Welfare Research Articles

Contributory social security and employment-based social protection for informal workers: moderating role of regulatory framework

Contributory social security and employment-based social protection for informal workers: moderating role of regulatory framework

Optimal Global Population: Balancing Development, Environment and Well-being in Dynamic Equilibrium

This paper examines the complex and multifaceted relationship between population growth, economic development, resource allocation, and social welfare, focusing on the evolving concept of the "optimal global population." It highlights how moderate population growth can boost economic productivity and living standards by fostering technological innovation and driving industrial transformation. Conversely, unchecked growth intensifies issues such as resource depletion, environmental degradation, and social inequality, creating significant barriers to sustainable development. Recognizing the diversity of global contexts, the analysis emphasizes the need for region-specific and adaptive policymaking. It advocates for aligning demographic trends with economic strategies, environmental sustainability, and social policies to promote balanced and harmonious global development. Additionally, it underscores the importance of global collaboration to tackle shared challenges, such as ensuring equitable resource distribution, fostering innovation, and protecting the environment for future generations. Ultimately, the paper concludes that the "optimal global population" is not a fixed figure but a dynamic and evolving concept. Achieving this balance demands continuous monitoring, informed decision-making, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable development, social equity, and environmental stewardship.

A review of studies on the effectiveness of the new rural social pension insurance policy

The new rural insurance policy is of great significance for improving China's social pension security system, alleviating social conflicts, and promoting social stability. This article provides a comprehensive review and research on the development process, policy effects, challenges, countermeasures, and prospects of the new rural insurance policy, based on existing literature and relevant data. Research has identified three distinct stages in the progression of the rural insurance initiative.: the exploration stage of local pilot projects, the stage of central unified policies and national pilot projects, and the stage of comprehensive promotion and institutional improvement. The policy effect mainly involves the impact on three levels: government credibility, family economy, and social and cultural concepts. At the same time, it has been found that there are still some problems with the implementation of the new rural insurance policy, such as insufficient publicity, legislative and authoritative power. Finally, based on existing literature, corresponding optimization paths and prospects are proposed to address the existing problems.

Rhinoceros as a Symbol of Admiration in Setswana Indigenous Poetry, Stories and Proverbs

This article expounds on the relationship between Batswana and the rhinoceros. The co-existence of Batswana and the rhinoceros brought the two together. There are different types of relationships like commensalism, i.e., metabiotic, phoresy and microbiota. People have utilized animals in a variety of useful relationships. Animals improve the welfare of humans in many ways, ranging from providing companionship to facilitating rescues during natural disasters and for recreation purposes. It is also believed that the Batswana learned some of their virtues from the rhino. They learn some of their virtues from metabiotic of the rhinoceros’ relationship with the oxpecker. When the Batswana prayed for rain, they emulated the rhinoceros by stomping the ground. The Batswana are loving people who look after one another. The study assesses the connection or affiliation between their genera. A mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals. It’s influenced by behaviors essential to the mental, physical and social health and well-being of both. The vegetarian’s role is to maximize the potential of this relationship and promote the well-being of people and animals. The Batswana and the rhinoceros shared space. In some areas, they work and help each other for their survival, whereas in other cases they harm each other as indicated in poetry, stories, metaphors and proverbs. This entanglement encompasses the transference of animal behavioral traits to humans. The rhinoceros played a role in helping Batswana who did not have a well where they could get water for their cows.

KWAT’s contributions to social welfare and political participation in Myanmar: navigating constraints, building solidarity, and pushing for democracy

KWAT’s contributions to social welfare and political participation in Myanmar: navigating constraints, building solidarity, and pushing for democracy

Exploring the improvement of employment quality for graduates majoring in public administration based on China's employment policies for college students

In the current social situation in China, graduates majoring in public administration face challenges such as low salary levels, unclear career development opportunities, incomplete welfare benefits, and limited job content. This study focuses on the employment status of college students majoring in public administration. Using literature analysis, it is concluded that improving the employment quality of public administration students requires joint efforts from students, universities, enterprises, and the government. Measures such as clarifying career planning, optimizing curriculum settings, promoting policy reforms, and strengthening school-enterprise cooperation can be taken to achieve high-quality employment.

