Journal of Social Policy, Social Change and Development

Theoretical Foundations for Social Justice Ethics in Social Policy by John Rawls and Robert Nozick

Sukhuma Aroonjit — 2024-06-26

The transformation of social welfare and social policies requires an understanding of the philosophical principles and fundamental concepts to guide the direction of social welfare and welfare policies toward the goal of social justice. This article aims to examine the intellectual concepts of justice as proposed by John Rawls and Robert Nozick. Comparative analysis was performed to reflect the differences and similarities of the two concepts. Rawls' conception represents the social democratic ideology, while Nozick's perspective represents the new libertarianism ideology. Utilizing document analysis, Rawls' principles of justice emphasize two central tenets: (1) the principle of equal fundamental liberties for all individuals and (2) the difference principle, which advocates for benefiting the least advantaged in society. Rawls' theory posits that societal inequalities can be rectified by redistributing economic benefits to the disadvantaged. On the other hand, Nozick's principles of justice include (1) the principle of just acquisition, stating that resources must be acquired fairly, and (2) the principle of just transfer, which entails voluntary exchanges without state intervention. Both ideologies prioritize individual liberties and oppose utilitarianism, emphasizing the importance of justice and its outcomes. These perspectives underscore the underlying philosophical foundations and divergent policy paradigms based on contrasting worldviews.

A Comprehensive Literature Review on Dating Violence Among University Students: Prevention’s Policies and Recommendations for Vietnam

Le Hoai Anh Nguyen — 2024-06-26

Dating violence (DV) represents a critical public health and safety concern and is global pervasive across diverse populations. It affects individuals irrespective of ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, occupation, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Notably, youths are particularly vulnerable to experiencing dating violence compared to other demographic groups. Additionally, students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ), or those uncertain about their gender identity, face higher incidences of physical and sexual dating violence compared to their heterosexual peers. The repercussions of dating violence are profound, encompassing numerous adverse physical and psychological consequences for its victims. Despite the severity of this issue, research on DV, especially regarding prevention policies, remains insufficient in Vietnam. To enhance the well-being of DV victims, comprehensive research on their experiences and the development of effective prevention policies are imperative for Vietnamese universities.

Effectiveness of Competency-based Training of Village Rehabilitation Workers in Strengthening Their Community-based Rehabilitation Domains: A Policy Implication

Channaveer R.M. — 2024-06-26

This research paper investigates the effect of a targeted capacity building intervention on Village Rehabilitation Workers (VRWs) within the context of Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Matrix domains in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India. This research through its intervention approach is conducted to measure changes in VRWs' competencies across the CBR Matrix domains. Key CBR Matrix domains under consideration include health, education, livelihood, social development and empowerment. The capacity building intervention as human capital intervention to improve knowledge and skills of the VRWs in the CBR, is tailored to address specific challenges and gaps identified within each domain, aiming to empower VRWs to enact positive change within their targeted communities i.e. Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The findings indicate a significant improvement in VRWs' competencies following the capacity building training. This improvement is observed across various CBR Matrix domains, showcasing the intervention's effectiveness in enhancing VRWs' capacity to address the multifaceted needs of their communities. From the study, it was observed that during the baseline phase, 73% (n =117) of the VRWs had low level of Competency, and 27%, (n=50) of the VRWs had medium level of Competency. End-line status after the intervention, the level of competencies in all domains of CBR has increased. The intervention reversed the VRW’s competencies as 69.2%, (n=128) of the VRWs achieved high level of competencies, and 30.8%, (n=57) of the VRWs achieved moderate level of competencies.

In conclusion, the research provides valuable insights into the competencies of VRWs attained to effectively implement the CBR-based programs for Persons with Disabilities in their locality. The findings aim to inform policy and practice dealing with the PWDs, guiding the development of targeted training programs and interventions to strengthen the capabilities of VRWs and foster a more inclusive and accessible healthcare environment for PWDs in rural communities.

The Long Path from Periphery to Core: Social Mobility in Southern European Countries

Ildefonso Marqués-Perales — 2024-06-26

This article analyzes absolute and relative social mobility patterns in Southern European Countries (Spain, Greece, Italy and Portugal) through three cohorts of men and women who reached occupational maturity from 1969 to 2004, a period of profound economic, political and cultural transformations. Previous research literature on these countries has been scarce. The main objective of this study is to test the two most common hypotheses applied in research on social mobility by using constrained and unconstrained log-linear models: First, the Invariance hypothesis (H1), which postulates that relative social mobility rates undergo no or only insignificant change; secondly, the Industrialism hypothesis (H2), which posits that relative social mobility rates have experienced a profound or moderate but significant change towards a more open society. The results show a small but significant intergenerational improvement in social fluidity, confirming what we have called the Weak Improvement hypothesis (H3). This improvement has been more acute in women than in men, and differences can be found among selected countries, with Italy being the country where social mobility rates have improved the most.

Examining the Socioeconomic Ramifications of the Shift from Combustion Engine to Electric Vehicle Industry on Labor Well-being in Thailand: An In-Depth Economic Welfare Analysis

Chanakarn Hongchan — 2024-06-26

This research article constitutes a review-oriented investigation that specifically examines the implications of the transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand on the labor market and worker well-being. The study systematically analyzes existing literature and reports exploring the historical evolution of the combustion engine industry, the emergence of EVs, and their impact on labor through an economic welfare assessment. The researchers highlight the imperative for government intervention and assistance in ensuring an equitable transition, underscoring the role of Chinese investments in advancing both the EV industry and workforce skills. The literature review reveals that Thailand's automotive sector is undergoing a transformative phase driven by the increasing global demand for EVs. While this shift presents new employment prospects in the EV sector, it also poses risks of job displacement and wage disparities in the conventional vehicle industry. In response to these challenges, the researchers propose a comprehensive approach involving collaboration among the government, private sector, educational institutions, and internal stakeholders. Key strategies encompass workforce retraining, social protection measures, labor policies, and targeted regional development to mitigate the adverse effects of the transition on workers. Significantly, the research paper accentuates the noteworthy role played by Chinese investments in Thailand's EV industry. These investments have strengthened manufacturing capabilities, expanded charging infrastructure, and facilitated research and development collaborations. When coupled with supportive government policies, Chinese investments are instrumental in expediting the transition to electric mobility in Thailand. This paper relies on a secondary literature review employing a systematic approach to synthesize and present the research findings.