Structure Of Social Relations Research Articles

Como gênero e raça estruturam o sistema prisional: Diálogos com Angela Davis sobre racismo e sexismo no controle punitivo brasileiro

Abstract We present an analysis of the phenomenon of female incarceration in Brazil, placing it as a concrete determination of the capitalist mode of production. We start from the issue of how the categories of gender and race act as structural elements of Brazilian penal control, based on the reading proposed by Angela Davis, in dialogue with authors of Brazilian feminist. For this reason, initially, we will promote initial debates about oppression as structures of social relations in capitalism. Subsequently, it will be necessary to discuss the oppression of gender and race in the Brazilian context, especially considering the overload of reproductive, invisible, and precarious work. Finally, we will analyze the consolidation of Brazilian punitive control as an instrument for the management of disposable bodies and the constant production and reproduction of racism and sexism in Brazilian culture. We will use materialistic analysis as a methodology, with the critical interpellation (ana-dialectical moment of the method) through the critical analytical, theoretical framework of the black feminism theory. With the formulations, we can conclude, in short, that the violent and racist management of the penal system maintains a solid Brazilian social structure, subjecting the bodies of black women to the harder process of vulnerability imposed by punitive state control.

Role of social support in culturally sensitive diabetes self-management education among an ethnic minority population in Denmark.

CUSTOM is a culturally sensitive diabetes self-management education and support programme tailored to Urdu, Turkish and Arabic-speaking people in Denmark. The aim of this study was twofold: first, to examine the functional social support perceived by CUSTOM participants before and after the intervention; and, second, to explore how participants' structural social support affected the physical and mental health benefits of the intervention. The participants were people with type 2 diabetes whose primary language was Urdu, Arabic or Turkish (n = 73). Outcomes included A1C, body fat percentage, diabetes distress, well-being and functional social support. Changes were observed between baseline and six months after participation in a single-group pre-test/post-test design. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to assess pre-post differences in functional social support. The role of structural social support was assessed using moderation regression analysis. Participants reported higher availability of functional social support after the programme (p < 0.05), although the change in loneliness was not significant. In addition, cohabitating with adult children increased the average body fat percentage reduction achieved following the programme, while living with a partner lowered the average body fat percentage reduction achieved. The intervention was particularly successful in improving diabetes distress among those with weak structural social support. Culturally sensitive diabetes self-management education and support can improve social support among people with an ethnic minority background. The structure of social relations may influence the benefit of culturally sensitive diabetes self-management education and support. Future programmes should include family members and other social relations more actively, drawing attention to both positive and negative aspects of social relations.

Risk assessments of virtual interactions on Saudi families

Family relationships are the basis for a stable family atmosphere. Now with the internet, which has become a tangible part of our lives, membership of virtual communities, including social networks, has grown. It has created fundamental changes in the structure of social relationships and human interaction, forming a new framework of virtual interactions that transcend international borders. Due to their significance, unavoidability, availability, confidentiality, ease of use, and intrusive nature through interaction and sharing, virtual communities now extend beyond the individual and related level of risk. This study aimed to assess the cultural and behavioral risks of virtual interactions for Saudi families and their level of incidence and likelihood. It belonged to descriptive studies, using the social survey for a sample (1524) from Hail region families between 15 December 2022 and 31 January 2023, and was based on the list of cultural and behavioral risks of virtual interactions. Results showed that the most dangerous social networking sites for Saudi families were TikTok, Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube, and Instagram respectively. Matrix results showed that 66.7% of virtual interaction threats have a high severity and likelihood, namely: adopting atheistic ideas, spreading the thought of hate, undermining the values of the Saudi family, and adopting ideas that incite violence from cultural threats, privacy hacks, cyber-bullying, fraud, violence, social isolation and cybercrime from behavioral threats. The study recommends adopting a social risk management (SRM) concept, especially regarding risks to family, because it is a new dimension of social protection.

