Social Norms Research Articles

Understanding family abuse: an intersectional approach to prevention and addressing family abuse perpetrators

This article provides an original contribution to understanding the motives for and perpetration patterns of family abuse that affects a range of minoritised communities, such as those minoritised on the basis of race, sexuality or transgender identity, and to contribute to debates around prevention. Negative and discriminatory societal attitudes, norms and behaviours towards these groups influence and justify family abuse. Based on empirical research, our study enhances the existing knowledge base to create practice and policy-focused recommendations for improving preventive and intervention efforts. We approached this from an ecological perspective, using a mixed-methods approach to interrogate quantitative and qualitative data to identify motivating factors underpinning perpetrators’ behaviours. Our analysis, drawing on a phenomenological approach, shows an ecological framework with three interacting levels at which motivating factors occur: the individual, the community and society. Along with understanding who perpetrators might be, the types of family abuse and its impacts for victim/survivors, these three motivating factors provide a template for developing interventions with perpetrators of family abuse. The research also suggests that before interventions for perpetrators of family abuse can be properly developed, the field of domestic abuse needs to reconsider how family abuse is positioned as part of domestic abuse.

The Study of Animal Metaphors in English and Chinese Idioms from the Perspective of Conceptual Metaphor

This paper conducted a study of animal metaphors in English and Chinese idioms from the perspective of conceptual metaphor for the following reasons. Firstly, it summarizes the primary metaphors and its classifications by collecting and sorting out a large number of English and Chinese animal idioms and interpreting the representative animal “dog”. Secondly, it summarizes the similarities and differences of conceptual metaphors in English and Chinese animal idioms, and discusses the causes of these similarities and differences, hoping to help readers understand the nature and characteristics of idioms from a new perspective. It is found that the common characteristics and the similar physiological and psychological basis between human and animal lead to the similarities, while geographical environment, religious belief, dietary habits, literary works and legend, historical background and social customs lead to the differences in conceptual metaphors in English and Chinese animal idioms.

Social norms in Korsakoff's syndrome and alcohol-related dementia.

Social cognition is essential for individuals to perceive, process, and interpret social information that enables them to function effectively in society. Korsakoff's syndrome (KS) and alcohol-related dementia (ARD) are alcohol-related cognitive disorders that are likely to impair social cognition. This study aimed to investigate the ability to judge social norms in KS and ARD in comparison to healthy subjects. The study included 30 patients with KS, 10 patients with ARD, and 74 age-, sex-, and education-matched control participants. The Social Norms Questionnaire - Dutch version (SNQ-NL) was used to measure social cognition, and standardized tests were used to examine the association between social cognition and executive functioning. Both KS and ARD patients performed worse in judging social norms when compared to healthy controls, but there was no significant difference between KS and ARD. Both KS and ARD patients performed worse on the SNQ-NL, judging appropriate behavior as inappropriate (Overadhere errors), than controls. When compared to control participants, patients with KS demonstrated significantly more Break Errors, while the differences between the ARD group and the control group did not reach statistical significance. There were no significant correlations between the SNQ-NL variables and performances on standardized tests for executive functioning in both the KS and control group. This study aimed to investigate the ability to judge social norms in KS and ARD in comparison to healthy subjects. The results show that compared to a control group, both KS and ARD patients performed worse in judging social norms. KS and ARD patients scored equally low on social norms identification. Overall, these findings can further help us understand the difficulties in social behavior as experienced by patients and care staff, since problems in accurately judging social norms could possibly contribute to the severe behavioral issues as observed in alcohol-related disorders.

