Journal of Development and Social Sciences

Head Teachers' Leadership Practices and Teachers’ Self-Efficacy at Elementary Level: A Correlational Study

Dr. Muhammad Arshad Javaid, Dr. Muhammad Arslan Raheem , Gulfaraz Ahmad — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0500

The main objective of the study was to find out the relationship between head teachers' leadership practices and teachers’ self-efficacy. The study was delimited to male elementary school teachers (ESTs) of Tehsil Dera Ghazi Khan. The sample of the study was 80 male elementary school teachers (ESTs) selected through cluster random sampling technique. Data was collected from teachers by using two research instruments; Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES) and Nature of School Leadership Practices Scale (NSLPS). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the analysis of data. The results of the study showed that there was a positive correlation between head teachers' leadership practices and teachers' self-efficacy. It was recommended that Head teachers should demonstrate professionalism by supporting teachers, understanding their needs and providing them positive feedback.

Aggressive Behavior of Students with Hearing Impairment and Academic Engagement: A Study in South Punjab, Pakistan

Khadija Tul Kubra, Dr Lubna Qudoos, Areba Sanam — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0500

This study investigates the impact of aggressive behavior and influence of various forms (physical, verbal, and social) on academic engagement among students with hearing impairments in South Punjab, Pakistan.to address the research gap the study seek to develop effective intervention and support systems to enhance their educational experience. Aggressive behavior is one of the challenge faces by the student suffering with hearing impairments, which can significantly impact their academic engagement. The research uses a descriptive framework and survey approach to gather quantitative data focusing on special education schools in Multan, Bahawalpur, and DG Khan from teachers working with hearing-impaired students. The analysis, conducted using SPSS, aims to understand the prevalence of aggressive behavior and its effects on students' academic involvement. The findings are expected to inform interventions and support system that enhance the educational system of students with hearing impairments.

Assessing Climate Change Impacts on Maize Production across Agroecological Zones of Balochistan

Mansoor Rasheed, Khuram Nawaz Sadozai — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0500

This study evaluates the impact of climate change on maize crop in Balochistan, Pakistan, focusing on key agroecological zones. Climate change has significantly changed the temperature and precipitation patterns, affecting agriculture in the region. Using panel data from the last 34 years (1986-2019) and the Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) model, the study assesses maize production across districts Zhob, Jaffarabad, Panjgur, and Lasbela. The results indicate that a 1% increase in cultivated area leads to a 0.807% rise in maize output. A 1% rise in temperature initially boosts production by 150.304%, but further increases cause a 2.563% decline. Rainfall has a positive effect, with a 1% increase raising output by 1.881%, while humidity exerts minimal influence (0.122%). The study recommends adopting climate-smart agricultural practices and implementing region-specific strategies to enhance agricultural resilience in Balochistan.

The Dynamic Tapestry of Transnationalism: Examining South Asian Diasporic Identities in Sonya Lalli’s Grown Up Pose

Misbah Tariq, Harmain Rukh, Sobia Javed — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0500

This study delves into the depiction of transnationalism in Sonya Lalli’s Grown Up Pose, emphasizing the intricate and pluralistic identities of South Asian diasporic characters as they traverse the complexities of a hyper-connected global milieu. Drawing upon Steven Vertovec's transnationalism theory and employing rigorous textual analysis, the study examines the fluidity of identity and the formation of multifaceted social networks within the diaspora, highlighting their participation in cross-cultural dialogues and negotiation of liminal spaces. By meticulously deconstructing these elements, this study advocates for a more expansive and nuanced interpretation of diasporic experiences, one that transcends the confines of historical trauma to foreground the proactive construction of interconnected transnational networks. The findings underscore the potential of transnational spaces to foster inclusivity, equity, and the reconfiguration of cultural narratives, thereby advancing the discourse on the South Asian diaspora in the digital era.

Diaspora, Acculturation and Identity: A Study of BapsiSidhwa’s An American BratAssimilation

Muhammad Ali Khan , Dr. Nazakat, Dr. Muhammad Imran — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0500

Framed in relation to diaspora this work engages with the subject of how the nature of diasporic experience is determined by the socio-political scenario and whether or not the migrant feels empowerment in an altogether new locale. Diasporic experience can be understood in a variety of ways. The common thread for this paper comes from the glimpses the novel. An American Brat provides. The aim is to shed light on its impact on the protagonist. The study capitalizes on the theoretical assumptions of diasporic experience outlined by William Safran. The study shows how the protagonist undergoes the experience of identity crises and what impediments she has to face in acculturation. The study shows that the rampant socio-political and socio-economic conditions of the migrant’s homeland are very much responsible for the nature of diasporic experience on the part of the central character of the novel under-study, especially how her identity is shattered and re-built.Sense of freedom, security, boldness and empowerment which she ultimately gains in a foreign land are very much conditional upon the cultural differences, social standing of her clan and political scenario of her homeland. Path towards the attainment of self-realization entails unlearning and relearning as reflected in Feroza’s character. Assimilation in new culture is in fact beyond her family’s expectations, for which she becomes too much modern in the end.

