Social Ecological Systems Theory Research Articles

The Experiences of Refugees in Host Communities

Purpose: This study sought to examine the experiences of refugees in host communities. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the experiences of refugees in host communities. Preliminary empirical review revealed that refugees encountered multifaceted challenges, including language barriers, discrimination, and limited access to education and employment opportunities, shaping their integration experiences. Positive host community attitudes and inclusive government policies were found to facilitate integration, while negative attitudes hindered social inclusion. Community support networks played a crucial role in fostering refugees' sense of belonging and social cohesion. Overall, the study highlighted the importance of a holistic and rights-based approach to refugee integration, emphasizing collaboration between stakeholders to promote empathy, understanding, and cooperation among host community members and refugees, thus fostering inclusive and resilient societies. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Identity theory, Acculturation theory and Ecological Systems theory may be used to anchor future studies the experiences of refugees in host communities. The study provided valuable recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy in the field of refugee studies. It recommended further theoretical development to understand refugee experiences better and emphasized community-based initiatives for fostering positive interactions between refugees and host community members. Additionally, the study called for comprehensive integration policies, targeted interventions for vulnerable subgroups, and research-informed policymaking and practice. These recommendations aimed to create inclusive environments and promote the long-term integration and well-being of refugees in host communities.

Cross-Cultural Differences in Food Preferences and Consumption Patterns

Purpose: This study sought to explore cross- cultural differences in food preferences and consumption patterns. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to cross- cultural differences in food preferences and consumption patterns. Preliminary empirical review revealed that cultural heritage profoundly influenced individuals' food preferences and consumption habits, with distinct culinary traditions and family influences shaping dietary behaviors within specific cultural contexts. Globalization and urbanization were found to impact food preferences, yet traditional dietary practices remained resilient. Additionally, socio-economic factors significantly influenced dietary behaviors, particularly in low-income communities. These findings emphasized the importance of recognizing cultural diversity and socio-economic disparities in promoting healthy eating behaviors and improving public health outcomes. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Cultural Anthropology theory, Social Identity theory and Ecological Systems theory may be used to anchor future studies on cross- cultural differences in food preferences and consumption patterns. The study offered valuable recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy in the field of nutrition and public health. By identifying cultural influences on food preferences and consumption patterns, the study enriched theoretical frameworks such as cultural anthropology, social identity theory, and ecological systems theory. Its findings informed the development of culturally sensitive interventions and educational programs, empowering individuals to make healthier food choices while respecting cultural heritage. Additionally, the study's insights guided the formulation of evidence-based policies aimed at addressing diet-related health disparities and promoting food security and nutrition equity on a global scale.

Socio-Economic Impacts of Endemic and Epidemic Diseases on Livestock Production Systems in Tanzania

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine socio-economic impacts of endemic and epidemic diseases on livestock production systems in Tanzania. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study revealed that endemic diseases such as brucellosis, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) pose ongoing challenges to livestock health, productivity, and household livelihoods. Epidemic diseases like avian influenza and peste des petits ruminants (PPR) can cause sudden outbreaks, leading to acute disruptions in production and trade. These disease outbreaks result in various socio-economic consequences, including decreased livestock productivity, loss of income for farmers, increased veterinary and containment costs, and disruptions in domestic and international trade. Additionally, diseases can exacerbate poverty and food insecurity among rural communities reliant on livestock for sustenance and income generation. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Economic theory of disease control & social-ecological systems theory may be used to anchor future studies on socio-economic impacts of endemic and epidemic diseases on livestock production systems in Tanzania. Building technical capacity at the grassroots level empowers communities to implement effective disease management strategies and adopt biosecurity measures. Establishing community-based disease surveillance systems that empower local communities to monitor and report disease outbreaks in livestock populations. Providing financial support and risk-sharing mechanisms mitigate economic losses and encourage proactive disease management practices. Establish data-sharing mechanisms and surveillance networks that facilitate real-time exchange of information on disease outbreaks, epidemiological trends, and economic impacts.

