Social Interest Groups Research Articles

The Intersection of Gender, Migration, and Urbanisation in Shaping Community Identities and Social Structures

This paper explores in depth the cross influence of three factors, gender, migration and urbanization, in shaping community identity and social structure. As the basic element of social composition, gender not only affects the self-perception of individuals, but also shapes the collective identity at the community level. As an important driving force of community development, the cultural diversity and social dynamics brought about by immigration have had a profound impact on community identity. However, urbanization, as an important feature of modern society, has had a significant impact on community identity and social structure by changing the physical and social environment of communities. In terms of community identity, the adjustment and remodeling of gender roles and gender relationships are an important part of community development.Simultaneously, the integration of immigrants involves the reshaping and rediscovery of identity, enhancing the complexity of community identity through interactions and contrasts with native residents. Moreover, urbanization-induced community shifts and population movements further complicate and diversify this identity. In terms of social structure, the promotion of gender equality awareness helps to break the shackles of traditional social structure and promote the community to a more equitable and inclusive direction. The influx of immigrants brings new social classes and interest groups and have an important impact on the social structure of the community. The rapid advancement of urbanization intensifies the differentiation and reorganization of social structure, which makes the class differences and conflicts of interest within the community more obvious. Gender, immigration, and urbanization have close intersections in shaping community identity and social structure. These three factors interact and influence each other to jointly promote the development and change of the community.

The implementation of NRRP policies between politics and policy. An interest group perspective

ABSTRACT In Italy, the effective implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) represents an even greater and more difficult challenge than its formulation. Implementation of the majority of the ambitious projects outlined in the plan and the required policy reforms necessitates the active participation of economic and social stakeholders, interest groups and major corporations, and a swift improvement in administrative capacities – especially at the sub-national government level. Analysing the implementation of the NRRP from the perspective of interest groups provides crucial insights into its potential impact on the Italian economy, society and political system. This viewpoint also illuminates the intricate connections between politics and policy in managing cross-sectoral reforms with substantial financial resources. Therefore, utilizing process tracing methodology allows for an in-depth analysis of the implementation of sectoral policies, unveiling causal mechanisms, identifying key actors, and recognizing evolving trends in policies central to the Plan itself, such as those related to competition, justice and the green and digital transitions. The outcomes are not self-evident, and the transformative dynamics within different policy sectors warrant systematic attention from both scholars and policymakers.

HEARING AND VISION LOSS: EPIDEMIOLOGIC AND INTERVENTION IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL ISOLATION, LONELINESS, AND MOOD DISORDERS

Abstract This session will discuss hearing loss and vision impairment as modifiable risk factors for social isolation, loneliness, and mood disorders from both epidemiologic and intervention perspectives. Prevalence of hearing and vision loss is high; two-thirds of older adults have hearing loss and over one-quarter have vision impairment. Hearing loss and vision impairment have been linked to poor cognitive and physical health but remain understudied in the context of social and mental health in large, population-based studies. Research gaps remain in measurement (findings typically based on subjective assessments) and generalizability. This session will investigate associations between objectively measured hearing, vision, and dual sensory loss on social isolation and mood disorders using a sample nationally representative of older adults in the US. This session will also describe potential mechanistic and environmental factors, such as fatigue and exclusion of hearing loss and vision impairment in health care settings that may explain observed associations. Whether treatment of hearing loss and vision impairment is an effective intervention for improving social and mental health is unknown. We will conclude by presenting findings from a randomized controlled trial designed to test whether a hearing intervention consisting of provision of hearing aids and related technologies, counseling, and education could reduce cognitive decline in older adults with untreated hearing loss. We focus on the effect of hearing intervention on social isolation and loneliness, both pre-specified outcomes of this trial. This is a Loneliness and Social Isolation Interest Group Sponsored Symposium. This is a collaborative symposium between the Loneliness and Social Isolation and Sensory Health Interest Groups.

