Social Norms Research Articles

Cultural and Economic Aspects of “Pharmacy” Drug Addiction: The Influence of Availability of Medicines and Social Norms in Modern Society

The article is devoted to the study of factors contributing to the development of pharmacy drug addiction, with an emphasis on the availability of drugs and their perception in society. The work examines cultural changes associated with the popularization of prescription drug use, and economic factors, such as pharmaceutical companies' policies and marketing strategies, that influence the increased availability of these drugs. The author analyzes how social norms and popular culture contribute to the normalization of drug abuse, especially among young people. Particular attention is paid to the role of pharmacies, doctors and government regulation in creating conditions for the development of pharmacy drug addiction. The conclusion emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to combat this problem, including both tightening control over the distribution of drugs and changing public perceptions of the safe use of pharmaceuticals.

People update their injunctive norm and moral beliefs after receiving descriptive norm information.

How do descriptive norms shape injunctive norm beliefs, and what does this tell us about the cognitive processes underlying social norm cognition? Across six studies (N = 2,671), we examined whether people update their injunctive norm beliefs-as well as their moral judgments and behavioral intentions-after receiving descriptive norm information about how common (or uncommon) a behavior is. Specifically, we manipulated the descriptive normativity of behaviors, describing behaviors as uncommon (20% of people were doing the behavior) or common (80% of people were doing the behavior), and the type of behavior across studies (fairness, conventional, harm, preference). To measure belief updating, we assessed beliefs prior to and after receiving information about the descriptive norm. We had three main findings: First, participants positively updated their prior injunctive norm beliefs, moral judgments, and behavioral intentions (i.e., rated behaviors more injunctively normative and moral) after receiving a common descriptive norm and negatively updated their beliefs (i.e., rated behaviors less injunctive and moral) after receiving an uncommon descriptive norm, and updated to a larger extent for the common than uncommon descriptive norm. Second, participants were more likely to update their beliefs about what is moral for others compared to what is moral for the self. Third, participants updated their beliefs to a greater extent for fairness and conventional behaviors compared to harm behaviors and preferences. Together, our findings suggest that descriptive norms shape our injunctive norm beliefs and moral judgments and help to paint a fuller picture of the social cognition of social norms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Constitutionalization in the context of modern constitutionalism: theoretical and methodological analysis

The article examines constitutionalization as an important category of constitutional law. The author explores various approaches to understanding this concept, its historical development, and modern interpretations. The views of domestic and foreign scholars on the essence, characteristics, and forms of manifestation of constitutionalization are analyzed. Special attention is paid to the relationship between the concepts of “constitutional order”, “constitutionalism”, and “constitutionalization”. The author emphasizes that constitutionalization is a dynamic process that reflects the practical aspect of constitutionalism and has a global character. The article examines various aspects of constitutionalization, including its impact on the legal system, the expansion of constitutional regulation, and the subordination of government activities to constitutional principles. The author analyzes the role of constitutionalization in ensuring the unity of the legal system and guaranteeing constitutional rights and freedoms. Special attention is paid to the process of constitutionalization in the context of developing a democratic state governed by the rule of law. Based on the analysis of scientific sources, the author formulates their own definition of constitutionalization as a multifaceted process that includes the formal establishment of rights in the constitution, subordination of government activities to constitutional principles, expansion of constitutional regulation of various spheres of public life, and the influence of constitutional norms on the development of the legal system. The conclusions emphasize the importance of further research on constitutionalization for improving constitutional and legal regulation and ensuring the effective operation of constitutional norms in modern society.

Is news consumption related to abortion attitudes? An exploratory study with a nationally representative sample of US adults

The news is an efficient way to share information and plays an important role in shaping and reflecting cultural values and norms. However, research examining news consumption and abortion attitudes is limited. In this exploratory study, we analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of 886 US adults to assess whether self-reported frequency of news consumption—by news format (e.g., television, radio, newspaper, social media), news leaning (i.e., liberal, neutral, conservative), and total sum (i.e., total amount of consumption across leanings)—predicted abortion attitudes and complexity in attitudes. We conducted Poisson and negative binomial regression analyses controlling for demographic variables. We found that gender, political affiliation, Bible literalism, educational attainment, and abortion identity were significant predictors. While we did not observe a relationship between news format and abortion attitudes, we did find that the associations between news leaning and the total sum of news consumed varied across abortion identity. Our findings suggest that attitudes toward abortion may be differentially influenced by partisan news across abortion identity. After Dobbs v. Jackson, there is a need for advocates to tailor strategies to different sub-groups, promote media literacy, and encourage the use of diverse and balanced news sources to foster more informed views on abortion.

