Social Landscape Research Articles

A novel multi-source information fusion method for emergency spatial resilience assessment based on Dempster-Shafer theory

In the midst of today's intricate and ever-changing natural and social landscape, this study is committed to proposing a novel multi-source information fusion method for assessing the spatial resilience of urban emergency evacuation and rescue. Its overarching aim is to uncover latent challenges and contribute to the enhancement of a city's capacity to respond to emergencies. To achieve this, we have devised a comprehensive assessment indicator system, capable of not only quantifying a city's spatial resilience but also offering indispensable guidance for urban emergency evacuation and rescue spatial planning. Furthermore, we have introduced an innovative evaluation methodology framework. This framework includes the establishment of the basic probability assignment (BPA) model, a pioneering method for generating BPA for observed values, and the novel application of hierarchical weighting and fusion techniques. By extending the Dempster-Shafer theory, we have not only enhanced the method's ability to express and integrate uncertain information but also significantly improved the precision of the evaluation. Ultimately, we conducted a quantitative assessment using Shenzhen, China, as a case study, identifying existing issues and proposing highly-targeted improvement strategies. These research findings not only provide robust support for the augmentation of urban emergency capabilities in Shenzhen but also offer pioneering insights for the quantitative assessment and advancement of emergency spatial resilience in cities across the globe.

Pathways for Green Governance and Legalization in Mega-Cities

The realization of China's style of modernization relies on the high-quality development of cities, which represents the modernization of megacity governance, with the fundamental goal of enhancing the well-being of the population. The ecological governance of megacities encompasses the entire process from urban planning to design to renewal in the temporal dimension, and in the spatial dimension, it covers the entire economic, social, and ecological landscape. Summarizing the environmental governance experiences in domestic megacities, deepening the fundamental paradigm of ecological governance focusing on energy conservation, emissions reduction, mutual assistance, sharing, and the empowerment of the digital economy, and using the green principles established by the Civil Code as guidance to prevent risks and address challenges, ultimately explores a universally applicable new path for green governance in megacities.

Navigating Mediated Spaces: Screens and Connectivity in Ikebukuro Chinatown’s Chinese Diaspora

This research explores the profound impact of digital media on the lives of Chinese immigrants in Ikebukuro Chinatown. It illustrates how the Internet and digital platforms have transformed their economic, social, and identity landscapes. Employing qualitative methods such as surveys and interviews, this study underscores the pivotal role of social media in creating expansive networks. These networks facilitate ethnic entrepreneurship and enhance cultural visibility, contributing to the deterritorialization of traditional community confines. This empowerment enables the Chinese diaspora in Ikebukuro to cultivate a rich, interconnected social tapestry that extends beyond geographic limitations. The findings underscore the central role of digital media mediatization processes in redefining immigrant experiences. Additionally, they promote deeper, more dynamic integration within the host society’s multicultural environment. This transformative shift emphasizes the emergence of a more fluid, networked form of community and identity among immigrants. It challenges conventional enclave models and offers new perspectives on diaspora engagement in the digital age.

The Social Landscape of Kampong Ayer: Marginalization and Modernization in a Traditional Water Village

The Social Landscape of Kampong Ayer: Marginalization and Modernization in a Traditional Water Village

Collective Memory as Sedimentations of Collective Experience: Phenomenological Analysis of Post-Soviet Europe

ABSTRACT In this essay, I argue that describing collective memory as a historical collective experience involving the sedimentation of experiences can help us understand the complexities in empirical cases. To demonstrate the explanatory power of this approach, I discuss actual cases of collective memory in post-Soviet European societies and communities, mainly in Estonia and among Ingrian Finns, using the concepts of collective experience and sedimentation. By combining these two concepts, I suggest that the same historical and contemporary political objects may appear very differently to different societies and communities. Therefore, to understand the social and political landscape of our continent, we need to understand the unique experiential nature of collective memory. While phenomenology has allegedly had difficulties in addressing collective memory, rather focusing on individual memory and time consciousness, my analysis demonstrates its potential to clarify the experiential patterns of collective memory and its relevance to historical and political studies.

