Social Sciences Research Articles

Beyond Numeracy, a Data Literacy Topical Scoping Review (2011-2023)

Individuals' proficiency in using and understanding data becomes crucial due to society increasingly recognising the importance and value of data. However, there is not one agreed upon definition for data literacy. This study therefore addresses the topical evolution of data literacy within social and educational sciences from 2011 to 2023. The review focuses on the key themes and areas of research interest and the trends in the discourse around data literacy. We synthesise the body of literature on data literacy, whilst discerning consensus definitions and core themes associated with this competence cluster. Using the Scopus and Web of Science databases, we selected 210 English-language, peer-reviewed, and open and early access articles on data literacy. Our findings reveal a dynamic field, with the evolution of data literacy mirroring past discussions on media and digital literacy. There has been a substantial increase in attention to data literacy, particularly in 2019 and 2020, underscoring its recognition as a distinct competence cluster from media literacy. The scoping review identifies diverse competences and highlights a growing recognition of data literacy as a crucial component in educational settings, with attention on data analytics and data usage skills. However, we see a move towards topics like ‘critical thinking’ and ‘awareness’ in the discourse. Notably, within social sciences publications, our findings indicate a growing interest in the societal implications of data literacy, emphasising how individuals and communities engage with and understand data.

Nurturing green employee behaviour: exploring the role of leadership, human resource management practices and individual values

PurposeThis study aims to explore two main objectives. Firstly, it examines the mediating roles of green human resource management practices (GHRMPs) and green employee creativity (GEC) between green transformational leadership (GTL) and green employee behaviour. Secondly, it investigates the moderating effect of green individual values (GIVs) on the indirect relationship between GTL and green employee behaviour.Design/methodology/approachThe study involved 326 employees from ECOTEL-certified hotels in India. Analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) AMOS and MACRO.FindingsThe results indicate a direct relationship between GTL and green employee behaviour. Additionally, GHRMPs and GEC partially mediate this relationship. Furthermore, GIVs positively moderate the indirect relationship between GTL and green employee behaviour, specifically moderating the path between GHRMPs and GEC.Originality/valueThis study fills a significant gap in the literature by investigating the combined effects of GTL, GHRMPs, GEC and GIVs on employee pro-environmental behaviour. Understanding these relationships is crucial for organizations aiming to implement effective green initiatives and cultivate a culture of environmental responsibility among employees. This study is ground-breaking in its approach, delving into the complex network of interconnected variables through both mediation and moderation analyses. By doing so, it aims to uncover the intricate mechanisms influencing employees' inclination towards pro-environmental behaviour.

‘I have to call them’

This is the story of a young girl who grew up in Moldova with parents working abroad, and is complementary to the scholarly articles discussing children’s situations in this special issue. Her story is invaluable at a time when children’s participation – really listening to their voices – is increasingly in demand in the social sciences. Reading this story, we understand the ‘vulnerability’ of the children in this special issue, but we are especially struck by the ‘agency’ they show.

Is it happening? Inverting situational awareness

ABSTRACT Is social science situationally aware? This essay suggests not. It begins from the proposition that academic reflection on life, and the world, most-often plays catch-up. We are surprised. Too often. By events in the world, by discombobulations of our theoretical presuppositions, and by radical shifts in political realities. To explore that status quo, this article first suggests that the notion of situational awareness as it is deployed by military, security, and other practitioners has remarkable homologies with many critical and/or reflexive social scientific practices. Yet, security and military practitioners have had remarkably more success in turning ‘reflexivity’ into real-world action. In drawing this comparison, the paper ultimately seeks to meditate on what critical social science can learn (re-co-opt!) from security practitioners to become more ‘critically situationally aware.’ To illustrate the argument, I draw on several examples of ‘critical situational awareness,’ ranging from those that are more liberal (Forensic Architecture) to the more radical (Cuban revolutionary informatics), before concluding through the work of bell hooks to encourage social science to see ‘all border crossings’ – even those that make us uncomfortable – as valuable for coming to terms with our contemporary disorientation and with the hope of opening alternative futures.

