Social Principles Research Articles

Elmer Belt, Harry Benjamin, and the Birth of Gender-Affirming Surgery in the United States

Abstract Introduction Gender Affirming Surgery (GAS) originated in early 20th century Europe and innovators there established some of the first surgical and social principles of GAS. GAS in the United States, however, lagged behind in practice and acceptance. Two American pioneers in the care of patients undergoing gender-affirmation therapies were Elmer Belt and Harry Benjamin. How they became dedicated to GAS and establishing a new standard of care for GAS in the United States is less clear. Our goal was to describe how Belt and Benjamin created GAS in the US, in the context of their time, and how their work influenced our current approach to transgender care. Sources and Methods We accessed the private papers, correspondences, and memos of Belt and Benjamin from their private libraries, donated collections to local archives or libraries including the University of California at Los Angeles, the National Library of France (Paris), and the National Library of Medicine (Bethesda). We used secondary sources as cited. Results The first documented GAS was performed in Berlin at the Charité Hospital in collaboration with Magnus Hirschfield’s Institut für Sexualwissenschaft in 1922. Thirty years later, the sensational story of Christine Jorgensen, an American GI who underwent transgender surgery in Denmark, sparked US interest in transgenderism. By the early 1950s, US endocrinologist and transgender activist, Harry Benjamin, sought a surgical partnership with Elmer Belt, a Los Angeles urologist. Belt became the first surgeon in the US to perform gender affirming surgery, though he did so in secrecy. His surgical interventions included penectomy, vaginoplasty, and abdominal transposition of the testicles. Despite the safeguards that Belt and Benjamin created, Belt ultimately discontinued gender affirming surgeries as he feared patient regret might lead to either legal or personal retribution. These unofficial safeguards ultimately influenced the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) standards of care, leaving a lasting impact on the field of gender affirming medicine. Conclusions Benjamin and Belt were extremely influential in the birth of gender affirming surgical care in the US Key Words Elmer Belt, Harry Benjamin, Gender Affirming Surgery, Transgender Medicine

Exporting the just transition? The European Investment Bank, the European Green Deal and environmental and social rules for green projects outside the EU

Abstract The European Union’s European Green Deal (EGD) aims for a just transition to carbon neutrality both within and beyond its borders. This contribution to the special issue on the external dimensions of the EGD focuses on the role of the European Investment Bank (EIB). As a newly declared climate bank and a major funder of ‘green’ projects, the EIB’s role in this vein deserves attention. Do the environmental and social principles the EIB uses to judge funding applications contribute to an environmentally just transition? We explore this question by identifying key issues in impact assessment processes in the literature, brought into focus through an original illustrative case study on the Gibe III hydroelectric dam inaugurated in 2016 in Ethiopia, and linking these to three central aspects of Environmental Justice: recognitional, procedural and redistributive justice. This forms the basis for an analysis of the EIB’s environmental and social statements over time, and a reflection on how far current rules address critical issues. While the EIB’s rules pay increasing attention to critical issues such as the content of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), and questions around inclusion, timing, and trust, their contribution to a just transition could be strengthened by sharing responsibility for impact assessments with funding applicants and including rules about their co-design. A bottom-up approach to environmental and social issues could contribute to building shared norms amongst funders and a more universal adoption of ESIAs, and to strengthening networks of grassroots expertise to tackle power asymmetries.

