Active Citizenship Research Articles

The Interplay between Citizen Activities and Space across Different Official Memorial Landscape Construction Phases: Disaster Risk Reduction in Ishinomaki, Japan

Memorial facilities are one of the crucial places where citizens conduct activities facilitating disaster risk reduction (DRR). However, previous studies have primarily focused on the post-construction phase of official memorial facilities, neglecting the citizen activities collaborating with the official memorial construction process before and during the construction process. This research gap is important considering the urgency of disaster-affected regions to recover from spatial, social, and psychological voids while working towards the goal of DRR, including the efforts of citizens in the official efforts. This study addresses this gap by examining the case of the official memorial park in Ishinomaki, Tohoku region, following the Great East Japan Earthquake. Here, local citizens actively participated in activities before, during, and after park construction, engaging with official efforts. Data were gathered from various online sources to capture activity, space, and management information. Employing a mixed methods research approach, we conducted both quantitative analysis, counting labels of structural coding, and qualitative description of original texts. Our findings reveal that fostering mutual respect built on communication and collaborative tree-planting activities were crucial for maintaining the pre-existing citizen activities and collaborative construction during the official construction period. Additionally, the implementation of a collaborative regulation system was vital for integrating and managing spontaneous citizen activities to achieve the park’s intended objectives post-opening. In conclusion, we highlighted a framework elucidating the mechanisms through which these processes contribute to DRR across key phases of disaster risk management: preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery (PPRR). These insights are important in guiding efforts to engage citizens in DRR initiatives through recovery and reconstruction facilitated by memorial facilities.

The rise of Porto artist collectives and the birth of democratic collaboration over fifteen years of daily art practice

ABSTRACT This article documents and analyses a phenomenon of collectivisation involving approximately forty artist collectives that emerged in Porto, Portugal between the late 1990s and 2013, with a particular focus on how horizontal collectivism led in turn to new models of citizenship and participatory democracy. I present an overview of historical precedents concerning certain aspects of this phenomenon, especially in relation to Portugal’s relatively recent (1974) end to forty-eight years of dictatorial rule. Artists came to play an important role in developing and spreading the democratic values that were subsequently enshrined in the Portuguese constitution of 1976. Recently, the Covid-19 pandemic came to prove that the revolution’s legacy is still alive, and the constitutional principles are still orienting the Portuguese artists. Today’s growing neoliberalisation of democracy raises the question of how the Portuguese constitution remains the main guarantor of the citizen’s most fundamental right to participatory democracy and to be more active citizens.

Can primary school pupils become researchers? A research project on the accessibility of public spaces

Education for sustainable development plays an important role in the cognitive and social development of pupils. A wealth of studies demonstrate the correlation between environmental education (EE) projects and the future potential development of informed and active citizens with pro-environmental behaviours. All EE project have common characteristics, but usually the pupils involved in them hold the position of little explorers. It would be interesting if students could have the role of the researcher and be actively involved in all stages of a research project. The current study aims to describe a research on the accessibility of public space and to contribute to the discussion if primary school pupils could become researchers. The main conclusion of this paper, after the evaluation of the research project, is that pupils from the upper primary school classes can play an active role in a scientific research project.

Engaging victims as active citizens in restorative justice

Engaging victims as active citizens in restorative justice

How can a community be successfully empowered to deal with death, dying, and bereavement?-formative evaluation of the Caring Community Cologne using focus groups.

