International Social Research Nexus (ISRN)
International Social Research Nexus (ISRN), Published by Scholar Cave, is a premier, double-blind peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to advancing knowledge in the field of Social Sciences. With a global perspective, ISRN journal provides a vibrant platform for researchers, academicians, and practitioners to share innovative ideas, in-depth analyses, and critical discussions that tackle the most pressing social challenges of our time. Each year, ISRN journal publishes three high-quality issues featuring cutting-edge research articles, review articles, short communications and letters to the editor. The journal covers a broad spectrum of disciplines within the social sciences. Mission and Vision The mission of ISRN journal is to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and intellectual exchange in the social sciences, thereby contributing to the betterment of societies worldwide. The journal aspires to become a beacon of academic excellence by adhering to the highest standards of research integrity and editorial rigor. “ISRN is not just a journal — it is a vibrant community of visionary scholars committed to driving social transformation through impactful research.” ISSN (Online): 3105-0069 | ISSN-L: 3105-0069 Journal DOI: https://doi.org/10.63539/isrn
Innovative Marketing in the Tamil Film Industry: Strategies, Audiences and Evolving Media Practices
Tamil films are more than mere entertainment, for the stage on which they play out matters a great deal to people in Tamil Nadu and beyond. With the volume of films India produces in a year of over 1,500, Tamil Nadu accounts for a significant part, making Tamil films an integral part of Indian films. For the last few years, conventional means of advertising like posters and trailers have taken a backseat to digital-first efforts. This paper considers a variety of innovative marketing strategies used by Tamil Nadu filmmakers, such as influencer partnerships, memes and interactive narratives to activate audiences in the age of digital media. Drawing both on survey results and secondary analysis of previous research, the study examines the effects of these strategies in terms of audience perceptions, excitement and decision-making. Results seek to illustrate how new promotional practices are (re)positioning Tamil films’ relationship with their audiences in a shifting media milieu.
Copyright (c) 2025 K. S. Sakthi Priya, Dr. K. Karpaga Sundaram (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of Child Marriage Propensity on the Basis of Influence Area: A Case Study on Jamalpur, Bogra and Sirajganj District of Bangladesh
Bangladesh has one of the highest global rates of child marriage. A substantial proportion of girls are married before the age of 18, often without their voluntary consent in Bangladesh. According to United Nations estimates, nearly 66% of Bangladeshi females enter into marriage during adolescence. This high prevalence is driven by a range of interrelated factors, including entrenched social norms, economic pressures, and cultural practices that perpetuate the cycle of child marriage. These factors may vary from region to region while two or more connected regions may have some common norms or customs that influence each other. The study aims to find out the influence area and unserved area of the upazilas of Jamalpur, Bogra and Sirajganj districts by Functional regionalization and to assess the reasons behind having most influence area on the basis of some factors. From Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) 2011, the data have been collected and gravitational theory is used to find out influence area in this study. Crime data, socio-economic condition at these three districts are analyzed in this study. From the quantitative analysis the findings indicate that poverty, lack of education, patriarchal family structures, and social insecurity are some of the dominant factors driving early marriage in these regions. In many cases, families believe marrying their daughters at a young age provides social protection or economic relief. The analysis highlights how functional interdependency between neighboring upazilas strengthens cultural practices, leading to widespread child marriage. The study has successfully identified the functional interdependency and showed the influence between them which led early marriage frequently. Policymakers may find this information useful in focusing actions and providing resources to prevent child marriage in the areas most affected.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sheak Niaz Mahmud (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Invisible Grids-Gendered Access to Digital Infrastructure in Marginalized Urban Spaces
Digital infrastructure, broadband connectivity, affordable smartphones, interoperable digital public infrastructure (DPI), and culturally appropriate digital literacy are rapidly becoming determinants of social, economic, and civic participation. Yet, when this infrastructure maps onto pre-existing social inequalities, it often reproduces and amplifies them. This paper develops a theoretical account of how gendered power relations intersect with spatial marginality to shape access to, use of, and benefits from digital infrastructure in marginalized urban and peri-urban spaces. Building on cross-regional qualitative and policy literature and empirical studies from South Asia and East Africa, we conceptualize the “invisible grids,” the socio-technical arrangements, norms, market failures, and governance blind spots that render digital infrastructure unequal by design. We argue for a feminist digital-justice framework that centres intersectionality, spatiality, and infrastructural quality (not only device ownership) and that connects digital inclusion with safety, mobility, and labour justice. Policy recommendations emphasize gender-intentional DPI design, participatory infrastructure planning, targeted affordability and skills interventions, anti- surveillance safeguards, and cross-sectoral metrics to monitor outcomes. The paper provides actionable directions for policymakers, urban planners, and civil society actors seeking to move beyond hardware distribution toward structurally transformative digital inclusion in marginalized urban spaces.
