The impact of old age security on rural women's labor supply: Evidence from China's new rural social pension insurance program

The sustainability of social housing policies in Buenos Aires, Argentina: The importance of social, economic, and institutional considerations

Large state-owned shareholders and social insurance contributions in private firms: Evidence from China

Introduction Firearm-related injury and death are leading yet preventable causes of premature death in Canada. Our objective was to identify knowledge gaps and research priorities to inform a national research agenda to prevent firearm-related injury and death. Methods In a two-stage process, nominal group technique was used to encourage experts in firearm injury and death (N = 15) to generate ideas relevant to knowledge gaps in three areas: unintentional firearm injury, intimate partner violence (IPV)/femicide and other firearm-related assaults. Relevant parties (N = 43) subsequently voted on the identified gaps to determine top priorities for future research. Results In Stage 1, the experts identified 22 knowledge gaps in unintentional firearm injury, 16 in IPV-related firearm injury/femicide and 33 in other assault-related firearm injuries. Based on their importance and feasibility as research projects, they then selected five, three and seven, respectively, of these knowledge gaps. In Stage 2, the top priorities for future research emerged: the economic cost of firearm injuries to victims’ families and communities and Canadian society; the impact of social policies and legislation aimed at reducing IPV/femicide-related firearm injuries and deaths; and a description of the available and required Canadian firearm-injury data. Conclusion The top priorities highlight the large and diverse gaps in knowledge about firearm injury and death in Canada. This marks the first step toward developing a national research agenda for firearm-related injuries. Next steps include operationalizing these gaps into research questions, identifying data sources and methodological approaches, and choosing knowledge translation strategies.

The article focuses on the challenges and opportunities facing the system of social insurance for farmers with regard to adapting to changes occurring in agriculture. Farmers – agricultural entrepreneurs – are implementing innovations, responding to market changes and demands, and making use of technological advances, while the Agricultural Social Insurance Fund and the Farmers’ Social Insurance Contribution Fund are participating in these transformations, responding to the needs of farmers in terms of minimising the risk of loss of earning capacity. The article outlines the objective changes taking place in agriculture, as well as amendments to legal provisions defining a farmer, agricultural activity, ancillary agricultural activity, and the family farm. Together with the description and analysis of these changes, specific proposals for possible solutions are presented in response to smart farming, agritronics, specialisation of agricultural activity, and the development of ancillary agricultural activity. The publication presents arguments for introducing into the act on social insurance for farmers such definitions as: ancillary agricultural services, young farmer, family farm, activity within a group of agricultural producers, and pension insurance for “young farmers” on application. The currently functioning system of social insurance for farmers possesses a clear advantage in the form of the self-financing Farmers’ Social Insurance Contribution Fund. This Fund constitutes a model example of how a self-financing system of social insurance for farmers may be organised. It is worth developing it further towards establishing, within the Contribution Fund, a self-financing disability insurance for “young farmers”. The aim of the article is to contribute to the development of a concept for a system of social insurance for farmers that meets contemporary needs and enjoys public acceptance. The intention is to create a model based on agricultural and ancillary agricultural activity, family farms, and cooperation within groups of agricultural producers. The essence of this system is to safeguard the work of the farmer – including work associated with ancillary agricultural activity. The article outlines a strategic-level update to the system that could be implemented and encourages readers to engage with the proposal for a modern theory of social insurance for farmers, adapted to the objectives currently set by farmers.

Amid Asia’s rapid urbanization, integration of large-scale rural and urban migrant has become a core governance challenge. China has applied a protracted process aimed at citizenizing hundreds of millions of migrants; nevertheless, widespread “semi-urbanization” indicates a persistent gap exists between formal hukou conversion and real social inclusion. Using a social policy lens, we examine China as a critical case and the roles assigned to—and the institutional failures of—social policy in citizenization and propose a three-dimensional “demand–resource–institution” framework to pinpoint the main barriers to citizenship: structural ruptures in demand identification, resource allocation, and institutional design. Escaping “semi-urbanization” requires shifting from fragmented welfare provision to an integrated social-policy regime built on equal rights and inclusion. This analysis of China yields theoretical insights into state-led citizenization and a comparative policy reference for other developing Asian countries facing large-scale internal migration, rural–urban imbalance, and integration dilemmas.

