibliographic search, carried out in the Scopus database, covered the period from 2015 to 2025 and identified 26 relevant studies that met the predefined inclusion criteria. The results reveal that, despite progress in formulating policies aimed at combating gender-based violence and promoting equality, the implementation of these measures is hindered by a lack of inter-institutional coordination and the persistence of deeply rooted cultural norms. Likewise, structural inequalities in the labor sphere are evident, such as the gender wage gap and barriers to professional advancement. On the other hand, social movements have emerged as key actors—including governmental institutions, civil society organizations, and healthcare providers—in highlighting and transforming these disparities by driving changes in political agendas and increasing women’s representation in decision-making positions. In summary, this study underscores the need to adopt intersectional and comprehensive approaches to achieve effective and sustainable gender equity, while comparing the influence of policies across different global regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Gender Studies)

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16 pages, 541 KiB

Open AccessReview

Education-to-Work Transition Among the Youth in Post-Conflict Settings: A Review of the Roles of Individual Agency, Mental Health, and Psychosocial Well-Being

by Nathaniel Mayengo, Jane Namusoke, Henry Kibedi and Kennedy Amone-P’Olak

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(7), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14070400 - 25 Jun 2025

Abstract

Education-to-work transition among war-affected youth in post-conflict settings is fraught with challenges, not least compounded by the little attention placed on individual agency and mental health. This review examines the debate on war-affected youth skilling programmes in post-conflict settings, which neglect the roles [...] Read more.

Education-to-work transition among war-affected youth in post-conflict settings is fraught with challenges, not least compounded by the little attention placed on individual agency and mental health. This review examines the debate on war-affected youth skilling programmes in post-conflict settings, which neglect the roles of individual agency and mental health in the education-to-work transition. Building on Albert Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory (SET) and the Cumulative Stress Hypothesis (CSH), the review presents an integrated approach to skills development for improving education-to-work transition among war-affected youth. According to SET, the development of self-efficacy is anchored on enactive mastery, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and physiological arousal. Moreover, individual agency factors such as motivation, aspiration, goal orientation, active efforts, and alignment of intentions with skills are protective factors for effective education-to-work transition, but they are also eroded by the adverse consequences of violent conflicts. Similarly, the CSH also suggests that the effects of exposure to protracted violent conflicts are cumulative and may lead, in turn, to a plethora of mental health problems in the aftermath of violent conflicts. Mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and PTSD are linked to, inter alia, behaviours such as aggression, substance abuse, and apathy, all related to poor employment outcomes. To increase the employability of young people affected by war, skills training institutions and work settings need to prioritise the mental health and individual agency of the youth, as well as skills acquisition for specific trades. Consequently, we propose an integrated model of reintegrating war-affected and vulnerable youth anchored on professional technical and vocational skills training; recognition of individual agency; provision of mental and psychosocial support; and life skills training, all nested within the local economic realities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Education-to-Work Transition for Young People)

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22 pages, 329 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intergenerational Transmission of Domestic Violence in Peruvian Families: A Qualitative Study

by Flor Vilches, Luisa Mazeyra, Andrea Quintanilla and Luis Ramos-Vargas

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(7), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14070399 - 23 Jun 2025

Abstract

Domestic violence is a public health problem that has important consequences for the physical, mental and social well-being of individuals and their families, leading to negative effects on future generations, which are exacerbated or inhibited by individual, social and cultural factors. This qualitative [...] Read more.

Domestic violence is a public health problem that has important consequences for the physical, mental and social well-being of individuals and their families, leading to negative effects on future generations, which are exacerbated or inhibited by individual, social and cultural factors. This qualitative study aimed to explore the intergenerational transmission of domestic violence in Peruvian families. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with an adolescent, a mother and a grandfather from nine families. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The analysis revealed the importance of traditional gender norms, machismo and marianismo, in intergenerational transmission. Other important subthemes in maintenance were irritability, social learning, alcohol consumption and economic dependence. On the other hand, support networks, overcoming trauma, knowing how to choose a partner, education and separation were subthemes identified as protective factors and, finally, religious beliefs were associated with contradictory effects, since they can perpetuate violence or serve as a protective factor against violence. The implications of these findings are discussed and a proposal based on the socioecological model of domestic violence is elaborated, covering the four levels: individual, relationship, community and societal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conducive Contexts and Vulnerabilities to Domestic Abuse)

23 pages, 324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Forced Fraud: The Financial Exploitation of Human Trafficking Victims

by Michael Schidlow

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(7), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14070398 - 23 Jun 2025

Abstract

Human trafficking, a grave violation of human rights, frequently intersects with financial crimes, notably identity theft and coercive debt accumulation. This creates complex challenges for victims, survivors, and law enforcement. Victims of human trafficking are often coerced and/or threatened into committing various forms [...] Read more.

