Social Sciences

25 pages, 484 KB

Open AccessArticle

Caregivers Who Left: Hong Kong Older Adults, Their British Migrant Children, and Hong Kong Christian Communities—A Group Study from Psychological and Theological Perspectives

by Ann Gillian Chu and Claire Hiu-ching Cheung

Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(4), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15040218 - 27 Mar 2026

Abstract

Unpaid caregivers in Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong) are known to be under tremendous stress. The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) has been funnelling resources to non-profit organisations to support these caregivers in recent years. Since 2020, the British [...] Read more.

Unpaid caregivers in Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong) are known to be under tremendous stress. The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) has been funnelling resources to non-profit organisations to support these caregivers in recent years. Since 2020, the British government has provided British National (Overseas) passport holders with a pathway to gain citizenship in Britain, and many Hong Kongers, especially young families, have migrated to Britain. This migration includes many former caregivers of older adults who remain in Hong Kong. How do these left-behind elderly parents comprehend the loss of their main caregivers, an extreme case of empty nest? And how do faith-based, especially Evangelical Christian, organisations and churches, support these older adults and their adult children in transnational caregiving? This study employs an ethnographic approach through on-site fieldwork and semi-structured interviews with older adults whose children migrated abroad, social workers at faith-based organisations, and church pastors. These field observations and interviews are supplemented by case studies and interviews published in news outlets. Through this group study, though limited in sample size, this article argues for the importance of faith identity and religious community in supporting both older adults and their caregivers, whether situated locally or remotely, and how faith-based organisations support transnational caregiving through connecting both parties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Caregiving for Older Family Members in Communities)

24 pages, 291 KB

Open AccessArticle

Smallholder Agency and Income Disparity in the Context of Agricultural Transformation: A Comparative Analysis of Organizational Models in the Flower Industry Across Four Regions in Yunnan

by Hongyu Jiang and Zongshi Chen

Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(4), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15040217 - 26 Mar 2026

Abstract

How to effectively leverage the agency of smallholder farmers to boost rural incomes and achieve common prosperity is a core issue in agricultural development and transformation. Taking the flower industry in four regions of Yunnan Province as a case, this paper adopts an [...] Read more.

How to effectively leverage the agency of smallholder farmers to boost rural incomes and achieve common prosperity is a core issue in agricultural development and transformation. Taking the flower industry in four regions of Yunnan Province as a case, this paper adopts an analytical framework of government-market-society synergy to examine industrial organizational models under different synergistic approaches and their impacts on industrial prosperity, smallholder agency, and income disparities. The comparative analysis reveals that combining appropriately open market mechanisms with moderate government intervention, while coordinating household-based operations through industry associations, currently represents an effective pathway to translate industrial prosperity into rural common prosperity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Diversity Competence and Social Inequalities, 2nd Edition)

18 pages, 491 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Staff Experiences of Rainbow Office Hours: An LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Initiative in Higher Education—“I’m Gay at Home, but I’m also Gay at Work”

by Sarah E. McHillier, Chloe Casey and Hyun-Joo Lim

Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(4), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15040216 - 25 Mar 2026

Abstract

Students are more likely to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity with university staff compared to staff in high school or college. For some, higher education (HEI) offers the first opportunity to encounter “out” LGBTQIA+ role models, whose visibility can positively influence [...] Read more.

Students are more likely to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity with university staff compared to staff in high school or college. For some, higher education (HEI) offers the first opportunity to encounter “out” LGBTQIA+ role models, whose visibility can positively influence both students and colleagues. Rainbow Office Hours is an initiative that offers students a supportive, informal opportunity to engage with LGBTQIA+ staff. At a HEI in southwest England, LGBTQIA+ staff and allies were invited to host Rainbow Office Hours during LGBTQIA+ History Month. This research, using semi-structured interviews, is the first to explore the lived experience of staff hosting Rainbow Office Hours. Findings highlighted the impact on staff identity, professional connectedness, and students, as well the importance of visibility, validation, and allyship. Policy and practice recommendations are offered to strengthen LGBTQIA+ inclusion and address the emotional labour and under-recognised workload of equality, diversity, and inclusion activities that is regularly undertaken by minoritised identities. The research highlights the reciprocal benefits of such initiatives for students and staff, emphasising the need for sustained institutional commitment beyond celebratory months. Full article