Tweet like Trump: Political branding and Twitter usage among congressional candidates in 2020 and 2022

AbstractObjectiveWe examine how congressional candidates use social media such as Twitter (X) to promote a political brand and connect with voters during campaigns.MethodsUsing a mixed‐method, interdisciplinary approach, we first conduct a brand analysis using 22 candidates from 11 open‐seat races in 2020. We develop and test several hypotheses using our races from 2020 and the subsequent contests in these districts in 2022, as well as the universe of tweets from all congressional candidates from the 2020 and 2022 general election campaigns (n = 789,411).ResultsWe find the three prominent themes present in our brand analysis—the adoption of gender roles, the mimicking of Trump, and expressions of populism—persist when we examine the Twitter posts from congressional candidates in 2020 and 2022. Male and female candidates behave differently on Twitter as do Republicans and Democrats. Most Republican candidates, regardless of gender, mimic the Trump brand rife with populist themes.ConclusionWe integrate research from political science and communication studies to gain a better understanding of how congressional candidates present their political brand to voters. We raise new questions scholars from the social sciences must consider while studying these phenomena in a fast‐evolving political and social media landscape.

X Bot Detection Using One-Class Classification Methods with Isolation Forest Algorithm

X bots pose a significant issue in the social media landscape, with many shared links originating from bot-like accounts. This study introduces the application of the Isolation Forest algorithm, aimed explicitly at identifying anomalies such as bots by analyzing X account details. This study utilizes a dataset that merges data from Botometer with supplementary metrics like ‘average tweets per day’ and ‘account age in days’, contributed by David Martín Gutiérrez. This approach was adopted due to the increasing difficulties accessing the X API. The dataset comprises 37,438 instances, with 25,013 labeled human accounts and 12,425 labeled bot accounts. Pre-processing is performed to remove irrelevant features, and the dataset is split into Training, Validation, and Test sets in a 70:15:15 ratio. The training set undergoes hyperparameter and threshold tuning to identify the best configuration for this specific dataset (n_estimators: 50, contamination: 0.5, bootstrap: True), achieving a training set F1-score of 0.211001. Despite these optimization efforts, the Isolation Forest model's performance remains relatively low. The Test set evaluation yields modest precision, recall, and F1-score values (0.1801, 0.2795, and 0.2190, respectively), with a ROC AUC score of 0.3272. While the Isolation Forest algorithm shows promise in detecting X bots, its performance on this specific dataset is limited. Isolation Forest may not be the most suitable algorithm for this particular bot detection task on this dataset. Future work will explore techniques to enhance the performance of bot detection for a more comprehensive analysis.

Bridge to security: Exploring unemployment insurance for solo self-employed in Estonia

The COVID-19 crisis highlighted the need for better access to unemployment insurance, particularly for solo self-employed workers. Traditionally seen as entrepreneurs bearing their own risks, the line between employment and entrepreneurship for solo self-employed has blurred, raising questions about adequate social protection. This shift is largely attributed to the rise of platform work, often linked with dependent self-employment and a precarious social security landscape for workers. In Estonia, where solo self-employment is increasingly common, access to unemployment insurance and the level of protection depends on the workers’ awareness and intent, as well as the approach adopted by task-mediating platforms in the case of platform workers. While the self-employed, including platform workers, can access insurance by opting for certain legal forms of work and making regular contributions, effective access remains limited. Low and irregular income poses eligibility challenges, and certain legal forms of self-employment can hinder access to benefits, despite eligibility through other means. In the long run, these challenges could undermine the sustainability of Estonia's social security system, emphasising the critical need for comprehensive reforms to ensure equitable access to unemployment insurance for all self-employed individuals, including those engaged in platform work.

