| Abstract [eng] |
Factors influencing the social well-being of students and opportunities for its enhancement Master's thesis by Kamile Gimzauskaite, supervised by Prof. Doc. Boguslavas Gruzevskis, Vilnius University, Faculty of Philosophy, Institute of Sociology and Social Work, Social Policy Studies Program, 2nd course, year 2023–2024. Goal. To provide a comprehensive overview of factors influencing social well–being among student populations and offer practical recommendations for improving student social well–being, not only in Lithuania but also in the EU. The ultimate goal is to highlight the obligation of social policy implementers, educational institutions, and communities to prioritize issues related to student social well–being. Research methods. I. Theoretical Analysis Methodology II. Empirical Research Methodology using a questionnaire survey III. Statistical Data Analysis Methodology using Excel, Google Forms programs. Research outcomes. According to the survey results, a significant portion of respondents believes that universities do not put in sufficient effort to promote social integration and community involvement among students. This suggests that efforts in this area may need strengthening to create a conducive environment for student community interaction. Simultaneously, some students acknowledge that universities have some influence in this regard, but it is limited. Only 7.3% of respondents believe that universities actively promote social integration and community involvement. However, this percentage can be considered relatively low, warranting attention. Conclusions. I. The context of social well-being is complex and dynamic, influenced by the interaction of various factors such as the economy, education, health, social protection, and other aspects. It is a multidimensional concept affected by various factors. II. Based on the principles of social equality, social rights, social capital, and long-term sustainability, different measures can contribute to increasing social well–being. Investments in education, active youth participation, and consistent policy improvement are essential directions in this area. III. Comparing the social welfare systems of Germany, France, and Poland, highlighting differences and identifying various measures for improvement, reveals that they have many nuances. However, the lack of publicly available data complicates a comprehensive analysis of these systems. A long–term commitment from government institutions, the business sector, and the community is crucial in creating a sustainable social model. IV. The results of the conducted research indicate that students' attitudes toward social well–being are multifaceted. Universities are often insufficiently appreciated for promoting community activity, and factors hindering youth from achieving well–being include economic challenges, psychological aspects, employment issues, problems within the education system, and social inequality. |
