Community Norms Research Articles

Implementing Facial Recognition Technology in a University Setting: An Organizational Justice Perspective

Facial recognition technology (FRT) has become widespread in society, and its adoption in organizational settings is viewed as a natural continuation of established surveillance practices. However, concerns and resistance to FRT often arise due to controversial applications and improper use. This study contributes to the understanding of FRT in organizational contexts by conducting semi-structured interviews in a university that illustrates the larger themes of organizational justice and the ethical complexities surrounding the deployment of this technology. Drawing on organizational justice theory, we analyze users’ attitudes towards FRT deployment, their perceptions of organizational justice, and if and how the deployment adhered to or violated organizational justice principles. Our study revealed that this implementation case violated all aspects of organizational justice. Users expressed concerns regarding face capture, potential discrimination, authoritarian practices, and harm to community norms. We also provide recommendations to address organizational justice issues associated with implementing new, controversial technologies, considering technology acceptability perspectives.

Using systems thinking to leverage adolescent sexual and reproductive health in rural Latino communities

Disparities in adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes in rural areas of the USA persist as a concern in achieving health equity for youth. A growing body of literature recognises that improving adolescents’ health necessitates systems thinking to address the culture and environment in which adolescents live. This paper uses systems thinking to identify leverage points to improve adolescent SRH in rural Latino communities in California. We conducted focus group discussions with 22 young people and interviewed 10 adult stakeholders to centre the perspectives of youth and youth-serving professionals. Transcripts were coded and analysed using systems thinking. Five themes were developed: (1) community and cultural norms can be a source of both support and stigma for youth; (2) families are key to supporting health education and services; (3) rural schools provide a central hub for programme delivery; (4) community-based organisations can work to serve rural youth, but limited resources and transport are challenges; and (5) youth face considerable barriers accessing SRH services in their communities. Using systems thinking to identify leverage points and gaps in interactions between system components influencing youth can aid in the development of more holistic and culturally responsive approaches for rural youth SRH.

Measuring Epistemic Trust: Towards a New Lens for Democratic Legitimacy, Misinformation, and Echo Chambers

Trust is crucial for the functioning of complex societies, and an important concern for CSCW. Our purpose is to use research from philosophy, social science, and CSCW to provide a novel account of trust in the 'post-truth' era. Testimony, from one speaker to another, underlies many social systems. Epistemic trust, or testimonial credibility, is the likelihood to accept a speaker's claim due to beliefs about their competence or sincerity. Epistemic trust is closely related to several 'pathological epistemic phenomena': democratic (il)legitimacy, the spread of misinformation, and echo chambers. To the best of our knowledge, this theoretical contribution is novel in the field of social computing. We further argue that epistemic trust is no philosophical novelty: it is measurable. Weakly supervised text classification approaches achieve F_1 scores of around 80 to 85 per cent on detecting epistemic distrust. This is also, to the best of our knowledge, a novel task in natural language processing. We measure expressions of epistemic distrust across 954 political communities on Reddit. We find that expressions of epistemic distrust are relatively rare, although there are substantial differences between communities. Conspiratorial communities and those focused on controversial political topics tend to express more distrust. Communities with strong epistemic norms enforced by moderation are likely to express low levels. While we find users to be an important potential source of contagion of epistemic distrust, community norms appear to dominate. It is likely that epistemic trust is more useful as an aggregated risk factor. Finally, we argue that policymakers should be aware of epistemic trust considering their reliance on legitimacy underwritten by testimony.

Sharing economy: tensions in renting others’ possessions

Abstract The sharing economy is anchored to two opposite logics: sharing and market exchange. This results in tensions between a pro-social orientation and communal norms on the one hand (i.e. solidarity, mutuality, generalized reciprocity and communal belonging) and a for-profit orientation and market norms on the other hand (i.e. profit maximization, self-interest and utilitarian motives). This article aims to distinguish among the different practices and phenomena related to the sharing economy, focusing on the tensions emanating from renting private possessions through collaborative consumption platforms.

How do gender norms contribute to stunting in Ntchisi District, Malawi? a qualitative study.

