International Journal of Social Science Research and Review

Transitions in Gender Roles in Contemporary India: A Cross-Generational Analysis

2026-01-21T13:20:49+00:00

This study explores how gender roles in India have evolved across generations, focusing on the perceptions of young adults and middle-aged adults living in Delhi and the NCR. Using a qualitative design and a semi-structured interview format, data were collected from 80 participants (40 aged 18–30 and 40 aged 40+). Responses were thematically analyzed, revealing seven major themes: typical roles, desirable characteristics, moral ethics, career expectations, societal norms, safety, and additional personality traits. Findings indicate both continuity and change in gender role expectations. While traditional role beliefs such as nurturing females and financially responsible males remain prominent, younger participants demonstrated more egalitarian views regarding personality traits, career aspirations, and gender equality. The study highlights a gradual transition toward flexibility in gender roles, though longstanding societal norms continue to influence expectations. These results underscore the need for further research on how cultural, generational, and social factors shape evolving gender identities in contemporary India.

The Effect of Board Characteristics on Governance Score in NPOs in Saudi Arabia

2026-01-21T13:20:49+00:00

This study investigates the relationship between board characteristics and governance quality in nonprofit organizations (NPOs) in Saudi Arabia. Using data from 150 certified NPOs over the period 2021–2023, the study examines how board size, independence, gender diversity, and expertise influence governance scores. Multiple linear regression analysis reveals that board size and independence are positively and significantly associated with governance quality, supporting hypotheses grounded in agency and stakeholder theory. In contrast, board gender diversity and expertise do not show statistically significant effects. Organization size, included as a control variable, also demonstrates a significant positive relationship with governance outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of structural board attributes in enhancing governance effectiveness within NPOs. This study contributes to the limited empirical literature on nonprofit governance in emerging economies and offers practical insights for policymakers and nonprofit managers aiming to improve accountability and oversight mechanisms in the sector.

The Sample Size Adequacy-Saturation Conundrum in Digital Qualitative Research

2026-01-21T13:20:49+00:00

The rapid expansion of digital qualitative research has enabled researchers to access diverse data sources and platforms, reach people from different backgrounds and break geographical limitations when sampling, thus enhancing the quality, depth and breadth of research. However, an ongoing methodological dilemma concerns how researchers address the intertwined concepts of sample size adequacy and saturation. Through a synthesis of literature on sampling strategies, the evolution of the saturation point, the unique characteristics of digital data, technological affordances and the complexities associated with collecting data in digital contexts, the research established that digital contexts further complicate the sample size adequacy-saturation conundrum.

Modeling Funding Dynamics in the U.S. Microlending Sector

2026-01-21T13:20:49+00:00

Microlending market in the United States faces structural challenges that differ it with the microfinance situation in other parts of the world, such as a relatively small pool of microenterprises, high operation costs, and the existence of strict regulation, which hinders institutional achievement and investor returns. Such circumstances make it difficult to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of community development funds, and it is critical to understand the differences in the flow of funding in different types of investments and capital distributions. This study examines how the volume of funding activity affects the volume of QLICI investments and QALICB business categories, namely Real Estate (RE) and Non-Real Estate (NRE) to identify general trends in federal behavior regarding community development investment. The study applies a quantitative research design based on secondary data, which is gathered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (2001-2022), and is supported by cross-study checks and series validity tests, as well as the inclusion of peer-reviewed materials. The data was analyzed in Stata 17.0, with an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model to determine the way that QLICI Amount and QALICB Type moderate the number of funding per year. The post-estimation tests such as an Actual vs Predicted Funding plot gave information on the accuracy of models and linearity of the observed associations. The results provide systematic knowledge on the way investment size and sector typology shape federal funding patterns, which boosts the evaluation of community development financing and makes policy choices to strengthen investment equity and program effectiveness.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Social Governance Mechanisms in Reducing Poverty and Fostering Economic Equality in Pakistan

