Forefront in Sociology & Political Sciences
Forefront in Sociology & Political Sciences is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to advancing research at the intersection of sociology and political science. We publish innovative, interdisciplinary studies on key issues such as social inequality, political governance, globalization, public policy, and social movements. Our journal aims to foster critical dialogue, contribute to global scholarship, and inform policy debates by showcasing high-quality research that addresses the complex challenges shaping today’s societies and political systems.
Text as a Tool for Understanding the Self: A Literature Review between Hermeneutics (Gadamer) and Cultural Psychoanalysis
Gadamer views the text as an open hermeneutical space for dialogue, in which the self is understood through the fusion of historical and linguistic horizons. Understanding is not a purely individual act but rather a dialectical process between the reader and the text, mediated by history and language. Meanwhile, proponents of cultural-psychological analysis regard the text as a symbolic tool for organizing consciousness. Words, narrative, and writing are not mere reflections of the self but mediating instruments that reshape it internally, since the text activates higher psychological functions—thinking, memory, and self-awareness—through cultural mediation and social interaction. Both perspectives reject an individualistic conception of the self: for Gadamer, understanding is realized historically and linguistically; for cultural psychology, it is realized functionally through symbolic mediation. Thus, the text encompasses two complementary dimensions: one philosophical-hermeneutical, and the other cultural-psychological.
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Systemic Rejection Theory: Dismantling Harmful Social Systems
Social structures that are highly stigmatized yet persist in modern times often lead us to believe that social change is a slow and arduous feat to achieve. However, this paper introduces Systemic Rejection Theory (SRT), a theoretical framework that explains how deeply seated harmful systems, such as patriarchy, are sustained by a triadic structure: mental (passive public acceptance), cultural (active reinforcement through media and/or tradition), and economic (tangible material incentives or dependencies). SRT proposes that with the implementation of social techniques to manipulate any one of the aforementioned pillars, change is seen across all three dimensions. When one pillar is actively and systematically rejected and demolished, the remaining structure loses coherence, leading the system to recede into the "imaginary realm"—a space where it no longer affects lived reality. Further into the paper, cases from the past that illustrate how targeted dismantling of one pillar will lead to the spontaneous disintegration of others are recalled for application in contemporary times. Lastly, while SRT advocates dismantling harmful social structures, it also has an inverse model; that is, preserving moral values and modernizing effective systems that benefit humanity may be sustained or brought into the "reality realm" by reinforcing the three pillars. This paper concludes by outlining strategies that can be implemented to enable both disintegration and preservation in the transformation of social realities.
Implementation Evaluation of the Care and Protection Program for Rural Left-Behind Children in the Northeast Frontier Region of China
This study evaluates the implementation process of the rural left-behind children care and protection program in Wangqing County, Jilin Province, from a social work perspective. Through a questionnaire survey of 100 child welfare officers and in-depth interviews with 10 child welfare officers, combined with government reports and other secondary data, the study systematically examined the current status of project implementation and service outcomes. The findings reveal: (1) The project's service recipients exhibit an overflow effect, with the actual coverage exceeding the original target population and extending to vulnerable groups such as children raised by grandparents, children from single-parent families, children from families with disabled or ill parents, and disabled children; (2) The completion rates of service projects show significant differences: basic services such as guardian qualification confirmation and educational assistance have high completion rates, while developmental services such as temporary care, mental health services, and after-school learning support are severely inadequate; (3) child welfare officers have voluntarily expanded service content to include supplementary services such as household assistance, activity organization, and economic aid. The study indicates that the current child care service system in rural areas of the northeastern border regions of China suffers from structural imbalances, necessitating improvements to service supply mechanisms at the policy design level, particularly in areas such as mental health support and temporary care. The research findings provide empirical evidence for optimizing child welfare policies in border regions of China.
