International Journal of Social Science Research and Review

Roots Torn: The Rohingya's Struggle Between Land, Identity, and Survival

Subata Zannat Riya — 2025-11-24

The Rohingya community of Myanmar is considered the most persecuted community in the entire world, which is not only denied citizenship and Indigenous rights but also exiled from their ancestral home by their own government and military. One of the main reasons behind this is the religious minority of the Rohingya community. However, the geopolitical conditions of the Rakhine State and the Myanmar government’s constant greed to take over the natural resources of that state so that they can continue state-led development in their ancestral lands are another important mechanism that is responsible for conducting inhuman violence against the Rohingya people. As a result, Rohingya persecution, which has been viewed as an issue of Political or human rights violation, is also an issue of ecofeminism and environmental justice, and it has remained unnoticed in academia for a long period. Against this backdrop, this paper wishes to explore how the Myanmar government, with its patriarchal, reductionist, and colonial mindset, has exploited both the ecosystem and the Rohingya community’s marginalized identity so that it can diminish the social, political, cultural, and spiritual identity of the Rohingya community while extracting their land, livelihood, and identity. Using theories from Discard studies, ecofeminism, and environmental justice, this paper argues that the Myanmar government has historically set a narrative against the Rohingya community as waste, unwanted, or inhuman, so that they can grab and control their lands and identity. At the same time, this paper will critically examine how the Myanmar government has commodified land for state-led development agendas.

Cost Implications of Violent Student Protests on Students in Higher Education Institutions – A Case Study of the University of Free State (UFS), South Africa

Teboho Khiba — 2025-11-24

The study is set against the backdrop of an upsurge in violent student protests across universities in South Africa, with adverse consequences for both students and institutions. This provides the impetus for this paper, which provides insight into the consequences of violent student protests from a socio-economic perspective. Within this context, this study adopted an interpretive paradigm to understand the lived experiences of students who have participated in violent student protests. Theoretically, it drew on Waters, Hyder, Rajkotia, Basu, and Butchart’s (2005) understanding of the consequences of interpersonal violence, which looks at the effects of violence beyond personal harm. The study employed a qualitative design, and the sample comprised students from various political parties and student organisations at the University of the Free State (UFS). The findings were presented in accordance with the research objectives, which focused on identifying the cost implications of violent protests on students. The study reveals that restricted access to campus resources, loss of study time, and suspensions of student activists were notable consequences encountered after demonstrations. Furthermore, the study found that transport and legal fees were among the financial costs incurred by students due to violent protests on campus. Overall, the study recommends conflict resolution mechanisms, the promotion of non-violent advocacy training and improved communication channels to mitigate violent student protests at higher learning institutions. This paper presents a significant contribution by providing a localised perspective on the socio-economic impacts of student protests in South Africa, rooted in comprehensive qualitative research. The use of established theoretical frameworks offers a robust scaffold for analysing protest dynamics. The findings of this paper aim to improve knowledge and understanding of the nature of violent student protests. As such, this study contributes to the knowledge base on violent student protests, with a particular focus on cost implications that are often overlooked by students. The study highlights the cost implications frequently encountered by students since much focus is on the deeds students are engaged in during protests.

A Comparative Study of Narrations in Kāfī of Kulaynī and Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī Regarding Temporary Marriage (Mut'ah)

Maedeh Ja’fari — 2025-11-24

One of the points of disagreement between Shi'a and Sunni is the issue of temporary marriage or Mut'ah. The Shi'a have presented evidence to prove the permissibility (lawfulness) of Mut'ah, while the Ahl al-Sunnah (Sunnis) have presented evidence for its abrogation and prohibition. Some of the intellectual roots of each group trace back to early Ḥadīth collections, including Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and al-Kāfī of Kulaynī. The present article employs a descriptive-analytical method to provide a scholarly examination and comparative perspective on the two ancient Shi'a and Sunni Ḥadīth compilations, Kāfī of Kulaynī and Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, concerning the subject of temporary marriage or Mut'ah. In this research, the narrations about temporary marriage in the two aforementioned books were first examined in terms of the number of Ḥadīths, the number and titles of chapters, and the quality of the chain of transmission (Sanad) connected to the Infallible (Ma'ṣūm). Subsequently, the content of the Ḥadīths and their elaboration were presented, revealing that the fundamental legitimacy of this marriage in Islam is agreed upon by all Muslims, both Shi'a and Sunni, and has been established by Qur'anic verses and definitive Sunnah, remaining in its legitimate status and not having been abrogated. Furthermore, Kāfī of Kulaynī addresses the discussion of temporary marriage much more comprehensively and completely, whereas Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī includes a total of 8 Ḥadīths on this matter.