Exploring the Key Factors Influencing Health and Wellness Tourism and Their Relationship with Tourist Satisfaction and Loyalty in the Post-Covid-19 Era: A Study of Emei City, China

Objectives: This study explores the factors that influence tourist satisfaction and loyalty in the health and wellness tourism sector of Emei City, China, during the post-COVID-19 period. Given that the pandemic has reshaped tourist preferences, the primary objective is to understand these dynamics to support effective tourism destination management. The research aims to identify key variables that impact both satisfaction and loyalty among tourists visiting Emei City. Methods: A quantitative research approach was adopted for this study, utilizing a questionnaire to collect data from tourists visiting Emei City. Key variables examined include tourism transportation, tourism price, tourism resources, tourism facilities, tourism service quality, medical service level, and social environment security. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the relationships among these factors, tourists' satisfaction, and loyalty, with tourists' satisfaction serving as a mediating variable in the study. Results: The results reveal that tourism transportation, tourism price, tourism facilities, tourism service quality, and social environment security have a positive and significant influence on tourists' loyalty. Additionally, tourism transportation, tourism price, tourism resources, and tourism service quality were found to positively impact tourists' satisfaction. Furthermore, tourists' satisfaction has a positive relationship with tourists' loyalty in health and wellness tourism, which has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The research also highlights that tourists' satisfaction plays an intermediary role in linking tourism price and tourists' loyalty. Conclusion: This research provides valuable insights into the factors that contribute to tourist satisfaction and loyalty in the health and wellness tourism sector of Emei City, particularly in the context of the post-COVID-19 recovery period. The findings offer a fresh perspective for future research and provide practical recommendations for tourism managers to aid in the recovery and development of the tourism sector in Emei City, ultimately driving regional economic recovery.

Justice chauvinism and the social welfare legal professional

ABSTRACT This paper sets out a conceptualisation of “justice chauvinism” as a lens for analysing the assumptions which underpin the justice system in England and Wales. The article aims to contribute to debate about why the England and Wales justice system is the way it is and the role played by assaults on practitioners, especially legal aid practitioners. It first sets out a justification for the concept of chauvinism within justice systems and then explores the ways in which, at macro, meso and micro levels, chauvinistic narratives are deployed to the detriment of both the provider and the recipient of legal advice and representation, with a particular focus on social welfare legal professionals. A comparative account of civil (non-family) legal aid in England and Wales and in Scotland gives concrete examples of how chauvinistic underpinnings may (or may not) manifest in different legal systems, before the conclusion invites further exploration and challenge to underlying chauvinism which misshapes justice systems and stigmatises both user and professional.

Employment situation and the formation of stigmatising attitudes towards people with intellectual disabilities.

This study questioned whether knowledge of the employment situation of a person with an intellectual disability affected stigmatising attitudes towards that individual among a sample of 507 people who did not have intellectual disabilities. A hypothetical individual with a mild intellectual disability was described as either (i) in paid employment, or (ii) living entirely on state social security benefits. Sample members, none of whom were themselves intellectually disabled, unemployed, or living on social security benefits, completed a questionnaire concerning their attitudes towards the person. Many participants who were informed that a person with an intellectual disability worked for a living exhibited more positive attitudes towards the individual than participants advised that the person relied on welfare. The results suggest the existence of a "welfare slur" among some sample members. The level of an observer's self-reported social status impacted on the favorability of certain attitudes.

Traumatic Brain Injury as an Invisible Disability: Institutional Barriers in Medical, Social and Financial Services in Finland

People who sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) often experience unmet rehabilitation needs. The aim of our research was to explore how the invisible aspects of traumatic brain injury affect the experiences of survivors of TBI in accessing the necessary medical, social, and financial assistance. Using Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological inquiry, we purposefully sampled 11 participants who had experienced TBI when aged 13–27 for interviews. The time since their injuries ranged from 7 to 37 years. Three key themes emerged: (1) lack of knowledge and guidance in medical services, (2) lack of social service assistance, and (3) battles with insurance companies. Our findings show that, due to the hidden nature of TBI-related disabilities and a general lack of societal knowledge about TBI outcomes, survivors face significant difficulties in accessing essential medical, social, and financial services. This study underscores the critical need to address the challenges faced by youth survivors of TBI, as their injuries occur during a pivotal developmental phase when they are developing psychosocial skills, pursuing education, and transitioning into the workforce. Delays or lack of proper medical, social, and financial support hinder rehabilitation and the successful reintegration of these youth into society.

