Socio-political Dimensions Research Articles

Prescribed pedagogy: An autoethnographic analysis of coursebook constraints, teacher identity, and power dynamics in Iran through Foucault’s lens

This study uses Critical Autoethnographic Narrative (CAN) to explore the influence of standardized coursebooks on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching in Iran. Drawing on over ten years of experience as an English teacher and supervisor, the research highlights how these coursebooks act as tools of control, constraining teacher autonomy and creativity. While existing literature focuses on technical aspects of coursebooks, this study fills a gap by examining their impact on pedagogical flexibility and teacher identity. Through a reflexive analysis guided by Foucault’s theories of power and discipline, key themes such as "pedagogical constraints," "reduced autonomy," and "professional satisfaction" are identified. The findings reveal significant limitations imposed by standardized materials, suggesting a need for more flexible and culturally responsive teaching approaches. This study contributes to understanding the socio-political dimensions of EFL education in Iran and offers insights for enhancing teacher autonomy and curriculum development.

Upskilling India: The national policy on skill development and entrepreneurship

Background India’s National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (NPSDE) was designed to capture the demographic dividend and upskill India’s youth, creating an ‘Athmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) and in the process, also drive economic growth. Policy and Implications The NPSDE’s dual focus on skill development and entrepreneurship was intended to create a framework for empowering India’s workforce and fostering a culture of innovation. However, the policy has encountered several issues, including the ineffective functioning of Sector Skill Councils (SSCs), inadequate infrastructure, and insufficiently skilled trainers. Additionally, the policy’s efforts to include marginalized groups, particularly women, have fallen short due to entrenched social barriers and gender biases, impacting the effectiveness of training programs. Recommendations To improve the effectiveness of the NPSDE, we propose the following recommendations -adopt an entrepreneurial ecosystem approach to enhance coordination and support within the skill development framework; explicitly define ‘skill’ and ‘skilling’ to better align with socio-political realities and address barriers faced by marginalized individuals; and design training initiatives with an empowerment perspective, focusing on access to resources, agency, and social change. We feel these steps can help direct the NPSDE to create a more inclusive and impactful skilling environment. Conclusions While the NPSDE represents a significant effort towards upskilling India and fostering self-reliance and entrepreneurship, its implementation has revealed critical limitations. The policy’s progress has been insufficient, with persistent issues in meeting industry needs and addressing socio-economic barriers. Future revisions of the policy should focus on systemic improvements, adopting a more inclusive approach to skilling, and addressing the socio-political dimensions of skill valuation to better support India’s developmental aspirations.

Sudan: Understanding the Dynamics of Terrorism and Conflict Management. A Multifaceted Approach

The research proposal aims to comprehensively examine terrorism and conflict manage ment dynamics in Sudan. It seeks to understand terrorism’s root causes, its interplay with conflict dynamics, and the effectiveness of current management strategies. Employing historical analysis, socio-political inquiry, and economic assessment, the study will explore Sudan’s historical context, identifying key turning points and socio-political dimensions such as governance challenges and identity politics. Additionally, the research will scrutinize terrorism’s economic underpinnings, in cluding illicit economies and external financing. It will evaluate terrorism’s impact on peacebuilding efforts, offering insights into effective conflict management strategies. Expected outcomes include a nuanced understanding of terrorism’s dynamics, actionable recommendations for policymakers, and contributions to peacebuilding efforts. By shedding light on these complexities, the study aims to aid in mitigating terrorism and fostering sustainable peace not only in Sudan but also globally. Keywords: Terrorism, conflict management, Sudan, Africa, dynamics, multifaceted approach, gov ernance, identity politics.

