Eco-Citizen Science for Social Good: Promoting Child Well-Being, Environmental Justice, and Inclusion

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen E. Makuch ◽  
Miriam R. Aczel
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Justice ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Good ◽  
Good Citizen ◽  
Policy Practice ◽  
Science Projects ◽  
The Social ◽  
Attention To Diversity

This article examines the benefits and challenges of engaging children in environmental citizen science, defined as science conducted by nonspecialists under the direction of professional scientists, to promote social good. Citizen science addresses two central elements of the social good model—environmental justice and inclusion with particular attention to diversity in age, gender, race/ethnicity, and social class in addressing environmental injustice that is more prevalent in underrepresented communities. This article evaluates how participation in citizen science projects focused on the environment (eco-citizen science) benefits the child’s development, contributes to science, and leads to commitment to environmental stewardship and justice as adults. Our work offers a novel contribution to the discourse on social good and social justice through explicitly calling for children to be included in environmental citizen science projects. We examine the benefits and challenges of involving children in scientific projects and discuss implications for policy, practice, and future research.

scholarly journals Convoys of social support in Mexico

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 324-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather R. Fuller-Iglesias ◽  
Toni Antonucci
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Intergenerational Relationships ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Frequent Contact ◽  
Gender And Education ◽  
The Social

The Convoy Model suggests that at different stages of the lifespan the makeup of the social support network varies in step with developmental and contextual needs. Cultural norms may shape the makeup of social convoys as well as denote socio-demographic differences in social support. This study examines the social convoys of adults in Mexico. Specifically, it examines whether social network structure varies by age, gender, and education level, thus addressing the paucity of research on interpersonal relations in Mexico. A sample of 1,202 adults (18–99 years of age) was drawn from the Study of Social Relations and Well-being in Mexico. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated older adults had larger, more geographically proximate networks with a greater proportion of kin but less frequent contact. Women had larger, less geographically proximate networks with less frequent contact. Less educated individuals had smaller, more geographically proximate networks with more frequent contact and a greater proportion of kin. Age moderated gender and education effects indicated that younger women have more diverse networks and less educated older adults have weaker social ties. This study highlights socio-demographic variation in social convoys within the Mexican context, and suggests implications for fostering intergenerational relationships, policy, and interventions. Future research on Mexican convoys should further explore sources of support, and specifically address implications for well-being.

scholarly journals Investigation of Factors for Adopting Mobile Commerce in Developing Country [Abstract]

10.28945/4038 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Country ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mobile Commerce ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Access To Information ◽  
Business World ◽  
Internet Technologies ◽  
The Social ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Money Transfer

Aim/Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that may lead to adopting mobile commerce in a developing country in South Asia. Background: Access to information is key for communication and for controlling our environment to improve our lives. The growth of mobile phones and the internet technologies have greatly improved the access to information and encompassed the social and business world. Mobile use may cross from personal over to commerce in some developing world households. From the Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICTD) perspective, researchers are interested in whether mobiles promote or enable economic growth or broader well-being. The effects of mobile commerce or m-commerce have mixed results so far. Methodology: This study will use survey of the literature. Contribution: A model of factors that lead to adoption of mobile commerce is developed. Findings: The technical and cultural factors are important. Recommendations for Practitioners: This model can be used for implementation of framework for mobile commerce. Recommendation for Researchers: Other factors can be included in the model. Impact on Society: When the adoption of mobile commerce grows, the society will gain from efficiency of mobile money transfer and other transactions. Future Research: Future research can see if the developed model can be useful in other countries.

Children and Youth Making Digital Media for the Social Good

2019 ◽  
pp. 946-965
Author(s):  
Jill Denner ◽  
Jacob Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Civic Engagement ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Social Practice ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Marginalized Youth ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Social Good ◽  
Cultural Roots ◽  
The Social

This chapter describes how children and youth are using digital media to address inequity in their schools, communities, and in society. The chapter begins with a review of the historical and cultural roots of children making digital media for the social good, and situates the approach in the context of other civic and community-based movements. The next section focuses on the range of ways that children and youth are making digital media, including who is participating, and the social and institutional factors involved. The next sections describe the benefits for the participants and for society, as well as the barriers to broader participation. Two case studies highlight key strategies for engaging marginalized youth in making digital media for the social good, and ways to expand the popularity of this approach. The chapter concludes with suggestions for future research, and the broader implications for education, civic engagement, social practice and policy.