2026-01-21T13:20:49+00:00

In the current study, it is the systematic assessment of the effectiveness of the social governance mechanisms in reducing poverty and enhancing economic equality in Pakistan. Although the programs like BISP and Ehsaas have been significantly reformed, poverty and inequality are entrenched in the structures, institutions and politics. The research design used is a qualitative research design, which utilizes semi-structured interviews, focus group discussion and analysis of policy documents in exploring how governance processes can affect the effectiveness of social protection systems. Findings indicate that new reforms, especially the adoption of digital payments and biometric checks have increased the precision of targeting and minimized leakages. However, there are still major problems within the local level. The forces of political interference, lack of accountability, community participation and poor coordination between federal and provincial institutions have continued to undermine effectiveness of programs and equitable delivery of services. The paper concludes that Pakistan has recorded positive gains, however, there is so much to be done in terms of social governance systems that would make social protection programs viable in reducing poverty and economic inequality in a sustainable manner. Improvisation of coordination, stakeholder involvement and amplification of accountability measures are fundamental in making the welfare system more equitable and steady.

Analysis of Euthanasia Legitimacy Based on the Right to Self-Determination from the Perspective of Legal Experts and Comparative Legalization

2026-01-26T22:10:00+00:00

This article aims to analyze the concept of individual self-determination as a basis for legitimizing euthanasia, examine how the right to life is interpreted within the framework of self-determination by legal scholars, and review legal practices in several countries that ground the legality of euthanasia in respect for personal autonomy. Using a normative juridical research method that focuses on the study of literature, legal norms, principles, and theoretical frameworks, this research demonstrates that the right to life, as formulated in human rights instruments, should not be understood as an obligation to preserve biological life under all circumstances, particularly in situations of severe and incurable medical suffering. Instead, respect for human dignity, personal autonomy, and individual will forms a crucial foundation for assessing the legitimacy of euthanasia. Legal scholars argue that a competent individual’s conscious decision to end life through a regulated medical procedure may be considered a legitimate expression of the right to self-determination. Comparative analysis of legal practices in Canada, the Netherlands, and other jurisdictions shows that the legalization of euthanasia is generally based on recognizing individual freedom to determine one’s own end-of-life choices with dignity. Therefore, this study concludes that, in certain contexts, euthanasia does not violate the right to life but rather affirms the individual’s right to shape both life and death in a manner consistent with human dignity.

The Effect of Direct and Freezone Company Structures on Trade in the UAE during the Covid Pandemic

2026-01-26T22:10:00+00:00

The trade settings and wide-ranging shocks are key in the evaluation of economic resilience and long-term policy. This paper discusses the impact of COVID-19 on imports, exports and jobs in both direct (onshore) and free-zone company arrangements in the UAE. The purpose is to identify the response of these different trade environments to an unprecedented global shock and to see what structural weaknesses arose during and after the crisis. Interrupted Time Series Analysis had been used to analyze the data from 2011 to 2023 annually, understanding the way trade patterns have changed before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show the main economic indicators of the UAE in trade and exports which are total imports, direct imports, free zone imports, UAE non-oil exports, and UAE GDP. It was observed that there was an increased trend in total imports shortly after the pandemic began. This evidence indicated that economic policy after the pandemic needs to focus on stabilization of import levels and building long-term resilience of trade, rather than stimulating trade in the shorter term. These results highlight the importance of implementing strategic changes that will focus on economic diversification, strategic planning, and empowerment of the non-oil sector. The insights obtained can be of great value to policy makers, investors, and logistics practitioners who are determined to make the UAE economy more resilient.

