Social Processes Research Articles

Impaired social reward processing in individuals with Internet gaming disorder and its relationship with early face perception

Previous research has found that individuals with Internet gaming disorder (IGD) show different patterns of social function impairments in game-related and real-life social contexts. Impaired social reward processing may be the underlying mechanism according to the Social Motivation Theory. Thus, in this study, event-related potentials were recorded from 24 individuals with IGD and 24 healthy gamers during a social judgement task. We focused on reward positivity (RewP) elicited by game-related and real-life social rewards, and N170 elicited by game avatar faces and real faces. These indicators were used to explore the neurocognitive mechanism of impaired social reward processing in individuals with IGD and its relationship with early face perception. Results showed that (1) the RewP elicited by real-life social reward was considerably reduced in individuals with IGD relative to healthy gamers. (2) The N170 elicited by game avatar faces in individuals with IGD was larger than that elicited by real faces. However, the N170 was not associated with RewP in either group. (3) The score for IGD severity was correlated with the RewP elicited by real-life social reward and the N170 elicited by game avatar face. In conclusion, the present study suggests that the impaired social reward processing in individuals with IGD is mainly manifested in a decreased neural sensitivity to real-life social reward. Meanwhile, the reduced RewP elicited by real-life social reward and the enhanced N170 elicited by game avatar face might serve as potential biomarkers for IGD.

Interaction of politics and religion as a factor in shaping the religious culture of Kyrgyzstan’s youth

Democracy and frequent changes of government in Kyrgyzstan contribute to the spread of various religious movements in the country. Social processes, political shifts and the spread of radical religious ideas among young people emphasize the relevance of this study. The purpose of this article is to assess the impact of Kyrgyzstan's religious policy on the religious consciousness of contemporary youth. The study used general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, generalization, historical and critical, comparative, dialectical, as well as empirical methods of surveys and questionnaires. The study showed that the religious policy of Kyrgyzstan is characterized by democracy and liberalism, based on the secular nature of the state. Kyrgyzstan is a multi-confessional country, with more than 30 religions. The vast majority of Kyrgyzstan's population are Sunni Muslims, and the second most common religious denomination is Orthodox Christianity. Since 1991, Kyrgyzstan has witnessed a process of Islamization, and non-traditional religious movements, both Islamic and other religious doctrines, have also penetrated and gained popularity in the country. The state's liberal policy in the field of religion facilitates the penetration of non-traditional religious organizations from abroad into Kyrgyzstan. Young people are particularly susceptible to new religious movements. This phenomenon can lead to the spread of radical religious ideas among the youth of Kyrgyzstan. In this regard, the state should pay closer attention to the policy in the field of religion. The practical value of the work is determined by the fact that its results can be useful in further research on this issue.

A study of trust and satisfaction with local authorities in Ukraine. The impact of populism

The article analyzes a number of aspects and factors that, in the authors’ opinion, influence the penetration of populism into local government. It is the aspect of trust that can influence the penetration and even greater influence of populism in local self-government. The authors highlight such important topics as the factors that would contribute to the success of populism and the specifics of its manifestations at the local level. Special attention is paid to the analysis of trust and satisfaction of Ukrainian citizens with the work of local authorities, based and analyzed on empirical data obtained in cooperation with the sociological center "Factum Group". The article considers populism in local politics as a phenomenon that requires serious attention and analysis. It can have negative consequences for local self-government and lead to political instability and insufficient effectiveness of decisions. One of the main problems with populism is its focus on short-term, populist promises and rhetoric instead of the need for long-term planning and real development. This can lead to unjustified spending of resources and creating dependence on external financial sources, which can negatively affect the sustainability of the local economy. In addition, populism can undermine the principles of democracy and the rule of law. In the context of academic analysis, studying the impact of populism at the local government level is critical. This analysis is based on the works of R. Putnam and P. Sztompka. In the context of P. Sztompka's theory, the issue of trust in government and its importance for social institutions is considered. R. Putnam emphasizes that democracies and economies in society work better when there is citizen involvement. It was the involvement and influence of citizens on local government that became possible as a result of the decentralization process. Thus, these studies provide an understanding of what trends can affect social processes and public life. The study of these aspects makes it possible to identify effective mechanisms for counteracting the potential threats of populism, which is important for assessing the general prospects for the development of the state and its social stability. To overcome this problem, active participation of citizens, strengthening of civil society institutions, development of critical thinking and principles of openness and transparency are needed. In the future, we need further research on the aspects of influence and raising questions about other factors and systems of influence on the appearance of populists in local authorities, in order to know what local authorities should pay attention to in order to strengthen trust and resist the spread of populism. Which, as the authors note, are mutually dependent processes.

