Hybrid journal * Containing 9 Open Access article(s) in this issue * ISSN (Print) 0144-333X - ISSN (Online) 1758-6720 Published by Emerald[362 journals]
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Authors:Yaffa Moskovich, Adi Binhas Abstract: This study aims to investigate the unique cultural attributes of a particular association. The research focuses on a single case study involving a civil society organization whose activities are focused within the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Specifically, the association under examination is a religious voluntary organization engaged in social activities within the Israeli Defense Forces. Data collection employed a qualitative approach using the case study method, with twenty in-depth ethnographic interviews conducted. The research questions guiding the study are: What are the hybrid structural characteristics of the religious association' How has this hybrid structure influenced the organizational culture' The study identifies a hybrid structure comprising community, familial, and bureaucratic features. It reveals a blend of clan and bureaucratic cultural elements within the organization, demonstrating adaptability to the ideology of the Israeli Defense Forces. The research uncovers an innovative hybrid structure that successfully navigates bureaucratic challenges and fosters a familial atmosphere contributing to communal benefits. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-08-26 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-06-2024-0286 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Wallace Ramos de Figueiredo Abstract: This article problematizes the concept of freedom rooted in liberalism, examining the detention of historian Ilan Pappe by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at Detroit Airport in the United States as an emblematic case study. The research adopts a methodological triangulation approach, based on an analysis that combines data about the event and theories about the concept of freedom, problematizing authors who focused on the relationship between the individual and society in a liberal context, where individualism serves as the basis for specific conceptions of social relations. Through the use of authors such as John Stuart Mill and John Locke, as well as the contributions of authors like Norbert Elias, it is argued that true freedom is relational, rooted in social interdependencies and the social construction of an individuality that is not individualistic but intrinsically linked to collective aspects. Pappe’s case illustrates the tensions between individual freedom and collective interests, highlighting the need to reassess freedom of expression in complex political and social contexts. This article proposes a more inclusive and interconnected view of human freedom, where individual and collective interests are negotiated within a dynamic web of social relations. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-08-22 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-05-2024-0227 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Zhen Tian, Tauchid Komara Yuda, Zhiming Hu Abstract: This article focuses on the continuity and changes in the Productive Welfare Regimes and investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic and population ageing can influence the established systems in Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. Our research is based on document review, investigating intricate situations with numerous aspects and providing an excellent opportunity for innovation and examining theoretical presumptions in welfare regime theory, as well as exploring the complicated policy trajectories that varies among cases. Our findings reveal that social policy responses to COVID-19 have been characterized by adopting the market-conforming role of social policy for the elderly. This is shown by many policy measures focusing on self-sufficiency and an active labour market, signalling that the COVID-19 pandemic and population ageing pressure here are viewed as an economic issue over social rights. The economic-first was adopted to maintain their proximity to the global economy as key sources of their social policy development. We can conclude by emphasizing that the responses to COVID-19 have exposed deficiencies in certain existing social policies. Yet, they have not been sufficient to catalyse substantial policy changes across domains where such change had not already been initiated, thus allowing welfare regimes to remain within productivist boundaries. This study responds to the current debate on the welfare regime continuity and adaptation in East Asia and suggests a new perspective of policy process in the times of insecurity. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-07-16 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-02-2024-0094 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Lilla Vicsek, Robert Pinter, Zsófia Bauer Abstract: This interview study examines Hungarian journalists' and copywriters' expectations of generative AI’s impact on their professions and factors influencing these views during a period of hype. While acknowledging the specialized knowledge of journalists and copywriters relative to the general public, the study employs the sociology of expectations framework to interpret their anticipations not as objective forecasts of the future, but rather as phenomena shaped by diverse influences. The research comprises 30 semi-structured interviews conducted in spring 2023 to explore these expectations and their contributing factors. Results reveal ChatGPT’s media coverage as pivotal, encouraging the professionals interviewed to experiment with AI, reassess their roles, and cause a shift in their job expectations. At the same time, this shift was limited. Skepticism about hyperbolic media formulations, their own experiences with ChatGPT and projecting its constraints into the future, contextual factors, and optimism bias contributed to moderating their expectations. They perceived AI as an enhancer of efficiency and quality, not as a radical disruptor. Copywriters were more open to integrating AI in their work, than journalists. The results underscore the importance of further research to explore subjective experiences associated with technological change, particularly considering their complex social, psychological, and cultural influences. The study uniquely contributes to the sociology of expectations by highlighting how a complex interplay of factors can shape professionals' anticipation of the impact of AI on their careers, including optimism bias and media hype. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-07-09 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-05-2024-0231 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Mahfud Mahfud, Andrik Purwasito, Warto Warto, Wakit Abdullah Rais Abstract: This retrospective phenomenological case study examines the experiences of 18 politicians who participated in a political campaign using performing arts and artists in a regional heads and legislators in Indonesia. Also, the role of Gandrung art as a performing art is becoming a political communication tool for political actors in Indonesia. This study employs a retrospective phenomenological case. The informants recruited were 18 politicians who have local, regional and national political levels. The participants were interviewed about their experiences of campaigning using traditional performing arts as a form of political communication. Data collection techniques used in this study include interviews and photo documentation during the campaign process to triangulate findings. Based on a case study analysis and through thematic analysis, this research reveals three emerging themes which indicate that performing arts function as political communication tools in three significant ways: (1) as a form of artistic expression for conveying political messages through movement and the use of dancer costumes; (2) as a medium for showcasing cultural identity and representation as a form of concern for the local culture of voters; and (3) as a means to garner mass appeal and propagate political propaganda. The study has two limitations. First, the study only interviewed a small number of participants. Thus, generalization for wider contexts of politicians is not possible. Second, the study focuses on examining the voice of politicians and analyzing it using thematic analysis. There is a scarcity of research that specifically focuses on uncovering the perspectives of politicians who employ performing arts as a political communication tool. This study contributes to the understanding that art performance is inherently non-neutral, highlighting how performing arts can actively engage in political communication by conveying messages, shaping cultural identity and influencing public opinion in the context of Indonesia. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-07-03 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-02-2024-0095 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Sulikah Asmorowati, Violeta Schubert, Eko Supeno Abstract: Ageing is a global concern that poses many challenges for governments, particularly in relation to the pressing issue of how to provide adequate social protection for the increasing number of elderly. Alongside rapid social and demographic transformation, Indonesia is especially challenged by the increasing number of elderly in need of formal care that is stretching the capacities of government and necessitates improvements in the social protection system. This study examines governance capacity in nursing homes and offers recommendations for improving the social protection system. The research presents a qualitative case study of government aged care centres in East Java and the experiences of residents and staff of three centres managed by the Provincial Social Service of East Java. The case study is based on ethnographic fieldwork, semi-structured interviews with 32 informants comprising directors, managers, staff and elderly residents of nursing homes. The research finds that while social protection is in place, governance capacities at the provincial and local level are thinly stretched. The research highlights the tensions between existent governance capacities – in terms of mobility, decision-making, implementation and established local structures of governance and management – and the inability to meet the increasing demands for government elder care services and resources amidst broader societal transformations such as shifts in cultural framing of familial care of elderly. The findings point to the importance of understanding the dynamic relationship between governance capacity and the shifting terrains of elderly care due to societal transformation. The research brings attention to the pivotal role that governance capacity plays in shaping the experiences and challenges of local government level elder care provision and the growing need for elder care in the face of an ageing population and shifts in kinship and family elder care arrangements. Elder care is not simply about addressing basic needs but also the quality and dignity of elderly and this is not easy to address where social protection systems are stretched beyond capacity. Recommendations are provided for enhancing government policy and expanding the scope for building cross-sectorial partnerships. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-07-02 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-12-2023-0322 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Henry Uche Obuene, Oludayo Tade, Bamidele Rasak, Ogadimma Arisukwu, Emeka E. Okafor Abstract: An increase in informal job advertisements has been attributed to high unemployment. However, less scholarly attention has been placed on the experiences of victims of advertised job scams. This explorative study investigates the lived experiences of victims of advertised job scams in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, adopting Durkheim’s Functionalism and Anomie Theory. Around 35 victims were purposively engaged in in-depth and telephone interviews. The findings of the study indicated the link between functionalism and anomie, an increasing rate of advertised job scams and a high rate of unemployment and poverty as well as the desperation of victims in getting jobs. The value orientation of an individual is determined by the dynamics of the social institutions. The pattern of job scammers revealed extremists conditioned by the large number of youths seeking employment. The advertised scam jobs are usually unavailable. In addition, employers, through informal job advertisements, subject victims to extortions, exploitation, street begging, kidnapping and rituals as well as sexual harassment and rape. Owing to the high rate of unemployment, many genuine job offers are characterised by bribes, besides trivializing merit. The government should design measures to tackle the rate of corruption and unemployment. This can be achieved by introducing entrepreneurship and skill acquisition programmes in the nation’s education system. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-07-02 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-03-2024-0142 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Benjamin Njianga Mbeyap, Rodrigue Nda'chi Deffo, Benjamin Fomba Kamga Abstract: In Cameroon's blood banks, the shortage of blood bags is difficult to overcome because of the lack of donor loyalty and the complexity of recruiting new donors. This study explores the possibility of retaining donors and turning them into prospectors by analysing their satisfaction. A Servqual questionnaire was administered to a sample of 109 donors obtained by voluntary sampling. We used customer satisfaction to determine the satisfaction score and the tetraclass model to analyse the contribution of the elements to satisfaction. Our results show that the blood donor satisfaction score is low (60.33%) compared with the norm (80%). The post-donation follow-up stage is the factor with the greatest influence on improving blood donor satisfaction. The elements that require particular attention in the supervision of blood donors are the snacking and blood-taking stages, because they have a strong capacity to worsen donor satisfaction when they are badly perceived by donors. The study focuses on aspects specific to the Cameroonian situation and sheds a unique light on blood donor satisfaction in this context, while offering a general understanding of this issue on an international scale. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-06-25 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-04-2024-0158 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:László Tőkés Abstract: Gender equality is an important issue targeted all around the world, see, for example, the Gender Equality Strategy articulated by the European Union (EU). These goals were hindered by COVID-19, which caused a well-documented she-cession: females were hit harder than males. This paper shows that a “sisterhood behaviour” can mitigate the effects of the she-cession: female decision-makers were more likely to favour other females in recruitment and retention. Motivated by theories from psychology and industrial demography, we hypothesise a so-called sisterhood effect or homophily: female decision-makers are more likely to favour other females in recruitment and retention. We use firm-level survey data from 19 European countries collected before and during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we apply a difference-in-differences methodology to test the hypothesised sisterhood behaviour. Our study finds that in firms where the top manager was a woman, gender discrimination was less likely or even not at all presented, i.e. COVID-19 did not decrease the proportion of female employees. The results suggest that promoting gender equality in leadership dimensions can also moderate discrimination at the level of the employees. Therefore, in a wider context, gender equality goals are interrelated. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is the first attempt to analyse the existence of the theories mentioned before in a manager – employee relationship using firm-level data from the COVID-19 period. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-06-21 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-04-2024-0179 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Yunsoo Lee Abstract: The Great Recession that began around 2008 hit hard on Greece and Italy. During a period of extreme economic distress, the two countries suffered the loss of government performance and citizen trust in government. The purpose of this study is to describe how government performance and citizen trust in government had been altered in the context of the Great Recession. This study conducts a case study on France and Germany. These in-depth case studies afford a lens for diagnosing how the Great Recession affected macro and micro-performance in practice. Comparative case studies of Greece and Italy provide evidence that government performance in Greece and Italy was diminished to a large extent as a result of the Great Recession. In addition, citizen trust in both countries was impaired during the Great Recession period. It is a matter of grave concern how the government responds to crises. During the crisis, some states implemented stringent austerity measures. This case brings out the careful point that austerity measures could diminish government performance as well as the state’s fundamental potential. Due to its significance, the Great Recession has been widely investigated, with the explanations often concentrating on economic and political repercussions. Nonetheless, how the economic crisis transformed into public administration and policy has largely gone unheeded. The case studies of Greece and Italy newly identify and help to explain how the Great Recession contributes to governments and citizens in a multitude of aspects. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-06-21 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-04-2024-0180 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Eric Agyemang, John Boulard Forkuor, Ronald Kondor, Douglas Attoh Odongo Abstract: This study investigates the economic strategies street beggars (SBs) employ in Ghana to gain a competitive advantage within the contested urban spaces they occupy. By conceptualising SBs as economic actors, the research shifts the focus from perceiving them as passive recipients of charity to recognising their intentional decision-making and strategic behaviour to maximise financial benefits. The study adopts a qualitative case study approach, using non-participant observation and semi-structured interviews with 40 SBs in Kumasi, Ghana. Thematic analysis was used to identify the economic strategies used by SBs to gain a competitive advantage. The study reveals three main strategies adopted by SBs: child advertisement, body marketing, and narrative marketing. These strategies emerge from the SBs' contextual understanding of the public’s social protection needs and are used to develop strategies that give them an advantage over other SBs within contested urban streets. Future research could explore the effectiveness of different economic strategies employed by street beggars and compare their financial outcomes. Investigating the public’s perceptions and attitudes towards these strategies could provide valuable insights. Policymakers and city authorities should acknowledge some street begging as an economic activity and develop regulations, designate begging areas, and establish guidelines for acceptable practices. Creating targeted skill training, entrepreneurship programs, and access to microfinance can facilitate the transition of street beggars from begging to more sustainable forms of livelihood. This study challenges the perception of street beggars as passive victims, highlighting their agency and strategic decision-making. Recognizing their economic strategies can inform policies that regulate begging as an economic activity, create alternative opportunities, and prevent exploitation of vulnerable groups, ultimately promoting more sustainable and dignified livelihoods for street beggars. This study seeks to enrich the current literature and bridge the research gap by investigating the phenomenon of street begging and the diverse economic strategies street beggars employ to gain a competitive advantage within urban areas. This research moves beyond computing financial income and regulating begging by conceptualizing SBs as economic actors and begging as an economic activity. It explores how SBs use conscious efforts and rational strategies to maximize financial benefits from passers-by and outperform other SBs, providing novel insights into the complex dynamics of street begging. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-06-20 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-04-2024-0178 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Shilla Shomai, Peter Unwin, Clive Sealey Abstract: “Kidfluencer” is a relatively new term and refers to where young people actively exert influence on lifestyle and consumer behaviour through the use of social media. This study focused on capturing the complexities of this phenomenon, and issues of concern for policymakers that subsequently occur. The study used semi-structured interviews to capture the retrospective experiences of ten young people as “kidfluencers” on the social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. The findings identified several issues associated with being a kidfluencer, such as affecting individuals’ work-life balance, their education, how safe they felt online and physically, how they maintained friendships, pressure to increase their profile and their mental health well-being. Overall, the study suggests that kidfluencing has specific negative effects on kidfluencers and their childhood experiences, which should be of concern to policy makers. All participants were above the age of eighteen. Therefore, their contributions reflect upon their past, rather than speaking about their recent experiences, which can lead to retrospective bias. The sample size is small, reflecting the difficulties in accessing this sensitive area for study. The study provides support for the decision taken in France to introduce legislation that protects kidfluencers, which may suggest a need for legislation in other countries. The study is relevant in the context of the new law adopted by the French National Assembly in 2020 to provide a legal framework for the activities of child influencers on a range of online platforms. To date, France is the only country where such laws have been enacted. So far, there has been no specific evaluation of this law, and very little research on welfare issues experienced by kidfluencers themselves, making this study timely. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-06-18 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-03-2024-0109 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Asimina Tsolakidou, Theodoros Fouskas, George Koulierakis, Angeliki Liarigkovinou Abstract: Burnout is defined as the syndrome that causes emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and reduction in personal achievement, and concerns people-oriented professions. This study explores the impact of burnout on the health, social and family life of mental health nurses. A qualitative method with face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews was implemented with 16 mental health nurses working in Athens, Greece. Nursing staff experience emotional exhaustion intensely due to stress since psychiatric patients require constant contact and communication and increased needs that workers have to meet. Regarding the feeling of personal achievement, they evaluated their performance positively and were satisfied with the effectiveness of the care provided. Regarding depersonalisation, the interviewees stated that they do experience it; however, in their majority they express that they do not wish to distance themselves from their duties. Their social and family life is not significantly affected and communication and support from family members is highly rated. The research has focused on samples of nurses without mentioning their specialisation, while few studies in Greece have focused on the phenomenon in mental health nurses using qualitative research methods. This study aimed to fill this gap in the literature by examining burnout syndrome using a qualitative methodology. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-06-10 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-09-2023-0241 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Ka Ki Chan, Tat Chor Au-Yeung Abstract: This research highlights age-specific barriers to employment for older workers and the gap between activation policy design and implementation, focusing on difficulties in extending working life under employment support services. This research employed a qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews to gather perspectives on extending the working lives of older adults. Eighteen experienced social workers who worked in employment support services for older workers who aged fifty-five and above participated in the study. This study underscores the importance of comprehensively understanding the heterogeneity of individuals' circumstances and emphasizes the impact of intersectionality on the development of extending working life. It incorporates individual and familial difficulties, including considering caregiving responsibilities, health issues and housing challenges before exploring employment-related concerns. The study also highlights external factors influencing older workers' employment prospects, including employer perspectives, government support levels and public recognition of the necessity to extend working life. This research sheds light on the impact of welfare-related stigma, which imposes obstacles and inflexibility on older workers seeking employment. It ultimately contributes to the sustainability and dynamism of the Asia–Pacific workforce while also informing regional discussions on social security and welfare services. It uniquely employs the perspectives of social workers providing employment support services to highlight challenges and policy gaps in extending the working lives of older workers in Hong Kong. It also provides practical insights into strategies and mechanisms for extending working life across diverse social contexts. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-06-03 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-03-2024-0132 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Vasileios Vlachos Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the empirical literature on the effects of informal competition on firm performance and provide directions for future research. We search the Scopus and Web of Science databases and adopt a specific protocol to perform a systematic review of the literature. We screen 536 documents and apply three inclusion criteria for filtering. We identify the impact of informal competition on nine types of formal firms' performance. We assess the findings according to the explanatory and response variables and the data samples of the articles reviewed. We find that five areas of focus are under-researched due to analyses of country or region-specific data, or lack of consensus because of contradicting findings. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review of the empirical literature on the effects of informal competition on the performance of formal firms. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-05-29 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-10-2023-0243 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Natalia Karmaeva, Petya Ilieva-Trichkova Abstract: Against the recent reversal of the gender gap in higher education that has been observed in many countries, this paper aims to explore why there are better chances for lower social class women to access higher education than for higher social class women in a relative comparison with the same groups of men. Based on the occupational approach and the Breen–Goldthorpe model, we demonstrate those country conditions under which stratification in individual chances to obtain higher education is more severe. We use contextual characteristics which capture gender-based and occupational differentiation, including female labour force participation, the share of females in the service sector, and the share of males in upper-secondary vocational education. By using multilevel modelling techniques and data provided by the European Social Survey (2002–2018) for 33 countries, we have made a cross-country analysis of how the relationship between gender and class, as well as the achievement of higher education, is moderated by these features. Our results show that a higher share of males in upper secondary vocational education in a given country is negatively associated with the likelihood of obtaining higher education, whereas a high share of females employed in services in a given country has a positive association with this likelihood. We have also found cross-level interactions between a higher share of employed females and women in the service sector, on the one hand, and those of working-class origin, on the other, that are positively associated with higher education achievement. In higher education achievement, the growing importance of horizontal differentiation based on occupation and gender has accompanied the declining power of vertical inequality based on social class. This study combines gender and class in an analysis of patterns of inequalities of educational opportunity in different societies undergoing a post-industrialist shift. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-05-28 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-02-2024-0074 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Dinh Van Hoang, Le Thanh Tung Abstract: Consumer green behavior is a spotlight topic in both theoretical and practical business environments. This study aims to investigate the primary drivers of green intention behaviors among Generation Z customers by integrating the Social Cognitive Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior. Additionally, perceived environmental responsibility serves as a moderating factor. The study polled 283 Generation Z people who have purchased green products in Vietnam. Using the PLS_SEM model, we employ mediation and moderation analysis to investigate and evaluate the hypotheses. Our findings reveal that both environmental concern and perceived marketplace influence have direct effects on attitudes toward green products as well as indirect effect on green purchase intention. Unlike previous studies, perceived environmental responsibility behaves as a moderated factor, driving the relationship between consumers' attitudes and green purchase intentions. The outcomes of this study provide helpful implications for managers in improving green products based on the green purchase behavior of young customers. By merging the Social Cognitive Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior to analyze the antecedent variables of attitude and intention, this study contributes to the pro-environmental literature. It explains the underlying mediation processes of organisms and behavioral reactions, emphasizing the role of perceived environmental responsibility in regulating these frameworks. The results are critical in promoting green production and consumption in communities. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-05-28 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-03-2024-0111 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Divya Mishra, Gopika Mangla, Nidhi Maheshwari Abstract: This research investigates the barriers hindering women from pursuing entrepreneurship as a career choice, particularly in the Indian context. The study employs rigorous data analysis techniques, including Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Multiple Regression Analysis, on a sample of 590 MBA students, comprising both male and female participants. The findings reveal that social and psychological factors significantly influence women’s decisions regarding entrepreneurship. Social factors such as social stigma and cultural norms, along with psychological factors like societal expectations, emerge as major barriers. The findings have implications for policymakers, practitioners, and academics in designing interventions to address social and psychological barriers effectively. Recommendations include promoting cultural sensitivity and fostering confidence among women entrepreneurs. This study contributes to the existing literature by quantifying the specific barriers faced by women entrepreneurs in India. It offers insights into advancing gender equity and inclusive economic development through targeted policies and programs. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-05-28 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-04-2024-0161 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Sulikah Asmorowati, Tauchid Komara Yuda Abstract: This study examines the public’s perception of cash transfers for children in societies where children's welfare is often viewed as a private affair. Based on 12 semi-structured interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) conducted in urban Jakarta, Indonesia, we explore mothers' perspectives on cash transfer programmes for children within low-income families during fieldwork in October 2023 and January 2024. In addition to the semi-structured interview, a FGD involving parents and other related stakeholders was conducted to increase data accuracy. Our findings reveal that cash transfers function as a “caregiving allowance” in Jakarta, allowing mothers to prioritize familial obligations while maintaining a reasonable standard of living. Contrary to the “de-familisation” focus observed in advanced welfare countries, these cash transfers for children reinforce traditional family labour division (familisation). Interestingly, despite reinforcing the familisation function, the initiative receives significant support. These results clearly highlight the influence of familisation-oriented welfare production, demonstrating a focus on enhancing family resilience in the design of child-related policies in Indonesia. Overall, these results make clear the visibility of traditional division of labour influences on welfare production, revealing a focus on the familialisation effect in the design of child-related policies in Indonesia. These findings reinforce the suitability of the term “familistic welfare regime” as an appropriate descriptor for Jakarta in particular and Indonesia in general. This study enriches our understanding of the evolution of child-related assistance in the Global South through a defamilisation lens, shedding light on the complex interplay between gender inequalities and social policy formulation in these regions. Furthermore, it offers valuable insights into the ongoing discourse on welfare regime studies in Indonesia, suggesting that mainstream narratives of productivist transition are only partially validated. The insights garnered from this research open avenues for future studies across diverse contexts. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-05-27 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-03-2024-0118 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Wai Kam Yu, Ruby Chui Man Chau, Clement Yu, Grace Ho Abstract: This article focuses on children’s social quality. Social quality can be understood as the extent to which people can engage in the social, economic, and cultural lives of their communities, under conditions that strengthen their well-being and potential. This article has two purposes. The first is to develop a league table ranking 23 countries’ children’s social quality based on comparative data. The second is to examine the correlation between these countries' commitment to promoting children’s social quality and reducing the child care gap, where childcare is insufficiently covered by child care leave or Early Childhood Education and Care. We analyse the findings obtained from the children’s social quality league table and the child care gap league table for the 23 countries. The findings reveal mixed relationships between the children’s social quality league table and the child care gap league table. These findings indicate that we cannot assume that countries prioritizing the reduction of the child care gap automatically possess the capacity or willingness to promote other aspects of children’s welfare. They also highlight the significance of encouraging countries to enhance their children’s social quality as a way to promote children’s welfare rather than solely reducing the child care gap. Children’s social quality is a new research area. To explore it, this article makes an innovative attempt by exploring the connection between social quality, children’s welfare, and the child care gap. The league table of children’s social quality this article developed is the first of its kind. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-05-24 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-03-2024-0116 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Olga Jimenez-Rodriguez, Felix Requena Abstract: Money management practices among couples from 27 countries were studied to understand how they reflect egalitarian values. The welfare system was used as a classification criterion, to account for the distinct socio-political contexts in which couple relationships are formed. The data are sourced from the 2012 Survey on Family and Changing Gender Roles of the International Social Survey Programme. The analytical strategy used has been binary logistic regression. The results demonstrate that participation of the woman in the household economy and financial decision-making indicates higher levels of egalitarian values in the couple. Couples who distinguish between a common fund and individual funds demonstrate more egalitarian values than those who have only a common fund. Besides, symmetry in the couple in terms of the income level of each partner increased the probability of having more egalitarian values. Greater equality was found among couples who resided in countries with a Mediterranean welfare system. The paper makes an original contribution to the field of sociology and social policy by focus on couples' money management and improve understanding of the finance-well-being nexus. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-07-19 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-04-2024-0187 Issue No:Vol. 44, No. 13/14 (2024)
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Authors:Teemu Rantanen, Timo Toikko Abstract: With digitisation, a new kind of inequality has emerged in society between people and groups of people. A lack of digital inclusion creates challenges for the economic and social development of society and citizen participation. This study analyses how the country-level cultural factors defined by Hofstede are associated with citizens' digital skills and internet usage and how they moderate the effects of age, gender, educational level and income level. This comparative cross-sectional study examines digital inclusion in 22 European countries. Data from the European Social Survey (N = 37,602) are analysed using a two-level regression analysis. The study found significant effects of demographic and socio-economic factors and country-level indulgence on digital skills and internet usage. In addition, the study shows that a high value on the indulgence index moderates the negative effect of age. The digital divide has been studied widely with regard to individual-level influencing factors and international comparisons. The significance of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions in terms of digitisation and digital divides has also been confirmed in previous studies. However, there is a lack of analysis combining the effects of country-level culture and individual-level demographic and socio-economic factors on citizens' digital skills and internet usage. Generally, the research emphasises the significance of national culture in digital inclusion and especially in supporting the digital inclusion of older adults. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-07-05 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-04-2024-0159 Issue No:Vol. 44, No. 13/14 (2024)
