Economic Conditions Research Articles

Hospitalization of patients with nutritional anemia in the United States in 2020

BackgroundNutritional anemia is highly prevalent and has triggered a globally recognized public health concern worldwide.ObjectiveTo better understand the prevalence of anemia and the state of nutritional health in developed countries to inform global nutritional health and better manage the disease.MethodWe employed the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP)-2020 National Inpatient Health Care Data (NIS), administered by The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Nutritional anemia was diagnosed according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10). Matching analysis and multivariate regression were used to adjust for patient and hospital characteristics. Controls were obtained by stratifying and matching for age and sex.ResultsThe 2020 HCUP-NIS database encompassed a survey over 6.4 million hospitalized patients, among which 1,745,350 patients diagnosed with anemia, representing approximately 26.97% of the hospitalized population, over 310,000 were diagnosed with nutritional anemia, and 13,150 patients were hospitalized for nutritional anemia as primary diagnosis. Hospitalization rate for nutritional anemia exhibited an increased age-dependent increase nationwide, especially among females, who displayed 1.87 times higher than males. Notably, in comparison to the control group, individuals of the Black race exhibit a higher prevalence of nutritional anemia (case group: 21.7%, control group: 13.0%, p < 0.001). In addition, hospitalization rates were higher among low-income populations, with lower rates of private insurance (case group: 18.7%, control group: 23.5%, p < 0.001) and higher rates of Medicaid insurance (case group: 15.4%, control group: 13.9%, p < 0.001). In areas characterized by larger urban centers and advanced economic conditions within the urban–rural distribution, there was an observed increase in the frequency of patient hospitalizations. Iron deficiency anemia emerged as the predominant subtype of nutritional anemia, accounting for 12,214 (92.88%). Secondary diagnosis among patients hospitalized for nutritional anemia revealed that a significant number faced concurrent major conditions like hypertension and renal failure.ConclusionIn economically prosperous areas, greater attention should be given to the health of low-income individuals and the older adult. Our findings hold valuable insights for shaping targeted public health policies to effectively address the prevalence and consequences of nutritional anemia based on a overall population health.

Uneven primary healthcare supply of rural doctors and medical equipment in remote China: community impact and the moderating effect of policy intervention

BackgroundUnequal access to primary healthcare (PHC) has become a critical issue in global health inequalities, requiring governments to implement policies tailored to communities’ needs and abilities. However, the place-based facility dimension of PHCs is oversimplified in current healthcare literature, and formulating the equity-oriented PHC spatial planning remains challenging without understanding the multiple impacts of community socio-spatial dynamics, particularly in remote areas. This study aims to push the boundary of PHC studies one step further by presenting a nuanced and dynamic understanding of the impact of community environments on the uneven primary healthcare supply.MethodsFocusing on Shuicheng, a remote rural area in southwestern China, multiple data are included in this village-based study, i.e., the facility-level healthcare statistics data (2016–2019), the statistical yearbooks, WorldPop, and Chinese GDP’s spatial distribution data. We evaluate villages’ PHC service capacity using the number of doctors and essential equipment per capita, which are the major components of China’s PHC delivery. The indicators describing community environments are selected based on extant literature and China’s planning paradigms, including town- and village-level factors. Gini coefficients and local spatial autocorrelation analysis are used to present the divergences of PHC capacity, and multilevel regression model and (heterogeneous) difference in difference model are used to examine the driving role of community environments and the dynamics under the policy intervention.ResultsDespite the general improvement, PHC inequalities remain significant in remote rural areas. The village’s location, aging, topography, ethnic autonomy, and economic conditions significantly influence village-level PHC capacity, while demographic characteristics and healthcare delivery at the town level are also important. Although it may improve the hardware setting in village clinics (coef. = 0.350), the recent equity-oriented policy attempts may accelerate the loss of rural doctors (coef. = − 0.517). Notably, the associations between PHC and community environments are affected inconsistently by this round of policy intervention. The town healthcare centers with higher inpatient service capacity (coef. = − 0.514) and more licensed doctors (coef. = − 0.587) and nurses (coef. = − 0.344) may indicate more detrimental policy effects that reduced the number of rural doctors, while the centers with more professional equipment (coef. = 0.504) and nurses (coef. = 0.184) are beneficial for the improvement of hardware setting in clinics.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the PHC inequalities are increasingly a result of joint social, economic, and institutional forces in recent years, underlining the increased complexity of the PHC resource allocation mechanism. Therefore, we claim the necessity to incorporate a broader understanding of community orientation in PHC delivery, particularly the interdisciplinary knowledge of the spatial lens of community, to support its sustainable development. Our findings also provide timely policy insights for ongoing primary healthcare reform in China.

