Community Cohesion Research Articles

“That s**t is Hard to Get Away from”: Working Alone in US Rural Journalism

ABSTRACT While journalists across the globe report facing difficult labor conditions, US rural journalists face particularly acute conditions–often tasked with conducting many of the hardest tasks of journalism but with little financial, staff, or emotional support. Through the lens of Tönnies’ Theory of Gemeinschaft, this study explores how rural journalists (n = 28) manage their labor expectations and the challenges of working alone. This study argues that journalists are driven to work in remote US locations by the promise of community and social cohesion but instead find their labor maximized, find their benefits minimized, and face an increasingly hostile audience.

Building Resilience: The Role of Community-Based Disaster Preparedness Training in Empowering Lubuk Village, Indonesia

Lubuk Village in Bungo Regency, Jambi, Indonesia, faces a range of potential natural hazards, including floods, landslides, and forest fires. Building community resilience is crucial to mitigate the impact of these disasters. This community service initiative focused on empowering residents of Lubuk Village through a comprehensive disaster preparedness training program. A participatory approach was adopted, involving collaboration with village leaders, community members, and local government agencies. The training program consisted of workshops, simulations, and hands-on activities covering hazard identification, risk assessment, early warning systems, evacuation procedures, first aid, and basic search and rescue techniques. The training program enhanced community awareness of disaster risks and strengthened their capacity to respond effectively to emergencies. Participants demonstrated increased knowledge, improved skills, and greater confidence in their ability to protect themselves and their families during disasters. The initiative also fostered community cohesion and strengthened social networks. In conclusion, community-based disaster preparedness training is an effective public administration intervention for empowering communities to face natural hazards. By equipping residents with knowledge and skills, this initiative contributed to building a more resilient Lubuk Village.

The multifaceted importance of mediterranean pine-tree forests to social cohesion. Energy, resin, grazing, and wildfire management in North Euboea, Greece

Forests are essential not only for their ecological roles but also as invaluable natural resources supporting biodiversity, climate regulation, and human livelihoods. In Mediterranean regions, pine-tree forests are particularly susceptible to intense wildfires, which pose significant challenges to containment and long-term forest health. This study focuses on the pine-tree forests of North Euboea, examining their embedded energy, natural regenerative capacity, and sustainable management approaches. Key aspects investigated include the forest’s contributions to biomass and resin productivity, the social and economic impacts of wildfire events, and the role of managed grazing as a proactive tool in fire prevention and forest stewardship. Our analysis highlights the potential benefits of grazing as a strategic measure to manage forest biomass levels, thereby reducing the fuel load and lowering the intensity of possible future fires. Grazing is also shown to support broader access across the forest landscape, allowing firefighting forces to respond more effectively in case of a fire outbreak. By utilizing grazing to maintain forest ecosystems beyond just the periphery, this approach can enhance both ecological resilience and community cohesion in regions vulnerable to forest fires. The study underscores the need for integrated management practices that balance forest use with conservation, leveraging grazing as a means to sustain the health and accessibility of Mediterranean pine-tree forests.

'Keeps me young at heart': Exploring the influence of volunteering on social connection, health and well-being in rural Australia.

The negative consequences of social disconnection, including loneliness and social isolation, is receiving considerable attention from researchers and policymakers, and growing as a global public health priority. Volunteering has emerged as a promising strategy to promote social connection and combat loneliness, calling for a closer examination of its potential benefits to individual social health and community cohesion. This study explores the experiences and impact of volunteering on individuals' social health, providing insights into both the positive impacts and possible limitations of volunteering in rural communities. Twenty-two volunteers (6 males; 16 females) in one rural Northern Victoria community participated in semi-structured interviews via telephone, online or face-to-face. Thematic analysis was used to develop descriptive themes from the qualitative data. Four themes were identified: (1) creating social and community bonds, (2) giving back to the community, (3) building identity through volunteering and (4) social identity and belonging. Findings suggest that volunteering helps individuals to meet new people, increase opportunities for social interactions with others and within social groups, positively influencing their social identity and the identity of the community. Volunteers, who felt connected through their volunteering, experienced a sense of belonging. However, when feeling overburdened or undervalued, volunteers disengaged and sought new volunteering opportunities. This study demonstrates the influence of rural volunteering on volunteer's social connections, identity and social health. Creating flexible, accessible and inclusive volunteering opportunities acts as a valuable community resource for building and maintaining social health and connection and reduces social disconnection in rural populations.

