Bookchin Research Articles

Determinants of South Korean adolescents' offline and online violence: a structural equation modeling approach

Adolescent violence has been one of the most serious social concerns for the last few decades. With the rapid development and spread of the Internet and digital technologies, online violence has become another major type of adolescent violence. This study investigates the antecedents of South Korean adolescents’ offline and online violence by employing both the theoretical and empirical foundations of traditional violence literature. The research model was proposed and constructed based on general strain theory and social ecological theory with considerations of 2481 middle school first-grade student samples from the 2018 Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS). Structural equation modeling (SEM) results presented the direct effects of emotions and indirect effects of social relationships on adolescents’ delinquency, bullying, and online violence. Overall, the findings of the current study are consistent with those of previous studies and theoretical assumptions. Except for the effect of social withdrawal on delinquency, the emotions had significant effects on violence perpetration. Furthermore, relationships with parents, friends, and teachers showed protective effects against negative emotions. Finally, online violence was significantly affected by all types of social relationships. The findings of this study can provide a better understanding of both online and offline violence in adolescents. In addition, since the results were derived from a nationally representative sample, this study can provide practitioners in South Korea with guidance on how to set proper interventions for adolescents’ social and emotional aspects of violence perpetration.

Analysis and social work intervention of adolescent premature dating from a social-ecological perspective

By applying social ecological theory and social work concepts and methods to analyze the phenomenon of adolescent early dating, it is found that the causes of adolescent early dating involve changes in physiological and psychological structures, the influence of family atmosphere, school education, peer group effects, and the impact of social environment and traditional culture on three levels. Social work can intervene in the social ecological system of adolescents through professional methods such as case counseling, group work, and community work, carrying out practical work in their individual, family, school, and community aspects, and contributing to the resolution of adolescent early dating issues.

Book Review: Kohei Saito, Slow Down: The Degrowth Manifesto. Translated by Brian Bergstrom. Astra House. 2024.

It has been decades now since links between capitalism and ecological crisis have been the subject of the direct and sustained attention of radical theorists within anarchist and Marxist milieus. Today, it is finally easy to see how far advanced writers like Murray Bookchin and James O’Connor were in their basic sensibilities about the relationship between capitalism and ecology. In fact, our slowness to grasp their insights has even been part of the problem of ecology. One would like to say, “if only we were faster to recognize the incompatibility of capitalism with ecology,” but perhaps recognizing that fact sooner would not have made it any easier to abolish capitalism and its deadly logic in the world.

Influential factors in the consumption of water by schoolchildren in Mexico

PurposeBased on the assumptions of the social ecological theory (SET), this study aims to identify the factors that influence water consumption by the schoolchildren segment in urban communities in Mexico, to further develop a community-based social marketing intervention.Design/methodology/approachThis study was formative research, quantitative and qualitative in nature, consisting of a survey, focus groups and in-depth interviews. It was conducted in public and private elementary schools in central Mexico (five states), during 2023.FindingsIt was identified that parents are aware of the benefits of drinking water for their children’s health. However, various factors in the sociocultural environment, perceptions, customs and habits were noted as barriers to water consumption. Consequently, children’s behaviors are influenced by their family context as the strongest environment. Likewise, the school environment and the social environment are identified as other influential factors. Each system acts as a motivator or barrier in the child’s behavior, creating and supporting consumption behaviors learned from an early age.Originality/valueInterventions on water consumption should target the most influential SET systems; the microsystem and the mesosystem, achieving the participation and co-responsibility of stakeholders in changing the environment and thus behavior.

