International Journal of Social Science Research Studies (IJSSRS)
Welcome to the International Journal of Social Science Research Studies (IJSSRS), a respected platform for scholars, researchers, and academics to showcase their innovative research in the field of social sciences. The journal is committed to publishing exceptional research that goes through a thorough double-blind peer review process. It encompasses a wide range of topics in the Social Sciences, including Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Economics, and Political Science. Our goal is to foster an atmosphere that promotes interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration, nurturing a diverse community of researchers from around the world. This journal adheres to the policies and ethical standards prescribed by the UGC-CARE. Our dedicated team of professionals at the International Journal of Social Science Research Studies (IJSSRS) is passionate about promoting innovative research that addresses pressing social issues and enhances our understanding of the social sciences. We maintain a strict editorial process to guarantee the utmost standard of scholarship. We invite individuals who are actively involved in research, scholarship, and professional practice to submit their original research articles, case studies, and reviews for potential publication in our prestigious journal. Join us on an exciting journey of discovering fresh insights and pushing the boundaries of social science research. Title International Journal of Social Science Research Studies (IJSSRS) Frequency Quarterly ISSN (Online) 3108-1932 ISSN (Print) Awaiting approval Publisher Eduschool Academic Research and Publishers Chief Editor Dr. Manoj T R Copyright Eduschool Academic Research and Publishers Starting Year 2025 Subject Social Science Language English Publication Format Online & print Phone No 0484-2929383 Email Id ijssrs@eduresearchpublication.com,info@eduresearchpublication.com Website www.eduresearchpublication.com Address Eduschool Academic Research and Publishers Airport Road, Nayathode, Angamaly-683572, Kerala, India.
Eduschool Academic Research and Publishers
It is with great pleasure that we present the latest issue of the International Journal of Social Science Humanities Research Studies (IJSSRS), a collection of scholarly contributions that critically engage with some of the most pressing social, psychological, cultural, and structural transformations shaping contemporary society. The articles featured in this issue reflect the journal’s commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry and socially relevant research that bridges sociology, psychology, social work, gender studies, media studies, and humanities-oriented social analysis.
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Religion in the Digital Age: Exploring Online Religious Practices and Spiritual Communities in Post-Pandemic India
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a profound transformation in the practice of religion in India, as physical restrictions on temple visits, congregational worship, and pilgrimage compelled the rapid migration of religious life onto digital platforms. While digital religion has been an active field of scholarly inquiry for two decades, the post-pandemic Indian religious landscape presents distinctive features that warrant focused analysis. This article examines the development of online religious practices and spiritual communities in post-pandemic India, drawing on a critical literature review methodology and theoretical frameworks from the sociology of religion, mediatization theory, and digital religion studies. Analysing peer-reviewed scholarship, ethnographic studies, and platform-based ecosystem reports published between 2018 and 2025, the study identifies four major patterns: the institutionalization of livestreamed temple darshan and ritual broadcasts; the proliferation of guru-led digital spiritual communities and subscription-based religious content; the rise of devotional content economies on social media platforms; and the emergence of hybrid offline-online religious participation patterns. The analysis engages with the work of Heidi Campbell, Stewart Hoover, Christopher Helland, and others, while drawing on Indian scholars whose work foregrounds the specific features of South Asian religious traditions. Findings indicate that digital religion in India is neither a simple transposition of offline practice nor a complete rupture with traditional forms. It is a hybrid configuration that reshapes authority, community, and embodiment in religious life. The article concludes that the post-pandemic period has produced a durable hybridization of religious practice, with significant implications for religious institutions, scholarly understanding, and inter-religious dynamics.
Gendered Dimensions of the Gig Economy: Examining Female Workers’ Experiences in India’s Digital Labour Platforms
The rise of digital labour platforms has transformed the Indian employment landscape, creating new pathways for women’s workforce participation while simultaneously reproducing and at times intensifying historical gender inequalities. This article examines the gendered dimensions of the gig economy in India, focusing on female workers’ experiences across platform-mediated sectors including ride-hailing, food and grocery delivery, beauty and wellness services, domestic work platforms, and digital freelance work. Drawing on a critical literature review methodology and feminist theoretical frameworks, the study analyses peer-reviewed scholarship, policy documents, and reports from labour research institutions published between 2015 and 2025. The analysis reveals four interlocking dimensions of gendered platform labour: structural exclusion from male-dominated gig categories, the safety and surveillance paradox in mobility-intensive work, the persistence of unpaid care work that constrains platform participation, and the algorithmic invisibility of feminized labour in policy and protection frameworks. The study draws on intersectional feminism, social reproduction theory, and feminist political economy of platforms to interpret these patterns. While platform work offers flexibility and income access for some women, particularly mothers and those with care responsibilities, it also reinforces occupational segregation, exposes workers to safety risks, and provides limited protection against arbitrary deactivation, harassment, and earnings volatility. The article concludes that addressing the gendered dimensions of the Indian gig economy requires legislative recognition of platform workers’ rights, gender-sensitive platform design, accessible grievance redressal mechanisms, and meaningful recognition of the unpaid care economy that shapes women’s platform participation.
