Contextual Factors Shaping Research Articles

Assimilating IFRS into Yemen’s accounting curriculum: a diffusion of innovations approach to understanding adoption challenges

PurposeThis study examines the factors influencing the integration of international financial reporting standards (IFRS) into accounting curricula in Yemen, a developing economy in a post-conflict setting. It applies Rogers’ diffusion of innovation theory to understand adoption challenges.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional survey collected data from 133 accounting faculty members across Yemeni universities. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test a multilevel model incorporating faculty characteristics, institutional factors and practical barriers as predictors of perceived IFRS coverage.FindingsThe results demonstrate that faculty characteristics positively affect perceived IFRS coverage, while practical barriers negatively impact both institutional factors and perceived coverage. Contrary to expectations, institutional factors did not significantly influence perceived IFRS coverage. A multigroup analysis revealed differences between professional certificate holders and non-certificate holders in their perceptions of IFRS adoption factors.Practical implicationsThe findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to IFRS integration in accounting education. Policymakers and universities should focus on faculty development initiatives, address practical obstacles and create a supportive institutional environment to enable successful IFRS assimilation. The study also suggests a potential role for audit firms and regulatory bodies in supporting IFRS integration.Originality/valueThis study provides a contextualized application of the diffusion of innovation theory to understand IFRS integration dynamics in a post-conflict developing economy. It offers valuable insights into the complex interplay of individual, institutional and contextual factors shaping IFRS adoption in accounting curricula, particularly in challenging environments.

A triadic model of job retention and turnover dynamics in the hospitality industry

Purpose This study aims to examine key factors influencing hospitality employee turnover in a post-pandemic context, challenging conventional assumptions about the role of demographics and work-related factors in retention decisions. Design/methodology/approach The research adopted a comprehensive framework using the capability approach and geospatial data analysis, integrating social vulnerability indexes with survey responses from 797 hospitality employees. This study analyzed turnover intentions across demographics, job roles and regions, focusing on Florida’s I-4 corridor. Findings Individual conversion factors like age and marital status were the strongest predictors of turnover, with older and married employees less likely to leave their jobs. In contrast, traditional variables like income, education and job type did not significantly influence turnover intentions. The pandemic blurred distinctions between job roles, highlighting personal circumstances, health risks and economic pressures as critical factors. Contrary to expectations, financial assistance did not significantly reduce turnover intentions. In addition, employees’ life circumstances, such as social vulnerability, influence labor relations and turnover more than work-related conditions. Research limitations/implications This study enriches turnover literature by confirming that personal life circumstances, like age and marital status, are pivotal in understanding employee retention. It challenges conventional demographic and work-related predictors and urges future research to explore the interaction between personal and professional factors in the hospitality industry. The study’s agent-based framework deepens the understanding of how various factors shape employee decisions to stay or leave. Practical implications The findings suggest that hospitality employers must develop more localized, employee-centric retention strategies, especially for younger employees. Tailored approaches considering regional and demographic differences, such as providing career development opportunities and flexible work conditions, could foster long-term loyalty. In rural areas, retention efforts should focus on improving job satisfaction and community support, while in urban areas, strategies prioritize career progression and flexibility. Social implications The study’s findings have significant social implications, particularly in reshaping how employee retention strategies are developed in the hospitality industry. By emphasizing life circumstances over traditional work-related factors, the research highlights the importance of supporting employees’ resilience, especially for those facing social vulnerability. Employers may need to create more flexible and inclusive policies that account for personal, economic and health-related challenges. In addition, the findings suggest that financial aid alone is insufficient in reducing turnover, calling for a more holistic approach that integrates emotional and social support to foster a more stable and loyal workforce. Originality/value This study challenges traditional turnover models by shifting focus from work-related factors to life circumstances, particularly the resilience of older and married employees. It integrates three dimensions – personal (sociodemographics), social (support) and environmental (job type, pandemic challenges) – to examine their influence on employee agency. This triadic framework offers insights into how individual, social and contextual factors shape turnover decisions.

