Rich And Poor Research Articles

Elítur á Íslandi – einsleitni og innbyrðis tengsl

Á Íslandi hefur það gjarnan verið trú fólks að félagslegur og efnahagslegur jöfnuður einkenni þjóðina og að hvers konar elítur séu lítt áberandi. Engu að síður eru vísbendingar um að elítur séu til staðar, og ennfremur að þær séu styrkjast og ójöfnuður að aukast. Markmið greinarinnar er að greina viðskiptaog atvinnulífselítuna á Íslandi árin 2014 og 2015 út frá tengslum hennar við aðrar elítur sem og innbyrðis tengslum. Slík greining gefur vísbendingar um hversu opin elítan er, tengsl hennar við almenning, og um lýðræðislega uppbyggingu hópsins. Byggt er á tveimur gagnasöfnum; Vald og lýðræði – elíturannsókn og Kynjajafnrétti við stjórn atvinnulífsins: stefna, þróun og áhrif. Til að fá myndræna sýn á innbyrðis tengsl elítuflokka var notast við hugbúnaðarpakkann igraph fyrir R. Niðurstöðurnar sýna talsverð innbyrðis tengsl á milli einstaklinga sem mynda viðskipta- og atvinnulífselítuna. Einsleitni í búsetu, mælt í póstnúmerum er sterk, einkum meðal karla og þeirra sem eldri eru. Búsetueinsleitni þeirra sem eru í forystuhlutverki stjórnmálanna er fjórum sinnum meiri en þeirra sem ekki taka þátt í slíku starfi. Svipað mynstur sést þegar tengslin við íþróttahreyfinguna eru skoðuð; eftir því sem þátttaka einstaklings í íþróttastarfi er meiri, þeim mun meiri er búsetueinsleitnin. Niðurstöðurnar benda til þess að íslenska þjóðfélagið sé lagskipt og að tiltekin gjá sé á milli elítunnar og almennings. Það gefur til kynna að mikilvægt sé að huga að því hversu lýðræðisleg uppbygging hópsins er og hvort hætta sé á að einsleitni í ákvarðanatöku verði of mikil.

Financial Development and Income Inequality: Evidence from Latin America, 2001-2021

Numerous studies delve into the theoretical frameworks on finance and inequality. However, there are too few empirical tests on its theoretical relations due to a lack of data to capture financial development. Additionally, due to the many social and economic dimensions of a large economy such as Brazil or Argentina, it is unrealistic to consider that labor market or political issues are the only culprits of income inequality. More research is needed to understand the dynamics of inequality. In this paper, we evaluate the influence of financial development on income inequality using nineteen countries in Latin America from 2001 to 2021. Two indicators of financial development are employed. First, I use the broader definition of money, M3, as a percentage of GDP to capture the liquid liabilities because M1 or M2 may be a poor proxy in economies with weak financial systems. Secondly, the ratio of credit to private sector to GDP is employed because financial intermediaries with higher volumes of credit are more involved in financial development, such as diversifying risk, saving mobilization, facilitating transactions, allocating funding to economic activities, and monitoring borrowers’ activities. Based on the GMM estimator, our empirical findings support that better-developed financial markets reduce inequality.

Disparities in Environmental Behavior from Urban–Rural Perspectives: How Socioeconomic Status Structures Influence Residents’ Environmental Actions—Based on the 2021 China General Social Survey Data

This study explores the environmental behavior disparities between urban and rural residents in China due to socioeconomic status differences amidst social governance and institutional reform. Using OLS regression models on the 2021 China General Social Survey (CGSS) data, it analyzes the impact of socioeconomic status on environmental behaviors. This study reveals that urban residents generally exhibit better environmental behaviors than rural residents. Education and income are identified as critical drivers, with education raising environmental awareness and income driving participation in environmental activities. Urban residents benefit more from these factors. The policy recommendations are for the government to enhance rural education resources and improve education quality, ensuring that education poverty alleviation policies are effectively implemented to support rural development. Simultaneously, promoting rural economic growth and narrowing the urban–rural economic gap is crucial for improving rural environmental behavior and achieving urban–rural environmental harmony. Furthermore, the results call on the international community to focus on environmental governance systems, aiming to provide references for other developing countries in formulating environmental policies, thereby promoting the creation of a more just, eco-friendly, and sustainable global development framework.