Copyright (c) 2025 Akuma Ifeanyichukwu, Dr. A. P. Manimegalai (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Settler Colonialism and Resistance Historical Roots of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
The paper is the historical trace of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, within the larger contexts of the colonization, settler projects, and world geopolitics. Starting with the emergence of political Zionism in late 19th century Europe, the paper reviews how antisemitism, imperialism, and frequent betrayals by world powers all came together to form a century of dispossession, violence and rebellion. The article studies critical turning points using a historical-ana-lytical methodology, including the Balfour Declaration, the British Mandate, the Nakba of 1948, the six-day war, the Oslo Accords, and the ongoing human-itarian disaster in Gaza (2023- 2025). Rooted in settler-colonial and postcolo-nial theory, the discussion proves the way Zionism was both a national move-ment and a European colonial project. The conclusions outline that the Gaza crisis that has taken place today is not the singular battle, but rather the result of a 100 years-long process of displacement and subjugation. The paper ends by restating the moral, political, and scholarly urgency of re-forming Palestine as an incomplete project of decolonization of the world.
Copyright (c) 2025 Syed Rizwan Haider Bukhari (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Right to Equality and Non-Discrimination against the Persons with Disabilities: A Case Study on Public Transport in Bangladesh
The principle of equality and non-discrimination as a foundation of human rights requires us to treat everyone with dignity and respect in every area of life. This is especially crucial for persons with disabilities (PWD) who, due to obstacles and prejudices, have their full participation in society limited. In public transport, provision of accessibility and inclusivity is essential to se-cure the mobility rights of PWD. This study analyses the Bangladeshi situation with regards to the right of persons with disabilities to equality and non-discrimination in relation to transport. Based on preliminary data from interviews, surveys and observations with public transit users this study discusses several barriers to full participation and inclusion of PWD in public transportation. Moreover, it discusses the scenario and concerned laws, which are currently in force to protect the rights of PWD regarding public transport system introduced by the government. Second, by examining the effectiveness of such projects, the study identifies some current shortfalls and directions for effort to achieve equal access to transportation for all members of society. Analyzing the comparative study, this study ends with suggestions for policy and practice that could ensure equality and non-discrimination along with an inclusive transport regime for PWD.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shakila, Md. Shamim Ahmed (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Unlocking the Future Classroom: Exploring the Landscape of Digital Education in India
Advances in digital technologies are reshaping learning environments, enabling personalized, collaborative, and scalable modes of instruction that challenge traditional classroom models. This study examines how AI, AR/VR, learning analytics, and cloud-based platforms are being integrated into India’s education system and identifies the principal barriers to equitable adoption. The analysis finds that the uptake of adaptive and immersive tools has accelerated in urban higher-education and skilling contexts but remains uneven across schools and rural areas. Persistent constraints include limited last-mile connectivity, device access, and a shortage of regional-language and contextually relevant content. Teacher readiness and continuous professional development are major bottlenecks, and gaps in data governance and privacy frameworks risk reinforcing existing inequalities. To realize an inclusive future classroom, coordinated investments are needed in last-mile infrastructure, large-scale contextualized teacher training, and enforceable data protection and algorithmic fairness measures, alongside incentives for locally relevant content creation. This study adopts an interdisciplinary policy–practice lens, using a thematic synthesis of peer-reviewed research, government policies, platform usage reports, and selected global case studies (2015–2024).
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Sarita Bhawani Malviya (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Displacement Beyond Orders: A Critical Analysis of Palestinian Refugees in the Postcolonial World Politics
Most practicable Palestinian refugee problem represents one of the most significant and protracted displacement issues in present history, deeply intertwined with the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict for more than 70 years. This study examines the patterns of forced migration from Palestine and the socio-political dimensions of Palestinian displacement with a specific focus on the output of Israeli Strategy Strategies on migration. The paper investigates the intersection of geopolitical conflict, diverse national identity, political dominion over weak countries and transnational diaspora communities. This paper goals to provide a comprehensive understanding of Palestinian migration through both historical and contemporary issues which had happened recently. This analysis is based on the concept of statelessness and the role of Palestinian humanitarian habitat as both sites of resistance and focal points for migration patterns across the Middle East and gulf countries beyond. The study explores the implications of Israeli settlement expansion, restrictions on movement and military occupation which exacerbate drastic displacement and contribute to the formation of a transnational Palestinian identity. Furthermore, this research delves into the challenges faced by Palestinian people in host countries, for instance Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Europe highlighting issues of integration, political mobilization, humanitarian aid and cultural preservation within the diaspora. Drawing upon a combination of qualitative method and quantitative data including expert interviews, policy analysis to archival research the study examines how the Palestinian diaspora has mobilized for political advocacy influencing international discourse on the conflict. The findings depict the pivotal impact of Palestinian migration in shaping global perceptions of the Israel-Palestine issue offering a new segment into the diaspora or conflict resolution.