Ritual networks and the structure of moral communities in Classic Maya society

Ritual plays an important integrative function in the creation, maintenance, and transformation of human society. The shared experience of ritual establishes strong bonds between individuals that defines their membership in certain social groups. However, rituals are not timeless traditions, nor do they simply restore social equilibrium. Rather, rituals are active and ongoing social processes that unite and divide across multiple social categories. This paper applies archaeological network methods to analyze the multiscalar structure of ritual traditions across Classic Maya (ca. 300–900 CE) society using hieroglyphic inscriptions from dated and provenienced monuments cataloged in the Maya Hieroglyphic Database (Looper and Macri 1991–2024). For the Classic Maya, public ritual and performance were highly charged political events where meaning and power could be negotiated, creating opportunities for identity formation and community integration. Such contexts helped establish strong moral bonds in Classic Maya society. However, we know relatively little about the specific forms and content of these ritual practices. In this study we construct ritual similarity networks from hieroglyphic inscriptions to analyze the structure and organization of these moral communities as well as the ritual relations that bound them together.

Nursing students' self-esteem levels and attitudes toward the nursing profession.

This study aimed to examine nursing students' self-esteem levels and attitudes toward the nursing profession. Although it is important to choose a profession that will make the person happy in many aspects such as one's abilities, interests, values, attitudes, personal goals, and social expectations, it has an important place, especially in a profession such as nursing, which involves intense emotional and physical load. The study population was 390 nursing students at a foundation university in Istanbul, while the sample included 202 students. Data were collected between January 16, 2023, and February 15, 2023, with the Demographic Data Collection Tool, Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory, and the Attitude Scale for Nursing Profession. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 27.0 program. The STROBE checklist was used to report the study. The mean age of the participants was 20.79±1.72 (years), among which 65.3% were in the 20-22 age range, 76.7% were female, and 29.7% were in the first grade. A positive but very weak relationship was found between the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and the Attitude Scale for Nursing Profession scores (p<0.05). The results show that professionalization and socialization processes greatly affect nursing students' self-esteem. Considering the extended period that students spend in academic institutions under the guidance of faculty members, this matter deserves greater attention. While developing the curriculum and education process, factors that support the development of self-esteem in nursing students should be taken into account and initiatives should be planned to increase positive attitudes toward the profession. Nursing students can gain different perspectives by spending more time with nurses in hospitals.

Discharging Care Orders in England and Wales: A New Typology of Applications and Outcomes

Abstract A care order represents one of the most significant state interventions in England and Wales. The end of a care order is equally important, often meaning a withdrawal of statutory support and monitoring, and children returning home to birth parent(s), living with kinship carers or living independently. Despite its importance, little is known about the discharge of care orders. This article reports on the findings of the first study of the discharge of care orders in England and Wales. Casefile data from 323 children’s records were analysed using descriptive and bivariate statistical analysis. Qualitative data from the same records were collected and analysed thematically. Interviews and focus groups were also held with forty-one professionals involved in discharge. Based on the findings, this article reports on a new typology of discharge applications. The typology represents six distinctly different types of application varying on: process and application outcome; length of proceedings; applicant motivation and age and views of the child. The typology developed indicates that differentiated legal and social work processes may be needed to better meet the needs of children and families. This article concludes by presenting recommendations for policy, practice and research in this field.

