scholarly journals Translating Degrowth into Contemporary Policy Challenges: A Symbiotic Social Transformation Strategy

2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary P. Murphy

Wright poses us the challenge of building a world of equality while working in the world of today. This article addresses the challenge of transitioning to a degrowth economy and eco-socialism which focuses on distribution over production and which requires a strong ethic of equality at the heart of society. Degrowth aims to address over-consumption by addressing real need, reducing wants, ensuring greater distributive equality and ultimately by suppressing production. However, the detailed mechanisms of how a steady-state economics can provide a quality of life and employment, eliminate poverty and promote an egalitarian society require immense work to flesh out. This article points in the desired direction of travel and outlines some initial steps. It fleshes out two key obstacles to degrowth, the issue of employment and the impact for revenue and expenditure arising from a move towards degrowth. It points to the relevance of degrowth arguments for feminist and democratic movements and how the degrowth strategy offers potential for new political coalitions. It concludes by reflecting on the limitations of symbiotic transformative strategies and the need for a language capable of imagining and articulating real utopias.

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Stella Epifanio ◽  
Federica Andrei ◽  
Giacomo Mancini ◽  
Francesca Agostini ◽  
Marco Andrea Piombo ◽  
...  

The COVID-19 pandemic that has hit the world in the year 2020 has put a strain on our ability to cope with events and revolutionized our daily habits. On 9 March, Italy was forced to lockdown to prevent the spread of the infection, with measures including the mandatory closure of schools and nonessential activities, travel restrictions, and the obligation to spend entire weeks in the same physical space. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures on quality of life (QoL) in a large Italian sample, in order to investigate possible differences in QoL levels related to both demographic and pandemic-specific variables. A total of 2251 Italian adults (1665 women, mainly young and middle adults) were recruited via a snowball sampling strategy. Participants were requested to answer to an online survey, which included demographic and COVID-related information items, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). The results showed statistically significant differences in QoL depending on a number of variables, including sex, area of residence in Italy, and being diagnosed with a medical/psychiatric condition. To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess QoL during COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, therefore the present findings can offer guidelines regarding which social groups are more vulnerable of a decline in QoL and would benefit of psychological interventions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4-1) ◽  
pp. 180-203
Author(s):  
Elena Stukalenko ◽  

Digital technologies, ubiquitous in our daily life, have radically changed the way we work, communicate, and consume in a short period of time. They affect all components of quality of life: well-being, work, health, education, social connections, environmental quality, the ability to participate and govern civil society, and so on. Digital transformation creates both opportunities and serious risks to the well-being of people. Researchers and statistical agencies around the world are facing a major challenge to develop new tools to analyze the impact of digital transformation on the well-being of the population. The risks are very diverse in nature and it is very difficult to identify the key factor. All researchers conclude that secure digital technologies significantly improve the lives of those who have the skills to use them and pose a serious risk of inequality for society, as they introduce a digital divide between those who have the skills to use them and those who do not. In the article, the author examines the risks created by digital technologies for some components of the quality of life (digital component of the quality of life), which are six main components: the digital quality of the population, providing the population with digital benefits, the labor market in the digital economy, the impact of digitalization on the social sphere, state electronic services for the population and the security of information activities. The study was carried out on the basis of the available statistical base and the results of research by scientists from different countries of the world. The risks of the digital economy cannot be ignored when pursuing state social policy. Attention is paid to government regulation aimed at reducing the negative consequences of digitalization through the prism of national, federal projects and other events.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. e30510212535
Author(s):  
Gabriel Kiaro Leite Nunes ◽  
Karinne Alice Santos de Araújo ◽  
Thais Ranielle Souza de Oliveira ◽  
Marcelina da Conceição Botelho Teixeira ◽  
Ieler Ferreira Ribeiro ◽  
...  

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about major changes in the lifestyle of the world population. Due to the lack of vaccines or a definitive treatment for disease, governments around the world have adopted social isolation and quarantine as methods to control the spread of the virus. Objective: Thus, the objective of this study was to discuss how social isolation and quarantine periods affected people's mental health and quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An integrative literature review was carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic between March and September 2020, establishing the following guiding question: How did social isolation and quarantine affect the mental health and quality of life of the population in the COVID-19 pandemic? Results: The final sample consisted of nineteen (19) articles, two (2) addressed depression during the pandemic period, three (3) presented the pandemic and the relationship with sociodemographic aspects, five (5) analyzed mental health in the pandemic, four (4) reported the impact of COVID-19 on the population's style and quality of life and the last five (5) demonstrated the quality of human relationships and emotional aspects in the face of the pandemic. Conclusion: It was demonstrated that isolation and the quarantine period had a negative impact on the population's quality of life and long-term mental health.