Copyright (c) 2025 Faijul Islam, Ashiya Akter, Md Ibrahim Khalil, Safia Akhter Chonda (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Mapping Sanitation and Hygiene Conditions in Bangladesh: Identifying Vulnerable Districts through Regional Delineation
In Bangladesh, not everyone yet has the same access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. Things have gotten better over the years, for example, more people now get safe drinking water and improved sanitation services. But these improvements haven’t reached all areas equally. Some regions are still behind, which causes health problems like diarrhea and breathing infections, which are still major reasons why many children in the country get sick or die. This study focuses on the variation of the sanitation and hygiene situation all over Bangladesh. It focuses on five important indicators, including whether people have hand washing facilities with water and soap, access to better toilets, and whether waste is being properly managed and treated elsewhere. The data came from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and were analyzed using the Composite Weighted Index method. Then SPSS and GIS tools were used for spatial classification into six categories. The analysis shows that Bandarban is the most vulnerable district in terms of sanitation and hygiene status, followed closely by Rangamati. These districts got the lowest overall scores due to limited accessibility, poor sanitation infrastructure. Both are hilly, remote districts with challenging geography that restricts infrastructure development and service delivery. However, many urban and lowland districts benefit from better infrastructure, easier access, which results in higher sanitation and hygiene scores. The variation between vulnerable and better-performing districts highlights the urgent need for region-specific approaches. Targeted efforts in Bandarban. Rangamati and similar districts should support community-led initiatives that fit the local culture and needs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sanzida Sumaiya Suchana, Md. Kawsar Jahan Khan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Identity, Recognition and Political Dynamics in Contemporary Somalia
This research examined the relationship between politics, identity, and recognition in contemporary Somalia. Specifically, the paper focused on the impact of identity and recognition on governance and stability, while exploring how the Somali diaspora has influenced national identity. The study employed a mixed-methods approach by administering an online survey to 505 respondents alongside 45 key informant interviews with experts on the subject matter. Findings indicate a significant relationship between clan identity and governance, as clan affiliations substantially influence coalition formation through both social and political behaviours. Additionally, the government has not adequately addressed historical grievances stemming from prolonged violence, resulting in cycles of conflict and divisions. The study reveals that lack of clan recognition is a root cause of recurring instability in the region. Survey data showed that 42% of respondents reported clan identity "strongly influences" their political opinions, while 43% felt excluded from political processes due to clan affiliation. Key informants emphasized that traditional governance systems (xeer) often operate alongside or replace formal institutions. The findings demonstrate that in-depth analysis of the relationship between identity, recognition, and politics is crucial for addressing governance issues. The paper provides recommendations for incorporating political systems that respect clan differences while enhancing government legitimacy and fostering unity. The study emphasizes the necessity for inclusive governments that address historical grievances among different clans and foster genuine belonging within a unified Somali state.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muktar Abdi Hussein (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Legal Awareness, Crime Prevention, and Cybersecurity Knowledge among High School and Higher Secondary Students in Aizawl, Mizoram
This study investigates the levels of legal awareness, crime prevention, and cybersecurity knowledge among high school and higher secondary students in Aizawl, Mizoram, India. It is based on a cross-sectional survey of 152 students from three educational institutions, selected through convenience sampling. The results indicate moderate awareness across all domains, with stronger performance in cybersecurity and case-based applications. Female and higher secondary students demonstrated significantly stronger knowledge and analytical skills, particularly in understanding legal rights and interpreting cases. In contrast, academic stream and socio-economic status showed no statistically significant influence. The findings underscore existing gaps in legal awareness and highlight the need for curriculum-integrated, gender-sensitive education to enhance digital and civic literacy among adolescents. These results provide new insights into youth legal and cybersecurity awareness in developing regions and emphasize the importance of early, inclusive education to foster informed civic participation and effective crime prevention in the digital age.
Copyright (c) 2025 C Vanlalpeki, Juliet F Lalzarzoliani (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Gendered Impact of Climate Change: A Socio-Economic Study of Women in the Sundarbans
Water, which is life to all, is a threat to few. Climate change and rising water salinity in India's environmentally delicate Sundarbans region pose a threat to women's lives and agency, especially for widows and households headed by women. This sociological study critically examines how women's social safety, hygiene, and reproductive health are disproportionately impacted by climate-induced changes, particularly the increased salt of drinking and agricultural water. The study demonstrates that limited access to water and rising saline levels are associated with poor maternal health, menstrual hygiene issues, and increased vulnerability to waterborne infections. It does this by using mainly secondary data sources, such as the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) and published reports. The analysis, which is grounded in an ecofeminist framework, also makes the hypothesis that patriarchal dominance and household disputes are made worse by environmental shortages and changing patterns of livelihood. Finally, the results show how women's bodies and labour become sites of resistance and exploitation, urging a change from a resilience-based strategy to a climate justice paradigm.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohar Saha (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
From Rights of Man to Rights of Nature: Reimagining Constitutional Thought
The collapse of the Soviet Union and the restructuring of the world under a unipolar, capitalist order have triggered not only political and economic transformations but also deep ecological crises. Among these, ecological destruction has long remained at the periphery of high politics and constitutional thought. Analyzing international environmental summits, from the 1972 Stockholm Conference to Rio+20 in 2012, reveals a persistent anthropocentric perspective framing nature in opposition to human needs, shaping policies and legal frameworks. At the national level, except for a few notable cases, most constitutions maintain an anthropocentric orientation, failing to meaningfully integrate the ecological crisis into constitutional norms. The liberal-individualist model, which defines rights through an abstract individual detached from social and ecological relations, renders the commodification and systemic dispossession of nature legally invisible. Although the Turkish Constitution addresses environmental issues, particularly through Article 56 linking a healthy environment to individual well-being, it does not confront the structural drivers of ecological collapse. Legislative amendments since 1982 have often exacerbated the crisis by aligning environmental law with market imperatives. This article critically examines the limitations of anthropocentric constitutional thought and explores alternative legal imaginaries in which nature is not merely an object of protection, but a legal and political subject. Within the frameworks of ecological citizenship, critical legal theory, and post-humanist thought, the article develops a theoretical inquiry into whether constitutional law can be reimagined to recognize non-human life forms as subjects of justice. Drawing on pioneering examples such as the constitutions of Ecuador and Bolivia, which grant legal personhood to nature, the article discusses the potential for a radical transformation of constitutional thinking beyond the confines of liberal property relations. Ultimately, this study aims to contribute to constitutional debates grounded in ecological democracy and collective responsibility, advocating the recognition of nature’s intrinsic and inherent value beyond its instrumental utility to capital.
