Social Inequalities Research Articles

Political Turbulence and its Impact on Foreign Direct Investment Inflows in some selected African countries

This work examined the political turbulence and its impact on Foreign Direct Investment inflow on some selected African countries; Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. The aim is to determine how the political climate in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa affects the inflow of foreign direct investment. The modified Cobb Douglass model was the theoretical underpinning of the study since growth in FDI is likened to output and the factors that lead to growth are the investment climate variables. Using the panel ARDL model analysis, the following findings were made: Political investment climate variable (PSI) had significant positive effect on the inflow of foreign direct investment in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. The result showed that Political investment climate variables (political stability and corruption index) exerted significant negative effects on the inflow of foreign direct investment into Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. It was recommended that; Efforts should be made by the governments of Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa to enhance their economic fortunes by strengthening their economy through prioritizing political stability and addressing underlying causes of political unrest, corruption, weak institution and political social inequality. As well as engaging in massive production for exports which will boost economic growth and attract more foreign direct investment.

Reflections on Agroecology and Social Justice in Malwa-Nimar

Recent literature has positioned agroecological transitions as a way of repairing the ‘metabolic and epistemic rift’ brought about by industrial agriculture. Deeper appreciation of the interconnectedness and interpenetration between humans and nature has been at the heart of much thought about agroecology. Social and epistemic justice have been incorporated as almost inherent to the definition of agroecology for many involved in theorising about it worldwide, especially thought coming out of Latin America on ‘emancipatory agroecologies’. In view of the historical inequalities in agriculture in Malwa-Nimar, India, along caste, gender and class lines, this research seeks to explore the extent to which agroecology as currently practiced is emancipatory, and what challenges exist to overcoming structural inequalities. Findings show that, while more privileged farmers are able to find ways to repair the metabolic and position themselves as agents of epistemic change, sustaining their agroecological practice within current economic structures makes them dependent on relationships with labour and networks that may reify historical social and epistemic inequalities. This points to a need to embed the agroecology movement in a larger process of systems change in the region that seeks social-justice-centred rural transformation.

New urban agenda: sustainable development goals, urban mobility and healthy cities

The trends of modern urban planning are studied, namely two of its urban planning concepts - “Plan for Sustainable Urban Mobility” and “Healthy City”, their theoretical development within the framework of adopted documents, agendas and programs for sustainable development. The goals of sustainable development are studied, the achievement of which is devoted to the documents “New Urban Development Program” and the declaration “Agenda for Sustainable Development for the period up to 2030”. It is concluded that sustainable development considers the integration of goals in territorial planning, environmental protection and public health, achieving social and gender equality, housing policy, and transport development as the basis for unified urban planning.

The Role of Gender in Turkish Women’s Pregnancy Experiences

Background: Apart from the biological changes women experience throughout pregnancy, their exposure to a gender discrimination stemming from cultural values adopted by the society in which they live can make it difficult for them to adapt to pregnancy and thus lead to negative pregnancy experiences. Aim: This research was conducted using a cross-sectional and relation-seeking approach to evaluate the effects of social gender inequality on pregnancy experiences. Methods: Data for this cross-sectional and relation-seeking study were gathered between 25 November 2019 and 25 January 2020 using face-to face interviews the researcher conducted with childbearing women who visited the outpatient clinic and non-stress test units of a hospital for the pregnancy follow-up. Results:: When using the Pregnancy Experiences Scale to assess childbearing women, higher scores indicated more positive emotions than negative emotions. Independent variables that affect the scores on the Pregnancy Experiences Scale include a willingness to be pregnant, the baby's sex, the woman’s income status, gestational week and the Perception of Gender Scale (p<0.005). A positive but weakly significant relationship was found among the total score on the Perception of Gender Scale, the total score on the Pregnancy Experiences Scale and the average scores of positive emotions intensity and frequency in all sub-dimensions (p<0.005). Conclusion: Based on the data, we conclude that women’s pregnancy experiences are generally positive, and that social gender inequality is a significant determinant affecting pregnancy experiences.

