Policy Programs Research Articles

Aligning academic motivation with SoTL: Taiwan’s national Teaching Practice Research Programme policy

ABSTRACT The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) is increasingly prominent, yet challenges remain in effectively implementing and incentivising SoTL, particularly at a national level. This study examines how Taiwan’s Teaching Practice Research Programme (TPRP), a national SoTL initiative, strategically incorporates academic motivation to drive faculty engagement and enhance SoTL’s prestige and recognition. Using a qualitative approach, including interviews, document analysis, and publicly available data, and drawing on Blackmore and Kandiko’s (2011) framework, the study reveals that the TPRP leverages a multifaceted approach to academic motivation, encompassing direct funding (monetary economy), integrating SoTL into formal scholarship (academic work), and fostering national recognition through promotion pathways and awards (‘prestige economy’). Furthermore, the TPRP supports communities of practice and professional development as well as potentially fosters emerging commercialisation opportunities. However, warning about the TPRP include the potential for funding and prestige to influence participation levels, possibly overshadowing genuine engagement with SoTL, along with the potential underdevelopment of institutional SoTL cultures due to individualised funding, and the programme’s limited international scope. This study advances understanding of how national SoTL initiatives can be strategically designed to promote sustained faculty engagement. It suggests that policymakers can leverage academic motivation models but must carefully consider any potential unintended consequences. Taiwan’s TPRP offers valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to advance teaching and learning in higher education through system-level interventions.

‘I no longer worry about money for transport to the health centre’ - economic empowerment of caregivers of children living with HIV through Village Savings and Loan Associations: experiences and lessons from the 'Towards an AIDS Free Generation Program in Uganda (TAFU)’

BackgroundIn Uganda, social economic challenges continue to hinder attainment of HIV prevention and treatment targets for children. Aidsfonds and partners in Uganda implemented an eight-year ‘Towards an AIDS Free Generation in Uganda’ (TAFU) programme in central, western and eastern, Uganda with Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) as a key component. In this paper we document experiences of caregivers, children and health workers and lessons learnt from VSLAs as part of the TAFU programme in Uganda.MethodologyA qualitative case study was conducted between July and August 2022 in Ntungamo, Kyenjojo Mityana, Mubende and Soroti, districts. Data were collected through 31 focus group discussions (FGDs) with VSLA members, children and adolescents living with HIV, networks of people living with HIV and Village Health Team members (VHTs). In addition, we conducted 11 interviews with children and their caregivers at TAFU supported health facilities as well as 43 interviews with health workers and district officials involved in HIV programming. Content thematic approach was used for data analysis.ResultsThe VSLAs under the TAFU programme were a source of economic resources in form of loans for income generation activities and to pay for health care costs which facilitated access to HIV care for children. Members developed lasting friendships and networks of support which helped them to meet the material and psychological needs of children. The VSLA groups provided safe spaces for caregivers to share challenges and to learn more about HIV prevention and treatment from expert clients which improved the care for children living with HIV. Group training, integration of expert clients in VSLA groups, provision of VSLA kits, provision of financial top-up and linking groups to other service providers were critical success factors. However, poverty, poor leadership characterised by domination by select individuals in decision making, favoritism in giving out loans and lack of transparency in handling group activities as well as the COVID-19 were key challenges.ConclusionThe VSLAs under TAFU were an effective strategy that enabled caregivers to respond to social, economic and psychological barriers that hinder retention of children in HIV care. Such support should be prioritised by policy makers and programme implementers in Uganda and other low income countries.