Copyright (c) 2025 B. Sina Gunes (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Algorithmic Citizen: How AI is Rewriting Rights, Representation and Responsibility
With fast-paced digitization, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is redefining the interaction between states and citizens. From predictive policing to biometric welfare systems, algorithmic technologies are no longer on the periphery but at the center of governance. This paper presents the idea of the algorithmic citizen—a subject whose civic status is not just mediated by laws and institutions but also by data profiles, predictive models, and unseen computational logics. Whereas AI holds out the promise of efficiency, neutrality, and scale, it tends to entrench inequality, ostracize the vulnerable, and erode democratic accountability. In moving governance away from rights-based standards to probabilistic judgment, access to welfare or justice comes to rely more on statistical inference than on deliberation. Conducted with reference to political theory, sociology, and digital ethics, this paper investigates three case studies: India's Aadhaar biometric identification system and its application in welfare access; the UK's algorithmic use in school allocation and policing; and facial recognition surveillance of democratic cities. These cases highlight that AI systems are far from being unproblematic ally administrative instruments but are active forces determining inclusion, eligibility, and citizenship itself. The article poses urgent questions: What does accountability look like when decisions are outsourced to algorithms? How can citizens assert agency over systems they cannot perceive or oppose? It calls for a shift in AI governance in the direction of democratic values—transparency, explain ability, consent, and participation. Institutional reforms like algorithmic audits, social impact assessments, and rights-based digital safeguards are necessary. Finally, the algorithmic citizen expresses the promise and danger of AI, pointing to the importance of ensuring that digital innovation reinforces rather than erodes democratic life.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ms. Ritika Goswami (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Beyond the Fence: Cultural Displacement and Social Change in Bangladesh’s Borderlands
The border is not merely a line but a space of contact, transition, and often, transformation. The culture of the borderland or the border region of Chapainawabganj, India-Bangladesh borderland, is quickly changing due to the influence of external forces. The study seeks to analyze the impact of the infiltration of foreign culture, facilitated by the use of satellite TV, the internet and social media, to transform the traditional lifestyles, value system, and social contacts of inhabitants in such villages. Whereas globalization is the means to the access to new ideas and other means of expression, it is also a threat to the indigenous culture, especially in the communities located on the borders where state presence is usually lower and the cultural diffusion is more intense. This paper correlates the cultural degradation explaining its effects, in terms of family bond, youth behavior, community identity and overall social fabric, by retrieving qualitative data collected from border villages in Chapainawabganj. The results are focused on the timeliness of cultural resilience against the unfiltered exposure media and transnational influence, as well as initiate the discussion on policy, education, and empowerment of the community in the borderland. By focusing on the lived experiences of those at the geographical and cultural margins of Bangladesh, this study contributes to broader discussions on national identity, cultural sovereignty, and the unintended consequences of technological advancement.
Copyright (c) 2025 Atia Ibnat Rifah, Azizul Hakim Rakib (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Emergence of a Regional Climate Refugee Protocol in South Asia: A Practical Antidote to Climate Induced Displacement
South Asia is faced with a unique climate challenge due to its geographical realities, exposing clear vulnerabilities. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka face severe risks from rising sea levels and coastal flooding on their shores. Landlocked states like Afghanistan, Nepal and Bhutan must deal with the consequences of melting glaciers in the Hindu-Kush Himalayas. In the meantime, many parts of the Maldives may become uninhabitable for sea level rises looming over the low-lying regions. Millions are currently internally displaced in these countries, with projections indicating significant cross-border movements. However, existing legal or paralegal frameworks offer inadequate protection and recognition to the matter. International refugee law and regional conventions cover forced migration in some contexts, but there is currently no explicit provision that sets international and binding legal frameworks or legal status to protect and assist persons displaced by climate change in South Asia. This paper examines the phenomenon of climate-induced displacement and its patterns in South Asia. It also maps international and regional laws pertaining to displacement as well as identifies key deficiencies by utilizing legal doctrinal research to examine these lacunae critically; hence underscoring the urgency of a regional climate refugee protocol. Drawing from case studies of other regional frameworks, the paper proposes that a rights-based, legally binding protocol would offer a cooperative framework for protection to the vulnerable people in this context. Moreover, recommendations for policy initiatives are provided to help guide future regional cooperation for this cross border protective mechanism.
