Journal of Population and Social Studies [JPSS]

Irregular Migration Through the Lens of Migration Theories: Testing Classical Theories in Explaining Visa Overstay in South Korea

2025-05-24T09:53:24+07:00

The Republic of Korea presents an interesting case for testing the predictive power of migration theories in explaining a specific group of undocumented migrants: visa overstayers. Studies of irregular migration often overlook the potential of migration theories to explain migrants’ decisions to overstay their visas. Against this background, this study attempted to contribute to understanding the main drivers of irregular migration to the Republic of Korea from 143 countries between 2003 and 2013. Building on a synthesis of existing migration theories and their testing in the context of U.S. irregular migration, we replicated the analysis for the Korean case using five prevailing migration theories. The findings suggest that the neoclassical theory of migration, segmented labor market theory, and social capital theory are the most effective in explaining variations in irregular migration. Overall, our results are consistent with the predictions of international migration theories, except for social capital theory. Contrary to the generally accepted hypothesis, this study found that greater social capital among Korean migrants is more likely to facilitate legal migration, thereby reducing the need for undocumented stay. Owing to differences in how men and women decide to overstay their visas, we also conducted a gendered analysis. Strict measures against migrant violations, such as deportation, have a deterrent effect on female visa overstays, but do not affect their male counterparts. On the other hand, a strong driver of both female and male undocumented migration remains the labor demand for cheap, low-skilled foreign workers.

Rural Migration in Korea: Patterns and Implications Under Rapid Fertility Decline

2025-08-26T14:47:00+07:00

Studies on South Korea’s population have primarily relied on aggregate data or focused exclusively on urban areas. However, rural population dynamics differ significantly from national trends, making it challenging to apply national population projections directly to rural and agricultural populations. This study estimates the in-migration and out-migration rates of rural areas using municipality-level statistical data from 2012 to 2022 and forecasts regional net migration rates. The population is categorized by gender and age group, and in-migration and out-migration rates are estimated for each cohort. Given that regional migration rates are non-negative, the Tobit model is employed for the estimation. The analysis reveals heterogeneity in migration behaviors across different demographic groups. In particular, young adults in their twenties exhibit the highest out-migration rates, mainly due to limited access to higher education and employment opportunities in rural areas. In contrast, for individuals in their thirties and early forties, the availability of childcare and family-supportive environments plays a significant role in migration decisions. These findings highlight the need for differentiated policy strategies tailored to the specific needs of each age group. This study enhances understanding of rural population dynamics and provides evidence to inform the formulation of regional revitalization policies.

Combined WhatsApp and Face-to-Face Intervention Improves Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Practices in Indonesia: A Longitudinal Quasi-Experimental Study

2025-07-13T08:17:49+07:00

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a WhatsApp-delivered infant and young child feeding (IYCF) education program for Indonesian women pregnant with their first or second child, and changes in local community health worker (‘cadre’) knowledge and skills following program implementation. A longitudinal quasi-experimental design was used with 24 trained cadres who delivered three WhatsApp video counselling sessions, three consultations with a nutritionist, and monthly home visits from late pregnancy through seven months postpartum; control participants received standard prenatal care. Knowledge and skills were assessed pre- and post-training, and breastfeeding outcomes among women (n = 113) were examined using logistic regression models adjusted for key sociodemographic and clinical factors. Cadres showed significant increases in IYCF knowledge after training, although skill levels did not change. Early initiation of breastfeeding increased from 7.1% to 54.4% in the intervention group, with intervention participants having higher odds of early initiation than controls (OR = 4.3, p < .05). Exclusive breastfeeding was also more common in the intervention group (80.7% vs. 58.9%) (OR = 3.02, p < .05). Maternal age and type of delivery were significantly associated with early initiation (OR = 4.4, p < .05; OR = 3.0, p < .05). Findings demonstrate the feasibility and potential of mobile IYCF education to strengthen maternal practices and support stunting prevention.

Spatial Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases in Indonesia: Patterns, Clusters, and Environmental Determinants

2025-10-28T12:29:23+07:00

Indonesia’s vast geography, high population density, and environmental diversity contribute to uneven patterns of infectious disease transmission. This study aims to explore the spatial distribution and environmental influences of seven key infectious diseases—acute respiratory infections (ARI), pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis, diarrhea, malaria, and filariasis—across the country's 34 provinces. We used data from the 2018 National Health Survey and the 2018 Environmental Quality Index (EQI). Spatial statistical techniques—including the Variance Mean Ratio (VMR), Moran’s I, Moran Scatter Plots, and Spatial Autoregressive (SAR) modeling—were applied to detect spatial clustering, spatial autocorrelation, and neighborhood effects. We also examined the role of environmental quality in shaping disease patterns. Most infectious diseases demonstrated significant spatial clustering, with Java Island and its surrounding areas showing the highest concentration. Strong spatial correlations were observed among ARI, pneumonia, TB, hepatitis, diarrhea, and filariasis. In contrast, malaria displayed a distinct, uncorrelated pattern. SAR modeling revealed positive spatial spillover effects, indicating that neighboring provinces influenced disease occurrences in the province under study. Moreover, provinces with higher EQI scores tended to have lower rates of ARI, TB, diarrhea, and other diseases—except for malaria, which followed a different pattern. The findings suggest that infectious disease patterns in Indonesia are not random but geographically clustered and environmentally influenced. Targeted health interventions that consider both spatial dynamics and environmental quality are essential for effective disease control and prevention.

