Sociological Perspective Research Articles

Eating to live well-Or worse? The role of vegan and vegetarian diets in mental health.

Over the past two decades, there has been an increase in the prevalence of psychological conditions, such as depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and body image disturbances. In concert with this trend, there was a substantial rise in the advocacy and practice of restrictive dietary patterns, such as veganism and vegetarianism. These parallel developments suggest a relation between diet and mental health, but to date, research has failed to offer clear answers on whether these associations are causal, coincidental, or more complex than superficial analyses suggest. Given this context, the purpose of this commentary is to offer a consilient perspective on the role of vegan and vegetarian diets in mental health. We performed a broad qualitative synthesis of the current literature on diet and mental health from sociologic and psychologic perspectives. Several empirically supported hypotheses were presented with equivocal support. The current evidence suggests that if a nutritionally adequate diet is consumed, the avoidance/consumption of meat and other animal foods will have no significant effects on physical and mental health.

The Santo Niño de Bula Fiesta of General Santos City, Philippines in 2023: A Sociological Perspective

The Santo Niño de Bula Fiesta of General Santos City, Philippines in 2023: A Sociological Perspective

Professional training of prison service workers in the Czech Republic: historical development, aspects of importance and current challenges.

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the historical development and current challenges of professional training for prison service staff in the Czech Republic. This study focuses on the transition from a repressive system under communism to a democratic approach emphasising human rights, ethics and professionalisation. It aims to assess the effectiveness of the current training programmes and their alignment with international standards, highlighting their impact on safety, recidivism reduction and prisoner re-socialisation. The findings aim to inform policymakers and practitioners about the importance of continuous investment in education and professional development for sustainable improvements in the prison system. The authors focused on the basic professional training of prison service workers. Specifically, 247 people. Through the questionnaire, the authors investigated the reflection of the education itself and its benefit for the participants. This research reveals that the professional training of prison service staff significantly enhances their preparedness, ethical standards and ability to manage crisis situations. Participants acknowledged the high quality of teaching materials and the dedication of instructors. Humanities subjects, such as law and ethics, were found challenging but essential. Well-trained staff contribute to improved prison safety and reduced recidivism. This study emphasises the necessity of ongoing education, collaboration with academic experts and modern training tools. Moreover, the findings highlight the importance of tailoring training programmes to meet the evolving needs of diverse prisoner groups and the societal demand for rehabilitation. This study primarily relied on questionnaire-based data from participants in basic professional training courses, which may introduce subjective bias and limited scope. This research focused on the Czech Republic's prison system, and findings may not be directly generalisable to other contexts. Further studies could benefit from longitudinal data collection, in-depth qualitative interviews and comparative analyses across different countries. The implications emphasise the need for more comprehensive evaluation frameworks to ensure that training programmes are continuously updated in line with emerging challenges, such as increasing prisoner diversity and evolving security risks, thereby enhancing the global relevance of these findings. Implementing this study's recommendations can improve the overall quality and effectiveness of prison service training. Regular updates to curricula, inclusion of modern technologies and collaboration with external experts can address the evolving needs of the prison environment. Enhanced training in crisis management, ethics and human rights will better equip staff for real-life challenges. In addition, targeted specialisation programmes can help address the specific needs of prisoner subgroups, including those with mental disorders or cultural differences. These practical changes will contribute to safer prisons, better re-socialisation outcomes and increased public trust in the prison system. By improving the quality of prison staff training, this study supports broader societal goals of reducing recidivism and promoting the successful reintegration of former prisoners. Enhanced training fosters a more humane and ethical approach to incarceration, reducing stigma and fostering public understanding of rehabilitation's value. Addressing social exclusion through effective prisoner re-socialisation directly benefits communities by reducing crime rates and improving social cohesion. The findings also underline the importance of public-private partnerships and community involvement in supporting re-entry programmes, thus contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society. This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of the transformation of prison service training in the Czech Republic, highlighting the shift from a repressive to a rehabilitative approach. Its originality lies in combining historical, sociological and practical perspectives to assess training effectiveness. By focusing on ethical education, modern pedagogical methods and international standards, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to enhance prison systems. The findings contribute to the global discourse on prison reform by showcasing how investment in education and professional development can lead to safer prisons and more effective reintegration of prisoners into society.

