Social Cohesion Research Articles

Refugee solidarity activism in times of pandemic: reorganizing solidarity practices at the EU border

ABSTRACT This article explores how grassroots refugee solidarity groups adapted their solidarity practices to the unprecedented challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. By taking as a case study the EU border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, which is situated along the Western Balkans migratory route, this piece explores how grassroots solidarity groups continued to provide first aid in the field to people on the move during the pandemic by adapting their practices to the changed circumstances. Combining a spatial and relational perspective to the study of solidarity activism, this article found evidence that solidarity groups managed to continue their activities during the pandemic thanks to two specific conditions: the existence of established networks and strong ties between international and domestic actors; and the spatiality of the border, which provided fertile ground for these relationships and ties to develop and thrive. The study placed social movement literature into dialogue with critical border studies and critical geography and is based on online and offline participant observation as well as in-depth qualitative interviews with solidarians engaged in refugee solidarity activism.

The Impacts of Community-Driven Development Program in Conflict-Affected Regions: Evidence from Cambodia

Abstract This study evaluates the effects of the Cambodia Rural Development Program, specifically focusing on income generation and social capital. By employing a difference- in-differences framework and propensity score matching, the study finds a statistically significant positive impact on income, primarily driven by increased engagement in regular income-generating activities. However, the study also finds that the program has a limited effect on village-level collective actions, social cohesion, and perceived safety while inadvertently discouraging financial contributions to community projects. Additionally, trust between villagers and government officials remains unchanged. Heterogeneous analyses reveal the ineffective participation of trauma-experienced subgroups, highlighting the need for tailored approaches in conflict-affected regions.

Towards social equity and sustainable economic prosperity through ecotourism: A case of caste diversified community along Annapurna Sanctuary trail (AST), Nepal

The key to social equity and sustainable economic prosperity rests on the inclusion of diverse socio-cultural and ethnic groups in socio-economic activities. Ecotourism promotes the fair and equitable sharing of available opportunities among local people to ensure social equity, sustainable economic prosperity, and tourism sustainability. This study presents an analysis of how ecotourism has contributed to social equity and sustainable economic prosperity within multicultural communities in three villages: Ghandruk, Landruk, and Dhampus along the Annapurna Sanctuary Trail (AST) in Nepal, through the lens of the local community with 120 face-to-face questionnaire surveys, five key informant interviews, six focus group discussions, and field observations. Ecotourism is found to be an effective mechanism for fostering social equity and economic prosperity through socio-economic empowerment, particularly among marginalized groups such as women, Dalits, and Janajatis through the reduction of gender-based income disparities, increased access to micro-financial services, enhanced social cohesion, and increased participation in decision-making processes. Furthermore, the study reveals that households from diverse castes and ethnic backgrounds have benefitted from ecotourism through various income-generating activities, including the sale of local handicrafts and agricultural products, leasing land and property, and infrastructure development. However, it also identifies challenges such as rising living costs, land prices, abandoned agricultural lands, and income inequality. For the sustainability of ecotourism in the region, the need for regulatory measures to control local prices, and integrate agricultural activities into tourism experiences is proposed. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of engaging marginalized groups, particularly Janajatis and Dalits, in ecotourism development initiatives.

Dynamics of English gratitude expression: a corpus-assisted analysis of UK government COVID-19 briefings

Abstract With a focus on politicians’ and medical experts’ gratitude expressions in UK government COVID-19 briefings, this research describes how perspective and intensity were modulated in expressing gratitude to realise different pragmatic intentions. This corpus-assisted analysis finds that retrospective or prospective gratitude expression was adopted by the two British elite groups to build solidarity (encouraging) and/or make requests (directing) for protecting public health. Gratitude of varying intensities was expressed (e.g. by highlighting metaphorical dimensions such as WIDTH and DEPTH) to correspond to the importance of a benefit (judged by how much the given benefit matches the receiver’s needs and preferences) and/or to implicitly display the evaluation of the benefactor’s responsibility and efforts. We tentatively formulate a dynamic model of gratitude expression in public discourse and shed light on the metaphorical conceptualisation of English gratitude expression and the power of gratitude expression in boosting social cohesion and directing social actions in a discourse of crisis.

