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International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
Journal Prestige (SJR): 0.3
Citation Impact (citeScore): 1
Number of Followers: 70  
 
Hybrid Journal Hybrid journal   * Containing 12 Open Access Open Access article(s) in this issue *
ISSN (Print) 0144-333X - ISSN (Online) 1758-6720
Published by Emerald Homepage  [362 journals]
  • Entrepreneurship in and around academia: evidence from Russia

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      Authors: Alexander Yulievich Chepurenko, Nadezhda Nikolaevna Butryumova, Marina Vyacheslavovna Chernysheva, Anastasia Yevgenyevna Sutormina
      Abstract: This paper deals with types and actors of entrepreneurship in and around academia in Russia, as well as with institutional settings of the entrepreneurial activity of academic faculty. This paper is based on a series of semi-structured interviews using the purposive snowball method (2022–2023). The respondents are either engaged in different kinds of entrepreneurship in and outside universities in Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod or experts in entrepreneurship in and around academia. A double mixed embeddedness driven approach to the typology of diverse forms of entrepreneurship in and around academia are shown in the context of the temporality as well as of the micro-, meso- and macro-level institutions, such as the low demand in innovations in the economy; uncertainty of property rights; limited interest of university administration in academic entrepreneurs or its focus solely on students' entrepreneurship; and necessity entrepreneurship motives on the micro-level. The research limitations of the study are the small number of observations and the localisation of the panel in only one country. The research limitations of the study are the small number of observations and the localisation of the panel in only one country. The “Special Military Operation” and its consequences would hinder bottom-up academic entrepreneurship in the country, while pushing universities to launch R&D with the big industry, and forcing many faculties to non-academic entrepreneurship. For the first time, the broad variety of entrepreneurial activities of academic staff including the specifics of non-classical forms of entrepreneurship in and around academia and their embeddedness into different contexts are discussed.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-09-27
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-04-2023-0101
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Re-understanding well-being in the Global South: a literature review and
           conceptual synthesis

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      Authors: Milda Longgeita Pinem, Tauchid Komara Yuda, Anqi Chen
      Abstract: The significance of well-being in social development policy and practice is increasingly acknowledged by scholars and practitioners worldwide. Nevertheless, when examining well-being within the context of Global South trends, existing conceptualisations seem to yield incongruent indicators. Given the background, this paper aims to synthesise theoretical and empirical literature on well-being to foster an understanding of well-being in contemporary Global South. This article reviews the now large literature on the well-being in the Global South. The article begins with a discussion of the contributions of state-of-the-art developments in well-being studies, a realm experiencing remarkable growth in social policy studies. It then turns to the prominent well-being constructs that have garnered considerable attention within the literature, with an examination of the Global North and Global South context followed by reinterpretation of these concepts to facilitate a comprehensive study of well-being beyond the realms of welfare states. Concluding the narrative, a succinct outline of potential pathways for future research is presented in the final section. The review reveals that the concept of well-being in the Global South does not necessarily deviate entirely from the prevailing belief that the region is fundamentally distinct from the Global North on a conceptual level. The authors have discovered that three core dimensions of well-being, namely objective, subjective and relational, are observable across societal boundaries due to the diffusion of knowledge and social and cultural practices that have progressively aligned them with Global North-style modernisation. An exception arises in the relational aspect, where the attainment of positive collective relationships precedes individual happiness to some extent. The paper advances a renewed perspective on well-being, portraying it as a situational, interconnected, collective undertaking and continuous process. These approaches empower the researchers to address the overarching question of which analytical foundations can most effectively uncover the intricacies of well-being in diverse and contemporary circumstances. This paper helps the researchers to address the overarching question of which analytical foundations can most effectively uncover the intricacies of well-being in diverse and contemporary circumstances, thereby facilitating future enhancements in social policy design.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-09-27
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-08-2023-0197
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Ethnic diversity in perceptions of discrimination among ten
           Asian American groups

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      Authors: Hakim Zainiddinov
      Abstract: The study examines the prevalence and correlates of perceived discrimination across ten Asian American ethnic groups. The goal is to disaggregate an artificially created broad categorization of Asians into subgroups to reveal the existing intragroup differences. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were based on data from the 2016 National Asian American Survey (NAAS). The exclusion of missing data on all variables used in the analysis revealed a final analytical sample size of 4,276. Compared to all other Asian American ethnic groups, Cambodians report the lowest frequency of perceived discrimination on all outcome measures. On the contrary, the prevalence of perceived discrimination is highest for Bangladeshis and Indians on lifetime and job-related discrimination and for Indians and Japanese on day-to-day discrimination. Nearly all Asian American ethnic groups are more likely to report one or more types of perceived discrimination than Chinese Americans. The observed relationships disappear for Cambodians, Pakistanis and Japanese but persist for Bangladeshis, Filipinos, Hmong and Indians after controlling for socio-demographic characteristics. Among the socio-demographic controls, gender, birthplace, education and employment status are found to be significant predictors of perceived discrimination. The findings of the study further the discussion on the importance of disaggregating minority groups and considering their heterogeneous experiences of perceptions of discrimination in the United States.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-09-19
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-06-2023-0124
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Researching hard-to-reach populations: lessons learned from dispersed
           migrant communities

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      Authors: Roberto Falcão, Eduardo Cruz, Murilo Costa Filho, Maria Elo
      Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the issues in studying hard-to-reach or dispersed populations, with particular focus on methodologies used to collect data and to investigate dispersed migrant entrepreneurs, illustrating shortcomings, pitfalls and potentials of accessing and disseminating research to hard-to-reach populations of migrant entrepreneurs. A mixed methodology is proposed to access hard-to-reach or dispersed populations, and this paper explores these using a sample of Brazilian migrants settled in different countries of the world. This paper explores empirical challenges, illustrating shortcomings, pitfalls and potentials of accessing and disseminating research to hard-to-reach populations of migrant entrepreneurs. It provides insights by reporting research experiences developed over time by this group of researchers, reflecting a “mixing” of methods for accessing respondents, contrasting to a more rigid, a-priori, mixed methods approach. The main contribution of this paper is to showcase experiences from, and suitability of, remote data collection, especially for projects that cannot accommodate the physical participation of researchers, either because of time or cost constraints. It reports on researching migrant entrepreneurship overseas. Remote digital tools and online data collection are highly relevant due to time- and cost-efficiency, but also represent solutions for researching dispersed populations. These approaches presented allow for overcoming several barriers to data collection and present instrumental characteristics for migrant research.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-09-12
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-06-2023-0134
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Street-level netocracy: rules, discretion and professionalism in
           a network-based intervention
         This is an Open Access Article Open Access Article

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      Authors: Barbara Da Roit, Maurizio Busacca
      Abstract: The paper aims to analyse the meaning and extension of discretionary power of social service professionals within network-based interventions. Empirically, the paper is based on a case study of a network-based policy involving private and public organisations in the Northeast of Italy (Province of Trento). The paper identifies netocracy as a social policy logic distinct from bureaucracy and professionalism. What legitimises netocracy is neither authority nor expertise but cooperation, the activation of connections and involvement, considered “good” per se. In this framework, professionalism and discretion acquire new and problematic meanings compared to street-level bureaucracy processes. Based on a case study, the research results cannot be generalised but pave the way to further comparative investigations. The paper reveals that the position of professionals in netocracy is to some extent trickier than that in a bureaucracy because netocracy seems to have the power to encapsulate them and make it less likely for them to deviate from expected courses of action. Combining different literature streams – street level bureaucracy, professionalism, network organisations and welfare governance – and building on an original case study, the paper contribute to understanding professionalism in welfare contexts increasingly characterised by the combination of bureaucratic, professional and network logics.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-08-10
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-04-2023-0087
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Development of work-life/family policy and gendered division of childcare
           responsibility: the case of South Korea