Global tax avoidance and evasion: A landscape through insights from a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis

This research aims to comprehensively investigate contemporary practices and factors influencing global tax avoidance and evasion through a systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis. This study methodology uses SLR with bibliometric analysis to map this research trend. Relevant literature was collected and systematically analyzed to identify key themes, methodologies, and findings regarding tax avoidance and evasion. The study’s findings identify various tax avoidance practices, including profit shifting, transfer pricing strategies, and the use of tax havens by multinational corporations. The report also highlights various forms of tax evasion, such as money laundering and illicit financial flows. Key factors influencing tax behavior are ethical considerations, government policies, economic factors, and corporate governance practices. This analysis highlights the complex interactions between these factors in shaping tax practices globally. The study’s conclusions show that effective tax governance requires a multifaceted approach integrating ethical standards, a strong regulatory framework, and international cooperation. Ethical corporate behavior and transparent reporting are essential in promoting tax compliance and fairness. This study emphasizes the critical role of policymakers in designing and enforcing tax policies that discourage aggressive tax planning while encouraging economic growth and equality. Recommendations from these findings are to increase transparency in multinational operations, strengthen international tax cooperation, and improve global tax administration capabilities. In addition, increasing taxpayer education and awareness can foster a culture of compliance and ethical tax practices. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies and case-specific analyses to deepen understanding and develop targeted interventions to address tax avoidance and evasion challenges.

Democratic Socialism of BP and its Imperatives in Nepal's Politics and Development: A Critical Outlook

This paper explores Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala’s interpretation of democratic socialism and its influence on Nepal’s political and developmental trajectory. Adopting a review-based methodology within a critical framework, the research delves into BP’s principles of democratic socialism, which aim to blend democratic governance with social fairness and economic equity. The study evaluates how these principles were reflected in development policies during the Nepali Congress leadership, noting both positive outcomes and limitations. Additionally, it addresses the substantial obstacles encountered in applying democratic socialism in Nepal, such as political instability, leadership crisis, economic constraints, and societal challenges. In conclusion, the paper assesses the ongoing significance and future prospects of democratic socialism in Nepal, advocating for its effective theorization and application through development strategies centered on the people, improved governance practices, and reinforced institutional structures to promote political morality and sustainable development.

New Education Policy 2020 on Higher Education

The development of an equitable and justice society, the realization of individual potential, and the advancement of national development all depend on education. Providing universal access to quality education is the key to India’s continued ascent, and leadership on the global stage in terms of economic growth, social justice and equality, scientific advancement, national integration, and cultural preservation. The historic and self-proclaimed new national education policy 2020 was unveiled on July 29, 2020. It covers every facet of education in the modern era with an eye toward the future. To actively contribute to the transformation of the nation into a society of equal, sustainable, and healthy knowledge. The National Education Policy 2020 examines the Indian educational system with an emphasis on its traditions, customs, values, and morals. India's education system is still being developed, with entries from his extensive and lengthy past and contributions from numerous scholars worldwide in a range of subjects like astronomy, metalworking, mathematics, medical and surgical science, crafts, architecture, yoga, fine arts, and so forth. The current NEP 2020 objective is to raise the current enrollment rate by offering open, multidisciplinary education to everyone who wants it. The objective of the paper is to focus on the main features of NEP-2020 and its impact on Higher Education.

