Societal Context Research Articles

Public responses to hard climate policies in OECD member countries: prevalence of contention at the post-adoption stage

ABSTRACT Effective climate action is likely to require hard climate policies (e.g. regulation, pricing, phase-outs), but such policies are often contested. Contention can arise not only during policy development and decision making but also at the post-adoption stage where adopted policies may be challenged, threatening policy durability. However, existing research has not systematically analyzed patterns of actual public responses to hard climate policies following their adoption. This is needed to understand response variety and the prevalence of contention. In this paper, we systematically assess public responses in a sample of 50 national-level hard climate policy packages (covering framework and energy policies) across 21 OECD member countries between 2009 and 2022. We categorize public responses (support, acceptance, non-acceptance, backlash) using a typology involving disapproval and mobilization to assess the prevalence of post-adoption contention among mass publics. We draw on newspaper data specific to each case to detect contention. Findings reveal a relatively low prevalence of post-adoption contentious responses to hard climate policies. Nonetheless, contention is pronounced in some cases and is mainly associated with carbon taxation/pricing although not exclusively. The most contentious responses, labeled as backlash, cluster in the latter half of the study period. Findings suggest a need to analyze drivers of contention among mass publics which may be complex and involve factors spanning policy design, institutional politics, and societal context.

From monuments to living heritage. Revisiting the Venice Charter in the conservation of younger industrial heritage

The Venice Charter of 1964 has been the benchmark for tenets governing architectural conservation and set forth pivotal principles that shaped conservation practices for decades. However, conceived during a time when heritage was primarily associated with physical monuments, the landscape of cultural heritage has transformed significantly since then, encompassing immaterial aspects, democratisation of heritage values, and diverse sustainability considerations.This research aims at exploring the strengths, limitations, and adaptability of the Venice Charter in light of evolving perspectives on heritage. The paper delves into the charter's historical context, asking whether it remains a guiding beacon or a potential hindrance. A key focus of the research is the examination of obstacles associated with the conservation of younger heritage in the face of contemporary challenges posed by sustainability imperatives. The inherent complexities of managing heritage structures marked by ongoing developmental histories and changes are explored with an example of industrial heritage dealing with the concept of ‘living heritage’. In the context of a future where resource responsibility and reuse are paramount matters, firm definitions of original substance as defined in the Venice Charter, as well as a static perception of conservation, may pose challenges, particularly for unintentional monuments situated in complex environments or marked by evolving narratives through time. Marking the 60th anniversary of the Venice Charter, this research sheds light on the charter’s legacy and its validity in the contemporary landscape of heritage protection as well as the future role of the monuments in our ever-changing societal context.

The use of investigation management documents in rape and serious sexual offence cases

Purpose In the context of rising reports of rape, set against falling convictions, it has been argued that rape has been de facto decriminalised in England and Wales. This paper aims to explore how police and prosecutors investigating rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO) use and perceive investigation management documents (IMDs), and how high-quality IMDs may lead to better justice outcomes. IMDs must be started by police at the beginning of an investigation and should document: what an officer is/is not doing and why; what the reasonable lines of enquiry are and their outcomes; and what has translated to evidence and supports charge, disclosure or unused material. The document is shared with the crown prosecution service at the point a charging decision is sought. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 police officers and five crown prosecutors across five areas in Year 2 of Operation Soteria Bluestone, a project that aimed to improve how police investigate rape. These interviews were analysed using the qualitative method of thematic analysis. Findings Three main themes were identified relating to timeliness, understanding, and quality of IMDs. It was found that IMDs are not always started at the beginning of RASSO investigations or even at all. Officers also lacked understanding around the purpose of IMDs, often seeing them as duplications of other case files. Finally, prosecutors and police concurred that the quality of IMDs are generally poor and lacking in critical reflection. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first academic paper to consider the use of IMDs by police and prosecutors in RASSO investigations. As such, it is both a unique contribution to the field and also provides a platform for future research. Understanding how police officers can produce the highest quality IMDs, in a timely fashion, is of paramount importance given the wider societal context of increasing reports of rape alongside low charge rates. Implications for training are considered.