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      Authors: Seonwoo Yoon, Nara Park
      Abstract: This paper aims to overcome the limitations of studies on work-life balance, which have focused on Western countries without considering “mental” dimensions of gendered childcare. By concentrating on South Korea as a case study, this paper also aims to examine how the gendered division of childcare changed when Korea's work-life/family policy followed European work-family conciliation policy. The Korean Time Use Survey (KTUS) in 2009 and 2019 are used for multiple regression analyses. Based on discussions about theories on unpaid work distribution within households and its stratification effects, this study examines the relationship between wife's and husband's behaviors and the stratification effects in the gendered division of childcare alongside the work-life/family policy change. Substantial findings indicate the necessity of strengthening various legal and institutional structures that might increase husbands' characteristics of caring masculinities. Additionally, while policies developed to support flexible working arrangements, low-income women at risk of being trapped in dual poverty of time and income should be carefully considered. This study focuses especially on South Korea, thereby contributing to understanding how national policy and gendered distribution of childcare are related. Notably, this link has not been widely discussed in the literature on work-life balance. It also suggests viable directions for future policies depending on gender and socioeconomic status.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-07-18
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-12-2022-0325
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • The efficacy of government strategies to control the COVID-19
           pandemic

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      Authors: Imalka Wasana Rathnayaka, Rasheda Khanam, Mohammad Mafizur Rahman
      Abstract: This study aims to explore the efficacy of government policy directions in mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by employing a panel of 22 countries throughout the 2020-second quarter of 2022. The panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model is employed to examine this phenomenon and to investigate the long-run effects of government policy decisions on infection and mortality rates from the pandemic. The study reveals the following key findings: (1) Income support and debt relief facilities and stringent standards of governments are associated with reduced infection and death rates. (2) The response of governments has resulted in decreased mortality rates while simultaneously leading to an unexpected increase in infection rates. (3) Containment and healthcare practices have led to a decrease in infection rates but an increase in mortality rates, presenting another counterintuitive outcome. Despite the expectation that robust government responses would decrease infection rates and that healthcare containment practices would reduce mortality, these results highlight a lack of health equity and the challenge of achieving high vaccination rates across countries. To effectively combat the spread of COVID-19, it is crucial to implement containment health practices in conjunction with tracing and individual-level quarantine. Simply implementing containment health measures without these interconnected strategies would be ineffective. Therefore, policy implications derived from containment health measures should be accompanied by targeted, aggressive, and rapid containment strategies aimed at significantly reducing the number of individuals infected with COVID-19. This study concludes by suggesting the importance of implementing economic support in terms of income, and debt relief has played a crucial role in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 infections and reducing fatality rates. To effectively combat the spread of COVID-19, it is crucial to implement containment health practices in conjunction with tracing and individual-level quarantine. Simply implementing containment health measures without these interconnected strategies would be ineffective. Therefore, policy implications derived from containment health measures should be accompanied by targeted, aggressive, and rapid containment strategies aimed at significantly reducing the number of individuals infected with COVID-19. This research makes a unique contribution to the existing literature by investigating the impact of government responses on reducing COVID-19 infections and fatalities, specifically focusing on the period before COVID-19 vaccinations became available.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-07-07
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-05-2023-0114
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • A comprehensive literature review of the impact of child tax credit/child
           allowance in the United States and South Korea

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      Authors: Hyeri Choi, Jiwan Lee
      Abstract: The America Rescue Plan (ARP) transformed the Child Tax Credit (CTC) into a more generous, inclusive monthly payment from July through December 2021. However, the expansion has been terminated and the annual CTC has been reinstated. The United States is one of the few OECD countries that do not have a child allowance system and South Korea has recently adopted child allowance in 2018. This study aims to comprehensively review the existing literature and evidence on ARP-CTC in the United States and Universal Child Allowance (CA) in Korea. The researchers completed a database search between July 1, 2022 and July 20, 2022. For the United States, the search keywords were child tax credit OR expanded child tax credit OR CTC OR child allowance. For Korea, the search keyword was child allowance. Searches were conducted using 79 databases. A total of 36 US studies and 7 Korean studies met all the inclusion criteria and proceeded to the extraction process. A narrative thematic synthesis approach was employed to identify themes in the findings. The results were organized based on the characteristics of the studies and the post-intervention outcomes. Studies in the United States focused primarily on economic outcomes, including poverty and material hardship, reflecting the concern policymakers and researchers have about child poverty. On the other hand, Korean studies examined employment, economic well-being, psychological well-being and expenditures in a relatively balanced share. Overall, studies found that both ARP-Child Tax Credits and Universal Child Allowance reduced child poverty and improved material hardship. Also, studies in both countries suggested that both policies had positive impacts on parental psychological well-being. To the authors knowledge, this paper is the first to comprehensively review the impact of the US ARP-CTC in comparison with the Korean child allowance. Two studies reviewed and updated the literature on US ARP-CTC as a round-up paper. Moreover, the authors conduct cross-national comparative analyses between the United States and Korea. The contexts of the child allowance system in the two nations have both similarities and differences, thereby offering a unique opportunity for a comparative study.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-06-27
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-03-2023-0064
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Antecedents of loneliness: a systematic review

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      Authors: Sushant Kumar
      Abstract: Loneliness is widely prevalent in modern society. Despite the growth in studies, very limited studies so far have attempted to systematically review the literature. This study aims to consolidate the antecedents of loneliness by reviewing the literature. The systematic literature review method is adopted to identify the antecedents. Full texts of each article were taken for analysis which was published from 2002 to 2022. Multiple databases were examined and total of 60 articles were included for systematic literature review. The study presents the descriptive analysis of the articles. Also, the paper thematically presents the key antecedents of loneliness in three themes (a) Loss of love, (b) Individual cognitive and personal factors and (c) Childhood experiences and parenting practices. The study also highlights the moderating effect of demographic factors and lifestyle changes. The current study is the first systematic literature review to present the antecedents of loneliness. The study contributes by offering an enhanced understanding of loneliness. Also, the study presents contemporary understanding of loneliness and proposes a conceptual framework. The findings are useful to academicians as well as policymakers.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-06-13
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-04-2023-0103
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Workplace spirituality to cultivate innovative work behaviour:
           the moderating role of perceived working conditions

