Social Science Journal for Advanced Research

Digital Transition in the 21st Century: Interrogating the Future of Women in the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Nigeria

Amaka Theresa Oriaku EMORDI — 2024-11-06

The United Nations' celebration of International Women's Day in 1975 was an occasion to stand together to advance gender equality worldwide. This equality is not evident in STEM and technological applications, unlike in any other area. Women are argued to be more analogous than their male counterparts. Today, technology has advanced from quantum physicists to artificial intelligence, yet women are still grappling to understand the use of basic personal technological equipment. Most of the new technological equipment such drones as phones, remote control, laptops, and other technological appliances women use are often managed by their digital children and their male relatives. Applying the ecosystem theory, and online quantitative research design, the paper collected data on the factors that hinder women mainstreaming in STEM, the place of women in the fourth industrial revolution, the extent technological know-how would enhance women’s professional productivity in the fourth industrial revolution, and how women can utilize technology to bridge the gender gap. The primary data collected was analyzed to generate inferential statistics while secondary data was thematically content analysed. Women must either latch in this emerging era and be mainstreamed or widen the gender gap by being lethargic to technology.

Factors Influencing Buying Behavior of Green Marketing Products in Coimbatore

D Prashanth — 2024-11-11

Green marketing holds significant importance as it addresses the growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products, reducing ecological impacts through sustainable practices. It promotes awareness of eco-friendly options, encouraging both companies and consumers to make choices that benefit the environment. By integrating environmental values into marketing, businesses can build trust and loyalty with environmentally conscious customers. Green marketing also fosters innovation, as companies seek sustainable materials and processes, leading to competitive advantage. Ultimately, it supports global sustainability goals by reducing resource consumption and waste, making it essential for long-term ecological health and business success. This study explores the factors influencing consumer preference and buying behavior for green products in Coimbatore, where rising environmental awareness is driving demand for sustainable options. Focusing on elements such as environmental knowledge, perceived value, product quality, and brand image, the research assesses how these factors shape consumer decisions. Demographic aspects like age, income, and education level also significantly impact preferences for eco-friendly products. Despite the willingness to support green alternatives, challenges such as limited product availability and higher prices often hinder consumer adoption. The findings provide insights to help businesses and policymakers enhance green product accessibility, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable consumption in Coimbatore.

Parental Expectations and Their Role in Adolescent Mental Health: A Study in Anjar Taluka Gujarat

Mita Soni — 2024-11-16

Adolescence is a crucial developmental stage often marked by mental health challenges, with parental expectations being a significant factor influencing psychological well-being. This study investigates the impact of parental expectations on adolescent mental health in Anjar Taluka, Kachchh district, Gujarat, focusing on the relationship between these expectations and levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Using a sociological lens, the research examines how academic and career-related pressures from parents affect adolescents’ mental health outcomes, with particular attention to the role of socio-economic and gender factors.

The study is based on a sample of 150 adolescent respondents aged 12-18 years, employing a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected through the UCLA Loneliness Scale to measure loneliness, anxiety and depression. Additionally, in-depth interviews with adolescents and their parents provided qualitative insights into the influence of parental expectations.

The findings reveal a strong correlation between high parental expectations, particularly regarding academic performance and career success, and elevated levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Adolescents reporting higher parental pressure exhibited increased feelings of isolation and inadequacy. Gender differences were notable, with female adolescents experiencing additional stress due to the intersection of academic expectations and traditional gender roles.

This study highlights the need for parental education on the psychological impact of unrealistic expectations and suggests mental health interventions tailored to adolescents in rural and semi-urban areas like Anjar Taluka. Addressing parental expectations could significantly improve adolescent mental health outcomes.

The Role of Education and Career in Shaping Preferences for Love and Arranged Marriages in Gujarat's Urban Society

Panchal Maulik Krushnalal — 2024-11-16

This study examines the role of education and career in shaping individual preferences for love and arranged marriages in Gujarat’s urban societies. With rapid urbanization, increased educational attainment, and evolving career aspirations, traditional marriage patterns are undergoing significant shifts in metropolitan cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara. Drawing on interviews and survey data from young adults, this research explores how educational achievements and professional ambitions influence personal autonomy, partner selection, and marital decision-making processes. The findings reveal that higher education and career success often empower individuals to challenge conventional norms, resulting in a growing preference for love marriages. However, the study also highlights how arranged marriages continue to adapt within modern contexts, with families considering factors such as career compatibility and individual agency in the matchmaking process. By analyzing these changes, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of how education and career shape the evolving landscape of marital preferences in Gujarat’s urban areas, while also reflecting broader socio-cultural transformations in contemporary Indian society.

Economic Opportunities and Social Media: Assessing the Impact of Online Platforms on Entrepreneurship among Tribal Women in North Gujarat

Dhanula Anjali — 2024-11-16

This research investigates the impact of social media platforms on entrepreneurial opportunities for tribal women in North Gujarat, where access to conventional business resources remains limited. Social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram offer tribal women a cost-effective means of marketing, reaching customers, and expanding their network, thereby helping them overcome barriers related to geography, finances, and social constraints. Through a mixed-methods approach involving a survey of 200 tribal women entrepreneurs and in-depth interviews with 20 participants, this study explores how these women utilize social media to market traditional crafts, sell products, and gain financial independence.

