International Journal of Social Science Research and Review

Marxist Perspectives on Educational Inequality in Zimbabwean Primary and Secondary Schools

Isaac Mutelo — 2025-09-25

This paper applies Marxist theory to analyse educational inequality in Zimbabwean primary and secondary schools. Drawing on the foundational work of Karl Marx and later theorists such as Althusser, Bowles and Gintis, the study argues that Zimbabwe’s education system systematically reproduces class-based disparities rooted in broader socio-economic structures. Using a conceptual methodology and illustrative case studies such as elite urban institutions and under-resourced rural schools, the paper highlights how curriculum design, ideological messaging and unequal access to resources disproportionately benefit learners from privileged backgrounds. The analysis shows that while Zimbabwe's post-independence reforms expanded access to education, they failed to address deep-rooted structural inequalities. The education system continues to serve as an ideological and material instrument for class reproduction, aligning with capitalist labour demands and sustaining elite dominance. Although Marxist theory has limitations, particularly in accounting for other forms of identity-based exclusion such as gender and ethnicity, it remains a powerful framework for interrogating educational injustice in postcolonial societies. The paper concludes with recommendations for curriculum reform, equitable resource distribution, and the promotion of critical pedagogy to foster a more inclusive and socially just education system.

Bumping Road to Waste Management in Serang City Based on Swat Analysis

Rahmawati Rahmawati — 2025-09-25

The increasing population and community activities have contributed to an increase in the volume of waste. Waste management is a systematic, comprehensive, and continuous activity. This study aims to analyze the challenges of waste management in Serang City, the capital of Banten Province, where the amount of waste continues to increase daily, contrary to the capacity of the final waste disposal site in Cilowong. This study uses the IFAS and EFAS methods to assess the waste management strategies of the Serang City Environmental Agency. The method used is quantitative descriptive. The study involved 26 respondents from government agencies, the community, and waste bank managers. The results indicate that, based on the IFAS and EFAS matrix calculations, strengths and opportunities outweigh weaknesses and threats, with a total internal factor score of 0.45 and a total external factor score of 0.43. Therefore, this strategy adopts an aggressive (growth) approach in waste management. The recommended waste management strategy for Serang City is a collaborative one, which aims to maximize government support and strengthen the involvement of environmental activists and the community, leverage support by establishing strong partnerships with external parties and utilizing technology for waste processing, optimize and strengthen supporting facilities for waste reduction in the community to enhance waste innovation, and educate the community through community-based waste management.

A Comparative Analysis of Cybersquatting Policies in India, the US, and Canada

Aadi Chakraborty — 2025-09-25

Cybersquatting—a cybercrime involving the registration of internet domain names in bad faith—has become an increasingly complex legal challenge worldwide with the rise of internet usage. However, lacking dedicated legislation or standardized bad faith criteria, Indian courts struggle to deliver consistent rulings and rely on existing trademark policies and doctrines—most notably the principle of passing off. This creates uncertainty for brand owners and enables domain name abuse, particularly in cases involving non-registered marks or cross-border disputes. To examine and propose solutions to this issue, this paper addresses the research question: “How do countries approach cybersquatting, and what lessons can India draw from foreign legislation?” It argues that India must draw on structured foreign anti-cybersquatting frameworks, such as those of the United States and Canada, to develop clear statutory definitions of key principles—namely bad faith—and monetary and non-monetary remedies. While legal scholars broadly agree on the need to modernize cybersquatting frameworks globally, detailed, country-specific reforms for India remain scarce. This paper offers a comparative legal analysis between the U.S., Canada, and India, focusing on three key points: understandings of bad faith, provision of remedies, and assessment of parody cybersquatting cases. Following this analysis, the paper identifies five key gaps and corresponding reforms in India’s legal approach to cybersquatting: enacting a specific anti-cybersquatting statute to reduce inconsistencies in rulings and address cases involving non-registered marks where trademark law is inadequate; introducing statutory damages to ensure compensation even when losses are hard to quantify; allowing in rem actions against domain names where registrants are unidentifiable or beyond the court’s reach; providing a clear definition of bad faith with flexible assessment criteria to guide consistent rulings; and adopting a model law approach to promote international uniformity and offer a long-term solution to cross-border cybersquatting disputes.