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      Authors: Naval Garg, Damini Saini
      Abstract: The purpose of the present study is to contribute to the debate on innovative work behaviour (IWB). Employees are expected to exhibit innovative behaviour that can realize, sustain and implement new ideas. This study explores the role of workplace spirituality (WPS) in advancing employees' innovative work behaviour (IWB). Furthermore, this study investigates how employees' perceived working conditions moderate the relationship between WPS and IWB. The sample comprised 516 employees working in different supply chain companies in India. The researchers used correlation, hierarchical regression analysis and the PROCESS macro in SPSS. The results highlighted that the four measurements of WPS (Swadharma, a sense of community, authenticity and Lokasangraha) significantly predict IWB among employees of selected companies. Also, the results suggested the significant moderating effects of decision authority, social support and autonomy on IWB. Drawing from broaden and build theory and theory of intangible resources, the present study demonstrates that WPS positively impacts the employee's IWB. Further, this paper also shows the moderating effects of three dimensions of perceived working conditions between WPS and IWB, which is under-explored in previous research.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-06-13
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-03-2023-0050
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • The depoliticisation of social policy through financial inclusion

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      Authors: Maria Dodaro, Lavinia Bifulco
      Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore two financial inclusion measures adopted within the local welfare context of the city of Milan, Italy, examining their functioning and underpinning representations. The aim is also to understand how such representations take concrete shape in the practices of local actors, and their implications for the opportunities and constraints regarding individuals' effective inclusion. To this end, this paper takes a wide-ranging look at the interplay between the rise of financial inclusion and the individualisation and responsibilisation models informing welfare policies, within the broader context of financialisation processes overall. This paper draws on the sociology of public action approach and provides a qualitative analysis of two case studies, a social microcredit service and a financial education programme, based on direct observation and semi-structured interviews conducted with key policy actors. This paper sheds light on the rationale behind two financial inclusion services and illustrates how the instruments involved incorporate and tend to reproduce, individualising logics that reduce the problem of financial exclusion, and the social and economic vulnerability which underlies it, to a matter of personal responsibility, thus fuelling depoliticising tendencies in public action. It also discusses the contradictions underlying financial inclusion instruments, showing how local actors negotiate views and strategies on the problems to be addressed. The paper makes an original contribution to the field of sociology and social policy by focusing on two under-researched instruments of financial inclusion and improving understanding of the finance-welfare state nexus and of the contradictions underpinning attempts at financial inclusion of the most vulnerable.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-06-12
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-03-2023-0056
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Are formal institutions ineffective for firm performance' Evidence from
           the economic community of West African States

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      Authors: Hazwan Haini, Roslee Baha, Pang Wei Loon
      Abstract: This study examines the interconnected effects of formal, informal, environmental and skill-based institutional barriers on firm performance. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region has implemented various reforms and policy initiatives to support small businesses yet are unsuccessful as formal institutional framework and governance remains a challenge. The authors employ a sample of 3,515 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from the ECOWAS and a two-stage instrumental variable approach to control for endogeneity. Additionally, the authors check for robustness using various measures of firm performance such as profitability, productivity and export intensity. The authors confirm that formal institutions are insignificant for firm profitability and productivity, whilst reducing informal, environmental and skill-based institutional barriers are associated with firm performance. However, when barriers to informal, environmental and skill-based institutions are at the lowest, formal institutions are associated with firm performance. The major limitation lies in the policy implications. Informal institutions come into play when formal institutions are weak. However, informal practices must be addressed in the form of formal enforcement. This leads to a conundrum. Policymakers should continue to market-supporting institutions and a conducive business environment to complement the formal institutional framework. This study provides new empirical evidence on how institutional quality affects firm performance by examining whether other institutional factors, such as the informal, environmental and skill-based institutional barriers, can moderate this effect.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-05-29
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-04-2023-0089
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Does religiosity affect entrepreneurial intention across countries'

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      Authors: Jabir Ali
      Abstract: This study aims at analysing the influence of religiosity, entrepreneurial ecosystem (EES) and economic development (ED) on entrepreneurial behaviour across countries. Data from 54 countries on religiosity, entrepreneurial behaviour, EES and ED have been used for undertaking this research. Correlation, curve estimate and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) have been utilised for analysing the relationship between the variables. Findings suggest a positive and significant correlation between religiosity, entrepreneurial intention (EI) and attitude towards entrepreneurship (ATE), and a negative and significant correlation between religiosity, EES, and ED. Similarly, the curve estimate indicates a positive and significant effect of religiosity on EI and attitude, and a negative and significant influence on EES and economic growth. Finally, the results of PLS-SEM show a significant and positive influence of religiosity on EI and ATE; no significant influence on the EES and an inverse influence on ED. It is evident from the analysis that religiosity has positive and significant impacts on EI and ATE, while having mixed implications for creation of a formal EES and bringing about ED. This implies that an increase in the level of religiosity in a country is more likely to enhance EI due to the creation of strong informal social networks. The unique findings of this study would be useful for promoting entrepreneurship, EES and ED based on insights into the level of religiosity of a country.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-05-22
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-11-2022-0303
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • What determines the tax compliance intention of individual taxpayers
           receiving COVID-19-related benefits' Insights from Indonesia

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      Authors: Prianto Budi Saptono, Ismail Khozen
      Abstract: Even as governments worldwide take extraordinary measures and spend unprecedented amounts of their state budgets to combat COVID-19, tax compliance remains challenging. Therefore, this study employs previously identified predictors to investigate the factors that persuade individual taxpayers to comply with the law. Individual taxpayers in Indonesia (N = 699) who had experienced COVID-19-related benefits were asked to assess the provided evaluation regarding the tax compliance intention and its determinants. The bootstrapping analysis was employed using smart partial least squares (SmartPLS) to test the hypotheses. The results suggest that the perceived fiscal exchange, tax morality, tax fairness, tax complexity and the power of authority are significant determinants of tax compliance intention. This study also supports the indirect effects of numerous factors on tax compliance intention through the perceived fiscal exchange and tax morality. In practice, reminding taxpayers of how tax payments fund public services, improving taxpayer morale, increasing the perceived fairness of the tax system, streamlining the tax code and managing the effectiveness of tax administration could all lead to a greater intention to comply with the law. In addition to highlighting the dynamics of tax compliance amid the unprecedented pandemic crisis, our findings also provide insight into the importance of perceived fiscal exchange and tax morality for achieving and sustaining planned behavior to comply with tax rules.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-05-05
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-02-2023-0045
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Pragmatic approaches to control inbound sex tourism and prostitution in
           Thailand and Cambodia: the examination of relevant policy gaps
           and suggestion of multifaceted policy development

