Social Policy Measures Research Articles

What works? Researching participants’ experiences of a social policy RCT through qualitative interviews

Increasingly, evidence-based policymaking, in the form of randomized control trials (RCTs) in particular, are advocated as a means for studying the effects of planned social policy measures. Additionally, a Finnish basic income experiment was conducted in 2017–2018 as an RCT as a means of exploring alternative policy solutions, which gained widespread national and international political, media and scholarly attention. Despite the popularity of RCTs, there is a lack of studies of participants’ experiences of participation in social policy RCTs. In this article, we depart from the notion of ‘lived experiences’ when investigating a bottom-up participant perspective of the Finnish social policy experiment with the purpose of contributing to the understanding and future planning of ethically and methodologically sustainable policy experiments. Drawing on a qualitative, in-depth interview study of 81 Finnish basic income experiment participants, we examined their lived experiences and related views on the experiment. The analysis shows that although the idea of experimenting to demonstrate ‘what works’ in social policy was supported by participants in principle, various questions arose both concerning the tactical and political purposes of the experiment and the nature of scientific ‘evidence’. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that the impact of the media and political attention often surrounding more controversial policy experiments, like the Finnish one, can also challenge the RCT principles of ‘non-contamination’. Participants in highly politicized experiments also easily feel that they become objects of strong moral expectations and judgements, which in the Finnish basic income case clearly resulted in feelings of frustration and personal failure.

Non‐standard employment, low standard of living? The role of labour market and social policy measures in preventing material deprivation in different employment trajectories in Europe

AbstractWhile the poverty risks of non‐standard employment have been explored extensively, this study focuses on the role of activation‐oriented social policy in alleviating material deprivation for persons with non‐standard employment histories. Using EU‐SILC data, individuals over a four‐year period were analysed. I focused on substantial earners and distinguished between six non‐standard employment histories expected to benefit from activation measures. Multi‐level models revealed that compared to standard employment histories, all non‐standard employment histories had higher material deprivation risks but to substantially different extents. At the macro level, participation in activation measures, expenditures in formal childcare and minimum income protection reduced material deprivation. Participation in training can be interpreted as an equaliser, as the deprivation gap between standard and most non‐standard employment history types diminished. As expenditure‐ and participation‐based measures differed significantly, evaluating the success of activation strategies in reducing inequalities and alleviating poverty highly depends on the measurement of activation.

Развитие демографического потенциала сельских территорий в целях обеспечения их социально-экономического развития (на примере Новосибирской области)

Introduction. The article considers opportunities to improve demographic potential as a critical factor influencing the socio-economic development of rural areas.Materials and methods. To study the actual demographic situation in the Novosibirsk region and the regions of the Siberian Federal District, statistical analysis methods were used - index, tabular methods, etc. The empirical basis for this was the data of the Federal State Statistics Service, including the Territorial Authority for the Novosibirsk Region, on demographic processes in the Novosibirsk region for the 2010-2023 period (population size, structure, natural increase, migration increase, migration balance, total population growth rate, birth and death rate, average life expectancy).To analyze the implementation of the strategy for sustainable development of rural areas in the Russian Federation, a retrospective method was used, with the help of which the persistence of negative demographic trends in rural areas was shown.To work out recommendations for the development of corporate social policy directions for large organizations of the agro-industrial complex, the authors relied on strategic and systemic analysis methods to identify the potential and develop measures of corporate social policy of agricultural producers in the Novosibirsk region.Results. Consideration of the all-Russian situation regarding the development of rural areas showed that it is necessary to pay more attention to the development of the demographic potential of these territories. At the level of the Novosibirsk region, an analysis of the legislative framework allowed us to conclude that it is necessary to actively attract young people to rural areas, retaining them in agricultural enterprises, providing efficient employment and at the same time promoting the socio-economic development of rural areas.Discussion. Ensuring sustainable development of rural areas is impossible without solving demographic problems based on a regional demographic policy considering the interests of young rural families, and corporate demographic policy implementation at the level of agricultural enterprises.