Author(s):  
Yuliya V. Pechenkina

The article considers the rules of creating “live” residential objects based on the principles of ancient Indian architecture, the impact of such objects on the quality of life. For comparison, the impact of “dead” objects on human development is illustrated by examples. The concepts of "live" and "dead" residential objects are defined from the standpoint of ancient Indian architecture. Several basic principles of ancient Indian architecture are described. The importance of applying some of the principles of ancient Indian architecture in the design and construction of residential facilities in Russia. Examples of architectural inventions created by the world-famous architect Dr. Ganapati Sthapati are included. The article has three main sections devoted to the main postulates formulated by the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 119-132
Author(s):  
Łukasz Robert Karski ◽  
Joanna Danuta Jedel

The UEFA European Football Championship, held in 2012 in Poland, has brought a wide range of benefits, including the development of the recreation infrastructure and hotel facilities across the country. The championship has changed the way Poland and Poles are perceived by Europeans and has also contributed to improving the standard of living for inhabitants of many Polish towns and cities. The aim of this article is to evaluate the impact of Euro 2012 on the development of the Sports and Conference Centre in Gniewino and how it has affected the quality of life of its residents. The study is based on the analysis of literature and source documents as well as opinions collected in a survey of 450 respondents who answered a questionnaire consisting of 9 closed questions in December 2012. The findings indicate that the Sports and Conference Centre in Gniewino is currently one of the leading training centres for major football clubs from countries around the world. It can also be concluded that the organization of the Euro championship has had a positive impact on the quality of life of residents of Gniewino.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-196
Author(s):  
Ngomah Le Temps ◽  
Ndeko Gertrude ◽  
Ngomah Madgil ◽  
Ngomah Le Temps Ondongo ◽  
Diallo Akessi Dzenabou Soraya ◽  
...  

The noise constitutes for the human beings with notched joints the world one of the nuisances most strongly felt. Apart from its importance for quality of life, the noise has also repercussions proven on health. Many countries strive to set up laws going with a view to fight against these nuisances which constitute an obstacle, an obstruction with quietude, the peace and the freedom of the populations. Congo Brazzaville is one of the countries of the world affected considerably by this phenomenon. Thus, this document treats primarily the causes and the consequences of the noises with Congo Brazzaville. This article Works out also some strategies which could contribute right now to fight against this phenomenon.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 4124
Author(s):  
Kang-Hyun Park ◽  
Ah-Ram Kim ◽  
Min-Ah Yang ◽  
Ji-Hyuk Park

Background: The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic on 11 March 2020, due to the number of newly reported confirmed cases and the rapid increase in deaths. Therefore, countries around the world limited their population to policies such as “social distancing” or “staying at home” to prevent the spread of the virus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in lifestyle pre and post the outbreak COVID-19 among older adults in South Korea and to identify the impact of lifestyle differences on depression and quality of life. Methods: An online single questionnaire covering sociodemographic data, lifestyle details, depression status, and quality of life level was distributed using mailing lists and social media. To assess lifestyles differences in older people pre and post the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the online single questionnaire was used post COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the participants’ memories, they responded lifestyles at two time points (pre and post COVID-19 pandemic). Results: The results showed that there was a significant decrease in physical activity and activity participation during the pandemic. In terms of nutrition, there was no statistically significant change pre and post the outbreak COVID-19, except for the intake of protein, fat, and vitamins. Additionally, the results showed that the resulting lifestyle differences seem to have had a negative impact on depression and quality of life among older adults in South Korea. Conclusion: There was a significant difference the lifestyle patterns among the participants in South Korea between the current period and pre COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it is observed that these differenced lifestyles were associated with depression and quality of life among the participants. Our findings may help to develop public health programs that support healthy lifestyles in pandemic conditions.


2014 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. HSI.S13283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wadi B. Alonazi ◽  
Shane A. Thomas

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of quality of care (QoC) on patients’ quality of life (QoL). In a cross-sectional study, two domains of QoC and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref questionnaire were combined to collect data from 1,059 pre-discharge patients in four accredited hospitals (ACCHs) and four non-accredited hospitals (NACCHs) in Saudi Arabia. Health and well-being are often restricted to the characterization of sensory qualities in certain settings such as unrestricted access to healthcare, effective treatment, and social welfare. The patients admitted to tertiary health care facilities are generally able to present themselves with a holistic approach as to how they experience the impact of health policy. The statistical results indicated that patients reported a very limited correlation between QoC and QoL in both settings. The model established a positive, but ultimately weak and insignificant, association between QoC (access and effective treatment) and QoL ( r = 0.349, P = 0.000; r = 0.161, P = 0.000, respectively). Even though the two settings are theoretically different in terms of being able to conceptualize, adopt, and implement QoC, the outcomes from both settings demonstrated insignificant relationships with QoL as the results were quite similar. Though modern medicine has substantially improved QoL around the world, this paper proposes that health accreditation has a very limited impact on improving QoL. This paper raises awareness of this topic with multiple healthcare professionals who are interested in correlating QoC and QoL. Hopefully, it will stimulate further research from other professional groups that have new and different perspectives. Addressing a transitional health care system that is in the process of endorsing accreditation, investigating the experience of tertiary cases, and analyzing deviated data may limit the generalization of this study. Global interest in applying public health policy underlines the impact of such process on patients’ outcomes. As QoC accreditation does not automatically produce improved QoL outcomes, the proposed study encourages further investigation of the value of health accreditation on personal and social well-being.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (32) ◽  
pp. 175-182
Author(s):  
Angela Rita Marçano Affonso ◽  
Cassia Cristina Venci Gonzales ◽  
Neusa Falbo Wandalsen

