{"title":"The future of Same-sex marriage in India – An analysis with other countries","authors":"Seethal Kuttappan, Dalliandeep Kaur Tiwana","doi":"10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101237","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101237","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A marriage is considered to be holy, whether sacrament or contract. Same-sex marriage is the practice of marriage among two men or two women. There has been both strong support and conflict on communal, political, and religious grounds for same-sex marriages. Some jurisdictions through laws either allow same-sex marriages or recognize same-sex civil unions whereas others prescribe punishments for homosexual relationships. Given the lack of globally uniform approaches, there are strong possibilities for conflict and legal contradictions. This study explores the legal status of weddings between people of the same gender in India with the primary aim of examining the judicial decisions and the contribution of the Supreme Court in landmark cases related to same-sex marriages.</div><div>The Supriyo Chakraborty v. Union of India connected cases (2023) are a collection of significant cases that the Supreme Court of India heard. These cases were brought up to consider the extension of marriage and family rights to individuals belonging to sexual and gender minority groups in India, where same-sex weddings or civil unions are considered illegal. The Supreme Court's rejection to recognize same-sex marriages in this case severely affected the rights of the LGBTQ community in India.</div><div>This study shall also dwell on the recent developments, particularly regarding the question of marital rights vis-a-vis the case before the judiciary and what could probably be the future course of action in India. In this study, the researcher chooses a hermeneutic research method focusing on the interpretation of statutes and analyzing same-sex marriage rights of different countries with that of India.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74826,"journal":{"name":"Social sciences & humanities open","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101237"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143093911","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An assessment of collaborative research in corporate sustainability","authors":"Maitreyee Das , Abhishek Dutta , Gautam Dutta","doi":"10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101288","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101288","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Corporate sustainability has emerged as an important domain of study as business and academia are increasingly recognizing the inter-relationship among business activities, societal well-being, and environmental protection. As concerns about climate change, social equity, and ethical business practices have intensified, researchers across various disciplines have increasingly collaborated to explore and address these complex challenges. This paper presents a bibliometric analysis of scholarly publications on the topic of corporate sustainability to deliver a detailed analysis of the status of the topic starting from the year 1995 when the first climate conference happened in Berlin to this date. In the process, this paper explored 2504 published papers documented in Scopus and Web of Science. Results obtained from the analysis show an exponential growth of publications on the topic, particularly after 2010. The study identifies the key contributors in corporate sustainability research in terms of the most productive authors, institutions, journals, and countries and also highlights less researched sub-domains under it. This can provide insightful directions to future researchers in this field. Our findings also suggest that, though the number of publications increased manifold, cross-country research collaboration has remained minimal. There is a need for more case study-based research papers that bring out sustainability success stories from developed nations with relatively higher SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) scores to set benchmarks for the rest of the world.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74826,"journal":{"name":"Social sciences & humanities open","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101288"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143094257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Suhalia Parveen , Juhi Yasmeen , Mohd Ajmal , Md. Tauseef Qamar , Shahab Saquib Sohail , Dag Øivind Madsen
{"title":"Unpacking the doctoral journey in India: Supervision, social support, and institutional factors influencing mental health and research engagement","authors":"Suhalia Parveen , Juhi Yasmeen , Mohd Ajmal , Md. Tauseef Qamar , Shahab Saquib Sohail , Dag Øivind Madsen","doi":"10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101282","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101282","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The research explores the impact of supervisory styles, social support systems, and institutional factors on the mental well-being and research engagement of PhD students within the Indian higher education context. Using a Grounded Theory approach, we conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 40 doctoral students from three faculties at a reputed public Indian university. Thematic analysis revealed nine key factors affecting students' mental health and research engagement: (a) inadequate mentorship, (b) prolonged evaluation processes, (c) exploitation as unpaid labor, (d) unprofessional supervisor behavior, (e) inefficient resource access, (f) reduced motivation, (g) limited peer collaboration, (h) financial instability, and (i) health impacts. Findings indicate that (a) supervisory support, (b) peer collaboration, and (c) financial security significantly reduce stress and enhance engagement, while insufficient support and competitive peer dynamics increase anxiety and disengagement. Gender-based differences were also observed, with female students often reporting distinct social support experiences. These findings highlight the need for improved supervisory practices, supportive institutional policies, and mental health resources to promote inclusive and supportive academic environments for doctoral students. This study offers practical implications for enhancing well-being and productivity in Indian higher education.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74826,"journal":{"name":"Social sciences & humanities open","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101282"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143094654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Emily Mohr , Sophie Matthew , Lipika Narisetti , Colin Duff , Poppy Schoenberg