Exploratory mixed methods investigation of time commitment in youth sport and physical activity: families’ experiences and satisfaction during the pandemic, and intentions for post-pandemic engagement

ABSTRACT Purpose/rationale: The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed families’ time commitments for youth sport and physical activity (SPA). Guided by Social Ecology Theory, experiences and associated levels of satisfaction with these changes are explored, as well as intentions for post-pandemic engagement. Design/methodology/approach: Interviews with families (n = 14) informed the creation of a questionnaire that was distributed to 550 Ontarian families. Findings: Parents were satisfied with lower time commitment of youth SPA during the pandemic and would have liked to engage in less travel for youth SPA and fewer organized activities post-pandemic. However, families largely intended on increasing or reverting to their travel time for and diversity of activities post-pandemic, compared to pre-pandemic, suggesting that parents intend to support their children’s SPA preferences, regardless of their own. Practical implications: Given that parents intend to support their children’s SPA commitment preferences, tactics to ease the time demands on parents can be developed to provide greater value propositions for families. Research contribution: Two main consumer groups of youth SPA (i.e. parents and youth) can have differing preferences for their experiences. Originality/value: This study revealed conflicting experiences and preferences of two distinct consumer groups for youth SPA.

Can Faith be the Key to Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Development in Nigeria?

Nigeria confronts a dual challenge: pressing environmental degradation and the urgent need for sustainable development. This research explores the underutilized potential of religious institutions, a powerful force in Nigerian society, to champion environmental responsibility. Utilizing Social Ecology theory, the study examines the current engagement of religious bodies through interviews and a targeted survey of 390 participants. The findings reveal a critical need for collaboration between religious institutions, government, and civil society. Overcoming identified barriers is essential for progress. A significant portion (72%) of respondents highlighted a lack of environmental awareness within their communities, while nearly half (46.5%) cited insufficient government support and funding as roadblocks. This study proposes a novel approach: leveraging the moral authority and extensive community networks of religious institutions. The research underscores that there is need for urgent unified action. The paper argues that by addressing environmental challenges through collaborative efforts, religious institutions, government, and civil society can secure a sustainable future for all Nigerians. This study offers a beacon of hope, suggesting that faith-based solutions can be a powerful force for positive environmental change in Nigeria and even to third world nations that are grappling with this challenging phenomenon.

Sport in Times of Crisis: Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Sport and Physical Exercise Habits of College Students at SEC Member Institutions

With the COVID-19 pandemic in the rear window, the sport industry ramped up efforts to evaluate the financial and cultural detriment of the global public health crisis. Therefore, this study aimed to assess how the altered sport and physical exercise habits of college students at Southeastern Conference (SEC) member institutions impacted their physical and mental well-being. Drawing from social ecology theory, data were collected through a qualitative online survey consisting of open-ended questions, disseminated via email to SEC college students. Study findings indicate the critical role of access to physical exercise and sports in the overall well-being of society and may prove invaluable for addressing future public health emergencies and crises. Theoretical and practical recommendations include the development of sustainable outdoor recreation activities as well as coping strategies and alternatives to traditional sports and physical exercise (e.g., immersive virtual reality options).

The impact of medical insurance and old-age security on the utilization of medical services by the older population with disabilities

ObjectiveIn this study, the impact of medical insurance and old-age security on the use of medical services by the older population with disabilities is analyzed. A reference for decision makers is provided to improve medical and old-age security policies and enhance the use of medical services by the older population.MethodsData were drawn from 3,737 older people with disabilities aged 65 years or above from the 2018 China Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. A two-part model based on social ecological theory was used for both analysis and group prediction.ResultsIn terms of the use of outpatient medical services, old-age pension significantly increased the probability of outpatient visits for this population group (P < 0.05). Urban employee/resident medical insurance, the new rural cooperative medical insurance, and retirement pension significantly affected medical expenses. In terms of the use of inpatient medical services, the new rural cooperative medical insurance and retirement pension significantly influenced the choice of inpatient medical services; retirement pension increased inpatient medical expenditure (p < 0.01). The expected average probability of hospitalization, unconditional expected cost, and conditional expected cost for the older population with disabilities were 49.5%, RMB 6629.31, and RMB 3281.51, respectively. Both conditional and unconditional expected costs were significantly higher for older people with disabilities with the following attributes: male, married, no less than three chronic conditions, and unassisted daily care; costs were lower for older people with disabilities who are female, not married, had less than three chronic conditions, and had a spouse, child, or other caregiver.ConclusionMedical insurance and old-age security can significantly promote the utilization of medical services by the older population with disabilities. It is therefore recommended to focus on strengthening the support and health management of these people who are unattended to improve the effective use of health services and better meet their needs.