Evolution of Reservation System in India: Contemporary Discourse and Debates

Tushita Gupta — 2025-11-28

The reservation system in India has undergone significant transformations since its inception, evolving through various socio-political landscapes. This paper delves into the historical context, tracing the origins of the reservation policy from the pre-independence era to its present form. It examines the constitutional provisions, legislative measures, and judicial interpretations that have shaped the system. The contemporary discourse surrounding reservations is analysed, highlighting the debates on its efficacy, equity, and impact on social justice. The paper also explores the challenges and criticisms faced by the reservation policy, including issues of meritocracy, reverse discrimination, and the need for economically based reservations. Through a comprehensive review of literature and empirical data, this study aims to dispense a nuanced understanding of the reservation system's role in addressing historical injustices and promoting inclusive growth in India.

Integrating Innovative Marketing with Digital Platforms in Physical Retail

Bakhtiyor Safarov — 2025-11-28

In the wake of digital transformation in retail, it is increasingly debated whether innovative marketing approaches can achieve sustainable consumer engagement through digital platforms in the same manner as traditional online commerce did. Based on these facts, the aim of this paper is to measure, compare, and evaluate the impact of digital marketing integration on physical retail performance and its potential impact in the field of omnichannel business models. The authors construct a propensity score matching framework using the parametric survival model estimation for describing the relationship between the Customer Retention Index and digital adoption factors. With allowance for the time-dependent effects of platform usage, models with fixed and random effects were built. In our study, we identified determinants related to consumer preferences, purchase frequency, retention duration, and sales conversion. Evidence suggests that digital platform adoption is likely to affect long-term survival of physical stores, but it is questionable whether rapid diffusion of subsequent technological innovation movements (e.g. towards AI-driven personalization) will equally benefit from integrated marketing tools. The paper finishes with managerial implications and policy recommendations for retail enterprises. Digital platforms as well as innovative marketing mechanisms change the rules of competition and the requirements of adaptation, resilience, and sustainability of retail markets. Future studies can empirically test the proposed linkages to reveal industry-, region-, and firm-specific interactions between processes of digital transformation and physical retail evolution.

An Analysis of New Diplomatic Opportunities and Challenges in India-Afghanistan Relations

Abdul salaam Acxir — 2025-11-29

The relationship between India and Afghanistan has long been founded on cultural, economic, and security cooperation. However, following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, a new phase emerged in bilateral relations, bringing forth numerous challenges as well as opportunities. The political transformation in Afghanistan has prompted India to reassess its diplomatic approach, particularly in identifying new avenues for enhancing cooperation across various sectors. This paper analyzes the emerging diplomatic opportunities in India–Afghanistan relations in the post-Taliban era. These opportunities include India’s participation in Afghanistan’s peace and reconstruction processes, strengthening economic relations through infrastructure investment, promoting bilateral trade, and expanding security and intelligence cooperation. Moreover, India can contribute to Afghanistan’s social and educational improvement by fostering cultural and academic collaboration. In this regard, India must adopt a strategic and multilateral diplomatic approach that takes into account Afghanistan’s complex security and political conditions. Collaboration with other countries and international organizations—especially in combating terrorism, addressing humanitarian crises, and strengthening Afghan state institutions—will be essential. The paper also addresses key challenges, such as India’s non-recognition of the Taliban, regional rivalries, and security threats stemming from terrorist groups. It concludes with recommendations for addressing these challenges and capitalizing on emerging opportunities. Ultimately, India–Afghanistan relations in the new era can serve as a model for positive regional and international cooperation, provided that both sides effectively utilize their existing capacities.

