Socio-economic Dynamics Research Articles

Governance, participation, and development: local power’s perspective in Portugal

ABSTRACT This paper examines the local governance model in Portugal, focusing on its characteristics, evolution, and the valuation of local agents’ participation, involvement, and capacity building. Using an online questionnaire distributed to politicians and technicians, the study reveals that the Portuguese governance system is widely perceived as inadequate for addressing complex and accelerating socio-economic dynamics. Centralist and bureaucratic structures, coupled with limited resources, institutional capacity, unsustainable policies, and weak evaluation mechanisms, are identified as key barriers to effectiveness. Despite these shortcomings, the governance model receives positive evaluations in areas such as legitimacy, representation, and communication, with respondents recognizing the democratic legitimacy of decision-making processes. The study concludes that promoting decentralization, reducing bureaucratic complexity, and enhancing transparency and accountability are essential for fostering citizen participation and improving governance outcomes. These findings provide a basis for understanding the gaps in the Portuguese governance model and offer insights for future research and policymaking.

Six Decades of Rural Landscape Transformation in Five Lebanese Villages

During the last six decades, Lebanon’s landscapes have undergone significant regime shifts whose causes are under-investigated. Using land cover maps from 1962 and satellite imagery from 2014 and 2023 in five randomly selected villages across Lebanon’s major agroecological zones (AEZs), we identified salient trends in the urbanization-driven transformation of land use and land cover (LULC). Household socio-economic characteristics and environmental pressures were analyzed as independent variables influencing land use decisions. Logistic regression (LR) was employed to assess the significance of these variables in shaping farmers’ choices to transition toward “perennialization”—namely fruit tree monocropping or protected agriculture. The LR results indicate that education reduced the likelihood of “perennialization” by 45% (p < 0.001). Farm size positively influenced “perennialization” (p < 0.01), suggesting that land availability encourages this agricultural practice. In contrast, water availability negatively affects “perennialization” (p < 0.01), though farmers may still opt to irrigate by purchasing water during shortages. Our findings underline the complex interplay of socio-economic and environmental dynamics and historical events in shaping Lebanon’s rural landscapes and they offer insights into similar transformations across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Humbang Hasundutan Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia, Regional Road Grant Program: Econometric Descriptive Analysis Accessibility and Sustainability

The Regional Road Grant Program (PHJD) is a strategic government initiative aimed at improving regional accessibility through the development and maintenance of road infrastructure. This study examines the impact of PHJD on accessibility, land use changes, and socio-economic dynamics in Humbang Hasundutan Regency. The research employs spatial analysis using overlay maps of land use from 2018 and 2023, primary surveys with 100 respondents, and paired sample t-tests to measure travel time changes before and after the program. The findings reveal a 50% increase in built-up land along PHJD roads, accompanied by an 18% decrease in green and agricultural land, indicating intensified economic activity but with ecological trade-offs. Community accessibility improved significantly, with average travel times reduced by 35%, enhancing mobility to health, education, and economic centers. Additionally, the program led to a 50% increase in built-up land and a corresponding decline in agricultural and green areas, highlighting intensified economic activity. Statistical analysis confirms that PHJD implementation directly affected travel time (p < 0.05) and land use changes, underscoring its transformative role in regional development. However, challenges such as unplanned land use changes and increased congestion require attention to ensure sustainable growth.

Reprocessing and remining as grey extractivism: the example of cobalt from the Southeast Missouri Lead Belt

ABSTRACT Since 2019, USSM has been developing reprocessing and re-mining of a former lead operation and Superfund site to supply cobalt from Southeast Missouri. This article links recent efforts of reprocessing and remining to grey extractivism and the reproduction of historical mining in often degraded pre-existing sites even as they form part of so-called green extractivism. We find that long-term socio-economic and environmental dynamics define a ‘cautious optimism’ that clashes with a traditionally cleaving industry. The company has so far failed to adopt a clear communication strategy, while the economic benefits are described in overly positive terms by community members hoping for a restart. Environmental issues remain at the fore and echo past abuses that the company, under regulators’ supervision, aims to address. We conclude that reshoring critical minerals production with reprocessing and remining will require new processes of residual governance to avoid some of the impacts of legacies of extractivism.