Copyright (c) 2025 Md. Shamim Ahmed, Lamia Dilshad Waziha (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Factors Affecting Maternal Mortality and Morbidity in Bangladesh
Maternal health knowledge is a critical indicator to prevent maternal mortality and morbidity in Bangladesh. This study explores the associated factors influencing maternal health knowledge among women of reproductive age and caregivers of mothers. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 120 women aged 13–49 years and beyond in a three purposively selected region of Bangladesh along with 12 KIIs with health workers, community members and local representatives. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. Findings indicate that over 95% respondents could not identify key danger signs or the appropriate healthcare provider for maternal complications. While 65.8% had sought emergency obstetric care (EmOC), 99.2% had gone to wrong facilities. Findings also revealed that educational attainment and understanding of antenatal and postnatal care emerged as the strongest predictor of maternal health knowledge, with women holding secondary and higher secondary certificates and a bachelor degree being over 46 times and 58 times more likely to be informed compared to those without formal education. Beyond individual education, government performance in delivering maternal healthcare services were also found significant influence. Women living in ‘medium’ performing area reported to have more than 8 times better knowledge compared to those in ‘best’ performing areas, suggesting possible disparities in service delivery data and awareness across contexts. Additionally, correct understanding of the purposes of antenatal and postnatal care was positively associated (AOR: 5.99) with maternal health knowledge, highlighting the importance of health education in promoting informed care-seeking behavior.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammed Misbah Uddin, Mahjabin Mim, Md. Ashraful Islam Khan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Pollution-Induced Physical Health Burdens: A Systematic Review of Global, South Asian and Bangladeshi Evidence
This study presents a systematic review of published research articles based on pollution outcomes on physical health at a global, South Asian, and Bangladesh level between the years 2000 and 2024. The review employed the PRISMA 2020 framework to identify and evaluate peer-reviewed articles and credible reports which consider the health effects of exposure to air, water, soil, noise, and occupational pollution. Seventy studies were eventually incorporated by using explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings reveal air pollution as the highest contributor to a broad variety of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer. Communicable diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis are strongly related to water pollution in low-income countries. Although pollution impacts are being addressed in high-income countries by establishing regulations, countries in South Asia, particularly in Bangladesh, are continuing to experience increased health challenges ascribable to poor governance, poor infrastructure, and industrial activity. The review also identifies critical research gaps, such as a lack of longitudinal and rural area-focused studies in Bangladesh. These findings emphasize the significance of integrated pollution control policy, population health strategy and collaboration among regions to reduce pollution-related morbidity and mortality rates. The review enhances the broader understanding of environmental health disparities and provides a basis for policy and research on reducing environmental risks.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nusrut Sharmin (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Understanding the Nature and Impact of Digital Literacy on Rural Community Development in Bangladesh
Digital literacy is increasingly recognized as a global development priority, especially in rural Bangladesh where unequal access to digital tools hinders inclusive community progress. This study investigates how digital literacy influences rural development, applying a mixed-methods approach involving a survey of 220 respondents and 7 in-depth case studies from purposively selected districts, upazilas, and villages. Guided by the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, data were collected through structured interviews and direct observation, maintaining strict ethical standards. Findings reveal that while 84% of respondents use smartphones, only 2% use personal computers, and most (60%) engage in non-functional digital activities such as social media and entertainment. None reported using platforms like Instagram, and 42% depend on mobile data. Despite the widespread ownership of devices, nearly 90% face barriers including lack of skills, training, poor connectivity, and affordability often requiring them to travel to market areas for access. Most respondents lack formal digital education and training, limiting their ability to use technology for economic development. Case studies further highlight this gap. In one village, several youths expressed strong interest in freelancing and digital jobs but had never received structured guidance on basic digital skills. While some informal benefits were noted in communication and education, few experienced any economic gain. The study underscores the urgent need for policy interventions that go beyond access calling for localized digital training centers, awareness programs, and community-based initiatives. Long-term, inclusive strategies are essential to ensure rural populations are not just digitally connected, but digitally empowered for education, livelihood, and social inclusion.