Analysing expression of loneliness and insomnia through social intelligence analysis

BackgroundLoneliness and insomnia are mutually occurring conditions. This paper investigates whether keywords depicting loneliness and insomnia are expressed together on social media. Understanding loneliness through data fills the gaps or...

"Community Resilience to Climate Change: Integrating Sociological Perspectives"

"Community Resilience to Climate Change: Integrating Sociological Perspectives"

Bringing Sustainable Practices, Fashion Shows, and Sociological Insights Together to Reinvigorate Sustainable Fashion Education

This study explores the intersection of sustainable fashion practices, fashion shows, and sociological insights to develop sustainable fashion education. It investigates how sustainable practices are integrated into the fashion industry and education programs. Moreover, it critically analyses the evolving role of the fashion show in a time when sustainability takes a central position. Additionally, this study shows the possibilities and problems presented by the emergence of virtual fashion experiences. The literature review investigates the difficulties the fashion industry faces when moving towards sustainability. It systematically explores a range of innovative solutions put forth by scholars and practitioners. Moreover, this report delves into the core principles of sociological perspectives, particularly in fashion sociology. It explores the emerging trend of virtual fashion, emphasising the essential role that fashion education plays in promoting sustainability awareness among designers, industry professionals, and consumers. Ultimately, this study aims to encourage the fashion industry towards a more sustainable future by decreasing the traditional tensions between sustainability and fashion. It highlights the urgent need for the industry to embrace sustainable practices and prioritise sustainability in fashion education.

A Sociological Perspective on Computer Science in Enhancing Workplace Efficiency: Implications for the Digital Economy and Nation Building

This paper investigates the intersection of sociological perspectives and computer science in the workplace, emphasizing how technology adoption can enhance efficiency and contribute to the digital economy. Through a qualitative analysis of contemporary case studies, the paper highlights the social dynamics affecting technology integration and argues for a holistic approach considering cultural, organizational, and socioeconomic factors in national development strategies.

Sociology of Pandemics A Sociological Approach to Understanding the Social Impacts of COVID- 19

There is no doubt that there is a social and ethical necessity to monitor the various aspects of this pandemic, and to reveal its effects on the social reality in its various aspects, and thus the results of the study can be used to develop a scientific plan to limit the spread of the pandemic, and there is no doubt that This contributes to creating a safe social environment capable of responding to all social and economic development programs. The Sane Society is the society that is most capable of change and development in all fields. The study problem is determined in revealing the sociological approach to the Corona pandemic, identifying its various dimensions, and monitoring the sociological effort in revealing its most prominent results and its various effects on some social systems. The study uses the Discourse Analysis method, where the study aspires to analyze an aspect of the Arab and Western sociological discourse related to the Corona virus, and to identify the extent to which this discourse monitors the effects of that epidemic.

Design, Anthropology, and Sociology. A Possible Transdisciplinarity?

This contribution aims at critically examining the evolving role of design in contemporary society, integrating insights from sociology, anthropology, and design theory. It discusses the shift from long-term ethical objectives to economic and technological imperatives. Emphasizing interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches, it highlights the necessity for enhanced collaboration to address complex societal issues. The article advocates the re-evaluation of design ethical dimension and its potential for shaping future narratives; it stresses the importance of promoting sustainable and ethical behaviors through design to enhance collective well-being. Drawing on philosophical and sociological perspectives, it proposes proactive design interventions to envision and shape desirable futures. Lastly, it calls for the establishment of transdisciplinary research centers to analyze future scenarios and guide societal transformations towards preferred outcomes.

MINIMARKET RETAIL CONTESTATION WITH LOCAL GROCERY STORES IN ACEH, INDONESIA

This article examines the competition between minimarket retailers and local grocery stores from a sociological perspective. It explores two main patterns of daily shopping habits, which highlight a complex competition for consumer attention. The author aims to demonstrate that this contestation is linked to social change and the business strategies employed by each type of business. The study adopts a descriptive qualitative approach, conducted in Lhokseumawe City, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Data were gathered through observation, in-depth interviews, and literature review, and analyzed descriptively by reducing, verifying, and interpreting to identify key themes and insights. The findings show that the competition between these two shopping patterns is driven by changes in consumer behavior. Minimarkets succeed by offering convenience and more structured services, while local grocery stores remain competitive by providing services rooted in cultural values and fostering close community ties.