Bridging the gap: challenges of urban planning and policies for favelas in Salvador, Brazil

Salvador, the capital of Bahia State in Brazil, has long struggled with pronounced economic and social inequality. This stratification has resulted in spatial segregation, leading to the expansion of favelas, typically near the city center, where segregation in various dimensions of social engagement intensifies tensions of inequities. The municipal government has made several attempts to address favela-related issues through urban planning policies. Notwithstanding the progress made in lowering violent crime and extreme poverty, these issues still exist. This paper explores the interaction between government-led practices and corresponding self-organized actions toward planning strategies, invoking a social justice framework and critical urban theories. It identifies mismatches between institutional objectives and residents’ expectations, highlighting that structural contradictions in the region’s social development remain unresolved. The analysis suggests that planning policies should consider key factors, such as resource redistribution, recognition of sociocultural identity, and political representation. On the basis of these findings, this paper offers insights into urban planning for favelas as examples of complex governance challenges. It also aims to contribute to the global discourse on similar urban planning issues.

Engaging with underserved communities during times of crises: A computational analysis of social media interactions with government information about COVID-19 economic relief programs

Racial and social inequalities in the digital landscape remain pressing concerns in society. Previous research on government efforts to address digital inequality has largely focused on improving access to digital infrastructure and literacy. However, there is a severe shortage of research that examines how underserved communities engage with government information on relief measures and policies during crises. This study fills these gaps by drawing insights from three bodies of literature – digital inequality, the situational theory of problem solving, and fear. We investigate how underserved communities, such as low-income individuals, communities of color, and rural populations, interacted with government information about COVID-19 economic relief programs designed to mitigate the adverse effects of crises, and how fear influenced public engagement patterns. We analyzed Facebook posts (N = 28,887) containing links (URLs) to government websites on COVID-19 economic relief programs from 2020 to 2022. Our findings show that posts shared within underserved communities generated higher levels of engagement (shares, comments) compared to those shared in nonunderserved communities. This indicates that underserved communities showed great interest in and participation with government information about relief programs during the pandemic. Notably, engagement significantly decreased when fear was expressed in discussions, and such a pattern was more pronounced in underserved communities than in nonunderserved ones. These results offer valuable insights into the communication dynamics of underserved communities during crises, contributing to a deeper understanding of digital inequality within the policy context.

Racial and ethnic inequities in end-of-life care intensity among patients with gynecologic cancers in California

Racial and ethnic inequities in end-of-life care intensity among patients with gynecologic cancers in California

Characteristics and Circumstances of Suicide Among Children Aged 6 to 9 Years: 2006-2021.

Limited research exists on suicide among children aged 5 to 9 years. The objective of this study was to examine characteristics of suicide in children younger than 10 years. Data are from the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System (NFR-CRS) for years 2006 through 2021 for children aged 6 to 9 years who died by suicide. No suicide deaths were reported in NFR-CRS for children aged ≤ 5 years. Descriptive analyses by demographics and circumstances were conducted. A thematic analysis of prevention recommendations made by child death review teams was performed. From 2006 to 2021, NFR-CRS identified 78 suicide decedents aged 6 to 9 years. The largest share were aged 9 years (72%), male (74%), non-Hispanic Black (42%), and died by hanging (86%) at home (91%). School-related problems (39%), history of child maltreatment (36%), history of mental health services (30%), argument with parents (23%), and familial discord (19%) were common circumstances. Key suicide prevention themes included education for caregivers and school staff, improved behavioral health services, and implementation of school policies and programs. Results provide a more complete picture of suicide among younger children, improving understanding of their unique characteristics. It is recommended that program planners consider both age-appropriateness and the impacts of social (eg, racism) and structural inequities in their approaches to prevention, encompassing both community and school-based strategies. For pediatricians, results emphasize the importance of lethal means counseling, safety planning, and educating parents and caregivers on the distinct warning signs of suicide for younger children.