Relationship between positive grandparenting styles and adolescent prosocial behavior: A moderated mediation model

In response to China's accelerated aging and revised birth policies, families are increasing choosing intergenerational caregiving owing to the value placed on kinship and also because of practicality. Using a cross-sectional survey of 1,289 participants, we explored the relationship between positive grandparenting styles and adolescent prosocial behavior, and further examined the mediating role of psychological resilience and the moderating role of peer relationships. Findings revealed that positive grandparenting was positively and significantly associated with adolescent prosocial behavior. Further, psychological resilience mediated this link, and peer relationships positively moderated the effect of positive grandparenting on adolescent psychological resilience, consequently amplifying this effect. In addition, stronger peer relationships augmented the indirect effect of positive grandparenting on prosocial behavior via psychological resilience. Our study enhances understanding of how grandparenting style may impact adolescent behavior and offers valuable insight into family upbringing practices within the Chinese societal context.

Social Risks in the Era of Generative AI

ABSTRACTGenerative AI (GAI) technologies have demonstrated human‐level performance on a vast spectrum of tasks. However, recent studies have also delved into the potential threats and vulnerabilities posed by GAI, particularly as they become increasingly prevalent in sensitive domains such as elections and education. Their use in politics raises concerns about manipulation and misinformation. Further exploration is imperative to comprehend the social risks associated with GAI across diverse societal contexts. In this panel, we aim to dissect the impact and risks posed by GAI on our social fabric, examining both technological and societal perspectives. Additionally, we will present our latest investigations, including the manipulation of ideologies using large language models (LLMs), the potential risk of AI self‐consciousness, the application of Explainable AI (XAI) to identify patterns of misinformation and mitigate their dissemination, as well as the influence of GAI on the quality of public discourse. These insights will serve as catalysts for stimulating discussions among the audience on this crucial subject matter, and contribute to fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of responsible development and deployment of GAI technologies.

Conceptualising constructive resistance as a thriving strategy for men in nursing.

Nursing has improved over the centuries from the physician's handmaiden to a recognised profession. Yet, the image of a nurse is often associated with notions of caring and nurturing- attributes considered feminine. Indeed, cultural, and societal biases exist that can deter men from entering the nursing profession where their sense of masculinity is questioned. Several studies have highlighted the existence of gender-based stereotypes, stigma, rejection, loneliness and discrimination which impact the retention of men in the nursing profession. Despite the established evidence regarding negative experiences, it appears limited attention has been paid to the men who decide to stay in nursing: how do they thrive in a profession wherein biases are evident within and in the wider societal context? Undoubtedly, several factors such as job security and financial incentives may contribute to men remaining in nursing. Beyond these, we borrow the notion of 'constructive resistance' to underscore that though the biases may be apparent, male nurses are able to construct alternatives that accommodate the image of a man in the nursing profession. Strategies such as developing the image as a 'super nurse' can create opportunities for male nurses to be preferred by other healthcare providers as well as female nurses. Thus, although resistance may usually appear as a negative phenomenon, constructive resistance represents hidden advantages which offers an opportunity to retain male nurses. These need to be highlighted and explored more as they can offer deeper insight into strategies that can be employed to improve retention and representation of men in nursing particularly at a time when the impact of nursing shortage remains a global issue.

A review of multicultural communication dynamics in the U.S.: Highlighting challenges and successful strategies in a diverse society

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of multicultural communication dynamics in the United States, focusing on the challenges and strategies pertinent to diverse societal contexts. The main objectives were to explore theoretical frameworks, historical evolution, and current trends in multicultural communication, alongside identifying key challenges and effective strategies. The methodology encompassed a systematic review of literature, including peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and reports, with a focus on themes of anti-racism, equity, inclusion, and social justice in multicultural communication. Content and thematic analysis was employed to assess publication productivity and identify major themes. Key findings revealed the significance of various theoretical frameworks in understanding multicultural dynamics, with a historical shift from monolithic to inclusive communication approaches. Major challenges identified include language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and differing communication styles. Effective strategies highlighted include cultural sensitivity training, inclusive policies, and leveraging technology. The study also underscored the role of policy and regulation in shaping multicultural communication practices. The study emphasizes the complexity of multicultural communication in the U.S., suggesting practical recommendations for enhancing communication in diverse environments. These include implementing cultural competency training, adopting inclusive communication policies, and leveraging technology for barrier reduction. Future research directions proposed focus on longitudinal studies of communication strategies, the impact of emerging technologies, and cross-cultural comparative studies. This comprehensive analysis aims to contribute to a more inclusive and understanding society through improved multicultural communication practices.