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

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18 pages, 3179 KB

Open AccessArticle

Socio-Political Factors Contributing to Re-Demarcation Disputes in Vuwani and Malamulele Communities, South Africa

by Fhedzisani Ash Mukhuba and Lindokuhle Denis Sibiya

Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(4), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15040215 - 24 Mar 2026

Abstract

Despite the aim of municipal boundaries re-demarcation to improve capacity, functionality, economic viability, and service delivery in South African municipalities, it often leads to community unrest, protests, and violent confrontations. This article examines socio-political factors that contribute to the ongoing disputes in Vuwani [...] Read more.

Despite the aim of municipal boundaries re-demarcation to improve capacity, functionality, economic viability, and service delivery in South African municipalities, it often leads to community unrest, protests, and violent confrontations. This article examines socio-political factors that contribute to the ongoing disputes in Vuwani and Malamulele communities, Limpopo, South Africa, and their implications for social cohesion and local governance in a post-apartheid context. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 52 community members and other stakeholders who are directly involved in or affected by the disputes. Guided by territoriality theory, through thematic analysis, the study findings reveal that re-demarcation disputes are intertwined with political interests, differentiated ethnic and cultural identities, inadequate community consultation, and governance power imbalances. By situating Vuwani and Malamulele communities within wider debates on municipal border disputes, this study calls for an inclusive, transparent, and culturally sensitive approach to the implementation of municipal boundary changes. This is crucial for building united, peaceful, and sustainable communities, and for local government to regain public trust in post-apartheid South Africa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Contemporary Politics and Society)

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16 pages, 319 KB

Open AccessArticle

Personality Dimensions Involved in the Adaptation to the Prison Environment: Evidence from Romanian Violent Offenders

by Cornelia Rada and Andreea-Cătălina Forțu

Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(3), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15030214 - 23 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: Personality traits, particularly those belonging to the Dark Triad (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy), may influence violent behavior and adaptation to the prison environment. Methods: The study included 250 male inmates from Bucharest-Jilava Penitentiary, aged between 20 and 67 years. The Emotional Stability [...] Read more.

Background: Personality traits, particularly those belonging to the Dark Triad (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy), may influence violent behavior and adaptation to the prison environment. Methods: The study included 250 male inmates from Bucharest-Jilava Penitentiary, aged between 20 and 67 years. The Emotional Stability Scale (IPIP), the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire, and the Short Dark Triad Scale (SD3) were administered. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlations, multiple linear regressions, and binary logistic regressions. Results: Emotional stability was negatively correlated with aggression (r = −0.48, p < 0.01). Psychopathy significantly predicted physical aggression (t = 11.96, p < 0.001) and anger (t = 9.53, p < 0.001), whereas Machiavellianism predicted verbal aggression (t = 3.14, p = 0.002) and hostility (t = 4.73, p < 0.001). Higher levels of physical aggression were associated with a lower likelihood of participation in educational activities (Exp(B) = 0.93, p = 0.032). Conclusions: The influence of Dark Triad traits on aggression is differentiated, with psychopathy exerting the strongest effect. Low emotional stability increases vulnerability to hostile behaviors. These findings support the need for multidimensional psychological assessments and tailored intervention programs designed to enhance violent offenders’ engagement in educational activities aimed at impulse control and empathy development within the prison environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crime and Justice)

15 pages, 237 KB

Open AccessArticle

We Fled Gunfire to Protect Our Children: Reimagining Child Protection in Australia for South Sudanese Communities

by Caroline Speirs and Maria Harries

Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(3), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15030213 - 23 Mar 2026

Abstract

This article reports on action research which sought the perspectives of South Sudanese families and communities about their experiences and understanding of child protection. The research was grounded in cycles of interviews, consultation, and participation observation with a total of ninety-seven participants which [...] Read more.

