Socio-economic Transformation Research Articles

When mentally ill women become sexual preys in Zimbabwe: An African indigenous religio-cultural perspective

There is a phenomenal increase in the number of cases of women suffering from mental illness in our contemporary society, which is hard hit by pandemics. As scholarship reflects on this condition, there has been little attention paid to the impact of indigenous religion and cultural practices to the sexual and reproductive health of women with mental illness and indigenous entrepreneurs who seek economic fortunes in a post COVID-19 epoch. Largely, the Zimbabwean society detests mental illness and this has rendered mentally ill women to the social margins. However, cases of men from the mainstream society having illicit sexual intercourse with mentally ill women are rampant, both in urban and rural environments. So one can ask why men from the mainstream society are having sexual relations with the ostracised mentally ill women. Prioritizing ethical considerations, this qualitative study uses ritual theory as its theoretical framework, sociology of religion, phenomenology of religion and gendered cultural hermeneutics to explore the prevalence of these sexual practices. Data was gathered through interviews and desk research from January to December 2023. Findings of the study were that these sexual activities are ritualistic, done to enhance success in politics, business, farming and self-initiated churches. An analysis of the reasons behind the performance of these sex rituals showed that a mentally ill woman’s body is an entity which belongs to the spiritual world so the sexual relationship makes it possible for the male entrepreneur to access the spiritual world. Through these rituals, men with entrepreneurial wishes will be attempting to connect with and manipulate the spiritual world. The study concluded that mentally ill women have less choice over their sexual and reproductive lives. They are sexually exploited, yet they lack the capacity to disclose these heinous acts to the mainstream society. They are regarded by the patriarchal society as sexual preys where coercive sex and or rape are used for ritual purposes, with the intent of attaining socio-economic transformation.

The Arab Revolutionary Paradigm : An Evaluative-Prospective Reading in Light of Ongoing Political and Socio-Economic Transformations Underway

تناقش هذه الدراسة احتمالية اندلاع موجة ثورية جديدة، ضمن نسق ثوري عربي مؤهل للانفجار تحت وقع عوامل سياسية واقتصادية؛ ترتبط بالإخفاقات التي نجمت عن موجة 2011، سواء من حيث فشلها في التأسيس لمسار حقيقي للإصلاح الحقوقي والديمقراطي والاقتصادي، أو من حيث نجاح النخبة السياسية التي توخت الثورات التخلص منها آنذاك في استعادة هيمنتها على السلطة السياسية قبل متم العقد الأول لهذه الثورات. وكذلك عوامل سوسيو-اقتصادية؛ تتعلق بالفشل المزمن في السياسات الاجتماعية للنظم السلطوية، والتي بقدر ما أنتجت التفاوت والاستبعاد الاجتماعي سابقا، فإن تواصل عجزها في تقويمهما والحد منهما بعد استعادتها للسلطة من جديد، خاصة بعد تفاقمهما تأثرا بتداعيات الأزمات الاقتصادية العالمية الأخيرة، والتي زادت من حدة التدهور في الأوضاع المعيشية للشعوب العربية، نتيجة اندحار فئات عريضة من طبقاتها الوسطى إلى الفقر والهشاشة والبطالة، أو أصبحت على هوامش ذلك. انتهت الدراسة إلى أن الهوة بين النظم السياسية والشعوب العربية سائرة في الاتساع، وأن التردي المسجل في الأوضاع الاجتماعية للشعوب العربية في واقعها السياسي المضطرب من شأنه أن يدفعها للثورة من جديد. وبالتالي، فالحد من الاحتقان الاجتماعي المحفز للفعل الثوري، بات يتطلب من النظم العربية التعجيل إصلاح سياسي واقتصادي وتنموي شامل. الكلمات المفتاحية: النسق الثوري العربي – الأزمات الاقتصادية والاجتماعية – تردي الأوضاع المعيشية – السلطوية – موجة ثورية جديدة.