Legal mechanism for preventing deviant behavior of minors

The article describes the legal mechanism for preventing deviant behavior of minors, in particular, the relationship between social deprivation and deviant behavior in minors is analyzed, the content, forms and methods of legal work with socially deprived minors are revealed. Two types of deviant behavior are distinguished: external and internal, which differ in their goals. External deviant behavior of a minor is aimed at violating legal norms and social principles, which is dangerous not only for him, but also for society. Internal deviant behavior of a minor is aimed at disintegration and self-destruction of his personality, such actions create only temporary, short-term pleasure, and usually hinder his future successful development. It is noted that the main factor in the formation of deviations in minors is social deprivation - the deviation of the individual standards of a minor from the real social norms of society. Therefore, within the framework of the legal mechanism for the prevention of deviant behavior of minors, we can distinguish three main areas of work: socio-pedagogical and legal prevention, preventive assistance (psychological, legal) and correction, adaptation, rehabilitation and resocialization. The subjects of the prevention of deviant behavior of minors, which we have identified above, should actively participate in the implementation of these areas. Based on the generalization of scientific literature and practice of the prevention of deviant behavior, such effective areas as active informing adolescents about the consequences of the use of various types of alcohol, drugs and toxic substances by connecting the media and Internet content, distributing visual aids, holding «round tables», lectures and conversations; clarification of legal norms concerning various aspects of asocial behavior by involving legal professionals and establishing their close interaction with adolescents and their parents; formation of skills for active and cultural leisure activities; provision of advisory assistance in solving problems (consultations of a lawyer, psychologist, doctor, teacher, counseling through the media); updating the trend of a healthy lifestyle; creation of conditions for self-realization of the individual in various types of creative, intellectual, and social activities.

From Newcomer to Educator: A Journey of Transformative Onboarding

The paper delves into the transformative onboarding practices essential for successfully integrating new teachers into higher education institutions. Integration of the principles of organizational socialization and transformative learning theories underscores the significance of a structured and supportive onboarding process. The paper argues that a comprehensive approach, including mentorship, targeted professional development, and a culture that encourages reflection and dialogue, is vital for new teachers’ professional growth and institutional engagement. It concludes that effective onboarding not only facilitates a smooth transition for new teachers but also enriches the academic environment, fostering a community of continuous learning and innovation.

Towards a Holistic Approach to Sustainable Development: Inner Development as a Missing Link for Sustainability Transformation

The discourse on understanding and implementing sustainable development has so far focused primarily on the external aspects, neglecting the internal dimension of people. The main purpose of our paper is to contribute to addressing this research gap. Therefore, we intend to (1) substantiate existing aspects of the Inner Development Goals (IDGs), (2) complement them, and (3) link the concept of the IDGs to normative discourses in Christian Social Ethics and Social Philosophy. Our results show that the dimensions of Being, Relating, and Collaborating in the IDG Framework can be substantiated by the normative discourse on spirituality and by reference to the social principle of personality in Christian Social Ethics, as well as by the Indian Social Philosophical Perspective of Vimala Thakar which focuses on a value-based approach. This paper suggests that the concept of the IDGs will be strengthened by adding the dimension of Caring—understood as the concern and responsibility for the wholeness in the combining of the inner and outer dimensions. By linking the concept of the Inner Development Goals to the existing normative discourses in Christian Social Ethics and Social Philosophy, our research contributes to making the concept connectable and deepens the discussions on a practical and theoretical level.

Procedural Law of Ancient Rome in the Imperial Period

The scientific study is devoted to the consideration of procedural law in ancient Rome during the reign of the kings. It is noted that scientific research is usually devoted to the problems of substantive law, both civil and family law, and procedural law and its institutions have been considered by legal scholars much less frequently. The article examines the governing bodies of the Roman State, namely, the People’s Assembly, the king (rex) and the Senate. It is noted that at any time the People's Assembly could remove the king from office, i.e. he cannot be called an absolute monarch. The king was a military commander, a priest, who dealt with the day-to-day management of the polis-state and acted as the supreme judge. The boundaries of the governing bodies of Ancient Rome, their competence and powers were established by custom. Customs were the first source of law in ancient Rome, which regulated relations within the family and community with the help of religious norms and social principles. Later, customs were recognised and enforced by the state. The collection of the most widespread and applied customs, the Laws of the XII Tables, was approved by the People's Assembly in 451–450 BC. The study describes the procedural order of consideration of civil and criminal cases. It is determined that the Roman criminal procedure concerned only the quirits, which constituted a small number of Roman citizens. The second group of the population was made up of commoners – plebs, the third group of the Roman population was clientis, and the fourth – slaves. The subjects and allies of Rome, a huge mass of slaves, whose number was many times higher than the number of Roman citizens, were subject to trial in a simplified manner, and slaves were generally subject to extrajudicial proceedings. The originality of the Roman procedural law of that time is examined, and it is concluded that it had many common general features with the legal process of the first, initial stage of the aristocratic republic, which is more fully and reliably known in science.