Compassionate communities aim to empower people to deal with death, dying, and bereavement. They also intend to facilitate access to care and support at the end of life. However, there is a need for systematic knowledge on how to achieve the desired outcomes for citizens and for insights regarding the development, implementation, and evaluation. The aim of this study was to assess the views of members of a German Compassionate City, the "Caring Community Cologne" (CCC), and to report on its practical implementation. The CCC consists of a citywide Round Table, a Steering Group, a Coordination Office and four Working Groups in areas where activities are already in place. We conducted two qualitative focus groups with nine members of three Working Groups. The transcripts were analysed with qualitative content analysis, using MAXQDA version 2022, and results were transferred into the logic model "Throughput Model". At the time of evaluation, participants felt that the structures of the CCC were adequate, but criticised the cooperation and transparency between them. A key aspect of this was the requirement for a coordinating body. They stressed the support of federal institutions as a key factor, while at the same time describing insufficient citizen involvement. The transfer of the results into the Throughput Model highlighted four areas that the CCC should address: (I) neighbourhood networks need to be established to strengthen civic support; (II) people need to be made aware of the issues by making them accessible in their everyday lives; (III) the many existing support initiatives need to be better linked and made more accessible; (IV) adequate healthcare service structures have to be guaranteed. The top-down approach described, supported by the city's engagement and involving existing initiatives can facilitate the development of a bottom-up civic engagement model in a large city. However, active citizen involvement appeared to be a challenge. The Throughput Model was a suitable basis for mapping work processes and developing evaluation plans.

SOME ASPECTS OF ENSURING INTERNAL SECURITY OF RUSSIA AT THE PRESENT STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT OF CIVILIZATIONS

The article examines some aspects of ensuring Russia's internal security at the present stage of the development of civilizations. The purpose of the study is to identify the impact of internal threats, including terrorist ones, on the national security of the country. This is necessary for a fundamental revision of state policy, scientific apparatus and clarification of the fundamental conceptual documents on ensuring security from internal threats. Conclusions. As a result of the conducted research, the authors conclude that at present, the increase in threats emanating from individual countries and affecting the security of the Russian Federation is not decreasing but continues to increase. Means of economic, political, diplomatic, and informational pressure are actively used against Russia to exacerbate the inter-civilizational conflict, delegitimize it within the international community and destabilize the political situation inside the country, which can lead to the loss of identity and cultural and historical heritage. The social contradictions that arise in society lead to the emergence of protest activity of citizens, which must be controlled by state and public security institutions. The emphasis is placed on the need for timely changes in the legal framework governing anti-terrorist activities. Based on the results of the analysis, problems of organizational and legal regulation have been identified that require the elimination of negative factors at the state level. Proposals are being made to improve anti-terrorist activities in Russia and the need for a set of measures to ensure its legal support, as well as the use of existing potential.

Legal regulation of protection personal data in a special period

The paper reveals the role and problems of determining the peculiarities of solving the problems of legal regulation of personal data protection in a special period as one of the conditions for the development of a modern democratic society. A detailed study of this issue was conducted, aspects of the regulatory environment and levels of personal data protection in such complex conditions were considered. Acceleration of the scale and intensity of collection and use of personal data by state bodies and economic entities to achieve the goals of their activities, as well as the expansion of opportunities and strengthening of incentives for unauthorized access to personal data and their abuse, causes the need for the state to use the most effective means and methods guarantee the right of individuals to protect their personal data. In a special period, the protection of personal data should be a priority task for the state, legal entities and individuals. Not only the information security of the state and its citizens depends on this, but also their rights and freedoms. The basic legal act regulating the protection of personal data in our country is the Law of Ukraine "On Personal Data", which aims to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens of Ukraine against improper use of their personal data. The law establishes rules for the collection, storage, processing and transfer of personal data, as well as responsibility for their improper use. In today's special conditions in Ukraine, a significant number of changes and innovations have been made to the current legislation in the field of personal data protection, a significant part of which restricts the activities of citizens. Only some of them are progressive measures aimed at the future, while others act only as a means of correcting modern uncoordinated norms and unresolved problems, which in the future may significantly hinder the building of a democratic and legal state in Ukraine, because, as historical experience shows, in special periods it is quite easy to introduce certain restrictions, but it is quite difficult to remove them afterwards. Special attention was paid to the need to develop and implement specialized legal acts that would regulate the protection of personal data in such emergency situations.

