Welfare Of Society Research Articles

Toward a brighter future: Confronting the shadows of STS

As part of the Nordic Journal of Science and Technology Studies’ 10th anniversary, we want to end the anniversary issue by reflecting upon the future of the field. To do so, we invited a young scholar in the STS field to partake in an interview with us. We think it is fitting to end with a young critical voice, as it is the next generation who will shape the field and ultimately decide the future of STS. We had the pleasure of interviewing Claudia Gertraud Schwarz who earned her PhD from the University of Vienna in 2014. She currently works as a postdoctoral researcher at the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, where her research and praxis focus on generating and studying interventions to improve wellbeing in society, especially for young people. She is also one of the co-founders of the STS community known as the FeminiSTS Repair Team.

Infant Mortality among the Tea Garden Workers in Upper Assam: Insights from a Field Survey

Infant mortality rate is an important indicator that reflects not only the health status of the infant but also the well-being of society as a whole. The north-eastern state of Assam is one of the states having the highest number of maternal and infant deaths within the country. For the first time, infant mortality in Assam registered a decline to 31.9 compared to the national average of 35.2 per 1,000 live births (NFHS-5). Though the overall rank of the state in terms of infant mortality has improved (from the 34th position to the 25th position), it is not enough and is not evenly distributed across the communities within the state. Human rights violations are particularly prominent among the tea garden workers of Assam and are mostly seen against the Adivasi children and woman, which is reflected by high maternal and infant deaths. The study aims to determine the factors responsible for infant mortality among tea garden workers by using primary data collected from 300 women workers across tea gardens in the Sonitpur and Tinsukia districts of Upper Assam. The binary logistic regression method is used for the analysis. It was observed that among the six probable factors, namely educational qualifications of the mother, marriage age of the mother, daily working hours, daily wage as tea garden labour, total number of births and the source of drinking water, the following three factors—namely the total number of births, age at marriage and the source of drinking water—are found to be the significant determinants of infant mortality among the tea garden labourers of Assam. JEL Codes: I12, I15

Comprehensive Method for Supplier Selection in the Indonesian Leather Industry Considering Sustainable Development Goals Criteria

Objective: This pivotal research aims to rank raw material suppliers at an Indonesian leather company using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). It is based on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) criteria selected by many decision-makers through the Delphi method, with a compromise criteria weight between Methods based on Removal Effects of Criteria (MEREC) and Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) II. Theoretical Framework: The global and national commitments of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to improving society's welfare, including the sustainable use of resources, are not just theoretical concepts. They are practically applied in this research to guide supplier selection in the leather industry. These criteria are then weighted using objective weighting (MEREC) and subjective weighting (SWARA) II, and the results are compromised to form the basis for evaluating suppliers using TOPSIS. Method: The proposed method in this research consists of three stages. The first stage is selecting the SDGs criteria using the Delphi method, a structured communication technique involving experts. The second stage is weighting the criteria using MEREC for objective weighting and SWARA II for subjective weighting. The third stage is supplier evaluation using TOPSIS based on the weight of the compromised criteria. Results and Discussion: The ranking of leather raw material suppliers for Indonesian leather companies is Kediri, Rembang, Jombang, Cirebon, Wonogiri, Lumajang, Cianjur, and Sidoarjo. This ranking is based on the SDGs criteria. Responsible leather sourcing, eco-friendly tanning processes, water use audits, and waste management are the SDGs' criteria for selecting suppliers in the Indonesian leather industry. Responsible leather sourcing is the only sustainability criterion more important than the price criterion. This criterion directly affects the quality of the animal skin, which is why it is rejected. Research Implications: The manager should prioritize the SDGs criteria, such as the product's significance to the organization's survival over cost and other factors, which have become secondary due to high demand. Apart from rejecting and delivery factors, management also considers responsible leather sourcing. This means that good animal care impacts the reject factor, and management prioritizes this factor. The rejection criterion must be prioritized for the production process to operate efficiently. Originality/Value: It is imperative to establish a technique for managers in the Indonesian leather sector to choose sustainability suppliers incorporating Delphi, MEREC, SWARA II, and TOPSIS.