A Qualitative Study of Digital Religious Influence: Perspectives from Christian, Hindu, and Muslim Gen Y and Gen Z in Mumbai, India

This study addresses how religious affective content in digital media influences epistemic authority, social imaginaries, and religious beliefs. It draws on data from 64 in-depth interviews with Generation Y and Generation Z individuals with a higher-education background who identified as Christian, Muslim, or Hindu, conducted in Mumbai, India. While influencers are increasingly playing a significant role in the daily lives of the respondents, the impact of family on religious behavior appears to be more substantial than the epistemic sources on social media. In this context, accrued social capital can help individuals develop resilience or resistance to online disinformation, hate speech, and radicalization. Furthermore, while individuals exhibited animosity toward politicians and journalists, they also expressed nationalist attitudes, e.g., a shared Indian identity and common cultural capital, which may serve as ‘superglue’ for living peacefully in the current climate shaped by religious fundamentalist movements. In general, this field study contributes to the ongoing scholarly growth of the interdisciplinary focus of digital religion studies, and particularly on the impact of the social media domain on fundamentalist beliefs.

Problems Arising from Urbanization in India: A Sociological Perspective

Urbanization is often described as a symbol of development. It is, in essence, the process by which cities undergo significant growth and expansion, accompanied by the centralization of economic activities. One key driver of urbanization is the rapid increase in population and the resulting concentration of people in cities due to better planning opportunities. Additionally, industries, transportation, and related activities have a profound impact, which in turn adversely affects the environment. While rural areas symbolize pure and clean environments, urbanization is associated with environmental pollution, leading to ecological crises. Initially, cities were small, their expansion was limited, and the number of economic activities was minimal, causing no significant environmental threats. However, over time, cities not only expanded but did so in an unplanned manner. The centralization of industries accompanied advancements in technology and technical development. This led to the evolution of cities into metropolises, creating a web of transportation networks. Today, the larger the city, the more severe the problems it faces, with these issues growing increasingly critical each day. Abstract in Hindi Language: शहरीकरण को विकास के प्रतीक के रूप में वर्णित किया जाता है। वास्तव में शहरीकरण वह प्रक्रिया है जिसके अंतर्गत नगरों का अधिकतम विकास एवं विस्तार हो रहा है तथा आर्थिक क्रियाओं का केन्द्रीकरण हो रहा है। शहरीकरण का एक कारण जनसंख्या की तीव्र वृद्धि एवं नगरों में नियोजन की अधिक संभावनाओं के कारण उनमें जनसंख्या का केन्द्रीकरण होता जा रहा है, साथ ही उद्योग, परिवहन आदि का भी वहाँ अत्यधिक प्रभाव होता है, फलस्वरूप पर्यावरण पर उसका विपरीत प्रभाव पड़ता है। वास्तव में ग्रामीण अंचल जहाँ शुद्ध पर्यावरण का प्रतीक है वहीं नगरीय या शहरीकरण के साथ पर्यावरण प्रदूषण जुड़ गया है, जो पारिस्थितिक-संकट का कारण बनता है। प्रारंभ में नगर छोटे थे, उनका विस्तार सीमित था और वहाँ संपादित होने वाली आर्थिक क्रियाओं की संख्या सीमित थी जिसके परिणामस्वरूप पर्यावरण को किसी प्रकार का संकट नहीं था। किंतु कालांतर में नगरों का न केवल विकास अपितु अनियोजित विकास होने लगा तथा यहाँ प्रौद्योगिकी एवं तकनीकी विकास के साथ ही उद्योगों का केन्द्रीकरण होना प्रारंभ हो गया। नगरों से महानगर विकसित हो गये, परिवहन के विविध साधनों का जाल इनमें फैल गया और आज विश्व के जो नगर जितने अधिक बड़े हैं, उतने ही अधिक समस्याओं से ग्रसित हैं और ये समस्यायें दिन-प्रतिदिन गंभीर होती जा रही हैं। Keywords: भारत, नगरीकरण, पारिस्थितिक-संकट, नियोजन।