A Multicultural Islamic Religious Education Curriculum Development

Curriculum development is often based on inappropriate strategies, due to a lack of comprehensive understanding of objectives, starting points, methods and functions. This study examines the development of multicultural Islamic Religious Education (PAI) curriculum in Da’wa Management Study Program (Prodi MD), Faculty of Da’wah and communication of Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University Yogyakarta. Type of qualitative research, with the method of Case Studies (case study). The approach used is Curriculum Development. The theory used as a framework for analysis is The Theory of Grass-Roots Initiative. Research findings show that the Da’wa Management Program the faculty of Da’wa Management and communication UIN (State Islamic University) Sunan Kalijaga developed a multicultural PAI curriculum in response to the development and needs of the community. Therefore, curriculum development is centered on the field experience of the academic community, both educators and learners. The paradigm used during the development process is naturalist-inclusive, where the material, learning process, and output are directed towards one goal, namely students who are tolerant, moderate, and able to bridge social gaps, both in the classroom and in society and industry. This article contributes to providing guidance for integrating multicultural values ​​into the Islamic Religious Education curriculum, in order to create inclusive and responsive learning towards diversity.

Value for Money Modeling for Scaling up Nature-Based Solutions for Improving Integrated Water Resources Management and Enhanced Water Security in Pakistan

This paper is about the Value for Money (VfM) analysis conducted for the Water Resource Accountability (WRAP) Project, which comprehensively evaluates the project’s economic efficiency, effectiveness, equity, and overall impact. The WRAP implements to undertake demonstrations of Nature-based Solutions (NbS), including Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) interventions that will improve water security and governance, build resilience to climate change of communities at the target sites in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and enable the government and relevant stakeholders to implement and replicate NbS in Pakistan for building climate change resilience. The Paper is based on primary and secondary data collected using a well-structured interview schedule, focus group discussion, and other verified reports. The excel-based model was used for analysis, and a step-by-step and structured framework was used to conduct a VfM assessment. VFM estimates showed a favorable BCR across various interventions, with standout results like the Gabion check weirs and protection bunds (Gabion Bund) intervention achieving an impressive BCR of 3.50. These findings reaffirm the project’s ability to deliver substantial benefits while efficiently utilizing resources, making it a prudent investment in water resource management and natur- based solutions. WRAP’s equity analysis promotes inclusivity and fairness, particularly among vulnerable populations. While the project made significant strides in involving women in water-efficient practices, there is room for enhancing inclusiveness for lower-income and disabled populations. Recommendations emphasize setting specified targets for various populace categories to bolster the project’s social impact further.

The Impact of Anti-Human Trafficking Laws on Local Communities in Cambodia: A Case Study of the Phnom Penh Region

This study examines the impact of Cambodia’s anti-human trafficking laws on local communities in the Phnom Penh region, focusing on both social and economic dimensions. The research highlights how these laws, while essential in combating human trafficking and providing legal protection to victims, have complex consequences for local livelihoods, employment, and community cohesion. It also explores the specific challenges faced by vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, in accessing protection services. Despite the intention to prevent trafficking and support victims, the enforcement of these laws often leads to unintended outcomes, such as economic disruption, social stigmatization, and gaps in service provision. The findings underscore the need for a more balanced approach that integrates robust law enforcement with sustainable support systems, community engagement, and tailored services to address the needs of affected populations effectively.

The ripple effects of climate change on agricultural sustainability and food security in Africa

AbstractClimate change results in lower agricultural outputs, disruption of food supply chains, and widening of the social gap between poor and rich in developing countries, with more vulnerable groups being pushed into untold poverty. This review aims to investigate the consequences of climate change on food insecurity in Africa in the context of environmental degradation. This review emphasizes the complexity of demands on food security systems due to changing climatic conditions under the four pillars (availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability). This review demonstrated the susceptibility of farm production to changes in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns generated by climate change. In addition, this review investigated the factors shaping food insecurity, such as increasing population growth, poverty, inadequate early warning systems, and weak agricultural infrastructure. Furthermore, the review points out how climate change affects food prices and availability and the widening income gap, potentially leading to social unrest and political instability in Africa. Vulnerable populations, including impoverished, elderly, and physically challenged individuals, are at increased risk due to climate‐related health impacts. Women who face gender inequalities and socioeconomic limitations are particularly susceptible. We posit that there is a need for comprehensive strategies that address health disparities and consider vulnerable subgroups within society alongside broader measures to enhance food security in the face of climate change.

