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Journal of Social Change
Number of Followers: 7  Open Access journalISSN (Print) 1931-1540 Published by Walden University  [5 journals]
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- Walden’s New Journal! Journal of Sustainable Social Change
Authors: Mark Starik et al.
Abstract: Walden University announces a change of name for its Journal of Social Change. The new name is the Journal of Sustainable Social Change and will focus more attention on both multi-level socio-economic and environmental systems and sustainability (defined as long-term quality of life)
PubDate: Wed, 26 Apr 2023 18:36:13 PDT
- Epidemiology and Criminology: Managing Youth Firearm Homicide Violence in
Urban
Authors: Joseph A. McMillan
Abstract: Violence is considered a public health problem in the United States, yet little is known about the benefit of using a combined epidemiology and criminology (EpiCrim) approach to focus on urban youth gun violence. The purpose of this general qualitative study was to determine in what ways Akers and Lanier’s EpiCrim approach, in tandem with Benet’s polarities of democracy approach, is explanatory of gun homicides by youth in U.S. urban areas and if the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System adequately addresses gun abatement measures. I collected data through semi-structured interviews with 16 criminal justice practitioners and medical professionals with experience relative to juvenile justice policies pertaining to gun violence. After inductively coding the interview data, I performed a thematic analysis procedure. The findings indicate that EpiCrim provides a platform to focus research efforts on complex issues that are drivers for behavioral risk factors associated with youth gun violence in urban areas. EpiCrim research can provide data that help identify the root cause of youth gun violence in urban areas, and the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System does not fully address gun abatement measures.
PubDate: Thu, 16 Mar 2023 10:56:07 PDT
- An Investigation of Spirituality in Person-Centered Planning for Adults
With Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Holly F. Pedersen et al.
Abstract: While research identifies spirituality and inclusion in a community of faith as key factors contributing to quality of life for many individuals in our society, people with disabilities are often not able to access this aspect of everyday life if they wish. To change this, four groups must come together: (1) individuals with disabilities; (2) faith communities; (3) families of people with disabilities; and (4) support service providers. Current research describes the efforts of faith communities and people with disabilities and their families relative to spiritual inclusion; however, little is known about how support service systems are addressing this topic. This study surveyed direct support professionals to examine their beliefs, perceptions, and practices regarding spirituality and its role in the person-centered planning process for people with disabilities. Results indicate professionals have a high level of support for including spirituality in person-centered planning; however, this attitude does not consistently transfer to their practices. Overcoming identified barriers and meeting the needs of professionals are discussed in the context of better inclusion of this quality of life aspect for people with disabilities.
PubDate: Sat, 10 Dec 2022 21:16:10 PST
- Beating the Employment Challenges: How Unemployed Youths Generate Income
for their Households
Authors: Gai Chol Paul
Abstract: Youth unemployment remains a global threat to the achievement of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. It impedes the fight to end poverty in all its forms, limits opportunities to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and undermines a country’s ability to reduce inequalities. In Sub-Saharan African nations, the unemployment rate is particularly high because the environment is prone to volatility caused by poor governance, chronic conflicts, and corruption. Unemployed graduates who lack effective strategies risk failing to generate income for themselves and their families. Thus, my purpose in this qualitative multiple case study, which was grounded in achievement motivation theory, was to explore the strategies unemployed youths use to generate income for their households. Four unemployed South Sudanese graduates were interviewed and directly observed, and the gathered data were thematically analyzed. Three themes emerged: exploitation of available opportunities including taking on casual work, working for others to get starting capital, and engaging in trade and microbusiness. A key recommendation was developed: i.e., provide training programs to help unemployed graduates change their mindsets, which value white-collar jobs over casual work, trade, and microbusiness; they can then embark on the identification and exploitation of available opportunities that can create anything of economic value. The implications for positive social change include evidence that unemployed graduates are adopting appropriate strategies to improve their household income. The findings also have the potential to help youth empowerment institutions address the gaps in strategies for directing youths to generate income.