Post-Pandemic Consumer Behavior Analysis: A Case Study of Product Purchases in India with Amazon Data

Post-Pandemic Consumer Behavior Analysis: A Case Study of Product Purchases in India with Amazon Data

Economic Income And Survival In Patients Affected By Glioblastoma: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background Within socio-economic variables, economic income has been associated with the prognosis of patients with glioblastoma. However, studies investigating this issue provided conflicting results Methods We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating the correlation between economic income and survival in patients with glioblastoma. The inverse variance technique for HR assessment has been employed reporting the random effect model. Results We included 12 studies for a total of 143303 GBM patients (67463 with high economic income, and 25679 with low economic income). In the overall analysis, lower economic income resulted in poorer survival (pooled HR 1.09, 95%CI, 1.02-1.17, I2=64%). Variables like the type of Health Care System (public, private, or mixed) and the time in which patients have been treated (pre or post-EORTC-NCIC trial 22981/26981, CE.3 protocol advent) did not modify survival on pooled analysis. Conclusions Economic conditions and income influence the prognosis of patients with glioblastoma. A better understanding of the modifiable barriers leading to treatment disparities in more disadvantaged patients is warranted to make equal oncological care.

Enhancing Corporate Sustainability through Just-In-Time (JIT) Practices: A Meta-Analytic Examination of Financial Performance Outcomes

This paper utilizes a meta-analytic approach to examine the correlation between Just-In-Time (JIT) practices and financial performance. The investigation assesses JIT’s influence on key financial metrics, including Return on Investment (ROI), Return on Sales (ROS), Asset Turnover, and Profit Margins. Results indicate a robust positive correlation between JIT implementation and enhanced financial outcomes, demonstrating that JIT significantly contributes to both operational efficiency and financial health. The findings illustrate that JIT’s effectiveness varies by organizational scale and economic context, with larger firms and stable economic conditions seeing the most pronounced benefits. Conversely, smaller firms might face challenges in harnessing JIT’s full financial potential, underscoring the importance of tailored implementation strategies. This study confirms the strategic value of JIT for boosting profitability and efficiency, providing managers with actionable insights to optimize JIT deployment. It also suggests areas for future research to refine understanding of JIT’s variable effects across different operational contexts and explore potential contributions to sustainability initiatives. This contribution enriches the discourse on JIT’s role in enhancing corporate financial performance and opens the door to examining its broader impacts on sustainable business practices.

Exploring the Impact of Public Health Emergencies on Urban Vitality Using a Difference-In-Difference Model

Urban vitality, a multifaceted construct, is influenced by economic conditions and urban structural characteristics, and can significantly be impacted by public health emergencies. While extensive research has been conducted on urban vitality, prevailing studies often rely on singular data sources, limiting the scope for holistic assessment. Moreover, there is a conspicuous absence of longitudinal analyses on urban vitality’s evolution and a dearth of quantitative causal evaluations of the effects of public health emergencies. Addressing these gaps, this study devises a comprehensive framework for evaluating urban vitality, assessing Wuhan’s vitality from 2018 to 2020 across economic, social, spatial, and ecological dimensions. Utilizing a Difference-In-Difference (DID) model, the impact of public health emergencies is quantified. The findings indicate pronounced spatial variations in Wuhan’s urban vitality, with a gradational decline from the city center; public health emergencies exhibit differential impacts across vitality dimensions, detrimentally affecting economic, social, and spatial aspects, while bolstering ecological vitality. Moreover, high population and high public budget revenue are identified as factors enhancing urban vitality and bolstering the city’s resilience against sudden adversities. This study offers valuable insights for geographers and urban planners, contributing to the refinement of urban development strategies.

