Contemporary World Issues Research Articles

An action research to develop critical thinking skills in the context of citizenship education in higher education

This article aims to demonstrate how critical thinking skills can be developed as a citizenship competence in higher education. Critical thinking skills are necessary for citizens to participate in democratic processes effectively and consciously. The participants of this “action research” based study are the researcher who conducts the undergraduate course Contemporary World Issues and 30 preservice social studies teachers taking this course. Action research was conducted through distance education at a university during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected through Zoom lessons, student products, semi-structured interviews, semi-structured focus group interviews, and WhatsApp text conversations. Descriptive and content analyses were conducted using MAXQDA 2020 software. According to the research findings, a curriculum based on distinguishing arguments, writing pedagogy, and online group discussions improved students’ critical thinking skills. Students used distinguishing arguments as a cognitive framework for solving social and political problems and thus developed citizenship competence. Throughout the process, feedback was found to be quite functional. The curriculum used in the action research process can be recommended for use in the development of critical thinking skills as a citizenship competency in higher education.

Geopolitical Configurations in the Fictional Terrains of Elif Shafak

Geopolitical Configurations in the Fictional Terrains of Elif Shafak

Examining the Attitudes of Candidate Social Studies Teachers’ Regarding the Contemporary World Problems

The world faces problems originating from environmental pollution, air pollution, unbalanced population growth, unemployment, climate changes, differences in vegetation, water problems, drought, disasters, wars, nuclear wars and weapons, unplanned urbanization, genocide, hunger, terrorism, energy, refugees, poverty, racism, technology, media, economy, communication, health, education, agricul-ture, women’s problems, problems originating from belief and sect. This research aims to determine the attitudes of social studies candidate teachers’ regarding contemporary world problems. The present study is quantitative research and it was figured in survey model. The survey model is a research ap-proach that aims to reveal a situation that existed in the past in its current form. The study group of the research was composed of 167 candidate teachers’ who continue their studies at Aksaray University, Faculty of Education, Department of Social Studies Education. Convenient sampling, which is one of the sampling types of the research, was used. The data in the research were collected through the “Attitude Scale Intended for Contemporary World Issues” developed by Kılıçoğlu, Karakuş and Öztürk (2012). Looking at the results of the research, it was concluded that there was no significant difference between the total scores of the participants' attitudes towards contemporary world problems and the variable of gender, class variable, following daily newspaper news in printed and electronic media, being a member of an NGO, and father's education level. It was concluded that there was a significant difference only between the education level of the mother.

Book Review: Steroids and Doping in Sports: A Reference Handbook

This volume is part of a series titled “Contemporary World Issues.” The series focuses on issues in society, such as gun control, pollution, human trafficking, and the death penalty. The first edition of Steroids and Doping in Sports was published in 2014, “just prior to the release of the most serious revelations about the use of performance-enhancing drugs in amateur and professional sports” (xiv). The author decided the time was right to update the resource with additional information and current statistical data. The preface outlines which chapters were updated but does not go into detail on what new information was added or changed.

Book Review: The Opioid Crisis: A Reference Handbook

The opioid crisis has been a topic of much concern for much of the last decade, and it has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. The CDC estimates that 115 people per day die from overdosing on opioids, and countless articles, news stories, social media accounts, and television programs have documented the destruction. This latest volume in ABC-CLIO’s Contemporary World Issues series, authored by David E. Newsome, a prolific writer with an EdD in science education, tackles the history, epidemiology, and controversies surrounding the twenty-first century public health crisis.

Relevance and Values of Gandhi’s and Bacha Khan’s Moral Education in Negotiating/Addressing Situated Disparities of South Asia

Focusing on the contemporary conflicts and social political complexities of South Asia (specifically, India and Pakistan), this paper explores the roles and relevance of Gandhi’s and Bacha Khan’s moral education in negotiating/addressing the situated disparities. Drawing from the words and wisdom of Gandhi and Bacha Khan, this paper examines identity issues particularly in the context of (i) gender (disparities and struggles of women (and girls) in the society); (ii) age (situation and contributions of youths and elderly people in bringing about changes); (iii) class (including occupational and caste-based complexities and their negotiations); (iv) ethnicity (struggles of indigenous populations in overcoming situated adversities); (v) religion (tensions and acts of negotiating religious orthodoxies towards creating more secular society); and (vi) regional identities (roles of regional identities in fostering local development). Grounded in their philosophies and pedagogies, the paper discusses the contributions of the two visionaries and their epistemologies/ideologies in studying and/or addressing the issues of contemporary world. This scholarship seems particularly important today when dominant sociopolitical and religious institutions and their agendas often do not value (if not oppose) such moral education, which potentially affects the lives of South Asian populations at large.