Human trafficking, a grave violation of human rights, frequently intersects with financial crimes, notably identity theft and coercive debt accumulation. This creates complex challenges for victims, survivors, and law enforcement. Victims of human trafficking are often coerced and/or threatened into committing various forms of crime, referred to as “forced criminality.” In recent years, this trend of criminality has moved from violent crimes to financial crimes and fraud, including identity theft, synthetic identity fraud, and serving as money mules. This phenomenon, termed “forced fraud”, exacerbates the already severe trauma experienced by victims (referred to as both victims and survivors throughout, consistent with trauma-informed terminology) trapping them in a cycle of financial instability and legal complications. Traffickers often coerce their victims into opening credit lines, taking out loans, or committing fraud all in their own names, leading to ruined credit histories and insurmountable debt. These financial burdens make it extremely difficult for survivors to rebuild their lives post-trafficking. This paper explores the mechanisms of forced fraud, its impact on survivors, and the necessary legislative and financial interventions to support survivors. By examining first-hand accounts and social and policy efforts from a range of sources, this paper highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support systems that address both the immediate and long-term financial repercussions of human trafficking. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Break the Chains: Global Efforts in Eradication and Prevention of Human Trafficking)

15 pages, 232 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Concept Among Formerly Incarcerated Sexual Minority Women

by Adinah Stone, Amy B. Smoyer and Karen D’Angelo

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(7), 397; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14070397 - 23 Jun 2025

Abstract

Sexual minority women (SMW) are a resilient yet vulnerable population who may experience poor psychosocial outcomes due to minority stress associated with their marginalized status and traumatic experiences resulting from interpersonal and structural violence. When SMW are incarcerated, the trauma of this experience [...] Read more.

Sexual minority women (SMW) are a resilient yet vulnerable population who may experience poor psychosocial outcomes due to minority stress associated with their marginalized status and traumatic experiences resulting from interpersonal and structural violence. When SMW are incarcerated, the trauma of this experience can exacerbate existing mental health challenges. Self-concept is a key measure of mental health that is associated with increased self-efficacy and positive psychosocial outcomes. This analysis explores the ways in which incarceration impacts the self-concept of SMW. Secondary data analysis of three qualitative interviews with formerly incarcerated SMW was conducted. Specifically, Gilligan’s Listening Guide was used to create “I poems” that articulate the participants’ narratives and contrapuntal voices. These poems were then analyzed to build knowledge about participants’ self-concept. This analysis informs our understandings of self-concept among SMW, violence against women, the vulnerability of binary constructs, and the ways in which people negotiate past, present and future selves. The findings can inform interventions that seek to mitigate the psychosocial risks faced by SMW and formerly incarcerated people and improve outcomes for these populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue LGBTQ+ Health & Well-Being)

16 pages, 259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microcosms of the Skills Ecosystem: Building Communities of Practice (CoPs) to Tackle Food Insecurity and Youth Unemployment in Northern Mozambique

by Paulo Guilherme, Ndjate Kinyamba Junior and Ana Carolina Rodrigues

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(7), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14070396 - 23 Jun 2025

Abstract

This article reflects on a capacity-building project co-designed with two universities in northern Mozambique to strengthen partnerships in the educational sector in addressing local issues of youth unemployment and food insecurity. The project focused on building communities of practice (CoPs) around the three [...] Read more.

This article reflects on a capacity-building project co-designed with two universities in northern Mozambique to strengthen partnerships in the educational sector in addressing local issues of youth unemployment and food insecurity. The project focused on building communities of practice (CoPs) around the three secondary-level schools delivering agricultural education and training with the participation of universities’ lecturers from agricultural universities as well as students and rural communities. These three CoPs became collaborative networks foregrounded in participatory action research that allowed for a joint production of knowledge. Because of this, we propose to frame these CoPs as microcosms of an expanded skills ecosystem that exists on a territorial level and encompasses diverse forms of knowledge. Despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, CoPs created opportunities for students to do practical work that is often lacking in training and, especially, to encounter entrepreneurship possibilities that can facilitate education–work transitions. With this experience in mind, we ask ourselves, how can CoPs harness skills development towards the education–work transition for youth in agriculture? Our insights into this question are based on three years of project implementation (2021–2023) and, hopefully, will contribute to better understand the role of vocationally trained youth for Mozambique’s agricultural development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Education-to-Work Transition for Young People)

19 pages, 294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Innovative Experiences of Inter-Organizational Collaboration: The Case of Reception of Ukrainian Refugees in Lombardy

by Amalia De Leo, Martina Mutti and Caterina Gozzoli

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(7), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14070395 - 21 Jun 2025

Abstract

This study examines Lombardy’s response to the Ukrainian migration crisis which was triggered by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. It focuses on the on the innovative experience of refugee reception that emerged as the traditional system became overwhelmed. It analyzes which aspects [...] Read more.

This study examines Lombardy’s response to the Ukrainian migration crisis which was triggered by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. It focuses on the on the innovative experience of refugee reception that emerged as the traditional system became overwhelmed. It analyzes which aspects proved effective and which did not in the development of this alternative approach and the collaboration among various actors. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 28 participants, including professionals from both traditional reception systems and new collaborative actors and entities. Results highlight four specificities of the Ukrainian migration: geographic and cultural proximity, the demographic composition (predominantly women and children), positive media portrayal, and the activation of new actors. The study delves into six motivations driving this collaborative effort, ranging from historical ties, and pre-existing communities to emotional involvement and a perceived urgency for support. The challenges in coordinating between traditional systems and new collaborative entities are also examined, including communication barriers, the need for flexibility, and the lack of clear guidelines. This study recommends establishing a steering committee for enhanced collaboration and emphasizes the importance of long-term sustainability of these collaborative efforts. The findings offer valuable considerations for managing migration emergencies and fostering collaboration between different organizations and stakeholders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section International Migration)

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