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      Authors: Jason Hung
      Abstract: The essay aims to suggest policies that can help strategically deconstruct and dereproduce the establishment of (child) sexual exploitation in Thailand and Cambodia in phases, for the purpose of upholding child and human rights and rebranding the global image of these two regional commercial sex hubs in the long term. This essay is constructed based on the theoretical framework of the social control and general strain theories. Supported by the theories, the essay examines what are the socioeconomic determinants driving the prevalence of the (child) commercial sex industry in Thailand and Cambodia. Here the essay highlights and summarises how the (child) commercial sex industry has been constructed and reproduced. Next, the essay presents the existing policy gaps in relation to (child) sex tourism and sex exploitation. Last, and more importantly, the essay delivers perspectives on how Thai and Cambodian lawmakers and policymakers should respond to the severe societal problems of (child) sex trafficking and prostitution in relation to the prevailing sex tourism. At the national level, Bangkok and Phnom Penh have an urgent need to rebrand their countries, despite partially allowing commercial sex activities. Moreover, to promote gender equality, Bangkok and Phnom Penh should redistribute their education and occupational opportunities, enabling more school-aged girls or work-aged women to obtain a fairer share of life chances for self-empowerment. At the regional level, Bangkok and Phnom Penh have to tighten regulations against (child) sex exploitation. At the community level, the promotion of community policing can be conducive to minimising any prostitution activities. At the family level, more positive socialisation should be exercised. When more children, including girls, are subsidised to enter school, and are positively parented, there are more educational opportunities for school-aged cohorts. This essay contains scholarly originality and significance in the presentation of the socioeconomic construction of (child) sexual exploitation, and its relationship to sex tourism and (child) prostitution in Thai and Cambodian contexts, grounded in up-to-date, relevant sociological arguments. A major area that identifies the originality of this essay is the examination of existing, relevant policy gaps in a timely fashion, and correspondingly, the suggestion of policy development that helps deconstruct and deproduce (child) sexual exploitation at the national, regional, community and family levels.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-04-25
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-03-2023-0048
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Fertility tourism: A systematic review

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      Authors: Paul Strickland, Vanessa Ratten
      Abstract: The aim of this article is to review the literature on fertility tourism in terms of social policy implications. There has been a global growth in interest in fertility tourism, especially amongst these in developed countries travelling to developing countries for fertility needs. Due to women's increased involvement in the workforce and changing societal norms, the age at which females start having children has risen resulting in a need for many to seek fertility help. These developments have led to a growth in fertility tourism and related services. The authors undertake a systematic literature review on fertility tourism to identify cognate research themes that relate to social policies such as assisted reproduction facilities, medical tourism and changing societal attitudes. The findings of the study have important implications for social policy particularly regarding the tourism and health industry, practitioners and policymakers. This involves focussing on new geographic regions that are underrepresented in current research but have a high interest in fertility tourism. Currently much of the research is centred around western contexts but as evident in our review newly emerging markets in countries that have high infertility rates requires further attention. In addition, the authors provide directions for future research avenues that focus on how to evaluate changing social policies with regards to reproductive choices. Whilst there has been much discussion in the media about fertility tourism there is limited knowledge about social policies related to human reproductive systems, so this article is amongst the first to discuss societal implications.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-04-10
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-02-2023-0047
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Can social inclusion policies promote financial inclusion'

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      Authors: Peterson K. Ozili
      Abstract: This study aims to examine whether social inclusion policies promote financial inclusion. Three social inclusion policies were analyzed: gender equality policies, environmental sustainability policies and social protection (SP) policies. The study used the panel fixed effect regression methodology to analyze data from 48 low- and medium-income countries. The results show that social inclusion policies do not have a significant effect on financial inclusion. Also, the older population is less likely to own an account at a formal financial institution in low- and medium-income countries that have strong environmental sustainability policies and institutions. The implication of the finding is that the policies and institutions established to promote environmental sustainability can discourage the older population from keeping the population's wealth in formal financial institutions in the country. Policy makers should consider how social and environmental policies and programs can be designed to promote financial inclusion for older individuals in the individuals' countries. The financial inclusion literature has not considered the role of social inclusion policies in promoting financial inclusion for individuals, businesses and the excluded groups in a country.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-04-07
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-03-2023-0054
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Gender and leadership positions: understanding women's experiences and
           challenges in patriarchal societies in Northern Ghana

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      Authors: Awinaba Amoah Adongo, Jonathan Mensah Dapaah, Francess Dufie Azumah
      Abstract: Women are rarely seen in positions of leadership in patriarchal societies, which is unsurprising. Following gender equity policies, few women have been able to break through the gender equity barrier and assume leadership positions in schools. Few research investigations have delved into the experiences and challenges that women encounter in positions of leadership in patriarchal societies in government schools in Northern Ghana. The study seeks to comprehend the experiences and challenges that women confront in positions of leadership in patriarchal societies in Northern Ghana. The study aimed to gain a better understanding of the experiences and challenges that women encounter in educational leadership roles in patriarchal societies in Northern Ghana. To achieve the study's objectives, a quantitative research approach and a social survey design were used, as well as descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed that in patriarchal societies in Northern Ghana, women experience conventional gender roles that conflict with roles, cultural values, gender stereotyping, family responsibilities and cultural beliefs and perceptions of women and attitudes and low expectations of women's managerial skills discourage women from taking on leadership positions in men-dominated societies. There is a need to shift the gender position and question the negative cultural convictions of cultural and patriarchal societies. Equal opportunities for men and women necessitate equal access to leadership positions. It proposes that in patriarchal societies, education and community stakeholder involvement in leadership training programmes for women be considered, as policy documents alone would not be sufficient to eradicate deeply embedded cultural social practices and dispel negative notions about women in leadership positions in men-dominated societies. The study established that in patriarchal societies, women experienced conventional gender roles that conflict with roles, cultural values, gender stereotyping, family responsibilities, cultural vulnerability of women and the interplay between cultural expected roles and management goals influence women from taking on leadership positions.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-03-28
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-02-2023-0028
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • What works for whom' What theories may predict about the effectiveness
           of measures against employment discrimination

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      Authors: Áron Hajnal, Ágota Scharle
      Abstract: Employment discrimination persists across global labour markets inflicting considerable social and economic costs. The existing literature tends to focus on explaining and measuring discrimination or on the measures to tackle it, overlooking the links between these areas. The paper contributes to filling this gap in order to inform policy design and empirical research on the impact of anti-discrimination policies. The paper assesses the potential effectiveness of commonly used policy measures in tackling the types of discrimination described in the theoretical literature. The assessment is based on the underlying incentive structure of particular policies, which is matched with the behaviour of employers predicted by particular theories. The potential effectiveness of commonly used anti-discrimination policies varies greatly depending on the source of discrimination and the target group. Some commonly used tools, such as wage subsidies are likely to have modest effects for several target groups, while employer counselling may be a more effective and cheaper alternative in many cases. Quotas may be effective against various types of discrimination, but setting them is challenging and they may yield adverse effects. The findings call for more research on and consideration of the motives behind employment discrimination in the targeting and design of anti-discrimination measures. The authors propose a framework to link discrimination types with measures against discrimination and potential target groups, which allows for systematically linking the literature on theories of discrimination and research on anti-discrimination.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-03-20
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-12-2022-0318
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Panacea or poison' Exploring the paradoxical problematizations of
           loneliness, technology and youth in Norwegian and UK policymaking

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      Authors: Elian Eve Jentoft, Marit Haldar
      Abstract: Loneliness’ impact on health and wellbeing has emerged as a public health issue in several countries. Young people are increasingly understood as a ‘risk group’ and intervention target for loneliness-reduction. This research paper aims to present a discourse analysis of policies and political speech about young people and loneliness. Using discourse analysis inspired by Carol Bacchi’s “What is the Problem Represented to Be” (WPR) approach, this cross-cultural analysis studies loneliness policy in the United Kingdom (UK) and Norway. In doing so, the authors ask: What is the problem of loneliness among young people represented to be in UK and Norwegian welfare policy' The findings indicate paradoxical problematizations of the role technology plays among lonely young people, who, in this context, are divided in two categories: able normative and disabled youth. We reveal fundamental differences in beliefs about the impact of technology on these groups, and corresponding differences in the proposed solutions. The problem of young peoples’ loneliness is represented as uncertainty about potential harms of digital connectedness and reduced face-to-face interactions. In contrast, the problem of loneliness among disabled youth is represented as impeded access to social realms, with technology serving a benign role as equalizer. Little research has examined this new policy field. The article contributes to filling this gap and encourages policymakers to consider how political discourses on loneliness may lead them to overlook digital interventions young people could find beneficial.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-02-27
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-11-2022-0292
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Tax compliance of small and medium sized enterprises in Ghana