Smart Shopping Carts in Food Retailing: Innovative Technology and Shopping Experience in Stationary Retail

ABSTRACTIn the development of the Internet of Things, smart shopping carts present a digital innovation that can realize cost‐cutting potential and improve the shopping experience. The impact of smart shopping carts on customers' shopping experience is analyzed in stationary grocery retailing. We explore first whether customers are willing to use these technological innovations, specifically smart shopping carts. Second, the effect of smart shopping carts on customers' shopping experiences is evaluated. For this, we employed a mixed method approach combining a survey study and an interview follow‐up study. A purposive sampling recruited 291 stationary grocery shoppers. A variance‐based structural equation analysis tests the research model for the adoption of smart shopping carts and their relevance to customers' shopping experience. Next, 22 interviews were conducted with grocery shoppers following an intervention approach. Customers are willing to use smart shopping carts when shopping for groceries in stationary retailing. Customers focus on the ease of use and usefulness of the shopping carts, whereas privacy risk and temporary enjoyment are less relevant. However, our empirical results show that affective, social (employee), and physical components predominantly shape the shopping experience compared with the technical component of smart shopping carts. Smart shopping carts similarly affect the cognitive component and the social (customer) component. In contrast to other digital retail innovations, customers seem to value utility of smart shopping carts above else. Stationary retailers can, thus, focus their introduction of smart shopping carts on countering technology anxiety and highlighting customer benefits of shopping comfort and reduced checkout times.

Social and Psychological Factors Influencing Drug Use Among Young People: Analysis of Modern Society

The article examines key aspects influencing the spread of drug use among young people. The main focus is on the analysis of social and psychological factors, such as the influence of family and immediate environment, the role of social networks and media, as well as the influence of peers and group dynamics. It also examines psychological aspects, including stress, anxiety, depression, personality characteristics and emotional instability, which can contribute to the formation of a tendency to use drugs. The article examines cultural and economic differences in drug use, revealing the impact of economic inequality, unemployment and changing social norms on the behavior of young people. Based on a comprehensive analysis of data from various sources, the article seeks to identify the main causes and mechanisms behind drug use among young people and offers recommendations for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Attitudes Toward Prostitution in Norway, Spain, and Germany: Association With the Legal Context and Susceptibility to Persuasion.

The social and legal treatment of prostitution varies between countries. We examined attitudes toward prostitution (ATP) and their susceptibility to persuasion in three countries: Norway, where prostitution is illegal; Spain, where prostitution is not explicitly regulated in the law; and Germany, where prostitution is legal. Participants (total N = 579) read arguments in favor of either legalization or abolition of prostitution or no arguments. Then they reported their ATP, judged the consequences of abolishing prostitution and completed measures of feminism, political orientation and sociosexuality. Results showed that, as hypothesized, ATP scores (1) reflected the countries' legislation, being most positive in Germany and least positive in Norway; (2) were affected by arguments only in Spain, where the legal situation is ambiguous; and (3) were meaningfully correlated with other attitudes across countries. These findings highlight the association of legal frameworks with attitudes, suggesting that national legislation can shape social norms and perceptions of prostitution. Additionally, the varying susceptibility to persuasive messages across different legal contexts underscores the role of legal ambiguity in shaping openness to attitudinal change.