China’s elderly mutual aid model: an active ageing perspective

Purpose China’s rural elderly care system faces significant challenges in addressing the needs of an ageing population, particularly in resource-limited areas. This study aims to critically examine the rural mutual aid elderly care model in China through the lens of active ageing principles. It explores how this model tackles elder care challenges in rural areas by emphasising health, participation and security, aiming to assess its effectiveness in reducing care costs while fostering self-reliance and mutual assistance. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research methodology was used, focusing on document analysis to explore the rural mutual aid elderly care model within an active ageing framework. The study reviewed policy documents, academic literature and organisational records, using thematic analysis to understand the historical context, policy evolution and institutional support for this model. Findings The research identifies a significant shift from traditional passive care models to those grounded in active ageing principles. The rural mutual aid model, centring on health, participation and security, enables elderly individuals to engage in self-help and mutual assistance, thereby enhancing autonomy and reducing dependency. Key success factors include strong community networks and culturally resonant support systems. However, challenges such as resource limitations and regional disparities suggest areas for further improvement. Research limitations/implications The reliance on document analysis may not fully capture the experiences of elderly participants or account for regional variations in the model’s implementation. Future research could incorporate mixed methods, including interviews or case studies, for a more nuanced understanding of elderly care in rural China. The findings emphasise the need for scalable and adaptable policies to enhance the model’s effectiveness and support culturally appropriate care strategies. Practical implications The research presents significant implications for policymakers and practitioners regarding the rural mutual aid elderly care model. It emphasises the need for scalable policies that address resource limitations and enhance community engagement to improve care effectiveness. Key implications include promoting financial and social sustainability by fostering self-reliance among older adults, prioritising active ageing initiatives to enhance quality of life and community cohesion and adopting localised strategies that consider regional disparities. Moreover, these findings offer a blueprint for other countries facing similar ageing challenges, advocating for a culturally sensitive and community-driven approach to elderly care across East Asia. Social implications The study’s findings significantly impact how ageing is perceived and managed in rural Chinese communities. The shift from traditional, passive elderly care models to those grounded in active ageing principles reflects a societal transformation in valuing and supporting older adults. By promoting health, participation and security, the rural mutual aid elderly care model creates inclusive environments where the elderly actively contribute to their well-being and that of others. This approach challenges perceptions of ageing as a decline, fostering autonomy and meaningful engagement, ultimately reducing social isolation and enhancing cohesion through strengthened intergenerational relationships and shared responsibilities. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by focusing on the rural mutual aid elderly care model in China through active ageing principles, addressing a notable gap in the non-Western application of these concepts. The findings offer valuable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners, emphasising community-driven approaches to ageing challenges in rural areas.

Instilling and Fostering a Sense of Community through Inclusive Security and Development

Community security and development face significant challenges because of many factors like corruption, social divisions, and economic inequality. Such factors impede the building of a cohesive and resilient community through weakening social bonds and mutual trust. This study examines how inclusive security and development can foster a sense of community by enhancing shared interests, peace, and identity. It employs a qualitative research approach depending solely on secondary data. This descriptive research collects data from secondary sources like books, journal articles, newspaper articles, blog writings, and websites. The findings of this study suggest that addressing inclusive security and development together contributes significantly to building stronger community ties, enhanced social cohesion, and a sense of belongingness. It also argues that a safe and cohesive community environment promotes social collaboration and harmony. This paper recommends emphasizing inclusive approaches in the security and development process to ensure equal access to resources and a favorable climate for peaceful coexistence.