PubDate: Thu, 06 Oct 2022 18:40:59 PDT
- Emotional Experiences of Muslim Americans Regarding the Intolerance
Displayed by Non-Muslims
Authors: Munder Abderrazzaq
Abstract: Muslims in the United States report experiencing unequal treatment and racial profiling from non-Muslims. Recent literature (Simon et al., 2018) suggests the need for further research on the intolerance displayed by majority members from the point of view of minority members in the United States. The unwillingness or refusal to respect or tolerate individuals from a different social group or minority groups, who hold beliefs that are contrary to one’s own, is referred to as intolerance. The display of intolerance among members of different cultural and religious backgrounds can hinder the discovery of new information needed to promote positive social change among non-Muslims and Muslims in the United States. To explore the emotional experiences of Palestinian Muslim Americans in Cleveland, Ohio, I conducted semistructured interviews regarding the display of prejudice and discrimination by non-Muslims. The theoretical framework used for this study is the theory of planned behavior. To recruit the 10 participants in the study, purposeful and convenience sampling were used. Data analysis was performed using Giorgi’s psychological phenomenological method, template analysis, and coding. Findings of the study revealed that participants experienced emotional distress from the intolerance displayed by non-Muslims, which involved experiences such as verbal attacks “anywhere” and “everywhere.” The study also found the participants describing the intolerance among Muslims and non-Muslims using terms such as “we vs. they” or “us vs. them.” The discovered information from this study can be used to develop social strategies that promote and improve interactions among non-Muslims and Muslims in the United States.
PubDate: Thu, 14 Jul 2022 06:01:07 PDT
- Social Cognitive Theory Constructs That Predict Betel Nut Chewing Among
Secondary Students in the Solomon Islands
Authors: Lepani Waqatakirewa et al.
Abstract: Background: After alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine, areca or betel nut is the fourth most commonly abused substance in the world. The prevalence of betel nut use in the Solomon Islands is estimated at 68% in young people. Long-term use can result in detrimental health outcomes such as oral cancers and metabolic syndrome.Methods: The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to determine whether the constructs of social cognitive theory (SCT) can predict betel nut use in Year 12 secondary students in the Solomon Islands. Five SCT constructs of expectations (outcome expectations and outcome expectancies), self-efficacy, self-efficacy to overcome barriers, self-control, and environment were used to build a model for the study. Data were collected from a convenience quota sample of 138 Year 12 secondary students through a 37-item questionnaire.Results: Multiple linear regression and multiple logistic regression analysis indicated self-efficacy to overcome barriers (p < .01) was the only construct significantly related to intent to not chew betel nut.Conclusion: Social cognitive theory (SCT) was weakly predictive with low explained variance for not chewing betel nut in secondary students. Research findings contribute to knowledge useful for developers of school health programs and researchers working on strategies to improve intervention actions to reduce betel nut use. The SCT could be bolstered by newer theories like the integrative model or multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change for designing educational interventions aimed at limiting betel nut use in young people, especially school students.
PubDate: Wed, 27 Apr 2022 17:40:57 PDT
- Tasking the Leviathan: Right to Protest, Good Governance, and Implications
for National Security and International Law
Authors: Olalekan Moyosore Lalude
Abstract: The right to good governance is a right inalienable to the democratic process. Content analysis was used as the data source for this paper. This study would attempt to resolve the questions on the intricate connection between the right to protest and the right to good governance in Nigeria and what this means for national security and international law. In this essay, it was argued that the international law space is shrinking for holding the democratic process accountable in sovereign states. The significance of the essay is to suggest a new direction for the engagement of international law mechanisms on human rights and for the provision of policy recommendations for good governance and law enforcement.
PubDate: Tue, 02 Nov 2021 04:21:15 PDT
- Innovative Strategies to Grow Sales of Women-Owned SMEs in Emerging
Countries
Authors: Adeola O. Ogunyemi et al.
Abstract: This paper is a discussion of a 2020 multiple case study research involving five female owners of retail small and medium enterprise (SME) companies in Lagos State, Nigeria. Multiple data collection methods employed included semistructured interviews, direct observations, review of company documents, and keeping a reflective journal. We established reliability, validity, and data saturation through triangulation. One major finding was that by deploying innovative ideas, business owners were able to overcome challenges and grow sales. The implications for positive social change include the potential to provide both existing and emerging women owned SMEs with the strategies to increase patronage to grow their businesses, thereby contributing to the economic growth of their business, employees, local communities, and the Nigerian national economy.