An Oracle-Guided Approach to Constrained Policy Synthesis Under Uncertainty

Dealing with aleatoric uncertainty is key in many domains involving sequential decision making, e.g., planning in AI, network protocols, and symbolic program synthesis. This paper presents a general-purpose model-based framework to obtain policies operating in uncertain environments in a fully automated manner. The new concept of coloured Markov Decision Processes (MDPs) enables a succinct representation of a wide range of synthesis problems. A coloured MDP describes a collection of possible policy configurations with their structural dependencies. The framework covers the synthesis of (a) programmatic policies from probabilistic program sketches and (b) finite-state controllers representing policies for partially observable MDPs (POMDPs), including decentralised POMDPs as well as constrained POMDPs. We show that all these synthesis problems can be cast as exploring memoryless policies in the corresponding coloured MDP. This exploration uses a symbiosis of two orthogonal techniques: abstraction refinement—using a novel refinement method—and counter-example generalisation. Our approach outperforms dedicated synthesis techniques on some problems and significantly improves an earlier version of this framework.

Residence-based disparities of composite index of anthropometric failures in East African under five children; multivariate decomposition analysis

BackgroundUndernutrition remains a global challenge and public health concern, despite the presence of policies, programs and interventions. There is substantial evidence that the majority of the rural children under-5 years old have composite index of anthropometric failure than the urban counter parts. Hence, identifying the main contributors of these disparities will help health policy makers, program designers and implementers for the reduction of composite index of anthropometric failures in children under-5 years old in the study areas.MethodsThe most recent and nationally representative samples of demographic and health surveys of five East African countries data were used for the current study. To appreciate the residence-based differences of composite index of anthropometric failure in under-5 children, the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition analysis and its extensions were employed to determine the effects of covariates and coefficients. The country specific survey data analysis was performed.ResultsThe current study revealed that the burden of composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF) in under-5 children were 40.69%, 22.04%, 34.06%, 31.99%, and 33.27% in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania respectively. The residence-based differences in CIAF were 25.49%, 11.38%, 27%, 22.15%, and 20.55% in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania respectively. Results of the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition analysis and its extensions revealed that 100% of the rural–urban children under-5 composite index of anthropometric failure disparity was explained by endowment characteristics (covariate effect). Wealth index, mother’s education, age of child, type of birth, sex of child and birth interval inequality between rural and urban households explains most of the composite index of anthropometric failure disparity in children under-5 years old.ConclusionsThe residence-based CIAF differences were high in all study countries. The rural–urban CIAF gap is ascribed by household, maternal and child characteristics. This result implies that rural children under-5 is disproportionally disadvantaged with respect to characteristics than their consequences. Through identification of the underlying factors behind the rural–urban CIAF disparities, the result of this study is important in planning effective intervention measures aiming at reducing residence-based inequalities and the population health outcomes. Therefore, should be given for rural children to reduce CIAF by improving house hold wealth index, women education and attentions to older children, and female children.

Oregon’s Emerging Psilocybin Services Workforce: A Survey of the First Legal Psilocybin Facilitators and Their Training Programs

ABSTRACT New legal frameworks for supervised psychedelic services are emerging, with Oregon and Colorado implementing programs to train and license psilocybin facilitators. This study describes Oregon’s early psilocybin facilitator workforce and assesses state-approved training programs. The Open Psychedelic Evaluation Nexus (OPEN) reviewed Oregon Health Authority-approved training programs and surveyed facilitators who had completed or were enrolled in these programs between July and November 2023. Data collection included a review of public listings, contact with training programs, and facilitator survey. Results indicated that in the 16 active training programs, the mean tuition was $9,359 and half offered diversity scholarships. Survey respondents (n = 106) were relatively diverse; many had an existing healthcare license. The majority reported that training expenses were a moderate-to-severe financial strain. Most were satisfied with training. The mean planned price for a session was $1,388 and the most common areas of specialization were trauma, mental disorders, consciousness exploration, and spirituality. Facilitators requested ongoing training opportunities. In conclusion, Oregon’s emerging psilocybin facilitator workforce and training programs are in early development. These findings are crucial for informing future policy and training program development to support a diverse and effective workforce.

