Social Science Journal for Advanced Research

Valuing Household Preference for Functional Features of Solid Waste Management: A Hedonic Pricing Analysis

2025-04-26T11:33:30+0530

Solid waste management has become increasingly important, highlighting the need for active civic participation in preserving environmental quality. This study investigates household willingness to pay for various features of a hypothetical solid waste management project using the hedonic pricing method. The project incorporates multiple components, including the provision of a clean environment, safe drinking water, mosquito and rodent control, waste recycling for gas production, and the construction of a controlled landfill with an extended lifespan. These features are categorized into three functional types: problem abandonment, compensatory interventions, and alternative waste disposal mechanisms. By estimating the willingness to pay for each feature, the study captures the implicit value placed by individuals on different aspects of waste management. The results reveal that households’ willingness to pay is high for the problem of abandonment for safe drinking water and environmental quality features, reflecting public preference for interventions that directly affect daily well-being. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers in designing sustainable, citizen-responsive waste management systems and supporting evidence-based prioritisation of project components in urban environmental planning.

Empowering Survivors: An Analysis of India’s One Stop Centre Scheme

2025-04-26T11:34:10+0530

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a vital problem of our society. Every day, a major part of the population experiences some kind of violence against them. In the context of India, gender-based violence takes on various forms, ranging from domestic and sexual violence, such as rape, to harmful customs like dowry, honor killings, acid attacks, sexual harassment, child sexual abuse, trafficking for sexual exploitation, child marriage, sex-selective abortion etc. Government of Indian is taking important steps not only to curb the incidents of violence but also to provide assistance to the survivors of incidents of violence. One of the most important initiatives from the Government of Indian is the launch of One Stop Centre Scheme (2015) to provide integrated care, shelter and rehabilitation services to the survivors of GBV. These services include medical aid, police assistance, legal aid/case management, psychosocial counselling, and temporary support services. The present study is proposing a comprehensive analysis of the One Stop Centre Scheme and its effectiveness in form of legal, medical and security assistance to the survivors of GBV. For the purpose of analysis, descriptive research design will be used. The researcher will also try to identify the implementational aspect of One Stop Centre scheme.

Exploring Tribal Communities: Insights from Manipur and Neighbouring States

2025-05-28T17:22:13+0530

This paper critically analyses the Scheduled Tribes (ST) community in Manipur, contextualized within the broader framework of ST issues in India. The recognition of STs in India emerged in 1950, addressing centuries of historical prejudice, socioeconomic exploitation, and isolation. The Indian Constitution categorizes the population into five groups, with the ST category in Manipur being one of them. In Manipur, tribals face economic, social, and political disadvantages, prompting their listing as ST under Part X of the Constitutional ST Order, 1950. This article examines the characteristics of STs in India and Manipur, including geographical isolation, unique culture, and primordial characteristics. It also explores the cultural and traditional practices of various ethnic groups in Manipur, including the Meitei, Kukis, and Nagas. The paper analyses the Indian Constitution's ST Order and amendments about Manipur and neighboring states, focusing on the 'Kuki or Any Kuki' and 'Any Naga Tribes.' By examining the implications of ST designations, this research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex issues surrounding STs in India and Manipur.

Countering the Regressive for Progressiveness: COVID-19 and Women

2025-05-11T12:32:56+0530

The concept of economic development comprises of several factors, which include social, political, economic and other spheres of human life. The contribution of human resource to economic growth cannot be discarded in this respect. As they contribute enormously to the development process, irrespective of gender, age, and nature of job etc. people both men and women contribute to nation’s development by engaging in economic activities in the process of meeting their livelihood. Like formal sector, informal sector is also an important source of income, employment and social status to the masses. Around 90% of the workforce is engaged in the informal sector. Aconcern of women in an informal sector in the country is that they often face gender discrimination which is almost inexistent in formal sector. The corona virus pandemic has heavily been disruptive on the economy as well as loss of human lives. Almost all the sectors have been adversely affected in terms of income, employment and basic necessities. It affected all sectors irrespective of region, nature and role. As the most vulnerable and deployed in an informal sector, the women entrepreneurs and workers arealso inescapably affected.