An Introduction to the Library of Rudolf Steiner, Martina Maria Sam, Chadwick Library Press, 2025, 106 pp., US$25, ISBN 7981737194767

John Paull — 2025-10-02

The physical library of New Age philosopher Dr Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) has survived somewhat intact at Dornach, Switzerland. The library as it appears today is a post-mortem assemblage of nearly ten thousand items, mostly books. The first catalogue was made during WWII by Werner Teichert who used a bespoke categorisation scheme. Martina Maria Sam has created an updated catalogue of Rudolf Steiner’s library. She has generally followed the categorisation scheme of her predecessor, and expanded the categories from 19 to 25. Sam produced a catalogue, in 2024, comprising three published volumes. The introduction to that 3-volume work has now been published as a 106 page book, ‘An Introduction to the Library of Rudolf Steiner’, and is now reviewed. The ‘Introduction’ is recommended as a worthy acquisition for all Rudolf Steiner scholars and libraries.

Menarche, Marriage, and Conception: Their Influence on Maternal Health Services Utilization in the Juang Tribe of Odisha

Sasmita Sahoo — 2025-10-02

Background:
Puberty is a natural biological process, yet it can have adverse effects, particularly on rural and tribal girls in India. Early menarche makes them vulnerable to adolescent marriage and early conception, leading to a cascade of negative social and health outcomes.

Objectives:
This study examines the influence of three key life-course events- age at menarche, marriage, and first conception, on maternal health service utilisation, specifically antenatal care (ANC) and institutional deliveries, among Juang tribal women in Odisha.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 158 Juang mothers aged 15-49 (youngest child under five) from eight villages in Banspal block, Keonjhar, Odisha. Data were collected using a pretested interview schedule. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate socio-demographic, reproductive, and maternal health indicators.

Results:
The mean age at menarche among Juang women was 12.38 years. Early marriage (67.5%; mean: 16.35 ± 4.12 years) correlated with early conception (mean: 18.47 ± 2.35 years). ANC registration was high (95.6%), the highest rate reported in Odisha and eastern India. However, 50% of the participants reported home delivery, despite 98.1% of women receiving financial benefits. Despite willingness, 77% of participants denied using contraceptives. Caesarean births were rare (8.2%), and no cases of breastfeeding deprivation were reported. Child immunisation coverage was moderate (57.5%).

Conclusion:
Juang women show reproductive patterns aligning more with eastern India than with northern or southern regions. Despite high ANC uptake, gaps in institutional delivery and contraception persist. Culturally sensitive, community-based interventions are essential for improving maternal and child health outcomes.

The Power of Social Media in the Digital Era in Keeping Cultural Traditions Alive

Md Mahabub Alam — 2025-10-07

The study explores the ways in which the use of social media facilitates maintenance and advancement of cultural traditions in the digital age, particularly, among the generation Z. The primary aims were to determine how well such platforms as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube supported cultural identity maintenance, to gauge the engagement into cultural contents and to look at the generational applications. Data was collected on 115 respondents all over the world using a quantitative method in the form of structured multiple-choice surveys that were handed out through Google Forms. The results indicate that the majority of the respondents are regularly exposed to culturally related materials on the internet, in particular, food, clothes, and festivals. The best sites of cultural exposure were TikTok and Instagram. Nevertheless, although the consumption of cultural content is an everyday experience, it does not necessarily result in sharing or higher involvement. The paper has come to a conclusion that social media has tremendous potential in the preservation of culture. However, to have significant influence requires proactive and active engagement.

The Decline of Extended Family Culture in Bangladesh: Historical, Social, Economic, and Islamic Insights

MD SALAH UDDIN — 2025-10-07

The extended family system has long been a cornerstone of Bangladeshi society, deeply intertwined with historical traditions, socioeconomic dynamics, and Islamic teachings. Traditionally, this system provided a robust framework for social support, economic management, and familial responsibility. However, recent decades have seen a significant shift towards nuclear families, driven by various factors. This study explores the multifaceted causes behind this transformation, including the historical evolution of family structures, changing social norms, financial pressures, urban migration trends, and modern family planning practices. Additionally, the research examines the Islamic perspective on family roles and responsibilities, particularly concerning dowry practices, rising divorce rates, and the challenges of elder care. Utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data, the study provides an in-depth analysis of how these elements have collectively contributed to the decline of the extended family system. The findings offer insights and recommendations for preserving family cohesion and upholding traditional values within the context of contemporary socio-economic changes.