Searching for A Better Educational System: Language Planning in Competency-Based School Curriculum

Purpose: The new European school curriculum focuses on innovation, competency-based learning and the integration of technology as ways to increase the quality of education and better prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century. This study investigates the effects of implementation of this curriculum, highlighting its benefits and potential challenges, especially in relation to the standard language. Theoretical Framework: The new European pre-university curriculum is explored in interdisciplinary approach, integrating the latest theories in teaching methodology with language planning and technology. Synthesizing the existing literature serves as a prerequisite for the analysis performed on the empirical research. Methodology: The impact of the implementation of the competence-based curriculum in Albanian school education are analyzed theoretically and empirically, emphasizing the advantages and shortcomings compared to the previous curriculum. Findings: The increase in the quality of school education is evident with the implementation of the new European curriculum, which prioritizes student-centered learning by incorporating technology into different learning scenarios. As shown by international evaluations such as Pisa, slow steps have been made in the national curriculum, which calls for further reforms by the educational authorities. Research Practical and Social Implication: The new national curriculum improves student outcomes and aligns with wider educational goals within the EU, influencing national identity and global social cohesion, which are important research areas. Originality/Value: This study values the competency-based curriculum as a necessity for preparing European students for a globally competitive world, pointing out some areas for improvements.

Social Participation Patterns Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Roles of Community Social Cohesion and Health.

The objectives of this study were to investigate groupwide variations in social participation among older adults before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and how such variations were associated with their community social cohesion and health. Data were from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2019-2020; n = 2,597 adults aged 65 or older). Latent class analysis was used to identify groupwide variations in social participation. These variations were then incorporated into adjusted regressions to test relationships with social cohesion and health. Four participation patterns emerged: active, selective independent, occasional, and selective religious participants. Selective independent and occasional participants were likely to live in less socially cohesive communities. During the pandemic, active participants were likely to report better self-rated health and lower risks of depressive and anxiety symptoms and dementia. Findings highlight directions for policy and intervention design that can enhance social participation and support healthy aging.

Social Resilience in Single-Parent Women's Families (Case Study of Dusun Tontonan)

Backgrounds: The phenomenon of single parent women often occurs in society as a problem in building family resilience in the social aspect. Objective: This research aims to analyze the social resilience of single parent women's families in Watchan Hamlet. Methods: This research is qualitative research with a case study approach. Determining informants using a purposive sampling technique with the criteria of 8 single parent women. This research was conducted in Panggangan hamlet. The data collection techniques used were observation, interviews and documentation. Data analysis techniques by means of reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. Results: The results of the research show that the social resilience of single parent women's families in Watchan Hamlet is well developed, where single parent women continue to maintain social awareness both towards fellow family members and towards the community or neighbors. Social care can be seen where single parent women attend and help in every activity or event held by the local community. Conclusion: The presence of always participating in every activity ensures that social cohesion is well established between family members and the surrounding community, meanwhile the religious observance of single parent women's families is also good, this can be seen from the ability of single parents to accept and live with their status as part of destiny. from Allah swt. Apart from that, single parent women are also active in religious events such as recitation events, taklim and Koran learning activities.

Women on the move: Understanding the female face of migration to develop targeted policies

Women migrants and refugees are playing an increasingly important socio-economic role in our societies. As gender has an impact on their experience and on their integration process, it is necessary to develop a gender-sensitive, targeted approach, which enables their contribution to society to be fully appreciated. Female migrants and refugees may face stronger, and double, discrimination and experience further barriers to integration in their host countries. Yet, the societal inclusion of women is key for their families; has multiplier effects; and can stimulate changes in social norms, gender relations and discriminatory practices. Furthermore, investing in women contributes to economic growth, social cohesion and stability. Therefore, promoting gender mainstreaming in migration policies is both a social and an economic necessity. It must not be overlooked.

Urban Green-Space: Environmental Justice & Green Gentrification

In cities across the world, both in the global South and North, the distribution of urban green spaces exhibits stark inequalities. Affluent neighborhoods are often graced with abundant, well-maintained parks and green areas, offering residents a higher quality of life and environmental benefits. In contrast, communities with lower incomes and minority populations frequently face a scarcity of such spaces, and the green areas they do have tend to be of lower quality. This disparity not only reflects broader social and economic inequities but also has significant implications for public health, environmental justice, and social cohesion. Efforts to rectify this imbalance, while well-intentioned, can inadvertently lead to gentrification. Improving green spaces in underserved neighborhoods often makes these areas more attractive to higher-income groups, driving up property values and living costs. This process can displace long-term, lower-income residents, ironically exacerbating the very inequalities such initiatives aim to address. The resulting gentrification can also lead to increased homelessness among the most vulnerable populations. Thus, urban planners and policymakers face a complex, paradoxical challenge: how to equitably enhance urban greenery without contributing to gentrification and the further marginalization of low-income communities. This dilemma underscores the need for inclusive, carefully considered strategies in urban environmental planning that prioritize the needs and voices of all residents, especially those in historically marginalized communities.