Community-Based Mental Health Interventions for Elderly Populations in Rural India: A Social Work Perspective
The mental health of elderly populations in rural India represents a growing yet underserved public health concern, shaped by demographic transition, the erosion of joint family structures, agricultural distress, and the limited reach of formal mental health services. This article examines community-based mental health interventions for the rural elderly through a social work lens, integrating theoretical perspectives from community-based rehabilitation, the social ecological model, and strengths-based social work practice. Using a critical literature review methodology, the study analyses peer-reviewed scholarship and policy documents published between 2010 and 2025, drawing on Indian and global sources. The analysis identifies four pillars of effective community-based mental health practice for rural elders: structured screening and case identification at the village level; integration with primary health care and frontline workers such as ASHAs, ANMs, and AWWs; intergenerational and peer-led psychosocial support; and family-centred caregiver education. Findings indicate that community-based approaches are well suited to rural Indian contexts because they leverage existing social networks, address stigma collaboratively, and reduce barriers of distance, cost, and specialist scarcity. The article also identifies persistent gaps including weak referral pathways, insufficient training of frontline workers in mental health, gendered access disparities, and limited geriatric specialization within social work curricula. The study concludes that strengthening community-based mental health for the rural elderly requires intersectoral coordination among health, social welfare, and panchayat-level governance, along with deliberate professional preparation of social workers in geriatric mental health. Implications for social work education, policy, and practice are discussed.
The Psychological Impact of Doomscrolling: Examining Anxiety, Sleep Disturbances, and Cognitive Fatigue Among College Students
Doomscrolling, the compulsive consumption of negative online news and social media content, has emerged as a prominent behavioural pattern among college students worldwide. This article examines the psychological consequences of doomscrolling, with particular focus on anxiety, sleep disturbances, and cognitive fatigue in young adult populations. Drawing on a systematic synthesis of psychological literature published between 2018 and 2025, the study integrates findings from cognitive psychology, sleep science, and digital media research. The analysis reveals that habitual doomscrolling is associated with elevated state anxiety, intrusive negative thinking, and a heightened threat-vigilance cognitive style. Sleep research consistently demonstrates that pre-bedtime exposure to distressing news content disrupts sleep architecture, reduces total sleep time, and impairs sleep quality. Cognitive fatigue manifests through reduced attention span, impaired working memory, and difficulty with sustained academic concentration. The study draws on theoretical frameworks including negativity bias, the variable reward schedule of social media, and Bandura’s social cognitive theory to interpret these findings. Several moderating factors, including pre-existing mental health vulnerability, social comparison tendencies, and sleep hygiene practices, shape individual susceptibility. The article concludes that doomscrolling represents a significant public mental health concern for the college-going population, calling for evidence-based interventions including digital literacy education, university wellness programmes, and individual self-regulation strategies. Implications for clinical practice and university policy are discussed.
Urban Loneliness in the Age of Hyperconnectivity: A Sociological Examination of Social Isolation Among Young Professionals in Indian Metropolitan Cities
The paradox of unprecedented digital connectivity coexisting with rising rates of social isolation defines the contemporary urban experience, particularly for young professionals navigating India's rapidly transforming metropolitan landscapes. This article examines the sociological dimensions of urban loneliness among young working professionals (aged 22–35) in Indian metropolitan cities, drawing on a systematic synthesis of existing literature, secondary data analysis, and theoretical frameworks. Employing a critical literature review methodology, the study analyses peer-reviewed scholarship from 2010 to 2025 across sociology, urban studies, and digital sociology, alongside reports from public health and urban research institutions. The analysis reveals four interlocking dimensions of urban loneliness: structural displacement caused by labour migration, the erosion of community-based social capital, the paradoxical effects of digital hyperconnectivity, and the time-poverty culture endemic to high-pressure urban work environments. Findings suggest that despite extensive digital networks, young professionals frequently experience emotional isolation marked by superficial relationships, weakened familial bonds, and limited civic engagement. The study draws on Durkheimian anomie, Wirth's urbanism thesis, Putnam's social capital framework, and Bauman's liquid modernity to interpret these patterns. The article concludes that urban loneliness is best understood as a structurally produced social condition rather than an individual psychological deficit, calling for multi-level interventions encompassing urban planning, workplace policy, mental health infrastructure, and digital citizenship education. Implications for sociological theory and urban policy in the Indian context are discussed.