Guido Crepax – Valentina – The Shape of Her Time

The paper will focus on the analysis of Guido Crepax revolutionary comic book character Valentina that belongs to the golden age of the Italian comic-book genre fumetto. The aim is to explore whether Guido Crepax Valentina character was a "living doll" filling male fantasies of her creator or she was a woman empowered by her author struggling for many of the values of the women's culture that feminists today are trying to introduce into the mainstream. It also addresses research questions that focus on comic books and gender and empowerment at the decade of sexual liberation.Through Valentina case study the present paper is going to study an approach on the concept of woman in comics, and touch the border of female empowerment issue in contemporary world taking in consideration that her revolutionary strong and independent figure was born in a society where women have been frequently viewed as passive and represented as inferior to men and where questions of sexuality were considered taboo. Despite the fact that she angered some feminists by the way she was portrayed as an object of male gaze or a damsel in distress, there is nothing anti-feminist about Valentina. The aim here is to uncover feminist themes in the stories of Valentina and to explore what empowered her and made her a contemporary icon of style and symbol of liberated women.

Book Review: The Death Penalty: A Reference Handbook

The affordable but brief single-volume The Death Penalty: A Reference Handbook is edited by Professor Joseph Melusky of St. Francis University and Keith A. Pesto, a veteran US Magistrate Judge and lecturer at St. Francis. Pesto and Melusky have collaborated several times on related ABC-CLIO reference works including The Death Penalty: Documents Decoded (2014), Capital Punishment (2011), and Cruel and Unusual Punishment: Rights and Liberties under the Law (2003). This title is part of ABC-CLIO’s Contemporary World Issues Series, which “address vital issues in today’s society” and are “written by professional writers, scholars and nonacademic experts,” covering current topics such as marijuana, social media, and prisons (v).

On Zhuangzi’s Dao As Oneness — The Ultimate Reality

This paper focuses on discussing what is the reality in reference to Zhuangzi’s philosophy of Dao and Oneness. It begins with the discussion of the phenomena in our contemporary world and suggests that the cause of the phenomena today may be rooted in the way that people look at the reality. Through the issues presented, it is apparent to see that the artificial man-made contrivances make us alienated from both the nature outside of us — the physi-cal nature, and our own nature within — the inner nature of ourselves. Secondly, the overview of Zhuangzi’s philosophy and its major aim will be introduced. Thirdly, it expounds the principles and theories of Zhuangzi’s philosophy in particular with regard to its concepts of Dao and One. There is no absolute and rigid distinctions and this is the true and ultimate reality. Fourthly, it particularly explores further the two important dimensions of Oneness, which are closely relevant to the contemporary issues mentioned in the beginning: for individuals, Dao as Oneness means being One with De — the inner reality; and being One with the Now. It is hoped that from the analysis above, this paper may provide an alternative perspective of knowing what is real on both the outside world and the inner world of ourselves. Through knowing what is real, individuals may find an alternative way of interpreting the issues in contemporary world and a new way of living.

Applied Evolutionary Anthropology: Darwinian Approaches to Contemporary World Issues. Edited by Mhairi A.Gibson and David W.Lawson. 299 pp. New York: Springer. 2014. $129.00 (cloth), $99.00 (e‐book).

Applied Evolutionary Anthropology: Darwinian Approaches to Contemporary World Issues. Edited by Mhairi A.Gibson and David W.Lawson. 299 pp. New York: Springer. 2014. $129.00 (cloth), $99.00 (e‐book).

Applied evolutionary anthropology: Darwinian approaches to contemporary world issues

I appreciate the value of both evolutionary behavioural science and applied social research, and I see no better foundation for the latter than the former. I admit to being a bit wary, however, that some current enthusiasm for applied research stems from cynicism about the value of basic research. The editors of Applied Evolutionary Anthropology note that funding agencies demand increasingly that anthropologists “prove their worth” by demonstrating applied value (p. 4). I hope this doesn’t imply that these agencies define “worth” as “immediate short-term value.”

Applied Evolutionary Anthropology: Darwinian Approaches to Contemporary World Issues by Mhairi A.Gibson and David W. Lawson, eds.

Applied Evolutionary Anthropology: Darwinian Approaches to Contemporary World Issues by Mhairi A.Gibson and David W. Lawson, eds.

