Socio-economic Situation Research Articles

SOUTH AFRICA: THE STATE OF THE ENERGY INDUSTRY AND PROSPECTS FOR COOPERATION WITH RUSSIA

The energy situation after COVID-19 in the Republic of South Africa remains tense due to rolling power outages in major cities. The author notes that the first reason is the deterioration of the power grid on the one hand, and on the other the socio-economic situation of the majority of the population, which pushes it to destruction, including energy infrastructure. This implies a more global reason for the growing socio-economic crisis in South Africa. The author notes that the political program of President S. Ramaphosa’s «New Dawn» has not fundamentally solved the socio-economic problems of South Africa over the past five years. The problem of youth unemployment is particularly acute, which leads to further aggravation of social contradictions. The ruling African National Congress party lost its majority in the parliamentary elections, and the country is on the verge of political and socioeconomic changes.According to the author, Pretoria’s pragmatic cooperation with Moscow will continue, including in the energy sector. Russia is interested in diversifying and developing energy projects in Africa. However, South Africa needs to diversify its energy sources independently, not only by switching to cleaner renewable energy sources under pressure from the «climate lobby», but also by developing reserves of non-renewable energy sources on the continental shelf.

Mass subsidized mortgage: No extension, no termination?

After the launch of mass preferential mortgage program in 2020, subsidizing interest rates on housing loans has become a key factor affecting the primary housing market in Russia. In 2024, the portfolio of preferential mortgage lending approached RUB 9 trillion, indicating the high importance of this factor for the financial sector and the entire economy. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of subsidized mortgage programs and their effect on the socio-economic situation remain a subject of debate among economists, politicians and the public. The paper analyzes the impact of these programs on the residential real estate market, house prices and housing affordability. The core part of the paper contains the estimation of the scale of the substitution effect — the share of subsidized mortgage loans that would have been granted under market conditions. Based on the results obtained, alternative methods of housing support are proposed.

Labor Market Conditions and Labor Migration in Russian Regions

In recent years, the Russian labor market has been in an extremely tense state, close to “overheating,” which poses risks for the economic development of the country. The most dynamically changing components of the market are the demand for labor and its supply. In the context of population decline, migration remains a flexible and effective mechanism for replenishing the labor force. Differences in the demographic and socio-economic situation in the Russian Federation and neighboring countries, primarily Central Asian ones, create preconditions for cross-border population movements, while the differentiation of various indicators of Russian regions becomes a factor in intra-country migration. In this study, the authors set the task of assessing the extent to which the situation in regional labor markets can influence the intensity of both international and interregional migration flows in Russia, ensuring their self-regulation and balancing. For this purpose, we constructed a clustering of the subjects of the Russian Federation based on the main indicators of labor supply and demand, as well as the intensity of labor migration flows in various directions. Then a correlation analysis of the selected indicators was carried out. The results show that, in general, labor migration smooths out imbalances in regional markets, but the effect of self-regulation mechanisms is far from perfect. For example, there is no linear relationship between tension in the labor market and the intensity of arrival of labor migrants. Based on the findings, the authors conclude by making recommendations regarding the need to create and improve federal mechanisms to ensure contact between employers and job seekers from different regions and to stimulate labor mobility of their populations.

LA SAPOLOGIE : DU CHOC DES CIVILISATIONS A L’IDENTITE SOCIALE DE LA POPULATION CONGOLAISE

Sapology: From the Clash of Civilizations to the Social Identity of the Congolese Population. Known as the art of dressing elegantly and extravagantly, sapology has become a social identity of the Congolese community. Yet, most of the population in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) lives below the poverty line, with less than one US dollar a day. Given this controversial reality, the fundamental questions that this article attempts to answer are namely: - how have exogenous factors significantly contributed to the emergence and evolution of sapology to the point of becoming a culture and social identity of the Congolese community? - And how has sapology impacted the culture and the socio-economic situation of the Congolese community? Several studies in the literature focus on endogenous factors that construct a social identity. However, a few of them analyze how exogenous factors can contribute to constructing a culture and social identity. Using Samuel Huntington’s “clash of civilization” theory, the article demonstrates how exogenous factors have significantly contributed to the emergence of sapology to point of becoming a social identity and a modus vivendi (way of life) of the Congolese community.