Reclaiming and remediating space: The dynamics of queer presence in audio drama platform

The censorship of Boys’ Love (BL) content in mainland China is marked by inconsistencies in both its intensity and scope. Amid these shifting regulatory boundaries, this study analyzes the systematic removal and occasional reappearance of visual BL content from the public sphere. We found that as visual channels are most susceptible to suppression, audio – though still monitored – emerges as a crucial medium, leveraging the agentive power of sound and media remediation to sustain fan engagement with BL narratives. Focusing on Miss Evan, a Chinese audio streaming platform, we explore how it navigates state censorship and market marginalization while restoring the BL subculture through innovative design features, sexually appealing voice performances, and provocative sound effects. Additionally, we investigate the agency of Chinese BL fans in reclaiming BL’s presence through polymedia engagement. We argue that the dynamic negotiation between the platform, state censorship, and fandom reveals an ongoing contest between queer marginalization and restoration. While the platform seeks mainstream acceptance by conforming to censorship through the minimization of queer visual representation, the BL fandom employs counterstrategies to sustain the subculture in audio form. This tension highlights the cultural resilience and technological adaptability of queer subcultures as they navigate and resist the censorship imposed by state and societal norms.

Exploring Systemic and Behavioral Factors Influencing Corruption in Public Procurement: A Global Comparative Study

Public procurement is particularly vulnerable to corruption due to the substantial financial transactions and discretionary powers involved. Inadequate governance structures and cultural norms often exacerbate this vulnerability. This study explores the systemic and behavioral factors contributing to corruption in public procurement through a global comparative lens, focusing on regions including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas. Systemic factors, such as weak legal frameworks, lack of transparency, and institutional weaknesses, are analyzed alongside behavioral influences, such as cultural norms, individual ethical considerations, and moral disengagement. By conducting a comprehensive literature review, this study consolidates existing knowledge to pinpoint areas for improvement and emerging trends concerning procurement corruption. The research reveals that corruption in public procurement is deeply ingrained in both institutional frameworks and the cultural context in which procurement occurs. It recommends an integrated anti-corruption strategy combining structural reforms, such as bolstering regulatory oversight, with behavioral interventions to reshape cultural norms and foster ethical behavior. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and academics, emphasizing the necessity of tailored and multifaceted approaches to combat procurement corruption effectively. The study's results enrich the theoretical understanding of corruption by connecting structural and behavioral strategies, guiding policymakers and international organizations striving to promote transparency and accountability in public procurement.

Co-Existence Patterns of Social Norms and Positive Defending Intention Among Adolescents as School Bullying Bystanders.

School bullying occurs frequently in primary and secondary schools, which is a global problem and it often brings serious physical and mental harm to the victims. When school bullying occurs, there may be a large number of bystanders in addition to the bullies and victims. What actions bystanders take affects the progress of school bullying. Relevant studies indicate that social norms including how peers around them react (descriptive norms) and how important adults such as teachers and parents demand (injunctive norms) play important roles in bystanders' action-taking, but limited studies have considered individual differences. Therefore, this study used a person-centered approach to explore the co-existence patterns of social norms and bystanders' defending intention to further understand their relations. We surveyed 1,384 junior high school students in China by self-report questionnaires, and they were asked to assess their defending intention when witnessing school bullying events under different contexts of social norms. Through latent profiles analysis, five co-existing patterns were identified: no norms-no defending group (4.8%), parent norms-no defending group (3.6%), weak norms-low defending group (24.3%), teacher-peer norms-medium defending group (40.6%), teacher-peer norms-high defending group (26.7%). In four out of the five patterns, students' levels of defending intention were highly consistent with the levels of peer and teacher norms, but largely contradicted parent norms. This suggests that descriptive norms from peers and injunctive norms from teachers, other than those from parents are crucial for promoting bystanders' defending intention, which provides important enlightenment for school bullying prevention. These findings provide important enlightenment for the prevention and control of school bullying in the future.

Navigating shared decision-making after the Life-Sustaining Treatment Decision Act: a qualitative study of in-depth interviews with terminal cancer patients, families, and healthcare professionals.

