Social Change Research Articles

Participatory conflict as an intrinsic dimension of participatory communication: An ethnographic study of women self-help groups from Uttarakhand, India

ABSTRACT This paper establishes participatory conflict invoked by intersectional standpoints as a critique of the conventional celebratory understanding of participatory communication for social change. The paper is based on an immersive ethnographic study in the state of Uttarakhand, India with women participants in three self-help groups. Our findings acknowledge the presence of inevitable participatory conflict in women groups’ participation due to intersectional standpoints where gender intersects with caste, economic position, and paid work exposure leading to unequal access to communication resources among members. Our study offers a nuanced framework for participatory communication for social change that can contribute to both theory and development communication practice by acknowledging participatory conflict as an integral dimension of collective and individual empowerment process.

Community built on humility, curiosity and trust drives social change

What does it take for a social change organization to move from its strong, organic growth to an even more impactful planned, strategic growth? Social change organizations often begin with an innovative solution and they grow organically, maximizing growth with their own talents and resources. To make swing‐for‐the‐fences change, however, requires a community.

RECONHECIMENTO DA FILIAÇÃO SOCIOAFETIVA PELA VIA EXTRAJUDICIAL E A INFLUÊNCIA NAS NOVAS FORMAS DE FAMÍLIA

The research will address the recognition of socio-affective filiation through extrajudicial means and its influence on new family forms. The general objective of this study is to analyze the impact of the extrajudicial recognition of socio-affective filiation on new family configurations, focusing on legal and social issues. Specifically, it seeks to: discuss the evolution of the concept of filiation in the Brazilian legal system; evaluate the implications of Provision No. 63/2017 of the CNJ in the formalization of parental bonds; and investigate the possible conflicts and challenges related to multi-parenthood and the rights of those involved in this process. The central problem that guides this research is to understand how the extrajudicial recognition of socio-affective filiation, established by Provision No. 63/2017, influences new family forms in Brazil. Therefore, the recognition of socio-affective filiation through extrajudicial means, in addition to being a milestone in the adaptation of the Law to social changes, reinforces the importance of continuing to reflect on the challenges and implications of this innovation in the legal system and in contemporary family relationships. The research is bibliographical, using articles, doctrine and legislation on the subject as sources.

Enduring polygamy: Plural marriage and social change in an African metropolis By Bruce Whitehouse. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 2023. 221 pp.

Enduring polygamy: Plural marriage and social change in an African metropolis By Bruce Whitehouse. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 2023. 221 pp.

The Essence of Salvation: Exploring Evangelical Perspectives And Practices

This article explores the core doctrines and practices of evangelical Christianity about salvation, highlighting the differences in viewpoints among evangelical theologians and believers. The theological tenets of salvation described are the idea of being “born again” and the significance of one’s faith in Jesus Christ. The idea that salvation is a life-changing event characterized by repentance and a deliberate choice to embrace Christ as Savior, resulting in a revitalized spiritual life, is fundamental to evangelical philosophy. The essay highlights contrasting opinions among evangelical circles regarding predestination, free choice, and the assurance of salvation as it further explores the roles of grace, faith, and works in salvation. Salvation-related customs, including baptism, altar calls, and public testimony, are addressed as manifestations of faith and social validation. It also examines the evangelical focus on evangelism as a moral obligation, with the need to spread the gospel to everyone. The article’s conclusion discusses the problems evangelical views of salvation are currently experiencing, particularly in light of social and cultural changes. It considers how these modifications may affect evangelical outreach and discipleship strategies.

Energy Citizenship in Energy Transition: The Case of the Baltic States

The governance of energy systems is undergoing a transformative shift, vital to advancing the energy transition. Understanding the dynamics of energy citizenship and the factors that influence citizen engagement in energy matters is critical for driving social and institutional change. This paper informs on the key results of a comprehensive analysis of 54 energy citizenship cases in the Baltic states (Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania). The study explores the role of citizens in the energy transition and characterizes the socio-economic and geopolitical factors shaping energy citizenship activities in the region. The governance of energy systems represents a significant transformational shift that is essential for energy transition. A more comprehensive understanding of the current state of energy citizenship and the factors influencing the energy transition process could inform the social and institutional changes necessary for the involvement of citizens in energy matters. This desk study represents a crucial element of the EU Horizon 2000 EnergyPROSPECTS project, which aims to map the landscape of energy citizenship in Europe. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of 54 cases from the Baltic states. The findings provide insight into the role of citizens in the transition process and the underlying factors and conditions that shape energy citizenship activities within the specific socio-economic and geopolitical context of the region. In general, energy citizenship in the Baltic states can be seen to exist on a spectrum between reformative and transformative practices. Overall, progress is being made toward systemic changes in the energy sector, with a focus on the democratization of processes. Nevertheless, additional measures to enhance and reinforce energy citizenship, coupled with the advancement of enabling conditions, are imperative at all levels of governance and across all energy transition scenarios.