Despite adequate food production and nutrition intervention coverage, stunting remains an enduring problem in Ntchisi, Malawi. Globally, gender and social norms are known to influence nutritional outcomes in children. This study explores how gender norms contribute to child stunting, in Ntchisi district, Central Malawi. Informed by the UNICEF Framework for Malnutrition, nine focus group discussions were conducted with a target population of mothers (n = 24), fathers (n = 23) purposively targeted through growth monitoring sessions, and members of policy and health treatment committees (n = 21), spanning three different areas of Ntchisi district. Data were analysed through inductive thematic analysis, guided by the framework for Research in Gender and Ethics (RinGs). Three primary themes were identified: 1) gender unequal decision making on the consumption, sale and distribution of food; 2) enshrined community norms influence feeding practices underpinned by gender-based violence; and 3) policy disconnections and gaps that reinforce gender norms regarding nutrition. Themes encompassed practices across household, health treatment, and policy level. Gender norms that underpin inequalities in decision making for production and consumption of food undermine children's nourishment and contributes towards sustained child malnutrition in Ntchisi. Existing policy documents should revise their guidelines to incorporate gender norms as key determinants of malnutrition.

Exploring Factors Affecting Breastfeeding: Insights From Hispanic and Black Mothers and Healthcare Providers in El Paso, Texas

Objective:Breastfeeding has been shown to have many health benefits to both the infant and the mother. However, there are racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding rates across all U.S. states and territories. This study sought to understand the support needed to improve breastfeeding rates and address disparities in El Paso County, Texas using the socioecological model framework for analysis.Methods:We conducted focus groups involving 16 Hispanic and Black mothers. During these sessions, we asked them about the environmental and social factors that influenced their decisions to either start or stop breastfeeding. Additionally, we interviewed six health professionals to gain insights into the support activities they provide to breastfeeding women and identify potential gaps in care.Results:The study found several themes that align with prior research on breastfeeding support: (a) Breastfeeding is recognized as being healthy, but misconceptions exist about formula. (b) Some mothers find public breastfeeding or pumping inappropriate, but opinions vary. (c) Family members significantly influence the decision to breastfeed; their support varies. (d) Although aid from healthcare professionals (HCPs) in breastfeeding is appreciated and valued, it is not always available. (e) HCPs are not uniformly perceived as knowledgeable or helpful, occasionally providing conflicting information. (f) Prenatal classes featuring breastfeeding are appreciated, but the depth of information provided varies. (g) Women seek increased postdischarge support from hospitals. (h) The transition back to work introduces various challenges. (i) Community norms and attitudes toward breastfeeding can be unsupportive. (j) Demand exists for updated, accessible local breastfeeding resources. (k) The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is valued, but there is confusion about services and eligibility requirements. (l) Undocumented immigrants might hesitate to access public services due to concerns about their status.Conclusions:Breastfeeding support programs should take into account the cultural context, the influence of healthcare providers, and the availability of community support. Addressing these aspects can be key to promoting breastfeeding and reducing disparities in breastfeeding rates.

Local Cultural Approach in Navigating Family Conflict: Understanding Cultural Strategies for Human Well-Being

Objective: This study explores the complexities of family conflict within a local cultural framework, focusing on its impacts on physical and mental well-being through mapping its intensity, root causes, and long-term consequences. The study aims to understand how unresolved interpersonal tensions can negatively impact emotional and social health, ultimately affecting harmony and balance within local communities. The approach uses a theoretical framework that underscores the importance of culture-based communication, negotiation skills that respect local norms, and appreciation for diverse perspectives as steps to reduce conflict and promote mental health. This research contextualizes conflict within various local cultural settings, specifically within families influenced by communal and intergenerational values. Through in-depth analysis of the family as the unit of study, variables such as communication and social relationships are examined with an emphasis on unique socio-cultural dynamics. The findings highlight the negative impact of unresolved family conflict on emotional well-being and the stability of social relationships within the family unit. Conflict can disrupt interpersonal dynamics, creating long-term disharmony that undermines family cohesion. These adverse effects underscore the need for systematic, ongoing interventions to support mental health and collective well-being. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing family conflict as a critical component in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Good Health and Well-being. Interventions that adopt a local cultural approach—such as effective communication strategies and conflict resolution skills rooted in communal norms—are essential for fostering healthier and more harmonious family environments. By identifying three primary approaches—cultural rehabilitation processes, the development of communication that values local culture, and conflict management skills—the study provides practical insights aligned with global efforts to improve mental health and social well-being in accordance with the SDG framework.