Enhancing productivity with custom GPTs to support curriculum development

At the Centre for Digital Transformation of Health, we develop a range of postgraduate and professional development courses designed to upskill the healthcare workforce in digital transformation. Our course development is informed by the ADDIE framework (Branch, 2009). During the design stage, we leverage the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework by Wiggins and McTighe (2005). UbD uses a backwards design process that starts with the outcomes in mind that constructively align with the assessment and learning activities. This process can be challenging for subject matter experts (SMEs) with little pedagogical training (Cho and Trent, 2005; Michael and Libarkin, 2016), particularly in designing topic-level learning outcomes using Bloom’s Taxonomy (Bloom et al., 1956); outlining key understandings, the big ideas and their practical applications (Wiggins & McTighe, 2005); and separating what learners should know from how that knowledge will be applied. Consequently, substantial hours are dedicated to 1:1 coaching sessions to ensure effective development of learning outcomes and content. Our driving research question is how can generative AI improve our efficiency of working with SMEs with little pedagogical knowledge? We therefore integrated ChatGPT into the curriculum design process (Conrad and Hall, 2024). However, instead of using a standard instance of ChatGPT that relies on effective prompt engineering by the user, we iteratively developed two custom GPTs (Bloomify and UnderstandMe), using OpenAI’s GPTbuilder. These GPTs constrain and customise ChatGPT’s output without requiring coding knowledge. The build process starts by explaining to the GPTbuilder what you would like your custom GPT to help with, followed by iterative prompting about specific functions, behaviours, and additional materials to constrain the GPT’s responses. Bloomify translates unrefined topic aims from SMEs into three bloomified learning outcomes across three Bloom’s levels for the SME to consider, iterate and improve upon. UnderstandMe uses the topic outcome created by Bloomify and helps the SME conceptualise the big ideas, key understandings, and the practical application of the knowledge they will learn in the topic. This approach keeps the SME at the centre of the process, rather than offloading the entire curriculum design process to ChatGPT, which was described by Conrad & Hall (2024). Early results of implementing the GPTs are promising. We observed a significant boost in efficiency, enabling us to complete twice as many UbD templates per hour of coaching. This suggests that GPTs could offer a substantial improvement in time efficiency and offer a simple way of reducing the cognitive burden of the backwards design process for SMEs and learning designers. These time savings are then reallocated to other aspects of the course development process providing the opportunity for richer collaboration between SME and learning designer. We have provided links to both GPTs, both of which are discipline-agnostic, to support the broader learning design and academic community through the backwards design process within their respective disciplines. Further evaluation of these tools will focus SME perspectives of using the GPT during collaborative course development and to investigate how these tools will influence the social norms of course design in the future.

Towards a ‘Newer Normal’? A Bibliometric Analysis Examining Organisational Culture in the Post-COVID-19 Higher Education Landscape in the United Kingdom

Concern continues to grow over the changing nature of work that initially formed a ‘new normal’ within higher education institutions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. This situation is now being further impacted by subsequent economic and political challenges in the sector, which in turn shifts the workplace towards an even ‘newer normal’. The purpose of this article is to: (1) methodically and logically review the extant literature and research linking the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic to the organisational culture of higher education institutions in the United Kingdom; and (2) based on a bibliometric analysis, to offer a road map for further empirical research in the future. Researchers have found that changing workplace norms, such as remote and hybrid working and other forms of flexibility in approaches to learning and the availability of delivery modes, have become increasingly common, which has changed the nature of working practices and underpinning aspects of organisational culture. Therefore, it now appears opportune to update existing knowledge on organisational culture theory within the United Kingdom higher education context to support policy development and enhance workplace practices in the post-COVID-19 period. From a theoretical perspective, this article contributes to organisational culture literature by assimilating a dataset of nascent studies generated through keyword search on Clarivate Analytics Web of Science that have examined the impact of COVID-19 on organisational culture in United Kingdom higher education institutions. This emergent dataset was analysed using VOS Viewer, with the results of subsequent quantitative bibliometric analysis identifying the main existing research fronts as well as potential research directions for the empirical development of organisational culture. Based on this bibliometric analysis, the main suggested future research agendas that need to be addressed linked to organisational culture in the UK higher education sector in the post-COVID period are: (a) to further examine changing cultural norms and expectations; (b) hybrid approaches to working; (c) academic identity; and (d) organisational culture and the changing psychological contract. Such research is important as the UK Higher Education sector now progresses towards an even ‘newer normal’.