Agricultural Practices and Climate Resilience: Case Study in Vietnam

Purpose: To aim of the study was to analyze agricultural practices and climate resilience: case study in Vietnam. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: In Vietnam, agricultural practices significantly enhance climate resilience amidst growing climate variability. Diversified cropping systems and climate-smart techniques like conservation agriculture and agroforestry help mitigate climate-related risks by spreading vulnerabilities and improving soil health and water retention. Promoting resilient crop varieties and livestock breeds further reduces susceptibility to pests, diseases, and extreme weather events. Integrating these strategies into agricultural policies is vital for ensuring food security and sustainability in Vietnam's changing climate. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social-Ecological Systems Theory (SES), Adaptive Capacity Theory & Political Ecology Theory may be used to anchor future studies on agricultural practices and climate resilience: case study in Vietnam. Encourage diversification of crops and livestock to increase resilience to climate variability. Promote mixed cropping, agroforestry, and integrated livestock-crop systems, which enhance biodiversity, soil fertility, and pest resilience. Develop and implement policies that support climate-resilient agriculture.

Exploring links between local knowledge, values and livelihoods in land-sea interface: insights on emerging tradeoffs and change in Southern Chile

ABSTRACT Local knowledge and values of coastal communities offer insights into the intricate human-nature relationships in the land-sea interface. Considering a diversity of values unveils how people perceive nature, encompassing both tangible and intangible dimensions, and this understanding is part of how they navigate dynamic environmental challenges by embracing livelihood diversification spanning land-sea activities. Better understanding of these values, relationships and diversification strategies can improve social-ecological systems theory and practice. Here we assess links between local knowledge, values and livelihoods in order to identify emerging tradeoffs. Using semi-structured interviews with qualitative and quantitative methods, we conducted a total of 88 interviews in five communities in Southern Chile. Local knowledge and values were collected as free-listing on terrestrial and marine species. We probed relationships between livelihood diversification and values, classified as relational, intrinsic, and instrumental. Our findings showed that marine species were most associated with instrumental values, while terrestrial species had a balance between relational, intrinsic and instrumental values. We observed that as communities expand their livelihoods and live closer to the city, they showed lower knowledge and values, and in these cases instrumental values predominate. Certain diversification strategies could lead to time constraints, impacting the transmission of knowledge and resulting in less values. Deeper and long-term cooperation between different actors to recover and protect different values is necessary to couple local knowledge and values with livelihood diversification. Our research provides valuable insights for policymakers aiming to develop holistic strategies that include relational values and leverage diverse knowledge systems to address contemporary environmental challenges.

Antibiotic Alternatives for Controlling Bacterial Infections in Aquaculture

Purpose: The general purpose of this study was to investigate antibiotic alternatives for controlling bacterial infections in aquaculture.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.
 Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to antibiotic alternatives for controlling bacterial infections in aquaculture. Preliminary empirical review revealed that various alternative strategies, including probiotics, phage therapy, herbal extracts, and immunostimulants, showed promise in managing bacterial infections and promoting aquaculture sustainability. It emphasized the importance of adopting a multifaceted approach and conducting further research to optimize the efficacy and scalability of antibiotic alternatives. Additionally, interdisciplinary collaboration was highlighted as essential for driving innovation and facilitating the development of sustainable disease management strategies. Overall, the study underscored the urgency of transitioning towards antibiotic alternatives to mitigate risks, promote environmental sustainability, and ensure long-term seafood production viability.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Systems theory, Social-Ecological Systems theory and Ecological Resilience theory may be used to anchor future studies on antibiotic alternatives for controlling bacterial infections in aquaculture. This study has contributed significantly to theoretical advancements, practical applications, and policy development. By exploring various theoretical frameworks such as systems theory, social-ecological systems theory, and resilience theory, the research provided insights into the complex dynamics of disease management in aquaculture. Recommendations were made to integrate antibiotic alternatives into holistic disease management strategies tailored to specific aquaculture systems and target species. Practical guidelines were proposed for the selection, formulation, and administration of antibiotic alternatives, while policy recommendations emphasized the need for regulatory frameworks that support sustainable aquaculture practices. Overall, the study informed future research directions and policy initiatives aimed at promoting the responsible use of antibiotic alternatives and enhancing the resilience of aquaculture systems.
 Keywords: Antibiotic Alternatives, Bacterial Infections, Aquaculture, Disease Management, Systems Theory, Social-Ecological Systems Theory, Resilience Theory, Practical Applications, Regulatory Frameworks, Sustainability, Holistic Management, Research Directions

Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Conservation

Purpose: The general objective of this study was to examine different types of outdoor recreation activities and their impact on environmental conservation efforts.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.
 Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to technology and traditional arts in modern sporting events. The study provided a comprehensive analysis of the complex relationship between outdoor recreation and conservation efforts. It concluded that while outdoor recreation offered various benefits, including economic contributions and fostering a connection to nature, it also posed challenges such as habitat degradation and natural resource depletion. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including policymakers and the public, were highlighted as crucial for achieving a balance between recreational use and conservation objectives. Additionally, education and outreach played a vital role in promoting environmental awareness and encouraging sustainable behaviors among outdoor recreationists. Overall, the study underscored the importance of integrating principles of sustainability and stewardship into outdoor recreation practices to ensure the long-term health of natural landscapes.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social-Ecological Systems theory, Environmental Psychology model and Ecological Modernization theory may be used to anchor future studies on outdoor recreation and environmental conservation contributed significantly to theory, practice, and policy by elucidating the complex interactions between outdoor recreation and conservation. It provided insights into theoretical frameworks such as Social-Ecological Systems theory and Environmental Psychology, informing evidence-based management strategies and policy interventions. Recommendations included integrating outdoor recreation into policy agendas, prioritizing stakeholder collaboration, and investing in educational initiatives. Research priorities emphasized longitudinal studies, interdisciplinary collaborations, and comparative research to address complex socio-ecological challenges. These contributions aimed to promote the sustainable coexistence of outdoor recreation and environmental conservation, fostering a culture of stewardship and ensuring the long-term well-being of natural landscapes and communities.

Urban Geology and Infrastructure Resilience

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to explore urban geology and infrastructure resilience.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.
 Findings: The findings revealed that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to urban geology and infrastructure resilience. Preliminary empirical review revealed that urban geology and infrastructure resilience is essential in the face of rapid urbanization and increasing geological hazards. It emphasizes the vulnerability of urban infrastructure to geological risks, such as earthquakes and landslides, and highlights the need for improved building codes, construction practices, and infrastructure design. The research has broader implications for urban planning and policy-making, encouraging the integration of geological knowledge into decisions about land use and infrastructure investments. Furthermore, it contributes to innovative engineering techniques and technologies aimed at enhancing infrastructure resilience. Overall, understanding the relationship between urban geology and infrastructure resilience is crucial for creating safe, sustainable, and resilient urban environments.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Resilience Theory, Social-Ecological Systems (SES) Theory and Complexity Theory may be used to anchor future studies on urban geology. The study recommended that to enhance urban geology and infrastructure resilience, it is vital to integrate geological factors into urban planning, invest in resilient infrastructure, promote risk communication and community engagement, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and continually monitor and adapt to changing geological conditions. This comprehensive approach involves early geological assessments in urban development, funding for resilient infrastructure, public education, community involvement, interdisciplinary research, and ongoing monitoring to ensure cities can withstand geological hazards and build sustainable, safe urban environments.

The mediating role of physical activity and health status between a health-supportive environment and well-being: a cross-sectional study.

Based on the social-ecological systems theory and social support theory, this study aims to explore the relationship between a health-supportive environment and well-being among residents. It further examined the mediating role of physical activity and health status in the pathway between a health-supportive environment and well-being. The study utilized data from 2,717 samples of the China General Social Survey (2021) and conducted multiple regression analysis and mediation analysis using statistical software Stata 16.0 and SPSS PROCESS 3.3. (1) A health-supportive environment had a significant impact on residents' well-being (t = 8.476, p < 0.001). (2) Among the three dimensions of natural environment, built environment, and neighborhood social environment, the influence of neighborhood social relationship environment had the strongest influence on residents' well-being (t = 8.443, p < 0.001). (3) Physical activity and health status played a mediating role in the relationship between a health-supportive environment and residents' well-being. The mediating effect was as follows: health-supportive environment → physical activity → well-being with a mediation effect of 0.020; health-supportive environment → health status → well-being with a mediation effect of 0.029; health-supportive environment → physical activity → health status → well-being with a mediation effect of 0.008. A health-supportive environment not only directly influences residents' well-being but also indirectly affects it through physical activity and health status. It is essential to focus on improving both the natural and built environment as well as the neighborhood social relationship environment in enhancing residents' well-being. Physical activity serves as an important means to improve residents' health level and promote their well-being.

