Social Science Theory Research Articles

아시아 냉전학술의 자장과 1970∼80년대 한일 지식인 교류

In the late 1970s, The Asiatic Research Center (ARC) and The Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE) launched the Korea-Japan Intellectual Exchange (KJIE). The KJIE aimed to promote genuine reconciliation between Japan and Korea, and emphasized cooperation between the two countries by highlighting security and economic agendas. To fully understand the significance of the KJIE, it is important to note three things: First, the ARC and the JCIE were established under the auspices of the Rockefeller Foundation and the Ford Foundation, respectively, and the KJIE also received significant financial support from these private foundations. Second, the participants of the KJIE were mostly U.S. PhDs and communicated in English papers that applied U.S. social science theories and methodologies. Third, the KJIE was modeled after the U.S.-Japan Intellectual Exchange (“Shimoda conference”). The Shimoda conference was based on the idea that the United States and Japan, who had met as enemies in World War II, would put aside their enmity for the sake of security and economic interests to create a relationship of friendship and goodwill. KJIE applied the idea of the Shimoda conference to the relationship between Korea and Japan. KJIE discussed ways to avoid industrial competition between Korea and Japan and to strengthen Japan’s role against the threat of North Korea. The KJIE was influenced by U.S. interests in strengthening Japan's role in the declining U.S. hegemony in the Asia-Pacific region. However, for this initiative to succeed, Japanese self-controls and changes were essential. Some of the Korean intellectuals who participated in the KJIE were distrustful and did not recognize Japan as a model-state to emulate. Intellectual exchange between Japan and Korea was fraught with discord. This article uses materials from the Rockefeller Archive Center to reveal these facts.

Transition of social organisations driven by gift relationships

Anthropologists have observed that gifts bring goods to the recipient and honour to the donor in many human societies. The totality of such social relationships constitutes a network. Social networks characterise different types of social organisations including bands of small kin groups, tribal unions of families, and hierarchically organised chiefdoms. However, the factors and mechanisms that cause the transition between these types have hardly been explained. Here, we focus on gifts as the driving force for such changes. We build the model by idealising gift interactions and simulating the consequent social changes due to long-term massive interactions. In the model, people give their wealth to each other, produce wealth, and reciprocate for the gift. Gifts and reciprocation strengthen relationships. Through simulation, we demonstrate that, as the frequency and scale of gifts increase, economic and social disparities successively arise. Simultaneously, network structures shift from bands to tribes and then, chiefdoms. Statistical analysis using the Standard Cross-Cultural Sample, a global ethnographic database, empirically verifies the theoretical results. The constructive simulation study, as presented here, explains how people’s interactions shape various social structures in response to environmental conditions. It provides the basic mechanistic explanation for social evolution and integrates microscopic and macroscopic theories in social sciences.

Integrating democracy learning and prophetic social studies at Baitusalam Islamic School Yogyakarta

This paper describes an attempt to integrate Islamic and scientific values into social studies education with the aim of developing prophetic social science theory to explain social problems from this perspective. The study focuses on the implementation of this theory at Baitusalam Islamic School in Yogyakarta, using qualitative research methods such as observation, interviews, and documentation. The findings suggest that social studies learning Islamic values that develop boarding power, with the learning process incorporating these values into planning, implementation, and assessment. However, the study also identifies challenges in the integration process, such as the lack of student textbook references that integrate values into Islamic language for each material, insufficient learning media, and inadequate infrastructure in schools. Overall, this study highlights the importance of integrating Islamic and scientific values into social studies education to develop young people's sense of nationalism, independence, and character, while acknowledging the need to address these challenges for effective implementation.

The nature and significance of social ontology

We propose a bridge-builder perspective on social ontology. Our point of departure is that an important task of philosophy is to provide the bigger picture. To this end, it should investigate folk views and determine whether and how they can be preserved once scrutinized from the perspective of the sciences. However, the sciences typically present us with a fragmented picture of reality. Thus, an important intermediate step is to integrate the most promising social scientific theories with one another. In addition to this, social ontology can provide input to and benefit from other philosophical disciplines that engage in normative theorizing. Thus, we propose that social ontology connects not only with folk ontology and scientific ontology but also with fields such as ethics and political philosophy. Building bridges between them serves to formulate a credible and encompassing worldview that is of theoretical and practical significance.

Scientific literature review on group decision‐making models

EFSA commissioned a review of available scientific literature on group decision-making in regulatory science to inform future recommendations for EFSA's panel system. This final summary report presents the results from the literature review that has been performed based on a list of 30 articles, proposed and validated in the ‘methodological note’ in the kick-off phase of this work. The review covers the following topics: social science theories and models of group decision-making; research on group decision-making in risks assessment, specifically in food safety; research on group decision-making in regulatory science, and group decision-making models adopted by national/EU/international organisations. The findings describe the factors that contribute to effective and efficient decision-making in groups, specific factors to consider for expert panels, some potential shortcomings of group decision-making to take into account, and some final considerations to inform EFSA's evaluation of its panel system.