The Importance of Using Movies in EFL Classrooms

This study explores the profound impact of climate change on the indigenous communities of Northern Canada, with a focus on how rapidly changing environmental conditions are altering traditional lifestyles, health outcomes, and socio-economic structures. Indigenous populations, particularly those residing in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, are experiencing heightened vulnerability due to the interconnection between their cultural practices and the natural environment. The paper examines the direct and indirect effects of climate change, including shifts in ice cover, wildlife migration patterns, and extreme weather events, and analyzes how these changes disrupt hunting, fishing, and community cohesion. Additionally, the research delves into the broader implications for indigenous health, including mental health challenges and the exacerbation of pre-existing conditions. By considering both the scientific data and the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples, this study underscores the urgent need for tailored climate adaptation strategies that respect indigenous knowledge systems and promote resilience in these communities. The findings emphasize the importance of inclusive, culturally sensitive approaches to policy-making in order to mitigate the negative effects of climate change and ensure the preservation of Indigenous ways of life.

Exploring the Ancient Temples of South India: A Review

South India is home to some of the most exquisite and architecturally significant temples in the world, dating back to the Pallava, Chola, Pandya, and Vijayanagar dynasties. These temples not only serve as places of worship but also as repositories of art, culture, and history. This review explores the historical evolution of South Indian temples, their architectural marvels, and the religious and cultural significance they hold. Key architectural features, such as gopurams, vimanas, and intricately carved mandapas, reflect the ingenuity of ancient craftsmen and their alignment with spiritual and cosmic principles. The temples also served as centres of education, art, and socio-economic activities, sustaining traditional dance forms like Bharatanatyam and fostering community cohesion. Today, these temples are integral to cultural tourism, attracting millions of visitors who seek to experience their spiritual and historical heritage. By examining these enduring legacies, the review highlights the profound role of temples in shaping South India’s cultural identity.

Establishing a Harmonious Society: The Approach of Sahih Bukhari Hadith in Addressing Socio-Political Issues in Malaysia

Malaysia is a country with a socio-political landscape that consists of various religions and races. The socio-politics of the country often experience tensions and face multiple challenges in managing social pluralism. Among the issues that arise when dealing with the challenges of diversity in society include prejudice between races, ethnic identities that hinder unity, and differences in thoughts, beliefs, and habits among races. This situation calls for an alternative approach to building a society that can foster harmony, peace, and positive interaction among the different races, religions, cultures, and ethnicities. The achievements to create a pluralistic society must be based on elements such as political stability, community cohesion, and national harmony. This study utilised a qualitative method by examining data and analyzing documents, including observations on current issues in socio-politics. The primary data for this study is derived from the book Sahih Bukhari. The objective of the study was to analyze the solutions for building a pluralistic society from the perspective of Sahih Bukhari hadith and apply the values of social justice, harmony, political stability, and social cohesion in a pluralistic society. The results of the study revealed that the Sahih Bukhari hadith contains comprehensive guidance to inculcate values such as social justice, harmony, stability, and social cohesion, which ensure the formation of the Malaysian nation-state. The study’s implications show that Sahih Bukhari’s hadith is a source of reference for formulating policies and strategies to address socio-political issues in Malaysia. The values contained in the Hadith Sahih al-Bukhari contribute to the formation of a more harmonious and united society.

RANZCP Position Statement 46: A missed opportunity to provide sophisticated guidance on asylum seeker and refugee policy.

To stimulate discussion on how the RANZCP can contribute more constructively to the debate over Australia's immigration policies. Updated in March 2024, RANZCP Position Statement 46, titled: 'The provision of mental health services for asylum seekers and refugees', continues the College's advocacy for a compassionate stance towards asylum seekers and refugees on the grounds of preventing or improving their mental health. College statements over the last decade have raised concerns about policies that are designed to deter boat arrivals; and recently, have endorsed the High Court's NZYQ decision to mandate community release of detained non-Australian citizens deemed to have failed 'the character test' under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). The College appears to have avoided addressing public concern about how a high asylum seeker and refugee inflow may impact community cohesion and prosperity. RANZCP's reputation will be enhanced by ensuring more extensive explication of reasoning and rebuttal of counter arguments for the position it has taken on this complex political issue.