Inequalities in health care use among patients with arthritis in China: using Andersen’s Behavioral Model

BackgroundThis study sought to assess socioeconomic-related inequalities in health care use among arthritis patients in China and to analyze factors associated with this disparity.MethodsThis study used data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. 3255 arthritis patients were included. The annual per capita household expenditure was used to divide individuals into five categories. We calculated actual, need-predicted, and need-standardized distributions of health care use by socioeconomic groups among people with arthritis. The concentration index (Cl) was used to assess inequalities in health service use. Influencing factors of inequalities were measured with the decomposition method.ResultsThe outpatient and inpatient service use rates among 3255 arthritis patients were 23.13% and 21.41%, respectively. The CIs for actual outpatient and inpatient services use were 0.0449 and 0.0985, respectively. The standardized CIs for both outpatient and inpatient services use increase (CI for outpatient services use = 0.0537; CI for inpatient services use = 0.1260), indicating the emergence of a significant pro-rich inequity. Annual per capita household expenditure was the chief positive contributor to inequity for both outpatient (104.45%) and inpatient services use (105.74%), followed by infrequently social interaction (22.60% for outpatient services use) and Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) (11.90% for inpatient services use). By contrast, UEBMI also provided a high negative contribution to outpatient services use (-15.99%).ConclusionsThere are significant pro-rich inequalities in outpatient and inpatient services use among patients with arthritis, which are exacerbated by widening economic gaps. Interventions to address inequalities should start by improving the economic situation of lower socioeconomic households.

Social Values in The Novel The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This research aims to explain the social values in the novel The Hunger Games. The research method used is in the form of qualitative descriptive using content data analysis. The data of this research is in the form of words, sentences, and speech (dialogue) contained in the novel. The results of this study show that there is a social phenomenon in the story that contains competition, betrayal, and the existence of social gaps between the characters, but in this story there are also social values that can be learned, namely: 1) the value of affection consisting of loyalty, help, and care, 2) the value of responsibility in the form of the value of empathy and mutual ownership, 3) the value of life harmony in the form of cooperation.

Factors to Improve School Management and Social Science Student Learning Outcomes Through Cooperation with Parents

The curriculum expects parental involvement in their children's education. Actively involving parents in the learning process can improve student learning outcomes. But the fact is that many schools do not involve parents because of social gaps. It is urgent to study the gap between the expectation that parents are involved in schools and the fact that many schools do not involve parents. This study aims to determine the background of the parents studied and to provide a descriptive analysis of the school's cooperation with parents in stimulating them to be involved in their children's education. The research sample consisted of 285 parents of junior high school social studies students who were selected randomly. The study used quantitative data, collected through a questionnaire that was compiled and developed based on indicators. The data analysis technique used descriptive statistics with the help of SPSS version 25.0 by calculating the mean, percentage, and standard deviation for each indicator and interpreting them. The results found a significant relationship between school and parent collaboration in improving their children's education. The more the parents feel that their presence is appreciated by the school, the greater their involvement in their children's education. The conclusion reached was that a sound relationship established by the school can encourage parents to be directly involved in various educational activities and important activities organized by the school.

FEATURES OF MANAGEMENT OF INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES: FACTORS, TRENDS AND EXPERIENCE OF CHINA

In modern conditions, the practical issues of implementing effective management of inclusive development of agricultural enterprises are extremely relevant to ensuring the country's food security. The aim of the article is to study the theoretical and practical aspects of managing the inclusive development of agricultural enterprises, factors, trends, and world practices in modern conditions. Among the trends, special attention is paid to ensuring sustainable development, supporting small farmers, engaging in innovative activity and technologization, ensuring social and economic equality, and adapting to global challenges. In this context, the features of agricultural enterprises are studied. It is determined that at the world level, food security is a global problem that requires joint efforts of countries and international organizations. The features of the world experience (in the example of China) of managing the inclusive development of agricultural enterprises are analyzed. The main challenges facing the agricultural sector of Ukraine and hindering the full development of biological agriculture in these countries are highlighted, namely: climate change, limited water resources, pests, and disease outbreaks, limited access to organic materials, the presence of fierce competition in the world market, lack of qualified personnel in the agricultural sector, population growth, military conflicts. However, despite the challenges and obstacles, the experience of inclusive development of agricultural enterprises in the above-mentioned countries demonstrates the importance of an integrated approach, including government programs and other initiatives, financial support, training, innovation, and market access. This comprehensive approach is crucial for the success of the agricultural sector and its significant impact on the world economy and the environment.