The forthcoming issue of the International Journal of Social Science Research Studies (IJSSRS) presents a thoughtful and timely collection of scholarly works that engage with some of the most significant social challenges shaping contemporary societies. Drawing on diverse theoretical frameworks and recent empirical evidence, the articles in this issue examine how individuals, institutions, and communities respond to global transformation, inequality, and uncertainty. Several contributions focus on questions of identity, adaptation, and resilience. The study on refugee cultural adaptation offers a nuanced understanding of how displaced populations navigate integration while preserving cultural identity, emphasizing the importance of social support, language, and inclusive policies. This work highlights cultural pluralism as a more sustainable alternative to assimilationist approaches in host societies.
The Impact of Social Media Use on Adolescent Mental Health: A Systematic Analysis of Digital Engagement, Social Comparison, and Psychological Well-being
This study examines the multifaceted relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes among adolescents, with particular emphasis on depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. Drawing upon recent empirical research and theoretical frameworks including Social Comparison Theory and the Dual-Systems Model of socio-emotional development, this analysis synthesizes findings from multiple international studies conducted between 2020 and 2025. The research reveals that problematic social media use has increased from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022 among adolescents globally, with higher rates observed among girls (13%) compared to boys (9%). Adolescents spending more than three hours daily on social media face double the risk of experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study identifies key mediating mechanisms including social comparison, approval anxiety, and fear of missing out (FOMO) that explain the relationship between digital engagement and psychological distress. Furthermore, the research explores protective factors and intervention strategies, including digital literacy programs and mental health literacy interventions that have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing negative outcomes. The findings have significant implications for parents, educators, healthcare providers, and policymakers in developing evidence-based approaches to promote healthy digital citizenship among young people. This comprehensive analysis contributes to the growing body of knowledge necessary for addressing the youth mental health crisis in the digital age.
Youth Climate Activism and Environmental Awareness: A Comprehensive Analysis of Young People's Role in Driving Climate Action and Social Change
As the impacts of climate change intensify with each passing year, young people have emerged as powerful voices demanding urgent action and systemic transformation. This study examines the phenomenon of youth climate activism, exploring how young people engage in environmental advocacy, the psychological dimensions of their climate-related concerns, and the effectiveness of youth-led movements in driving policy change. Drawing upon research conducted between 2020 and 2025, including survey data from international organizations and qualitative studies of activist movements, this analysis reveals that by the end of 2024, initiatives such as UNICEF's The Green Rising had mobilized 11 million young people across 30 countries to join the climate movement. The research identifies key themes including eco-anxiety and climate distress affecting youth mental health, the evolution of activism strategies from school strikes to litigation and direct action, and the intersection of climate justice with broader social justice concerns. Findings indicate that most young people believe climate change is happening, is primarily caused by human activity, and poses significant risks. The study documents a strong association between coping strategies and pro-environmental behavior, with successful interventions promoting community engagement and collective action. These findings have implications for educators, policymakers, and environmental organizations seeking to support and amplify youth voices in climate discourse.
The Digital Divide in Education: Examining Technology Access, Digital Literacy, and Educational Equity in the Post-Pandemic Era
Access to technology in education is more critical than ever, yet significant disparities persist that leave many students without the necessary tools for academic success. This study examines the persistent digital divide in education, its evolution from simple access gaps to more complex inequalities in usage and outcomes, and the implications for educational equity. Drawing upon research from 2020 to 2025, including national surveys, policy analyses, and international comparative data, this analysis reveals that while nearly all (96%) high school students now report having access to a smartphone at home and 87% have access to a laptop computer, significant disparities remain across income levels and racial/ethnic groups. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted these disparities by making remote learning necessary while revealing stark differences in digital readiness. The U.S. Department of Education's 2024 National Educational Technology Plan identifies three distinct digital divides: the access divide concerning device and internet availability, the use divide regarding how students engage with technology, and a newly identified design divide related to teacher preparation for designing technology-enhanced learning experiences. Research indicates that students from higher-income families are significantly more likely to have home access to computing devices and express higher confidence in using technology for learning. These findings have significant implications for policymakers, educators, and educational technology developers seeking to ensure equitable access to quality education in an increasingly digital world.
