International Journal of Social Science Research and Review

The Challenge of Cultural Diversity: A Test of a Common European Identity

Andraž Konc — 2025-04-03

Europe is facing challenges to its common identity, which is threatened by both the great cultural diversity among European nations and the large influx of immigrants from other parts of the world. Faced with crises that call into question the real possibility of a common European identity, the European Union must strive toward underlining common European values and the importance of history. While the diversity of values in Europe is also reflected within the EU, it is crucial to try establishing harmony regarding strengthening a common culture as well as respecting diversity.

The Legal Basis for the Use of Firearms by the Police of the Republic of Kosovo:

Fadil Curri — 2025-04-03

This study examines the legal standards and practices regarding the use of force by the police in Kosovo, Albania, and selected European Union countries. By analyzing national regulations and the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights, the study emphasizes the importance of the principles of necessity and proportionality in the use of firearms by law enforcement authorities. Through a comparative analysis, key challenges and opportunities for harmonizing the legal framework with international standards are identified. The study provides concrete recommendations for improving police training, strengthening oversight mechanisms, and enhancing transparency in law enforcement while ensuring the protection of human rights and freedoms. Ultimately, it aims to contribute to the academic and professional debate on balancing public security and human rights by promoting reforms for a more effective and accountable approach in this field. In conclusion, this study seeks to contribute to academic and professional discussions on the need for a clear and harmonized legal framework for the strict use of firearms by the police, ensuring a balance between security and human rights

The Reciprocal Relationship Between Government Inefficiency and Corruption

Mohammad Wahid Binesh — 2025-04-03

A significant relationship exists. between weak governments and corruption. The weakness of governments leads to the spread of corruption, and corruption, in turn, contributes to the collapse and incapacity of governments. Both inefficient governments and corruption are detrimental. Why do weak governments contribute to the spread of corruption? And how does corruption pave the way for the collapse of the government? Weak governments are unable to provide security for their citizens, are incapable of delivering essential services and economic opportunities, and cannot gain sufficient legitimacy to maintain the trust and confidence of their citizens. The citizens, with a history of distrust, dissatisfaction, and ongoing ethnic, religious, or class conflicts, become polarized. Thus, they lack the capacity. for cooperation, compromise, and trust. As a result, they move towards crisis, failure, and collapse. Corruption also causes social, political, and economic damage, undermines people's belief and trust in the government's capabilities, and ultimately leads to the people's hopelessness towards the government.

Evaluate the Achievement of Microfinance Initiatives in Empowering Women to Overcome Climate Change-Related Difficulties

Pakhshan M R Palani — 2025-04-03

In this paper we assess the efficacy of various microfinance initiatives in allowing women to adapt to and overcome the challenges of climate change across three countries which are India, Bangladesh and Peru. The study analyses how, in selected countries, microfinance programs have enabled women living in these vulnerable regions to adapt to the effects of climate change through financial support, skills development, and access to resources by critically exploring various case studies and empirical data. The study also explores the wider socio-economic impacts of these projects, such as better livelihoods, more decision-making power, and greater resilience to environmental variability. The paper recognizes important milestones while also noting challenges to the full realization of micro-finance in climate change adaptation, including limited access to larger capital, iniquities of gender and sustainability concerns. Finally, policy suggestions are made for how to improve microfinance to increase the effectiveness of women's empowerment in meeting the challenges of climate change.

A Qualitative Inquiry on the Active Mental Health Help-Seeking Behavior of Filipino Young Adults

Camille Vidon De Leon — 2025-04-03

Mental health care is a basic necessity which directly influences a person’s quality of life. It also depends on the help-seeking behavior of an individual. Although awareness and services were continuously advocated, studies determining the direct impact and facilitative factors of active mental health help-seeking behavior among individuals from diverse cultural contexts is still limited. This study delved into the active mental health help-seeking behavior of eight (8) Filipino young adults who have undergone formal psychological services. Their lived experiences were captured with the use of a validated semi-structured interview tool and were analyzed with the use of an interpretative phenomenological analysis lens. Findings showed four superordinate themes: facilitative factors were identified through gaining self-discovery and acceptance; having a support system; finding the right therapist; and struggles outweighing mental health relevant to the socially rooted barriers and impose a challenge in the help-seeking of the selected participants via disbelief; stigma and complexity of treatment and financial burdens. These provide an overview of the psychological gains from an active help-seeking behavior and how one overcomes barriers to mental health in today’s generation. This research may serve as a basis in recommending a community-based mental health intervention that will focus on strengthening the coping resources of Filipinos in addressing their mental health concerns.