Country-of-Origin Effect and Consumer Purchase Intentions in the Indian Automobile Market: The Roles of Reflexiveness, Habituation, and Cognition

Aanya Kapoor — 2025-10-08

The country-of-origin (COO) effect plays a significant role in shaping consumer perceptions across industries, yet its influence on the rapidly evolving Indian automobile sector remains underexplored. This study investigates the impact of reflexiveness, habituation, and cognition on consumer purchase intentions toward domestic and foreign automobiles in India. Using a standardized scale by Siamagka and Balabanis (2015), survey data were collected from 271 respondents, primarily from urban India. Regression analysis revealed that reflexiveness and habituation positively and significantly influenced purchase intention, while cognition exerted a small but significant negative effect, suggesting that strong foreign brand associations may reduce preference for Indian cars. Employment status emerged as a differentiating factor, with self-employed individuals showing a greater inclination toward foreign automobiles, whereas age and gender had no significant impact. The findings also highlighted limited adoption of electric vehicles (6.1% of cars owned), pointing to infrastructural and informational barriers. This study contributes to COO literature in the Indian context and provides actionable insights for automobile marketers and policymakers to strengthen consumer confidence in domestic brands.

Breaking the Funding Glass Ceiling: Investigating Financial Exclusion of Female Entrepreneurs in India

Arshia Gupta — 2025-10-08

This research examines the persistent financial exclusion of female entrepreneurs in India, identifying the structural, institutional, and sociocultural barriers that constrain their access to formal sources of capital. Although the number of women-led enterprises has grown significantly across diverse sectors- including technology, agriculture, healthcare, and education- systemic inequities in funding access continue to undermine their potential for expansion and sustainability. The study finds that key determinants such as age, level of education, stage of enterprise development, and geographical location profoundly influence the likelihood of securing formal finance. Entrepreneurs who are younger, less formally educated, at early venture stages, or operating in rural regions experience the highest levels of exclusion. These challenges are compounded by restrictive collateral requirements, inconsistent documentation practices, and gendered biases embedded in lending protocols. Consequently, a substantial proportion of women entrepreneurs remain reliant on informal financing networks, driven by accessibility, distrust of formal institutions, and previous experiences of rejection. While some government schemes have yielded positive outcomes, gaps in awareness, inconsistent outreach, and perceived inefficiencies limit their impact. Gender-specific constraints- such as intrusive personal questioning and implicit bias during credit evaluation- further reinforce the “funding glass ceiling” that characterizes women’s entrepreneurial journeys in India. The study underscores the necessity of integrated interventions, including gender-responsive lending frameworks, targeted financial literacy programs, and enhanced policy communication strategies. Addressing these barriers comprehensively is essential for cultivating an inclusive financial ecosystem, advancing women’s economic empowerment, and contributing to India’s broader agenda of sustainable and equitable growth.

Sustainability of Post-Project Market Gardening Production Systems in the North of Côte d’Ivoire

Ségbé Guy Romaric SEGBE GUY BALLE — 2025-10-09

ABSTRACT

Description of the subject: Evaluating the sustainability of agricultural production systems is a major issue for sustainable development, especially in market gardening sectors supported by development projects.

Objective: This study aims to analyze the sustainability of market gardening production systems following the implementation of the PROPACOM, PARFACI and PRO2M projects in the department of Korhogo.

Methodology: A combined approach of quantitative and qualitative methods was used. Thirteen beneficiary groups were surveyed through individual questionnaires and focus groups. Data were analyzed using the IDPM method (Indicators of Sustainability in Market Gardening), which evaluates agroecological, socio-territorial, and economic dimensions. In total, 260 producers mainly women were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire and through three (3) focus group discussions.

