Journal of Social Policy, Social Change and Development

Social Exclusion, Institutional Deterioration, and Barriers After Release Among Incarcerated Individuals in Chile

Associate Professor Dr. Guillermo E. Sanhueza — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study analyzes how social exclusion, prison experiences and barriers after release altogether conspire against a successful re-entry of a sample of incarcerated individuals in Chile. A methodological combination of reviewing previous literature on social exclusion of the incarcerated, the analysis of administrative data and prison surveys, along with geocoded data was employed. We analyzed the data based on descriptive statistics, logistic regression models (to predict recidivism or not), and the creation of maps to examine the possible overlap between recidivism of released individuals and social disadvantaged areas of different cities in Chile. Our main findings suggest that incarcerated individuals had higher levels of social exclusion before entering to prison; once incarcerated, they experience harsh conditions that amplify initial handicaps; finally, after release, a 43.2% of incarcerated individuals in our cohort was sent to prison again, consistent with national estimates. In terms of predictors, our findings show the crucial role of prison officers and guards in reducing recidivism, especially through a well-functioning facility, and by establishing an appropriate relationship with the incarcerated. On the other hand, variables predicting recidivism were experiencing boredom inside the facility, being male, young, having been incarcerated before and having previously lived in state “protective” services. At the territorial level, there was an overlap between territorial disadvantage and recidivism, a trend that increased as the size of the city enlarged. In terms of policy implications, our findings suggest the importance of departing from an idea of individually-determined risk when attempting to manage anti-recidivism strategies, which should enhance indicators and experiences of social inclusion at different stages: strengthening diversion programs (before), enhancing program access (during incarceration), and coordinating services between prisons and local governments previous to the release (after incarceration).

Empowering Ambitions: The Role of Public Policy in Nurturing Female Entrepreneurial Aspirations

Nishita Chatradhi — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The objective of the present study is to investigate the influence of public policy programs on the motivation of female entrepreneurs. By examining how different types of policy interventions impact entrepreneurial motivation, the research aims to provide insights for policymakers and support organizations seeking to enhance female entrepreneurship. The study adopts a quantitative approach. A survey was conducted with a sample of 195 Indian female entrepreneurs who have participated in various public policy programs over the past two years (2022-24). The study employed a structured questionnaire to gather data based on the Entrepreneurial Motivation Inventory. Data analysis was performed using Smart PLS 4 software. The findings suggest that public policy programs tailored to the needs of female entrepreneurs can significantly boost motivation and, by extension, support business growth and persistence. Policymakers are encouraged to design and implement programs that focus on financial support and mentorship to maximize their impact on female entrepreneurs. The study contributes to a better understanding of how policy support can foster a more dynamic and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in India.

Caste, Gender, and English Language: Opportunities and Challenges in English Language Education for Women in Vidarbha Region, India

Bharati Chaudhari, Raju Kendre — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This paper draws inspiration from the teachings of social reformers Savitribai Phule, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, exploring the complex relationship between women's educational achievements and the broader implications for community progress in India. It critically examines the enduring practice of socio-economic and political elites seeking to maintain their privileges through their English-speaking abilities. Instances include here families with sufficient means to enroll sons in English-language schools, relegating daughters to less privileged vernacular educational settings. This phenomenon reflects deeply ingrained patriarchal norms, perpetuating gender-based discrimination in educational opportunities. English, aside from its linguistic significance, assumes a crucial role in building confidence and dismantling ingrained inferiority complexes, further underscoring the urgency of equitable access to English-language education for women in Vidarbha. Since independence, access to the English language has proved particularly useful for marginalised sections of Indian society to empower themselves. Advocating for equitable English-language education aligns with Ambedkar's belief in its power to combat injustice and enable social mobility for marginalised groups. This paper's focus is to highlight socio-economic, gender, and regional disparities within an economically developed state in India, using the spread of English language education as a parameter to present the analysis

“It’s a Warzone” - The Nature of School-based Violence in South Africa

Dr. Poppy Masinga, Dr. Sipho Sibanda — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The violence that continues to raise its ugly head in the South African communities has unfortunately found its way into the schools. Various media reports paint a shocking and disheartening picture of the ever-escalating incidents and levels of violence in South African schools. This violence has dire consequences for both learners and educators who often feel like schools have become warzones. It is pivotal to comprehend the nature of school-based violence in order to devise strategies of mitigating it. Based on a mixed methods study conducted at nine high schools, data was collected from both learners and educators using focus group discussions and questionnaires and analysed using thematic analysis and statistical analysis. Measures were put in place to ensure the quality of data. The findings indicate that learner-on-learner, learner-on-educator, and educator-on-learner violence is prevalent in schools. The different typologies of school-based violence were found to be around several spheres, namely: emotional, verbal, physical, sexual, gang, property, and cyber violence. The paper concludes that violence has filtered into schools, perpetrated by learners and educators. It is recommended that a holistic approach be designed to identify bio-psycho, social-political and technological strategies for responding to different forms of violence in schools.

Deinstitutionalization during Disruption: Supporting Families and Children amid the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nepal

Dr. Sanjeev Dahal, Anju Pun, Dhan Bahadur Lama, Rija Maharjan, Dr. Sipho Sibanda — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This paper investigates the efforts towards deinstitutionalization in Nepal amid the health pandemic that disrupted lives globally and led Nepal to a lengthy complete lockdown and several partial lockdowns. It explores the work of The Himalayan Innovative Society (THIS)—under the technical and financial support of Forget Me Not (FMN)—as a case in point to explore the support extended to families and children in Nepal amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including family reunification, family support, and psychological support to children reunified with families. The paper describes the work of THIS at the local and national level and FMN as a part of the growing regional and global discourse and movement on promoting family-based alternative care including UN DGD Theme 2021 on Children’s Rights in Alternative Care. Furthermore, the paper also analyses the strengths of the interventions and identifies the areas of improvement to suggest an evidence-based intervention model for working with families and children during disruptions. The authors argue that the proposed model of intervention can be useful in a health-related pandemic as well as other disruptions, including natural emergencies and man-made disasters.