SPATIAL DEIXIS IN BIMANESE AND ENGLISH: AN INVESTIGATION SIMILATIES AND DIFFERENCES

Spatial deixis is the language utterance that is employed by the speaker to convey the location of objects or events in space. The purpose of this research is to look into the aspects of specific deixis that exist in both Bimanese and English, as well as how individuals use them in natural conversation. This study next looks at the parallels and differences between spatial deixis in Bimanese and English. To collect data on the use of spatial deixis in Bimanese, the study used qualitative research methods such as semi-structured interviews and direct observation. In the meantime, documentation such as books, articles, or movies is employed to examine particular deixes in English. The subjects of this research were drawn from five distinct locations in Bima regency: Pela, Wawo Rada, Bima City, Wera, and Sila. The data was then descriptively evaluated by identifying, categorizing, describing, and explaining related to the people employing specific deixis in Bimanese. This study found that the aspects of spatial deixis in Bimanese can be seen from the deictic system namely; locative adverbs are marked by ta (ta ake, ta ede, and, ta aka), demonstrative pronoun (ake, ede, and aka), topography system (ese, awa, dei ari, and ipa), four corners direction (ɗa, ɗo, ɗi, ele), and political dimension (ese and awa). In English, there are various types of spatial deixis: demonstrative pronouns (this, that, and with plural forms), locative adverbs (here and there), and topography systems (up and down). The three aspects of spatial deixis that are similar between English and Bimanese are demonstrative pronouns (proximal and distal), locative adverbs (proximal and distal), and topographical system (up and down). Although the 'medial' concept in Bimanese has additional form in terms of demonstrative and locative adverbs. While there are distinctions between them, the Bimanese has many more spatial deixis aspects than English in terms of directions, topography systems, and socio-political dimensions.

Social care work and social work in Ireland: a comparative analysis of standards of proficiency

Abstract This article provides a timely intervention to debates and scholarship about the professional regulation of social work and social care. In Ireland, the recent commencement of the statutory regulation of social care by CORU – Ireland’s multi-professional health regulator – offers a watershed opportunity for learning. Social work has been separately regulated by CORU for over a decade, while the social care work register opened in November 2023. We conduct a comparative content analysis of the standards of proficiency for social work and for social care work. Albeit with different historical origins, regulation has now provided these professions with distinctive, as well as shared professional ‘benchmarks’, that may shape the trajectories of their future roles and training. We consider the approach CORU takes to regulation, in terms of the standards and how these differentiate or align the two professions. The novel contribution of the paper lies in its key findings. Namely, that: the format of the standards of proficiency framework itself warrants further consideration; insufficient attention is paid to empathy and emotions across standards; there is an absence of a considered approach to the influence of socio-economic factors on practice; there are variations in the emphasis placed on relational versus socio-political dimensions in practice; and finally, there are differences in the importance paid to ‘critical understanding’ across the standards. These areas particularly illuminate how CORU frames and interprets the nature of both professions. It is concluded that the standards of proficiency for both social care work and social work have much shared terrain, interspersed with infrequent but striking differences, indicative of the many commonalities and overlap in occupational spheres for both professions.

The Role of Philosophy in Addressing Climate Change

Purpose: The general objective of this study was to investigate the role of philosophy in addressing climate change. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to philosophy in addressing climate change. The study underscored the indispensable role of philosophy in combating climate change by examining its ethical, epistemological, and socio-political dimensions. It highlighted the importance of ethical theories like utilitarianism and intergenerational justice in ensuring climate policies are just and equitable. The study emphasized epistemic justice, advocating for the inclusion of marginalized perspectives to create more inclusive climate policies. It also revealed the interconnectedness of environmental and social justice, calling for holistic climate strategies that address social inequalities. Overall, the study demonstrated that integrating philosophical insights into climate action fosters a more ethical, effective, and sustainable response to the climate crisis. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Utilitarianism, Intergenerational Justice and Epistemic Justice Theory may be used to anchor future studies on the role of philosophy in addressing climate change. The study recommended incorporating a broader range of philosophical theories into climate change research, integrating ethical considerations systematically into climate action plans, and adopting ethically informed policies that prioritize justice, equity, and sustainability. It emphasized the need for ethical leadership, promoting epistemic justice by including marginalized communities in climate discourse, and fostering global cooperation through international ethical standards and strengthened partnerships. These recommendations aimed to create more comprehensive, inclusive, and effective responses to climate change.