scholarly journals Building and Connecting: Family Strategies for Developing Social Support Networks for Adults With Down Syndrome

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne E. Roll ◽  
Barbara J. Bowers
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Support Networks ◽  
The Social ◽  
Professional Resources

Being embedded in social networks is crucial for well-being and health. While this is particularly the case for people with Down syndrome (DS), our knowledge of how their support networks are developed is limited. This article investigates the role of family members in developing and maintaining the social support networks of their adult children with DS. Based on 29 interviews with family members, a grounded theory study was conducted. The Family Building and Connecting (BAC) framework was developed, which distinguishes a “building” and a “connecting” approach. The building approach includes strategies that rely on family members and close friends for building a support network for the person with DS. The connecting approach includes strategies that connect the person with DS to external and often professional resources and services. Distinguishing these approaches is important for future research and for strengthening the support networks of people with DS and their families.

Examining the Impact of Coaches’ Feedback Patterns on the Psychosocial Well-Being of Youth Sport Athletes

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 244-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thelma S. Horn
Keyword(s):  
Youth Sport ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychosocial Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Young Athletes ◽  
Developmental Transitions ◽  
The Social ◽  
Self Worth ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

Developmentally based theories in the social-psychology field emphasize the important role that significant adults play in relation to children’s psychosocial health and well-being. In particular, these theories suggest that the responses adults provide to children in reaction to their performance attempts may affect the children’s own perceptions and evaluations of their competencies, as well as their overall self-worth. In the youth sport setting, coaches may be the main providers of performance-related feedback. The purpose of this paper was to use current research and theory to identify and discuss 4 dimensions of coaches’ feedback that are relevant to the growth and development of young athletes: content, delivery, degree of growth orientation, and extent of stereotyping. The paper ends with recommendations for future research on the topic, with emphasis on examining developmental transitions and why coaches give feedback in particular ways.

scholarly journals Enhancing community preparedness: an inventory and analysis of disaster citizen science activities

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramya Chari ◽  
Elizabeth L. Petrun Sayers ◽  
Sohaela Amiri ◽  
Mary Leinhos ◽  
Virginia Kotzias ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Science ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
System Response ◽  
Science Projects ◽  
Science Models ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Science Activities

Abstract Background Disaster citizen science, or the use of scientific principles and methods by “non-professional” scientists or volunteers, may be a promising way to enhance public health emergency preparedness (PHEP) and build community resilience. However, little research has focused on understanding this emerging field and its implications for PHEP. To address research gaps, this paper: (1) assesses the state of disaster citizen science by developing an inventory of disaster citizen science projects; (2) identifies different models of disaster citizen science; and (3) assesses their relevance for PHEP. Methods We searched the English-language peer-reviewed and grey literature for disaster citizen science projects with no time period specified. Following searches, a team of three reviewers applied inclusion/exclusion criteria that defined eligible disasters and citizen science activities. Reviewers extracted the following elements from each project: project name and description; lead and partner entities; geographic setting; start and end dates; type of disaster; disaster phase; citizen science model; and technologies used. Results A final set of 209 projects, covering the time period 1953–2017, were included in the inventory. Projects were classified across five citizen science models: distributed or volunteer sensing (n = 19; 9%); contributory (n = 98; 47%); distributed intelligence (n = 52; 25%); collaborative research (n = 32; 15%); and collegial research (n = 8; 4%). Overall, projects were conducted across all disaster phases and most frequently for earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes. Although activities occurred globally, 40% of projects were set in the U.S. Academic, government, technology, and advocacy organizations were the most prevalent lead entities. Although a range of technologies were used, 77% of projects (n = 161) required an internet-connected device. These characteristics varied across citizen science models revealing important implications for applications of disaster citizen science, enhancement of disaster response capabilities, and sustainability of activities over time. Conclusions By increasing engagement in research, disaster citizen science may empower communities to take collective action, improve system response capabilities, and generate relevant data to mitigate adverse health impacts. The project inventory established a baseline for future research to capitalize on opportunities, address limitations, and help disaster citizen science achieve its potential.