Double Burden of Malnutrition: A Narrative Review of its Drivers and Mitigation Strategies in Urban Settings

Background: Double burden of malnutrition (DBM) is an emerging public health problem in urban settings where both undernutrition and obesity exist. This complex phenomenon is caused by socioeconomic disparities, urbanization, and dietary transitions, with women and children being proportionately affected. This study reviews the drivers of DBM and evaluates suitable mitigation strategies. Methods: A comprehensive review was performed using studies published between 2014 and 2024. Peer-reviewed articles examining the drivers, interventions, and outcomes of DBM within urban contexts were the target inclusion criteria. Data were extracted on location, target populations, methodologies, key drivers, interventions and outcomes which were then synthesized using thematic analysis. Results: Eighteen studies from Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America were included. Drivers known to be common among the reviewed studies include income inequality, poor dietary diversity, and cultural food practices that are further worsened by urbanization and sedentary lifestyles. By region, effective mitigation strategies included maternal nutrition literacy programs in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa and taxation policies against unhealthy foods in Latin America. Gaps were identified in the areas of policy implementation and program scalability. Conclusion: Integrated, double-duty actions are needed to address the double burden of malnutrition in urban contexts. However, policy reform, community-based nutritional programs and educational initiatives targeted at vulnerable populations, are essential. Longitudinal and gender-specific research should be prioritized in assessing DBM’s trajectory and informing future sustainable interventions. The findings from this study offer actionable insights for policymakers and public health practitioners working to eliminate DBM in urban settings.

Of course you should fight with a girl! Doing gender in the inclusion work of budo and martial arts sport clubs

ABSTRACT This study explores the role of gender as a central organizing principle in the inclusion work within martial arts clubs in Sweden, against a backdrop of inclusion being an explicit focus in the policy programs of the sports movement. Based on qualitative data collected through focus group interviews with representatives from three martial arts clubs, this study departs from a social constructionist perspective where gender is understood as a social process or a ‘doing’. The analysis of the data reveals two distinct approaches to gender as an organizing principle: downplaying the significance of gender and explicating the significance of gender. Within the first approach the meaning and significance of gender are subordinated by organizing mixed-gender groups and regulating interactions within the groups. The importance of equalizing potential physical differences and avoiding sexism in practice, is emphasized. However, the approach also brings forward challenging situations related to gender and other inclusion aspects, such as religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds. The second approach recognizes the significance of gender as a structural aspect and employs gender-separatist training groups and specific activities for girls and women. These targeted efforts are justified by the respondents because of the male dominance and masculinity norms that exist in martial arts and hinder girls’ and women's participation. The findings highlight the complexities and tensions of how gender is constructed and reproduced within the context of martial arts clubs and contribute to deepening the understanding of how these constructions condition the inclusion work.

Mental Health Matters: Impact of Mental Health on Work Performance, Organizational Commitment, and Turnover Intentions among Employees in an Educational Institution

Employees are widely regarded as an organization's most valuable asset and its success's backbone. An educational institution must therefore place a greater emphasis on the mental health of its employees in the workplace in order to continue providing quality services to clients and students. The purpose of this study is to determine, utilizing a mixed-methods research design, if mental health impairment has an impact on the individual work performance, affective organizational commitment, and turnover intentions of employees. Worker Mental Health Questionnaire, Individual Work Performance Questionnaire, Affective Organizational Commitment Questionnaire, and Turnover Intention Scale (TIS-6) were completed by 80 teaching and non-teaching employees of an educational institution who were selected using convenience sampling. The socioeconomic and demographic characteristics were also statistically analyzed using the T-Test, while the main variables were analyzed using Regression Analysis. According to the findings, mental health impairment has a negative impact on individual work performance and affective organizational commitment, and a positive impact on employee turnover intentions. This demonstrates that when employees have good mental health, they will have a higher work performance, a stronger commitment to their organization, and a greater intention to remain in the educational institution. Finally, it is suggested that the institution prioritize the development and implementation of policy recommendations and program reforms pertaining to mental health in the institution.