The Principal’s Problem: Anchoring Equity in an Exclusionary System

This paper, titled "The Principal’s Problem: Anchoring Equity in an Exclusionary System," offers a critical examination of the multifaceted challenges faced by school administrators in navigating an educational landscape marked by growing equity issues, safety concerns, and the mental health crisis among students. Drawing from the author's 35-year experience in various educational roles in Massachusetts, the critical situational analysis delves into the complexities of fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable school environment amid a youth mental healthcrisis, reactionary legislative demands, and a hostile, binary, social landscape. The first section of the paper emphasizes the evolving role of educators in addressing the emotional well-being and safety of students. It illustrates how external tragedies, such as student suicides and drug overdoses, directly impact school policies and practices. The author highlights systemic inequities, such as disparities in recognition and funding between male and female sports teams and the controversy over gender-specific graduation gown colors, illustrating the difficulties in upholding Title IX and fostering gender equality. The paper further explores the escalation ofgun violence and its profound impact on school safety protocols and legislation. It addresses the administrative burden of complying with a myriad of regulations aimed at ensuring student safety and emotional well-being, from bullying and gender identity to mental health and substance abuse. The first-person narrative critiques the overwhelming expectations placed on school administrators to act as both educational leaders and first responders in a socioeconomically diverse and politically charged environment. It argues for a more holistic approach to educational leadership, one that balances legal and moral obligations to protect free expression with the imperative to create a nurturing and inclusive school culture. The author posits that the real challenge lies in the practical implementation of these ideals.

The Principal’s Problem: Anchoring Equity in an Exclusionary System

This paper, titled "The Principal’s Problem: Anchoring Equity in an Exclusionary System," offers a critical examination of the multifaceted challenges faced by school administrators in navigating an educational landscape marked by growing equity issues, safety concerns, and the mental health crisis among students. Drawing from the author's 35-year experience in various educational roles in Massachusetts, the critical situational analysis delves into the complexities of fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable school environment amid a youth mental healthcrisis, reactionary legislative demands, and a hostile, binary, social landscape. The first section of the paper emphasizes the evolving role of educators in addressing the emotional well-being and safety of students. It illustrates how external tragedies, such as student suicides and drug overdoses, directly impact school policies and practices. The author highlights systemic inequities, such as disparities in recognition and funding between male and female sports teams and the controversy over gender-specific graduation gown colors, illustrating the difficulties in upholding Title IX and fostering gender equality. The paper further explores the escalation ofgun violence and its profound impact on school safety protocols and legislation. It addresses the administrative burden of complying with a myriad of regulations aimed at ensuring student safety and emotional well-being, from bullying and gender identity to mental health and substance abuse. The first-person narrative critiques the overwhelming expectations placed on school administrators to act as both educational leaders and first responders in a socioeconomically diverse and politically charged environment. It argues for a more holistic approach to educational leadership, one that balances legal and moral obligations to protect free expression with the imperative to create a nurturing and inclusive school culture. The author posits that the real challenge lies in the practical implementation of these ideals.

Reflections on Reading 'Journey to the West in China'

This paper re-examines the classic thesis 'Journey to the West'. Through in-depth analysis of the text, the historical background, social landscape, and character images presented in the work were explored. Re-examined the author's writing perspective and narrative strategy, revealing its unique value in documenting the Chinese revolutionary process. It analyzes the vivid description of the revolutionary struggle under the leadership of the CPC and the true portrayal of all social strata at that time. Further exploration was conducted on the important significance of "Journey to the West" in cross-cultural communication and historical inheritance, emphasizing its important role in enhancing contemporary readers' understanding and cognition of that special historical period, and providing new perspectives and reflections for in-depth research on Chinese revolutionary history.

