Social Sciences & Humanities in Asia (SSHA) is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to publishing high-quality research across a wide spectrum of social sciences and humanities disciplines. The journal provides a platform for scholars and researchers to disseminate original studies, theoretical analyses, and interdisciplinary research, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration in Asia and beyond. The journal covers, but is not limited to, sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, management, political science, communication studies, education, linguistics, literature, law, art, history, cultural studies, environmental studies, sustainability, gender studies, data science, area studies, and human rights. Interdisciplinary work combining traditional social sciences with emerging fields is particularly welcome.
AI-Driven Digital Marketing and Consumer Behavior in Medical Tourism: From Personalization to Privacy Concerns
Background and Purpose: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital marketing has changed how consumers make decisions regarding medical tourism. AI can provide tailored information and recommendations to users, thereby increasing user engagement and improving perceived usefulness. At the same time, the use of personal and health-related data raises significant privacy concerns, especially in the context of cross-border healthcare and the potential misuse of sensitive and secure data. In light of this issue, this research examines how AI-based personalization affects consumer engagement in medical tourism. Trust is theorized as a central psychological mechanism that amplifies the positive effects of AI personalization on consumer engagement while attenuating the negative effects of privacy concerns. Methods: A quantitative research design was employed, with data collected from 280 individuals who had researched medical tourism services. The collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and Smart Partial Least Squares. Results: The findings indicate that AI personalization has a positive effect on consumer engagement, while privacy concerns have a negative effect. Trust plays an important mediating role by reducing the perceived risks associated with personalization and enhancing consumer engagement. Conclusion: The findings reveal a privacy–personalization paradox and provide implications for the development of ethical and transparent AI-based marketing strategies in the field of medical tourism.
Copyright (c) 2026 Social Sciences & Humanities in Asia
Teaching with Tact: Senior High School English Teachers' Narratives on Euphemism-Based Classroom Practices
Background and Purpose: This study explored how senior high school English teachers in Tanza, Cavite, employ euphemism as a classroom communication strategy. Anchored in Goffman’s face-work and Brown and Levinson’s politeness theory, the study examined teachers’ experiences, reasons, and perceived effects of euphemistic language in classroom instruction and interaction. Methods: Using a qualitative narrative inquiry design, data were gathered from nine senior high school English teachers through semi-structured narrative interviews. The narratives were analyzed using Labov’s narrative model, supported by within-case and cross-case thematic analysis. Results: The findings revealed that teachers used euphemism in situations involving the correction of errors, discipline, family concerns, poverty, gender participation, teen pregnancy, academic failure, offensive behavior, and other sensitive topics. Teachers employed softened, indirect, and reframed expressions to protect learners’ dignity, reduce embarrassment, maintain classroom harmony, and respond to Filipino cultural values such as hiya, pakikisama, respect, and relational sensitivity. The study also found that euphemism contributed to a safer classroom climate, increased student participation, and strengthened teacher-student rapport. However, participants emphasized that euphemism may become ineffective when it becomes too vague, over-softened, or unclear. Conclusion: The study concludes that euphemism-based classroom practice functions as strategic euphemistic mediation, in which teachers balance difficult truths with learners’ emotional readiness. Effective euphemism requires clarity, honesty, and sufficient explanation. The findings offer implications for English language teaching, classroom management, teacher training, and culturally responsive communication in Philippine senior high school classrooms, further highlighting the teacher’s role in sustaining humane and respectful learning environments.
Fair Play vs. Bribery: Does Sport Have an Advantage? A Slovak Perspective
Background and Purpose: Sport is an industry traditionally associated with principles of fair play, integrity, and ethical behavior. However, it has not been immune to dishonest behavior such as bribery. These issues undermine trust in sports organizations and highlight the need for effective governance mechanisms such as anti-bribery management systems. Despite the ethical foundations of sport, little is known about how these values translate into attitudes toward bribery, particularly among young athletes. The aim of this study is to examine whether the fair play mentality represents an advantage in implementing anti-bribery measures in sports organizations, based on the perceptions of young athletes. Methods: The research employed a quantitative approach using a structured questionnaire distributed electronically to students of secondary sports schools in Slovakia. A total of 214 respondents participated. The questionnaire covered thematic areas including awareness of bribery, attitudes toward unethical behavior, and knowledge of anti-bribery measures. Six hypotheses were developed through the research framework and verified using descriptive statistics and inferential methods. Results: The findings indicate that young athletes demonstrate a relatively high awareness of bribery, with most perceiving it as a serious societal and sports-related issue. A significant positive correlation was identified between knowledge of bribery and its perceived seriousness. Education in ethics and fair play significantly increased the willingness to report corrupt behavior. Significant differences were identified between athletes in individual and team sports. Awareness of anti-bribery measures was positively associated with more favorable evaluations of sports organizations, although the relationship was weak and context-dependent. The majority of young athletes expressed the need to strengthen anti-bribery efforts in sport. Additionally, personal experience with dishonest behavior significantly increased the perceived seriousness of bribery. Conclusion: The findings of this study confirmed that while the fair play mentality contributes to ethical sensitivity among young athletes, it is not sufficient on its own to effectively prevent bribery. Systematic education, increased transparency, and stronger implementation of anti-bribery measures are necessary to enhance integrity in sports organizations. The findings highlight the importance of combining value-based approaches with formal governance tools to address bribery risks in sport.