End-of-life decision-making, particularly relating to withholding life-sustaining treatment (LST), is a complex and emotionally charged process involving healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers. This qualitative study explored the decision-making process in South Korea, where cultural norms and ethical considerations influence the dynamics of shared decision-making (SDM). In-depth interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers using a grounded theory approach to elucidate the themes and processes underlying SDM for LST. This study used the "6C" framework, which could reflect the intricacies of the SDM process. The results suggest that healthcare professionals face emotional challenges and an ethical dilemma in disclosing prognoses and discussing LST withholding, often deferring such discussions until the condition of patients worsens. Cultural factors, such as collectivist values and societal taboos surrounding death, influence decision-making dynamics, highlighting the need for tailored interventions and cultural competence in healthcare settings. The proposed "6C" framework provides insights into addressing current challenges in SDM and emphasizes the importance of cultural norms and ethical obligations in end-of-life decision-making. Further research is warranted to examine the SDM process in diverse cultural contexts and develop interventions to enhance patient and family involvement in the decision-making process for LST.

Addressing social norms for adolescent timing and spacing of pregnancy in low and middle-income countries: Developing a global research agenda.

Social norms shape adolescent sexual and reproductive health behaviours contributing to contraceptive and pregnancy outcomes. No global research agendas exist to guide research on adolescent social norms shifting in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We developed a social norms research agenda to improve adolescent healthy timing and spacing of pregnancy in LMICs. We adapted and applied the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) method. A group of researchers guided the process, and consulted with diverse experts to develop a list of 21 research questions for global stakeholders to score via an online survey. Survey participants scored each research question according to four criteria (fills key gap, feasible, impactful, equitable). Research priority scores (RPS) and average expert agreement (AEA) statistics were calculated for each question and analysed overall and by stakeholder region and profession. We received 185 survey responses. Participants were, on average, 44 years old, 64% were women, 70% were from LMICs and 47% were implementers. The RPS ranged from 52 to 81% (74% median) and the AEA ranged from 49 to 70% (58% median). Nearly 70% of stakeholders gave the same score to each of the top five research questions. The top five research priorities focused on effective norm-shifting interventions (NSIs) strategies, processes and indicators to NSIs, and NSI adaptation and scale-up. Using a collaborative and rigorous process with diverse representation from LMICs and implementers, we reached consensus on five priority research questions to guide future adolescent social norms research to improve healthy timing and spacing of pregnancy in LMICs.

Discourse of the Marginalized: A Critical Analysis of Mulk Raj Anand's The Old Woman and The Cow

Women have had lower social status in Indian traditional culture. The primary objective of the study is to critically evaluate Mulk Raj Anand’s novel The Old Woman and The Cow from a feminist perspective. By adopting this approach, the research aims to illuminate the marginalized voices within the narrative and explore the novel's treatment of gender, power dynamics, and societal norms. The analysis of the novel is grounded in feminist criticism, focusing on the portrayal of female characters, their agency, and the challenges they confront in a patriarchal society. The methodology involves closely examining the text, paying careful attention to character development, narrative structure, and thematic elements. The study reveals how Anand’s novel provides a platform for marginalized voices, emphasizing the resilience and agency of women in the face of adversity. It underscores the role of literature in challenging societal norms and advocating for social change.

The Effect of Normative Commitment on Intention to Stay at Work: An Application in the Aviation Sector

Normative commitment is defined as the extent to which an individual adheres to norms at work. The intention to stay at work indicates how long the individual plans to stay in their current job. A high level of normative commitment indicates that the individual adheres strongly to organizational and social norms, which may positively affect the intention to stay at work. The extant literature indicates that normative commitment, which arises from a sense of moral duty or perceived obligation to the organization, can significantly influence an individual's decision to continue employment with the organization. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of normative commitment on work retention intentions.A total of 567 individuals employed in the aviation sector at IGA (Istanbul Ground Airport) were surveyed. The correlation analysis revealed a highly significant positive relationship between normative commitment and intention to stay at work, with r = 0.718 (p < 0.05 significance level). The regression analysis demonstrated that normative commitment exerts an effect on intention to stay at work (β = 0.753; p < 0.05). The results of the t-test and ANOVA on normative commitment and intention to stay at work revealed significant differences between gender, status, age, education, and working hours at the p < 0.05 significance level.