A Call for Afrocentric Decolonial Endogenous Marketing and Public Policy Research and Practice: Toward Sustainable Peace and Well-Being in African Societies

Africa experiences one-third of all conflicts globally, resulting in the diminishment of human, social, and economic well-being; high levels of insecurity; poverty; and disrupted marketing systems. Drawing on the experiences of African countries, the article illuminates the ways in which the slave trade and, later, the colonization of the African continent fomented the social and economic convulsions that continue to erupt into continuing cycles of social conflict. Today these are manifested in the neocolonial influence of public policy on the continent by international organizations, funding bodies, and local and international institutions that control the public policy discourse and resources. The authors argue that if marketing systems are to enhance well-being and reduce social conflict, marketing policy makers need to contest failed “external to Africa” policy frameworks and look to endogenous policies better suited to contemporary African challenges. A case study of Rwanda illuminates how endogenous, “home-grown” decolonial and Afrocentric policy can create enduring peace and improve marketing systems and well-being. The authors call for research at the nexus of public policy and African marketing systems that adopts decolonized, endogenous, and Afrocentric perspectives to address this lacuna in marketing and public policy research and practice.

Impact of Tourism on Poverty Reduction: Strategies to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals Through Local Community Participation

Objective: This article aims to examine the impact of the existence of tourist destinations on the welfare of households living around tourist locations in an effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals category ‘No Poverty (SDGS 1)’. Method: The data used is the results of the 2021 National Socioeconomic Survey (SUSENAS). The selected respondents are households in Sumenep Regency, Madura, Indonesia. The data analysis method used is Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to avoid bias. Of the approximately 3,000 selected respondents, 101 were identified as tourist respondents and 310 non-tourist households Results and Discussion: The results of different tests on expenditure variables and income per capita show that households in tourist areas are not more prosperous than other households with similar characteristics. It can be concluded that the existence of tourist destinations has not made a positive contribution to the welfare of the community around tourist destinations. Research Implications: This study has important implications. First, the development of a sustainable tourism sector has an impact on poverty reduction. Second, the significant impact of poverty reduction can improve the welfare of society in general. Originality/Value: The originality of this research is that the use of the propensity score matching method in tourism analysis is still limited. This is an initial research that uses the PSM method to analyze the impact of tourism on poverty.

Challenges in Managing Public Library Services Aimed at Ensuring the Well-being of Society in the Context of Emergency Situations

Challenges in Managing Public Library Services Aimed at Ensuring the Well-being of Society in the Context of Emergency Situations

Representations of Muscovites of working age about a healthy lifestyle and observance of its principles

Introduction. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (HLS) is one of the key aspects of the prevention of a number of chronic infectious diseases (CID). The increase in the number of people keeping a healthy lifestyle is a predictor not only of the sanitary, but also of the socio-economic well-being of society. The purpose of the study is to determine the views of Muscovites of working age about HLS and compliance with its principles. Materials and methods. The article uses the results of a sociological survey of the able-bodied population of Moscow (18–55 years women and 18–60 years men) conducted in 2022. A total of one thousand five hundred twenty two respondents took part in the survey. The maximum sampling error is ± 2.51% (CI = 95%). To obtain additional data, 12 focus group discussions were also conducted with capital residents of working age, both having and not keeping HLS. Results. 63% of the respondents noted that they certainly or rather keep HLS, 71% of them assess their state of health as good. Different HLS practices are considered, the adherence to which is rather uniform. The study describes self-preserving and acquiescent models of attitude to one’s own health, factors of motivation to HLS, as well as images of people who do and do not follow HLS. These images can have positive and negative aspects in different population groups. Various socio-economic, infrastructural and personal barriers can hinder the gain in the number of Muscovites who lead a healthy lifestyle, and a number of approaches to work with them are proposed in this paper. Research limitations. The study is limited to residents of the city of Moscow, which may impose restrictions on the generalization of data. Conclusion. An increase in the share of Muscovites who keep HLS is possible by creating the most attractive conditions for conducting a healthy lifestyle in all spheres of human life at the level of the general urban environment, the level of habitat and work.

