Social Dynamics Research Articles

Small localities, large conflicts: radical right parties and the politics of integration policymaking in two European medium-sized towns

ABSTRACT Integration policies emerged as a critical focus of local policymaking in smaller towns, driven not only by migration trends in these areas, but also by the growing political influence of local radical right parties (RRPs). This trend occurred across various European countries, including Belgium and Italy, raising new questions about the impact on policy formation of locally embedded RRPs and the social and political polarisation dynamics which foster their growth. Despite growing scholarly attention to the role of local actors in shaping integration policies, these dynamics have mostly been studied in large cities. Therefore, this article aims to explore the effects of RRPs’ rise on integration policies in Ninove (Belgium) and Fermo (Italy), two diversifying and deindustrialising medium-sized towns governed by liberal coalitions, but with a strong opposition presence of RRPs. Adopting a comparative perspective, it utilises document analysis of national and local integration policymaking, complemented by 34 interviews with local actors. The results show that RRPs shape local agenda setting and local governing parties respond by creating policy ambiguity around policies targeting migrants. Specifically, they invest in policies that aim to support integration, but make sustained attempts to disguise that migrants are the target population for these policies.

Unlocking proactive socialization dynamics: investigating work engagement through social capital resources, the interplay of proactive personality and perceived organizational support

PurposeThis study aims to explore the relationship between proactive socialization behaviors (PSBs) and work engagement, with a specific focus on the mediating role of social capital resources (SCRs). Additionally, it investigates how proactive personality and perceived organizational support (POS) moderate the organizational assimilation of newcomers in Punjab, Pakistan, through the lens of self-determination theory.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional survey design was employed, with data collected from diverse organizations across cities in Punjab, Pakistan, including Bhimber, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Lahore, Jhelum, Kharian, Kotla, Mandi Bahauddin, and Sialkot. A total of 1,000 questionnaires were distributed, resulting in 619 valid responses. The sample primarily consisted of individuals with varying levels of work experience, contributing to the diversity of the data. SEM was utilized to analyze the relationships between the studied variables.FindingsResults indicated a significant positive association between PSBs and work engagement among newcomers. SCRs were found to mediate this relationship, suggesting that proactive behaviors help newcomers accumulate social capital, which enhances work engagement. Moreover, the study reveals that proactive personality and POS significantly moderate the relationship between PSBs and work engagement, with stronger positive associations observed among proactive individuals and those perceiving higher organizational support.Practical implicationsThe study underscores the importance of encouraging proactive socialization behaviors and strengthening organizational support systems to foster newcomer engagement and facilitate successful assimilation.Social implicationsUnderstanding these dynamics can lead to the creation of more inclusive and supportive organizational environments, enhancing both individual well-being and organizational effectiveness.Originality/valueThis research offers new insights into the mechanisms through which PSBs impact work engagement, particularly through the accumulation of SCRs, and highlights the importance of proactive personality and organizational support as moderators.

Wider family in post-privatisation Zambia

This article traces the economic and social dynamics animating kin-like relations amongst workers on the Zambian Copperbelt, their implications in everyday life and broader conceptions of family they engender. The article argues that the ability of mineworkers’ families to cope with the deteriorating economic situation that accompanied the privatisation of the mines in Zambia has, besides their close family members, the house and the union, rested on their ability to craft and maintain kin-like social relationships in the workplace and in their communities. This article draws on ethnographic fieldwork in the underground mines and mineworkers’ families conducted in 2015, between 2016 and 2021 and for a short period in 2023.