Mapping Priority of Policy Program in Value Chain Operation for Sustainability Indonesia Palm Oil Industry

Mapping Priority of Policy Program in Value Chain Operation for Sustainability Indonesia Palm Oil Industry

Rainfed agriculture in Ethiopia: a systematic review of green water management pathways to improve water and food security

It is widely acknowledged that the world is currently experiencing an unprecedented water shortage, with agriculture being a crucial contributor. This paper presents a synthesis of available evidence, identify knowledge gaps, and make a state-of-the-art synthesis on green water management in Ethiopia. A systematic review methodology was implemented, encompassing the compilation and analysis of peer-reviewed and gray literature. The paper demonstrates that rainfed agriculture, which relies on “green water” (soil moisture from rainfall), accounts for 80% of cultivated land and 60-70% of global crop production. However, green water management has not received adequate attention in water policy and land rehabilitation programs in Ethiopia, where irrigation is limited. The analysis reveals a large yield gap and water productivity gap for major crops like maize, sorghum, and wheat in Ethiopia’s rainfed agriculture. Increasing crop yields through better soil, water, and crop management practices can significantly improve water productivity, offering “windows of opportunity” to enhance food and water security. Thus, a paradigm shift from the traditional narrow focus on soil erosion control towards an integrated green-blue water management approach in water and agricultural policies and programs is urgently required. Increased investments and expertise in green water management at the government level are crucial. Optimizing the use of green water resources in rainfed farming can also unlock Ethiopia’s export potential while improving domestic water and food security through strategic virtual water trade. In conclusion, the review highlights unlocking the potential of green water resources through targeted investments and policy support for rainfed agriculture can significantly contribute to Ethiopia’s water and food security objectives in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable manner.

Development of an Evaluation Model for Industrial Internship Programs

Evaluation of industrial internship programs is crucial to assess their effectiveness and ensure alignment with the needs of the workforce. This study arises from several pressing issues, including the lack of competency alignment between vocational education and industry, significant gaps in the design and implementation of apprenticeship programs, and the reliance on conventional evaluation methods that lack technological integration. The research aims to address these challenges by developing a robust evaluation model tailored for industrial apprenticeship programs in Indonesia and Malaysia. Drawing upon established frameworks such as the CIPP model, Countenance Model, and Kirkpatrick evaluation model, this study incorporates innovative elements, including an adaptive, technology-driven evaluation system designed to enhance assessment accuracy and relevance. The novelty of this research lies in its focus on creating a link-and-match ecosystem between vocational education and industry, leveraging advanced evaluation tools to provide actionable insights for improving program quality and policy decisions. Using interviews, questionnaires, and field observations, data were collected from a diverse group of vocational university students, lecturers, and industry representatives. The findings not only validate the urgent need for an enhanced evaluation model but also demonstrate its potential to elevate the preparedness of graduates, equipping them with the skills and competencies required to succeed in the job market or as entrepreneurs. The final deliverables include a comprehensive evaluation framework, a technology-based assessment application, and a handbook to support stakeholders in adopting and implementing the model.

Analysis of the Role of Regional Government in Optimizing the School Operational Assistance Program (BOSP) Policy in Surabaya as a Strategy for Improving Education Quality

The development of the implementation of the School Operational Assistance Policy (BOSP) in Surabaya faces various challenges that affect policy optimization. This study aims to analyze the role of local government in optimizing the BOSP policy using Edward III's policy implementation theory, which includes communication, bureaucratic structure, resources, and the disposition or attitudes of implementers. This research employs a qualitative method by collecting data through in-depth interviews with informants from the education office and educational institutions in Surabaya, as well as documentation studies related to the BOSP policy. The study results show that communication contributes 68% to the success of the BOSP policy implementation, although there are still shortcomings in responsiveness and socialization. Bureaucratic structure contributes 72%, with major challenges in fragmented coordination between units and complex decision-making procedures. Resources contribute the highest at 74%, but limitations in staff competence and technological infrastructure remain significant obstacles. The disposition or attitudes of implementers contribute 73% to success, though deficiencies in discipline, integrity, and initiative are still evident. These four aspects indicate that while most elements have performed well, there is still room for improvement requiring serious attention to enhance policy effectiveness.The conclusion of this study is that optimizing the BOSP policy in Surabaya requires strengthening the four analyzed aspects. To address communication shortcomings, more structured and responsive socialization mechanisms are needed. Bureaucratic fragmentation can be resolved by simplifying procedures and integrating data management systems. Human resource and technological limitations must be addressed through intensive training and infrastructure investment. Finally, implementer disposition can be improved through development programs and supervision. These strategic recommendations can support the Surabaya local government in optimizing the implementation of the BOSP policy in a transparent, accountable, and effective manner to achieve better educational goals.

