Social Control Research Articles

The Association Between Social Support and L2 Learning Engagement: The Mediating Roles of L2 Resilience and Control

ABSTRACTWith the rise of positive psychology in the field of second/foreign (L2) language acquisition, an increasing number of studies have delved into the factors influencing L2 engagement. While the interplay between environmental and personal factors has been acknowledged, we know little about whether and how different sources of social support influence L2 engagement via personal sources. To fill the gap, the current study recruited 649 Chinese English as a foreign language undergraduates and measured their perceived social support, L2 resilience, control, and engagement. Correlation analyses found that the four variables were positively correlated. Structural equation modeling analysis revealed that out of the three sources of social support, only teacher support had a direct impact on L2 engagement. Additionally, L2 resilience and control co‐mediated the path between teacher support and L2 engagement. Further inspection found that L2 resilience mediated the path from teacher support to all four dimensions of L2 engagement. However, L2 control only mediated the path from teacher support to cognitive and emotional engagement. The findings echoed the importance of teacher support in motivating L2 learning behaviors. Theoretical and pedagogical implications are also discussed.

Lay Perspectives on Drug (De)Criminalization and the (De)Stigmatization of People Who Use Illicit Drugs

Background: Substance use stigma has been framed as contributing to the drug toxicity crisis. We theorize the political function of drug criminalization as contributing to a system of stigma that exerts social control over people who use illicit drugs (PWUID). Consequently, drug decriminalization may be a potential destigmatizing solution. Since decriminalization is often positioned as an antistigma intervention targeting the public, it is important to understand how laypeople conceptualize decriminalization. Methods: We acquired, via a Freedom of Information request, 221 deputations sent to the City of Vancouver regarding Motion B.4, which would advance decriminalization. We used reflexive thematic analysis to explore: (1) how laypeople conceptualized drug (de)criminalization and its relation to the (de)stigmatization of PWUID; and (2) the potential implications of the various conceptualizations of (de)criminalization for the autonomy of PWUID. Results: Supporters of Motion B.4 commonly assumed decriminalization would destigmatize PWUID. Supporters also often argue that the drug toxicity crisis is a public health problem, not a criminal one. However, the public health model of decriminalization advocated by some supporters still limited the autonomy of PWUID. Meanwhile, those opposed commonly positioned social control of PWUID as necessary, including opponents who argued that decriminalization was a form of systemic neglect that abandons PWUID. This view was echoed by some proponents, notably those who argued for a public health model of decriminalization. Finally, some proponents asserted that PWUID should be included in the policymaking process, though few deputations came from self-identified PWUID. All PWUID argued that decriminalization must exclude the police. Conclusion: Our analysis of lay perspectives on decriminalization highlights the importance of models that adequately address all levels of stigma for PWUID. Models that fail to preserve the autonomy of PWUID are likely to reproduce their stigmatization.

Incarceration and women’s and men’s forms of capital and social control: a gendered test of coercive mobility

ABSTRACT Previous work has theorized that women’s forms of capital (i.e. physical, human, and social) may serve as a mechanism to more fully explain the process by which concentrated incarceration contributes to reductions in neighborhood social control. Coercive mobility theory posits that the removal of residents due to mass incarceration creates disruptions in neighboring relationships and therefore, reduces a community’s informal social control mechanisms or its ability to prevent crime. Scholars have also asserted that this process is gendered, since mostly women remain in the community and experience disruptions to their forms of capital and social control, while mostly men cycle in and out of incarceration. Using data on Baltimore residents, the present study examines the association between incarceration and women’s and men’s forms of capital and social control with the use of ordinary least squares regression models. An equality of coefficients test is used to determine whether effects to women’s and men’s capital and social control are statistically distinct, indicating a gendered experience. Findings support the adoption of a gendered perspective on coercive mobility, advancing our understanding of the community consequences of incarceration to women residents, and offer suggestions for future research and policy implications.

Housing Hardship Among Older Adults Living Alone: The Protective Roles of Aging and Housing Policies.

This study investigates the association between living arrangements and housing hardship among older adults across 21 high-income countries. Using data from the Gallup World Poll (2016-2020) and OECD databases, we employ multilevel regression models that can assess how individual- and country-level factors, including public spending on pensions and housing policies such as social housing stock and rent control, moderate these associations. Older adults living alone experience significantly higher rates of housing hardship compared to their counterparts, even after adjusting for demographic and economic factors. Public spending on old age pensions attenuates housing hardship for older adults living alone. While public spending on housing shows limited effectiveness, social housing availability and rent control emerge as protective measures, reducing housing hardship among older adults living alone by providing stable and affordable housing options. This study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to support independent living.