Results: The results show that most producers are women aged between 36 and 60, with low literacy levels. The production systems are characterized by intensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Sustainability scores reveal that the PARFACI and PRO2M perimeters are more sustainable than those of PROPACOM in agroecological and socio-territorial dimensions. However, none of the assessed farms achieved satisfactory economic sustainability. Specifically, the transferability and viability components for the whole projects were revealed as extremely low to provide sustainability to the output of the actions leaded.

Conclusion: Post-project farming systems face structural constraints, mainly due to limited technical and economic support, which undermines their long-term sustainability. As recommendations, it is imperative to focus on literacy among producers in order to reduce the illiteracy rate and facilitate the mastery of some necessary tools. It is also profitable to encourage the use of organic manure instead of chemical fertilizers, which are too expensive and often dangerous for health.

Criminalization of Freedom of Expression and Opinion for Environmental Activists from a Criminal and Positive Law Perspective

Muhammad Abiyyu Arhab — 2025-10-09

Freedom of expression and explanation is a right for the public to convey their criticism and aspirations to the state. However, over time, cases of criminalization have emerged for environmental activists, where they received criminal penalties while fighting for environmental rights in Indonesia. This study aims to explain and analyze the form of regulation of freedom of expression and opinion in Indonesia from a criminal and positive legal perspective regarding the criminalization experienced by environmental activists while fighting for the community's right to a good and healthy environment. The research method used is a normative juridical method with data collection techniques through literature studies, and further explained using qualitative descriptive methods. The results of the study indicate that the freedom of expression and opinion is the responsibility and right of the Indonesian state. However, the implementation of freedom of expression and opinion is not applied comprehensively to the community, especially for activists. Activists are subject to specific penalties in Law Number 11 of 2008 concerning Information and Electronic Transactions. This will impact freedom of expression for the community in the future, so an in-depth analysis is needed regarding the criminalization of freedom of expression and opinion.

Autarky and Immunization from Vagaries of Fortune - Evidence from the Modern World

John Momanyi Ongubo — 2025-09-25

In an era defined by global interdependence, economic volatility, and geopolitical uncertainty, the pursuit of autarky, which means self-sufficiency in economic and strategic affairs, has emerged as a compelling alternative to mitigate systemic risks and shocks. This paper critically examines whether modern economies can insulate themselves from the vagaries of fortune, including unpredictable financial crises, market shocks, and political instability, through self-reliance or strategic decoupling. Drawing on empirical evidence from different countries, technological advancements, and policy innovations, the study deconstructs the viability of autarkic models in contemporary global dynamics. We explore key case studies, from nations embracing protectionist measures to economies leveraging technological autonomy as a safeguard against external volatility. The analysis challenges conventional wisdom, arguing that selective decoupling in critical sectors, such as energy, digital infrastructure, and national security, can enhance resilience without necessitating total economic isolation. Additionally, we investigate how tech, digital infrastructure and decentralized economies reshape self-sufficiency paradigms in the 21st century. This research contributes to the broader discourse on economic sovereignty, adaptive resilience, and the strategic recalibration of global dependencies, offering policymakers, social transformers, technocrats, and thought leaders invaluable insights into the future of stability in an unpredictable world.

Comparative Study of Emergency Air Ambulance Services: Philippines and India

Saksham Kumar — 2025-10-17

Emergency air medical services, which use helicopters and small airplanes as flying intensive care units, are important for reaching patients in remote or disaster-affected areas. India and the Philippines both face difficult geography. India has mountains and far-flung islands, while the Philippines is made up of more than seven thousand islands. This paper compares the air emergency medical services of both countries and highlights lessons that India can learn from the Philippine experience. India has about forty-nine air ambulances across the country, supported by policies that recognize the importance of air medical services. The Philippines has far fewer resources, with only a couple of Department of Health airplanes and one military helicopter. However, the Philippines has created innovative systems. In Palawan, the Department of Health works with a non-governmental organization through a memorandum of agreement to use donated airplanes for patient evacuation. This reduces transfer times from several days to just a few hours. The Philippine government is also working to pass a law that will create a national emergency air medical services system. This paper uses a Most Similar Systems Design framework. Both India and the Philippines are lower-middle-income countries in Asia. They both have decentralized forms of government, face frequent natural disasters, and have limited financial resources. Yet their air emergency medical systems have developed in different ways, which makes them suitable for comparison. Data for this study come from government policy documents, legislative texts, news reports, and academic studies published over the past ten years. The findings show that India can learn from the Philippines by building stronger partnerships with non-governmental organizations and the military, adopting clear regulations that include air ambulances, and using new technology such as drones linked with telemedicine. India should also consider a dedicated law for air medical services, improved financing through health programs, better rural coverage, and integration with emergency dispatch systems.