Children’s Interactive Experiences and Meaning Making of Scientific Exhibits at Community Museum

Azhar Majeed Qureshi, Syed Nasir Hussain , Salman Khalil — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0500

The purpose of this study was to explore the interactive experiences and meaning-making strategies of science learning among children. By observing their informal science learning activities in a community natural history and science museum of Atlanta (USA), this research tries to understand children’s quest for science knowledge and possible evidence for science meaning-making. The nature of the study was qualitative, and ethnography was used as the methodology. Two primary sources of evidence for science learning were included: dialogic conversations between children and their parents and children’s behaviors as they interacted with certain exhibits within the Nature Quest area of the community museum. Only observations and field notes were used for data collection. Only children’s interactive exhibit experiences were selected for the study analysis. Three themes of personification, essence, and functional reasoning based on Ash (2003) framework were used to explore the children’s biological understandings of exhibits. An additional theme of problem-solving and collaborative skills emerged due to the specific nature of a few exhibits. Through these thematic analyses, children's meaning-making in the type of interactions was explored. The findings of the study indicate that most of their interactive experiences were brief and did not involve an in-depth scientific meaning-making process. However, it was evident that children had fun and remained engaged consistently with these exhibits, and their meaning- making of scientific phenomena was stress-free. Problem-solving was most apparent as a strategy in their search for scientific knowledge. So, vibrant learning environments must be created in such places to inspire curiosity and foster a deeper appreciation for science learning among children.

Media Representation of the Justice System: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Political Talk Shows

Sanam Younis, Dr. Humaira Jami, Dr. Nida Nosheen — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0500

The objective of the study is to examine how media representation of Pakistan’s justice
system in political talk shows potentially shapes audience perception of justice system,
employing a Socio-cognitive approach to Critical Discourse Analysis. Five political talk
shows were selected based on viewership, audience reach, and content diversity. The
sample included six episodes from each political talk show (N= 30 episodes) broadcasted
every alternate Monday for three months. Findings revealed that political talk shows
consistently offered a negative frame to its audience to make sense of the justice system.
Discursive strategies such as presupposition, tag question, polarization, and presupposition
were used in discourses to implicitly affect the audience's perception of the judiciary. Results
revealed media confirmation bias and cognitive dissonance play a pivotal role in molding
public trust and confidence in the justice system. Future studies should consider the
receptive as well as production side to indicate the extent to which audiences mirror media
portrayals.

Pakistan's Preventive Detention Policy: Juggling Security and Freedom in the War on Terror

Abdul Hakeem, Shahzada Aamir Mushtaq, Abdul Aleem — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0500

This paper examines Pakistan's preventive detention policy, focusing on its conflict between national security and individual liberties. The policy, implemented after the 9/11 attacks, aims to hold individuals suspected of terrorism responsible for any crime but their suspecting terrorism status. However, critics argue it undermines constitutionalism, particularly the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty and personal liberty. The study uses qualitative legal and case study research to analyze Pakistan's preventive detention laws and detainee experiences. Results show that while the policy has reduced terrorism incidences, it has also led to significant human rights violations. Critics blame the lack of judicial review and misuse by security teams. The paper recommends addressing the issue of preventive detentions in Pakistan and ensuring a balance between security and liberty.

An Analysis of Professional Development Skills at Higher Education Level

Wajahat Hussain, Ruqia Bibi, Zahra Batool — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0500

Professional development skills are defined as the activities that develop a teacher's knowledge, practices, and attributes. Study was on “An analysis of professional development skills at higher education level”. The objectives of the study were to study professional knowledge of university teachers, to examine the professional attributes and to analyze the professional practices of university teachers. The study was quantitative, a descriptive survey was conducted to collect data. The number sample was twenty-one teachers and three hundred and seventy students selected using a proportionate sampling technique. The data were analyzed with the help of a statistical package for the social sciences and was tabulated. The result of study was that the teachers had deep and better subject matter knowledge, content knowledge, and curriculum knowledge but they have not general pedagogical knowledge. Teachers must try to improve their professional weaknesses regarding to general pedagogy in the light of student feedback.

