Socio-political Landscape Research Articles

Establishing a Harmonious Society: The Approach of Sahih Bukhari Hadith in Addressing Socio-Political Issues in Malaysia

Malaysia is a country with a socio-political landscape that consists of various religions and races. The socio-politics of the country often experience tensions and face multiple challenges in managing social pluralism. Among the issues that arise when dealing with the challenges of diversity in society include prejudice between races, ethnic identities that hinder unity, and differences in thoughts, beliefs, and habits among races. This situation calls for an alternative approach to building a society that can foster harmony, peace, and positive interaction among the different races, religions, cultures, and ethnicities. The achievements to create a pluralistic society must be based on elements such as political stability, community cohesion, and national harmony. This study utilised a qualitative method by examining data and analyzing documents, including observations on current issues in socio-politics. The primary data for this study is derived from the book Sahih Bukhari. The objective of the study was to analyze the solutions for building a pluralistic society from the perspective of Sahih Bukhari hadith and apply the values of social justice, harmony, political stability, and social cohesion in a pluralistic society. The results of the study revealed that the Sahih Bukhari hadith contains comprehensive guidance to inculcate values such as social justice, harmony, stability, and social cohesion, which ensure the formation of the Malaysian nation-state. The study’s implications show that Sahih Bukhari’s hadith is a source of reference for formulating policies and strategies to address socio-political issues in Malaysia. The values contained in the Hadith Sahih al-Bukhari contribute to the formation of a more harmonious and united society.

A LACANIAN ANALYSIS OF ORHAN PAMUK’S ‘THE RED-HAIRED WOMAN’

Orhan Pamuk's novel The Red Haired Woman delves into the complexities of identity desire and the unconscious mind through the character of Cem. By employing a Lacanian analysis, this qualitative research paper aims to explore how Cem's psyche is shaped by the interplay between the Symbolic, the Imaginary, and the Real. Drawing from Lacanian concepts such as the mirror stage castration anxiety and the Oedipus complex, this paper sheds light on the underlying psychological factors influencing Cem's actions and relationships within the novel. By delving into these Lacanian concepts we gain a deeper understanding of Cem's character and the overall themes explored in Orhan Pamuk's novel. The novel invites the readers to contemplate the intricacies of the human psyche and the perpetual pursuit of identity and desire in the face of societal constraints. Pamuk’s narrative, set against the backdrop of Turkey’s socio-political landscape, intricately weaves together themes of fatherhood, patricide, and the search for meaning. By unraveling the symbolic and imaginary dimensions of the narrative, this study illuminates the novel's deeper layers of meaning. It offers insights into the human condition as portrayed through Pamuk’s literary lens. Pamuk intricately intertwines themes of patricide, fatherhood, and existential quest, providing fertile ground for a Lacanian reading.

“No Gree for Anybody!”- “Without our compliance, their power means nothing”: unveiling the subtleness in Nigeria’s socio-political activism

ABSTRACT This study employs online archival and interview methods to understand how people on X (formerly Twitter) interpret and construct the ‘No Gree for Anybody’ tweets as a form of digital protest. ‘No Gree for Anybody,’ translating to ‘Do not compromise for anyone’ in Nigerian Pidgin English, became a sort of national anthem on social media, especially on Twitter, amid the socioeconomic challenges in Nigeria. The adoption of this slogan, despite concerns from the Nigerian Police, underscores its influential role as an alternative protest form advocating systemic reform and confronting entrenched power structures. The qualitative data analysis constructed four key themes: Language and Identity, Digital Protest/Mobilization and Collective Identity, Multiple Symbolism of Defiance, and Protests Continuum in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. These themes provide a nuanced understanding of ‘No Gree for Anybody’ and how its subtleness and non-episodic features shape digital activism and socio-political discourse in Nigeria, highlighting its position in contemporary protest dynamics.

