Social Indicators Research Articles

Assessing social capital and its impact on economic performance: A comparative study of members and non-members of farmer producer companies in India

Farmer producer companies (FPCs), modern farmer collectives registered under India’s Companies Act, play a crucial role in providing core services like input supply, marketing, technical, and financial support, as well as auxiliary services such as social capital and consultancy, which are linked to higher economic performance and innovation. The study analyzes the levels of social capital among members and non-members of FPCs and their relationship to the economic performance of their members. The data on social capital were collected from 20 FPCs (292 members and 77 non-members) from Maharashtra state of India. Unpaired student T-tests and Mann-Whitney tests were performed to compare the levels of social capital among the members and non-members. OLS regression was performed to understand the difference in social capital and its effect on economic performance. The results reveal that all the indicators of social capital were significantly higher for the members (Mean = 4.27) than for non-members (Mean = 3.14). The social capital indicators related to membership and participation in groups (p-value < 0.10) and the sharing of production and other information (p-value < 0.01) positively affected economic performance. Higher levels of education (p-value < 0.05) and frequent contact with members (p-value < 0.01) positively affected, whereas higher landholding (p-value < 0.10) and years of membership (p-value < 0.01) negatively affected the economic performance of members. As the Indian government plans to add 10,000 FPCs in the next three years, the strategy to increase the social capital of FPCs may enhance the overall resilience and sustainability of rural economies.

Promoting equity in urban heat: a greening approach for HOLC's legacy in Houston, Texas

ABSTRACT The lingering influence of the Homeowners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC), a programme established during the 1930s as part of the New Deal, persists in creating a barrier that prevents progress for marginalised communities [Faber, J. 2020. “We Built This: Consequences of New Deal Era Intervention in America’s Racial Geography.” American Sociological Review 85 (5): 739–775. https://doi.org/10.1177/000312242094846]. Particularly notable is the urban heat island phenomenon, currently evident in numerous metropolitan areas nationwide, which disproportionately impacts neighbourhoods that were redlined due to the historical HOLC rankings and subsequent lack of financial investments. This study undertakes a comparative and analytical examination of temperature variations within HOLC-designated zones in Houston, Texas. It employs basic social indicators and evaluates tree canopy density through analysis of variance. Furthermore, spatial regression modelling is employed to mitigate temperature differentials between neighbourhoods characterised by urban tree canopy, especially focusing on the contrast between “A” and “D” zones. In addition, drawing on the statistical parameters derived from estimation, the study's scenario analysis uncovers that a 54% augmentation in tree canopy density within “D” zones would effectively establish thermal equity. As a result, elevating tree canopy density emerges as a strategy to curtail temperature discrepancies while concurrently introducing cooling impacts on surrounding districts. The dataset utilised for the study encompasses satellite-derived urban temperature records, spatially extensive data on tree canopy density, vulnerability insights from the U.S. Census Bureau, and demographic data, including the proportion of African American residents primarily concentrated in “D” graded districts. Thus, this study not only holds potential for enhancing circumstances within marginalised communities but also introduces a pathway to cultivate an enabling environment for all residents.

Household Change and Related Demographic and Social Indicators in Botswana During 1971–2011

This article examines household change and related demographic and social factors in Botswana during the last 40 years (1971–2011). The analysis uses data from five Botswana censuses and three nationally representative surveys: the 1988 Botswana Standard Demographic Health Survey (BSDHS), the 2000 Multiple Indicator Survey (MICS) and the 2007 Botswana Family Health Surveys (BFHS). Overall, the analysis affords a demographic and socio-economic perspective on the change in Tswana households, which is not generally available in census reports and other population survey analyses but is crucial to family and household policy.

Unpacking Social Capital

Abstract We use novel survey data from Italy to shed light on key questions regarding the measurement of social capital and the use of social capital indicators for empirical work. Our data cover a sample of over 600,000 respondents interviewed between 2000 and 2015. We identify four distinct components of social capital – (i) social participation, (ii) political participation, (iii) general trust, and (iv) trust in institutions – and examine how they relate to each other. We then study how each dimension of social capital relates to various socioeconomic factors both at the individual and the aggregate level, and to various proxies of social capital commonly used in the literature. Finally, building on previous work, we investigate to what extent different dimensions of social capital predict differences in key economic, political, and health outcomes. Our findings support the view that social capital is a multifaceted object with multiple dimensions that, while related, are distinct from each other. Future work should take such multi-dimensionality into account and carefully consider what measure of social capital to use.

