Social Field Research Articles

Femminismo e teosofia: la presenza femminile nella massoneria e nelle società esoteriche

The essay is based on the contents of the seminar held as part of the transnational conference Networks and Forms of Italian Female Activism in the Long Nineteenth Century (1820-1922), aimed at starting a reflection on the types of women's associations, with specific attention to intellectual thinking, the forms and ways of aggregation that contributed to developing different modes of commitment. In this perspective, my contribution focuses on female associations of an occult and esoteric nature which flourished in the wake of those heterodox spiritualistic doctrines which had so much diffusion and success between the mid-nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth century. In the first part, I focus on the impulse and suggestions that these doctrines, grafted onto the Mazzinian legacy, transmitted to Italian proto-feminism. In the second part, I review individuals and work of some esoteric women, with particular regard to their involvement in the women's issue and their activity in the social and political field.

Expansion of Digital Technology Use in the Korean Social Work Field

This study aims to examine the status of digital technology utilization in diverse social work facilities and to understand practitioners’ perceptions of digitalization in the social work field in South Korea. To achieve this, focus group interviews were conducted with a total of 32 social work practitioners from various social welfare organizations in South Korea. The results of thematic analysis revealed that there are four main factors affecting the usage of digital technology, five main types of digital technologies, four principal outcomes, and five challenges. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the digital transformation that has occurred in social work, it is suggested that future in-depth studies should be conducted from the client’s perspective and that future quantitative research should include more cases. Altogether, this study contributes to establishing a foundation for future research to determine the directions of and challenges involved in social work practice in the digital age.

Vietnam, Women, and Science: Mental Barriers and Gender Gap

Considering the cultural context of Vietnamese society, this article explores the influence of mental barriers regarding the traditional role of women and its impact on their possibilities to participate in scientific activities. Vietnam is a country that has promoted scientific and technological activities and the strengthening of a national innovation system as a critical element on its path to development. These actions have made it possible to shore up economic growth that began with opening up and economic reform. In this way, Vietnam has achieved some critical achievements in the economic and social fields. However, reducing the gender gap in scientific activities is still a vital challenge, although the government has taken significant measures to overcome it. The article analyzes the relationship between women in science in Vietnam and the gender stereotype based on data collected through reports of international organizations, news reports, and other relevant data. The principal argument is that this situation results from the mental barriers of Vietnamese society that present strong stereotypes regarding the role of women. Therefore, to advance gender equality, changing the mental stereotypes still present in Vietnamese culture is necessary.

Integrating social prescribing in a Canadian regional health system to support healthy aging.

Social prescribing (SP) is a rapidly growing health and social model of care. The concept of social prescribing is based on well-known clinical practices such as community referrals, integrated health and social care, and navigator models. Although SP began in the United Kingdom's mental health and social care field, there are many examples of different models of SP foci and pathways. Here in Canada, SP is emerging at several provincial locations, with differences in its delivery reflecting the local context of people and places.

Study of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance at Engineering and Medical Universities

The relevance of this study is related to the breadth of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method application in modern engineering and medical technologies. The purpose of the work is to adapt the material using the NMR method for students of medical, engineering and socio-humanitarian specialties and areas of study at different levels of presentation. The novelty of the research is as follows: the elements of knowledge for explaining the NMR method are highlighted; three levels of NMR explanation are justified and defined – classical and two quantum (qualitative and quantitative). The following methods have been used in the work: analysis and generalization of scientific, educational and methodological literature (on the content of the NMR method, nuclear spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging, the main professional educational programs of specialties and areas of study for undergraduate and graduate students of engineering and medical universities); designing the content of educational material; designing teaching methods and methods. Specific results include the development of three levels of NMR study. The classical level is based on the concepts of the magnetic induction vector of a circular current and its rotation around the magnetic induction of a constant magnetic field with a certain frequency, resonant absorption of radio signal energy by the core when their frequencies coincide. Quantum levels of study operate with the concepts of the orbital and magnetic spins of the atomic nucleus, the gyromagnetic ratio, Larmor precession, splitting of the energy levels of the atomic nucleus, the Bohr magnetone, and resonant absorption of energy by the nucleus. The classical level is recommended for students of social and humanitarian fields who do not study pure physics. The quantum qualitative level is recommended for students of specialties and fields of study at medical and engineering universities who do not study quantum physics as a special discipline. For students of engineering specialties related to quantum technologies, and medical specialties “Pharmacy” and “Dentistry”, undergraduates studying medical technology, a quantum quantitative level is recommended. The material of this study is of practical importance in teaching students of engineering and medical universities the physical basics of modern methods and technologies. Keywords: nuclear magnetic resonance, physics course, difficulty levels, engineering university, medical university, production technologies, medical technologies