Perspectives on Worker Well-Being: Insights from a Textile Factory in Tamil Nadu

Ritvick Mohan Shankar — 2025-10-17

This research assesses the well-being of workers within a Textile factory in Tamil Nadu and includes interviews with 25 women workers and 5 executives. Well-being is subsequently characterized in terms of financial security, physical security, social security and emotional security. The research yielded three key themes: incentives to workers like a bonus, a provident fund, and health insurance can help to secure the workers' "stability" on the job; grievance procedures that are accessible to workers that they perceive to be responsive; and a culture where employees are encouraged to participate in exercise, have discounted meals, and have on-site child care. In general the workers indicated they are satisfied with their work, although there are areas of concern such as the cost of transportation, the heat, and shortages of labour. It is the position of management that well-being is an obligation, and well-being is a driver of productivity. In this article, we have called well-being "normal" for a workplace but recommend that corporations establish well-being as a strategy into a corporate strategy; embed well-being into a normal diversity program, create support from managers for well-being programs, and expand programmes for the health of the workforce and child care". In this report we have illustrated how local practices build on global conversations about dignity at work and sustainable working.

Exploring Intersex and Homosexuality in Sibiya’s isiZulu Novel Inkululeko Engakhululekile (2020): A Literary Analysis

Noluthando Zwane — 2025-10-17

Literary works often mirror the complexities of real life and the diverse lived experiences of communities in a fictitious way. Even though it is fiction, authors analyse lives lived by real people in communities and then develop fiction stories. Homosexuality and intersex are the realities lived by people in communities, a reality that most researchers shy away from. This article explores how Sibiya portrays these themes in a novel entitled Inkululeko Engakhululekile (2020). The focus is more on the portrayal of intersex, which is a rarely spoken reality of minority people. Furthermore, the article examines how the novel integrates cultural traditions with queer identities, challenging conventional narratives and fostering a deeper understanding of inclusivity. The analysis is grounded in queer theory which advocates for the deconstruction of binary notions of gender and sexuality while emphasizing the fluidity of identity. The article first presents the context of intersex and homosexuality within the broader societal and cultural framework, followed by a discussion of the methodology of the article. It then delves into how Inkululeko Engakhululekile (2020) portrays the intersection of queer identities and isiZulu culture, shedding light on the diversity within the LGBTQI+ community and the transformative potential of literature in addressing these themes. This is essential for educating people about the existence of diversity amongst the LGBTQI+ community.

The Impact of Counter-Cyclical Fiscal Policies on Employment Rates in South American Countries

Doruk Ünal — 2025-09-25

The paper presents the impact of counter-cyclical fiscal policy implemented during economic crunch in the economies of South America as far as short-term and long-term rates of employment are concerned. The reason behind this is that South America relies on the export of commodities and this aspect combined with political and fiscal instability provide the outcomes of such interventions challenging. The fiscal stimulus in the short term in terms of increased state spending and employment generation has been successful because it has led to the reduction of unemployment since it increases the demand and serves as a cushion to any decrease in the private sector. The employment multipliers in non-tradable are greatest and are bound to rise when prices of good commodities rise to augment the fiscal space. However, the long-term implications can be seen to have structural risks. Sustained reliance on government employment would choke in the investment in the private sector, labor markets and would cause inflationary pressure. Further, the debt accumulation, ineffective institutional capacity, and limited the sustainability of the employment undermine fiscal sustainability. This fact suggests that counter-cyclical policies can reduce unemployment in the short run, but is not likely to produce long-term benefits in terms of increased employment, unless it is accompanied by both structural reform and institutional reinforcement. Lastly, the paper brings out the trade-offs between the short-term stabilization and the long-term economic resilience in the counter-cyclical policies of South America.