Application of Mixed Methods in Childhood Trauma Research: A Study Example of Divorce-Related Trauma Research from India

Background: The use of mixed methods research (MMR) has become progressively important in the field of behavioral and social sciences. This article makes an argument for the combination of quantitative and qualitative methods in the study of childhood trauma. It focuses on the role of MMR in effectively exploring the traumatic life experiences and narratives of children and adolescents. Methods: The mixed method approach is beneficial for multi-dimensional research strategies, thereby surpassing the quantitative-qualitative divide. We also discuss the key characteristics of the mixed methods approach applicable to these behavioral studies. Results: This article concludes with a study example from the author’s MMR-driven doctoral research on the topic of divorce-related child custody issues in India. Conclusion: The implications for MMR use in future childhood trauma research are discussed.

The Evolution of Regional Representativeness in the Administrative Cadre Service of Bangladesh

The regional diversity in civil service may foster more equitable distribution of public resources and an increase in innovative service delivery. Before 2018, the government of Bangladesh relied on the districts’ share of population as a tool to ensure regional variation in the civil service. There is no systematic research in the existing literature exploring the effects of different types of quotas on the representativeness of bureaucracy in Bangladesh. In this study, we attempt to address this gap in the literature and explore to what extent the population share based quota system contributes to improving the representation of underserved regions of the country. It is found that the districts’ share of population and share of freedom fighters play a major role in determining the regional representativeness in the BCS administration cadre. Among the socio-economic factors, university completion rates of the districts are found to be positively correlated with the districts’ share of officials, while the sign of the coefficient on the poverty rates of the districts changes from positive to negative. Social Science Review, Vol. 41(1), June 2024, Page 237-259.

The Study of Signs in Frida (2002): Exploring the Creative Nexus between the Film and the Paintings

The symbiotic link between the film Frida (2002) and the artworks of the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo were examined with this study. In order to locate the Frida Kahlo paintings that were included in the film, this study analyses how they relate to the plot and settings, in a qualitative methodology. The formal analysis of those paintings discovered that they were used in a variety of ways to enhance the story in the film, including: to provide Kahlo's thoughts a visual expression, to offer comments on the film's topics and to establish a feeling of continuity between the many scenes. The semiotic analysis on denotative and connotative meaning was applied on the relevant scenes of the film Frida (2002). According to the study's findings, combining film and art can be a potent approach to communicate a story and produce a visually appealing film experience. Social Science Review, Vol. 41(1), June 2024, Page 91-120.

Flash Floods, Livelihoods and Food Security: Evidence from the Affected Smallholder Farming Households in Northeast Bangladesh

The 2017 flash flood events in Northeast districts created differential impacts on poor people; therefore, the adaptation strategies adopted by the poor were insufficient to survive. The weakness in these strategies often resulted in vulnerability to them. The present paper attempts to argue that the impacts created by those barriers are heterogeneous in nature, which did not receive considerable attention in ongoing research on this issue. This research has been conducted in two villages in the Habiganj district. Purposive sampling methods were used aiming to investigate how poor households adapt to flash flood disasters. A mixed method was applied to capture the scenario, which included a household questionnaire survey, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and informal discussions. Findings suggest that flood disasters affect farming households differently. As the findings reveal that the agriculture-based livelihoods are affected by the flash flood drastically that created household food insecurity in many smallholder farming households. The findings present some specific policy suggestions for policymakers and development workers to shape policies that may benefit all actors more inclusively. Social Science Review, Vol. 41(1), June 2024, Page 57-72.

Patterns of Non-Communicable Disease Comorbidities among Older Persons in Bangladesh

Comorbidity among older adults is a significant public health concern in Bangladesh. This study investigated the patterns and correlates of non- communicable disease comorbidities among older persons in Bangladesh through a cross-sectional study carried out in Dhaka and Chittagong divisions among people aged 60 years and above who suffered from any non-communicable disease in the past three months of the survey. Data was collected from 474 respondents. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and independent sample t- tests were used to explore the non-communicable disease comorbidities among respondents. The findings showed that the majority of the respondents were suffering from diabetes (39.2 percent), arthritis (38 percent), high blood pressure (34.6 percent), ulcer (26.4 percent), asthma (20.9 percent), and kidney diseases (20.3 percent) and were significantly suffering from several comorbidities like arthritis and ulcer (16.5 percent), arthritis and high blood pressure (15.6 percent), high blood pressure and diabetes (24.5 percent), and diabetes and asthma (11.8 percent) at the same time. Results showed that comorbidity of high blood pressure and diabetes was higher among the 60-70 age group, comorbidity of arthritis and ulcer was higher among rural respondents, comorbidity of diabetes and asthma was higher among males, comorbidity of arthritis and ulcer was higher among educated respondents, and comorbidity of high blood pressure and diabetes was higher among those who had a monthly income source. The study suggests that the government should improve primary healthcare by integrating non-communicable disease-related services and developing physical and human resources, focusing on promoting healthy lifestyles among older persons. Social Science Review, Vol. 41(1), June 2024, Page 1-16.