Identity and cultural expression in Nigerian hip hop

This paper explores the profound influence of vernacular language on the construction of identity and ideology within Nigerian hip hop music. By analyzing the lyrics of prominent Nigerian hip hop artists, the study highlights how artists like Olamide, 9ice, and Tuface utilize Nigerian Pidgin and local dialects such as Yoruba to forge a distinct cultural and national identity. These artists not only celebrate their linguistic heritage but also leverage it as a form of resistance against linguistic and cultural imperialism, promoting a nationalist ideology that resonates deeply with their local audience. The paper argues that the incorporation of vernacular language in Nigerian hip hop goes beyond mere artistic choice; it serves as a critical tool for social and political commentary. This linguistic strategy enables artists to address and critique socio-economic inequalities and political issues, making hip hop a voice for the marginalized. Moreover, the study sheds light on how the use of local dialects and pidgin enhances the accessibility and relatability of the music, thereby strengthening the bond between artists and their audiences. This exploration into the intersection of language, identity, and ideology in Nigerian hip hop not only enriches our understanding of the genre's cultural significance but also underscores the dynamic role of language in shaping artistic and social landscapes. The paper contributes to broader discourses on language policy, cultural expression, and identity politics within the global context of hip hop.

COVID-19 Disruptions to Social Care Delivery: A Qualitative Study in Two Large, Safety-Net Primary Care Clinics

BackgroundSocial care integration refers to the incorporation of activities into health systems that assist patients with health-related social needs (HRSNs) that negatively impact the health outcomes of their patients, such as food insecurity or homelessness. Social care integration initiatives are becoming more common. The COVID-19 pandemic strained health systems while simultaneously increasing levels of unmet social needs.ObjectiveTo describe the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on established social care delivery in a primary care setting.DesignWe used qualitative semi-structured interviews of stakeholders to assess barriers and facilitators to social care delivery in the primary care setting during the COVID-19 health emergency. Data was analyzed using a hybrid inductive/deductive thematic analysis approach with both the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and the Screen-Navigate-Connect-Address-Evaluate model of social care integration.SettingTwo safety-net, hospital-based primary care clinics with established screening for food insecurity, homelessness, and legal needs.ParticipantsSix physicians, six nurses, six members of the social work team (clinical social workers and medical case workers), six community health workers, and six patients (total N = 30) completed interviews.ResultsFour major themes were identified. (1) A strained workforce experienced challenges confronting increased levels of HRSNs. (2) Vulnerable populations experienced a disproportionate negative impact in coping with effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on HRSNs. (3) COVID-19 protections compounded social isolation but did not extinguish the sense of community. (4) Fluctuations in the social service landscape led to variable experiences.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic disrupted established social care delivery in a primary care setting. Many of the lessons learned about challenges to social care delivery when health systems are strained are important considerations that can inform efforts to expand social care delivery.

Analysis of ZARA's Social Media Marketing Strategy in China

The rapid iteration of the fashion industry and the influx of numerous niche emerging fast fashion brands into the market have driven continuous innovation in social media marketing strategies, with new promotional methods constantly emerging. This article, utilizing literature analysis and observational methods, examines ZARA's social media marketing strategy in China. This analysis is beneficial for companies in the fast fashion industry, particularly those looking to expand their influence in the Chinese market. After a detailed analysis of the characteristics and marketing methods of Chinese social media platforms, the impact of external factors on Chinese consumers, and ZARA's social media presence, the article provides detailed recommendations for social media marketing strategies. ZARA, as a pioneer in the fast fashion industry, has established a certain market presence on Chinese social media platforms. However, its promotional strategy still shows potential for improvement. On platforms like Weibo and Little Red Book, ZARA's content strategy lacks specificity and diversity. In contrast, its live streaming marketing on platforms like TikTok demonstrates excellent visual effects and interactivity. This article provides several specific recommendations for ZARA's social media marketing strategy in China, such as strengthening brand storytelling and product showcases on Little Red Book, hiring celebrity endorsements, and regularly hosting styling challenges on TikTok. In summary, by implementing these strategies, ZARA is poised to achieve more effective brand building and market expansion in China's social media landscape.