Individual empowerment and community norm effects of engaging young husbands in reproductive health in rural India: findings from a pilot study

BackgroundDespite decades of a call to action to engage men in reproductive health, men are often left out of programs and interventions. In India, where half of pregnancies are reported as unintended, patriarchal gender norms and still dominant patterns of arranged marriages make engaging men in family planning and strengthening couples communication critical in increasing reproductive autonomy and helping young couples meet their reproductive goals. This study explores the feasibility and acceptability from the men’s perspective of the pilot of a gender transformative intervention for newly married couples in India.MethodsA pilot study was conducted of TARANG, a 4 month intervention for newly married women, with light touch engagement of husbands (4 sessions). A total of 41 husbands participated in the pilot, and we collected baseline knowledge and endline feasibility and acceptability data from them, along with in depth qualitative interviews with 13 men. The study was conducted in June 2023-January 2024.ResultsMen had low levels of knowledge about biology, family planning, with the majority of men reporting that no one had provided them information about these topics. Most men wanted to delay the first birth by at least 2 years, yet less than a quarter had discussed childbearing plans with their partner or engaged in family planning methods. While all men reported high acceptability (satisfaction and usefulness), feasibility (participation) was low, with only 43% attending 2 or more sessions. Main barriers to participation included commitments due to work and migration. Men reported that the intervention led to improvements in their relationships with their wives, gave them a sense of empowerment, and led them to become resources for other men in their community.ConclusionsMen in these rural communities are not receiving the information that they need to meet their reproductive goals, however, they greatly desire this information and ways to improve relationships with their new wives. Such an intervention appears to have the potential to help change norms and spread information in the community and provide men with positive, life affirming feelings. Providing information through technology could address barriers to in-person engagement.Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov 03/13/24.NCT06320964

Not me-search, you-search: Ethical considerations for research involving marginalized outgroups

ABSTRACT Background:This study explored experiences of quantitative researchers who work with marginalized populations. Methods/materials: Participants were recruited from the Society for Personality and Social Psychology forum, and asked questions regarding their struggles and best practices while working with marginalized populations in which they are or are not a member. Results: Responses included concerns regarding bidirectional trust, community norms, perceived bias, diversity and participant recruitment and compensation. We explore the benefits of qualitative understandings of bias (i.e. positionality, reflexivity), salient concerns reported by quantitative researchers, and our recommendations for the ethical inclusion of these practices across quantitative work. Conclusions: This paper contributes to understanding of current struggles and best practices while conducting research among marginalized populations. Additionally, we encourage quantitative researchers to engage in reflexive research practices, particularly for the benefit of marginalized group research. We extend the insider-outsider researcher discussion to quantitative researchers.

Firearm Experiences, Behaviors, and Norms Among Rural Adolescents

Rural adolescents are at high risk for firearm-related injury, yet most existing prevention efforts are informed by research conducted in urban areas. Despite the need to account for rural perspectives, few studies have investigated the unique social ecological context of firearms for rural adolescents or have directly engaged with rural adolescents to understand their views on firearm use. To describe rural adolescents' firearm behaviors and perceptions of firearm-related social norms within their communities, peer groups, and families. This cross-sectional study used a convergent mixed-methods design and involved a community-based participatory research approach. Participants comprised 93 adolescents residing in rural Washington state and enrolled in a county or tribal reservation 4-H youth development program as an intermediate or senior age-level grouping (ie, aged 12-19 years). Adolescents completed a survey and participated in a semistructured focus group or interview between September 1, 2021, and September 30, 2022. Data were analyzed using descriptive and thematic analysis. Individual handgun behavior and peer, family, and community perceptions of firearm-related social norms. The sample included 93 adolescents (mean [SD] age, 15.7 [1.7] years; 49 female participants [52.7%]). Approximately half of participants (52 [55.9%]) had carried a handgun at some point in their lives, with a mean (SD) age at first carry of 10.9 (3.1) years. Primary themes across quantitative and qualitative data focused on social norms (specifically, acceptable and unacceptable ways to engage with firearms, reasons for carrying firearms, and places to carry a firearm). In this cross-sectional study, rural adolescents in 4-H programs generally understood acceptable and unacceptable firearm carrying behaviors, which aligned with state laws. Findings provide context for rural adolescent behaviors such as carrying a firearm predominantly for prosocial reasons (hunting, recreation, and sport) and adult behavior such as carrying for protection of person and personal property. Understanding firearm-related social norms in rural communities holds implications for firearm injury prevention efforts, especially related to enhancing training, developing norms-based prevention approaches, and tailoring efforts to rural settings.