Working Without a Boss in Dhaka? Affective Labor, Ratings, And Temporalities in Digital Platforms

Abul Bashar—a ride-hailing driver from Dhaka—commented, “Uber allowed me to be my boss. Even if I drive throughout the day, no one has the right to rush or demand anything of me.” Despite such perception of flexibility, analyzing narratives of platform workers gathered in August 2020 and February 2021, in this article, it is argued that platform workers endure more stress providing their services than non-platform workers, such as driving for a private employer, because customer preferences change with every new trip. Additionally, they must work longer hours to be eligible for bonuses, and in any disputes, the platforms consider “passengers/customers are always right.” The article also reveals how digital platforms (ride-hailing or delivery) establish a coercive mechanism through their passengers’/customers’ rating system. Thereby, the article debunks the myth of democratization of work and revolutionizing the transportation/service system, identifying the affective regimes of work—that produce no material and durable goods but immaterial goods, such as comfort and ease for the customers—in digital platforms at Dhaka. Moreover, emphasis on affective labor and incentives results in disjunctive temporalities linked with family life and social routines, engendering modes of embodiment that constitute digital platform workers. Finally, the article argues that the affective regime generates forms of alienation and sociality that are co-implicated rather than opposing each other. Social Science Review, Vol. 41(1), June 2024, Page 195-214.

Eroding Social Capital and Increasing Divorce in Dhaka City

In the pursuit of gaining financial solvency and for so doing keeping utmost focus on career development, family value, the hallmark of social capital, is seemingly getting less focus in the present capitalist social structure of Dhaka city. The paper argues that modern couples’ ignorance towards developing social capital is a major factor behind the alarming increase in the divorce rate in Dhaka City. This study intends to explore how the culture of extreme individualism is causing a profound negative impact on strengthening social capital and the marital bondage is getting weaker which provokes couples to terminate their conjugal bondage even on trifle issues without considering deeply on social norms, values, obligations - the core features of social capital. In line with a comprehensive content analysis of the relevant secondary data, qualitative interviews of eight scholarly participants - four PhD Fellows of Dhaka University and four advocates in the High Court Division- have been arranged with semi-structured questionnaires to get the insights regarding the relevance of eroding social capital and the tendency of divorce among the couples in Dhaka city. The study findings suggest that the policymakers concerned with social stability in Bangladesh need to adopt policies keeping social capital into consideration along with financial capital – economic solvency- and human capital –education-; and for that, a more comprehensive study regarding the significance of social capital is needed to develop a pragmatic and time- worthy strategy to check the reckless increase of divorce rate in Dhaka city. Social Science Review, Vol. 41(1), June 2024, Page 161-178.

Understanding State Policy and the Role of Bangladesh National Museum in Preserving Ethnic Culture in Bangladesh

This article aims to understand the state policies and the specific role played by the Bangladesh National Museum in preserving and safeguarding ethnic cultures in Bangladesh. Three specific objectives were pursued: the description of the provisions outlined in different laws, acts, and policies that are designed to safeguard ethnic cultures, the examination of the diverse ethnic objects’ collections stored in the museum; and the analysis of the role played by the museum in the collection, exhibition, and preservation of objects pertaining to ethnic groups. The anthropological understanding has been used to comprehend ethnic minorities, policy, and the role of the museum. In-depth interviews, KII, and policy document analysis have been used to collect data. The study argues that state policies mostly prioritize infrastructure development programmes, mainstreaming efforts, and the assimilation of ethnic communities rather than establishing specific and contextually appropriate strategies and actions for the preservation of ethnic traditions and customs. Similar to state policy, the museum has collected artefacts from 14 ethnic groups of the country. Most of the collected objects are from Tripura, Garo Chakma, and Santals groups, with six categories of cultural aspects, e.g., ornament, textile, musical instrument, arms, armour and metal. The museum’s identification of some artefacts belonging to ethnic groups is hindered by the improper collecting procedure. Only 2.7% of total artefacts are ethnic objects, which is insufficient to represent all ethnic cultures. The state policy lacks specificity for preserving ethnic cultures, leading to distorted practices by the museum in dealing with ethnic groups, compromising objectivity and universality in museum practices due to inherent politics in policy-making. Social Science Review, Vol. 41(1), June 2024, Page 215-236.