The article presents an analysis of demographic changes occurring in rural areas in Poland, juxtaposing them with trends observed in urban areas. Particular attention is devoted to changes in female fertility rates, the socio-occupational structure, and the impact of state demographic policy on the situation of rural families. The study draws on secondary data from the Statistics Poland, the Agricultural Social Insurance Fund (KRUS), and the World Bank. The findings indicate a persistent and deepening demographic crisis in rural areas, associated, inter alia, with a decline in the number of women of reproductive age, an increase in the average age of mothers, the outflow of young women to cities, and limited access to childcare services. The article identifies the main challenges posed by these changes and proposes directions for family policy measures that could contribute to increased fertility in rural areas, including, inter alia, harmonisation of maternity benefits in the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) and KRUS systems, a flexible system of financing childcare for children up to the age of three, and the creation of attractive jobs for women in rural areas unrelated to agriculture. The aim of the study is to present the demographic transformations taking place in rural areas in Poland in comparison with cities. The thesis of the article is the decline in fertility rates among women living in rural areas in Poland between 1960 and 2024.

The study is dedicated to analyzing the impact of population aging on economic systems, particularly in the countries of the European Union, and to identifying innovative mechanisms for adapting business and public governance to these changes. The article examines the key consequences of population aging, such as a declining share of the working-age population, increased pressure on social and pension systems, and slower economic growth. Special attention is given to the development of the silver economy, financial technologies (Fintech), and digital healthcare (telemedicine, wearable devices) as tools to support the quality of life of the elderly. Based on a SWOT analysis, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of implementing digital technologies in healthcare for the older generation are identified. The article substantiates the need to transform internal control, audit, and risk management systems within enterprises in response to demographic challenges. Proposed adaptation strategies include the introduction of flexible forms of employment, knowledge transfer programs, motivational mechanisms for older employees, as well as the integration of demographic risks into corporate management systems. The role of the state is emphasized in providing incentives for continued employment among retirees, developing telemedicine infrastructure, and supporting retraining programs. The findings of the study demonstrate that population aging, in addition to posing challenges, also creates new opportunities for innovative development. An effective combination of financial technologies, adaptive management approaches, and social policy can turn these challenges into a source of stability and competitiveness amid global changes.

This article examines the psychodynamic and psychohistorical underpinnings of contemporary social and political phenomena, with a focus on the shift toward authoritarianism and the resurgence of violence in Western societies. Drawing on insights from developmental psychology, prenatal sciences research, and psychohistory, the study argues that collective social behaviors are profoundly influenced by early-life experiences, particularly those occurring in the pre-linguistic and pre/perinatal periods. The analysis identifies ten key measures to curb violence and enhance democratic resilience, including the establishment of interdisciplinary think tanks, the integration of psychohistorical and developmental knowledge into political decision-making, the systematic inclusion of social-emotional education in schools, and the recognition of fundamental rights for childbirth and competent parenthood. The article further explores how collective psychological processes mirror individual developmental trajectories, showing that societal tendencies toward aggression, authoritarianism, or cooperation can be traced to the quality of early relational experiences and socialization conditions. Historical examples illustrate how patriarchal structures and unresolved collective trauma have amplified violence and hindered democratic development, whereas matriarchal frameworks and reflective mentalities have supported cooperation and social cohesion. By applying knowledge from individual psychodynamics to social and political analysis, this study provides a framework for understanding the psychological roots of societal transformation and offers evidence-based strategies for fostering empathy, responsible leadership, and nonviolent conflict resolution. The findings underscore that the preservation and flourishing of democratic societies depend not only on legal and institutional structures but also on the psychological maturity of their members, particularly those in positions of responsibility. Integrating psychohistorical insights into education, governance, and social policy is thus essential for promoting sustainable social development, reducing conflict, and enhancing collective resilience.

This study examines whether and how a commercially successful Sinhala film can raise social awareness among its audience. Using the 2024 film Passport (directed by Chris Antony) as a single case study, the research employed a mixed-methods design: a structured questionnaire with 80 viewers immediately after screenings in Negombo and semi-structured interviews with five key stakeholders (director, lead actor, renowned film critic, theatre manager, and a senior government minister). Findings reveal that 71.3% of respondents reported a significant increase in awareness about illegal migration risks, 75% gained new insight into bureaucratic corruption, and 68.8% felt the film changed their perspective on gender-based vulnerabilities faced by female migrants. Qualitative data confirmed that the film’s documentary-style realism, authentic location shooting, and strong character development were the primary vehicles for these effects. Although the sample size is modest and limited to one geographic area, the convergence of quantitative and qualitative evidence supports the conclusion that carefully crafted commercial Helawood cinema can function as an effective public-education tool when viewed through a social-work lens. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for social workers, filmmakers, and policy makers.