International Experience in Adult Education: Transformation of Institutional Forms

Introduction. The article is devoted to the problem of institutional boundaries blurring triggered by the disintegration of traditional institutions, the emergence of new educational formats. The aim is to institutionally analyse the international experience in adult education, explore traditional and new forms, and identify key vectors of change. Materials and Methods. The methodological framework is an ecosystem approach, comparative, institutional and thematic content analyses of scientific publications. In the first step, the authors analysed statistical data and identified three groups of countries according to the level of adult involvement in lifelong learning. In the second step, the authors conducted a socio-historical review of institutional forms of adult education in different countries. Results. The analytical review allowed the authors to identify traditional and new institutional forms, as well as their representation in different countries. It was proved that traditional institutions are being replaced by new formats due to the development of digital technologies and the EdTech industry. Traditional institutions are characterized by internal stability, clear boundaries and hierarchy. They are being replaced by flexible, hybrid institutional structures based on digital communication networks with horizontal links. Roles and statuses of participants in the learning process, instructional design, learning pathways, procedures, assessment technologies, which are the key vectors of institutional transformation, have changed. Discussion and Conclusion. Having analysed historical experience and international best practices in adult education, the authors substantiate a possible evolutionary scenario of institutional changes. The results obtained contribute to the development of scientific ideas about the relationship between the labour market, EdTech industry and institutional forms in adult education to synchronize supply and demand. The study can be used to develop social policy measures for training different population groups and create a national ecosystem of lifelong adult education.

Сравнительный анализ государственной социальной политики в отношении инвалидов в России и в Азербайджанской Республике

The article examines the current measures of social policy towards people with disabilities in Russia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, analyzing the current legislation and practices of its implementation in these countries. Disability is interpreted from the perspective of sociological paradigms. The study presents the results of an expert survey conducted in both countries, revealing the satisfaction with social assistance measures for people with disabilities and problems in the fields of education, employment, infrastructure, public transportation, and leisure. The research results showed the need for further efforts to improve the quality of services provided and ensure people with disabilities with social guarantees, benefits, and other measures of state support. The study aimed to uncover the impact of gender stereotypes on the social mobility of people with disabilities, finding that these patterns have a significant influence on both women and men in this group.

SOCIAL INNOVATIONS AND SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE CONTEXT OF POST-WAR RECOVERY OF UKRAINE: CONCEPTUALISATION AND LEGAL ASPECTS

Global experiences of post-war and post-conflict recovery and reconstruction show that preparations for the post-war period should begin even before the conflict ends. For Ukraine's post-war recovery, promoting social entrepreneurship and implementing social innovations is crucial. These efforts will foster practical cooperation between the state, businesses, and the public, addressing various challenges collectively, solving socio-economic problems, and implementing reforms. The purpose of this article is to study the essence and evolution of knowledge about constructs and concepts in the fields of social innovation and social entrepreneurship, to substantiate the opportunities for the dissemination of social innovations, and to create conditions for social entrepreneurship in addressing social needs in the context of Ukraine's post-war recovery. Given its fragmented conceptualisation and widespread use by scholars, policymakers, and practitioners, this study is driven by the need for a theoretical justification of social innovation and entrepreneurship. Methods: To achieve this goal and solve specific tasks, empirical and theoretical research methods were used: analysis, synthesis, and generalisation. These methods, applied at a dialectical level, provide a scientific basis for theoretical and methodological approaches to introducing social innovations in public life. With the help of multidisciplinary ontological analysis and the use of bibliometric indicators, such as citations, co-citations, bibliometric links and coincidences, the main research trends in the knowledge clusters of social innovation and social entrepreneurship were identified. This was accomplished through system mapping with the VOSviewer tool and the analysis and synthesis of publications on social innovation and social entrepreneurship for deep theoretical and practical understanding, as well as evaluation of current research at the interdisciplinary level. Results and Conclusions: Ukrainian legislation does not define the concepts of "social innovation" and "social entrepreneurship," which hinders the development and functioning of social entrepreneurship and the production of social innovations. The war and its aftermath have created new challenges that require new practical approaches and means of solving social problems. One of these approaches is to combine the measures of the current social policy in Ukraine, limited by the organisational and financial involvement of the state in solving social problems, with the possibilities of public participation and entrepreneurial activity. Introducing modern world practices of social innovation and social entrepreneurship, as well as regulatory regulation of social enterprises, will be an essential step towards developing the non-governmental sector of social development and social protection policy.