Drought-impacted communities in social-ecological systems: Exploration of different system states in Northeast Brazil

This study applies ‘Social-Ecological Systems (SES)’ concepts with the aim of analysing why and how events happening across spatial, jurisdictional, and temporal scales influence droughts and their impacts in rural communities. To trace the evolution of droughts and their impacts on the livelihood system, we conducted a drought diagnosis in the rural community of Riacho da Cruz in the Banabuiú basin in the semi-arid Northeast of Brazil. We analysed how the livelihood of this community reacted differently to drought events and why the impacts of previous drought events either contributed to the adaptation of the livelihood system or its collapse. SES theory helped us posit that it is the collective capacity of stakeholders (nested across the levels of the different spatial, temporal and decisional scales of drought management) to manage their resilience to drought, that determines whether the considered system adapts, collapses or shifts into a new stable state, in response to drought. Monitoring these factors that influence drought resilience could enable the development of drought(-impact) indices that account for the spatial-temporal complexities of drought. Such results can aid in improving the targeting of policies toward drought-affected communities and ensuring they receive the necessary resources. Plain language summaryDrought and drought impacts are difficult to monitor. One reason is that they affect many different areas and groups of people. It is complicated to understand all the ways in which droughts can worsen or how they impact different groups, and why these effects can change over time and in different locations. This is what we investigate in this study using the Social-Ecological Systems (SES) theory. SES theory can help us understand how different parts of society and the environment interact and change over time. This theory can help us understand why certain events happen and how past events can still have an impact on current events. We applied SES theory to the drought-affected rural community of Riacho da Cruz in Northeast Brazil to understand why and how different drought events affected the community’s livelihood. Based on our findings, we developed a framework that can help identify some causes of drought impacts on the community’s livelihood. We believe that this framework can also be applied to identify and understand the causes of drought impacts in different sectors and locations. Building on the case of the community of Riacho da Cruz, we discuss how the SES theory can help monitor drought more accurately.

When Mindfulness is Insufficient: The Moderated Moderating Effects of Self-Harm and Negotiable Fate Beliefs on the Association Between Mindfulness and Adolescent Psychological Distress in Disasters

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the risk of psychological distress among adolescents. Moreover, adolescents in 70 countries have suffered simultaneously from the COVID-19 pandemic and flood disasters. Research on the protective role of mindfulness on psychological distress is warranted; moreover, the practical needs arising from disasters require a deeper understanding of the potentially complex interplay between mindfulness and psychological distress. Using social–ecological systems theory, this study examined the moderating effects of self-harm and negotiable fate on the relationship between mindfulness and psychological distress in adolescents suffering from concurrent dual disasters (COVID-19 and flood disasters). High school adolescents ( N = 1679; 49.3% adolescent boys) in Zhengzhou, China, completed the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure, Suicide Thoughts and Behaviors Checklist, Negotiable Fate Questionnaire, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21. A three-way interaction model was developed. The results indicate that mindfulness has a significant negative relationship with psychological distress during disasters. Moreover, self-harm and negotiable fate significantly moderated the negative associations between mindfulness and psychological distress in adolescents enduring concurrent dual disasters (three-way interaction effects model). These findings highlight the significance of the interactions between different ecological system factors in the negative associations between mindfulness and psychological distress amid disasters.

Ruderal Resilience: Applying a Ruderal Lens to Advance Multispecies Urbanism and Social-Ecological Systems Theory

As global urbanization accelerates, cities have become increasingly complex and hybridized, and host to novel urban landscape forms such as informal greenspaces or novel ecosystems that support ruderal and spontaneous vegetation. Researchers have documented the ecosystem services or benefits these systems provide, as well as the tradeoffs or disservices associated with biotic globalization. Despite evidence of their co-benefits, fragmented knowledge and biased views of these novel ecological forms contributes to an underestimation of their social-ecological role and potential for serving as a model for resilient and nature-based urban design and planning. The social-ecological systems discourse has improved understanding of these emerging conditions, yet may benefit from an attunement to a multispecies perspective, an ecosystem-based approach to urban planning and governance that recognizes the interdependencies of humans and other organisms. This article explores the potential social-ecological role of ruderal landscapes in facilitating this transition, referred to as ruderal resilience, as well as recent research in SES and resilience theory that may help advance concepts such as multispecies urbanism and planning. The aim is to consider the potential for spontaneous ecological self-organization to serve as a device for reinvigorating relationships with urban ecological commons and advancing social-ecological systems theory.