An introspect into the Islamic roots of CSR in the Middle East: the case of Savola Group in Egypt

PurposeThis paper aims to look into Islamic CSR, a literature domain that is rarely researched. The article has three goals. First, it provides an overview of the varying conceptualizations and paradigms underpinning CSR. Second, it presents an analogy relating commonalities and deviations between Islam and some of the basic international CSR paradigms. Third, it proposes a novel model of Islamic CSR based on the Islamic legislation (shar'iah) and applies it to an MNC with explicit application of Islamic CSR.Design/methodology/approachA case study of an explicitly Islamic‐abiding corporation has been investigated to test for the applicability of the proposal model. Semi‐structured interviews have been employed with both the CSR and the HR Heads in Egypt. In addition, various corporate communications have been also utilized in this study.FindingsThe research reflects upon international paradigms of CSR versus the Islamic one, highlighting its origins and providing an analogy among both perspectives. Also, a new model is developed and further put into action by the case study employed. Further research is needed to assess further the generalizability of the proposed model, especially with companies operating in Muslim‐majority countries and, hence, with potential implicit application of Islamic CSR.Research limitations/implicationsGeneralization of the model cannot be generated at this stage of the model development. Further large‐scale empirical research is needed for further development of the proposed model.Practical implicationsThis research would prove useful for corporations operating in Muslim‐majority countries as well as for managers of companies interested in understanding the Islamic perspective on important contemporary world issues like CSR.Originality/valueThis article put forth a comprehensive Islamic CSR model based on the shari'ah while presenting the commonalities and differences between basic international CSR paradigms and the Islamic perspective on CSR.

Collaborative Learning and Change of Mentality in Romanian School

Mentalities are forms of knowledge of reality which manifests a high resistance to change, but also great power in influencing relationships with others. The study demonstrates that there is an ameliorative link between collaborative learning and works mentality. Analysis of this connection had two planes converged: on one hand the techniques of working groups help to harmonize attitudes and behaviours of students from ethnic and religious differences, and on the other hand by developing collaborative attitude of the students can reduce resistance to change. Thus, by using collaborative strategies, we can to prevent than to correct. These are components of education which concerns contemporary world issues.

MANIFESTAÇÕES ARTÍSTICAS DE LATINOS NOS ESTADOS UNIDOS: Formas para Cruzar Fronteiras

Questões de fronteiras passaram a constituir um assunto importante no mundo contemporâneo, uma vez que a globalização tornou indistintas as noções de limites entre culturas e economias. Os imigrantes sempre tiveram de enfrentar o problema de cruzar fronteiras, e isto os levou a serem colocados frente a frente com questões relativas à identidade. Nos Estados Unidos, os textos produzidos por imigrantes latinos ou por americanos de origem latina têm revelado suas ansiedades e seus desconfortos quando são colocados em confronto com o debate a respeito de romper com as tradições de seus ancestrais e de se acostumarem a um estilo de vida diferente. Por meio de textos de Gloria Anzaldúa, Guillermo Goméz-Peña, e Gustavo Pérez-Firmat, este trabalho examina a divisão entre o sistema de valores herdado pelos latinos e o que eles devem obedecer na América. A utilização de duas línguas, Inglês e Espanhol, reforça um estilo de vida marcado por uma mistura de costumes, ideais e culturas, e também apresenta uma união problemática entre duas realidades complexas. Este estudo aborda a importância da literatura produzida pelos latinos nos Estados Unidos, pois seus escritos apontam a contribuições da imigração latina na vida cultural e social dos americanos.

The Human Behavioral Ecology of Contemporary World Issues : Applications to Public Policy and International Development.

Human behavioral ecology (HBE) began as an attempt to explain human economic, reproductive, and social behavior using neodarwinian theory in concert with theory from ecology and economics, and ethnographic methods. HBE has addressed subsistence decision-making, cooperation, life history trade-offs, parental investment, mate choice, and marriage strategies among hunter-gatherers, herders, peasants, and wage earners in rural and urban settings throughout the world. Despite our rich insights into human behavior, HBE has very rarely been used as a tool to help the people with whom we work. This article introduces a special issue of Human Nature which explores the application of HBE to significant world issues through the design and critique of public policy and international development projects. The articles by Tucker, Shenk, Leonetti et al., and Neil were presented at the 104th annual meeting of the American Anthropological Association (AAA) in Washington, D.C., in December 2005, in the first organized session of the nascent Evolutionary Anthropology Section (EAS). We conclude this introduction by summarizing some theoretical challenges to applying HBE, and ways in which evolutionary anthropologists can contribute to solving tough world issues.