Cultural omnivorousness in Ukraine: Examining relationships with social indicators via literary preferences among readers

The ability to accumulate extensive tastes, which is known as cultural omnivorousness, can play a significant role in social stratification and marking social groups. The omnivore argument posits that higher-status cultural tastes tend to be broad and diverse (omnivore). In contrast, lower-status cultural tastes are limited and exclusive (univore). This study investigates cultural omnivorousness in Ukraine by (1) examining latent classes of audiences and (2) exploring the relationship between cultural omnivorousness and positions in the social structure, considering educational attainment, financial situation, age, gender and type of settlement. Relying on the data from the survey ‘Reading in the context of media consumption and life construction’ conducted in 2020, this study focuses on the breadth/volume of behavioral preferences in literary genres among readers in Ukraine (N = 1302). The latent class analysis presents evidence of the distinctiveness of the omnivore class. Subsequent regression analysis shows a strong positive association between high education and omnivorous taste, whereas the financial situation bears no significant direct effect. Regression coefficients for socio-demographic variables indicate a more omnivorous taste amongst women and residents of big cities. The study concludes by discussing potential limitations and further perspectives for investigating the relationships between cultural omnivorousness and social stratification.

Economic Indicator System for Adaptive Monitoring of Compound Climate Change Risks

Climate change adaptation requires proactive development of adaptive planning strategies. To implement such strategies, it is crucial to identify indicators that can monitor and signal approaching adaptation thresholds. While existing research has focused on physical and hazard-based indicators, addressing social and economic indicators is essential for informed decision-making. This research aims to fill this gap by compiling 298 economic indicators across six categories: fiscal factors for central, regional, and local governments; financial system indicators; indicators for industries, businesses, and public organisations; and indicators for identifying socially vulnerable populations due to climate change. Derived from previous studies and the national climate change risk assessment framework, these indicators aim to provide policymakers at all levels and communities with a ready-to-use toolbox for monitoring climate change economic risks. Additionally, the research identifies measurable indicators as well as those that cannot currently be measured but could potentially be quantified. Future work involves further analysis and mapping of these indicators to form a cohesive set warning of the need for adaptation measures, aiming to equip decision-makers with tools to address the economic impacts of climate change.

Impact of environmental, social and governance (ESG) on foreign institutional investments in India: a machine learning perspective

PurposeThis study thoroughly examines the relationship between environmental, social and governance (ESG) scores and their subcategories with the investment decisions made by foreign institutional investors (FII). These subcategories include resource use, emission reduction and innovation under the environmental pillar, workforce, human rights, community and product responsibility under the social pillar and management, shareholders and CSR strategy under the governance pillar.Design/methodology/approachA machine learning technique known as “topic modeling” is used to analyse the current literature on ESG. To investigate the correlation between ESG scores and their subcategories with the investment decisions made by FII and to address concerns regarding multicollinearity and overfitting, a penalty-based regression model is employed.FindingsThe findings indicate that FIIs invest in firms with higher emission reduction and innovation scores under the environmental indicator. Additionally, firms with high human rights, community and product responsibility scores under the social indicator category have a positive relationship with FII investors. All subcategories of governance indicators, such as corporate social responsibility (CSR), strategy, shareholders and management scores, also positively impact FII investment. Of the three indicators, i.e. ESG, non-promoter FIIs give maximum weightage to governance indicators.Research limitations/implicationsSince ESG is a contemporary topic, the findings on the relationship between different categories of ESG on FII investment will support managers in their FII investment. Also, the study will help the government frame policy decisions on ESG.Originality/valuePrevious studies have explored the impact of the overall ESG indicators on FII investments, but they have not specifically studied the influence of sub-indicators within these categories on investment decisions. By addressing this gap, the study enhances stakeholder theory by identifying and prioritizing the various subcategories of ESG indicators that impact FII investment decisions.

Beyond The Classroom: Empowering Social Care Character Through Islamic Education Via Student Executive Board