ANALYSIS OF REGULATORY AND LEGAL SUPPORT FOR THE LEASE OF FREIGHT CARS

At the current stage of the implementation of deep socio-economic transformations aimed at the integration of Ukraine into the European Community, the lease of state and communal property plays an important role, first of all, in ensuring the development of the country's entrepreneurship. In addition, the rental of property is an important source of revenue for Ukrzaliznytsia and contributes to the maintenance of said property in proper condition. However, recently, due to unfavorable economic conditions, renting a car park for entrepreneurs is unattractive and not competitive compared to renting real estate in the private sector. One of the objective factors that have a negative impact on competitiveness and, as a result, on the reduction of rental volumes, is the complicated procedure for transferring wagons for rent, in particular, the long term of its implementation, etc. The solution of the mentioned problem requires appropriate adaptation of the legislative and regulatory framework, which regulates the issue of rent primarily by the Law of Ukraine «On Leasing of State and Communal Property», to modern market requirements. In the regulatory and legal acts of Ukrzaliznytsia, in fact, the relationship of leasing wagons is still regulated by the law adopted back in 1992 (the Law of Ukraine «On Leasing the Property of State Enterprises and Organizations. Currently», there is a need to create a fundamentally new legal framework for Ukrzaliznytsia, which will be based on the following principles: experience, competitiveness, responsibility, openness, responsiveness and integration into the web environment.The article analyzes the normative and legal support for the transfer of Ukrzaliznytsia's car park for rent. Considered the issue of the need for urgent development of local normative legal acts for the transfer of Ukrzaliznytsia's own wagons for lease in the context of changes in the current legislation of Ukraine. An analysis of the change in income from the sale of services for the use of Ukrzaliznytsia's own wagons for the period 2022-2023 was carried out and the beginning of 2024 through the electronic auction system PROZORRO. SALES.

Enhancing Socio-Economic Sustainability in South Africa: A Review of Local Municipalities in Managing Inward Migration from the Periphery to the Core

This conceptual paper aims to examine the prevailing patterns of migration from local municipalities to metropolitan areas in the context of socio-economic transformations. Emphasizing the crucial role of local municipalities in addressing and mitigating migration towards urban cores, the paper underscores that the effectiveness of such efforts relies on factors like good governance, enhanced economic prospects, basic service provision, infrastructure development, and tailored skills training within the unique context of each municipality. Migration is a multifaceted phenomenon entwining economic, socio-cultural, and security dimensions. The unsustainable influx from the periphery burdens metropolitans, particularly in rural regions, challenging the mandated responsibilities. The failure of local municipalities to adequately deliver services exacerbates the strain on metropolitans already grappling with limited resources. The migration exodus from rural to urban centers often stems from pervasive socio-economic disparities, making migration a perceived solution to enhance the quality of life. Despite the advent of democracy, developmental progress in rural areas remains limited, necessitating a comprehensive approach that integrates rural development strategies with urban planning, job creation in urban areas, and the resolution of systemic issues. It is crucial to acknowledge that addressing migration requires a holistic perspective, as rural development alone may not suffice to deter migration to urban centers, given the diverse opportunities and amenities they offer. The paper advocates for a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach involving governmental bodies, local communities, NGOs, and the private sector to achieve meaningful and sustainable results in curbing migration from local municipalities to metropolitan areas. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of achieving a more balanced and sustainable population distribution across municipalities for overall societal well-being.

Legal Regulation of Working Hours in Kyrgyzstan During the Establishment of Soviet Power (1917-1924)

This article discusses the legal regulation of working hours in Kyrgyzstan during the years of establishing Soviet power as one of the most important directions of Soviet policy in establishing better working conditions and improving the living standards of workers. It examines the first normative acts of government and administration bodies, i. e., the formation of Soviet labor legislation during the radical socio-economic transformations following the October Socialist Revolution of 1917.

