International Journal of Social Sciences Nexus
International Journal of Social Sciences Nexus (IJSSN), ISSN (Online) 3106-7824 and ISSN (Print) 3106-7816, is published by the International Institute of Modern Research (SMC-Private) Limited, registered under No. 0307037. IJSSN is an open-access, quarterly peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing high-quality scholarly research in the field of social sciences. The journal follows a rigorous double-blind peer-review process and is committed to completing the full review cycle within one month, after which authors are promptly notified of the editorial decision. This efficient and transparent review framework ensures the timely dissemination of original and impactful research. IJSSN aims to achieve wide circulation, enhance global academic visibility, and make a meaningful contribution to contemporary scholarly discourse within the social sciences.
International Institute of Modern Research [SMC – Private] Limited
EXPLORING THE INFLUENCE OF GREEN HR PRACTICES ON ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOR AND SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE
This study addresses a research gap by empirically examining the relationship between Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) practices and sustainability performance, and by testing mediation-based hypotheses within the hospitality sector. To address this gap, this study extends the Ability-Motivation-Opportunity (AMO) framework to examine both direct and indirect effects of GHRM practices on sustainability performance. The study specifically investigates the mediating role of Organizational Citizenship Behavior for the Environment (OCBE) in this relationship. The hospitality industry, primarily composed of small and medium-sized hotels, faces significant environmental challenges, including energy conservation, water management, and waste reduction. Broader environmental issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, soil and water pollution, biodiversity loss, and depletion of natural resources further exacerbate these challenges. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from a random sample of 196 employees across multiple hotel chains, and analysis was conducted using SPSS. Results indicate that GHRM practices have a positive and significant impact on sustainability performance, with OCBE serving as a significant mediator.
Green Human Resource Management (GHRM), Environmental Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCBE), Sustainability Performance, Hospitality Industry
SUSTAINABILITY TRAINING IN PRE-SERVICE TEACHER EDUCATION: ADDRESSING POLITICAL ECONOMY AND HIGHER EDUCATION CONSTRAINTS IN PAKISTAN
This study examined the impact of integrating sustainability training into pre-service teacher education programs to address political-economic and educational challenges. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection. The study population comprised 120 pre-service teachers in their 7th semester of the B.Ed. (Hons.) program at a public university in Punjab, Pakistan. Participants were stratified by demographic variables, and a stratified random sampling technique ensured equitable representation. Concept-based, homogeneous pre- and post-training achievement tests revealed significant improvements in the confidence levels of teachers who received sustainability-integrated training compared to those receiving traditional training. The Sustainability in Teaching Self-Efficacy Scale (STSES) measured the enhancement in awareness and confidence after observing the application of sustainability principles in teaching practices. Results indicated a notable increase in sustainability awareness (15%–60%) and confidence levels (15%–45%) following integrated training. The study demonstrated that such training equips pre-service teachers to address global educational challenges by fostering awareness, confidence, persistence, and sustainability skills. Findings underscore the need to incorporate sustainability-focused courses into teacher education curricula and highlight the importance of public-private partnerships to support sustainable development initiatives in education
Pre-service teacher education, sustainability training, teaching self-efficacy, educational challenges, sustainable classrooms
ECONOMIC AND STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS OF CHINA’S GROWING PRESENCE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
This paper examines China’s expanding role in the Middle East over the past two decades, focusing on its economic, diplomatic, and strategic engagements. It analyzes how China’s energy dependence, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) investments, and deepening trade partnerships are reshaping regional alignments and challenging traditional power structures. The study primarily investigates the implications of China’s growing economic and strategic involvement on regional stability and global geopolitics. Employing a qualitative, document-based approach, the research reviews policy documents, scholarly literature, and official reports to provide a comprehensive structural analysis. Findings reveal that China’s strategic presence is expanding cautiously yet assertively, leveraging economic influence without direct military involvement, in line with its non-interference policy and pursuit of a multilateral global order. However, regional uncertainties, local financial constraints, and limited security engagement pose challenges that may restrict China’s full exercise of power in the region. This study offers a nuanced understanding of China’s evolving role in the Middle East and provides insights for scholars and policymakers assessing its regional and global implications.