Understanding Unemployment Dynamics and Labor Market Behavior in South Korea: Employing Mccall Dynamic Programming Approach

This paper investigates labor market dynamics from 1990 to 2023 using the McCall dynamic programming search model, offering insights into individual decision-making, economic conditions, and policy implications. Convergence trends in wage predictions underscore the model's reliability, highlighting its utility for predicting wage outcomes over time. The policy implications emphasize the importance of balancing the duration of unemployment and the considerations of the wage level in policy design. In light of the analysis, policymakers and employers should consider the trade-offs between unemployment duration and wage level when designing policies and compensation practices. The insights provide guidance for policymakers, employers, and job seekers in navigating the complexities of the job market.

Empowering Sustainable Healthcare: The Role of Health Literacy

The imperative of sustainability in healthcare is becoming more pressing due to global health crises, climate change, and the rising burden of chronic diseases. Sustainability in healthcare involves social, economic, and environmental dimensions, each important for equitable and robust healthcare delivery. Health literacy may play a central role in embracing all three dimensions, bridging the gap between complex health information and individuals’ capability to understand and use it effectively: In fact, as a factor influencing the link between adverse social and economic conditions and subsequent health issues, health literacy could represent a practical target for mitigating health disparities within various demographic groups, thereby enhancing social sustainability. Furthermore, when people possess a solid understanding of their health conditions and the necessary steps for health management, they can contribute to a reduction in generated healthcare costs. Finally, health literacy and environmental health literacy equips individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills to understand how environmental factors affect health and empowers them to take proactive measures to protect the environment, potentially reducing the environmental impact of healthcare services. Therefore, integrating health literacy into education curricula and healthcare professional training is crucial for promoting sustainability. Despite some known barriers to the advancement and improvement of health literacy, such as limited awareness of its importance, the collaboration between academia, healthcare institutions, and community organizations is a path to follow to overcome these challenges.

Finding the Next Successor: Visual Message in Caricature Image

Caricature is a form of visual communication wherein messages are conveyed through exaggerated and often humorous distortions of characters, serving as a critique of societal issues. Caricature often serves to critique various aspects of society, including social, cultural, economic, legal, and political conditions. Similarly, the political landscape surrounding the 2024 general election has intensified, fostering active and diverse discussions through both direct and indirect media channels. Mass media visualizes the very busy pros and cons of the Indonesian future successors. The proponents and the supported people are arguing and the one that can represent them will be the leader of government in 2024-2029. Funny, amusing, and intriguing caricature images in National Mass Media are interesting to study to see how the interpretation on the form of a caricature object is using the meaningful visual signs. This research was limited to caricature images by a cartoonist, Kang Yuyun, that was published in TEMPO National mass media in January-June 2023. The object of illustrative image was limited using a purposive sample that is considered representing the objective of research. The data mining was carried out through observation, interview, document, and literature. Observation was conducted directly in Tempo’s Office, Jakarta; interview was conducted online with the cartoonist; document included the caricature images that have been published on Sunday; and literature came from scientific works such as journal, proceeding, and books. All data were collected to be validated using triangulation and then analyzed using Roland Barthes’ semiotic theory about denotation, connotation, and myth. The findings reveal that Kang Yuyun’s caricature images in TEMPO mass media during the 2024 General Election depict three groups supporting Ganjar Pranowo, Prabowo Subianto, and Anis Bawesdan as potential successors, emphasizing unity in nation-building and promotion. Keywords: caricature, mass media, the successor, semiotics

Adaptation in the New Challenges of Globalization in Game and Animation Industry

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the absorption rate of alumni in the industry has decreased. Alumni who are already working, have independent studios, or work as freelancers are also impacted by the deteriorating economic conditions in Indonesia. Competition among graduates in the creative industry, including UM Animation Game D3 graduates, is intensifying, particularly in the local sphere. If not anticipated, many of them may face unemployment. Globalization and technological developments have enabled the game and animation industry to thrive during the pandemic. Therefore, the purpose of this community service activity is to organize a Sharing and Discussion event to provide a space for discussion for workers in the creative industries, especially in the field of Games and Animation who have been successful during the pandemic with UM Animation Game alumni. The methodology employed in this initiative involves sharing and discussion sessions to elicit insights from alumni and presenters. This study concludes that alumni who working as freelancers, studio owners, and industry employees face career constraints and a declining market during the pandemic. This is because they do not take advantage of globalization to increase career paths to capture a wider market. On the other hand, according to the presenters, to be able to take advantage of globalization, alumni should have a good portfolio and be presented professionally, be involved in international scale forums and activities, take advantage of international scale networking platforms, have a good attitude at work, have the commitment to continue to develop, and master the international language. Keywords: animation game alumni, globalization, animation game industry