Between deep comradeship and nationalism: The social dynamics of solidarity on the battlefield

AbstractThis article explores the social mechanisms that facilitate the transformation of micro‐level bonds into coherent nationalist narratives of solidarity. The aim is to explain the paradox: while the armed forces are highly nationalist institutions, most ordinary combatants detest nationalist rhetoric on the battlefield. Drawing on the interviews with the combatants who fought in the 1991–1995 wars in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina together with the analysis of the mass media reports, I examine how deep bonds of micro‐solidarity forged in the violent experiences are transformed into coherent nationalist discourses. I explore how social ties generated in the protracted face‐to‐face interactions can be enveloped by the specific social organisations and then ‘translated’ into nationalist ideologies that project deep comradeship as ‘national solidarities’. I aim to show that the direct war experience does not automatically generate strong bonds of national solidarity. Instead, nationalism is always a product of protracted coercive‐organisational, ideological and micro‐interactional work.

Bibliometric Insights into Anger and Aggression Research

Background: Anger and aggression are central constructs in psychology, sociology, and behavioral sciences, affecting mental health and social interactions. Despite extensive research, there is a need to map the trends and focal points of studies in this area, particularly to understand how themes like mental health disorders, developmental psychology, and social dynamics interconnect with aggression. Objective: This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of global research on anger and aggression, identifying key trends, influential authors, leading research areas, and interdisciplinary approaches. The goal is to provide insights into the trajectory and focus of scholarly work in this field. Methods: Using bibliometric techniques, including co-occurrence mapping and citation analysis, data from relevant research articles were extracted and analyzed through VOSviewer. Key terms, authorship networks, and publication patterns were examined to uncover thematic clusters and research trajectories. Findings: The analysis highlights several prominent themes in the literature on anger and aggression, including their links to psychological disorders (e.g., depression, stress), behavioral development in children and adolescents, and the influence of family and social environments. The co-occurrence analysis also points to growing interest in therapeutic interventions, cognitive and neurological underpinnings of aggression, and biological factors, such as brain injury. Authors such as Richard Tremblay, David Farrington, and Manuel Eisner have emerged as influential figures in this research domain. Conclusion: This bibliometric study reveals that research on anger and aggression is characterized by interdisciplinary approaches, integrating psychology, neuroscience, and social sciences. The focus on mental health and therapeutic interventions highlights the practical applications of this research in clinical settings. The increasing interest in the neurological and biological dimensions of aggression also suggests a broadening of the research agenda. Novelty: This study provides a comprehensive overview of the intellectual landscape of anger and aggression research through a bibliometric lens, offering new insights into the evolving trends, collaboration networks, and thematic directions in the field. It is one of the first studies to integrate a co-occurrence analysis with citation data to map both psychological and biological dimensions of aggression research.

Exploring user adaptation behaviors toward mobile technology: a higher education perspective

PurposeGrounded in coping model of user adaptation (CMUA), this research aims to provide insights into understanding the social mechanism influencing faculty’s adoption and adaptation of mobile technology (MT). An extensive review of the literature highlights a significant gap in empirical research regarding the adoption of MT and faculty adaptation when viewed through the lens of group dynamics.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on an exploratory study conducted at two engineering universities in France. A qualitative method enabled a comprehensive examination of faculty members using multiple field-based observations and semi-directive interviews at both University A and University B.FindingsWhile extant research tends to prioritize individual-level approaches, the integration of MT within higher education inherently involves social dynamics. Our results reveal that faculty’s perceived control and their initial perception over adoption of MT play an important role in shaping their adaptation behavior. The findings suggest that the adoption of MT among faculty members is influenced by various organizational factors. Specifically, the organizational logic of adoption affects their primary appraisal of MT, while group norms and social influence shape their adaptation acts. Furthermore, the organization’s continuous commitment to supporting faculty members also impacts their coping activities, ultimately influencing their overall adoption and utilization of MT.Originality/valueThis study builds upon the limited yet growing body of literature on a theme highly relevant for practitioners, scholars as well as MT users in a higher education environment. The paper extends the CMUA by exploring the relationship between MT adoption and continuous user adaptation at both group and organizational levels. Our proposed framework assists universities in articulating their MT adoption and implementation strategy in harmony with a clear vision of their users’ adaptation activities before, during and after the implementation.