Teaching Social Movements with a Sustained Simulation of Police–Protester Contention: The Hypothetical Case of the Contested Election of 2024

ABSTRACT This case study reviews a social movement course that centered on a 10-week simulation of a contemporary contentious event in Washington, DC, involving six movement organizations and four police agencies. To our knowledge, it is the first classroom simulation of a Trump-era police–protester contentious episode or of any political science simulation that places an episode of insurrection in the contemporary United States. Three goals animated this project: (1) promote learning concerning extra-institutional political conflict in the American case; (2) combine scholarship and role playing to explore the dynamic interaction of movement, countermovement, and enforcement organizations; and (3) teach the complex relationship between social science theory and political practice in an engaging way. Students used theoretical frameworks drawn from the literature to assess and develop protest capacity and repertoires for their assigned organization and chose strategic goals and tactical means to attempt to generate political leverage. Student organizations made concurrent “moves” and instructors iteratively developed the contentious episode. This article discusses the results of students’ evaluations of the simulation. In addition to extensive online appendices, it provides a detailed explanation and design for instructors who are considering a similar approach.

Consequences of monetary depreciation on Houhehot Spending in Kinshasa (R.D.Congo) 2015-2017

This work consisted in experimenting the theories on the currency whhile trying to work on the depreciation of congolese France vis-a-vis the foreign currency . This choice was moticated to enrich knowledge on the role that money play in the economy as heritage. And then try to apply social science theories and research methods in a specific context. It is a question of constituting a probability sample (simple random sample) of a set of household expenses for two periods. That of relative price stability on the market and that of the general increase in the exchange rate. After having established a correlation betwueen thèse two variables, we try to raise in percentage, of how muche the monetary depreciation influences the volume of expenditure of the househods. To do this, we will apply a paired sample test.

Search engine effects on news consumption: Ranking and representativeness outweigh familiarity in news selection

While individuals’ trust in search engine results is well-supported, little is known about their preferences when selecting news. We use web-tracked behavioral data across a 2-month period (280 participants) and we analyze three competing factors, two algorithmic (ranking and representativeness) and one psychological (familiarity), that could influence the selection of search results. We use news engagement as a proxy for familiarity and investigate news articles presented on Google search pages ( n = 1221). We find a significant effect of algorithmic factors but not of familiarity. We find that ranking plays a lesser role for news compared to non-news, suggesting a more careful decision-making process. We confirm that Google Search drives individuals to unfamiliar sources, and find that it increases the diversity of the political audience of news sources. We tackle the challenge of measuring social science theories in contexts shaped by algorithms, demonstrating their leverage over the behaviors of individuals.

A qualitative study of older adult trauma survivors' experiences in acute care and early recovery.

Older adults (aged ≥ 65 yr) account for a substantial proportion of hospital admissions for severe injury, yet little is known about their care experiences and views regarding outcomes. We sought to characterize the acute care and early recovery experiences of older adults who had been discharged after traumatic injury, with a long-term goal to inform the selection of patient-centred process and outcome measures in geriatric trauma. From June 2018 to September 2019, we conducted telephone interviews with adults aged 65 years or older who had been discharged after traumatic injury within 6 months from Sunnybrook or London Health Sciences Centres in Ontario, Canada. Using interpretive description and thematic analysis, we drew on social science theories of illness and aging for data interpretation. We analyzed data to the point of theoretical saturation. We interviewed 25 trauma survivors aged 65-88 years. Most were injured in a fall. Four themes characterized participants' experiences, as follows: "I don't feel like a senior" (i.e., participants disliked being viewed as a senior or as needing senior-specific care); "don't bother telling him anything" (i.e., participants perceived ageist assumptions and treatment in acute care processes); getting back to normal (i.e., participants emphasized their active lifestyles and functional recovery as goals of care); "I have lost control of my life" (i.e., substantial social and personal losses linked to participants' experiences and adaptations to aging generally). Findings suggest that older adults experience social and personal loss after injury, and underscore how implicit age bias may influence care experiences and outcomes. This can inform improvements in injury care and guide providers in the selection of patient-centred outcome measures.

Difficulties With Methodology in Social Science Research With Controversial Issues Regarding Human Sexuality.

In controversial areas of social science, there can be numerous threats to the validity of science. Here, some of the more common risks for social science research and theory are examined, with several specific illustrations of how bias appears to have crept into social science, often as confirmation bias. Recommendations are made for reducing bias in future research.