Applying a social-ecological systems lens to patterns of policy, operational change, and gender participation in a large Aotearoa New Zealand organisation

ABSTRACT The chronological development of a central government agency, the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC), in response to changes in government policy is examined against patterns of gender participation. We use interdisciplinary social-ecological systems theory to examine relationships between the DOC institutional system and its patterns of gender participation. Factors examined include external drivers and internal response mechanisms over time at individual, organisational and external scales. A thematic analysis of DOC’s online corporate literature is used to collect data regarding six organisational themes: leadership, finance, structure, strategy, legislation, and management. The thematic data, synthesised into a timeline, are then assessed against the corresponding political backdrop (1987–2019). DOC’s history is characterised by repeated disruption and these events are associated with different response patterns at different levels across the entire workforce. Gender equity gains within lower ranks are not mirrored at higher ranks and both glass ceiling and glass cliff patterns are evident. Prior to policy intervention, larger female representation rates are associated with smaller pay gaps in leadership ranks. Stratification within occupation types limits pay gains at lower ranks. Changes in the organisation’s core business affect male and female representation in the workforce differently.

Academic self-efficacy and test anxiety in high school students: A conditional process model of academic buoyancy and peer support

Based on social cognitive theory and ecological systems theory, this study constructed a conditional process model to explore the relationship between academic self-efficacy and test anxiety as well as underlying psychological mechanisms through academic buoyancy and peer support. A sample of Chinese high school students ( N = 560) completed questionnaires assessing academic self-efficacy, academic buoyancy, peer support, and test anxiety. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed an indirect effect of academic self-efficacy on test anxiety through academic buoyancy. Moreover, the results of the conditional process analysis demonstrated that this indirect effect was moderated by peer support. The findings suggested that both personal positive psychological characteristics (e.g., academic buoyancy) and school environmental factors (e.g., peer support) are protective factors for test anxiety in high school students. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.

Private land conservation policy in Australia: Minimising social-ecological trade-offs raised by market-based policy instruments

Over the past two decades, Australian private land conservation (PLC) policy has shifted from a community-based approach to a market-based approach. This paper analyses the trade-offs that have arisen as a result of this shift using social-ecological systems theory as an analytical framework. I find that, firstly, competitive funding models can weaken collaboration and knowledge exchange among landholders. Secondly, short-term funding does not allow sufficient time to establish partnerships nor to undertake adaptive management. Finally, payment for ecosystem services programmes risk crowding out the valuable volunteer ethos that arguably sustains PLC programmes over the long-term. Viewed through social-ecological systems theory, these findings suggest that a market-based approach to PLC has the potential to erode social-ecological resilience. I also propose a policy framework and governance model that minimises the trade-offs raised by the market-based approach, which should be of particular interest and use to policy practitioners.

The pragmatic holism of social–ecological systems theory: Explaining adaptive capacity in a changing climate

Now ubiquitous in research on adaptation to the impacts of anthropogenic climate change is the aim of cultivating adaptive capacity. With its promise to expand the scope of transformative human response within the adaptive dynamics of the social–ecological system, this approach is built upon the integration of the social and ecological, reflecting the ‘pragmatic holism’ at the heart of the concept of the ecological system. This vision is undercut, however, by an ambivalence about the agency of humans to effect adaptive change. I argue that this threatens to recoup the environmental determinism that characterised mid-20th-century theories of adaptation in geography and cognate disciplines – albeit in a new form defined by an understanding of agency as distributed and emergent that is associated with developments in cybernetics and complexity science. This article charts how the currently dominant discourse centred on adaptive capacity has come about and explores what it might mean for the politics of climate change adaptation, as the scope of human action is circumscribed by the adaptive dynamics of the social–ecological system.