This article reports on action research which sought the perspectives of South Sudanese families and communities about their experiences and understanding of child protection. The research was grounded in cycles of interviews, consultation, and participation observation with a total of ninety-seven participants which included South Sudanese leaders and families in Australia and in Uganda. The resulting data offers a layered insight into the pressures families navigate and the strengths on which they draw to keep children connected to community and culture in Australia and the importance they place on community led approaches in which protection and safety are understood as collective responsibilities. The findings show that the collective strengths they highlight are often misunderstood within Western child protection systems. The paper concludes that meaningful partnership and developmental ways of working are essential for building trust and designing approaches that keep children safe within culture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Work on Community Practice and Child Protection)

21 pages, 333 KB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Sports Participation in Japan: The Interplay of Sociodemographic Factors, Social Roles, and Behavioral Change

by Naoki Kubota, Makoto Nakakita and Teruo Nakatsuma

Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(3), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15030212 - 23 Mar 2026

Abstract

Sports participation is a widely recognized facilitator of physical health, mental well-being, and social inclusion, but persistent and substantial disparities have been observed across socioeconomic groups. Focusing on Japan, this study examined the socioeconomic determinants of sports participation, particularly the roles of gender, [...] Read more.

Sports participation is a widely recognized facilitator of physical health, mental well-being, and social inclusion, but persistent and substantial disparities have been observed across socioeconomic groups. Focusing on Japan, this study examined the socioeconomic determinants of sports participation, particularly the roles of gender, age, employment, and caregiving responsibilities. It used nationally representative repeated cross-sectional data to analyze participation rates and annual participation days across multiple sports at the population-segment level, defined by combinations of demographic and social attributes. Results revealed prominent sport-specific gender differences, heterogeneous age effects across sports, significant age–gender interaction effects, and distinctive behavioral changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, participation in competitive and group sports declined with age, but walking increased among middle-aged and older adults. In addition, constraints in employment and caregiving had limited overall effects but significantly reduced engagement in walking. These findings suggest the crucial influence of the interaction among social roles, life-stage transitions, and historical context, rather than biological sex differences alone, on sports participation patterns, highlighting the urgency of designing sports policies as inclusive social interventions that consider diverse motivations and limitations across population groups. Full article

21 pages, 5423 KB

Open AccessArticle

Craft as Pedagogy in Architectural Production: Labour, Technology and Non-Formal Learning

by Milinda Pathiraja

Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(3), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15030211 - 23 Mar 2026

Abstract

In rapidly urbanising developing economies, construction activity frequently relies on informal and semi-skilled labour. This coincides with limited opportunities for systematic skill development, leading to persistent labour deskilling. While existing research has predominantly addressed these challenges through policy reform, industrialisation, or efficiency-driven technological [...] Read more.

In rapidly urbanising developing economies, construction activity frequently relies on informal and semi-skilled labour. This coincides with limited opportunities for systematic skill development, leading to persistent labour deskilling. While existing research has predominantly addressed these challenges through policy reform, industrialisation, or efficiency-driven technological models, less emphasis has been placed on the role of architectural design in shaping labour–technology relations on-site. This article adopts a constructivist perspective on technology to investigate how architectural design can serve as a socio-technical framework for non-formal labour upskilling within construction practice. Drawing upon qualitative case studies of two architectural projects in Sri Lanka—a suburban residential retrofit and a low-income rural housing prototype—this study analyses how design strategies such as systemisation, construction sequencing, material hybridity, and craft-based component detailing embed tacit learning within production processes. The findings demonstrate that craft, understood as a mode of tacit knowledge and on-the-job learning rather than as a stylistic or nostalgic response, can facilitate skill acquisition across diverse economic and technical contexts. By repositioning architectural design as an active mediator between technology and labour, this article contributes to debates within construction studies, social sciences, and architectural theory and proposes design-led construction strategies as a context-sensitive alternative to purely policy- or efficiency-driven approaches to labour development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Formal and Non-Formal Learning Contexts: Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Educational Sciences)

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17 pages, 632 KB

Open AccessArticle

Demographic, Motivational, and Institutional Factors Impacting Academic Success in Higher Education

by Patra Vlachopanou, Laura Maska and Dimitrios Kalamaras

Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(3), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15030210 - 23 Mar 2026

Abstract

This study explores how various factors—including motivation, emotion, demographics, and institutional characteristics—interrelate to shape academic success among Greek university students. Based on Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Tinto’s model of integration, it fills a gap in research by addressing the specific characteristics of the [...] Read more.