Urban Street Greening in a Developed City: The Influence of COVID-19 and Socio-Economic Dynamics in Beijing

Urban Street Greening in a Developed City: The Influence of COVID-19 and Socio-Economic Dynamics in Beijing

It Is You and Allah

Abstract This article examines how Muslim women living in Dubai are invited into a distinct relationship with God. Highlighting the role of God in constituting the self, it complicates narratives of self-making that presume a bounded and agentive self, as seen in prior accounts of Islamic piety and neoliberal subjectivity. Through the accounts of women attending Al-Noor Islamic Center, the centrality of God to self-making—“Godly self-making”—becomes apparent. It is by way of God that women make sense of their own selves and interactions with others—and by way of others that they make sense of God. This Godly self-making is entrenched within the circumstances in which it transpires, shaped by Dubai's present-day socioeconomic and political dynamics. As a result, it is premised upon three elements: 1) a personal connection with God; 2) a pious self produced through continuous divine tests; and 3) an emphasis on tawakkul (reliance) upon God. In all three elements, the agency, role, and responsibility of other humans and institutions in shaping one's world are backgrounded, obscuring the politics inherent to divine-human relations and the power struggles that suffuse such exchanges.

A GIS-Based Estimation of Bioenergy Potential from Cereal and Legume Straw Biomasses in Alentejo, Portugal

Portugal exhibits a large deficit in cereals with an import/export ratio of about 18%. Alentejo is a southern vast plain region, which is the largest cereal producer in the country, with about 80% of the total cereal area. The region also shows a huge local energy deficit with a ratio of about 17% between spent and produced energy. In this context, this work used GIS modeling based on available digital geographical information on soil and topographic conditions in Alentejo for estimating optimal production areas of four main classes of cereal and legume classes, which were wheat, barley, oat/lupin, and triticale/broad bean. The estimated areas were validated by 199 sample points in the field and allowed to quantify a potential of bioenergy production from straw biomasses based on yields of biomass net calorific values of 18 MJkg−1 and yields of 6, 9, 6, and 9 tons/ha for the four classes in the order indicated. The estimated areas allocated to the cereal and legume classes covered approximately four municipalities in the region. The total modeled area in Alentejo for the four cultivation classes was 44,980 ha. The results showed that even if 50% of the estimated total straw biomass produced was used for animal feed, the estimated bioenergy production of the remaining half biomass would be of about 2940 TJy−1, or about 12.5% of the actual regional energy production, which is an energy amount able to supply 35 organic Rankine cycle (ORC) 2.5 MW cogeneration units and 347 boilers with 125 kW thermal power, delivering renewable electricity to the grid, and heating facilities as diverse as buildings, nursing homes, or horticultural greenhouses. More than 160 kton of CO2 fossil emissions would also be avoided, delivering a contribution to mitigating effects of climate change. By contributing to the reduction of the large cereal dependence and the carbon emissions of the country, the proposed strategy would contribute to increasing the decentralized bioenergy production for applications in buildings and local facilities, significantly boosting the socio-economic dynamics of rural areas involved.

Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Young Widows' Participation in Small-Scale Farming Activities in Mbeere South, Kenya

This study investigates the socioeconomic factors influencing young widows' participation in small-scale farming activities in Mbeere South, Kenya, using a qualitative research design. The paper explores the role of cultural, economic, and gender-related factors in shaping widows' involvement in agriculture, guided by frameworks such as the Gender and Development (GAD) Theory, Social Movement Theory (SMT), and Participation Theory. Document analysis was the primary method for data collection, drawing on academic studies, government reports, and NGO documents. The data were analyzed qualitatively through systematic coding and categorization to identify key themes related to widows' challenges and opportunities in farming. The sampling process was purposive, selecting documents that provided relevant insights into the socio-economic dynamics affecting widows. Sources included government agencies, NGOs working with widows, and academic studies focused on rural development and widow empowerment. The findings show that cultural barriers, such as patriarchal gender roles, inheritance laws, and social stigma, significantly hinder widows' involvement in farming. However, education plays a crucial role in empowering widows; those with higher education are more likely to adopt modern farming techniques, access financial resources, and engage in community initiatives. The study concludes that both cultural practices and education levels are critical determinants of young widows' participation in small-scale farming. The study recommends enhancing educational opportunities, expanding agricultural extension services, and implementing legal reforms to secure land rights and reduce cultural stigma, thereby improving widows' economic security and boosting their participation in farming.

