Sociological Framework Research Articles

Contested role boundaries and professional title: Implications of the independent review of podiatric surgery in Australia.

In October 2023, the Podiatry Board of Australia commissioned an independent review of the regulation of podiatric surgery in Australia, with a remit to re-evaluate the regulatory framework, identify any risks to patient safety and recommend improvements to public protection. It reported in March 2024 and set out 14 key recommendations. The review was prompted by a number of complaints about podiatric surgeons but also reflected calls for reform by the medical profession and several critical media reports. This paper sets out to examine the review report, alongside the concerns of the medical profession and the media articles expressed within it, through the lens of an established sociological framework focused on interprofessional conflict and the contested use of professional titles. As a review rather than the research paper, the Independent Review of Podiatric Surgery (the 'Paterson Report') served as data for the sociological analysis, adopting a Neo-Weberian and Bordieuan framework to examine the strategies adopted by the medical profession and media reports cited in the report, consistent with the exercise of professional power. The sociological analysis provides insights into the ways in which professions seek to maintain symbolic, social, cultural and economic privileges and rewards through the exclusion of competitors, using strategies such as social closure, symbolic violence, symbolic devaluation, gatekeeper roles, and jurisdictional disputes. The review report acknowledges the influence of the medical profession and its opposition to the practice of podiatric surgery and use of the title 'podiatric surgeon'. The arguments made and strategies deployed are consistent with those found in the wider literature. In light of these findings, the implications for the future of podiatric surgery are considered in terms of professional practice, use of professional title, and access to public funding.

Access, Choice, and Pleasure: Towards a New Model of Disability Sexual Rights

The paper offers a comprehensive exploration of the concept of disability sexual rights by integrating insights from both legal and sociological frameworks. Sexuality is an integral and inseparable part of human existence, encompassing a wide range of biological, physiological, psychological, and social aspects. Our understanding of sexuality developed over time, and contemporary social models view sexuality as shaped by social, cultural, and political factors. The rise of disability studies and social and critical models marked a significant shift in the way disabled sexuality is perceived. These studies underpin social aspects and constructions that contribute to the disabling process. Current Literature situates disability and sexuality within broader sociological frameworks of sexual citizenship, disability legal studies, and human rights, emphasizing the importance of recognizing disability sexual rights in forming an inclusive society. We examine the evolution of human rights discourse, mainly focusing on disability sexual rights as a marginalized subject within the human rights and disability rights agendas. We conclude by weaving together theories from disability studies, sexual citizenship, and law, proposing a new theoretical model of sexual rights that situates them in the intersection of disability, sexuality, law, and society. The model suggests three essential elements that cover the full scope of disability sexual rights: Access, choice, and pleasure. These elements can be applied to all aspects of disabled sexuality, encompassing sexual needs, participation, and autonomy.

Reiterated Fact-Making: Explaining Transformation and Continuity in Scientific Facts

Scientific facts are an essential element of modern life. Yet, despite an abundance of illuminating work in science and technology studies (STS), we lack a rigorous sociological framework for explaining how scientific facts emerge, gain traction, and then change over time. This article fills that gap. Drawing on Fleck ([1935] 1981), Haydu (1998), and a wealth of STS scholarship, I develop a comparative-historical approach called “reiterated fact-making” that analyzes scientific facts according to (1) the prevailing conditions of possibility; (2) the networks of expertise, social mobilization, and power built up around them; and (3) the epistemic and material path dependencies that accrue over the course of their careers. To demonstrate the utility of this framework, I draw on a mixed-methods study and explain the uneven histories of three genetic variants (XYY, Fragile X, and the 22q11.2 microdeletion) that have been used to delineate and diagnose new medical conditions associated with neurodevelopmental differences for the past several decades—taking on very different scientific, clinical, and social meanings as facts in the process. Reiterated fact-making helps us combine comparative-historical sociology and STS to explain how scientific facts can combine deep continuity and radical transformation as they are enrolled in shifting fields of research and practice.

Rethinking official statistics: A sociological perspective

Does the current dialogue on the development of statistical systems provide adequate scope for transforming official statistics to deliver their social role? Can statistical systems, as currently defined, provide opportunities to people and non-state institutions to influence “what” statistics and “how” should be produced and used? This paper provides a sociological framework to investigate these questions within a broader understanding of the social functions of official statistics as part of public statistics required for a democratic society.