This study explores how various factors—including motivation, emotion, demographics, and institutional characteristics—interrelate to shape academic success among Greek university students. Based on Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Tinto’s model of integration, it fills a gap in research by addressing the specific characteristics of the Greek higher education system. While prior research emphasizes the importance of motivation and integration, few studies have combined these with factors like program alignment, student type, and gender in a structural model. A sample of 284 students, aged 18–28, completed validated Greek versions of the AMS, PASS, and SACQ. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to assess both the direct and indirect effects on academic success. Key variables included gender, traditional vs. non-traditional student status, first-choice program enrollment, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, academic and social integration, emotional adjustment, institutional attachment, and procrastination. Gender (female) was the strongest predictor of academic success (β = 0.819), affecting outcomes through intrinsic motivation, emotional adjustment, and procrastination. Academic integration (β = 0.424) and traditional student status (β = 0.300) also significantly predicted GPA. Social integration had an indirect effect through academic engagement. Procrastination (β = −0.228) and emotional maladjustment (β = −0.143) were major obstacles. While selecting a first-choice program affected institutional attachment, it did not directly impact academic performance. Conclusion: Academic success in Greek universities is influenced by a range of personal, motivational, and contextual factors. Improving integration, reducing procrastination, and fostering intrinsic motivation can boost academic outcomes. Interventions should consider gender and student pathways to be more effective. Full article

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12 pages, 334 KB

Open AccessArticle

AI-Supported Student Skills Profiling Integrating AI and EdTech into Inclusive and Adaptive Learning

by Olga Ergunova, Gaini Mukhanova and Andrei Somov

Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(3), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15030209 - 23 Mar 2026

Abstract

The rapid transition to Industry 4.0/5.0 has widened the gap between graduates’ skill sets and labor market expectations; this study aimed to profile student competencies and align academic pathways with inclusive and adaptive AI-driven learning. A quantitative design was applied: an online survey [...] Read more.

The rapid transition to Industry 4.0/5.0 has widened the gap between graduates’ skill sets and labor market expectations; this study aimed to profile student competencies and align academic pathways with inclusive and adaptive AI-driven learning. A quantitative design was applied: an online survey of n = 126 students (engineering and economics, February–March 2025), expert evaluations from 5 faculty and 5 employers on a 5-point scale, framed by T-shaped competencies, 4C skills, and Bloom’s taxonomy. Analysis was performed in Python 3.11; future demand until 2035 was forecasted using ARIMA and Prophet models trained on publicly available labor market data (OECD, WEF, Eurostat 2015–2024); competency prioritization employed K-Means clustering and Random Forest models. Strengths included cooperation 4.2, critical thinking 3.9, communication 3.8, and creativity 3.6. Deficits were programming 2.8, project management 3.2, and solution development 3.2; employers rated programming at 2.5 (−0.7 compared to faculty). Forecast 2025–2035 showed growth in demand for programming +56% (3.2 → 5.0), data analytics +39% (3.6 → 5.0), project management +34% (3.2 → 4.3), digital literacy +30% (3.7 → 4.8), and critical thinking +15% (3.9 → 4.5). Clustering identified critical (programming, analytics, project management), supporting (creativity, communication, teamwork), and optional (narrow theoretical depth) competencies. Curriculum adjustment with practice-oriented modules, AI-enabled adaptive learning, and systematic university–employer feedback is essential; the proposed AI-supported profiling model is scalable and enhances inclusiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Belt and Road Together Special Education 2025)

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5 pages, 148 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Closing Editorial: Migration, Civil Society, and the Reimagination of Citizenship

by Taku Suzuki

Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(3), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15030208 - 23 Mar 2026

Abstract

Over the past few decades, the study of migration has increasingly moved beyond a state-centered framework to examine the diverse actors and institutions that shape migrants’ lives across borders (Sager 2016; Scheel and Tazzioli 2022), even if scholars continue to debate the salience [...] Read more.

