Disadvantaged Groups Research Articles

The politics of allyship: Multiethnic coalitions and mass attitudes toward protest

Recent work finds that nonviolent resistance by ethnic minorities is perceived as more violent and requiring more policing than identical resistance by ethnic majorities, reducing its impact and effectiveness. We ask whether allies-advantaged group participants in disadvantaged group movements-can mitigate these barriers. On the one hand, allies can counter negative stereotypes and defuse threat perceptions among advantaged group members, while raising expectations of success and lowering expected risks among disadvantaged group members. On the other hand, allies can entail significant costs, carrying risks of cooptation, replication of power hierarchies, and marginalization of core constituencies. To shed light on this question we draw on the case of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, which, in 2020, attracted unprecedented White participation. Employing a national survey experiment, we find that sizeable White presence at racial justice protests increases protest approval, reduces perceptions of violence, and raises the likelihood of participation among White audiences, while not causing significant backlash among Black audiences. Black respondents mostly see White presence as useful for advancing the movement's goals, and predominant White presence reduces expectations that protests will be forcefully repressed. We complement these results with analysis of tens of thousands of images shared on social media during the 2020 BLM protests, finding a significant association between the presence of Whites in the images and user engagement and amplification. The findings suggest that allyship can be a powerful tool for promoting sociopolitical change amid deep structural inequality.

9DF: a nine-dimensional framework for community engagement

Participatory planning literature has yet to fully engage with the situatedness of community engagement and diverse experiences of involvement. In this article, nine dimensions based in core concepts of engagement in decision-making are explored using data co-produced with community researchers. Empowerment, influence and inclusion are distinguished as: connection and legitimacy of voice; enacting change in development or plans; and the representation of minorities or disadvantaged groups. When articulated in terms of process and outcome, and planning context, they offer a nine-dimensional framework (or 9DF) for a more community-oriented evaluation of community engagement.

Malnutrition and Anemia Among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups of Odisha, India: Needs for Context-Specific Intervention.

As undernutrition and anemia persist to be prevalent in India, the socioeconomically disadvantaged groups continue to take the greater brunt. Odisha is home to the largest number of particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) in India. The study aimed to provide a comprehensive report on the undernutrition and anemia status of all the PVTGs of Odisha. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among (N = 1461, 683 males and 779 females) 13 PVTGs spread across 12 districts of Odisha from August 2018 to February 2019. Among the under-five children, the prevalence of underweight was observed in 75.26%, stunting in 55.42%, and wasting in 60.00% and all forms of undernutrition were higher among girls. Among children and adolescents belonging to the age group of 5 to 19 years, the prevalence of thinness was 46.7%. In individuals above the age of 20, the prevalence of underweight among males was 37.7% and females was 44.3% and severe anemia was present in 36.5% of females and 35.8% of males. Women in the reproductive age have a higher prevalence of anemia. The study shows that undernutrition and anemia remain high in the PVTGs, especially among the under-five children and women in the reproductive age. As the country heads toward fulfilling Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030, national and state health policies need to be designed and implemented, giving special focus to these vulnerable groups.

The moderating effects of greenspace on the association between neighbourhood disadvantage and obesity among mid-to-older aged Australian adults

This study examined whether the association between neighbourhood disadvantage and obesity was moderated by quantity and quality of greenspace. The sample included 2848 mid-to-older aged adults residing in 200 neighbourhoods in Brisbane, Australia from the HABITAT study. Self-reported height and weight were used to calculate body mass index (BMI), neighbourhood disadvantage was measured using a census-derived composite index and greenspace was measured geospatially. We found evidence of moderation by park quality: lower average BMI at higher levels of park quality was shown in the Q3 rather than the Q1 (least disadvantaged) neighbourhood disadvantage group. The findings suggest that, for reducing socioeconomic inequalities in obesity, the quality of greenspace is imperative.