Peri-urbanisation and land conflicts in Domboshava, Zimbabwe

Domboshava, a peri-urban community located approximately 26 kilometres from Harare, is undergoing rapid transformation in its social, economic, and spatial characteristics. This paper investigates the land conflicts that have emerged because of these socio-economic and spatial transformations. The research utilizes a mixed methods approach, incorporating interviews with Local authority officials, representatives from the Department of Spatial Planning and Development (DSPD), and village heads. Additionally, a survey was conducted with 50 communal households to explore their perceptions of land-related conflicts in the area. The study also involves an analysis of Google maps and density analysis of GIS maps to examine land use changes. The findings indicate that the conversion of farmland into urban-related land uses is contributing to illegal land sales in Domboshava, driven by the increasing pressure to accommodate the growing population. These changes have triggered land conflicts that manifest in different categories: individual-individual, institutional-institutional and individual-institutional conflicts. We recommend that the local planning authority, in collaboration with the central government, develop containment and management policies and strategies tailored to the unique challenges of peri-urbanization and land conflicts in Domboshava. The use of GIS technology is crucial in this process to accurately map and analyze the spatial dynamics of these issues. This will go a long way in creating sustainable peri-urban communities.

Socio-economic transformation of rural settlements in the suburban municipal district of the city of Cheboksary over the past 30 years

Socio-economic transformation of rural settlements in the suburban municipal district of the city of Cheboksary over the past 30 years

Unveiling The Evolving Dynamics Of Mountain Pastoralism At Various Altitudinal Zones Of Upper Swat Valley, Pakistan

The confluence of environmental, climatic, and socioeconomic transformations is intensifying the vulnerability of pastoral social-ecological systems worldwide, with mountainous regions being excessively affected. This research paper explores the adaptive strategies employed by mountain pastoralists in Upper Swat, Pakistan, to navigate the complexities of rangeland management amidst dynamic climatic, social, and environmenta[1]l contexts. Through a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, involving observations, focus groups, and an extensive survey (2022-2023), this study reveals that mountain pastoralists have developed a multifaceted, adaptive strategy that integrates stall feeding with six distinct grazing mechanisms to optimize the use of spatially and seasonally heterogeneous rangeland resources. This strategy involves a coordinated sequence of winter stall-feeding near villages, spring rotational grazing in adjacent pastures, summer migration to high-elevation settlements, and intense autumn browsing of stubble fields prior to winter crop planting. The findings of this research contribute nuanced insights into the resilience and adaptability of mountain pastoralists and their rangeland management systems, informing the development of effective policies and programs to enhance the sustainability and reduce the vulnerability of mountain social-ecological systems.

ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT AND ATTRACTING INVESTMENTS

This article is devoted to management activities and the problem of attracting foreign direct investment. Along with management issues in the economy, the main tasks are considered, the solution of which can be introduced into the process of economic development of the Uzbek economic model. In many ways, the successful development of the economy depends on the plans and strategies of action. A review of research works showed that deep socio-economic transformation in the economy should be realized.

СТРУКТУРНО-ФУНКЦІОНАЛЬНА МОДЕЛЬ ФОРМУВАННЯ ПРОФЕСІЙНО-ЦІННІСНИХ ОРІЄНТАЦІЙ МАЙБУТНІХ АГРОТЕХНІКІВ У КОЛЕДЖІ ЗАСОБАМИ КУРАТОРСЬКОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ

Relevance. Current events in Ukraine and associated socio-economic and psychological transformations stimulate members of society to take responsibility for their own destiny, thereby gradually affirming a fundamentally new system of value orientations in people's consciousness. This underscores the importance of integrating future specialists' professional values with the values of a free democratic society; thus, the process of educational seekers' value self-determination should be viewed as a process of defining and forming a value-oriented system necessary for successful further professional activity in the "human – human", "human – world" system. Objective: To substantiate the structural-functional model of curatorial educational activity as a significant factor in the formation of professional-value orientations in future agritechnicians. Methods: Study and analysis of philosophical, general scientific, methodological, psychological-pedagogical literature, and legal documentation; educational-planning documentation to assess the problem's current state; synthesis of obtained information to determine research directions (refinement of hypothesis, conceptual framework); comparison – for contrasting researchers' approaches to solving the problem of forming professional-value orientations; synthesis – for substantiating the conceptual-categorical apparatus, defining the content of future agritechnicians' professional-value orientations, substantiating the role of the curator in their formation and development; modeling – to create a model of curatorial educational activity. Results and discussion: The source base of the study was examined, its conceptual-categorical apparatus was specified; a theoretical analysis of the educational activity of the curator as a pedagogical problem was conducted; the structural-functional model of curatorial educational activity was substantiated, and the main tasks of the curator's work were formulated. Conclusions: It was demonstrated that forming professional-value orientations in future agritechnicians is a complex process that combines both future specialists' personal perceptions of their profession's values and considerations of the socio-cultural context of their professional training and adaptation; it was determined that forming professional-value orientations in future agritechnicians is a methodologically substantiated educational process, aimed at the professional-personal establishment of educational seekers and mastering by future agritechnicians of the norms and values of their future profession, recognizing themselves as subjects of this profession, and fostering a stable positive attitude towards future professional activity; it was clarified that the curator's influence on student groups is significant in forming professional-value orientations; the main tasks of the curator were formulated (preparing educational seekers to recognize the motivational-value system of the specialist; motivating educational seekers to align their motives and values with professional requirements; teaching future specialists to align personal traits and qualities with the characteristics and requirements of the profession; consulting educational seekers on professional development); the structural-functional model of curatorial educational activity was substantiated, presented in several blocks (normative-target, methodological, organizational-procedural, structural-criterial) and aimed at facilitating the formation of professional-value orientations in future agritechnicians; prospective directions for further research were identified (preparing curators to address problems of educating future specialists and developing a system for evaluating the results of their educational activity).

Islamism and Globalisation: Unpacking the Dialectics of Ideology and Socio-economic Change in the Middle East

The ascension of Islamism in the Middle East is an articulation of the profound and far-reaching transformations transpiring within the political and cultural spheres. As a construct, Islamism is at the center of the public discourse regarding the interplay between Islam, Muslims and power. Despite disparities among Islamists in their perceptions of extremism, political participation and societal engagement, they hold in common several fundamental ideological tenets. Notwithstanding the enigmatic nature of these tenets, the diversity among Islamists in the extent to which they materialize these principles into action is profound. It is imperative to contextualize Islamism within the historical, social and economic contexts that have exerted an impact on its ideology and practices. In this regard, it is particularly important to situate contemporary Islamism within the context of globalization. The primary objective of this paper is to situate the emergence of Islamism within the framework of political economy and underscore the dialectical relationship between Islamist convictions and socio-economic transformations. The paper argues that by leveraging economic opportunities, Islamism has created alternative methods of existence. Islamism is seen as a confluence of organizations and endeavors that advocate for the diffusion of Islamic principles. Nonetheless, it has identified a battleground in the marketplace, where it can pursue a counter-hegemonic conflict with the dominant narrative of the establishment.

Settlement ecology of Bronze Age Transylvania

The Bronze Age was a time of technological, socioeconomic, and political transformation in Europe. Since Bronze Age socioeconomic institutions were rooted in the landscape, they can be investigated using a settlement ecology approach to how people positioned themselves relative to the environment and each other. Transylvania is home to a rare combination of mineral resources, trade infrastructures, and productive agropastoral land, all of which were critical to Bronze Age societies. This study combines size-and rank-size analyses to suggest that there were several shifts in how people positioned themselves across settlements in Transylvania during the Bronze Age. This research contributes to a broader understanding of the factors that inform where people choose to settle down and the consequences those decisions have on the development of social, economic, and political institutions.