Unveiling the Dynamics of Religion and Social Cohesion in Kabul: Perspectives from Kabul University Academics

This study delves into the complex relationship between religion and social solidarity among professors at Kabul University, aiming to uncover the factors influencing community cohesion within the academic environment. Employing a mixed-methods approach, documentary research and field surveys were conducted to gather data. The primary instrument, a structured questionnaire, captured personal demographics and assessed respondents' perspectives on various dimensions of religion. Through expert consultations and pilot testing, questionnaire validity and reliability were ensured. Descriptive analysis revealed significant correlations between social cohesion and dimensions of religious beliefs, norms, rituals, and individual religiosity. Furthermore, regression analysis unveiled noteworthy findings: religiosity positively influenced social cohesion, with a significant coefficient (B = 0.422, p < 0.05), while norms derived from religious teachings exhibited a non-significant effect (B = 0.072, p > 0.05) on social behavior. Additionally, ethnic diversity within the university community had varying impacts on social solidarity, with significant coefficients for Tajik and Hazara ethnic groups. These findings shed light on the intricate interplay between religion, ethnicity, and social cohesion within academic settings, offering valuable insights for policymakers, community leaders, and scholars seeking to foster inclusivity and collective well-being in diverse urban contexts.

Cultural Hybridity and Identity Formation in Globalized Societies

Purpose: The general purpose of the study was to explore cultural hybridity and identity formation in globalized societies. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to cultural hybridity and identity formation in globalized societies. Preliminary empirical review revealed that cultural hybridity was pervasive, with individuals blending diverse cultural influences to construct hybrid identities. Identity formation was dynamic and influenced by globalization, migration, and historical legacies. Power dynamics, including race and socio-economic status, intersected with cultural hybridity to shape experiences of identity and belonging. The study emphasized the importance of promoting inclusivity and dialogue to navigate the complexities of cultural hybridity and foster greater understanding across diverse cultural landscapes. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Post- Colonial theory, Intersectionality theory and Transnationalism theory may be used to anchor future studies on cultural hybridity and identity formation in globalized societies. The study provided valuable insights and recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy. It enriched theoretical frameworks by adopting a multidimensional approach to understanding identity formation and underscored the importance of recognizing cultural diversity. Educators, community organizations, and policymakers utilized the study's findings to develop inclusive practices and policies that promoted intercultural understanding, social cohesion, and equitable access to resources. Additionally, media practitioners incorporated the study's insights to produce content that challenged stereotypes and fostered positive representations of cultural diversity. Overall, the study's recommendations have had a significant impact on efforts to promote inclusive development and intercultural dialogue in globalized societies.

Empowering Communities: A Socio-Economic Analysis of Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) serve as essential vehicles for community empowerment, particularly in regions facing socio-economic challenges. This study aims to provide a comprehensive socio-economic analysis of SHGs, shedding light on their pivotal role in community development. By amalgamating existing literature with empirical research, this investigation delves into how SHGs foster economic independence, social cohesion, and sustainable growth within communities. Through rigorous identification of research gaps and articulation of clear objectives, the study strives to deepen the understanding of SHGs' profound impact on marginalized communities. Findings underscore SHGs as catalysts for socio-economic transformation and pinpoint avenues for enhancing their effectiveness in fostering inclusive development. The insights gleaned from this study hold profound implications for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers, furnishing them with actionable strategies to bolster support for SHGs and magnify their impact on community empowerment. Advocating for a holistic approach to surmounting challenges confronting SHGs, such as limited access to financial services, governance issues, and gender disparities, this research underscores the power of innovation and collaboration in surmounting these hurdles. Ultimately, this study accentuates SHGs' potential to spearhead sustainable development and fortify the resilience of communities.

Environmental Design on Site-Specific Energy Solidary Communities around Public High Schools in the Metropolitan Area of Naples (Italy)

Renewable energy communities (RECs) around photovoltaic systems on public buildings are optimal solutions to counter energy poverty, ensuring all stakeholders access to cheap, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy systems. As the neighborhood is the minimum suitable unit for the implementation of highly sustainable settlements, this article discusses the potential and criticality of RECs at this scale in southern Italy. Starting with the concept of RECs, this study presents a methodology to size sustainable urban communities around school buildings. It integrates practical energy indicators with those defining performance in vegetation and water management. The impact of these factors is analyzed to identify the ideal community size in terms of energy efficiency, economic value, and social cohesion. An interactive scorecard ranks high school sites suitable for transformation into community hubs, taking into consideration the scale of substation distribution. The findings provide empirically validated operational guidelines and best practices to support the transition to smart, efficient, and socially inclusive communities. At the urban scale, the analysis evaluates different urban morphologies, microclimates, characteristics and density of buildings, and population around each assumed community hub. The study provides valuable guidance to local designers, planners, and administrators for the implementation of sustainable technologies by preparing a map of potential RECs.