This paper exploresthe perceptions of municipal councillors and officials regarding their role in promoting social cohesion within local government contexts. Social cohesion is closely tied to how communities experience trust, inclusion, and equitable service delivery, making local government a critical actor in fostering unity and resilience. The perceptions of municipal councillors and officials are thereforeessential, as their attitudes, decisions, and practices directly shape how social cohesion is promoted or hindered within municipalities.A qualitative research approach was employed, using a multiple case study design to explore two metropolitan municipalities in South Africa, the City of Cape Town and the City of Ekurhuleni. These municipalities were purposively selected as they explicitlyidentify the facilitation of social cohesion, particularly through fostering trust and a sense of belonging, in their policy and strategic documents. The main findings of this study revealed three interrelated challenges that undermine the promotion of social cohesion at the municipal level: a lack of commitment, a lack of political will, and inadequatebudget allocation. The lack of explicit budget allocations undermines the effectiveness of social cohesion policies at the local level. Municipalities must therefore consider integrating social cohesion into their budgeting processes as a strategic priority, thereby signallingtheir commitment to building cohesive, inclusive, and resilient communities.

Social Security was constitutionally designed to meet the needs of the community in the face of growing social risks (Balera, 2010). Rapid economic development has brought with it an increase in risks (Resende Ruba, 2023). Unemployment, the risk of accidents, incapacity for work, death itself, and old age are factors that are at stake in the social protection guaranteed by public social assistance and social security policies.

The article provides a historical overview and characterises the differences in the amount of health insurance contribution depending on the type of agricultural activity carried out and the insured entity, which the Agricultural Social Insurance Fund (KRUS, the Fund) collects from payers and transfers to the National Health Fund (NFZ). The rules governing the amount of the health insurance contribution for farmers, household members and assistants are set out in the Act of 27 August 2004 on health care services financed from public funds. The detailed procedure for determining the basis for calculating health insurance contributions for farmers and their household members, as well as the method for determining changes affecting their calculation, is laid down in the Regulation of the Council of Ministers of 21 December 2017 on health insurance contributions for farmers, their household members and persons in receipt of an agricultural pension or disability pension. The article also presents original analyses illustrating the final product of the contribution calculation model for each insured person. In addition, the issue of social equality and the financial situation of Polish farmers is addressedin the context of potential proposals for changes to the health care contributions paid by the farming community. This study does not cover benefit recipients and their family members who are subject to health insurance

Disability is a critical issue of human condition and poses a increasing health concern in the context of rapidly aging population in Nepal. The aim of this paper is to assess the prevalence of disability and examine the factors associated with disability among older people in Nepal. Microdata samples from the 2021 National Population and Housing Census, including 296,256 individuals aged 60 years and above were analyzed using multivariable log-binomial regression. Disability prevalence was 7.6 percent. Physical disability most common disability accounted for 2.2 percent of older people, followed by low vision. Older people aged 85 years and above had an 89% higher prevalence of disability (aPR=1.89). Females reported a 22% lower prevalence of disability (aPR=0.78). Older people in the Terai had a 23% higher prevalence of disability (aPR=1.23) and those in Gandaki province had a 28% higher prevalence (aPR=1.28), whereas those in Madhesh province had a 26% lower prevalence of disability (aPR=0.74). The prevalence of disability was 15% higher in rural residents (aPR=1.15), 14% higher among Mountain/Hill Janajati (aPR=1.14)) and 19% higher among Hill Dalits (aPR=1.19). Conversely, the prevalence of disability was 22% lower among Madhesh/Terai caste (aPR=0.78) and Madhesh/Terai Dalits (aPR=0.78). Older people who belonged to Kirat had a 12% higher (aPR=1.12) and Christians had 21% higher (aPR=1.21) prevalence of disability. Married older people had a 24% lower prevalence (aPR=0.76). The prevalence of disability was 19% lower among older people with primary education (aPR=0.81), 31% lower with secondary (aPR=0.69), and 48% lower with higher education (aPR=0.52). Older people from the richest households had a 38% lower disability prevalence (aPR=0.62). These findings indicate the structural inequalities influencing disability among older people in Nepal and emphasize the need for health and social policies to reduce disparities and promote healthy and active aging.

