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Abstract: Abstract Policy needs for more inclusive development measures than GDP have prompted numerous efforts, including those by the World Bank and United Nations, to comprehensively value market and non-market capital assets at a national level. In particular, the Inclusive Wealth (IW) index is an aggregate social value of all capital assets within a country, and non-declining values of IW over time provide an empirical test of weak sustainability. However, the approach ignores the fundamental openness of regions, which implies an interdependence in the flows of people across regions and is therefore limited in its applicability to sub-national scales. I address this critical gap in the IW framework by drawing on key concepts from regional economics, accounting for regional population flows and the resulting change in human capital (HC) within a region. I account for the effects of heterogeneous population change through changes in human capital, health quality, and social capital. I apply this new regional human capital accounting at the county level in the US from 2010-2017 using novel US county health quality data. In contrast to previous studies that proxy health capital with life expectancy, I use novel health data including self-reported number of healthy days per month, to focus on the factors impacting individuals’ health quality. I find that 47% of counties are declining in HC compared to 5.1% of counties using the traditional methods in the literature, implying that not accounting for regional differences vastly overstates sustainability. The main driver of declining HC is declines in health quality that are capitalized into declining productivity. PubDate: 2024-08-07
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Abstract: Abstract This study was intended to investigate the relationships between ecological developmental assets, well-being, and the ability to delay gratification among youths. The ecological asset and gratification delay were treated as independent and dependent constructs respectively whereas hedonic well-being was used as a mediator. The participants of the study were 614 students selected from secondary schools. Specifically, this study examined the extent to which the stated model fits the data. In addition, the direct effect of ecological assets on hedonic well-being and gratification delay; the contribution of hedonic well-being to gratification delay and the indirect effect of ecological assets on gratification delay were investigated. Data were collected using selected items from gratification delay, life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, and developmental asset profile scales. The Data were analysed with confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. The result revealed that the model fits the data well. The ecological asset has a considerable direct effect on both hedonic well-being and the ability to delay gratification. In addition, hedonic well-being has a significant effect on the ability to delay gratification. Furthermore, hedonic well-being partially mediates the relationship between ecological assets and the ability to delay gratification. Ecological asset has a direct and indirect significant relationship with the ability to delay gratification. It is concluded that nurturing ecological assets and improving the overall life satisfaction of youths contributes to enhance the ability to delay gratification. PubDate: 2024-08-05
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Abstract: Abstract In developing countries, informal settlements have been significant in accommodating enormous populations, however, empirical evidences are scarce for assessing residential satisfaction in informal settlements, especially from a sustainability perspective. This paper aims, to investigate the levels and determinants of residential satisfaction in informal settlement areas. The research employed a case study strategy using qualitative and quantitative methods. The data were acquired through interviews and a survey. Descriptive statistics and factor analysis were used to determine the satisfaction level while a generalized linear model was used to analyze predictors of residential satisfaction. The findings showed that 54% of respondents were satisfied with informal settlement residential areas. The inhabitants were highly satisfied with the cost of living, the suitability of the housing acquisition process, tenure options, social homogeneity and availability of low-cost house ownership respectively. In contrast, residents were dissatisfied, with the stormwater discharge system, open spaces and green areas and the neighbourhood’s environmental quality. On the other hand, marital status (married) and occupational type (unemployed) are the main determinant of residential satisfaction among residents. This means currently married and unemployed informal settlers are more satisfied with their residential house than unmarried informal settlers and employed informal settlers. This result shows that despite, informal settlements lacking plans and legal documents, most residents are satisfied with informal settlement residential areas. The results of this study help to understand the needs and aspirations of residents in areas of informal settlements and are useful in developing residential policies in line with residents’ needs and expectations. PubDate: 2024-07-31