Analysis of the Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Corporate Competitiveness

In today's societal context, corporate development faces new opportunities and challenges, with competition among businesses shifting from talent, products, and economic strength to corporate social responsibility (CSR). This change brings new demands for business development. CSR originated in Western countries, but initially did not significantly impact corporate growth. In recent years, the concept of social responsibility has gradually been recognized by society and has gained influence internationally. Current research, both domestically and internationally, mainly focuses on how CSR fulfillment affects corporate competitiveness. To maintain a strong position in the highly competitive market, companies must actively fulfill their social responsibilities. Only by doing so can they gain customer recognition and wield better market influence. Therefore, this paper comprehensively analyzes the impact of CSR on corporate competitiveness, clarifies the role of CSR in enhancing market competitiveness, and ensures that companies actively fulfill social responsibilities while developing economically.

Defining nursing entrepreneurship from the point of view of future professionals: A qualitative study

IntroductionEntrepreneurship comprises the development of novel projects, products, and strategies, both from a business perspective and in the context of nursing care. Despite ongoing debate as to whether entrepreneurship should be considered a distinct academic discipline, this subject remains largely unexplored within the health sciences. There is a paucity of published work examining whether entrepreneurship constitutes a specific competence and what nurses and nursing students understand by entrepreneurship. This study aims to identify, on the basis of the beliefs of nursing students from different countries, what entrepreneurship in nursing is. Based on these responses, a definition of entrepreneurship in nursing that responds to society's current needs is proposed. MethodologyQualitative descriptive methods were employed to gather insights from first- and second-year students across four nursing faculties: two located in Colombia, one in Peru, and one in Spain. The students were tasked with defining entrepreneurship within the nursing context. This inquiry was posed at the outset of the educational sessions on entrepreneurship, ensuring that the students had no preexisting information. The responses were collected using the digital platform Mentimeter, which allowed the students to submit their answers via mobile devices. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. ResultsA total of 160 written responses were received, analyzed, and categorised by the research team. Finally, 24 codes were obtained, which were grouped into 5 main themes: Healthcare and patient support, Innovation in nursing, Continuous professional improvement, nurses' contributions to society, and own project development. ConclusionDrawing from the experiences and beliefs of nursing students, entrepreneurship is characterized as the ability to innovate, conduct research, and advance scientific knowledge, thereby achieving continuous improvement in care while engaging with environmental and societal contexts.

A Comparative Study of Santosh Wagh and Inspector Gowda: Exploring Detective Archetypes

This paper presents a comparative analysis of Santosh Wagh from Private India by Ashwin Sanghi and James Patterson and Inspector Gowda from Anita Nair’s Chain of Custody. By examining their character traits, investigative methods, personal struggles, societal contexts, and how they align with classic detective archetypes, this study highlights the distinct ways these characters embody the evolution of Indian detective fiction. This analysis seeks to underscore how the blending of personal conflict and broader social critique contributes to the richness of the genre.

Unveiling the silent struggle: navigating the labyrinth of mental health for parents of children with life-threatening illnesses in Pakistan.

