Power Imbalance Research Articles

Drought in play: A grounded socio-hydrological tool to increase social participation in drought plans

Drought management requires a proactive approach and active involvement of stakeholders to enhance effectiveness and equity. However, there are challenges such as power imbalances and knowledge disparities. This paper proposes an innovative methodological tool to facilitate the understanding of key concepts, such as drought states and reservoir zoning, alerts for changes in drought state, risk predisposition, breaking down hierarchical structures of teaching and learning, contributing to more horizontal and participatory processes. We present “Drought in Play” from its creation and design to its application in two water systems in the state of Ceará, located in the Northeast region of Brazil. The game encourages active participation in the creation of a proactive drought plan for water systems and stimulates critical thought and proactive actions regarding drought and water resources management. The game was designed for a multidisciplinary team and tested with researchers that know the drought plans methodology and the challenges to build an effective drought plan. “Drought in Play’’ includes game elements (cards, boardgame) and simulations. We explore the participants’ perceptions when using this tool to facilitate stakeholder participation in building a proactive plan to deal with drought and to enable water users to collectively manage a reservoir that is a common resource to all of them. The results suggest that ”Drought in Play“ can be used as a tool for socio-hydrological modeling, because it combines hydrological elements with social aspects such as decision-making, cooperation, and conflicts among participants. The game has potential to facilitate sustainable water resources management, enhance social learning, and provide a knowledge framework to address complex environmental challenges. It can be easily adapted to other regions with similar situations without requiring further modifications.

Does the Offence– Defence Theory Explain War Onset Between Small States? Causes and Consequences of the 2020–2023 Armenia–Azerbaijan War

The article explores the causes and consequences of the 2020–2023 Karabakh War between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan reclaimed large parts of territories within 44 days of the war in 2020, the country lost control in the early 1990s and was only hindered from full control by a Russian-brokered ceasefire. Over the subsequent three years, Azerbaijan gradually asserted dominance, reclaiming all lost territories by 2023. The study probes the war’s causes and Azerbaijan’s military success. It focuses on power imbalances and strategic dynamics between the two countries that led to the war. By applying the offence–defence theory, it argues that shifting economic and military strengths rendered war inevitable due to deadlock in negotiations. Azerbaijan’s military investment, modernisation and purchase of advanced technological armament changed the balance between the two states and increased its offensive advantage. The article also examines underlying regional power competition, shaping post-war dynamics in the South Caucasus.

Dinamika Kekuasaan Dalam Penyelesaian Konflik Antar Agama

This article attempts to address issues related to power asymmetry in the resolution of interreligious conflicts and the mechanisms used to resolve such conflicts. The research is conducted using a qualitative approach with a descriptive-analytical method. The state has an important role in resolving inter-religious conflicts through public policies involving legislation, law enforcement, promotion of inter-religious dialogue, and protection of human rights. In the resolution of interreligious conflicts, there is often a power asymmetry between the involved religious groups. Power asymmetry refers to the imbalance of political, economic, or social power between conflicting religious groups. This imbalance can influence the dynamics of conflict resolution and create challenges that need to be overcome. Common mechanisms used in the resolution of interreligious conflicts include interfaith dialogue, reconciliation, mediation, and a restorative justice approach. In the resolution of interreligious conflicts, each mechanism has its own uniqueness and advantages.

Public participation in decisions about measures to manage the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, governments and health authorities faced tough decisions about infection prevention and control measures such as social distancing, face masks and travel. Judgements underlying those decisions require...

Interrogation, Negotiation, and Subversion of Power Differentials in Community-Based Participatory Research: A Scoping Review

Abstract: Objectives: To review empirical and peer-reviewed scholarly articles incorporating community-based participatory research approaches and examining discourses of how power differentials are interrogated, negotiated, and redressed within the partnerships using scoping review methodology following The Joanna Briggs Institute framework and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Data Sources: Articles were identified across five online databases: Embase, ERIC, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science. Review Methods: Keywords used in the search strategy were (“Community-Based Participatory Research” OR “Participa-tory Action Research”). Peer-reviewed scholarly articles discussing in-depth power differentials within the partnership published in English between 2010 and 2020 were included. Results: Findings indicate scholars use critical reflexive qualitative methodologies to recognize and raise relevant questions of power issues between researchers and community stakeholders. Examination of individual biases, assumptions, and exertion of hierarchical top–down power is identified extensively. There is limited analysis on institutional and interdependent power. As a result of raising questions regarding power issues, individual actions to address emerging tensions and conflicts were reported. However, discussions on researchers’ efforts to effect institutional and structural changes to redress power imbalances were limited. Conclusions: Building strong and equitable participatory action research collaborations between researchers and community stakeholders remains an arena of continuous struggle. This review offers some insights and relevant implications to better address power issues within participatory action research partnerships and inform the work of professionals engaged in the development, implementation, and evaluation of health promotion initiatives and policies.

