Rich And Poor Research Articles

Family Planning Policies in Peru (1995-2023): Ontological Problems on Fertility and Infertility in Andean and Amazonian Culture

The research proposes a historical analysis of family planning policies in force from 1995 to 2023, with the objective of understanding the problems derived from the Voluntary Surgical Contraception (VSC) program implemented between 1995 and 2000, as well as the current decline of the health system in relation to sexual health and family planning. It addresses the influence of conservative-oriented governments and policies, as well as the interaction with Andean, Amazonian and urban cultural conceptions of fertility and infertility. The methodology employed is historical in nature, with an anthropological and qualitative approach. The findings highlight that policies related to sexuality and family planning in the historical context of the country did not take into account the cultural values and perspectives of local communities, which has contributed to a social gap in the field of public health. It is evident that the mass sterilization policies implemented in Peru during the 1990s suffered from lack of informed consent, pressure and coercion on individuals, having a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable communities. Therefore, this study seeks to provide guidance and recommendations to address the current problem identified.

Rethinking economic socialization: the intersection of culture, gender and economic life in a religious enclave

Abstract This article explores how economic socialization serves as a bridge between individual economic behaviors and the broader social and cultural contexts that shape them. Drawing on a post-functionalist approach to socialization, the study examines the ultra-Orthodox Jewish (Haredi) community in Israel, where distinct gender roles, cultural norms and patterns of economic participation create a unique context for investigating divergent economic socialization pathways. Comparing four groups within the Haredi community—average/below-average and high-income women, men with work experience, and men who study at religious seminaries (Yeshiva/Kollel)—analysis of an original survey study reveals how differential exposure to economic life leads to significant variations in financial risk-taking, loss-aversion, financial literacy and competitiveness. The findings problematize explanations attributing economic gender gaps to innate differences, instead highlighting the profound impact of the cultural framing of gender roles vis-à-vis economic integration. By foregrounding economic socialization as a sociological phenomenon, the study contributes to discourses on culture’s role in economic behavior and opens new avenues for examining how individuals acquire economic dispositions through socialization pathways shaped by structural constraints and power relations.

KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICES, AND CONSTRAINTS AMONG BREASTFEEDING EMPLOYEES TOWARDS IMPLEMENTATION OF LACTATION AREA

Breastfeeding empowers women and children and working mothers who revolutionize the workplace globally, specifically in carrying mutual roles as employees delivering quality service to humanity and mothers nurturing their children. This study explored the knowledge, practices, and constraints among breastfeeding working mothers in Region III, Philippines, towards implementing lactation areas. A mixed-methods approach combined a quantitative survey with a qualitative semi-structured interview component. Findings showed a high prevalence of breastfeeding among working mothers, coupled with a good level of knowledge about breastfeeding practices. However, constraints such as lack of lactation areas in offices, heavy workload, and limited support were revealed, thus foregrounding the need for institutionalized policies and guidelines to establish lactation areas in offices, promote breastfeeding, and support working mothers and their welfare, anchored on sustainable development goals (SDGs). By addressing these issues, workplaces position a more conducive environment for breastfeeding mothers, contributing to improved maternal and infant health outcomes. Further, this research provides valuable insights for policymakers, employers, and healthcare providers in initiating more effective strategies to support breastfeeding working women. Through the documented findings and by providing concrete recommendations for policy and infrastructure, this research advances the shaping of a more breastfeeding-friendly environment, promotion of maternal and infant health, supporting SDG 3-good health and well-being, and enhancement of workplace productivity towards achieving SDG 8-decent work and economic growth and SDG 5-gender equality.

Analysis of the Influence of Domestic Capital Investment (PMDN) And Foreign Capital Investment (PMA) On Economic Growth In West Nusa Tenggara Province 2014 - 2023

Regional development in Indonesia is a process that involves various aspects such as economic, social, and environmental, with the aim of improving the welfare of the community in each region. One of the key elements in regional development is investment, which plays an important role in accelerating economic growth and equality throughout Indonesia.The types of investment that enter the region can be in the form of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) or Foreign Investment (PMA) and Gross Domestic Investment (GDI) or Domestic Investment (PMDN). The purpose of this study is to see how much influence PMDN and PMA have on economic growth in West Nusa Tenggara Province. The method used in this study is quantitative descriptive.which aims to describe or explain phenomena that occur numerically.By using Multiple Regression Analysis to analyze the relationship and interrelationship between variables in this study. Data processing in this study uses the SPSS computer program. The results of the study indicate that PMDN and PMA have a positive effect on economic growth in West Nusa Tenggara Province.