Environmental Ethics and the Philosophy of Sustainability

Purpose: The general objective of this study was to explore environmental ethics and the philosophy of sustainability. 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 environmental ethics and the philosophy of sustainability. Preliminary empirical review revealed that integrating ethical principles into sustainability practices was essential for achieving long-term ecological balance and social justice. It found that environmental ethics provided a necessary moral framework, encouraging proactive environmental protection and fostering sustainable behaviors through education. However, the study also identified gaps in current practices, noting that many policies still prioritized short-term economic gains over ecological health. The research emphasized the importance of bridging these gaps by developing comprehensive frameworks that blend ethical principles with practical sustainability strategies, ultimately underscoring the critical role of environmental ethics in realizing the philosophy of sustainability. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Deep Ecology Theory, The Land Ethic and Social Ecology Theory may be used to anchor future studies on the philosophy of sustainability. The study highlighted the need for an integrated theoretical model combining ethical principles with sustainability practices, and suggested incorporating diverse philosophical perspectives. It emphasized embedding environmental ethics into organizational cultures and education curricula to foster sustainable practices and behaviors. The study also advocated for integrating ethical dimensions into policy frameworks and adopting the precautionary principle in environmental policymaking to safeguard against unforeseen impacts. These recommendations aimed to advance theoretical discourse, guide practical sustainability efforts, and inform robust, equitable environmental policies.

Testing the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of Meaningful Activity for Managing Behavioral Symptoms of Distress (MAC-4-BSD)intervention for residents with dementia in assisted living: Protocol description.

The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the protocol for an Alzheimer's Association-funded cluster randomized trial that focuses on engaging assisted living residents with dementia in meaningful activity to help address their behavioral symptoms of distress using a theoretically based approach, Meaningful Activity for Managing Behavioral Symptoms of Distress (MAC-4-BSD). The development of MAC-4-BSD was based on the Social Ecological Model and Social Cognitive Theory. The MAC-4-BSD intervention includes the following four steps: (1)Assessment of the assisted living physical environment and policies to facilitate meaningful activity; (2)Education of staff about implementation of meaningful activity; (3)Assessment of resident preferences and goals for meaningful activity; (4)Mentoring and motivating staff and residents to facilitate engagement in meaningful activity. The overall aim of this study will be to determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of implementing the MAC-4-BSD intervention and test whether it will improve residents'engagement in meaningful activity, behavioral symptoms of distress, and quality of life as well as the environment and policies to promote meaningful activity in assisted living.

Active Engagement in Retirement: Factors That Influence the Participation of Older People in Community Volunteering

Although older adults participating in volunteering promotes “active ageing” and reduces social service burden, not many retied people in China participate in volunteering. Utilizing data from semi-structured interviews with 15 retired individuals in Beijing, this research explores the factors influencing their involvement in community volunteer services. Informed by resource theory and social ecological system theory, a hybrid three-level social ecological systems model is developed following thematic analysis. At the micro-level, foundational factors for volunteering are their human capital, including good health status, ample free time, and satisfaction with pensions. At the meso-level, social capital from family and peers provides essential information and support, while a cohesive community environment fostered through community and volunteer management enhances the willingness to volunteer. At the macro-level, CPC ideologies and governmental policies nurture a culture of volunteerism that facilitates community involvement. The study also investigates interactions across these levels: the microsystem and mesosystem mutually enhance human and social capital, whereas the macrosystem and mesosystem reflect the reciprocal influence of cultural on social capital. Recommendations are offered to increase retired people’s participation in community volunteering, emphasizing community management and governmental policy adjustments.