Copyright (c) 2025 Md. Roni Mridha, Zannatus Safa, Fahim Ahmed Saikat, Arifuzzaman Shaker (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ASEAN’s Role in the Rohingya Crisis: A Critical Analysis from the Perspective of Bangladesh
This study explores ASEAN’s role in the Rohingya Crisis as a regional organization in Southeast Asia. Myanmar is one of the member countries of this Organization, but ASEAN’s collective initiatives on the Rohingya issue are not notable. Instead, it asserts that it has treated the Rohingya crisis as a domestic concern and thus left the matter within Myanmar’s jurisdiction. Consequently, as the findings suggest, few reactions adequately illustrate ASEAN’s regimes protecting their populations. These reactions are understood within the framework of its traditional norms and the ASEAN way, but this approach has not been applied in Myanmar. Instead of invoking the responsibilities to protect, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia prefer a ‘quiet diplomacy approach’ towards the Rohingya crisis. ASEAN allowed for an open consultation, but Myanmar did not pay attention. In turn, Myanmar regarded ASEAN as a trusted interlocutor since Myanmar agreed to discuss and update ASEAN on the Rohingya crisis. Typically, these dialogues were unofficial and low-key. Myanmar's openness towards ASEAN contrasts with its reluctance to talk with Western governments, which used methods of naming and shaming that ran counter to ASEAN's approach. Methodologically, the study involved secondary sources and a qualitative research design with a critical analysis of the Rohingya influx from 2012 to 2018 in Bangladesh. The study recommends motivating peaceful repatriation to their land, Rakhine, by recognizing them as a means of solving these burning issues. Although time is a factor, the authors see it as a sustainable pathway.
Copyright (c) 2025 Parimal Kumar Roy, Md. Elias, Md. Moshiur Rahman, Md. Shakhawat Hossain Sojib (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Constructing Dependency: A Feminist Critique of Women’s Symbolic Representation in Indian Welfare Policies
This paper critically examines the gendered character of the Indian welfare system by using Nancy Fraser's theory of recognition and redistribution, and Nivedita Menon's feminist critique of state paternalism. Fraser makes a differentiation between a masculine, individualized welfare sub-system rooted in paid employment and rights, and a feminized, needs-based welfare sub-system marked by dependency and stigma. Employing this framework, the paper investigates if Indian welfare programs targeting women and girl children position them as active, rights-bearing citizens or as dependent, passive recipients needing state protection and charity. By doing so, the study not only expands Fraser’s critique to include the regions outside of Global North, but also places Indian welfare discourse within the larger feminist debates on state intervention. Furthermore, Nivedita Menon’s feminist perspective reveals how gender is ideologically shaped and constructed via familial, moral, and legal norms, which are often institutionalized by the state. Menon does not deal with welfare directly, but her critical insights relating to the state's paternalistic conceptualization of gender offer a critical lens through which to examine how such policies reproduce normative femininity. Together, Fraser and Menon provide a dual lens to expose how both economic and symbolic dimensions of welfare policies often reinforce gendered dependency and conventional feminine identity, ultimately constraining women’s agency within state constructs instead of wholly dismantling systemic inequalities.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yompu Karlo (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Understanding Patient-Centered Care (PCC) and Shared Decision-Making (SDM) for Strengthening Doctor-Patient Relationships: A Model-Based Review with Implications for Central Police Hospital, Bangladesh
Patient-centered care (PCC) and shared decision-making (SDM) are considered important models in current healthcare, which strengthen the doctor-patient relationship. This study assessed the relevance and challenges of these models in the context of Bangladesh Police Central Hospital. The objective of this study is to review the theoretical and model-based frameworks of patient-centered care and shared decision-making and assess their applicability in the practical context of Bangladesh Police Central Hospital. The study is based on qualitative analysis and presents data through analysis of global research, local context, and existing theoretical models. A context-based analysis was formed using the models of Stewart, Charles Epstein, and Street. The finding reveals that the implementation of patient-centered care (PCC) and shared decision-making (SDM) in an institutional setting like a police hospital is both necessary and challenging. In addition, the study found that power-centric organizational structures, lack of time, resource constraints, and patriarchal mindsets pose major barriers to patient voice and participation. However, contextually adapted PCC and SDM models can improve the doctor-patient relationship, facilitate long-term disease management, and contribute to positive changes in mental health care. This study provides a theoretical basis for humanizing treatment in specialized institutions such as police hospitals and recommends building a framework for implementing PCC and SDM in line with local realities. Since this study was based on secondary data rather than primary data, empirical observations were limited. There is a need to conduct primary data-based research on the implementation of PCC and SDM in police hospitals and similar institutions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sarder Nurul Amin (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Regional Delineation of Violence Exposure Among Women and Children in Bangladesh
Bangladesh ranks fourth in Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and records higher rates of child marriage and teenage pregnancy compared to other South Asian countries. Many researchers have examined violence against women. However, only a limited number have systematically analyzed its regional distribution and underlying contextual factors. This study aims to analyze the regional distribution of exposure to violence among women and children across 64 districts of Bangladesh. A Composite Weighted Index was developed using five key indicators: experience of physical assault in childhood, child labor rates, prevalence of polygyny, women’s perception of safety, and attitudes toward domestic violence. Data were sourced primarily from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey Report of 2019 and other national databases. The indicators were normalized, weighted utilizing the Composite Weighted Index Method. Data were then analyzed in SPSS and the GIS tools to show the spatial vulnerability patterns. The findings showed noticeable regional variations. The greatest risk of violence is observed in the southwestern coastal districts like Barguna, Bagerhat, and Khulna. In these communities, many women face physical abuse, do not feel safe in their surroundings, and domestic violence is socially tolerated. This risk is compounded by poverty, early marriage, disaster vulnerability, and patriarchal social structures. While major cities like Dhaka, Chattogram, and Rangpur showed moderate vulnerability with different socio-economic factors, these cities still face major challenges in reducing violence. This study emphasizes the need for geographically targeted policies and distribution of resources to address the versatile nature of violence, as the exposure varies from region to region based on unique local socioeconomic and cultural contexts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Md. Kawsar Jahan Khan, Sanzida Sumaiya Suchana (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Shock Response Targeting Mechanism for the Poor and Vulnerable Urban Households in Nigeria
Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented hardship to the global community, with Nigeria being no exception. According to the World Bank's Poverty and Equity Brief for West Africa Nigeria (2021), more than 80 million Nigerians faced vulnerability and poverty due to the pandemic's socioeconomic impacts. In response, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) in collaboration with the World Bank, implemented a Shock Responsive Mechanism (SRM) to provide targeted assistance to those most severely affected. This paper evaluates this mechanism's effectiveness, focusing on three innovative aspects: 1) the use of satellite remote sensing and machine learning algorithms for geographical targeting, 2) the performance of SMS/USSD remote registration platforms, and 3) the accuracy of beneficiary selection in identifying the urban poor. Our analysis of programme data covering over 2.7 million validated beneficiaries across Nigeria indicates that the satellite-based targeting approach successfully identified areas with population characteristics consistent with established urban poverty indicators. The mobile-based registration system achieved a 99% location accuracy rate when verified against field validation, though challenges related to timing and population mobility were noted. The socioeconomic profiles of beneficiaries align closely with established characteristics of urban poverty in Nigeria, suggesting effective targeting. This case study offers valuable insights for other countries with limited data infrastructure seeking to implement rapid, technology-driven social protection responses during crises.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Iorwakwagh Apera, Dr. Sesugh Nongo, Dr. Daniel Amba, Murtala Mohammed (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Palestine's Struggle for Survival: Unveiling the Humanitarian Crisis and Pathways to Lasting Solutions
For more than a decade, Israel blockade and military interventions have actually made the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine – especially in Gaza – catastrophic. In this paper we analyze the destructive effect of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the Palestinian civilians especially the grave results of the occupation, displacement, and the ban of accessing necessary facilities. Key findings of the research include destruction of infrastructure on a wide scale, breakdown of healthcare and education systems and worsening of living conditions for over two million people in Gaza. The paper also investigates how international law, international aid organizations and regional political dynamics have made the situation worse or, alternatively, have helped to alleviate them. This study argues that humanitarian reports of the crisis and analysis of the political barriers to peace dictate a multifaceted response to solving the conflict that includes attention to political reconciliation in Palestinian leadership, the implementation of international law, and increased grassroots peace building efforts. The very premise of the findings calls for urgent coordinated international action to allow immediate humanitarian needs to be met while setting the course for a sustainable peace that is premised on the Palestinians’ rights and dignity.
Potential Climate-Induced Migration Determinants and Decision Support of Anticipatory Actions and Climate-Displacement Solutions in Coastal Districts of Bangladesh
Bangladesh is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. The country is experiencing climate-induced sudden and slow-onset extremes like sea level rise, salinity intrusion, floods and flash floods, drought, storm surges, tidal inundation, and waterlogging. Due to the slow onset and sudden disasters, including salinity intrusion, sea level rise, cyclones, and storm surges along the coastal belt of Bangladesh, climate-induced migration is a common scenario. Many of the coastal people are migrating as adaptation options to nearby urban centers or big cities. The study aims to explore the determinants of climate and environmental migrants, potential migration location identification, and migration trajectory determination of the climate-vulnerable districts. The study was conducted through Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment, Multi-factorial climate vulnerability assessment, Local climate scenario generation, application of Agent-based Modelling (ABM) to identify specific climate-induced displacement potential locations, and multi-variate probit regression analysis to determine the migration determinants. The study also applied participatory research methods, including Household Survey (HHS), Focus Group Discussion (FGD), and Key Informant Interview (KII) to identify the association between climatic extremes and migration from the respective study areas, and RS&GIS for detecting land use and land cover changes. The study reveals that shrinking livelihood opportunities and landlessness are the major causes of climate-induced migration.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Abdur Rahaman, Zereen Saba, Shamima Akter, Md. Rafshan Jani Rownak (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Russia-Ukraine Conflict, Sanctions, and Power Politics: Revitalizing Neoclassical Realism and Asymmetric Conflict Perspective on Identity in Geopolitics
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has reshaped the global balance of power, highlighting issues such as security, sanctions and geopolitical identity. This study explores this conflict through the lens of neoclassical realism and asymmetric conflict theory, focusing on national identity, geopolitical strategy, and power relations. Neoclassical realism is used to analyze how Russia’s geopolitical identity and internal problems affect its actions toward Ukraine, while asymmetric conflict theory focuses on Ukraine’s resistance behavior supported by the international community. The research includes case studies to illustrate key moments in the conflict, such as the impact of sanctions and Russia’s response to global pressure. The findings suggest that sanctions are both an economic and a strategic tool that can transform global relations and domestic stability. Furthermore, Russian and Ukrainian national identities play an important role in shaping their strategies, with Russian imperial ambitions and Ukrainian resistance deeply rooted in their historical and cultural backgrounds.