PubDate: Sun, 03 Oct 2021 00:26:02 PDT
- Reimagining Public Safety in the Aftermath of George Floyd
Authors: William J. Benet et al.
Abstract: Following the murder of George Floyd, the U.S. Congress called upon the National Organization for Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) to play a role in the reimagining of policing in America and a transformation of policing from a warrior to a guardian mentality. In turn, NOBLE partnered with the Institute for Polarities of Democracy (also referred to as the Institute) to conduct an analysis of the 21st century policing report. In this article we summarize the results of a year-long Phase 1 analysis carried out by the Institute and NOBLE. The Phase 1 analysis was conducted with support from the Walden University Center for Social Change through its strategic alliance with the Institute. The purpose of the analysis was to apply the polarities of democracy to a comprehensive approach to organizational and systems anti-racism methodologies and reform efforts that are compatible with NOBLE’s focus on the transformation of policing cultures. Through the analysis, we generated recommendations that might be used to address racism in America through our comprehensive Anti-Racism Initiative. This will encompass not just policing, but organizations, institutions, and systems that include, but are not limited to, mental health, employment, the social economy, public education, healthcare, social work, housing, and the environment as part of a social change effort to advance healthy, sustainable, and just communities.
PubDate: Wed, 08 Sep 2021 00:00:57 PDT
- The Rising of Systemic Racism and Redlining in the United States of
America
Authors: Edward Brian Flournoy
Abstract: Systemic racism and redlining are synonymous with one another. This essay reviews the history of scholarly research and discussion regarding affordable housing and its impact on ethnic groups in the United States, especially Black African Americans. Affordable housing celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017, yet much still needs to be done. Moreover, the U.S. Shipping Act of 1917 and Moving to Opportunity (MTO) Intervention Demonstration Program (1994–2009) are congruent to this essay.
PubDate: Mon, 06 Sep 2021 18:56:01 PDT
- The Evident Need for Banking Reform in the Legal Marijuana Industry
Authors: Jonathan T. James et al.
Abstract: Marijuana reform legislation has created a lucrative industry for legal marijuana on the local and state level in some jurisdictions. Federal laws have forced legal marijuana dispensaries to be cash-only businesses with limited banking options. The lack of normal banking services has also affected firms’ ability to manage profits earned from operations. Our hermeneutic phenomenological study was grounded by the conceptual framework of the motivations of humans and humans’ need to feel safe. The participants in this study were owners and operators in the legal marijuana industry in Colorado. Data were collected through interviews, although the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020 made data collection more challenging because of the added pressure on potential participants. The data analysis plan for this study consisted of transcribing and reviewing the data, coding themes and supporting themes, and synthesizing and reporting findings from the data collected. The study’s findings included the participants’ concerns about safety in their cash-only operations, their methods for conducting business, and the banking options available to them. Common themes that emerged from the interviews were cash, banking, safety, and the limitations of business size. Findings from my study contribute to fostering positive social change on the organization and industry level by providing accounts of how owners and operators navigate the banking dilemma in the legal marijuana industry.
PubDate: Wed, 11 Aug 2021 19:10:58 PDT
- Action Research: A Culturally Specific Case Study on Organizational
Capacity-Building to Battle Addiction in the Oneida Native-American
Community
Authors: Anita F. Barber et al.