Analysis of the Integration of Military Themes and Nazi Ideology in the 'Mathematisches Arbeits- Und Lehrbuch' Textbook Series

This study explores the integration of military themes and Nazi ideology within the "Mathematisches Arbeits- Und Lehrbuch" textbook series, which was a prominent tool in Nazi Germany for embedding National Socialist principles in mathematics education. Authored by Otto Zoll, a Nazi Party member, these textbooks were strategically designed to support the regime's objectives, aligning mathematical instruction with ideological and military indoctrination. The paper focuses on the revisions made to the textbooks after 1937, under directives from the Reich Ministry of Education, which infused them with exercises that directly related to military science, genetics, and Germanic folklore. Notably, students were introduced to complex military applications, such as ballistic calculations and strategic logistics, from as early as grade 10, illustrating the regime's efforts to prepare the youth for future roles in the military and as bearers of Nazi ideology. Through this analysis, the paper highlights the profound impact of these educational materials on shaping the ideologies and values of students, underscoring the potent role of education in propagating state ideologies. By dissecting the content of these textbooks, this study offers insights into how education under authoritarian regimes can be manipulated to achieve specific political ends, contributing to a broader understanding of the intersection between education, ideology, and political control during the Nazi era.

Democratic Practice and Challenges in Bangladesh: A General Overview

Bangladesh emerged as an independent state in 1971 on the basic principles of secularism, nationalism, socialism and democracy. But after the assassination of Bangabandhu, military rule was established in the country and democratic progress was severely hampered. After the fall of the military ruler in the face of a mass uprising in 1990, the countrys first free and fair elections were held in 1991. This was a very positive and very important first step on the path of multi-party democracy. But subsequently, due to the lack of consensus among politicians on some fundamental issues, democratic progress is being hampered in this country due to instability and continuous political crises. Therefore, this researcher has tried to find out the challenges of democracy in Bangladesh.

Cybercrimes in Islamic Jurisprudence and Afghan Penal Code

In light of the rapid developments in the field of technology and the spread of digital spaces, cybercrimes are one of the main challenges facing society in the current era. These crimes threaten individual and social security, and cause economic and psychological damage, which requires serious attention from society and legal systems.This study addressed the various dimensions of cybercrimes in Sunni jurisprudence and criminal laws in Afghanistan. The results indicate that Islamic jurisprudence, despite not directly addressing these crimes, clearly emphasizes the prohibition and punishment of these acts based on moral and social principles and values. The inclusion of cybercrimes under the name "cybercrimes" in the Afghan Penal Code also expresses the strong will of legislators to confront these emerging threats.

Components of the organizational and economic mechanism of vegetable market regulation

The article examines the tools of the organizational and economic mechanism as a system of interconnected and mutually conditioned methods, incentives, levers and tools of regulation and market selfregulation, which form an open dynamic system. It is founded that the tools of the organizational and economic mechanism should focus on the coordination of business interests entities and the balanced development of supply and demand in the market under the conditions of uncertainty and risk. The author’s approach to the interpretation of the organizational and economic mechanism of the market regulations of vegetable production is considered by us as a set of forms and methods of management, levers and tools of regulation and selfregulation of reproductive processes in the industry and satisfaction of the population’s needs in vegetable products. It has been concluded that achieving a balanced functioning of the vegetable market under the conditions of martial law is possible only if effective tools of state regulation are used, which would support stability, efficiency and justice. It is argued that the prospective development of vegetable products market should be considered in terms of the influence of organizational and economic regulation tools on the strengthening of the current positive trends in the direction of increasing production volumes by agricultural commodity producers in the western and central regions of the country. The principles of the development of vegetable products market are systematized and the need to focus vegetable product producers not only on obtaining profit, but also on ensuring ecological and social principles, which causes the manifestation of a synergistic effect, is emphasized. The directions of the influence of the organizational and economic mechanism of the regulation of vegetable products market in the post-war recovery of the industry are summarized, namely: the formation of new competencies of market subjects taking into account the transition to a new technological structure, the introduction of digital technologies and sustainable technologies for growing vegetables, the creation and modernization of capacities of objects of distribution infrastructure, restoration of the seed industry, etc. Key words: market self-regulation, instruments of state regulation, vegetable products, market balance.