Dear Editor, We write this letter to highlight the scarcely recognised complexity associated with the unrecognised mental health needs of parents of children diagnosed with life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses. It has been widely established that parents of children with disabilities are at an increased risk of developing variants of mental diseases when compared to parents of children without such disabilities. Parents tend to alter their lives socially to acclimatize themselves as caregivers for their children, therefore adopting a role that becomes far more labyrinthine as both parent and caregiver. (1) Mental health in general, is a subject that is insufficiently addressed in societal and scholarly contexts, specifically in Pakistan, particularly among parents. Within the scope of parents acting as sole caregivers, stress is a prominent determinant contributing to their mental health. Stress can attenuate parents’ and children’s abilities to navigate these circumstances and diminish their capacity for problem-solving and coping. (2) There are a myriad of factors that contribute to the reported prevalence of mental health-related disorders among parents of children with disabilities. Mental health remains a stigmatised entity. Such disregard impedes the delivery of healthcare towards patients suffering from mental health illnesses. There is a noteworthy hindrance in individuals facing such factors when amalgamatinge into society. When considering parental figures of diseased children, this facet serves to isolate further and reinforce such mental health illnesses. The lack of quantifiable data on anti-stigma interventions in Low and Middle-Income Countries, including Pakistan, underscores the urgent need for research. (3) Parents of children admitted to the ICU have a near-pervasive struggle with mental health and an innate inability to disclose their requirements for support. Factors barricading such disclosure should be identified and broken down through interventions, facilitating access to vital mental health support. (4) Caregivers must establish coping strategies, and remain a steady pillar of support and comfort to their child. The Keeping Hope Alive Toolkit intervention was established, which worked on fostering emotional experiences, living in the moment, remembering self and supporting social preferences, this intervention provided a template for emotional support. (5) We hope this letter can underscore how important supporting parental disclosure of unmet mental health needs is – a rampant and insufficiently reported plight in Pakistan. The ability to recognise these emotions and rectify them is not highlighted in this region but is imperative to implement, to improve the provision of healthcare to diseased children and their parents alike.

Online news coverage of migrants’ grief at a distance during COVID-19: A qualitative framing analysis

Grieving at a distance is a common and often challenging experience for migrants. As a result of travel restrictions and border closures, grieving at a distance became a focus of media reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper aimed to examine the representation of migrants’ grief at a distance during the pandemic in online newspaper articles. We used a qualitative framing analysis to analyze nine articles published in online international newspapers. Three frames were identified: Grief as an impossible situation, migrants left with impossible choices, and grief as culturally mediated. These frames focused on how the psychological experience of grief was intertwined with migrants’ broader societal and cultural contexts. They emphasized the complex choices migrants faced due to their personal situations and cross-cultural experiences. Findings offer insights into how the media depicts migrant experiences, thus shaping public perceptions of their grief and bereavement. They reveal the difficulties of transnational grief migrants experienced.

Inequality as determinant of donation: A theoretical modeling and empirical analysis of Korea.

Recipient financial need is a crucial factor in donation decisions. This study proposes a novel model for determining financial donations, incorporating consumption levels of both donor and recipient within a societal context. Solving our model's utility maximization problem reveals how consumption, donation, and savings are interlinked. Empirical evidence reinforces these findings, aligning with prior research and showing that larger consumption gaps between donors and recipients lead to increased donations. Our findings point towards an inherent altruistic motivation in donation, where elevating the recipient's well-being ultimately enhances the donor's own utility. This reinforces the notion that consideration of the recipient's financial hardship, as reflected by their consumption patterns, is crucial when making donation decisions. Shifting beyond traditional models, this study introduces a groundbreaking approach to financial donations. Our novel model factors in consumption levels of both the donor and recipient, along with the broader societal context, using utility maximization to unravel the intertwined decisions of consumption, donation, and savings. Real-world data validates our model, confirming known donation factors and revealing a key finding: larger disparities in consumption lead to increased giving, suggesting an altruistic drive where helping others boosts personal satisfaction.

Sibling Bereavement Among Young Indian Adults.

This qualitative study explores the bereavement experiences of 12 surviving siblings in India, focusing on familial, societal, and cultural influences. Six themes emerged: "The Demanding Familial Role," "Isolation That Accompanies the Grief," "Damaging Impact of Society," "Positive Role of Friends and Family," "Support Systems," and "Continuing Bonds." Participants often felt the burden of supporting their parents, leading to personal grief suppression and isolation, exacerbated by societal stigmas. Conversely, empathetic friends, supportive extended family, and professional resources like therapy provided crucial coping mechanisms. Continuing bonds with the deceased offered comfort and connection. The study highlights the need for comprehensive support systems tailored to cultural and societal contexts. It emphasizes the importance of public awareness and education to foster a supportive response to bereavement. Further research with larger, more diverse samples is recommended.