“When Father Christmas Is the Gaslighter”

The article is written with, by, and for (m)others whose children have been labelled as having “special educational needs” (SEN). The term (m)others is used to pay attention to the continued impact of the gendered nature of care for (disabled) children at the level of the individual, but also to recognize gender as a social construct, and the many ways of being a (m)other (Anderson). The broad aim is to explore the ways in which special education systems across the global North construct (m)others of disabled children as “mad.” This discussion is timely given the high levels of conflict between parents/carers and global North special education systems in contemporary times. The article explores “madness” as a mechanism of social control produced in special education systems by paying close attention to “intimate encounters” between (m)others and practitioners that occur day-to-day in (special) education settings. The developing analysis is shaped by the concept of “gaslighting,” which offers a useful framework both for understanding deeply affecting and effecting “intimate encounters” between (m)others and practitioners, and for exposing the operations of power in special education systems. The conclusion reflects on what new understandings of (m)others’ madness have been revealed and how they have the potential to (re)shape practice.

The Potentials and Limitations of Agent-Based Models for Urban Digital Twins: Insights From a Surveillance and Behavioral Nudging Simulation

Although urban digital twins are still at an embryonic stage of development, their use cases are multiple, ranging from big data aggregation to simulations. Additionally, predictions can be rendered and quickly implemented using actuators to transform physical environments and influence urban life. In this article, we investigate the potential of an agent-based model in a smart city setting to predict emergent behavior in relation to the suppression of civil violence by implementing crowd management practices. To this end, we designed a simulation environment that includes cameras in public spaces and wearable sensors, and considers nudging and self-nudging processes supported by a surveillance apparatus. Building on Epstein’s threshold-based model of civil violence, the proposed simulation is informed by surveillance theories and contemplates methods for crowd monitoring and social control. The experiments’ results provide insights into how specific measures and combined actions may influence the suppression of civil violence in public spaces and can be useful to inform crowd management activities and policymaking. Moreover, we use the simulation to reflect upon the potentials and limitations of integrating agent-based models into urban digital twins and emphasize the imminent risks for individuals and democratic societies of employing a ubiquitous surveillance apparatus endowed with the autonomy to trigger actuators.

The literal meaning of Slur

This research explores the complex and multifaceted nature of slurs within modern sociolinguistic contexts. The study aims to dissect the power dynamics embedded in these terms, examining how slurs function as instruments of social control, perpetuating stereotypes and reinforcing social hierarchies. Through a combination of qualitative analysis and case studies, this research investigates the historical origins, evolution, and contemporary usage of slurs across different cultures and communities. The findings reveal that slurs are not merely offensive words but are laden with historical and cultural significance, often reflecting broader societal attitudes towards race, gender, sexuality, and other identity markers. The study also considers the psychological impact of slurs on individuals and groups, demonstrating how these terms can inflict lasting emotional harm and contribute to a hostile social environment. In addition, the research addresses the phenomenon of reappropriation, where marginalized groups reclaim slurs as a form of empowerment and resistance. This process is analyzed to understand its potential in challenging and subverting the oppressive connotations traditionally associated with these terms. Ultimately, this paper underscores the importance of recognizing the deep-seated implications of slurs in everyday language and advocates for a more nuanced approach to addressing linguistic discrimination. The research concludes with recommendations for fostering more inclusive and respectful communication practices in diverse social settings.

Her City Weimar

The global Her City initiative provides a framework for gender-sensitive urban planning, which seeks to create inclusive and accessible public spaces that meet the needs of all residents, particularly women and girls, who have often been overlooked in traditional urban design. This paper presents the results of Germany's first Her City initiative in Weimar— a city rich in cultural heritage with a vibrant tourism sector that strongly influences its public spaces. It contributes to existing studies in this field by providing an innovative methodological analysis of Weimar’s public spaces through gender-sensitive, data-driven, and participatory processes, with the aim of identifying strategies for improvement. The Her City Toolbox was utilised and extended through a participatory citizen science approach with 18 young women and the collection of gender-sensitive data regarding public space usage. Data collected from two city walks, three workshops, open space assessments as well as measurements of people’s movements and stationary activities were triangulated to reveal five thematic fields that highlight how public spaces are failing to meet the needs of women and girls. These include (1) Facilities & Furnishing, (2) Representation & Appreciation, (3) Security & Social Control, (4) Mobility & Accessibility, and (5) Visibility & Appropriation. Collaborations with local stakeholders combined with communication platforms and media contributed significantly to the project’s impact. The paper concludes by emphasising the necessity of adopting a gender-sensitive, participatory, and data-driven approach to urban planning to address the diverse needs of all city dwellers.