Maintenance Rights of Muslim Women under Muslim Personal Law

In India, the Muslim community is the largest minority group, yet many Muslim women remain unaware of their rights under Muslim Personal Law, particularly concerning maintenance. Maintenance, a fundamental right, holds great importance as it ensures financial security and social dignity for women, especially during and after marriage. While Islamic principles emphasize fairness and protection for women, practical understanding and implementation of these maintenance rights are often clouded by cultural misconceptions and lack of awareness. This paper seeks to illuminate the rights Muslim women possess within the framework of Muslim Personal Law, exploring the spiritual and social principles intended to provide them with a secure livelihood. It delves into the role of cultural practices and community leaders in either reinforcing or obstructing these rights, highlighting the urgent need for informed dialogue and reform. By dispelling myths and shedding light on the core tenets of equality, this study emphasizes the crucial role of educating women as a means of fostering self-advocacy and economic stability. Through an in-depth look at maintenance rights, this study aims to bridge the knowledge gap, empowering women to claim what is rightfully theirs. In recognizing the significance of these protections, the research underlines the importance of widespread awareness and education, advocating for a future where every Muslim woman is equipped with the knowledge to assert her legal entitlements confidently. In doing so, it aspires to contribute to the larger cause of gender equity, upholding the dignity and welfare of Muslim women as envisioned in both traditional Islamic values and the modern social fabric of India.

Teacher education in Poland (1970–2024): policy development, legislation, and period-specific challenges

ABSTRACT This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of teacher education in Poland from 1970 to 2024, detailing socio-political and economic changes that have shaped educational policies. The study uses a historical and policy analysis approach, examining legislative documents, policy developments, and educational outcomes across three distinct periods – Socialist Era (1970–1989), Transition and Integration Era (1990–2004), and Modernisation and Reform Era (2005–2024). During the Socialist Era, centralised control and ideological rigidity resulted in a uniform system. Policy changes aimed to align education with socialist principles, often at the expense of flexibility and creativity. The Transition and Integration Era saw significant reforms driven by Poland’s move towards a market economy and European Union integration. This period focused on decentralising the education system, improving teacher qualifications, and aligning with European standards, though it faced challenges such as resource disparities and resistance to change. In the Modernisation and Reform Era, efforts have focused on improving teacher education quality through modernisation and adopting international best practices. There has been an emphasis on innovation, technology integration, and lifelong learning. Despite progress, issues like equitable resource distribution and the relevance of training programmes persist. The paper concludes with recommendations for further decentralisation, better resource allocation, continuous professional development, and integrating innovative teaching methods. These recommendations aim to guide future policy and enhance the effectiveness of teacher education in Poland. Implications for research include exploring the impact of these reforms on teacher effectiveness, policy adaptation, and practice improvement in education.

Surrogate motherhood as a right of procreational will for infertile couples in Ecuador

This research paper contributes to the regulation of surrogacy in Ecuador, a controversial topic that has gained attention in scientific and social circles. Although the practice is not legally regulated, there has been an increase in discussion and interest in this topic in the country. The objective is to examine the Ecuadorian regulations and jurisprudence applicable to the regulation of surrogate motherhood considering ethical and social principles. It was based on a historical, normative and jurisprudential study. The qualitative methodology was applied, by means of the empirical analytical method that allowed analyzing the opinions of experts in family law, human rights and bioethics, and evaluating how surrogate motherhood would be integrated within the existing legal framework in Ecuador, which requires further research and an informed debate to structure a legal and ethical framework that regulates surrogate motherhood in Ecuador. We were able to conclude the potential impact that surrogacy has in terms of equity and reproductive justice, as well as in the integral protection of the rights of all parties involved. However, it must be recognized that this discussion must encompass a variety of perspectives, including the opinions of experts in bioethics, reproductive medicine and psychology.