Palestine's Struggle for Statehood in the Pursuit of International Recognition

Nabila Syarifa — 2025-04-03

State recognition is a fundamental aspect of international law that defines a country's sovereignty and legitimacy. Despite fulfilling key criteria such as a permanent population, defined territory, and functioning government, Palestine’s recognition as a sovereign state remains debated due to political and legal complexities. This study examines Palestine’s efforts to gain recognition, the responses of various states, and the role of international law in shaping its status. Using a qualitative approach, this research analyzes legal documents, international treaties, and diplomatic policies to assess the implications of state recognition. The findings reveal that Palestine’s recognition is influenced not only by legal principles but also by geopolitical interests. The study contrasts the constitutive theory, which asserts that statehood requires recognition by other states, with the declarative theory, which holds that a country exists based on its ability to function as a state, regardless of recognition. Despite partial recognition through United Nations resolutions and support from 138 countries, major global powers continue to withhold full recognition, impacting Palestine’s political and economic stability. This research underscores the significance of diplomatic efforts and international legal mechanisms in Palestine’s ongoing struggle for sovereignty.

Subjectivity, Identity and Education: The Temporal and Spatially Construction in the Teaching of History

Jennifer Quiroz Fragoso — 2025-04-03

Social events and phenomena have their roots in the past and are inevitably projected into the future. Thus, the present forms a weak, subtle, imprecise temporal border. It needs the past to materialize since this is the only one that has already been. However, the past without the present would be worthless since the explanation given by either of the two is the result of the other, it is the result of the problems and questions that man has about his own time and the future. It is this reflection between the past, present, and future that gives meaning to temporality. Establishing a correct relationship between them must be one of the main purposes of teaching history since one of the basic foundations of the formation of temporality consists of having the ability to perceive and understand the historical dimension of reality.

Implicit and Explicit Instruction of Intonation for the Iranian EFL Learners: A Prosodic Inquiry

Naser Janani — 2025-04-03

The present study aimed at investigating the effect of implicit and explicit instruction on the learnability of intonation through films. To this end, 40 Iranian EFL learners participated in 4 groups during 20 treatment sessions, i.e. implicit instruction and explicit instruction through giving episodes of TV series, parts of a movie and animated feature. The results indicated that the difference among the mean scores of the two groups was statistically meaningful. The participants with explicit instruction performed better compared to subjects who received implicit instruction. The second purpose was to find out if the gender of the participants of the present study played any crucial role in improving the level of intonation, for which, two of the four classes were male and the other two were female. The results obtained from implicit and explicit groups showed no significant differences between male and female classes. The results will be insightful for both teachers and material developers in designing appropriate materials and activities for teaching intonation.

The Role of Higher Education in Somalia's Socioeconomic Development: A Focus on the Post-Collapse Era of the Central Government

Abdikadir Said Jama — 2025-04-03

The collapse of Somalia’s central government in 1991 led to decades of instability, severely impacting the country’s economic and social structures. However, higher education has emerged as a key driver of economic revival by equipping individuals with the necessary skills for sustainable development. This study explores the role of higher education in rebuilding Somalia’s economy, highlighting its impact on labor capacity, governance, and entrepreneurship. A survey conducted among 124 respondents revealed that 71% believe higher education plays a "very significant" role in economic recovery. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening Somalia’s higher education sector to accelerate economic growth and national stability. 49.2% of the respondents suggested that higher education institutions in Somalia have significantly contributed to the development of skilled professionals required for rebuilding the nation. 74.2% of participants believe that these groups are "very effective" at promoting harmony and peace. Universities provide a platform for diverse populations to interact, fostering communication, tolerance, and understanding between students from all backgrounds. 56.5% of respondents believed that a lack of funds and resources was a major obstacle to higher education institutions' ability to effectively contribute to employment and economic growth. In conclusion, even though Somalia's higher education system has proven resilient and adaptable, further changes and funding are required to fully realize its potential in promoting social change and economic success. Higher education institutions in Somalia should prioritize aligning their programs with labor market need to ensure graduates possess the necessary skills for employment, thereby addressing the labor absorption gap.