THE PEDAGOGICAL MODEL OF TEACHER TRAINING AS AN EFFECTIVE MEANS OF ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING

The socio-economic situation created in the country today requires new ways and approaches in order to improve the quality of education and raise the qualifications of teachers in the field of milking, which include not only the problems of teacher training and the features of the training process, but also put forward and consider its features with modern technologies. Today, a completely different new field has its unique place and influence in teacher training: media literacy, which allows the process of teacher training to be transferred from a face-to-face platform to an online platform, changing not only the forms and process of its organization, but also the role and significance of training. in action. By being trained from this point of view, the teacher acquires not only new theoretical and practical knowledge, but also skills and abilities to use modern technologies.

Affordable housing solutions: real estate strategies for addressing urban population growth

Introduction: As the population count in cities increases, the need for affordable and efficient housing systems becomes even more pressing, especially for the poor and middle-income earners. Housing affordability challenges are an important area to which real estate strategies contribute, and this includes funding schemes, resource-efficient construction methods, and a repurposing of structures for different functions. These strategies work towards achieving the goal of closing the deficit of housing availability in the market as well as meeting the necessary criteria for sustainability and habitability of cities of the future. Materials and Methods: The research methodology employed a comprehensive literature review, analysing peer-reviewed articles, industry reports, and case studies from diverse urban contexts. The data collection was majorly centered on successful affordable housing projects, policies, and approaches used in various city settings. Both quantitative and qualitative assessments were used in the studies for comparative analysis of different strategies and solutions with respect to their efficiency and applicability with regard to cost-saving, mass implementation, and social aspects. Finally, a focus on the world of urban planning and real estate with interviews with professionals in these fields as well as policymakers gave an understanding of possible actual difficulties and opportunities of realizing affordable housing strategies. Results: The study revealed several key findings regarding effective real estate strategies for affordable housing. Financing models that were discussed in this paper include public-private partnerships and community land trusts showed promising results regarding the possibility of decreasing housing prices and making housing more accessible. Techno-friendly mechanisms such as modular construction accompanied by the use of lightweight building materials were perceived to be helpful in increasing the rate of construction of houses while reducing the effects of the construction activities on the physical environment. Adaptive reuse mortels demonstrated that movement’s ability to re purpose inactive urban areas as viable affordable housing opportunities satisfied both the demand for housing and site redevelopment. In addition, policy interventions like inclusionary zoning and density bonus were useful in enhancing the private sector’s engagement in affordable housing. Discussion: The research findings highlight the multifaceted nature of affordable housing solutions and the importance of context-specific strategies. Some strategies like public-private partnerships, could be adopted in any city regardless of the type, however the decision on their application depended on the local socio-economic situation and legislation. Effective implementation of sustainable construction depended on appropriate skills by human resources and favourable policies. Architects and developers of adaptive reuse projects encountered issues with code conformity and reception among the population. These findings suggest that the solution to affordable housing must employ the right mix of innovative real estate solutions, supportive public policies, and active community participation. Conclusion: Real estate strategies offer promising avenues for addressing the affordable housing crisis in rapidly growing urban areas. Innovative financing strategies; efficient construction practices; as well as adaptive reuse strategies provide an opportunity for extending the amount of affordable housing in cities alongside sustainable development. However, the accomplishment of these strategies entails cooperation from public, private, and the community sectors

Evaluating dynamics of developing motivation for improving foreign language competence among doctoral students pursuing non-linguistic programmes