Program Implementation Process Evaluation
Social Policy and Child Welfare in Rural China
Expolring the Dynamics of Work Life Harmony Among the Married Women Employees in Aligarh Division in Government Departments
In the contemporary landscape of rapid economic shifts and evolving gender roles, work-life harmony (WLH) has emerged as a pivotal challenge, particularly for married women employed in government sectors. This study investigates the dynamics of WLH among married female employees in the Aligarh Division, focusing on their ability to manage dual responsibilities across professional and personal domains. Using data collected from 266 respondents through structured questionnaires, the research explores the relationship between workplace factors—such as supervisor support, co-worker support, and job stress—and family-related factors including spousal and domestic support. The findings reveal strong correlations between supportive work environments and improved parental satisfaction and productivity, while also highlighting persistent challenges such as role overload. The study emphasizes the need for targeted policy interventions and organizational reforms to foster equitable and supportive workplaces. By addressing systemic and socio-cultural barriers, government institutions can promote well-being, retention, and long-term effectiveness among female employees. This research contributes to the academic discourse on gender equity, public sector management, and employee well-being in the Indian context.
Manifestations of Irony in the novel (How to Kill a Rabbit) by Salah- Salah
The research aims to clarify the meaning of irony and reveal its various manifestations in the novel (How to Kill a Rabbit) as a novel based on irony and black comedy; as it combines reality and unreality, the reasonable and the unreasonable, to expose reality as it is. The research plan is based on three axes: the first axis studies (the irony of the title), while the second axis studies (the narrator's irony of himself), and the third studies (the narrator's irony of situations). This character is drowned by the pressure of alienation, poverty, need and isolation in a torrent of networks of fraud, deception and trickery under religious and sectarian titles that seek purely personal gains by any means and under any name. The torrent sweeps him away and then throws him to a bank, after a successive journey of material and moral losses. But the destiny of man is to move on and continue to rise in his work again without boredom and fatigue. One of the most discussed and interactive topics in the troubled Iraqi reality for decades, exile has been an obsession for millions of Iraqis who left Iraq, whether by force or by their own will, because of the political and economic conditions that Iraq has experienced in the last four decades. The novel "How to Kill a Rabbit" by the novelist Salah-Salah, addressed this theme but from another perspective, more daring and more exaggerated in depicting reality, or what stands behind this reality and shapes it, until the novelist crossed the boundaries of imagination, the forbidden and the permitted, on all levels where custom, religion and morals represent its general framework, as well as exceeding what is permitted in literary taste, that is, through which the reader can interact with the text and accept it, according to his inevitable culture in which he was raised, which forms the system of values ​​and morals that motivates and influences him. In this dialectical text in which reality is intertwined with imagination, we find that the novelist tried to delude the reader into believing the truth of everything that happened, and that what he is reading is a kind of epigraph, and a part of an excerpt from the autobiography of someone who may be the writer himself. This gave the text an organic dimension, meaning that the writer was present in one way or another in his text, through a central hero, and made the novel responsive to him by imposing his opinions and ideas on it, and this is what is technically called "the illusion of persuasion", and surrounding this hero with a group of shallow, undeveloped characters, who work to support the text and its intention, and it is an approach to what is known in the world of cinema as the shadow actor. This problematic hero lived the ordeal of alienation after years of burning coal crushed him in his homeland, until the novel seemed to represent a great process of contempt and sarcasm, practiced by the writer towards a reality whose dark side he addressed, represented by dictatorship, wars, economic blockade, and chaos. He found no means to express it other than sarcasm and vulgar mockery, through instantaneous evocations in which the writer used techniques of flashback and flashback, to compare and approximate events between his recent past and his present.
An author writes. It is his democratic right. He writes what he thinks appropriate. An editor publishes. It is also his democratic right. An editor may not publish any writing. It is his more democratic right. In this regard an author should not mind anything. He should not pass any bad remarks against the editor. He should not propagate any adverse comments against the journal. An editor receives many articles. He compares all submissions. He publishes those articles which he thinks appropriate for his journal. He has to face tough competition with his rivals. Rubbish publication defames a journal. It experiences the dogma of sub-standard which cannot be compensated easily and regain its previous status as well. The author does not know all such matters. He should submit appropriate submission. Here lies the uniqueness of appropriate rather than unique appropriate.