Social Critique and Cancel Culture: Analyzing Online Comments on Gisella Anastasia's Video with Foucault's Approach

This research analyzes the phenomena of social criticism and cancel culture in the context of the Gisella Anastasia sex scandal, focusing on analyzing netizen comments on YouTube news channels. Foucault's discourse analysis is used to explore how comments reflect power dynamics on social media. These comments fall into four categories: social media shaming, slut-shaming, redemption support, and superficial praise.The research findings show mixed reactions from netizens about the Gisella Anastasia scandal, with social media backlash and slut shaming highlighting strong criticism of her behavior.On the other hand, redemption support illustrates support and forgiveness towards the celebrity's efforts to amend their actions following clarification or apologies. Shallow praise focuses on compliments that are not related to the main issue.The research reveals that social media shaming and slut shaming are the primary comment categories. Using a Foucauldian approach, it examines how these comments reflect systems of discipline and punishment, highlighting the complexities of cancel culture and its impact on interpretation and judgment in the social media age.. The analysis of netizen comments provides insights into how power and social control are manifested in online interactions and their implications on the reputation and public perception of celebrities.

Influence of Family-Related Truancy on Pupils’ Academic Performance in Public Primary School in Kakamega Central Sub-County, Kenya

Education is a continuous process of structured instruction aimed at achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through pupils’ academic performance. However, Kenyan primary schools encounter persistent challenges, including low grades, behavioral issues, lack of engagement, and difficulties in mastering basic academic skills, raising significant concerns. Thus, the purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of family-related truancy on pupils’ academic performance in public primary school in Kakamega Central Sub-County, Kenya. The study was anchored on Hirschi (1969) social control theory. The study employed a descriptive survey research design, targeting768 respondents, including 67 deputy head teachers 134 pupils and 567 class teachers. The sample size comprised 256 individuals, consisting of 24 head teachers, 45 pupils and 205 class teachers, selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected through validated questionnaires and interview guides, with instrument reliability confirmed via a pilot study, demonstrating a Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient of 0.74. Quantitative data underwent descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, presented in tables, while qualitative data were analyzed for common themes, organized, and discussed within the study’s main objective areas, with relevant quotations used to present findings. The research findings indicated a statistically significant correlation (p=0.00 at α = 0.05) between causes of family-related truancy and pupils’ academic performance in public primary schools. Therefore, it is recommended that education policymakers devise and execute comprehensive guidelines and support systems to effectively manage and mitigate the various causes of truancy stemming from family. The information provided by this study will benefit policymakers, community members and academicians.

The security impact of Nigerian fallow tourist attractions on the residents of surrounding communities

Amidst globalisation, tourism industry has emerged as a huge revenue source for different countries across the globe, most especially in the developed world. Nigeria is one of the developing countries that are yet to fully tap their tourism potentials, due to many socio-political factors. Beyond undermining the country’s quest for economic diversification, fallow tourist attractions across the country hypothetically negate internal safety and security, hence the need for empirical researches to inform policy interventions. This study specifically focused on Zuma Rock (in Niger state) to examine the relationship between the rock’s physical surrounding and criminal occurrences, analyse the feeling of safety among the residents of communities surrounding it, and establish the extent of their confidence in the formal agencies of social control. The study utilised area life cycle model to view the place of the rock in relation to other developed tourist sites, which shows it remains at the first stage of tourism development. Further, insight was drawn from defensible space theory to analyse the relationship between the rock’s physical environment and crime. A mixed-methods approach involving quantitative and qualitative data was adopted for the study. A total of 304 respondents across five communities surrounding the rock were randomly selected for questionnaire administration, and additional 80 were judgementally selected for a total of 10 FGD sessions—two in each of the five selected communities. In light of the area life cycle and defensible space framework, the study found that failure to develop a notable tourist attraction breeds crime. It is also found that the study population live in fear due to the prevalence of violent crimes in the rock’s vicinity, and their lack of confidence in formal law enforcement agents. It is therefore recommended that government should prioritise the development of the destination while making effort to strengthen the law enforcement agencies.