Findings indicate that social media enhances visibility and customer engagement, supporting income generation and enabling community development. However, challenges such as digital literacy, limited internet access, and technological constraints restrict the full potential of social media as an entrepreneurial tool. The research underscores the importance of targeted support in digital literacy and infrastructure improvement to amplify these women’s entrepreneurial success. This study contributes to the understanding of social media’s role in economic empowerment for marginalized communities and suggests policy interventions to support sustainable, inclusive growth through digital entrepreneurship for tribal women.

Role of Narcissistic Attitude and Wrong Parenting in a Dysfunctional Family

Sana Hashmi — 2024-11-16

This study investigates the complex interplay between narcissistic attitudes and erroneous parenting practices within dysfunctional households. When narcissistic qualities show in parental duties, they can create a toxic atmosphere where children’s emotional, social, and psychological development is jeopardized. Overbearing control, emotional manipulation, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment at the expense of familial necessities are all examples of such mindsets. As a result, children raised in these circumstances frequently experienced inconsistency in emotional support, low self-esteem, and a distorted concept of relationships. This study emphasizes the critical role of erroneous parenting approaches in worsening narcissism’s detrimental influence. Inadequate parental attention, neglect, and permissive or authoritarian behaviours can foster an environment of uncertainty and unpredictability in children. The aim of this study is to portray the narcissistic attitude and wrong parenting in a dysfunctional family that go wrong for their children’s development with special reference to a Pakistani drama named ‘Pinjra’.

Student Suicide in Private Universities of Bangladesh: An Analysis of Trends and Contributing Factors (2020-2024)

M M Enamul Aziz — 2024-11-21

Student suicides in private universities across Bangladesh have seen a troubling rise, with rates escalating significantly between 2020 and 2024. This trend highlights an urgent need to examine the factors contributing to this crisis within the unique socio-economic, academic, and cultural landscape of Bangladesh.

The study aims to investigate the socio-economic, academic, and psychological factors contributing to the increase in student suicides at private universities in Bangladesh, particularly focusing on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the heightened challenges faced by students nearing graduation.

This research employs a qualitative analysis of secondary data sourced from national statistics, institutional records, and media reports covering the period from 2020 to 2024. Trends and patterns in student suicide cases were analyzed, emphasizing changes during the pandemic period to understand the crisis's scope and contributing factors.

The data reveal a significant 83% increase in reported student suicides, rising from 30 cases in 2020 to 55 cases in 2024. The most notable surge in cases occurred during the pandemic, coinciding with heightened stress due to lockdowns, financial hardships, social isolation, and academic disruptions. Key factors exacerbating psychological distress among students include academic pressure, financial burdens, mental health stigma, and inadequate institutional support systems. The data also show that male students accounted for approximately 60% of the cases, potentially reflecting cultural stigma around help-seeking behaviors. Additionally, third- and fourth-year students were disproportionately affected, likely due to the cumulative stress of approaching graduation and career uncertainties.

This study emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions to support students’ mental health, including expanding mental health resources, enhancing financial aid programs, and addressing cultural stigma around mental health issues. By creating more inclusive and accessible mental health support systems, private universities and policymakers in Bangladesh can help mitigate this crisis and promote a healthier academic environment. This research offers critical insights into the complex factors influencing student suicides in Bangladesh, proposing actionable recommendations to foster student well-being.

Effects of External Factors on Cash Flow Performance of the National Savings and Credit Bank Zambia (NATSAVE)

Julius Mutati — 2024-11-22

This was a research on the effects of external factors on cash flow performance of the National Savings and Credit Bank (NATSAVE). The study adopted a case study design. The study used a sample size of 285 respondents. The research objectives were to find out the external factors affecting cash flow performance of NATSAVE; to determine the extent of cash flow pattern at NATSAVE; to examine the effects of external factors on the cash flow performance of NATSAVE and to explore how NATSAVE manage the external factors to increase cash flow performance. The study established that the external factors (economic, technological, sociocultural and legal factors) affect cash flow at the National Savings and Credit Bank. When respondents were asked to rank known factors affecting the cash flow performance of NATSAVE, the majority agreed the NATSAVE has been hit mostly by economic factors, followed by political factors, then technological factors, legal and finally sociocultural factors. The coefficient results indicated that the predictors (economic, technological, sociocultural, political and legal factors) had a statistically significant relationship with cash flow performance at NATSAVE.

According to the study findings, among others, some of the effects of the external factors are that economically conditions such as inflation, interest rates, exchange rates, and overall market demand can significantly impact cash flow positively or negatively. Social cultural changes in consumer behavior, trends, and preferences can influence cash flow. Positive political environment improves cash flow. To deal with the external factors affecting organization cash flow, the study results revealed that the majority of the respondents agreed that closely monitoring monetary expenses, providing cash flow training for your team, communicating effectively within the business and value addition could play a major role in improving the cash flow of the organization. Notably, a lot of people disagreed on the use of offloading inventory that doesn’t sell well as a measure to boost cash flow. Some recommendations arising from the study are that there is need for the Zambian government to put up policies that can help reduce inflation, and reduce on the interest rates then the organizations such as banks can improve cash flow and that there is a need to learn the culture and all aspects of social elements around the place in order to formulate strategies to help improve cash flow of an organization.