European Journals of Social Sciences Studies
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IMPACT OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE ON ELECTION VIOLENCE – THE CASE OF 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA
Get PDFThe vision of every nation going through a nascent democracy is to have a seamless electioneering process that would produce credible and effective leaders who reflect the will of the people. However, this may not always be so, as the exercise may be fraught with violence. This qualitative narrative research examines the impact of substance abuse on election violence with particular reference to the 2023 general elections in Nigeria. Data collection was done through Focus Group Discussion (FGD) in two homogenous groups of participants comprising ten (10) males and females in each group from Makurdi, Nigeria. Participants were briefed, and they filled out the consent form to show willingness to participate. They were aged between 26 and 63 years and had voted in the 2023 elections. A set of written question statements guided the discussions to direct the sessions by the interviewer, while two reporters recorded the responses of the participants. Responses were retrospective and experiences were based not only on what was witnessed in the participants’ polling stations but also on scenes from the electronic and social media. Discussions confirmed different forms of violence and that these were largely carried out by the young people and fuelled by the political elites. Both groups attested to the increase of substance use and abuse during elections but differentiated types along rural and urban lines, with alcoholic beverages being more in use in the rural and synthetic drugs more popular in the urban, but also opined that marijuana use cuts across the divide. They agreed that consumption of psychoactive substances could have aided in physical and verbal violent actions like kidnapping, fighting, macheting, killing, stuffing and snatching of ballot boxes, abuses, threats, and the like. They suggested that families, schools, communities, and government should work hard to educate voters on the need for a violence-free election and to contain the excessive use of psychoactive substances, especially during elections. Finally, the need to prosecute election offenders to deter others from indulging in the same was reiterated. Article visualizations
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SLOVAK ASSOCIATION IN POLAND
Get PDFThis research traces out the historical genesis and institutional development of the Slovak Association in Poland as a prominent ethnic minority representative as well as a cultural self-preservation institution. The study analyses the role of Slovak statehood and nation through its development from post-World War II, the socialist era, and into contemporary EU integration, interrogating how it has served as a repository for sustaining Slovak culture, language and transnational cultural ties. The paper puts the Association in the broader debate about nationalism, multiculturalism, and minority rights through historical analysis and literature synthesis. Finally, the findings suggest both enduring challenges as well as strategic adaptations in how ethnic institutions negotiate state frameworks and help create cultural diversity in modern Europe
APPROACHING THE BELIEF OF THANH HOANG IN SOUTHEASTERN VIETNAM FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF FUNCTIONAL THEORY
Get PDFThe belief in Thanh Hoang (tutelary deities) is an important part of the spiritual life of Vietnamese village communities. This article focuses on analyzing the belief in Thanh Hoang in the Southeast region of Vietnam not only as a folk religious phenomenon but also as a specific socio-cultural institution reflecting the needs for organization and stability of the community life of Vietnamese residents during their migration and settlement in the Southeast region. Based on fieldwork at two typical communal houses, Tan Lan communal house (Dong Nai Province) and Tan An communal house (Binh Duong Province), the author analyzes the typical functions of this belief from the functionalist approach of Radcliffe-Brown and Malinowski to clarify the prominent functions of the Thanh Hoang belief, including: This psychological function reflects the community’s reliance on the supernatural protection of Thanh Hoang deities as a source of spiritual reassurance; the community cohesion function, maintaining order, organizing festival activities, educating morality and shaping local cultural values, fostering village solidarity, and expressing a sense of origin
MEDIATING EFFECT OF JOB COMMITMENT ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SPIRITUALITY AND SELF-CONCEPT AMONG POLICE OFFICERS IN REGION XI: AN EXPLANATORY SEQUENTIAL RESEARCH
Get PDFThe study was conducted to determine the mediating effect of job commitment in the relationship between spirituality and self-concept among police officers in Region XI, which is an explanatory sequential approach. Questionnaires were administered to the 400 respondents, all PNP personnel in the six (6) cities and 43 Municipalities of Region XI. Data gathered was statistically treated utilizing various statistical tools, such as Mean, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, Multiple Regressions, and Medgraph using the Sobel z-test. The result of the study manifested the following: Spirituality was rated high level; job commitment was rated high level; self-concept was rated high level; positive correlation existed between spirituality and job commitment, job commitment and self-concept, and spirituality and self-concept; the 95 percent confidence interval conclusively revealed that significant mediation had occurred. Qualitative data showed various reasons that support the overall quantitative result. Thus, it can be concluded that the mediating effect of job commitment was significant on the relationship between spirituality and self-concept among police officers in Region XI. Article visualizations
EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL WORKERS AND YOUNG ADULTS IN SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE
Get PDFThis study investigates the impact of digital communication technology on the relationship between social workers and young adults in social work practice. The objective of this study is to analyse how the use of digital communication has impacted the social workers’ and young adults’ relationship in social work practice and to explore whether the social workers faced any challenges, and the possibilities of the use of digital communication technology in social work practice with young adults from the social workers’ perspectives. In this study, the qualitative research method has been used to gather in-depth information from the participants. The findings of this study showed that the use of digital communication technology has impacted the relationship between social workers and the young adults both positively and negatively. Social workers emphasized the advantages of using digital communication technology in social work practice, which is easier, faster, and more accessible and easy builds up relationship with young adults, specifically with those the social workers had difficulties reaching out to and providing services to in person and with disabilities. However, working with young adults requires a high degree of trust and interaction, and it was difficult for the social workers to develop that trust and interaction without physical presence. Social workers expressed the need to have both options alternatively in social work practice: the use of digital communication technology and in-person meetings, considering the benefits and drawbacks of both in-person meetings and using digital communication technology, to maintain and build relationships with young adults. Article visualizations
MUSICAL LITERACY AS MULTIMODAL AND MULTICULTURAL PRACTICE: REIMAGINING EDUCATION, IDENTITY, AND SOCIAL INCLUSION IN A GLOBALISED CONTEXT
Get PDFThis article reconceptualises musical literacy as a multimodal and multicultural educational practice, moving beyond traditional notions of reading and writing music. Framed within contemporary theories of multiliteracies and critical pedagogy, musical literacy is presented as a dynamic, socially embedded form of engagement that intersects with language, identity, culture, and power. Emphasising its cognitive, emotional, and cultural dimensions, the article illustrates how music education can foster inclusive learning environments and support the holistic development of learners in increasingly diverse and digitalised societies. The integration of music into educational curricula activates auditory, visual, and kinesthetic modalities, promoting memory retention, emotional expression, and social interaction. Research demonstrates that music enhances linguistic skills, attention, and empathy, and acts as a powerful tool for cultural expression and identity formation. The concept of multiliteracies, particularly the “Design, Designing, Designed” model, offers a pedagogical framework that supports critical reflection, transformative practice, and culturally responsive teaching. Situated Practice, Overt Instruction, Critical Framing, and Transformed Practice are identified as core strategies for fostering deep musical engagement. The article positions music as a cultural product that encodes collective narratives and mediates social hierarchies. Drawing on Adorno, Frith, De-Nora, and Bourdieu, it explores music’s role in constructing identity, facilitating belonging, and legitimising or challenging power structures. In multicultural classrooms, music becomes a site of dialogue, resistance, and cultural affirmation. The article also discusses digital technologies as tools for expanding access, creativity, and collaborative learning, reinforcing the necessity of integrating digital literacy into music education. Ethnomusicological and anthropological perspectives further enrich the discussion, illustrating how music operates within fluid cultural contexts. Cultural identities are not fixed but negotiated through performance, interaction, and representation. This view supports a culturally responsive pedagogy that values diverse musical expressions, particularly for marginalised or diasporic groups. Music education thus becomes a space for empathy, intercultural understanding, and social transformation. Finally, the article links these insights to EU migration and education policies, highlighting the role of intercultural pedagogy in supporting the integration of migrant and multilingual students. It calls for educational policies that go beyond superficial celebrations of diversity to promote critical engagement and inclusive practices. In conclusion, musical literacy is redefined as a vital educational, cultural, and ethical practice. It empowers learners, transforms curricula, and offers educators a powerful medium to cultivate socially. Article visualizations
ANALYZING DIGITAL PRESENCE AND ITS IMPACT ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN KENYA USING THE WEBIX MODEL AND MULTIPLE REGRESSION ANALYSIS
Get PDFRecently, the Kenyan financial sector has witnessed digital evolution. Kenyan commercial banks have been forced to adjust rapidly to this digital evolution to achieve a competitive advantage and improve their financial performance. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between digital presence and the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. Data was collected from the websites of all commercial banks in Kenya, while secondary data was collected from audited published financial statements, financial reports of the commercial banks, and the Central Bank of Kenya. Profitability measured financial performance, while the WEBIX model was used to investigate the level of digital presence of commercial banks in Kenya. The study using the WEBIX model, technical and content analysis of the websites of all the commercial banks in Kenya, found that commercial banks in Kenya are gradually moving from Web 1.0 solutions to Web 2.0 solutions by linking their social media accounts to the website. The study also found that commercial banks in Kenya are still in the second (emerging) level of digital maturity. Multiple regression analysis found a statistically significant relationship between the digital presence and the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The study concluded that the policymakers and the management of commercial banks should continually emphasize the importance of investing in digital assets, strategies, and infrastructure to steer the banks through this evolving and dynamic financial landscape. The study also recommends further research using mediating or moderating variables. The researchers believe that the originality of this study will be beneficial to managers of commercial banks.JEL: G21, G20, L25, O30 Article visualizations