The Human–Horse Relationship: Human Direct and Meta Perceptions of Its Importance for Performance and Welfare in Equestrian Sport

ABSTRACT Expanding upon prior qualitative rider–horse relationship research, this quantitative study explored participants’ direct and meta perceptions of the importance of a quality relationship between human and horse for performance and welfare in equestrian sport. A purposeful sample of 204 participants (female = 199, male = 4, undisclosed = 1), recruited via social media interest groups and equestrian organizations, took part in this study, with an average age of 45.9 yrs (range = 18–90 yrs) and reflected individuals from a breadth of equestrian disciplines, both amateur and professional. Participants were asked to respond to a 22-item questionnaire (11 items from a direct perspective [their own] and 11 items from a meta perspective [the horse’s, as understood by the human]) using a 7-point Likert scale, ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree,” for both performance and welfare. Multiple linear regression (MLR) analyses revealed that the predictor variables of closeness, commitment, and complementarity (direct and meta combined) were all statistically significant at the 0.001 level, with all independent variables contributing significantly to the prediction of the importance of the human–horse relationship for performance; closeness (88.4% variability), commitment (88% variability), complementarity (91.5% variability), and for welfare; closeness (78.9% variability), commitment (82.9% variability), and complementarity (88.8% variability). The study outcomes suggest that the quality of the human–horse relationship is perceived by humans to be important for performance and welfare and is central to creating an effective and successful partnership in equestrian sport. However, further interrogation of the MLR analyses indicate that future research and education of applied practice in horsemanship would merit greater focus on human self-awareness and self-regulation strategies to help individuals recognize the role their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors play in the quality of communication and interaction with their horse.

The Implementation of Data Mining Method Using K-Means Algorithm to Analyze Study Interest of High School Students

At present, the school is experiencing difficulties processing the results of student academic achievement for the specialization process for high school students. The currently running student interest process still uses a manual system by calculating the subject value of each student and then grouping the results of the calculation of each student's value into science or social studies interest groups in accordance with the requirements imposed by the school. For that, we need a solution that can overcome these difficulties. The author develops the application using the Rapid Application Development (RAD) method, which consists of the requirements planning phase, the design phase, the construction phase, and the implementation phase. At the construction stage, the K-Means algorithm is implemented in data mining technology to classify student academic achievement results into science and social studies interest groups. The results of making this application are intended for the school, especially the homeroom teacher, so that it can be an alternative solution or advice in making decisions for student specialization.

Uganda’s ruling coalition and the 2021 elections: change, continuity and contestation

ABSTRACT Since coming to power, President Museveni has consistently stitched together disparate actors and representatives of divergent constituencies in his ruling coalition. This became especially necessary as his rule grew less popular and more precarious. This article argues that the nature of the ruling coalition reflects the structure of politics and menu of priorities for the incumbent. The political landscape shapes composition of the ruling coalition, which mirrors realignment of social forces, interest groups and balance of power. This article casts a critical spotlight on two phases – 1986–2005 and 2006 to the present – placing coalition dynamics and the 2021 elections in the broader context of the shift in Uganda’s overall political landscape. Drawing on qualitative data sources including elite interviews and newspaper reports, and with specific focus on cabinet appointments, the article shows that electoral calculations and regime survival considerations are the biggest drivers of Museveni’s ruling coalition changes and composition.

United we stood, divided we transform? Exploring coalition transformation divergence in the EU trade policy field

ABSTRACT During the EU-US (TTIP) and EU–Canada (CETA) free trade negotiations, large coalitions of civil society organisations were active not only across borders but also within European member states. In several countries, coalitions saw the opportunity to transform their issue-specific group into a general coalition on EU trade policy in order to achieve more sustained engagement. However, in hindsight, only some of the transformed coalitions remained active and visible with the same organisations, while others experienced a decline in visibility, activities, and membership. This study aims to explore the factors contributing to this divergence in coalition transformation, drawing on the literature from social movement and interest group studies. Based on interviews with trade activists in Belgium and the Netherlands, the analysis points to differences in perception of political and discursive opportunities, resource mobilisation, the degree of ideological and cultural overlap between the coalition’s actors, and organisational structure as important factors.

