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The Political Communication Teaching Database: A Resource for Pedagogical Inspiration and Innovation
Full text linkResearch note: Singlehood and hope in Japan
Full text linkObjective: We examine the effects of being single - both never married and previously married - on the feeling of hope, with consideration of how this relationship varies by cohort, gender, and income. Background: In many societies, more people are marrying later, or forgoing marriage entirely, thus making singlehood in midlife more common. Japan has experienced large increases in age at marriage as well as increases in the percentage of those who are never married at age 50, resulting in being labeled a "hyper-solo society" (Kottmann 2021). Yet, we know little about the effect of singlehood on hope. Method: Data come from the 2007-2018 Japanese Life Course Panel Survey for the Middle-aged (born 1966-1971) and the Youth (born 1972-1986). The sample includes 4,156 respondents, representing 37,393 person-years. We estimate fixed-effects models of hope. Results: We find that, net of life satisfaction, health, and other variables, being never married is negatively associated with hope for men in the middle-aged cohort and women in the young cohort. For women in the young cohort, the adverse effect of being never married on hope diminishes at higher income levels. Conclusion: With a focus on hope, a unique measure of subjective wellbeing that centers future orientation, this study highlights the role of singlehood in shaping perspectives on the future. - Appendix: https://ubp.uni-bamberg.de/jfr/index.php/jfr/article/view/1121/855Fragestellung: Wir untersuchen die Auswirkungen des Singleseins - sowohl bei ledigen als auch bei zuvor verheirateten Personen - auf das Hoffnungsempfinden, und wie sich der Zusammenhang nach Kohorte, Geschlecht und Einkommen unterscheidet. Hintergrund: In vielen Gesellschaften heiraten immer mehr Menschen später im Leben oder verzichten ganz auf eine Ehe, wodurch das Singlesein in der Lebensmitte zunehmend verbreitet ist. Japan verzeichnete erhebliche Anstiege im Heiratsalter sowie im Anteil derjenigen, die im Alter von 50 Jahren noch ledig waren, was zur Bezeichnung als "Hyper-Solo-Gesellschaft" geführt hat (Kottmann 2021). Dennoch wissen wir bisher wenig über die Wirkung von Singlesein auf das Hoffnungsempfinden. Methode: Die genutzten Daten stammen aus dem japanischen "Life Course Panel Survey" von 2007 bis 2018 für die Gruppe der Mittelalten (geboren 1966-1971) und die Gruppe der Jugendlichen (geboren 1972-1986). Die Stichprobe umfasst 4.156 Befragte und 37.393 Personenjahre. Wir schätzen Fixed-Effects-Modelle zum Hoffnungsempfinden. Ergebnisse: Unter Kontrolle von Lebenszufriedenheit, Gesundheit und weiteren Variablen zeigt sich, dass durchgängiges Ledigsein bei Männern der Mittelalter-Kohorte und bei Frauen der jungen Kohorte negativ mit Hoffnung assoziiert ist. Bei Frauen der jungen Kohorte nimmt mit steigendem Einkommen der negative Effekt des Ledigbleibens auf das Hoffnungsempfinden ab. Schlussfolgerung: Mit dem Fokus auf das Hoffnungsempfinden, das aufgrund seiner Zukunftsorientierung einen einzigartigen Indikator für subjektives Wohlbefinden bietet, hebt diese Studie die Bedeutung des Singleseins für die Gestaltung von Zukunftsperspektiven hervor
Naturbasierte Klimaanpassung in Bebauungsplänen an der niedersächsischen Nordseeküste
Full text linkDer Klimawandel geht weltweit und so auch an der deutschen Nordseeküste mit vielfältigen Folgen einher. Die Klimaanpassung ist daher als Abwägungsbelang in Bauleitplänen zur nachhaltigen räumlichen Entwicklung von Bedeutung. Für den vorliegenden Beitrag wurde herausgearbeitet, inwiefern eine naturbasierte Klimaanpassung bereits in den Bebauungsplänen in ländlichen Räumen an der niedersächsischen Nordseeküste integriert ist. Dafür werden 211 Bebauungspläne in ländlich geprägten Gemeinden an der niedersächsischen Nordseeküste mithilfe der quantitativen Inhaltsanalyse auf Maßnahmen, die der Klimaanpassung dienen können, analysiert. Überwiegend sind Klimaanpassungsmaßnahmen, wie die Festsetzung von Grünflächen oder Begrenzung der Versiegelung, die Synergien mit anderen Entwicklungszielen aufweisen, integriert. Herausforderungen für eine weitere nachhaltige Integration der Klimaanpassung können in den Handlungsfeldern Wissen und Partizipation, Lösung von Zielkonflikten sowie Flexibilität liegen.Climate change is associated with manifold consequences worldwide and thus also at the German North Sea coast. Climate adaptation is therefore important as a consideration in land-use plans for sustainable spatial development. For this article, the extent to which nature-based climate adaptation is already integrated in land-use planning in rural areas on the North Sea coast of Lower Saxony (Germany). For this purpose, 211 land-use plans of rural communities on the North Sea coast of Lower Saxony were analysed for measures that could serve climate adaptation using quantitative content analysis. Predominantly, climate adaptation measures that have synergies with other development goals are integrated, such as defining green areas or limiting sealing. Challenges for further sustainable integration of climate adaptation may lie in the fields of knowledge and participation, resolution of trade-offs and flexibility