A random forest approach to analyzing socioeconomic influences on U.S. infant mortality

Abstract. One important measure of a society's overall health and well-being is infant mortality. However, the infant mortality in US has long been the highest for years among all the high-income nations. While technical and medical factors are often considered, this study posits that socioeconomic determinants also play a critical role. The random forest model, known as its great ability of ranking importance of factors, is an ideal instrument for evaluating how various socioeconomic factors affect infant mortality in the United States. Using data Wonder database, this study applies a random forest approach to evaluate and rank the significance of different socioeconomic factors. The results indicate that the fathers age, mothers education level, parental birthplace, and fathers race are the four most influential factors affecting infant mortality rates in the U.S. Based on these findings, this study advocates for increased attention from policymakers and the public to address these critical socioeconomic factors in efforts to reduce infant mortality.

Deconstruction of Early Marriage: A Critical Study of Imam Shafi'i's Views and Implications on Community Welfare

Early marriage is still a crucial issue in various countries, including Indonesia. Imam Shafi'i's views on early marriage need to be examined critically in a modern context. This article aims to deconstruct Imam Shafi'i's views on early marriage and analyze its implications on the welfare of society. A qualitative approach is used with the method of literature study. Data were collected from books of jurisprudence and other secondary sources. Imam Shafi'i's view of early marriage has several dimensions, including the minimum age of marriage, the legal requirements of marriage, and the consequences of early marriage. This view has complex implications for people's well-being, both positive and negative. The purpose of this article is to critically discuss Imam Shafi'i's views on early marriage and identify its implications on the welfare of society. In doing this, we will conduct a literature study that involves an analysis of the books of jurisprudence and other secondary sources. Thus, this article will provide a deeper understanding of Imam Shafi'i's views and their impact on society as a whole. A qualitative approach was used in this study with the method of literature study. Through this method, data were collected from various books of jurisprudence relating to Imam Shafi'i's views on early marriage. In addition, other relevant secondary sources are also used to enrich the data collected. By combining these two data sources, this study has a solid basis in analyzing Imam Shafi'i's views and their implications on people's welfare. Imam Shafi'i has a complex view of early marriage. In the modern context, this view needs to be critically deconstructed to understand its implications for the well-being of society. One important factor to consider is age. Imam Shafi'i sets a minimum age of marriage that must be met before a person can marry. In addition, maturity must also be considered. One must have sufficient physical, mental, and emotional maturity before deciding to get married. In addition, socioeconomic conditions are also important to consider. Financial conditions and economic stability greatly affect the welfare of married couples. Therefore, in making marriage decisions, it is important for individuals and society to consider these various factors carefully.

The WE-RISE™ multi-domain intervention: a feasibility study for the potential reversal of cognitive frailty in Malaysian older persons of lower socioeconomic status