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Impact of Brass Industry on the Natural Resources of Moradabad City
India is going through rapid industrialization from past few decades. Some cities are major hotspot of industrial activities and their economy depends on those activities. Moradabad is one of such cities, known as the ‘Brass City’ of India. This has hailed the city to make an identity at the global level and maintain a place in the international market. But the industrial development has affected the natural flora, fauna and landscape of the city to a large extent. Polishing of brass goods uses hazardous chemicals which directly affect the health of labourers and fumes dissolve in the air and increase the pollution level. The residue is discharged into the river like ramganga which again causes water pollution and effects marine life. Overall it causes diseases like asthma, diarrhoea, tuberculosis and so on. Rapid Industrialization has caused the increment in the groundwater level along with the dissolution of harmful substances such as arsenic. Contamination of ground water is a serious concern for the survival of the species of both flora and fauna. This research paper is an effort to point out such hazardous environmental implications and put an effort to save this valuable environment.
Sustainable Secularism and Its Impediments for Progressive India
India has a long history of secularism. India is the nation with unity in diversity. A just and fair state that both does justice and is also seen to have done justice towards the grievances of any of its religious communities, the best guarantee for a peaceful and cohesive society. The people have been following secularism, the recent data published by the government says that the secularism is under threat because of intolerance and communal violence. India is a land of diversity, so the current problem in India is how to keep unity along with diversity. The present paper focuses on secularism which is under threat with communal incidents and at last, certain remedies to be taken to maintain a sustainable secularism in the 21st century.
Discussion on the Need for Sustainability Measures Due to Over Use of Natural Resources: with Reference to Technological Innovations and Individual Responsibilities
The study determines the need of sustainability and the measures to be taken by different agencies around the world. As we know it is not an issue of a particular region or area, it’s the matter of whole world. So that the sustainability is a common issue for all, government level, international level, agencies, NGOs and other originations take this issue very seriously. As per the current data we find that due to the increase in population and urbanization there is a huge burden on our fixed natural resources especially forests, soil and water. And in recent time due to technology we observe poor quality of air and excess burden on our primary sector. So it is the responsibility of every individual to maintain sustainability of natural resources.
Food Insecurity: Sanitation and Hygiene Conditions of Two Municipal Markets in Accra, Ghana
Achieving food security has been one of the major challenges for the global community. The concept of food security had earlier been highlighted by Robert Malthus in his book “An Essay on the Principle of Population” in the late 18th century. The concept of food security was given a global limelight in the 1970s by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). With the consideration of food security by the WFP and FAO, much emphasis is placed on the four pillars of food security which are accessibility, affordability, stability and utility without considering the sanitation and hygiene conditions under which such foods get to the final consumer. This study was carried out in two major markets in the Ga East and Ga West Municipalities of Accra. The objectives of the study were, to investigate the sanitation and hygiene conditions of the two major markets in these two municipalities, to investigate the effects of the hygiene and sanitation conditions of these two markets on food security and finally to examine if consumers and buyers consider the sanitation and hygiene conditions of foodstuffs before purchasing them from these two markets. The study was conducted through qualitative research methodology involving focus group discussions, interviews and observations. Purposive and convenient sampling were used to collect data from sellers and buyers of foodstuffs from these two markets. The study found that the sanitation and hygiene conditions of the two markets promote flies, germs, viruses, bacteria and pathogens to thrive which negatively affect the food security of foodstuffs in these markets, especially fruits and vegetables. Poverty on the part of certain consumers made them to purchase rotten foodstuffs without considering the security of these foodstuffs which leads to diseases such as cholera, dysentery and diarrhea. The researcher recommended education to be given to consumers of foodstuffs, implementation of sanitation and hygiene laws, investment in the two markets by the government, individuals and municipal authorities to enhance the hygiene and sanitation conditions of the two markets.
