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The use of the concept of “agency,” in the sense of action that is to some extent free of “structural” constraints, has enjoyed enormous and growing popularity in the sociological literature over the past several decades. In a previous paper, we examined the range of theoretical rationales offered by sociologists for the inclusion of the notion of “agency” in sociological explanations. Having found these rationales seriously wanting, in this paper we attempt to determine empirically what role “agency” actually plays in the recent sociological literature. We examine a random sample of 147 articles in sociology journals that use the concept of “agency” with the aim of identifying the ways in which the term is used and what function the concept serves in the sociological explanations offered. We identify four principal (often overlapping) uses of “agency”: (1) purely descriptive; (2) as a synonym for “power”; (3) as a way to identify resistance to “structural” pressures; and (4) as a way to describe intelligible human actions. We find that in none of these cases the notion of “agency” adds anything of analytical or explanatory value. These different uses have one thing in common, however: they all tend to use the term “agency” in a strongly normative sense to mark the actions the authors approve of. We conclude that “agency” seems to serve the purpose of registering the authors' moral or political preferences under the guise of a seemingly analytical concept.

In this chapter, the author makes the case for how disability affects a family and, therefore, that clinicians should adopt a wider lens when providing treatment to disabled clients. In the review of research findings on disability in the family, there are three parts: (a) models of disability, (b) disabled children, and (c) disabled adults. In the next section, the author presents ideas from medical family therapy (MFT) and discusses family systems models that provide a structure for thinking about a family’s response to disability in any of its members. Brief case examples throughout the chapter illustrate how families are involved in an individual member’s disability. Implications for clinicians include knowing the core tenets and common factors of family systems therapy; familiarity with disability affirmative therapy; attention to the reality of microaggressions and courtesy stigma; comfort with disability topics such as pain, fatigue, and sexuality; having an accessible practice; thinking systemically; and the ability to hold all the parts of the family and the disability in one place.

This study explores the shopping orientations of omnichannel customers through the lens of generational cohort theory, which influences their decision-making style while shopping online. It offers key insights into how Generations X, Y and Z interact with digital platforms, helping retailers adapt to the shifting dynamics of modern customers.

Using different customer decision-making styles, a comprehensive questionnaire was administered to a diverse sample selected via systematic probability sampling. The responses were analysed using multivariate and post hoc analysis to uncover generational and product-based differences in online shopping orientations.

The analysis reveals apparent generational differences. Gen Z is driven by affordability and quality, while Gen Y is brand-conscious and willing to pay premium prices. In contrast, Gen X exhibits strong brand loyalty, although younger generations show a decline in brand attachment. These findings suggest that retailers must blend online and offline channels to boost customer engagement and loyalty, especially among omnichannel customers.

The study relies on self-reported data, introducing the potential for recall bias, which could affect the accuracy of reported behaviours.

Understanding different generational cohorts’ distinct online shopping behaviours empowers marketers and retailers to craft personalised strategies that enhance customer engagement and drive brand loyalty and satisfaction. By tailoring experiences to the unique preferences of each generation, retailers can ensure seamless shopping journeys that resonate across product categories, maximising their market impact and customer retention.

By applying generational cohort theory, this study uniquely examines the underexplored group of omnichannel customers, offering fresh insights through multivariate analysis into how generational cohorts and product types shape online shopping behaviour, providing valuable guidance for retailers.

This study aims to examine the influence of person–environment fit on decent work expectations and the mediating role of career preparedness in the relationship between person–environment fit and decent work expectations.

Structural equation modeling analysis was used to examine the relationships based on 356 economically disadvantaged college students (M_age = 20.3 years, SD = 1.27, 71.9% female) from several Chinese universities.

The result confirmed that person–environment fit significantly influenced decent work expectations directly and indirectly through career preparedness. A new contextual support (i.e. person–environment fit) was identified on decent work outcome expectations and the learning mechanism underlying the effect of this predictor.

This study significantly contributes to the literature by addressing the gaps within the social cognitive model of career self-management, specifically by exploring the under-researched role of person–environment fit as a key antecedent of decent work expectations. By doing so, it expands the understanding of how alignment between individual attributes and work environments influences career outcomes. Additionally, the study establishes a comprehensive framework that integrates person–environment fit, career preparedness and decent work expectations, providing a novel perspective for future research and practical applications in career development.