Developing a compassionate university: Insights from a longitudinal process evaluation

Compassionate communities are gaining momentum as a new public health approach emphasizing community support during times of serious illness, death, and bereavement. However, evidence on their development, particularly in higher education, is limited. This study investigates the development of a Compassionate University, examining the underlying processes and contextual factors shaping its development. A longitudinal process evaluation was conducted, using field notes right-now surveys, individual interviews, focus groups, and strategic learning debriefs. Factors that facilitated the development process included leadership support, the establishment of the Compassionate Schools Learning Network, and alignment with existing university programs. Barriers were the lack of guiding examples, the fragmented university environment, resource constraints, and limited prioritization. Cognitive and social processes that supported the work involved recognizing the value of Compassionate University and adapting implementation strategies based on empirical feedback. However, challenges such as building coherence, engaging stakeholders, and assessing the work hampered the development process.

Justifying Political Violence: African American Attitudes Toward Protests Against Police Attacks on Black People

Concern over the breadth of support for political violence is rising among scholars. However, important unanswered questions remain: First, are attitudes toward political violence, as commonly measured, too abstract to have any real-life meaning? Second, how do ever-present contextual factors shape judgments in the events in which violence materializes? Third, given that African Americans are so often on the receiving end of violence, how supportive are Black people of the use of political violence? Finally, what accounts for variability among Black people in attitudes toward violence—what role is played by experiences with unfair treatment by the police and in-group attachments and identities? Based on a nationally representative panel survey of African Americans, I provide empirical answers to each of these important questions. Black support for political violence is indeed connected to both identities and experiences, as well as to core values such as support for the rule of law.

Developing a Text‐Based Measure of Humility in Inquiry Using Computational Grounded Theory

ABSTRACTWe describe a project in which we develop a text‐based measure of HI in the context of scholarly communication using corpora of scientific publications. The data and analytic approach we use will circumvent known concerns with self‐reported data on humility levels and will be calculable on a large scale. We use a computational grounded theory approach to develop a text‐based measure of HI. We draw from an annotated corpus of scientific articles in economics, psychology, and sociology (2010–2023), generating three supra‐dimensions of HI (Epistemic, Rhetorical, and Transparent) and several novel sub‐codes of HI. We present our initial analysis with a focus on the three dimensions of HI derived from a computational grounded theory approach. The text‐based measure helps us better understand how contextual factors shape HI and contribute to mixed methods in information science research.

Beyond individual factors: a critical ethnographic account of urban residential fire risks, experiences, and responses in single-room occupancy (SRO) housing

BackgroundBurn injuries are a significant public health concern, closely linked to housing conditions and socioeconomic status. Residents in socioeconomically deprived neighbourhoods are at increased risk of exposure to hazards due to older and poorer housing conditions and limited access to fire protection measures. Individual behaviours such as substance use, smoking, and hoarding are often highlighted as primary causes of residential fires, overshadowing the broader socioeconomic and structural factors that also play a significant role in housing safety. This paper explores the correlation between inadequate housing conditions and heightened fire risks leading to burn injuries, focusing on the contextual factors shaping everyday urban fire risks, experiences, and responses of residents living in Single-Room Occupancy (SRO) housing in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side (DTES) and staff working in the fire, health, housing (social and private), and non-profit sectors.MethodsAs part of an ongoing ethnographic study, we partnered with the Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) to conduct participant observations in private, non-profit, and government-owned SROs, modular homes, and a temporary shelter. This paper synthesizes insights from participant observations from the first author’s self-reflexive journals, including informal conversations with approximately fifty-nine individuals such as SRO tenants, SRO managers/caretakers, health workers, burn survivors, municipal staff, not-for-profit staff, and firefighters.ResultsUrgent housing-related issues contributing to inequitable everyday urban fire risks were identified, such as structural deficiencies in SRO buildings and systems, inadequate waste management and storage, and inequitable approaches to addressing hoarding. Additionally, disparities in access to information and the interaction between interpersonal and structural stigmas were significant factors, underscoring the pressing need for intervention.ConclusionCommunities like DTES, facing precarious housing conditions, disadvantaged neighbourhoods, and complex health and social challenges, necessitate a comprehensive and holistic approach to fire prevention and safety. Recognizing the interplay between housing instability, mental and physical health issues, unregulated toxic drug supply, drug criminalization, and structural inequities allows practitioners from various sectors to develop contextually driven fire prevention strategies. This multifaceted approach transcends individual-level behaviour change and is crucial for addressing the complex issues contributing to fire risks in underserved communities.