Social Policies and Theories on Quality of Life under COVID-19: In Search of the Missing Links

COVID-19 has generated many negative impacts on the family, including impaired psychological well-being of family members (parents and children) and family processes (such as parenting and family functioning). Regarding social policies to support families under the pandemic, there are several missing links. First, COVID-19 related policies mainly focus on physical well-being with a relatively weaker emphasis on psychological well-being. Second, with social policies primarily aiming at stabilizing the “financial capital” of the public, human capital (particularly personal resilience) and social capital (particularly family resilience) are relatively neglected. Third, while “general” social policies may help “averaged” individuals and families, there is a need to take pre-existing family vulnerabilities (such as poverty and caregiving burdens) and inequalities into account when formulating “down to earth” social policies. Fourth, while social science knowledge and theories have important potential contributions to help develop relevant policies and services to promote quality of life under COVID-19, explicit utilization is not strong. With reference to these missing links, we proposed several research and practice directions for the promotion of quality of life under the pandemic.

Straussian Grounded Theory: An Evolved Variant in Qualitative Research

Grounded theory (GT) has emerged on the basis of different ontological and epistemological assumptions and is considered as a popular research approach in many branches of social science. Two American social scientists; Barney Galland Glaser (1930-2022) and Anselm Leonard Strauss (1916-1996) have founded it in 1967. Since the start of grounded theory in social science researches in 1967; more than 50 years have passed, and it has been using in many branches of social science, such as in nursing, healthcare, physiotherapy, education, economics, anthropology, sociology, political science, psychology, etc. Straussian grounded theory is a very well-known qualitative analysis in the world, and it explores dynamic and new phenomena. Straussian grounded theory researchers do not build their research on prearranged hypotheses; instead, they develop theory of wellbeing for the humanity from the collected data of the reality. In this article an overview and significance of Straussian grounded theory for the qualitative research method has been discussed. This article also provides an understanding about the Straussian grounded theory approach for the novice researchers.

Conceptualizing Confidence: A Multisited Qualitative Analysis in a Severe Weather Context

Abstract Confidence is a concept important to weather prediction, shaping how risk information is created, shared, understood, and acted upon. For forecasters in the National Weather Service (NWS) and their partners in public safety, confidence is central to their work, appearing frequently during their decision support services. While confidence has been examined in a variety of literatures, it is often addressed simplistically or as one of many variables in a study. It is rarely the object of study in and of itself, even less so in a naturalistic setting like an operational environment. To build a more robust knowledge of confidence and its many dimensions, we conducted a multisited ethnography of three interrelated sites central to tornado prediction and information dissemination, leading up to and during a cool-season tornado event. In partnership with collaborators from the NWS and emergency management, we simultaneously deployed to a National Center, a local Weather Forecast Office, and an emergency management office. This article explicates confidence from multiple social science theories, considering the scientific, data-based roots of confidence, as well as its affective, relational, and procedural origins. Our results show that confidence emerges in varied and complex ways and at different scales. Confidence can indicate one’s assessment of evidence and agreement (or lack) of it, beliefs about partners’ future behavior based on past experiences, and ritual interactions between offices that create patterned expectations. We argue for a more robust interdisciplinary analysis of confidence given how it shapes weather-related policies and practices, technologies, and communication strategies.

Outcome Trajectory Evaluation (OTE): An Approach to Tackle Research-for-Development’s Long-Causal-Chain Problem

This paper develops a novel approach called Outcome Trajectory Evaluation (OTE) in response to the long-causal-chain problem confronting the evaluation of research for development (R4D) projects. OTE strives to tackle four issues resulting from the common practice of evaluating R4D projects based on theory of change developed at the start. The approach was developed iteratively while conducting four evaluations of policy-related outcomes claimed by the CGIAR, a global R4D organization. The first step is to use a middle-range theory (MRT), based on “grand” social science theory, to help delineate and understand the trajectory that generated the set of outcomes being evaluated. The second step is to then identify project contribution to that trajectory. Other types of theory-driven evaluation are single step: they model how projects achieve outcomes without first considering the overarching causal mechanism—the outcome trajectory—from which the outcomes emerged. The use of an MRT allowed us to accrue learning from one evaluation to the next.

Social exchange theory: Systematic review and future directions.

Social exchange theory (SET) is one of the most influential theories in social sciences, which has implications across various fields. Despite its usefulness being a typical social transaction, there is a need to look at it from the lens of psychological transactions to further its evolution and to identify future directions. After generally reviewing 3,649 articles from the Social Science Citation Index and Scopus, a total of 46 articles were selected for final review using a comprehensive systematic review approach. We have highlighted the need for further research in psychological transactions, reciprocity principles, exchange relations, and the impact of various factors on the exchange process. Among other exchange rules (social, economic, and psychological) and transactions (social, economic, and psychological), this research provides an elevation platform for the less explored exchange rules in psychological transactions. Among other theories in the social sciences, social exchange theory is a theory that shadows many other theories under its umbrella.