Integrating Cultural Humility into Medical Education Using a Structured and Interactive Workshop.

Cultural humility is a lifelong commitment to self-evaluation, redressing power imbalances in patient-physician relationships and developing mutually trusting beneficial partnerships. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility and efficacy of cultural humility training. From July 2020-March 2021, 90-minute educational workshops attended by 133 medical students, resident physicians and medical education faculty included 1) pre- and post- intervention surveys; 2) interactive presentation on equity and cultural humility principles; 3) participants explored sociocultural identities and power; and 4) reflective group discussions. There were significant increases from pre to post intervention assessments for perception scores (3.89 [SEM= 0.04] versus 4.22 [0.08], p<0.001) and knowledge scores (0.52 [0.02] versus 0.67 [0.02], p<0.001). Commonest identities participants recognized as changing over time were personality = 40%, appearance = 36%, and age =35%. Commonest identities experienced as oppressed/subjugated were race/ethnicity = 54%, gender = 40% and religion = 28%; whilst commonest identities experienced as privileged were gender= 49%, race/ethnicity = 42% and appearance= 25%. Male participants assigned mean power score of 73% to gender identity compared to mean power score of -8% by female participants (P<0.001). Non-Hispanic Whites had mean power score for race identity of 62% compared to 13% for non-white participants (p<0.001). English as a second language was only acknowledged as an oppressed/subjugated identity by those born outside the United States (p<0.001). An interactive educational workshop can increase participants' knowledge and perceptions regarding cultural humility. Participants can self-reflect to recognize sociocultural identities that are oppressed/subjugated or privileged.

Navigating between Promises and Realities of Transdisciplinary Research for Environmental Conservation

Transdisciplinary approaches combining technical perspectives with qualitative insights from the social sciences and non-academic stakeholders have emerged as a promising way to address the complexity of current socioenvironmental crises. However, transdisciplinary incorporation of diverse interests, knowledge, and worldviews requires acknowledging and addressing inherent inequities. Our case study combines two complementary transdisciplinary studies, the first conducted by a biologist/ecologist being trained in inter- and transdisciplinary methods at the time of the study, applying a quick participatory diagnosis in a fishing community, while the second is conducted by a social scientist studying the research group itself. Our results allow an exploration of the challenges and possibilities of navigating from transdisciplinary ideals to practical implementation. Our findings highlight the importance of nurturing relationships built on care, reciprocity, and openness to address the power imbalances inherent in university-community participatory practices. We suggest that the community’s autonomy and agency can be preserved while actively engaging its members in the transdisciplinary process, alleviating power differences and fostering a collaborative and equitable transdisciplinary framework. Overall, we emphasize the significance of integrating participatory methods, critical reflexivity, and attention to power dynamics in realizing the potential of transdisciplinary approaches for addressing complex conservation challenges and fostering meaningful community engagement.

The curious case of blockchain in rural China: Unravelling power, profit, and surveillance

Blockchain originated from the aspiration for decentralization, and in Western countries, its association with freedom from governmental and corporate dominance remains unwavering. However, in China–where blockchain has taken an intriguing foothold–the socio-technical imaginaries of blockchain diverge significantly. As China rises in blockchain development, critical literature examining its ventures is notably lacking. This article analyses state-led initiatives and corporate endeavours related to blockchain deployment in rural China. While blockchain's roots lie in libertarian ideals, within China, it serves as a ‘state techno-solutionist’ tool, empowering authoritarian capitalism for enhanced state control and corporate profit through data exploitation. Although the application of blockchain in agricultural tracing and finance is heralded as a blessing to elevate smallholder farmers from poverty and enhance agricultural practices, the reality contrasts sharply. Instead of empowering farmers, the technology exacerbates power imbalances, embedding them in a system marked by extensive data harvesting and surveillance. Such integration entangles these farmers subsisting on China's economic fringes within broader national and global capitalist financial frameworks, rendering them more susceptible to exploitation and manipulation. Moreover, blockchain in rural China epitomizes authoritarian capitalism, where capitalists aligning closely with state agendas. Blockchain's transparency, traceability, and tamper-resistant features, instead of diminishing government interference, are harnessed by capitalists to amplify the social credit system, strengthening the data dominance of platform companies and supporting state surveillance. Therefore, blockchain emerges as a threat to rural China's ways of life–all driven by the pursuit of corporate profit and the government's quest to reclaim national greatness.