ЭМПАТИЯ КАК ИНДИВИДУАЛЬНО-ПСИХОЛОГИЧЕСКАЯ ОСОБЕННОСТЬ ПРЕДСТАВИТЕЛЕЙ ПОКОЛЕНИЙ Y И Z В СЕТЕВОМ ОБЩЕНИИ

Communications on the Internet in the last two decades have acquired great importance in the instrumental sense (as a way of transmitting information), in the field of socialization of youth, in solving educational and educational problems. Many scientists have noted positive and negative changes in the consciousness of young people under the influence of Internet socialization. The theoretical aspect of the article presents positions on the topic of cybersocialization, reveals the importance of network communication for young people and the importance of empathy in the structure of communication. The article discusses two generations Y and Z, as well as two mentalities: individualistic and collectivist. The purpose of the study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the qualities empathy in two generations Y and Z and identifying the dependence of collectivist or individualistic orientation with the quality of empathy. Empathy is considered from different points of view, including as a basis for more complex constructs and as a determinant of psychological processes. 4 types of empathy are presented according to the theory of Troitskaya E. A.: cognitive, emotional, effective, responsive. The issue of the relationship between empathy and individual psychological characteristics, such as extraversion-introversion, neuroticism, altruism-egoism, and intelligence, is covered. The practical part presents research hypotheses about the quality of empathy among representatives of different generations with an individualistic orientation, and describes the qualitative content of empathy among different generations and orientations. The practical part presents research hypotheses about the quality of empathy among representatives of different generations of an individualistic orientation, and describes the qualitative content of empathy among different generations and orientations. During the study, we used the “Indicators of Individualism - Collectivism” (IK) methods, developed by L. G. Pochebut based on the description of cultural syndromes by G. Triandis and the diagnostic method of the level of empathic abilities of V. V. Boyko, designed to assess the ability to empathize and understand thoughts and the feelings of the other. The results of research demonstrate distinct difference in the quality of empoathy of 2 generations Y and Z of individualistic and collectivistic orientation.

How do social enterprises respond operationally to conflicting demands? A resource-based view

PurposeSocial enterprises live in the limbo between social and market objectives, posing many operations management challenges. This study extends the discussion of operational priorities, which has focused on purely for-profit organisations, to the context of social enterprises by exploring, from a resource-based perspective, which resources and operational priorities are most important to them and how they are used to respond to conflicting demands.Design/methodology/approachMultiple case study research was carried out involving five Portuguese social enterprises, representative of the main sectors in which social enterprises operate in Europe. Ten semi-structured interviews with directors and other high-ranking respondents were conducted, and content was analysed to gather evidence on the key resources and operational priorities pursued by social enterprises. Cross-case conclusions were drawn, resulting in theoretical propositions and a conceptual framework.FindingsFindings suggest that social enterprises rely on intangible resources and combine different operational priorities, which may vary throughout their lifecycle. Community engagement has emerged as a specific operational priority, in addition to those already reported in the manufacturing and services literature. To balance conflicting demands, most social enterprises studied combine innovation with community engagement or customer focus.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the development of knowledge about the operations strategy in the specific context of social enterprises, an organisational model that has not been systematically addressed in the operations management literature, and brings the discussion of operational priorities into the social enterprise field, thus strengthening the link between these two fields.

Adaption and validation of a quantitative measure for associational social capital among Chinese parents in Hong Kong

ABSTRACT This study investigates the reliability and validity of the Associational Social Capital Scale (ASCS) among the parent population. Participants were Chinese parents (N = 577) residing in Hong Kong. Both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to explore the factor structure of ASCS. EFA yielded a new threefold factor structure (i.e. social cohesion and relationship, common value, and position) with 10 items, which was supported by the CFA and explained 75.469% of the total variance. The CFA findings endorsed that the goodness-of-fit indices were statistically acceptable, indicating a good fitting model. The internal consistency reliability and construct validity of the scale were also examined. Considering this evidence, we concluded that the new version of ASCS is a valid and reliable measure for assessing parental associational social capital. The results also shed light on parenting interventions in the social work field.

Foods of the Future: Challenges, Opportunities, Trends, and Expectations.