Multiculturalism in the Novel of Si Anak Pintar by Tere Liye

Multiculturalism is a form of appreciation and respect for other people regardles of ethnicity, tribe and culture. This research describes the element of multiculturalism in the novel of Si Anak Pintar by Tere Liye. This research uses an interpretative descriptive method by presenting interpretations in descriptive form. The data analysis technique uses reading and note-taking techniques, with four steps, namely: (1) data classification, (2) interpreting the data, (3) interpreting the findings, and (4) writing a report based on the findings. The research results show that the novel of Si Anak Pintar by Tere Liye contains elements of multiculturalism, namely: a sense of solidarity and brotherhood, gender equality, open trade, family values, respect for morals, feeling content in life, and sharing social control.

Adolescent social stress alters the role of orexin innervation in the hindbrain in male hamsters.

Juvenile male hamsters exposed to chronic social stress eat more, gain weight, and have larger fat pads. The purpose of the present study was to address possible changes in food hoarding and orexin/hypocretin innervation in response to social stress. Male hamsters in early adolescence were exposed to a resident-intruder social stress paradigm or control condition daily for 2 weeks. Metabolism-related physiological measures and behaviors were tracked, and brains were immunocytochemically labeled for orexin-A. Our data confirm our previous observations on appetite, weight gain, and obesity, and showed a strong trend toward enhanced food hoarding as in prior studies. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences in orexin innervation in any brain area analyzed. However, unique correlation patterns were observed between orexin innervation and appetite or metabolic outcome. In particular, opposite correlations were observed between groups within the dorsal raphe nucleus, lateral parabrachial nucleus, and nucleus of the solitary tract. These opposite patterns of correlations suggest chronic social stress causes site-specific alterations in synaptic activity in relation with these behaviors.

SOCIAL CONTROL OF STATE AUTHORITY BODIES OVER WOMEN OF COMMERCIAL SEX IN MYKOLAYOVSHICHINA IN IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY

The article analyses the effectiveness of the experience of organizing social control over women of commercial sex in Mykolaiv region in the 19th century. An analysis of the historical basis of the phenomenon of commercial sex was carried out, the concept, essence and content of social control over women of commercial sex were determined, the activity of state authorities in the direction of social control over women of commercial sex in the Mykolaiv region in the 19th century was analysed, and the cause-and-effect relationships of social control over the phenomenon of commercial sex in modern Ukraine. The basis of the research methodology is the principle of historicism, which made it possible to consider the phenomenon of prostitution in accordance with historical stages and events, in their interconnection and interdependence. As part of the toolkit of the proposed article, a set of methods is used, namely: theoretical - content analysis, historical-systemic and historical-typological method, as well as systematization, generalization, detection of contradictions, comparison, descriptive method; empirical - interviewing method. The authors came to the conclusion that social control can be defined as a state mechanism, the purpose of which is to maintain social order, norms of individual behaviour in society. The peculiarities of formal and informal social control over women of commercial sex in the 19th century are determined. The analysis of the activities of state authorities over women of commercial sex in the Mykolaiv region in the 19th century made it possible to investigate formal social control, for its implementation, the authorities and local managers of the Mykolaiv region established rules and laws regarding brothels, their owners, and women of commercial sex directly. Cause-and-effect relationships with social control of commercial sex in modern Ukraine were established. The analysis of the state of commercial sex in Ukraine indicated the need for social prevention, as a method of social control, over persons from the risk group.

Democracy, Free Elections, and Gender Equality as Perceived by Recent Immigrants

This study examines how democracy and its political attributes (such as free elections) and social attributes (such as gender equality) are perceived by people who come from nondemocratic countries and have lived for several months in a democratic society. The data were collected in Quebec using an original questionnaire completed by 127 adult immigrants. The results indicate that recent immigrants from nondemocratic countries primarily view democracy as a society based on the rule of law with strong social control. They consider free elections significantly more important to democracy than the possibility to vote for any political party. Contrary to expectations, recent immigrants view gender equality as essential for democracy, although this importance varies according to sphere. Immigrants’ conceptions of democracy also signify the most salient characteristics of the social and physical environment of the host society as the most important democratic features. The study illustrates the multifaceted nature of the process of forming ideas about democracy among immigrants socialized in nondemocratic societies. Not only is theoretical knowledge about democracy as a political system part of these ideas, but everything observed in a democratic society can be perceived as attributes of democracy. The results indicate that immigrants’ impressions of the social and physical environment in their host society should not be overlooked when analyzing their ideas on democracy. Consequently, the study concludes that a more welcoming society can foster more positive visions of democracy among newcomers from nondemocratic countries.