Investigation of the Importance of Quality Retirement and Old Aging Education for Employees and for Primary and Secondary Education Students, Tanzania

Mkumbo Godwin Mitula — 2025-09-25

This study examined the Importance of Quality Old Ageing Retirement Planning Education for employees and students at primary and secondary education levels in Tanzania. Three specific objectives guided this study. Qualitative and Quantitative methods were both used in this study. Quota and purposive sampling techniques were used to obtain a sample of 120 participants. Questionnaires, special interviews and focus group discussions were used to obtain data from the study areas. Study results show that a majority among "employees" [57 out of 60 (95%)] say retirement planning education is desperately needed for them, respondents [46 out of 60 (77%)] of them say they do not have this education. Results also show that 98.3% (59 out of 60) of "students" respondents need quality retirement planning education, out of which [53 out of 60 (88%)] of students collectively "secondary and primary education" acknowledge the Quality Retirement and Old Ageing Education introduced and taught by the Researcher is well understood by them. Half of the students from "primary education" [15 out of 30 (50%)] performed better on A and B grades in a test given to them after being taught the pilot subject of effective retirement planning and old age. The study concludes that a lack of educational knowledge from reliable and dependable sources has left employees and students without a "culture" or psychology of preparing for their future life. The study comes up with two recommendations; one, things to be worked on and second, more studies to be conducted.

League Design, Competitive Balance, and Economics: A Comparative Study of IPL and MLB

Adwitya Bhargava — 2025-10-19

This study compares the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2008-2024 to see how league design shapes both competition on the field and money off it. This paper builds a simple model that contrasts the IPL’s hard salary cap, annual player auction, and short season with MLB’s soft cap, long-term contracts, and 162-game schedule. These findings then evaluate the model against data on competitive balance and conduct empirical analysis regarding attendance, media audiences, and franchise values. These findings reveal that the IPL’s strict cost controls and frequent talent reshuffling create tighter races and faster growth in fan interest and media rights, while MLB’s looser rules yield moderate parity and slower economic gains. These findings support the idea that uncertainty of outcome drives demand, but also show that smart management can still produce repeat champions even in a tightly regulated league. The paper ends with policy suggestions for league officials, team owners, and investors.

Bridging Technology Access and Digital Independence for Persons with Disabilities: India and Global Strategies

Aarav Amit Vijai — 2025-10-21

This study examines India's assistive technology accessibility situation and how innovation might help remove obstacles. The goal of the study was to examine the inclusive technologies that are now available on the market, pinpoint their shortcomings, and make insightful judgments about the potential of assistive technology in the future. Several databases of current and pertinent technologies in a wide range of fields, including communication, education, health, and social inclusion, were reviewed and analyzed as part of the research methodology. Additionally, strategies that have been put in place to close the gap were examined, including national initiatives like Avaz, Eye-D, Lechal, BleeTV, and SignAble, as well as international initiatives like Microsoft Inclusive Design Toolkit, WCAG 2.1, and Apple Accessibility Guidelines. The RPwD Act and BarrierBreak reports (BarrierBreak, 2023), among other pertinent legislative and policy tools pertaining to accessibility in India, were also considered in the study. The study included thoughts on independent initiatives that the author himself had developed, such as SpeakEase (Vijai, SpeakEase), an AI-enabled communication tool for non-verbal persons, and FeedEase (Vijai, Enhancing Robot Feeding), a robotic feeder arm for individuals with cerebral palsy, taking into account point of views of both users and caregivers. Cultural fit, cost, and caregiver involvement were found to be more important than technological sophistication. This was demonstrated by methods that performed better and were more successful on less expensive platforms, such as cellphones, rather than more complex methods, such as gaze-tracking or brain-computer interfaces, which are not useful in India. When it comes to employment-focused tools and cognitive and mental disorders, where innovation is lacking, gaps are more obvious. This study is significant because it has established a framework for considering inclusion and inclusive technologies as ways to help impaired individuals regain their independence and dignity.