Creating propositions for the near and distant future requires a design to catch the tide of the times and move with or against trends. In addition, appropriate, adaptable, flexible, and transformational projects are needed in light of changes in science, technology, social, economic, political, and demographic fields over time. Humanity is facing a period in which science and developing technologies will be even more important in solving food safety, health, and environmental problems. Adapting to and mitigating climate change; reducing pollution, waste, and biodiversity loss; and feeding a growing global population with safe food are key challenges facing the agri-food industry and the food supply chain, requiring systemic transformation in agricultural systems and sustainable future agri-food. The aim of this review is to compile scientific evidence and data, define, and create strategies for the future in terms of food security, safety, and sufficiency; future sustainable foods and alternative protein sources; factors affecting food and nutrition security and agriculture; and promising food systems such as functional foods, novel foods, synthetic biology, and 3D food printing. In this review, the safety, conservation, nutritional, sensory, welfare, and potential challenges and limitations of food systems and the opportunities to overcome them on the basis of new approaches, innovative interpretations, future possibilities, and technologies are discussed. Additionally, this review also offers suggestions for future research and food trends in light of future perspectives. This article focuses on future sustainable foods, alternative protein sources, and novel efficient food systems, highlights scientific and technological advances and new research directions, and provides a significant perspective on sustainability.

Репрезентация политических идей в современных западных кинокомиксах

The article offers a view at modern Western comics-based movies as an element of mass political communication. Using the methodology of studying political languages and social fields, artistic features of the comic book film are examined, allowing politically charged messages to be conveyed in this genre. The main formats within which a comic book film becomes a conductor of political views of its authors and sponsors are identified. The study identified two main approaches to the politicization of the comic book film: by including political metaphors directly into the plot and through the implementation of a “production manifesto” during the creation and promotion of the comic book film as a creative product. Using the example of the highest-grossing films of the genre from 2017–2022, the main themes and intentions that touch upon political issues in modern Western comics films have been identified. The narrative and expressive tools used to form assessments and attitudes regarding political ideas, processes and phenomena through metaphors and allegories in the repertoire of comic book films are systematized.

‘A home to dream love into’ – An autoethnographic analysis of mothering with mental illness

This paper examines the links between mothers, mental illness, estrangement from children, and systemic power and control, through a critically creative autoethnographic methodology. A historical and contemporary discursive analysis of two kinds of documentation is made. Firstly, my great-grandmother’s psychiatric hospital records from almost one hundred years ago are analysed, incorporating parts of my own story, as well as the personal account of a family member. These are then contrasted against four Family Court Judgement, where mothers have been found to be incapable of caring for their children. ‘Found poetry’ is then created from the documents presented, to elucidate the argument that a century since my great-grandmother’s forced separation from her children, women with mental illness still face stigma, marginalisation, and hopelessness in the face of outdated, narrow constructions of mothering. Implications for those who work in forensic social work fields are noted in terms of addressing systemic abuses of power against mothers.

Analisis Budaya Patriarki Dalam Pemilihan Karir Mahasiswi Tingkat Akhir Pada Universitas Sahid Surakarta

This study examines the influence of patriarchal culture on the career choices of final year female students at Sahid University Surakarta. Using qualitative methods, data was collected through in-depth interviews with seven main informants and two supporting informants. The results showed that patriarchal culture significantly influences the career choices of female college students, with men dominating important positions in academic and professional environments. Female college students face limited career opportunities in education and social fields, while leadership roles are dominated by men. While reproductive health services are generally adequate, the quality of off-campus facilities needs to be improved. Women also feel less safe in public spaces and their participation in public activities and economic decision-making remains limited. This research suggests universities provide mentoring programs and leadership training for female students, offer diverse internship opportunities, and promote gender equality through educational campaigns and supportive policies. This research is expected to provide new insights into the influence of patriarchal culture on women's career choices.

Research and Analysis of the Development of Live E-commerce on Xiaohongshu

This article analyzes the competitiveness and development prospects of the buyer e-commerce model on Xiaohongshu in the social e-commerce field. Firstly, by examining Xiaohongshu's community ecosystem, buyer resources, social shopping experience, and innovative brand partnerships, the unique advantages and business value of Xiaohongshu's buyer e-commerce model are revealed. Secondly, combining market demands and trends analysis with buyer resource and operational cost analysis, the feasibility and development prospects of Xiaohongshu's buyer e-commerce model are discussed. Lastly, from the perspective of competitor analysis and summarizing prospects, recommendations are provided to further optimize buyer resources, strengthen brand partnerships, control operational costs, enhance user experience, and improve community management. These suggestions aim to consolidate Xiaohongshu's leading position in the social e-commerce field, create better shopping experiences and marketing platforms for users and brand merchants, and achieve sustainable business growth.