Confronting Craniosynostosis: Maternal Concerns, Challenges, and Coping for their Children.

The study objective was to characterize shared online experiences surrounding craniosynostosis. Isolated and syndromic craniosynostosis-related consecutive posts (N = 700) made by patients and caregivers were extracted from TikTok and Instagram between 2017-2024. A cross-sectional qualitative analysis following guidelines for practical thematic analysis was performed. The majority of posts were by caregivers (96%) and by females (97%). Forty categorical subthemes from social media posts were synthesized into 4 predominant themes. Overarching thematic trends included Emotional and Psychological Support (47%), Medical Information and Treatment (27%), Family and Social Dynamics (15%), and Awareness, Education, and Advocacy (12%). Social media is used by caregivers, primarily mothers, for emotional support, processing health information, sharing experiences, raising awareness, and celebrating "cranioversaries." Male and patient perspectives were underrepresented. Physicians may use social media to gain insights, disseminate quality health information, and connect with patients.

Industrial Production Networks and Small Towns: A Case Study from Algeria

This paper investigates the conditions and consequences of integrating small towns into industrial production networks. It is based on empirical research conducted in Algeria, a hydrocarbon-dependent rentier economy characterized by significant regional inequalities and the political aims of economic diversification and spatial rebalancing. Elaborating the case study of a state-owned cement factory in the small town of Sigus, the research provides insights into the multiple roles of the state in shaping production network integration and the characteristics of small towns as economic locations. The methodology combines secondary data and information with primary research based on semi-structured interviews. It reveals the importance of a multi-scalar regional framework in production network integration, whereby national factors played a key role due to the centralized Algerian state, the state-owned character of the investing company, and the shortcomings of the small town’s local environment. It emphasizes the contradictory impacts of production network integration in economic, social, and environmental terms, primarily on a local level. These contradictions underscore the necessity for critical evaluations to maximize the benefits of production network integration while mitigating its adverse effects. They also call for the more consistent involvement of the local community in similar economic development decisions. Notably, this research contributes significantly to the existing body of literature by addressing the underexplored topic of integrating small towns into production networks within the Algerian context. Doing so offers a more nuanced understanding of the particular economic, social, and environmental dynamics at play in these locations, thereby enriching the discourse on economic development strategies for small towns in rentier economies like Algeria.

Food for (political) thought: political inferences from apolitical cues and their social consequences in Italy

ABSTRACT US-based research showed that individuals rely on apolitical cues, like cars or clothes, to form expectations about others’ political preferences. This article uses the concept of ‘politicultural linking’ — producing inferences about others from the perceived alignment between apolitical and political preferences — observing this behavior in Italy, a multi-party European context, through a survey vignette experiment on food preferences. We find that respondents associate vegan/ethnic foods with the political left and carnivore foods with the right. Moreover, ideological self-placement, news media exposure, and cultural consumption are associated with respondents’ willingness to do politicultural linking. Finally, we observe that this behavior affects the propensity to interact and converse with others, with implications for social distance and political polarization dynamics.

Perceptions and Cultural Practices of Vaping Among Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer Women in Australia

Abstract Background The rising prevalence of vaping poses new challenges and opportunities for health policy and public health interventions. Given that, historically, smoking has been more prevalent among lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women than other women, this study explores LBQ women’s perceptions and experiences of vaping. Methods Sixty LBQ women and some non-binary people (aged 18–72) participated in in-depth qualitative interviews between May and July 2023, providing insights into the emerging prevalence and nature of vaping within LBQ women’s communities. Thematic analysis techniques were employed to identify key themes, including (1) risk perceptions and social stigma, (2) gendered perceptions of vaping, and (3) experiences of vaping-related harms. Results Results highlight gendered perceptions of vaping among LBQ women, with participants describing vaping as a feminine practice, influenced by flavour choices and the visual aesthetics of vape devices. Despite perceiving vaping as more socially acceptable than smoking, some participants expressed a sense of embarrassment about vaping, while others reported substantial challenges and health concerns. Conclusion Concerns about vaping-related harms, addiction, and the evolving social dynamics of vaping contribute to LBQ women’s engagement with this emerging practice. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing targeted harm reduction strategies and support services tailored to LBQ women’s unique needs in the evolving landscape of vaping. Policy Implications Health and social policy may require specific responses to address higher rates of vaping among LGBTQ populations, including LBQ women.