Pemahaman Demokrasi melalui Pembelajaran PPKn dalam Pengembangan Civic Disposition Siswa Kelas VII: Studi Kasus SMP Negeri 3 Binjai Tahun Pelajaran 2023/2024

The aim of this research is to explore the understanding of democracy and examine the development of Civic Disposition among seventh-grade students at SMP Negeri 3 Binjai during the 2023/2024 academic year. This qualitative research involves observations, interviews with Civics (PPKn) teachers and class commissioners, as well as document analysis. The subjects of this research are teachers, class commissioners, and student council (OSIS) members. This study uses Miles and Hubberman's (1994) data analysis technique, which consists of three parts: data reduction, data display, and data verification. The results show that understanding the concept of democracy through Civics education contributes to the formation of students' Civic Disposition. Democratic participation experiences, such as elections and class commissioner elections, provide a strong foundation for developing students' democratic attitudes and skills. The role of teachers in guiding students and training programs, such as leadership training, also support students' participatory experiences. Despite the challenges, understanding the concept of democracy helps students overcome obstacles and strengthens their Civic Disposition, making them active and responsible citizens in a democratic society.

BULGARIAN CIVIL SOCIETY – POLITICAL PARTICIPATION AND APATHY

This article aims to analyze the contemporary manifestation of civil society in Bulgaria through the prism of political participation and apathy among citizens. For this purpose, the concept of civil society and the need for active political citizens have been examined successively; an analysis of the political participation of Bulgarian citizens was made, through a study of electoral activity, membership in political parties and their participation in the electoral process as advocates; finally, the main reasons for the relatively high levels of political apathy and anomie among Bulgarian society, in relation to the role of political parties, are presented.

Struggle and health. Sociability and literacy in the “150 hours” courses in Turin

Throughout the years of the reforms, Turin’s political and trade union organizations succeeded in collecting and combining the requests coming from people’s workplace and everyday’s life to develop new models of social governance of schools and social services. All this was realized by reversing the responses given to social discomfort and suffering through a re-appropriation of spaces and a growing participation of citizens in all the social choices. This contribution aims at reconstructing the initiatives and experience of the courses of the so-called “150 hours school” in the years 1974-1978: in this period, the training on prevention on women’s health was carried out in middle schools and in university seminars, and it was open to male and female workers. These training started a process of awareness, active citizenship and representation that – from the collegial bodies of the schools to the newly born local councils, up to the factory councils – brought into question and “in motion” parents, school staff and new residents and workers.

Networked sustainable lifestyle activism: growth and limits of zero waste movement in urban China

ABSTRACT How do citizens express environmentalism and lead sustainable change in an authoritarian country like China, where contentious political civic actions have limited saliency? Can we re-imagine what forms of citizen action build ’environmental movement’ in this socio-political context? Based on 41 in-depth interviews and seven months of participant observations in China’s zero waste community, this article proposes networked sustainable lifestyle activism as an important form of environmental movement in China’s socio-political context. Drawing on lifestyle movement (Haenfler et al. 2012) and sustainable materialism (Schlosberg 2019) theories, I analyze the growth, characteristics, and limitations of the zero waste movement in China. It consists of sustainable lifestyle activism that adopts lifestyle change for broader sustainability, pursues anti-consumerism authentic identity and well-being as a site of change, and grows through social media and informal networks. Meanwhile, the movement goes beyond individual lifestyle change as networks of secondhand material flow and collective, non-contentious environmental actions. Difficulties to promote widespread, thorough sustainable lifestyle change and constrained political engagement are important factors that limit the movement’s effects. My research contributes to the literature on new environmental movements, theoretical discussion of environmental movements in China, and empirical understanding of civic environmental actions in this socio-political context.