Understanding Dual Effects of Social Network Services on Digital Well-Being and Sustainability: A Case Study of Xiaohongshu (RED)

Social networking services (SNSs) address estrangement in cyberspace through their communication, recognition, and resonance features, yet they simultaneously generate new forms of alienation. This dual effect can both advance and hinder sustainability. This phenomenon is particularly evident in Xiaohongshu (RED), a platform widely used in China and beyond, which has evolved from providing consumption guidance to facilitating lifestyle sharing. This paper utilizes Hartmut Rosa’s Resonance Theory to explore resonance and alienation within RED, examining the multifaceted impact of SNSs on digital well-being and sustainability through qualitative methodologies, including netnography and thematic analysis. The study reveals that RED fosters material, spiritual, and social resonance, thereby enhancing digital well-being and sustainability. However, RED also generates alienation in these dimensions, which can impede sustainability. Moreover, the resonance and alienation generated by the RED platform affect not only its own sustainability but also broader environmental, social, economic, and cultural sustainability. Theoretically, this study constructs a sociological framework integrating resonance and alienation within SNSs to interpret digital well-being and sustainability. Practically, it offers recommendations for promoting sustainable practices among SNSs, addressing material, spiritual, and social dimensions.

L’analisi scientifica del potere: il contributo della sociologia politica

The article examines the evolving field of political sociology and highlights the need for a modern reassessment in the context of rapid global changes. The aim is to distinguish the framework of political sociology from that of other social sciences such as history, law and economics. The article emphasises the importance of understanding political power and its transformations in the context of crises such as economic downturns, pandemics and geopolitical conflicts. Reflecting on the seminal theories of Max Weber and Talcott Parsons, the discussion highlights how political power, legitimacy and the interplay with other forms of power (economic, technological, etc.) shape contemporary governance. Finally, the article suggests a focus on the dynamics of political power and its legitimacy in the globalised era, noting the growing influence of technological power and the complex challenges posed by modernity.

English and local languages in linguistic structuration of the public space in Islamabad and the neighbouring town

ABSTRACT Research studies in the linguistic landscape (LL) in Pakistan seem to have been getting a foothold and topics like the survey of commercial public signs, the glocalisation of English in public signs, traffic signboards on highways, the cinematic-built environment, bilingual advertisements and LL in a tourist place of natural beauty have emerged recently in the LL field. In this study, three commercial locations from Islamabad city and one location from a neighbouring town were selected for data collection in the form of photo clips. The data were analysed by following the model introduced by Ben-Rafael [2009. A sociological approach to the study of linguistic landscapes. In E. G. Shohamy & D. Gorter (Eds.), Linguistic landscape: Expanding the scenery (pp. 40–54). Routledge] that is a sociological framework formed by four structuration principles which are the presentation of self, good reasons, collective identity and power relations. The data were compared to show the attitude of the surrounding population about English and local languages. Moreover, 12 shop owners, three from each location, were interviewed to know their motives behind the language selection on their signboards. The findings revealed that English dominated on signs in the city's commercial locations while Urdu or transliteration overwhelmed the signboards in the neighbouring town. Future studies should explore customers' points of view as well with regard to signboard language.

Reconceptualising Transparency in Journalism: Thinking Through Secrecy and PR Press Releases in News Cultures

ABSTRACT This article re-examines debates about transparency in journalism by using a sociological framework that analyses how transparency is held in a dynamic tension with secrecy. I use a specific empirical case study as the grounding for my analysis and then proceed to expand its scope to consider significant developments in transparency in the media. I take as my case study the relationship between UK journalists and public relations (PR) practitioners. Specifically, I analyse the ways in which press releases are shaped by PR practitioners, targeted at journalists, and are taken up by journalists in a UK news media context in which such “information subsidies” may be becoming ever more prevalent. Reframing transparency as one element in a compound phenomenon (the secrecy–transparency dynamic), I argue that practices of both transparency and secrecy are not merely situated within social contexts but are active in creating society and social relations. This approach pays close attention to how power operates in this shifting dynamic and offers new challenges for thinking about journalism’s role in society.

Examining the Potential of Community-Based Interventions in Promoting Physical Activity and Healthy Lifestyles in Rural China

Background: In recent years, community-based health programs and policies are adopted for the prevention of major diseases in population. Aim: This study aims to examine the potential of community-based interventions in promoting physical activity as well as healthy lifestyles within the context of rural China. Method: A non-RCT was carried out in comparison as well as intervention areas, in the form of a two-year intervention program from the mid of 2019 until 2021. A sociological framework was considered for building the intervention area, which took place in different settings including workplaces, community health centers, schools, and neighborhoods. The data was collected through two cross-sectional surveys from respondents aged between 18 to 64 years, which were conducted during 2019 to 2021, and completed by 2015 respondents. Results: The results showed a decrease in smoking in nine areas within a month after the implication of intervention (p < 0.0011), indicating an awareness of healthy lifestyle among the associated individuals. Moreover, the physical activity among the individuals also increased after intervention (p < 0.0011), as revealed in the increase in its metabolic equivalent. Conclusion: In conclusion, a two-year community-based intervention helps in reducing smoking and promoting healthier lifestyles. Implications: The current study also presented important implications within the context of community-based interventions.