LEADERSHIP AND BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS IN THE MINDS OF STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT

This article examines the key role of leadership in the formation and maintenance of effective business communications in organizations. The authors emphasize that in the conditions of constant changes in the business environment and growing competition, strategic management requires leaders not only to have managerial skills, but also to have high communication skills. The article analyzes how different leadership styles affect internal communication processes, determining how leaders can create an open and supportive communication environment. It emphasizes the importance of interaction between the leader and the team, as well as between management and external stakeholders such as customers, suppliers and partners. The authors also consider the challenges faced by leaders in the context of digitalization and globalization, and offer recommendations for developing communication skills. The article emphasizes the need to adapt communication strategies to changing market conditions, which allows organizations to be more flexible and competitive. In addition, the article provides examples of successful leadership practices that demonstrate how effective communication can be the key to the success of strategic initiatives. The authors argue that the integration of leadership and communications into an organization's strategy is a key factor in achieving long-term goals and improving the overall effectiveness of management processes. Contemporary challenges faced by leaders in the context of globalization and digital technologies, as well as their strategies for adapting to changes, are separately considered. The intercultural style of leadership in the context of any culture is considered, which provides an opportunity to analyze existing values ​​and approaches to leadership. It has been proven that further research is needed: cross-cultural barriers in communications; the influence of cultural norms on leadership styles; the role of emotional intelligence in leadership communications; strategies for adapting strategic management to different cultural contexts.

Negotiations of responsibility for community and personal care: Emotional coping, leisure, and restoration for uniformed first responders

ABSTRACT Uniformed public safety personnels (PSPs) are the first line of care on scenes of distress, where they are put into positions to negotiate the responsibilities of community and personal care. This work helps expose the oppressive nature that systems governing community safety have on bodies that are uniformed. Using critical, narrative approaches, 11 public safety personnel participants were recruited to participate in focus groups and interviews. Conversations with PSPs centred on how they navigate relations of power and adhere to militant cultural norms to perform the expectations of the ‘uniform.’ We interpretively analyzed the data to describe three threads that make up the uniform and to create reflections on the potentials of leisure as a means of resistance and healing under capitalism. The intent of this paper is to create a stronger rationale for more work in the study of community safety and care, addressing a gap in services for PSPs.

Identity Work: A Qualitative Study of Residents’ Experiences Navigating Identity Struggles

Introduction: Medical training traditionally holds a deterministic view of professional socialization wherein many medical learners struggle to construct a professional identity. Previous research has demonstrated the dysfunctional norms and conflicting ideologies that create identity struggle, disproportionally affecting women and individuals underrepresented in medicine. Symbolic interactionism can help explain identity struggles, emphasizing the influence of socio-contextual factors on identity construction. The purpose of this study was to explore how residents navigate identity struggles during residency training. Method: We conducted a qualitative exploration of 12 residents in three specialties at three academic institutions in the United States. Participants engaged in rich picture drawings followed by one-on-one interviews. We coded transcript data and met regularly to identify themes related to residents’ experiences with navigating professional identity struggles. Results: We identified three main themes on navigating identity struggles: the weight of identity work, the isolating nature of identity work, and the navigation that occurs with and against socio-contextual currents. Residents described identity work as navigation like a boat at sea. This work felt weighty and at times overwhelming and residents often felt unable to discuss their identity struggles with others. Residents utilized what agency they had to either navigate with the current, navigating towards acceptable—albeit imperfect—paths forward, or attempting to go against the current to forge new paths through resistance. Discussion: This study highlights how context enables and constrains identity construction, how contextual constraints can create dissonance between identities, and the considerable effort required to reconcile dissonance and construct professional identities. Training program adjustments, enhanced resident support, and cultural shifts are required to sustain residents’ identity work. Medical professionals should engage in collective identity work to reimagine the profession’s identity by addressing dysfunctional cultural norms.