Community Political Participation in an Islamic Perspective

This study delves into the intricacies of community political participation from an Islamic viewpoint. The purpose of this research is to explore the theoretical foundations, methods, and implications of political engagement within Islamic communities. Employing a qualitative approach, the study examines Islamic scriptures, historical precedents, and contemporary practices to understand the role of political participation in fostering societal welfare and justice. The methodological framework incorporates textual analysis, case studies, and interviews with community leaders and scholars versed in Islamic jurisprudence. The findings highlight the multifaceted nature of political engagement in Islamic societies. Firstly, the research elucidates that political participation is not only permissible but encouraged within Islamic teachings, provided it aligns with ethical principles and serves the common good. Secondly, it underscores the importance of shura (consultation) as a fundamental Islamic principle, emphasizing the inclusion of diverse voices in decision-making processes. Thirdly, the study reveals the dynamic relationship between religious authority and political governance, advocating for a balance between spiritual guidance and democratic principles. Moreover, the research identifies several challenges hindering effective political participation in Islamic communities, including authoritarian regimes, socio-economic disparities, and ideological extremism. It suggests strategies such as grassroots mobilization, civic education, and interfaith dialogue to overcome these obstacles and enhance community engagement in the political sphere. In conclusion, the study affirms that political participation in Islam is not only compatible with democratic values but essential for upholding justice, equity, and accountability in society. By promoting active citizenship and ethical leadership grounded in Islamic principles, communities can contribute positively to governance processes and collectively address socio-political challenges.

The Impact of E-Government Services, Citizen Participation, and Transparency on Public Trust in Government

This study examines the impact of e-government services, citizen participation, and transparency on public trust in government. The objective is to explore how digitalization in public services, along with enhanced citizen engagement and increased transparency, can influence the level of trust citizens place in their governmental institutions. Using a qualitative research approach, this study draws on existing literature and case studies to analyze these interrelated factors. Data collection involved a comprehensive review of scholarly articles, government reports, and case studies that provide insights into how e-government initiatives, participatory mechanisms, and transparency measures have been implemented and their subsequent effects on public trust. The analysis reveals that e-government services significantly contribute to the efficiency and accessibility of public services, thereby fostering trust among citizens. Additionally, active citizen participation in decision-making processes and transparent governance practices enhance the perceived accountability and integrity of the government, which further boosts public confidence. The findings suggest that a holistic approach combining e-government, citizen engagement, and transparency is crucial for building and maintaining trust in government institutions. This research provides a nuanced understanding of the dynamics between digital governance, civic involvement, and trust, and underscores the need for policymakers to integrate these elements into their governance strategies to improve public trust.

Fifty years of Teikei: the evolution of the movement’s ten principles and its impact on alternative food initiatives in Japan

IntroductionJapan’s teikei movement, recognized as a source of inspiration for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in Western countries, is now entering its fifth decade. Built upon trust and shared values, teikei has continued to rely on mutually supportive relationships between organic producers and consumers. The movement’s commitments were originally articulated through the ten principles of teikei, which offer a roadmap to create food systems based on solidarity principles going beyond market transactions. Despite a decline in numbers, teikei groups continue to operate in the midst of societal shifts that are altering food practices and consumption patterns. These changes have had an impact on the implementation of the ten principles and on the power dynamics between producers and consumers.MethodsThis research investigates how such shifts have affected the development of alternative food systems in Japan, the evolution of teikei as a social movement, and the tensions that arise from contrasting notions of agri-food system alterity rooted in decommodified relationships versus market-based transactions. We employ the ten principles as a framework to investigate the transformations of some representative teikei groups over time, and identify three types of shifts: relational, operational, and ideological. These shifts show how different teikei actors have been engaging in realizing the vision of building sustainable agri-food systems through alternative market relations.ResultsThe shifts also underscore the fluid and situated nature of agri-food system alterity within historical, geographical, and cultural relational spaces. The current variations of teikei configurations and the progressive diversification of approaches to address the challenges of upholding the original principles demonstrate the movement’s adaptability over time. However, they also demonstrate the necessity to strike a compromise between conflicting needs.DiscussionThe development of the teikei movement is not only important from an historical and geographically-situated perspective, but also as a dynamic and evolving experiment in the potential and challenges of active food citizenship. The democratic decision-making processes embedded within teikei principles and practices offer a valuable model for understanding how individuals enact their food citizenship and contribute to ongoing transformation of the agri-food system. Simultaneously, these shifts also serve as a warning against how democratic principles can be eroded by conventionalization and neoliberalization, and about the assumptions that arise during the process of building alternative agri-food systems, such as gendered labor.