Islamic Education (IE) in Higher Education is a compulsory course in Indonesia. However, it still dominantly assesses the cognitive aspect, while the learning competency of Islamic Education aims to form the religious character and social attitudes of students. Therefore, this study aims to develop indicators of student social care integrated with student organization activities. The indicator of social concern that has been validated and meets the content validity score will be used as a measuring tool for the attitude and skill components of students in Islamic Education learning. The process of developing indicators of social care integrated into student organization activities requires the ADDIE model development research method (Analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation, but in this study, there are only three stages: the first needs analysis, the second planning, and third development. The research subjects were students and lecturers of Islamic Education at Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, and Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta. Data collection tools are questionnaires, interviews, and documentation studies. Data analysis used the Aikens Index and inter-rater reliability to see the suitability of the content of the indicator with the theory used and to see the agreement of experts in assessing the developed social care indicators. The results of the research based on the needs analysis by surveying 25 students from student organization members in three universities through quota, purposive sampling, and interviews found that 80% of students were involved in BEM social activities, and 72% of students agreed to integrate social activities of student organizations in PAI learning. The results of the Aiken Index content validity test of six skill indicators and four social care attitude indicators were a minimum score of 0.83 and a highest score of 0.91. The reliability test result is 0.64. These results indicate that three experts have agreed upon the content of social care indicators, and then it is feasible to construct a validity test to find out the indicators developed that can measure students' social attitudes and skills using the theory used.

Identification and application of indicators for the assessment of pumped hydro storage projects with renewable energy generation

Pumped hydro storage is crucial in Europe's energy strategy to achieve a 100% renewable energy-based electricity system by 2050. As a consequence of the large number of factors involved and the variety of criteria included in a proper assessment of renewable generation projects with pumped hydro storage, this paper aims to identify and calculate technical, economic, environmental and social indicators in order to provide a tool to improve the decision-making process in this type of large-scale projects.

The Measurement of the Zakat Utilization Index in the Smartfarm Academy Group

This research aims to measure the zakat utilization index and analyze the impact of zakat utilization in the Smartfarm Academy group assisted by the Indonesian Zakat Initiative Amil Zakat Institute (LAZ IZI). This research uses quantitative methods with a descriptive approach. Data collection was carried out through surveys using questionnaires and interviews. Sample selection was carried out by purposive sampling. Data was collected based on the results of questionnaire answers and interviews with respondents, namely members of the Smartfarm Academy. Next, the data is processed using the Multi-Stage Weighted Index. The research results show that the zakat utilization index value in the Smartfarm Academy program in Tangerang Regency is 0.70 or is in the strengthening phase category. It shows that productive zakat is running according to the objectives and is right on target. This program has had a good impact on Mustahiq and social indicators as well as cultural, economic, da'wah, and environmental indicators. LAZ IZI, as the builder of this program, can replicate the Smartfarm Academy program to other Mustahiq groups so that the benefits are even more significant.

Does Adaptation to Saltwater Intrusion Improve the Livelihoods of Farmers? Evidence for the Central Coastal Region of Vietnam

Saltwater intrusion poses severe threats to rice farming in Vietnam. Farmers can adapt by producing other crops or switching to other production models. This study evaluates the impact of implementing different saltwater-intrusion-adaptation strategies on farmers’ livelihoods by applying propensity score matching to cross-sectional survey data for 414 farmers in the Central Coastal region of Vietnam. We consider both economic and social indicators and find that there is considerable heterogeneity in the outcomes. With the exception of switching to new rice varieties, all adaptation strategies considered in the study significantly increase saline-land productivity, mainly as a result of higher revenues. Moreover, for these strategies, food security is found to be significantly higher, whereas life satisfaction is only higher for those farm households that cultivate vegetables, shrimp, or lotus-fish. Adopting new rice varieties is found to significantly decrease saline-land productivity, whereas the social impacts are not significant.

Your friends, your credit: Social capital measures derived from social media and the credit market

We document a robust correlation between the Bricker and Li (2017) social trust indicator and the Chetty et al. (2022a) economic connectedness measure. The two indicators predict upward income mobility independently to a comparable extent. The Bricker–Li indicator is defined as the average credit score of a community, and the Chetty et al. measures are based on Facebook befriending data. The consistency and complementarity between these two indicators underscore trust as a crucial ingredient of social capital.

Fostering Sustainable Urban Tourism in Predominantly Industrial Small-Sized Cities (SSCs)—Focusing on Two Selected Locations

This study explores the development prospects of tourism in predominantly industrial small-sized cities (SSCs), focusing on the integration of tourism into urban planning and sustainable practices. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze survey data from SSCs in Serbia and Russia, the research identifies key factors contributing to urban tourism sustainability. The analysis reveals the significant roles of environmental, economic, social, and cultural indicators in promoting sustainable urban tourism. The importance of inclusive development and community engagement is also highlighted, underscoring their impact on sustainability. The findings offer theoretical insights and practical recommendations for effectively incorporating tourism into urban planning to achieve comprehensive sustainability in SSCs.