Legal Protection for Digital Illustrators’ Data and Copyright to Train Artificial Intelligence-Generated Images

Alfido Fiqri Arsy Adhiem — 2025-11-29

Technological advancements have disrupted the creative industry with the rise of Artificial Intelligence, particularly in the field of visual art. A legal issue stemming from this development is that Artificial Intelligence companies utilize illustrators’ data shared on the internet to train the technology without consent. Furthermore, Artificial Intelligence companies are quick to release their innovations to the public without proper legal consideration. This article aims to analyze the legal protection of digital illustrators’ data and copyrights that are used to train image-generating Artificial Intelligence. The research employs a normative legal method, utilizing statutory and comparative approach. The findings indicate that the current law in Indonesia is still inadequate in addressing the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence companies that scrape illustrators’ data to train their products. There is also a lack of compensation in the form of royalties for digital illustrators, which can have a significant impact on their economic well-being. The article suggests that legal protection should be pursued for digital illustrators whose data is used without consent to train Artificial Intelligence, and a system of royalties should be established. This would require Artificial Intelligence companies that train their machines to create visual artworks to first obtain a license from the illustrators, and every time their data is used to generate a work of art, a royalty must be paid to the illustrators to preserve their copyright.

The State of Global Islamic Finance: A 47-Country Survey of Developments and Challenges

Ahmad Al-Harbi — 2025-12-07

The main objective of this paper is to investigate the development of the Islamic banking and finance (IBF) industry worldwide. In addition, it will show the obstacles that prevent the IBF industry from developing. This paper is a conceptual paper in nature; it discusses the growth of the IBF industry across the world and the factors hindering its development. The findings show that the Islamic banking and finance industry has been making significant breakthroughs at the global level, with total assets exceeding $3.69 trillion in 2024. However, there are issues that need to be addressed by the industry to assure the continuity of its growth. These issues include the need for greater standardization of laws and regulations, a persistent dearth of qualified human resources, inconsistency of fatwa, undeveloped Islamic money and capital markets, and a need for more research to develop new products, particularly in the areas of fintech and sustainable finance. This paper provides a comprehensive and updated investigation into the status of the IBF industry in 47 countries, building upon previous studies that were often limited to specific regions or used smaller samples.

Motivation and Self-Efficacy as Predictors of Student Engagement among University Students in One Philippines State University

Regina Fidirico Aba — 2025-12-07

Student engagement plays a vital role in the learning process. Identifying the factors that contribute to student engagement in their studies may include examining their level of motivation and self-efficacy. Hence, this study explored the predictive relationship between motivations and self-efficacy on student engagement. Using correlation predictive design, 509 students of Cavite State University-Silang Campus participated in the study. To measure different variables, the study utilized different scales that included Academic Motivation Scale (AMS), General Self-efficacy Scales (GSES), and University Student Engagement Inventory (USEI). Pearson r and multiple regressions analysis were utilized to identify the predictive relationship between motivation and self-efficacy on student engagement. The results reported a high-level of motivation which indicates that the students were highly motivated to engage in activities. Students also reported a high-level of Self-Efficacy, which indicates that they tend to trust and believe their capabilities to do a task. In terms of Student engagement, students showed a high-level and indicated the students were actively involved, motivated, and invested in their learning and educational experiences. In addition, there was a significant relationship between motivation and student engagement. The results indicated that the self-efficacy and student engagement of the students had a weak positive significant relationship. Students' motivation and self-efficacy could significantly predict student engagement. It is recommended for future researchers to look beyond motivation and self-efficacy as predictors of student engagement due to lack of predicting results or to increase the values of the predictors.

Explore the Relationship between Spokesperson, Brand Image, Perceived Value, and Service Quality on Customer Satisfaction and Customer Loyalty-Taking Converse as an Example

Nai-Yin Wang — 2025-12-07

In recent years, public awareness of sports has grown, leading to a proliferation of athletic brands in the marketplace. Converse has remained popular for several decades, raising important questions about how to establish a strong brand image and high service quality in the minds of consumers, as well as how to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty to improve business performance and sustain competitive advantage. The primary objective of this study is to examine the relationships among consumers’ perceptions of spokesperson endorsement, brand image, service quality, perceived value, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty. Data were collected from consumers who had previously purchased Converse products, resulting in 250 valid questionnaires (200 paper-based and 50 online). The findings are summarized as follows: (1) Most consumers express acceptance and recognition of both brand image and spokesperson endorsement, with attractiveness rated as the most influential attribute. Both internally compelling and highly charismatic spokespersons significantly enhance purchase intention; (2) The functional dimension of brand image—such as product variety, practical features, and innovative design—received the highest scores, indicating its central role in consumer satisfaction. Consumers use these cues to infer product quality and, consequently, a stronger brand image facilitates higher overall evaluation and perceived value of Converse products, increasing purchase intention; (3) Perceived service quality, defined by five key dimensions, serves as the foundation for customer satisfaction and loyalty. When customers distinctly perceive high-quality service, they are more likely to become loyal to the Converse brand; (4) Service quality can affect the emotional value within perceived value; thus, providing superior service quality is essential to elevating perceived value; and (5) Customer satisfaction partially mediates the effect on loyalty and is shaped by factors such as endorsement, brand image, and staff service, further influencing customer loyalty.