Coastal Environment Profile (CEP) Presentation and Training-Workshop for Barangay Mana, Malita, Davao Occidental, Philippines: Engaging Stakeholders and Establishing a Community-Based Mangrove Nursery

The Coastal Environmental Profile (CEP) Presentation and Training-Workshop for Brgy. Mana, Malita, Davao Occidental, aimed to engage local stakeholders and establish a community-based mangrove nursery. Objectives included presenting the CEP to Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) officials and stakeholders, conducting a training-workshop on CEP, and establishing a mangrove nursery. The methodology involved forming a project team, conducting an inception meeting, courtesy calls, signing MOAs, and organizing a project orientation. Implementation included presenting the CEP, conducting a training-workshop with BLGU-Mana officials, BVBSNHS, and local organizations, and establishing the nursery. Significant findings revealed that the CEP provided comprehensive data on the coastal environment, including socio-political landscape, natural resources, and economic activities. The training-workshop raised environmental awareness and equipped participants with knowledge for coastal resource management. The community-based mangrove nursery was established to support conservation efforts. The project successfully enhanced local stakeholders' understanding and commitment to sustainable coastal development, highlighting the importance of collaborative and inclusive strategies in achieving environmental resilience.

Call for Peace and National Cohesion: Reading from Selected Arabic Literary Texts of Nigerian Authorship

Since ancient times, literature has served as a mirror reflecting society and its progress, often engaging with themes of morality, compassion, unity, and peaceful coexistence within human communities. Literature, through both poetry and prose, communicates ethical values that encourage and educate for peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and harmonious social relationships. This study utilizes a descriptive approach to examine the contributions of Nigerian authors in Arabic literature to the promotion of national integration, harmony, and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of diverse ethnicities and constituencies. By selecting specific literary texts, especially poetry, from the works of three prominent Nigerian literary figures, this paper investigates how Arabic literature of Nigerian authorship has fostered ideals of unity, harmony, and peaceful cohabitation within Nigeria’s highly heterogeneous socio-political landscape. Findings from the study reveal that numerous Nigerian Arabic literary scholars have significantly contributed to the advocacy for national integration and peace. Their literary productions emphasize the importance of unity among Nigerians, despite the multitude of languages, rich cultural diversity, and varied practices across the country. These literary works serve as powerful tools for promoting tolerance, understanding, and unity, highlighting literature’s essential role in reinforcing shared national values, fostering patriotism, and enhancing collective consciousness in Nigeria’s complex and multicultural society.

Revisiting Intersectionality: Theoretical Debates and Their Viability in the Indian Context

Intersectionality, introduced within the Black feminist movement, gained momentum in feminist, sociological, and political identity-based discourses as a theoretical framework for its focus on women’s intersectional experiences of violence, often shaped by other dimensions of their identities, such as race and class. While the framework addresses social power structures and lived experiences, concerns have been raised due to its generalizability, ambiguity, and catch-all nature. This paper explores critical voices from India, questioning whether intersectionality remains a viable theoretical approach within Indian feminist discourse. It traces the contextual origin of this concept and its arrival and validity in the Indian context. The paper argues that women’s lived experiences should not be treated as universal; instead, they must be considered unique, shaped by various marginalized social identities that women embody. The paper contributes to ongoing debates about the relevance and adaptability of intersectionality in diverse cultural and sociopolitical landscapes.

Youth Disillusionment with Nationalism in Saput's “Meropani hoinara? yo desh” (“Isn’t this country mine too?”): A Critique of Nepali National Identity

The main objective of this article is to explore youth disillusionment and the quest for national identity in Prakash Saput's song “Meropani hoinara? yo desh” (“Isn’t this country mine too?”). The lyric of the song reveals the frustrations of young Nepalis who feel marginalized by the political system agonized with corruption and inequality. In particular, the youths articulate a profound sense of betrayal and alienation by questioning the ownership and belonging within their homeland. The article examines how Saput's song serves not only as a reflection of the current socio-political landscape but also as a powerful critique of the systemic failures that hinder the younger generation's aspirations. To examine this issue, the article has employed nationalism as a theoretical insight, especially the ideas of Benedict Anderson, Ernest Gellner and Anthony D Smith to be used for textual analysis. This article posits that "Meropani hoinara? yo desh" resonates as a call for recognition and change, urging everyone to acknowledge the contributions and potential of Nepali youths in shaping a more inclusive national identity