From Vedic Texts to the Hindu Succession Act: Women’s Struggles for Inheritance Rights in India
Background and Purpose: Women’s inheritance rights in India have historically been shaped by religious doctrines, colonial interventions, and post-independence legal reforms. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality, women’s access to property has remained uneven. This paper aims to examine the historical trajectory and legal evolution of women’s inheritance rights in India, highlighting the tension between normative legal reforms and social practice. Methods: The study adopts a doctrinal and historical legal analysis. It examines early Hindu legal texts, including the Mitakshara and Dayabhaga schools, colonial-era legislation during British rule, constitutional provisions, and post-independence statutory law, particularly the Hindu Succession Act of 1956. These sources are analyzed to trace shifts in legal principles governing women’s inheritance. Results: The analysis shows that classical Hindu legal traditions largely excluded women from joint family property, although some early jurists such as Yajnavalkya and Brihaspati recognized inheritance rights for daughters and widows. British-era reforms introduced limited recognition of women’s property rights. After independence, the Hindu Succession Act sought uniformity but continued to restrict women’s inheritance in several respects, reflecting persistent patriarchal norms. Conclusion: The paper concludes that while legal reforms have progressively expanded women’s inheritance rights in India, a significant gap remains between formal legal provisions and their implementation. This disparity continues to shape women’s unequal access to property, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement and social transformation alongside legal change.
Evaluation of Malware Injection in Applications
Background and Purpose: The internet has become integral to daily life, exposing individuals and organizations to increasing malware threats. Malware infections, such as viruses and worms, can lead to unauthorized activities, including data theft, illegal access to databases, and application malfunction. This project aims to develop a Random-4 encryption model integrated with DNA sequencing to detect and mitigate malware injections in applications, enhancing security in data-critical environments. Methods: The proposed system combines cryptographic techniques with DNA sequencing principles to generate highly randomized encryption keys. By leveraging the randomness of DNA encoding, the system increases the complexity of encryption and improves security. It also incorporates mechanisms for detecting malware injections and authenticating users via email. Results: The model demonstrates improved data security by utilizing DNA sequencing to generate highly random encryption keys. This approach significantly increases cryptanalysis difficulty, making unauthorized access and malware injections extremely challenging. The system offers stronger resistance to security breaches and enhances overall application integrity. Conclusion: This work addresses data security challenges by integrating DNA sequencing with Random-4 encryption. The system ensures high randomness and strong protection against malware attacks. Future developments may focus on optimizing the application size and enhancing usability while preserving robust security measures.
Adekunle Olayiwola, Ayeni Oluwatosin Esther, Aderoju Olayiwola
Securitization of Oil and U.S. Foreign Policy
Background and Purpose: The oil crises of the 1970s revealed the vulnerability of the United States to disruptions in global oil supply. These events pushed policymakers to frame oil not only as an economic commodity but as a national security concern. This article examines how the securitization of oil shaped U.S. foreign policy from the 1970s onward. Methods: The study uses qualitative historical analysis and applies securitization theory from the Copenhagen School to evaluate policy documents, historical records, and academic literature. It traces how political leaders constructed oil as a security threat and how this framing influenced U.S. policy responses. Results: Findings show that the 1973 Oil Embargo and the 1979 Energy Crisis triggered a durable shift in U.S. strategic thinking. Oil became embedded in national security discourse, legitimizing extraordinary measures such as the Carter Doctrine, a permanent military presence in the Persian Gulf, strengthened alliances, and long-term energy diversification measures. The securitization of oil also produced unintended geopolitical consequences. Conclusion: Oil securitization reshaped U.S. foreign policy by reinforcing a cycle in which perceived threats to energy access justified increased military and diplomatic engagement. With global energy transitions accelerating, more sustainable approaches emphasizing diplomacy and diversification are needed.