Нигилистическое опустошение современного человека

The article is devoted to the problem of the growth of nihilistic tendencies in culture. It is proven that modern transformations of the structure of social relations qualitatively change the concept of nihilism as a way of representing culture. This article proceeds from the assumption that the general crisis in the sphere of axiology allows us to state the origins of modern nihilism in the active process of man's reasoning. Hence, general pessimistic tendencies determine a kind of semantic shift when destruction becomes a simulacrum of creativity. At the same time, it is determined that nihilism is revived in the process of replacing value with evaluation. In a comparative analysis of the achievements of modern philosophical thought, the main facets of the modern nihilistic attitude of man toward the world are revealed. In particular, it is indicated that the emergence of the philosophy of devastation can form the recognition of destruction as a social norm. An attempt is made to trace the concepts of epistemic nihilism. The semantic complexity of modern nihilism for its bearers is revealed. Special attention is paid to such a phenomenon as intellectual humility. New forms of alienation of modern man from himself through the rejection of his own beliefs in the face of some opposing statements are traced. It is shown that the revival of nihilistic tendencies in culture contributes to the expansion of the field of manipulative practices in social life. The risks of illusions of explanatory depth due to the formation of a behavioral strategy of intellectual humility are evidently determined. Aspects of the evolution of nihilism are touched upon. The connection between nihilism and the thesis about the state of total war in the 20th century is traced in the trends of the development of modern philosophical thought. It is determined that the devaluation of life provokes the formation of the illusion of the absolute value of material progress and negatively affects the processes of self-consciousness. The role of microaggressions by marginals in the formation of modern nihilism is revealed.

Social Structure Analysis in Management of South Sumatra Inland Waters

Abstract The social structure of inland fisheries communities tends to place powerful elites in important positions, while local fishermen are subordinate actors. Patronage is a form of social relationship that describes the unequal social structure between these actors. This research aimed to analyze social structure in the inland waters of South Sumatra in the practice of the Lebak Lebung and River Auction (L3S) in OKI District. To achieve this goal, a constructivist paradigm with qualitative research methods was employed, and the sample comprised 39 informants selected as subjects. The data analysis was conducted in three distinct stages, namely data reduction, presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results showed that the regulation of open access for all parties in the local government regime after 1982 created an institutionalized social relations structure where the government, investors, traders, middlemen, and non-fishing actors dominated compared to the fishermen. The participants in this social landscape strived to accumulate capital to enhance their competitiveness within the L3S domain. A patronage system was implemented with middlemen assuming the role of patron and the fishermen acting as their clients. The current institutional social structure has created an unfair distribution of resource benefits for fishing workers. The novelty theories were found in the working relations of the inland waters community of South Sumatra, namely stratified distribution of rights, dual status, multi-stage patronage, and the positive function of patronage for chief fisherman. Further research should be conducted to research policy revitalization and develop strategic inland water management models. Highlight Research The author mentioned 3 highlights from their results research: Auction system in inland waters in South Sumatra presents an unfair distribution for fishermen. Structure of the working relationship formed is an asymmetric patron-client relationship but with novel theories such as the stratified distribution of rights model, dual status, multi-stage patronage, and the positive function of patronage. An imbalance in local access to auction objects due to their weak ability to accumulate capital.

Preserving Cultural Identity of Angklung Paglak through Visual Identity-based Approach

Angklung Paglak, a traditional musical instrument rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Kemiren Village, Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia, has played a pivotal role in entertaining farmers and expressing gratitude during the Great Harvest ceremonies. However, with the gradual decline of traditional harvest practices and the advent of modernization, the once vibrant Angklung Paglak tradition faces the risk of extinction. This study used the endogenous development theory to investigate the historical existence of Angklung Paglak and its evolution under the influence of tourism, emphasizing the structure of awareness, social relations, and practical techniques. In summary, by employing an ethnographic approach, the research involved real-world observations and interactions with local participants for one year to gain first-hand insight into the complex interplay between Angklung Paglak as a cultural asset and tourist attraction. The envisioned visual identity plays a significant role in fostering cultural continuity and unity, thus revitalizing and preserving Angklung Paglak’s significance within the community’s collective memory.

Differences in Organizational Behavior amongst Startup and Established Company: A Literature Review

Two business models differ significantly between an established company and a startup in the industrial world. There are notable distinctions between the two business models in several areas that, upon closer examination, can offer entrepreneurs, practitioners, researchers, and the government guidance in devising the most appropriate business model approach. The subsequent goal of this research is to conduct a more thorough analysis of the organizational behavior variations between startups and larger businesses. Because numerous research sources have been completed but have yet to be more thoroughly consolidated, this study uses a literature review approach to address the research issues posed. This approach is also capable of identifying variations from the given context. According to the study, established businesses and startups differ in three ways. The study's findings, to be more precise, revealed variations in the two business models' definitions and life cycles. Second, the social relations system and structure derived from these two company models differ. Finally, these two categories of businesses must deal with varying degrees of uncertainty in the workplace. This research suggests that by examining the distinctions between large and small companies which are just starting, business actors can benefit from this research and use it as a guide to improve organizational performance.