Impact of Srinagar Dam on Wetland Ecosystems and Socio-Economic Dy-namics in the Alaknanda Basin, Uttarakhand

Wetlands are critical ecosystems that bridge terrestrial and aquatic environments, playing a vi-tal role in maintaining biodiversity, supporting agriculture, and mitigating natural disasters. This study focuses on the Srinagar Dam in the Alaknanda River basin in the Pauri Garhwal dis-trict of Uttarakhand, India. The construction of the Srinagar Hydroelectric Project (SHEP) has transformed the local wetland ecosystem, with significant implications for the environment, society, and economy. The research examines the hydrological regime, assesses the environ-mental impacts, and explores sustainable management practices for the wetland. Through a mi-cro-level assessment of the wetland's hydrological dynamics, the study highlights the dual role of the dam in providing energy and water resources while posing challenges to local biodiversi-ty and social structures. The findings underscore the need for a balanced approach to wetland management that incorporates ecological conservation and addresses the local population's concerns. The study concludes with recommendations for policy interventions to secure the long-term sustainability of the wetland and its associated ecosystems while enhancing the re-gion's socio-economic benefits.

Exploring Spatial Inequalities in COVID-19 Mortality and Their Association With Multidimensional Poverty in Colombia: A Spatial Analysis Study.

The objective is to examine spatial inequalities in COVID-19 mortality rates in Colombia in relation to the spatial distribution of multidimensional poverty. A retrospective spatial epidemiological study was conducted in Colombia from 2020 to 2022. Spatial statistics such as Moran's I index, LISA analysis, and simultaneous autoregressive conditional (SAC) regression models were used. The Moran's I index for different years was as follows: 2020: 0.3 (p = 0.0001), 2021: 0.27 (p = 0.0001), and 2022: 0.26 (p = 0.0001). In 2020, the significant variables were low educational achievement, barriers to early childhood care, child labor, school non-attendance, informal employment, lack of health insurance, inadequate floor material, and critical overcrowding. In 2021, the significant variables were low educational achievement, critical overcrowding, inadequate excreta disposal, and lack of access to water sources. In 2022, the significant variables were school lag and inadequate excreta disposal. This study revealed that in Colombia, a series of socioeconomic and health factors are interconnected and contribute to COVID-19 mortality. These changes may reflect various socioeconomic, political, and environmental dynamics that shifted during the pandemic years.

Cultural Perceptions of Parenting and Parental Empowerment: A Sociological Study of Shifting Norms in Urban and Rural Pakistan

This study explores the cultural perceptions and practices of parenting in urban and rural Pakistan, focusing on how traditional values and modern influences shape parenting styles and parental empowerment in these distinct settings. The research also compares shifting parenting norms, assessing the socio-economic, cultural, and gender dynamics that influence parenting decisions. A mixed-methods, cross-sectional research design was employed, combining qualitative (semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions) and quantitative (surveys) data collection methods. A purposive sample of 230 parents (115 from urban areas like Lahore and 115 from rural areas such as Bahawalpur and Multan) was selected based on gender, socio-economic status, and geographic location. The study's findings reveal significant differences in parenting practices and empowerment across urban and rural settings. Urban parents exhibited higher levels of parental empowerment, with greater access to resources and decision-making authority, while rural parents faced challenges in these areas. Urban parenting was characterized by a greater emphasis on independent thinking, emotional expression, and gender equality, with a preference for modern parenting practices influenced by education and media. In contrast, rural parenting remained more traditional, emphasizing respect, obedience, and the involvement of extended family, with a stronger adherence to gender roles. The results highlight the evolving nature of parenting in urban areas, driven by socio-economic factors and modern influences, while rural areas maintain more rigid, culturally embedded norms.