Implementation of Public Information Disclosure Policy in Gorontalo Province

2026-01-26T22:10:00+00:00

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the implementation of the Public Information Disclosure Policy (KIP) in Gorontalo Province based on the perspective of Van Meter and Van Horn's implementation theory. The research approach uses a qualitative method with data collection techniques through in-depth interviews, document studies, and observation. The results show that the implementation of KIP has not been effective because there is still a gap between the normative objectives of Law No. 14/2008 and the performance of information services in the field. The main obstacles include low understanding of information rights among officials and the public, limited competence and number of PPID human resources, minimal budget support, and suboptimal utilization of digital infrastructure. Coordination between implementing organizations is also still weak, resulting in unresponsive services. Socio-political conditions and bureaucratic culture also contribute to the low level of commitment to information disclosure. This study recommends strengthening human resource capacity, accelerating digital governance, improving coordination, and providing consistent political support to realize transparent, accountable, and participatory public information disclosure services.

Assessing the Impact of Tariff Reductions under the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement on India’s Black Pepper Imports from Vietnam (2010–2023)

2026-01-26T22:10:00+00:00

This study examines the impact of tariff reductions from the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA) on India's imports of black pepper obtained from Vietnam from 2010 to 2023. AIFTA aimed to enhance regional trade and economic integration, yet growing dependence on low-cost Vietnamese pepper has raised concerns regarding India’s domestic competitiveness. This study employs time-series econometric techniques, such as Augmented Dickey–Fuller tests, Vector Autoregression (VAR), and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM), to assess the extent to which tariff liberalization has impacted trade patterns. The findings suggest that factors in the Indian pepper market show notable short-term interactions affected by production shocks, price fluctuations, and changes in exports, whereas tariff rates exert little influence in the short run. However, the VECM indicates a significant long-term equilibrium relationship influenced by variations in domestic consumption. Forecasts indicate continuous variations in India's pepper prices and consumption, with a short-term rise expected until 2030 before entering a stabilization period. The results show that tariff reductions from AIFTA improved Vietnam's competitiveness in the Indian market, boosting India's dependence on imports but offering limited long-term benefits to domestic producers. These results highlight the need for specific policy actions to protect India’s pepper sector while maintaining the advantages of local trade liberalization.

Engaging Urban Youth Typically Absent in Political Research

2026-01-29T11:34:01+00:00

Research on democratic attitudes seldom includes urban youth from disadvantaged neighbourhoods, largely because they are extremely difficult to recruit. This research note introduces the IPEnCoPa method, a five-phase, trust-based recruitment strategy designed to access young adults in Brussels’ poorest area, the Croissant Pauvre. It combines an informal community gatekeepers relational strategy, culturally attuned communication and sustained interpersonal engagement. IPEnCoPa is a recruitment strategy that can overcome the institutional mistrust and communicative barriers that characterise marginalised urban contexts. Applying this method enabled the successful organisation of six focus groups of six to seven participants, five composed entirely of youth who would have been unreachable through conventional recruitment pathways. The research note demonstrates how recruitment must be understood not as a technical step but as a relational process in parts of cities where public institutions are often perceived as distant or hostile. IPEnCoPa offers a replicable, adaptable framework for studying hard-to-reach urban youth and broadens methodological debates in urban political research.

Legal Protection for Anesthesiologists Regarding Permits and Practice Implementation at Pusri Hospital Palembang According to Permenkes No. 18 of 2016

2026-01-26T22:10:00+00:00

Anesthesiologists play a vital role in ensuring patient safety during surgical and other invasive medical procedures. Their professional responsibilities require not only high clinical competence but also substantial legal certainty, particularly regarding licensing and the practice of medicine. This study examines the legal protection afforded to anesthesiologists regarding permits and the execution of professional practice at PUSRI Hospital Palembang, as regulated by the Indonesian Minister of Health Regulation (Peraturan Menteri Kesehatan/Permenkes) No. 18 of 2016. This research employs a normative juridical method with a statutory and conceptual approach, focusing on an analysis of Permenkes No. 18 of 2016 and its relevance to anesthesiology practice within hospital settings. Primary legal materials include statutory regulations governing medical practice, while secondary materials include legal literature, scientific journals, and expert opinions on health law and medical professional liability. The study is further supported by empirical data from interviews with hospital management and anesthesiology practitioners, enriching the legal analysis with practical perspectives. The findings indicate that Permenkes No. 18 of 2016 provides a legal framework to ensure legal protection for anesthesiologists by establishing precise requirements for practice permits, delineating professional authority, and defining hospitals’ institutional responsibilities. However, in practice, challenges remain in implementing these regulations, particularly in administrative compliance, interprofessional coordination, and risk management within hospital operations. These gaps may potentially expose anesthesiologists to legal vulnerability, especially in the event of medical disputes or allegations of malpractice. This study concludes that adequate legal protection for anesthesiologists requires not only comprehensive regulatory provisions but also consistent implementation, institutional support, and continuous legal awareness among medical professionals. Strengthening hospital governance, ensuring compliance with licensing requirements, and fostering a culture of legal and ethical accountability are essential to safeguarding anesthesiologists while simultaneously enhancing patient safety and quality of healthcare services.