A transaction-cost model of chronic specie scarcity and the evolution of monetary structures in constrained colonial economies

Abstract A transaction-cost model of monetary choice is used to justify colonists’ claims that specie money for executing within-colony trades and paying local taxes was chronically scarce in Britain’s pre-nineteenth century North American colonies. This scarcity is shown to be the result of individual rational maximizing choice behavior given the constraints imposed on the colonies by their mother country. By contrast, the conventional quantity-theory-of-money, specie-flow model indicates that a chronic specie scarcity equilibrium is impossible. Implicit assumptions in the quantity-theory-of-money model are shown to not apply to these colonial economies. The transaction-cost model developed here builds on the Walrasian–Arrow–Debreu general equilibrium model by incorporating transaction costs and media-of-exchange structures into the market clearing mechanism. Specie (outside money) and non-specie-money media-of-exchange structures (inside monies), which have differing transaction costs, are added to the model. Those additions, along with import substitution and trade-control constraints, identify the plausible circumstances that yield a chronic specie scarcity outcome in a colony. Whether the individual rational maximizing monetary choices that produce chronic specie scarcity in a colony lead to sub-optimal or to optimal social welfare outcomes in that colony depends on what non-specie media-of-exchange structures emerge as the inside money in that colony.

Navigating Aging: Battling Illness, Overcoming Disabilities, Embracing Dependency, and Confronting Discrimination

This paper investigates the challenges faced by aging people, focusing on the critical issues, like illness, disability, dependency, poverty and social discrimination. As elderly population continues to grow due to improved healthcare and life expectancy, the complexities of their daily lives become more pronounced. There are numerous factors that result in illness, disability, dependency, poverty, and discrimination. We need a holistic approach to address intersecting factors that shape and reshape each other in aging. This study explores how cultural norms, economic factors, healthcare accessibility, family dynamics influence the experience of aging individuals. It examines the ways in which traditional respect for the elderly is being reshaped by modern pressures, such as urbanization, modernization and migration. The article also delves into the socio-economic conditions that exacerbate health problems and disabilities, emphasizing the role of inadequate pension systems and social security. Additionally, it focuses on how social discrimination and isolation impacts on physical and mental well-being in the elderly. Through the combination of qualitative and quantitative data and narratives, this paper provides a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges faced by aging individuals. It also calls for more inclusive and aging friendly policies and support systems to improve the quality of life for the aging individuals.

Exploring the Foundations of Administrative Regulations: Constitutional Basis, Police Powers, Eminent Domain, and Taxation

Abstract: This paper explores the foundational aspects of administrative regulations, focusing on their constitutional basis, the exercise of police powers, eminent domain, and taxation. Administrative regulations are essential tools through which government agencies implement and enforce laws, ensuring compliance and governance in various sectors. The paper begins by examining the constitutional principles underlying administrative regulations, including the delegation of legislative powers and the role of judicial review. It then explores the scope and limitations of police powers, emphasizing how administrative agencies regulate public health, safety, and welfare while adhering to constitutional safeguards. Additionally, the paper delves into the use of eminent domain, considering the legal boundaries of governmental power to acquire private property for public use and the regulatory role of administrative bodies in this process. Finally, it analyses the constitutional basis for taxation and the role of administrative agencies in the enforcement and regulation of tax laws, highlighting challenges in compliance and administration. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how administrative regulations operate within the framework of constitutional law and their impact on governance and individual rights.

Modelling the effects of climate policy on firewood collection and women’s welfare in developing countries

Abstract Climate policies such as carbon taxes for emissions reduction could be detrimental to social welfare in developing countries. High energy prices could induce substitution towards traditional solid fuels such as fuelwood for cooking. Given fuelwood is primarily collected by women in low- and middle-income countries, climate policies may particularly affect women’s welfare. This article reviews the empirical evidence on climate policies, energy use and women’s well-being. Further, I develop a theoretical framework to characterise the potential effects of climate policy and complementary social policies on women’s welfare. The theoretical results show provision of clean cooking technologies and improved biomass cook-stoves, when complementary to fuel taxes, could improve women’s welfare and confer health and climate benefits in developing countries. The predictions of the theoretical framework are validated in the empirical literature.