A Contextual and Dialogical Approach to Human Rights: Reconceptualizing Universality

Kaniz Kakon — 2025-04-03

Universal human rights that are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) are globally celebrated as a basis for global justice. Yet its claims to universality have been constantly contested by criticisms that point to its embeddedness in particular historical, cultural, and ideological traditions. To identify the conceptual tensions between moral and legal universalism when adapting human rights norms, this article analyzes the dilemma of universalizing human rights norms across very different socio-political and cultural landscapes. It interrogates the implication of cultural relativism, gendered hierarchies, and the structures of power for political legitimacy and applicability of human rights discourse. This study argues for the reconceptualization of universality as a process that is dynamic as well as context-sensitive, yet maintains an ethical core while permitting multiple perspectives. It does so through an interdisciplinary analysis of a nuanced approach toward the reconciliation of foundational human rights principles with the practical realities of a world that is interconnected yet culturally diverse. This article adds to these debates about human rights by addressing those theoretical and practical challenges to the adaptability and normative coherence of human rights in contemporary global governance contexts.

Conventional Media Credibility and Current Affairs News: Emergence of Alternative Media in Hasina-Era Bangladesh

Jahidul Islam — 2025-04-03

In Hasina-era Bangladesh, the credibility of traditional media had increasingly come into question, especially when it came to current affairs and political news. This research investigates the reasons for mass distrust and the rise of alternative media. Based on in-depth interviews with media professionals, this study found that state censorship, political interference, and a lack of transparency were some of the key reasons behind the collapse of public confidence in traditional media outlets. This study looks at the origins of mass distrust, and the resulting new media. The study, in a series of in-depth interviews with media practitioners, chose to identify some of the reasons behind general mistrust and the growth of new forms of media. It found control by the government over the press and political interference in editorial policy as major stumbling blocks for credibility among common people. Results have shown a marked drift towards social media and independent news channels, perceived to be more credible. This transition of traditional media to new media depicted an increasing demand of the public for accuracy and impartiality in Bangladesh. The study identifies comprehensive media reform as a key requirement to enhance transparency and independence within the media sector-a need also relevant to post-Hasina Bangladesh. Such changes are very important in building public self-confidence and making sure news organizations are free from unjustified political influence. The results will give valuable recommendations for policymakers and news houses on how to build and sustain reputable media arenas in Bangladesh.

Analyzing the Impact of Service Quality and Patient Trust on Loyalty: The Mediating Role of Satisfaction in a Healthcare Setting

Avysia Tri Marga Wullan — 2025-04-03

This study examines the influence of service quality and patient trust on patient loyalty, with satisfaction acting as a mediating variable, at Wahyu Agra Medika Clinic Sragen. Using a quantitative survey approach, data were collected from 203 respondents and analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Findings indicate that while service quality and trust positively impact patient satisfaction, trust has a direct effect on loyalty, whereas service quality affects loyalty only indirectly through satisfaction. This result underscores the importance of patient satisfaction as a key factor in fostering loyalty within healthcare settings. The study suggests that enhancing service quality and building trust can significantly improve patient satisfaction and, consequently, loyalty. These insights offer valuable implications for healthcare providers aiming to develop effective strategies for sustaining long-term patient relationships.

Rural Adolescents’ and Caregivers’ Perceptions of Family Functioning: Association with Depression

Merita H. Meçe — 2025-04-03

Purpose: We examined whether divergent views on family functioning among rural adolescents and their caregivers were associated with adolescents’ depression, after controlling for age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Methods: Data were collected in 2015 from 493 adolescents aged 13 - 19 years in grades 8-12 and 410 caregivers who lived in a rural county in the Southeastern United States. We distributed confidential questionnaires to sampled participants who completed them at home. We used a paired sample t-test to examine perceptions of family functioning among adolescents and caregivers. Linear and multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine whether different perceptions of family functioning among adolescents and their caregivers were associated with adolescents’ depression, controlling for age, gender and race/ethnicity. Results: Rural adolescents and their caregivers had significantly different perceptions of family functioning. Their divergent views were significantly associated with adolescents’ depression when controlling for age, gender and race/ethnicity. Research Implications: Findings of this study are important for clinical practice in rural areas, which should develop some sustainable surveillance mechanisms and run regular care campaigns to emphasize the importance of early identification of depressive symptoms and their systemic monitoring to improve adolescents’ developmental trajectory and reduce the potential of disruption of adolescent-parent relationships within the family.