Beyond Collective Victimhood: How Diverse Conflict Knowledge Relates to Community Cohesion

ABSTRACTIn conflict‐affected societies, collective victimization can undermine social cohesion or foster narrow ingroup bonding and parochialism. We examine whether the possibility to know and freely communicate about diverse conflict experiences, which go beyond collective (ingroup) victimhood, can serve as a resource for community cohesion (i.e., community attachment and efficacy). Nationally representative surveys from two conflict‐ridden societies, Sri Lanka (N = 1188) and the Occupied Palestinian Territory (N = 1000), reveal that individuals with broader knowledge of diverse conflict experiences exhibit stronger attachment to their local communities and perceive them as more efficacious, but only when they believe knowledge of these experiences can be shared within their community. Conversely, diverse conflict knowledge is related to a lower sense of community cohesion when individuals perceive diverse conflict experiences as unspeakable in their community. The findings contribute to our understanding of the potential effects of violent conflict on social cohesion and highlight the importance of openness to discuss the full range of conflict experiences.

Environmental Education Model Based on Local Wisdom of the Dayak Paramasan Tribe Indonesia

The indigenous knowledge of the Dayak Paramasan in Indonesia holds the potential for environmental sustainability. This study aims to assess an environmental education framework grounded in the local wisdom of the Paramasan Dayak tribe. A survey was conducted among 300 individuals, including traditional leaders and members of indigenous communities residing in the Paramasan Subdistrict, Indonesia. Data collection occurred from May 2023 to July 2023 and was analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The findings indicate a significant association between indigenous values, local expertise, and community cohesion concerning environmental education. Local wisdom includes local skills, values, and community solidarity, which are crucial for environmental education. Local skills, like farming and hunting, have a significant impact on environmental protection. Passing down knowledge to younger generations needs improvement. Limited local resources create a gap between generations, but some believe traditional leaders can safeguard nature without formal education. Further exploration of implementing environmental education models within school settings will offer valuable insights for Indigenous communities and society, fostering environmentally conscious behaviors.

"This is Not the 90s": Myanmar and Change in ASEAN's Normative Order

In this article, we examine the contours of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) response to the latest regional challenge from Myanmar, the 2021 coup. Scholars and practitioners alike often portray ASEAN as a relatively cohesive community of states united in adherence to a long-held and comparatively stable set of norms within the so-called "ASEAN way." Core among these norms has been domestic non-interference. However, we argue that rather than being determined by a coherent set of agreed norms, ASEAN's response to this crisis has been shaped by intra-regional contestation and division around how ASEAN ought to enact its particular "way" of regional governance. More narrowly, we show that the ASEAN response has been shaped by contestation over competing normative impulses in the organization—centrality and non-interference—which have developed in increasing tension since the humanitarian disaster after Cyclone Nargis in 2008 and the Rohingya crisis after 2016. We show that in response to these crises, officials from the organization and its member states advanced divergent accounts of what ASEAN ought to do and why, given competing normative commitments to centrality and non-interference. By showing how ASEAN's response to the 2021 coup is the result of internal contestation within the organization, we support accounts of regional governance in Southeast Asia that stress less the fixity of ASEAN norms than their contestation in practice. To make our argument we analyze more than 250 documents and draw on interviews with regional officials.

A Comprehensive Model of Community Violence Exposure Outcomes Using an Ecological Systems Framework.