The Influence of Social Media Marketing and Customer Experience on Consumer Purchase Intentions

In this study the impact of social media marketing and customer experience was investigated on consumer purchase intentions, using Mixue Ice Cream & Tea as a case study. Data were collected through an online survey of 501 Nanjing, China respondents who had purchased products from Mixue Ice Cream & Tea. Structural equation modeling was used for hypothesis testing. The findings revealed that social media marketing and customer experience significantly and positively influenced purchase intentions, with trust and brand awareness as key mediators. The results underscore the importance of innovative social media strategies and high-quality customer experiences in fostering trust and enhancing brand awareness. Practical implications include recommendations for enhancing social media engagement, customer service, and transparent business practices. Future research should expand geographically, incorporate additional variables, and explore emerging technologies. This study contributes to the literature by offering a comprehensive model of consumer behavior and actionable insights for the ready-to-drink tea industry.

Weaving Community Intersecting Identities and Support Networks in Urban Immigrant Settings

This abstract uses Monica Ali's book “Brick Lane” to study how gender, class, and ethnicity interact to form social networks and support systems for immigrant women in urban settings. Using intersectional theory as a framework, the study looks at how different immigrant communities' development of solidarity, rivalry, and cooperation is impacted by intersecting identities. Putting social networks and support systems in context is the first step in the study, which aims to help immigrants adapt, integrate, and live successfully in urban environments. Next, it gives a synopsis of “Brick Lane,” emphasizing how the experiences of important people and the Bangladeshi immigrant community in East End, London, are portrayed. Investigating how common identities and experiences promote community cohesiveness, the study looks at examples of solidarity among immigrant women. It looks at how indispensable informal networks are for offering both practical and emotional assistance, such as friendships, family ties, and neighborhood associations. In addition, the examination reveals obstacles and conflicts among immigrant groups, including rivalry for assets, standing, and prospects. It takes into account how overlapping identities and power dynamics influence relationships between immigrant women, including disputes about resources, social norms, and hierarchies. The study presents instances of immigrant women working together and taking collective action despite these obstacles. It highlights moments in which they unite to speak out about shared issues and fight for their rights, offering tactics for building resilience and empowerment among immigrant populations. Finally, this research sheds light on the complex dynamics of overlapping identities and social networks among metropolitan immigrant women. It adds to a greater understanding of the complexities of immigrant social networks and their consequences for community building and empowerment by looking at the experiences of characters in “Brick Lane” and drawing on intersectional theory. The results provide implications for future studies, policies, and practices that seek to assist immigrant women in negotiating the opportunities and problems associated with urban migration.

The Effects of Culture Shock on The Cultural Adaptation of Overseas Students in Thailand at King Mongkut’s University

This paper aims to examine the phenomenon of culture shock experienced by international students studying in Thailand for their master’s degree and explore their strategies for adapting to Thai culture. This research employed a semi-structured interview with eight international students at King Mongkut’s University of Technology in Bangkok, Thailand. The participants completed the open-ended questionnaires and provided responses via a Google Docs link. The writer will use Kalervo Oberg's four stages of culture shock to better understand culture shock and the adaptation process of overseas students studying in Thailand. The research illustrates the causes behind international students' desire to pursue educational institutions in Thailand and their experiences with culture shock across the four stages, along with their adaptation process. The findings suggest that overseas students suffer from culture shock in relation to their surroundings, language, cultural norms, and academic areas.

Visual Art Representation and Social Attitudes Towards Transgender Individuals in Pakistan: Exploring Queer Theory, Personal Narratives, and Societal Change