Analysis of the Development and Influencing Factors of the County Economy in Liaoning Province

County economy is an important component of China’s national economy, and its development helps promote new urbanization and narrow the urban-rural economic gap. Liaoning Province relies on developing its county-level economy to promote industrial upgrading, poverty alleviation, rural revitalization and social development. In recent years, the development level of the county economy in Liaoning Province has significantly improved, but there are still problems, such as uneven economic development. Studying the development path of the county-level economy in Liaoning Province has practical significance. Based on the background of the new normal of China’s economy, this article analyzes the current development status, influencing factors and problems and challenges faced by the county-level economy in Liaoning Province and proposes countermeasures and suggestions for further promoting the development of the county-level economy.

A Review of the Effect of Cleaner Energy Transition on Food Prices and Climate Change Mitigation in Sub-Saharan Africa

Background: Access to clean energy is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals, but investment in renewable energy has been unevenly distributed between developed and developing countries. Developed nations have seen significant growth in renewable energy investment since the Paris Agreement, while developing countries struggle to secure the necessary funds. This study focuses on Sub-Saharan Africa and explores the relationship between the transition to cleaner energy and its impact on food prices. Methods: By conducting a systematic literature review, the study highlights the challenges posed by investment disparities, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where financial constraints and infrastructural deficits hinder progress in clean energy infrastructure. Results: The findings suggest that, without appropriate policy reforms and consistent implementation, the transition to cleaner energy in the region may contribute to rising food prices and exacerbate food insecurity. Effective integration of agricultural and energy policies is essential to ensure that the energy transition supports food security objectives. Conclusion: Governments in Sub-Saharan Africa should prioritize policy reforms that promote renewable energy adoption while considering food security. Additionally, reintroducing transparent subsidy programs can help mitigate the impact of high energy costs during the transition to cleaner energy. This review emphasizes the importance of equitable investment and comprehensive policy strategies to balance renewable energy adoption with food security and economic equity in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Influence of Historical Events on American Literature of the 21st Century

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of historical events on American literature of the 21st century. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The terrorist attacks marked a significant turning point, inspiring a wave of literature that grapples with themes of loss, trauma, and the complexities of patriotism. This era saw the rise of novels, memoirs, and poems that explore the personal and collective impact of the event, such as Don DeLillo's "Falling Man" and Jonathan Safran Foer's "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close." Additionally, the economic downturn of 2008 influenced a body of work that critiques capitalism and explores themes of financial instability and inequality, exemplified by novels like John Lanchester's "Capital" and Jess Walter's "The Financial Lives of the Poets." The rise of social movements, such as Black Lives Matter and #MeToo, has significantly shaped contemporary American literature, prompting a surge in works addressing racial injustice, gender equality, and social activism. Authors like Ta-Nehisi Coates with "Between the World and Me" and Angie Thomas with "The Hate U Give" provide powerful narratives that reflect the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social justice. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Historical materialism, trauma theory and cultural theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the influence of historical events on American literature of the 21st century. Encouraging the inclusion of diverse voices and perspectives in literary production and academic studies is essential. Government and private institutions should provide funding and grants specifically aimed at supporting literary works that address significant historical events.

Remoteness-attributable financial inequality in dental service utilization in Australian older adults: A Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition.