Motorcycles Collisions in Italy

2026-01-26T22:10:00+00:00

Over the past decades, road collisions have become one of the major causes of death, especially for youths. The European Union has set ambitious goals to halve road fatalities by 2030 compared to 2020 levels. Within this framework, over twenty years, the number of motorcycles in circulation in Italy has steadily increased, alongside technological and regulatory advances in road safety. Conversely, the number of fatal motorcycle collisions and related deaths has decreased, although in recent years there has been a leveling off and even a slight increase. An analysis of the Italian historical series of fatal motorcycle collisions from 1991 to 2024 confirms this trend and highlights a particularly interesting aspect as a possible risk paradox. Despite the rise in circulating vehicles, the number of fatalities may decrease if the possible risk per vehicle declines due to improved infrastructure, safety devices, training, and effective road policing.

Hypnosis As a Therapeautic Technique

2026-01-29T12:03:08+00:00

This paper explores hypnosis as a contemporary therapeutic technique by outlining its historical development, core theoretical models, and major clinical applications. Hypnosis is described as a state of focused unconscious communication rather than simple sleep, with theories highlighting dissociation, higher-order control, and neurophysiological changes in attention and executive functioning. Clinically, the paper summarizes evidence for the use of hypnosis and hypnotherapy in dentistry, stuttering, neurotic and emotional disorders, phobias, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, pain management, smoking cessation, and weight loss. Different modalities—hypnoanalysis, suggestion hypnotherapy, and self-hypnosis—are illustrated with brief case vignettes to show how they reduce symptoms, restructure traumatic memories, and strengthen coping. The review also discusses empirical support, individual differences in hypnotizability, safety considerations, and the role of hypnosis as an adjunct to other therapeutic approaches, concluding that hypnosis is a versatile, evidence-supported tool when used ethically and skillfully in clinical practice.

The Perception of U.S. Threat and Its Impact on the Russia–Iran Alignment, 2002–2023

2026-01-26T22:10:00+00:00

This article analyses the evolution of Russia–Iran relations from 2002 to 2023, arguing that strategic convergence has been driven primarily by shared perceptions of U.S. threat rather than short-term tactical interests. Drawing on Stephen Walt’s Balance of Threat theory and qualitative process tracing, it examines how U.S. military interventions, NATO enlargement, and coercive sanctions reshaped Iranian and Russian threat assessments. Three turning points—the 2003 Iraq War, the 2015 joint intervention in Syria, and the 2018 collapse of the JCPOA—accelerated alignment. The article shows that the 2022 war in Ukraine transformed this alignment into a strategically consequential partnership with direct implications for NATO deterrence and Baltic security.