Building decolonial nursing curricula to address disparities in Indigenous women's maternal health

Social and health inequities and inequalities are rising all over the world (Smith, 2012; McGibbon et al., 2014; Chinn and Falk‐Rafael, 2018). Nursing students should therefore be educated to understand the multifaceted factors creating health inequities and the degree to which non-biological elements can be embodied and become biological (e.g., environmental stress leading changes in health.). The need for innovative undergraduate nursing curricula reform is apparent. The lack of nursing courses highlighting the effects of colonization, environmental justice, upstream structural and social determinants of health, globalization, and state violence must be addressed. Colonization, broadly speaking, characterizes the Eurocentric project to “civilize” the rest of the world utilizing various forms of violence (McGibbon et al., 2014). The persistent and ongoing reproduction and recurrence of colonialism, enacting cycles of disenfranchisement and oppression, creates significant inequities in physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being for historically marginalized groups of people (Smith, 2012). Because gaps in nursing curricula and outdated teaching practices may support persistent inequities, scholars and students have advocated for decolonization of nursing curricula (Smith, 2012; McGibbon et al., 2014; Chinn and Falk‐Rafael, 2018). This analysis utilizes decolonial theory and postcolonial feminism to suggest pathways to decolonize nursing curricula and pedagogy through decentering the colonial knowledge structures and practices that harm Indigenous health and wellbeing.

UNDERSTANDING THE PERCEPTION OF MENSTRUAL POVERTY IN HOMELESS WOMEN

Brazil faces profound social inequalities that impact millions of individuals, especially homeless women, who are subjected to conditions of heightened vulnerability. This study aimed to understand the perceptions and biopsychosocial repercussions of menstrual poverty in women living on the streets. A descriptive and exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted using a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews. Four homeless women, selected through an active search in Goiânia/GO, were interviewed between April and June 2024. The interviews were analyzed according to Grounded Theory. The analysis of the interviews revealed four explanatory categories: (1) History before and after arriving on the streets; (2) Challenges related to living on the streets and health care; (3) Challenges for menstrual hygiene and coping with menstrual symptoms; and (4) Perception of the consequences of living and menstruating on the streets for health: a vision of the future. Period poverty is identified as a serious public health problem that affects the well-being of homeless women, with direct implications for their physical and mental health. There is an urgent need for public policies that guarantee access to hygiene products and health care, in addition to promoting the visibility and dignity of this group. The implementation of comprehensive support and assistance programs is crucial to mitigate the repercussions of period poverty and other vulnerabilities faced by these women, ensuring their dignity and quality of life.

P152 Influence of social inequalities on the prognosis of men with prostate cancer

P152 Influence of social inequalities on the prognosis of men with prostate cancer

You make me feel like dancing: the effects of dance exposure on children’s cultural interests and social-emotional development

Stratification by race and socioeconomic status generates disparities in cultural exposure and consumption. Though public education can serve as a mechanism for addressing social inequalities, schools with high concentrations of low-income and minority students often lack the resources to provide enriching cultural experiences. Efforts to make cultural exposure and consumption more equitable remain stymied by school and neighborhood stratification, as well as by lingering questions about the value of cultural consumption for students. Employing a randomized research design, we analyze the effects of elementary students in under-resourced school participating in a collaborative dance program provided by a major ballet company. We find that participation increases students’ enthusiasm for dance and sense of self-efficacy. Students with prior lower levels of arts and culture exposure demonstrate the largest gains in self-efficacy and experience an increase in their sense of school connectedness. Male students, who were less enthusiastic about dance prior to the program, show the largest increase in dance enthusiasm. These findings demonstrate that targeted efforts by schools and arts organizations can play a meaningful role in students’ cultural capital acquisition, which in turn leads to higher student self-efficacy and sense of belonging, particularly for students with lower levels of arts and cultural learning experience.

Consequences of parental neglect of academic performance Brazilian child

AbstractThe negative effects of child neglect on the development of children are serious and have far‐reaching negative consequences for children, especially in Brazil, with great social inequality. The research investigated the consequences of neglect for children in their early years of schooling. The academic performance was evaluated in three groups: children with formal notification of neglect, children with suspected unreported neglect and children who did not suffer any form of abuse. Information was collected from different sources: parents/caregivers, teachers and the children themselves. The groups comprised children in their early school years, aged between six and eight. The results showed that neglected children had borderline or clinical levels of school skills and below‐average school performance. The reference group had, for the most part, normal scores and average or above‐average school performance. Considering that school is a protective factor, children with learning difficulties and neglected children need support that favours child development.