Svakodnevni život iz perspektive željezničke štampe Ukrajinske SSR tokom Holodomora (1932-1933)

In this article, the author studied how the local printed media of the South-Western Railways (Ukrainian SSR) reacted to the Holodomor – the artificial famine of 1932–1933. While Soviet newspapers were primarily viewed as instruments for disseminating state-approved narratives, this study argues that the local railway press serves as a valuable but often overlooked source for understanding the multifaceted realities of Soviet society during this tumultuous period. Examining the editorial mechanisms of the railway press, the article discusses the involvement of workers and farmers as correspondents. The use of „robsilkors” (workers’ and farmers’ correspondents) in reporting everyday issues and problems within the railway system highlights a dynamic interaction between the press, its readership, and the authorities. The press functioned as an information conduit to party units and law enforcement, emphasizing the so-called „self-criticism campaigns” and denunciations. Under totalitarian censorship and government control, the newspapers did not openly write about starvation and mass mortality. The press, however, inadvertently provided glimpses into the harsh realities of everyday life, especially in local publications where censorship was comparatively weaker. They unveiled details showcasing the impact of food shortages, malnutrition, and unsanitary conditions. While workers had access to canteens and a food supply system, theft and misappropriation were survival strategies. The press documented cases of intentional damage to grain cargoes and corruption in the food stamps system. Despite receiving state-provided goods, workers faced challenges with the quality of provisions and sanitary conditions in canteens. Moreover, along with covering the famine, the press actively disseminated propaganda aimed at reinforcing the divide between the working class and farmers. This contrast was evident, yet many railway workers experienced life similar to farmers, owning land and resisting state-imposed agricultural policies. The newspapers called on the railway employees to participate in the so-called „mass campaigns” in the villages, which sometimes appeared to be confiscating food from the farmers' houses. Refusal to join these campaigns could lead to the denunciation on the newspapers pages. In conclusion, this research offers a comprehensive understanding of the Soviet railway press during the Holodomor years, revealing its dual nature as a propagandistic tool and a subtle source of authentic information. By dissecting the content and contextualizing the narratives within the socio-political landscape, the study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of Soviet society during a period of historical upheaval.

Digital skills in social work education: a human rights issue?

ABSTRACT Through a social justice lens, this article explores the growing digitalization of society that created ripe environments for a deepening digital divide that impacts access to the modern digital world for vulnerable populations in the European Union, Spain, and the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic response highlighted the need for and use of digital technology and skills, which brought the digital divide between the world’s regions, countries, and societies to the forefront. This digital divide is defined as the lack of access or adoption of high-speed internet/broadband services. As of 2016, the UN recognized the need to acknowledge internet access as a vehicle to reach other human rights, such as the right to work or access basic education. In today’s post-pandemic society, it has become more evident that the lack of access to the internet hinders access to information, services, and participation in the socio-political landscape. In social work higher education, the increase in the quality of eLearning and digitalization transformed the way teaching and learning happen and the perception of distance learning. Recommendations regarding including digital skills in every aspect of the social work curricula using a human rights framework are included.

Illustrating History: April 25th in Portuguese Comics

Abstract This essay offers a comprehensive analysis of Portuguese comics, with a specific focus on those that depict the April 25th Revolution of 1974. It traces the historical evolution of these comics, examining how they have engaged with significant political and social changes in Portugal. The study critically evaluates the term “BD de Abril” (April Comics), proposing a more nuanced categorization that reflects the thematic and chronological diversity within this body of work. By analyzing key works, including Utopia by Raquel Varela and Robson Vilalba, the essay explores how Portuguese comics have functioned as both artistic and historiographical tools, especially during periods of political upheaval. The research identifies four distinct phases in the development of “April Comics”: Denunciation (pre-revolution), Exaltation (immediate post-revolution), Revivalism (1990s–2000s), and Revisitation (2010s onwards). Each phase is contextualized within the broader socio-political landscape, revealing the evolving role of comics in reflecting and shaping historical consciousness. The essay concludes by arguing that while “April Comics” is a valuable category, it requires refinement to fully capture the complexity and richness of these works.