Towards an Emplaced Vocabulary of Motive: Senses of Place and Land Sale Decision‐Making in the Northern Great Plains*

AbstractOne of the most remote regions in the contiguous United States, the Upper Missouri River Breaks in the Northern Great Plains of Montana is both “cattle country” and “pristine prairie”: an identity that brings repeated tension over land use. Over the last twenty years, a conservation organization with a mission to rewild the region has purchased thousands of acres of ranchland from willing sellers despite widespread agricultural community resistance. In this study, I interview those who chose to sell and those who chose to stay, and I ask how landowners justify their decisions to sell, or not sell, their land. By using what C. Wright Mills calls “vocabularies of motive,” I investigate two central questions. The first asks why a landowner would sell land against what social norms would dictate to be “right.” The second asks why a landowner would not sell land, given the perceived inevitable eventual loss of a regional agricultural livelihood. I suggest one way to understand these questions is by considering how senses of place shape what decision‐makers believe to be the most justifiable course of action. Extending the vocabulary of motive framework to include senses of place better informs the understanding of land sale decision‐making. Though deeply contextual, the themes running through this case (i.e., ongoing existential threats to the agricultural industry, booms in the buying power of private philanthropists, and decision making in socially and politically contentious spaces) are relevant to a broader understanding of shifts within agricultural communities and the ongoing perceived “battle” between production and conservation.

"I am the mother of the kind of child you dread having": Experiences of living with chronic sorrow among parents with a disabled child.

Chronic sorrow involves parents' enduring grief due to their child's disability. This stems not only from the recurring painful reality parents face, which differs from the life they had hoped for their children, families, and themselves but from also being confronted with societal and personal norms and expectations they cannot meet. There is a lack of research on the lived experiences of parents' chronic sorrow. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) study involving six parents with severely disabled children explored what it is like for parents to confront being "different." Besides sorrow, the parents experienced intense ambiguity, guilt, and uncertainty while navigating societal expectations and their own perceptions of their children. Their ideas of parenthood and their self-identity as parents proved central to their strategies. This study provides insight into the intricacies of this particular aspect of chronic sorrow in parents, with relevance for research and practice.

Unveiling China's Fertility Dilemma: Analyzing Risk Factors and Their Global Implications

Abstract: The National Bureau of Statistics of China has announced in 2021 that the country has formally entered the stage of low fertility rate, reaching a historically low of 1.3. Such low birth is far below the replacement level of 2.1 which is needed for maintaining a sustainable population, implying the possibility for China to start a significant demographic shift. Several key factors have contributed to this decline. Factors behind the problem includes Chinas historical policy implementation, socioeconomic factors including the rise of housing price and cost of upbringing and social factors including waning of social norms and ascent of gender equity. Such phenomenon serves as also valuable insights for analyzing global fertility intention for countries like Switzerland, the United States and South Korea. As all global policymakers seek to address the problem of unstable and declining fertility rates and waning fertility intention, the Chinese case could provide intriguing example as supportive evidence.

An in depth review of body shaming phenomenon among adolescent: Trigger factors, psychological impact and prevention efforts