The Indian Olympics Game Model: Lessons from Global Precedents for a 2036 Bid

Zarah Rangwala — 2025-11-24

As the Indian Olympic Association submitted a letter of intent to the International Olympic Committee to bid for the 2036 Summer Olympic Games, recognising the absence of an established national framework to assess its feasibility and developmental implications, this study aimed to evaluate whether hosting the Olympics can stimulate sustainable national development. The research employed a qualitative, comparative case-study approach by examining historical precedents from previous host nations, using official documents from the International Olympic Committee, academic literature, independent indices, and media analyses to evaluate four interrelated dimensions of infrastructure and urban transformation; economic growth and employment; diplomatic capital and global branding; and sports culture and legacy building. The results suggested that while the Olympics can deliver substantial benefits in terms of international visibility, urban renewal, and youth engagement, such outcomes are not automatic and depend heavily on governance capacity, fiscal discipline, and long-term legacy planning. Thereafter, this paper proposes an “Indian Olympic Games Model” emphasising a multi-city hosting framework, public–private investment synergies, and sustainability-led infrastructure design. Ultimately, the study highlights that India’s Olympic aspiration represents both a transformative opportunity and a structural challenge, contingent upon evidence-based planning and institutional coordination.

The Culture of Reception and Aesthetic Conception of Vietnamese Nudes from Traditional to Modern

Nguyen Minh Truc Son — 2025-11-24

The study focuses on investigating the transformation in the culture of reception and aesthetic conception of nude painting in Vietnam from the traditional to the modern period. By taking an interdisciplinary approach between art history, cultural studies, and aesthetics, the work explores the process of change in society's attitude towards the human form in art, associated with changes in morality, thought, and social context. In the traditional period, the representation of the human body is strongly governed by Confucian ethics, ritual symbols, and community norms of modesty. On the contrary, Vietnamese modern art, especially since the beginning of the twentieth century, has shown the harmony and collision between Western artistic influences, creative individualism and national cultural identity. Through figurative analysis, discourse and aesthetic comparison, the study shows that nude painting is not only a pure artistic phenomenon but also a cultural discourse that reflects the transformation in values, gender perceptions and openness of Vietnamese society.

Women’s Participation in Agricultural Development Interventions in Timor-Leste:

Eugénia Urania da Costa Correia — 2025-12-07

Women have become a key target of the global development agenda, particularly in developing countries. In Timor-Leste, several development partner agencies have helped initiate support for the government in agricultural development to ensure that women benefit from this intervention. This article focuses on women's participation in agricultural development interventions in Ermera municipality in Timor-Leste. This qualitative research uses a case study approach to have a better understanding of women farmers' everyday lives in rural areas. It uses a transformative worldview because the findings of this research will contribute to transforming the agricultural development of rural women in Timor-Leste in the future. The discrimination against women in agricultural development interventions continues to occur, which has contributed to the lower success outcomes of the interventions. The lack of women's participation in decision-making processes, limited access to agricultural resources and information, and gender-discriminatory cultural practices are acknowledged as the main contributing factors to the failures of current agricultural interventions for rural women in Timor-Leste.

From Mistrust to Trust: Reciprocity in the Sensitive Area of Money at the Gouro Market in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)

KRA VALERIE KOFFI — 2025-12-09

Social sciences base their analysis on empirical data collected in the field. The field is a space for interaction defined by an object, resources and people surveyed , structured by a specific methodological protocol. The purpose of this article is to outline the steps involved in building trust when conducting field research. This research was conducted among women entrepreneurs at the Gouro market in Abidjan with the aim of analysing the social uses of money. More specifically, the results of this methodological reflection describe, on the one hand, the difficulties and resistance encountered when collecting this sensitive data. On the other hand, they reveal that the establishment of a framework of symbolic reciprocity, patricularly through the mechanisms of gift-giving and counter-gift-giving, is a fundamental lever for establishing social trust between the researcher and the respondents. This dynamic proved essential for gaining in-depth knowledge of financial practices . Building social trust in the sensitive area of money in the gouro market requires overcoming status inequalities. Faced with initial mistrust, the method relied on active involvement and the establishment of symbolic reciprocity through immaterial gift-giving (service rendered), transforming the relationship into emotional bond to guarantee acces to data.