A Scoping Review of Income Support Programs Offered to Older Adults Living in South Asian Countries between 2000 and 2021

Income support programs (ISPs) are important social policy measures to reduce the risk of poverty among older adults. Over the years, developing countries including South Asian countries have introduced various ISPs to support the older population. This scoping review will provide information on ISPs for older adults in South Asia and will map the evidence available on the impact of these programs. This scoping review uses the Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) methodology. Older adults living in South Asia were included, and ISPs were considered as the “concept.” Eight electronic databases and organizational/governmental websites were searched for English language publications from January 2000 to May 2021. Four authors independently screened and extracted the data and analyzed it by descriptive statistics. A total of 115 studies provided information on ISPs for older adults and 25 on the impact of these programs. The identified studies covered all types of ISPs; however, government-sponsored or pillar 0 (ISP classification) programs were the most common. They also covered a vast spectrum of all types of study designs. The most common schemes are social pensions that work towards sustainable development goals (Goal 1.3) of social protection for all. Future research should focus on studying the impact of ISPs and expanding the ISPs for older adults in low-coverage countries.

Exploring the Macroeconomic Determinants of Self-Harm Prevalence in South Asian Countries

Exploring the Macroeconomic Determinants of Self-Harm Prevalence in South Asian Countries

Social Policy Responses to Rising Inflation in Southern Europe

As they were just coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Southern European nations were confronted with a new shock to their economies – this time in the form of a steep rise in prices. This article describes and typifies the social policy responses and measures adopted in Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain in response to rising inflation. We find that Southern European (SE) governments have put forward a substantive fiscal response – which compares well with that of its neighbours, and even with the previous crisis. The thrust of the response was targeted at limiting the pass-through of international energy prices to consumers. This was complemented, albeit to a lesser degree, with direct support to families. Nevertheless, we do find important differences concerning the weight given to (traditional) welfare transfers, and the role given to indexation mechanisms and wage increases. We also find important continuities with the model of crisis-response adopted during the pandemic.

Caregiver burden and health-related quality of life: A study of informal caregivers of older adults in Ghana.

Similar to many developing countries, caregiver burden remains high in Ghana which may affect informal caregivers of older adults' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, no study has examined the association between caregiver burden and HRQoL among informal caregivers of older adults in Ghanato date. Understanding this association may well help to inform health and social policy measures to improve HRQoL among informal caregivers of older adults in Ghana. Situated within a conceptual model of HRQoL, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between caregiver burden and HRQoL among informal caregivers of older adults in Ghana. We obtained cross-sectional data from informal caregiving, health, and healthcare (N = 1853) survey conducted between July and September 2022 among caregivers (≥ 18 years) of older adults (≥ 50years)inthe Ashanti Region of Ghana. The World Health Organization Impact of Caregiving Scale was usedto measure caregiver burden. An 8-item short form Health Survey scale developed by the RAND Corporation and the Medical Outcomes Study was used to measure HRQoL. Generalized Linear Models were employed to estimate the association between caregiver burden and HRQoL. Beta values and standard errors were reported with a significance level of 0.05 or less. The mean age of the informal caregivers was 39.15years and that of the care recipients was 75.08years. In our final model, the results showed that caregiver burden was negatively associated with HRQoL (β = - .286, SE = .0123, p value = 0.001). In line with the conceptual model of HRQoL, we also found that socio-economic, cultural, demographic and healthcare factors were significantly associated with HRQoL. For instance, participants withno formal education (β = -1.204, SE=.4085, p value =0.01), those withprimary level of education (β = -2.390, SE=.5099, p value =0.001) orjunior high school education (β = -1.113, SE=.3903, p value= 0.01) hada significantly decreased HRQoLcompared to those with tertiary level of education. Participants who werebetween the ages of 18-24 (β = 2.960, SE=.6306, p value=0.001), 25-34 (β = 1.728, SE=.5794, p value=0.01) or 35-44 (β = 1.604, SE=.5764, p value= 0.01) years significantly had increased HRQoLcompared to those who were 65 years or above. Also, participants who did not utilize healthcare services in the pastyear before the survey significantly had increased HRQoLcompared to those who utilized healthcare services five or more times in the pastyear (β = 4.786, SE=. 4610, p value=0.001). Consistent with our hypothesis, this study reported asignificant negativeassociation between caregiver burden and HRQoL. Our findings partially support the conceptual model of HRQoLused in this study. We recommend that health and social policy measures to improve HRQoL among informal caregivers of older adultsshould consider caregiver burden as well as other significant socio-economic, cultural, demographic, and healthcare factors.