Трансисторические структуры российского аграрного общества

Within the framework of historical sociology, the author develops the concept of transistorical structures of Russian society caused by a number of internal and external factors, primarily the dangerous geopolitical environment and the limited resources of the extensive agrarian economy. The analysis shows that transhistorical structures, as an integral authoritarian complex, were formed during a long-term historical process, complicated by a difficult geopolitical environment, the extensive economy of the agrarian society, and abnormal natural and geographical conditions. The thesis is clarified and analyzed that for a long historical period the transhistorical structures, primarily autocracy, militarism, empire, large-scale economy, served as the basis and mechanism for the formation and maintenance of social order and stability in Russian agrarian society. It is shown that due to various social fluctuations, these structures sooner or later led the Russian state to stagnation, and then to catastrophic restructuring (the Troubles, the Revolution of 1917, the collapse of the USSR).

Translating Cultures Unveiling the Art of Uzbek Literary Transformations

This study conducts a linguocultural analysis of 20th-century Uzbek literary translations, illuminating the complex interaction between language and culture, particularly in the nuanced translation of stories like "Shum bola" into "A Naughty Boy." Existing research often overlooks the depth of cultural understanding required for effective literary translation, a gap this study addresses by highlighting the challenges and strategies in preserving the original texts' emotional and cultural essence. Employing an integrated approach of linguistic, cultural, and sociological methods, the research examines several translations to demonstrate how cultural context significantly impacts the translation process. Results underscore the necessity for translators to have a profound comprehension of both source and target cultures to ensure meaningful translations. The findings advocate for enhanced translator training in cultural competencies, contributing to the fields of translation studies and intercultural communication. Highlights: Intricate Relationship: Emphasizes the complex interplay between language and culture in translation. Cultural Knowledge: Highlights the essential role of deep cultural understanding for effective translation. Methodological Approach: Utilizes an integrated linguistic, cultural, and sociological framework to explore translation challenges. Keywords: Linguocultural Analysis, Translation Studies, Cultural Context, Literary Translation

Motivations and expectations of pregnant women using psychoactive substances during prenatal care: phenomenological study.

Understand the motivations and expectations of pregnant women using psychoactive substances during prenatal care. A qualitative study developed in the light of Alfred Schütz's Theoretical Framework of Phenomenological Sociology, in which 25 pregnant women using psychoactive substances, belonging to a Family Health Strategy, participated. Data production took place between August and November 2022. Two units of meanings emerged: (i) social influences for the performance of prenatal care and (ii) expectation regarding the care to be received by the health professional. Pregnant women do pre-natal due to family influences, for fear of losing their children due to loss of guardianship and concern about the well-being and development of the baby. And, the expectations are that they receive good attention, feel safe when they are attended to by health professionals and also that they are understood and have a relationship of trust. Pregnant women who use psychoactive substances bring motivations for prenatal care linked to the past, such as influences from family members and previous experiences. As for expectations, they are related to the child's health and the care expected by professionals. Finally, strategies to reduce harm during pregnancy of users of psychoactive substances are fundamental for the effectiveness of care.

2 - The Migration and Informal Market Nexus: A study of Nigerien Forex Traders in Benin City

This article attempts to understand how migrant communities in the global South shape and contribute to the establishment and operation of niche sectors and informal markets in receiving states. The article examines the impact that a community of migrants from Niger Republic have had on the foreign exchange market in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The analysis is situated within the postcolonial framework while drawing on sociological frameworks and methodological tools (ethnography). By analysing the narratives of Nigerien migrants in Benin City, this paper unpacks the characteristics of the migrant forex niche, the interaction between the formal and informal forex businesses in the market, as well as the interplay between migrants and locals in the community. We argue that the nexus of intra- African migrations and informal niche markets leads to spatial, political, economic and social transformations that challenge the significance of formal markets and the limitations of undocumented status.

Humanities and Social Sciences in French Engineering Education: A Sociohistory of their Integration in an Apolitical Stance

In France, the social consequences of industrial development have long been questioned, but technological disasters of the last decades of the twentieth century led to a rethinking of Western ways of life and production. Engineering education has faced the challenge of taking these considerations into account via the humanities and social sciences (HSS) curricula, including themes ranging from work organizations to science and technology in society. Taking a sociohistorical approach, this article describes the apolitical stance of the integration of HSS into French engineering education. Following a problematization within the framework of curriculum sociology, the first part presents the sociohistorical context of French engineering education, with a particular focus on HSS. The second part highlights the difficulties of recognizing the scientific and critical nature of HSS in the larger engineering educational system. The article then presents the results of a review of current HSS curricula as posted on school websites, which reveals a pattern that HSS are taught in an apolitical stance, based in corporate themes rather than questioning the social order or science and technology in society. The review suggests that only a handful of schools have been able to break the boundaries between the engineering sciences and HSS.