Community violence (CV) is associated with negative psychosocial outcomes, such as posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and anger; however, many individuals also exhibit resilience. Considering the multifinality of outcomes following CV and guided by Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems framework, the current study sought to examine individual, microsystem, and exosystem level factors in relation to PTSS, anger, and resilience. Participants were 536 emerging adults (Mage = 20.13; SD = 1.81, range = 18-25) recruited from two universities. Three hierarchical linear regression models were conducted, one for each dependent variable (i.e., PTSS, anger, resilience). Block 1 included the covariates of recruitment site and age. Block 2 added individual-level factors (i.e., gender, race, income, CV exposure, other trauma exposure, code of the streets [COS] beliefs, religiosity), Block 3 added microsystem-level factors (i.e., parental monitoring, social support), and Block 4 added exosystem-level factors (i.e., community cohesion, community disorder). Identifying as female, higher levels of CV and other trauma exposure, and lower levels of social support were associated with greater PTSS. Recruitment site, more cumulative trauma, stronger endorsement of COS beliefs, lower levels of social support, and higher levels of community disorder were associated with higher levels of problematic anger. Higher income, identifying as a racial minority, higher levels of CV, more religiosity, higher levels of social support, and greater community cohesion were associated with more resilience. These findings highlight the importance of examining ecological systems concurrently. Individual- and microsystem-level variables may be key targets and should be considered in intervention and prevention services for emerging adults exposed to violence.

A Systematic Review on the Improving Strategies and Influencing Factors of Vocational Students’ Learning Engagement in Blended Teaching Environment

Blended teaching (BT), which combines traditional face-to-face instruction with online components, has become an inevitable trend in vocational education, especially for its potential to offer flexibility, simulation of real working scenarios and hands-on training. Students’ learning engagement is regarded as a critical factor for BT's success. Despite progress, theoretical gaps remain, particularly in the influencing mechanisms and strategies for enhancing vocational students’ learning engagement in BT contexts. This systematic review aims to fill this gap and provide implications for future BT practices. Sourced from three databases (Web of Science, SCOPUS, and CNKI) and complying with the PRISMA checklist, 38 studies regarding vocational students’ learning engagement in BT contexts from 2014 to 2024 were reviewed looking at research features, BT techniques, influencing factors and improving strategies. Findings showed that technological applications and learning management systems (LMS), gamification, flipped classrooms and MOOCs are predominant approaches in BT. In addition, it is a well-designed teaching strategy and cohesive learning community that enhances students’ learning engagement. Besides, individual factors such as curiosity, academic self-efficacy, and career expectations also affect students’ learning engagement. This study also provides evidence-based strategies for enhancing vocational students’ learning engagement for researchers and practitioners.

The Interplay of Religious Festivals Diwali and Eid in Shaping National and Ethnic Identity Concepts of the Indian Society

This study explores the interplay of religious festivals, specifically Diwali and Eid, in shaping national and ethnic identity concepts within Indian society. The objective of this research was to analyse how Diwali, predominantly celebrated by Hindus, and Eid, central to the Muslim community, contribute to both national unity and ethnic distinctiveness in India. Using a qualitative comparative study approach, archival research and media content analysis were conducted to examine the broader socio-political narratives surrounding these festivals. Findings revealed that Diwali is closely tied to the construction of Hindu identity and is often intertwined with Indian national identity, promoting a sense of unity. Eid, on the other hand, reinforced ethnic and religious identity among Muslims, fostering community cohesion while simultaneously highlighting the complexities of belonging within the larger national framework. The study concludes that both Diwali and Eid play critical yet contrasting roles in shaping India’s multi-layered identity, with Diwali promoting a homogenizing national identity and Eid emphasizing religious distinctiveness.

Canvas of Culture: Public Art’s Role in Reinvigorating Pekan Parit

Public art is instrumental in enhancing tourism in Pekan Parit, Perak, by enriching the area cultural landscape. This study explores the multifaceted influence of public art on community perceptions, emotional responses, and its potential to attract tourists. We employed a mixed-methods design to collect data from 103 respondents through surveys, evaluating community attitudes towards public art and its role in fostering a cohesive community and boosting tourism. Key findings reveal that public art not only enhances Pekan Parit’s aesthetic appeal but also significantly influences both residents and visitors. However, community engagement is closely linked to the effectiveness of public art in attracting tourists, so artistic initiatives must resonate with both locals and tourists. This underscores the critical role of public art in reflecting and preserving the town's cultural identity while involving the community in the planning and execution of these projects. The research concludes that public art can be a powerful catalyst for sustainable tourism growth, facilitating deeper connections to the area’s cultural heritage and enhancing the overall visitor experience. These insights are essential for policymakers, urban planners, and cultural practitioners seeking to leverage public art as a strategic tool for revitalising tourism in Pekan Parit, Perak.