Gender-Sensitive Approaches In Women's Involvement In Constitution-Making And Peacebuilding Processes In South Sudan

Constitutions play a pivotal role in shaping the political, economic, and social equality of both women and men. As the supreme law, they establish the state's framework, allocate political authority, delineate governance systems, dictate leadership selection, and safeguard fundamental rights. Constitutional reform presents a unique chance to reshape governance structures by enshrining women's rights, incorporating inclusive language, and establishing institutions that ensure and advance gender equality. In South Sudan, akin to many African nations, a pluralistic legal system merges customary practices, religious laws, common law, and statutory regulations. While customary and religious laws hold recognition, they remain unwritten, flexible, and often linked to ethnic concerns, varying across communities. Rooted in generations of tradition, these laws seek to uphold positive community values and norms. However, they frequently disadvantage women, despite the presence of traditional justice mechanisms that some argue are more accessible, cost-effective, prompt, and culturally apt. These alternative justice systems are deeply entrenched in patriarchal norms, often excluding women from comprehensive rights, including equitable participation in governance and decision-making bodies. Drawing lessons from post-conflict nations, this paper contends that the transformative potential of constitutions materializes when women capitalize on constitution reform opportunities to redefine the constitutional community's ambit, compelling the state to honor, safeguard, and fulfill women's rights

Enactivist Distributed Cognition, and the Role of Distributed Social Practices in Social Change

I support much of Maiese and Hanna’s (M&H) account of the ways social institutions “mindshape” people’s cognition (values, meanings, affective framings, and habits of bodily comportment), and of the ways neoliberal individualism can be resisted and progressive social change can be enacted. But the overall approach can be augmented, I argue, if M&H would embrace an enactivist account of socially distributed and collective cognition, and action, in which cognitive systems include but are not limited to individuals. Complementing M&H’s focus on top-down “repressive” forms of power, with also “ideological” forms of power that are distributed throughout social communities and their discursive practices, symbolic resources, and shared meanings would enable M&H to see not just top-down mindshaping by institutions, but also peer-to-peer mindshaping between members of distributed normative social practices. This analysis also entails that diverse institutions are often composed of many differing communities and practices, such that institutions are not wholly destructive and deforming nor wholly constructive and enabling. It also augments their largely top-down account of social change with the kinds of social change enacted through peer-to-peer interactions between members of different communities, whose iterated interactions over time embody competition (differing distributions of repressive and ideological power) between different normative communities with different practices, especially through heterodox communities of resistance, offering liberatory and “enabling” social practices as alternatives to dominant orthodox “deforming” social practices.

Masks Down: Diplomacy and Regime Stability in the Post‐Covid‐19 Era

Natural disasters can create peaceful diplomatic interactions between conflicting parties, be they warring states or warring domestic factions. Advocates of “disaster diplomacy” argue that while events such as epidemics, earthquakes, floods, windstorms, and tsunamis result in human tragedies, they also generate opportunities for international cooperation, even between enemies. Conversely, natural disasters can also create rifts between friends and allies. Case studies of individual disasters show that while these events sometimes facilitate diplomatic efforts, they may also emphasize existing differences, creating rifts and exacerbating conflicts. The Covid-19 pandemic represents a unique opportunity to test the disaster diplomacy hypothesis on a rare global health crisis that affected many nations of various regime types and with various relations between them. We argue that pandemics and large-scale emergencies can change the rules of the diplomatic game by exposing states’ genuine interests while disregarding international community norms. As such, the Covid-19 pandemic is tearing off the masks from states’ faces, opening paths to cooperation with unexpected partners while creating rifts between yesterday’s allies. We thus argue that post-Covid-19 diplomacy may be characterized by previously rare tendencies such as “trading with the enemy” on the one hand and abandonment of international agreements on the other. Moreover, on the domestic front, such crises tend to exhibit strong fluctuations in regime type, with a clear shift toward populist parties. Additionally, this article provides two alternative explanations for these phenomena and offers an in-depth analysis of two case studies.

FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI PENGGUNAAN KONTRASEPSI IUD (Intra Uterine Device) DI PUSKESMAS TINGGEDE

The Family Planning (FP) program has been proven to be one of the most effective efforts to reduce maternal mortality rates. This study aims to identify factors influencing the use of intrauterine device (IUD) contraception in Tinggede Community Health Center, Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi Province in 2024. The study uses a cross-sectional analytical method with a sample size of 130 FP acceptors at Tinggede Community Health Center. The results show that knowledge, attitude, and the husband's support significantly influence the use of IUD. The higher the knowledge, attitude, and husband's support, the higher the rate of IUD usage. The study also finds that subjective norms do not significantly influence the use of IUD. This indicates that community norms do not greatly affect women's decisions to use IUDs. In conclusion, knowledge, attitude, and the husband's support are important factors influencing the use of IUD at Tinggede Community Health Center, Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi Province. Therefore, efforts are needed to improve husbands' knowledge and support for IUD to increase the use of this contraceptive method in the community. Keywords: IUD, knowledge, attitude, subjective norms, husband's support

Preventing Child Sexual Abuse and the Use of Child Sexual Abuse Materials: Following up on the German Prevention Project Dunkelfeld.

Sexual interest in minors (i.e., pedophilia and hebephilia) is considered a risk factor for Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) and the use of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). This study examined the long-term development of CSA, CSAM use, associated cognitions, and quality of life among self-referred, help-seeking individuals diagnosed with pedophilic or hebephilic disorder (PHD) outside the judicial system. Of the 110 eligible men who had undergone therapy for PHD due to psychological distress or risk of offending, 56 were available for follow-up assessment 1-11 years after treatment. Behavioral manifestations, offense-supportive cognitions, and quality of life were evaluated using interviews and psychometric measures. At follow-up, 7.7% of participants with a history of CSA had re-offended, whereas 89.1% of previous CSAM users reported recidivism, although with less severe material. No new CSA offenses occurred among those without prior CSA. Treatment led to increased cognitive victim empathy and reductions in CSA-supportive and CSAM-supportive attitudes, but only the latter improvement persisted through follow-up. Participants exhibited elevated CSA-supportive attitudes relative to community norms at all time points and diminished quality of life at follow-up. Pedophilic and hebephilic disorder carry a persistent risk of sexual offending, particularly regarding CSAM use. Therapeutic gains in offense-supportive cognitions may erode over time without ongoing care. A comprehensive public health approach encompassing early detection, prevention, and expanded treatment access that addresses both the risk of reoffending and overall well-being is crucial for reducing sexual victimization and improving mental health outcomes for individuals from this target group.

Research on the Factors Influencing the Epidemic Resilience of Urban Communities in China in the Post-Epidemic Era

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are gradually realizing that urban community resilience is pivotal for effectively managing public health emergencies. This study employed grounded theory to establish a theoretical framework for epidemic resilience of urban communities (ERUC) in the post-pandemic era. Subsequently, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL)-interpretive structural modeling (ISM) method is utilized to discern the significance and hierarchical interrelations among influencing factors. The findings delineate that 14 determinants shaping ERUC are organized into five distinct tiers. Notably, nine determinants emerge as principal: vulnerable group; educational attainment; risk perception; medical insurance coverage; communal norms; community emergency response; community services; resident participation; and government efficacy. Among these, the vulnerable group and government efficiency are identified as foundational factors, while medical insurance coverage, resident participation, and community infrastructure are identified as direct influences.