Over the past few decades, the study of migration has increasingly moved beyond a state-centered framework to examine the diverse actors and institutions that shape migrants’ lives across borders (Sager 2016; Scheel and Tazzioli 2022), even if scholars continue to debate the salience of states’ roles in these processes (Waldinger 2015) [...] Full article

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

24 pages, 335 KB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding the Relationship Between Family Functioning and Social Cohesion in South Africa: A Mixed-Methods Study

by Kezia Ruth October, Nicolette V. Roman and Solomon D. Danga

Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(3), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15030207 - 23 Mar 2026

Abstract

Understanding how family functioning shapes social cohesion in South African communities offers insight into relational dynamics that sustain neighborhood well-being. This convergent parallel mixed-methods study examined associations between family functioning and neighborhood social cohesion in Cape Town. Quantitative data (N = 662) were [...] Read more.

Understanding how family functioning shapes social cohesion in South African communities offers insight into relational dynamics that sustain neighborhood well-being. This convergent parallel mixed-methods study examined associations between family functioning and neighborhood social cohesion in Cape Town. Quantitative data (N = 662) were collected using the Family Functioning Questionnaire and the Neighborhood Social Cohesion Questionnaire. Correlations showed positive associations between family cohesion and trust (r = 0.20), expressiveness and tolerance/respect (r = 0.20), and democratic family style and neighborhood attachment (r = 0.21). Family disengagement showed a small negative association with tolerance/respect (r = −0.11) and a small positive association with practical help (r = 0.17), an unexpected pattern interpreted cautiously. Qualitative interviews (n = 20) provided contextual depth, describing how open communication, shared caregiving, and supportive family networks enhance trust, belonging, reciprocity, and responsibility. Thematic analysis produced five themes spanning cohesion, expressiveness, conflict/disengagement, democratic family functioning, and authoritarian parenting as adaptation. Triangulation indicated that cohesive, expressive, and democratic family processes align with stronger neighborhood connectedness, while conflict and strictness were often described as forms of regulation rather than uniformly harmful. Findings support strengthening family-based interventions, parenting programs, and community policies that reinforce both family well-being and social connectedness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Family Studies)

17 pages, 1257 KB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond the Political Rallies: Digital Platforms as Alternative Media in Portuguese Electoral Campaigns

by João Canavilhas, Branco Di Fátima and Eduardo J. M. Camilo

Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(3), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15030206 - 21 Mar 2026

Abstract

Traditional media have progressively lost electoral centrality, while social media platforms have become key arenas for political communication. Although digital campaigning has been widely studied, limited cross-platform research has examined how social media engagement relates to broader patterns of digital public attention, particularly [...] Read more.

Traditional media have progressively lost electoral centrality, while social media platforms have become key arenas for political communication. Although digital campaigning has been widely studied, limited cross-platform research has examined how social media engagement relates to broader patterns of digital public attention, particularly in Southern European multi-party systems. This study analyses the digital strategies of Portuguese political parties during the 2024 Legislative Elections, drawing on an original dataset of 6251 posts and 8.5 million interactions across Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok, combined with Google search trends data. The main findings show that ideologically extreme parties generate significantly higher engagement, especially the far-right. However, high engagement does not necessarily translate into broader digital attention. Televised debates remain decisive in structuring peaks of online interest, confirming the persistence of hybrid media dynamics. By integrating cross-platform engagement metrics with search data, this study demonstrates the limits of engagement as a proxy for political attention and electoral impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding the Influence of Alternative Political Media)

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20 pages, 1041 KB

Open AccessArticle

Positional Consumption, Behavioral Biases, and Progressive Consumption Tax

by Sergio Da Silva, Patricia Bonini and Raul Matsushita

Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(3), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15030205 - 21 Mar 2026

Abstract

Positional consumption is spending valued mainly for relative standing rather than intrinsic usefulness. A progressive consumption tax can, in principle, reduce the social costs of status-driven spending by taxing consumption rather than saving, but it may face resistance. We examine a behavioral evaluation [...] Read more.