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Abstract: Abstract The employment landscape has undergone a profound transformation with the emergence of the gig economy, where workers participate in flexible and non-traditional work arrangements. Given the inherently precarious nature of gig work, this shift has brought to light the importance of prioritizing the well-being of gig workers. Evaluating the current research on gig workers’ well-being is crucial for informing global health and governmental policies. This study aims to analyze peer-reviewed literature published globally to assess the current understanding of gig workers’ well-being and identify research gaps. The Scopus database was utilized to collect peer-reviewed journal articles from 2000 to 2023. Experts from the relevant field curated keywords such as “Well-being”, “Gig Workers”, “Freelancers”, and “Temporary Workers”, validating the search strategy. A meticulous database search yielded 862 scholarly articles for analysis. Bibliometric analysis, conducted using R studio, examined trends in gig workers’ well-being literature, including research growth and citation patterns, authors’ productivity, journal impact, geographical distribution, keywords, and thematic areas. Additionally, VOSviewer was employed for keyword co-occurrence on the same dataset. It is worth noting that around two-fifths (41.99%) of 862 documents were published in the last four years, indicating a recent surge in research in the field. These publications involved the contributions of 1834 authors, distributed across 616 different sources from 2000 to 2023. Only 15.15% of the documents were authored by a single individual, while the majority (84.85%) were multi-authored articles. On average, each document had 2.34 authors, indicating a collaborative research approach. However, there was relatively limited participation from Asian countries such as India, Australia, South Africa, and China, suggesting potential areas for increased research involvement in these regions. By thoroughly examining existing research, the study offers a nuanced perspective on the current state of knowledge and highlights the need to address geographical disparities in research on gig workers’ well-being. Alongside identifying key contributors and themes in the field, this study provides valuable insights to guide future research directions and shape policy decisions. By highlighting geographical disparities in research focus, the study underscores the importance of understanding diverse contexts and experiences of gig workers worldwide. Overall, this research is a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners seeking to navigate the complexities of the gig economy and advocate for gig workers’ welfare. PubDate: 2024-07-23
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Abstract: Abstract The gig economy is a rapidly expanding phenomenon in which individuals use online platforms to perform a variety of freelance, full-time, part-time, or temporary occupations. On the other hand, little is understood about gig workers' satisfaction levels and how to assess them. In general, and in the gig economy specifically, this study seeks to give a thorough overview of the quantitative components of worker satisfaction. Additionally, it offers a conceptual framework based on a review of a wide range of existing literature for evaluating gig workers' job satisfaction. The findings indicate that several variables, including pay, independence, flexibility, skill development, social contact, and work-life balance, affect how satisfied gig workers are. According to the study, the suggested methodology can be used to assess and compare gig workers' levels of satisfaction across various platforms, industries, and geographical areas. In addition, the study offers suggestions for future research as well as a discussion of the limitations and implications of the findings. PubDate: 2024-07-08
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Abstract: Abstract Volunteerism as a civic engagement activity for older adults has grown considerably around the world as countries face population aging and prolonged longevity. The ability to recruit older adults from diverse backgrounds and sustain their activities are some of the challenges facing a super-aging society like Japan. Whether Japanese volunteer organizations have the institutional capacity for the recruitment and retention of their older adults is not known. This study tests the measures of institutional capacity of older volunteer organizations developed in the United States and contextualizes the findings from Japan by drawing a comparative perspective with a study conducted in the United States. The findings show a nuanced development of the institutional capacity of older volunteer organizations in Japan by history, culture, and policies, and provide valuable insights and lessons that transcend borders. PubDate: 2024-06-28