Abstract: The Healing Society (coded to mask) is a new and developing organization operated by a volunteer board created by Oneida Nation community members. Leaders were seeking strategic direction to build organizational capacity and sustainability for this new organization. They sought to make positive social change after a well-known community member died from an overdose. The purpose of this post-positivist, constructionist qualitative case study was to gather empirical data from the perspectives of internal and external stakeholders through a SWOT analysis. Their answers addressed: (a) the organizational strengths and weaknesses of The Healing Society to ensure short-term strength and long-term growth, and (b) the opportunities and threats impacting short-term strength and long-term growth of The Healing Society. We used a facilitated focus group exercise to gather an internal perspective from board members. A semi-structured interview process also gathered data from external stakeholders. Themes, categories, priorities, and action items were identified as critical success factors for small nonprofit social service organizations wishing to develop short- and long-term strategic plans. Many startup organizations shortchange culturally relevant planning activities that provide an opportunity for stakeholders to share perspectives, clarify expectations, set priorities, and define roles to help implement action for immediate or visible results ensuring public trust and enhancing the perception as a model service agency. Their experience may serve as a “fire” for other organizations led by and for minority populations to incorporate natural, meaningful, and relevant healing and wellness practices. First Nation communities are encouraged to identify healing practices of their ancestors to use in servicing their communities.
PubDate: Tue, 10 Aug 2021 16:56:15 PDT
- Counseling LGBT Military Clients Using the Multicultural and Social
Justice Counseling Competencies Framework
Authors: Rebekah F. Cole
Abstract: When working with LGBT service member clients, counselors should use the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies as a framework to guide their practice as they navigate the intersection between the military culture and LGBT culture. This framework addresses four domains that are foundational for multicultural and social justice competency: (a) counselor self-awareness, (b) the client worldview, (c) the counseling relationship, and (d) counseling and advocacy interventions. Included in the framework are the following aspirational competencies within each domain: attitudes and beliefs, knowledge, skills, and action. Best practices for culturally competent, social-justice-focused work with LGBT service members within each of these domains are discussed.
PubDate: Sun, 08 Aug 2021 00:05:56 PDT
- Climate-Induced Relocation and Social Change in Keta, Ghana
Authors: Abdul-Moomin A. Salifu
Abstract: In this article, I analyze the resettlement of three communities in the Keta municipality of Ghana as a result of rising sea levels that threatened life and property. Although a few studies have documented the effects of relocation because of slow-onset climate-induced environmental change, little is known about how such resettlements have contributed to positive social change in the affected communities. I used critical theory to determine whether Keta’s relocation process contributed to positive social change. Transcriptions of interviews with a purposeful sample of 35 household members were coded and categorized into themes for essence description. Improved educational infrastructure for personal development, improved housing facilities, saved lives and protected culture, and improved healthcare facilities and general well-being were among the positive outcomes. Hence, through this study, I provide evidence to consider the need to prioritize the positive social change such resettlements will make in the lives of the affected populations in climate-induced resettlement and adaptation in Ghana and other parts of the world.Keywords: Climate change, relocation, resettlement, social change, sea level rise, improved livelihoods
PubDate: Thu, 29 Jul 2021 21:20:57 PDT
- Social Change and The Greek Welfare State Crisis (2010-2020)
Authors: Nikos Kourachanis
Abstract: This article attempts to utilize the concept of social change for the study of transformations in the Greek welfare state during the period of the multiple crises it is currently experiencing (2010–2020). This will be done through an analysis of the changes taking place in the Greek social security system, the backbone of social policy in Greece. The main argument is that, although there are fundamental differences in the development of the Greek welfare state compared to the welfare model of Western European countries, in the last decade there has been a convergence towards a neoliberal model of social policy. The elaboration of this claim will examine those theories of social change that attempt to explain the transition from the Keynesian to the neoliberal welfare state both in the period after 1970 and in the period after the Great Recession of 2008. The development of the Greek social security system over time is then examined, with a particular focus on the decade from 2010–2020. This will show that, despite the different context for the development of the social security system in Greece, the reforms imposed by austerity policies in the last decade have led to a convergence with the model of the neoliberal welfare state. The trend towards residualization and privatization of the social security system with a focus solely on the management of extreme poverty can be observed as one of the mechanisms of social change that are being adopted.
PubDate: Wed, 28 Jul 2021 23:00:58 PDT
- Assessment of the Prevalence of Multidimensional Poverty in Nigeria:
Evidence From Oto/Ijanikin, Lagos State
Authors: Tope Shola Akinyetun et al.
