International Journal of Asian Social Science

Librarians and social change: A systematic literature review

2024-12-23T06:26:41-06:00

Throughout history, a constant component in the development of society is change, which often occurs within the social sphere and is referred to as social change. Social change involves and affects the lives of everyone subjected to it. For this reason, libraries and librarians have been more recognized in recent years for their contributions towards social causes and their potential as key players in social change. However, there still exists a gap in the understanding of their role and impact as likely fundamental contributors in social change. This study aims to address this gap through a systematic literature review which evaluates existing literature that centers on social change and libraries and librarians. The study aims to draw insights in the ways that libraries and librarians impact social change, and consequently influence library policies, practices, and discussions on the societal role of libraries. The reviewed literature revealed several trends of libraries and librarians being active contributors in social change, namely: libraries and librarians becoming recognized for their role as change agents in a continuously evolving society, and; the impact of having access to information and being knowledgeable in effectively applying it in a community could lead to improvements in different sectors. With better informed and better educated individuals, society can move forward towards an environment that provides equal opportunities and rights to all members, thus highlighting the positive and possible impact of libraries and librarians in supporting social change.

The adherence and financial impact of ADHD medication costs: A comparative study between China and the USA

2024-12-23T06:44:05-06:00

In our developing world, mental disorder stigmas decrease significantly as psychological diagnoses and education evolve. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as one of the most prevalent mental disorders, yet, still faces challenges in varying adherence rates and brings a financial burden to families. This paper aims to investigate the effects of ADHD medication costs on adherence and financial strain in China and the USA, exploring how price variations impact these factors within different healthcare systems and cultures. To achieve this, we conducted a comprehensive literature review using the PICO framework for keyword searching and organized our sources in an Excel spreadsheet. This methodology allowed us to clearly identify and compare key trends in the two countries. Our findings indicate that higher out-of-pocket costs are negatively correlated with adherence rates, with this impact being more pronounced in the US for the first hypothesis. For the second hypothesis, the results showed that the financial burden of ADHD medications is significantly greater in the US due to its less effective healthcare system. This analysis gathers and evaluates factors that lead to adherence barriers and financial challenges, offering insights for policymakers seeking to implement improvements in these areas. Additionally, the paper proposes practical policy changes in the end that could enhance affordability and accessibility of ADHD medications in both China and the USA.

Understanding advocacy and promoting social equality & justice to support Asian American immigrants: A program evaluation of Kangtai daycare center

2024-12-23T22:42:22-06:00

Within this program evaluation, this study assesses the extent to which Kangtai Adult Daycare Center–through promoting social equality and justice–meets the understanding of advocacy in order to better serve Asian immigrant communities and address underlying issues. I introduced how Asian immigrants are struggling because of the lack of advocacy and denial of services. With my non-profit, the overarching mission is to create a secure environment for Asian immigrants. I am always finding ways to implement advocacy for social equality within the organization to better serve senior participants. The questions that were asked to the participants showed how well the organization connects with other organizations and government agencies. As interviews were conducted, I evaluated the extent to which Kangtai Adult Daycare Center helps with fulfilling these needs to better serve immigrant communities. As the program evaluation came to a conclusion, the organization could see which areas they should focus on in order to help promote advocacy for Asian immigrant communities and address underlying issues through promoting social equality and justice. With the seniors' input, the evaluation of the organization will be effective in finding future improvements on the foundation of not only the Asian immigrants, but also the organization itself.

Navigating policy challenges in Malaysia’s construction sector: The governmental dilemma on the issue of foreign labour shortage in Malaysia

2024-12-23T23:29:13-06:00

This study examines the challenges associated with Malaysia's reliance on foreign labour, particularly in the construction sector. It investigates how governmental policies respond to labour shortages while balancing national economic needs and social impacts. A qualitative research methodology involved an in-depth analysis of policy documents and thematic interviews with key stakeholders, including policymakers and industry representatives. The study explores the dynamics of foreign labour employment policies, focusing on inter-sectoral competition for workers and the implications of policy shifts on workforce stability. The research highlights the persistent labour shortage in the construction sector, exacerbated by local workers’ reluctance to engage in "3D" jobs (dirty, dangerous, and difficult) and the competition from the agricultural and plantation sectors for foreign labour. The government’s decision to allow foreign workers to switch employers temporarily alleviates labour shortages but poses challenges to policy consistency. Inter-ministerial cooperation between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and the Ministry of Human Resources (MoHR) is identified as a critical strategy to harmonise labour needs with national development goals. The findings underscore the need for cohesive policy frameworks that address labour shortages while minimising negative socio-economic impacts. Recommendations include enhanced inter-agency collaboration, structured workforce planning, and incentives to attract local workers to underrepresented sectors, which support sustainable development in Malaysia.