Cultural Adaptation Among Refugees in Host Countries: Navigating Identity, Integration, and Resilience in Cross-Cultural Transitions
This paper examines the complex process of cultural adaptation among refugees resettling in host countries, analyzing the multifaceted challenges and facilitating factors that influence successful integration. Drawing upon acculturation theory, social identity theory, and stress-and-coping frameworks, this study synthesizes existing empirical research to understand how refugees navigate cultural transitions while maintaining psychological well-being and cultural identity. The analysis reveals that successful adaptation depends on bidirectional processes involving both refugee communities and host societies, with language acquisition, social support networks, employment opportunities, and cultural preservation emerging as critical factors. Findings indicate that integration strategies promoting cultural pluralism yield more positive outcomes than assimilationist approaches. The paper contributes to migration studies by proposing a comprehensive framework for understanding refugee adaptation that emphasizes agency, resilience, and the dynamic nature of cultural identity formation in displacement contexts
The Impact of International Organizations on National Sovereignty: A Critical Analysis of Contemporary Global Governance
This paper examines the complex relationship between international organizations and national sovereignty in the contemporary global system. Through theoretical analysis and comparative examination of key cases, this study investigates how international organizations both challenge and reconstitute traditional notions of sovereignty. The research demonstrates that while international organizations create new constraints on state autonomy, they simultaneously provide mechanisms for states to project power and achieve collective goals that would be impossible through unilateral action. The analysis reveals that sovereignty is being transformed rather than simply eroded, with states engaging in "sovereignty bargains" that involve trading formal autonomy for substantive influence within multilateral frameworks. These findings challenge both traditional realist assumptions about sovereignty as zero-sum and liberal institutionalist claims about seamless cooperation, suggesting instead a more nuanced understanding of sovereignty as contextual and relational.
The International Journal of Social Science Research Studies presents its forthcoming issue, featuring a diverse collection of research that examines some of the most urgent social, political, environmental, and cultural questions shaping the contemporary world. The articles in this volume demonstrate how interdisciplinary scholarship can illuminate complex human experiences, bridge historical and modern realities, and provide deeper insight into the structures that govern societies.
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Socioeconomic Stratification and Healthcare Access: Theoretical Mechanisms of Exclusion in Developed Nations
This theoretical paper examines how socioeconomic status creates systematic barriers to healthcare access in developed nations through multiple intersecting mechanisms. Drawing upon sociological theories of stratification, cultural capital, and institutional discrimination, this analysis argues that healthcare access is fundamentally structured by three primary theoretical frameworks: economic capital barriers, cultural capital disparities, and institutional gatekeeping mechanisms. The paper synthesizes Pierre Bourdieu's theory of capital, Max Weber's concepts of social closure, and contemporary medicalization theories to demonstrate how socioeconomic stratification reproduces health inequalities even within universal healthcare systems. The theoretical framework developed here reveals that healthcare access barriers operate through direct economic constraints, differential cultural competencies in navigating medical institutions, and systematic institutional biases that favor higher socioeconomic groups. These mechanisms create a reinforcing cycle of health disadvantage that perpetuates broader patterns of social inequality. The analysis contributes to sociological understanding of how healthcare systems, despite intentions of universal access, function as sites of social reproduction and stratification maintenance.
Citizenship in the Digital Age: Rights, Responsibilities, and Surveillance
The digital revolution has fundamentally transformed the landscape of citizenship, creating new paradigms for individual rights, civic responsibilities, and state surveillance capabilities. This paper examines how traditional concepts of citizenship are being redefined in an era of ubiquitous digital technologies, persistent data collection, and algorithmic governance. Through theoretical analysis of contemporary digital governance frameworks, this study explores the tension between enhanced civic participation enabled by digital platforms and the erosion of privacy through comprehensive surveillance systems. The research reveals that digital citizenship emerges as a contested terrain where traditional liberal democratic principles encounter the realities of technological mediation. Key findings suggest that while digital technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for civic engagement and democratic participation, they simultaneously enable new forms of social control that challenge fundamental assumptions about individual autonomy and state power. The paper argues for a reconceptualization of citizenship that acknowledges digital rights as fundamental human rights while establishing new frameworks for digital responsibilities and surveillance accountability. The implications extend beyond academic discourse to inform policy debates about digital governance, privacy regulation, and the future of democratic citizenship in technologically mediated societies.