POLITICAL CONFLICT IN LAUT BERCERITA BY LEILA S. CHUDORI: INSIGHTS FROM NEW HISTORICISM

This research investigates the political conflict depicted in Leila S. Chudori's novel Laut Bercerita, focusing on the portrayal of the student’s movement and authoritarian regime dominated by military force in Indonesia during the New Order era. Drawing on the theories of Sociology of Literature and New Historicism, the study aims to analyze the socio-political dynamics embedded within the narrative. The qualitative descriptive method is employed to examine the text in-depth, considering its historical significance and literary merits. Through close textual analysis, the research reveals the intricate interplay between fiction and reality, shedding light on the experiences of activists and the repressive tactics of the regime. The novel vividly captures the determination, struggles, and sacrifices of student activists as they challenge authoritarian rule, providing valuable insights into Indonesia's socio-political landscape. Additionally, the study explores the ways in which literature serves as a vehicle for social critique and historical remembrance, emphasizing the enduring relevance of Chudori's work in contemporary discourse. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of Indonesian history and literature, underscoring the importance of literature as a tool for socio-political commentary and cultural preservation.

HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE IN NIGERIA: TRENDS, ISSUES, CHALLENGES AND PROSPECT

Objective: Human rights abuses persist in Nigeria, undermining democratic governance since 1999. This study investigates pervasive violations, focusing on major trends and national issues facilitating these abuses. Nigeria's complex socio-political landscape, marked by ethnic diversity and economic disparities, exacerbates human rights violations. These include extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary arrests, and insurgency-related heinous acts perpetrated by Boko Haram and ISWAP. Theoretical Framework: The judiciary's inefficiency and corruption hinder justice for victims, while the government suppresses free speech and assembly, contrary to Chapter Four of the Nigerian Constitution, which is the main theoretical framework providing for the understanding of this investigation. Method: This study has a method of qualitative research which examines the interplay between Nigeria's socio-political landscape and economic disparities, perpetuating human rights violations. Findings reveal widespread abuses, particularly in the Northeast, highlighting the need for judicial reform, security sector reform, and increased accountability. Research and Discussion: The study provides the result of comprehensive analysis and lasting solutions to address human rights abuses in Nigeria. Recommendations promote dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders to strengthen human rights protection and enforcement. By addressing systemic challenges, Nigeria can move towards a more just and equitable society. Research Implication: The research implication of this research contributes valuable insights for policymakers, human rights organizations, and scholars. Originality and Value: Its findings and recommendations offer a pathway towards improved human rights protection in Nigeria, ensuring the well-being and dignity of Nigerian citizens.

Адаптация ислама: эволюция идеалов «Братьев-мусульман» в европейском контексте (на английском языке)

This paper aims to explore the mechanisms employed by the Muslim Brotherhood, within the framework of Islamic jurisprudence, to rationalize the presence of Muslims in Europe and to provide answers to the problems and issues they face. To achieve this, the article will concentrate on the perspectives of two prominent Islamic jurists from the Muslim Brotherhood milieu, Yusuf al-Qaradawi and Taha Jabir al-Alwani. They played crucial roles in addressing emerging questions surrounding the presence of Muslims in European societies, starting from the permissibility for Muslims to live in Europe to everyday issues and concerns. By examining the Muslim Brotherhood’s stance in the matter of Muslim presence and integration in Europe, the article seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the dynamic interplay between the Muslim Brotherhood and the socio-political landscape of Europe.