LEVERAGING WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AS A STRATEGIC TOOL FOR POVERTY REDUCTION
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to examine the influence of women’s empowerment on poverty reduction in Kabale Municipality, Uganda. Specifically, the study sought to: (i) assess the effect of women’s access to productive resources on poverty reduction, (ii) establish how women’s participation in decision-making contributes to poverty reduction, and (iii) analyze the influence of women’s access to formal education on poverty reduction. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected from 301 participants using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (simple linear regression analysis) were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that women’s access to productive resources (r = .669**), participation in decision-making (r = .838**) and access to formal education all had strong and statistically significant effects on poverty reduction. The study concludes that women’s economic empowerment, participation in decision-making and access to education are critical drivers of poverty reduction in Kabale Municipality. The study further recommends that the government and development partners should strengthen initiatives that enhance women’s access to economic resources, leadership opportunities and formal education, while also addressing cultural barriers. Further research is suggested to deepen the understanding of these barriers and their influence on poverty reduction.JEL: I32 – Measurement and Analysis of Poverty, J16 – Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination, O15 – Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration, I25 – Education and Economic Development, Z13 – Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Social and Economic Stratification, H53 – Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs Article visualizations
THE MODERATING EFFECT OF OWNERSHIP CONCENTRATION ON DIVIDEND PAYMENTS AND FIRM VALUE: THE CASE FOR NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE
Get PDFEmpirical studies exploring the relationship between dividend policy, ownership concentration, and firm value have presented mixed findings. Several studies have explored this relationship across different contexts and markets, resulting in diverse and sometimes contradictory conclusions. One of the aspects of corporate ownership and management theory that researchers have increasingly focused on is the influence of large shareholders on value-creating metrics. The objective of this paper was to examine the effect of dividend payment on firm value and the moderating effect of ownership concentration on the dividend payment and firm value relationship at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. Dividend signalling and shareholder monitoring hypotheses were the key theories supporting this study. The study utilised longitudinal data for 2008-2017, the target population was sixty-six companies trading securities at the NSE in that period. Empirical results reveal that dividend payment has a positive effect on the firm value, which supports the signalling hypothesis, and ownership concentration negatively moderated the relationship between dividend payment and firm value, this implies that firms with high ownership concentration will not be affected by the changes in the amount of dividends, alternatively, firms with dispersed ownership will be negatively affected if they reduce the amount of dividends. Regular payment of dividends ensures that dominant shareholders don’t disadvantage minority investors. Policymakers should consider stricter regulations and enforcement to ensure that large shareholders do not exploit their control at the expense of minority shareholders. Enhancing investor education and awareness can empower minority shareholders better to understand their rights and the implications of dividend policies. This study recommends that the regulatory body enforce stronger transparency measures to ensure dividends remain an effective signal of firm performance.JEL: G14; G32; G35 Article visualizations
INFLUENCE OF CUSTOMER TRUST AND PERCEIVED RISK TO WILLINGNESS TO REVISIT IN AIRBNB ACCOMMODATION
Get PDFAs Airbnb continues to grow in popularity as a lodging option, understanding what drives customer trust and perceived risk plays a critical role in shaping revisit behavior. This study investigates how these two factors influence the willingness to revisit Airbnb accommodations among users. Using a descriptive-quantitative research design, a survey was administered to 385 respondents to measure levels of customer trust (perceived usefulness, ability, ease of use, and integrity) and perceived risks (psychological, performance, physical, convenience, and social). The results revealed that customer trust, especially perceived usefulness, had a strong positive impact on the intention to revisit, while psychological risk had the most notable negative effect. The regression model showed that 67.2% of the variance in willingness to revisit could be explained by the independent variables, highlighting the greater influence of trust over risk in customer decision-making. These findings emphasize the importance of building customer trust while minimizing perceived risks to encourage continued use of Airbnb. SDG Indicator: #8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), #9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) Article visualizations