Revisiting Insights of Jyotiba Phule, Sahu Ji Maharaj and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar on Women-Empowerment: An Analysis

2026-01-26T22:10:00+00:00

Women-empowerment is the concept of fostering and promoting economic, educational, political, psychological, and social autonomy and independence among women. It is a multidimensional and multifaceted concept that has an ever lasting impact on the inclusive and sustainable development of our society. The lifelong struggle of Jyotirao Govindrao Phule and Savitribai Phule was dedicated to women-empowerment in India. The Phule couple were 19th century social reformers who confronted many adversities and challenges while working to transform an exclusive society into an inclusive society. Chhatrapati Sahu Maharaj, the King of Princely State of Kolhapur, was a champion of women-empowerment campaigns during the early 20th century period. Sahu Maharaj did a commendable and an emulating job as a ruler of the state by making an appropriate use of the power and authority vested in him towards to establishment of an egalitarian and inclusive society. Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, as an architect of the Constitution of India, exerted his utmost efforts to translate the visions of Phule and Sahu Maharaj into reality. He materialized this vision by incorporating appropriate provisions across different sections of the Constitution, ensuring social, economic, and political justice in India. Thus, these distinguished social activists, social reformers, and social engineers played a substantial role not only in the realization of vision of an inclusive society but also in integrating women as an integral and inseparable part of our diverse and multicultural society. These luminaries considered education an essential element of women-empowerment. This research article aims at analyzing the perspectives and contributions of Phule, Sahu, and Ambedkar to women-empowerment in India.

Dr. Navigating Mortality in the North-Central Indian Corridor: A Statistical Analysis of Drivers Among Ravidassia Youth (19–30)

2026-01-26T22:10:00+00:00

Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study analyses a primary mortality dataset (N=100) documented between 2020 and 2023 across seven North-Central Indian states/UTs. Data was sourced through community-based networks within the Ravidassia community. Descriptive statistics were applied to a subset of 36 individuals aged 19–30 to identify mortality patterns, including accidental, biological, and psychosocial factors.

Findings: Within the youth subset (n=36), the mean age of mortality was 25.36 (sigma = 3.32), with a stark male predominance (86%). Primary causes included External Trauma (n=14), specifically road traffic accidents and agrarian hazards such as electrocution. Fatalities of Undetermined Intent (n=10) and Substance-Related Disorders (n=4) represent significant mortality categories. Furthermore, Disease Complications (n=5), such as early-onset diabetes and Pulmonary tuberculosis—exacerbated by suboptimal clinical management—indicate critical health vulnerabilities. The modal age of 30 represents a mortality concentration accounting for 36% of the total dataset.

Conclusion: The findings reveal a multifaceted public health crisis within the Ravidassia community. High premature mortality, driven by occupational hazards, suboptimal clinical management, and psychosocial stressors, suggests deep-seated structural vulnerabilities. These results underscore the urgent need for enhanced agrarian safety, improved healthcare retention, and community-led health frameworks. Prioritizing these protective environments is essential to mitigate premature loss and safeguard the community’s future potential.

Assessing the Impact of Ratings, Cuisines, Facilities, and Operating Hours on Restaurant Type Classification

2026-01-30T21:11:26+00:00

The dining out experience has become a part and parcel of urban living especially in high-population zones like Connaught Place, where the concentration of restaurants and cafes is very high. The current paper aims at assessing whether the operational and structural characteristics, i.e. restaurant ratings, cuisine diversity, facilities, and opening hours can be effectively used to determine whether a dining establishment is operated as an independent organization or a part of a chain. The analysis used probit regression models in analyzing the statistical significance of independent predictors and the interaction effects using a quantitative, cross-sectional design of secondary data of 118 restaurants. It was found that ratings and facilities were statistically insignificant predictors of restaurant type but in the interaction models, the cuisine diversity (p = 0.048) and cuisine × opening hours interaction (p = 0.032) were significant whereas the cuisine x opening hours two way interaction was nearly significant (p = 0.086) meaning that there were subtle operational patterns among chain restaurants. These findings demonstrate subtle operational forms among chain restaurants but highlight the low predictive ability of operational variables in isolation to predict the format of a restaurant. This paper therefore highlights the importance of including wider strategic and contextual considerations in order to understand the classification of restaurants better.