Intimate partner violence and its correlates in middle-aged and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-country secondary analysis.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) may have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Middle-aged and older adults, ages 45 years or older, are at higher risk of COVID-19 mortality and social isolation. However, most studies on IPV during the pandemic do not focus on this important subpopulation. Informed by the social-ecological theory, this study examines individual, household, community, and country-level correlates of IPV among middle-aged and older adults in multiple countries using a cross-sectional online survey. Data from 2867 participants aged 45 or older in the International Sexual Health and Reproductive Health (I-SHARE) survey from July 2020 to February 2021 were described using univariate analysis. IPV was defined using four validated WHO measures. Individual characteristics included self-isolation and food security. At the country-level, we examined social distancing stringency. Logistic regression models with a random intercept for country were conducted to explore IPV correlates among 1730 eligible individuals from 20 countries with complete data. Most participants were heterosexual (2469/2867), cisgender (2531/2867) females (1589/2867) between the ages of 45-54 (1539/2867). 12.1% (346/2867) of participants experienced IPV during social distancing measures. After adjustment, participants who self-isolated experienced 1.4 (95% CI 1.0, 2.0, p = 0.04) times the odds of IPV compared to those who had not isolated. Those who reported an increase in food insecurity compared to pre-pandemic experienced 2.2 times the odds (95% CI 1.6, 3.0, p<0.0001) of IPV compared to those who did not report increased food insecurity. People in countries with more stringent social distancing policies were less likely to experience IPV compared to people in countries with lower levels of stringency (aOR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.4, 0.9, p = 0.04). IPV was common among middle-aged and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our data suggest the need for further crisis management and social protection measures for middle-aged and older adults who have intersecting vulnerabilities to IPV to mitigate COVID-19 impact.

A ‘greenhouse affect’? Exploring young Australians’ emotional responses to climate change

Recent studies reveal that young people are experiencing a range of emotions relating to climate change, including anxiety, anger and a sense of powerlessness. Young people have also voiced distrust in governments for failing to adequately address climate change, which they see as a critical threat to their future. However, there is limited research considering the interplay between young people’s emotions about climate change and the broader social context in which they live; social-ecological theory can assist in identifying important systemic factors influencing emotional responses to climate change. In this qualitative research project, I drew upon a social-ecological theoretical framework to explore the affective dimensions of climate change as experienced by young Australians aged 18–24 (N = 14). A primary, overarching finding was of climate change as a multidimensional emotional challenge for young people, with four sub-themes that describe key experiences through which it manifests: a fragmented climate education; disillusionment with politics, but hope for change; reckoning with uncertain futures; and grappling with agency. The findings contribute to the growing literature on climate-related emotions, highlighting experiences of interrelated emotions that resist being reduced to one label (e.g., ‘eco-anxiety’). Accordingly, I discuss a ‘greenhouse affect’ to convey the affective quandary provoked by climate change, expanding upon established anxiety-centred concepts. I also discuss implications for educating young Australians about climate change, and how this might improve their sense of agency to meaningfully contribute to climate solutions.

Determinants of Physical Activity among Older Adults Through Social Ecological Theory: 2021 Community Health Survey

PURPOSE This study aimed to analyze factors associated with physical activity (PA) in older adults based on social ecological theory.METHODS Secondary analysis was conducted using raw data from the 2021 Community Health Survey. after excluding 129 non-responses in the PA domain, a total of 74,363 individuals were included in the final analysis. A total of eight factors, including personal (level of depression, history of falls), relational (relationships with neighbors, living alone), community (satisfaction with the local community system, safety), and environmental factors (living environment, natural environment), were selected in accordance with the key points of social ecological theory. To analyze social ecological factors related to the PA of older adults, we conducted a decision tree analysis using Chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID).RESULTS The average PA level among older adults was approximately 136 minutes, but the mode and median were both 0 minutes. A total of 20.2% of older adults met the physical activity recommendations, while 79.8% did not. According to the first split of the decision tree, living alone was the most relevant factor associated with the PA of older adults, followed by depression and falls. Older adults living alone, with a depression score of 10 or higher, and who had experienced a fall within the past year, were least likely to meet the PA recommendations.CONCLUSIONS This study urgently suggests that PA programs should target older adults living alone, experiencing depression, and falls.