Factors affecting implementation of interventions for oral health, substance use, smoking and diet for people with severe and multiple disadvantage: a community-based qualitative study in England

BackgroundPopulations facing severe and multiple disadvantage (SMD), co-occurring homelessness, substance use and repeat offending have high levels of physical and mental ill-health. Poor oral health is one of the most...

THE HOUSING‐WELFARE REGIME AND THIRD‐SECTOR HOUSING IN HONG KONG AND SOUTH KOREA: A Historical Institutionalist Perspective

AbstractThe third sector has recently emerged, or re‐emerged, as a new housing provider for disadvantaged groups in Hong Kong and Korea, where affordable housing development has been predominantly directed by government. However, our knowledge of third‐sector housing in non‐Western contexts remains partial. In this article, we aim to provide, from a historical‐institutionalist perspective, a comparative account of the (re‐)emergence and implementation of third‐sector affordable housing delivery in Hong Kong and Korea. Based on the housing‐welfare regime framework, we discuss the socioeconomic and political contexts in which third‐sector housing has burgeoned in the two regions, and how the relationship between the government and the third sector has moulded the implementation of third‐sector housing. We highlight the significant power of the government in implementing third‐sector housing and third‐sector organizations’ continued complementary role to the government in supplying housing as welfare, which reflects the path‐dependent nature of housing and welfare policies in the two regions. Adopting a long view to understanding history and a broader framework that reflects the socioeconomic context contributes to advancing the comparative housing literature.

Authoritarians and “revolutionaries in reverse”: Why collective narcissism threatens democracy

Collective narcissism is a belief that the ingroup deserves but is denied special treatment and recognition. It is a projection of the narcissistic need to be recognized as better than others on the social level of the self. It is an aspect of ingroup identification, one of the ways group members favour their ingroup. National narcissism is associated with collective narcissism of advantaged national subgroups (e.g., Whites, men). National collective narcissism and collective narcissism of advantaged groups similarly predict discrimination of disadvantaged national subgroups (e.g., racial minorities, women) and legitimization of group-based inequality. Members of disadvantaged groups who endorse national narcissism internalize beliefs legitimizing inequality. Ultraconservative populists propagate national narcissism to undermine the political system that does not sufficiently serve the interests of advantaged groups. National narcissism predicts patriotism and nationalism. Once the three forms of national favouritism are differentiated, it becomes clear that patriotism does not come at the expense of nationalism, discrimination, societal polarization, or erosion of democracy. Instead, it may be a remedy against them.

The impact of religious identification on national identification and engagement in collective action to support Rohingya refugees: A comparison between Australia and Malaysia

AbstractResearch comparing how people engage in collective action in different nations to promote justice for disadvantaged groups is scarce. We investigated the effects of national identification (glorification/attachment) and religious identification across two nations (Australia, N = 358 and Malaysia, N = 300) on collective action to support Rohingya refugees of the 2017 refugee crisis. Specifically, we tested whether the relationship between national identification and collective action would be moderated by religious identification, and whether the latter would be moderated by nation. As glorification is associated with prejudice against other groups within the nation, we predicted and found support for the hypothesis that glorification of Australian identity would be a negative predictor of collective action, regardless of religion. In contrast, we hypothesized that in the Malaysian context, glorification and collective support would be shaped by religious (Islamic) identity which represented a social category shared by Malays and Rohingya refugees. Results showed that only when Malays identified with Islam, the relationship between glorification and collective support was positive. Unexpectedly, attachment and identification with Christianity or no‐religion inhibited collective support in the Australian context. The findings challenge commonly held views about glorification and attachment and enhance insight in cross‐national solidarity in a world of increasing global interdependence.

Association between Flavonoid Intake and Cognitive Executive Function among African American and White Adults in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) Study.