Customer perception of online service quality and repurchase intention: the mediating role of customer attitude and experience
Background and Purpose: The study investigates the mediating role of customer attitude and experience in the relationship between customer perception of online service quality and repurchase intention. The research is focused on customers of e-shopping sites, aiming to understand how these factors influence future purchasing behavior. Methods: Data were collected from 375 e-shopping site customers. Path analysis was conducted using AMOS v. 23 to test the research hypotheses, examining the direct and indirect relationships among the variables of online service quality perception, customer attitudes, customer experience, and repurchase intention. Results: The findings revealed that customer perception of online service quality positively influences both customer attitudes towards the online service and repurchase intention. However, online customer experience did not significantly affect repurchase intention. A positive effect was found between customer attitudes and repurchase intention. Additionally, there was an indirect effect of online service quality perception on repurchase intention through customer attitudes, but not through customer experience. Online customer experience was also found to moderate the relationship between service quality perception and customer attitudes. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of customer attitudes in shaping repurchase intentions and emphasizes the moderating role of customer experience. It suggests that online service quality impacts repurchase intention indirectly through customer attitudes, while customer experience plays a significant role in enhancing service quality perception.
A study on understanding of Leisure time activities among self-help groups females: an Indian perspective
Background and Purpose: Leisure is often defined as free time not occupied by work, household duties, or essential activities. Studies have shown that engagement in leisure activities, particularly in peer groups, positively impacts social and self-identity. This study aims to assess the leisure time patterns and activities of Self-Help Group (SHG) members in Varanasi to identify their training needs. Methods: The study was conducted in collaboration with two NGOs in Varanasi, India. A total of 10 SHGs, comprising 184 female members, were purposively selected. Data were collected through structured personal interviews and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0, with the chi-square (χ²) test employed for statistical analysis. Results: The majority of respondents (57.8%) had over four hours of leisure time. Leisure time was significantly higher among NGO-I members, who mainly engaged in activities like bidi rolling, agarbatti making, gossiping, and watching television. In contrast, NGO-II members were more involved in productive activities such as dairying and bead making, as well as sewing and embroidery. Conclusion: The study highlights the varying leisure time patterns and activities among SHG members. It suggests the need for targeted training programs to enhance productive use of leisure time, particularly for women in NGO-I, who tend to engage more in idle activities.
The Role of EdTech Startups in Transforming Traditional Classrooms in Public Secondary Schools in Southwestern Nigeria
Background and Purpose: With global attention on digital innovation in education, educational technology startups offer potential for transforming teaching and learning. This study investigates how these local companies impact traditional public secondary schools in southwestern Nigeria, focusing on curriculum delivery, student engagement, and teacher effectiveness. Methods: Using a descriptive survey design, the research engaged 240 students and 30 teachers from 12 public secondary schools across six states, alongside six representatives from educational technology startups. A structured questionnaire and interview guide, validated by experts in educational technology, demonstrated a reliability coefficient of r = 0.84 as measured by Cronbach's Alpha. Results: The findings show that educational technology interventions, including digital content platforms and interactive learning applications, have positively influenced student motivation, classroom interaction, and access to digital resources. However, significant challenges remain, such as infrastructure limitations, inconsistent internet connectivity, and varying levels of teacher digital literacy. Conclusion: The study concludes that meaningful collaboration among governments, schools, and educational technology innovators is essential for scaling sustainable digital integration in Nigeria's public education system, ensuring that technological advancements effectively support teaching and learning.
Oluwatoyin Gladys Koshoffa, Olatunbosun Emmanuel Ogunseemi
Microfinance, Entrepreneurial Skills, and Repayment Terms: An Analysis of Micro-Entrepreneurs in Hyderabad, Pakistan
Background and Purpose: Based on Financial Inclusion and Human Capital theories, this study examines the impact of microfinance on entrepreneurial development among micro-entrepreneurs in Hyderabad, Pakistan. It specifically investigates the mediating role of entrepreneurial skills and the moderating effect of repayment terms within this relationship. Methods: The research employed an explanatory quantitative design to analyze data collected from micro entrepreneurs in the target region. Results: The findings indicate that microfinance does not exert a statistically significant direct effect on entrepreneurial development. Furthermore, entrepreneurial skills did not significantly mediate, nor did repayment terms significantly moderate, the relationship between microfinance and entrepreneurial outcomes. Conclusion: The null results suggest that providing credit alone is insufficient to foster entrepreneurial growth. This highlights the necessity for integrated microfinance programs that combine financial access with tailored entrepreneurial training and context-sensitive repayment structures.