O principal objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o impacto da dermatite atópica (DA) na qualidade de vida (QV) de cuidadores de crianças e adolescentes menores de 18 anos, com esse diagnóstico, acompanhados no município de Santo André, estes foram selecionados durante as consultas, sendo registrados dados gerais e sobre a doença, e aplicado o questionário, The World Health Organization instrument to evaluate quality of life - WHOQOL-BREF aos cuidadores. Para a análise estatística, foram utilizadas as variáveis qualitativas descritas por frequências absolutas e relativas. Os dados mostram um comprometimento da QV dos cuidadores das crianças e adolescentes com DA, quando comparada à de cuidadores de controles sadios, especialmente nos domínios físico, psicológico e de relações sociais. A presença da DA afeta a QV da família conduzindo a um alto grau de comprometimento da dinâmica familiar.Descritores: Dermatite Atópica, Qualidade de Vida, Pais, Cuidadores. Quality of life in caregivers of minors with atopic dermatitisAbstract: The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of atopic dermatitis (AD) on the quality of life (QOL) of caregivers of children and adolescents under 18, followed up in the municipality of Santo André. They were selected during consultations, being recorded general and disease data, and the questionnaire, The World Health Organization instrument to evaluate quality of life - WHOQOL-BREF, was applied to caregivers. For the statistical analysis, the qualitative variables described by absolute and relative frequencies were used. The data show a compromise in the QoL of caregivers of children and adolescents with AD, when compared to that of caregivers of healthy controls, especially in the physical, psychological and social relations domains. The presence of AD affects the family's QOL leading to a high degree of impairment of family dynamics.Descriptors: Atopic Dermatitis, Quality of Life, Parents, Caregivers. Calidad de vida en cuidadores de menores con dermatitis atópicaResumen: El objetivo principal de este estudio fue evaluar el impacto de la dermatitis aopica (DA) en la calidad de vida (CV) de los cuidadores de niños y adolescentes menores de 18 años, con este diagnóstico, seguido en el municipio de Santo André, fueron seleccionados durante las consultas. Se registraron datos generales y de enfermedades, y se aplicó el cuestionario, El instrumento de la Organización Mundial de la Salud para evaluar la calidad de vida - WHOQOL-BREF, a los cuidadores. Para el análisis estadístico, se utilizaron las variables cualitativas descritas por frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Los datos muestran un compromiso en la calidad de vida de los cuidadores de niños y adolescentes con EA, en comparación con la de los cuidadores de controles sanos, especialmente en los dominios de las relaciones físicas, psicológicas y sociales. La presencia de EA afecta la calidad de vida de la familia, lo que lleva a un alto grado de deterioro de la dinámica familiar.Descriptores: Dermatitis Atópica, Calidad de Vida, Padres, Cuidadores.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 98-107
Author(s):  
Maria A. Yudina

The article deals with the study of various aspects of the impact of digitalization on the level and quality of life, manifested in the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Information and communication technologies have consolidated their status as the infrastructure that supports socioeconomic interaction in crisis periods. For many Russians, the high spread of ICT in the country has become a significant factor in maintaining the previous standard of living in conditions when it is rapidly falling under the pressure of general isolation. The author reveals that certain forms of digitalization of medicine also cause an ambiguous reaction of society. The impact of ICTs on quality of life in the context of a pandemic has been analyzed based on the data from the World Health Organization. The high importance of trust between society and the state in the fight against COVID-19 has been emphasized, digital monitoring of citizens, in particular. International experience has been systematized: positive and negative examples of such tracking systems in Russia and the world, in general, have been considered. Two management attitudes underlying the social technologies of digital monitoring are identified. The first is based on preventing the spread of the disease by informing and predetermines making decisions by the user. The second is based on self-control of the patient: the citizen must prove compliance with the established rules, violation of which is punishable. It is proved that the application «Social monitoring» used by the authorities of Moscow belongs to the second category. The digital tools, which are already available to the authorities and, when finalized, could be a full-fledged alternative to this application (which received a negative assessment of the city's residents) are mentioned. The impact of COVID-19 on the quality of employment has been manifested not only in a significant increase in remote employment, which contributes to the development of digitalization but also to the growth of risks of unstable employment. The economic situation has deteriorated sharply, but some of the measures taken by the authorities have had the effect of keeping the majority of Russians the same standard of living. ICTs have also played a role in this - the widespread use has allowed most employers to cope with the task of working remotely. However, it is more difficult to guarantee compliance with labour rights remotely, including the balance of working and personal time. In addition, in the conditions of self-isolation, the problems of technostress, and various socio-psychological problems caused by the use of ICT have sharply worsened.


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