NEW ECONOMIC REALITY AS A SUBJECT MATTER OF RESEARCH

The article reveals the trends of modern crisis processes in the economy, which more and more clearly highlight the signs of a new reality. The authors note that in recent years, political and economic contradictions have been growing at an accelerated pace, integration interactions are slowing down, social paradigm is aggravating, the environmental crisis is taking on global proportions, and the stagnation of the economy is increasing. These crisis processes alternate, intersect, are being resolved, however, the range of opportunities for solving accumulated problems and conditions for further development becomes critical. The authors explore many specific manifestations of the new economic reality, including the deepening gap between economic theory and practice, identifying the contradictions that arise here and attracting the possibilities of political economy theory, system economics, and the potential of interdisciplinary knowledge. These manifestations are considered in a continuous set of space and time of the subject matter of research. The authors demonstrate the necessity to comply fundamental developments in the field of economic theory with the need to develop the foundations of state economic policy, risk management assessment, and creative approach to human capital. Based on this, conclusions are drawn on the need for a holistic theoretical and methodological description of the new economic reality, the definition of its subject area, the use of the achievements of scientific and technological progress for the intensive development of the economy and the correct definition of methods and tools for solving the problems of the new reality. The authors believe that the new reality that emerged in the socio-economic system after the financial crisis of 2008–2009 and clearly manifested in strong shocks that hit the world community in 2020–2022 is pushing economic theory to move as quickly as possible to the level of development, meeting practical requirements. In the process of research, the authors used the possibilities of a dialectical method, systemic and evolutionary approaches, as well as such theories as: the mode of production; socio-economic transformations; creative and innovative economy; threshold measures in phenomenon development.

The Impact of Income on Private Schools in China: A Social Perspective

This study explores the intricate relationship between income and private education in China, focusing on how income levels affect access and quality of education. It analyzes the correlation between household income and private school enrollment rates, shedding light on educational decision-making in a changing societal landscape. Additionally, the research examines whether private education can facilitate upward mobility for lower-income students. The study's insights inform policymakers, educators, parents, and researchers on enhancing educational access, reducing inequality, and maintaining academic standards in the context of increasing private schools. It contributes to the discourse on educational justice amid socioeconomic transformation.

Legal regulation of the activities of cooperative societies in Eastern Galicia in the interwar period at the beginning of the ХХ century

Based on archival materials, legislative acts, and studies of contemporaries, the article attempts to highlight the role of legal regulation in the formation and development of the cooperative movement in the region. The study helps to better understand the complex interaction between political authorities and public initiatives in the context of socio-economic transformations of the interwar period in Eastern Galicia. The problem of legal regulation of the activities of cooperative societies in Eastern Galicia in the early twentieth century, in particular in the interwar period, is relevant and important for understanding the socio-economic processes of that time. A study of this issue will allow us to better understand the role and impact of the cooperative movement on the development of economic sectors and the lives of the local population. This article examines the legal environment in which cooperative societies operated in Eastern Galicia in the interwar period. The article analyses the legal acts regulating the status, rights and obligations of cooperative organisations and assesses their effectiveness and impact on the development of the cooperative movement (the Trade Law, the Law on Companies, the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Order). However, the legal regulation of the activities of cooperative societies during this period remains poorly understood, especially in terms of their impact on community development and economic well-being of the region. The development of the Ukrainian cooperative movement in the nineteenth century coincided with the beginning of the capitalist industrialisation of Ukrainian lands. The Austrian government took this movement seriously, which was reflected in a large number of legislative initiatives of the Austrian Reichsrat. The government adopted various legal acts aimed at regulating the activities of voluntary associations, organisations and societies. Coverage of this topic will help to understand the mechanisms of functioning of cooperatives in the fields of production, trade and services, as well as their interaction with government agencies and other sectors of the economy. Further research on this topic could serve as a basis for developing recommendations for improving the legal environment for the development of the cooperative sector in modern Ukraine.

The legacy of a 20th-century cleric: a Catholic priest’s economic chronicles. Anthropological insights from written documents

This study focuses on a unique collection of personal economic records and additional documents from the 20th century, belonging to a Catholic priest from Satu Mare County, Romania. The material is exceptional, as it represents a rare collection of written documents from the Hungarian-speaking region of the 20th century, authored by a Catholic priest. These records provide an in-depth look into the life of a priest, who, despite his clerical duties, maintained a strong connection to farming, a legacy from his farmer-herdsman parents of Swabian descent. The economic records, which span from 1949 to the 1960s, offer insights into the priest's personal and economic life. They include narratives about managing a parish, engaging in farming activities, and handling personal financial transactions. These documents not only reflect his efforts to balance religious responsibilities with agricultural interests but also illuminate the socio-economic conditions of the time. The study explores the priest's economic decisions, the value he placed on different assets, and his understanding of wealth in a changing society. It also examines the broader context of peasant embourgeoisement in 20th-century Romania, highlighting how a priest and his family navigated the transition from a traditional peasant lifestyle to a more bourgeois existence. This transition is evidenced by their adoption of modern goods and technologies, changes in family dynamics, and shifts in career strategies, reflecting the complex interplay between personal, economic, and social factors during a period of significant societal change. Overall, the paper offers a micro-historical perspective on the life of this 20th-century priest, providing valuable insights into his unique experiences and the broader socio-economic transformations of the era.