The Sociocultural Characteristic Peculiarities of Liberalization in Contemporary Societies

Key words: mass society, liberality, social behaviour, free competition, institutional system, liberal culture, democratization, social-cultural principles The formation of democratic institutions, market economy and the development of a prosperious society are the premises for the transition from a traditional system to a liberal-democratic sociocultural system and economic, political and cultural transformations. On the personal level the liberal-democratic project means formation of new opportunities, new relations and a new social type of character. Due to internal transformations of the liberal-democratic society, contemporary society has achieved an undeniable growth of prosperity and general educational achievements. Just due to those achievements the structure of society was qualitatively improved, and the previous notions of social inequality were recomprehended. In particular, as a result of radical transformations occurring in the entire structure of social relations, social inequality is no longer perceived as an unchanging status and way of life: people start to consider material prosperity as a personal achievement, instead of class identification

The Use of Punishment as a Way to Relization Political Goals in International Relations (Theoretical Study)

The problem of the application of punishment to realization political goals in international relations is considered. The author characterizes the social institution of punishment, indicates its place and role in the structure of social relations. The political and legal component of punishment is analyzed in the context of unilateral sanctions of some sovereign states against others. The main forms and content of the influence of political goals on the institution of international legal sanctionspunishments are determined. The author’s vision of such specific phenomena as “self-punishment” and “political engagement” is substantiated. An algorithm for identifying the political bias of decisions on the imposition of international legal penalties, as well as possible ways to develop an adequate response to them from the “punished” subjects (target states) is formulated. The empirical base of the study includes materials on the application of punishments by individual and collective subjects of international relations against the Russian Federation, including the geopolitical consequences of the relevant sanctions decisions.

Crossed pandemics: Racism, police violence, and Covid-19 in Brazil and the United States

Abstract The article aims to answer the following question: how is it possible that in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, as a series of daily activities were suspended in the name of preserving life, police violence has not only continued but worsened in the United States and in Brazil? We argue that racism structures social relations both in the United States and in Brazil, functioning as an essential activity of states that remain involved in the production of different types of physical and symbolic death even amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Contrary to mainstream International Relations, which narrates its central categories – such as the state – as neutral and non-racialised, we will draw attention to the racial origin of the state and its institutions, such as the police. This article aims to look at these two contexts, Brazil and the United States, in a crossed way. This analysis is only possible because, despite the heterogeneity of the two scenarios, we understand that racism is constitutive of global order and of the institutions that sustain its unfair and unequal character.

Neo-Weberian Reading of Violent Non-State Actors: The Case of Hezbollah

Multiple-actor reality and the impact of different units, except the states in stratified structural relations, have become more apparent in recent international relations. Specifically, the rising role of Violent Non-State Actors (VNSA) in regions like the Middle East and North Africa, and their challenges to the sole and central position of states, reinforced this idea. Hence, comprehending the possible actorhood of these groups within the structural relations consisting of internal and external realms necessitates alternative concepts and challenging arguments. The Neo-Weberian approach, inspired by historical sociology, offers a grounded and balanced analysis of actors. This approach puts state-society at the center of attention and, thus, looks at all dimensions (both actor and structure) of social relations as ingrained in the theory of structuration. In this way, it seems to capture the complex interactions between actors and structural dynamics, as well as the dynamic transformation of both ontological realities. Along this line, this study intends to illuminate the intriguing aspects and certain advantages of the structuration approach by scrutinizing Hezbollah’s agency, which is a critical VNSA in the Middle East, and its impact on structural relations, as well as its evolution over time. In other words, as a modest contribution to the structuration literature, the mutual interaction between agent and structure is explored via a unique case. This study argues that Hezbollah emerged as a result of the preexisting structural realities and, during the process, it proved its agency and influential role on these stratified structural dynamics. To substantiate these theoretical arguments, the permissive structural conditions in the region and in Lebanon will be explained, and then Hezbollah’s impact as an actor on these structural realities will be surveyed with a special emphasis on Hezbollah’s role over two regional dynamics: Arab uprisings, particularly the Syrian internal war, and its now hegemonic position in Lebanese politics.