Paradox of Tribal Integration Amidst Resistance: A Study of Bakarwals in Jammu and Kashmir

The article examines how the Bakarwal, a Scheduled Tribe in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), has survived the double paradox of being both a marginalised community and the inhabitants of a sensitive border region. Traditionally, the Bakarwals are transhumance pastoralists and have had limited access to education, healthcare and other basic amenities. While government interventions represent a pivotal transition in their day-to-day lives, they are vulnerable to exploitation by influential proprietors and vested interests, perpetuating a complex web of social dynamics. The article argues that a stark disconnect exists between the policies projected by the government and the ground-level realities faced by the Bakarwals. Adopting the theoretical framework on everyday resistance, the article explicates the Bakarwals’ ambivalence about state-led development initiatives intended to facilitate their transition from transhumance nomadism to sedentism.

Assessing the Socio-Economic Impacts of Solar Home Systems on Chingad, Surkhet

This study assesses the multifaceted socio-economic impacts of Solar Home Systems (SHS) on the remote community of Chingad, Surkhet. Employing a comprehensive research framework, we investigate the extent to which the adoption of SHS has influenced the livelihoods, economic activities, and social dynamics within the community. Through a combination of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, we analyzed the economic benefits, social empowerment, and environmental sustainability associated with the integration of solar energy. The limitations of the study included its focus on Chindgad-5, Surkhet. This research employed a descriptive-analytic approach within an exploratory research design. In the study area, a total of 386 households were included, with 188 utilizing solar energy in December 2023 AD from field observation. The research focused on a subset of 36 purposely selected solar home system users. Energy consumption patterns varied among ethnic groups and social classes, and universal electricity access was not observed in the study area. The study integrated both descriptive and exploratory elements to comprehensively address its objectives, utilizing a combination of primary and secondary data. For policymakers, development professionals, and other stakeholders engaged in sustainable energy projects in similar circumstances, the findings offer insightful information about the complex relationships that are present between solar technology and the local socioeconomic fabric. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, energy planners, and development organizations working towards sustainable and inclusive energy solutions in rural Nepal. The successful integration of SHS not only addresses energy needs but also contributes to economic development and improved living conditions in off-grid communities.

Global Jihad and Local Sentiment: The Impact of the Hamas-Israel Conflict on Radicalization in Indonesia

The prolonged conflict between Hamas and Israel has significant impacts on the social and political dynamics in various countries, including Indonesia. This study aims to analyze how this conflict affects radicalization and the development of terrorism ideology in Indonesia. The methodology employed is a qualitative approach based on narrative analysis through document studies and secondary data. This research applies the Relative Deprivation Theory to explain the dissatisfaction felt by Indonesian Muslims regarding the conditions in Palestine, and the Framing Theory to understand how the conflict narrative is framed by radical groups. The findings indicate that the narrative of Palestinian suffering and the legitimacy of jihad are used by extremist groups to recruit new members and garner support. Additionally, this phenomenon contributes to an increase in anti-Israel sentiment among Indonesian society. The findings reveal the complex relationship between international conflicts and local radicalization, which calls for more serious attention from the government in addressing potential terrorism threats arising from these sentiments.