Oral health is often overlooked in ageing health issues, despite its impact on overall health and quality of life. Older Australians, especially those in rural and remote areas, face difficulties accessing oral health services. The aim of the study was to investigate the factors that contribute to financial barriers to accessing dental services among the ageing population in Australia in relation to their residential location. The study included a weighted sample of Australian adults aged 65 years and over from a population-based survey called the National Study of Adult Oral Health (NSAOH) conducted in 2017-18. Descriptive analysis was conducted and generated cross-tabulation tables to investigate the distributions of the outcome, exposure and covariates, including Sex, Education level (the highest level of education), Equivalised household income, Dental insurance, Concession card ownership, Difficulty paying a dental bill and last dental visit. Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition counterfactual analysis was used to explore the potential impact of a person's residence on their financial difficulty accessing dental services. The findings showed that 26.2% (95% CI: 24.3-29.3) of major city residents and 30.1% (95% CI: 26.9-33.3) of rural residents avoided or delayed dental visits due to cost. The decomposition analysis indicated that 53.8% of the disparities in the prevalence of avoided or delayed dental visits due to cost were explained by the selected variables, while 46.2% remained unexplained. The explanatory variable with the largest contribution was difficulty paying a $200 dental bill, accounting for 62.4% of the differences, followed by dental insurance, last dental visit and equivalised household income, which explained 42.1%, 20.8% and 14.9% of the differences, respectively. Regional/remote populations experience more financial barriers to accessing dental care than major city populations and the identified factors explain a significant proportion of these disparities. Based on the study findings, recommendations include expanding public dental service coverage, evaluating concession card mechanisms and advocating for regular dental visits to mitigate disparities in dental care access.

The Effect Of Stock Price, Earning Per Share, Current Year Profit, Inflation, Interest And Exchange Rate On Construction Investment In Pt. Total Bangun Persada Tbk During 2013-2022

Indonesia is vigorously promoting progress in the construction sector, a key aspect of infrastructure development aimed at achieving equitable distribution across the country and preventing economic disparities (Willar, Waney, Pangemanan, & Mait, 2019). Infrastructure development is an essential program that continues to be advanced to enhance infrastructure and ensure economic equality throughout Indonesia. One of the primary infrastructure sectors targeted for development is construction (Pridayanti, 2014). Construction plays a vital role in supporting economic growth and improving the quality of life by providing necessary facilities and amenities. The construction of roads, bridges, buildings, and other infrastructures not only enhances connectivity and logistics efficiency but creates jobs and attracts investment. Therefore, the construction sector is a priority in the government's efforts to strengthen national competitiveness and catch up with other countries. One solution to support infrastructure development, particularly in construction, is through investment. Investment in the construction sector is crucial as it provides the necessary funds to build and improve existing and new infrastructures (Tambunan, Sabijono, & Lambey, 2019). Moreover, investment can attract reputable and competent construction companies, such as PT Total Bangun Persada Tbk, a private company engaged in construction. Investment also plays a role in creating new jobs, enhancing local workforce skills, and fostering economic growth (Mara, 2022). In making investment decisions, several factors need to be considered, such as the impact of stock prices, Earnings Per Share (EPS), current profit, inflation, interest rates, and exchange rates. Stock prices reflect the company's performance and market perception of prospects, while EPS indicates the profit earned per share, providing insight into the company's financial health. Current profit shows the profitability generated from daily operations. Inflation and interest rates are macroeconomic indicators that affect purchasing power and capital costs. Exchange rates, on the other hand, influence the cost of importing raw materials and the company's exposure to international markets. All these factors must be comprehensively considered to make wise and beneficial investment decisions.

Imagining a Positive Future: Desirability and Possibility as Possible Pathways to Hope and Commitment to Collective Action

We investigate if and how imagining a positive future where a societal issue has been rectified can promote hope and support for collective action. Participants imagined (vs. not) a positive future related to climate change (Study 1, N = 301) and economic equality (Study 2, N = 489), two years versus several decades from now. In both studies, imagining a positive future led to support for collective action via increased hope. In Study 1, imagination increased the perceived possibility of achieving the collective goal, in Study 2 it increased its perceived desirability. Possibility was positively related to hope, in particular when imagining a near future, whereas desirability of the collective goal was positively related to hope for a distant imagined future. The research provides evidence for the power of imagination in inspiring hope and collective action, and shows the shifting meaning of hope depending on collective action context and timeframe of the imagination.