IMPLEMENTASI KEBIJAKAN PROGRAM KARTU INDONESIA PINTAR DI SMAN 1 WONOAYU KABUPATEN SIDOARJO

This research will analyze the implementation of the Smart Indonesia Card Program policy at SMAN 1 Wonoayu, Sidoarjo Regency using Warwic's policy implementation theory. The aim of this research is to describe the implementation of KIP policy at SMAN 1 Wonoayu according to Warwic's four factors of policy implementation theory. The research method applied is descriptive qualitative, with data collection techniques through interviews, observation and documentation. The results of this research are that the implementation of the KIP program at SMAN 1 Wonoayu is still not fully running well and effectively. It is evident from the results obtained that 2 of the 4 factors in Warwic's policy implementation theory are not fulfilled, namely the information factor in the form of data on KIP recipients is inaccurate so that many KIP distributions are still misdirected and the potential distribution factor is delays in disbursement of KIP funds due to lack of socialization about KIP to students So many complaints arise from KIP recipients

Social Work Students’ Perceptions of Sex Offender Management Policies

ABSTRACT Social work educators and curricula continue to struggle with educating students about sex offenders, including community policies that may have collateral consequences for sex offenders and minimal benefit to society. There have been no studies specifically examining social work students’ attitudes toward sex offender management policies and connecting them to the EPAS. Hierarchical linear regression models were estimated to examine the relationship between social work program level, demographics, and policy endorsement. BSW-level students were less supportive of adult sex offender management policies compared to MSW students. Given the charge of social workers to examine biases and how they relate to service delivery, identifying areas in which bias and fear have dictated public policy is concerning and should be considered.

Landscape of Globally Minded Leadership Development for Public Servants

This study aimed to unravel how far the concept of leadership development for agility has gone into the curriculum of higher education institutions (HEI) as an indication of their preparedness for educating public servants in the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) policy environment of today. A qualitative, systematic analytical method was adopted by referencing the public policy and administration schools of the world’s top 100 ranked universities in The Times Higher Education World University Overall Rankings 2024. The results were categorized into three executive programs with the potential for leadership enhancement through customized arrangements, two executive programs with the label of “leadership,” and one executive program that specifically addresses agility-relevant leadership development for the VUCA era. The study concluded that leadership development focusing on agility is still at an infancy/early stage of adoption by the world’s public policy and administration schools. This study made a step forward by identifying where the programs are already running, down to the point where the university is running, and which public policy and administration programs. The practical implications of the study reside in its referential value for those governments and/or their professionals in identifying where services are provided.

Determination of Factors Affecting “Level of Dependency on Social Aid” of Household Living in Rural Area: Iğdır Province Rural Area Example, Türkiye