Testing the Robustness of the Association Between Personal Respect Norms and Tolerance in Polarized Contexts
Full text linkSocieties worldwide are challenged by heated debates around important societal topics like migration policies, gender equality, transgender rights, and climate change. These debates are perceived as highly polarized thereby increasing intolerance toward opposing opinions. Previous research has shown that respecting "disapproved others" as equals might foster tolerance, even in polarized contexts. Yet, an empirical test to establish whether the relationship link between respect and tolerance toward opposing others is still observable in the case of extreme opinions, strong disapproval of opposing opinions, and even strong perceived threats from opposing others, is still missing. In our research, we will test whether the strength of the association between personal respect norms and the tolerance of opposing opinions depends on the extremity of one's own opinion, the strength of disapproval of the opposing opinion, and the perceived threat from the out‐group. Results based on survey data from more than 12,000 respondents from 12 European countries reveal that the association between personal respect norms and tolerance is unaffected by extremity, strength of disapproval, and perceived threat. The pattern of results is replicated with few exceptions across all 12 countries and six different controversial social topics. This is held in most cases even when considering differences in political views. We discuss the implications of our findings, their robustness, and the potential limits of the respect-tolerance link
Selective Pronatalism and Reproductive Autonomy: Attitudes Toward Medically Assisted Reproduction in Hungary
Full text linkThis study explores how social and political factors shape attitudes toward medically assisted reproduction in Hungary, focusing on the selective pronatalist policies that prioritize middle‐class, heteronormative families while marginalizing LGBTQ+ individuals. In a national context where childbearing is framed as a societal expectation and voluntary childlessness is less accepted than in Western and Northern Europe, these policies play a pivotal role in shaping public attitudes. Drawing on data from a 2024 nationwide representative survey, the study examines the influence of sociodemographic variables on public support for medically assisted reproduction, with particular attention to attitudes toward lesbian couples' access to in‐vitro fertilization. The findings reveal that individuals concerned about population decline and those with strong nationalist sentiments are more likely to support medically assisted reproduction, while those who are more accepting of voluntary childlessness show less support. However, access to medically assisted reproduction for lesbian couples is significantly less supported, particularly among those who endorse traditional gender roles and nationalist ideologies. These results underscore the intersection of pronatalist policies, nationalist narratives, and social exclusion, raising critical questions about reproductive autonomy, inclusivity, and the ethical implications of state‐supported fertility programmes. The study contributes to broader debates on how reproductive policies reflect, reinforce, and actively shape societal norms, particularly in contexts where demographic anxieties and nationalist agendas converge
Skilled Transitions: Digital Training Programmes as Active Labour Market Strategies in Rural Portugal
Full text linkThe transition from school to work in rural areas presents distinct challenges compared to urban environments, shaped by constraints on spatial mobility, limited employment opportunities, insufficient training provision, and cultural expectations, particularly concerning gender roles. The Covid‐19 pandemic and the expansion of remote work initially appeared to mitigate some of these barriers for digitally literate individuals with access to adequate infrastructure. However, many young people in rural areas lack the necessary digital skills and reliable internet connectivity to engage in remote employment, rendering digitalisation a potential obstacle rather than a facilitator of labour market integration. As a broader socio‐economic process, digitalisation has the potential to expand employment and training opportunities for young people. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital tools by public employment services, requiring significant adaptation by both service providers and users. In response, the Portuguese government has implemented a strategic framework encompassing training programmes and internships aimed at unemployed individuals with at least the minimum level of mandatory education. Despite the benefits of digitalised services, rural NEETs (persons not in employment, education, or training) frequently require more personalised, in‐person support to navigate labour market barriers effectively. This study adopts a comparative approach to examine two active employment programmes targeting unemployed young adults in rural Portugal: one centred on remote digital training and the other on digital upskilling through internships. Through document analysis and semi‐structured interviews with public employment services technicians, mentors, and NEETs aged 25-30, the findings underscore the relevance of these interventions, particularly for highly educated NEETs experiencing skills mismatches