Research in Latin America from a decolonial perspective: Challenges of producing socially situated knowledge.

The developmental science literature predominantly originates from WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) countries. This bias perpetuates colonial power imbalances and marginalizes non-WEIRD societies' knowledge. This special issue addresses this gap by focusing on Latin America, emphasizing the region's diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and political contexts. This commentary contextualizes research in Latin America, and then presents and discusses the articles. Finally, it presents some of the challenges researchers in Latin America face.

Hard to reach? Methodological challenges researching vulnerable, gang-involved, young people.

Research with young people (YP) is ethically challenging and bound in a complex maze of issues relating to power, voice and representation. Such sensitivities mean that the challenges raised in researching marginalised YP are often hard to navigate. This paper reports on research carried out with YP to explore links between mental health, school exclusion and involvement in criminal gangs. It aims to provide a practical guide to negotiating some of the methodological and ethical challenges experienced. In-depth interviews conducted with 28 YP (aged 14-24 years) who were gang involved or seen to be at risk of gang involvement. Research was conducted in youth clubs, alternative provision and youth justice settings. OBSERVATIONS/REFLECTIONS: We reflect on how navigating ethics can create barriers to involving YP as primary informants in research. We consider why it is important to overcome these hurdles and how public engagement work with recognised gatekeepers and the use of creative interview methods can facilitate meaningful encounters, where YP feel able to share valuable insights into their lives. Alongside a number of specific learning points, the paper reflects on theories behind research with YP, including the need for recognition of power imbalances and reflexivity. It concludes with thoughts on the practical realities of achieving meaningful participation or an 'authentic voice' with marginalised groups and the importance of this in informing policy and practice. The focus of this work was to collect experiences of YP who are recognised as gang-involved or at risk of being so, with a view to informing health and education policies. The scoping study for the project involved extensive public engagement work with YP exploring and trialling suitable methods of accessing, recruiting and ultimately interviewing this target group. This is central to the discussion within the body of the paper.

Amis Indigeneity in Taiwan

This comment explores the cultural heritage and challenges of the Amis, Taiwan's largest recognized Indigenous group. Drawing on Povinelli's ‘The Cunning of Recognition,’ it argues that state recognition perpetuates power imbalances and commodifies Amis culture. It examines the Amis age‐set system, its role in preserving traditional knowledge, and its challenges due to modernization. It highlights the importance of community‐led initiatives like ’Etolan Style in fostering cultural expression, economic empowerment, and the revitalization of Amis heritage in a post‐colonial world.

From Imprisonment to Reconciliation — The Stockholm Syndrome of Pamela

This paper aims to analyze Pamela through the lens of Stockholm Syndrome, a condition where captives develop psychological bonds with their captors due to power imbalances. The paper contends that Mr. B’s coercive tactics amount to a form of legal abduction, with Pamela’s eventual affection for him indicating Stockholm Syndrome. This analysis also reflects on the broader context of women’s confinement in the 18th century, asserting that true love must be based on mutual respect and equality, not coercion and control. The research method includes a close reading of the novel, focusing on Pamela’s changing attitudes toward Mr. B. The study reveals that Mr. B’s coercive tactics amount to a form of legal abduction, with Pamela’s eventual affection for him indicating Stockholm Syndrome. The conclusion reflects on the broader context of women’s confinement in the 18th century, asserting that true love must be based on mutual respect and equality, not coercion and control.