Urbanization and its Impact on the Cultural Values in the Life Cycle Rituals of the K’Ho Ethnic Group in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam

Urbanization significantly affects the cultural values embedded in the life cycle rituals of ethnic communities. This paper explores the transformation of cultural values within the life cycle rituals of the K’Ho ethnic group in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam, focusing on weddings and funerals. Utilizing urbanization as a phenmenon, it examines how these rituals evolve in response to the pressures and opportunities of urban life, highlighting the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity in a rapidly urbanizing context. The research employs a sociological framework, combining primary data collection through detailed surveys and in-depth interviews with 26 individuals, and secondary document analysis. The survey included 477 household questionnaires, focusing on K’Ho households in Ta Nung commune and Lac Duong town. Document analysis involved examining books, scientific reports, statistical data, and other relevant sources to provide comprehensive insights into the effects of urbanization on K’Ho life cycle rituals. The study concludes that urbanization significantly impacts the cultural values and practices of the K’Ho ethnic group, leading to the professionalization and simplification of traditional rituals. Traditional practices are increasingly infused with modern elements, reflecting broader socio-economic transformations and the integration of new cultural norms. These findings underscore the importance of detailed, context-specific analyses to understand the unique cultural heritage and socio-economic conditions of ethnic communities in the face of urbanization.

Концептуализация феномена негативной идентичности

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

The making of clandestinity: “strategic ignorance” in abortion practices in Latin America

ABSTRACT Abortion is a “public secret” in Latin America. It is highly restricted across most of the continent and yet millions of abortions take place every year. We use the sociological framework of “strategic ignorance” to argue that convenient not knowing, erasure, and concealment simultaneously prevent and facilitate abortions in Latin America. By drawing on interviews with people involved in abortion activism and access across the continent, we examine three sets of actors: the state, abortion providers, and individuals seeking abortions. When wielded by the state, strategic ignorance reproduces the status quo of the criminalization of abortion; however, when wielded by abortion providers and individuals seeking abortions, it creates the conditions for “clandestine” abortions to be procured without prosecution. Strategic ignorance is therefore mobilized by the powerful as well as the less powerful who are resisting state control of their fertility and reproductive lives.

Self-Translation in the Sinosphere: Challenging Orthodoxies from Shanghai to Taipei to Makassar

Abstract This article begins a debate in translation studies about the nature of self-translation in the Sinophone world. It demonstrates the continued influence of a history of cosmopolitan authorship and self-translation that emanated from Republican China and moved to Taiwan and beyond in the post-war period. This history and its contemporary effects, including diverse forms of self-translation in Taiwan and Indonesia, are shown to challenge the most prominent models of self-translation, notably those drawing on sociological frameworks such as Abram de Swaan’s “global language system,” which are proven to occlude local realities and multilingual writing. These new perspectives are shown to have consequences for both world literature studies and theoretical accounts of self-translation in the 21st century.

Influence of ecological restoration initiatives on emotional bonds between indigenous peoples and the Chinese alligator

As ecological restoration initiatives continue to revitalize degraded environments in the nature reserves, the dynamics of Indigenous people’s emotional relationships with wildlife undergo significant shifts. Drawing upon the theoretical framework of emotion sociology, this research explored the intricate social mechanisms shaping Indigenous emotions toward wildlife. This research used a questionnaire survey. Based on a 10% sampling proportion, this research used the Kish selection method to draw a random sample of 361 households from the Chinese Alligator Reserve. It found that the main effect of the family population outflow (Coeff = −32.62), traditional cultural loss (Coeff = −2.51), pop culture familiarity (Coeff = 1.60) on Indigenous-wildlife emotion was significant. Meanwhile, the moderating effect of income is also clearly significant. This reveals the mechanisms by which ecological restoration initiatives create Indigenous and wildlife emotional ties are social support, cultural shaping, and income stratification. These findings underscore the importance of considering social effects in conservation efforts to foster sustainable relationships between Indigenous communities and wildlife in the nature reserves.

Dreaming of a Bright Future: Statistics, Disaster, and the Birth of Energopolitics in 1930s Chile.

In 1939, directly after the worst earthquake in the country's history, the Chilean state began implementing an electrification program. This plan shaped energy goals for years to come and defined the interconnected grid that dominates the country's energy infrastructure today. Based on extensive archival work, this article describes the birth of energopolitics in the country, using technology sociologist Michel Callon's notion of "interessement" to describe the strategies of a group of engineers who acted as system builders. Their four main strategies were embracing technological futurisms, forging heterogeneous networks, articulating and mobilizing knowledge, and using crises as windows of opportunity for change. The article shows not only the historical impact of past energy choices on today's world but also that current challenges to energy transitions are not without precedent. Using a sociological framework to tell this story allows us to highlight the mechanisms through which energy systems can change.