Reforming Post-Arrest Bail in Pakistan: Lessons from a Comparative Study with India

This research paper presents a comparative analysis of the legal frameworks governing post-arrest bail in India and Pakistan, with a focus on the statutory provisions, judicial interpretations, and procedural safeguards that are involved. Although both states share a common legal heritage which is rooted in British colonial law, however, they have diverged in their approaches to bail, which are influenced by their respective constitutional mandates, legislative developments, and sociopolitical landscapes. This comparison is essential in order to understand how these legal systems are balancing individual rights with societal security and how judicial discretion are shaping bail in each country. For this purpose, this paper examines constitutional provisions besides main statutory provisions of the Indian and Pakistani criminal procedural laws, the role of judicial discretion and evolving jurisprudence of the post-arrest bail. This study offers insights into potential legal reforms, with an aim to enhance fairness and consistency in bail practices, through juxtaposing these principles in India and Pakistan. This study concludes that Pakistan should consider restructuring its bail procedural laws and system, and it suggests reforms taking into account the benefits of India’s progressive legal framework, to ensure consistency, fairness, and the protection of individual rights. This research also recommends future studies on balancing bail and incarceration, through focusing on judicial discretion and the application of the principle of proportionality.

The Role Of The Press In Shaping Public Opinion During The Freedom Struggle

The role of the press during the freedom struggle was instrumental in shaping public opinion and galvanizing the masses against colonial oppression. As India sought independence from British rule in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, newspapers, journals, and pamphlets emerged as vital tools for disseminating nationalist ideas and fostering political awareness. The press not only reported on events but also provided a platform for political discourse, allowing voices from diverse communities to contribute to the independence narrative. Great figures such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, and other leaders utilized the press to articulate their visions for a free India, framing the struggle in terms of justice and self-determination. Newspapers like "The Hindu," "The Times of India," and "The Tribune" played crucial roles in informing the public about the injustices of colonial rule, inspiring a collective consciousness among various strata of society. Editorials, articles, and letters to the editor encouraged civic engagement and mobilized support for protests, strikes, and other forms of resistance. The press faced significant challenges, including censorship and repression from colonial authorities, which often sought to suppress dissenting voices. Despite these obstacles, many journalists and editors risked their safety to publish revolutionary ideas and expose the realities of British exploitation. This resilience illustrated the press's commitment to truth and justice, fostering an environment where public sentiment could coalesce around the freedom movement. The emergence of vernacular publications further broadened the reach of nationalist sentiments, ensuring that the message of independence resonated across linguistic and cultural divides. These publications played a crucial role in educating the masses and instilling a sense of pride and identity that transcended regional differences. The press was not merely a bystander but a catalyst in the freedom struggle, shaping public opinion and uniting diverse groups against colonial rule. Its influence extended beyond immediate political outcomes, contributing to the formation of a national consciousness that would endure long after independence was achieved. This study highlights the indispensable role of the press in the socio-political landscape of the freedom struggle, illustrating its enduring legacy in contemporary society.

Introduction to the BASAS 2023 special section

ABSTRACT This special section of Contemporary South Asia brings together a curated selection of papers presented at the 2023 British Association for South Asian Studies (BASAS) Annual Conference, held at the University of Leeds. These papers explore enduring themes of memory politics, state power, and socio-spatial exclusion in South Asia, examining how colonial legacies shape contemporary dynamics. Collectively, the studies underscore the persistence of colonial pasts in modern India’s socio-political landscape and illuminate the creative strategies of resistance employed by marginalized groups. This section contributes to critical discussions on South Asia's politics of memory, space, and resistance, offering fresh insights into the ways power is exercised and contested.