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Abstract: Abstract Bangladesh, prone to recurrent natural disasters, continually grapples with the repercussions of these events, affecting millions of its citizens each year. Amid the most vulnerable regions in the country, the riverine islands of Sirajgonj, Bangladesh, stand as particularly fragile areas, characterized by limited healthcare access. This study is dedicated to examining the intricate web of healthcare challenges prevailing in these disaster-prone islands. A semi-structured interview methodology was meticulously employed, with a total of 24 in-depth interviews conducted. Thematic analysis, adopting both deductive and inductive approaches, was rigorously applied to dissect the data. The Granheim method, in conjunction with Nvivo-14 software, facilitated seamless data processing, rigorous analysis, and meticulous coding. The findings highlight critical healthcare challenges in Sirajgonj’s disaster-prone riverine islands: residents face knowledge gaps about available healthcare resources, geographical and weather-related barriers hinder transportation, especially during disasters. Moreover, inadequate medical responses and patient distrust underscore the need for healthcare resilience. Socio-economic status affects healthcare access, perpetuating disparities. Shortages of medical support and resources further exacerbate challenges, necessitating urgent targeted interventions. This study provides crucial insights into the barriers to healthcare access in the region, offering valuable guidance for policymakers and healthcare providers. It also suggests that the government should adopt a more efficient approach to integrate the elderly into social safety net programs. PubDate: 2024-06-18 DOI: 10.1007/s42413-024-00223-2
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Abstract: Abstract More than 48% of Zimbabwe’s population are children and 2.5 million of these live in water-stressed rural areas although their urban counterparts are not any better. This makes children important stakeholders in the country’s quest to achieve sustainable development goals by 2030. The article reviews children vulnerability to water scarcity in Zimbabwe. Within the qualitative research design, the study deployed a systematic documentary analysis of 79 documents which created an epistemological front for knowledge production. Findings revealed that there was no study that specifically examined the vulnerability of children to water scarcity in Zimbabwe since a lot of literature was looking at water scarcity, water shortage, and water quality in general and would mention some children’s vulnerabilities in the process. From the review process it was established that the causes of vulnerability of children to water scarcity include inconsistency in policies and legislation on child protection in Zimbabwe, weak immune system amongst the children, among other factors. Children are then exposed to risks of water-borne diseases like diarrhoea and their education is affected as they bear the burden of fetching water in most households. The study concludes that for better measures to be implemented to solve the issue of vulnerability of children to water scarcity there is a need for empirical research to be conducted in order to map the areas most affected, identify the different age groups most at risk amongst the children and the factors which make the children vulnerable to water scarcity. This research recommends that the government of Zimbabwe and various NGOs that deal with children and water-related issues assist researchers with funding so that extensive research is carried out in Zimbabwe on the vulnerability of children to water scarcity. This will help to make better-informed decisions on what must be done and how it must be done to ameliorate the problem in order for the country to be able to meet the targets of Sustainable Development Goals. PubDate: 2024-06-11 DOI: 10.1007/s42413-024-00220-5
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Abstract: Abstract This study is a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between living environment and well-being. By analyzing well-being from multiple perspectives, this study clarifies the complex relationship between residents’ satisfaction with their living environment and various aspects of well-being. First, the results of the factor analysis on the living environment revealed that residents’ perceptions of their living environment can be categorized into seven factors. Subsequent regression analysis utilized these factors to assess six well-being indicators: life satisfaction (LS), satisfaction with life scale (SWLS), and four factors of subjective well-being (SWB). The results showed that, first, the LS and SWLS commonly showed a significant relationship for the landscape factor, but only LS significantly correlated with the transportation convenience factor, and only SWLS significantly correlated with the governance and community attractiveness factor. This disparity might stem from LS being a short-term and SWLS being a long-term well-being measure. In addition, each of the four factors of SWB showed a relationship with different factors, diverging from previous studies that considered SWB as a singular indicator. The novelty of this study is that it first focused on the impact of pure living conditions, rather than policies, on well-being, and in addition, it comprehensively analyzed a multifaceted well-being index. The findings underscore the importance of considering various elements in smart city design and implementation to boost residents’ well-being. These insights are crucial for future urban development strategies and local policy formulation. PubDate: 2024-06-06