Fiscal autonomy and public expenditure performance: Some panel‐data evidence from Indian states

AbstractThis study examines the impact of fiscal autonomy (FAP) on public expenditure performance across 18 Indian states from 2010–11 to 2019–20. We develop a measure of public expenditure performance using social indicators. We also measure FAP using revenue‐expenditure ratio. Based on system generalized method of moments, the empirical result confirms that a higher FAP given to Indian states is associated with greater fiscal performance. Further, the robustness check reveals that central transfer insignificantly affects the expenditure performance of Indian states.

Sustainable urban transformations based on integrated microgrid designs

The impacts of natural hazards on infrastructure, enhanced by climate change, are increasingly more severe emphasizing the necessity of resilient energy grids. Microgrids, tailored energy systems for specific neighbourhoods and districts, play a pivotal role in sustaining energy supply during main grid outages. These solutions not only mitigate economic losses and well-being disruptions against escalating hazards but also enhance city resilience in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11. However, disregarding socioeconomic factors in defining microgrid boundaries risks perpetuating inequalities and impeding progress towards other SDG 11 targets, including fair democratic participation. Our approach integrates social and technical indicators to bolster urban microgrid planning. Through a case study in a US county, we illustrate how integrated microgrid planning effectively intertwines urban resilience, well-being and equity while promoting sustainable development. This study underscores the importance of integrated microgrid planning for sustainable and resilient urban transformation amid environmental and societal challenges.

HIARA study protocol: impacts of artificial coral reef development on fisheries, human livelihoods and health in southwestern Madagascar.

The Health Impacts of Artificial Reef Advancement (HIARA; in the Malagasy language, "together") study cohort was set up in December 2022 to assess the economic and nutritional importance of seafood for the coastal Malagasy population living along the Bay of Ranobe in southwestern Madagascar. Over the course of the research, which will continue until at least 2026, the primary question we seek to answer is whether the creation of artificial coral reefs can rehabilitate fish biomass, increase fish catch, and positively influence fisher livelihoods, community nutrition, and mental health. Through prospective, longitudinal monitoring of the ecological and social systems of Bay of Ranobe, we aim to understand the influence of seasonal and long-term shifts in marine ecological resources and their benefits to human livelihoods and health. Fourteen communities (12 coastal and two inland) were enrolled into the study including 450 households across both the coastal (n = 360 households) and inland (n = 90 households) ecosystems. In the ecological component, we quantify the extent and health of coral reef ecosystems and collect data on the diversity and abundance of fisheries resources. In the social component, we collect data on the diets, resource acquisition strategies, fisheries and agricultural practices, and other social, demographic and economic indicators, repeated every 3 months. At these visits, clinical measures are collected including anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and mental health diagnostic screening. By analyzing changes in fish catch and consumption arising from varying distances to artificial reef construction and associated impacts on fish biomass, our cohort study could provide valuable insights into the public health impacts of artificial coral reef construction on local populations. Specifically, we aim to assess the impact of changes in fish catch (caused by artificial reefs) on various health outcomes, such as stunting, underweight, wasting, nutrient intake, hypertension, anxiety, and depression.

Digital support of spatial planning processes in the regions

Subject. This article deals with the design and modeling of a data-centered tool for supporting spatial planning processes. Objectives. The article aims to develop a tool designed to solve the problem of automated formation of volumetric surfaces, which is necessary for assessing the innovative development of the region. Methods. For the study, we used the methods and approaches of the fuzzy logic theory, and logical programming methods. Results. An integrated approach to solving regional problems, taking into account the empirical knowledge of experts, helped develop a tool for assessing the innovative potential of the region, its approbation through using a Russian region as a case study is illustrated with graphs. Relevance. The formed triad of sustainable development makes it possible to reflect the behavior of the regional innovative development index as a whole on the basis of social, economic and environmental indicators of sustainability.

Dynamics of Some Medical and Demographic Indicators in St. Petersburg During the Period from 2018 to 2023