A systematic review of residents’ perceptions towards tourism development in ethnic tourism contexts

ABSTRACT Ethnic tourism, an indispensable component of global tourism, has gained increasing scholarly attention recently. Despite the well-studied nature of residents’ perceptions, scant literature has scrutinized ethnic residents’ perceptions systematically. Therefore, this review aims to examine the current body of knowledge concerning residents’ perceptions in ethnic tourism contexts and contribute to a generalized conceptual model of residents’ perceptions. Following the PRISMA protocol, a literature search on the Scopus database yielded 1803 records, among which 64 journal articles were proven eligible. The review demonstrated that most residents’ perception studies in ethnic tourism contexts are qualitative, and predominantly conducted in developing countries. Given the distinct ethnic attributes and place-specific circumstances, the sociopolitical dimension has been introduced as the fourth dimension evaluating residents’ positive and negative perceptions jointly with economic, sociocultural, and environmental dimensions in ethnic tourism contexts. Additionally, ethnic values are recognized as a common thread in interpreting non-economic factors influencing residents’ perceptions, like place attachment, emotional solidarity, and perceived conflicts. Apart from the commonly examined support for tourism development and quality of life, citizen behaviours, as a significant consequence, have gained growing academic interest as of late. Correspondingly, some implications and recommendations for future studies are discussed in this review.

Sahrawi Women and the Liberation Struggle: Agency and Resistance in a Minority Context

This paper aims to explore Sahrawi women’s experiences of maternity within the Sahrawi liberation struggle, framing it as both an individual and a collective act of resistance against the occupation of Western Sahara. Rooted in the pronatalist politics of the Sahrawi liberation front’s (Polisario), it investigates how Sahrawi women approach biological reproduction as part of a minority group. Choices of biological reproduction among Sahrawis are inscribed within a history of occupation and refuge that, together with colonialism and nationalism, also shape Sahrawi women’s agency in navigating the socio-political dimensions of reproduction. This paper critically engages with an increasing number of humanitarian interventions in reproductive health, exploring the balance between addressing health concerns and the potential imposition of Western perspectives on biological reproduction. Empirical evidence highlights Sahrawi women’s adaptive strategies within in response to changing realities, emphasising the intricate interplay between reproductive autonomy, collective resistance, and identity.

Multi-energy station design for future electric vehicles: A synergistic approach starting from scratch

In transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), deploying charging infrastructure for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen refueling infrastructure for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) is a key challenge. This paper presents a multi-energy EV station, accommodating both electricity and hydrogen refueling needs. This dual functionality increases system flexibility and simultaneously supports the adoption of BEVs and FCEVs. Unlike existing studies that consider only limited design options in EV station designing, this study modeled and optimized fifteen multi-energy EV station designs, combining renewable and non-renewable resources. These designs were evaluated against sustainability criteria covering technical, economic, environmental, and sociopolitical dimensions. The decision-making model used the AHP to weigh various criteria and employed methods such as GRA, MOORA, EDAS, TOPSIS, and VIKOR for ranking design alternatives. The planning model identified Design 14 as the optimal choice for the targeted site. This optimal design is cost-effective, offering a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of 0.046 $/kWh and a levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) of 3.907 $/kg. It outperforms the baseline design economically, reducing the LCOE by 1.97 times and LCOH by 1.35 times. Environmentally, it decreases emissions by 514.2 t/year compared to the grid. The station can operate safely with established safety measures. Results are benchmarked against other studies from various sites, and a sensitivity analysis on uncertain parameters elucidated expected variations in the outcomes. The presented EV station planning model can be applied worldwide, considering the meteorological conditions of the specific site.