Does increased temperature affect residential mobility? A 20-year nationwide evidence in Australia

People adapt to changes in livelihoods and risks caused by summer high temperature in the era of global warming, which may also lead to residential mobility at the individual level and migration flow at the aggregate level. However, little evidence is available to show the long-term localized impact of summer temperature on residential mobility. Our study aims to conduct a 20-year nationwide investigation of the heat-mobility relationship in Australia to reveal how the increase of summer temperature is associated with the change of residential mobility and how such relationship shifts over time. Employing a tri-environmental (i.e., social, built and natural environment) conceptual framework adapted from the Social Ecological Theory, our analyses draw on the Australian census data from 2001 to 2021 together with the earth observation data to quantify multiple confounders in the tri-environmental dimensions in order to reveal the heat-mobility relationship at the national, state, urban and rural scales. We find that locales with significant increase in summer temperature have less inbound residential mobility, that is, people are less likely to move into heat-affected areas. This study enhances the understanding of how global warming affects residential mobility and settlement, and what adaptation strategies are needed to reduce the heat threat and achieve urban sustainability.

Экотопия Мюррея Букчина: утопия или реальная альтернатива?

Using the works of the famous American philosopher, sociologist, environmentalist, speaker and publicist Professor Murray Bookchin (1921–2006), this article examines his project of social structure. In the first part of the study, the author dwells on the relevance of this issue at the present stage of the global socio-political and economic development. In particular, it is noted that idealized utopian ideas were inherent in human society literally at all stages of historical development, being especially pronounced during the periods of social shifts and upheavals. This thesis is confirmed by a number of written and other sources. The current situation is no exception. The economic crises of 2008 and 2020, the global energy crisis of 2021–2023 and a series of food crises of 2022–2023 as well as the growing geopolitical tension have called for finding ways of alternative development. This makes Bookchin’s social ecology especially relevant in view of its detailed elaboration. The second part of the article is devoted to the analysis of the conceptual and methodological basis of Bookchin’s theory, whose main feature is the variability of historical development. Using the anarchist approach and the dialectical method (dialectical naturalism in his terms), Bookchin identifies libertarian and authoritarian tendencies, which have been manifested throughout the written history of humankind, since the appearance of social stratification, cities and the state, and which have eventually led humanity to a deadlock. In the third part, the author examines the transition to a new ecological social structure described by Bookchin, who believed that the scientific and technological progress of the 20th century had made it possible. Real prospects of this project’s implementation in current conditions are discussed. Answering the main question of the study, the author notes that the social structure project, despite all the elaboration and appeal to rationalism, can, with good reason, be considered a classic utopia. In addition, the article points out obvious contradictions in Bookchin’s theory.

허난성 정주시 도시민의 홈트레이닝 소비환경이 소비욕구 및 지속가능성에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of home training consumption environment of citizen on consumption needs and the sustainability of home training behavior by using social ecology theory and structural equation model. In this study, 750 questionnaires were conducted with citizen adult residents in Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China, among which 706 were valid. In this study, the data of questionnaire survey were analyzed by using spss26.0. The conclusions of this study are as follows, the are as follows. First of all, home training must establish a comfortable environment, with training facilities and equipment needed to encourage people to participate in sports activities. Secondly, face-to-face demand has promoted new forms of interpersonal communication. Thirdly, the sustainability of family training behavior cannot be controlled only by the consumption environment of family training, and the long-term development of citizen training behavior cannot be solved only by the consumption demand.