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Abstract: Abstract This commentary paper welcomes calls for widening participation amongst ethnic minorities in research that aims to understand well-being. However, we demonstrate how a history of exclusion in the daily routines of communities render such calls limited in their ability to address inclusion fully. The absence of ethnic minorities from spaces and dialogues that define what constitutes good well-being is highlighted. We use life-courses that align with Western norms as an example to develop our arguments. Overall, exclusion is rooted in colonial histories and the discrimination experienced by ethnic minorities during day-to-day, routine living. Additionally, relational ontologies of well-being are overwhelmed by individualised constructs. We outline how the suppression of marginalised values in everyday spaces and activities has limited meaning-making in relation to well-being amongst ethnic minority individuals and groups. We characterise this marginalisation as an epistemic injustice in defining well-being. In our conclusions, we call for dialogues and developments in critical race theory (CRT) to be considered in research commissioning processes. Spaces and dialogues that are owned and shaped by ethnic minorities should be supported before we can widen participation in well-being research meaningfully. Values that are practised and developed in such spaces can then contribute to how communities define well-being and the appropriate ways in which it can be studied. It should be acknowledged that we use the term ethnic minority throughout this paper for brevity. The diverse experiences and perspectives that this term covers should be engaged with when considering the recommendations that we make. PubDate: 2024-06-04 DOI: 10.1007/s42413-024-00221-4
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Abstract: Abstract Institutions are essential in shaping laws, rules, incentives, and governance structures for enhancing the livelihood of wetland dependents. Institutions not only raise public awareness for conservation but also play a crucial role in livelihood generation and improvement. Deepor Beel, recognized as a Ramsar site and designated as ‘Wetlands of International Importance,’ with significant portion of the local population dependent on the wetland for their livelihoods. The paper focuses on the role of institutional quality on the perception of livelihood of the people residing near Deepor Beel using Logistic regression and to validate whether people’s perception match with their observed livelihood assets Generalized Linear Model (GLM) is used. Quality of institutions has been assessed through Adjusted Adaptive Capacity Wheel (AACW) comprising of five dimensions namely- fair governance, learning capacity, resources, leadership and room for autonomous change. Analysis of 288 sample household reveals that robust institutions have the potential to uplift livelihood. Individual’s livelihood improvement, gauged by the livelihood asset index, reflects institutions’ ability to enrich people’s livelihoods. PubDate: 2024-05-09 DOI: 10.1007/s42413-024-00215-2
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Abstract: Abstract The purpose of this research is to investigate community well-being among historically marginalized communities within a shared city setting, with implications for programmatic changes within city government. The Social Cognitive Theory framework and seminal and emergent public health literature were used to develop 10 open-ended questions that assessed community mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health and well-being. Six virtual focus groups (N = 41) were conducted between June 2020 and November 2021. Participants represented the artist activist, Asian American, Reentry, LGBTQIA+, youth leadership, and faith-based communities. Qualitative analyses observed four meta themes: (community; barriers; access, city government) and 32 subthemes themes (including: action and change; social isolation or connection; family; art; environment; well-being; culture, race, ethnicity; education; mental health; racism, stigma, marginalization; and economic stability and food security). Resources that are specialized, culturally congruent, contextualized, and integrated to promote underserved groups were identified as optimal for community well-being and effective city government partnerships. PubDate: 2024-04-26 DOI: 10.1007/s42413-024-00213-4
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Abstract: Abstract The aim of this study is to analyse the factors affecting the overall happiness level of Korean residents using neural network analysis, and to identify the resultant theoretical and policy implications. The analysis data for this study consist of survey data collected in 2020 by the Community Well-Being Research Center at Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Administration in Korea; the number of respondents was 16,555. The study employed the Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) method, one of the neural network analysis methods. It was found that the most important factor affecting the happiness of Korean residents was their own level of awareness of their social status. The next important was satisfaction with the level of infrastructure relating to their local living environment, the third most important being their level of awareness of their own income level. The study strongly suggests that awareness of the social status of local residents should be reflected in future happiness research and the establishment of happiness-related policies. It also suggests the need to apply new research methods, including neural network analysis, given that big data analysis has proven insufficient in happiness research. In the future, thanks to the development of artificial intelligence, the use of big data analysis methods will become more desirable in providing programmes for improving happiness levels tailored to individual situations. PubDate: 2024-04-24 DOI: 10.1007/s42413-024-00211-6