The sustainable challenge: Where does social psychology stand in achieving the sustainable development goals?

The United Nations Agenda 2030, inclusive of its 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), serves as the global blueprint for sustainability for both present and future generations. Scientific research is entrusted with the responsibility of contributing by informing the current situation and future challenges in achieving the SDGs. This paper investigates the role of social psychology in contributing to the SDGs and the environmental, economic and social pillars of the UN Agenda. We analysed 4808 papers using Natural Language Processing to identify (i) the relevance of social psychology within the SDG-related literature and (ii) the current and potential contribution of social psychology to the SDGs. Results highlight that social psychology contributes to the SDGs by addressing typical social issues, primarily those related to health and gender, while noting its under-representation in some environmental and economic areas, despite social psychology well-established research on these topics. This paper introduces a novel approach for assessing the SDGs, fostering a critical reflection on the SDG framework and social psychology to guide less explored research paths. This approach could potentially enhance the evaluation and advancement of the 2030 Agenda, facilitating a deeper dialogue between the scientific community and policymakers, driving social change.

Understanding society: a reflexive foresight matrix for navigating complexity and shaping the future

Purpose This paper introduces the foresight matrix, a conceptual framework for foresight analysis rooted in critical realism (CR) and complexity theory. It aims to address the need for a comprehensive theoretical perspective that embraces emergence and recognizes the interplay between different layers of reality. Informed by critical theory within futures studies, the study seeks to provide additional foresight theoretical perspectives in addressing contemporary societal challenges and collectively shaping desirable futures. Design/methodology/approach The proposed reflexive foresight matrix incorporates elements of CR, complexity theory and morphogenesis theory, providing an alternative conceptual framework for analyzing complex social challenges. It integrates the vertical layers – empirical, actual and real – and horizontal dimensions – structure, agency and culture. This matrix guides researchers through a systematic analysis of structural barriers, cultural influences and individual agency, offering a comprehensive tool for understanding the underlying mechanisms driving social change. Findings The reflexive foresight matrix dissects complex situations into structure, agency and culture dimensions, enabling a thorough understanding of societal dynamics by examining the interplay between these dimensions and their influence on individual and collective behaviors. This conceptual framework guides researchers through a systematic analysis of structural barriers, cultural influences and individual agency, uncovering the mechanisms driving social change. Through reflexive monitoring and temporal action analysis, it explores historical and contextual factors, informing future tendencies. Practical implications The reflexive foresight matrix provides a multidimensional lens for understanding social issues, prompting researchers to consider the interplay between structure, agency and culture across different layers of reality. By exploring historical and contextual factors, this framework enables an insight into diverse perspectives and their impact on future outlooks. Furthermore, the matrix facilitates critical inquiry into prevailing power dynamics and narratives, offering insights into societal injustices and inequalities. This critical examination empowers stakeholders to challenge dominant narratives and work toward more equitable and desirable futures. Social implications The proposed reflexive foresight matrix offers a comprehensive approach to analyzing complex social challenges, potentially impacting futures thinking and foresight practices. By integrating CR, complexity theory and morphogenesis theory, the framework fosters a deep understanding of the interplay between various factors influencing future tendencies. This comprehensive view of problems allows analysts to consider structural barriers, cultural influences and agency, thereby enhancing foresight efforts in addressing contemporary challenges. Originality/value The proposed reflexive foresight matrix contributes to futures thinking and foresight practices by offering a comprehensive approach to analyzing complex social challenges. By combining CR, complexity theory and morphogenesis theory, the framework fosters an insightful understanding of the interplay between various factors influencing future trajectories. Moreover, the integration of critical perspectives and reflexive methodologies into foresight practices underscores the importance of challenging dominant narratives, fostering inclusive decision-making processes and empowering individuals and communities to shape their futures.