The Structure of Undergraduate Student Plagiarism in Pakistan; a Phenomenological Study
Background and Purpose: Plagiarism is considered as one of the universal issues in academia. Different research methods have been used to understand this phenomenon globally. It is not only injurious to scientific community rather it affects the society as a whole. It creates hurdles in scientific knowledge by affecting the creativity and intellectual growth of the people. Despite the strict plagiarism policies implemented by Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Pakistan, the issue of plagiarism still remains common. The present study highlights the structure of undergraduate student plagiarism in higher education of Pakistan. Methods: It has adopted qualitative phenomenological approach for deeper exploration of a phenomenon, this approach is used to understand the essences of their lived experiences. 16 final year undergraduate students who claim to plagiarize the most were chosen for the study. Their lived experiences and life worlds were captured through in-depth interviews. Results: Results show that plagiarism is like a vicious cycle which start from the very beginning of an academic life. The main three elements of this cycle; deeply rooted in the system, unintentional plagiarism and silent agreement of teachers are discussed in the paper. Conclusion: The findings can be useful for the academicians and policy makers to prevent plagiarism in academia around the world.
Real-Time Financial Resilience: Integrating Behavioral Economics, Cybersecurity, and Digital Finance to Combat Global Payment Fraud
Background and Purpose: With fraud losses expected to reach USD 41 billion by 2027, the swift growth of digital finance has increased the dangers associated with international payment networks. According to reports, 72% of financial institutions have seen an increase in attempts at fraud. This study combines financial analytics, cybersecurity, and behavioral economics to create a real-time, adaptive fraud prevention system since it acknowledges that no single technology can eliminate these risks. By addressing both systemic and human vulnerabilities, the goal is to increase the resilience of the financial system. Methods: Behavioral nudges, adaptive AI algorithms, and real-time transaction analysis were all combined to create a hybrid system. Key cognitive biases that make people vulnerable to fraud were uncovered by the study, including overconfidence, loss aversion, hyperbolic discounting, and the familiarity heuristic. More than 10,000 anonymous bank transactions from the US, Japan, and India were used to test a prototype. To fortify defenses, the architecture integrated situational threat intelligence and Zero Trust security model concepts. Results: Compared to previous models, the method increased the accuracy of fraud detection by 27% and decreased false alarms by 18%. Adaptive security techniques combined with behavioral insights greatly decreased algorithmic and human error. Early risk identification and user engagement were improved by its human-centered design, which included individualized learning prompts, decision aids, and real-time notifications. Conclusion: The results highlight how behavioral economics and advanced analytics can be combined to improve cybersecurity and digital banking. Financial institutions are better equipped to manage changing digital risks thanks to this cross-disciplinary, data-driven approach. With useful ramifications for legislators, cybersecurity professionals, and financial institutions alike, the study emphasizes the significance of combining human behavioral aspects, adaptive machine learning, and Zero Trust security principles to combat payment fraud.
Hindu Family Law in Bangladesh and India: A Comparative Legal Study
Background and Purpose: Hindus constitute the largest religious minority in Bangladesh, yet their family relations continue to be governed predominantly by uncodified and colonial-era Hindu personal laws, unlike India where comprehensive reforms were introduced through the codification of Hindu family law in the 1950s. Despite constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and equality, and Bangladesh’s obligations under international human rights treaties such as the ICESCR, ICCPR, and CEDAW, Hindu family law in Bangladesh remains fragmented and largely unreformed, resulting in systemic discrimination, particularly against Hindu women in matters of marriage, divorce, maintenance, guardianship, adoption, and succession. Against this background, the purpose of this study is to undertake a comparative legal analysis of Hindu family law in Bangladesh and India and to assess the necessity of reforming and codifying separate Hindu family laws in Bangladesh considering India’s modern legal framework. Methods: The study adopts a doctrinal and qualitative research methodology, relying on primary sources such as constitutional provisions, statutes, judicial decisions, and international conventions, as well as secondary sources including academic literature, law commission reports, and policy documents. Through comparative analysis, the research evaluates key areas of Hindu family law in both jurisdictions, including marriage, divorce, maintenance, adoption, guardianship, and inheritance. Results: The findings reveal that Hindu family law in Bangladesh remains patriarchal and discriminatory, permitting practices such as polygamy, denying divorce, restricting women’s inheritance and guardianship rights, and limiting adoption rights, whereas India’s codified Hindu laws have introduced monogamy, divorce, gender-equal inheritance, maintenance entitlements, and enhanced rights for women and children. The absence of similar reforms in Bangladesh creates inconsistencies with constitutional principles and international human rights standards, while judicial interventions have offered only limited relief. Conclusion: The study concludes that urgent codification and reform of Hindu family law in Bangladesh are essential to ensure gender equality, legal certainty, and social justice, and that lessons drawn from India’s legislative experience can guide Bangladesh toward a more equitable and inclusive legal framework for its Hindu community.