How are firms motivated to greenly innovate under the pressure of ESG performance? Evidence from Chinese listed firms

The impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance gaps on firm green innovation is examined in this paper by a panel database of A-share Chinese listed companies from 2011 to 2021. Using multiple linear regression and conducting a series of endogeneity tests and robustness checks, our empirical analysis shows that firm ESG performance gaps have significantly positive effect on green innovation. Both ESG performance below historical aspiration and social aspiration levels enhance a firm’s green innovation. Confucian culture negatively moderates the positive relationship between ESG performance gaps and green innovation, suggesting that firms more influenced by Confucian culture exhibit reduced green innovation than those less influenced. Additionally, firm digitalization positively moderates the positive relationship between ESG performance gaps and green innovation, indicating that firms with higher levels of digitalization are better equipped to improve green innovation when facing ESG performance shortfalls. This study extends the existing knowledge of firm ESG performance and motivation of green innovation. The research findings offer practical insights for leveraging the motivation and capabilities of green innovation to attain firm ESG objectives.

How to align climate ambition and economic equality

How to align climate ambition and economic equality

Long-run measurement of income-related inequalities in health care under universal coverage: evidence from longitudinal analysis in Korea

BackgroundMany countries have sought to promote well-being for their entire populations through the implementation of universal health coverage (UHC). To identify the extent to which UHC has been attained, it is necessary to evaluate equity of access to use of needed care and the cost burden of health services for the country’s entire population. This study considers income-related inequalities in health care utilization and spending in a long-term perspective for the case of the Republic of Korea.MethodsExploiting longitudinal data from a nationally representative health survey from 2008 to 2018, this study investigates how income-related inequalities in health care in Korea have varied over time and examines the extent to which need and non-need factors contribute those inequalities, using an in‐depth decomposition analysis, allowing for heterogeneous responses across income groups.ResultsThe empirical results show that overall health care utilization is disproportionately concentrated among the poor over both the short and long run. Income-group differences and non-need determinants, such as marital status and private health insurance, make larger pro-poor contributions to inequality in inpatient care use, while chronic disease prevalence greatly pushes outpatient care utilization in a pro-poor direction. The results regarding inpatient care expenses indicate a similar pattern of pro-poor bias. Long-run inequality favors the better-off in terms of outpatient care expenses, where the contribution of income-group differences has the largest impact.ConclusionMy findings suggest that it is important for health care policy in Korea to focus on improvements in the health status and well-being of low-income groups, as poor people are likely to be in poorer health. Non-need contributors could worsen pro-poor inequalities if the economic disparity across households were to increase due to the demographic transition. Higher spending on inpatient care may be a heavier financial burden for low-income people. Additional supportive measures should be provided to prevent them from suffering economic hardship. By contrast, people in high-income groups may spend most on costly services in outpatient care, including uninsured services, with the help of private health insurance. Nevertheless, the expansion of income disparity should be alleviated even from a health care policy perspective.

Financial inclusion effects of engaging with the fintech ecosystem

Using the FinAccess Kenya Household Survey dataset, we construct a metric of individual engagement with the fintech ecosystem and examine its linkage with consumption of traditional financial products. Deploying a battery of econometric procedures, we document a pervasive gap in the usage of traditional financial products, ranging from 5.3% to 17.5%, between individuals who engage with the fintech ecosystem and those who do not. Treatment-effects procedures yield evidence that engaging with the fintech ecosystem improves individuals’ usage of traditional financial products by about 4 percentage points. The positive impact of the fintech ecosystem on the usage of traditional financial products is enabled by fintech mitigating the distance barrier. Interestingly, our findings suggest that the fintech ecosystem does not perform well in addressing financial inclusion inequalities facing young adults, women, the less educated and less wealthy people. We offer policy guides and future research suggestions anchored on these findings.