Leveraging Social Media Marketing: A Case Study of Starbucks Digital Success

With the development of communication technologies like social media, consumption has fundamentally changed. This study examines the impact of the digital and social environment on consumer behavior and business practices by analyzing Starbucks successful practices in social media marketing. The study finds that Starbucks has effectively increased brand awareness and customer engagement on major social platforms such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook through high-quality content marketing, collaborations with online celebrities and active user engagement strategies. Starbucks communicates brand values through visual storytelling and builds a strong customer community with user-generated content and interactive activities. The findings suggest that companies in the retail and restaurant industries can learn from Starbucks experience to enhance emotional connections with customers and brand loyalty by maintaining transparency, building communities, collaborating with web admins, and creating visual content. This study is an important reference for industry practices, emphasizing the importance of continuous innovation in the rapidly changing social media landscape.

Osmice at the crossroads: the dialectical interplay of tradition, modernity and cultural identity in family businesses

Purpose This study aims to explore the dialectical interplay between traditional roots and contemporary challenges faced by family businesses, specifically focusing on “Osmice” (in Slovenian; in Italian, “Osmize”), which are family enterprises that embody the cultural and historical heritage at the intersection of Italy and Slovenia. In particular, the purpose of this study is to understand how these businesses, deeply rooted in the communal life of the Karst region, evolve amidst changing social, economic and cultural landscapes. Design/methodology/approach Building on an alternate template analysis, the research includes the examination of archival data and 34 in-depth narrative interviews. This approach captures details about the historical establishment, persistence and evolution of Osmice, with a particular focus on their ways of facing contemporary challenges while preserving their traditional roots. Findings The findings reveal that Osmice navigate the tension between past and present through high sensitivity to the cultural identity of the land in which they are embedded. Thus, the study interprets these dynamics through a dialectical lens as the synthesis of preserving traditional roots and adapting to contemporary challenges, articulated through a particular sensitivity to cultural identity. Originality/value This investigation contributes to the discourse on how family businesses can maintain their traditional roots while adapting to contemporary challenges. It offers novel insights into the role of cultural identity in balancing tradition and modernity. Through this lens, the study underscores the capacity of family businesses such as Osmice to thrive amidst change, providing implications for both theory and practice in the field of business studies.

Economic and social impact of affordable housing policies: A comparative review

Affordable housing policies play a pivotal role in shaping the economic and social landscapes of nations, especially in the context of growing urbanization and income inequality. This comparative review examines the economic and social impacts of various affordable housing policies across different countries, providing a comprehensive analysis of their effectiveness and broader implications. Economic impacts of affordable housing policies are multifaceted, influencing job creation, economic growth, and household stability. By increasing the supply of affordable housing, these policies can stimulate construction and related industries, leading to significant job creation and economic activity. Affordable housing also enhances household stability by reducing housing costs, allowing for greater disposable income and increased consumer spending. This review explores how policies such as tax incentives, subsidies, and inclusionary zoning have been utilized to promote affordable housing development and their resultant economic benefits. Social impacts of affordable housing policies are equally significant, affecting community cohesion, health outcomes, and educational attainment. Stable and affordable housing contributes to improved mental and physical health by reducing stress and exposure to poor living conditions. Furthermore, it enhances educational outcomes for children by providing a stable home environment conducive to learning. This review discusses policies such as rent control, public housing initiatives, and housing vouchers, highlighting their role in fostering social inclusion and reducing disparities. Case studies from diverse regions, including the United States, Singapore, and Brazil, illustrate the varied approaches and outcomes of affordable housing policies. In the United States, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program has been instrumental in increasing affordable housing supply and promoting economic development in underserved areas. Singapore's Housing and Development Board (HDB) has successfully provided high-quality, affordable housing to a majority of its population, significantly enhancing social stability. Brazil's Minha Casa Minha Vida program showcases how large-scale public housing initiatives can address housing deficits and improve living standards for low-income families. The review concludes that while affordable housing policies have distinct economic and social impacts, their success largely depends on contextual factors such as policy design, implementation strategies, and local economic conditions. Policymakers must consider these factors to create effective and sustainable housing solutions that promote both economic prosperity and social well-being. Keywords: Economic, Social: Impact, Affordable Housing, Policies.