The Bilateral Migration Flows to OECD Countries: A Gravity Model Analysis Using Poisson Pseudo-Maximum Likelihood Estimation
Background and Purpose: International migration has become one of the most important challenges in global economic and social policy. However, the existing migration literature predominantly emphasizes economic determinants, such as income disparities and employment opportunities, while giving limited attention to non-economic drivers. This study addresses this gap by examining bilateral migration flows to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries using an extended gravity model framework that integrates economic and non-economic determinants of migration. Specifically, the analysis incorporates employment, education, population, trade openness, gross domestic product (GDP), foreign direct investment, taxes, political instability, inequalities, climate change, cultural differences, language similarities, and traditional gravity factors. Methods: Using panel data on bilateral migration flows to OECD countries over the period 2000–2024, the study employs the poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood estimator to address heteroskedasticity and zero migration flows, while the Hausman test is used to distinguish between fixed- and random-effects specifications. Results: The empirical findings reveal that economic opportunities in destination countries, particularly higher GDP, employment prospects, and trade openness, remain significant pull factors shaping migration flows. At the same time, political instability, inequalities, unemployment, and climate-related pressures in countries of origin serve as major push factors. The results further indicate that cultural proximity, a common language, and geographic proximity significantly facilitate bilateral migration to OECD economies. Conclusion: This study contributes to the migration literature by extending the traditional gravity model to incorporate multidimensional determinants of migration beyond purely economic explanations. The findings provide important policy implications for OECD and origin countries in designing migration, labor market, and sustainability policies that account for the growing interaction between economic, socio-political, environmental, and cultural drivers of migration.
Sustainable Tourism Development in India: A Critical Review of Policy-Practice Disconnects
Background and Purpose: Tourism serves as a significant contributor to India’s economy, generating employment, fostering cultural exchange, and promoting regional development. However, unchecked tourism growth precipitates environmental degradation, cultural erosion, and economic disparities. Methods: This paper provides a critical examination of sustainable tourism development in India through the lens of sustainable development theory. It analyses the growth and expansion of India’s tourism industry over the past three decades, assesses current policy frameworks and sustainable development strategies, evaluates environmental sustainability laws, and examines the role of promotional events. The study critically evaluates policy initiatives, eco-friendly tourism concepts, and community involvement. By integrating theoretical perspectives, recent empirical evidence (2022–2026), and comparative international case studies, the study examines sustainable tourism development in India. Results: This review reveals that while India has developed a comprehensive sustainable tourism policy architecture, enforcement mechanisms, community participation frameworks, and monitoring systems remain critically underdeveloped. The findings identify substantial discrepancies between policy commitments and actual implementation, indicating that implementation deficits continue to hinder the achievement of sustainable tourism goals. Conclusion: Without addressing implementation deficits, sustainable tourism in India will remain an aspirational concept rather than an operational reality. This paper concludes with prioritized, phased recommendations and identifies critical avenues for future research.