Analysis of the Social Policy Organization in Post-Soviet Russia in the Context of International Experience

Relevance. The organization of social policy was significantly modified in Russia during the post-Soviet period, due to the transformation of the economic system. Many foreign countries at the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st centuries also changed their approaches in the field of social policy, introducing market elements following the example of the United States, as well as responding to demographic changes and economic difficulties. Studying the features and dynamics of domestic and foreign social policy is valuable for consideration of the best practices and problems, for the development of political science and for making decisions.Purpose: show how the preservation of the goals of social policy in Russia after the collapse of the USSR was ensured when its instruments were changed, compare the domestic system with foreign ones.Objectives: to show what challenges did the social policy system face in Russia and abroad, how approaches to solving problems in the social sphere have changed, show the formation and functioning of pensions, the healthcare system, unemployment protection and other social policy measures in Russia and foreign countries.Methodology. The article relies on comparative historical approach, analysis of legal documents, institutions, organizational features and statistical data. The article is based on reports from government departments and analytical companies.Results. Economic and demographic problems at the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st centuries create similar challenges for Russia and other countries, but in Russia the impact of these problems was stronger, and Russia also faced administrative challenges. In the post-Soviet period, Russia attempted to reorganize social support along the lines of insurance, but a universalist approach, which involves financing from taxes. The system of social policy in modern Russia does not fall behind foreign analogues in its architecture, scale and efficiency. Its weaknesses are a lot of duplicating benefits, outpacing rates of indexation of social payments and low financing of the healthcare system.Conclusions. Russia managed to preserve the most important achievements of the Soviet period in the field of social security, namely pensions, free education and health care.

Demographic Sustainability of Ukraine and Its Changes Caused by the Russian-Ukrainian War

The article’s main tasks include analyzing changes in the main parameters of Ukraine’s demographic sustainability before the current full-scale war (1989–2021) and assessing the quantitative, structural, and territorial demographic changes caused by it. The databases of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine and the International Organization for Migration, official reports of the Ukrainian Government, and expert data are the primary sources of demographic statistics. I used the index analysis tools to study changes in the reproductive and age-sex balances in Ukraine and its regions. Since the mid-1990s, Ukraine has been experiencing a deepening demographic reproduction crisis, manifested in a large-scale population decline and a deterioration in age and gender balance. Using the cluster analysis method, the demographic zoning of Ukraine is carried out. Russia’s full-scale invasion has catastrophically weakened Ukraine’s demographic sustainability. As a result of the war, tens of thousands of Ukrainian citizens died, and millions migrated, which deepened significant deformations in the sex and age structure of the population. The obtained results can be used to develop social and demographic policy measures. The study’s limitations are related to the lack of reliable migration data.