Under Construction (2015): A Sketchy Attempt to Depict Female Subjectivity

This article investigates the role and representation of the female characters in Rubaiyat Hossain’s critically acclaimed feminist film Under Construction (2015). This qualitative and explorative study uses textual analysis and approaches to representation by Stuart Hall as the methodology. This study deploys the concept of feminist political economy, women and economics, and subjectivity as the theoretical framework. Findings show that female characters in the film either adhered to traditional gender roles or were financially dependent on others. Hence, they were prone to being exploited by male-dominated systems due to their limited choices and lack of control. This study delves into the experiences of three women characters, examining their behavior in response to societal norms and the perceptions they encounter from others. Its goal is to grasp the fundamental concepts of feminist political economy, women and economics, and subjectivity to assess their relevance in contemporary society. Social Science Review, Vol. 41(1), June 2024, Page 73-90.

Global Governance in the Face of the Challenges and Prospects of the Existing World Order

The contemporary world stage is marked by profound discord and conflict among global leaders, driven by stark ideological disparities and elusive national interests. This paper contends that these prevailing conditions render the pursuit of global peace a formidable and intricate endeavour within the framework of existing global governance. The central argument of this paper underscores the imperative for a humane global governance paradigm to achieve global peace and security. Findings reveal that multilateral diplomacy, characterized by its inclusiveness, must serve as a potent tool for strengthening international organizations and global governance. Consequently, it will nurture the development of agreements within a rule-based framework, enabling us to effectively confront the issues raised by nationalism and populism. This, in the end, contributes to solidifying backing for initiatives promoting global governance. In doing so, it adopts a methodological approach that draws on pertinent literature, individual perspectives, academic publications, and selected journal articles that bear relevance to these matters. Social Science Review, Vol. 41(1), June 2024, Page 145-160.

Unleashing the Export Potential of Light Engineering Products: Evidence from a Firm-Level Survey

Based on a firm-level survey, this article analyzes the export potential, capacity, and challenges of the light engineering industries (LEI) in Bangladesh. The light engineering sector accounts for 2.5% of the country’s GDP and employs over 10 million people. Many of the firms operating in this industry are small-scale and decentralized, which makes them more accessible to local communities and helps in the promotion of inclusive growth. The industry's products are affordable and customized to meet the needs of local consumers, making them an essential component of the country's development strategy. However, there is a lack of credible information regarding the location of the light engineering enterprises and their export potential. The contribution of this paper is to fill this critical gap. The paper finds that the LE firms' location and specialization depend on the availability of raw materials and local demand; the firms operate with a small number of workers (less than 10) and mostly use domestic raw materials and conventional machines. However, they rarely replace their machinery, which affects productivity. Major findings also include that light engineering firms mostly produce agricultural machinery, spare parts, and machinery and parts for the construction sector, transport, textile, food processing, and molding industries. Meanwhile, the paper finds that less than 2% of the firms are currently exporting due to limited production capacity, lack of quality raw materials, insufficient capital, unskilled workers, and lack of policy support. Around 16% of the surveyed firms believe they have high export potential, whereas 82.4% of firms have no plans regarding exporting their products to the global market. To promote the industry's export competitiveness and overcome ongoing challenges, a set of policy recommendations are given, including effective policy implementation, utilization of firm-level dataset, product quality improvement, skills development, use of modern technologies, and adequate policy support from the government. Social Science Review, Vol. 41(1), June 2024, Page 121-144.