Modernizing cocoa production in Ghana: successes, constraints, and future possibilities of innovation diffusion in the cocoa sector

ABSTRACT This paper employs the political settlement framework, diffusion theory, and data generated through a mixed methods design to examine the adoption of innovations and technology in Ghana’s cocoa sector, with particular reference to the Juaboso district, a major cocoa producing area. The findings indicate that while most farmers have adopted improved cocoa planting methods in rows, the use of hybrid varieties and application of chemicals because of perceived benefits of these innovations and state support in adopting them, the use of fertilizers on cocoa farms is very low due to political economy issues, economic challenges, and neopatrimonialism. Historically, corrupt state politicians have used the fertilizer subsidy programme to strengthen patronage networks and reward crony capitalists. We conclude that the socio-political dimension of innovation-diffusion overrides the technical-economic reasons often cited in the literature for the failure of cocoa farmers to adopt these technologies. Addressing neopatrimonialism and recent politicization of input distribution is needed to enhance adoption of innovation and improved technology in Ghana’s cocoa sector.

‘Regionalism’ and its contestations: changing political discourse in contemporary Assam

ABSTRACT This paper seeks to understand the socio-political dimension of the political changes in Assam vis-a-vis “regionalism” and its contestations. The Changing contours of regionalism in Assam reflect its distinct character marked by the simultaneous articulation of regional, sub-regional and national identity in a complex socio-ethnic and historical context. The recent political trajectory of Assam bears testimony to the dual challenges facing the forces of regionalism; the presence of sub-regional ethnic identity articulation and the appropriation of regional space and issues by the national parties. Further, the shifting allegiance of ethnic identity-based parties to the national parties is critical to understand the dynamics of regionalism in Assam. Socio-political developments subsequent to the rise of BJP post-2014 provide an interesting landscape to comprehend the complexities inherent in understanding regionalism in contemporary Assam. On a contextual note, the paper also locates the question of regionalism in the ongoing debates of NRC and CAA.

"We are not being taught sustainable citizenship!"

Education on sustainability is a crucial goal that requires a transformative shift in teacher education to drive meaningful changes oriented to action. A cross-sectional study with an exploratory design investigated preservice science teachers' perceptions regarding teaching sustainable citizenship, specifically focusing on the climate crisis and earthquakes-tsunamis. The study was conducted in two Chilean universities with similar teacher preparation programs. The team designed a podcast series, which was used and evaluated by the 13 participants through action research. Three group discussions explored their perceptions of the resources, as well as the aims and challenges of teaching sustainable citizenship and the podcasts. We used Grounded Theory steps, including triangulation by the researchers to ensure reliability, to qualitatively analyse the data. The results reveal a constraint on teaching in areas where the participants lacked the necessary preparation and background knowledge as students and preservice teachers. The main challenges were related to interdisciplinarity, the social dimension of socio-scientific issues and context-responsive teaching methods. The perceived aims were the development of students' critical thinking, informed positioning, and encouraging active citizen participation. Preservice teachers found the podcast series to be a valuable new epistemic and pedagogical resource that can support their efforts to teach sustainable citizenship and implement pedagogical strategies. The autonomous usage of the device triggered reflection processes, particularly regarding the human rights perspective, which unveiled the socio-political dimensions inherent in science education. It promoted personal re-positioning as active citizens and educators and empowered them to seek out and pursue the changes needed to reshape future classrooms. We discuss these findings in the context of teacher preparation and the use of educational technology in teacher education.

Trusting by Numbers: An Analysis of a Chinese Social Credit System Governance Infrastructure

To govern, states collect and evaluate information about citizens. This paper examines a social credit system (SCS) in China, a state initiative aimed at governing trust through the quantification of social behavior. Our analysis opens the ‘black box’ of an SCS metric, investigating how trust is translated into numbers and the implications of this translation. We reveal that the SCS is deeply relational and embedded in specific interests, biases, and logics of governance. The system has the potential to reinforce structural injustices and inequalities as it particularly disadvantages rural residents. Meanwhile, it subjects government employees to stricter surveillance, indicating its multifaceted objectives. Our finding uncovers the nuanced ways the system interacts with social stratification in Chinese society and the administrative structure inside the state. We problematize the individualistic, decontextualized, and behavioral assumptions undergirding the metric, and advocate for a critical reassessment of the sociopolitical dimensions of such quantitative governance infrastructures.

Discussing the relationships between homoparenthood and health.