The Dialectics of Unity in Diversity: Osofisan's Proposal in Another Raft

One of the most discussed issues in contemporary African literary world is the need for the diverse ethnic groups in the continent to forge a common ground, and attack the various socio-political and economic hindrances that militate against the growth and development of Africa. The focus of this study is to use the Nigerian state and her socio-cultural and political upheavals as projective modes for the dialectics of unity in diversity. The play under study is Femi Osofisan's Another Raft (1988). (Humanities Review Journal: 2003 3(1): 37-49)

Conflicts and Conflict Resolution

Conflicts and conflict resolution are current and relevant issues in contemporary world. The terrorist attack on the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon in New York and Washington on the 11th September 2001 and the retaliatory strikes on the Taliban government in Afghanistan are very much with us. Conflict is endemic worldwide. The causes, expression and legitimacy of conflicts are discussed. Some ways of resolving conflicts are discussed. This paper is interested in communicating peace for development and cooperation. Some graphical representations have been attempted to make the presentation clearer. IFE PsychologIA Volume 9 no 3, 2001, pp. 118-138

The Ozone Dilemma: a reference handbook (Contemporary World Issues Series)

Review: The Ozone Dilemma: a reference handbook By David E. Newton Reviewed by Haipeng Li Oberlin College Library, Oberlin College Newton, David E. The Ozone Dilemma: a reference handbook (Contemporary World Issues Series) Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, Inc. 1995. 195 pp. US $39.50 hardcover ISBN: 0-87436-719-0. Recycled, acid-free paper. As part of the ABC-CLIO's award-winning Contemporary World Issues Series, this informative reference book discusses issues and concerns related to the depletion of the earth's ozone -- its cause, impact, and solutions. The book is unique in that it embraces, in one single volume, the main features of the debate on ozone depletion. It successfully provides background information on a number of topics related to this issue, such as an overview of ozone depletion and the role of human- made chemicals in ozone loss. Unlike many other publications on the ozone, most of which are science- oriented and technical, this book focuses on important topics such as potential threats to the ozone layer, additional discoveries, potential effects, and some proposed solutions for ozone depletion. The Ozone Dilemma: a reference handbook is targeted at both specialists and general readers. Also included are the views, opinions, and results from important scientific studies and significant international conferences, as well as different approaches to the proposed solutions for ozone depletion. The book serves as a useful reference tool by summarizing some of the most important events that have taken place in this field over the past two centuries, such as the discovery of ozone in 1840 and the creation of The United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) in 1972. It also provides brief biographical information on some of the most important figures in the ozone question, such as Mario J. Molina and F. Sherwood Rowland, who together wrote a historic paper in 1974 on the effects of chlorine on ozone in the stratosphere. Current, annotated listings of organizations and resources will further assist readers in their studies. The glossary will help readers who are not familiar with scientific terms; listings of acronyms and abbreviations, and formulas and nomenclature

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: MARINE POLLUTION

Review by Kenneth L. Carriveau, Jr. Government Documents/Agriculture Librarian, Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Library, University of Guam, UOG Station, Mangilao, GU 96923. USA. TEL: 671-734-9144/9403. Gorman, Martha. ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: MARINE POLLUTION. (Contemporary World Issues series). Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, Inc., 1993. xiii, 252 pp. US$39.50 ISBN: 0-87436-641-0. Acid-free paper. The ocean covers approximately 70% of the earth's total surface area and accounts for almost 97% of the total water in the environment. It is also home to a great variety of marine life whose populations may number in the trillions. Given its sheer enormity of size and diversity of life, it is not surprising that humankind has taken the ocean for granted until earlier this century. It is difficult to believe that something so massive and seemingly resilient can really be adversely affected by our activities. Gorman's MARINE POLLUTION serves as an excellent reminder that the relationship between humans and the earth is more complex than previously thought and that small actions today may have far reaching consequences in the future. Similar in format to earlier volumes of the Contemporary World Issues series, Gorman opens her work with a broad introduction to the basic issues of marine environmental studies: (1) description and definition of the six major categories of marine pollutants, (2) a brief history of human activities having significant effects on the physical condition of the ocean and/or socio-political attitudes towards the ocean, (3) brief biographical sketches of relevant historical figures, (4) citations for U.S. and international legal documents concerned with the marine environment, and (5) compilation of statistical facts, figures and tables. This narrative is not as eloquent as the journalistic style employed by Anne W. Simon in NEPTUNE'S REVENGE (Franklin Watts, 1984) nor as detailed a scientific analysis as Sebastian A. Gerlach's MARINE POLLUTION (Springer-Verlag, 1981); however, this does not mean that her presentation is without merit. Gorman expresses rather complex issues succinctly and in such a manner that an educated layperson who is interested in learning more about the plight of the world marine environment will find a wealth of introductory information at his/her fingertips. The novice environmentalist will also find the directory of international marine environmental organizations and bibliographies of print and non-print resources particularly helpful. Though this book focuses only on U.S. marine coastal areas and estuaries, readers from around the world will find that the issues discussed here apply in their countries as well. Recommended for public, four-year college, and undergraduate level university libraries.