{"title":"Cognitive mechanisms of mindfulness-based pain management in chronic pain","authors":"Emily Mohr , Sophie Matthew , Lipika Narisetti , Colin Duff , Poppy Schoenberg","doi":"10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101261","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101261","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accruing evidence supports the clinical efficacy of mindfulness treatments in reducing chronic pain symptoms. Although, whether cognitive mechanisms are involved therapeutically for pain amelioration remain unclear. Since aberrations in cognitive executive functioning are apparent in chronic pain and corroborate with higher pain severity and poorer clinical outcomes, we conducted a two-part mechanistic clinical study that aimed to examine; (1) cognitive performance deficits measured during neurophysiology tasks, in chronic pain patients versus healthy controls; and (2) a mechanistic trial into whether Mindfulness-Based Pain Management/MBPM modulates cognitive functioning, and its interplay with clinical symptoms, in chronic pain patients versus a treatment-as-usual/TAU matched patient control. In part 1 (baseline comparison), chronic pain patients and matched healthy controls completed several cognitive neuropsychological tasks and clinical scales. Healthy controls showed better performance on the cognitive tasks involving attention, inhibitory control, and working memory compared to chronic pain patients. In part 2 (clinical mechanistic trial), chronic pain patients underwent MBPM or served as a treatment-as-usual patient/TAU patient control group, and completed testing before and after exposure to MBPM or the TAU period. Results indicated that MBPM had enhancing effects on cognitive performance related to attention, inhibitory control, and psychological well-being. These effects were not seen in the chronic pain TAU matched patient control group. Results also indicated several significant relationships between emotion regulation, pain severity, pain interference, interoception, and cognitive performance. Interoception may play a key role in improving cognitive and emotion processing function in chronic pain patients exposed to mindfulness.</div></div><div><h3>Perspective</h3><div>This article presents new data that mindfulness treatment enhances cognitive and emotion regulation, which appears to interact with interoceptive awareness development, in chronic pain patients. Future research examining mindfulness treatments for chronic pain may benefit from focusing on direct measurements of interoception and emotion regulation and the effects on cognition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74826,"journal":{"name":"Social sciences & humanities open","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101261"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143103382","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The impact of financial inclusion on poverty reduction and economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: A comparative study of digital financial services","authors":"Godswill Osuma","doi":"10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101263","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101263","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Financial inclusion in Africa faces significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, regulatory obstacles, and socioeconomic barriers, which limit access to financial services for underserved populations. In response to these challenges, this study examines how financial inclusion influences economic growth and poverty reduction across three Sub-Saharan Africa regions, namely East, West, and Southern Africa, spanning 28 countries from 2016 to 2023. Financial inclusion is measured through the availability of Automated Teller Machines and digital financial services, using a system Generalised Method of Moments and Quantile regression approach. The findings emphasise the pivotal role of digital financial services in expanding access to financial resources, particularly in East and Southern Africa, while highlighting ongoing disparities in West Africa. The quantile regression analysis reveals that inflation adversely affects GDP growth across all quantiles, whereas foreign direct investment consistently supports economic growth. Furthermore, the findings showed that digital financial services are more effective than automated teller machines in promoting financial inclusion, and infrastructure and digital literacy improvements are recommended to accelerate progress. In conclusion, enhancing digital financial services in Sub-Saharan Africa has the potential to significantly improve financial inclusion, drive economic growth, and reduce poverty levels. The study suggests that Sub-Saharan African countries should prioritise digital financial services, invest in infrastructure, promote financial literacy, and implement inclusive policies to ensure broader access to financial resources. This is because promoting digital financial services can offer Sub-Saharan African countries a path toward economic empowerment and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals, helping to bridge the financial inclusion gap.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74826,"journal":{"name":"Social sciences & humanities open","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101263"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143103371","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Advancing an inclusive research approach in humanities and social sciences: The crucial role of self-study and narrative enquiry in doctoral research experiences","authors":"Magdalena Kohout-Diaz","doi":"10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101256","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101256","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article examines the potential of self-study and narrative enquiry as inclusive research methodologies within the realm of higher education, with a particular emphasis on the doctoral experience. The lived experiences of individuals who have faced discrimination during their academic pursuits are illuminated through the analysis of two distinct case studies. The intersectionality of discrimination is emphasised, underscoring the necessity for higher education institutions to ensure equitable, and inclusive practices. A sustained effort to challenge and transform discriminatory practices and power dynamics is advocated, not only within the research process but also in the wider contexts where research is undertaken. This endeavour necessitates a profound comprehension of the intricate nuances inherent in the concept of inclusion, accompanied by a resolute dedication to acknowledging the distinctive requirements of each individual. The objective is to contribute to the ongoing discourse on inclusive research methodologies and provide a foundation for future research and initiatives aimed at fostering justice and ethical practices within higher educational institutions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74826,"journal":{"name":"Social sciences & humanities open","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101256"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143103381","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Joshua Kai Dossey , Kofi Ayebi-Arthur , Florence C. Awoniyi