Traditional Skills in Transition: Socio-Economic Conditions and Occupational Mobility among the Viswakarma Community in Wayanad District, Kerala, India

2026-01-30T21:11:26+00:00

Traditional artisan communities form an essential yet increasingly vulnerable segment of rural economies in India. The Viswakarma community—historically associated with blacksmithing, carpentry, goldsmithing, and allied crafts—faces livelihood stress due to mechanized substitutes, changing markets, and shifting aspirations. This study examines socio-economic conditions and occupational mobility among Viswakarma artisans in Wayanad district, Kerala, using primary data collected in 2025 from respondents across three artisan categories and supplementary field interactions. Descriptive and proportional analyses are used to assess gender composition, dependency burden, income status among those continuing traditional work, workplace arrangements, and perceived income changes following the development of small industrial units. Results show high male concentration in core artisanal work (92%), sizeable dependency burdens, and income vulnerability among those continuing traditional occupations (notably, a large share earning below ₹10,000 per month). Occupational mobility is substantial: 54% of respondents have shifted to other jobs, while only 40% remain exclusively in traditional work. Industrial development has not translated into broad income gains; 49% reported no income change and 31% reported decline. Situated against Wayanad’s wider livelihood transformations shaped by conservation governance, agrarian transition, and emergent service opportunities such as ecotourism, the findings point to the need for integrated policies combining market access, skill modernization, enterprise support, and social protection to sustain artisanal livelihoods and intergenerational skill transmission.

The Impact of Job Autonomy on Employees' Subjective Well-Being in Remote Work Settings

2026-01-30T21:11:26+00:00

Against the backdrop of innovation-driven development, remote work has become a commonplace workplace model. Remote workers enjoy higher levels of job autonomy, making its impact on subjective well-being worthy of attention.This study constructs a mediated moderation model based on self-determination theory and the demands-resources model to explore how job autonomy influences employees' subjective well-being through psychological detachment, and the moderating role of organizational attachment in this relationship. Using a questionnaire survey, empirical data were collected from 500 remote workers. Findings reveal that job autonomy significantly enhances employees' subjective well-being. Psychological detachment partially mediates the relationship between job autonomy and subjective well-being, while organizational attachment moderates the interaction between job autonomy and psychological detachment.

The Role of Financial Literacy in Mediating Financial Technology on Financial Inclusion

2026-01-30T21:11:27+00:00

This study aims to determine the influence of financial technology on financial inclusion with financial literacy as a mediating variable. The data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed to 200 respondents who use financial technology services and reside in Jakarta. The sampling technique used was non-probability sampling with a purposive sampling approach. Data were analyzed using SEM-PLS with the SmartPLS software version 4.1.1.5. The results of this study show that: 1) financial technology has a positive and significant effect on financial literacy; 2) financial technology has a positive and significant effect on financial inclusion; 3) financial literacy has a positive and significant effect on financial inclusion; and 4) financial literacy is able to mediate the effect of financial technology on financial inclusion.

Digital Innovation and Food Waste Reduction in Dubai’s Restaurant Industry: A Qualitative Case Study

2026-01-30T21:11:27+00:00

The hospitality industry in Dubai forms the basis of the city as a food epicentre; yet, it is also a significant source of food waste. Having a cuisine infrastructure with more than 13,000 restaurants and cafes and one of the highest densities of food-waste in the world, the need to reduce food-waste in the Dubai restaurant sector has taken on a new crucial sustainability dimension. The paper examines food waste antecedents and scale and impacts of food waste in the hospitality industry of Dubai and assesses whether digital waste-management applications can help reduce the food wastage. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the available literature, policy frameworks, and technologically-based interventions, the study outlines how artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, and mobile apps can be applied to improve inventory management, demand prediction, food safety compliance, and redistribution of surplus. In addition, the qualitative data obtained through the interview of the top industry players were coded using an axial coding method to discover common themes related to the idea of operational inefficiencies, adoption of technology, and sustainability incentives. The results show that waste-management applications, when combined with the existing food-safety systems like Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and complemented by the managerial training, can significantly decrease the food waste and increase the cost-efficiency and social responsibility. Based on this, the paper finds that the technological facilitated waste minimization is an essential component in ensuring the hospitality sector in Dubai is in tandem with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3 and moves toward a more circular and sustainable food system.