Enabling social approaches for contextualised learning at primary schools

Through a project undertaken under a programme funded by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) called Transforming Education for Sustainable Futures (TESF), alternative learning approaches associated with the introduction of a form of vertical farming called ‘tower gardens’ at primary schools were explored. Methods that were new to the local education context were used to support the learning process, for example role-playing sketches that allowed learners to share their own knowledge about gardening activities with their peers, teachers and staff from the non-governmental organisation that facilitated the process. This collective sharing and recall were key elements of the social learning process, building into individual and group knowledge. Corroborated memory recall contributed to group learning and also built into the collective storage of knowledge. Learning was firmly embedded in social interaction, in collective symbolism and arts – music specifically. These forms of learning and storing of knowledge resonated with the learners as it was a continuation of life as they know it in their community. It became clear from the project that educators saw the value of introducing concepts from classroom subjects when constructing and managing the tower gardens and were pleasantly surprised by the responses of the learners to this new way of learning, suggesting that creating scope within the curriculum and schoolwork plan is necessary in tandem with building the required capacity to replicate this without external support.

Intellectual Deepening Influences the Development and Expression of Introversion

This scholarly investigation delves into the neurological interplay between enhanced intellectual engagement and social interaction preferences, focusing on the critical role of specific brain regions and neurotransmitter modulation. Activation patterns in the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex, particularly influenced by neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, are explored in relation to their impact on memory enhancement and social motivation. Elevated activity in these brain areas can enhance retention of intellectually stimulating stimuli, potentially fostering social isolation. This research elucidates the neurochemical variations that influence social engagement capacities and clarifies the underlying biological mechanisms predisposing highly intellectual individuals to favor isolation over less stimulating social interactions. This study aims to deepen the understanding of how neuroanatomical and neurochemical dynamics shape introverted behaviors and preference for solitary activities, thereby influencing social integration processes.

Sensitivity as a catalyst for social and individual emancipation and transformation processes?

Sensitivity as a catalyst for social and individual emancipation and transformation processes?

Valuation in Rural Social Innovation Processes—Analysing Micro-Impact of a Collaborative Community in Southern Italy

Valuation in Rural Social Innovation Processes—Analysing Micro-Impact of a Collaborative Community in Southern Italy

The recent turn in analytical sociology: The dismissal of general theories, mental states, and analytic philosophy – and the old issue of mechanism explanations

Analytical sociology is a sociological approach whose advocates share two methodological doctrines: sociology should be a rigorous discipline and focus on action-based explanations of social processes. This article analyzes some recent methodological innovations of analytical sociology: (1) it is proposed to abandon general theories, in particular rational choice theory. We raise several objections against this claim. The major argument for applying general theories is that an empirical comparison with middle range theories implies conditions for their modification and at the same time tests the general theory. Another flaw of the critique of rational choice theory is that the target is not a wide ‘bounded rationality’ version that is increasingly applied in the social sciences. Instead, an outdated narrow version is attacked; (2) a new demand is to give up explanations with mental states such as goals and beliefs and focus on situational factors. It is argued that this leads to false explanations because the impact of situational factors on action depends on mental states. Omitting mental states thus leads to invalid explanations; (3) a major unresolved issue is the thesis that mechanism explanations are a special kind of explanation that do not need to apply theories. It is shown why this demand is mistaken.

Muslims of Tobolsk Province in Second Half of 19th Century: Marriage Dynamics

This study presents an analysis of the content of handwritten records from Muslim metric books of the mid-19th century at the Komarovskaya Yurt Mosque in Tobolsk Province. The analysis focuses on the second part, which includes information on marriages and divorces. Building upon previous research analyzing birth data from the first part of mosque records, this work introduces, for the first time, data on marriages and divorces of residents of Western Siberia belonging to a single ethnic group: the mosque’s parishioners were Bukharans — migrants from Central Asia. A total of 116 marriage records and six divorce records were analyzed. The statistics suggest that the institution of marriage was stable. The study reveals the ages of those getting married, marriage conditions, dowry amounts paid, reasons for divorce, and polygamy practices. It is proven that despite the lack of surnames among the Tatar population in the 19th century, recording the names of marrying individuals, their fathers, witnesses, and social status in mosque records allows for the identification of each individual. Interfaith marriage contacts were not recorded during the analyzed period. The relevance of this research lies in providing new insights into Muslim marriage customs and social processes in a specific territory during the specified period.