Introduction. In modern socio-economic situation organization and implementation of the educational process for doctoral students majoring in non-linguistic fields can by characterized by insufficient motivation for studying foreign languages. One of the trends in the formation of the motivational field in modern doctoral students is a comprehensive assessment of the dynamics of motives development for improving foreign language competence. In addition, one of the most crucial tasks today is to attract university graduates to pursue advanced academic degrees. In order to solve this problem, it is necessary not only to improve the economic component of research and professional activities, but also to increase the motivational potential of degree programs, including programs for mastering foreign language competence. The purpose of the study is to identify interdependent relationships and interdependencies between the motives for improving foreign language competence and various methods of teaching a foreign language to doctoral students doing non-linguistic degrees. Materials and Methods. The methodological basis of this study includes international and Russian scholarly works in linguistic, psychological, educational and methodological fields. In addition, the study is based on data obtained by means of a survey, as well as analysis of curricula, syllabi and other regulatory documents of the regional University of Economics. Methods of mathematical statistics, the method of grouping and comparison, the historical and logical method, as well as socio-psychological methods have been applied in the study. Results. Based on evaluating the dynamics of motives development for improving foreign language competence in doctoral students of non-linguistic programmes, the authors identified interdependent connections and contradictions between the motives for improving foreign language competence and various methods of teaching a foreign language to doctoral students of non-linguistic majors. Recommendations aimed at increasing the effectiveness of forming a motivational field in studying foreign languages by doctoral students based on a learner-centered approach were developed, which allowed the authors to differentiate syllabi in accordance with the level of doctoral students’ language proficiency, as well as to maintain continuity of their foreign language education. Conclusions. In order to form a motivational field in studying foreign languages among doctoral students of non-linguistic programmes, the authors clarified specifics of the formation of doctoral students’ motivation to improve foreign language proficiency, which were used for developing recommendations for foreign language teaching. According to the authors, implementation of the obtained results into the educational process will contribute to developing doctoral students’ motivation to study foreign languages. The obtained data can contribute to the design of encouraging curricula for mastering foreign languages, which will ensure sustainable foreign language competence of doctoral students and add attractiveness to doctoral studies for Russian university graduates.

Girls’ Class and Character in Contemporary YA Fiction

Two contemporary works of young adult fiction that appeared on the New York City 365 Book List are examined in this paper as examples of the socioeconomic diversity that the creators of the list intended to include. Nic Stone’s Jackpot (2019) and Ibi Zoboi’s Pride (2018) both depict female high schoolers—Rico and Zuri—who grapple with their own identity-building as they demonstrate awareness of their socioeconomic situations, both of working-class backgrounds, and how their personal contexts contribute to the future opportunities available to them. Ultimately, even as the novels are propelled forward with romantic relationships with male teens of higher socioeconomic statuses, with greater access to power and privilege, both protagonists ultimately develop agency in their lives and powerfully negotiate their futures, especially through their understandings and analyses of class and its connection to their identities and relationships.

ПОТОК ПЛАВУЧЕСТИ КАК МЕТРИКА ДЛЯ АНАЛИЗА ВЗАИМОДЕЙСТВИЯ ОКЕАНА И АТМОСФЕРЫ НА РАЗЛИЧНЫХ ВРЕМЕННЫХ МАСШТАБАХ

The article provides a comprehensive review of publications, both in journals and monographs, devoted to the metric of ocean–atmosphere interaction – the buoyancy flux. This method of assessing the tendency to vertical mixing in the ocean, derived theoretically in the second half of the XX century, is currently used. The buoyancy flux allows not only a qualitative but also a quantitative assessment of ocean-atmosphere interaction through heat, moisture, and radiative fluxes on different time scales. It can be used to account for the contribution of different components of the ocean-atmosphere interaction to the dynamics of the upper mixed layer of the ocean: radiative fluxes, heat fluxes, and freshwater fluxes. To assess the ability of land bodies to absorb or emit CO2 as a function of synoptic atmospheric dynamics, and even to estimate the variability of upwelling that affects the socio-economic situation in coastal areas. The review summarises scientific papers using buoyancy flux for various purposes, presents the first paper to introduce the metric, and summarises methodologies that offer promise in this line of research based on current ocean and atmospheric data. Forty-two English-language papers and 5 publications by Russian researchers have been analysed.