Essential Indicators and Stunting Prevalence: An Aggregate Analysis in the Locus Villages of the Stunting Reduction Acceleration Program

2025-05-12T17:03:56+07:00

The analysis aimed to evaluate the attainment of essential indicators of stunting prevalence in local villages under the Stunting Reduction Acceleration Program. Data were sourced from the Emonev Stunting Ministry of Home Affairs Dashboard, comprising aggregated information from 232 locus villages across 12 districts/cities in Riau Province for 2023. Stunting prevalence was the dependent variable, whereas essential attainment indicators served as the independent variables. Spearman’s correlation and linear regression analyses were performed. The findings revealed that 15 fundamental indicators, including exclusive breastfeeding (52,9%), did not meet the targets. Indicators that achieved targets included adolescent girls consuming iron pills, reduced unwanted pregnancies, adequate complementary feeding for children aged 6–23 months, and management services for malnourished children under the age of five. Exclusive breastfeeding was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of stunting (r = -0.134, p < .05). Interventions targeting exclusive breastfeeding could reduce stunting by up to 6.9% per 1% increase in coverage. The analysis emphasized the importance of improving essential indicators that remain below target indicators that directly influence stunting, such as exclusive breastfeeding, and require specific interventions. Recommendations include addressing the underlying challenges and providing lactation counselors at health centers in locus villages to promote breastfeeding practices and reduce stunting prevalence.

Toward a Thai-Specific Generational Cohort Framework: A Basic Individual Values Perspective

2025-05-20T15:57:53+07:00

This study takes a step toward developing a Thai-specific generational cohort framework grounded in the country’s historical, economic, and social transformations. Drawing on Schwartz’s Theory of Basic Individual Values, the study examines how shared formative experiences are reflected in relative value prioritization across generational cohorts. Using secondary survey data from Thailand, the study employs a comparative cohort-based analysis to contrast the proposed Thai generational classification with the U.S.-based generational framework commonly used in prior research. The results indicate that the Thai classification offers a more nuanced and culturally grounded segmentation, capturing generational differences that are less apparent when Western cohort definitions are applied. In particular, younger Thai cohorts place greater relative emphasis on Face and Conformity, while patterns in Achievement, Security, and Universalism diverge from those observed under U.S.-based cohort classifications. These findings contribute to the literature on generational analysis by demonstrating the value of context-specific cohort frameworks and highlighting the importance of incorporating national historical and socio-economic conditions when studying generational value differences. The results have implications for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners who rely on generational classifications in the Thai context.

Conditional Cash Transfer and Food Insecurity: Evidence from Low-Income Households With Children in Indonesia

2024-09-20T17:25:25+07:00

This study examines the link between conditional cash transfers (CCTs) and food insecurity among low-income households with children in Indonesia, using data from the 2022 National Socioeconomic Survey (SUSENAS). The insecurity is assessed using calorie intake and the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), while the link is examined using binary and ordinal logistic regression models. The results indicate that insecurity is substantially higher than estimates: 82.37% based on calorie intake and 32.61% based on the FIES. These percentages highlight the disproportionate burden of food insecurity faced by vulnerable groups, with the prevalence being the highest in eastern Indonesia, particularly in Maluku, Papua, and Nusa Tenggara. The results also show that CCT is associated with a lower likelihood of both calorie- and FIES-based food insecurity.

Trends in Research on Sustainable Development of Craft Village Tourism: A Bibliometric Analysis Using CiteSpace Software

2025-08-05T13:21:45+07:00

This study examines global research trends on sustainable development in craft village tourism from 1976 to 2024 using CiteSpace software, explicitly to address a critical structural and conceptual gap in the existing literature: a lack of a macro-level, systematic synthesis of the field. A dataset of 185 documents drawn from the Scopus and Web of Science databases was analyzed to identify key themes, influential authors, and collaborative networks. Results show an evolving focus—from early works on cultural preservation and traditional crafts toward multifaceted approaches encompassing economic sustainability, environmental management, and community-based strategies. Despite a recent surge in publications, co-authorship and keyword analysis reveal moderate to low network densities, indicating fragmented collaboration and limited thematic integration. Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam and Indonesia, leads empirical research on heritage conservation and community empowerment, while China and developed countries often contribute frameworks for policy and technology adoption. Emerging topics include digital transformation, circular economy models, and post-pandemic resilience. Future studies should establish standardized sustainability criteria, strengthen cross-regional partnerships, and apply advanced digital tools to enhance stakeholder engagement. By converging cultural preservation, economic viability, and environmental stewardship, craft village tourism can be positioned as a resilient and equitable model of rural development.