Crafting effective regulatory policies for psychedelics: What can be learned from the case of cannabis?

AbstractThe turn of the century brought a resurgence of interest in psychedelics as a treatment for addiction and other psychiatric conditions, accompanied by extensive positive media attention and private equity investment. Government regulatory bodies in Australia, Israel, Canada and the United States now permit use of psychedelics for medical purposes. In the United States, citizen action and corporate financing have led to petitions and ballot initiatives to legalize psilocybin and other psychedelics for medical and recreational use. Given this momentum, policymakers must grapple with important questions that define whether and how psychedelics are made available to the public, as well as how companies produce and promote them. The current push to broaden the production, sale, and use of psychedelics bears many parallels to the movement to legalize cannabis in the United States and other nations—most notably, the use of poorly‐evidenced therapeutic claims to create a de facto recreational market via the health care system. Experience with cannabis highlights the value of debating the question of legalization for nonmedical use as such rather than misrepresenting it as a medical issue. The lessons of cannabis policy also suggest a need to challenge hyping of psychedelic research findings; to promote rigorous clinical research on dosing and potency; to minimize the influence of for‐profit industry in shaping policies to their economic advantage; and to coordinate federal, state, and local governments to regulate the manufacture, sale and distribution of psychedelic drugs (regardless of whether they are legalized for medical and/or recreational use).

The instrumental academic: Collegiality and the value of academic citizenship in contemporary higher education

AbstractCollegiality and the contribution to the sustenance of the academy through academic citizenship are central to commonly held conceptions of what it is to be a university. This study investigates the articulation and recognition of academic citizenship through institutional promotion criteria, including both traditional research and teaching‐focussed career pathways. The study adopts a qualitative research approach and examines promotion criteria from a sample of 55 mid‐sized universities in the UK. Findings point to a progressive shift in formal recognition of service activities associated with citizenship as part of the core academic workload. Institutional service is pervasive across all academic roles and levels, student service is largely invisible, and activities associated with public service are most notably acknowledged in traditional academic roles at the professorial level. The evolving nature of expectations of citizenship necessitates a more nuanced consideration of the core dimensions of an academic role and citizenship activities to ensure equity and inclusivity in career progression.

DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIALLY ACTIVE CIVIC COMPETENCE OF STUDENTS BASED ON THE TEACHING OF "HISTORY OF UZBEKISTAN"

The teaching of "History of Uzbekistan" presents a unique opportunity to cultivate socially active civic competence among students. This article explores the integration of civic education within the curriculum of history courses and its role in fostering civic engagement, social responsibility, and active citizenship. By studying key historical events, figures, and movements, students gain insights into Uzbekistan's rich heritage and develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and cross-cultural understanding. Through service-learning projects, volunteer opportunities, and community partnerships, students apply their knowledge and skills to address contemporary issues and contribute to positive social change.