An apology for utopia: on the return of utopian constructions to the mainstream sociological theorizing

Utopian thought, the aspiration toward idealized conditions, and the progression toward advancement have historically constituted a cornerstone of the modernist ethos. Sociology, as an intellectual offspring of the modern epoch, has inherently engaged with utopian constructs – directing its gaze towards conceivable societal futures. In the current era where global challenges – such as climate change, social inequality, and populist political movements – present complex social problems, the relevance of utopian thinking in sociology is underscored as a tool for envisioning transformative solutions. Nonetheless, contemporary developments within the discipline signal a marked attenuation of utopian fervor. This paper scrutinizes the factors contributing to the diminished enthusiasm for utopian speculations within sociological theory. The decline is largely attributed to a shift towards postmodern paradigms, characterized by skepticism towards grand narratives and a pervasive mid-20th-century critique of utopianism. Despite this, the heuristic value of utopian thinking as a methodological instrument for social analysis remains substantial. The central thesis advocates for a resurgence of utopian thought within sociological inquiry, proposing that its restoration functions as a potent critical apparatus. Amid pressing societal crises, sociological engagement with utopian ideals is not merely an academic exercise but a practical imperative. It empowers the discipline to envision alternative social configurations, articulate social aspirations, and pragmatically approach their realization. Utopian thought can stimulate innovative policy-making, encourage societal engagement, and help construct resilient social systems in the face of adversity. Presently, Russian sociology, reflective of broader global sociological trends, does not proffer a societal ideal, hence it navigates without direction, merely mapping and interpreting the existing social landscape. This trajectory has practical implications, potentially limiting the discipline’s ability to be prescriptive and proactive. Confronted with this reality, Russian sociologists – and the discipline more broadly – are urged to rekindle the utopian imagination as a pivotal component of their intellectual endeavor. In doing so, they may foster a renewed sense of direction and purpose in the discipline of sociology, making it all the more pertinent in addressing the multifaceted complexities of today’s world.

Construction of Large Dam: Thinking Dynamics and Struggle of Displaced People

In this modern era, mega development projects are largely responsible to bring about social change in rural community. These development interventions have direct or indirect impacts on the life of rural people. Dam construction for hydropower requires confiscation of large land and eventually displaces large number of people. Kulekhani hydropower project is one of few projects in Nepal that has its own reservoir unlike others which relies on run-off-the-river facilities. Thus being one of the large land acquiring project, it has displaced many people, of which, published works are not available regarding the social and cultural practices of displaced people in the aftermath of their displacement from original homeland. This study was conducted in 2018 on Kulekhani Hydropower Project focusing on the dam development from the perspective of psychological, social and cultural landscape of its affected people.This research is largely based on the primary data collected direct from the field study using biographical interview method, which cover the compensation they received and its utilization pattern, change in their old and new lifestyle and socio-economic status of the displaced people. Research shows that development projects displace people from their roots which cause lots of trouble in the beginning but gradually the displaced people develop the capacity to think according to new environment and with a new perspective which is obviously different that the one they had in their origin.

The Role of Muslim Women Education in National Transformation for Human Development

The significance of Muslim women's education in Islam for national transformation cannot be underestimated. Islam places a great focus on the role and empowerment of women, and Muslim women play a crucial part in shaping a nation's social, political, and economic landscape. Through their adherence to Islamic principles and values, Muslim women contribute to the development and progress of their respective countries. Their involvement in education, entrepreneurship, and community leadership helps to drive economic growth and social cohesion. It has been widely recognized that educated women are key contributors to the growth and development of society. The paper is purely theoretical in nature; it used a literature search of online published articles and an available database to gather the data. Secondary data was used as a major source for gathering information. The paper analytically discusses the emerging themes about women's education role in national transformation for human development. Findings revealed that empowering women through education can promote overall societal development Therefore, investing in the education of Muslim women is not only essential for national human development but also for national transformation. Furthermore, the findings of the paper revealed that the education of Muslim women is critical for the progress and prosperity of a nation. Study findings confirmed that women’s education has a significant impact on individuals and societal development in transformation for national development and capacity building for effective human development.