Promoting Well-Being from a Gender Perspective: A Systematic Review of Interventions Using Digital Tools and Serious Games

Gender inequalities continue to pose a significant issue across various aspects of life, adversely impacting the well-being of both females and males. These disparities often stem from the ingrained gender stereotypes passed down to young individuals through parental guidance, educational systems, and media portrayal. For this reason, within the psycho-pedagogical field, various intervention models have been developed in recent years, leveraging digital tools to combat stereotypes and enhance well-being among adolescents. The aim of this systematic review is, therefore, to identify studies employing digital tools, particularly serious games, to promote well-being from a gender perspective. The review was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines and collected articles from four databases: Scopus, the Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycInfo. The screening process culminated in the selection of 15 articles. The findings reveal a proliferation of platforms, applications, and programs aimed at promoting well-being by addressing emotional, cognitive (or mental), physical, and sexual health dimensions. Some contributions emphasize nurturing positive attributes within individuals or fostering empowerment as a precursor to well-being. Additionally, certain articles delve into the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of young men and women; in particular, the authors investigated the effect of using an app to improve well-being before and after the pandemic. This systematic review aims to expand the knowledge base on technology-based interventions for social change. It endeavors to empower educators and advance the creation of innovative, evidence-based digital tools that can enhance positive mental health, promote gender equality education, and foster the well-being of young people.

Thinking of and with Another: Caring for Schreiner in the Time of COVID

Olive Schreiner’s elusive, unfinished novel From Man to Man is a timely text as it engages with questions pertaining to survival and healing. In today’s pandemic world, care and community – specifically, how much we need both, and what is lost when either is missing, or fails – have proven essential. This article presents a close reading of a ‘specially loved’ novel, an Anglo-South African’s challenging examination of gender, race, and class inequities. Schreiner’s imaginative effort toward justice, toward the goal of collective flourishing, guides this reparative reading to vaster insight pertaining to interpretive practice, academic community, kinship, and social change.

Visual arts as a catalyst for social change: Communicating powerful messages

This study examines the crucial role of Visual Arts as a catalyst for social change, focusing on its potential to communicate powerful messages that provoke thought, inspire action, and foster empathy. By investigating various contemporary art forms, such as street art and digital art this research aims to highlight the ways in which artists harness their work to address pressing social issues and promote positive change. Through an analysis of case studies featuring renowned artists and their impactful pieces, the study illustrates how visual arts can transcend language barriers, evoke emotional responses, and inspire individuals to engage in critical reflection and dialogue. In addition, this research underscores the potential of visual arts to create shared experiences and unite diverse communities around common causes, ultimately fostering understanding and paving the way for transformative societal advancements. In doing so, the study seeks to emphasize the unique and potent ability of visual arts to communicate powerful messages, drive social change, and cultivate a more informed, empathetic, and connected global community by leveraging various forms of visual communication, including linguistic signs and symbols, to convey meaning and provoke thought.

Main channels and consequences of the influence of war on educational inequality in society

A new, difficult and tragic research page is opening in domestic sociology – a detailed study of the effects of the Russian-Ukrainian war on all spheres of life of Ukrainian society, its social structure, institutional transformations, economic capabilities, political organization, as well as the daily life of citizens. An integral component of both the institutional structure of society and the everyday life of citizens is the sphere of education with its inherent and constantly reproduced educational inequality. A large-scale war has the potential to quickly and for a long period of time disrupt social order and change established patterns of social inequality in society, particularly in education, unevenly distributing stratified negative effects. With the beginning of large-scale hostilities, the educational infrastructure of Ukraine has suffered almost the greatest destruction since the Second World War. Schools and preschool education institutions have suffered the greatest damage and destruction. A large number of families with their children have been forced to move internally or externally, thus temporarily interrupting the opportunities for children’s education. The article summarizes the results of research in various countries that have experienced short or long-term periods of international or civil wars, which made it possible to identify the main channels of the war’s impact on educational inequality and the corresponding short- and long-term effects of the war. Seven main direct and indirect channels of the war’s impact on educational inequality have been identified, including the destruction of educational infrastructure; lack of teachers due to internal and external displacement, recruitment into the army or death; reduction of state expenditures on education; movement of a large number of adults and children; redistribution of power and wealth in society; the growth of poverty, the reassessment and change of priorities regarding education within the family; deterioration of children’s physical and mental health, malnutrition, stress, trauma, feeling of insecurity. Short- and longterm effects on the educational achievements of children are formed through channels of influence, which take the form of stratified educational losses, a decrease in family expenditures on education, as well as losses in the future lifetime income of individuals.