This study examines the implementation and performance of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practices in the Pokhara Regional International Airport Project (PRIAP), a key public infrastructure initiative in Nepal. Given airports' significance to Nepal’s economy, particularly for tourism and trade, the research highlights the unique safety challenges in airport construction, addressing gaps in OHS management in developing countries.

A case study methodology focused on the PRIAP enabled a thorough analysis of safety practices. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires from various stakeholders. The Cronbach’s alpha and relative importance index (RII) were used to assess response reliability and ranked factors affecting safety performance.

The study identifies both strengths and weaknesses in the project’s OHS practices. While plant and equipment handling and financial aspects, such as budget allocation for safety measures and accident compensation, were deemed satisfactory, significant deficiencies were found in hazard identification and the investigation of near misses. These results suggest that improvements are needed in proactive safety management, particularly in worker-management communication.

This study provides valuable insights but is limited by its single-site focus and use of descriptive statistics. Future research should employ advanced statistical methods, like ANOVA, and include multiple construction sites to capture a broader range of OHS challenges. Evaluating the long-term effectiveness of proposed interventions is also essential. Addressing these limitations will enhance the development of comprehensive safety management strategies tailored to the specific needs of construction projects in developing countries.

This study provides practical recommendations for improving OHS practices in airport construction and similar large-scale projects in developing countries. Enhanced hazard identification and improved communication among stakeholders can help reduce accidents and boost project efficiency.

Improving safety regulations and culture can reduce workplace injuries, enhancing workers' well-being and quality of life. This research supports stronger public policies, helping lower economic burdens from accidents, promoting social stability and increasing public trust in regulatory bodies.

This research contributes to the limited literature on OHS in airport construction projects in developing countries, particularly in Nepal. The case study methodology provides a detailed examination of safety practices and offers a framework for improving OHS in similar projects.

Tourism is integral to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and is closely linked to air transport. This paper aims to explore their relationship, emphasising impacts on accessibility, connectivity and collaborative efforts between airlines, destination management organisations and stakeholders. Improved air transport contributes to tourism-led growth, economic development, job creation and cultural exchange. However, environmental challenges prompt innovation with cleaner technologies and sustainable aviation fuels.

Opinion piece.

Linking aviation and tourism to the UN SDGs, the paper showcases contributions done to date to environmental, social and economic aspects. The paper suggests a focused strategy for aviation to align more closely with the UN SDGs. Actions such as exploring alternative fuels, prioritising energy-efficient aircraft, addressing local impacts and fostering global collaboration are crucial in addressing gender disparities for a more inclusive future.

This piece examines air transport developments from 1946 to 2020, revealing transformative periods marked by regulatory agreements, technological advancements and sustainability initiatives. The paper also addresses COVID-19 impacts, highlighting vulnerabilities, resilience and lessons for adaptability and sustainability.

旅游业是联合国可持续发展目标的组成部分, 与航空运输密切相关。本文探讨了它们之间的关系, 强调了对航空公司、目的地管理组织 (DMO) 和利益相关者之间的可达性、连通性和协作的影响。改善航空运输有助于旅游业主导的增长、经济发展、创造就业机会和文化交流。然而, 环境挑战促使清洁技术和可持续航空燃料的创新。

观点文章。

该文章将航空和旅游业与联合国可持续发展目标联系起来, 展示了迄今为止在环境、社会和经济方面所做的贡献。该文章提出了一项有针对性的航空战略, 从而更紧密地配合联合国可持续发展目标。探索替代燃料、优先考虑节能飞机、解决当地影响和促进全球合作等行动对于解决性别差异、创造更具包容性的未来至关重要。

本文探讨了 1946 年至 2020 年航空运输的发展, 揭示了以监管协议、技术进步和可持续发展举措为标志的变革时期。该文章还讨论了 COVID-19 的影响, 强调了脆弱性、复原力以及适应性和可持续性的经验教训。

El turismo forma parte integral de los ODS de la ONU y está estrechamente vinculado al transporte aéreo. Este documento explora su relación, haciendo hincapié en las repercusiones sobre la accesibilidad, la conectividad y los esfuerzos de colaboración entre las aerolíneas, las organizaciones de gestión de destinos (DMOs) y las partes interesadas. La mejora del transporte aéreo contribuye al crecimiento impulsado por el turismo, al desarrollo económico, a la creación de empleo y al intercambio cultural. Sin embargo, los retos medioambientales impulsan la innovación con tecnologías más limpias y combustibles de aviación sostenibles.