Impact of coastal erosion and landscape changes on place attachment and the sense of belongingness: a case study in Oluvil, Sri Lanka

Oluvil is a coastal village on the east coast of Sri Lanka with significant resources of fisheries and agricultural lands. The coastal community of Oluvil has a strong socio-cultural and economic attachment to its natural landscape. The community relies heavily on fishing and agriculture for their economic activities, with the vast coastal lands and rich marine resources providing the main source of livelihood. The haphazard development of the fishery and commercial harbour in 2008 resulted in coastal erosion and related landscape changes. This highly impacted the sensitive coastal belt in the region, resulting in many environmental and social issues. This paper investigates the social impact associated with the related negative environmental changes. The research revealed a significant negative impact on income, livelihood, resources and property due to severe coastal erosion. These economic impacts and landscape changes negatively influenced the cultural identity, social dynamics, social structure and interactions, resulting in the loss of place attachment and the sense of belongingness.

Couples' mental health and increased Instagram consumption

This study looks at how Instagram affects couples' mental health in the digital age, highlighting both its benefits and drawbacks. Instagram has one billion active users per month, making it the most popular platform for sharing content that involves images. It talks about the possible negative effects of using Instagram, such as low self-esteem, cyberbullying, and social comparison. The study advises couples to set reasonable limits, use Instagram with awareness, and be open and honest about their online relationships. To support couples in navigating the digital world while placing a high priority on their mental health, mental health professionals should include discussions on digital dynamics in couple's therapy sessions. Instagram may have a detrimental effect on a couple's mental health by encouraging social comparison, jealousy, problems with trust, and excessive social media use. It can foster understanding and bring up pleasant memories, but it can also result in miscommunication and emotional distance. Although there is little data linking Instagram use to mental health, research has indicated that using the platform to browse Instagram might lessen loneliness while influencers' popular practice of broadcasting on the platform can make people feel more alone. Instagram and other picture-based platforms can help users establish a more robust social presence, which increases their effectiveness in reducing loneliness. The study identifies methodological difficulties in examining the mental health of spouses and makes recommendations for further research. It also covers relationship growth, social comparison dynamics, communication styles, and privacy concerns, as well as the ramifications for couples and therapists. It calls for more research and professional development to address the evolving digital couple's therapy landscape. The present study concludes by examining the impact of Instagram on mental health in a range of age groups and highlighting areas that require more investigation or development to alleviate the negative impacts of social media use on mental health.

Catching on: Work stress, employee wellbeing, and the moderating role of team-level emotional contagion

Abstract Work stress and employee wellbeing have gained heightened attention since the COVID-19 pandemic. Until now, organizations have primarily sought to conceptualize these variables as an individual-level phenomenon; thereby neglecting the potential influence of social dynamics within the workplace. Drawing on conservation of resources and emotional contagion theories, this study examines the extent to which team-level emotional contagion moderates the impact of stress on wellbeing, factoring in multilevel effects. Data from 237 professional services employees nested within 41 teams was analyzed. The results show support for emotional contagion as a team-level moderator between individual-level work stress and employee wellbeing. The role of organizational resources in shaping stress and wellbeing outcomes was also significant. This study underscores the significance of team dynamics and organizational resources in shaping employee wellbeing. Well-targeted, stress alleviation, and team-contagion enhancing initiatives will have a more positive impact on wellbeing, than individually targeted stress alleviation initiatives in isolation.

Winning with Losses: The Surprising Success of Negative Strategies in Social Interaction Behavior.

In the vast network of social interactions and behaviors, it is common to find certain schemes that, on their own, might appear counterproductive to societal progress. When observed in isolation, these schemes often seem to hinder more than they help. However, due to society's complexity, the hidden potential of combining these seemingly detrimental schemes often goes unnoticed. Here, we investigate two such social behaviors, reputation and reciprocity, and their role in explaining Darwin's survival of the fittest, examining how these fundamental principles govern individual interactions and shape broader social dynamics. We outline the dynamics of these two social behaviors and underline the importance of combined strategies in enhancing group welfare and contributing to interdisciplinary research in social physics.