The linkage of government assistance programs towards digital and financial well-being of small household income families in Urban Area: Lesson from COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic and the Movement Control Order (MCO) have had a negative impact on the financial well-being and digital well-being of B40 or small household income families in urban areas. In responding to the crisis, the government had launched multiple assistance programs to assist the group. Hence, the study intends to examine the relationship of government assistance towards digital and financial well-being of the group. Utilizing survey, the study involved 417 respondents living at the Public Housing Project (PPR) residential areas in Kuala Lumpur—the capital of Malaysia. The data was analyzed using Smart PLS and the key findings were (1) government assistance programs significantly affect the digital well-being and financial well-being of B40 urban families. However, there is no significant relationship between financial well-being and digital well-being. Besides, the Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) indicated that the importance of government assistance programs towards digital well-being performance is higher than financial well-being. The assistance programs offered by the government plays essential role to ease the digital and financial constraints of B40 urban families during a difficult time. Reforms to the government assistance programs, the empowerment of digital aid packages, and the enhancement of social security net initiatives for B40 urban families are necessary to enhance the group’s preparedness and resilience in the face of new shocks in the future.

Analysis of the Implementation of the First Level Outpatient Referral for Bpjs Kesehatan Participants at the Medan City Exemplary Health Center in 2023

The Social Security Administration Agency or BPJS Kesehatan recorded a total of 267.31 million participants as of December 31, 2023. If they need follow-up services by a specialist doctor, BPJS Kesehatan participants can be referred to second-level health facilities or secondary-level health facilities. The causes of the high number of referrals at the Teladan Health Center are due to: inadequate availability of doctors, delays in the availability of drugs and frequent vacancies in drug stocks, lack of availability of medical facilities and medical equipment and the implementation of the FKTP function as a gatekeeper does not follow the established rules. This research is a qualitative descriptive research, which is a research method that is carried out with the main purpose of making an overview or description of a situation objectively, with a semi-structured interview method, which is a type of interview that includes the category of in-depth interviews recorded using a tape recorder where in its implementation it is freer when compared to structured interviews. The results of the study obtained from this study are that there are still many referrals on their own request because patients do not trust the health center, resulting in a high number of referrals. The number of health workers at the Teladan Health Center has met the standards, but neurologists and cardiologists are needed because many of the patients referred have internal diseases. Medicines, medical devices, medical device facilities and infrastructure facilities at the Teladan Health Center are incomplete and there is a lack of public knowledge about the gatekeeper concept so that there are frequent APS referrals. It is hoped that the Exemplary Health Center to the Head of the Health Center will propose the addition of Specialist Doctors to the Medan City Health Office, re-evaluate drug planning, provide socialization to the public about JKN, especially the tiered referral system and about the gatekeeper concept. The Medan City Health Office is also expected to collaborate with health centers in completing medical equipment and medicine facilities.

Covid-19 Vaccine Acceptance and its Influencing Factors Through a Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The rise in Covid-19 related deaths has led to the implementation of vaccination. Despite this effort, some of the population remains reluctant to get vaccinated, citing various reasons for their hesitation. The objective of this research was to examine the various factors affecting covid-19 vaccination acceptance. Methods: This study adopted a cross-sectional design and was conducted between October and December 2022. This study looked at various independent variables such as sex, education, occupation, family income, health insurance, social assistance, history of Covid-19 infection, and information from the health worker. The main variable of interest was vaccination acceptance. The research involved a group of 133 people. Research data is collected by sending surveys to participants while adhering to Covid-19 health guidelines. The research data was examined using chi square test and logistic regression. This study received ethical approval from the Ethics Committee at Palu Health Polytechnic, Ministry of Health in Indonesia number: 0089/KEPK-KPK/VI/2022. Results: Most of the individuals were involved in favor of accepting the Covid-19 vaccine, with a percentage of 83.5%, whereas only 16.5% declined it. Among the different factors considered, age was found to be the most significant in determining vaccine acceptance compared to having social assistance and information from health workers. Conclusion: Vaccine acceptance varied by age, prioritizing older individuals due to their heightened vulnerability to the Covid-19 virus. It is crucial to further investigate how different factors such as socio-demographic characteristics, vaccine’ knowledge, and trust in the healthcare system interact with each other.