Social Capital and Community Development

Purpose: This study sought to investigate the concept of social capital and its role in promoting community development and resilience, with a focus on practical interventions and policy implications. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to social capital and community development. In this study on social capital and community development, while all authors contribute to the overarching theme, one author stands out for discussing a slightly different topic. Specifically, the author who emphasizes the economic advantages of robust social capital within a community diverges somewhat from the others. While the study as a whole examines various aspects of community development, including economic prosperity, social cohesion, and resilience, this particular author delves deeper into the specific mechanisms through which social capital enhances economic opportunities, such as access to resources, markets, and employment. Therefore, this author's focus on the economic dimension of social capital provides a unique perspective within the broader context of community development discussed by the other authors. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Capital theory, Community Empowerment theory and Structural Functionalism theory may be used to anchor future studies on the concept of social capital and its role in promoting community development and resilience. The study made several recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy in the field. It suggested further exploration of the mechanisms linking social capital to community development outcomes, integration of social capital considerations into policy frameworks, and implementation of community-based interventions. Additionally, the study emphasized the importance of capacity-building efforts, collaborative partnerships among stakeholders, and robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. By investing in these recommendations, stakeholders aimed to foster resilient, inclusive, and thriving communities, leveraging social capital as a catalyst for positive social change.

The Experiences of Refugees in Host Communities

Purpose: This study sought to examine the experiences of refugees in host communities. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the experiences of refugees in host communities. Preliminary empirical review revealed that refugees encountered multifaceted challenges, including language barriers, discrimination, and limited access to education and employment opportunities, shaping their integration experiences. Positive host community attitudes and inclusive government policies were found to facilitate integration, while negative attitudes hindered social inclusion. Community support networks played a crucial role in fostering refugees' sense of belonging and social cohesion. Overall, the study highlighted the importance of a holistic and rights-based approach to refugee integration, emphasizing collaboration between stakeholders to promote empathy, understanding, and cooperation among host community members and refugees, thus fostering inclusive and resilient societies. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Identity theory, Acculturation theory and Ecological Systems theory may be used to anchor future studies the experiences of refugees in host communities. The study provided valuable recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy in the field of refugee studies. It recommended further theoretical development to understand refugee experiences better and emphasized community-based initiatives for fostering positive interactions between refugees and host community members. Additionally, the study called for comprehensive integration policies, targeted interventions for vulnerable subgroups, and research-informed policymaking and practice. These recommendations aimed to create inclusive environments and promote the long-term integration and well-being of refugees in host communities.

Social Cohesion of Kampong Lorong Buangkok: Community Amidst Singaporean Industrialization

This paper aims to conduct a comprehensive examination of the Malay community living in Kampong Lorong Buangkok, the last village in Singapore's Hougang area. This community is intriguing due to its preservation of customs, traditions, and a simplified economic system amidst Singapore's rapid industrial development. The study utilizes in-depth interviews with current residents of Kampong Lorong Buangkok and reveals their steadfast commitment to upholding Malay traditions as a social foundation. Residents persist in maintaining a traditional economy designed to promote unity and support productive community life. This economic system functions to enhance social unity, assisting the residents in coping with Singapore's high cost of living. The robust social cohesion within the community has enabled Kampong Lorong Buangkok to persist despite political tensions and the encroaching pressures of rapid Singaporean industrialization that jeopardize the village's survival.

Qualitative analysis of the factors associated with whistleblowing intentions among athletes from six European countries

Although whistleblowing is thought to represent an effective mechanism for detecting and uncovering doping in sport, it has yet to become a widely adopted practice. Understanding the factors that encourage or discourage whistleblowing is of vital importance for the promotion of this practice and the development of pedagogical material to enhance the likelihood of whistleblowing. The current study employed a qualitative methodology to explore the personal and organisational factors that underpin intentions to blow the whistle or that may lead to engagement in whistleblowing behaviours in sport. Thirty-three competitive athletes across a range of sports took part in a semi-structured interview which sought to explore what they would do should they encounter a doping scenario. Content analysis revealed that whistleblowing is a dynamic process characterised by the interaction of a range of personal and organisational factors in determining the intention to report PED use. These factors included moral reasoning, a desire to keep the matter “in-house”, perceived personal costs, institutional attitudes to doping, and social support. Analysis revealed a number of “intervening events”, including a perceived lack of organisational protection (e.g., ethical leadership) within some sporting sub-cultures, which present an important obstacle to whistleblowing. The intention to report doping was underpinned by a “fairness-loyalty trade-off” which involved athletes choosing to adhere to either fairness norms (which relate to a sense that all people and groups are treated equally) or loyalty norms (which reflect preferential treatment towards an in-group) when deciding whether they would blow the whistle. The promotion of fairness norms that emphasise a group's collective interests might encourage athletes to view whistleblowing as a means of increasing group cohesiveness and effectiveness and thereby increase the likelihood of this practice.