MULTICAMPI UNIVERSITIES UNEB AND UNEMAT: HISTORY, CURRENT AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT FORMATIONAL DISTRIBUTIVE

This study aims to present two public, state-run, multi-campus universities and their trajectories: one in the state of Bahia, the State University of Bahia (UNEB), and the other, the State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), in Mato Grosso, Brazil. The qualitative methodology is based on a bibliographic review, especially on documentary analysis, to understand the historical institutional constitution of multi-campus universities, their organization, and their functioning. Among the results, it is observed that the two institutions, by assuming multi-campus institutions, following a distributive vision, materialized in their respective territories, based on the public policies outlined by the states of Bahia and Mato Grosso, the principle of democratizing access to higher education, establishing social commitments, achieving equality of opportunities, and seeking to overcome regional formative social inequalities. Therefore, it is considered that the multi-campus configuration analyzed in the two institutions is an organizational modality that favored the insertion of public university action in the Brazilian territory, together with regions that needed human formation, territorial and socio-environmental development.

The Druze in the army: a (very) limited entrance ticket to Israeli (Jewish) society

This article explores the complex and often contradictory experiences of the Druze community in Israel, specifically examining how military service has shaped their identity and integration into Israeli society. While military service is typically viewed as a means of achieving social equality and inclusion, the Druze continue to face discrimination despite fulfilling their national obligations. Using semi-structured interviews, this study investigates the implications of the Druze's compulsory conscription, focusing on concepts of reciprocity, convertibility, and identity politics. Findings reveal that while military service reinforces the Israeli identity among Druze youth, it fails to provide the expected access to equal rights and full citizenship, thus perpetuating their marginalized status within an ethno-republican state.

The Permissibility of Biased AI in a Biased World: An Ethical Analysis of AI for Screening and Referrals for Diabetic Retinopathy in Singapore

AbstractA significant and important ethical tension in resource allocation and public health ethics is between utility and equity. We explore this tension between utility and equity in the context of health AI through an examination of a diagnostic AI screening tool for diabetic retinopathy developed by a team of researchers at Duke-NUS in Singapore. While this tool was found to be effective, it was not equally effective across every ethnic group in Singapore, being less effective for the minority Malay population than for the Chinese majority. We discuss the problematic normative nature of bias in health AI and explore the ways in which bias can interact with various forms of social inequalities. From there, we examine the specifics of the diabetic retinopathy case and weigh up specific trade-offs between utility and equity. Ultimately, we conclude that it is ethically permissible to prioritise utility over equity where certain criteria hold. Given that any medical AI is more likely than not to have lingering bias due to bias in the training data that may reflect other social inequalities, we argue that it is permissible to implement an AI tool with residual bias where: (1) its introduction reduces the influence of biases (even if overall inequality is worsened), and/or (2) where the utility gained is significant enough and shared across groups (even if unevenly).

Recent Regional Development Strategies in Turkey and Smart Cities: The Case of the Southern Aegean Region (TR32)

This article critically examines how the smart cities approach has been employed as a strategic tool in Turkey's recent regional development strategies. The paper explores the efficiency of development strategies prepared for Turkey's South Aegean Region (TR32) with a focus on smart city elements. These strategic elements include transportation, smart governance, energy efficiency, and digital transformation at the sub-regional level. The sub-regional plans prepared by the South Aegean Development Agency (GEKA) serve as a distinctive example of incorporating new technology-based urban and regional practices into regional development plans in Turkey. GEKA's smart city strategies, while addressing best practices, are criticized for a predominant focus on technological solutions, neglecting crucial human elements like sustainability and social inclusion. These strategies risk widening economic and social inequalities between urban and rural areas due to high costs and increased involvement of private sector companies, leading to an uneven distribution of projects. Critics argue that GEKA's plans lack transparency and public participation, prompting a call for a renewed debate on development agency strategies in Turkey. Furthermore, through a renewed emphasis on the integration of human-centric considerations and the cultivation of participatory governance mechanisms, GEKA's smart city strategies have the potential to facilitate sustainable and equitable development within the TR32 Region.