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      Authors: Edward Nartey
      Abstract: Tax compliance studies have been extensively conducted across various jurisdictions. However, only partial answers have so far been provided for the question: “Why do people pay tax'”. The aim of this study is to report tax compliance behavior from both the supply side (SMEs) and demand side (tax collecting authorities) in Ghana. A survey of 233 responses comprising 169 SME managers and 64 tax officials of the Ghana Revenue Authority qualified for the study. Data were modelled using covariance-based structural equations modelling (AMOS Graphics version 23). Isomorphic forces and tax fairness have a positive impact on tax compliance. However, the impact of strategic response on tax compliance was insignificant, which suggests that, although SMEs in Ghana adopt different strategies to respond to institutional pressures, such strategies do not influence their tax compliance behavior. This study investigates tax compliance behavior among SMEs using a survey design from only one developing country – Ghana. Based on a cross-sectional survey and the approach used to gather the sample data, assessing any changes over time may be impossible. The findings suggest that SMEs’ tax compliance behaviors are shaped by institutional pressures in terms of obeying tax laws and filling their tax returns in a consistent manner. Given that isomorphic forces and tax fairness are significant predictors of tax compliance, SME tax compliance can be improved if strong institutions are incorporated in the administration of taxes. The findings also support the logical thinking of tax fairness theory that the higher SMEs perceived the tax system to be fair, the more their compliance behavior is encouraged. This study represents one of the few to provide preliminary empirical evidence on tax compliance from the supply side of taxation in a developing economy. Therefore, the findings have implications for taxpayers in Ghana.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-02-09
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-06-2022-0159
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • A critical evaluation of research associated with carers’ organisations
           since the start of the Carers' Movement

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      Authors: Rachel Crossdale, Lisa Buckner
      Abstract: Since the start of the Carers’ Movement research into unpaid care and carers has been used to advocate for policy change. The purpose of this paper is to address the changes in research into unpaid care and carers since the start of the Carers’ Movement and to explore the relationship between these changes and social policy. This research paper is based on a qualitative study of documents within the Carers UK archive. Research into unpaid care and carers has changed focus from caregiving as an identity and lifestyle to an interruption to “normal” life and employment. Changes in research are intertwined with changes in policy, with research evidencing advocation for policy change and policy change fuelling further research. Changes in the methodology of this research exposes transition points in the Carers’ Movement and in social research more broadly. This paper contributes to critical understandings of the relationship between research into unpaid care and caring and policy. The paper also contributes to debates on methodology, exploring how the methodological zeitgeist presents in archived research. Understanding how current research into unpaid care and carers has been developed and acknowledging the role of policy in research development brings available data on unpaid care and caring under scrutiny. This paper is original in developing a critical analysis of the relationship between research into unpaid care and carers and social policy.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-02-06
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-10-2022-0275
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Outcomes of psychological contract breach for banking employees during
           COVID-19 pandemic: moderating role of learned helplessness

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      Authors: Anushree Karani Mehta, Divyang Purohit, Payal Trivedi, Rasananda Panda
      Abstract: The present study aims to understand the relationship between psychological contract breach (PCB) and outcome variables with mediation role of job stress, psychological empowerment and moderating role of learned helplessness. Descriptive cross-sectional research design was deployed. Data were collected from the Indian public sector bank employees, especially from those who are regularly going to the banks even during the lockdown situation. A total of 239 respondents were contacted via online and offline method. The authors reported that bank employees feel the breach of psychological contract which induced job stress. Further, job stress negatively impacts their psychological empowerment and psychological empowered employees exhibit increased innovative behavior and well-being. The authors also found that job stress and psychological empowerment mediated the relationship between PCB and outcome variables, and learned helplessness moderates this relationship. The current study captures the psychological response of employees during the pandemic era. The study also highlights that during the pandemic, when majority of the employers have given work from home, the public sector employees were regularly going to the banks with fragile mindset. The banks' managers and HR managers can also understand that how the fulfillment of expectations is important not only for employee well-being but also for the health of the organization.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-01-23
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-11-2022-0288
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Culture and innovation: a human emancipation perspective

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      Authors: Hamid Yeganeh
      Abstract: This study aims at offering a comprehensive thesis about the relationship between different cultural values and innovativeness. Building on the human emancipation perspective and using data from Hofstede’s, Schwartz’s, and Inglehart’s cultural frameworks, the authors conduct a cross-national investigation into the effects of cultural values on national innovativeness. The analyses show that emancipatory cultural dimensions such as rationality, secularity, self-expression, individualism, low uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation, mastery and autonomy have significantly positive associations with national innovativeness. The opposing cultural values, such as traditionalism, religiosity, survival, collectivism, high uncertainty avoidance, short-term orientation, harmony and conservatism, have negative associations with national innovativeness. This study contributes to the literature by putting forward a comprehensive and theory-driven explanation of the relationship between cultural values and innovativeness, by using all of Hofstede’s, Schwartz’s and Inglehart’s dimensions, by incorporating ethnic, linguistic and religious diversities and by applying alternative measures of the national innovativeness.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-01-20
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-07-2022-0185
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Women entrepreneurs in the craft industry: a case study of the batik
           industry during the COVID-19 pandemic

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      Authors: Grisna Anggadwita, Nurul Indarti, Vanessa Ratten
      Abstract: Batik is a craft in the creative industry, which is the identity of the Indonesian nation. One of the main batik tourism areas in Indonesia is Trusmi, and women entrepreneurs have a strategic role in developing the batik craft industry in the region. The batik industry faced various challenges during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, this study aims to explore the impact and identify strategic options during the COVID-19 period on batik businesses owned by women entrepreneurs in the Trusmi area. This study uses a qualitative case study method by interviewing ten batik women entrepreneurs in the Trusmi area. This study elaborates findings about the impact of COVID-19, the technology role, collaboration, the government role and strategic options. This study provides academic and practical implications, which are discussed further about the role of the craft industry in dealing with economic and social turmoil.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-01-19
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-12-2022-0305
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Budgeting poverty alleviation: justifying in-kind conditionality
           in Israeli municipal authorities