Perspectives of Defining Algorithmic Fairness in Customer-oriented Applications: A Systematic Literature Review

Automated decision-making systems are massively engaged in different types of businesses, including customer-oriented sectors, and bring countless achievements in persuading customers with more personalized experiences. However, it was observed that the decisions made by the algorithms could bring unfairness to a person or a group of people, according to recent studies. Thus, algorithmic fairness has become a spotlight research area, and defining a concrete version of fairness notions has also become significant research. In existing literature, there are more than 21 definitions of algorithmic fairness. Many studies have shown that each notion has an incompatibility problem, and it is still necessary to make those notions more adaptable to the legal and social principles of the desired sectors. Yet, the constraints of algorithmic fairness for customer-oriented areas have not been thoroughly studied. This motivates us to work on a systematic literature review to investigate the sectors concerned about algorithmic fairness as a significant matter when using machine-based decision-making systems, what are the well-applied algorithmic fairness notions, and why they can or cannot be directly applicable to the customer-oriented sectors, what are the possible algorithmic fairness constraints for the customer-oriented sectors. By applying the standard guidelines of systematic literature review, we explored 65 prominent articles thoroughly. The findings show 43 different ways of algorithmic fairness notions in the varieties of domains. We also identified the three important perspectives to be considered for enhancing algorithmic fairness notions in the customer-oriented sectors.

Redefining Family Relationships: The Impact of Disability on Working-Class Families during the Industrial Revolution in Britain

The Industrial Revolution traditionally has been seen in Disability Studies as marking a decisive shift in the lives of disabled people. It is argued that the rise of mechanisation, time discipline and standardisation made the industrial workplace a hostile environment for people with non-standard bodies. According to this view, increasing demands to work outside the home also meant that families were less capable of caring for older and disabled members, leading to greater institutionalisation. This view of increasing segregation of disabled people from home and work has dominated understanding of disability in the British Industrial Revolution, but it does not reflect the variability of disabled people's experiences at the time. Drawing on official enquiries, fictional literature, journalism and social commentary from the 1830s and 1840s – a time when the impact of industrialisation on the bodies and family relationships of workers became matters of public, political concern – this article shows the continuing importance of family in the lives of disabled people. The legal duty of families to care for sick and disabled relatives was an enduring social principle throughout this period. Interpersonal relations were tested and sometimes re-drawn by disability, forcing a change in traditional familial roles and expectations. For working people and their families, the potentials for poverty resulting from disability could be great. However, disabled people continued to play significant roles in the lives of their families, and where possible continued to contribute to the domestic economy. Taking a disability perspective on the history of the family highlights the interdependence between family members in industrialising Britain.

Islamic Socialism and Communist Socialism: A Review of Comparative Analytical Studies

The paper reviews studies that compare Communist Socialism and Islamic Socialism to explore how Islamic Socialism is a viable alternative to both Communism and Capitalism. It investigates the shortcomings of Capitalism, which caused the emergence of the idea of socialism. The paper also discusses the strong endorsement of Islamic Socialism by prominent Muslim scholars to inspire confidence in its legitimacy. The analysis reveals that Islamic revival movements that arose during the era of Western political domination emphasized values shared by Islam and the rest of the world and initiated the concept of Islamic Socialism. The principles of Socialism, such as the government’s ownership of productive units and the establishment of social welfare programs, align with Islamic teachings on social justice. In Islam, Zakat serves as a form of funding for welfare programs and social services, reflecting the religion's compassion and concern for the poor.