This research paper investigates the intricate interplay between visual art representation, social attitudes, and the experiences of transgender individuals within the Pakistani context. By integrating the frameworks of queer theory, personal narratives, and the recent enactment of the transgender bill, this study aims to contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and supportive society for transgender individuals in Pakistan. The paper begins by providing a comprehensive understanding of key terms such as LGBT, transgender, and gay, clarifying their distinct meanings to avoid misconceptions. It then introduces the theoretical lens of queer theory, which offers critical insights into challenging societal norms and perceptions regarding gender and sexuality. Through an in-depth case study of a college friend who underwent a gender transition and now identifies as a woman, the researcher engages in meaningful dialogue to gain a profound understanding of her personal experiences, challenges, and transformative journey. This exploration sheds light on the emotional disorientation and internal conflicts often encountered when interacting with individuals who have undergone gender transitions, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in fostering meaningful connections. Furthermore, the research delves into the realm of visual art practices among transgender individuals in Pakistan, analyzing the artistic expressions of transgender artists and those who explore transgender themes. By examining the transformative power of visual art to raise awareness, promote empathy, and challenge stereotypes, the study highlights the potential of art as a catalyst for social change and acceptance. In addition, the paper addresses the broader societal implications and attitudes towards transgender individuals in Pakistani society, particularly in the context of the transgender bill. It underscores the urgency for progress in terms of ensuring equal treatment, inclusivity, and acceptance, aiming to dismantle discriminatory practices and foster an environment that embraces diversity. Overall, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on transgender rights and social attitudes in Pakistan. By amplifying personal narratives, employing queer theory as an analytical framework, and recognizing the transformative potential of visual art, this study advocates for the dignified treatment and facilitation of transgender individuals as valued members of society with respect and equality.

Cinema as a Catalyst for Change: How Indian Film Transforms Traditional Gender Roles and Reflects Evolving Indian Societal Norms

Cinema as a Catalyst for Change: How Indian Film Transforms Traditional Gender Roles and Reflects Evolving Indian Societal Norms

Considering masculinities at forest fires: the case of the 2021 Muğla forest fires in Turkey

ABSTRACT This article investigates emerging masculinities in Turkey’s massive Muğla forest fires of 2021 and their aftermath. The findings are based on a multi-stage qualitative field study: the disaster research was conducted in Köyceğiz and Marmaris in 2021, as well as social media research and personal observations during the fires, followed by follow-up research in 2022. Following Pacholok (2013). I argue that in the unique time and terrain frame of disaster, masculinities are contested and realized. In relation to disaster and environment, four main local constructions of masculinities are observed during the fires. They are (1) the villagers who embody traditional rural masculinities, (2) the firefighters who represent working-class masculinities based on arduous physical labour without heroism, (3) the forest officers and engineers who represent masculinities with refined state-centred engineering male rationality that aim for men’s domination over nature, and (4) the celebrities and volunteers that comprise the urbanites who represent possibilities for alternative ecomasculinities with subtle gender egalitarianism. They present particular constructions of masculinities that reveal local societal norms and expectations and the gender relations that emerged as a result of the crisis environment caused by forest fires.

Australian primary school teachers’ responses to students with same-sex/gender parents

ABSTRACT As part of their everyday experiences in schools, primary school teachers will engage with same-sex/gender parents. This study seeks to explore Australian primary school teachers’ experiences in which they have engaged same-sex/gender parents and the ways in which they have responded. Concepts of childhood innocence, hetero-cis-normativity and visibility/invisibility can reproduce cultural norms of ‘mum and dad’ families, but in the real world there is great variation in family make-ups including same-sex/gender parents. Teachers’ decisions about how to respond to same-sex/gender parents vary depending on personal, institutional and/or cultural beliefs and practices. We argue that teachers and schools need time, resources, and support to a) unlearn social norms about ‘family’ and b) to create practices that are socially just for children and their same-sex/gender parents. All children and families should be recognised in education policy and practice.

Reasons for resistance to technology adoption in university libraries in Bangladesh

This article explores the reasons for resistance to technology adoption in university libraries in Bangladesh. Through interviews and focus group discussions with LIS professionals, four main themes emerged: personal, organizational, social, and financial factors. Personal barriers included lack of awareness, reluctance to learn, and fear of consequences. Organizational challenges encompassed cultural norms, change Management Strategies, and management support. Social influences included peer pressure and power dynamics, while financial factors involved budgetary constraints and ongoing operating costs, which pose significant challenges to technology adoption. Recommendations for overcoming resistance include providing training and support, fostering a culture of change, effective communication, incentivizing adoption, collaborative decision-making, pilot testing, continual evaluation, education and training, incentives and rewards, communication and collaboration, user-centered design, and change management. Implementing these strategies can facilitate technology adoption, enhancing library services in Bangladesh and beyond.