Models of Valuing Used by Christian Religious Education Teachers to Enable Secondary School Learners Acquire Social, Spiritual and Moral Insights Secondary Schools in Kenya

This investigation was motivated by the extant evidence which indicates that social, economic and political vices are on the rise in Kenya. For example the Kenya police report indicates that nationally crime among the youths stood at 22% between the years 2004 and 2006 from 08% in the period 1998 to 2003. Kisumu East was among the most hit areas with the crime index at 38% in 2006. In addition to this school dropout stood at 31% whereas HIV and AIDS prevalence stood at 12.5% in the same period. This scenario created a need to examine the mechanisms put in place by the Kenyan society to enhance moral growth of the learner more so in Kisumu East district. The study sought to determine the valuing methods used by the Christian Religious Education (C.R.E) teachers in secondary schools with the view of establishing whether or not, the methods equipped the learners with the ability to use valuing models in societal context. The design of the study was descriptive survey and it was conducted in Kisumu East District of Nyanza Province in the Republic of Kenya. The study population consisted of forty seven schools, forty eight teachers and three thousand two hundred and twenty five form two students. Using stratified sampling technique, fifteen mixed secondary schools, five from each of the three administrative units in the district were randomly selected for the study. A population of three hundred and forty three students determined by use of the Fischer formula and then simple randomly sampled formed the sample. Added to the above sixteen C.R.E teachers within the study schools were sampled purposively for the study. Data was collected as follows: the teachers were observed using a rating scale as they taught C.R.E. Secondly, the learners were given a test to ascertain their affective achievements with regards to value identification in societal context and an in-depth interview was conducted with the teachers. Data was also generated through documents analysis in which the teacher's schemes of work, the syllabus and curriculum guides were scrutinized to determine their adequacy in addressing the learners' value needs. To ensure the usefulness of the instruments in collecting data, they were piloted to ascertain their reliability. They were also critiqued and corrected by the experts from the faculty of Education to determine their face validity. Quantitative data was analyzed by use of descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, means and percentages then presented in form of tables. Information from the interviews and documents was analyzed qualitatively by transcription and organization into categories as per the emergent themes then reported and presented in narrative form. The research revealed that the teachers were not acquainted with the valuing models that are supposed to be used in teaching morals to enable learners to acquire social and spiritual insights in societal context. The research concluded that moral decadence experienced in Kisumu East district is due to teachers' inability to use the right valuing models of teaching values using C.R.E. Due to this, there is an urgent need to review the C.R.E. teaching curriculum guide to emphasize on valuing skills. The findings of this study are useful to the designers of curriculum at Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, the Quality Assurance and Standards Officers in the Ministry of Education as well as the C.R.E teachers in a secondary school classroom since it contributes to the theory and practice of value education.

Fostering sustainable mindsets: A critical exploration of educational psychology in business education

This research investigates the potential of learning psychology to cultivate a sustainability mindset within individuals and organizations. It aims to explore how learning principles can equip individuals with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of sustainable development, foster pro-environmental behaviors, develop sustainable leadership qualities, and promote social awareness and inclusivity. The study utilizes a systematic review of existing research and case studies from Vietnamese higher educational institutions. It focuses on integrating learning psychology principles into curriculum design, teaching methods, and assessment practices. Qualitative analysis techniques are employed to identify strategies for equipping individuals to address sustainability challenges. The research identifies successful applications of learning psychology in both business and societal contexts, demonstrating how these principles can motivate individuals and organizations towards sustainable practices. It highlights specific strategies for fostering pro-environmental behaviors, developing sustainable leadership qualities, and promoting social awareness and inclusivity. The study concludes that learning psychology can effectively design interventions for behavioral change and build collaborative cultures to address social inequities. It emphasizes the importance of integrating learning psychology principles into educational practices to cultivate sustainability mindsets and equip individuals with the skills needed to navigate sustainability challenges.