China, Middle East, Belt and Road Initiative, Strategic Involvement, Regional Equilibrium, Geopolitics, Energy Dependency
EXPLORING THE LINK BETWEEN LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY AND COGNITIVE SKILLS
This quantitative correlational study investigates the relationship between English language proficiency and cognitive skills among 150 participants aged 18–35 from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Using purposive sampling, the study included both native and non-native English speakers with varying degrees of proficiency. English proficiency was measured through the TOEFL iBT (assessing reading, listening, writing, and speaking), while cognitive ability was evaluated using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV (WAIS-IV), which examines verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. Data were collected in a controlled university language center to ensure temporal consistency. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between English proficiency and multiple dimensions of cognitive ability. Linear regression further confirmed that English proficiency is a strong predictor of cognitive performance, even when controlling for demographic variables such as age, education, and years of English exposure. These findings suggest that higher proficiency in English is associated with enhanced cognitive capacities, offering important implications for language education policy and cognitive development research.
THE LEGACY OF CLASSICAL ENGLISH LITERARY CRITICISM: INSIGHTS FROM SIDNEY, DRYDEN, AND JOHNSON
This study examines the evolution of English literary criticism through the works of Sir Philip Sidney, John Dryden, and Samuel Johnson, situating their ideas within a neoclassical framework. Using a qualitative approach, the research engages primary texts—Sidney’s An Apology for Poetry, Dryden’s an Essay of Dramatic Poesy, and Johnson’s Preface to Shakespeare and Lives of the Poets—alongside secondary scholarship. The analysis is structured in three parts: first, an exploration of each critic’s views on the poet, poetry, mimesis, and imagination; second, a comparative assessment of classical and neoclassical criticism; and third, an evaluation of how these critics collectively shaped the foundations of modern English literary criticism. The findings reveal that while rooted in classical traditions, Sidney, Dryden, and Johnson reinterpreted and challenged classical ideals, demonstrating the adaptive and enduring nature of literary criticism across eras
FACTORS INFLUENCING DEVIANT BEHAVIOR AMONG EMPLOYEES IN SMALL-SCALE BUSINESSES
This study investigates factors contributing to deviant behavior among employees in small-scale businesses (SSBs). Surveying 250 employees from manufacturing, retail, and service sectors, key behaviors identified include task avoidance, theft, sabotage, extended breaks, and workplace gossip or conflicts. ANOVA and regression analyses reveal that workplace gossip and time-wasting have the strongest negative impacts on organizational performance. The findings highlight the complex nature of employee deviance and stress the need for targeted interventions to foster a healthier, more productive work environment in SSBs.
ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF NATURAL DISASTERS ON FOOD SECURITY IN PAKISTAN
Food security refers to the consistent physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for an active, healthy life. Natural disasters—such as floods, earthquakes, and droughts—can disrupt food systems by damaging crops, livestock, and infrastructure, leading to both immediate shortages and long-term impacts. This study examines the impact of natural disasters on food security in Pakistan from 1990 to 2022, using a quantitative approach with secondary data. Employing a multiple regression model and the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) method, the study investigates how disasters, high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, irrigated land, climate change, and pesticide use affect daily per capita caloric intake as a measure of food security. Results show a significant negative impact of natural disasters and climate change on food security, with a disaster variable coefficient of -0.055 (p = 0.041). In contrast, HYV seeds and irrigated areas positively influence caloric intake, with coefficients of 0.085 and 2.42, respectively. The model explains approximately 95% of the variation in food security outcomes (R² ≈ 0.95). These findings underscore Pakistan's vulnerability to climate-related shocks and highlight the need for improved agricultural practices and water management to safeguard food security
THE STRUCTURES OF INEQUALITY: CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES ON SOCIAL STRATIFICATION
This study critically investigates the multidimensional nature of social stratification and inequality in Pakistan, examining how disparities manifest across class, gender, ethnicity, and geography. Employing a convergent mixed-methods design, the research integrates quantitative data from 300 survey respondents with qualitative insights from 30 in-depth interviews conducted in both urban and rural contexts. Drawing on existing scholarship on structural mechanisms, institutional practices, and lived experiences, the study explores how inequality is produced and sustained. Findings reveal substantial disparities in access to education, employment opportunities, and perceptions of institutional fairness, particularly among rural populations, women, and ethnic minorities. Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds report systemic exclusion, whereas those from upper classes are more likely to perceive meritocracy and institutional equity. Interpreted through the theoretical lenses of intersectionality, Bourdieu’s theory of capital, and Wright’s class analysis, the study bridges theoretical discourse with empirical realities, deepening the understanding of inequality reproduction within Pakistan’s postcolonial neoliberal framework. Policy recommendations emphasize reforms in education, labor equity, gender and ethnic inclusion, and participatory governance. Overall, this research contributes a localized, empirically grounded perspective to the global discourse on inequality by centering marginalized voices and examining socio-demographic dynamics in context.
ENHANCING GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE: MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS WITH NANO-SILICA
Deepfake technology, a byproduct of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI), enables the creation of hyper-realistic synthetic videos that blur the line between authenticity and fabrication. While deepfakes have been widely examined for their malicious use in misinformation and identity fraud, their integration into advertising raises complex ethical and psychological concerns. This study investigates how disclosure of deepfake advertising influences consumer purchase intentions, focusing on the mediating roles of perceived reality, trust, perceived ethicality, and irritation. Grounded in Mehrabian and Russell’s Stimulus-Organism-Response model (1974) and Barnett’s framework of advertising deception (2014), a quasi-experimental design involving 200 participants from Islamabad was employed. Participants viewed a deepfake advertisement of a synthetic celebrity endorsement, either with or without disclosure of its artificial nature. Findings revealed that disclosure enhanced perceived ethicality (β = 0.323, p < 0.05) but reduced perceived reality (β = -0.239, p = 0.017) and trust (β = -0.370, p = 0.003), while increasing irritation (β = 0.448, p = 0.008). Mediation analysis suggested that ethical transparency partially mitigates distrust but cannot fully counteract skepticism driven by reduced realism and heightened irritation. Cultural and generational differences further shaped audience reactions—older participants perceived undisclosed deepfakes as deception, whereas younger viewers exhibited digital indifference. The study extends the Persuasion Knowledge Model by introducing the concept of synthetic skepticism, wherein transparency fosters doubt rather than trust. It recommends culturally adaptive disclosure strategies and emphasizes the need for ethical storytelling that integrates transparency seamlessly within marketing narratives.
STRATEGIC APPROACHES TO SECURITY CRISES IN SOMALIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR FOREIGN POLICY
The persistent security crisis in Somalia has become a focal point in contemporary academic and policy discussions. This study examines the multifaceted security challenges confronting Somalia, identifying the underlying causes and proposing strategic and foreign policy options for sustainable national stability. Beyond political fragmentation, both internal and external factors have severely undermined the country’s security landscape, impeding national development. Deficiencies within Somalia’s military, maritime, and intelligence strategies have further weakened its capacity to address these threats effectively. Moreover, the absence of a coherent and proactive foreign policy has limited Somalia’s ability to navigate international relations and manage external security pressures. The nation has also suffered from detrimental foreign interventions under the guise of counterterrorism and anti-extremism efforts. Internally, tribal divisions and terrorism—particularly activities associated with Al-Shabaab—have critically eroded the national security framework. The resulting instability not only threatens Somalia’s internal cohesion but also undermines regional peace and security. This paper explores viable strategic and foreign policy approaches to rebuild Somalia’s security architecture, emphasizing context-specific, historically informed solutions to promote long-term stability and sovereignty.