Positional consumption is spending valued mainly for relative standing rather than intrinsic usefulness. A progressive consumption tax can, in principle, reduce the social costs of status-driven spending by taxing consumption rather than saving, but it may face resistance. We examine a behavioral evaluation channel in which status quo bias and loss aversion can sustain positional consumption and reduce support for this reform. We combine a fully specified, reproducible in silico simulation of tax acceptance with a real-participant gain–loss questionnaire that benchmarks positional-choice patterns under matched items. In grouped fractional-response estimates from the simulated data, the post-condition increases predicted acceptance from about 0.11 to about 0.22 and is statistically significant (p < 0.001), while higher status quo and loss-aversion proxy intensity predicts lower acceptance and is statistically significant (p < 0.001). Policy framing increases predicted acceptance relative to the Neutral frame. In the questionnaire, loss framing shifts choices toward absolute outcomes relative to gain framing, consistent with attenuated positional motives. The framework provides a transparent way to stress test how framing and bundled communication and comprehension supports can shift acceptance of progressive consumption taxation under stated assumptions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Policy and Family Economic Stability: Fostering Security in Macroeconomic Instability)

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17 pages, 342 KB

Open AccessReview

Early Childhood Intervention for Children with Disabilities and Syrian Refugee Children in Türkiye: Practices, Policies, and Recommendations

by Aysun Yaralı Akkaya, Toby Long and Zehra Yılmaz

Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(3), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15030204 - 21 Mar 2026

Abstract

Early childhood intervention and education play a central role in promoting equity, developmental outcomes, and long-term well-being for all children, particularly those experiencing those with disabilities or refugee status. In Türkiye, children at this intersection face compounded barriers to inclusive early childhood education [...] Read more.

Early childhood intervention and education play a central role in promoting equity, developmental outcomes, and long-term well-being for all children, particularly those experiencing those with disabilities or refugee status. In Türkiye, children at this intersection face compounded barriers to inclusive early childhood education (ECE). This paper examines how disability, and forced migration intersect to shape access to early childhood services in Türkiye, analyzing legal frameworks, programs, implementation gaps, and contextual factors. A review of policy documents, research, and program evaluations, reveals that while Türkiye has established foundational policies and achieved progress, structural barriers and governance fragmentation limit equitable service provision. The study adopts an intersectional framework and Guralnick’s Developmental Systems Model to identify leverage points for reform. The findings underscore the critical need for integrated service systems, strengthened cross-sectoral coordination, and targeted support mechanisms for families experiencing intersecting vulnerabilities in Türkiye, a country that ranks among the top five hosts of the world’s largest refugee populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Arrival: Policies and Practices of Refugee and Immigrant Integration)

23 pages, 430 KB

Open AccessArticle

Emergent Bilingual Newcomers: Fostering Culturally Responsive Welcoming Practices and Integration into School and Community

by Eman Abo-Zaed Arar, Khalid Arar and Emily R. Crawford

Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(3), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15030203 - 19 Mar 2026

Abstract

Newcomers to the United States face numerous obstacles. This article examines the perceptions and practices of school personnel in one Texas K–12 school district concerning culturally responsive leadership (CRL) and school practices for emergent bilingual (EB) newcomer students with refugee backgrounds. The two [...] Read more.

Newcomers to the United States face numerous obstacles. This article examines the perceptions and practices of school personnel in one Texas K–12 school district concerning culturally responsive leadership (CRL) and school practices for emergent bilingual (EB) newcomer students with refugee backgrounds. The two research questions guiding this paper include (1) What are the perceptions of K–12 school personnel about the policies, programs, and practices that shape the experiences of EB newcomer students with refugee backgrounds? and (2) How do K–12 school personnel perceive and practice culturally responsive leadership to create inclusive schools for EB newcomers? Despite robust scholarship on refugee education and culturally responsive leadership (CRL), less is known about how school personnel interpret policy and organizational constraints and subsequently translate those interpretations into everyday leadership and pedagogical practices. Following a qualitative case study research design, this study used interviews, focus groups, and vignette discussion prompts with teachers, administrators, and district representatives to show how personnel interpreted policy, categorization, and accountability pressures and how they reported responding through welcoming, relational, and culturally responsive practices. Findings are reported at the level of personnel perceptions and reported practices rather than student outcomes. The study offers practical implications for schools and districts seeking to better support the integration of EB newcomer students with refugee backgrounds into schools and communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Policying and Policing: The Governance of Refugee/(Im)migrant Education in an Age of Hostility—2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 238 KB