Reading Landscape Designs Through Spatial Triad Theory: The Case of High Line

Landscape architects should benefit from spatial theories in social sciences in order to understand the reflections of their designs on space production processes. Lefebvre's theory of space provides an important basis for research in the social sciences. According to H. Lefebvre, the triad of perceived, designed and lived space is based on three interrelated dimensions of space: spatial practice, representational spaces and representations of space. Spaces produced with these three dimensions are social products. In this study, the relationship between spatialization and social transformation is analyzed within the scope of critical analysis through the High Line Park, one of the globally famous landscape designs of the spatial triad theory. Knowledge about the ways in which the process of spatialization affects social transformation makes it easier to understand the role of designers in the discipline of landscape design. The engagement of designers in this process, whether consciously or unconsciously, can lead to an increase in the pressure of design practices on spatial practices. In this context, design practices need to focus on place rather than neoliberal discourses and analyze in depth how the dynamism between the spatial triad can develop.

Mindful Communication for Asian Development: A Buddhist Approach

Most of research in communication are western centric. Even Asian scholars are also under the influence of western centric theories of communication rather than finding their own traditional philosophical knowledge roots. There is a debate on de-westernizing of communication theories. However, we cannot keep western theories away from us but balancing of East and West is acceptable for the development of Asian research and scholarship. It is important to free oneself from colonial-mindset of the scholars. This paper examines an Asian approach to communication arguing for new thinking in social science theory with input from Asia. This new approach can be called Mindful Communication. This Mindful communication is based on Buddhist phenomenology implicit in Theravada Buddhism

The Fundamental Principles of Social Sciences

This paper provides an overview of the fundamental principles of social sciences, encompassing a wide range of academic disciplines dedicated to studying human society and human relationships. Drawing from the author’s understanding of social sciences, it offers a comprehensive examination of key concepts and highlights the significance of social science theories and practices. The paper begins by elucidating the definitions of social sciences, emphasizing their interdisciplinary nature and their focus on understanding societal dynamics. It explores the contributions of major thinkers in the field of social sciences, showcasing their intellectual impact and influential ideas. Furthermore, it presents a selection of notable social science thinkers from the 21st century, illustrating the ongoing evolution of the discipline. A core aspect of the paper focuses on the significant role of social scientists in contributing to societal development. It explores their diverse areas of expertise and the application of their research findings to address social issues and shape public policies. Additionally, the paper delves into the main theories and theoretical developments within social sciences, including the theory of governance, governmentality, network theory, and environmentalism. It specifically addresses the intersection of social sciences with climate change, highlighting the unique challenges and perspectives offered by this field. Sustainable development emerges as a prominent discipline within social sciences, with its emphasis on balancing economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection. The paper explores its relevance in addressing pressing global challenges. Moreover, it examines the emergence of new theories and practices within social sciences, presenting a glimpse of the evolving landscape of research and scholarship. Considering the future direction of social science research and practices, the paper offers insights into potential areas of exploration and the evolving nature of research methodologies. It addresses key research questions, such as what, why, how, when, where, and for whom, providing a framework for comprehensive inquiry. This paper provides a broad overview of social sciences, elucidating key principles, theories, and notable contributions to societal development. By examining the past and present, it also outlines the potential future trajectory of social science research and practices, shedding light on the significance and relevance of this dynamic field.

Utópia és társadalomtudomány – Értelmezés a Fahrenheit 451 című könyv nyomán

Utopian and dystopian works have traditions hundreds of years, but their golden era did not begin until the 20th century. The genre is very often depicted as a literary genre, but in reality it is much more than simple fiction. These novels are as much social science and social theory writings as they are works of phantasmagoria. In my writing, I strive to explain this line of thought based on Ray Bradbury’s 1953 novel Fahrenheit 451. In the course of my work, following the fictional story of Guy Montag, I intend to present the peculiarities of the genre, its social science relations and its relationship with our contemporary society, in parallel with other dystopian works of the 20th century.

Movement Learning: Pedagogy and Agentic Realism

ABSTRACT Pedagogies for movement learning have been affected by a gap between natural science and social science. The gap has meant that pedagogy tend to focus relatively more on either product, material context, and normative ways of moving, or process, learners, social context, and non-normative ways of moving. Here, I suggest that philosopher and physicist Karen Barad’s agential realist perspective may offer a theoretical approach that can contribute to enact pedagogies for movement learning that go beyond the gap between “the natural” and “the social.” Such an approach does, however, not entail a “mixture,” or “blending,” of natural and social science theory. Rather, the perspective is based on a particular notion of discursive practice as (re)conceptualized by Barad. This approach is illustrated in the article by an empirical example.