LIVELIHOOD STRATEGIES OF ETHNIC MINORITY HOUSEHOLDS: A CASE STUDY IN VIETNAM

Le Phuong Nam — 2025-12-11

This study assessed the livelihood status of Dao households in Yen Cu Commune (currently Yen Binh Commune, Thai Nguyen Province), a mountainous area facing various socio-economic challenges, and simultaneously analyzed differences between pure agroforestry households and mixed-livelihood households. Data were collected from a survey of 52 households (27 specialized agroforestry households and 25 mixed-livelihood households) in three villages: Ban Chao, Thai Lao, and Ban Chang. Descriptive statistics and comparative methods were employed to analyze livelihood resources, activities, and outcomes. The results indicated that livelihood resources remain limited, reflected in low educational attainment, small and fragmented agricultural landholdings, unstable irrigation conditions, and low financial accumulation capacity. Household livelihoods still rely mainly on agriculture and forestry, with a modest level of diversification. Mixed-livelihood households achieved significantly higher average annual income compared to pure agroforestry households (304.58 million VND/year versus 171.37 million VND/year), and also exhibited higher per-labor income (83.68 million VND/person/year versus 57.84 million VND/person/year). In addition, livelihood vulnerability persists due to risks such as floods, droughts, animal and crop diseases, as well as constraints in accessing information, technology, and credit. Based on these findings, the study recommends promoting livelihood diversification, improving human resource quality, ensuring efficient natural resource management, strengthening infrastructure investments, enhancing financial accessibility, and reinforcing social linkages to foster sustainable livelihoods for Dao households.

What Crime Novels Don't Tell You

Shresta Morisetty — 2025-12-11

The paper examines the misrepresentation of victims, offenders, and the criminal justice system in crime fiction literature, an increasingly prevalent issue given the extreme popularity of the crime fiction genre. Misportraying elements of crime is detrimental to the public perception of crime; many readers derive the bulk of their perception of crime through fictional literature and media. Through the analysis of a range of texts, including crime fiction novels from different subgenres and eras, the paper has identified and described the most prevailing and damaging misrepresentations in crime fiction. From said analysis, it has been concluded that, though previously thought to be a significant issue, victim sidelining is not representative of the entire crime fiction genre, disproving the common critique of victims being treated as solely plot devices. However, as assumed prior to the investigation, the lack of nuance in offender archetypes (some of which promote criminal romanticisation), the infallibility of criminal profiling, the presence of a 'lone detective', and the speed of legal and forensic processes are all valid criticisms of the crime fiction genre. These inaccuracies shape how audiences understand crime and justice, creating unrealistic expectations and, in some cases, encouraging empathy for criminals over victims. Understanding these gaps is essential for both producers and consumers of crime fiction literature. Producers must ensure that their content is both compelling and accurate, while consumers should be well-informed of the misportrayals in their favourite crime fiction books.

Combating Gender Norms: Gender Inclusion in the Armed Forces of India and Germany

Kyrene Solanki — 2025-12-11

With growing global conversation surrounding the topic of gender equality, armed forces continue to remain as one of the most powerful institutions where traditional gender roles are being challenged and redefined. This study examines the participation and inclusion of women in two culturally distinct military systems of India and Germany. By focusing on public attitudes and societal perceptions, the research examines how women are being integrated into defence forces that have largely been a male dominated domain. A qualitative research method was utilised to examine the interview responses from people in the two countries. Within Germany, respondents (N= 10) were given an online form to fill out whereas in India (N= 19), in-person interviews were conducted with the participants. The study used a convenience sampling technique to acquire responses on people’s perception towards women’s participation in the forces. Thematic analysis was conducted on the interview responses to generate codes and themes. Findings of the study reveal that people strongly perceive that women continue to face various challenges in the armed forces, especially when it comes to maintaining a work-life balance. In India, social pressure and limited access to combat roles remain key issues, while in Germany, cultural biases and a lack of women in leadership persist despite progressive policies. German respondents frequently spoke about the persistence of traditional gender roles and the need for systemic support, whereas Indian participants highlighted the legal and structural obstacles still in place. The study comes to the conclusion that to ensure women participation in armed forces worldwide, there is need for reform, assistance and general social change.