Background: Body shaming, a pervasive issue, has severe psychological and societal repercussions, particularly for early adolescents. This study addresses the gap in understanding body shaming in smaller urban settings such as Jember City, often overlooked in favour of larger metropolitan areas.Aim: The study aimed to investigate the psychological effects, trigger factors and potential preventive measures of body shaming among junior high school students in Jember City.Setting: The study was conducted in junior high schools in Jember City, East Java, Indonesia.Methods: An observational, cross-sectional design with both quantitative and qualitative approaches was used. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The quantitative analysis was performed using the Spearman’s rank test.Results: The study included 320 adolescents aged between 12 and 15 years. Of these, 6.3% were 12 years old, 31.2% were 13, 31.6% were 14, and 30.9% were 15. Additionally, 56.2% of the participants were female. The majority (95%) identified as Muslim, and 72.8% had parents with bachelor’s degrees. Parental occupations ranged from private business to civil service. In terms of body mass index, 34.7% were classified as very thin, 18.1% as thin, 40.9% as normal, and 3.1% as fat or obese. Body shaming was widespread, with 73.1% criticized for their clothing, 59.9% for their speech, and 66.7% compared to others. The main sources of body shaming were family, peers, media, and personal insecurities. There was also a significant correlation between body shaming and stress (ρ = 0.404, p 0.01).Conclusion: Body shaming affects mental health, particularly among adolescents. It stems from societal norms and media perpetuation.Contribution: This study provides insights into body shaming in smaller urban settings, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts to mitigate its effects and promote healthier self-esteem and body image.

Study protocol of the planetary health action survey PACE: a serial cross-sectional survey to assess the readiness to act against climate change

IntroductionClimate change is a paramount global health threat with multifaceted implications. Societal change is required to mitigate the negative effects of climate change, as well as help people adapt to...

“A Fly in the Ointment”: The Barriers to Portuguese Female Political Participation

The latest data from the Gender Equality Index ranks Portugal 10th in female political power. Despite a larger female resident population, parity in access to power and decision-making remains limited. Research on local political power reveals low female representation within parties and a lack of motivation to recruit or affiliate women. This study utilizes thematic analysis eight interviews with women in political leadership positions to identify barriers to female political participation in the Portuguese context. Key questions addressed include the following: How do media representation, role models, stereotypes, and cultural norms impact the political arena? Is it the lack of representation that deters women, or does the political environment alienate them? The analysis explores how media portrayal, stereotypes, double standards, scrutiny, and cultural norms interconnect, perpetuating the political arena as a male-dominated space, thereby marginalizing women politicians.

The Role of Local Wisdom in the Governance of Nunkurus Village

This research, entitled "The Role of Local Wisdom in the Governance of Nunkurus Village," addresses the issue of how local wisdom influences the governance of Nunkurus Village. The objective of this study is to ascertain the role of local wisdom in the governance of the village. The research employs an empirical legal study approach, utilizing both primary and secondary data sources. Data collection techniques include document studies and interviews, with data analysis conducted through descriptive qualitative methods. The findings reveal that local wisdom plays a dual role: for the community, it functions as an unwritten rule or law, while for the village government, it acts as a social norm regulating community behavior concerning livestock, and as a sociological/anthropological legal source in the formation of village regulations.

An Exploration of the Role of HR Departments in Optimizing Employee Mental Wellness in the Face of Organizational Risks

Purpose Considering mental health in organizations is crucial for several reasons, as it directly impacts the well-being and productivity of employees. This paper aims to delve into the role of the human resource (HR) department (HRD) in promoting mental health and mitigating associated organizational risks within emerging markets, with a specific focus on organizations in Jordan. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative research approach, 21 semistructured interviews were conducted with employees from diverse organizations and industries in Jordan. Findings The study’s findings illuminate a constrained role of HRD in supporting employees’ mental well-being, attributable to several factors: (i) a perceptual gap between the actual and desired roles of HRD in fostering mental health according to employees; (ii) institutional factors dictating initiatives for mental health support at work; and (iii) societal and cultural norms shaping attitudes toward mental health, both pre- and post-COVID-19. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the intersection of HR practices and mental health support in the workplace in emerging markets, providing valuable insights for both academic and practical considerations. As organizations navigate the evolving landscape of employee well-being, this study’s findings offer a foundation for future research and the development of evidence-based strategies to enhance mental health support within organizational contexts and mitigate organizational risks. Originality/value This study illuminates the current landscape of human resources management development in fostering mental health at work in Jordan, serving as a foundation for future research agendas in the country and potentially the wider region.