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      Authors: Orly Benjamin, Karni Krigel, Nir Cohen, Anat Tchetchik
      Abstract: Welfare reforms introduced conditionality into cash transfers often by diverse welfare-to-work programs achieving its vast legitimization. Meanwhile in-kind poverty alleviation policies maintained their universal character in the forms of national budgeting of municipal services. Utilizing justification work, the authors aim at showing how conditionality of in-kind support is replacing universalism. The authors ask which justification work assist administrators in shaping the relationship between in-kind and cash transfer and the changing meanings of poverty alleviation practices. The authors conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with senior administrators in Israeli local governments analysing them along principles of critical discourse analysis (Fairclough, 2010). Further, seeking to elicit the justification work, the authors added some guidelines from the discourse interaction approach. The findings identified administrators' justification work as taking two major shapes. The first is an emphasis on conditionality in their in-kind support projects, which is limited in time, contingent upon co-operation and sometimes even enhancing choice for those in need. The second is the manifestation of pride anchored in the skilful budget management enabling the achievement of conditional in-kind support projects based on the effort involved. The authors did not prompt the interviewees for the proportions of specific categories, such as whether they are attending and benefitting of the in-kind support programs. This is a limitation of this study that prevented the authors from contrasting perceived achievements against the actual coverage of their projects. It is important that government funding is increased for municipal anti-poverty policies engaging municipal administrator in the struggle for full and better coverage so that capability deprivation is combatted by a combination of cash transfer and quality social services that are universal and at the same time secure mentoring and supervision to all households in need. Future research should present the analysis that associates different budgets of each city with its anti-poverty polices and its different socio-economic ranking. Critical social-policy scholars may apply this study’s findings in future analyses of municipal administrators' power position as reinforced by national level policy makers, particularly when introducing controversial policies. Anti-poverty policy and the specific combination between conditional cash transfers and in-kind support have been explained at the level of political–economic decision making. The authors conceptualize the need to explain anti-poverty policy by focussing on municipal administrators’ embedded agency, particularly around controversial issues. By building the professional self of municipal welfare administrators, inter alia by ignoring past meanings of in-kind support as depriving recipients of autonomy, conditionality is extended into in-kind services.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-01-19
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-07-2022-0175
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Child benefits and child tax allowances in the Czech Republic, Slovak
           Republic and Sweden

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      Authors: Jan Hájek, Cecília Olexová
      Abstract: The paper deals with the child benefits system in the Czech Republic, Slovak Republic and Sweden. The authors describe the systems as the key baseline for subsequent qualitative and quantitative comparison. An essential element is the quantitative comparison of child benefits using their statistically stationarised values. The Czech and Slovak systems provide a comparable rate of coverage as the Swedish system regarding the payment of both types of benefits, i.e. child benefits and tax allowances, for the first and second child; however, from the third child, the individual differences are considerable. Albeit the concepts of Czech and Slovak systems are framed by the same historical origins and conceptual approach, they differ significantly, with Slovakia providing the lowest aggregate level of child benefits. The paper provides insight into the child benefit systems in the respective countries. These systems are at the centre of attention of policymakers who are attempting to maintain birth rates and reduce child poverty. The Czech Republic has the lowest level of at-risk-of-poverty rates for persons under 16 years of age, while natality rates are comparable.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-01-16
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-07-2022-0183
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Social infrastructure platforms: the case of AskingBristol

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      Authors: Martin Parker, James Brown, Hannah Jusu-Sheriff, John Manley
      Abstract: The project – AskingBristol – uses university students to connect third sector organizations with particular “asks” to organizations which might be able to respond with “offers”. The authors describe the task of the experiment as being an attempt to embed students and their universities within the cities that they are based in, but are often not really very connected to. This reflective report on practice describes an initiative aimed at producing a piece of “social infrastructure”. Written by the four people involved, the authors theorize and evaluate what we have done so far and what we hope to do in future. Over two phases, it has had some success, and we think represents a concrete approach to thinking about how “civic” ideas might gain traction within universities. Using ideas about social networks, boundary objects and infrastructure the authors explore the opportunities and problems of such a project, stressing that it allows co-ordination between a wide variety of people and organizations that do not necessarily share common interests. This is one “experiment”, in one city, but it demonstrates the possibilities of getting “civic” universities engaged with local third sector organizations. If it became a piece of social infrastructure, such a project could embed ideas about “civic”, “impact”, “engagement” and so on into the routines of the city and the university. Though Asking Bristol cannot solve the problems of the city, it shows that we can transfer resources, time, skills and space to where they are needed. The authors do not think anything like this has been attempted before, and hope that sharing it will stimulate some comparisons, and perhaps some dissemination of the idea.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-01-10
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-08-2022-0208
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Home care workers' views of employment conditions: private for-profit vs
           public and non-profit providers in Ireland
         This is an Open Access Article Open Access Article

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      Authors: Nicholas O'Neill, Julien Mercille, Justin Edwards
      Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to compare home care workers' views of their employment conditions by provider type – private for-profit vs public and non-profit – using the case study of Ireland. An online survey was distributed to care workers (n = 350) employed by private for-profit, public and non-profit home care providers in Ireland. Returned questionnaires were analysed statistically in R using chi-squared tests to systematically compare key aspects of employment conditions. Analysis shows that conditions are perceived to be significantly worse for those employed by private for-profit providers (and to a lesser extent non-profit organisations) compared to the public provider. There are wide disparities between public and private sector conditions in terms of contracts, pensions, unsocial hours pay and travel time allowances. The main area of convergence is in relation to employer support, where although the public sector performed better, the difference between the three provider types is smaller. Relatively little research compares working conditions in private for-profit providers vs public and non-profit providers in Ireland and other countries. The findings can be understood in the context of marketisation reforms and may partly be explained by a lack of regulation in Ireland's home care sector and low unionisation rates amongst care workers employed by private for-profit providers.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-01-03
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-10-2022-0276
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • How online collaboration software shapes control at work' Evidence
           from news organizations

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      Authors: Afshin Omidi, Cinzia Dal Zotto
      Abstract: Online collaboration software (OCS), such as Slack and Microsoft Teams, has become widespread among news organizations as these tools help news workers collaborate across different locations and make communication more efficient inside newsrooms. While such technologies are increasingly employed as teamwork productivity boosters, the authors’ knowledge of their potential role in shaping control mechanisms and power dynamics within news work is limited. This paper addresses how different types of control may emerge within virtual newsrooms being operated by OCS. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue. The paper employs an interview-based qualitative method and provides evidence gathered from 20 interviews with digital journalists and media managers representing 11 online news media in Switzerland. The findings reveal how OCS could lead to various control mechanisms in the workplace by directing, evaluating and disciplining journalists in specific ways. This study suggests that while OCS can be valuable in boosting collaborations among news staff, it might create a situation where journalists are less able to focus on their work and creative activities. Most importantly, OCS bolsters an “always-on” work culture in news media and removes obstacles for employers and managers to invade journalists' space, time and mind. By focusing on three aspects of control mechanisms, including direction, evaluation and discipline, this paper contributes to a better understanding of the role of OCS in shaping control and power dynamics within news media organizations.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-01-02
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-10-2022-0262
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Capability of welfare states to foster inclusion through
           employment-related measures
         This is an Open Access Article Open Access Article