Transforming field education in social work: A special issue on field education

Welcome to this special issue of Transformative Social Work, dedicated to social work field education. As we navigate a rapidly changing world, the need for dynamic and impactful field education has never been more crucial. This special issue brings together a diverse range of perspectives and innovative approaches, highlighting how field education can be transformative in both practice and theory. In this collection of thought-provoking articles, we explore the latest research and new practices that are reshaping the way social work students, field educators, and practitioners engage with the field. Articles include discussions on Indigenous field education, developmental and green social work approaches, and field models such as macro placements, self-directed placements, and rotational hospital placements. We also feature the experiences of practicum students during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine what motivates field instructors to engage in field education. As we look to the future, the aspirations and commitments articulated by our contributors in this special issue offer a hopeful vision. The articles in this issue illuminate the adaptability of social work students, field educators, researchers, and practitioners, particularly in the face of unprecedented global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The innovations not only address current challenges but also lay the groundwork for more dynamic and responsive field education programs. There is a collective resolve to integrate lessons learned, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and uphold the principles of social justice that underpin our profession. By doing so, we can ensure that social work field education continues to evolve in ways that are inclusive, effective, and aligned with the needs of our diverse communities. We invite you to explore these contributions, reflect on their insights, and consider how they might inspire and inform your own practice in field education.

Integrated developmental and green social work field education to control fall armyworm Infestation in maize crops in Malawi

In Malawi, fall armyworm (FAW) infestation in maize crops is a problem of public importance as it reduces maize yields and exacerbates household food insecurity. In addition to pest resistance, the use of synthetic pesticides to control FAW negatively affects the health of farmers and the environment. Biochemical pesticides from plants contain naturally non-toxic chemotypes and are effective in controlling pests. Tephrosia vogelii plants contain these bioactive phytocompounds that have pesticidal properties. Geographical location and plant species influence the occurrence of phytocompounds in Tephrosia vogelii. Farmers in Sub Sahara-Africa are using Tephrosia vogelii as a pesticide but there are mixed research findings regarding its effectiveness in controlling FAW pests. This study was informed by developmental and Green Social Work frameworks to compare the effectiveness of Tephrosia vogelii leaves extracts, Belt 480 SC, and soap solution in controlling FAW in maize gardens. The study employed a randomized complete block design with four replication gardens and was conducted from November 2022 to March 2023. A social work field education student was assigned to coordinate the project. The study affirmed that the sampled Tephrosia vogelii leaf extracts contained pesticidal chemotypes. The results of field gardens suggest that Tephrosia vogelii leaf extracts have similar potency to Belt SC 480 chemical pesticide. It has been identified that Boom detergent soap is not as effective as Tephrosia vogelii leaf extracts. The study has social work field education implications for empowering practicum students to gain community mobilization skillsets, to participate in environmental justice advocacy, and to uphold social work values.

Bridging the divide: Exploring the disconnect between micro and macro practice and implications for BSW field education

The social work profession addresses wellbeing at individual levels, or the micro, as well as structural and systemic levels, the macro. By addressing the micro and macro, social workers work towards social justice for individuals and communities to create structural systemic change. Yet, there is an increasing focus on micro and clinical-focused content in social work education. This focus creates various challenges when social work students are placed in macro-focused field education placements. A study into the experiences of Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students, field instructors, and faculty liaisons considered the experiences of participants in their involvement of macro-level field education. The study found two emerging themes: macro-level practice is undervalued and underrepresented in the BSW curriculum, and yet at the same time there exists a deep desire for more understanding and integration of macro social work in social work education and field education. Implications for social work education, regulation, and the profession are also considered.

Student voices within Indigenous social work practicum recommendations and the Seven Grandfather Teachings

This article examines the integration of Indigenous perspectives, particularly the Seven Grandfather Teachings, in Indigenous social work education and field practicum, focusing on student experiences. Colonization has had significant impacts on Indigenous communities, leading to intergenerational trauma, which calls for the need for culturally appropriate social services. Historically, mainstream social work has been complicit in the oppression and genocide of Indigenous peoples, leading to negative perceptions among Indigenous communities. Western theoretical hegemony in education has marginalized Indigenous perspectives, emphasizing the need for inclusivity. Indigenous social work, rooted in acknowledging colonialism and oppression, promotes self-determination and cultural revitalization, highlighting the importance of Indigenization in the profession. Field education is emphasized as crucial for students, encouraging self-reflection and cultural sensitivity. The Seven Grandfather Teachings—love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, wisdom, and truth—are introduced as guiding principles in ethical behaviour and relationships. The integration of these teachings into coursework and practicum experiences is highlighted, aiming to prepare students for culturally responsive social work practice. Student narratives are utilized to illustrate personal experiences and the application of the teachings in real-world settings. Overall, the article underscores the importance of cultural competency, self-reflection, and community engagement in addressing the unique needs of Indigenous peoples in social work practice.