Intimate partner violence in India: Patterns, causes and way forward

Intimate partner violence (IPV) refers to the physical, sexual, and emotional abuse that can occur between intimate partners or spouse. 1 out of 4 women globally estimated to experience some kind of violence and in this context IPV is a major issue, especially for women. This paper tries to explores the different forms IPV including physical violence to emotional manipulation and controlling behaviors. It examines the cyclical nature of abuse related to IPV and the key factors that increase IPV risk, such as relationship conflicts, poverty, substance abuse, mental health issues, and societal gender norms around power dynamics. With special reference to India, the paper analyzes national survey data showing high rates of domestic violence across many states. While laws like the Domestic Violence Act exist, social stigma and power imbalances prevent many victims from reporting abuse. The paper emphasizes on the basis of the analysis of the literature that addressing IPV requires a multi-faceted approach which must include- promoting gender equality, strict law enforcement, providing mental health support, and crucially, changing mindsets through community engagement to remove stigma around this issue and create mass level awareness among people. Only a concerted effort from all sectors of society can prevent IPV effectively.

Cultural factors contributing to gender-based violence in Zambian societies

Overview: This study examined the intricate cultural dynamics underlying the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) within Zambian societies. Despite legislative efforts and international campaigns to combat GBV, its persistence underscores the need for a deeper understanding of the cultural underpinnings that perpetuate such violence. Body of Knowledge: Through qualitative and quantitative analysis, this study sought to identify key cultural elements such as patriarchal structures, beliefs about masculinity and femininity, and the role of family and community dynamics in shaping attitudes and behaviors related to gender-based violence. Additionally, this study delves into the multifaceted ways in which cultural norms, beliefs, and practices intersect with gender dynamics to foster environments conducive to GBV. Methods: The population comprised of government officials at the district level who had some responsibility for GBV, police officers from VSU, and Members of the community. The total target population was 1000. The sample size involved a total of 100 respondents which is 10% of the target population. The study used purposive sampling to select government officials and police officers while simple random sampling was used to selected community members. This study used descriptive design to analyze the data. Interviews, ethnographic observation, and questionnaires were used to collect data. Qualitative and Quantitative techniques of data analysis was used, and data was presented on the analytical tools such as tables, figures and charts. Results: Initial findings revealed that traditional gender roles deeply entrenched in Zambian culture play a pivotal role in perpetuating GBV. The patriarchal structure of society often assigns men dominance and control over women, leading to power imbalances that facilitate violence. Furthermore, beliefs surrounding masculinity, including expectations of aggression and dominance, contribute to a culture of impunity surrounding GBV. Men are often socialized to perceive violence as a legitimate means of asserting authority, while women may internalize norms of submission and silence. Recommendation: This study underscores the urgent need for culturally sensitive interventions that address the root causes of GBV in Zambia. By engaging communities in dialogue and challenging harmful cultural norms, sustainable solutions can be developed to promote gender equality and create safer environments for all individuals.

Revisiting the success of co‐management in forest protected areas of Bangladesh: Untangling the interplay of power, participation, and community empowerment

AbstractThis narrative review critically assesses the implementation and purported success of co‐management in forest management in Bangladesh. Co‐management has gained global popularity, celebrated for its participatory approach to natural resource conflict resolution, yet critiqued for potential design flaws, susceptibility to elite capture, and perpetuating power imbalances in predominantly top‐down management cultures. Despite two decades of application and reports of positive outcomes in managing forest protected areas of Bangladesh, concerns persist regarding the authenticity of its success and sustainability, particularly in terms of power dynamics and effective community participation in decision‐making processes. The review delves into these aspects, revealing instances where successes might be superficial, overlooking the underlying issues of power disparity among stakeholders. It highlights the crucial role of enhancing social capital within co‐management frameworks to foster institutionalization and sustainability. Recommendations include advancing robust collaboration and communication, alongside the adoption of adaptive management practices to navigate the complex interplay of natural, social, and institutional challenges.

Questioning Strategies: Employed the Most During Cross-Examinations in Pakistani Courts

This research study aims to ascertain the questioning strategies employed the most during cross-examinations in Pakistani courts. A quantitative method, based on power dynamic as the conceptual framework, has been used to explore the research topic at hand. The data were collected through a questionnaire from a random sample of 300 law practitioners. They were quantitatively analyzed, using percentage, standard deviation, and ANOVA to explore their questioning strategies to deal with witnesses. The study found that "establishing fact" and "contradiction and inconsistency" are the most widely used questioning strategies. While "leading questions" and "emotional appeal" are the rarest strategies employed by Pakistani law practitioners during cross-examinations. The study has honestly reported the results with some recommendations, such as training law practitioners in using diverse questioning strategies and investigating linguistic power imbalance, among others, for future researchers.