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      Authors: Päivi Mäntyneva, Heikki Hiilamo
      Abstract: Employment-related measures play a significant part in preventive and mitigative social policies. The importance of these actions is especially emphasised in times of crisis. This paper provides empirical insights into employment-related measures implemented in a sample of OECD countries as a response to the COVID-19 crisis in 2020. Furthermore, it addresses the continuity of the measures by July 2022. The research applies and further develops a capability approach in the COVID-19 context to provide a theoretically informed empirical understanding of the implemented employment related measures. The results indicate that countries expanded the coverage of previous preventive and mitigative employment measures horizontally and vertically while also introducing new schemes to protect workers. The main conclusions suggest that most employment-related measures (65.5%) were preventive aiming at saving jobs and broadening peoples capabilities with bridging measures during the crisis. The employment measures served first as an emergency aid. However, most measures were recalibrated and changed incrementally toward 2022. The data consisted major employment-related measures and changes in social policies the studied countries. The authors focussed the examination on governmental-level measures. Thus, sub-national or sector-specific responses, for example tripartite agreements in certain employment sectors or social transfers in certain areas, were excluded. The way in which welfare states reacted to employment problems during the COVID-19 pandemic may have an impact on how governments approach social policies in the future. The capability approach exhibits a pronounced strength by facilitating the establishment of sustainable trajectories for social policy and welfare services. The capability approach embracing the preactive and proactive role of social policies lends a unique perspective on public policies.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-09-05
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-06-2023-0125
      Issue No: Vol. 43, No. 13/14 (2023)
       
  • Reflections on fluidity and stability: a look at the formality vs
           informality debate
         This is an Open Access Article Open Access Article

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      Authors: Olga Zvonareva, Arturs Holavins
      Abstract: The distinction between formality and informality has been a topic central for many scholarly fields. Without rejecting the usefulness of this distinction, the authors argued that instead of analyzing an empirical situation in terms of what is formal and what is informal, it could sometimes be fruitful to focus on what is stable and what is fluid. This paper reports the results of review and analysis of secondary sources on the distinction between formality and informality, followed by a conceptualization of an alternative distinction between fluidity and stability. This conceptualization was inspired by a science and technology studies (STS) understanding of relations, and was assessed through applying it to a case of patient organizations’ participation in patient councils in Russia. Stability and fluidity do not map neatly into formality and informality; rather, the stability and fluidity cut across these categories. The authors propose a view of both stability and fluidity as kinds of relations between elements of the societal fabric. The distinction proposed here could be especially fruitful when applied to analyses of (1) complex bureaucracies where formal requirements are extensive and potentially in conflict with each other and (2) oppressive situations where significant power imbalances exist. Instead of providing yet another line of demarcation between formality and informality, this paper proposes a shift in attention to what is stable and what is fluid. This novel distinction can help not only in discerning how things actually work but also in bringing to the fore hitherto unnoticed forms of creativity, responsiveness and inclusion.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-08-31
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-05-2023-0112
      Issue No: Vol. 43, No. 13/14 (2023)
       
  • Italy and Spain at a crossroads: the politics of active social policies
           in southern Europe under a gender perspective
         This is an Open Access Article Open Access Article

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      Authors: Giovanni Amerigo Giuliani, Roberto Rizza
      Abstract: The article explores to what extent party politics has influenced the different trajectories in Spain and Italy in terms of gendered active social policies (ASPs) (i.e. ALMPs and WLBPs). Second, it investigates how social and political modernization in the two countries has facilitated or hindered party competition on gendered ASPs. To investigate to what extent parties support gendered ASPs, the article relies on an original content analysis of party manifestos issued during the 2010s national elections. A total of 1387 quasi-sentences have been coded. The results were then quantified to graphically show how positions differentiate across parties and countries. The content analysis of party manifestos displays that party politics matters: gendered ASPs are backed in a very different way by the Spanish and Italian parties. While in Spain all political parties have strongly championed ALMPs and WLBPs, this is not the case for the Italian parties. The research has also stressed that the specific path of social and political modernization is an important intervening variable that alters positively or negatively parties' support for gendered ASPs. The article contributes to widen theoretically and empirically the literature on ASPs in the Southern European countries. Theoretically, it questions the supposed homogeneity of the Southern social model and investigated the alleged bifurcation between Italy and Spain, focusing on those policies – ASPs – that constitute the foundations of the Southern model: familialism and dualization. Furthermore, this bifurcation was analyzed adopting a gender perspective, and exploring adherence to or departure from the Southern model. Third, the article focuses on the politics of ASPs demonstrating that inspecting the political arena can contribute to explain policy change.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-07-31
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-05-2023-0116
      Issue No: Vol. 43, No. 13/14 (2023)
       
  • Single earners and carers during lockdown: everyday challenges faced by
           Finnish single mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic
         This is an Open Access Article Open Access Article

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      Authors: Milla Salin, Mia Hakovirta, Anniina Kaittila, Johanna Raivio
      Abstract: This article analyzes the challenges Finnish single mothers experienced in their everyday lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. In studies on challenges to family life during COVID-19 lockdowns, single-parent families remain a largely understudied group. The authors apply triple bind theory and ask how did Finnish single mothers manage the interplay between inadequate resources, inadequate employment, and inadequate policies during lockdown in spring 2020' These data come from an online survey including both qualitative and quantitative questions which was conducted between April and May 2020 to gather Finnish families' experiences during lockdown. This analysis is based on the qualitative part of the survey. This study's results show that lockdown created new inadequacies while also enhancing some old inadequacies in the lives of Finnish single mothers. During lockdown, single mothers faced policy- and resource-disappearances; accordingly, they lost their ability to do paid work normally. Furthermore, these disappearances endangered the well-being of some single mothers and their families. This article contributes to the wider understanding of everyday lives of single mothers and the challenges COVID-19 pandemic created. Moreover, this study provides knowledge on the applicability of the triple bind theory when studying the everyday lives of single mothers.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-07-05
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-03-2023-0051
      Issue No: Vol. 43, No. 13/14 (2023)
       
  • Climate (of) change: the promise and perils of technology
           in achieving a just transition
         This is an Open Access Article Open Access Article

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      Authors: Salvatore Monaco
      Abstract: The paper aims to contribute to the broader literature on just transition by examining the intersection of technology and justice, and identifying opportunities for bridging the gap between theory and practice. The work seeks to emphasize the importance of transformative change, which ensures that no individual, community or sector is left behind in the transition towards a sustainable future, both on a global and local scale. The paper explores the potential for linking justice to the ongoing technological transition, focusing on its impacts on climate and sustainability. Drawing on various sociological, environmental and technological studies, this work examines the intersections between justice and technological change. Through a qualitative analysis of case studies and a review of literature, the article offers insights and recommendations for policymakers, practitioners and scholars involved in the pursuit of a sustainable and equitable future. The paper concludes that balancing environmental, social and economic goals is necessary on a large scale within the framework of a “just transition”, in order to ensure that no individual, community or sector is left behind in the path to a sustainable future. This involves reflecting on sensitive issues such as competition, intellectual property, market openness, liability and fighting against inequalities. Additionally, it requires considering smart and welfare policies from a multilevel perspective. The originality of this work lies in its contribution to advancing the understanding of the limitations of a technology-centric approach to climate action and the need for systemic changes. The paper emphasizes the importance of addressing social equity, policy reform and collective action in conjunction with technological transition to achieve a sustainable future. It highlights the risks of overlooking the systemic drivers of the climate crisis, such as unsustainable consumption patterns and reliance on fossil fuels, while pursuing technological solutions. Furthermore, the work emphasizes the relevance of the Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030 in guiding a just transition towards sustainability.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-06-20
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-01-2023-0023
      Issue No: Vol. 43, No. 13/14 (2023)
       