A Comprehensive Review of Artificial Intelligence Approaches in Kidney Cancer Medical Images Diagnosis, Datasets, Challenges and Issues and Future Directions

Various diseases are prevalent in global populations and can be attributed to human lifestyles, economic conditions, social factors, genetics, and other country-specific factors. Our study provides a detailed analysis of the current methods and uses of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnosing kidney cancer. This literature review examines the most recent advancements and uses of AI in diagnosing cancer of the kidneys, emphasizing its significant influence on medical diagnosis and patient treatment. Evaluate their efficacy, explore prospective areas for future study and development, and identify obstacles and constraints, offering a fundamental review of critical advancements in AI, machine learning, and deep learning. AI-powered diagnostic tools expedite the analysis of intricate images and enhance the early identification of diseases, ultimately leading to improved patient results. Furthermore, the utilization of AI-driven image processing enables the customization of treatment regimens, thereby enhancing the efficiency of healthcare provision. This review primarily highlights the importance of conducting additional research and improving AI to transform the detection and treatment of kidney cancer.

Leadership and Organizational Performance of Telecommunication Company: an Exploratory Study of Hormuud Telecom in Somalia

This study explores the relationship between leadership styles and organisational performance within the context of Hormuud Telecom, a telecommunications business in Somalia. Given the unique socio-economic, political and security instability context in the country, the study examines the influence of leadership styles, methods, and practices on the organization's overall success. This leadership style appears to correlate positively with key performance metrics such as employee satisfaction, internal and external efficiency, and customer retention. This research seeks to provide significant insights into the dynamics of leadership in the telecoms sector by performing an in-depth investigation of Hormuud Telecom's leadership structure and its impact on several areas of organisational efficiency. Employing a qualitative study technique, the research adopted a qualitative research design incorporating secondary data and observational methodologies to gather insights and comprehend the influence of leadership styles on team leadership styles, employee satisfaction, and operational efficiency. It further examines the prominent leadership behaviours seen at Hormuud Telecom and establishes a relationship between these practices and qualitative improvements in organisational performance. The findings indicate a strong correlation between transformative leadership increased employee engagement and improved performance indicators. Similarly emphasises the significance of adaptive leadership in the swiftly evolving telecom industry like in Somalia, indicating that effective leadership plays a crucial role in enhancing organisational performance under demanding economic and operational conditions. This research enhances the overall discussion on leadership in developing economies and provides practical knowledge for firms functioning in comparable situations.

Unveiling the COVID-19 Recession: The Effect of Sectoral Exposure on the Economy and Labor Market

Introduction/Main Objectives: The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic and labor market conditions still need further research. This is because the pandemic had different and more extensive impacts than the 2008 global financial crisis. Background Problems: The lack of studies that explore the sectoral exposure of the economic and labor market to COVID-19 motivates this study to examine the problems and determine the impacts of the pandemic on the economy and labor market heterogeneity. Novelty: The sectoral exposure classification was based on sectoral risk and teleworkability indicators. Furthermore, input-output tables are used to analyze the interregional economic linkages based on economic activities in terms of sectoral exposure. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to explore the topic in Indonesia. Research Methods: The data used are a cross-section of 34 provinces in 2020. This study uses input-output tables to examine the relationship between sectoral exposure and the economy. In addition, regression analysis is used to examine the effect on the labor market. Finding/Results: The industry categorized as having medium-high sectoral exposure is the key sector in Indonesia because the forward and backward linkage has a value of more than 1. It means medium-high sectoral exposure greatly affects other industries' input and output. According to the OLS result, sectoral exposure significantly impacts short-time workers and the unemployment rate. Conclusion: This study implies that sectoral exposure to COVID-19 was significant for Indonesia's economic and labor market.