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Authors:Giulio Bertoluzza, Stella Volturo, Antonella Meo Abstract: This article challenges the prevailing view that a minimum income for the poor is only relevant to basic needs. It contributes to the discussion on the meanings of money by specifically focusing on the Italian Citizenship Income scheme as a case study. A qualitative research design was developed and implemented in four regions of northern Italy. The analysis is based on 131 in-depth interviews with minimum income recipients. The empirical analysis shows that money transfer has various meanings. Four dimensions are identified: functional, relational, protective, and emancipatory. The first two are connected to spending, while the latter two are related to self-identity. Although the four dimensions may overlap and coexist in the daily lives of minimum income beneficiaries, they are distinguished for analytical purposes. The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the multiple meanings that minimum income can have for beneficiaries; meanings which are often not explicitly addressed in social policy studies. It goes beyond the equally important consideration of material needs by adding other meaningful aspects. This approach makes a different way of looking at cash transfers possible, and it provides elements useful for the design and analysis of minimum income policies. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-07-02 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-03-2024-0114 Issue No:Vol. 44, No. 13/14 (2024)
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Authors:Ki Seong Park, Gyeong Lyeob Cho, Yong Min Kim, Heikki Hiilamo Abstract: This case study focuses on an alternative minimum-security model, the Safety Income (SI) Model, representing a nuanced departure from both established policies and UBI. StI is a welfare system that supplements households earning below the standard median income with 50% of the difference between the standard median and their current earnings. The quantitative case study presents the set-up of SI and assesses the cost of its implementation in South Korea. By employing a computable general equilibrium model method, the study compares the impacts of SI, UBI and the existing scheme in South Korea on income disparities, labor market outcomes and Gross Domestic Product. In the past decade, the Universal Basic Income (UBI) concept has gained international significant traction as a potential remedy for poverty and inequality. However, the practical implications of UBI implementation remain under extensive debate. It is unclear if UBI is an effective model for poverty alleviation. The analyses show that SI outperforms the other two welfare systems across all studied economic indicators. SI demonstrates more substantial reductions in income inequality compared with UBI and the existing scheme, minimal impact on unemployment rates compared with other schemes and a relatively modest decrease in GDP, making it a more favorable choice for South Korea when developing the minimum-security system within the specified budget constraint. This research contributes to the discourse surrounding basic income, economic security, poverty alleviation and inclusive social policies. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-06-17 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-12-2023-0330 Issue No:Vol. 44, No. 13/14 (2024)
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Authors:Juha Kääriäinen, Antti O. Tanskanen, Mirkka Danielsbacka Abstract: Due to the rapid ageing of the continent's population, a significant surge in long-term care expenses for the elderly is expected across Europe in the coming years. Could a potential solution to this challenge involve the increased informal care provided by adult children' In this context, we examined a general view or moral duty of European citizens regarding whether adult children should assume responsibility for providing long-term care to the elderly. Our multilevel analysis draws on individual-level data from the 2017 European Value Study and country-level data from various European sources encompassing participants from 21 member countries of the European Union. The findings reveal that in nations where public long-term care services are sufficiently available and of superior quality, there is a negative sentiment towards the notion that adult children should bear the responsibility for elderly care. In total, 71% of the country-level variance in our dependent variable was explained by the availability and quality of formal long-term care in a country. Furthermore, various individual-level attributes contribute to shaping attitudes towards care-giving responsibility. We observed that women, middle-aged individuals, those without religious affiliations, those with modern gender role attitudes and non-immigrants tended to hold unfavourable attitudes towards the responsibility of adult children in long-term care provision. There are relatively many studies on the general attitude of the population towards filial obligation. However, so far there have been very few studies available that examine the population's attitude towards the obligation of adult children to commit to their parents' long-term care. Our research explains the variation of the phenomenon in Europe with both country-level and individual-level factors. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-06-12 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-03-2024-0105 Issue No:Vol. 44, No. 13/14 (2024)