Healthy dietary patterns rich in flavonoids may benefit cognitive performance over time. Among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, the association between flavonoid intake and measures of cognition is unclear. This study sought to identify associations between flavonoid intake and cognitive performance among Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study participants (n = 1947) across three study visits. Flavonoid intakes were assessed via two 24-h dietary recalls. Cognitive performance was assessed via the Trail Making Test (TMT)-A and TMT-B, which provide measures of attention and executive function, respectively. Mixed effects linear regression was used to model TMT scores over three study visits against visit 1 (v1) flavonoid intake, time (years from v1), and the interaction between v1 flavonoid intake and time, capturing both the cross-sectional association between flavonoid intake and time at v1 as well as the longitudinal association between v1 flavonoid intake and the change in TMT scores over time. Prior to adjustment, inverse cross-sectional associations at v1 were observed between (1) anthocyanidin intake and TMT-A scores for the overall sample and (2) total flavonoid, anthocyanidin, flavan-3-ol, flavone, and flavonol intake and TMT-B scores for the overall sample and among White adults. Only the association between anthocyanidin intake and TMT-B at v1 among White adults persisted after adjustment (for demographic characteristics such as age). One possible explanation for the few significant associations is universally low flavonoid intakes resulting from the consumption of an unhealthy dietary pattern.

Reflections on Accessible Design from the Perspective of the Digital Age

Provide a comfortable and safe environment for the lives of disadvantaged groups and improve their happiness index. Focus on the basic needs and future security of vulnerable groups, establish standards and norms for digital ageing, and improve the adaptation of older groups to technological life. Through the analysis of audience groups, understand the needs of people with disabilities and disadvantaged groups, analyze the six principles of accessibility design digital principles, based on the comprehensive needs of different groups, combined with the actual accessibility digital platform design cases, provide new improvement methods and ideas for the accessibility design of digital platforms, and explore the innovative ideas of accessibility design in digital platforms. Solve the interaction difficulties of digital platform, so that the disadvantaged groups can also enjoy the convenience of digital technology, while realizing their own value. Being grounded also enhances the designer's own value and sense of social responsibility. Paving the way for future developments in accessible design.

Impact of Ceramic Art Therapy on the Psychological Health of Socially Disadvantaged Groups

With the progress of society, there is an increasing concern for mental health issues, especially regarding the mental well-being of socially disadvantaged groups. Due to various factors, socially disadvantaged groups are more susceptible to psychological stress and distress, thereby requiring more attention and assistance. As an emerging therapeutic approach, ceramic art therapy has gradually gained widespread attention from scholars and psychotherapists. The core objective of this study is to delve into the impact of ceramic art therapy on the mental health of socially disadvantaged groups, to provide valuable insights to enhance the mental well-being of these vulnerable populations.

Preferences for Postacute Care at Home vs Facilities

Two in 5 US hospital stays result in rehabilitative postacute care, typically through skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) or home health agencies (HHAs). However, a lack of clear guidelines and understanding of patient and caregiver preferences make it challenging to promote high-value patient-centered care. To assess preferences and willingness to pay for facility-based vs home-based postacute care among patients and caregivers, considering demographic variations. In September 2022, a nationally representative survey was conducted with participants 45 years or older. Using a discrete choice experiment, participants acting as patients or caregivers chose between facility-based and home-based postacute care that best met their preferences, needs, and family conditions. Survey weights were applied to generate nationally representative estimates. Preferences and willingness to pay for various attributes of postacute care settings were assessed, examining variation based on demographic factors, socioeconomic status, job security, and previous care experiences. A total of 2077 adults were invited to participate in the survey; 1555 (74.9%) completed the survey. In the weighted sample, 52.9% of participants were women, 6.5% were Asian or Pacific Islander, 1.7% were American Indian or Alaska Native, 11.2% were Black or African American, 78.4% were White; the mean (SD) age was 62.6 (9.6) years; and there was a survey completion rate of 74.9%. Patients and caregivers showed a substantial willingness to pay for home-based and high-quality care. Patients and caregivers were willing to pay an additional $58.08 per day (95% CI, 45.32-70.83) and $45.54 per day (95% CI, 31.09-59.99) for HHA care compared with a shared SNF room, respectively. However, increased demands on caregiver time within an HHA scenario and socioeconomic challenges, such as insecure employment, shifted caregivers' preferences toward facility-based care. There was a strong aversion to below average quality. To avoid below average SNF care, patients and caregivers were willing to pay $75.21 per day (95% CI, 61.68-88.75) and $79.10 per day (95% CI, 63.29-94.91) compared with average-quality care, respectively. Additionally, prior awareness and experience with postacute care was associated with willingness to pay for home-based care. No differences in preferences among patients and caregivers based on race, educational background, urban or rural residence, general health status, or housing type were observed. The findings of this survey study underscore a prevailing preference for home-based postacute care, aligning with current policy trends. However, attention is warranted for disadvantaged groups who are potentially overlooked during the shift toward home-based care, particularly those facing caregiver constraints and socioeconomic hardships. Ensuring equitable support and improved quality measure tools are crucial for promoting patient-centric postacute care, with emphasis on addressing the needs of marginalized groups.