Airports as a catalyst for regional labor market development and employment growth in the opinion of their stakeholders

ObjectivesSurveys were carried out in 2021, 2022 and 2023 to determine how residents of municipalities, representatives of municipal authorities and airport representatives, perceive the impact of the airport on the socio-economic situation of the municipality in which they are located, including the labor market.Material and methodsIn the course of the research, data on the operation of airports, municipalities and strategic documents of municipalities were analyzed and survey research was carried out using questionnaire and interview techniques.ResultsThe research focused on 10 airports located in Poland. A total of 1,200 surveys were conducted among residents of municipalities, 10 interviews with local government and port officials (2021-2022) and 7 interviews with airport officials (2023). To analyze the collected data and present the results, Statistica v.13.3 and R/RStudio software were used. Airports are seen as a catalyst for the development of the regional labour market and employment growth in the opinion of their stakeholders. The perception of the impact of the airport in the opinion of their stakeholders depended on the size of the airport, its location in the municipality, the nature of the municipality and the level of education of the municipalities residents participating in the survey.ConclusionsAirports, by combining air transport with other modes of transport, fuel local and regional development. Airports are home to institutions and companies that offer employment to workers in various fields. They also attract investors and positively influence the image of the region, contributing to the establishment of companies and the development of tourism, which also leads to job creation.

The current state of functioning and resourcefulness of individuals during turbulent times

The purpose of the work was a study of the current functioning and resourcefulness of the adult population of Ukraine among different age groups amidst turbulent changes. Conducted by the State Institution "Scientific and Practical Medical Rehabilitation and Diagnostic Centre of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine," the study surveyed 1216 respondents residing in eastern, central, and western Ukraine. Methodological basis of the study as observation, interviews, questionnaires, and testing. The study examined various aspects including the impact of turbulent changes on respondents, their current psycho-emotional state, information needs, sources of information, daily functioning, subjective assessment of life quality, presence of anxiety, depression, aggression, and the role of joy as a source of resilience during wartime. The results of the study showed that people in late adulthood were more likely to be anxious about hostilities and the socio-economic situation in the country compared to young adults (p<0.001). Furthermore, the study found a positive correlation between age and the percentage of people reporting high anxiety about the country's socio-economic situation (p<0.001). These worrying situations resulted in changes in daily func­tioning, particularly chronic daytime fatigue (p=0.069), feelings of dissatisfaction with oneself (p=0.223), and less fre­quent manifestations of aggression towards oneself (p=0.603) and loved ones (p=0.148). Interestingly, early adulthood indi­viduals showed more aggression towards other people compared to late adulthood individuals (p=0.013). The study also showed that feelings of joy serve as a resource for coping with war trauma and are an important indicator of mental health.

Coverage of the Armenian Reform Issue in the Pages of “Horizon”

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Armenian Question regained a strong urgency. This was caused by the Balkan crisis and the formation of a new international situation on the one hand, and by the further deterioration of the socio-economic situation of Western Armenians under Ottoman rule on the other. The Young Turks continued Sultan Hamid’s policy of the extermination of Armenians. In the autumn of 1912, European powers, primarily Russia, initiated negotiations with the Turkish authorities on the fundamental issue of implementing necessary reforms in the Western Armenian provinces. At the same time, the regions under the Turkish control further intensified the persecution of Armenians, aiming to depopulate the indigenous Armenian territories. All of this, in essence and depth, was reflected and illuminated in the pages of “Horizon”, an influential Armenian periodical published in Tiflis (Tbilisi) during 1912-1914. The material presented in "Horizon" is a truthful reflection of this complex and dramatic period of our history and serves as a true lesson and message for present and future generations.