The Impact of Native Language on Mandarin Acquisition: A Study of Zhuang and Miao Students

This study was conducted with Zhuang and Miao students and Mandarin teachers in grades four to six in four township elementary schools in Dehou Township, Wenshan City, Yunnan Province. The purposes of this study were:1) to study the influences of the native language that affect Zhuang and Miao students when they learn Mandarin,2) to study teachers’ opinions about their students' native language affects their learning when teaching Mandarin to Zhuang and Miao students. Based on Krejcie and Morgan's table, 186 students for questionnaires and 14 teachers were selected for interviews. The study is a mixed method of quantitative and qualitative research, which was statistically analyzed using percentages, means (⎯χ), standard deviation (S.D.), and narrative analysis by coding the interview information. The research instruments were questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The results revealed that 1) the influences of the native language that affect Zhuang and Miao students when they learn Mandarin consisted of four aspects: (1) social context, (2) learner characteristics, (3) learning conditions, and (4) learning process: Social Context was high level (⎯χ) =2.70 and S.D=0.36; Learner Characteristics was moderate level (⎯χ) =2.43 and S.D=0.35; Learning Conditions was moderate level (⎯χ) =2.46 and S.D=0.2936; Learning Process was high level (⎯χ) =2.51 and S.D=0.30. All four aspects had a high level (⎯χ) =2.52 and S.D=0.33; on Zhuang and Miao students' Mandarin learning, and 2) teachers’ opinions about their students' native language affect their learning when teaching Mandarin to Zhuang and Miao students. It showed that Zhuang and Miao’s students had difficulty pronouncing Mandarin when they learned it because of the influence of their language; the difference between Mandarin and the expression habits of the ethnic language also affects the learning of Mandarin by Zhuang and Miao students. This study suggests that the study should emphasize the creation of a Mandarin language environment for Zhuang and Miao students, enhance students' interest in learning Mandarin, improve the conditions for learning Mandarin, and innovate teaching methods.

Integrating values into the social learning process: The occupational world in children’s television shows in Israel

ABSTRACT Children develop their perceptions, expectations, and attitudes toward the occupational world much earlier than they enter it, also via television which serves as a central socialization agent in the preschool years. The current study thematically analyzes the values associated with the occupational world in children’s series by integrating two theoretical perspectives: Schwartz’s theory of values and Bandura’s social cognitive theory. The study finds that children’s series represent the occupational world extensively and uniformly as multicultural and community-oriented. Many aspects of the occupational world in these shows are portrayed inconsistently with the real-world workplace. All occupations are treated equally, and the workplace is portrayed positively, involving obedience and conformity and nearly no concern for personal professional advancement.

Implementation of SAK-EMKM: The Influence of Socialization, Understanding Accounting and Readiness of MSMEs

The objective of this study is to examine the impact of socialization, accounting comprehension, and readiness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) on the implementation of financial statement preparation based on the Indonesian Financial Accounting Standards for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (SAK-EMKM). The research method is categorized as quantitative research. The study utilizes primary data in the form of a questionnaire. The study focused on the population of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that actively took part in the UMKM Juara program in the Karawang Regency during the year 2022. The sampling technique employed was saturation sampling, wherein the whole population under study was sampled. The utilized specimen had a value of 132. The findings indicated that partial socialization positively and significantly influences the implementation of financial statement preparation based on SAK-EMKM. On the other hand, an understanding of accounting has little impact on implementing financial statement preparation based on SAK-EMKM. Additionally, MSME readiness significantly affects the implementation of financial statement preparation based on SAK-EMKM. The concurrent processes of socialization, comprehension of accounting principles, and preparedness of MSMEs have a favorable and substantial impact on the execution of financial statement preparation based on SAK-EMKM.