Digital addiction is a behavioural addiction that develops as a result of the uncontrolled and excessive use of online platforms such as the internet, smartphones, digital games, and social media. This condition, which is increasingly prevalent among adolescents and young adults, has become a significant public health issue, negatively impacting individual functioning. This review comprehensively examines the epidemiological characteristics, neurobiological foundations, diagnostic criteria, and the relationship between digital addiction and comorbid psychiatric disorders. Neuroimaging studies have revealed structural and functional changes in the frontal lobe, particularly the prefrontal cortex, in individuals with digital addiction. Moreover, dysfunctions in the dopaminergic reward system provide a crucial biological basis for explaining impairments in impulse control and reward expectancy observed in these individuals. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is central to the treatment process, while exercise-based interventions and novel approaches such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) play a supplementary role. Early intervention programmes, supported by multidisciplinary teams, are of paramount importance in mitigating the individual, familial, and societal burdens associated with digital addiction. One of the most effective strategies for addressing this issue is the early implementation of diagnostic tools alongside cognitive behavioural therapy interventions. It is crucial to raise digital awareness within communities, strengthen educational initiatives aimed at reducing risky usage, and promote healthy digital habits. Mitigating the individual and societal impacts of digital addiction will require a coordinated and holistic approach across health, education, and social policy sectors.

This article aims to present an analysis of the transformations taking place in the traditional welfare state model towards welfare corporations. These changes are the result of a complex combination of factors, such as globalization, increasing economic liberalization, ageing societies and changes in the relations between the state, the market and civil society. The article will present the key differences between these two models, showcasing the role evolution of individual actors and the mechanisms of redistribution. In addition, it will propose a theoretical-analytical framework for understanding the causes and effects of this transformation, with particular emphasis on the theories of neoliberalism and new public management as well as theories of network society. Based on the analysis of selected cases, the article will identify both challenges and opportunities related to the new welfare model and formulate recommendations for social policy in the 21st century.

Against the backdrop of the global transformation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies and the advancement of China’s “dual carbon” goals, ESG rating divergence has become a key barrier restricting the sustainable development of enterprises. This study adopts empirical methods such as fixed effects model and mediating effect model to systematically explore the impact and mechanism of ESG rating divergence on corporate performance, and conducts heterogeneity analysis from three dimensions: geographical location, industrial technological characteristics, and pollution intensity. The results show that: ESG rating divergence significantly inhibits corporate performance, and this conclusion remains valid after robustness tests such as lagged term test and variable replacement; corporate innovation capability plays a partial mediating role between ESG rating divergence and corporate performance; heterogeneity analysis indicates that the inhibitory effect of ESG rating divergence on performance is more significant for enterprises in southern China, high-tech enterprises, and low-pollution enterprises. The conclusions of this study enrich the theoretical research on the economic consequences of ESG ratings, and provide practical implications for regulators to improve the ESG standard system, enterprises to optimize ESG practices and innovation resource allocation, and rating agencies to standardize rating processes.

This study provides an in-depth investigation into how young people in the university town of Bambili, located in the North West Region of Cameroon, use social media and the various motivations, challenges, and consequences associated with their engagement with digital platforms. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, have become central to how youths communicate, access information, learn, socialize, and participate in entrepreneurial activities. The main purpose of this study was to examine not only the different purposes for which youths in Bambili use social media, but also the broader social, economic, and personal factors that shape their usage patterns and influence the outcomes of their online interactions both beneficial and detrimental. A qualitative research design was employed to capture the complex experiences, perceptions, and behaviours of young social media users. Twenty participants were purposively selected from diverse youth categories. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews that elicited detailed accounts of participants’ motivations, usage habits, challenges encountered, and the perceived positive and negative impacts of social media on their daily lives. The study reveals that social media plays multiple essential roles in the lives of youths in Bambili: enhancing communication, facilitating academic collaboration, supporting access to timely information, providing entertainment, enabling self-expression, fostering business promotion, and creating new opportunities for income generation. However, the findings also expose the darker dimensions of digital engagement. These include exposure to online scams, emotional manipulation, pornography, cyberbullying, misinformation, addictive usage patterns, academic distraction, and financial exploitation. Usage patterns were further shaped by demographic factors such as age, gender, educational level, economic background, and the affordability and stability of internet access. The study concludes that while social media is indispensable for youths in Bambili, it also presents significant risks when used without guidance, regulation, or adequate digital literacy skills. It recommends the development of structured digital literacy programs, online safety awareness campaigns, institutional social media policies, and mechanisms that encourage responsible and productive use of digital platforms. Overall, the study underscores the need for a balanced approach to ensure that youths maximize the benefits of social media while minimizing its harmful effects.