The present article aims to bridge the gaps or deepen the debate to discuss the relationship between homoparenthood and health. This essay is anchored in specific literature. We seek to work on the following questions throughout the text: (i) How is the central theme of this discussion historically outlined? (ii) How does homoparenthood appear in scientific health production in general? (iii) What sociopolitical dimensions emerge around homoparenthood-health relationships? and (iv) What are the limitations and possibilities for exercising reproductive rights between same-sex couples? Among the conclusions, we underscore the challenge of facing the strangeness of homoparenthood against the idea of the so-called called "normal" family based on heteronormative logic. Even in countries with some legal apparatus assuring the rights to homoparental families, their members suffer prejudice, discrimination, and violence.

INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT POLICY PROHIBITS THE EXPORT OF NICKEL ORE IN THE FORM OF RAW MATERIALS

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to critically examine the Indonesian Government's policy of prohibiting the export of nickel ore and its implications from a legal, regulatory, and economic perspective. By conducting a thorough analysis of relevant regulations, including Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Regulation (Permen ESDM) No. 11 of 2019, this study aims to elucidate the rationale behind the prohibition and assess its impact on Indonesia's economic sovereignty, value addition in the nickel industry, and international trade relations. Additionally, the research seeks to provide recommendations to stakeholders, particularly the Indonesian Government, on navigating the challenges and opportunities associated with the nickel ore export prohibition, with a view toward promoting sustainable economic development and maximizing the benefits derived from the country's mineral resources. Theoretical framework: This research uses a multidisciplinary theoretical framework to analyze the Indonesian Government's policy of prohibiting nickel ore exports. It uses normative legal theory, constitutional law, administrative law, resource curse theory, export-led growth theory, trade policy analysis, state sovereignty, political economy perspectives, and international relations theory to understand the policy's implications on legal, economic, and political dynamics at domestic and international levels. Design/Methodology/Approach: This research uses a mixed-methods approach, combining normative legal research with qualitative analysis, to examine the Indonesian Government's policy of prohibiting nickel ore exports. It examines the legal framework, aligns with international norms, and gathers insights from stakeholders through interviews, document analysis, and thematic analysis. The findings are then analyzed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the policy's legal, economic, and socio-political dimensions. Findings: The Indonesian Government's policy of prohibiting nickel ore exports has led to increased value addition, employment opportunities, and technology transfer. This policy aligns with Indonesia's sovereignty over its natural resources, aligns with international obligations, and enjoys domestic support. The policy has potential long-term implications for sustainable development and strategic positioning, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to resource management and international trade relations. Research, Practical & Social Implication: The research provides a comprehensive analysis of Indonesia's policy of prohibiting nickel ore exports, offering insights for future studies. It also informs comparative studies, policy design, diplomatic engagement, and social implications. The policy's potential for economic development and environmental protection is highlighted, promoting sustainable management of Indonesia's mineral resources. Originality/Value: This research explores Indonesia's policy prohibiting nickel ore exports, focusing on its economic, legal, and socio-political implications. It uses a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating legal, economic, and political perspectives. The empirical data from stakeholder interviews and document analysis provides valuable insights. The findings have practical implications for policymakers and international actors in resource governance and sustainable development.

Toward indigenous methodologies and environmental peacebuilding: A study on water projects in Nepal

Environmental peacebuilding, both in research and practice, demonstrates the potential of preventing, minimizing, and mitigating conflict, particularly in postwar societies. However, the complexities of the environment have not yet been fully considered. In consequence, environmental peacebuilding may involuntarily perpetuate violence instead of building peace. The paper aims to begin filling these theoretical and methodological gaps by critically examining the conceptual aspects of the “environment.” Studying through a postcolonial lens and applying indigenous methodologies, the paper reorients environmental peacebuilding scholarship by focusing on the politics of two drinking water projects in the eastern hills of Nepal. The study highlights the theoretical and methodological challenges of overemphasizing material aspects of resources that are embedded within the “environment.” The paper contends that the environment should not be deemed important only from material and usability perspectives but also for its historical and sociopolitical dimensions within the local community context. The paper concludes that ignoring these dimensions further obscures the conceptual and practical interlinkages between the environment, conflict, and peace. This, in turn, can undermine environmental peacebuilding efforts, a crucial approach to addressing climate change-induced conflict.