Deliberate Absence: Mapping the Presence of Indian Transgender and Gender Diverse (TGD) Youth in Social and Medical Rights-Based Work Initiatives for the Community

Background: Adolescence, the transitional phase between childhood and adulthood, involves significant biological, social, cognitive and emotional changes. In India, adolescents (10–18 years) form 21% of the population, increasing to 33% when including those aged 10–24 years, making India home to the world’s largest adolescent population. The concept of adolescence, unlike the biological process of puberty, is culturally determined and influenced by globalisation and changing societal values. Objectives: This article aims to (a) elucidate the barriers hindering transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth in India from accessing gender affirmation, including familial rejection, constraining legal provisions and inadequate public health infrastructure; (b) underscore the impact of socio-cultural and political attitudes on health disparities faced by TGD youth, emphasising the need for comprehensive and individualised healthcare and socio-cultural support; (c) advocate for a socio-medical approach to address the unique challenges of Indian TGD youth, focusing on collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals, social institutions and policymakers; (d) propose strategies for improving access to early gender-affirmative care, including training healthcare providers, promoting comprehensive medical support and advocating for the rights of TGD youth. Methods: A blind review of literature was conducted using PUBMED/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Web of Science, PsycINFO and SCOPUS with keywords such as ‘transgender youth’, ‘nonbinary and gender diverse youth’, ‘gender-affirming medical care in India’ and ‘youth mental health’. The search eventually included peer-reviewed publications, books, reviews, editorials, opinion pieces, feature stories and individual case reports. Articles were screened and thematically analysed to synthesise findings. Results: The review highlights significant barriers to gender-affirming care for TGD youth in India, including familial rejection, restrictive legal frameworks and inadequate public health infrastructure. Socio-cultural and political attitudes contribute to health disparities, necessitating comprehensive healthcare and socio-cultural support. Conclusions: Addressing the challenges faced by TGD youth in India requires a socio-medical approach, emphasising collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, social institutions and policymakers. Strategies for improvement include training healthcare providers, promoting comprehensive medical support and advocating for the rights of TGD youth to ensure early and effective gender-affirmative care.

Potentiality of Mother Tongue Instruction and Multilingual Education Approach to Teaching English at Primary Level

The objectives of this study were to explore the participants’ lived experiences on medium of instruction while teaching English in the classrooms and to explore the participants’ lived experiences on Mother Tongue Based Multilingual Education approach to teaching English at primary level. Phenomenological research design was employed to complete this study. A set of questionnaires, interviews and discussion were the major research tools and three primary level English teachers were the sample population of this study. Phenomenological interviews and a set of questionnaires were used to collect the data. The collected data were transcribed, translated, coded and interpreted and analyzed thematically. The result of this study shows that a suitable medium of instruction is the most important factor and MTB-MLE approach is an effective approach to teach English language for the children of ethnic group people at pre-primary level. This study has implications for social change as teachers who engage in collaboration with colleagues and reflective practice will positively affect student achievement. Students may be taught by teachers who have the knowledge, skills, and attitude required for a successful implementation of a multilingual approach.

Care in social work with children and families: Theory, everyday practices and possibilities for social change

Care in social work with children and families: Theory, everyday practices and possibilities for social change

Neighbourhood-based participatory action research with older adults: Facilitating participation through virtual and remote methods

Participatory action research (PAR) is an effective means of collaborating with older adults to support community change. Limited PAR literature exists in which older adults catalyse social change within neighbourhoods, particularly using virtual methods. In this paper, we discuss a virtual PAR process with older adults that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the results of inquiry into our application of PAR principles. We conducted PAR in a collective involving university researchers, older adult residents and community partners in an urban core neighbourhood in a mid-sized Canadian city and focused on enhancing daily life for older adults. The PAR project emerged through reflection on previous ethnographic findings regarding older adults’ daily life in neighbourhoods. Our PAR collective collaboratively identified a need among older adults for more accessible information about community resources. To support older adults’ participation and access to community information, the PAR collective created and distributed a free neighbourhood resource booklet, in print and digital formats, to promote equitable access. We evaluated the impact of the booklet through a survey and discussions with community partners. During our PAR process we found challenges and solutions related to using technology, engaging in discussion during virtual meetings, and making collaborative decisions. A combination of in-person, remote and online interactions seemed to facilitate relationship development amongst co-researchers and completion of the project. Future PAR projects would benefit from incorporating in-person, remote and online methods from the outset, as well as ways to support older adults in using and accessing technology. We further noted the value of a local resource booklet, in print and digital formats, in promoting neighbourhood information sharing.

Participatory data analysis in social change work: empowering, practical, or both?