RITUAL OF HUMAN SACRIFICE IN AZERBAIJAN BURIALS DURING THE LATE BRONZE – EARLY IRON AGES

Burial customs such as inhumation and cremation were studied in a large number of kurgans, stone-box and earthen graves belonging to Khojaly-Gadabay, Nakhchivan and Talish - Mughan archaeological cultures in Azerbaijan, as well as cenotaph and skeletonless graves were studied. The dead were buried in different directions, situations, alone, in pairs, or collectively. The custom of human sacrifice in the territory of Azerbaijan was observed in the Boyuk Borsunlu, Akhmakhi, Baimsarov, Dovshanli, Garabulag, Sarichoban kurgans, Ganja and Goygol kurgans, as well as Veri, Joni, Chilakhana, Shir-shir and other stone box graves. Besides the main corpse, the sacrifices who will accompany him to the hereafter, are also buried. One of the facts proving the sacrifice of foreign slaves is the anthropological features of the sacrifices in the Akhmakhi kurgans number 1 and 2. Another interesting fact is that in such graves, the main corpse was usually buried in an extended position, while the accompanying corpses were buried in a seated position. These monuments, which date back to the end of the 2nd millennium and the beginning of the 1st millennium B.C., give an idea of not only the religious outlook, socio-economic situation, but also the military situation of the people of that time.

The Armenian Population of Van and Bitlis (Baghesh) Provinces of Western Armenia in 1878-1914 (Analysis of Historical-Demographic Factors and Socio-Economic Situation)

Проблемы, связанные с историко-демографическими и социально-экономическими процессами в Западной Армении в конце XIX – начале XX века, имеют важное значение для полного изложения истории Геноцида армян. В статье анализируются причины исторических, демографических и социально-экономических изменений в провинциях Ван и Битлис, а также их непосредственное влияние на различные сферы внутренней жизни западных армян.

Historical and cultural similarities to sister city collaboration efforts between Tanjungpinang (Indonesia) and Johor Bahru (Malaysia)

Sister city cooperation based on common historical and cultural ties between Tanjungpinang, Indonesia and Johor Bahru, Malaysia provides a strategic opportunity to enhance socio-cultural interaction and encourage tourism. This research aims to find opportunities for sister city collaboration and the types of activities that are included in the scope of cooperation between the two cities. The method used in this research is descriptive with a qualitative approach by collecting various data, including official government documents, local demographic statistics, socio cultural characteristics, economic situation, development plans, and public and government views regarding social and development activities. To analyze the phenomena that occur, the theory of liberalism is used which states that a country can achieve political and economic goals through cooperation and promoting individual freedom and social justice. The results of this study indicate that the collaboration can be an effective platform for the exchange of knowledge, practices and resources between the two cities, and can also expand the network of partners involved in inclusive education. The study concluded that there are still several challenges such as limited resources, lack of public awareness and understanding, and structural barriers that can affect the effectiveness of implementing this collaborative effort. Thus, an active and collaborative role is needed from state and non-state actors to achieve sustainable economic and tourism goals.

მცირე ბიზნესის განვითარების ხელშემწყობი მექანიზმები უცხოეთის მაღალგანვითარებულ ქვეყნებში და მათი მოქმედების ეფექტი

In the conditions of the modern market economy, small business has a very big role in improving the difficult socio-economic situation of any country. It contributes to the economic stability of the country by reducing the unemployment rate in the country and stimulating economic growth. Therefore, the development of small businesses in any country should be a priority, and modern and effective mechanisms for promoting their development should be introduced. Statistical information published by different countries of the world revealed that more than half of enterprises with small business status carry out economic-entrepreneurial processes for a short period of time, and then stop functioning. Over time, worldwide, the financial stability of small businesses and the promotion of their development is increasingly a major concern. The article discusses and analyzes the foreign experience of the introduction and implementation of mechanisms and measures supporting the development of small businesses. Based on statistical information published by international organizations, special attention is paid to the tax reforms/changes implemented and their effect in order to promote the development of small businesses in highly developed foreign countries. Based on all this, appropriate conclusions and recommendations have been prepared.