Economic environment uncertainty and financialization of real estate firms

This paper investigates the impact of economic environment uncertainty on real estate firms' financialization and explores the underlying mechanisms. This paper utilizes data from listed real estate firms from 2011 to 2021, focusing on the rationale for firms' financialization. In contrast to prior literature, this study employs the macro-level economic uncertainty index and the micro-level uncertainty perception measures to gauge economic environment uncertainty. The findings indicate that an increase in economic environment uncertainty leads to a greater inclination of firms to engage in financialization, driven by the "precautionary savings" motivation. Furthermore, this effect is primarily driven by the firm-level perception of uncertainty in the external environment. Mechanisms tests demonstrate that when there is uncertainty in the economic environment, corporations are more likely to engage in financialization, primarily due to decreased CEO overconfidence and reduced corporate risk-taking. Moreover, the level of financing constraints and executives with financial expertise contribute to the heterogeneous effects of uncertain economic conditions on real estate firms' financialization. Firms with high financing constraints and financial background executives are more likely to engage in and enlarge investments in financial assets, while firms without financial background executives are not. Furthermore, there is no notable correlation between the level of financialization of state-owned enterprises and policy fluctuations in the economic environment. The findings provide valuable insights for businesses to explore alternative paths for growth, raising awareness among government regulators about the risks associated with financialization.

Best management practices for integrating refugee employees

AbstractThe number of international refugees in developed countries continues to increase due to various factors, including war, poverty, poor economic conditions, and environmental disasters. While prior research has focused on the challenges faced by refugees in finding work, prior research has neglected the organisational perspective. Therefore, our research question is: Which HR and management practices are viewed by refugees and organisational leaders as being most effective for the workplace integration of refugee employees? To address this research question, we conducted an exploratory semi‐structured interview study, drawing on quality of work life research. We conducted 37 semi‐structured interviews with refugees and people seeking asylum, as well as 35 interviews with managers who supervise refugees (including managers who develop employment programs and provide employment assistance for refugees). Based on the interview findings, we identify best HR practices and management strategies for integrating refugee employees in the workplace. Our interview findings and best HR practices for integrating refugee employees are summarised through the following five overall themes, each with additional sub‐dimensions: (1) workforce planning, (2) training and development, (3) inclusive work practices, (4) meaningful work, and (5) well‐being‐focused management. Our interview findings have important practical implications for organisations, managers, and policymakers who are working to advance the integration of refugees and people seeking asylum in the workforce.

Transformation of integrated formations in industry

Modern realities are such that the priority in the activities of any company is its efficiency, and it does not matter in what area or sector of the economy it operates. Making a profit is the main goal for managers, and even more so for company owners, and any opportunity to minimize costs and thereby increase their assets will be used by business. One such way for large corporations to reduce costs is to move from the status of a holding structure to that of a group of companies. If necessary, companies that have chosen such an organizational and legal form can quickly respond to changes in the external environment and focus the necessary company resources in one direction to promptly decide on a strategic task and its immediate implementation. Such associations manifest themselves most clearly in extreme conditions, and where other companies go into the red, they show positive dynamics in revenue growth. The article presents the results of the author’s research on the above topic. For analysis, some aspects of the organizational activities of holding structures and groups of companies were selected, such as legal issues, the status of companies, the possibility of bankruptcy and mutual liability of organizations within the company, consolidation and redistribution of profits, finances, resources, means of production and logistics; image and business reputation; control system; risks; relationships with partners and employees; pricing policy and taxation. Groups of companies operating in agro-industrial complexes and agriculture have proven to be more mobile and adapt faster in unstable economic conditions due to the decentralization of legally free company members.

The Evaluation of Impacts of Multi Factor Model on TTC Stock Price: a Case in Real Estate Industry in Vietnam

Objectives: The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of macroeconomic factors on the stock price of a real estate firm, specifically Thanh Cong TCC, in Vietnam from 2014 to 2020. The study aims to assess both positive and negative influences of five macroeconomic variables on stock prices and to understand the overall business health reflected by stock fluctuations. Methods: This study utilizes a data collection method involving statistics, analysis, synthesis, comparison, and quantitative analysis to generate qualitative comments and discussion. Econometric methods, particularly regression analysis, are employed to evaluate the quantitative results and assess the impact of macroeconomic factors on stock prices. Results: The quantitative research reveals several key findings. Firstly, the stock price of Thanh Cong TCC (Y) exhibits a negative correlation with the lending rate (R) and GDP growth, indicating that higher lending rates and lower GDP growth negatively impact stock prices. Conversely, there is a positive correlation between stock prices and the risk-free rate (Rf), consumer price index (CPI), and VNINDEX, suggesting that these factors positively influence stock prices. Furthermore, the study identifies GDP growth and lending rates as having the highest impact on firm stock prices. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of considering macroeconomic factors in understanding stock price fluctuations in real estate firms in developing countries like Vietnam. The findings emphasize the significant impact of lending rates and GDP growth on stock prices, indicating their pivotal role in shaping the business health and overall economic conditions. By recognizing these influences, firms like Thanh Cong TCC can better navigate market dynamics and make informed strategic decisions to enhance their performance and resilience in the face of macroeconomic challenges.