The defender of orphans

In the middle of the 17th century a transformation of states can be observed. The strives of early absolutist states were aimed at the increase of their economic and, in turn, their military potential. These goals were served by social policy measures aimed at increasing economic effi ciency and increasing state revenues. The development of central administration and regulations for orphan aff airs also served to maintain labour force and economic potential. The preservation of orphans’ property was intended to keep the economy going, and in the case of destitutes, orphanages intended to concentrate the workforce. The measures introduced in the German principalities soon appeared in the provinces of the Habsburg Monarchy. In the first quarter of the 17th century, the first theoretical work on orphan aff airs was written, and in the second half of the century it was followed by the first royal decree based on the principles set out in this volume. The aim of these provisions was to ensure the preservation and the control of the assets of the orphans by state means. Similar provisions to the Monarchy’s provinces were enacted in the Hungarian Kingdom in the last third of the 17th century. The offices introduced in the Austrian provinces, the separate Orphan’s Court (árvaszámvevőszék), the keeping of register on orphans (árvakönyv), and the continuous scrutiny of guardians were introduced in the free royal towns in the first third of the 18th century. All of this went parallel with the administrative reforms ordered in towns. The reform measures introduced regarding orphan affairs were realized at a varying pace one town to another, but by the end of the first third of the 18th century, the orphan regulations developed in the Austrian provinces had become established in all the free royal towns.

Social policy of Ukraine under the conditions of martial state: level of support by EU states

Aim. The aim of this research is to highlight the influence of European integration on the optimization of the legal fundamentals of social policy in Ukraine. Methodology. The research is based on the comparative legal method used for comparison of EU social law with the social law of Ukraine. The method of dialectic enables to establish contradictions in the legal norms that regulate the social system of Ukraine and determine its social policy. The systemic and functional method was used to study the system of regulation of the sphere of social relations in Ukraine, systems of social policy measures as well as functional interrelationships between them. The method of generalization was used for the systematization and interpretation of the results obtained during the study. Results. The research showed that the main ways of improving social policy in Ukraine and legal regulation in the social sphere include: ratification of the European Social Charter and its implementation plan in Ukraine; creation of a coherent strategy in the field of provision of social services; the accession of Ukraine to the European Code of Social Security; partial reform of the legal regulation of labor and employment of the population; improvement of legal regulation and social policy in the field of social protection, labor and employment of internally displaced persons from temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Scientific novelty. During the research, it was established that on the way to the EU, Ukraine has faced the following problems with its social policy and law: problems with the Ukrainian legislation on social security; problems with regulating the labor market, employment and poverty reduction; problems with improvement of the legislation on labor protection; problems with stimulating entrepreneurship as the basis for ensuring social standards and employment of the population; problems with adaptation of socially vulnerable groups of the population. Practical significance. The results of the research can be used in international law.

COVID19 lockdown impact on mental health of Reunionese in 2020: Confinaou cross-sectional study

Abstract Introduction On March 17, 2020, in Reunion Island, the lockdown was established for 8 weeks in order to limit the spread of the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond the beneficial aspects on the control of the infectious risk, questions arose around the repercussions of this universal preventive measure on the mental health of the Reunioneses. The objective of the study was to describe the impact of lockdown measures on the stress level of the adult population of Reunion Island and factors associated with changes in stress level. Methods Cross-sectional KABP-type study ‘Confinaou’ in general population (≥ 18 years), by online self-questionnaire accessible during the first lockdown, from April 30 to May 10, 2020. To identify the independent predictive factors of the increase in stress felt during lockdown, we performed a multivariate logistic regression. Results The analysis included 1,421 adults, of whom 706 (49.7%) reported an increase in lockdown-related perceived stress compared to baseline state. Factors independently associated with increased stress level were being female (OR = 1,33 [IC à 95%: 1,02-1,72]) and, living in crowded housing (OR = 1,30 [IC à 95%: 1,03-1,68]). Factors associated with reduced stress level were being 60 years of age or older (OR = 0,65 [IC à 95%: 0,45-0,95]) and feeling well or completely informed about Covid-19 prevention measures and lockdown rules (OR = 0,75 [IC à 95%: 0,58-0,96]). Conclusions This study confirms that psychological repercussions can occur in the population during lockdown as observed in the Reunionese population of the study. A targeted and adapted preventive public health response could be considered to prevent the mental repercussions of such situations of isolation and restriction of social interactions in the general population. Women, and youth could be a priority for prevention interventions using health literacy improvement approach. Social equality policy measures could focus on housing conditions. Key messages • Targeted mental health prevention actions adapted to at-risk populations (women, young people, people in precarious housing situations) have to be set up in these isolation situations as the lockdown. • Prevention actions will have to integrate actions to improve communication and ‘crisis information’ to prevent the negative impacts of a new pandemic on mental health.

