Open Access Publisher and Free Library
SOCIAL SCIENCES.jpeg

SOCIAL SCIENCES

Social sciences examine human behavior, social structures, and interactions in various settings. Fields such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, and economics study social relationships, cultural norms, and institutions. By using different research methods, social scientists seek to understand community dynamics, the effects of policies, and factors driving social change. This field is important for tackling current issues, guiding public discussions, and developing strategies for social progress and innovation.

Posts tagged social outcomes
Community Organization: A Study Of Its Theory And Current Practice

By Jesse Frederick Steiner

In Community Organization, Jesse Frederick Steiner offers a pioneering exploration of how communities evolve, organize, and mobilize to meet collective needs. First published in 1925, this seminal work remains a cornerstone in the fields of sociology and social work, providing timeless insights into the dynamics of community life.

Steiner masterfully examines the interplay between economic forces, social institutions, and grassroots movements, tracing the development of key initiatives such as the playground movement, school-community centers, public health campaigns, and the rise of the American Red Cross. Through detailed case studies and philosophical reflections, he reveals how communities can transform from fragmented groups into cohesive, purpose-driven entities.

Whether you're a student of social sciences, a community leader, or simply passionate about civic engagement, Community Organization offers a rich, thoughtful framework for understanding and shaping the social fabric of our lives.

The Century Co. NY. London. 1825. 401p.

Come Out and Play: Public Space  Recovery, Social Capital, and Citizen Security

By Matías Braun,  Francisco Gallego,  Rodrigo R. Soares

This paper explores the effects of upgrading deteriorated public squares on economic and social outcomes. We implemented an experiment whereby public squares were randomly selected to be renovated in 28 fragile neighborhoods of the metropolitan area of Santiago, Chile. We find that, after the intervention, households in treated neighborhoods increased their use and maintenance of public space and experienced an increased sense of ownership over their neighborhoods. Treated neighborhoods also experienced improvements in public security both in the public square and in the neighborhood. There is also evidence of an impact on trust and participation in community organizations and a reduction in leisure outside the neighborhood. The results are stronger in neighborhoods with low initial levels of public security but with relatively higher initial levels of social capital. We find that certain physical features (the presence of public lighting, the presence of a close public transportation stop, and the absence of economic activities related to alcohol consumption) affect the strength of the treatment. All these suggest that the effect of upgrading public spaces is highly dependent on other characteristics of local communities. JEL: K42, O18, R53 Keywords: public space recovery, crime, social capital, urban infrastructure

IZA Discussion Papers, No. 16269, Bonn:  Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), 2023. 48p.