Fighting against poverty has become an increasing topic both at international and national levels. In this context, social policy programmes and particularly the implementation and delivery of social aid programs are one of key policy tools widely used in many countries to alleviate poverty and reduce hunger. Assessing the Aid Dependency Rate (ADR) of the beneficiaries is of great importance to achieve the goal of designed and delivered social assistance programs. Therefore, this study determines beneficiaries’ level of dependency on social aid and the underlying factors. Primary data were collected through face-to-face survey from 210 households actively beneficiaries of public social aid selected by use of snowball sampling. Additionally, ordinal logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors affecting the level of need of households for public social aid. The findings showed that 46.7% of households were in low level dependency on social aid, 28.6% in intermediate level, and 24.8% in high level. Besides, the results of the ordinary logistic regression analysis revealed that the marital status, employment status of the household and the group of delivered social aid were significant factors affecting level of need for social aid (P<0.05). Also, it shows that the odd ratio of household of being in high level increases 264.25 times if there is not any working individual compared to households with two or more working individuals (P<0.01) whereas this ratio decreases to 3.71 (P<0.05) in households by only one individual working. The study concludes that the presence of even one working individual is of great importance in order to prevent the household's dependence on social aid in high level. Consequently, designing social aid programs that consider the mentioned factors would help to fight against poverty.

Healthy Kai (Food) Checker Web-Based Tool to Support Healthy Food Policy Implementation: Development and Usability Study.

Public health programs and policies can positively influence food environments. In 2016, a voluntary National Healthy Food and Drink Policy was released in New Zealand to improve the healthiness of food and drinks for hospital staff and visitors. However, no resources were developed to support policy implementation. This study aimed to design, develop, and test a new web-based tool to support food providers implementing the National Healthy Food and Drink Policy in New Zealand. The Double Diamond model, a structured framework with 4 design phases, was used to design and develop a web-based tool. Findings from our previous research, such as (1) systematic review of barriers and facilitators to workplace healthy food policy implementation; (2) scoping review of current tools and resources available in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada; (3) interviews with food providers and public health nutrition professionals; and (4) food and drink availability audit results in New Zealand hospitals were used in the "Discover" (understanding of current gaps) and "Define" (prioritizing functions and features) phases. Subsequent phases focused on generating ideas, creating prototypes, and testing a new web-based tool using Figma, a prototyping tool. During the "Develop" phase, project stakeholders (11 public health nutrition professionals) provided feedback on the basic content outline of the initial low-fidelity prototype. In the final "Deliver" phase, a high-fidelity prototype resembling the appearance and functionality of the final tool was tested with 3 end users (public health nutrition professionals) through interactive interviews, and user suggestions were incorporated to improve the tool. A new digital tool, Healthy Kai (Food) Checker-a searchable database of packaged food and drink products that classifies items according to the Policy's nutritional criteria-was identified as a key tool to support Policy implementation. Of 18 potential functions and features, 11 were prioritized by the study team, including basic and advanced searches for products, sorting list options, the ability to compile a list of selected products, a means to report products missing from the database, and ability to use on different devices. Feedback from interview participants was that the tool was easy to use, was logical to navigate, and had an appealing color scheme. Suggested visual and usability improvements included ensuring that images represented the diverse New Zealand population, reducing unnecessary clickable elements, adding information about the free registration option, and including more frequently asked questions. Comprehensive research informed the development of a new digital tool to support implementation of the National Healthy Food and Drink Policy. Testing with end users identified features that would further enhance the tool's acceptability and usability. Incorporation of more functions and extending the database to include products classified according to the healthy school lunches program policy in the same database would increase the tool's utility.

Analisis Implementasi Kebijakan Program Percepatan Penurunan Stunting Terintegrasi Di Kabupaten Sidoarjo

This study aims to analyze the implementation of the Integrated Stunting Reduction Acceleration Program policy in Sidoarjo Regency using a qualitative descriptive approach. The research employs Policy Implementation theory, which encompasses communication, resources, disposition, and bureaucratic structure. The qualitative research method used is descriptive, with data collected through interviews, observations, and documentation. The findings reveal that policy communication has been effectively conducted, although significant challenges remain at the village level, particularly regarding public understanding and participation. Human and non-human resources are considered adequate; however, their distribution remains uneven and requires improvement to achieve optimal effectiveness. The implementers' disposition shows a high level of commitment to the program, but transparency in policy implementation remains a challenge to be addressed. The bureaucratic structure has supported coordination among stakeholders, although some procedures are perceived as overly complex and need simplification to improve implementation efficiency. The implementation of the Integrated Stunting Reduction Acceleration Program in Sidoarjo Regency reflects the local government's strong commitment to addressing nutritional challenges through a holistic approach. This program targets a reduction in the stunting rate to 14% by 2024, employing various measures such as the Bangga Kencana Consolidation, Convergence of Stunting Reduction Acceleration, and intensive public awareness campaigns. Regular evaluations have shown positive results, including a significant decrease in the stunting rate from 16.1% in 2022 to 8.4% in 2023. By integrating relevant sectors and actively involving the community, this strategy has proven effective in creating an environment that supports optimal child growth. With improvements in these three aspects, the effectiveness of policy implementation is expected to increase, enabling the program to have a more significant impact on reducing stunting rates in Sidoarjo Regency.