Evaluating cultural, historical, and socio-economic dynamics in the palm oil system: An implementation of sustainable governance

Evaluating cultural, historical, and socio-economic dynamics in the palm oil system: An implementation of sustainable governance

Analysis of Regional Economic Disparities and Voter Turnout in the 2024 Elections in Korea and Mexico Using Big Data

This study examines the impact of regional economic disparities on voter turnout in South Korea and Mexico using machine learning and statistical analysis. A country comparison analysis showed that economic centers with high GRDP had lower voter turnout in both countries. K-means clustering identified three regional clusters, revealing a trend where regions with higher economic growth or economic hardship tended to have lower participation rates. In South Korea, multiple regression analysis indicated that the home sales index had the largest influence on turnout, while income and wealth had smaller effects. Economic expectations from the Consumer Sentiment Survey were insignificant. In Mexico, analyses of business activity and workforce percentages showed that closed businesses had a slight negative effect on turnout, but overall, economic variables did not significantly impact participation. This study provides key insights for companies operating in South Korea and Mexico, emphasizing the importance of aligning market entry strategies with regional socioeconomic and political dynamics. Businesses targeting economically prosperous areas must address potential political disengagement and policy unpredictability, while those in regions with moderate economic activity may benefit from stronger community engagement. Additionally, firms in economically challenged areas should prioritize CSR initiatives to address inequality and foster sustainable operations.

Predicting social welfare in Madrid neighbourhoods using machine learning

ABSTRACT This research aimed to identify the principal factors predicting social welfare and inequality in the neighbourhoods of Madrid city. A comprehensive dataset representing various socioeconomic metrics of Madrid’s neighbourhoods is analysed utilising different linear regression models and the XGBoost machine learning algorithm. The findings indicate that demographic variables play a crucial role in shaping social welfare and inequality in Madrid's neighbourhoods, with the percentage of women, and the percentage of children under 14 years old and adults over 65 years old being the most important variables for predicting social welfare and inequality in the studied neighbourhoods. Contrary to expectations, the average net income per household does not emerge as a significant predictor. Policymakers and urban planners should consider these factors to ensure equitable development and welfare distribution. The low impact of average net income per household on social welfare and inequality observed in this study should be regarded with some caution, but our findings certainly underline the need for a deeper understanding of socioeconomic dynamics in urban settings.

Socio-Economic and Gender Dynamics in Indo-Bangladesh Border Enclaves: Challenges and Opportunities

This paper intends to explores the unique socio-political, economic, and gender dynamics in the Indo-Bangladesh border enclaves. It delves into the historical background of enclave formation, the legal status of enclave residents, the economic conditions and livelihood opportunities available to them, traditional gender roles, and the barriers that exist to socio-economic empowerment. The analysis identifies key challenges faced by enclave residents while also shedding light on potential opportunities for improving their living conditions.

Investigating the Role of Non-Governmental Organisations in Green Energy Innovations and Sustainable Practice in Lagos State, Nigeria

This paper investigates the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in green energy and sustainable practices provision in Lagos State, Nigeria. Given the huge energy deficit in the state and its impacts on the socioeconomic dynamics of the state, the study, dwelling on the blending of theoretical assumptions of stakeholder theory and Ecological Modernization Theory and qualitative research design found that NGOs are central to the efforts of Lagos State government in promotion of renewable energy adoption and other sustainable practices. Data for the study was collected through in-depth interviews with 15 NGOs working in the area of green energy and sustainability practices. The study found that NGOs have recorded relative success stories in green energy innovation and continue to be strategic partners to government and other sustainability stakeholders in mobilizing the grassroots for green energy adoption. It concludes that the efforts of NGOs in green energy innovations and sustainability practices adoption are fraught with challenges, including financial inadequacy, bureaucratic delays, and low cooperation from communities, among others. The recommends that the government and other stakeholders, among others, should strengthen their support towards the activities of NGOs in green energy adoption to reduce carbon footprints and enhance the socioeconomic dynamics of the states. This study emphasises the strategic roles NGOs can play in helping the government achieve its energy transition and sustainability goals in Lagos State. Keywords: Non-Governmental Organisations, Green Energy Innovation, Sustainability Practices, Energy Transition, Lagos State