Political Participation of Indonesian Citizens in the 2024 Presidential Election in India

Raegen Harahap — 2025-04-03

Voter participation in the 2024 Presidential Election shows an interesting phenomenon, especially in the involvement of female voters who are higher than men, both domestically and abroad. Voter data at India's Overseas Election Committee, particularly in New Delhi and Mumbai, show that the postal ballot delivery method (POS) is more widely used than Overseas Polling Stations (TPSLN). Women's participation in the POS method was much higher, with 320 women voting through POS at PPLN Mumbai, compared to 60 women through TPSLN. A similar trend is also seen in New Delhi's PPLN, showing that flexible voting methods are more widely used by women. Domestically, although the number of male voters on the Permanent Voter List (DPT) is larger, the participation rate of women remains higher. Of the total voters present at the polling station, 580 were women, while only 120 were men. This phenomenon indicates an increase in women's political awareness, as well as supporting factors such as ease of accessibility, social change, and the active role of women in democracy. The results of this study underscore the importance of inclusive policies in elections to continue to increase voter involvement. By understanding gender-based participation trends, future election strategies can further tailor their approach to increase participation rates and strengthen the quality of democracy in Indonesia.

Jurisdictional Issues in Tax Administration and Adjudication in Nigerian Federation: Revealing Smidgeon of Information on American Tax System for a Guide

Ojomu Sunday Femi-Ola — 2025-04-04

From whichever angle it is viewed, tax functions not only as a generous source of revenue but also a stimulant in the process of policy formulation for overall sustainable national development. These dual roles have been largely responsible for his enhanced status in modern economy. The truth is that tax is today a beautiful bride in factors of achievable means and strategies for national growth. It cannot be gain said that economic/ socio-political well-being of a nation is usually determined by animation and effectiveness of its tax system. Hence, national strategies and actions for a virile economy are usually tax-oriented. If tax is a beautiful bride, it is not unexpected that here are numerous suitors competing to have it under their roof or at least one or some of its tentacles. This is noticeable in many nations of the world. Today, there are many instances of national against sub – national conflicts within a nation for sphere of taxable power. Even entities and institutions within the nation/sub-nation do often become unfortunate partaker in this ugly scenario. Research has shown that Nigerian tax system is not immune from this. Nigeria tax system is in many fronts besieged by jurisdictional controversies especially as they relate to administration of tax and adjudication of cases arising there from. This paper considered the controversies with a view to showing that they were needless, evitable and surmountable. It held the view that the controversies are by and large a distraction to sound canons of taxation thereby amounting to tax disincentive. It concluded by a way of recommendation that lessons from other Federal Unions especially the United States of American may be helpful to Nigeria. This research paper is basically doctrinaire relying on primary and secondary sources of research materials.

Issues and Challenges Affecting the Conduct of Criminal Investigation Procedure

Edwin Riambon — 2025-04-04

Efficient gathering and storage of evidence are essential components of criminal investigations. Evidence that is handled properly is guaranteed to be admissible in court and incorporates the judicial system's integrity. The evidence gathered and the methods used in the investigation can significantly impact the strength of the case and, ultimately, the prosecution's decision to proceed with the case. In some cases and hidden issues from the public, investigators face fears from their superiors and politicians. They receive threats and intimidation, which adversely affects the investigation. They hesitate to voice out this perennial problem to protect themselves and their families. This study is a qualitative attempt to determine the issues and challenges experienced by the investigators in conducting criminal investigations as well as the factors that lead to the occurrence of these issues and challenges in connection with the compliance of investigators within the framework of criminal investigation procedure in the a certain district in Northern Philippines. The findings of this study show the issues and challenges experienced by the police investigator in conducting criminal investigation procedures. The investigators face many issues and challenges: failure to collect and preserve evidence properly, disruption during crime scene investigation, witness cooperation, fear and intimidation of the witness, intimidation by higher officials affecting the investigation, and observance of the regulatory period. The credibility of the criminal investigation procedure is significant in criminal investigations; it is the basis on which the judge decides whether to continue the trial or dismiss the case. The findings show that some investigators are facing this kind of issue, which leads to the dismissal of the case they filed.