When and where we are: Comparing early criminal careers of organized crime offenders in Italy and the Netherlands across decades

PurposeThis study examines the early criminal careers of organized crime offenders in Italy and the Netherlands and assess how these behaviors have evolved across generations. We (1) compare the early careers with the entire career in the two country samples and (2) assess the influence of generational shifts and social changes on these behaviors, particularly focusing on crime control policies. MethodsAnalyzing data on male offenders born between 1950 and 1986, we analyze criminal careers up to ages 23 and 30. Our analysis includes statistical assessments of differences between countries and among decades, employing multinomial logistic regressions to explore the associations between criminal career parameters and crime categories and the offenders' decade of birth. ResultsSignificant differences were found between the Italian and Dutch samples, reflecting country-specific dynamics in organized crime involvement. Evidence suggests minimal generational shifts towards more serious offending, but notable impacts of social changes, especially in anti-drug and anti-organized crime policies, across individuals born in different decades. ConclusionsBoth the societal context (‘where we are’) and temporal influences (‘when we are’) are essential in understanding criminal careers. Changes in policies and social conditions differentially affected organized crime offenders in Italy and the Netherlands.

The drive for muscularity and disordered eating among heterosexual and sexual minority men in Israel.

In this study, we investigated the moderating effects of self-acceptance and perceived country-level acceptance of gender and sexual orientation on the relationship between the drive for muscularity and disordered eating, particularly among sexual minority and cisgender men. We hypothesized that high levels of acceptance, both individually and within the societal context, would mitigate the pressure to adhere to conventional masculine ideals, consequently lowering the likelihood of engaging in disordered eating behaviors. Seven hundred twenty-three Israeli men aged 18-68 participated in the study. The sample included heterosexual men (67.9%) and sexual minority men (30.1%), with a deliberate oversampling of sexual minority men to explore differences in the suggested model between heterosexual and sexual minority groups. The data were analyzed using hierarchical robust regression, examining interactions between the variables of interest. The results revealed significant associations between the drive for muscularity, disordered eating, and lower self-acceptance of sexual identity. Sexual minority men reported higher levels of disordered eating and drive for muscularity than did heterosexual men, along with lower levels of acceptance of gender and sexual orientation (by the individual and the country). The association between drive for muscularity and disordered eating was moderated by sexual orientation and self-acceptance of gender identity, with a stronger association among men with lower self-acceptance of their gender identity and sexual minority men. The findings underscore the significance of fostering individual and country-level acceptance of gender and sexual orientation differences to promote well-being and mitigate the risk of disordered eating among heterosexual and sexual minority men, particularly the latter. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Negotiating University, Fulfilling the Dream: The Case of Black Students

The experiences of Black students in Canadian higher education shed light on the societal and institutional challenges that influence their social and economic aspirations. In today’s societal and economic context, obtaining a postsecondary education degree is not just preferred but essential for securing the employment opportunities that most young people desire. For Black communities in particular, a university degree is often seen as the primary pathway to upward social mobility. However, Black students’ journeys toward higher education are frequently hindered by systemic barriers and institutional challenges. While there is extensive literature detailing the systemic forces that obstruct access to higher education for Black Canadians, there is limited academic focus on how these forces continue to affect Black students once they enter higher education. This article addresses this gap by investigating the educational experiences of Black students in Canadian universities, emphasizing the challenges posed by systemic racism and institutional barriers. Utilizing data from interviews and focus groups with Black undergraduate and graduate students from a university in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the study explores how historical and contemporary issues of anti-Black racism shape their academic journeys. It discusses the broader implications of these experiences and highlights the need for comprehensive institutional reforms to create genuinely inclusive and equitable educational environments. By centering the voices of Black students, this research aims to contribute to the ongoing dialog on racial equity in higher education.

Embodiment-based self-management for Israeli breast cancer survivors after mind-body therapy

Objective As advances in breast cancer treatment have bolstered survival rates, post-treatment self-management has become crucial for survivors’ well-being. Methods In the current qualitative research, conducted via content and form analysis of 12 in-depth interviews, the authors explored self-management strategies in the narratives of female breast cancer survivors who underwent mind-body therapy. Results Three coping models emerged: (1) an illness-focused story overshadowing the body, (2) a coexistence of illness and body stories, and (3) an embodied illness-story. These self-management models showcase a developmental sequence, reflecting the evolution of coping mechanisms. Conclusion The study underscores embodiment’s significance in fostering agency and well-being, particularly in a societal and medical context where body attention tends to be marginalized.