Practice of Assessment for Learning in Higher Education of Bangladesh

Because of its promising role in facilitating students’ learning, Assessment for Learning (AfL) has been discussed widely in literature. However, its implementation is neither straightforward nor uncontested. While a great deal of research has been conducted on AfL in primary and secondary education, limited research has been done in higher education in Bangladesh. Using basic interpretive qualitative approach, this study investigated assessment practices of three lecturers (university teachers) from three different departments and institutes of one public university of Bangladesh. Data from classroom (lesson) observation, semi-structured interviews with teachers, and Focus Group Discussions with students were thematically analyzed. Findings show that, though the teachers had scope to tailor assessment and though some aspects of AfL were reflected in classroom activities, the assessment strategies were not meaningfully translated into a holistic approach of AfL. The assessment practices were more concerned with measuring and monitoring classroom activities than promoting students' learning, which is the main goal of AfL. The lack of curriculum direction for AfL, teachers' limited understanding of AfL, examination-oriented education, large class size, short class-duration, and limited physical facilities were the challenges for AfL practice. Findings suggest that there is a need to integrate AfL in higher education curriculum with design suitable for the contexts of Bangladesh along with teachers’ training on assessment. Social Science Review, Vol. 41(1), June 2024, Page 17-38.

Understanding the Dynamics of the Political Use of Religion in Bangladesh: Causes, Process, and Consequences

This paper attempts to understand how religion plays a pivotal role in politics with a focus on the process through which amalgamation of religion and politics usually takes place, and how such amalgamation impacts the political sphere in Bangladesh. By using Riaz’s political expediency theory, this paper argues that the political use of religion was institutionalized by the military regimes to consolidate their power base and while for democratic governments, the primary reason to use religion as a political agenda was to gain mass popularity. However, this tendency always possesses the risk of falling out of balance and creating communal tension. The purpose led to materializing drastic steps such as state- sponsored patronization, constitutional modification, depiction of religious attitudes by political leaders, political expediency, and application of digital platforms for political purpose, that eventually caused the amalgamation of religion and politics. The impact of such amalgamation is found primarily negative, including restricting attitude toward liberal ideology and threat to minorities. Social Science Review, Vol. 41(1), June 2024, Page 39-56.

Induced Innovation Theory and Technological Progress in Bangladesh Agriculture in the Twentieth Century

This paper explores the relationship between factor price ratios and factor intensities during the period of rapid spread of high yield variety (HYV) technology of cereal production in Bangladesh agriculture. The theory of induced innovation suggests that an increase in the relative price of a factor would lead farmers to adopt technologies that minimize the usage of that factor, and conversely. However, available data from Bangladesh agriculture indicate that although the price of fertilizer, a key factor in HYV cultivation, relative to land and labor, rose substantially during the study period, the fertilizer-labor and fertilizer-land intensities in cultivation also rose very steeply. It is shown that minimizing the use of the expensive factor is neither necessary nor sufficient for profit maximization in agricultural production. Social Science Review, Vol. 41(1), June 2024, Page 179-194.

‘The end user takes the final decision’

ABSTRACTWhile social sciences are brimming with attention for the transformations brought about by AI and digital technology, the aspect of communication has received remarkably little attention. Niklas Luhmann's social system theory, which conceives social systems as constituted through ongoing communication, is particularly well equipped to make a relevant contribution. This paper investigates the Impact of AI on organisations as systems of decision‐communications, along the lines of four distinctions: decision premise–decision, system memory–environment, organisation system–interaction system and structural coupling–loose coupling. The deployment of AI is a reaction to the growing societal differentiation and the resulting future‐related contingency, and as such contributes to the viability of organisations as systems. Nevertheless, social systems theory explains how certain impacts of AI we witness, some of them potentially harmful to the viability of the organisation, are neither incidental nor temporal but are structurally related to the basic operations of organisations. A proposal is made how reflection loops can be introduced to counter some of these consequences.

An analysis of a social sciences curriculum from the perspective of critical peace education

ABSTRACT This study focuses on critical peace education in a post-conflict context in Northern Cyprus. It aimed to analyse the Social Sciences curriculum (year group 7) using a framework that was developed as part of the present study benefitting from the literature on critical peace education. The study employed an interpretive critical inquiry method for document analysis within the qualitative research paradigm. The findings indicated that the learning objectives in the Social Sciences curriculum targeted knowledge and moral capacity building with an individualistic focus and with local, historical, and globalised orientation. Numerous recommendations were made for the improvement of the curriculum, based on the principles and orientations of critical peace education.