Continuity and change in educators’ professional learning networks

While prior research suggests that many educators turn to social media to grow and enhance professional learning networks (PLNs) that extend beyond their schools, little is known about how PLNs shift over time. In this exploratory study, we investigated the nature of continuity and change in the PLNs of 192 K-12 and university educators from 17 countries. Participants responded to our request to comment on PLN descriptions they provided in a previous 2014 survey, and then identify continuity and change during the intervening years. Respondents overwhelmingly expressed that their PLNs had changed over the four years between the two surveys. The causes of PLN changes appeared to be diverse, dynamic, and interrelated. Various proximal and distal factors contributed to changes in professional activities. We frame the study through social ecological systems theory, discuss the significance of these findings, and consider implications for K-12 and higher education professional learning. Educators and those who lead and support their professional learning should reflect upon and attend to PLN change to ensure more educative results for teachers and students.

TEACHING READING IN HOME LANGUAGE AT FOUNDATION PHASE: AN ANALYSIS OF CONTEXTUAL ISSUES

This study analysed the contextual issues that are an integral part in the teaching of reading in Sepedi (HL) in Mpumalanga Province. Bronfenbrenner’s social ecological systems theory underpinned this study. An ethnographic case study design that is an interpretive paradigm was used. Four schools (A, B, C & D) were sampled in the study and in each of these; two teachers were purposively selected as participants. Individual interviews, classroom observations and document analysis, were used to collect relevant data. This was analysed thematically. The process involved data organisation, coding and categorising it into different themes as directed by the study. The major findings were that there is lack of clear policies on the teaching of reading in home languages like Sepedi. Furthermore, there is an indisputable shortage of Sepedi reading materials in schools and this affects the development of a reading culture in learners amongst other issues. Poor parental involvement also seemed to be another impediment to anticipated learning outcomes. This article therefore argues that the development of policies, which are specific on the teaching of home languages like Sepedi, should be prioritised. In addition, the government and other relevant stakeholders must continuously thrive to ensure the provision of adequate reading materials in schools. Above all, schools must create leastrestrictive environments that encourage active participation of parents in the entire teaching and learning process.

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF EMPTY-NESTERS: A CHINESE URBAN CASE STUDY

The research examined the mental health and well-being of a sample of empty-nesters in Jinan City, Shandong Province, China. An in-depth individual interview approach, with document analysis and participant observation, was performed on three types of interviewees (N = 33) recruited via purposive sampling. The empty-nesters faced many unique problems, especially a sense of being disjointed from the family, community and society. Influencing factors included Chinese traditional filial piety culture, lagging implementation of relevant policies and development of community aging services, as well as the loss of productive roles for the empty nesters. While this paper supports the argument that religious and related social activities play a role in facilitating the psychological adjustment of older people, it reveals a different finding from previous studies that highly educated empty nesters are likely to have lower levels of social participation and psychological fulfillment. Moreover, by employing the social-ecological systems theory for analysis, this study confirms the importance of the family interactions in the life of empty nesters, which contributed to the implication to relevant social policy and social work practice.

Exploring the development of scientific research on Marine Protected Areas: From conservation to global ocean sustainability

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are playing a central role in the achievement of ocean sustainability and, since 2000, their global coverage has increased over ten times. The success of MPAs, and therefore the delivery of their potential outcomes for human well-being and global sustainability, requires multi-disciplinary, holistic, and comprehensive approaches for its achievement. In this study, the global scientific literature on MPAs was quantitatively reviewed through bibliometrics approaches, investigating patterns and trends in its development over time. In particular, bibliometric network and citation burst analyses of keywords were performed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software. The bibliographic search on the Scopus and Web of Science databases resulted in a total number of 5908 and 6036 scientific documents published on MPAs. The network analysis of the keywords co-occurrence produced four main clusters whose connections and overlapping showed a multidisciplinary structure of MPA science, in which the ecological, social, and economic domains of research are strongly interlinked. Temporal analyses showed a recent focus on topics related to the social-ecological systems theory (e.g., ecosystem services, marine spatial planning, governance, and small-scale fisheries) suggesting that newer research lines recognize the importance of integrating the “human dimension” in conservation and sustainability studies. Overall, the results of both the performed bibliometric analyses pointed out the evolution of MPA science from the conventional concept of “marine reserves” to a broader scope integrating ecological, economic, and social aspects. In conclusion, MPA research is timely responding to the identification of MPAs as ocean sustainability tools, opening MPA science to multi-disciplinary research lines by linking the ecological and socio-economic dimensions of sustainability. MPA research is expected to play a crucial role in generating the interdisciplinary scientific knowledge needed to fully contribute to global ocean sustainability and human well-being.