Abstract: Poverty in Nigeria is endemic and continues to deepen even amid economic growth. We found that, beyond income, Nigeria is faced with multidimensional poverty that involves healthcare, education, and living standards, with several indicators. Recently dubbed the poverty capital of the world, Nigeria faces an enormous challenge in combating multidimensional poverty. Our study, which was theoretically analyzed using social exclusion theory, adopts both qualitative and quantitative approaches to examine the extent of multidimensional poverty in Nigeria, with particular attention on Oto/Ijanikin, which is a semiurban suburb of Lagos State. Primary data were gathered from the study area, while secondary data were sourced on the prevalence of multidimensional poverty in Nigeria. Focusing on indicators such as healthcare, electricity, education, clean water, and housing, we conclude that multidimensional poverty is indeed widespread in Nigeria and, thus, we recommend social inclusion as the solution.
PubDate: Wed, 28 Jul 2021 07:56:01 PDT
- Mass Transit Policy: Responding to COVID-19
Authors: Susan E. Baer et al.
Abstract: Mass transit is vital to daily life in U.S. cities and many other cities throughout the world. Mass transit systems are vulnerable to pandemics like COVID-19 and other less serious threats. Post COVID-19 mass transit policy must be different than its predecessors if mass transit is to provide a reliable, sustainable, and equitable means of transportation. Future mass transit systems will be the outcome of public health, technological, economic, and political considerations. This paper provides an initial attempt to identify and discuss these four considerations as most relevant to the development of an equitable and efficient mass transit policy for rail and bus systems.
PubDate: Wed, 05 May 2021 20:11:43 PDT
- Book Review: Hate in the Homeland: The New Global Far Right
Authors: Ann M. Morgan
Abstract: Miller-Idriss’s Hate in the Homeland provides a timely explanation for the organization and mainstreaming of groups and beliefs that, until recently, were seen in the U.S. as fringe. This book review provides an overview of the spaces and places outlined by Miller-Idriss: virtual, physical, real, and imagined where far-right extremism is showing up and building financial, physical, intellectual, and human capital. The book prompts raising awareness and asking questions for teachers, parents, journalists, law enforcement, and many others.
PubDate: Sat, 24 Apr 2021 19:16:20 PDT
- Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, Zero-Tolerance Discipline, and
the School-to Prison Pipeline
Authors: Lois V. Woods
Abstract: Zero-tolerance discipline policies led to the introduction of police on school campuses and have resulted in a disproportionate number of in-school arrests and referrals of Black middle-school students, subjecting them to the school-to-prison pipeline. Data shows the negative effects of zero tolerance; however, less is known regarding alternative evidence-based strategies such as the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI). Grounded in the labeling theoretical framework, this study examined whether JDAI status (pre-JDAI and post-JDAI) could predict arrests and referrals while controlling for race, gender, and age. Secondary data were collected from a juvenile court in northwest Georgia on 1,303 middle-school students. The students who formed this purposive sample for the study were arrested or referred 2 years prior to the implementation of the JDAI School Referral Reduction Program and 2 recent years post-JDAI. Binary logistic regressions were conducted for each of the outcomes of arrests and referrals to ascertain the predictive relationships of JDAI, race, gender, and age. The results found only gender and age to be significant predictors of arrests and referrals. However, additional findings reported Black students were 89.4% of the students arrested or referred to the juvenile court, and 93.2% of those arrests and referrals occurred during the 2-year period pre-JDAI. This research is significant for stakeholders involved in education and juvenile justice reform who want to positively effect social change through the use of programs and policies that narrow the academic achievement gap and reduce the disproportionate number of Black students’ contact with the criminal justice system.
PubDate: Tue, 06 Apr 2021 01:25:58 PDT
- Lesson Study: A Proposed Intervention for Professional Development of
Authors: Michael L. Hixon
Abstract: This paper responds to the proposed implementation of lesson study as a professional development intervention for multicultural instruction in the United States. It includes an investigation of the literature in relation to the use of higher-order thinking skills, Banks’s four approaches for integrating multicultural instruction, and lesson study as a proposed professional development intervention in multicultural instruction. The conclusion provides a discussion of insights into K–12 educators’ needs for professional development opportunities to ensure that they provide diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environments for all of their students. Creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning opportunities for students would be meaningful social change.
PubDate: Fri, 12 Mar 2021 17:16:23 PST