Participatory work with marginalized groups claims to bridge a divide between researchers or project implementers (outsiders) and those with whom they are working to create social change (insiders). A debate within this field is whether participation's primary function is to support participants taking ownership over social change in their communities (an empowerment approach) or to garner feedback, particularly during the evaluation stage, in order for implementers to more efficiently assess project goals and adjust project design (a so-called ‘practical’ approach). This paper makes the claim that a greater focus on theory building through participatory data analysis can help bridge the divide between the empowerment and practicality camps. It does so by simultaneously embracing the assumptions behind empowerment ideologies (that community members hold the key to understanding and changing policies and systems) and behind more ‘practical’ approaches (that participation is immensely useful and practical for creating and improving interventions). I discuss a participatory evaluation of a US intimate partner violence intervention in order to demonstrate how participation supports theory building, including the crucial findings that emerged which the researcher, as an outsider, had missed. I offer raw excerpt analysis as a method to support these goals, and I discuss best practices for those using the method.

Driving a three-age learning curriculum from local wisdom under the “YANGKHINOK Model” in Thailand

This study had the objective of developing a three-age learning curriculum from local wisdom under the YANGKHINOK Model which focuses on time, resources, knowledge, skills, and sincerity to enhance competency and leverage social networks in Khueang Nai District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand. Due to the dynamics of global society influencing Thai education, integrating local wisdom in curriculum development is essential for preserving cultural heritage and community sustainability. A mixed method of qualitative case studies and quantitative evaluation was employed to assess the efficacy of the local wisdom project. Key findings spotlighted the importance of community participation, educational coordination, and the appropriate development of a curriculum for all age groups by the YANGKHINOK Model (Youth, Adult, Narration, Gathering, Knowledge, Hearkening, Impetus, Network, Older Persons, Keeping). This inclusive approach emphasizes the critical role of collaboration among local communities and educational institutions to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant and adaptable across different generations. The approach also aims to create a contemporary democratic society by promoting continuous learning and sustainable professional development that fosters long-term community resilience. It was concluded that a sustainable community curriculum must include these components to meet the actual needs of the community, as well as being adaptable to social and economic changes. Effective use of limited local resources, strategic planning, and broad participation for practical results lead to lasting sustainability, providing a framework for continuous community improvement.

Adaptation of the G-NORM (Gender norms scale) in Uganda: An examination of how gender norms are associated with reproductive health decision-making.

Restrictive gender norms exacerbate health inequalities all over the world. More specifically, they prevent women from seeking preventive health services, constrain women's economic empowerment, and are associated with reproductive health decision making. Gender norms, a subset of social norms, are dynamic and change over time. However, we lack data on how they are changing and how these changes affect health outcomes because current measures do not adequately capture the complex concept of gender norms. We originally developed and validated a gender norms scale, the G-NORM, in India. In this study, using cross-sectional data, we adapted the G-NORM from Southeast Asia (India and Nepal) to sub-Saharan Africa (Uganda) in four steps: 1. Formulation of new scale items (via qualitative analysis) 2. Cognitive Interviewing 3. Questionnaire Administration (n = 2422 women of reproductive age) and 4. Psychometric analysis (Confirmatory Factor Analysis). Like the original scale, descriptive norms and injunctive norms comprised two unique sub scales with high Cronbach's alphas (.80 & .92). Average scores differed depending on the type of norm suggesting that some gender norms are changing faster than others. Specifically, more equitable injunctive norms were associated with lower odds of partner-dominated contraceptive decision making but descriptive norms were not. Gender norms serve as a multi-faceted determinant of health and wellbeing and require measurement tools which account for their conceptual complexity. Validating the G-NORM in Uganda expands measurement options for researchers in the sub-Saharan African region working to change norms to reduce health inequalities or to understand the gender normative context before beginning a study.

The art of effective communication between family physicians and their adolescent patients: Challenges and solutions.

Healthcare delivery and excellent health outcomes for teenagers depend on the establishment of effective communication between family physicians and adolescent patients. However, communicating with adolescents can be challenging due to their stage of development and unique needs. By implementing effective communication strategies and fostering a positive environment, family doctors can build trust, enhance patient participation and ultimately improve health outcomes for their adolescent patients. This article explores the value of excellent communication in the healthcare of teenagers, identifies potential barriers that family doctors might encounter and provides solutions to overcome these challenges. Adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by physical, emotional and social changes, making effective communication particularly challenging. During this phase, adolescents might face various health concerns, including mental health issues, substance use, sexual health and chronic diseases. This emphasises the importance of tailoring communication strategies to connect with the adolescent mind. Active listening, using age-appropriate language, incorporating technology, empathy, promoting autonomy and shared decision making are tools to open communication bridges between healthcare providers andtheir adolescent patients.