The Impact of Work From Home (WFH) on Employee Performance During COVID-19 With Adaptive Work Culture as a Mediator

Dhania Purba Sari — 2025-04-04

This study aims to examine the impact of Work From Home (WFH) on employee performance at the Financial Services Authority (OJK) during COVID-19, with adaptive work culture acting as a mediator. A quantitative approach was employed, using surveys distributed to employees and supervisors at OJK to assess the effects of WFH, adaptive work culture, and employee performance. The results indicate that WFH positively influences employee performance, both directly and indirectly, through an adaptive work culture. This study contributes to the understanding of how adaptive work culture mediates the relationship between WFH and employee performance, particularly in the context of financial sector oversight.

Reconstruction of the Regulation of Procedures for Settlement of Traffic Violation Cases Based on the Values of Justice

Diana Dewiani — 2025-04-16

Traffic law enforcement has a role so that traffic laws are obeyed by every road user. The purpose of this research is The problems in this research are: 1) to find and analyze how traffic law practices Completion Case Violation Traffic based on the perspective of justice values; 2). to find and analyze weaknesses in practice settlement case violation traffic currently; 3). to find the reconstruction of regulations on the procedure for resolving traffic violation cases based on the value of justice. The research method uses the constructivism paradigm, with a sociological legal approach method, and a descriptive research type. The types and sources of data use secondary materials in the form of primary legal materials, secondary legal materials, and tertiary legal materials. The data collection method uses literature, and qualitative analysis methods. The results of the study are: 1) Practice Completion Case Violation Traffic not based on the value of justice that in reality Law Number 22 of 2009 concerning Traffic and Road Transportation does not have the words objective and fair. Supreme Court Regulation Number 12 of 2016 concerning Procedures for Settling Traffic Violation Cases Article 7 Paragraph 1 "Judges are appointed to open trials and decide all cases without the presence of the offender"; 2) The weakness of the legal substance aspect is that Supreme Court Regulation Number 12 of 2016 concerning Procedures for Settling Traffic Violations has not explained in detail the mechanism for resolving resistance cases (trial process flow) against objections to decisions on deprivation of liberty for traffic violations and has not explained the mechanism for legal remedies for the determination of criminal fines for traffic violations. The weakness of the legal structure aspect is that sometimes in the implementation of the investigation process carried out by the police, it seems like it is just an arena for revenge on the pretext of a form of legal certainty rather than justice and legal benefits. The weakness of the legal culture aspect is that public knowledge of regulations is still very lacking. 3) The reconstruction of the values to be achieved in this study is that the regulation of procedures for resolving traffic violation cases that were previously unjust are now just. Reconstruction of regulatory norms for procedures for resolving traffic violation cases based on the value of justice in Law Number 22 of 2009 concerning Traffic and Road Transportation, namely by adding the letter j objectivity and k justice and legal certainty, and Supreme Court Regulation Number 12 of 2016 concerning Procedures for Resolving Traffic Violation Cases Article 7 Paragraph 1.

The Influence of Training Content on Employee Performance in Public Service Social Security Fund, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Solomon S. Mhango — 2025-04-04

This study aimed at determining the influence of training on employees’ performance in public service social security funds in Tanzania. The study used a quantitative approach and involved a sample size of 124 respondents who were selected randomly. Data collection was done by using a questionnaire survey and the analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings have shown that the training contents which are used in training are not supportive in increasing employee performance after the training. It is concluded that, the learning materials, job procedure information and skills contents are not related to achieving employee performance of the institution. This study recommends that, since this training aims at increasing employee performance, the training contents must be restructured to fit the goal of training in the Public Service Social Security Fund context.