Hanging in or backing out; occupational hazards and coping strategies of commercial sex workers in Dome-St. John’s, Accra-Ghana
Commercial sex work is one profession which is highly criminalized in Africa including Ghana. In spite of the criminalization of commercial sex work in Ghana, there exist pockets of commercial sex joints in Accra. The research objectives are; to ascertain the hazards of commercial sex work, to find out how commercial sex workers cope with the hazards of their profession and finally, to find out why commercial sex workers hang on to their work in spite of the hazards involved. The researcher conducted this study through qualitative research methodology by recruiting two commercial sex workers through personal acquaintances at Dome St. John’s in the Ga East Municipality of Accra. The data collection procedure was through in-depth interviews. The researcher found that occupational hazards of commercial sex workers include; sexually transmitted diseases, stress, cheating, abuse, robberies, violence, and unusual sexual demands amongst others. Through these hazards that commercial sex workers face in their daily work, they have resorted to coping strategies including; the use of condoms, in kind and in cash service to police officers and bouncers, working in and around bars, working in and around brothels and hotels owned by people connected to power such as ex-security officers and politicians amongst others. In spite of these hazards and coping strategies, commercial sex workers continually hang in on their work without backing out through the love for money, swearing of oaths and death threats from traffickers and bouncers, the sense of belonging to a networked group and engaging in legal work to solicit for clients. The researcher recommended sexual education and counselling to be given to commercial sex workers as well as protecting the human rights of commercial sex workers and amending the laws that criminalizes commercial sex work in Ghana.
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The Role of Social Capital in Sustainable Development: A Sociological Perspective
This article examines the pivotal role of social capital in advancing sustainable development, particularly in the Global South. Defined as the networks, norms, and trust enabling collective action, social capital facilitates cooperation, resource-sharing, and resilience-building within communities. Drawing on sociological theory and case studies from various regions, this study explores the interplay between social networks, political structures, and economic systems in achieving long-term sustainability. The findings highlight how bonding, bridging, and linking social capital contribute to resource management, resilience to crises, and social equity. However, challenges such as exclusivity and declining institutional trust are also discussed, providing a nuanced perspective on leveraging social capital for sustainable development goals.
The Evolution of Punishment: Exploring Incarceration, Restorative Justice, and Social Control in Contemporary Society
Crime, punishment, and social control are central to sociological and criminological discourses, shaping individual behaviors and societal dynamics. This article examines the evolution of punishment by contrasting traditional incarceration systems with restorative justice (RJ) frameworks. Incarceration, a conventional punitive model, is critiqued for perpetuating systemic inequalities, fostering recidivism, and isolating offenders. In contrast, RJ emphasizes reconciliation, accountability, and community involvement, offering a transformative alternative. Through a comparative analysis, this study evaluates the theoretical foundations, effectiveness, and ethical implications of both paradigms. It also explores intersectional influences—race, class, and gender—on justice practices, proposing integrative reforms that prioritize equity and rehabilitation.
Social Inequality and Political Power: Structural Barriers to Representation and Influence
This study examines the intersection of social inequality and political power, focusing on how identity markers such as race, class, and gender influence political participation. It explores structural barriers that perpetuate exclusion and evaluates the roles of social movements, electoral systems, and policy reforms in addressing these inequities. Through case studies and intersectional analysis, the paper identifies mechanisms of exclusion and outlines actionable strategies to foster inclusive governance, contributing to efforts to dismantle systemic inequality and build equitable political systems.
United Methodist Doctrine and Challenges for the United Methodist Church
This report addresses the primary challenges confronting the United Methodist Church. In doing so, attention will be on United Methodist doctrine and the Wesleyan theological heritage. This analysis is framed in such a way that would be appropriate for orienting new members to the United Methodist Church, but it can also serve as a stand-alone report regarding the current situation within the church. What is presented is both an overview and a concentrated focus on domains relevant to church life. The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church is recognized as a fundamental document within this analysis.