Cross-Cultural Insights into Phatic Communication: Indonesian and Australian Student Interactions

Phatic communication, a widespread yet often unnoticed language phenomenon, primarily serves to maintain social interactions rather than convey substantive information. This study investigated the use of phatic expressions among Indonesian and Australian students, examining how cultural backgrounds and social contexts influence their communication styles. Using a Discourse Completion Task (DCT) with both qualitative and quantitative methods, this research revealed significant differences between the two groups. Australian students frequently used phatic speech to initiate conversations, provided comfort, and expressed empathy, emphasizing respect and interpersonal connection. In contrast, Indonesian students tended to use phatic expressions to promote social harmony, engage in casual discourse, and offer interpersonal support, often focusing on group cohesion. Social variables, such as social status and distance, played a critical role in shaping the choice of phatic functions and forms, with both groups adapting their communication strategies based on these factors. The findings highlight the intricate relationship among culture, social dynamics, and language in phatic communication, offering a nuanced understanding that can enhance intercultural interactions, minimize misunderstandings, and improve communication effectiveness in multicultural settings. This research underscores the importance of considering cultural and social contexts when analyzing language use, contributing valuable insights for educators, linguists, and communication professionals aiming to foster more effective and harmonious interactions across diverse cultural landscapes.

Emergence of psycho-cognitive and socio-political perspectives during the dashboard appropriation process: The case of industrial SMEs in Morocco

The study aims to explore how the dashboard, initially designed to provide a rational view of organizational complexity, is appropriated by organizational actors in Moroccan Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The process of appropriation is iterative and complex, involving modifications to the artifact dimension of the tool and adaptations by user-actors in their cognitive, behavioral, and social dynamics. The research highlights the psycho-cognitive and socio-political factors influencing the use of the dashboard as a key management control tool. The motivation behind this study is to understand why such a tool can lead to disruptions, resistance to change, contextualization issues, and adoption problems within organizations, rather than fulfilling its initial purpose of rationalizing processes and standardizing behaviors. The research adopts a qualitative approach using the case study method, specifically multiple embedded case studies. The sample consists of three Moroccan SMEs within the industrial food sector. We deemed it appropriate to use a textual data analysis approach, selecting two methods for this purpose: lexical analysis and thematic analysis. The qualitative data analysis was conducted using NVivo 12 software. The findings indicate that the Pre-Appropriation phase creates a context that balances technical and political factors to reduce resistance among stakeholders. The subsequent Original Appropriation Phase involves a collective decision to adopt the dashboard, which can lead to either compliant integration or deviations that enhance user adaptation. Lastly, the Reappropriation phase challenges established routines, potentially resulting in either meaningful transformations or superficial engagement with the dashboard's features. This study demonstrates that the iterative process of dashboard appropriation in Moroccan SMEs, influenced by psychocognitive and sociopolitical factors, can result in resistance, adoption challenges, and unanticipated organizational adaptations and transformations.

Analyzing the dynamic relationship between ESG scores and firm value in Chinese listed companies: insights from generalized cross-lagged panel model

The relationship between a company’s Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) scores and market value dynamics has been the focus of extensive research. Our study aimed to provide insights into this relationship and its implications for Chinese investors. We used a general Cross-lagged panel model to analyze data from 652 Chinese-listed companies from 2013 to 2019. Our findings indicate that ESG scores have a long-term impact on market value, with a consistently positive correlation between the two. We also discovered that Chinese investors consider ESG factors when evaluating a company’s financial health. Companies that prioritize ESG factors are more likely to attract investment. Moreover, the diffusion of ESG information happens slowly, and past ESG performance influences future ESG performance. Thus, maintaining good ESG performance is crucial for long-term sustainability and success. In addition, our analysis reveals significant insights into the interplay between ESG metrics and mandatory disclosure regulations. Specifically, we find that the interaction between average ESG score and mandatory disclosure significantly impacts firm value, suggesting a nuanced relationship between ESG performance and market valuation in the context of regulatory requirements. Overall, our study highlights the importance of considering ESG factors when evaluating financial health and making investment decisions, providing valuable insights for firms and investors alike.