Prevalence of current suicidal thoughts and lifetime suicide attempts in individuals with cancer and other chronic diseases in Germany: Evidence for differential associations from a representative community cohort

BackgroundResearch indicates an elevated risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) among individuals with cancer, but community-based studies on the prevalence of STBs in comparison to the general population and other chronic diseases are lacking. MethodsData was drawn from the representative population-based, prospective Gutenberg Health Study (GHS). Participants (N = 12,382; age: M = 59.5, SD = 10.8; 48.9 % women) completed highly standardized medical assessments and validated questionnaires such as the PHQ-9. In addition to prevalence estimates (stratified by STBs and gender), logistic regression models were calculated (controlling for confounders). ResultsThe sample included 1910 individuals with cancer, 8.2 % of whom reported current suicidal thoughts and 2.0 % reported lifetime suicide attempts. There was neither a significant association between a cancer diagnosis and suicidal thoughts (p = .077) nor suicide attempts (p = .17) in models adjusting for age, gender, and income. Other chronic diseases were linked to suicidal thoughts and attempts only in men. LimitationsAlthough the investigation of the two kinds of STB are a strength of the study, the items' different time frames complicate comparisons. In addition, the cross-sectional design limits the ability to understand observed relationships and to identify periods of risk. ConclusionThis study expands the evidence base regarding the vulnerability to STBs in individuals with cancer, including long-term survivors. It highlights their heterogeneity, differential risk factors underlying suicidal thoughts and attempts, and the relevance of other (contextual) factors shaping an individual's susceptibility to suicidal crises.

What attributes of digital devices are important to clinicians in rehabilitation? A cross-cultural best-worst scaling study

BackgroundDigital interventions are becoming increasingly popular in rehabilitation. Understanding of device features which impact clinician adoption and satisfaction is limited. Research in the field should be conducted across diverse settings to ensure digital interventions do not exacerbate healthcare inequities. ObjectiveThis study aimed to understand rehabilitation clinicians’ preferences regarding device attributes and included a cross-cultural comparison. Materials and MethodsChoice experiment methodology (best-worst scaling) was used to survey rehabilitation clinicians across Australia and Brazil. Participants completed 10 best-worst questions, choosing the most and least important device attributes from subsets of 31 attributes in a partially balanced block design. Results were analysed using multinomial models by country and latent class. Attribute preference scores (PS) were scaled to 0–100 (least to most important). ResultsA total of 122 clinicians from Brazil and 104 clinicians from Australia completed the survey. Most respondents were physiotherapists (83%) working with neurological populations (51%) in the private/self-employed sector (51%) who had experience using rehabilitation devices (87%). Despite preference heterogeneity across country and work sector (public/not-for-profit versus private/self-employed/other), clinicians consistently prioritised patient outcomes (PS 100.0, 95%CI: 86.2–100.0), patient engagement (PS 93.9, 95%CI: 80.6–94.2), usability (PS 81.3, 95%CI: 68.8–82.5), research evidence (PS 80.4, 95%CI: 68.1–81.7) and risk (PS 75.7, 95%CI: 63.8–77.3). In Australia, clinicians favoured device attributes which facilitate increased therapy dosage (PS 79.2, 95%CI: 62.6–81.1) and encourage patient independent practice (PS 66.8, 95%CI: 52.0–69.2). In Brazil, clinicians preferred attributes enabling device use for providing clinical data (PS 67.6, 95%CI: 51.8–70.9) and conducting clinical assessments (PS 65.6, 95%CI: 50.2–68.8). ConclusionClinicians prioritise patients’ needs and practical application over technical aspects of digital rehabilitation devices. Contextual factors shape clinician preferences rather than individual clinician characteristics. Future device design and research should consider preferences and influences, involving diverse stakeholders to account for context-driven variations across cultures and healthcare settings.