Contemporary Demographic Development of the Republic of Bashkortostan: Review of the Regional Demographic Report

The article presents an overview of the collective scientific work revealing the features of the socio-demographic development of the region – the Demographic Report of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Based on official statistics and sociological research, the publication provides a comprehensive analysis of the processes of natural and migration movement of the population of the republic, examines some aspects of socio-economic development, as well as measures of regional social and demographic policy. The Demographic Report notes that the main trends of the Republic of Bashkortostan take place in the all-Russian context. These are the aging of the population, a decrease in the number of people of active working age; a decrease in the intensity of fertility, a decrease in the population of reproductive age, the dominance of reproductive attitudes towards childlessness; a change in the structure of mortality for reasons; transformation processes in the spheres of family and marriage (changes in value attitudes, marital behavior, etc.); centripetal, the nature of migration processes, high migration decline of young age groups. At the same time, the Demographic Report emphasizes that the general trends in the demographic development of Russia and Bashkortostan do not exclude that the processes of natural and migration movement of the population in the republic have their own specifics. This is due to the age, socio-territorial, ethnic structure of the population; the level of urbanization in the region; the existing system of urban and rural settlement; the peculiarities of socio-economic development of the republic and other factors. Socio-demographic indicators in Bashkortostan are also differentiated within the region, which is manifested at the sub-regional and municipal levels. The Demographic Report suggests measures in the areas of social and demographic policy. According to the authors, measures in the field of family and fertility, mortality and health, migration and employment should be closely interrelated and complement each other.

Social protection programmes in mitigating the socio-economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic: a comparative study of Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa

COVID-19 has become one of the most significant global health crises in history, with a wide range of socio-economic consequences due to the measures taken to stop the spread of the virus. The socio-economic implications of the quarantine caused by COVID-19 have affected all continents. The purpose of the article is to analyze the socio-economic consequences of the quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana, Kenya and the Republic of South Africa, as well as to examine the critical social protection policy measures taken by the governments of these countries to reduce the vulnerability associated with pandemic prevention measures. This study used content analysis, which allows for the identification of recurring themes, ideas and terminology in the studied database. Directive documents on social protection programs during the pandemic, scientific publications, and reports of international institutions and organizations served as the source of primary information. Based on the content analysis results, 40 documents were selected that met the inclusion criteria: 14 works from Ghana, 13 from Kenya, and 14 from the Republic of South Africa. To investigate the effects of the lockdown caused by COVID-19, content analysis was chosen to identify recurring themes, ideas and terminology in qualitative data collection. A systematic review shows that lockdown measures implemented by the governments of Ghana, Kenya and the Republic of South Africa to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 have led to increased poverty and inequality, lost incomes, worsening food insecurity and increased unemployment. Content analysis found that the impact of COVID-19 differs significantly for men and women, with women experiencing more excellent destructive effects compared to men. The COVID-19 pandemic has harmed rural residents, with poverty rates rising at higher rates and their well-being declining compared to local residents. To respond to the socio-economic consequences of the quarantine due to COVID-19, the countries studied continued existing or introduced new social protection programs to support their citizens. These include cash transfers, food transfers, utility subsidies and fee waivers, community service programs, tax credits, and unemployment benefits. These welfare programs had different parameters consisting of benefits, rights and beneficiaries. Although this study cannot determine the impact of social programs, future studies will be able to assess their impact and effectiveness on beneficiaries.