Analysis of the intellectual capital effect on SMEs' financial performance on West Aceh coast

SMEs are essential in national economic growth, so it concerns various groups. Intangible resources such as knowledge and skills are the basis of SMEs' competitive advantage. Integrating these two things will provide a rapid growth acceleration for SMEs. Intellectual capital (CI) is a core concept of the company's strategic resources to create a competitive advantage. SMEs have a more straightforward organizational structure and solid internal social relations than large companies. This study aims to address this gap by analyzing the impact of intellectual capital (CI) on SMEs' financial performance (FP). The design of this research is causal research with a survey method. In taking the sample, non-probability sampling was used with the convenience sampling technique on SME owners along the coast of West Aceh. The hypothesis was tested using the Structural Equation Model (SEM). The findings in this study prove that the three components of intellectual capital, namely human capital (HC), structural capital (SC), and relational capital (RC), affect the financial performance (FP) of SMEs. This study concludes that intellectual capital is significant for the financial performance of SMEs.

Relational models theory: Validation and replication for four fundamental relationships.

Relational models theory predicts that social relationships are formed from four underlying psychological models: communal sharing, authority ranking, equality matching, and market pricing. Here, in four studies, we test this four-factor model using the 33-item Modes of Relationships Questionnaire (MORQ). In Study 1, we administered the MORQ to N = 347 subjects. A parallel analysis supported the four-factor structure, but several items failed to load on their predicted target factors. In Study 2 (N = 617), we developed a well-fitting four-factor model of the MORQ with a total of 20 items (five items retained for each factor). This model replicated across multiple relationships reported by each subject. In Study 3, we replicated the model in an independent dataset (N = 615). A general factor associated with relationship type was required in both Study 2 and Study 3. In Study 4, we tested the nature of this general factor, finding that it was associated with the closeness of the relationship. The results support the Relational Models four-factor structure of social relationships. Given the mature theory and applications in a wide range of disciplines, from social to organisational psychology, we hope that this compact, valid, and interpretable instrument leads to increased usage of the scale.

The legal meaning of the concept of social dialogue

The article deals with the theoretical legal and legislative characteristics of the concept of social dialogue from the point of view of their compliance with modern trends in the development of labour law doctrine. The legal content of the concept of social dialogue is determined through the essence of the concept of “dialogue” as a type of collective contractual relations in the social area regarding the resolution of labour and related social and economic issues between legally defined subjects, the list of which is expanding in modern conditions. The sociality criteria of dialogue are substantiated. The subject of the issues that can be considered between the parties of the social dialogue is determined. It is stated that environmental problems can be the subject of discussion in the field of social dialogue, if they relate to ensuring a person’s right to work. The article investigates and supports the norms of the draft Law of Ukraine “On Collective and Bargaining Agreements”, which provide for the expansion of the subject structure of social dialogue relations in cases defined by legislation due to the possibility of involving newly created non-representative representatives of employees and employers, as well as public associations, the aim (goals) and areas of statutory activity of which comply with the subject of consultations within the framework of social dialogue. The involvement of civil society organizations in social dialogue is emphasized to be require a clear legislative definition of their legal status. The author supports the thesis that organizational and legal forms of social dialogue are information exchanges, consultations, collective bargaining, conciliation and arbitration procedures and mediation. Relevant changes to the legislation are proposed. Scientific discussions regarding the relationship between the concepts of “social dialogue” and “social partnership” are critically analyzed. It is substantiated that social dialogue is only one form of social partnerships between representatives of the state, employers (business) and employees. Public and private partnership as a reflection of social responsibility and corporate social responsibility are other forms of such interaction. The paper proposes to develop a national strategy of social partnership, where different forms and areas of interaction of stakeholders are foreseen.

The Teacher Classroom Climate Scale (TCCS): Development and Validation of a New Instrument for Use in Primary School

Background: A positive classroom climate is crucial for student well-being and academic success. There is a lack of validated teacher-rated instruments that assess classroom climate in primary school to ensure that the psycho-social and academic learning conditions in class are beneficial for all students. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a teacher-rated instrument for use in primary school that addresses key aspects of the classroom climate. The instrument is called the Teacher Classroom Climate Scale (TCCS). Data: Data consisted of a large population-based sample of teachers (n = 1,720) form Norway who rated 14 items encompassing the classroom climate in their class. Data were collected as part of a longitudinal effectiveness study that was implemented in 65 ordinary and representative Norwegian primary schools (Grades 1-7). Methods: The sample was divided into two randomized halves, and exploratory factor analysis was performed on the first half (n =846) whereas confirmatory factor analyses were performed on the second half (n = 874) to verify the factor structure. In addition, we evaluated the convergent validity of the TCCS by inspecting correlations between classroom climate scale and students' academic achievements and problem behaviors. Results: The results revealed a three-factor structure (social relations, learning conditions and task orientation). The analyses showed that two of the 14 items had low factor loadings, and were therefore omitted from the final version of the scale. The final scale showed good internal consistency. The TCCS correlated moderately both concurrently and predictively with academic level and academic differences in class, and with severe problem behavior in class. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the TCCS may be a useful instrument to assess classroom climate in primary school. The need for further research on the TCCS is emphasized.