Exploring Ecofeminism through Cultural Narrative of Homelessness in Halaby's Once in a Promised Land

Tayyeba Ashfaq, Umm e Habiba — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0500

The study aims to investigate Ecofeminism through the cultural narrative of Homelessness in Halaby's Once in a Promised Land. It investigates the Ecofeminist concept of Nature and Women dualism in Western philosophy, with a focus on the formation of a sphere of otherness through oppressions such as gender, race, and colonization. This qualitative study focuses on the interdependence of gender, nature, and women's experiences in the global village proposed by Maria Mies and Vandana Shiva. Romanticizing and sentimentalizing nature is viewed as a third area in which modern people crave women, namely women's bodies. The current understanding of nature has devolved into a deceptive process, with women perceived as inferior to men and their sexuality as subservient. Homelessness is a major issue in America, with Arab women like Salwa facing colonialism, homelessness, and refugee status. The study emphasizes the importance of accountability and self-awareness in navigating the complex dynamics of gender, nature, and women's experiences for upcoming researchers.

Understanding the Role of Patriarchy in Perpetuating Child Marriages in Pakistan: A Qualitative Exploration

Maria Muzaffar Janjua, Professor Dr. Anila Kamal — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0500

This study investigates the means in which patriarchal structures influences child marriage practices in Pakistan and comprehend how gender-based power dynamics contribute to the continuation of this problem. Pakistan is one of the top six nations in the world for child marriages, which poses a serious societal issue with detrimental effects on the education and development of females. Social scientists, religious scholars, medical professionals, and people from the community participated in Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and interviews as part of the study's qualitative research design. Thematic analysis was used to examine the data. The study showed that child marriages are perpetuated by oppression based on gender and hierarchical social structures. A recurring topic that strengthened patriarchal beliefs was son preference. The idea of "patriarchy derived from matriarchy," in which mothers unintentionally perpetuate traditional gender norms, was a novel discovery. Implement community-based programs that address patriarchal beliefs and empower women, especially mothers, to challenge traditional practices.

A Critical Analysis of Loopholes in Branchless Banking in Pakistan

Syed Arshad Ali Rizvi, Izza Mahfooz, Wahab Ahmad — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0500

This study aimed to critically explore the loopholes in Branchless Banking in Pakistan. This study was qualitative, and a total of 16 cyber investigators were interviewed face-to-face from the district Faisalabad. Collected data were analyzed using the content analysis method. Results of this study are presented under different key themes, i.e. (i) serious violations of Know Your Customer (KYC) & Customer Due Diligence (CDD), (ii) BVS (Biometric Verification System) Failure followed by some sub-themes. This study unveiled that the security of internet-based financial services is a great concern. Whereas violations of KYC and CDD reflect various vulnerabilities that augment financial crimes. Ineffective use of biometric verification systems, poorly maintained retailer records, and the operation of unauthorized individuals aggravate the risks of financial crimes. There is a need for a real-time monitoring system of transactions, a strict BVS, and an awareness campaign for public on safe use of branchless banking.

A Comparative Study of Psychiatric Comorbidity in Migraine Patients in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Fariha Munir, Dr. Umm e Kalsoom, Mariam Jabeen — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0500

Migraine and psychological disorders are frequently co-occurring around the globe. The present study aimed to compare psychiatric comorbidity in migraine patients. Sample (N=300; n=150 migraine patient, n=150 non-migraine patient) including both genders, males and females, were selected using a purposive sampling technique with ages 20-60 years. For data collection Migraine disability assessment, Migraine specific quality of life, Hospital anxiety and depression scale, and The Suicidal Behavior Questionnaire were used to assess stress, migraine, depression, quality of life, and suicidal behaviors respectively. Correlation analysis revealed that significant relationship between migraine, suicide behavior, depression, and anxiety, and significant differences between non-migraine patients and migraine patients. The migraine patients were experiencing a significant level of depression and anxiety. Migraine patients also score lower on the quality of life than non-migraine patients. Results also revealed that females are more vulnerable to the diagnosis of migraine while males score higher on suicidal behaviors. The study’s findings would be applicable in the clinical setting and helpful for clinicians, program developers, and policymakers to design interventions and coping strategies for migraine pain and its negative consequences.