Religion in Urban India : A Sociological Approach on Hinduism and Sanamahism in Imphal City, Manipur

Religion in Urban India : A Sociological Approach on Hinduism and Sanamahism in Imphal City, Manipur

Fragile Harmony: Unraveling the Risks in the Development Mosaic

Objective: To discuss how economic growth based on the “at any cost” paradigm generates environmental and social risks, with an emphasis on the impacts on situations of vulnerability. It proposes the defense of “place” as an alternative for sustainable development, respecting local history and culture, while analyzing the market from the perspective of economic sociology and ecological economics. Theoretical framework: The research is based on Ulrich Beck's (1999) theory of the risk society, which addresses the global risks of reflexive modernity, highlighting the de-localization, incalculability and non-compensability of risks. Polanyi (1980) contributes to criticizing the logic of the market as the absolute regulator of natural resources. According to Martinez-Alier (2007), ecological economics rejects the idea that all environmental values can be reduced to prices, regulating the limits of planetary sustainability. Methodology: It uses a theoretical-conceptual approach, through a bibliographical review of authors such as Beck, Polanyi and Martinez-Alier, to explore interactions between economic development, socio-environmental conflicts and the valuation of natural resources. Results and Discussion: Uncontrolled economic growth increases inequalities and environmental degradation, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. The market, analyzed by economic sociology, reveals social and cultural dimensions, while ecological economics highlights the complexity of valuing natural resources, pointing to the need for preservation policies and social justice. Research implications: A review of economic paradigms is proposed, prioritizing alternatives that respect biodiversity and local cultures. We suggest investigating the role of social movements in promoting inclusive and sustainable policies.

An essay on relational analysis of relational sociology

In recent years, examining social problems such as health, education, environment, poverty, migration, disaster, all kinds of discrimination and inequalities in a relational and intersectional manner has become increasingly preferred. Especially sociologists find the essentialist approach of classical mainstream sociology based on dualities such as traditional-modern, structure and individual inadequate for themselves. In the age of uncertainties and complexities, old views that assumed a human-centered, deterministic and linear imposed by classical or traditional sociological theories have begun to be criticized. In this context, there has been a need to renew the definition of social in a way that includes not only humans but also the beings in our natural environment such as plants, animals and soil. Since it is not appropriate and possible to call this perspective, which finds all dualities such as human-nonhuman, structure-individual, traditional-modern, time-space, macro-micro artificial and prefers process-based analyses, as a new paradigm due to its nature, it is preferred to call it a way of doing sociology. In this original research paper, first the historical development of relational sociology in the world and its differences from classical sociology are revealed. Then, relational sociological studies conducted in Turkey are examined. In fact, within the framework of the article, some predictions are tried to be made about the future of relational sociology based on its current situation. The originality of the article stems from the effort to conduct this systematic review in accordance with relational sociological principles.

Sociological Perspectives on AI, Intelligence and Communication

ABSTRACTIntroduction. This article presents a comprehensive theoretical model to understand the societal challenges posed by AI, examining AI as a unique form of intelligence—distinct from human cognition—that functions as a computational technology integrated into societal communication processes. Using educational systems as a key example, the article explores AI's implications for functional differentiation across society. Methods. The study applies Luhmann's systems theory, emphasizing communication, double contingency, and the transformative role of digital media and AI. A sociological analysis is conducted on how AI, through virtual double contingency, affects communication within interaction, organization, and functional systems, embedding values beyond negotiation. Results. Findings indicate that AI results in algorithmic differentiation which disrupts traditional communication structures, diminishing functional autonomy within systems like education and altering social structures with profound implications for individuals and society. This transformation is analysed within three societal models: authoritarian, market‐driven, and democratic. Conclusion. While AI integration is essential to maintain European competitiveness alongside the USA and China, it also poses risks to functional differentiation and democratic principles. The article underscores the necessity of a robust regulatory framework and value‐driven approach to responsibly leverage AI's benefits without undermining societal structures or the European democratic model.