Banging on Closed Doors or Beating the Drum? Social Movements’ Interpretations of Opportunities in Legal Appeal Processes

ABSTRACT Social movements and interest groups in Europe are increasingly using litigation as a form of legal mobilization in their campaigns. Current literature often depicts this as a result of favourable opportunities in movements’ legal contexts, with activists responding to rising prospects of legal success. This comparative study of fifteen cases of mobilizations against mineral exploration projects in Sweden explores a puzzle in relation to this view: Why do movements frequently litigate even when the prospects of legal success seem non-existent? Using frame analysis within a multi-institutional politics (MIP) approach, this study explores how movements interpret opportunities in appeal processes linked to mineral exploration projects. While confirming that the prospect of legal success is a relevant motivator in several cases, the results also indicate that some movements interpret the court as a democratic arena, presenting opportunities to mobilize adherents and signal popular resistance to policy makers and extractive companies. These diverging interpretations of the court are tentatively connected to organizational needs for mobilizing adherents, previous experiences of litigating and available institutional logics in society. Building upon the MIP approach, this study introduces the idea that the democratic understanding of the appeal process signifies a ‘creative infringement’. A democratic institutional logic is imported into the court, an arena typically dominated by an institutional legal-bureaucratic logic. Movements’ increasing use of litigation may thus be driven not only by goals of legal success, but also by creative reinterpretations of legal processes as arenas in which goals of popular participation and democracy may be achieved.

서울시 정비사업 수익률 분석을 통한 해제지역의 사업 재추진 가능성 연구*

Newtown and Redevelopment projects, which were popular in the 2000s have caused various conflicts among different social and economic interest groups due to the prolonged recession in the real estate market. Accordingly, the Seoul government implemented an exit strategy for the maintenance project in 2012 to release the maintenance area and implemented a new paradigm-based urban regenration policy. However, the exit strategy for the maintenance project caused other problems; since 2013, housing prices in Seoul have been on the rise, which led to the recent market pressure on the resumption of the maintenace project. The current study confirmed that the resumption of the maintenance project would be possible if an approximately 10% return was expected from the perspective of the union members in the maintenance project areas. A return rate analysis on the six areas that were released as a part of the exit strategy showed that the maintenance project for all areas could be resumed in the private sector, exceeding 10% of the preliminary required return.

Housing the urban poor through strategic networks: A cross-case analysis

This study uses the network perspective to explore how political, business, and social actors collectively address the housing needs of the urban poor in Malaysia. A multiple-case study approach was used to compare strategies to resolve sustainable housing issues across three urban states in Malaysia. The findings were drawn from interviews with actors in the housing industry supported by online media and public reports. The twenty participants consisted of policymakers, housing developers, civil citizens, and social interest groups. The findings reveal that the state government's authoritative strategy may lead to inefficiencies and eventually accelerate network changes. The adoption of a collaborative strategy using strategic networks, however, aids in meeting the growing demands of urbanites' housing needs. Collaboration also aligns with the conflicting interests of diverse actors. Understanding how strategic and issue-based nets are formed and maintained may help business, political and social actors strategize in a highly regulated market.

Research on identifying types of environmental conflicts in mineral activities in Lao Cai province and propose solutions to sustainable development

The article shows some results about establishes types of environmental conflicts in mineral activities base on applying a combination of analytical methods, document synthesis, investigation methods, statistics, community interviews and expert opinion. In Lao Cai province, there are many mineral resources such as copper, iron, apatite, kaolines - felsspat, limestone, clay, sand, gravel, etc., being exploited. Mining projects often use large amount of land areas. The process of mining and processing are polluting more and more seriously day by day. This is the main cause leading to environmental conflicts in study areas. The research results have evaluated and identified the types of environmental conflicts relating to mineral exploitation activities in Lao Cai province. They consist of conflict between mineral exploitation and natural environment (water, air); conflict between mineral exploitation and other natural resources (land, forest, etc.); conflict among social interest groups. Besides, we have proposed general and specific solutions to prevent and minimize the harmful effects of environmental conflics for sustainable development suitable to the socio - economic conditions of Lao Cai province.

Illness Identity in Adolescents With Celiac Disease.

