Limited detraditionalization of intimacy: Growing socioeconomic differences in contraceptive use at first intercourse in Italy

This paper investigates links between social inequality and reproductive behavior. It complements the extensive research on the stratification of young adults' life chances in education and the labor market by considering changes over time in the stratification of contraceptive use at first intercourse by parental background. We seek to understand detraditionalization trends in young people’s sexually intimate behavior by investigating whether these trends were driven by particular social groups and how they were supported by policy initiatives. We study Italy from 1950-2006, which shows strong regional and socioeconomic disparities, and comparatively slow changes in religion and gender norms. Data from the “Survey on Italians’ Sexual Behavior” (2006) and macro indicators on family planning centers are used. The findings show a steep increase in contraceptive use at first sexual intercourse over time, stratified by parental background, but only for condom use. We did not find that family planning centers intervened in these relationships.

Emerging Socioeconomic Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccine Second-Dose Completion Rates in the United States

Although COVID-19 vaccination plans acknowledge a need for equity, disparities in two-dose vaccine initiation have been observed in the United States. We aim to assess if disparity patterns are emerging in COVID-19 vaccination completion. We gathered (n = 843,985) responses between February and November 2021 from a web survey. Individuals self-reported demographics and COVID-19 vaccination status. Dose initiation and completion rates were calculated incorporating survey weights. A multi-variate logistic regression assessed the association between income and completing vaccination, accounting for other demographics. Overall, 57.4% initiated COVID-19 vaccination, with 84.5% completing vaccination. Initiation varied by income, and we observed disparities in completion by occupation, race, age, and insurance. Accounting for demographics, higher incomes are more likely to complete vaccination than lower incomes. We observe disparities in completion across annual income. Differences in COVID-19 vaccination completion may lead to two tiers of protection in the population, with certain sub-groups being better protected from future infection.

Visions of a More Sustainable Future of Work for the Underserved

For generations, humanity has experienced socioeconomic disparities that are yet unresolved. Although education and training have transformed some individuals in society, they have not addressed the broader issues of sustainable employment for many underserved communities. Governments, corporations, policymakers, and numerous stakeholders have continued to address the problem, yielding disappointing results. Growing inequality in society continues to be a major concern. Vertical inequalities between the poor and the rich and horizontal inequalities between various groups of society have remained high for centuries. This chapter focuses on a variety of individual elements that outline the current challenges to humanity in an unequal society that certain communities continue to face, citing an unsustainable environment. Inequality and degradation negatively impact the future of work. Efforts continue to advance the future of work as a progressive, stable, and welcoming environment without the need for underserved communities to be marginalized.

Towards an Intersectional Perspective in Cycling

In recent years, concerns about climate change have elevated cycling on urban policy agendas worldwide. The rapid implementation of temporary cycling infrastructure in cities across the globe during the Covid-19 pandemic has further elevated the importance of cycling in facilitating a green and just recovery. However, if cycling is to be a key part of a green and just recovery for cities, then an intersectional perspective is needed to ensure that cycling can be an equitable and inclusive mode of transport. An intersectional perspective acknowledges that there are multiple systems of oppression, which interact in complex ways to compound inequalities and reinforce certain power dynamics. Structural and spatial inequalities contour urban mobility, as evidenced by well-documented gender, racial and socioeconomic disparities in cycling. This paper provides an overview of gender and other inequalities in urban cycling and makes the case for adopting an intersectional perspective to cycling policies and infrastructures, so that cycling in cities can be more diverse, equitable and inclusive.