Kriminalisasi Kemiskinan dalam Perspektif Sosiologi Hukum terhadap Kebijakan Penertiban Masyarakat Marginal

This study aims to analyze the policy of regulating marginalized poor communities in the context of legal sociology, as well as the impact of the policy of regulating marginalized communities socially and legally. This research uses a normative method with a legal sociology approach to analyze policing policies against marginalized communities as a form of criminalization of poverty. Research focuses on written and unwritten legal norms related to poverty and human rights. The main data source includes statutory regulations, while secondary data consists of literature and expert opinions. Data collection techniques use library research, with qualitative analysis based on legal sociology theory. The results of this research show that marginal poor communities in Indonesia live in limited socio-economic conditions, often face discrimination, and are marginalized by policies that do not support them. Social inequality between rural and urban areas is still significant. Repressive policing policies, such as forced evictions and criminalization of informal activities, worsen their situation. This research emphasizes the need for social justice-based policies that empower marginalized communities, as well as legal reform to create a more inclusive and fair system. The active involvement of marginalized groups in policy making is very important to break the cycle of poverty and improve their welfare

The Role of Wives as Breadwinners in Serang’s Traditional Markets in Enhancing Food Security

The institution of marriage inherently establishes reciprocal rights and responsibilities between husband and wife. Among these is the husband’s obligation to provide material and emotional support to his wife. Over time, societal changes have opened opportunities for women, including wives, to participate in earning a living, such as through their work in traditional markets. In this context, wives who engage in traditional market activities contribute significantly to meeting food needs and, consequently, to strengthening food security. This study seeks to elucidate the pivotal role played by wives who contribute to household income as key drivers of family food security. Furthermore, it evaluates the perspective of Law No. 18 of 2012 on Food regarding wives who engage in earning a livelihood as vendors in traditional markets. Utilizing a combination of field research and literature review, the study adopts a juridical-empirical and sociological approach. The findings highlight that wives working in traditional markets are instrumental in promoting food security. Their efforts extend beyond their own households to support local food systems. These women directly embody the four critical dimensions of food security: food availability, food accessibility, food utilization, and food stability. Their contributions underscore the essential role of female vendors in ensuring sustainable food security at both familial and community levels.

Exploring the ecological relationship between temperature and prosocial behaviour: A geographical and temporal analysis.

Previous research on the link between temperature and prosociality has produced mixed findings. A recent meta-analysis focusing on laboratory-based research concluded that the effect was null, a conclusion that was subject to low ecological validity. This paper complements the discussion by investigating the link between ambient temperature and three indicators of real-life prosociality in 164 regions over 14 years. The between-regional comparison probes the relationship over a wide range of thermal conditions, whereas the within-regional temporal comparison draws this literature to the real-life problem of global warming. Bayesian analysis indicates that temperature is linked to helping strangers, but not volunteerism or charity donation. Hotter regions have more helping respondents than colder regions, and as a region warms, it also records more helping respondents. The positive link between temperature and helping is in line with social thermoregulation theory, but it is also subject to alternative explanations from a cultural perspective and sociological perspective. We conclude that it is unrealistic to expect temperature to have the same effect on all prosocial acts without considering contextual factors and the underlying mechanisms. Our findings call for a nuanced view concerning the effect of temperature on prosociality, which awaits verification by rigorous research designs.

Co-teaching and collaborative work in inclusive educational contexts

Introduction. Interdisciplinary collaboration stands out as a key strategy for inclusive education, mediated by teamwork both inside and outside the classroom, focusing on the work of regular and special education teachers in the inclusive educational context, taking into account the mental health of the members of the school community. Co-teaching, on the other hand, involves a transformation of teaching practices to improve the learning of all students within the classroom. Objective. The purpose of the article is to describe the pedagogical experience of co-teachers from the social imaginaries of classroom teams in educational institutions in the province of Concepción, Chile. Methods. Since imaginaries are subjective aspects, they are approached from a complementary perspective, which allows for the consideration of phenomenological and hermeneutical aspects. The approach was qualitative, through a multiple case study. The information was analyzed by seeking the mobility of social imaginaries, where social coordinate maps were the tools used to visualize the shifts in emerging categories. Conclusions. The study shows a strong social force deeply rooted in the conception of inclusive education as a model imposed by regulations, with competitive and individual pedagogical practices, characterized by tense and hierarchical relationships that do not contribute to the mental health of all. At the same time, imaginaries also emerge as opacities, projecting a new school where the recognition of others is seen as a possibility for joint construction and learning, beyond the imperatives defined by official voice