Navigating vaccination choices: The intersecting dynamics of institutional trust, belonging and message perception among Congolese migrants in London, UK (a reflexive thematic analysis).

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted intersectionally marginalised migrants, revealing systemic disparities in health outcomes and vaccine uptake. Understanding the underlying social and structural factors influencing health behaviours is necessary to develop tailored interventions for migrants, but these factors have been seldom explored. This qualitative study aimed to explore contextual factors shaping COVID-19 vaccination decision-making among Congolese migrants in the UK.A community-based participatory research study was designed and led by a community-academic partnership in London, UK (2021-2022). Peer-led, semi-structured interviews were conducted in Lingala with 32 adult Congolese migrants and explored beliefs, perceptions and lived experiences of migration, healthcare, vaccination and the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflexive thematic analysis generated two themes and a model conceptualising the vaccination decision-making process. Participants and community partners were financially compensated; ethics was granted by the University of London ethics committee (REC: 2021.0128).Participants highlighted the incompatibility of lockdown restrictions with their communal culture, which intensified feelings of exclusion and alienation. Concerns about COVID-19 vaccination were attributed to safety and effectiveness, partly informed by experiences and legacies of racial discrimination and exploitation. Inequality in the pandemic response and COVID-19 outcomes heightened participants' sense that their views and needs were being overlooked, and government sources and information were perceived as coercive. Our model depicts the interplay between institutional trust, belonging, and message perception, which shaped participants' vaccination decisions and led to (non-)engagement with COVID-19 vaccination. This research enhances understanding of how social and contextual factors may influence migrants' engagement with health interventions. It underscores the importance of partnering with migrant communities to understand their needs in context and co-design tailored interventions and inclusive messaging strategies that promote trust and belonging. Implementing systemic changes to address structural inequalities will be crucial to create an environment that supports engagement with health-protective behaviours and enhances health outcomes among migrant communities.

Концептуализация феномена негативной идентичности

This article provides a systematic analysis of research devoted to the study of various aspects of social identity in order to determine the theoretical framework for studying the phenomenon of negative identity within the framework of sociology. The following theories are considered: social identity, realistic conflict of identity uncer-tainty. The theory of social identity constitutes a conceptual model elucidating how individuals define their iden-tities through affiliation with social groups, emphasizing the significance of social categories and stereotypes in identity formation. The theory of realistic conflict offers an approach to analyzing conflicts based on the prem-ise that they arise from struggles for material, “realistic” values and resources, even when groups are nominally divided. The theory of identity uncertainty, in turn, focuses on situations wherein individuals encounter difficul-ties in defining their identities, encompassing the concept of “entitativeness” within its scope. In synthesizing these theoretical perspectives, this article offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the multifacet-ed nature of negative identity within sociological discourse. By elucidating the underlying mechanisms and contextual factors shaping negative identity formation, scholars can advance theoretical and empirical inquiries into this complex phenomenon.

Exploring the professional role identities of English for academic purposes practitioners: a qualitative study

Abstract While English for Academic Purposes (EAP) has developed theoretically and empirically over the past decades, there are few documented studies on EAP practitioners’ identities. Our study examined 12 Iranian EAP practitioners’ role identities (as one type of identity) in light of the conceptualization of English for specific purposes (ESP) practitioner roles. Adopting a qualitative approach, the study revealed the role of various contextual factors shaping the practitioners’ role identities as being EAP practitioner agents of transformative education, being a course designer and the quest for needs analysis, being a materials provider and managing the oscillations, being a collaborator and the lack of collegiate connection, being a researcher and dispositional variations, and finally being an evaluator and dynamic assessors. The study provides implications regarding how policy and planning shape practitioners’ role identities and suggests future lines of inquiry to build the associated scholarship.

Teacher emotions and the emotional labour of modern language (ML) teachers working in UK secondary schools.