BackgroundCognitive frailty (CF) is an emerging concern among older persons, particularly within lower socioeconomic statuses (SES) populations. Currently, there is limited evidence on the potential reversibility of CF through multi-domain interventions within this demographic. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the WE-RISE™ multi-domain intervention in addressing the potential reversibility of CF among community-dwelling older persons of lower SES, the intervention effects on multiple health dimensions, and to determine if WE-RISE™ is of low cost.MethodsThis 24-week randomised controlled trial included 55 community-dwelling older persons of lower SES with CF, who were randomised into either the WE-RISE™ intervention group (n = 27), or the control group receiving usual care (n = 28). The WE-RISE™ intervention comprised of 12 weeks of instructor led, community-based intervention, followed by 12 weeks of WE-RISE™@Home. CF status, cognitive and physical function, nutrition, disability, health-related quality of life, exercise self-efficacy and depression were assessed at baseline, 12th and 24th weeks. Changes in CF status was analysed descriptively, while intervention effects were analyzed with split plot ANOVA. The cost of the WE-RISE™ intervention was calculated using activity-based costing.ResultsAt baseline, all participants in both the intervention and control groups (100%) were classified as CF. Following 12 weeks of the WE-RISE™ intervention, 74.1% of participants in the experimental group no longer met the criteria for cognitive frailty, with 63% maintaining this improvement at 24 weeks. In contrast, the CF status of participants in the control group remained largely unchanged, with only 10.7% showing improvement at 12 weeks and falling to 3.6% at 24 weeks. Significant intervention effects were observed for cognition, physical function, body composition, disability, health-related quality of life and self-perceived exercise self-efficacy (p < 0.05) following participation in WE-RISE™. The cost per intervention session was RM4.06 (≈ RM3.88), and the cost per subject for 48 sessions was RM194.74 (≈ RM187.01).ConclusionThe WE-RISE™ multi-domain intervention has demonstrated potential in reversing CF among older persons of lower SES, leading to significant improvements across multiple health dimensions at a low cost. WE-RISE™ shows promise to enrich the well-being of ageing societies, contribute to societal health, and ensure equitable access to healthcare, supporting broader implementation by enhancing equitable access to health programs and addressing the needs of older persons, WE-RISE™.Trial registrationThis trial was registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619001055190) on the 29th of July 2019 – retrospectively registered.

Psychological factors and retirement planning behavior among Chinese university faculty members: The mediating effects of retirement planning intention

ABSTRACT Informed retirement planning impacts the wellbeing of individuals and broader society. However, the current related literature contains a limited understanding of the challenges faced by Chinese university faculty members concerning retirement planning. This study developed a model that combines social cognitive theory (SCT) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to investigate the effect of attitude toward retirement planning, social group support, perceived financial knowledge, and future time perspective on retirement planning intention, as well as the mediating influence of retirement planning intention. Data collection was conducted from 514 faculty members of public universities in China through an online questionnaire survey. The findings indicated that perceived financial knowledge demonstrated the strongest positive influence on retirement planning intention, followed by future time perspective and social group support, with retirement planning intention as a mediator. This research offers implications for policymakers, retirement benefits consultants, and financial institution practitioners. It suggests that implementing financial education workshops and personalized planning services could promote retirement planning behavior.

KH.M.'S Educational Concept Hasyim Asy'ari's Perspective on the Jihad of Ibn Qoyyim Al Jauziyyah

This study explores the educational evaluations of KH. Hasyim Asy'ari in the context of jihad, as conceptualized by Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah. The research focuses on four key aspects of evaluation: spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social, examining how these align with the broader concept of jihad. KH. Hasyim Asy'ari's holistic approach to education emphasizes the integration of spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social development to produce balanced individuals who can contribute to society and practice Islamic principles. Spiritual evaluation focuses on self-purification and closeness to Allah, intellectual evaluation emphasizes mastery of knowledge, physical evaluation highlights the importance of fitness and readiness, and social evaluation promotes contributions to the welfare of society. By aligning these educational goals with the concept of jihad, the study reveals how education serves as a powerful tool for character development, fostering a balance between spiritual growth and worldly responsibilities. The findings suggest that KH. Hasyim Asy'ari's educational model, deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, provides a comprehensive framework for preparing individuals to contribute both to their faith and society, encouraging continuous self-improvement and reflection.

The Role of Infrastructure Investment on Inclusive Growth and Human Development Index: Evidence from Emerging Economies

The paper examines the effect of infrastructure investment on the Human Development Index (HDI) score for five middle-income countries, namely Brazil, South Africa, Turkey, Mexico and Vietnam. The dynamic panel data model was used in the study. Data was sourced from the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme focused on the prevalence and utilisation of five types of infrastructure in the countries mentioned above: electricity, water, sanitation, transport, telecommunications, and schools. The findings show that HDI is too narrow to be used as the main tool to measure human development and suggest that water and sanitation as well as the electrification of households were crucial infrastructures that had a positive impact on the HDI and be viewed as one type of infrastructure when researching the relationship between infrastructure investment and the HDI. The paper concluded and highlighted the need for infrastructure investors and policymakers to have a multi-dimensional approach to measuring the impact they would like to make. In this way, they would have more pronounced insights about which infrastructure they should invest in and how it will improve the wellbeing of society.