How Autocracies Disrupt Unsanctioned Information Flows: The Role of State Power and Social Capital in North Korea

ABSTRACT What determines the flow of unsanctioned information in authoritarian regimes? To answer this question, we explore the use and circulation of illicit foreign information among citizens in North Korea. This paper focuses on how the structure of social relations among citizens determines where and with whom people acquire and disseminate politically unsanctioned and potentially illegal content offline. Based on findings from a choice‐based conjoint administered to 313 former residents of North Korea, we show that social capital and trust-related effects associated with the place where information is acquired and the person who provides it determine information flows.

Rethinking War and Violence in Sierra Leone: The RUF and the Nature and Condition of Insurgency Violence

ABSTRACT: One of the most perplexing contradictions of the Sierra Leonean civil war was the disconnect between an insurgency movement that defined its project as an emancipatory program of national liberation and the large-scale violence, destructions, and brutalities it inflicted on the rural poor and other marginalized groups in the name of that project. A question that has thus continued to plague the war is why a movement that claimed to be fighting on behalf of the poor and marginalized also ended up committing horrific atrocities against the very people on whose behalf it claimed to be fighting. What explains this radical disconnect between the pronouncements of the insurgents and their actions? In this article, I return to the Sierra Leonean civil war to grapple with this question about the nature and condition of violence in that war. I suggest that violence in the Sierra Leonean civil war, and more specifically, the behavior and conduct of the RUF and other combatants during the war, cannot be explained by recourse to fabulous ideas about the psychobiological characteristics innate to certain groups or societies that predispose them to violence, but to complex sociohistorical processes and structures that define everyday power and social relations. Ultimately, it was these sociohistorical structures and the way they manifest and structure power and social relations in Sierra Leone, as well as the failure of the RUF and its leadership to establish conditions of insurgency action capable of transcending, rather than amplifying, this violence embedded in the postcolonial Sierra Leonean state that determined the nature of violence during the war.

Devolution or Decapitation? Decentralization During Conflict in Ukraine

ABSTRACT Decentralization in Ukraine is lauded as the most successful of the country’s reforms. The devolution of power to local government has not been without controversy; however, as decentralization proceeded during the war in Donbas. This article critiques Ukrainian’s decentralization based on two promises of this reform: the weakening of oligarchic power and the empowerment of Ukrainians. Utilizing a feminist political economy framework, with relational ontological commitments, this paper argues that decentralization has, rather, empowered Ukrainian elites while marginalizing vulnerable groups during the war. To address political disempowerment and/or economic inequality, this paper concludes, decentralization must address the totality that structures social relations.

How Does Social Capital Help Achieve High-Quality Education?

The purpose of this study is to examine how social capital is used to achieve high-quality education at SMAN Sumatra Selatan. This was a descriptive qualitative study with data collected through participant observation. The researcher was involved directly as well as witnessing the research process and conducting in-depth interviews with ten informants. The Miles and Huberman's were applied in the data analysis. The study's findings revealed the presence of social capital in SMAN Sumatra Selatan in the form of trust, networks, and social norms. Cooperation between the Government of the Province of South Sumatra and the Putera Sampoerna Foundation, as well as cooperation with companies, shown trust. The social network formed as a result of the partnership between SMAN Sumatra Selatan and the mass media, as well as education supporting companies. The social norms in the school were represented by four exceptional programs: academic programs, lifetime learning programs, the pathway to leadership programs, and boarding education programs. This school's social capital components included communicating with one another, working together, influencing one another, and being related to one another. They resulted in a structure of social relations that culminated in a high-quality school.

Influence of Reification of Power on Social Change: An Analysis of Elias and Bourdieu

Debates of power, a shared limitation appears in discussing the concept as it takes on a life of its own. It adopts objectivity – this limitation has to do with the reification of power as a thing that exists in society. This reification of power can influence any social change and we must understand how to overcome this limitation. The paper explores the concept of power that how it has changed over the years. Presenting the different views to power. It discusses the influence of power on the process of decision making. The paper further discusses how a society transforms by the structure of social relationships by presenting Elias and Bourdieu work about reification. This article concludes that for any social change we need to transcend reification of power and the role of people is fundamental