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Abstract: Abstract In this study, we have attempted to measure subjective well-being of the inter-provincial migrant workers in the capital city (Quetta) of Balochistan, Pakistan. The primary data was collected through questionnaire survey from 400 migrants. The data was analyzed through Excel and SPSS software. Results revealed that the index values of personal security was low. The index value of health was of medium level. The indicators of basic materials, social relations, and freedom of choice and action of had high index values. The resultant overall human well-being index value was also of medium level. The low value of personal security and health indices and medium level of basic material, social relations, freedom of choice and action and the overall human well-being index values of the migrants suggests that the policy makers should take serious steps for upraising the well-being of the inter-provincial migrants. PubDate: 2024-04-23 DOI: 10.1007/s42413-024-00212-5
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Abstract: Abstract As the 21st century progresses, rural residents across the United States have often found themselves in disadvantaged positions by many socio-economic measures compared to their urban counterparts. In addition, agriculture– once the emblem of rurality– shares a disputed relationship with the well-being of rural communities in social science literature. However, the literature specifically related to how community well-being (CWB) varies across both rurality and agricultural engagement is limited. This study addresses this gap in the body of knowledge. Using county-level data on socioeconomic conditions from the past decade, we examine how agricultural engagement is associated with community well-being in rural areas. We combine descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis with mapping techniques to identify and visualize patterns in the data. We show that CWB varies widely regardless of rural status and engagement in agriculture across the 3107 counties included in the study. However, the most disadvantaged communities are primarily located in rural places. Study findings also show that agricultural engagement is usually associated with somewhat improved, but not significantly different, CWB in rural areas. These findings indicate that the level of urbanicity/rurality might be the primary factor driving differences in CWB and that CWB in rural communities is generally similar regardless of local economies’ reliance on agriculture. PubDate: 2024-04-16 DOI: 10.1007/s42413-024-00210-7
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Abstract: Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a significant transformation in the way education is delivered, with e-learning becoming the primary mode of instruction worldwide. In the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh, this shift posed unique challenges for indigenous rural communities. The present study endeavours to investigate, explore, and diagnose the e-learning experience of the indigenous rural community residing in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh. The research employs a qualitative approach, and three specific areas from the aforementioned region were purposively selected for data collection. In order to accomplish the research objectives, a total of 60 semi-structured, in-depth interviews and participant observations were conducted. Data analysis used both a deductive method through thematic analysis and a hybrid integrated data-driven inductive approach. The Granheim method and Nvivo-12 software were used for data analysis, processing, and coding. The result revealed that the experiences of e-learning among indigenous students of Chittagong Hill Tracts have been suffering from technical illiteracy, insufficient equipment, and devices, poor network coverage, inattention in online classes, feeling isolation, moral degradation, and online addiction. Consequently, the majority of the indigenous students had unfavourable experiences with online teaching and learning techniques. Based on the results, the study recommends strategies to provide better access to e-learning resources, improve internet connectivity, provide access to devices, and enhance digital literacy for students in remote rural areas. Furthermore, the findings of the study will be crucial for academics, policymakers, stakeholders, and development practitioners in developing a stronger e-learning policy and practice for all, particularly for the indigenous rural community in Chittagong Hill Tracts. PubDate: 2024-04-08 DOI: 10.1007/s42413-024-00207-2
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Abstract: Abstract To promote change, activists must first confront the suffering of their communities, but this process can weigh heavily on activists and contribute to burnout. While many activist organizations promote community care, their conceptualization of community wellness competes with the individual wellness promised by luxury self-care products, inaccessible to those facing financial barriers. The present study juxtaposes this buy-in model of self-care with a values-based model of self-care. Using participatory qualitative methods, we generated a grounded theory of how racialized activists develop their own care practices. Driven by a desire to live their values, participants developed their care practices in five stages: Developing Activist Values, Belonging, Participating in Community Care, Protective Self-Care, and Restorative Self-Care. By the end of the process, participants were sustaining long-term wellness strategies by exercising their values with the support of their community. The results present a values-based conceptualization of self-care that resists commodification by being grounded in community values and political defiance. The work discusses the implications of values-based self-care for conceptualizations of well-being, and directions for future research. PubDate: 2024-03-27 DOI: 10.1007/s42413-024-00209-0