Open AccessArticle

Strengthening Support for Immigrant Workers: Insights from an Active Labour Market Programme

by Sofia Antera, Simon Asplund, Magnus Svartengren and Therese Hellman

Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(3), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15030202 - 18 Mar 2026

Abstract

Labour market integration of immigrants remains a key policy priority, yet practical implementation continues to face challenges. This study aimed to co-design and re-design solutions to strengthen support within an Active Labour Market Programme (ALMP) to promote immigrants’ sustainable working lives. Using a [...] Read more.

Labour market integration of immigrants remains a key policy priority, yet practical implementation continues to face challenges. This study aimed to co-design and re-design solutions to strengthen support within an Active Labour Market Programme (ALMP) to promote immigrants’ sustainable working lives. Using a co-creative qualitative design, data were gathered through workshops with caseworkers, job coaches, immigrant participants, and workplace supervisors in a Swedish municipality. The findings identified four central aspects for improvement—providing timely and accurate information, aligning efforts toward shared goals, targeting individualised support, and integrating language learning at the workplace—emphasising the need for coherent and collaborative programme structures to facilitate a sustainable working life for immigrants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Work, Employment and the Labor Market)

21 pages, 302 KB

Open AccessArticle

Managing Community Sport Organisations in Favelas During Crisis: Impacts on Community Resilience

by Claudio Rocha, Jennie Morgan, Alan Brum and David Amen

Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(3), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15030201 - 18 Mar 2026

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore and describe how a recent public health emergency affected the management of community sport organisations (CSOs) in favelas and how the crisis management strategy shaped community resilience. We relied upon the stakeholder theory of crisis [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to explore and describe how a recent public health emergency affected the management of community sport organisations (CSOs) in favelas and how the crisis management strategy shaped community resilience. We relied upon the stakeholder theory of crisis management, which posits that during crises, organisations should adopt management practices that address the needs of multiple stakeholders rather than merely focusing on organisational survival. We conducted 13 interviews with sport managers of CSOs located in favelas in four different regions of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The findings show that managers respond to the crisis by focusing on community support and resilience. Three factors informed the relationship between management practices and community resilience: sense of leadership and responsibility, filling the gaps of the public sector, and equality, diversity, and inclusion practices. Our study extends the application of stakeholder theory of crisis management to suggest the importance of considering the inclusion of stakeholders (e.g., government, sport managers) who have been ignored in the proposition of the theory and in the sport management literature. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. Full article

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

19 pages, 834 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tell Me! How to Diminish Stress and Sick Leave in an Organization: A Cognitive Behavioral Quasi-Experimental Intervention

by Felisa Latorre, Amparo Ramos, M. Ángeles López-González, M. José Rosas, Inés Tomás and Jose Ramos

Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(3), 200; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15030200 - 18 Mar 2026

Abstract

Interventions aimed at reducing stress levels and sick leave have been implemented from different perspectives for workers. The aim of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of two interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and strategies and workshops enhancing well-being (Well-being Route), on [...] Read more.

Interventions aimed at reducing stress levels and sick leave have been implemented from different perspectives for workers. The aim of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of two interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and strategies and workshops enhancing well-being (Well-being Route), on stress and sick leave levels. A quasi-experimental design was employed, with three conditions (control group, n = 41; Well-being Route group, n = 36; and Well-being Route + Cognitive Behavioral Therapy group, n = 17). A two-way MANCOVA with one within-subjects factor (intervention: 2 levels, pretest (Time 1), posttest (Time 2)), one between-subjects factor (group: 3 levels, CG, WBR, and WBR+CBT), and a covariate (job control) was used for analysis. Baseline differences among groups were found. The interaction between the intervention and the three conditions was statistically significant. The findings suggest that WBR+CBT within organizations can effectively mitigate stress and sick leave among workers, although sick leave was measured with a single item. Full article

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

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