Exclusive Spaces - How Gated Communities in Bogotá Threaten Democratic Access and Security for All in the Streets Outside the Gates

ABSTRACT Gated communities house 40% of Bogotá’s population today. Streets formed when two gated communities face each other, dominated by fences and walls are a common sight. Situating our research on informal social control and critical security theories, we analyse how gated communities shape non-exclusionary access and security in the streets and public spaces outside the gates. Applying systematic observations and interviews in streets outside gated communities in Bogotá, we collect data from all public space users. We show that in these spaces, the passer-by is perceived as a threat and hence not welcomed. We find that gated communities are redistributing access and security not just inside but also outside the gates, serving the needs of some, while dismissing the collective interest of inclusive and secure public spaces for all and hence are a threat to the democratic nature of cities.

Today’s Main Issues in the Field of Anti-Corruption

In the article, today all countries in the world are facing the problem of corruption. Freedom of life, which is the main condition for building a democratic society, requires transparency in all spheres of society, especially in economic and political activity, on the one hand, and on the other hand, social and legal control organized on a legal basis. That is why nowadays it is most urgent to improve the socio-legal control system in society, which fully protects human rights and ensures the transparent and open activity of all physical and legal entities, sometimes, especially in the field of national security, with a certain degree of restriction. remains one of the problems.

“Vacunas”: Permanence of Crime in The New Dynamics of Violence and Post-Agreement in Colombia

Objective: This study aims to explore the criminal dynamics and socioeconomic implications of extortion, specifically the "vacuna" (protection payment) phenomenon, in Colombia. It seeks to understand how this practice contributes to the persistence of crime and violence, and how victims manage and cope with this form of violence. Theoretical Frmework: The literature review is based on the theory of psychological coercion, where the threat and intimidation through force are used as a means of social control, as well as the economics of crime, which proposes that criminality is a rational act aimed at maximizing benefits for offenders. Finally, the theory of the state and security explains how the absence of the state in Colombia allows criminal groups to assume roles of "protection." Method: A qualitative approach was adopted, using semi-structured and unstructured interviews with merchants and business owners in the Department of Santander, Colombia. The study focuses on a narrative approach, allowing victims to express their experiences with extortion. This method aims to capture the diversity of perspectives and coping practices in response to the crime. Results and Discussion: The results reveal that extortion persists as a common practice due to weak state presence and the transformation of criminal actors. It was observed that victims, both individually and collectively, develop diverse strategies to confront extortion. The study also identifies the perpetrators, although in many cases, victims are unable or unwilling to directly point out their aggressors due to fear of reprisals. Research Implications: The findings suggest the need to rethink public policies focused on security and wealth distribution in Colombia. Strengthening state presence in regions most affected by violence and improving protection mechanisms for extortion victims is crucial. Originality/Value: This study provides a detailed and contextualized analysis of a criminal practice that has been underrepresented in academic literature. By focusing on the voices and experiences of the victims, it offers new insights into the dynamics of power and violence in Colombia, highlighting the importance of addressing structural inequalities to mitigate crime and violence.

Sane-heteroprofessionalism and knowledge production: queering and m/Maddening preservice professional programs

ABSTRACT This article theorises the concept of sane-heteroprofessionalism as a regulatory mechanism operating at the intersections of sanism, cis-heteronormativity, and other structural oppressions within pre-service post-secondary education programmes. Building upon existing discussions of heteroprofessionalism, we examine how sane-heteroprofessionalism functions to govern m/Mad, queer, and trans knowledge and subjectivities within these programmes, positioning professionalism as a tool of social control. We advocate for future critical analyses of sane-heteroprofessionalism to explore how notions of professional competency and regulation systematically marginalise queer, m/Mad, and trans perspectives among faculty, students, and instructors in higher education.

Récits de vie d’adolescentes en conflit avec la loi à Dakar (Sénégal) : entre défis et ajustements méthodologiques, quelle réflexivité ?

This article addresses the methodological aspects of my doctoral research on the life course of adolescent girls in conflict with the law and their « delinquent » and judicial experience in the face of social control in the Senegalese context. The inherent challenges and adjustments of any ethnographically inspired qualitative research are examined in relation to the context of the study environment and the adopted posture. In accordance with the requirements of an ethnographic orientation, reflexivity during the immersion and distancing phases of the fieldwork made it possible to ensure a methodological critical feedback on these challenges and adjustments. Moreover, the analyses show that they are strongly linked to ethical considerations. To this end, recommendations are made in particular to research ethics boards.