The present paper seeks to explore the contextual factors shaping the emotional labour experiences of secondary school teachers and explain the ways these educators manage their emotions. Data were generated through a series of 20 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with modern language (ML) teachers in the UK. The findings showed that teachers experienced primarily negative forms of emotional labour and these experiences were driven by five interrelated contextual factors: the lack of institutional support, heavy workload, low perceived status of MLs, students' lack of motivation, and classroom misbehaviour. To manage their emotions, the study reveals that teachers used a wide range of coping mechanisms such as suppression, venting, social support, positive reframing, and the development of positive student-teacher relationships. In light of our results, we call for the emotional dimension of teaching to be better integrated into training programmes, an improvement in working conditions and better support mechanisms for teachers.

The nexus of women and ‘Clan Crime’: unravelling the dynamics and constraints

AbstractDespite its prominence in public debate, scholars have given little attention to women’s roles in ‘clan crime’ in Germany. This article aims to bridge this gap through in-depth ethnographic fieldwork and 18 interviews conducted with women from various ‘clans’ throughout the country. These women are part of the al-Rashidiyya community with origins in Mardin, Turkey. Adopting an anthropological perspective, I seek to uncover the underlying historical, cultural, social, and contextual factors shaping women’s participation in ‘clan crime’, whether through indirect support or direct involvement. My findings reveal that women play a crucial, albeit often hidden, role in ‘clan’ dynamics and criminal activities, which frequently go unrecorded by the police. Although they are unlikely to hold leadership positions, women exert their influence through other means, such as shaping their children’s behavior, actively encouraging their sons to engage in criminal activities, or transmitting criminal norms and roles through socialization. Women themselves may also engage in crimes such as money laundering and financial fraud. By shedding light on these dynamics and emphasizing the importance of gender dynamics in the broader study of criminal groups, I expand our understanding of organized crime and similar clan-like mafia structures.

Examining the Factors Influencing Tsunami Evacuation Action Selection in Thailand: A Comprehensive Study Involving Local Residents, Non-Local Workers, and Travelers

Tsunamis are a substantial natural threat in Thailand, as evidenced by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Effective evacuation is vital to reduce casualties and property damage. However, despite improved warning systems, high death tolls still occur, indicating complex evacuation behavior influenced by various factors. This study examines these factors among diverse groups in Phuket and Phang Nga, Thailand. A survey of 1000 locals, non-local workers, and travelers assesses threat and coping appraisals, past tsunami experiences, gender, age, and tsunami evacuation intention and action selection. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the data based on the hypotheses related to the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). The results of the analyses show that threat and coping appraisals significantly predict tsunami evacuation intention, and gender influences threat perception related to evacuation. Variations among respondent types emphasize the need for tailored disaster preparedness and response strategies. This study offers crucial insights for policymakers, emergency responders, and disaster management stakeholders, underlining the significance of further research into the intricate interplay of individual and contextual factors shaping tsunami evacuation behavior.

Integration of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine into the Essential Programme on Immunisation in western Kenya: a qualitative longitudinal study from the health system perspective

Malaria accounts for over half a million child deaths annually. WHO recommends RTS,S/AS01 to prevent malaria in children living in moderate-to-high malaria transmission regions. We conducted a qualitative longitudinal study to investigate the contextual and dynamic factors shaping vaccine delivery and uptake during a pilot introduction in western Kenya. The study was conducted between Oct 3, 2019, and Mar 24, 2022. We conducted participant and non-participant observations and in-depth interviews with health-care providers, health managers, and national policymakers at three timepoints using an iterative approach and observations of practices and processes of malaria vaccine delivery. Transcripts were coded by content analysis using the consolidated framework for implementation research, to which emerging themes were added deductively and categorised into challenges and opportunities. We conducted 112 in-depth interviews with 60 participants (25 health-care providers, 27 managers, and eight policy makers). Health-care providers highlighted limitations in RTS,S/AS01 integration into routine immunisation services due to the concurrent pilot evaluation and temporary adaptations for health reporting. Initial challenges related to the complexity of the four-dose schedule (up to 24-months); however, self-efficacy increased over time as the health-care providers gained experience in vaccine delivery. Low uptake of the fourth dose remained a challenge. Health managers cited insufficient trained immunisation staff and inadequate funding for supervision. Confidence in the vaccine increased among all participant groups owing to reductions in malaria frequency and severity. Integration of RTS,S/AS01 into immunisation services in western Kenya presented substantial operational challenges most of which were overcome in the first 2 years, providing important lessons for other countries. Programme expansion is feasible with intensive staff training and retention, enhanced supervision, and defaulter-tracing to ensure uptake of all doses. PATH via World Health Organization; Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; The Global Fund; and Unitaid.