  • Rethinking paid domestic services in modern societies – Experimental
           evidence on the effect of quality and professionalisation on service
           demand
         This is an Open Access Article Open Access Article

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      Authors: Natascha Nisic, Friederike Molitor, Miriam Trübner
      Abstract: Although essential to social welfare, unpaid domestic and care work is an increasingly scarce resource in modern societies. Despite the growing need, many households refrain from outsourcing their domestic chores to the market. Simultaneously, the household service sector is mostly characterised by low-qualification, informal jobs lacking quality and professional standards. Drawing on transaction cost theory, the present study aims to examine how trust problems deriving from the quality and professionalisation of domestic services can be overcome by also exploring the role of state subsidies in this context. A factorial survey experiment in Germany (N = 4024) causally explores the effect of state-subsidised service vouchers, quality signals and professionalisation on preferences and willingness-to-pay for domestic services. The data were analysed using multilevel modelling techniques. Hypotheses are mostly confirmed: strong quality signals help overcome trust problems, thus facilitating the demand for household services. Further, service vouchers can generate better pay for domestic workers while simultaneously reducing the costs for households. The relevance of professionalisation and quality of service as important determinants of domestic service demand is revealed. However, the experimental survey design involves hypothetical scenarios. The analysis offers insights into how to stimulate demand for household services and increase formal employment in a sector currently largely characterised by informal arrangements. It further shows how social policies can help secure quality and foster professionalisation by shifting paid domestic work from the informal to the formal economy.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-05-09
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-11-2022-0290
      Issue No: Vol. 43, No. 13/14 (2023)
       
  • Contribution of the informal sector towards sustainable livelihoods:
           evidence from Khayelitsha Township, Cape Town
         This is an Open Access Article Open Access Article

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      Authors: Sinhle Thwala, Tyanai Masiya, Stellah N. Lubinga
      Abstract: This study aims to investigates the contribution of the informal sector towards secure livelihoods. Using a case study design, the study focusses on Mandela park, situated in Khayelitsha Township, Cape Town, in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Khayelitsha is predominantly an old township established by the apartheid government using unjust segregation laws to foster spatial planning that isolated people of colour in areas with insufficient infrastructure and informal economic activities. Therefore, informal trading became a survival strategy in Khayelitsha, attracting an increasing number of informal traders in public spaces within the township in pursuit of livelihoods. Informal activities are generally conducted to generate income and secure sustainable livelihoods. This study uses a qualitative research design, incorporating structured interviews instrumental in data collection and in-depth thematic analysis. The study findings reveal that the informal sector positively contributes to the sustainable livelihoods of those involved in the informal sector and the relatives of those through income generation, family support, wealth creation, source of employment, business incubation and innovation and creativity. The study concludes that given the increasing unemployment rate in South Africa, caused by the stagnant economic growth rate, policymakers should rethink their policies on the informal economy, acknowledge the sector's relevance and support the sector.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-04-28
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-11-2022-0289
      Issue No: Vol. 43, No. 13/14 (2023)
       
  • The value of pension reforms for late working life: evidence from
           Sweden
         This is an Open Access Article Open Access Article

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      Authors: Chiara Natalie Focacci, Gülin Öylü, Andreas Motel-Klingebiel, Susanne Kelfve
      Abstract: Driven by the aim to increase the participation of older people in the labour force and to extend people's working lives, the Swedish Parliament passed a bill in 1998 to increase the pension eligibility age from 60 to 61 years and establish a notional defined-contribution (NDC) plan. In this article, the authors investigate the impacts towards the prolongation of working lives expected from such an intervention. The authors apply a multinomial probabilistic model based on Swedish registry data on the birth cohorts 1937–1938 (n = 102,826) and observe differences in exit behaviour between eligible and non-eligible individuals. The authors find that the cohorts eligible to the pension reform exit the labour market at a later age compared to non-eligible cohorts at the 61-years cut-off. The authors also find that the effect persists in the long term. Furthermore, the authors find that both men and women are equally struck by the reform. While there exist many descriptive reports and theoretical analyses on the costs and benefits of pension reforms, this study is the first one to empirically analyse the effect of the first European NDC pay-as-you go pension plan on the potential exclusion of old-aged workers.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-04-06
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-02-2023-0038
      Issue No: Vol. 43, No. 13/14 (2023)
       
  • The gender dimension of outsiderness in Western
           Europe: a comparative cross-model analysis
         This is an Open Access Article Open Access Article

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      Authors: Giovanni Amerigo Giuliani
      Abstract: The article investigates whether and to what extent outsiderness is gendered in Western Europe, both in terms of its spread and degree. It thus explores which male and female post-Fordist social classes are more exposed to the risk of this phenomenon. It also scrutinizes whether such a gendered characterization has varied over time and across clusters of Western European countries. Relying on a comparative analysis of the data provided by the European Social Survey (ESS) dataset and comparing two points in time – the early/mid-2000s and the late 2010s – the work provides both a dichotomous and continuous variable of outsiderness, which measure its spread and degree in the female and male workforces of a pooled set of growth models. The empirical analysis shows that outsiderness is profoundly gendered in Western Europe and thus a feminized social phenomenon. However, the comparative investigation highlights that outsiderness has been genderized in diverse ways across the four growth models. Different patterns of gendered outsiderness can be identified. The article provides a comparative and diachronic analysis of outsiderness from a gender lens, putting into a mutual dialogue different literature on labour market, and shows that outsiderness represents a key analytical dimension for assessing gender inequalities.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-03-28
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-12-2022-0317
      Issue No: Vol. 43, No. 13/14 (2023)
       
  • How does institutional context shape work-related functionings for regular
           and self-employed workers' A contextualised application of the capability
           approach to Belgium, France and the Netherlands
         This is an Open Access Article Open Access Article

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      Authors: Chiara Natalie Focacci, François Pichault
      Abstract: According to Sen's theoretical framework of capability (1985), individuals reach their full potential once they have the freedom, intended as the set of functionings at their disposal, to do so. However, many critiques have been developed against the lack of embeddedness of the capability approach in social and political relations and structures. In this article, the authors investigate the influence of three institutional contexts (Belgium, the Netherlands and France) on the respective work-related functionings of self-employed and regular workers, with a focus on human capital investment and institutional support offered to them. Data from the European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS) are used to highlight similarities and differences in building work-related functionings for regular and self-employed workers. A regression analysis is provided at the country level. In the three labour markets, the authors find that the building of work-related functionings is more successful for regular employees, especially as regards institutional support. Self-employed workers, on the other hand, need to rely on their individual capability as regards employment protection and human capital investment. However, the authors find interesting differences between the three institutional contexts. In both Belgium and France, self-employed workers are subject to higher instability in terms of changes in salary and hours worked, whereas atypical work is better positioned in the Dutch labour market. The Netherlands is also characterised by a less significant gap between regular and self-employed workers with respect to participation in training. In this article, the authors contextualise Sen's (1985) theoretical framework by taking into account the institutional differences of labour markets. In particular, the authors provide a novel application of his capability approach to regular and self-employed workers in an economically relevant European area.
      Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
      PubDate: 2023-03-01
      DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-12-2022-0312
      Issue No: Vol. 43, No. 13/14 (2023)
       
 
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