Social Cost Benefit Analysis – a powerful tool for decision making

Abstract Health Impact Assessment provides policy makers with important information about health effects of programs, policies, plans or projects (PPPP). However, PPPP may have many more effects, both positive and negative, direct and indirect, intended and unintended, immediate and in the far future. Ex-ante insights in all these effects may help policy makers to optimize decision-making, but also to communicate realistically to all stakeholders about the PPPP. Weighing effects that may be very different in scale and reach different stakeholders in different ways is inevitable. One powerful tool to help decision makers in this task is Social Cost Benefit Analysis (SCBA). SCBA requires to specify and quantify all effects of PPPP over a specified time horizon. It is also necessary to specify a base-case scenario, i.e. how the problem under study would develop without further investments in PPPP. All effects of PPPP need to be quantified in monetary terms, these can be financial, e.g. healthcare costs or costs of productivity losses, or non-financial, for instance by placing a value of €50,000 on a QALY gained or a DALY averted or a value of €3,5 million on a lost life. PPPP with positive net monetary value are considered welfare enhancing, while PPPP with a negative monetary value do not add to welfare in society. In the Netherlands, government asks any bigger PPPP to be quantified with SCBA methodology. Guidance on unit values for non-monetary effects is given. This contribution will elaborate on results of the SCBA method for different alcohol policy measures, such as increase in excise taxes, minimum unit pricing, closure of vending spots and a total marketing ban. SCBA is a powerful tool to inform policy makers and assist in their decision making processes. It is also a labour and data intensive process that should only be used for larger PPPP investments and not for local decision making.

The Impact of Farmer Families' Communication in Compliance Nutritional Needs among Toddlers

The nutritional status of a toddler reflects the level of development and welfare of society in a country. Poor nutritional status can lead to wasting, stunting, decreased cognitive ability, or disease susceptibility. Nutritional status can be affected by ineffective communication support. This study aimed to investigate the communication of families in agricultural areas in the fulfillment of toddler nutrition. The method used in this research is to use journal literature studies from Pubmed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar with publication years 2020-2024. This research was conducted using 10 journals that have been selected according to the required research criteria. The literature search was conducted using the keywords "Family Communication," "Agricultural Area" AND "Toddler Nutrition." This study's results show that family communication can affect the fulfillment of nutritional needs in toddlers in agricultural areas. Communication with families can increase knowledge about nutrition and family behavior in providing a diet that can improve the nutritional status of toddlers. Parents are in a prime position to help toddlers develop a healthy diet early on. As nurses, we can provide health education to parents to maintain communication with toddlers and monitor their growth, including their nutritional status.

Islamic Educational Values in the Verses of the Song “Mars Nahdlatul Wathan” by TGKH. Muhammad Zainuddin Abdul Madjid from Lombok

This research aims to analyze the Islamic educational values embedded in the verses of the song "Mars Nahdlatul Wathan" written by TGKH. Muhammad Zainuddin Abdul Madjid. This study employs a literature analysis method to comprehend the meaning and messages conveyed in the song lyrics and to identify the Islamic educational values reflected in its verses. The research findings indicate that "Mars Nahdlatul Wathan" contains several highly relevant Islamic educational values. Firstly, the song emphasizes the importance of unity, solidarity, and harmony in society, values that are greatly emphasized in Islam. Secondly, the song encourages the preservation and love for the nation and homeland, in accordance with Islamic teachings on patriotism. Thirdly, it underscores the significance of education and knowledge enhancement as a means to advance society, aligning with Islamic teachings on the importance of knowledge and education. Lastly, the song calls for striving for the welfare of society, reflecting the values of jihad in Islam, not only in a physical sense but also in the sense of working for the common good. Thus, this research concludes that "Mars Nahdlatul Wathan" by TGKH. Muhammad Zainuddin Abdul Madjid contains several Islamic educational values that can serve as a guide for the community in understanding and practicing Islamic teachings in daily life and in building a better society.