Gender Inequality in Economic Participation: A Socio-Economic Analysis in Indonesia

This research addresses gender inequality in economic participation in Indonesia, an issue that poses a barrier to sustainable development and social equality. Although there has been an increase in women's participation in the economic sector, women's labor participation rate is still significantly lower than men's, with an average labor participation rate of 83-84% for men and only 50-53% for women (BPS, 2018-2023). Various social and structural barriers, including patriarchal culture and the burden of domestic responsibilities, limit women's role in the public sector. This study uses descriptive analysis to evaluate trends and patterns of gender inequality in the Indonesian economy from 2018 to 2023, utilizing data from BPS. The findings show that gender inequality in economic participation disadvantages women and slows national economic growth. With more inclusive policies, Indonesia can correct this imbalance and increase its potential productivity and economic competitiveness.

Understanding the Complexity of Executions in Religious Courts: Between Legal Mandates and Field Realities

This article examines the complexities in the implementation of rulings in religious courts, highlighting the division between legal theory and its practical implementation in the field. Religious courts, as important institutions in a country's legal system, aim to uphold justice in the legal context of Islam or other religions. However, behind the clear legal mandate, there are real challenges in the execution of judgments, reflecting the reality of social, cultural, and political complexity. The analysis in this article refers to the difference between an ideal legal theory and the often complex reality of the field. Factors such as social norms, gender inequality, and changes in societal values can affect executions in religious courts. In addition, limited resources, lack of legal infrastructure, and administrative challenges are also major obstacles. Using a multidimensional approach, this article explores various aspects that influence the effectiveness of executions in religious courts. This provides a deeper understanding of the complexities of the legal system and highlights the need for a holistic approach in understanding and addressing these challenges. In this context, the article also evaluates reform efforts that can be undertaken to improve efficiency and fairness in the implementation of rulings in religious courts. In conclusion, this article asserts that to understand and address the complexities of executions in religious courts, a comprehensive approach is needed that considers both legal aspects and social, cultural, and political realities on the ground. Thus, this article is expected to serve as a basis for further discussion and reform efforts in the religious justice system.

Indigenous Feminism in the Yakthung/Limbu Tribe

The paper deals with the tenets of feminism immanent within the oral narratives, rhetorical traditions, folklores, folktale and culture of the Yakthung/Limbu tribe inhabiting the Himalayan belt, defying the dichotomy of sexes in Western narratives of the society at a universal level. Yakthung/Limbu tribe is an indigenous tribe of Eastern Nepal, Sikkim and West Bengal who are animist and shamanist in nature. Feminism, the belief in social, economic, and political equality of the sexes, although largely originating in the West as a properly structured and well-known theory, the paper endeavors to bring out the tenets of Feminism imbibed within the aforementioned aspects, prior to the inception of Feminism at a Global level. The paper analyzes the excerpts from the Yakthung/Limbu Mundhum, the oral religious scripture of the Yakthung/Limbu tribe wherein the two sexes are made to be at par with each other. The Yakthung/Limbu Mundhum consists of legends, folklores, prehistoric accounts, sermons and moral or philosophical exhortations in poetic language, generically which can be deemed as narrative oral poetry. These are the sources of information, directives, enlightenment for the Limbu’s that exercises an enormous influence in their way of life, customs, rites and rituals. The Yakthung/Limbu Mundhum is transmitted, narrated, recited and possessed by Yakthung/Limbu shamans known as “Peli-Phangsam” or “Murabangs”. The Yakthung/Limbu tribal societies have been practicing and following feminism as a matter of habit and culture that has come down from generations to generations. They do not follow it out of fear, compassion, rational enlightenment, education or compulsion, it is a necessity that comes quite naturally to them. It has been spontaneous and indigenous immanent within their culture and day to day practices. The paper in a way aims to deconstruct the Western narratives of the stature of women that is hitherto taken as ubiquitous and kindle the emergence of a paradigm contrary to the western.