Obafemi Awolowo’s Socialist Principle as a Panacea to Underdevelopment in Nigeria

Obafemi Awolowo’s Socialist Principle as a Panacea to Underdevelopment in Nigeria

KONSEP PENDIDIKAN SOSIAL DALAM ISLAM PERSPEKTIF AHMAD RAJĀB AL-ASMARĪ [736 H – 795 H] DALAM KITAB AL-NABĪ ALMURABBĪ DAN MUḤAMMAD AL-SYĀDZILĪ [1365 H – 1425 H] DALAM KITAB USUS AL-TARBIYAH AL-IJTIMĀIYAH FĪ AL-ISLĀM

Human life is getting easier with new discoveries, both in the fields of science and technology. One of the advantages of this progress is that individuals get information easily and quickly, but in fact this actually increases life competition even harder. This problem can be solved by implementing social education according to Al-Qur'an and Al-Sunnah. The aim of this research is to compare and relate the concept of social education in Islam from the perspective of Ahmad Rajab Al-Asmarī and Muḥammad Al-Syādzilī. This research is library research in the form of descriptive analysis. The data is collected by using primary sources, namely the Al-Nabī Almurabbī Book and the Usus Al-Tarbiyah Al-Ijtimāiyah fī Al-Islām Book, while secondary sources are obtained through books, journals, or others that discuss research problems. Al-Asmarī emphasized the importance of the example of Prophet Muhammad as the basis for social education, while Al-Syādzilī emphasized the importance of Islamic social principles implemented through formal educational institutions and public policies. According to Al-Asmarī, social education focuses on the formation of morals and manners with the aim of forming individuals with noble character in accordance with the example of Prophet Muhammad. Meanwhile, according to Al-Syādzilī, the social education process can be used to form a just society by applying Islamic principles in all aspects of social, political and economic life. Regarding developments over time, Al-Asmarī still adheres to a traditional approach which is based on implementing established values without much modification. However, Al-Syādzilī emphasized the importance of adapting to social changes and modern challenges

Democratic Socialism of BP and its Imperatives in Nepal's Politics and Development: A Critical Outlook

This paper explores Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala’s interpretation of democratic socialism and its influence on Nepal’s political and developmental trajectory. Adopting a review-based methodology within a critical framework, the research delves into BP’s principles of democratic socialism, which aim to blend democratic governance with social fairness and economic equity. The study evaluates how these principles were reflected in development policies during the Nepali Congress leadership, noting both positive outcomes and limitations. Additionally, it addresses the substantial obstacles encountered in applying democratic socialism in Nepal, such as political instability, leadership crisis, economic constraints, and societal challenges. In conclusion, the paper assesses the ongoing significance and future prospects of democratic socialism in Nepal, advocating for its effective theorization and application through development strategies centered on the people, improved governance practices, and reinforced institutional structures to promote political morality and sustainable development.

Socialism and Electricity: Renewables and Decentralisation Versus Nuclear

ABSTRACT A socialist energy supply system should be based on centralised electricity generation, primarily from nuclear power, Matthew Huber and Fred Stafford argue. They propose only a minor role for wind and solar, and see decentralised renewables as unworthy of support. Huber further contends that neoliberalism fostered decentralised renewables, while undermining centralised generation, and socialists seduced by “green” thinking have unwittingly become neoliberalism's allies. In this response, I propose that nuclear power has been opposed by socialists for good reasons: it requires a strong state, and is inherently linked to the military. The trend towards decentralisation of electricity networks has been underway for decades; claims that it is at odds with public ownership or socialist principles are unfounded. Portraying renewables as a burden on existing networks is misleading. Instead, we need discussion of whether, and how, socialism can challenge capital's control of these electricity technologies, including decentralised renewables, and turn them to our advantage. The potential of decentralised networks to enhance forms of common ownership and decommodification needs to be tested. Claims that renewables are, by comparison to nuclear, inherently inimical to labour organisation or public ownership, or that they are historically underpinned by neoliberal ideology, are baseless.