Religious Conflict Between Israeli and Hamas: Naming of Weapons and Battles

This research underscores the critical role of language representations in warfare, showing how naming can be a robust instrument in psychological war and narrative construction. The paper analyzes the naming practices for weaponry and battles in the Israeli-Hamas conflict, stressing the extensive use of religious and ideological symbolism by both parties. Tracking the historical and cultural contexts behind these conventions, the researchers highlight the great impact of naming on the conflict as a whole. Studying the various names given to weapons and wars, the paper unveils the deeply-rooted religious ideologies and political discourse used by Israel and Hamas. The findings reveal that naming conventions are not random, rather they are strategic tools that aim at legitimizing and obtaining support, as well as reflecting the conflict's sociopolitical dimensions. The study also found that naming practices contributes to constructing identities and justifying actions in the Israeli-Hamas conflict, illustrating the interaction of physical and symbolic elements in military and ideological strategies. In conclusion, the study provides a new perspective on the interdependent relationship between language, history, religion, and warfare.

Examining Transformation in Lepcha Culture and Language within Dzongu, Upper Sikkim: A Reflective Analysis

The Lepcha tribe, the oldest and first reported in Sikkim, India, predominantly resides in Dzongu valley, officially designated as a reserve for the Lepcha community. Nestled alongside the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve in the north district, Dzongu is renowned for preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Lepchas. Given the ongoing impact of globalization on cultural and economic dynamics, there is a pressing need to document the cultural diversity of the Lepcha community. Recent observations regarding the diminishing influence of the Lepcha language within the community highlight the necessity for a closer examination of the Lepcha speech community. This paper delves into the socio-political dimensions of Lepcha life and their implications for language and culture in Dzongu valley. By analyzing indicators of language maintenance and shift, this study aims to elucidate the direction in which the Lepcha speech community is heading, amidst changing socio-political landscapes.

Engram Studies: A Call for Historical, Philosophical, and Sociological Approaches.

In this chapter, we identify three distinct avenues of research on the philosophical, historical, and sociopolitical dimensions of engram research. First, we single out the need to refine philosophical understandings of memory within neuroscientific research on the engram. Specifically, we question the place of constructivist and preservationist philosophical claims on memory in the formulation of the engram concept and its operationalization in contemporary neuroscience research. Second, we delve into the received historiography of the engram claiming its disappearance after Richard Semon's (1859-1918) coinage of the concept. Differently from this view, we underline that Semon's legacy is still largely undocumented: Unknown are the ways the engram circulated within studies of organic memory as well as the role Semon's ideas had in specific national contexts of research in neurosciences. Finally, another research gap on the engram concerns a socio-anthropological documentation of the factual and normative resources this research offers to think about memory in healthcare and society. Representations of memory in this research, experimental strategies of intervention into the engram, as well as their translational potential for neurodegenerative (e.g., Alzheimer's disease) and psychiatric (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) conditions have not yet received scrutiny notwithstanding their obvious social and political relevance.All these knowledge gaps combined call for a strong commitment towards interdisciplinarity to align the ambitions of a foundational neuroscience of the engram with a socially responsible circulation of this knowledge. What role can the facts, metaphors, and interventional strategies of engram research play in the wider society? With what implications for philosophical questions at the foundation of memory, which have accompanied its study from antiquity? And what can neuro- and social scientists do jointly to shape the social and political framings of engram research?

Need More Reasons to Curb Gun Violence?

This collection of images considers complex ethical, public health, and sociopolitical dimensions of firearm injuries. Since many firearm bullets contain lead, visual parallels are drawn between clinical and public health approaches to managing lead poisoning and efforts to reduce gun violence. Like lead toxicity from paint or water, gun violence and toxicity from retained ballistic fragments can adversely influence health and should be a source of concern to clinicians.