Entangled Empires: Diplomacy and Cultural Exchange in Early Modern Imperial Relations
This paper examines the multifaceted diplomatic and cultural exchanges between major imperial powers of the early modern period (1500-1800), with particular focus on Ottoman-Habsburg and Safavid-Qing relationships. Moving beyond traditional narratives that emphasize military confrontation, this study reveals how these imperial interactions fostered significant cultural, scientific, and religious transmissions that fundamentally transformed the participating societies. Through analysis of diplomatic correspondence, accounts of embassies, material culture, and artistic productions, this research demonstrates that imperial encounters operated through complex networks of knowledge transfer and cultural negotiation. The findings suggest that these non-military engagements were not merely peripheral to imperial relations but constituted essential mechanisms through which empires articulated their identities, asserted legitimacy, and adapted to changing geopolitical circumstances. This research contributes to evolving historiographical approaches that emphasize transcultural connections and entanglements rather than civilizational isolation or binary opposition.
Spatial Distribution of Poverty in Developing Countries: Geographic Patterns, Determinants, and Policy Implications
This paper examines the spatial distribution of poverty across developing countries, analyzing how geographic factors influence poverty patterns and persistence. Through systematic analysis of cross-national data and spatial econometric methods, this study reveals significant geographic clustering of poverty, with rural areas, remote regions, and areas with limited infrastructure access experiencing disproportionately higher poverty rates. The research identifies key determinants including geographic isolation, agricultural dependency, institutional capacity, and infrastructure development as primary drivers of spatial poverty disparities. Findings demonstrate that poverty exhibits strong spatial autocorrelation, with neighboring regions sharing similar poverty characteristics due to spillover effects and common geographic constraints. The study's implications suggest that poverty reduction strategies must incorporate spatial targeting and place-based interventions to address geographic disadvantages effectively. This research contributes to understanding how geography shapes development outcomes and informs spatially-informed poverty reduction policies.
Climate Change and Ancient Civilizations: How Environmental Shifts Shaped Societal Collapses or Migrations
This paper examines the relationship between climate change and the decline of ancient civilizations, focusing specifically on the Maya, Harappan, and Norse Greenland settlements. Drawing on archaeological evidence, paleoclimatological data, and historical records, the research investigates how environmental shifts triggered or exacerbated societal vulnerabilities, ultimately contributing to collapse or migration. Analysis reveals that while climate change often served as a significant stressor, its effects were mediated through complex social, political, and economic systems unique to each civilization. The Maya experienced recurring drought cycles that undermined agricultural productivity and political stability; the Harappan civilization confronted shifting monsoon patterns and river course changes; and Norse Greenland settlements struggled with cooling temperatures during the Little Ice Age. This comparative approach demonstrates that environmental challenges rarely acted in isolation but rather interacted with existing cultural adaptations, social inequalities, and resource management strategies. The findings contribute to our understanding of human-environment interactions and offer insights into contemporary climate resilience, emphasizing the importance of adaptive capacity and social institutions in managing environmental change.
The Role of Youth Activism in Shaping Public Policy: Mechanisms of Influence and Policy Impact Analysis
This paper examines the role of youth activism in contemporary public policy formation, analyzing the mechanisms through which young activists influence policy agendas and outcomes. Drawing on political mobilization theory and policy process frameworks, this study investigates how youth movements translate social grievances into policy change across different issue domains. Through comparative analysis of climate activism, gun violence prevention, and education reform movements, the research identifies key factors that determine the policy impact of youth activism, including institutional access, coalition building, and strategic framing. Findings suggest that youth activism achieves greatest policy influence when movements combine insider advocacy with outsider pressure, maintain sustained engagement beyond initial mobilization, and successfully frame issues in terms of intergenerational justice. The study contributes to understanding of youth political participation and offers insights for both activists and policymakers regarding effective channels for youth voice in democratic governance. Youth activism - The primary subject of study Public policy - The main outcome/influence being examined Political participation - The theoretical framework and broader context Social movements - The methodological and theoretical approach used in analysis Intergenerational justice - A key conceptual theme that distinguishes youth activism from other forms of political engagement
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