Creating stable isotopic database of faunal remains ‒ Bronze Age Italy

This article presents a zooarchaeological isotopic database for Bronze Age Italy, based on previously published isotopic studies. It integrates 209 samples from both, domesticated and wild animals, across Northern, Central, and Southern Italy. The primary aim of the study is to provide comprehensive description of isotopic data covering historical, archaeological, biological, zooarchaeological, geological information in one compile file. It offers a wide-ranging analysis of animal and plant consumption patterns across Italy during the Bronze Age, highlighting differences and similarities across the Italian peninsula and islands. The article underlines isotopic databases as a crucial source for meta-analytical research of prehistorical lifestyle, underscoring their significance in archaeological studies and providing multi-lay-ered insights into prehistoric human-animal interactions. Furthermore, it presents a vital importance of zooarchaeology, as a discipline to investigate human dietary and husbandry practices. Statistical methods are applied to visualize and interpret the isotopic data in order to enhance the clarity and accuracy of di-etary and socio-economic dynamics in Bronze Age Italy. After gathering isotopic studies and organizing them in an excel file based on various criteria, statistical tests for multiple comparison analysis of isotopic ratios were performed using the SPSS software. The Results suggest marked regional differences in diet, with Northern Italy showing early evidence of C4 plant cultivation, such as millet, while Central and Southern Italy maintained a reliance on traditional cereals like wheat and barley (C3 plants).

Navigating Poverty: The Role of Internal Migration and Remittances in Pakistan

Internal migration and remittance inflows play a critical role in shaping the socio-economic dynamics of households, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan. Understanding the factors driving migration and the subsequent impact of remittances on poverty is essential to designing policies that effectively address poverty and improve living standards for vulnerable populations. This study investigates the factors influencing the incidence of internal migration and compares poverty levels between households that receive internal remittances and those that do not. Additionally, it assesses the impact of remittance inflows on the poverty status of recipient households. The research utilizes data from the Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement–Household Integrated Economic Survey (PSLM – HIES 2018-2019). A logistic regression model was employed due to the binary nature of the dependent variables. The regression analysis identified various demographic factors of household heads and household characteristics that impact the incidence of internal migration. The analysis shows that households receiving internal remittances are less likely to be in poverty compared to those who do not receive remittances. The empirical analysis reveals a significant inverse relationship between the amount of monthly remittances received and the probability of household poverty. It also shows that remittances equivalent to the minimum wage can reduce the poverty incidence to below forty percent. The insights from this study are vital for the formulation of targeted social and economic policies aimed at harnessing the potential benefits of remittances in mitigating poverty among migrant-sending communities.

Solusi Praperencanaan Kepemilikan Rumah Bagi Generasi Z dengan menggunakan Pendekatan Design Thinking

This study explores the application of the design thinking approach in the pre-planning phase of subsidized homeownership for Generation Z in Indonesia. As Generation Z enters adulthood and begins to plan for the future, they face various challenges in achieving homeownership, particularly regarding financial issues and access to subsidized housing programs. The design thinking approach is used to gain a deeper understanding of the needs, desires, and barriers faced by Generation Z through the stages of empathy, problem definition, ideation, prototyping, and testing. By focusing on innovative and user-centered solutions, this research aims to design a more relevant and acceptable subsidized homeownership model for Generation Z. The findings of this study are expected to provide insights for housing developers and policymakers in designing more efficient and appropriate housing policies and programs that align with the socio-economic dynamics of Generation Z.

From Pockets to Pupils: Unraveling the Impact of Ethnicity and Family Income on Household Financing in Basic Education

This study examines the role of ethnicity and household income on household financing of basic education in Nepal. A survey was conducted among 380 households with children pursuing basic education. Employing a descriptive and correlational research design, binary logistic regression was applied to analyze the data. The findings disclose that both ethnicity and household income significantly affect household financing of basic education. This study adds valuable insights to our comprehension of the socio-economic dynamics that impact the financing of basic education within Nepal. By shedding light on the impacts of ethnicity and household income on education financing, it deepens our thought of the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors and educational access. Thus, this research contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the socio-economic landscape of education financing in basic education in Nepal, providing a foundation for informed policymaking and targeted interventions designed to foster greater equity and accessibility in basic education.