Visual Communication and Public Rational Affinity to National Flags: Opinion Survey among Residents of African Countries
This is research on an opinion survey of residents of 54 African countries. The topic was on the significance of visual communication messages from national flags and the relationship of national identity consciousness among the residents in countries of Africa. The scope was limited to only rational opinions about the national flags of 4 countries. The objectives were to find out the most preferred primary colour and the symbols that appear widely acceptable on the flags of the affected countries, as well as the most thematic message most national flags communicate to residents of African countries. The cultural affinity and the bandwagon theories were applied. The population of the study was 518,562,352 residents of four purposively chosen countries: Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Angola. Responses came from 588 persons out of the simple random size of 600 residents. Findings showed that the most preferred primary colour was red, which appeared on the flags of countries. The implication is that these countries have inter-country cultural ties in the expression of courage represented by the primary colour of red that dominates national identity flags. The red colours signify the vibrancy and courage of the respective countries, while the widely acceptable symbol of the star signifies the beacon of hope on sovereignty to the affected countries. It is recommended that African nations maintain national identity symbols and colours of flags meaningful to cultural and social ties for the encouraging of national affinity rather than intimidating or unfriendly colours and symbols based on biases.
A Critical Analysis of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in Advancing a Global Green Economy
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably Goal 8 (decent work) and Goal 13 (climate action), depend heavily on a green economy framework. This model promotes sustainable resource management, low-carbon transitions, and inclusivity to balance economic growth with environmental health. Examining global applications of green economy principles, this paper evaluates policy effectiveness, highlights disparities in advanced and developing nations, and identifies key challenges. It recommends stronger frameworks, fair resource distribution, and international cooperation to bridge gaps. These steps are essential for a more equitable, successful shift toward a green economy, advancing broader sustainable development goals.
Media Pluralism and Diversity in the Digital Era: Governance Mechanisms and Policy Implications
In the digital era, media pluralism and diversity are vital for a democratic public sphere. This paper explores the challenges and opportunities arising from the proliferation of digital media, which disrupts traditional structures and leads to both greater content diversity and media ownership concentration. We examine governance mechanisms, including regulatory frameworks, self-regulation, and public policy, and analyze the impact of algorithmic curation on content diversity and public discourse. Through global case studies, we identify best practices and lessons learned in promoting media pluralism. Policy implications underscore the need for adaptive, transparent policies supporting independent journalism and broad public access to diverse media content. This paper aims to provide actionable insights for enhancing governance and policy frameworks to sustain a vibrant, democratic media environment.
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Economic inequality has a profound impact on social well-being
Economic inequality, defined as the unequal distribution of wealth, income, and resources, has become a pressing concern in modern societies. This document provides an overview of the causes, consequences, and solutions to economic inequality, highlighting its far-reaching impacts on individuals, communities, and societies. We explore how wealth inheritance, discrimination, globalization, and policy decisions contribute to economic inequality, and how they lead to poverty, social exclusion, and political disempowerment. We also discuss potential solutions, including progressive taxation, education and job training, labour rights, and social safety nets. Finally, we urge individuals and societies to take collective action to address economic inequality, promoting a more just and equitable world for all.
Cultural colonisation of Indian youth through outsourcing
The outsourcing industry’s influence on Indian youth has led to cultural colonization, where economic growth and cultural exchange coexist with the erosion of traditional values and cultural identity. This phenomenon has significant implications for India’s cultural heritage and youth development.
Multi-Party System and Coalition Era in the Politics of Jammu and Kashmir Since 2002
This paper examines the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir since 2002, with a focus on the multi-party system and coalition era. It explores the dynamics of political alliances, the role of regional and national parties, and the impact of coalition governments on the state’s political stability and development.
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Minority or Not?: The World of Peasants in the Context of Courtly and Entertaining Literature: The Emergence of a Marginalized Social Class in the Medieval Public Discourse
Even though courtly literature dominates our concepts of the Middle Ages, a more careful examination of the large variety of relevant documents confirms that peasants, above all, figured in many different texts, often ridiculed but often also identified as honourable and dignified individuals. At times, various poets focused on peasant women and idealised them as pure, virtuous, and beautiful, making them the ideal marriage partner of a knight or a prince. Major examples can be found in the works by Hartman von Aue, Der Stricker, Boccaccio, and Heinrich Kaufringer. Moreover, late mediaeval artists often projected idyllic rural settings in the illustrations of Books of Hours. As much as the courtly world seems to have ignored peasants, a closer analysis demonstrates that there were numerous circumstances where individual representatives of the rural class gained high respect.