Instructor led rotational model: An innovative approach to social work practicums in hospital environments

With the saturation of student practicum placements requests in urban centres, job vacancies, budgetary restraints, and social workers’ intensive workloads, field education coordination teams are increasingly challenged to find social workers who are able to supervise student practicums and secure educational partnerships with organizations willing to support their staff in doing so. This is especially true in hospital settings, where social workers are still feeling the effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in their daily work lives. Hospital practicums are highly sought out by social work students and yet there are few practicum opportunities for students compared to the demand. Social workers are employed in various practice settings, including hospital social work. As social workers are Canada's largest group of mental health professionals within the hospital system, having robust and sustainable practicum opportunities is critical to the training and development of future social workers. To address these ongoing challenges in social work field education, the University of Calgary, MacEwan University, and Alberta Health Services worked together to develop and pilot a new practicum model at the Bachelor of Social Work level. This practicum model, titled the ‘Instructor Led Rotational Model’, was implemented as a pilot project during the winter 2023 semester. This article provides an overview of this initiative, including a description of innovative practice education components and discussion of the challenges in field education that the model aims to address. Considerations for revisions and future offerings of the instructor led practicum model are also identified.

Transnational social fields of Italian Bangladeshis in Europe and beyond: Towards a new geography of ways of belonging

AbstractIn view of the growing onward migration and multisited transnationalism among naturalized EU citizens, this article seeks to advance the current understanding of transnational social fields, cataloguing the complex interplays of migrants' ways of being, belonging, and in‐betweenness across different places and spaces. Drawing on multisited qualitative research with Italian Bangladeshis in Italy and the United Kingdom, the paper presents how their ‘ways of being’ are expressed by maintaining transnational attachments to the country of origin and the wider Bangladeshi diaspora. In addition, they maintain transnational ‘ways of belonging’ by incorporating the Bengali language, culture, traditions, and values, and transmitting them to the next generation. Beyond these multiplicities of being and belonging, the findings put forward two important, yet contrasting, observations. On the one hand, there is an ongoing pursuit of onward migration to the UK among a section of the community—often influenced by social networks and transnational connections with the recognised Bangladeshi diaspora in the UK. Apart from being in the ‘community comfort zone’ and language advantage in the integration process, many migrants perceive living in the UK as having a higher ‘prestige’, ‘class’ or ‘status’ vis‐a‐vis Italy in terms of life quality, wealth, cultural, and religious freedom. On the other hand, another cohort is emotionally and culturally embedded in Italian societies and is in a dilemma of whether to migrate onward. In this process, they constantly blend, shift, and negotiate their ways of belonging. The findings unfold how a new geography of belonging takes shape, characterised by fluidities, multifaceted identities, and everyday life practices in a transnational space.

Analysis of the Development of Karyasari Village, Rengasdengklok District in Realizing the Sustainable Development Goals of the Village

One of the sustainable development functions that is a priority program for the alocation of Village Funds in 2021 is Village SDGs. This research aims to know how SDGs are implemented in the development of Karyasari village. The theory in this research is the theory of Fonseca and Carvalho, who argue that sustainability can only be achieved through fulfilling the three SDGs requirements, namely balanced development in the social, economic and environmental fields. A data triangulation approach was used in this qualitative research to obtain data by combining several existing sources and types of data. The research results show that Karyasari Village has implemented 16 of the 18 SDGs goals. Judging from the implementation of the SDGs, Karyasari village applies 5 economic dimensions, 5 social dimensions and 6 environmental dimensions. For several SDGs goals, Karyasari Village has reasons why SDGs No. 12 concerning environmentally conscious village consumption and production has not been implemented because Karyasari village does not have a final waste bin. The village remains consistent in implementing the SDGs that have been achieved and the SDGs that have not been achieved, namely No. 12 concerning Environmentally Conscious Village Consumption and Production. It would be better for the village to be able to build a good waste management system if necessary and collaborate with partners.