Research on factors influencing Chinese parents' support for death education: a cross-sectional survey.

This study aims to explore the factors influencing Chinese parents' attitudes toward death education. Given the current lack of such education in China, this research is particularly significant. Death education is vital for shaping the values of young people and alleviating mental health issues, such as depression and suicidal tendencies. By identifying these influencing factors, this study seeks to provide guidance for policymakers and educators in promoting the development and widespread adoption of death education. To do so, a national cross-sectional quota sample of 12,435 Chinese parents was used. Borrowing from social-ecological theory, the researchers carried out multiple stepwise regression analyses to examine the individual, family, and social-level factors that shape the supportive attitudes of Chinese parents toward death education. The findings revealed that at the individual level, parent (β = 0.04, p < 0.001), education level (β = 0.07, p < 0.001), and religious belief (β = -0.02, p < 0.05) were significant predictors of Chinese parents' support for death education. Meanwhile, at the family and social level, average monthly household income (β = 0.07, p < 0.001), family health (β = 0.03, p < 0.05), family communication (β = 0.02, p < 0.05), social support (β = 0.15, p < 0.001), neighborhood relations (β = 0.11, p < 0.001), and social network size (β = 0.05, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of Chinese parents' supportive attitudes toward death education. Based on these findings, it is suggested that the relevant development, planning, publicity, and public welfare groups and government departments should promote death education, provide more social support, and encourage neighborhood harmony. As higher education and average monthly household income were found to significantly impact the support, the government should improve access to higher education and actively work to increase residents' income to facilitate the development of death education.

A Social-Ecological Model Exploring Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Screening Practices Among Antenatal Health Care Providers.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with adverse health outcomes for the pregnant individual and their baby. Screening approaches for GDM have undergone several iterations, introducing variability in practice among healthcare providers. As such, our study aimed to explore the views of antenatal providers regarding their practices of, and counseling experiences on the topic of, GDM screening in Ontario. We conducted a qualitative, grounded theory study. The study population included antenatal providers (midwives, family physicians, and obstetricians) practicing in Hamilton, Ottawa, or Sudbury, Ontario. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed using inductive coding upon which codes, categories, and themes were developed to generate a theory grounded in the data. Twenty-two participants were interviewed. Using the social-ecological theory, we created a model outlining four contextual levels that shaped the experiences of GDM counseling and screening: Intrapersonal factors included beliefs, knowledge, and skills; interpersonal factors characterized the patient-provider interactions; organizational strengths and challenges shaped collaboration and health services infrastructure; and finally, guidelines and policies were identified as systemic barriers to health care access and delivery. A focus on patient-centered care was a guiding principle for all care providers and permeated all four levels of the model. Patient-centered care and close attention to barriers and facilitators across intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, and policy domains can minimize the impact of variations in GDM screening guidelines. Among care providers, there is a desire for additional skill development related to GDM counseling, and for national consensus on optimal screening guidelines.

Research trends in the bias-based aggression among youth

The increasing recognition of diversity has brought about a rise in bias-based aggression, with researchers focusing on its prevalence among youth. This has generated the need for a systematic analysis of the factors associated with this type of behavior. To contextualize bias-based aggression and develop future intervention strategies for young people, it is crucial to appraise published studies. This meta-analytic review aims to identify the most commonly used theories to explain bias-based aggression, significant authors, countries, and institutions in this thematic field, as well as how they interrelate.Furthermore, it explores the most analyzed lines of research by researchers and discusses implications for preventive interventions to address bias-based aggression. This review focuses on English-language literature and utilizes a systematic search strategy in Scopus, yielding 51 publications. Descriptive statistical and bibliometric analyses were conducted using VOSviewer software. The results indicate a leadership role held by US researchers and institutions. Theories of mind and Social Ecological theories are found to be the most frequently employed theoretical frameworks by authors. Schools are identified as ideal environments for addressing bias-based aggression, whether dealing with aggressors, victims, or bystanders.