Pencabulan terhadap Anak dalam Tinjauan Hukum Pidana Islam dan Undang-Undang Nomor 35 Tahun 2014 (Studi Kasus di Desa Manambin Kecamatan Kotanopan)

This study aims to investigate the perspective of Islamic criminal law and Law No. 35 of 2014 on cases of violence against children in Manambin Village, Kotanopan Regency. This study uses empirical law and case study methodology. We engage in direct communication with those working in the field to ascertain the source of the problem. The results of this study indicate that ta'zir is the right punishment for those who commit acts of violence against children. A fine of up to five million rupiah and a prison sentence of five to fifteen years are the penalties for violating the rules and laws relating to child protection. The findings of this study are expected to inform community norms in responding to child abuse and neglect.

School District Leader Perspectives on Surveying Middle School Youth About Sexual Violence.

Schools are important contexts for preventing sexual violence (SV) among adolescents. Evaluating whether programming is effective requires surveying youth about SV experiences. However, school communities often have concerns about asking students, particularly those in middle school, about these experiences. This study sought to understand the types of concerns that school district leaders have related to surveying middle school students about SV and to identify ways to mitigate these concerns. We conducted semi-structured interviews with superintendents and school board members (n = 19) across Washington State and used inductive thematic analysis. Concerns regarding surveying students about SV centered around 3 main themes: community norms and misconceptions, parental/caregiver discomfort, and survey language and administration. Concerns were particularly salient for sixth-grade students. Suggestions for mitigating concerns included: providing clear motivation and reframing messaging to community members, involving parents and students in the survey process, and modifying survey language and administration. Researchers administering surveys to middle school students on sensitive topics including SV may face pushback and must consider flexible approaches to allow research and evaluation to be conducted.

Food inequity and insecurity and MASLD: burden, challenges, and interventions.

Liver disease prevalence, severity, outcomes and hepatic risk factors (for example, unhealthy diet) are heavily affected by socioeconomic status and food insecurity. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent liver disease globally and is likely to co-occur with other liver diseases associated with food insecurity. Though weight reduction and adopting a healthy diet can reverse the course of MASLD, gaps between recommendations and practice transcend individual responsibility and preference. Broader sociocultural determinants of food choices (social nutrition) include food insecurity, community and social norms and the local environment, including commercial pressures that target people experiencing poverty, ethnic minorities and children. Food insecurity is a barrier to a healthy diet, as a low-quality diet is often less expensive than a healthy one. Consequently, food insecurity is an 'upstream' risk factor for MASLD, advanced fibrosis and greater all-cause mortality among patients with liver disease. Intervening on food insecurity at four major levels (environment, policy, community and health care) can reduce the burden of liver disease, thereby reducing social and health inequities. In this Review, we report on the current research in the field, the need for implementing proven interventions, and the role liver specialists can have.

The Westerman Aboriginal Symptom Checklist – Youth Version: national data from a clinical sample of Aboriginal youth

ABSTRACT Objectives To produce national clinical norms for WASC-Y, examine the internal consistency of the WASC-Y scales, compare scores from a clinical sample with previously published community sample data, and test the degree to which other scales predict the Suicide Scale. Method We analysed WASC-Y data from 1226 Aboriginal youth who had presented to mental health services between 2007 and 2022 and compared their scores to the original community norms. Results Our sample shows a higher level of mental health risk than does the normative sample that varied according to gender. We found high levels of suicidal behaviour in the clinical sample: 41.5% admitted to thoughts of suicide and 25.0% reported one or more suicide attempts. One in 23 reported a high likelihood that they would attempt suicide again. Knowing someone who has suicided was associated with higher Suicide Risk. Linear modelling showed that Suicide Risk is predicted by a combination of all other WASC-Y scales and gender, with females at higher risk than males. There is emerging evidence that Cultural Resilience provides some mitigation of Suicide Risk. Conclusions Our data provide the first culturally and psychometrically valid national mental health profile of Aboriginal youth accessing mental health services, including separate clinical norms for males and females. Aboriginal youth present with serious levels of suicide and mental health risk that urgently require improved access to clinically and culturally competent services. Our findings provide evidence of construct validity, in that scale scores showed meaningful associations with each other and with other variables in expected ways.