Copyright (c) 2025 Feroj All Mozahid, Sabuj Mondal, Md Rahamatullah (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Seclusion of the Hijra Community in Bangladesh: A Theoretical Exploration of Cultural Tightness, Gender Performance and Social Marginalization
In the South Asian region, particularly in Bangladesh, a third gender category popularly known as Hijra exists. Their existence lies in a paradox: the symbolic inclusion as the legally recognized third gender, alongside the social and systematic exclusion from all sides of the social sphere. This paper takes a qualitative theory-driven approach to explain the mechanism that drives the seclusion of hijra individuals from mainstream society. Drawing on secondary data such as academic journal articles, NGO reports, media reports, and government policies, the paper engages with three sociological theories- the theory of “tightness & looseness” by Michele Gelfand, “doing gender” by West and Zimmerman, and “outsider- within position” by Patricia Hills Collins. Together, the theoretical analysis sheds light on how Bangladesh, being a ‘tight culture,’ fosters strong reinforcement of binary gender norms, which results in the seclusion of hijra individuals. Within the hijra community, gendered performances and rituals illustrate the acts of agency, resilience, and means of survival. Moreover, legal recognition as a third gender solidifies marginalized status and pushes the hijra individuals into an “outsider-within” position without full institutional inclusion. The analysis concludes that the symbolic inclusion as a third gender is insufficient to include hijra individuals in the mainstream. Rather, inclusive, sociologically informed policy intervention, increased social awareness, and reimagination of gender inclusivity beyond the rigid gender boundaries are needed to create meaningful inclusion.
Copyright (c) 2025 Prapti Anandita (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Importance of Social Impact Assessment Research with the Community People Before Establishing New Universities in Bangladesh: An Issue of Concern
Copyright (c) 2025 Md. Nakib Hossain, Rafiuzzaman (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
To What Extent a Possible FTA between China and Kazakhstan Beneficial? A CGE-Based Evidence
The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) recently conducted a free trade agreement with China, which was signed in 2018 but is not yet in force. This paper utilizes the Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model with the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) database for quantitative analysis of the economy-wide effects of a hypothetical agreed FTA between Kazakhstan (excluding other members of the EAEU) and China. This proposed FTA has relative importance for the two countries since Kazakhstan is a member of the EAEU and because of the recently imposed Western sanctions on Russia, these sanctions might develop channels that could distort the benefits of EAEU. The paper examines four short- and long-term scenarios involving fixed and flexible current account positions. The results highlight how the elimination of tariffs on bilateral merchandise trade would help both Kazakhstan's and China's economies through a potential free trade agreement. Our results indicate four important policy implications: Firstly, rather than trade diversion, this potential FTA is seen as an enhancing factor in generating a larger trade creation effect. Secondly, resources will be reallocated in each economy to the sectors in which they are more advantageous. Thirdly, in terms of the macroeconomic implications, we find that real GDP, EV, and real consumption all show some gains. Finally, as for the sectoral effects, the findings indicate that bilateral trade would increase, with China's exports to Kazakhstan growing more quickly than those of Kazakhstan to China.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Mazen Diwani, Dr. Mohamed Hamid, Dr. Ibrahem Alshbili (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Development of Sociological Thought: A Critical Review of Robert K. Merton’s Social Theory and Social Structure
This review critically examines Robert K. Merton's Social Theory and Social Structure, with a special emphasis on the interaction of social structures and the evolution of sociological theory. Merton highlights the frequent miscommunication between sociological concepts and historical contexts, which contributes to misunderstandings about how sociological knowledge evolves over time. He calls for a deeper understanding of the role played by historians and sociologists in recording scientific progress, calling for the combined use of historical and observational sources to trace the development of sociological theories. This review examines Merton's critique of sociology's over dependence on publicly records, which often obscure the realities of scientific inquiry, and his support for middle-range theories as an intermediate between grand theoretical systems and practical hypotheses. Merton offers a framework for comprehending the complex nature of social phenomena, and their impact on society, emphasizing concepts such as manifest and latent functions, functional analysis, and middle-range theories that bridge empirical research with theoretical inquiry. This analysis is based on a qualitative and interpretive methodological approach, based in an in-depth reading and critical synthesis of theoretical literature. The author's work supports contemporary sociologists to draw on both observational and historical evidence with the goal of advancing the discipline. Merton's framework, specifically his ideas of manifest and latent functions and middle-range theories, continues to shape the way in which contemporary sociologists understand empirical research and theoretical analysis.
Copyright (c) 2025 Momna Rani (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0