Economic factors influencing the empowerment of Peruvian women

Objective To determine whether economic factors are crucial in empowering women, guiding them towards growth and development opportunities, achieving empowerment, and contributing to two sustainable development goals of the 2030 development agenda: ending poverty and achieving gender equality. Methodology The research was foundational, with a phenomenological and hermeneutic design. The applied technique was in-depth interviews with 12 women who had started a business within the last five years in a region of Peru. Results It is evident that economic factors are decisive in business experiences and decisions, highlighting the necessity of having contingency funds to prevent operational impacts. Through entrepreneurship, women achieved economic independence, enabling them to support their families and impacting their empowerment. It concludes that to promote economic opportunity equality, addressing financing needs, encouraging economic independence, strengthening family empowerment, improving customer management, and facilitating access to government funds are essential. Conclusions The narrative of the participants provides a solid foundation for designing specific policies and support programs that boost the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs and encourage their active participation in the business sphere.

The Effect of Green Accounting, Sales Growth, and Firm Size on Stock Prices in Agricultural Companies Listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2021-2023

In a effort to increase Stock Price, management, as representatives of the company’s owners, develops and implements various strategies to manage the company's business operations. However, sometimes the strategies and actions taken by management to maximize profit do not always align with legal values, social norms, or environmental sustainability. This can lead to social and environmental gaps, and even legal violations. A stronger focus by management on economic and business aspects rather than social aspects often draws attention to the company. This study aims to examine and analyze the impact of Green Accounting, Sales Growth, and Firm Size on stock price. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling, and based on the established criteria, 14 agricultural companies listed on the IDX from 2021 to 2023 were selected. This research uses a quantitative approach with data analysis methods including descriptive statistical analysis and panel data regression analysis. The results show that Green Accounting has a positive and significant effect on stock price. Sales Growth has a positive effect on stock price. Firm Size does not have an effect on stock price. This study is expected to be learning material as well as a more in-depth and reference and be able to contribute to further research related to stock price, for companies it can be used as consideration and evaluation material in taking a policy that can pose a risk to the stock price in the future, as well a providing information related to making investment decisions more effectively and efficiently for stakeholders.

Availability and requirement of feed and fodder in different districts of Karnataka

Agriculture and livestock sectors are crucial for economic and social equity in rural areas. Livestock sector growth and fodder availability are directly related. Enhancing profitability of livestock husbandry can only be possible by ensuring adequate fodder to the livestock. A study was therefore conducted to know the feed and fodder availability and requirement at various districts of Karnataka. Secondary data of land use classification, crop production (2015 to 2019) and livestock census were used to derive dry matter (DM) availability and requirement for each district. Primary data was collected to understand the village level situation. Results indicated that state has an average of only 68.61±54.41% dry matter availability. Out of 30 districts, six districts belonged to surplus (>100%) and 12 districts belonged to severely deficient DM category with the DM availability of less than 40%. Crop residues contributed highest (69.01%) to the total DM. Contribution of total greens from all sources was found to be more in severely deficient districts. Bagalkot district had highest and Bengaluru urban had lowest DM availability. These findings are pivotal for developing fodder plan for Karnataka.

Policy entrepreneurship for transformative governance

AbstractScholarship is growing on societal transitions, describing radical societal change involving multiple sectors and scales, and transformative governance, describing how public, private, and civil society actors use tools of policy to pursue this fundamental change, aiming to build resiliency and sustainability. Much of this literature has a systems‐level focus and does not closely examine how governance participants, working individually or collectively, can steer a jurisdiction toward or away from transformativeness. This paper offers a corrective, integrating policy entrepreneurship scholarship with transformative governance research to advance understanding of how human agency underpins societal change. Drawing on accounts from 50 interviewees across eight case studies of US cities grappling with flooding hazards, we show how policy entrepreneurship can boost the political and economic resources that city officials rely upon to help propel radical shifts towards greater social, economic, and environmental equity.