Determinants of screening participation of disadvantaged populations in France: a qualitative study

Background People from deprived backgrounds and people with disability have generally limited access to health screening. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing access to recommended screenings for these disadvantaged groups, to inform development of tailored screening support. Methods Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants from deprived backgrounds and 12 participants with disability. A content analysis using an analytical framework was performed. Barriers and facilitators to screening participation were categorized in four domains: individual, social, healthcare system/healthcare professional, and screening procedure. Results Most barriers and facilitators pertained to the individual and healthcare system/healthcare professional domains. In the individual domain, fear could have a negative influence on screening participation in both groups. In the social domain, social influences (i.e. having children, knowing people suffering from the disease) were reported as facilitating screening. People with disability reported to be more influenced by factors related to the healthcare domain. Conclusion Our results highlight the need to better consider the environmental factors of individuals, in particular the potential influence of relatives and healthcare professionals, to improve their participation in screening.

Garnering support for social justice: When and why is “yes” likelier for “allies” versus “disadvantaged group advocates”?

Via three studies (two experiment-based and one critical incident-based) we test when and why a social justice appeal garners more support when delivered by a disadvantaged group advocate (DGA) versus by an ally—that is, by someone who does versus does not belong to the marginalized group named in the appeal, respectively. As hypothesized, significantly more support was shown for a social justice appeal by a DGA (rather than an ally) when receivers identified strongly with the disadvantaged group; and this pattern reversed when this identification was weak. Also as predicted, this interaction-effect was mediated by receivers’ perceptions of their similarity with the advocate, the appeal’s credibility, and by their feelings of empathy. Our findings point to the need to broaden theorizing beyond demographic influences on how persuasive a DGA versus an ally will be and the importance of considering appeal-receiver identification when choosing an advocate.

Making Midwifery Services Accessible to People of Low SES: A Qualitative Descriptive Study of the Barriers Faced by Midwives in Ontario

Midwifery care is associated with health benefits for disadvantaged groups but continues to be accessed less frequently in Ontario by people who are of lower socio-economic status (SES). We conducted a qualitative descriptive study investigating the work midwives do to make midwifery care accessible to people of low SES and explored the barriers they encounter in doing this work. We interviewed 13 Ontario midwives who serve people of low SES in a wide range of clinical settings. Participants faced multiple challenges in their work to make midwifery care more accessible. They described barriers that they had encountered which pertained to the nature of the work itself, to professional and organizational factors, and to systemic factors. Midwives engaged in this work are deeply committed to it and take on extra unpaid work. The barriers they face threaten the sustainability of their work, and as a result, many participants identified a high risk of burnout. Our findings provide new insight into ways in which gaps in the curriculum of undergraduate midwifery education, lack of opportunities for mentorship, and debate within the midwifery profession about who is suitable for midwifery care serve as barriers to midwives taking on a greater role in providing care to people of low SES and particularly to those who struggle to access primary maternity care services. Systemic changes are needed to overcome these barriers and to expand the work of making midwifery care more accessible while ensuring its sustainability. This article has been peer reviewed.