A little less conversation, a little more action: Schools and the prevention of violent extremism through reasoned engagement

Many liberal democratic countries have enacted policy programmes aimed at preventing support for violent extremism. In countries such as the United Kingdom, part of this responsibility falls upon state-maintained schools. Teachers are charged with – among other things – challenging the claims, arguments and ideological narratives supportive of terrorism as well as promoting liberal democratic values as a counterweight. Insofar as the aim is to rationally dissuade those in danger of being ‘radicalised’ in this way, this article argues that this approach is unlikely to succeed in all but a narrow range of cases. It argues that the claims that radicalisation occurs through lack of knowledge or poor critical reasoning skills, and that improving these things is the antidote, is at odds with the consensus of social scientific research on partisanship and knowledge, and the phenomenon of motivated reasoning. Challenging beliefs and ideological narratives – whether directly or through more indirect mechanisms – will likely serve to entrench and harden those beliefs in those being drawn towards them. Contrary to this, the article argues that adoption of beliefs supervenes on membership in groups or affiliation to social movements and causes. Individuals receive the benefits of belonging, self-esteem and friendship from such affiliations. It is the receipt of these goods that drives commitment to cherished, identity-forming beliefs. Reasoned engagement therefore misses its target because those beliefs are not held on an epistemic basis. This has important consequences for education. Reasoned engagement is only likely to work where the person seeking to persuade, and the target of that persuasion, have fundamental beliefs and commitments in common. Educational resources are better focused on providing the contexts for students to receive and enjoy the feelings of belonging, self-esteem and friendship, rather than focusing those resources on defeating arguments.

The Influence of Decentralization Policy and Family Hope Program on Social Welfare in Urban Areas Through Social Assistance

The decentralization policy gives authority to local governments to design and implement programs that are in accordance with local needs, including the Family Hope Program (PKH) as one of the social protection instruments. PKH aims to improve social welfare through conditional social assistance that encourages poor people's access to education and health. This study contributes by revealing how decentralization affects the effectiveness of PKH implementation in urban areas, especially through the distribution of social assistance, and its impact on improving social welfare in Medan City. This analysis is expected to strengthen evidence-based policies in realizing equal social welfare in urban areas, especially Medan City. However, the effectiveness of this policy still requires further study to understand its specific impact on the community in Medan City. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the Decentralization Policy and the Family Hope Program (PKH) on Social Welfare in Medan City with the Intervening Media of the Social Assistance Program. The sample used a purposive sampling technique to obtain respondents who were relevant to the study. The research method used was quantitative research, namely by distributing questionnaires to 100 respondents from the Medan City community, North Sumatra who received Social Assistance and the Family Hope Program (PKH). The results of this study: 1) There is an influence of Decentralization Policy on Social Welfare in Medan City, North Sumatra with a value of 24.1%; 2) There is an influence of the Family Hope Program (PKH) on Social Welfare in Medan City, North Sumatra 45.7%; 3) The magnitude of the influence of the Social Assistance Program on Social Welfare partially is 2.5%; 4) The magnitude of the influence of the Decentralization Policy and the Family Hope Program (PKH) on Social Welfare in Medan City with the Intervening Media of the Social Assistance Program is: 67.5% + 2.5% = 70%.