Contemporary society

About: Contemporary society is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 3991 publications have been published within this topic receiving 91755 citations.

Welfare sociology in our times. How social, political, and economic uncertainties shape contemporary societies

Abstract: This article attempts to present the welfare sociology approach to the problems and dilemmas of modern developed capitalist societies. In addition to describing areas of interest in welfare sociology, primarily welfare economics and positive psychology, the focus will be on the characteristics of the condition of modern societies. For this purpose, the term ‘uncertainty’, which is well suited for characterizing the various dimensions of post-modern societies, will be used. Nevertheless, one should keep in mind that this concept has not reached the creditable sociological elaboration (except for the work of economists on precarious forms of employment). As sociologically defined, welfare will be used for analyzing changes in the structure of social differentiation, as well as in social relationships, educational opportunities, political attitudes, patterns of consumption and leisure, to name a few. All these changes reflect not only the impact of globalization on social security systems, but also the consequences of the technological revolution and demographic challenges on subjectively perceived social welfare.

Usable Pasts: Caregiving as a Public, Physical Matter

Abstract: In this working paper, I argue that caregiving is a public, physical matter, as well as a personal and social need. The principal example is a ten-acre site in North Oakland that the Ladies’ Relief Society developed into an important node in the city’s landscape of charity during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. I review the history of the site and discuss present-day controversies concerning the restoration of the Studio One Arts Center to show that we have a “usable past” concerning caregiving. Attending to the changing landscapes of urban architecture gives a useful insight into the state of social and civic infrastructures designed to meet the needs of contemporary working families. On this large parcel of urban land, material culture — the architecture of the place – instantiates and celebrates public solutions to private needs. Taken together, the buildings in this setting meet a variety of needs associated with the life cycle of contemporary working families, drawing people from all walks of life to a place that was once segregated along racial lines. Nevertheless, the buildings reveal the contours of class, gender, race, and other social relations that continue to affect caregiving in the present day (as they did historically). The history of the site, particularly the story of Studio One, also sheds light on the causes and potential solutions to the much-touted decline of civic infrastructures in contemporary American society.

Mobility turn in contemporary society as an educational challenge

Abstract: The main idea of the research is to uncover the series of challenges produced by the social dynamics with one’s mobile nature. Using methodological potential of social philosophy author attempts to demonstrate the essence and logics of mobility turn as a metaphor of contemporary society development. Author shows the radical changes at social-cultural dynamics which are also concieved by the modern social sciences (sociology of mobilities, series of postmodern concepts such as nomad etc). Using methodological approaches of philosophy of education author formulates “order of the day” of the mobility challenges at higher education sphere. Author shows that educational sphere also becomes mobile transforming the character of one’s vital activity, but also actualizing some special phenomena such as academic mobility. Formulating “order of the day” of mobility challenges to modern higher education, author demonstrates the horizon of future researches due to complex nature of researched problem.

Modern patron-client relations and historical clientelism. Some clues from ancient Republican Rome

Abstract: Much has been written in the last two decades on clientelism and patron-client relations. From a concept of relatively marginal concern in the social sciences, clientelism has gained analytical clarity and has been applied with greater precision to political and social relationships found in many contemporary societies.

Legal Protections Provided Under Pakistani Law Against Anti-Women Practices: Implementation Gaps between Theory and Practice

Abstract: New millennium is considered as the millennium of upholding the Human Rights throughout the world. Women are considered as the most vulnerable part of the society due to violation of their basic and fundamental rights. Women rights have gained so much importance and many organizations are working to provide them equal status in the society and to stop violence against them. Moreover, in every society gender equality is considered a powerful tool for empowering women, but in some states, this powerful tool is challenged by cultural and traditional norms; Pakistan is among those states. These norms sometimes become hurdle to provide women’s basic rights. Female marriage for settling a dispute is traditionally acceptable in Pakistani society. Pakistani legislation has played a vital role in granting and protecting women rights in contemporary society but women rights are still being violated by anti-women practices. This study is initiated to highlight the existing anti-women practices in the contemporary Pakistani society which violates fundamental rights of women. Further, it will examine the contemporary issues of Pakistani women by analyzing the surrounding debates, the legal reforms, and the related media and social behavior on these anti-women practices. It will also critically evaluate the existing legislation by discussing some individual cases decided in the last decade. Further, it will highlight the new legislation to prevent anti-women practices.