Promoting active ageing: The positive impact of older people’s participation in Urban Gardens

Abstract Background The socio-health and economic consequences of the progressive population ageing constitute a global challenge for public health, which is committed to the promotion of active and healthy ageing as a strategy to mitigate these consequences. The European project U-GARDEN has evaluated from a comprehensive and innovative approach the impact of urban gardens on the promotion of active ageing through the participation of older people in urban agriculture. Methods A qualitative methodology was designed and implemented in order to analyse the information provided by people over 65 years of age, who actively participated in urban gardens, from a personal and subjective perspective through semi-structured in-depth interviews. The benefits obtained from participation in urban gardens were analysed, considering the different dimensions that make up the paradigm of active ageing: physical, psychological, economic, health, behavioural and personal impact. A total of 20 interviews were used to reach the saturation point. Results Qualitative analysis showed multiple benefits of active and healthy aging. Participants reported increased physical activity and psychosocial improvements such as higher personal satisfaction, reduced stress, and enhanced self-esteem, strengthening community connections and fostering a sense of belonging. Economically, they reported savings on food costs and increased food security. Overall, respondents noted improvements in general health and quality of life, highlighting urban gardening as valuable for well-being and social-economic integration. Conclusions The findings reported in the framework of the U-GARDEN project support the importance of implementing innovative strategies that encourage participation in urban gardens as a tool to improve the overall wellbeing and health of older people, effectively addressing some of the main challenges of ageing such as loneliness unwanted frailty and disability. Key messages • The U-GARDEN project is an example of good practice in the use of urban gardens as a platform for promoting active and healthy ageing. • The promotion of green spaces through the establishment of urban gardens should be considered by health and political authorities for their ability to promote the general well-being of society.

Social media use in children and young adults: the Malta experience

Abstract Prof. Jean Calleja Agius MD PhD is Professor at Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Malta. Jean will demonstrate further examples of interventions to make the internet safer for young people, drawing on her experience of collaborating with the Children and Youth Council within the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society (MFWS), which in turn is affiliated with EUROCHILD. She will share the outcomes of initiatives which have been carried out within MFWS and outline recommendations made directly by children and adolescents. More stringent regulation of social media companies will be addressed, as well as the need for other measures to engage children in other healthier activities and empower them to opt for the right choices.

HOW TO MEASURE THE WELL-BEING OF A NATION: A NEW PROPOSAL BASED ON A MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH

Measuring the well-being of a nation means identifying all the tools that enable its individuals to live well without worsening the lives of their neighbours or those to come in the future. For many years, the focus has been solely on the economic dimension, creating critical problems in the social and environmental spheres that will take years and large investments to remedy. This article gives an overview of the measurements used over the years in the international arena by recognised and respected bodies. The application of these indicators to the realities of countries has made it possible to identify models to be followed in order to enable the growth of the well-being of societies as a whole.

Dakwah sebagai Pendorong Pembangunan Ekonomi Berkelanjutan di Masyarakat

This research aims to understand the relationship between da'wah and economic development, the basic concept of development, and sustainable economic development. Currently, da'wah is often seen only as an activity to spread religious teachings, not as an effort to improve people's welfare, even though there are still inequalities in development, especially in the economic aspect. The method used in this study is Library Research, which utilizes various literature to collect data from relevant sources, such as journals, books, books, and certain writings. In the perspective of Islam, da'wah is not only limited to ritual and spiritual aspects, but also covers various aspects of life, including economics. Islam emphasizes that the well-being of society involves more than just worship of Allah; It is also related to how individuals and communities can live decently, prosperously, and fairly. Da'wah and economic development influence each other and can strengthen each other. In addition, education and the dissemination of religious values play an important role in increasing public awareness and knowledge. Development aims to improve the standard of living of the community to be better and prosperous, it is expected to meet the economic, social, and environmental needs of the current community without sacrificing the capabilities of future generations