Agrarian Transformation and Livelihood Vulnerability: A Village-Scale Analysis of Land Use Dynamics in Tribal Jharkhand, India
Background and Purpose: As tribal landscapes in India face unprecedented pressure from modernization, Agro-climatic Zone IV in Jharkhand serves as a critical flashpoint for shifting socio-ecological dynamics. This study examines land use and land cover (LULC) changes to understand how biophysical transitions intersect with rural livelihood vulnerability, by focusing on three purposively selected tribal villages, Borma, Asanbani, and Raksi. The research explores the drivers of change, including demographic shifts, state-led developmental governance, and market-driven land fragmentation. The primary goal is to provide a localized evidence base to support sustainable tribal land-use policies in rainfed agrarian systems. Methods: The research utilizes a socio-ecological framework integrated with multi-temporal satellite imagery spanning from 2012 to 2016. Remote sensing data was substantiated through rigorous ground-truth validation and geospatial change detection techniques. To capture the human dimension of these transitions, the study integrated quantitative geospatial analysis with qualitative insights gathered from focused group discussions with local tribal communities. This hybrid approach allowed for a comprehensive mapping of both physical land-use shifts and the underlying socio-economic catalysts driving them. Results: Findings reveal a significant and concerning transformation in land patterns, characterized by a critical decline in agricultural land, most notably reaching 9.19% in Borma. Simultaneously, builtup areas experienced a massive surge, peaking at 37.98% in Asanbani, driven by escalating population pressure and rising land values. The data highlights a growing conflict between infrastructure expansion and traditional agricultural sustainability. Furthermore, the analysis identifies a trend toward increasing fallow land, which signals heightened ecological insecurity and a potential breakdown of traditional rainfed farming systems under the weight of market-driven fragmentation. Conclusion: The study highlights the urgent need for nuanced, village-scale interventions to protect tribal livelihoods from the adverse effects of rapid agrarian transformation. The results demonstrate that infrastructure-led growth often comes at the cost of agricultural resilience, necessitating a policy shift toward ecological security and the protection of tribal land rights. By bridging the gap between geospatial data and community experiences, this research provides a framework for policymakers to address land-use conflicts, ensuring that developmental governance in Jharkhand does not further marginalize vulnerable agrarian populations.
Boundaries and Belonging: Hindu-Muslim Relationship in the Mixed Neighborhood in Meerut
Background and Purpose: Meerut, a historic city in western Uttar Pradesh, India, has long been a site of Hindu-Muslim coexistence marked by both harmony and conflict. This study examines the socio-cultural dynamics between Hindus and Muslims in mixed neighborhoods of Meerut, focusing on how identities are shaped, negotiated, and contested in everyday interactions. Methods: Through ethnographic fieldwork, interviews, and secondary data, this research explores patterns of inter-communal interaction, spatial segregation, shared practices, and both visible and invisible boundaries that define belonging and exclusion in the community. The study also looks at how religious boundaries, while socially constructed, shift in response to political, economic, and social factors. Results: The study finds that local factors, such as interdependence in trade, shared cultural practices, and collective memory, often mediate communal tensions. However, political polarization, media narratives, and state policies can trigger the disintegration of social trust. While religious boundaries are fluid, they become rigid during times of conflict or political upheaval, often reinforcing division. Conclusion: This paper contributes to understanding urban neighborhoods as spaces where both boundary-making and bridge-building occur. It highlights the paradox of pluralism, how communities can coexist yet remain segregated. The findings have broader implications for urban policy, peace-building, and secular practices in contemporary India.
The Social Cleavages and Party Decline in Contemporary India: The Case of the Indian National Congress
Background and Purpose: For much of independent India’s history, the Indian National Congress occupied a distinctive position in the country’s political landscape, functioning as a broad coalition capable of bridging deep social divisions across caste, class, and community. Its enduring dominance derived not from ideological uniformity but from an organizational capacity to accommodate diversity and sustain inclusive electoral alliances. Since 2014, however, the party has experienced a prolonged and consequential electoral decline that resists simple explanation. This paper contends that attributing this trajectory solely to leadership failures or isolated political events is insufficient. What is unfolding, the study argues, is a deeper structural erosion of the coalitions that once formed the bedrock of Congress’s political strength. Methods: This study is grounded in social cleavage theory, approaching Congress’s decline as a crisis of political articulation and coalition coherence rather than one of social irrelevance. A mixed-methods research design is employed, drawing on electoral data from the Election Commission of India, post-election survey data from the Center for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS)-Lokniti, and qualitative analysis of party discourse spanning 2014 to 2024. Together, these sources allow for a layered examination of how the party’s relationship with its core constituencies has evolved and, in critical respects, deteriorated over the past decade. Results: The findings reveal three distinct patterns of coalition disengagement. Caste-based constituencies have fragmented rather than consolidated, weakening a historically reliable base. Class recomposition has diminished the effectiveness of welfare-centered electoral appeals across socioeconomic groups. Meanwhile, minority support, though retained, has become increasingly defensive in character - sufficient to preserve a floor of support but insufficient to anchor broader coalition building. Social cleavages in India remain politically salient, yet Congress has struggled to translate them into a coherent and competitive political project. Conclusion: The study’s findings suggest that Congress’s electoral difficulties are structural in nature and cannot be resolved through organizational or leadership adjustments alone. The party’s challenge lies in reconstructing a political language capable of integrating fragmented constituencies into a renewed and credible coalition. These conclusions carry significant implications for scholars of party politics, analysts of South Asian democracy, and practitioners engaged with questions of electoral strategy and democratic representation in contemporary India.