Comparative study on power decoupling technology based on double frequency disturbance suppression of single-phase photovoltaic inverter

During the grid connection process, single-phase photovoltaic inverters frequently encounter the issue of instantaneous power imbalance between the AC and DC sides. This results in twice the line frequency disturbance power being transmitted to the DC side, severely affecting the system's stability and performance, especially maximum power point tracking efficiency. To address this problem, research in photovoltaic grid-connected technology is now focusing on power decoupling technology to suppress double-frequency disturbances, referred to as power decoupling. This article covers the three main approaches to power decoupling—passive, active, and composite—and focuses on analyzing the circuit topology of the latter two approaches applied to single-phase photovoltaic inverters. The advantages and disadvantages of different power decoupling circuit topologies are discussed in detail, and a comparison is made in this article. Detailed discussions on current power decoupling technology trends and potential future directions, as well as recommendations for further refining grid-connected PV technology, are provided.

A grid-forming approach utilizing DC bus dynamics for low inertia power systems with HVDC applications

While power electronic converters, such as voltage source converters (VSCs), are crucial for the operation of converter-dominated renewables and their integration with the electricity grid, their reliance on VSCs can pose a challenge. The limited inertia of these sources can lead to a deterioration of the rate of change of frequency, potentially causing power system stability issues. A grid-forming approach utilizing dc-link dynamics is one of the attractive alternatives to achieve grid synchronization and support grid frequency. Existing grid-forming control schemes, which assume a constant or virtually constant dc source, rely on a fixed physical dc-link capacitor. Nonetheless, the inertia support from such a capacitor is brief, owing to its limited energy storage capability. Consequently, enhancing inertia becomes imperative; otherwise, it may result in an increased rate of change of voltage on the dc side, potentially leading to issues with protection, undesirable interactions, and system instability. This paper proposes a new grid-forming control strategy that considers a virtual capacitor to achieve grid synchronization while simultaneously providing the network with inertia response services during power imbalances. Moreover, including a virtual resistor in the controller effectively attenuates power and dc voltage oscillations. Simulations using Simulink and small signal stability analysis are conducted to validate the efficacy of the proposed controller.

Exploring the link between household structure and women's household decision-making autonomy in Mauritania.

Governments in sub-Saharan African countries aim to increase married women's household decision-making autonomy as it remains a critical determinant of desirable health behaviours such as healthcare utilisation, antenatal care visits, and safer sex negotiation. However, very few studies explore how household structure (i.e., monogamous or polygamous) is associated with married women's household decision-making autonomy. Our paper seeks to address this gap. Using the 2019-20 Mauritania Demographic and Health Survey, a nationally representative dataset, and applying logistic regression analysis, we explore how married women's household structure is associated with their household decision-making autonomy. We find that 9% of married women are in polygamous marriages, while 63% and 65% are involved in decision-making about their health and large household purchases, respectively. Additionally, 76% and 56% are involved in decision-making about visiting family or relatives and household expenditures. After accounting for socio-economic and demographic factors, we find that compared to women from monogamous households, those from polygamous households are less likely to participate in decision-making about their health (OR=0.65, p < 0.001), making large household purchases (OR=0.65, p < 0.001), visiting family or relatives (OR=0.72, p < 0.001), and household expenditure (OR=0.58, p < 0.001). Based on our findings, we recommend the urgent need to review and re-evaluate policies and approaches seeking to promote gender equality and women's autonomy in Mauritania. Specifically, it may be critical for intervention programmes to work around reducing power imbalances in polygamous household structures that continue to impact married women's household decision-making autonomy adversely. Such interventions should centre married women's socio-economic status as a central component of their empowerment strategies in Mauritania.

Demonstration of participation in the German balancing power market using a large‐capacity hybrid battery storage system

AbstractAs one of NEDO's international demonstration projects, a large‐capacity hybrid battery storage system which consists of two types of battery cells with different charge‐discharge characteristics was constructed in the state of Lower Saxony in the Federal Republic of Germany. By using the hybrid battery system has a lithium‐ion which has an advantage in short time and high rate, and a sodium‐sulfur battery (NAS) which has an advantage in long time and low rate, the tender participation in the balancing power market in Germany had been executed. The hybrid battery storage system could successfully drive and provided services for primary and secondary control reserves, elimination of power imbalance, and reactive power injection, as well as a combination of these services.