scholarly journals IMPLICATIONS OF RELATIONSHIPS WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND NEIGHBORS FOR WOMEN'S WELL-BEING IN LATE LIFE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S213-S213
Author(s):  
Heather Fuller ◽  
Heather Fuller ◽  
Masahiro Toyama
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Younger Women ◽  
The Social ◽  
Aging Study ◽  
Lower Life Satisfaction

Abstract Social support is well documented as promoting women’s well-being across the lifespan, yet implications vary depending on the source and type of support. The present study examined whether relationships with family, friends, and neighbors (both satisfaction with and number in social network) affected well-being over two years. Midwestern women (N=188, mean age = 80) were sampled from two waves of the Social Integration and Aging Study (2013, 2015). Hierarchical regression models indicated that satisfaction with friends predicted better life satisfaction, but satisfaction with family and neighbors did not predict well-being. In contrast, number of neighbors in social network predicted lower life satisfaction and greater stress, while number of family and friends were not associated with well-being. Moreover, differential effects emerged between older and younger women. Findings highlight unique facets of older women’s social relationships and suggest that future research and interventions addressing age and the source of support are warranted.

scholarly journals The Microbiome as TED Knows It: Popular Science Communication and Neoliberal Subject

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Penelope Ironstone
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Science ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Human Microbiome ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Popular Science ◽  
Economic Interests ◽  
Social Good ◽  
Microbiome Analysis ◽  
The Social ◽  
Ted Talks

Background  Although criticized for a variety of reasons, TED platforms and conventions have been engaged, often uncritically, as tools for popular science communication. This article critically examines four TED Talks that engage the relatively recent biomedical concept of the human microbiome. Analysis  Neoliberal values underpin both the TED universe and the marketization of science. TED conventions produce a discursive regularity that brings together neoliberal subjectivity and bioeconomic imperatives of contemporary scientific research. This neoliberalization is supported by uncritically championing citizen science and the so-called democratization of science alongside crowdsourcing and crowdfunding appeals.Conclusions and implications  Uncritically embracing TED Talks can implicate science communication in the reproduction of problematic ideological positions that favour economic interests over the social good or even individual health.Contexte  Les plateformes et conférences TED ont contribué à rendre la science accessible, même si elles souvent manqué de discernement en le faisant. Cet article effectue un examen critique de quatre TED Talks portant sur le concept relativement récent de microbiome humain. Analyse Des valeurs néolibérales sous-tendent l’univers TED et la marchandisation de la science. Les conférences TED associent ordinairement une subjectivité néolibérale aux impératifs bioéconomiques de la recherche savante contemporaine. Elles appuient le néolibéralisme en vantant de manière parfois irréfléchie la prétendue démocratisation de la science, les sciences participatives, la production participative et les appels au sociofinancement.  Conclusions et implications  Accepter sans réserve les TED Talks peut entraîner la communication de la science à reproduire des partis pris idéologiques problématiques, favorisant des intérêts économiques au détriment du bien commun ou même de la santé personnelle.

Who Am I? The Social Identities of Muslim-American Adolescents

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madiha Tahseen ◽  
Charissa S.L. Cheah
Keyword(s):  
Identity Formation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Identities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
Muslim American ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Scientific ◽  
Cluster Analysis Technique

Muslim-American adolescents face unique developmental challenges, due to the national and global negative spotlight on Islam, as they navigate identity formation in the mainstream American setting. However, the intersection of various social identities (SI) in the navigation of these challenges has been ignored in much social-scientific literature. We examined the SI of Muslim-American adolescents using the multidimensional cluster analysis technique. Correlates of adolescents’ SI were also explored, specifically adolescents’ self-reported psychological well-being. One hundred and fifty Muslim adolescents were recruited from schools, mosques, and community organizations throughout Maryland. Follow-up analyses indicated that the High-Muslim/High-American adolescents reported the highest well-being and Moderate-Muslim/Undifferentiated-American cluster reported poorer well-being than the other clusters. Findings highlighted the importance of simultaneously assessing Muslim and American SIs, and the differential psychological benefits based on adolescents’ SI profiles. The article concludes by discussing implications for future research on Muslim adolescents’ successful adjustment.

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