Social Group Dynamics and Its Role in the Phenomenon of Bullying in Secondary Schools

This study aims to analyze the dynamics of social groups and their role in the phenomenon of bullying in secondary schools. The main focus is to understand how interactions between groups, social norms, and hierarchical structures within groups affect the prevalence and forms of bullying. The method used is a qualitative approach with a systematic literature review. Relevant sources were identified through academic databases using specific keywords, then evaluated and analyzed using thematic analysis. The results of the study indicate that social group dynamics play a significant role in the phenomenon of bullying. Rigid hierarchical group structures, norms that support dominance, and intergroup competition tend to increase the risk of bullying. Conversely, groups with more egalitarian structures and inclusive values tend to show lower levels of bullying. The role of group leaders and bystanders was also found to be crucial in shaping responses to bullying. Contextual factors such as school transitions and the use of social media also influence the dynamics of bullying. Analysis using Social Identity Theory and Social Control Theory revealed that bullying is often rooted in the need to strengthen group identity and respond to weak social ties. These findings emphasize the importance of a holistic approach in bullying prevention and intervention efforts, which considers the complexity of group dynamics and the broader social context.

Neighborhoods, Networks, and HIV Care Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: Proposal for a Longitudinal Study.

The majority of people living with HIV in the United States are men who have sex with men (MSM), with race- and ethnicity-based disparities in HIV rates and care continuum. In order to uncover the neighborhood- and network-involved pathways that produce HIV care outcome disparities, systematic, theory-based investigation of the specific and intersecting neighborhood and social network characteristics that relate to the HIV care continuum must be engaged. Using socioecological and intersectional conceptual frameworks, we aim to identify individual-, neighborhood-, and network-level characteristics associated with HIV care continuum outcomes (viral suppression, retention in care, and antiretroviral adherence) among MSM living with HIV in New York City. In the longitudinal cohort study, we assess 3 neighborhoods of potential influence (residential, social, and health care access activity spaces) using Google Earth. We investigate the influence of neighborhood composition (eg, concentrated poverty and racial segregation) and four neighborhood-level characteristics domains: (1) community violence, physical disorder, and social disorganization (eg, crime rates and housing vacancy); (2) alcohol and other drug use; (3) social norms (eg, homophobia and HIV stigma); and (4) community resources (eg, social services and public transit access). We test theoretical pathways of influence, including stress or coping, stigma or resilience, and access to resources, across the different neighborhoods in which MSM live, socialize, and receive HIV care. At each visit, we locate each participant's reported activity spaces (ie, neighborhoods of potential influence) and collect individual-level data on relevant covariates (including perceptions of or exposure to neighborhoods) and social network inventory data on the composition, social support, and perceived social norms. The outcomes are HIV viral suppression, retention in care, and antiretroviral adherence. These data are combined with an existing, extensive geospatial database of relevant area characteristics. Spatial analysis and multilevel modeling are used to test the main theory-driven hypotheses and capture independent neighborhood-level and network-level effects and changes over time. The study began enrollment in March 2019 and concluded visits in December 2023, with a total of 327 participants enrolled. The median age was 44.1 (SD 11.5) years. Almost all participants self-identified as cisgender men (n=313, 98.1%) and as gay, homosexual, or bisexual (n=301, 94.4%). Overall, 192 (60.1%) participants identified as non-Hispanic Black, and 81 (25.3%) identified as Hispanic. Most (n=201, 63%) reported at least occasional difficulty in meeting basic needs (eg, rent and food) in the past 6 months. The mean number of years living with HIV was 15.4 (SD 10.1). This study will have direct implications for the design of multilevel interventions, addressing factors at the neighborhood, network, and individual levels. Results may inform urban planning and program design to improve HIV care outcomes for MSM, particularly for Black and Latino MSM living in urban areas. PRR1-10.2196/64358.