A Study on Role of Ethics in Contemporary Businesses in Indian Context

2025-06-02T10:30:43+0530

Ethics is derived from the Greek word ‘ethos’ which means a person’s fundamental orientation toward life. In the 21st century, business has transformed from irresponsibility to more ethical responsibility. Managers in organizations face ethical issues every day of their working lives. The Organisations being Ethical in their every function is pretty much essential. The Business Ethics leads to effective business execution. There are opportunities of the experiences like Scams, frauds etc., all these are resultants of missing the adherence to Ethical practices. The Indian Value system has response to every adversity and cultural disturbances at the Organisations. The start-ups today need to adopt the distinguished Indian Ethos & adopt business ethics so as to sustain & achieve the business goals. Indian ethos is the hidden power behind the success of the Organisation. Ethics should not be limited to the mission statement, objectives and rules and regulations, but should be a pervasive influence in the company's culture and among its employees.

This research paper hereby aims to understand the significance of ethics in today’s modern business world, study the role of ethics contributing to business with respect to Indian context, understanding the challenges persisting in organizations while adopting ethical practices, describe ethical practices of various organizations pertaining to the areas of significance, roles & challenges on ethical perspective & to further assess & contribute a recommendary model adopting ethical practices. The study encapsulates the domain of role of ethics in organizations. The inferences are limited to the observation & understanding of the Researchers. Hence the results are indicative in nature rather exhaustive.

Digital Engagement across Socio-Economic Strata among Laundry Workers in Puducherry, India

2025-05-28T10:34:58+0530

The increasing digitalization of India’s economy presents new opportunities for informal workers yet also risks deepening existing socio-economic divides. Among these underserved groups, individuals involved in the laundry business represent a significant but overlooked occupational community, particularly in regions like Puducherry, where traditional livelihoods coexist with expanding digital infrastructure. This study explores how socio-economic status influences media behaviour among laundry workers in Puducherry, intending to understand patterns of digital engagement shaped by income, education, and gender. The research is guided by the core objectives of examining how socioe-conomic parameters like gender, education, and income influence access to digital media and exploring the variations in media behavior, defined as the frequency, autonomy, and purpose of media use among laundry workers. The study employed an exploratory survey research design. Thirty-eight samples were collected across various locations in Puducherry for the study using a structured questionnaire. IBM SPSS version 25.0 was used for the Data analysis, and an ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) test was performed to identify statistically significant differences in digital engagement across socio-economic groups. The study finds a strong correlation between socio-economic status and digital engagement. More frequent and independent use of digital media is associated with the higher level of education and income. While gender disparities persist, male respondents show significantly higher media engagement. The results reflect the broader digital inequality patterns.

Micro Credit and Women Empowerment

2025-05-17T11:02:43+0530

This paper explores the impact of microcredit on women’s empowerment. Microcredit programs, often implemented through microfinance institutions (MFIs), aim to provide small loans to women to initiate or expand income-generating activities. The study suggests that microcredit can contribute positively to women's empowerment, outcomes vary based on contextual factors such as local culture, loan size, repayment pressure, and the presence of supportive networks. The paper concludes that microcredit is a potentially powerful tool for the poor in the insurance sector. It must be complemented by education, skill development, and broader social support mechanisms to ensure sustainable empowerment.

Neighbourhood First to Neighbourhood Lost? An Assessment of India’s Diplomacy in Neighbourhood

2025-06-04T11:09:42+0530

India, the world's largest democracy and a rapidly growing economy, follows a complex foreign policy that has evolved significantly since its independence in 1947. At the heart of this policy lies India's relationship with its neighbours, which has oscillated between collaborative attempts and confrontational stances. This paper aims to comprehensively assess India's diplomatic journey with its neighbouring countries from 1947 to 2025, highlighting key agreements, initiatives, and Policies that have defined these relationships. As we go through this historical landscape, we will analyse why India finds itself at a critical place today, having seemingly lost ground in maintaining good relations with its immediate neighbours, and what systemic factors contribute to its current scenario.