Educational reforms and their impact on student performance: A review in African Countries

This comprehensive review delves into the educational reforms implemented across various African countries and assesses their impact on student performance. With a focus on the evolving educational landscape in the continent, this study aims to analyze the multifaceted reforms undertaken by diverse nations and their implications for student learning outcomes. The African continent has witnessed a dynamic shift in educational policies and practices over the years, driven by a commitment to enhance the quality and relevance of education. The paper scrutinizes the diverse reforms, encompassing curriculum modifications, teacher training initiatives, and advancements in educational technology. By examining these reforms through a critical lens, the review aims to provide nuanced insights into their effectiveness and the underlying factors influencing their outcomes. The impact of educational reforms on student performance serves as a central theme, emphasizing the need to go beyond mere policy implementation and delve into the tangible effects on learners. The review considers various performance metrics, including standardized test scores, graduation rates, and qualitative assessments, to offer a comprehensive evaluation of the reforms' success. Furthermore, the paper explores the contextual factors shaping the implementation and outcomes of educational reforms in African countries. Socio-economic disparities, cultural influences, and infrastructural challenges play pivotal roles in shaping the trajectory of reforms. By acknowledging these complexities, the review contributes to a deeper understanding of the intersection between policy initiatives and the diverse contexts in which they are implemented. In conclusion, this review presents a comprehensive analysis of educational reforms in African countries and their direct impact on student performance. The nuanced examination of policies, practices, and contextual influences provides a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and researchers seeking to navigate the intricate landscape of educational transformations in the African context. The findings presented in this review aim to inform future educational strategies, fostering a more equitable and effective learning environment for students across the continent.

Not your average candidate: overqualified job applicants in the eyes of hiring practitioners

PurposeEarly research on overqualification suggested that overqualification is primarily associated with negative attitudes and behavior. As a consequence, hiring practitioners were advised against hiring overqualified job applicants. However, recent studies have revealed that there are several potential positive consequences of overqualification. Given this change in perspective on overqualification, we examine how hiring practitioners nowadays look at overqualified job applicants, and what their considerations are for hiring an overqualified job applicant or not.Design/methodology/approachWe have interviewed 33 hiring practitioners to examine their attitudes and considerations toward hiring overqualified job applicants.FindingsResults show that hiring practitioners are aware of potential positive as well as negative consequences of overqualification and consider a variety of factors to assess how beneficial hiring an overqualified candidate will be. These factors fall under three categories: Individual considerations, interpersonal considerations and contextual considerations.Originality/valueWe show that overqualification is not a stigma anymore and that the decision to hire an overqualified job applicant or not depends on a mixture of factors that are carefully considered. Two of these three considerations transcend the individual level (i.e. the overqualified person), whereas most research and theories on the consequences of overqualification do not go beyond the individual level. As such, our findings call for more theory and research on interpersonal and contextual factors shaping the consequences of overqualification.

Cultural orientation, social support, and discrimination in regard to adjustment among foreign workers in Denmark

With contemporary acceleration of globalization, both majority and minority groups are experiencing increased intercultural contact. Globalization has motivated an expanding number of foreign workers, who are psychologically and socioculturally adjusting to new cultural contexts. Such adjustment, which represents a component of acculturation, centers on heritage cultural maintenance and destination cultural acquisition. During acculturation, foreign workers’ cultural orientation is modified through interaction with others and through the extent to which one feels included and supported within the local and national contexts of reception. In the present study, experiences of social support and discrimination were examined as mediating the associations of cultural orientation with both psychological and sociocultural adjustment difficulties among foreign workers in Denmark (N = 259). Results indicate that heritage cultural orientation was positively, and Danish cultural orientation negatively, associated with sociocultural difficulties. Furthermore, perceived discrimination was positively associated with perceived stress and with sociocultural difficulties. Danish cultural orientation was indirectly linked with lower levels of stress and sociocultural difficulties through social support from friends. The present study contributes to our understanding of the dynamic and complex interplay among individual and contextual factors shaping foreign workers’ intercultural adjustment. Results highlight how interpersonal conditions, in the form of social support and discrimination, can affect psychosocial adjustment and, consequently, the retention of foreign workers within a given country.