Purpose Social procurement is an innovative policy tool that integrates social values in public procurement, while leveraging the power of public procurement to address complex social problems. This study aims to examine the implementation of social procurement within the Ministry of Health through cross-sector collaboration among public, private and third-sector organizations. Specifically, the objectives were to analyze how the procurement process contributes to social value creation, identify the main enablers of collaboration and analyze the potential for optimizing social value–based procurement policies. Design/methodology/approach This research used a descriptive qualitative approach, using a case study design. The data collection used was a thematic analysis, conducted through semistructured interviews, focus group interviews and participatory observation, involving 16 stakeholders from government, businesses, community organizations and universities. Data collection focused on cross-sector collaboration through in-house procurement (Swakelola) type III and procurement through suppliers that meet the criteria of Domestic Products and Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) and Cooperatives. These mechanisms were evaluated for their potential to create social value. Findings The results show that collaboration between the Ministry of Health and nonprofit social organizations in the procurement of health services through in-house procurement type III produces direct social value. Meanwhile, collaboration between the Ministry of Health and private sector organizations in the procurement of affirmative action policies for MSEs, as well as cooperatives that produce domestic products, creates indirect social value. Leadership, regulations, procurement systems and trust emerged as the primary factors supporting the implementation of social procurement. The strategy for optimizing social procurement is driven by collaborative leadership, which creates collaborative procurement governance and generates social value. Research limitations/implications The limitations of this study include the limited scope of data exploration, which only involved key stakeholders from the public sector, namely, the Ministry of Health and several partners from the nonprofit, private and higher education sectors, including the National Public Procurement Agency. The perspectives of beneficiaries of social programs or services have not been considered, despite their significant role in evaluating the resulting social impact. Similarly, other secondary stakeholders, such as academics, civil society organizations and donor agencies, as well as other key stakeholders, including oversight bodies, have not been adequately accommodated. These limitations in stakeholder exploration and analysis need to be addressed in further research involving multiple stakeholders in assessing social procurement. Practical implications This study recommends that leaders actively encourage cross-sector collaboration in procurement and integrate social values into procurement strategies. Procurement regulations promote collaborative governance in the early stages. Meanwhile, third-sector leaders focus on building internal capabilities, engaging sector dialogue, establishing trust and pursuing social goals. Social implications This study discusses broadening cross-sector stakeholders’ understanding of the importance of governments in developing countries creating social value through the procurement of goods and services. Originality/value This study bridges the gap in social procurement literature by examining its application in Indonesia, providing insight into cross-sector collaboration dynamics and offering policy recommendations. The result contributes to both theory and practice by demonstrating the potential for social procurement to achieve sustainable development goals through leadership.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune disease targeting insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The rising global incidence, particularly in early childhood, suggests environmental triggers, such as infections, may contribute to its pathogenesis. Prior studies have reported spatiotemporal clustering of T1DM, and we aimed to further investigate spatial and spatiotemporal clustering in Finnish children using high-quality data with complete residential histories. We included patients under 18 diagnosed with T1DM between 1990 and 2019, identified from the Finnish Social Insurance Institution, based on insulin reimbursement. Each case was assigned three age-matched and sex-matched controls. Clustering was analyzed using the Cuzick-Edwards test, Knox test, and Jacquez's Q statistic. Multiple testing adjustments were applied using the Benjamini-Hochberg correction. The study included 16 307 cases and 48 914 controls (median age at diagnosis: 8.9 years; 56% male). The Cuzick-Edwards test identified modest spatial clustering among males 1 year prior to diagnosis, while the Knox test revealed significant spatiotemporal clustering across all cases. Analyses incorporating full residential histories confirmed these findings, with more pronounced spatiotemporal clustering in children over 6 years old. These results demonstrate evidence of spatiotemporal clustering of T1DM in Finnish children, supporting the hypothesis of environmental triggers in T1DM etiology. These findings highlight the need for further research to identify the specific environmental factors and mechanisms behind the clustering.