India-China Trade Dynamics: Dependency, Deficit, and Decoupling Trends

2025-06-05T10:38:20+0530

This research paper examines the evolving trade relationship between India and China, with particular focus on India's trade deficit, sectoral dependencies, and recent decoupling efforts. Using trade data from 2000-2024, this study analyzes the structural imbalances in bilateral trade, critical dependencies in key sectors, and evaluates the efficacy of India's policy responses including the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) initiative and targeted import restrictions. The findings reveal that while India has made progress in reducing dependencies in some sectors, significant challenges remain in achieving balanced trade relations with China. This paper contributes to the understanding of complex economic interdependencies between emerging powers and offers policy recommendations for sustainable trade rebalancing. Our findings reveal that while bilateral trade grew 47-fold to $136.2 billion by 2023, India's trade deficit reached a record $101.28 billion, exposing critical vulnerabilities in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy supply chains. The study evaluates India's decoupling strategies, including the Production Linked Incentive scheme and trade diversification efforts, while assessing their effectiveness and limitations. We conclude with policy recommendations for achieving strategic autonomy while maintaining essential economic engagement.

A Study on Work-Life Balance in the Service Sector

2025-06-05T12:23:49+0530

Work-life balance is the concept of finding a harmonious equilibrium between an individual's Work professional and personal life. It is essential for maintaining good physical and mental health, increasing productivity and job satisfaction, and fostering positive relationships with family and friends. Achieving work-life balance requires proper time management skills, setting realistic goals and priorities, and creating boundaries between work and personal life. Employers can also play a crucial role in supporting their employees in achieving work-life balance by implementing policies and programs that promote flexibility, job autonomy, and work-life integration. This paper highlights the significance of work-life balance and provides an overview of some of the strategies that individuals and organizations can adopt to achieve it. The purpose of the research is to study the role of work life balance on an employee. The main aim of the study is to explore the factors that contribute to work-life imbalance and the consequences of such imbalance on individuals, organizations, and society. Analyze the existing literature on work-life balance, identify gaps in knowledge, and suggest new areas for future research and Investigate the effectiveness of various strategies, policies, and interventions designed to promote work-life balance and improve employee well-being, productivity, and job satisfaction. The research design is exploratory and descriptive and the data collected was primary and secondary using questionnaire as research instrument. The sample size is 113. The sampling technique used is snowball sampling.

An Analysis of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Reservation in India

2025-06-15T11:57:49+0530

This comprehensive study examines India's reservation policies, designed explicitly for SC (Scheduled Tribes) and SC (Scheduled Castes). The research explores the intricacies of reservation mechanisms across various sectors, including government services, educational institutions, and legislative representation. The study examines the reservation percentages allocated to ST and SC communities in government services and educational institutions at the state level. It also investigates the recruitment and promotion policies implemented to ensure equitable representation. Furthermore, the research explores the admission policies in higher education institutions, highlighting the reservation percentages and the merit-based admission processes. The study also focuses on the central Government's reservation policies, including the classification of services, representation of ST and SC communities, and recruitment and promotion procedures. Additionally, it examines the reservation percentage in Central Government Services and Higher Education, reserved seats in state legislative assemblies, Union Territories, and reserved seats in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament of India), highlighting differences in reservation policy provisions across various categories. The study also examines the reservation policies in central government-funded educational institutions, emphasizing the role of the Union Grants Commission in implementing these policies. Moreover, the research provides an exhaustive analysis of the reservation of seats in India's legislative bodies, including State Legislative Assemblies, Union Territories, and the Lok Sabha. The study focuses explicitly on reserving seats for ST and SC communities from 2008 to 2030.