From Awareness to Action: Tetovo's Journey in Waste Management

Abstract Waste is increasing worldwide, causing many adverse impacts to the environment, human health, as well as the global climate. The increasing global waste generation trend is also reflected in North Macedonia, including Tetovo, where lower sustainable waste management practices pose an ongoing challenge. This research offers a comprehensive examination of the city of Tetovo's waste management practices, focusing on its residents’ awareness levels and the undertaken strategies for sustainability. Building on existing research and new insights (especially those generated through the survey with Tetovo's citizens), it explores the historical evolution of waste management in Tetovo, highlighting past challenges and initiatives. With a focus on 'Municipal Public Services Co. (JPK) Tetova', the study navigates legislative hurdles, regional constraints, and potential for intermunicipal collaboration. Furthermore, it extracts Tetovo's community behaviors and awareness level through a conducted survey with citizens, which's insights reveal a significant gap between awareness and active citizen participation, underscoring the need for actionable recommendations. Drawing upon theoretical frameworks like Waste Management Theory (WMT) and the “Zero Waste” concepts, this research explores opportunities for enhancing sustainability in Tetovo's waste management approach. Additionally, it discusses the implications of waste management on climate change, emphasizing the need for alignment with international standards to mitigate environmental impacts. Based on the literature review findings and survey data, the research proposes practical steps for improving waste management practices in Tetovo. These include collaborative initiatives, awareness-raising campaigns, educational programs, and measures for incentivizing compliance, all centered around a citizen-centric approach. By implementing these recommendations, Tetovo can progress towards a more efficient, environmentally conscious waste management system, benefiting present and future generations. Furthermore, stakeholders are encouraged to leverage the insights from this study to collaboratively implement effective strategies for fostering sustainable waste management practices, thereby empowering citizens to contribute actively to environmental conservation efforts.

Examination of teachers’ opinions on lifelong learning

The modern world is moving towards a multifaceted and increasingly complex structure. In this process, it is foreseen that there will be a transition from an information society to a skills society and focus on the skills of the future. These skills are essential for each individual's personal growth, career advancement, work and social integration, and active citizenship. In this process, it is also important to develop skills such as creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, entrepreneurship, managing emotions, and decision making. In order to be successful and develop the skills of the future, it is of great importance to sustain lifelong learning and personal development. The aim of study is to determine the perceptions about lifelong learning of teachers who continue their postgraduate studies and have completed their postgraduate studies. The study is set up as a descriptive survey, which is a form of quantitative research. The data was collected by the "Lifelong Learning Scale" and with the necessary permissions was used. This scale includes 28 items aimed at the teacher's perception on lifelong learning. The sample of the study consists of 374 teachers working in Van province in the 2020-2021 academic year and selected using criterion sampling from purposeful sampling methods. The data obtained were analysed by descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage are used to evaluate the demographic characteristics of the teachers and non-parametric test applications are used in the analysis of the data. According to the study's findings, the educators who took part in it all had a favourable attitude regarding the long-term sustainability of lifelong learning and demonstrated that the social and individual consequences of lifetime learning can have a long-term impact on society. Some crucial efforts can be taken to ensure that people have the skills of the age in order to create awareness about lifelong learning in accordance with the needs of the twenty-first century. Therefore, it is essential that education systems and individuals understand the importance of lifelong learning and make it a philosophy of life.

Intervention Programs Targeting Burnout in Health Professionals: A Systematic Review.

Burnout is an occupational syndrome, with a higher prevalence in professionals whose close involvement with other people is significant. There is a great diversity of professionals at risk of burnout, and therefore the implementation of intervention programs is relevant, as helping people to maintain their mental and emotional health enables them to become more meaningfully involved in their communities and become more effective and active global citizens. We aimed to review systematically the characteristics of interventions targeting burnout in health professionals. The search was conducted in three databases: Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed, following the PRISMA model, and 16 eligible articles were identified between 2012 and 2023. Mindfulness showed great efficacy in preventing burnout, by reducing stress levels and promoting empathy. In addition, relaxation and breathing techniques, yoga, and music therapy showed to improve burnout and occupational stress levels. Balint groups have also helped slow the progression of burnout. Implications about the need for future research to foster the promotion of well-being and mental health of health professionals are mentioned. Mindfulness, relaxation and breathing techniques, yoga, music therapy and balint groups proved to be effective in preventing burnout.