The Nudol Anti-Satellite System and the Resurgence of Russian Aerospace Defence
Full text linkhe Russian Federation's Nudol ground-based anti-satellite system is part of a larger effort to modernize military space capabilities, with implications for the development of missile defence systems. Aerospace defence and the role of space in warfare, topics frequently discussed by the Soviet military, have resurfaced as key focuses following the growth of perceived external threats and on the basis of internal assessments. Nudol's connections to Soviet systems, expertise, and organizations reflect Russia’s preexisting capacity for military space development, but are also an indication of economic and technological challenges. The capabilities and limitations of Nudol, alongside Russian military commentary on aerospace defence, suggest that the system may serve as an element of a multi-tier system of missile defence, as a negotiating tool, as a symbol of prestige, and as a deterrent
Coattailing for regime continuity? Unraveling Duterte's legacy in Marcos Jr.'s 2022 electoral victory
Full text linkThe electoral victory of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been attributed to a range of factors such as misinformation, patronage, and populism. We argue that Marcos' electoral victory should not be treated as an isolated instantaneous event, but rather a result of a shift in the country's political narrative due to the legacy of his predecessor. The shift to illiberal populism is tied to the public's continued support for Duterte's flagship policies as well as in the proliferation of populist rhetoric on social media. Using a non-probability survey of 1500 Filipinos, we find that support for President Duterte and his policies as well as trust in social media are significantly correlated with votes for Marcos Jr. It appears like Marcos Jr.'s investment in a social media campaign has paid off not just in terms of votes received but also in strengthening his image as a populist leader
Hindering policy change: under what conditions have marriage equality policies been hampered in Latin America?
Full text linkSince 1993, over a hundred bills have been submitted to National Congresses in Latin America, proposing a shift from restrictive to permissive marriage equality or same sex partnerships regulations. Only five of 19 countries have approved legal changes, and five have done so in courts. Extant research has focused on the explanatory factors of the positive policy changes, but few studies have examined cases of hampered policies. This article aims to identify under what conditions marriage equality, as a moral policy, has stalled in Latin America. It contributes to our understanding of policy non-decisions by offering a cross-national analysis and overcoming the limitations of "mirror" strategies that explain negative cases solely by the absence of factors associated with positive change. It highlights the importance of studying conditions conjunctionally. High levels of religiosity can significantly influence political decisions and may obfuscate religious cleavages, as left-wing parties also engage in moral discourse
Partisan dehumanization in Brazil's asymmetrically polarized party system
Full text linkAn ugly manifestation of polarization is partisan dehumanization, a form of moral disengagement from and support for aggressive or even violent treatment of one's opponents. Brazil offers a useful case to explore the relative importance of in-group sympathy or out-group antipathy as sources of dehumanization, since its voters are polarized between supporters and opponents of a single party, the Partido dos Trabalhadores (Workers' Party, PT). Using survey-experimental data from a convenience sample, we show that partisan dehumanization can stem from either in- or out-group bias. Both PT partisans, known as petistas, and PT opponents, known as antipetistas, dehumanize their opponents. For petistas, in-group favoritism drives dehumanization of their opponents. However, since the only thing that unites all antipetistas is their dislike for the PT, out-group animosity is the critical factor driving their dehumanization of petistas. We also find that dehumanization is associated with the intensity of positive or negative partisanship and perceptions of social and moral distance between opponents. However, perceptions of out-group threat and Social Dominance Orientation do not enhance dehumanization. Our findings contribute to understanding the roots of partisan dehumanization and polarization in Latin America and beyond