ANALYZING THE ROLE OF TEACHING PRACTICUM IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PEDAGOGICAL CONTENT KNOWLEDGE AMONG PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS
Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) represents a critical dimension of teacher education, as it profoundly shapes instructional effectiveness and classroom practice. This study aimed to examine the application of PCK among prospective teachers during their teaching practicum. The population included students enrolled in B.Ed. (Hons.) programs at public universities in Lahore, Pakistan. Using a convenient sampling technique, a sample of 30 prospective teachers was selected. Data were collected through an open-ended observational checklist administered during classroom observations of teaching practicum sessions. The findings revealed that a considerable number of prospective teachers effectively demonstrated elements of PCK in their instructional practices. The study underscores the importance of integrating PCK-focused training within teacher education curricula to strengthen pedagogical competence and improve teaching and learning outcomes. Future research is recommended to compare the application of PCK among prospective teachers in public and private universities to identify institutional variations and best practices.
EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF INNOVATIVE WORK BEHAVIOR ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM PAKISTAN
Organizations pursue a range of objectives, from profit generation and service delivery to supporting social causes and research. This study aims to examine the significance of Innovative Work Behavior (IWB) in organizations and analyze its impact on employee performance. Using a cross-sectional design, the study targeted federal employees in Pakistan. Out of approximately 565,082 federal workers, 20,182 employees from the ten largest divisions (primarily BPS 17–22) formed the study's main sample strata. A total of 500 online surveys were distributed, with a cover page explaining the study’s purpose and key terms. Survey data revealed that 66.9% of participants were male, with 50.2% aged between 26 and 35, reflecting a young, predominantly male workforce. The analysis showed strong positive correlations: Innovative Work Behavior significantly impacted job performance (r = 0.832) and task performance (r = 0.808). Additionally, Public Service Motivation was positively associated with societal impact potential (r = 0.827) and task performance (r = 0.802). This study highlights the critical role of IWB in enhancing both task and job performance in Pakistan’s public sector. It underscores innovation as a key driver of organizational success and encourages the development of innovative practices among public employees to improve overall performance.
ECONOMIC GROWTH, TOURISM, AND ENERGY USE AS DRIVERS OF CO₂ EMISSIONS: TESTING THE ENVIRONMENTAL KUZNETS CURVE IN PAKISTAN
Tourism has grown rapidly with advancements in communication and transportation, contributing to economic growth but also to CO₂ emissions. This study examines the relationship between tourism, economic growth, energy consumption, trade openness, and CO₂ emissions in Pakistan from 1995 to 2020 using the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) method and data from the World Development Indicators (WDI). Results show that tourism can reduce CO₂ emissions when supported by strict environmental regulations. However, economic growth, energy use, trade liberalization, and urbanization significantly contribute to environmental degradation. The study recommends promoting sustainable tourism and enforcing strong environmental policies to curb emissions
SOCIO-ECONOMIC DRIVERS OF SMOKING AMONG YOUNG MALE STUDENTS IN PAKISTAN: A CASE STUDY APPROACH
This study investigates the relationship between economic growth, foreign direct investment (FDI), energy consumption (renewable and non-renewable), natural resource rent, and environmental degradation in Pakistan from 1970 to 2023. Using the Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, the findings support the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis—economic growth initially increases environmental degradation but later leads to improvement. FDI significantly contributes to CO₂ emissions, while renewable energy and natural resource rent help reduce environmental harm. The study underscores the need for sustainable policies that promote renewable energy, regulate environmentally damaging FDI, enforce strict environmental laws, and encourage cleaner technologies and efficient resource use to balance growth with environmental sustainability.
TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF USING DIAGRAMMATIC REPRESENTATIONS TO TEACH SCIENCE IN PRIMARY CLASSROOMS
Teachers use diagrammatic representations in classrooms to enhance students’ understanding of science concepts. This study explores how primary science teachers in public sector schools use, manipulate, and interpret diagrams to simplify science lessons. Guided by the research question, "How do teachers use, manipulate, and interpret diagrammatic representations to enhance science learning?", the study employed a qualitative design using semi-structured interviews with ten purposively selected teachers. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method within a grounded theory framework. Findings revealed that while teachers acknowledged the effectiveness of diagrams in improving student understanding, they rarely used or fully understood how to manipulate and interpret them effectively. Most had not received formal training in this area. The study highlights the urgent need for professional development to build teachers’ competencies in using diagrammatic representations to support science teaching.
Students’ Educational Achievement (SEA).
RESILIENCE AND ITS IMPACT ON ADULTS’ PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING
Resilience is a key personality trait that helps adults manage stress, adapt to challenges, and maintain psychological well-being (PWB) by enhancing emotional health, problem-solving, and interpersonal relationships, with age also influencing PWB. This study explores the role of resilience and age in promoting PWB among 193 Pakistani adults aged 18 to 35. It examines the relationships between the level of resilience (LoR), age, and overall PWB, as well as its six dimensions based on Ryff’s model. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected through the Brief Resilience Scale and Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale and analyzed with descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression in SPSS. Findings indicate that resilience is a significant positive predictor of overall PWB, particularly in autonomy and environmental mastery, while age is a weak predictor, showing no significant impact on purpose in life but correlating with positive relations with others. This research contributes valuable insights to the limited literature on resilience and psychological well-being among Pakistani adults and supports the development of resilience-focused interventions to enhance mental health and well-being.
PERCEPTIONS, EXPERIENCES, AND COPING STRATEGIES OF WOMEN DIAGNOSED WITH INTRAHEPATIC CHOLESTASIS OF PREGNANCY
This study examined the impact of sports participation on secondary-level students' academic achievement in Mathematics. Sports activities such as football, netball, hockey, and table tennis were considered for their effects on students’ mental and physical health and academic performance. A sample of 58 ninth-grade students from Government High School Ghazni Khel, Lakki Marwat, was divided equally into experimental and control groups. Using a posttest-only equivalent group design, data were collected through three tests and analyzed with mean, standard deviation, and t-tests. The results showed a statistically significant improvement in Mathematics performance for students involved in sports compared to those who were not.
FOSTERAGE MARRIAGE IN ISLAM: LEGAL VIEWS ON PROHIBITION, ESTABLISHMENT, PROOF, AND CHILD STATUS
Marriage within a foster relationship is considered haram and legally invalid in Islamic law, with any issues arising from such unions deemed illegitimate. The Quran and Hadith clearly prohibit fosterage marriages. This study explores the reasons behind this prohibition, the establishment of foster relationships, and the legal consequences for spouses and children across different Islamic schools of thought. Using analysis of Quranic verses, Hadiths, legal journals, research articles, and case law, the study finds that fosterage marriages are null and void. While interpretations vary slightly among Islamic schools, all agree on their illegality. The study calls for legal reforms in Pakistan to address these issues more clearly.
LANGUAGE, NATURE, AND HUMAN RESPONSIBILITY: REFRAMING ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS IN RICHARD POWERS’ THE OVERSTORY
This study explores how language reshapes environmental ethics by analyzing ecological themes in Richard Powers’ The Overstory. It examines the use of linguistic devices like metaphor and symbolism to reveal the connection between language, nature, and human responsibility. Applying Arran Stibbe’s eco-linguistic theory, the research highlights how characters address ethical issues such as deforestation and conservation through language that promotes environmental activism. The novel challenges readers to reconsider their ethical duties toward nature, demonstrating literature’s vital role in fostering environmental awareness and influencing societal attitudes
ADOPTION AND USE OF MOOCS IN HIGHER EDUCATION: AWARENESS, BENEFITS, AND BARRIERS
This study examined university students’ awareness, perceived benefits, and barriers related to MOOCs using a concurrent mixed-methods design. Data were collected from 155 students via a structured survey and from eight participants through semi-structured interviews. Findings indicate that most students are aware of MOOCs and recognize benefits such as accessibility, networking, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, diverse courses, innovative learning, and skill development. However, barriers include limited interaction, the need for self-motivation, technical issues, assessment difficulties, and concerns over credibility and recognition. Interviews highlighted themes like platform accessibility, flexible learning, enriched experiences, and integrating MOOCs with traditional education. Recommendations emphasize enhancing student-teacher interaction, personalized feedback, effective pedagogy, and quality content to address these challenges.