Digital Self-Regulation and Critical Thinking: The Imperceptible Attrition of Deliberative Rationality in the 5.0 Era
Background and Purpose: Higher education is progressively shifting toward a human-centred Education 5.0 paradigm. This shift raises critical questions about students’ digital self-regulation with artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Understanding how such self-regulation influences critical-thinking habits is essential. This study draws on Self-Regulated Learning theory and the 21st-century skills framework. It examines associations between dimensions of digital self-regulation and discrete critical-thinking dispositions. The participants were 42 pre-service teachers from a central university in Delhi, India. Methods: Two validated instruments were administered to all participants. The first was an 18-item scale capturing six facets of AI-mediated digital self-regulation. These facets included goal planning, prompt and tool strategies, and AI output quality monitoring. The second was an 18-item scale measuring six critical-thinking dispositions. Facet-level analyses explored specific links between individual self-regulation dimensions and thinking dispositions. Comparisons were also conducted among low, medium, and high AI-usage groups. Results: No meaningful link emerged between overall self-regulation scores and general critical-thinking profiles. However, facet-level inspection revealed important nuances across dimensions. Learners who refined prompts and chose appropriate AI platforms displayed higher inquisitiveness. Those who verified AI answers against external sources demonstrated more systematic reasoning. Highly prescriptive goal planning appeared to dampen curiosity, though this trend lacked statistical decisiveness. Comparisons among AI-usage groups produced no significant differences in critical-thinking dispositions. Conclusion: These findings highlight prompt refinement and output verification as key instructional leverage points. Teacher-education programmes can use these strategies to foster curiosity and organised analysis. Integrating targeted digital self-regulation practices may strengthen critical thinking in AI-rich learning environments.
Digital Workplace Dynamics: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Technological, Cultural and Organizational Influences
Background and Purpose: Digital transformation in workplaces introduces challenges like technological constraints, digital overload, and remote collaboration barriers. This study examines these issues in an information technology (IT) firm setting, focusing on how digital changes impact employee collaboration and organizational adaptability. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used with a pilot sample of 120 participants (employees, managers, IT professionals), who completed structured interviews, surveys with Likert-scale items, and demographic questionnaires. Quantitative analyses, including Spearman’s rank correlation and chi-square tests, were applied to assess relationships between digital transformation impacts and collaboration. Qualitative insights explored emotional and cultural issues like digital burnout. Results: Significant associations were found between workplace type (traditional, digital, hybrid) and digital overload (χ² = 9.30, p = 0.0095), but no significant links with technological barriers or interpersonal decline. Key challenges include skill gaps (46% of employees), extended work hours (51% reporting overload), and social isolation (65% reporting reduced relationships). Conclusion: The study highlights the need for improved digital infrastructure, training, and leadership to create resilient work environments. Limitations include the pilot sample and self-reported biases. Implications suggest flexible practices and literacy programs to address barriers, contributing valuable insights to research on hybrid work models and digital innovation.
DIGITAL ECONOMY, PROXIMITY AND REGIONAL INNOVATION CAPABILITY——EMPIRICAL RESEARCH BASED ON THE PERSPECTIVE OF COLLABORATIVE INNOVATION
Copyright (c) 2025 Social Sciences & Humanities in Asia
NAVIGATING THE SELF: MIGRATION, CULTURAL IDENTITY, AND THE QUEST FOR BELONGING IN A GLOBALIZED WORLD
Background and Purpose: Migration has become a defining feature of the globalized era, profoundly shaping individual and collective cultural identities. This study aims to explore how migrants negotiate their sense of self between heritage traditions and host societies, moving beyond the simplistic notion of assimilation to examine the formation of hybrid and transnational identities. Methods: A systematic review of interdisciplinary literature from sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies was conducted. The analysis draws on key theoretical frameworks, including Berry’s acculturation model and theories of hybridity, to understand how migrants reconstruct cultural identity in diverse contexts. Results: Findings reveal that identity negotiation among migrants is influenced by multiple factors, such as pre-migration personality, reasons for migration, host-country reception, and the strength of ethnic communities. A secure ethnic identity often facilitates adaptation rather than hindering it. Second-generation migrants experience distinct challenges in reconciling inherited cultural values with their national belonging, highlighting the intergenerational dynamics of identity formation. Conclusion: The study concludes that cultural identity in migration is a dynamic, ongoing process rather than a fixed state. Recognizing hybrid identities as legitimate and constructive can promote both social cohesion and psychological well-being. The paper calls for host societies to adopt integrationist, rather than assimilationist, policies to better support migrants’ identity development.