Despite good intentions: The elusiveness of social justice in health and physical education curricula across different contexts

This paper draws on critical discourse analysis to examine how health and physical education (HPE) curricula from Sweden, Norway, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand may influence possibilities for the enactment of social justice in schools. The findings highlight the presence of social justice intentions across the five curricula as related to embodied movement experiences, social cohesion, and activism. That said, the findings simultaneously suggest that the language used to orient teaching towards social justice objectives is often elusive. In this paper, we contend that despite the presence of social justice intentions in these five HPE curricula, the articulation and function of the language within the curriculum documents do not necessarily support the enactment of this in practice. To conclude, we therefore suggest that more work is needed to ensure that curricula and other supporting artefacts and resources can better support both teachers’ practice and students’ learning in raising awareness of, and addressing, social justice outcomes in HPE.

Unlocking Economic Resilience: A New Methodological Approach and Empirical Examination under Digital Transformation

Economic resilience is crucial for urban sustainability as it ensures stability and growth in the face of external shocks, promotes social cohesion and inclusivity, fosters environmental sustainability, and enhances cities’ adaptability to future challenges. This study expands the conventional perspective on economic resilience beyond the context of shocks, focusing on the inherent resilience of regional economic systems. A novel method for quantifying economic resilience is introduced, emphasizing system sensitivity and adaptability. Using Chinese prefecture-level city data and an econometric model, we empirically examine how Fintech, a major digital transition in current urban systems, affects economic resilience. The findings reveal that Fintech has a substantial positive effect on economic resilience, primarily through the upgrading of industrial structures and technological innovation. Furthermore, there is significant regional heterogeneity in the impact of Fintech on economic resilience, with more pronounced contributions in the east, central, and western regions of China, as opposed to the northeast. Additionally, the impact of Fintech on economic resilience is more substantial in large-scale cities. The promotion of economic resilience through digital transformation serves as a potent risk prevention measure. Understanding the role of economic resilience in urban systems holds valuable implications for countries worldwide.

Group Cohesion and Necessary Adaptations in Online Hearing Voices Peer Support Groups: Qualitative Study With Group Facilitators.

Face-to-face hearing voices peer support groups (HVGs), a survivor-led initiative that enables individuals who hear voices to engage with the support of peers, have a long-standing history in community settings. HVGs are premised on the notion that forming authentic, mutual relationships enables the exploration of one's voice hearing experiences and, in turn, reduces subjective distress. As such, group cohesion is assumed to be a central mechanism of change in HVGs. The rise of digital mental health support, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, has resulted in many HVGs adapting to online delivery. However, to date no studies have examined the implementation of these online groups and the adaptations necessary to foster cohesion. This study aims to understand the experience of group cohesion among HVG facilitators in online groups compared with face-to-face groups. Specifically, we examined the ways in which the medium through which groups run (online or face-to-face) impacts group cohesion and how facilitators adapted HVGs to foster group cohesion online. Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with 11 facilitators with varied experience of facilitating online and face-to-face HVGs. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The findings are organized into 3 themes and associated subthemes: nonverbal challenges to cohesion (lack of differentiation, transitional space, inability to see the whole picture, and expressions of empathy); discursive challenges to cohesion (topic-based conversation and depth of disclosure); and necessary adaptations for online groups (fostering shared experience and using the unique context to demonstrate investment in others). Despite challenges in both the setting and content of online groups, facilitators felt that group cohesion was still possible to achieve online but that it had to be facilitated intentionally. This study is the first to specifically investigate group cohesion in online HVGs. Participants noted numerous challenges to group cohesion when adapting groups to run online, including the unnaturally linear narrative flow of dialogue in online settings; lack of transitional spaces, and associated small talk before and after the session; ease of disengagement online; inhibited sharing; and absence of shared physical presence online. Although these challenges were significant, facilitators nevertheless emphasized that the benefits provided by the accessibility of online groups outweighed these challenges. Necessary adaptations for cultivating group cohesion online are outlined and include capitalizing on moments of humor and spontaneity, using group activities, encouraging information sharing between participants using the chat and screen-sharing features, and using objects from participants' environments to gain deeper insight into their subjective worlds.