МІЖНАРОДНЕ ІНВЕСТИЦІЙНЕ СПІВРОБІТНИЦТВО ТА ЙОГО РОЛЬ У ПОВОЄННОМУ ВІДНОВЛЕННІ ПРИМОРСЬКИХ ТЕРИТОРІЙ УКРАЇНИ

The article is devoted to the study of the scientific and theoretical foundations of international investment cooperation and the analysis of its impact on the economic development of the coastal areas of Ukraine. It is conducted the critical review of existing definitions of the studied concept. It is proposed the proper definition that considers the socio-economic nature of such cooperation. International investment cooperation should be understood as economic relations formed as a result of international investment and mediating the movement of international investments. It is defined the main purpose of the investigated phenomenon, which consists in making a profit. It is emphasized the key difference between international investment cooperation and other forms of cross-border movement of capital by the presence of a commercial basis that accompanies this process in one way or another. It is considered previous developments in formulating the principles of investment cooperation. It is proposed own list of principles for its implementation: economic expediency, freedom and equality of parties, fair distribution of benefits and risks, regulatory and tax coordination, social, environmental and ethical responsibility, strategic, transparent and contractual nature. By constructing polynomial regression equations of the dependence of the gross product of the coastal regions of Ukraine on direct foreign investment, the regularities of the influence of international investment cooperation on the economic development of the respective territories are investigated. It is determined that such cooperation is characterized by its fundamental importance for the economic growth, its direct impact on the regional economic complex, the marginal possibilities of rational placement of international investments and the unevenness of the positive effect they generate. It is substantiated the practical advantages and limitations of the potential increase in the volume of international investment in the post-war period.

Desktop‐based virtual reality social platforms versus video conferencing platforms for online synchronous learning in higher education: An experimental study to evaluate students' learning gains and user experience

AbstractBackgroundOnline synchronous learning in higher education frequently struggles to overcome the social presence gap, resulting in dissatisfaction and poor learning outcomes.ObjectivesThis study examined the effectiveness of desktop‐based virtual reality (VR) social platforms compared to video conferencing (VC) platforms in enhancing students' learning gains and experiences in online synchronous learning.MethodsThe study used a within‐subject design, involving 34 college students in two online lecture modules, one via a VR social platform and another through a VC platform. Knowledge assessments occurred pre‐ and post‐modules and after 1 week. Students also completed post‐module questionnaires to evaluate their learning experience, in terms of social presence, easiness of use and perceived emotions. In‐depth interviews provided further insights into their experiences with both platforms.ResultsThe study showed that using VR social platforms for online synchronous learning enhanced immediate knowledge, especially in students less interested in the content, yet it did not notably impact long‐term knowledge retention. Despite no significant findings in social presence from questionnaires, interviews indicated that the VR's heightened interactivity might be offset by the effect of not seeing others' real appearances in promoting social presence. Furthermore, the VC platform was found to be easier to use, attributed to its familiarity and user‐friendliness. Finally, students experienced increased fun, awe and interest, along with reduced boredom, when using the VR social platform.ConclusionThe findings highlight the potential of VR to enrich online learning while underscoring the need for effective strategies facilitating a smooth integration into educational settings.

Men (but not women) prefer to live in economically equal societies when it comes to mating: A five-study investigation

It is generally believed that people prefer societies with economic equality. No studies thus far have systematically examined sex differences in this preference specifically concerning mating—an important life stage. Building upon theoretical frameworks of mating strategies (i.e., hypergyny), we hypothesized that men, in comparison to women, are less inclined to prefer and reside in a highly unequal society when it comes to mating. This could be because economically unequal environments lead men to expect poorer life quality after marriage than women. These hypotheses were confirmed across five studies using a mixed-method approach. In particular, we first provided evidence by focusing on fertile age populations and employing the panel data across 50 states of the USA from 2006 to 2019 (Study 1A), the most recent cross-sectional data at the county level of the USA (Study 1B), and a large-scale survey data on the individual migration records of American residents (N = 4,746,718, Study 2). In addition, we conducted two controlled experiments by manipulating mating motivation (Study 3) and economic inequality level (high versus low, Studies 3 and 4, N = 812, N = 418). Our studies, employing both archival data high in ecological validity and experimental evidence allowing causal inferences, show that men exhibit a stronger aversion than women toward economic inequality. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how evolutionary mating strategies and sex differences jointly influence the economic inequality preference.

Financial Openness and Income Inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Role of Development Level and Access to Land

The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between financial openness and income inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa by controlling the level of development and access to land. By applying the generalized method of moments (GMM) to a sample of 38 countries over the period 2010–2019, the main results are as follows: (i) De facto financial openness reduces income inequality, while de jure financial openness exacerbates income inequality; (ii) Access to land mitigates the effect of de jure openness on income inequalities; (iii) the income level amplifies the effect of reducing financial openness on income inequalities. It follows from these results that access to land can be an excellent instrument for reducing income inequality at the national level due to the reduction of the income gap between rural and urban areas.