{"title":"Uncovering relevant mathematics topics for home economics: Senior high school students' views in Cape Coast, Ghana","authors":"Joshua Kai Dossey , Kofi Ayebi-Arthur , Florence C. Awoniyi","doi":"10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101241","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101241","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mathematics holds universal significance, playing a pivotal role across diverse disciplines in our daily lives. Its impact is crucial for societal development, with mathematics acting as a cornerstone. This study delves into the senior high school (SHS) mathematics topics that students studying home economics consider most relevant to their programme of study and future career needs. Employing an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, data was collected through a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide from grades 11 and 12. Out of a population of 330 students, 286 were sampled using a multi-stage technique, and 277 students filled out the questionnaires, resulting in a 97% response rate. Quantitative data was analysed using percentages and frequency counts, while thematic analysis was employed for the qualitative interview data. Results reveal that ratio and rate, percentages, mensuration, and statistics emerge as the most impactful mathematics topics influencing home economics students' SHS programmes. The study recommends a focus on these topics, urging mathematics educators to always highlight the relevance of any topic they teach to the students' specific programmes of study. These findings underscore the importance of aligning the curriculum with real-world applications, thereby enhancing students' analytical skills and preparing them for future careers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74826,"journal":{"name":"Social sciences & humanities open","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101241"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143093663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The role of stressors and supports in early childhood education instructional quality","authors":"Mercy J. Item, Raquel D. Almasa","doi":"10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101233","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101233","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study determined the impact of kindergarten teachers' stress levels and the level of support they received on the instructional quality in an early childhood education (ECE) setting. Specifically, a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was utilized to link the quantitative and qualitative data. The researchers distributed the survey questionnaires to the 54 kindergarten teachers from Philippines' Davao Central District; voluntarily, they participated in the survey. Meanwhile, eight kindergarten teachers were interviewed. The findings of the survey revealed that the teachers' stress levels were generally moderate. However, the teachers' stress levels were high when it came to time management and work-related stressors. Furthermore, the teachers' perceptions of support revealed that they received a high level of support from their families, co-teachers, and the school administration. In terms of the correlation between the variables, the results showed that only professional distress has a significant influence on support from the family and school administration. The participants shared their issues and concerns with regard to the stress they experienced, which somehow had an impact on their delivery of instruction. These include challenges with parental involvement, difficulties in using technology in the new normal setting, the overlapping of teachers' tasks impeding student learning, inadequate preparation of instructional materials, insufficient instructional time, and a lack of monitoring students' progress. Therefore, this study recommends enhancing educational practices and promoting the well-being of teachers in similar contexts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74826,"journal":{"name":"Social sciences & humanities open","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101233"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143093915","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abdulhakim Usman , Mahbub Hasan , Mohammad Nurul Alam
{"title":"Factors influencing student migration to Bangladesh: Mediating effect of host country support and moderating effect of geographical location and gender","authors":"Abdulhakim Usman , Mahbub Hasan , Mohammad Nurul Alam","doi":"10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101272","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101272","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to investigate the motivations of international students selecting Bangladesh for higher education, utilizing twenty hypotheses incorporating social, economic, and political aspects alongside the push-pull theory. Analyzing data from 187 tertiary-level international students through a quantitative survey and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), the study found direct associations of Scholarship Opportunity (SO) and Living Cost (LC) with students' migration (SM) in Bangladesh. However, Job Opportunity (JO), culture (CUL), and War & Persecution (W&P) did not significantly affect SM. Host country support (HCS) played a significant mediating role in relationships involving JO, CUL, SO, and LC, but not in the relationship with W&P. This research expands migration theories beyond the conventional ‘push-pull’ paradigm, providing a comprehensive understanding of international students' motivations in Bangladesh. It identifies SO and LC as direct influencers, while emphasizing the substantial mediating role of HCS, contributing to nuanced insights into decision-making processes. To attract a diverse pool of international students, institutions in Bangladesh are recommended to strategically enhance the visibility of scholarship programs. Additionally, recognizing the non-significant impact of JO on student migration, host institutions have an opportunity to improve job prospects through targeted support programs or industry partnerships. However, the study's limitations include its single-context focus on international students in Bangladesh, potentially limiting generalizability. Future research should replicate the study in diverse settings for broader applicability. Also, further research could involve cross-cultural comparative studies for a comprehensive understanding and a longitudinal approach to track evolving motivations over students' educational journeys.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74826,"journal":{"name":"Social sciences & humanities open","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101272"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143093965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Using ChatGPT for academic support: Managing cognitive load and enhancing learning efficiency – A phenomenological approach","authors":"Louida P. Patac, Adriano V. Patac Jr.","doi":"10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101301","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101301","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aims to discuss the effects of ChatGPT on the management of students' cognitive load and learning outcomes. Participants used ChatGPT for answering particular questions, checking information, and solving complex problems involving equations. Results show that ChatGPT lowers intrinsic and extrinsic cognitive load with very detailed responses and efficient search for information, even though it has difficulties in entering mathematical notation. Students consider that ChatGPT is a tool able to enhance understanding, engage, and promote critical thinking. These findings underline that the level of AI assistance must be balanced against independent learning and critical evaluation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74826,"journal":{"name":"Social sciences & humanities open","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101301"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143094565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}