Background. There have been negative trends in the birth rate and population growth decline in recent years. Forecasts from demographers are also not so encouraging as the next generation of childbearing age is one from the end of the last century which is characterized by low birth rate. Population mortality exceeded the birth rate during the years of challenging and questionable economic reforms. Moreover, there was a high level of chronic morbidity in child population, and physical development had the trend to retardation. Meanwhile under these circumstances, the President of Russian Federation and the Government adopted regulatory documents (decrees, dedicated programs) that determined the directions of state social policy on improving the situation with children in Russian Federation until 2000.Objective. The aim of the study is to evaluate the dynamics of several medical and social indicators of 2018–2023 characterizing demographic trends direction, with proposals on improving medical care in the maternal and child health care system.Methods. The study has covered reporting form No. 19 of Russian Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) for children’s outpatient clinics, form No. 14 for children’s hospitals, form No. 030/у “Check-list of dispensary observation”. The study has used the materials of the Presidential Coordination board meeting from November 15, 2016. Statistical data was obtained from the “Office of the Federal State Statistics Service for St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region” (Petrostat) and the Center for Analysis and Forecast of Mother and Child Health at Health Committee of St. Petersburg, Medical Information and Analytical Center (“Major results in the field of health care in St. Petersburg”, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022). Statistical processing was carried out via variational statistics methods (Pearson’s criterion, Fisher’s angular transformation criterion) and data from the automated system of prophylactic medical examination, registration certificate FSR No. 2009/05279, corresponding to the order of the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation No. 514н dated August 10, 2017.Results. The analysis of study results confirms the negative demographic patterns in St. Petersburg like the all-Russian. Increase assisted reproductive technologies was noted alongside with birth rate decrease. There are still high rates of stillbirth and perinatal mortality, as well as increased infant mortality rate. The correlation of depopulation processes with children’s health worsening and increasing disability is emphasized.Conclusion. The problems raised in this paper do not have an straightforward solution and require multimodal approach.

Exploring the structure of household social capital in rural Vietnam: Applying Bayesian network approach.

This study aims to explore the structure of the households' social capital of rural Vietnam households with secondary data from 2008 to 2018. This paper applied the fundamental theories (resource and network theories) and the Bayesian network to estimate the interaction of proxies to explore the structure of social capital. Results showed that the triangle structure in household social capital with the core point is organization participation. The connections show the tendency from organization participation, linking to household networks. Alongside that, linking social capital and Organization participation are determinants of social capital indicators (social events, social cost). Therefore, this paper suggests employing proxies such as structured indicators for integrating social capital into the livelihood papers.

Social life cycle hotspot analysis of future hydrogen use in the EU

Abstract Purpose The widespread use of hydrogen in the EU aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions may involve complex value chains (e.g. importation from third countries) with potential effects (positive or negative) on the different sectors of society. Achieving sustainable hydrogen deployment must be motivated not only by environmental and economic aspects but also by social responsibility and the search for human well-being. Given this, and the scarcity of studies currently available on prospective social impacts of hydrogen production, the present purpose of this article is to unveil and assess the main social impacts linked to the future hydrogen value chains. Methods The methodological approach adopted in this article encompasses the following steps: (i) analysis of two potential value chains for hydrogen use in EU: an on-site option, where hydrogen is produced and used in the same European country, and an off-site option, where hydrogen is produced in a European country different from its usage involving more unit processes, in terms of storage and transport activities, and working time to deliver the same quantity of hydrogen. This framework will include (i) scenario analysis and a forward-looking perspective taking into account the critical raw materials employed across the entire value chain, (ii) identification of a list of relevant social impact categories and indicators through a systematic procedure, (iii) social hotspot analysis using Product Social Impact Life Cycle Assessment (PSILCA) to assess the selected representative value chains, and (iv) conducting scenario analysis and subsequently interpreting of results. Results and discussion The off-site value chain shows a relatively worse social performance (6 to 72 times) than the on-site value chain across most selected indicators due to the more complex value chain. Although the identification of social hotspots depends on the specific social indicator under evaluation, the power source components (wind and solar PV) manufacturing processes and the relatively increased complexity of the off-site option highly conditioned the social performance of the hydrogen value chains in most of the indicators considered. A scenario analysis was carried out comparing both value chains with two additional locations for hydrogen production: Northern Africa and Western Asia. The findings indicate that the on-site value chain presents the lowest impact scores. For the off-site option, the production of hydrogen in a European country is the most preferable scenario in terms of the social indicators evaluated. Conclusions According to findings, producing hydrogen in a different location than where it is consumed increases the social impacts of its deployment. Measures at mid and long term should be considered for improving the social impact of hydrogen deployment in Europe. This includes increasing reuse and recycling, responsibly sourcing raw materials, and creating regulatory frameworks ensuring safe working conditions across global value chains. Furthermore, this article highlights the crucial role of the S-LCA methodology in evaluating social aspects as a support for targeted policy interventions, and the need to adapt this to the specific case study. At the same time, it acknowledges that other relevant social aspects that can influence the social sustainability of the hydrogen technology are not captured with this methodology (in particular social acceptance, affordability and energy security). Improvements in selecting indicators and refined geographical and temporal representations of the value chains to better represent hydrogen technologies and future size market are research gaps filled in the present scientific work.