The aim was to examine the reliability and validity of the Illness Identity Questionnaire (IIQ) among adolescents with celiac disease (CD), to describe their illness identity characteristics, and to examine relationships between illness identity and self-reported participation in food-related activities and quality of life. Adolescents with CD (n = 91) were recruited for this cross-sectional study via social media interest groups. Participants completed online questionnaires: the IIQ, the CD Children's Activities Chart (CD-Chart), and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). Internal reliability was established for IIQ items (α = 0.87) and for its 4 components (α = 0.75--0.90). The positive components (acceptance, enrichment) significantly differed from the negative components (rejection, engulfment), t(90) = 11.45, P < 0.001, d = 1.98. Feelings were more positive (M = 3.48, SD = 0.67) than negative (M = 2.06, SD = 0.76). The total IIQ was positively associated with the CD-Chart amount of activities (r = 0.30, P < 0.01) and enjoyment (r = 0.34, P < 0.001) and with the PedsQL social scale (r = 0.53, P < 0.001). The IIQ established acceptable reliability and validity. In all, the adolescents with CD exhibited an illness identity profile that was more positive and adaptive than negative. The IIQ can contribute to understanding the developmental status of illness identity during the critical transition process from adolescence to adulthood.

Message propagation in DTN based on virtual contact of behavior model

Delay Tolerant Network (DTN) is a kind of network structured to deliver message intermittently. Network connections are not persistent between nodes, instead they must rely on nodes making geographic location movements to incur contact with other nodes and establish intermittent communication sessions to allow messages delivery. We will refer to encounters via geographic location movements as ?physical contact.? Many DTN researches mainly focus on message delivery via physical contact. However, this paper believes that in a realistic environment, encounters between nodes not only happen geographically in nature, but also occur virtually in cyberspace. When both nodes go online on the same social media platform, it is an encounter we refer as virtual contact. How messages deliver for virtual contact is store-post-and-forward, just like what happens in a DTN, but it is no longer restrained by geographical locations. This paper considers a scenario in which nodes make virtual contact in cyberspace and incur message delivery based on their own behavior patterns. The verifying experiment is conducted using both survey and simulation. First of all, we handed out questionnaires for students to fill out. The questionnaire inquired them to rank their most frequent activities performed on social media platforms. According to the responses, we conclude the top 3 frequent activities when the students use social media platforms and classify them into 3 groups according to a weighted behavior pattern scheme. The classification includes Social Group, Read-Only Group and Interest Group. It does not matter which group a student is assigned to. In the simulation, he or she will get to decide whether to deliver/receive messages or not based on a randomized selection on 3 behavior pattern. Finally, we analyze the simulation result to determine how messages propagated in different behavior pattern groups. It is derived from the simulation that to quicken message propagation, directing messages to one of the behavior groups yields the maximize benefits. This provides the basis for further researches on collecting data of desired scenarios to establish respective propagation models.

Exploring divisions What to be learned from observing young children’s social preferences

ABSTRACT This article concerns young children’s social preferences in early childcare in Denmark. Based on detailed and long-term ethnographic observations, the analysis shows how children’s choices of playmates are patterned in ways that reflect their various social and cultural experiences in and out of the institutional settings. In general, children seem to prefer to be with others who share and acknowledge the same kinds of knowledge, experiences, and references and this leads to a pattern of rather distinct social interest-groups. The article explores why such lines of divisions are to be found in an institutional context designed to overcome social inequality and prevent social fragmentation. Furthermore, it argues that systematic ethnographic observations not only can help to understand what matters in early childcare for different persons, but also examine the social processes behind preferences and priorities and how they resonate with social divisions of broader society.

Social Isolation and Loneliness: Develop a More Robust Evidence Base

This paper reviews the evidence base for the health impacts of SIL on older adults, the risk factors, and the potential moderators and mediators of those relationships. Substantial evidence indicates that SIL are associated with physical, cognitive, and psychological morbidity; health-related behaviors; and health-related quality of life. Social isolation in particular is associated with a significantly increased risk of premature mortality from all causes. The evidence base for interventions in the clinical setting is also reviewed. Finally, the report’s specific recommendations are discussed, including the need for basic science research, increased funding, key elements in the design and evaluation of interventions, and gap areas (including trends among current younger adults and approaches for specific understudied groups of at-risk older adults). Part of a symposium sponsored by Loneliness and Social Isolation Interest Group.