Socioeconomic and Structural Drivers of Elite Sporting Achievement: An empirical Cross-National Analysis

2026-01-30T21:11:27+00:00

The paper explores the Olympic medal success determinants across 28 national delegations through the interrelationship between sports funding, socio-economic variables, and developmental features. In this regard, a Poisson regression model will be used to determine the effects of financial investment, population size, gross domestic product (GDP), Human Development Index (HDI), and level of national development on the number of total medals. The results of the empirical tests indicate that HDI, GDP, and population size are strong and significant predictors of the medal performance, but the impact of sports investment is positive but insignificant. Diagnostic tests are used to identify the existence of overdispersion; however, Poisson specification will still provide useful information on the underlying structural patterns. The calculated average marginal effects also highlight the strong practical role of human development and economic power on athletic performance. In turn, the findings imply that, in the long-run, developmental variables have a stronger determining effect on the international sporting success than the financial support.

Youth Perceptions and Patterns of Cultural Imperialism in Bangladesh

2026-01-30T21:11:27+00:00

Cultural transformation induced and mediated by cultural imperialism has been pervasive in recent years, especially in Bangladesh. The cultural patterns of developed countries are disseminated through social media have largely reshaped the lifestyles and perceptions of the youth of Bangladesh. The widespread use of social media has apparently made it difficult to distinguish between cultures—one's own culture and others. Consequently, the traditional cultural patterns are being transformed, which poses a threat to local cultural identity, influencing perceptions and lifestyles. Therefore, the study focuses on the recent patterns of cultural imperialism and perceptions of youth in this regard. The study employed qualitative methodology using several case studies in Dhaka. In-depth interview method along with thematic analysis was used to collect and interpret primary data. It was found that the youth were influenced in almost all aspects of life due to cultural imperialism diminishing the values of their own culture.

Experiences of Work-Family Conflict, Work-Family Enrichment and Coping Strategies of Bank Employees in Ghana

2026-01-30T21:11:27+00:00

In this study, we explored how Commercial retail bank employees experience work-family conflict, work-family enrichment and the coping strategies they use to balance their work and family lives. Using Yin’s multiple case study design, we collected data from 15 married bank employees with children from Ghana. Results showed that bank employees mainly experienced time and strain-based work-family conflict. However, they deployed specific measures to cope with their family-to-work conflicts, such as using “house helps”, supportive spouses, elderly children, time management skills, prayer, exercise, and relaxation. What is primarily left to deal with is work-to-family conflicts. There is a need to institutionalise family-friendly policies in the banking industry.

Struggles Beyond the Borders: The Human Cost of Geopolitical Settings

2026-01-30T21:11:27+00:00

The partition of British India into two independent sovereign nations marked a decisive turning point in the demographic, political, and geopolitical history of the subcontinent. Its consequences have been deep-rooted, enduring, and continually unfolding over time. Among the most significant outcomes of partition was the creation of international borders that conferred sovereign authority on the newly formed states. While these borders became central to state identity and national security, they also produced long-term vulnerabilities for populations residing in border regions. Borders, though essential for maintaining territorial integrity, often function as zones of tension and conflict. The boundary between India and Pakistan remains one of the most volatile and contested international borders in the world. Since independence, the Indian state has consistently prioritised border security, particularly along the Punjab sector, owing to its strategic and historical significance. However, the emphasis on militarisation and surveillance has disproportionately affected the everyday lives of borderland residents. These communities continue to suffer due to hostile bilateral relations, unresolved territorial disputes, and recurring episodes of cross-border tensions. The people living in these regions face persistent hardships, caught between stringent security measures imposed by the state and recurring threats such as cross-border firing, infiltration attempts, and military standoffs. Their lives are marked by uncertainty, disruption, and fear. This article critically examines the challenges experienced by residents of Punjab’s borderlands, with particular focus on repeated episodes of temporary displacement caused by wars, armed conflicts, and heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. Based on primary data collected from inhabitants of the border regions of Punjab, the study reveals that residents have been compelled to vacate their homes multiple times in response to escalating tensions and security emergencies. Such forced and recurrent displacement has severe implications for livelihoods, education, social networks, and psychological well-being. The findings highlight that the normal functioning of daily life in these borderlands remains highly fragile and is largely contingent upon the prevailing security situation along the international border. Consequently, borderland communities continue to exist in a state of perpetual insecurity, shaped by forces beyond their control.