Amina Catherine Ijiga, Bawallah Musa Adesola, Babatunde Samuel Jayeola
THE IMPACT OF GREEN SPACE EXPOSURE ON PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING: AN URBAN ECOLOGICAL STUDY
Background and Purpose: Rapid urbanization has raised increasing concern about the psychological impact of living in densely populated environments with limited natural exposure. This study aimed to examine the relationship between access to urban green spaces—such as parks and gardens—and residents’ psychological well-being, providing evidence to inform urban planning and public health policy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 adult participants from a large metropolitan area. Participants completed the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) and reported their average weekly time spent in green spaces. Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping was used to measure each participant’s residential distance to the nearest major park. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between time spent in green spaces and mental wellbeing (r = 0.45, p < 0.001). ANOVA results indicated that individuals living within 500 meters of a major park reported higher well-being scores (M = 52.1, SD = 6.3) than those residing 500–1000 meters (M = 48.7, SD = 5.9) or more than 1000 meters away (M = 45.2, SD = 7.1), F(2,197) = 15.89, p < 0.001. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that proximity to and engagement with urban green spaces significantly enhance psychological well-being. These results underscore the importance of integrating accessible natural environments into urban design to promote mental health and improve overall quality of life.
Nantia Rena Dewi Munggaran, Aulia Asmarani, Hendri Wan Prala
THE DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL ADDICTION AND ITS IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH
Background and Purpose: The increasing integration of digital technology into daily life has raised concerns about its potential for addictive use and adverse mental health effects. This review aims to synthesize current empirical evidence on the relationship between digital addiction—covering social media, gaming, and smartphone use—and psychological outcomes. Methods: A systematic review of studies published between 2010 and 2023 was conducted using databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. Selected research included quantitative and qualitative studies examining links between digital addiction and mental health indicators. Results: Findings consistently show significant positive correlations between digital addiction and increased anxiety, depression, loneliness, and psychological distress. Neurobiological evidence suggests shared mechanisms with substance addictions, including dysregulation of dopamine-based reward systems. Mediating factors such as fear of missing out (FoMO), sleep disruption, and social comparison intensify negative mental health outcomes. However, most studies’ cross-sectional designs limit the ability to infer causality. Conclusion: The review underscores the urgent need for public health strategies, digital literacy education, and evidence-based interventions to reduce the psychological risks of digital addiction. Future longitudinal and experimental research is essential to clarify causal mechanisms and promote healthier digital engagement.
Gbolahan Olaoluwa Oladayo Shahidul Islam
THE DURABILITY OF COERCION: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF AUTHORITARIAN REGIME STRATEGIES AND RESILIENCE
Background and Purpose: Despite the global diffusion of democratic norms, authoritarian regimes continue to persist and even adapt in the modern era. This study seeks to analyze the internal structures, strategies, and institutional mechanisms that explain the resilience of authoritarianism, moving beyond traditional “black box” views of dictatorship. Methods: A systematic review of comparative political science literature and case studies was conducted to examine different types of authoritarian regimes—single-party, military, personalist, and hybrid. The analysis focuses on how these systems combine coercion, co-optation, and legitimation to maintain control and stability. Results: Findings reveal that authoritarian durability is not solely dependent on repression but also on institutional design and strategic management of elites and citizens. Regimes sustain power through mechanisms such as performance legitimacy, nationalism, and controlled participation. Institutionalized single-party regimes demonstrate greater longevity than personalist or military juntas due to their ability to manage succession and integrate broader societal interests. Nonetheless, all face structural vulnerabilities, including economic crises, elite fragmentation, and mass mobilization. Conclusion: The study concludes that authoritarianism is a dynamic and adaptive mode of governance rather than a static remnant of the past. Understanding its evolution requires nuanced theoretical and empirical approaches that account for institutional complexity and regime adaptability in the 21st century.