i-manager's Journal on Humanities & Social Sciences (JHSS)


Volume 5 Issue 1 January - April 2025

Article

Identity and Belonging in Adib Khan's Seasonal Adjustments

Sharmistha*

Abstract

Seasonal Adjustments is the debut novel of the Bangladeshi-Australian writer Adib Khan. The novel introduces a migrant, Iqbal Chowdhury, who returns his homeland after eighteen years of living in Australia and encapsulates the journey from the moment of his returning home to final resolution to go back to Australia. However, while sketching the journey Khan concentrates on the multilayered conflicts that Iqbal faces following his absence for a long time and shows how belonging to two states simultaneously results in no belonging at all. He also points out how the protagonist fails to anchor his identity in both home and abroad. Being a diaspora writer himself, the author achieves a new perspective through which he plunges into the mental landscape of Iqbal and portrays the internal crisis that continuously battled within his mind. Through examining the dilemmas and confusion that Iqbal goes through in his homeland, this paper attempts to shed light on the identity crisis and lack of belonging that a migrant faces while visiting home.

Article

W.E.B. DuBois: On Trial for Thinking Differently

Michael K. Thomas*

Abstract

This manuscript explores lessons that may be learned from the trial of the Black American author and intellectual, W.E.B. DuBois. It offers a discussion of the trial and his work in the context of American notions of race and racism and other 20th century proponents of social justice. While DuBois is remembered for The Souls of Black Folk and other writings, it seems that the trial and his later writings have not received the attention they deserve. It presents suggestions for curricular elements that may be incorporated into present day educational contexts.

Article

Kerala's Model: How Female Education Drives Fertility Reduction

Ismail Thamarasseri*

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between female education and fertility in Kerala, a state in southern India known for its high literacy rates and significant socio-economic development. It explores the historical context of Kerala’s emphasis on education, tracing the contributions of Christian missionaries, princely states, and social reform movements. With a focus on government policies and programmes that have promoted female education, the study delves into how educational attainment among women has influenced fertility rates, particularly through mechanisms like delayed marriage, improved contraceptive use, increased employment opportunities, and empowerment in decision-making. Kerala’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 1.8, below the national average, serves as a case study in demonstrating how education can drive demographic shifts. The socio-economic implications of reduced fertility—ranging from enhanced economic growth and improved maternal and child health outcomes to greater gender equality—are also discussed. Despite these achievements, challenges persist, including socio-economic inequalities and rural-urban divides. The paper concludes by offering policy recommendations to sustain progress in female education and fertility reduction.

Research Paper

St. Thomas_(UN)Imagining Incest: Depictions of Familial Sexual Trauma in Select Malaya-lam Films

Anagha A*

Abstract

The stigma associated with intra-familial sexual assault has been so enormous that such issues are largely unrepre-sented in artistic creations. There have been only a handful of films in the Malayalam movie industry that break the silence surrounding abuse within the family context. The present paper analyses the depictions of incestuous abuse in select Malayalam films. The paper focuses on representations of father-daughter incest. The stark reality of intra-familial sexual abuse and the trauma that ensues from such incidents have not been dealt with the seriousness that it deserves. The young victims of such abuse in society hardly find characters in films with whom they can identify, who share their painful stories of shame and insecurity, furthering their feelings of isolation as they believe that the situation they encounter has no counterparts. Films, a widely popular entertainment medium, play a crucial role in the value for-mation of a society. Hence, it is imperative to criticize and counter the misogynistic patterns inherent in depictions of sexual abuse. Realistic and positive portrayals of survivors, their trauma and agency can significantly alter the societal perceptions of such issues.

Review Paper

CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT AND ITS IMPROVEMENT USING REMOTE SENSING TECHNOLOGY

Thomas U. Omali*

Abstract

Most people now agree that the biggest threat facing humanity in the twenty-first century is climate change. Vulnerability to the impacts of climate change remains a critical issue in the interaction of society with global environmental change. This article provides a review of recent scientific literature of climate change vulnerability assessment with emphasis on the theoretical foundation and the use of remote sensing. Relevant articles were sourced from electronic academic databases. The articles were subjected to a primary screening based on the titles and abstracts. Also, the literature was selected following the predefined criteria –vulnerability assessments which have followed the remote sensing method, or other specific methodologies. In the result, the meaning of vulnerability is presented in both general and climate change contexts. This was followed by the presentation of social, economic, and physical vulnerabilities. Furthermore, we reviewed the climate change vulnerability assessment and specifically treated the remote sensing vulnerability assessment. We discovered that the application of the remote sensing technology for assessment of vulnerability to climate change is a research priority of critical importance for landscape-scale efforts to prioritize conservation and management of ecosystems.  

Research Paper

ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF INTERACTIVE RADIO INSTRUCTIONS ON THE NATIONAL EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM IN MALAWI

Dr Mugundharajan*

Abstract

The educational aspect is centred around the conventional methods of imparting knowledge, various academics The goal of early childhood development (ECD) programmes, according to Aboud (2006), Melhuish (2011), Melhuish et al. (2008), and Peisner‐Feinberg et al. (2001) programmes, is to help children in their early years of life acquire the skills they need to reach their full potential (Agbenyega, 2013). There is a lot of hope for SSA to reap the rewards of high-quality ECD programmes. Literacy rates, school enrollment, and academic performance all rise in tandem with high-quality early childhood development (ECD) programmes. Although 80% of the world's disabled children reside in developing nations, there are currently limited culturally appropriate developmental assessment tools that can be used in these contexts to promote inclusion (Agbenyega, 2013), and this study adds to the existing literature by examining how Malawian education standards might be improved through the use of diverse methodologies in early childhood development (ECD) and first grade classrooms.

Research Paper

Health Awareness and Practices Among Women: A Study on Habits, Health Care, and Challenges

Vijayalakshmi*

Abstract

Health awareness is a crucial determinant of individual and community well-being, influencing behaviors related to personal care, disease prevention, and health-seeking practices. This study examines health awareness, habits, and prevalent health challenges among women, focusing on their self-care practices, awareness of preventive health measures, and lifestyle choices. Utilizing survey data from women across various age groups and occupational backgrounds, the research identifies key factors influencing their health behaviors, including the reliance on traditional remedies, barriers to professional healthcare, and the impact of cultural norms. Findings highlight that while many women engage in health management practices, inconsistent self-care and delayed medical visits are common, often due to cultural and financial constraints. This paper suggests tailored strategies for enhancing health education and integrating traditional and modern practices to address specific barriers faced by women, ultimately aiming to foster more consistent and effective health behaviors.