The importance of the social environment on leisure destination choice: A mixed multinomial analysis of homophilic preferences

Individuals are fond of belonging to a social environment with a similar social background, which can impact the individual’s decision to visit specific venues for leisure activities. Using data from Zurich, we have measured the preference for a social environment in four categories of leisure venues: restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightclubs; the estimation was performed using a mixed multinomial logit model to see how homophily for socioeconomic characteristics can impact the decisions of choosing a leisure venue. The models included three homophilic preferences: age, income, and cultural origin as variables of interest. The results show a positive impact of the three variables in different degrees: age is the most relevant in the two venue categories, income only impacts when individuals choose restaurants or cafes, and cultural background is more relevant for nightlife venues. These results show that the sociodemographic characteristics of the social environment are relevant for the choice of leisure destinations. These findings can contribute to the formulation of policies to create more diverse leisure environments and socially cohesive communities.

Theoretical Analysis of Restorative Justice and Social Healing in India: A Sociological and Legal Perspective

Through the perspectives of sociology and law, this study investigates the theoretical underpinnings of restorative justice and its potential to foster social healing in India. The goal of restorative justice is to make amends for the harm that crime has caused by encouraging communication and understanding between victims, offenders, and the community. A different way to dealing with crime and conflict is provided by restorative justice in India, where the legal system is frequently criticized for its punishing nature and inefficiency. This essay explores how restorative justice methods, in particular the ideas of community-based conflict resolution, reconciliation, and collective healing, mesh with India's cultural and social ethos. The study assesses how community involvement affects conflict resolution and how restorative justice can aid in mending trust and cohesiveness in communities that have fallen apart, using theories from sociology. It critically evaluates the legal gaps in Indian jurisprudence about restorative justice, the likelihood of its incorporation into the Indian legal system, and the difficulties in striking a balance between it and models of punitive justice. Through the integration of legal analysis and sociological insights, this research provides a thorough knowledge of how restorative justice might aid in societal healing in modern-day India.

Feeling safe: a critical look at the effect of neighborhood safety features and perceptions on childhood symptoms of depression

BackgroundPhysical characteristics and perceptions of an environment can have enduring effects on one’s mental health. The present study aimed to determine whether a set of measures of neighborhood safety – independent built environment features, parents’ perception of neighborhood safety and community cohesion, and children’s perception of neighborhood safety – best related to symptoms of depression in young boys and girls from Montréal, Québec.MethodsData were from the Quebec Adipose and Lifestyle Investigation in Youth (QUALITY) cohort. Participants were aged 8 to 10 years (M = 9.5) at baseline (2005). Measures included: child symptoms of depression, neighborhood perception (child and parentally reported), and independent rater assessed visible disorder/neighborhood safety issues and road safety features. Multiple linear regressions were used to examine the relation between neighborhood safety measures and symptoms of depression for boys (n = 262) and girls (n = 212) at baseline and at follow-up time approximately 2 years later in 2008 after adjusting for baseline sex, age, body mass index, pubertal status, physical activity, family income, parent education, population density, and land-use mix. Analyses were sex stratified.ResultsGreater child perceived safety was associated with lower symptoms of depression in boys at both baseline and follow-up, and greater community cohesion was associated with lower symptoms of depression in girls at baseline. These results were not maintained after adjusting for multiple testing.ConclusionFuture research should elucidate the more precise pathways linking neighborhood safety to symptoms of depression among children and consider differences across sexes.