The Impact of Social and Environmental Practices on Funding Outcomes for Corporate Founders

2026-01-30T21:11:27+00:00

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations have gained increasing importance in shaping financing decisions, particularly for founders seeking access to external capital. This study investigates the impact of the environmental and social dimensions of ESG on the funding received by founders in India by adopting a quantitative research design. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 72 founders of small, medium, and large enterprises. The data was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with the Diagonally Weighted Least Squares (DWLS) estimator. The measurement model demonstrated satisfactory sampling adequacy, with a Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) value of 0.762 and a significant Bartlett’s test of sphericity (χ² = 599.8, p < 0.001), confirming the suitability of the data for factor analysis. Overall model fit was acceptable to strong, as indicated by a Comparative Fit Index (CFI) of 0.970, Tucker–Lewis Index (TLI) of 0.955, and a Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) of 0.067. Additionally, the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) value of 0.094 suggested potential scope for model refinement. The structural results reveal a positive association between environmental performance and funding while environmental and social dimensions were also strongly interrelated. Overall, the findings suggest that stronger environmental and social ESG practices are associated with improved funding outcomes for founders with environmental practices demonstrating a relatively stronger influence.

Social Choice and Individual Values: A Lokean Inquiry

2026-01-30T21:11:27+00:00

Social Choice and Individual Values is a classic monograph by Kenneth Arrow (1921–2017), published by the National Bureau of Economic Research in 1951. In this monograph, Arrow argued that "rational" social choice is impossible under "capitalist democracy." Rationality requires transitivity in preference ordering, but this breaks down when voters are permitted to make pairwise comparisons among more than two options and two voters. In more specific terms, Arrow argues that a Social Welfare Function - determined through aggregating individual preferences - cannot satisfy five "natural conditions:" (i) Unrestricted Domain, (ii) Pareto Property, (iii) Independence of Irrelevant Alternatives, (iv) Nondictatorship, and (v) Transitivity. Therefore, rational social choice is impossible under a "capitalist democracy." Arrow's authority has been disputed in this paper. First, the so-called "voting paradox" does not exist in Arrow's model. Second, the causal relations established by artificial concepts cannot explain matters of fact. Finally, the transitivity rule breaks down in matters-of-fact reasoning. Arrow did not explain why this assumption is necessary for the voting system to be democratic.

The Use of Peer-Reviewed Published Lecture Model in Promoting Academic Paper Writing: A Cost Effective Strategy

2026-01-30T21:11:27+00:00

Sometime in 2016, the South African Journal of Higher Education, on pages 73‒93 published a very incisive and noteworthy article by Jane Castle and Moyra Keane, both of the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa. The article was intended “to inspire academic staff developers and research managers to initiate and support strategies to help academics write more and better, and to take pleasure in writing” (p. 1). In implementing this aim the two authors turned a critical eye to writing development strategies extant in the literature for supporting and promoting academic writing. In carefully reading through their analysis and criticisms of the benefits and drawbacks of each of those strategies, it became clear that despite the importance attached to them, the need for proposing more viable strategies still exits since none of the current approaches was deemed a masterful solution to the challenge of promoting academic paper writing. What was missing in that list is the failure to recognize and adopt the published lecture model as a cost effective didactic strategy for promoting the art and science of academic paper writing among emerging academics and research managers in universities in Africa and the wider world. This article is an attempt to contribute to this need.