KESENJANGAN DALAM PEMBANGUNAN EKONOMI ISLAM

This research aims to reveal how inequality exists in developing countries, as well as government actions and Islamic views regarding the problem of inequality in economic development. The research method used a descriptive qualitative approach using primary and secondary data. The research results show that economic inequality is indicated by unequal growth in expenditure between community groups, while non-economic inequality is indicated by inequality in access to basic services, namely health, education, water and sanitation, and other basic services. The government played an active role by developing the economy in an inclusive manner, increasing worker-intensive investment, giving special attention to micro and small businesses, expanding the rural economy and developing the agricultural sector, guaranteeing social protection for all workers, continuing poverty reduction programs. In Islam, regarding the issue of inequality, there must be consistency in terms of economic growth and equality due to creating a fair situation.

Towards circular renovation: a comparative review of circular economy integration in sustainable building rating systems

ABSTRACT Building renovation is widely considered an effective strategy for reducing the environmental impact of urban housing stock. In recent years, interest in ‘circular renovation’ – the application of Circular Economy approaches to building renovation – has grown but implementation pathways for circular renovations are still lacking. This study investigates Sustainable Building Rating Systems (SBRS) as an effective method to implement circular renovation by conducting a rigorous comparative analysis of residential SBRS against the established ReSOLVE framework's circularity principles (Regenerate, Share, Optimize, Loop, Virtualize, Exchange). The study focuses on apartment buildings dgiven their importance to urban housing stock and employs a qualitative content analysis on three SBRS (Living Building Challenge, Green Star Buildings, Building Sustainability Index) applicable to renovation. The research revealed that SBRS are progressing towards circularity but to varying extents and with different approaches. While Regenerate, Optimize, and Exchange principles are prominent, Share, Virtualize, and Loop need further integration in SBRS to facilitate circular renovation. The research also highlighted the potential social gaps of ReSOLVE. Although limited to three SBRS, the findings provide valid insights into Circular Economy integration in SBRS, thus synthesizing SBRS and Circular Economy knowledge and its implementation in apartment building renovation and beyond

Refugees’ employment: Adapting a structural inequality framework for multinational corporations

Multinational corporations (MNCs), through action or inaction, directly and indirectly shape vertical, horizontal, or internal structural inequalities in labour markets. The refugee employment literature has given scant attention to the role of MNCs, and how these corporations can or do contribute to achieving equality in employment outcomes for diverse social groups such as refugees. In this paper, we explore how MNCs seek to address challenges associated with structural inequalities to achieve greater equality in employment outcomes for refugees. To do so, we draw on the refugee employment literature, industry evidence, and business reports. Our findings reveal that MNCs require global and national-level responses to address structural inequalities associated with vertical, horizontal, or internal inequalities. We synthesise these inequalities into a conceptual framework and illustrate the need for MNCs to balance standardisation vs localisation strategies in human resource and diversity management, sourcing and supply chain management, corporate social responsibility, marketing and branding, and external engagement. Such MNC strategies contribute to refugees’ ability to navigate structural factors that create employment inequalities.

Does structural change matter for sustainable development in newly industrialized countries? Fresh evidence from a new sustainability indicator

The economic gap between developed and developing economies has been diminishing due to the recent rapid economic growth performance of developing economies. While achieving this swift growth level, developing economies have structurally transformed their economies. However, the impact of this structural change on environmental sustainability remains unclear. Therefore, this study focuses on the impacts of structural change, energy structure, and economic growth on the load capacity factor, a comprehensive sustainability indicator, in newly industrialized countries during 2000–2020. To this end, second-generation panel data techniques, which account for cross-sectional dependence and heterogeneity, are used to provide more robust and reliable estimates. The results show that economic growth, structural change, and fossil energy utilization decrease the load capacity factor while renewable energy utilization increases it. These findings underscore the need for energy efficiency and resource-conscious policies that align with environmental sustainability while promoting economic growth, highlighting their crucial role in the future of sustainable development.