Social Isolation and Loneliness: Translating Current Research into Health Care Practices and Improving Awareness

This paper examines the evidence to support the need to translate current research into health care practices about social isolation and loneliness (SIL) among older adults. The health care system may be in the best position to identify those at highest risk—namely, older adults, whose only interactions are with members of the health care system. This paper reviews recommendations related to periodic assessments, including the use of validated tools to identify those at highest risk. Through this identification, clinicians and health care researchers may be able to use these findings to better target meaningful clinical and public health interventions. Additionally, a critical step toward preventing, mitigating, or eliminating negative health impacts will be to improve awareness about the problem and impact of SIL within the older adult population. This paper reviews recommendations for improving overall awareness by including SIL in national health strategies and public campaigns. Part of a symposium sponsored by Loneliness and Social Isolation Interest Group.

Social Isolation and Loneliness: The Pros and Cons of Technological Interventions

A variety of technologies have been proposed, tested, and used to reduce social isolation and loneliness [SIL]. Furthermore, information technology may offer a way to detect or predict patterns of SIL. In this paper, the range of technology tools for assessment (e.g., passive monitoring, tracking data patterns, electronic health records) and intervention (e.g., social robots, social media, virtual reality) are reviewed for evidence of impact, and consideration is given for related ethical issues. The role of technology in relation to the report’s recommendations is discussed, including assessment and testing of new technological interventions for their potential benefits and harms, consideration of contextual issues such as broadband access, and the role of technology in education and training. Finally, gap areas of research are explored, such as the impact of the use of technology among current younger adults as they age. Part of a symposium sponsored by Loneliness and Social Isolation Interest Group.

Social Isolation and Loneliness: Strengthening Education and Training

This paper reviews recommendations for a variety of opportunities to improve education and training of the health care workforce on the health impacts of SIL and clinical approaches for assessment as well as testing different approaches for such education and training. The fifth goal of the NASEM study is to “strengthen ties between the health care system and community-based networks and resources.” Similar to other social determinants of health, addressing SIL will require coordinated efforts among a variety of stakeholders. This paper reviews recommendations for improving coordination, including team-based care and promotion of tailored community-based services, as well as the creation of a centralized repository for new evidence and best practices. Finally, connections between this NASEM study and the 2019 report Integrating Social Care into the Delivery of Health Care are discussed. Part of a symposium sponsored by Loneliness and Social Isolation Interest Group.

Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: A National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Report

Social isolation and loneliness (SIL) are serious yet underappreciated public health risks for many older adults (AARP, 2018a). Strong evidence suggests that, for older adults, social isolation and loneliness are associated with an increased likelihood of early death, dementia, heart disease, and more (AARP, 2018b, Holt-Lunstad and Smith, 2016). While all ages may experience SIL, older adults are at increased risk because they are more likely to face predisposing factors such as living alone, the loss of family or friends, chronic illness, and sensory impairments. Health care providers may be in the best position to identify older individuals who are at highest risk for SIL – individuals for whom the health care system may be the only point of contact with their broader community. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) developed a consensus study report on this issue. This symposium presents the study recommendations. Dr. Holt-Lunstad examines the recommendations to develop a more robust evidence base for effective assessment, prevention, and intervention strategies for social isolation and loneliness. Dr. Galambos examines the recommendations to translate current research into health care practices and to improve awareness of the health and medical impacts of SIL. Dr. Lustig examines the recommendations to strengthen ongoing education and training and to strengthen ties between the health care system and community-based resources. Dr. Demiris examines the role of technology across all of these recommendations. Loneliness and Social Isolation Interest Group Sponsored Symposium

The dual nature of teachers' unions

AbstractIn the early 21st century, teachers' union mobilization was widespread throughout the United States. Decrying low salaries, restrictions on labor rights, and more, teachers' unions engaged in large‐scale tactics such as massive strikes, public protests, and successful ballot campaigns. In this article, I demonstrate that by sharing characteristics of both social movement organizations and interest groups, teachers' unions are well suited to respond to political threats. Teachers' unions are large, longstanding organizations with the resources necessary to use a wide variety of tactics. Teachers' relationships with parents and the local community provide strong potential for alliances, and teachers can leverage their professional identity and expertise to help establish legitimacy in educational policy conversations. Ultimately, however, the future of teachers' unions depends upon sustained worker and ally activism beyond the current wave of mobilization.