Artículo de opinión.

Al vincular la aviación y el turismo con los ODS de la ONU, el artículo muestra las contribuciones realizadas hasta la fecha a los aspectos medioambientales, sociales y económicos. El documento sugiere una estrategia centrada para que la aviación se alinee más estrechamente con los ODS de la ONU. Acciones como explorar combustibles alternativos, priorizar aeronaves energéticamente eficientes, abordar los impactos locales y fomentar la colaboración global son cruciales, así como abordar las disparidades de género para un futuro más inclusivo.

Este artículo examina la evolución del transporte aéreo desde 1946 hasta 2020, revelando periodos transformadores marcados por acuerdos normativos, avances tecnológicos e iniciativas de sostenibilidad. El artículo también aborda los impactos del COVID-19, destacando las vulnerabilidades, la resistencia y las lecciones para la adaptabilidad y la sostenibilidad.

This interview study examines Hungarian journalists' and copywriters' expectations of generative AI’s impact on their professions and factors influencing these views during a period of hype.

While acknowledging the specialized knowledge of journalists and copywriters relative to the general public, the study employs the sociology of expectations framework to interpret their anticipations not as objective forecasts of the future, but rather as phenomena shaped by diverse influences. The research comprises 30 semi-structured interviews conducted in spring 2023 to explore these expectations and their contributing factors.

Results reveal ChatGPT’s media coverage as pivotal, encouraging the professionals interviewed to experiment with AI, reassess their roles, and cause a shift in their job expectations. At the same time, this shift was limited. Skepticism about hyperbolic media formulations, their own experiences with ChatGPT and projecting its constraints into the future, contextual factors, and optimism bias contributed to moderating their expectations. They perceived AI as an enhancer of efficiency and quality, not as a radical disruptor. Copywriters were more open to integrating AI in their work, than journalists.

The results underscore the importance of further research to explore subjective experiences associated with technological change, particularly considering their complex social, psychological, and cultural influences.

The study uniquely contributes to the sociology of expectations by highlighting how a complex interplay of factors can shape professionals' anticipation of the impact of AI on their careers, including optimism bias and media hype.

As the search engine platform, Baidu has already developed keyword advertising as one of its main business scopes, while in-feed advertising is emerging as another intelligent choice for the company. Our purpose is to validate the effectiveness of keyword and retargeted in-feed advertising on offline sales and whether the effectiveness of these two advertising strategies relies on keyword attributes work.

We utilize data from the ad campaigns of a prominent manufacturer within the machinery and equipment (hereinafter referred to as “the company”) on Baidu. To scrutinize the research hypotheses, we have employed linear regression models. Subsequently, we address potential endogeneity issues and use various techniques to ascertain the reliability of the results.

Empirical evidence indicates that both keyword and in-feed advertising enhance offline sales. Upon examining the moderating role of keyword attributes (specificity and length), we observe that specific keywords (price and word-of-mouth (WOM)) accelerate the boosting effect of advertising on sales; similarly, the longer the keywords, the more obvious the enhanced impact of advertising on sales. Moreover, the positive influence of specific keywords (price and WOM) on advertising effectiveness is more outstanding when the keywords are longer.

To our knowledge, no empirical investigation has yet to analyze keyword and retargeted in-feed advertising concurrently within the search engine context. Our research is the inaugural work to reveal that they serve as mutual substitutes regarding their impact on sales. Furthermore, this paper pioneers examining the moderating effects exerted by keyword attributes (specificity and length) on the effectiveness of these two ad types. The findings presented herein offer valuable insights into the harmonious coexistence and collaboration among companies, advertisers, users and search engine platforms.