“Don’t worry, be happy (and the vote out the incumbent): economic anxiety and incumbent support”

ABSTRACT In recent years, there has been a substantial upsurge in the cost of living and income inequality across established democracies. These shifts, intensified by recent public health crises and growing political instability, have subjected voters to an extraordinary mix of social, political, and economic uncertainty. Despite widespread doubt about the future, a consistent finding in the economic voting literature highlights that voters’ evaluation of the past economy strongly influences their decision to either reward or penalize incumbents. Additionally, these studies find that voters’ forward-looking evaluations of personal economic conditions and general economic expectations often yield weak or negligible effects. These patterns motivate an important empirical question – why do future-oriented economic evaluations fall short in yielding a more substantial effect on incumbent support amid considerable personal struggle and uncertainty about economic conditions ahead? Grounded in appraisal theories of emotion, our study suggests that these consistent results may stem from existing measures inadequately capturing the multi-dimensional and affective nature of voters’ future economic concerns. Using data from the Canadian province of Ontario, we explore the extent of voters’ economic anxiety, identify the factors influencing these sentiments, and show that economic anxiety weakens support for incumbents in provincial and municipal elections.

Healthcare Disparities among Socioeconomic Groups

Purpose: This study sought to explore the socioeconomic factors contributing to disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to healthcare disparities among socioeconomic groups. Preliminary empirical review revealed that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds faced multiple barriers to healthcare access, leading to inequalities in health outcomes. The study highlighted the complex interplay between social factors such as income, education, and wealth, emphasizing the need for comprehensive, multisectoral approaches to address healthcare disparities. Despite progress, gaps in research, policy, and practice remained, underscoring the importance of continued efforts to achieve health equity through collaborative initiatives and evidence-based interventions. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Determinants of Health theory, Health Benefit model and Critical Medical Anthropology theory may be used to anchor future studies on healthcare disparities among socioeconomic groups. The study provided comprehensive recommendations to advance theory, practice, and policy. It contributed to theoretical frameworks by highlighting the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors and healthcare disparities. In practice, it emphasized the importance of patient-centered care and collaborative models to address social determinants of health. Policy recommendations focused on structural interventions to improve social and economic conditions and expand healthcare coverage. Capacity building efforts aimed to enhance skills and competencies, while improved data collection and monitoring systems were advocated for tracking progress. Finally, a research agenda prioritized understanding the mechanisms underlying disparities and evaluating intervention effectiveness. These recommendations aimed to promote health equity and ensure equitable access to healthcare services.

Πρόσφυγες ή μετανάστες; Αναπαραστάσεις των προσφυγικών ροών από τους μελλοντικούς εκπαιδευτικούς

Flows of refugee populations into a country usually create a de facto religious, ethnic, linguistic or cultural diversity which eventually has its impact on the host country’s educational system. Objectively existing heterogeneity does not mean, however, that the host country population automatically adopts a positive attitude towards this change and that it endorses without reservations or reactions the official narrative of the value and usefulness of a multicultural society. The positive attitudes of political formations, scientific unions, intellectuals, artists and other influential authorities in the public sphere may contribute to the development of a climate of acceptance of the "other", but the course of the narrative of multiculturalism from its exponents to the wider social body should not be considered linear. Of particular interest are the perceptions of future teachers about the motives behind the refugee flows to the host country. This paper presents and discusses some of the results of an empirical study on a sample of 297 students of educational faculties / future teachers on the motivations of refugees to cross the borders. The central question this article attempts to answer is (a) whether the new generation of teachers sees behind the refugee flows individuals who move because they are in danger (refugees) or persons who attempt to improve their economic life conditions (migrants), and (b) whether this perception has an impact on the degree of endorsing multiculturalism on their part as a positive social model.