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Abstract: Abstract In this study, the authors employed an Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) using “Planned Behavior Theory” to comprehensively assess Dhaka's current waste management issues and propose policy directions for improvement. The study conducted 25 expert interviews with policymakers and stakeholders and followed a thematic analysis using NVivo12 and the Granheim approach. Our findings revealed five main challenges the municipal corporation authority faces in effectively managing household waste: ineffective legislation, lack of cooperation, overpopulation, financial constraints, and community behavior. These challenges hinder the proper operation and handling of household waste, exacerbating the waste management crisis in Dhaka. Based on the findings, the study recommends strengthening legislation and regulations related to waste management, improving cooperation among stakeholders, addressing overpopulation through urban planning and population control measures, allocating sufficient financial resources for waste management infrastructure and facilities, and promoting community engagement and behavioral change towards responsible waste disposal practices. This study contributes to the academic literature on waste management by providing insights into the challenges and potential solutions in the context of a rapidly growing megacity like Dhaka. The findings and policy recommendations may guide policymakers, urban planners, and other stakeholders in developing effective strategies for sustainable waste management in Dhaka. PubDate: 2024-03-26 DOI: 10.1007/s42413-024-00208-1
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Abstract: Abstract This study intends to assess the food security status among the vulnerable urban floating laborers in Dhaka City. The study used a qualitative study method, where 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted. We used Nvivo-12 software to analyze data and develop the central theme. Our study found that floating laborer’s households have food unavailability due to their socioeconomic situation. They cannot buy food even when there is no food at home. They only purchase food when they have the working opportunity and earnings. Furthermore, due to lack of work and earnings, they, especially elders, often reduce the number of meals a day and food variety. They eat bare for survival, with little concern for quality. They buy half-rotten daily necessary food items, e.g., onion, potato, vegetables, at a cheap rate. They maintain an imbalanced food chart, so, they suffer from malnutrition, which brings substantial adverse physical health outcomes. Though it is unhygienic, they prefer eating street food at a cheap rate rather than clocking at home, because cooking at home requires buying raw food and fuel, which ends up being expensive. We found floating workers have very little access to government support or aid. Due to the continuous price hike of necessary daily commodities, the access to food in these communities has been shrinking. However, the findings will be an important guiding principle for policymakers, aid organizations, and development practitioners to prepare development policies to ensure food security among vulnerable floating workers in developing countries like Bangladesh. PubDate: 2024-03-21 DOI: 10.1007/s42413-024-00206-3
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Abstract: Abstract Public space serves as opportunities for everyday engagement including cultural activities and social interactions. The co-presence of diverse groups and activities is seen as an important building block of social cohesion. This review synthesised the empirical evidence to understand the relationship between public space and social cohesion. Databases searched included Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed with the inclusion of peer reviewed articles published in English, between 2000 and 2023 (till 22nd February 2023). A total of 63 published studies were identified. A variety of physical aspects of different public spaces was found to potentially encourage social interaction and cohesion, i.e., accessibility, mixed land use, presence of street furniture, etc. Furthermore, such impact was found to be affected by a range of sociodemographic factors, for example ethnicity, age, and length of residence, and perceptual factors such as safety perception, visual perceptions, and place attachment. Overall, research exploring the relationship between public space and social cohesion has occurred within disciplinary silos, posing a significant challenge in conceptualising this relationship. The recognition of these findings bridges the research effort in understanding the social mechanism between people and space across research agendas including urban design and planning, sociology, environmental psychology, public health, and human geography. We describe future work in studying the intangible aspects of urban space in the directions of assessing the social performance of public space and devising interventions to promote social interaction and foster social cohesion. PubDate: 2024-03-13 DOI: 10.1007/s42413-024-00204-5
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