Does digital literacy reduce the risk of returning to poverty? Evidence from China

Digital literacy is a crucial skill for accessing the benefits of the digital economy. Analyzing the impact of digital literacy on the risk of falling back into poverty is of great practical significance for achieving sustainable poverty alleviation. Based on data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) in 2018, this paper examines the impact of digital literacy on the risk of returning to poverty for poverty-alleviated households, and investigates its underlying mechanism. The study finds that digital literacy can reduce the risk of returning to poverty by promoting local non-farm employment and migrant work, improving entrepreneurial performance, and expanding entrepreneurial scale. However, digital literacy plays a relatively minor role in reducing the risk of returning to poverty through entrepreneurship compared to employment. In the heterogeneity analysis, this paper concludes that digital literacy is more advantageous for disadvantaged groups. Furthermore, compared to digital entertainment literacy, digital learning literacy is more effective in reducing the risk of returning to poverty. This study has significant implications for understanding and improving the governance mechanism of sustainable poverty alleviation through digital literacy.

Community As Client: A Qualitative Descriptive Study of the Work of Midwives to Increase Access to Midwifery Care

Increasing access to midwifery care for disadvantaged groups was an explicit goal of the regulation of midwifery in Ontario. However, people of low socio-economic status (SES) remain less likely to receive midwifery care. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study to explore the work midwives do to make midwifery care accessible to people of low SES. We interviewed 13 Ontario midwives serving people of low SES, who practiced midwifery in settings ranging from a remote solo practice to a large urban practice. Participants described a broad range of ways in which they work to enhance the approachability, acceptability, availability and accommodation, affordability, and appropriateness of their services for people of low SES. We identified two distinct approaches to increasing access to care: (1) working to maximize the existing beneficial aspects of the midwifery model to whoever presents to care, and (2) stepping outside of the confines of the midwifery model, to provide what we call “community-centred care,” in which midwives are both a part of and responsive to the broader communities that they serve. The intentional, pro-active approach used by midwives providing community-centred care could be implemented more broadly to improve access to midwifery care for people of low SES. This article has been peer reviewed.

The Double Function of Turkey’s Public Banks and Reinterpretation of Mandates during the Covid-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT Turkey’s public banks performed a double function during the Covid-19 pandemic, repeating but also extending the scope of their actions in the 2010s. These institutions provided temporary financial relief to low-income households, while simultaneously extending extraordinary support to capital groups organically linked to ruling circles. During this period, the public bank mandates were not legally revised but recurrently reinterpreted by state managers, postponing the financial troubles of some social groups and disproportionately benefiting corporations. Such public bank actions raise questions concerning a public purpose approach to public financial capacity during economic crises and emergencies. The double function of Turkish public banks in recent years indicates that short-term financial support to low-income groups worked almost as a countervailing intervention, yet producing contradictory results amid the lack of democratic oversight and strategies for the self-empowerment of disadvantaged groups.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Access to Healthcare Resources for Global Socially Disadvantaged Groups

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Access to Healthcare Resources for Global Socially Disadvantaged Groups

Positive and negative intergroup contact and newcomer immigrants' psychological adjustment.

The present research investigates the associations between immigrants' positive and negative contact with the majority group and their psychological well-being, as indicators of their psychosocial adjustment to the host society. Perceived personal discrimination and relative deprivation in comparison to the majority group are assessed as mediators of the associations between intergroup contact and psychological well-being. We conducted a three-wave longitudinal study with newcomer African immigrants living in Italy (N = 240; 61.7% men) with age ranging from 18 to 40 years old. Evidence showed that, across three waves, immigrants' negative contact with Italian natives was longitudinally associated with lower well-being and positive intergroup contact. In turn, well-being was related to immigrants' lower perceptions of relative deprivation across waves. Positive contact with Italian natives was not significantly associated with immigrants' well-being, but it was associated with higher perceived relative deprivation, which was associated with lower well-being. Overall, the results provide insight into the links between differently valenced contact and the psychological well-being of newcomer immigrants. Furthermore, the findings address assumptions about the primacy of negative contact in undermining social attitudes and the important role of positive contact in promoting awareness of the disadvantaged group's situation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).