SOCIO-CULTURAL STUDY OF GOPALI CASTE OF NEPAL: A CASE STUDY IN MACHHEGAUN, CHANDRAGIRI 9, KATHMANDU, NEPAL

The Gopali caste, a subgroup within the Newar community, has a unique socio-cultural heritage that remains under-researched and underrepresented. This study examines the social and cultural conditions of the Gopali caste in Ward No. 9 of Chandragiri Municipality using a qualitative approach. Data was collected from primary sources such as on-site observation, participant observation, focus group discussions, and interviews, and secondary sources including books and online materials. The findings reveal that the Gopalis, who migrated from the Mathura region of India around 3,500 years ago, have historically maintained unique social and ritual practices while living in seclusion. Today, Gopali settlements are primarily in the southwestern Kathmandu Valley and Makwanpur district. Despite diversifying into various occupations, they face limited participation in Nepal's administrative and political processes. This research underscores the importance of recognizing the Gopalis as a separate ethnic group to preserve their cultural heritage. Future research should focus on detailed ethnographic studies to document their traditions and explore ways to integrate the Gopalis into Nepal's broader socio-political landscape while preserving their distinct identity.

How to Exhibit Competing Narratives: Confronting Legacies of Conflict or Sustaining Social Cleavages?

This contribution explores how museums contribute to or degrade peaceful relations in divided societies in light of ongoing disputes at the cultural-symbolic level. The case concerns the autonomous province of South Tyrol (Italy), which successfully settled a minority conflict. This inquiry into how museums confront historical legacies and persisting conflict-related tensions sheds light on the interplay between cultural expressions, institutions, and the socio-political landscape. Looking at three representative museum/exhibitions, we identify specific elements and strategies that either recontextualize debates or sustain divisive understandings of the minority conflict. We argue that museums/exhibitions play a critical role in the aftermath of conflict in ways that affect social cohesion and stability.

Constructing Ethnolinguistic Identities: A Critical Examination of Language and Power Dynamics in Diasporic Communities

This research investigates the complex interplay between language and power in the formation of ethnolinguistic identities within diasporic communities. As globalization accelerates, diasporic groups navigate a complex landscape where traditional linguistic practices intersect with new socio-political realities. This study aims to critically examine how language functions as a tool for negotiating identity and power within these communities, emphasizing the role of language ideologies and practices in shaping social dynamics. The primary objectives are to explore how language serves as a medium for the construction and negotiation of ethnolinguistic identities and to understand the influence of power relations on these processes. Specifically, the study seeks to identify the ways in which language practices reflect and challenge power structures within diasporic contexts and how these practices contribute to the formation of collective and individual identities. This research is a multi-sited ethnographic approach,and integrates discourse analysis across several diasporic communities. Findings reveal that language serves as a strategic resource for negotiating social status and ethnic belonging. Diasporic individuals employ code-switching, language reclamation, and multilingualism to assert identity and resist assimilation pressures. The study highlights how language ideologies both reinforce and contest existing power structures, demonstrating the dynamic role of language in shaping ethnolinguistic identities amidst shifting socio-political landscapes.

The Expanding Carceral Geography of Sweden and Counter-politics of Care

Abstract This essay explores the entanglement of racial capitalism, carceral geographies, and counter-politics of care within the sociopolitical landscape of Sweden. It analyzes the government's response to gang violence in 2023, which mobilized the figure of a “racial threat” in advocating for the creation of “security zones” and militarized interventions. This approach, rooted in a so-called caring racism, argues for the protection of the welfare state by excluding and expelling racialized others. Understanding capitalism as requiring inequality, sustained by racism, Sweden's expansion of carceral geographies must arguably be read through a racial capitalism lens—where policing and border regimes are necessary to produce and control surplus populations. Through ethnographic engagements and social media interactions, the essay examines how marginalized communities navigate economies of dispossession, focusing on the resistance mounted by urban social justice movements against austerity measures and repressive policies—for a counter-politics of care rooted in abolitionism. Situating these developments within a broader political economy framework, the essay underscores the role of carceral geographies in perpetuating capitalist exploitation and authoritarian rule, while calling for a reevaluation of care as a site of resis- tance against state-sanctioned violence, offering insights into avenues for radical change amid growing precarity and injustice.