Mentoring for social inclusion: a call for social work to engage with an emerging model of social intervention

ABSTRACT A new form of volunteer-based intervention is mushrooming across Europe: social mentoring. Such programmes turn ‘ordinary’ citizens into mentors for individuals from disadvantaged groups. Related initiatives are becoming more institutionalised and social mentoring has gained popularity as a social policy measure, especially in the face of crises. However, the social work discussion has taken little notice of this burgeoning phenomenon adjoining our professional field. There is a lack of concepts and data that could fuel a debate at the intersection of mentoring for social inclusion, human services, and welfare policies. This paper presents a first attempt to outline what social mentoring means, why social work should engage with it and how we can research into it. It offers theoretical reflection on ongoing developments in the EU, based on observation of the literature and field. To expand the available knowledge, it is suggested that research should pay equal attention to all three constituent elements of the topic: personal relationships, programmes, and policies. In line with critical traditions, this paper suggests a holistic, multi-scalar perspective that is sensitive to social inequalities and power imbalances, while also embracing innovative and transformative aspects of social mentoring as a ‘popular’ form of social problems work.

Impacts of shrimp aquaculture on the local communities and conservation of the world’s largest protected mangrove forest

Mangrove forests are highly productive, biodiverse, and carbon-dense ecosystems that support the wellbeing of millions of people. Policies that seek to protect mangroves must, therefore, aim to ensure the socio-economic wellbeing of local communities. A clear example of this challenge is found in the Bangladesh Sundarbans—the world’s largest protected mangrove. The Sundarbans faces several anthropogenic challenges, including overharvesting of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and expansion of shrimp aquaculture. Several initiatives have aimed to protect the diversity and extent of the Sundarbans, but little is known about the impacts of the shrimp industry on its forest-dependent communities. This study used a mixed-methods research approach to assess the: a) trends in economic, social, and environmental policy and legislative measures in Bangladesh from 1980 to 2020; b) areal expansion of shrimp aquaculture in a case study site, the Village Kalinchi, since 1980; and c) socio-economic profile of local community members. Despite recent governance trends aimed at simultaneously promoting economic, social, and environmental outcomes, approximately 91% of the agricultural lands in Village Kalinchi have been flooded to expand shrimp aquaculture. Income data shows that a small number of shrimp farm owners earn – on average – 22, 14 and 4 times more annual income than that of shrimp farm labourers, agricultural workers, and NTFP collectors, respectively. The combined loss of agricultural land and income disparity has created conditions that promote NTFPs overharvesting from the Sundarbans. Policy and legislative measures must address the shrimp industry’s impacts on local communities to reduce resource overharvesting and promote mangrove conservation.

Strategies of adaptation of older people in post-covid time in the city and in rural areas

The article discusses strategies for the adaptation of elderly people in post-retirement time in a federal city and rural areas. Based on the analysis of 30 semi-structured interviews with elderly people from St. Petersburg and villages of the Republic of Karelia, the author’s typology of adaptation strategies for this category of citizens is presented.The study identifies three strategies that differ in their views on the adaptation process. The classification of adaptation strategies was carried out on the basis of a thematic analysis of interviews, which made it possible to identify key topics in which the elderly indicated how they cope (or do not cope) with new living conditions, as well as comprehend how their adaptation occurs. The highlighted strategies showed that the main difference is the availability of certain resources, as well as trust in the media and public authorities to adapt to new times and the ability to quickly adapt to the changing, transforming temporality of the modern world. The strategies outlined in the study allow us to consider how the specifics of the perception of age is transformed depending on the acceptance or rejection of changes occurring in the post-teen period. The results of the study showed that reaching retirement age is a factor that, among other things, makes it difficult for older people to adapt. At the same time, it is important to search for retirement activities that can contribute to better adaptation of the elderly. Initiatives and social policy measures implemented in relation to retired elderly people (especially those aged 75 and older) do not contribute to the full participation of this category of citizens in various types of activities.