On the Problem of Access to Clean Water in Africa

Currently, the environmental situation in the world is deteriorating due to population growth, urbanization, agricultural and industrial pollution of wastewater. This is especially noticeable in regions experiencing water shortages, one of which is the African continent. The work identified the necessary and sufficient levels of access of African countries to clean water and gave a forecast for their change, taking into account the changing demographic, socio-economic and military-political situation. The growing African population increases the demand for water to satisfy thirst and household needs, requires more food, which leads to an increase in water intake for agriculture and food production. In addition, military and political tensions on the continent cause cross-border movement of a large number of Africans, which increases the burden on host countries, increases the deficit of water resources, weakens sanitation, and leads to an increase in water-related diseases. To solve the problem of water shortages on the African continent, it is necessary to adopt comprehensive programs for the development of water management and increase its investment, raise the level of public awareness and train specialists in the field of water use.

Mompreneur: The Effect of Job Satisfaction on Psychological Well-Being of Mother Owning MSMEs

Not a few mothers who work in a formal work environment decide to quit and start a new career and become entrepreneurs, which makes them part of the phenomenon often known as "mompreneur," which is a combination of her mother role and her chosen entrepreneurial role, which adequately illustrates the complexity of the responsibilities and roles that mothers play daily. With the enormous responsibility of being a mother and the center of the family, a mother's job satisfaction and psychological well-being as she goes about her day are very important. This study was conducted on 89 mompreneurs in Bandung City with a quantitative non-experimental approach through a written questionnaire conducted via small groups of mompreneurs. This study proved that job satisfaction significantly affects psychological well-being and found that job satisfaction is negatively related to marital status. In contrast, Psychological well-being is positively related to education. This study suggests that mompreneurs' socioeconomic situation does not significantly affect their job satisfaction and well-being. At the same time, most previous research focuses on the boarder concept of working mothers.

Regional differences of digital transformation of agricultural production

The regional and sectoral features of the digital transformation of production are considered. The trends and patterns that cause an increase in the intersectoral and interregional gap in the level of innovative development, leading to a differentiation of the socio-economic situation, are highlighted. The main reasons for the different levels of digital transformation of production are shown. Measures are proposed to equalize territorial development based on deepening the digitalization of production, as the main factor in increasing production efficiency and, as a result, increasing the socio-economic level of development of the region.

Цифровая трансформация сельских территорий в условиях инновационного развития Западного сектора российской Арктики

Complex natural-climatic and spatial-geographical conditions, which comprehensively characterize the Arctic as a zone of absolute discomfort, create systemic barriers to the introduction of digital technologies necessary for levelling the risks of population preservation. Of particular strategic importance for the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation are rural territories that provide a presence in the vast and sparsely populated space of the Russian Arctic, including in the areas of exploitation of key deposits of mineral and biological resources. The aim of the article is to analyze the directions of digital transformation of regional development that promotes innovative development of rural territories in the Western sector of the Russian Arctic (on the example of the Arkhangelsk Oblast and the Nenets Autonomous Okrug). Along with comparative analysis of scientific publications and content analysis of normative legal documents, a systematic review of strategic planning documents and indicators assessing the level of digitalization of the Arkhangelsk Oblast and the Nenets Autonomous Okrug with a special focus on the quality of life of the population was carried out. The analysis showed that digitalization processes react sensitively to the political and socio-economic situation, primarily the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recession and sanctions restrictions. The priorities of regional policy in the field of digital transformation have been identified, and insufficient attention to rural areas in this matter has been revealed. Under the concept of regional development “centerperiphery”, the gap in the degree of development of digital ecosystems between urban and rural settlements is expected to increase, but the lack of official statistical indicators does not allow assessing its depth. Promising areas of state policy in the digital economy include systematic formation of digital competencies of the population, since digital literacy is the most important prerequisite for obtaining significant socio-economic effects of digitalization, as well as increasing the level of technical equipment of organizations, including through the expansion of subsidy programs for purchase of technical equipment used to provide goods, works and services of a socially oriented nature for the population.