Rethinking maternal gatekeeping from a life‐course perspective: A study of post‐separation families

AbstractObjectiveThe article examines how maternal gatekeeping practices evolve in the post‐separation trajectory and identifies the main relational and contextual factors shaping these processes over time.BackgroundStudies of maternal gatekeeping have only recently begun to include post‐separation families based on cross‐sectional research designs. This article is theoretically grounded in a life‐course and human agency framework, and it both offers a novel understanding of maternal gatekeeping as a dynamic process and examines its relational embeddedness.MethodsThe data stem from the prospective qualitative study “The multiple paths of lone parenthood,” which has been ongoing in Switzerland for over a decade and includes four waves of semistructured interviews with mothers who have experienced lone parenthood (N = 88 interviews).ResultsMost mothers reported active facilitation practices at the beginning of their trajectory, encouraging the father–child relationship. Subsequently, shifts toward hands‐off or active gate‐closing practices took place over time along with the evolution of relational circumstances, such as the father's involvement or children's autonomy, or by an accumulation of negative experiences.ConclusionThe relationship with the nonresident father creates ongoing moral dilemmas for mothers over the post‐separation trajectory. Indeed, these mothers must navigate social norms that emphasize the importance of ensuring father–child contact while safeguarding the child's well‐being and ensuring that the father complies with visitation arrangements and alimony.ImplicationsProfessional support and legal regulations should consider the moral dilemmas experienced by mothers by establishing measures to relieve separated mothers of the need to take the initiative to obtain the father's compliance with their obligations.

REVIEW OF TELECOMMUNICATION REGULATION AND POLICY: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS USA AND AFRICA

This paper presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of telecommunication regulation and policy frameworks in the United States (USA) and various African countries. Telecommunications play a pivotal role in socio-economic development, and the regulatory environment significantly influences the sector's performance. The study explores the historical evolution, regulatory bodies, and frameworks in both regions, aiming to identify commonalities, disparities, and the impact of regulatory approaches on market dynamics. The review begins by delineating the theoretical foundations of telecommunications regulation, emphasizing concepts such as market liberalization, competition, and regulatory governance. A historical overview traces the development of regulatory frameworks in the USA and Africa, shedding light on the contextual factors that shaped each region's approach. In examining telecommunications regulation in the USA, the paper delves into the roles and responsibilities of key regulatory bodies, notably the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The regulatory framework is scrutinized, with a focus on market liberalization, spectrum management, and licensing policies. Achievements and challenges within the US regulatory landscape are critically evaluated. Turning to Africa, the study explores the diverse regulatory approaches adopted by selected countries and the influence of regional organizations on policy formulation. Common challenges faced by African regulators, as well as unique contextual factors shaping the regulatory landscape, are discussed. The heart of the analysis lies in the comparative assessment of regulatory objectives and policy instruments between the USA and Africa. The study evaluates the alignment of these objectives with the socio-economic context of each region and assesses the effectiveness of policy instruments in achieving regulatory goals. Examining the impact on the telecommunications sector, the paper contrasts market structures, competition levels, and the role of regulation in fostering technological development. The analysis extends to the implications of regulatory frameworks on the deployment of emerging technologies, such as 5G. The paper summarizes key findings, highlighting patterns, trends, and lessons learned from the comparative analysis. The implications of these findings for future research are discussed, emphasizing the potential for international collaboration and the identification of areas where improvements in regulatory frameworks can contribute to the sustainable development of the telecommunications sector in both the USA and Africa.
 Keywords: Telecommunications Regulation, Telecommunications Policy, Comparative Analysis, USA, Africa, Digital Inclusion.