ECONOMIC IMPACT OF CULTURAL TOURISM ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES: A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF VISITOR SPENDING AND EMPLOYMENT
This study investigates the economic impact of cultural tourism on local communities by analyzing tourist spending, employment opportunities, and revenue generation using SPSS statistical analysis. Findings reveal a strong positive correlation (0.679) between tourist numbers and local revenue, highlighting tourism’s significant contribution to local economies. However, the weak correlation (0.213) between visitor spending and employment suggests that tourism alone cannot drive job creation, emphasizing the need for skill development and workforce support. Future research could explore long-term effects, cross-country comparisons, and the role of digital tourism in promoting sustainable economic growth.
TOURISM AND 'MADE IN KSA': TWIN PILLARS OF SAUDI ARABIA’S NATION BRANDING
This article examines how “Tourism” and “Made in KSA” serve as key pillars of Saudi Arabia’s nation branding under Vision 2030. By promoting high-quality local products and developing a vibrant tourism sector, the Kingdom is reshaping its international image. Tourism highlights Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and modern appeal, while the “Made in KSA” label symbolizes innovation and national pride. Together, they drive economic growth, foster cross-cultural exchange, and enhance the Kingdom’s global reputation as a dynamic and competitive player on the world stage.
PRISMATIC STORYTELLER: DISJUNCTIVE NARRATIVE IN AFSHAR MALIK’S ART
The concept of disjunctive narrative in art emerged in early 20th-century movements like Dada and Surrealism, where artists broke traditional forms to explore the subconscious and challenge logic. This narrative approach extended beyond Europe to South Asia, where it became a powerful storytelling tool in Pakistani art. In a country marked by layered histories and socio-political complexities, non-linear narratives offer artists a means to express fragmented realities. This paper examines the work of Afshar Malik, a leading contemporary Pakistani artist, whose mixed-media pieces exemplify prismatic, surreal, and disjointed storytelling. Malik reinterprets surrealism through visual narratives that weave together themes of memory, absence, presence, and temporality—blurring the lines between past, present, and future. His work reflects the evolving discourse of global contemporary art while remaining deeply rooted in local context.
MEDIA INFLUENCE ON EMOTIONAL DISTRESS DURING COVID-19 IN PAKISTAN
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, mass media played a crucial role in spreading awareness about preventive behaviors. However, it also became a major source of misinformation and rumors, contributing to public anxiety and emotional distress. This qualitative study investigates the impact of media on emotional well-being during COVID-19 in Pakistan. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with four adults from different cities, selected via purposive sampling. Thematic analysis revealed that while social media was effective in promoting awareness and self-protective behaviors, it also facilitated the rapid spread of false information, leading to confusion, fear, and distress. Participants reported difficulty identifying trustworthy sources of COVID-19 information. The study recommends that the government implement media-based health interventions, remove misleading content, and involve medical and psychological experts in public broadcasts. Establishing official social media channels for accurate information dissemination is also advised to support public mental health during health crises.
EMPOWERING DISPLACED AFGHAN WOMEN IN URBAN SETTLEMENTS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
This qualitative study explores the empowerment of displaced Afghan women living in urban settlements, focusing on their unique experiences, challenges, and opportunities. Using purposive sampling and in-depth interviews, the research employed thematic analysis to identify key areas such as resilience, education, skill development, and the lack of community-led initiatives. Findings highlight Afghan women's strong resilience despite facing significant barriers to integration, limited access to healthcare and education, and social isolation. The study emphasizes the critical need for targeted policies that support their empowerment, well-being, and successful integration into host communities.