In the frontier zone of market transition: Economic possibilities across the market/non-market divide

This paper engages with two important approaches theorising the co-existence and even close entanglement between the market and non-market to rethink the making of actually existing market economies. The first, that is, the diverse/community economies approach, underscores alternative relations and ethics to capitalism but often views community economies as external to market processes. A second approach on market frontiers rejects the idea of the non-market domain as a Utopian space but re-imagines it as a constituent part within capitalism, while powerful actors manage and utilise non-market differences to configure particular regimes of accumulation. However, it says relatively little about how the market/non-market divide is navigated and appropriated to suit the wellbeing of grassroots people and communities. This paper calls for a dialogue between the two approaches and argues that community economies provide important ‘background conditions of possibility’ for ordinary people to advance their needs, interests, and wellbeing by negotiating or traversing the market/non-market divide. Our empirical study investigates recent socioeconomic transformations in two villages, Lolong and Nyiru, located within the Potatso National Park, Yunnan Province, China. In both villages, local people keep alive communal norms of reciprocity and mutual support. The persistence of the non-marketised community economies is partly attributed to a state-capital coalition that outlaws grassroots participation in local tourism economy. Subsequently, villagers devise a number of tactics to penetrate the market realm and meet emerging lifestyle and consumer needs. Three of such tactics are discussed in this study.

Empowering Communities: A Socio-Economic Analysis of Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) serve as essential vehicles for community empowerment, particularly in regions facing socio-economic challenges. This study aims to provide a comprehensive socio-economic analysis of SHGs, shedding light on their pivotal role in community development. By amalgamating existing literature with empirical research, this investigation delves into how SHGs foster economic independence, social cohesion, and sustainable growth within communities. Through rigorous identification of research gaps and articulation of clear objectives, the study strives to deepen the understanding of SHGs' profound impact on marginalized communities. Findings underscore SHGs as catalysts for socio-economic transformation and pinpoint avenues for enhancing their effectiveness in fostering inclusive development. The insights gleaned from this study hold profound implications for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers, furnishing them with actionable strategies to bolster support for SHGs and magnify their impact on community empowerment. Advocating for a holistic approach to surmounting challenges confronting SHGs, such as limited access to financial services, governance issues, and gender disparities, this research underscores the power of innovation and collaboration in surmounting these hurdles. Ultimately, this study accentuates SHGs' potential to spearhead sustainable development and fortify the resilience of communities.

THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF EDUCATIONAL INFLUENCE FOR STUDENT YOUTH IN THE CONDITIONS OF MARTIAL LAW

THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF EDUCATIONAL INFLUENCE FOR STUDENT YOUTH IN THE CONDITIONS OF MARTIAL LAW

Dispossessed lands and land-use change in the Colombian armed conflict: Exploring a link through a regional case study

Land dispossession in the Colombian armed conflict is a critical form of victimization and a trigger of territorial configurations that shape the rurality of the country. The consequences of the illegal appropriation of land by means of usurpation or forced displacement result in a humanitarian drama and various socio-spatial and socio-economic transformations. This research analyzes the intricate dynamics of land use and cover changes in four municipalities within the Cesar department and its relationship with instances of land abandonment and dispossession over a 29-year period (1991–2020). Landsat satellite image time series of TM, ETM+ and OLI data were used to determine land use and land cover (LULC). The classification process was carried out using the Random Forest model. The dynamics of land dispossession and forced abandonment were identified by analyzing 195 land restitution court rulings. Geo-referenced properties were subsequently overlaid on the created LULC maps. As a result, a pattern indicating a direct relationship between both variables was found. Consequently, the phenomenon of land dispossession in the context of this internal armed conflict has contributed to the transition from the traditional agrarian model to the agro-industrial one.