Personal values and social behavior in early childhood: Understanding the contribution of social information processing and attitudes

AbstractValues, defined by Schwartz (1994) as basic motivational cognitive structures, guide life goals, transcend contexts, and affect individuals’ courses of action differently depending on their preferred values. With young children, an important question that emerges is what factors underlie the linkages between their preferred motivations (i.e., preferred values) and their behavior tendencies in key social contexts. This study proposed one potential socio-cognitive mechanism that may explain how children’s values are linked to their prosocial and antisocial behaviors in kindergarten via their values-oriented social information processing patterns (SIP) and their attitudes toward their kindergarten. The sample included 121 children (59 girls; Mage = 67.45 months). Children’s values, values-oriented SIP patterns, and attitudes toward kindergarten class were examined in one-on-one interviews. Teachers reported on the children’s social behaviors. Results showed children’s preferences for self-transcendence values were linked to their more prosocial behaviors and less antisocial behaviors in class via their self-transcendence values-oriented SIP patterns and their positive attitudes toward kindergarten. The findings offer important insights into the socio-cognitive elements that drive values-behavior relationships, as well as the links between various facets of young children’s social cognition and their social behavior in kindergarten.

The Contemporary Significance of Agnes Hellers Radical Needs Theory

Needs are a focal point of Marxs examination of human historical activities and a topic of his historical materialism. Examining the generation, function, status, and basic connotations of needs throughout the history of human activities laid the basic link of Marxist need theory. The purpose of this paper is to combine the theory of radical needs proposed by Agnes Heller with the concrete reality of Chinas modernization construction, to directly address the issue of needs in the contemporary social development process of China, and to promote comprehensive social development with needs as the focal point, highlighting the contemporary significance of this theory. The requirements of Hellers radical needs theory are also a study and interpretation of the ideals of a better life and the idea of building a community with a shared future for humanity.

Visual perception of group fatness as a precursor to social identity threat and safety

ABSTRACT Across two studies (N = 190), we evaluate how fat people perceive groups of bodies and how this visual processing predicts social identity threat and safety. We examined how fat people ensemble code – rapidly and simultaneously extract visual information from a group – body size from groups of bodies. Stimuli included sets of 3-d modeled bodies varying in body mass index (BMI; Study 1) and real photographs of groups of people with known BMI (Study 2). As hypothesized, we found that fat people were generally accurate at ensemble coding the average body size of arrays after 500 ms exposure, and that, particularly among fat people with medium and high stigma consciousness, arrays of increasing average BMI were associated with heightened feelings of identity safety. Our work suggests that the representation of fatness in one’s environment may be an important precursor to social identity threat and safety processes.

Investigating the Correlation between Frustration and Values with an Emphasis on Gender

This research paper investigates the correlation between individuals’ reactions to frustration and their values, with an emphasis on sex differences. Frustration is an arbitrary emotional response to obstacles or unmet expectations, although social values carry beliefs and principles that guide behavior within a societal context. Getting a gist of how sex influences these aspects can shed light on societal dynamics and inform interventions aimed at promoting psychological well-being and social harmony. The study undergoes a quantitative approach to the data, through different scales using SPSS to analyze data and gather comprehensive insights. Results reveal new patterns in how individuals of different genders perceive and respond to frustration in relation to their value system, Enlightening the need for gender-sensitive works in addressing emotional regulation and socialization processes.

Foreign experience in organizing state and business relationship and its impact on urbanization

The subject of this study is the relationship between state and municipal authorities, representatives of business sector, the population of certain territories in terms of the need for physical interaction between government and business, which ultimately affects the location of the population. The goal is to prove that Russia's big business itself strives to be physically closer to the authorities, which does not have a positive effect on the processes of urbanization. In its turn, foreign experience demonstrates more effective options for the relationship between state and business that do not affect other social processes. In this work, the author uses statistical method, the method of modeling in terms of formulating the author's proposals, expert assessments, comparative legal method, as well as general scientific methods of deduction, induction, analysis and synthesis. The work shows close relationship between business and public authorities in the Russian Federation, which is due to the territorial location of a large number of people in the area where there are conditions for such interaction. The described situation is not characteristic of most foreign countries. Some variants of influence for overcoming the specified problem are offered. Scope of the results: public administration system, including the processes of state influence on economic entities. Also, individual proposals can be applied in urban planning, solving issues of demography and urbanization. Russia is characterized by a very close relationship between state power and the commercial sector, which significantly distinguishes it from most of other countries, at least in terms of territorial structure. This situation has a negative impact on a large number of social institutions, and therefore it is necessary to take a number of organizational measures, including the use of administration of planning and urban planning activities based on foreign experience.