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Authors:Anu Järvensivu, Ritva Horppu, Hanna Keränen Abstract: Multiple jobholding (MJH) is assumed to be a growing phenomenon due to working life changes. This study presents new knowledge on the MJH career paths, from the perspectives of both employers and employees. The qualitative interview study was focused on retail trade and restaurant and food service industries in Finland, where MJH is a quite common work arrangement compared to other European countries. The data were analyzed with the concepts of the chaos theory of careers and with an abductive thematic content analysis. According to the results, several events and intertwined factors may lead individual careers gradually to MJH. Changing personal and family situations and leisure time needs attracted the careers towards MJH. MJH was not only a financial necessity to employees, but it also served their flexibility interests. The interviewed employers applied flexible non-standard employment arrangements mainly due to rapidly varying labor needs established in the industries. It was important for them to strengthen the non-standard core employees' sense of belonging to the work community. However, employees with work ability challenges were in risk to end up in peripheral positions at the labor market. Previous research on multiple jobholding has not combined employers’ perspectives of MJH to employees’ experiences of career paths. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-05-31 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-02-2024-0089 Issue No:Vol. 44, No. 13/14 (2024)
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Authors:Ilkka Koiranen, Aki Koivula, Anna Kuusela, Arttu Saarinen Abstract: The study utilises unique survey data gathered from 12,427 party members. The dependent variable measures party members’ in-party commitment and is based on willingness to donate money, to contribute effort, the feeling of belonging in the party network and social trust in the party network. In this article, we study how different extra-parliamentary online and offline activities are associated with in-party commitment amongst political party members from the six largest Finnish parties. We especially delve into the differences between members of the Finnish parties. We found that extra-parliamentary political activity, including connective action through social media networks and collective action through civic organisations, is highly associated with members’ in-party commitment. Additionally, members of the newer identity parties more effectively utilised social media networks, whilst the traditional interest parties were still more linked to traditional forms of extra-parliamentary political action. By employing the sociological network theory perspective, the study contributes to ongoing discussions surrounding the impact of social media on political participation amongst party members, both within and beyond the confines of political parties. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-04-09 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-01-2024-0021 Issue No:Vol. 44, No. 13/14 (2024)
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Authors:Roosa Amanda Lambin, Milla Nyyssölä Abstract: Mainland Tanzania has seen two decades of significant social policy reforms and transformations in its social and economic structures, whilst the country continues to grapple with persisting gender inequalities. This article examines Tanzania's social policy developments from a gender perspective. The authors analyse the level, reach and quality of social policy delivery to working-age women across the areas of health policy, social protection and employment policy during 2000–2021. The article draws on qualitative research deploying the scoping review method. The data consist of diverse secondary materials, including academic publications, government policy documents, relevant statistics and other types of “grey” literature. Tanzania has made significant advancements in the legal frameworks around welfare provision and has instituted increasingly gender-responsive government policy plans. The health and social protection sectors, in particular, have witnessed the introduction of large-scale measures expanding social policy implementation. However, social policy delivery remains two-tiered, with differences in provisions for women in the formal and informal sectors. Social policy delivery and implementation have increased and diversified in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) during the new millennium, with a growing integration of gender-specific policy objectives. However, limited social policy scholarship has focused on the gendered effects of broader social policy models in SSA. The article remedies the concomitant knowledge gaps by examining various social policies and their impacts on working-age women in Mainland Tanzania. The authors also engage with the theoretical welfare regime literature and present an analytical framework for gender-sensitive assessment of emerging social policy models in the Global South. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-01-19 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-01-2023-0007 Issue No:Vol. 44, No. 13/14 (2024)
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Authors:Teerapong Teangsompong, Pichaporn Yamapewan, Weerachon Sawangproh Abstract: This study aims to investigate the impact of service quality (SQ), perceived value (PV) and consumer satisfaction on Thai street food, with customer satisfaction (CS) as a mediator for customer loyalty and repurchase intention (RI). It also explores how consumer trust (CT) in Thai street food safety moderates these relationships. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was utilised to analyse the complex interrelationships between various constructs. Multi-group analyses were conducted to investigate the moderating effects of CT on the structural model, considering two distinct groups based on trust levels: low and high. The findings revealed that SQ and PV significantly influenced CS and behavioural intention, while the perceived quality of Thai street food had no significant impact on post-COVID-19 consumer satisfaction. The study highlighted the critical role of CT in moderating the relationships between SQ, PV and CS, with distinct effects observed in groups with varying trust levels. The research emphasises the importance of enhancing SQ and delivering value to customers in the context of Thai street food, which can contribute to increased CS, RI and positive word-of-mouth. Furthermore, the study underscores the critical role of building CT in fostering enduring customer relationships and promoting consumer satisfaction and loyalty. This research offers valuable insights into consumer behaviour and decision-making processes, particularly within the realm of Thai street food. It underscores the significance of understanding and nurturing CT, especially in the post-COVID-19 landscape, emphasising the need for effective business strategies and consumer engagement. Citation: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy PubDate: 2024-01-19 DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-09-2023-0220 Issue No:Vol. 44, No. 13/14 (2024)
Hybrid journal * Containing 9 
Open Access article(s) in this issue *