Digital Neighborhood Management through Advanced Data Capture and Network Technology

Gulsara Ostonaqulova — 2025-04-18

This research delves into the idea of managing the "Digital Neighborhood," which involves using data collection and networking tools to improve systems, in residential areas as cities expand and technology advances rapidly. To meet the demands of urbanization and technological progress effectively requires neighborhood management systems that facilitate connectivity, real time monitoring and decision making based on data analysis. The study investigates how network analysis and correlation techniques can uncover connections, among neighborhood features, infrastructure and community management strategies. Through examining data gathered from areas in a specific timeframe; this research seeks out trends, in online interactions and technology usage as well as how resources are used within communities. Analyzing networks helps identify links between digital elements while correlation techniques reveal important connections between digital resources and community satisfaction levels. The results suggest that neighborhoods with data capturing and networking tools tend to have levels of engagement and more effective resource allocation. The study emphasizes the benefits of using technologies for managing neighborhoods to enhance governance responsiveness; improve access, to services; and promote community well- being. The findings help create a structure, for management systems that can adjust to neighborhood settings effectively. In summary this study shows how advanced digital tools can significantly change neighborhood management providing a direction, for planning projects that emphasize digital infrastructure and community involvement.

A Comparative Study of the Manifestations of Restorative Justice in the Criminal Law of Afghanistan and Iran

Hassan Reza Shayanfar — 2025-04-04

Restorative justice has received much attention from legal and criminological scholars for its much utility and effectiveness within both the formal and informal systems of criminal justice, while also including features that are alongside the classical criminal justice system, as has been progressively reflected in various regional and international documents. Restorative justice will bring together the victim, offender, and local community and through meetings between the involved parties to a criminal incident seek to reach a mutually agreeable solution. Criminal justice systems in both Afghanistan and Iran have adequate capacities for implementing restorative justice programs for dispute resolution because of their close relation with Islamic jurisprudence and customary law. In this respect, out of Iran and Afghanistan, the legal systems of both countries have ample potential in the area of restorative justice; however, the formal law department refers better manifestations of restorative justice reflectively in the Iranian legal system, while in regard to informal law Afghanistan has better potential and capacity. It indicates that sense of more than 80% disputes and conflicts of the people in Afghanistan will be resolved in the form of methods under quasi-judicial procedures following restorative justice. They are trained on data up to October 2023.

Situating Bombay: Colonial Politics, Trade Transformations, and the Making of Urban Space Through the Lens of 18th Century Voyager Alexander Hamilton

Drishti Kalra — 2025-04-04

This study examines Bombay’s 18th-century transformation through Alexander Hamilton’s accounts, challenging narratives that attribute its rise solely to geography. Instead, it highlights the role of British colonial policies, maritime trade networks, and indigenous agency in shaping the city’s urban and economic landscape. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the research explores colonial governance, trade monopolies, and infrastructural developments that redefined Bombay as a strategic imperial hub. By critically reassessing Hamilton’s writings alongside economic and visual records, this study offers a nuanced perspective on Bombay’s evolution under colonial rule.

Exploring the Importance of Performance Audits in the Public Sector

Gcobani Mkwela — 2025-04-25

This article explores the value of auditing performance information in the public sector. It also examines the impact of performance auditing on public policy. The piece looks into public arguments generated by performance audit results. This paper, in particular, gathers information through a review of the literature on performance auditing. It outlines the major obstacles in conducting performance audits, as well as the potential for performance audits to improve public administration. Similarly, demonstrates that the public auditor is not the only profession capable of conducting performance audits, but may work together with other fields of expertise. In terms of performance audit restrictions, "Lack of collaboration and dedication from auditees in conducting a performance audit" was identified as the most significant obstacle. The paper examines performance audits in the public sector by reviewing secondary data and drawing on the author's personal experiences and insights. The four criteria of identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion are used by "the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)" item checklist to select pertinent data for the research project. Giving to the findings, auditors believe that the effectiveness factor should be included in performance audits, and that public sector auditors should be given the opportunity to influence policy decisions. In addition, performance audits are believed to improve transparency and enable more economical, efficient, and effective use of public resources. This article is one of few studies on public sector auditing particularly on performance auditing in the context of a developing country such as South Africa.