A wolf at the door: the ecology, epidemiology, and emergence of community- and urban-level Rocky Mountain spotted fever in the Americas.

RMSF, a tickborne infection caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, produces severe and fatal disease in humans and dogs. Since the beginning of the 21st century, cases have risen dramatically, most notably in Mexico and Brazil, where outbreaks occur in urban centers including cities with populations of > 1,000,000 persons. Reported case fatality rates can exceed 50%. Factors consistent with high case fatality include lack of awareness of disease ecology, limited capacity for diagnosis, and delay in appropriate antimicrobial treatment. The emergence of urban hyperendemic foci has been leveraged by 2 distinct but similar anthropogenic events that create disproportionately high numbers of vertebrate amplifiers of R rickettsii, as well as the tick species that transmit this pathogen in proximity with dense human populations. This often occurs in neighborhoods with a highly marginalized at-risk population that includes persons in poverty and particularly children, and health management systems that are under-resourced. We discuss strategies to reduce host dog populations, particularly in Mexico, and capybaras in Brazil. We review challenges to the control of tick populations in these settings. Robust systems are required to enhance awareness of RMSF among medical practitioners and people at risk of RMSF. Public health campaigns should incorporate innovative behavioral science (eg, diverse learning models, motivational interviews, and gamification) to increase prevention and understanding within communities. While anti-Rickettsia or anti-tick vaccines will be necessary to resolve this One Health crisis, impactful implementation will require data-driven and multiple-target innovations to address challenges with hosts, ticks, medical systems, and public welfare. The companion Currents in One Health by Foley, Backus, and López-Pérez, JAVMA, March 2025, addresses helpful information for the practicing veterinarian.

Research on the effectiveness of utilizing social workers in building a community-based society

Local welfare capabilities in Japan have reduced and this means that social problems are increasing. For example, the 8050 problem, double care and social exclusion are all on the rise. Action is required through a community-based approach to welfare. Associate Professor Takashi Kohno, Graduate School of Integrated Human and Social Sciences, Faculty of Integrated Human Studies and Social Sciences, Fukuoka Prefectural University, is interested in the benefits of a community-based society and how this can be achieved. Although the Japanese Government has proposed the realisation of a community-based society, there hasn’t been clarification on the role of social workers and other professionals in achieving this. Kohno believes it is necessary to refine care management methods that could adjust and provide appropriate services and social resources according to people’s needs. In one project, he explored the effectiveness of utilising social workers in building a community-based society and set out to clarify how social work practice can be effectively developed to realise this kind of society. Kohno and the team analysed the results of questionnaires from comprehensive support centres and municipal social welfare councils and found that the social work functions were care management, interprofessional work and the promotion of collaboration through leadership and facilitation. In addition to the micro level function of care management, through which formal and informal services and social resources that are tailored to client needs are provided, meso-level functions build a system for distributing resources and budgets and it’s crucial to organically develop these functions.

Reducing Recidivism through Vocational Skills Training in Selected Ghanaian Prisons

This study examines the role of vocational training programmes in Ghanaian prisons as a mechanism for rehabilitation, reintegration, and recidivism reduction. The study employs the rehabilitation theory, and the Routine Activity Theory in informing the discussion. Utilising the descriptive research design, the research investigates the scope, challenges, and effectiveness of vocational skills training programmes within Ankaful and Nsawam Prisons. The study had individuals who experienced working in the prisons and participated in vocational skills training as the target population. Using the purposive and convenient sampling methods, a total of 31 participants made up of prison officers, social welfare staff, ex-convicts, and inmates were sampled for the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the research objectives. The interview data was analysed using the thematic approach to identify recurrent themes, patterns and insights. The findings reveal systemic inadequacies, including insufficient resources, outdated equipment, and a lack of skilled trainers, which undermine the potential of vocational training to achieve its rehabilitative goals. Disparities in programme implementation across facilities highlight significant gaps in uniformity and accessibility, while societal stigmatization further limits the reintegration of ex-offenders. The study concludes that vocational skill training holds promise as a rehabilitative tool though structural deficiencies and limited support constrain its impact. Recommendations include increasing budgetary allocations, modernizing training facilities and methodologies, and expanding programme scope.