ISSN-(Print): 3080-9495 | ISSN-(Online): 3080-9509 | ISSN-(Optical Disc): 3080-9517 Advances and Issues in Social Sciences (AISS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal dedicated to the exploration and advancement of knowledge across the diverse disciplines within the field of social sciences. The journal serves as a platform for scholars, researchers, and practitioners to share innovative findings, critical analyses, and thought-provoking discussions on contemporary and emerging issues shaping societies worldwide. Scope and Focus AISS publishes original research, review articles, theoretical papers, and case studies that address a broad range of topics, including but not limited to: Sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies Economics, political science, and international relations Education, psychology, and social work Gender studies, public policy, and development studies Communication, media studies, and public health The journal emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, fostering collaboration among fields to address complex societal challenges and contribute to evidence-based policy making and social innovation. Objectives To provide a scholarly forum for critical examination of current and historical social issues. To highlight advances in theories, methodologies, and applications within social sciences. To promote the dissemination of knowledge that informs practices and policies worldwide. Audience The journal targets academics, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and students interested in gaining insights into social dynamics and contributing to impactful solutions for societal progress. Publication Details AISS adheres to a rigorous double-blind peer-review process to ensure the highest standards of quality and integrity. The journal is published biannually, offering a mix of thematic issues and general-interest editions. Join us in shaping the discourse in social sciences. Together, let us advance understanding and tackle the pressing issues of our time.
A Study on Common Menstrual Hygiene Practices Among Adolescent Girls in Mehrabadi, G11 Islamabad
The focus of this study was to explore the primary obstacles encountered by adolescent girls during menstruation. Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet it remain surrounded by stigma and inadequate support, particularly among adolescents in marginalized communities. This study aimed to collect relevant information and data from participants to understand their challenges and propose viable solutions based on the researcher’s findings, thereby fostering positive societal change. The researcher used various effective qualitative research methodologies, including engagement with key informants, in-depth interviews, rapport building, and participant observation. Data collection utilized a combination of convenient and purposive sampling techniques in presence of rapport-building with the target population. The study highlights the urge need for awareness programs, improved menstrual hygiene facilities for girls, and community level interventions to address the stigma surrounding menstruation. The research aimed to identify significant issues and conduct a thorough analysis to devise potential solutions for these challenges. By identifying key issues, the research was able to provide not only a diagnostic account of challenges but also an evidence based foundation for designing potential interventions.
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Pakistan is a federal polity albeit sadly, since it has adopted a centralized Federal system, it has not been able to deliver an adequate institutional framework, which has created an uproar among the ethnic groups. Imbalanced power relations between the center and provinces and unfair allocation of economic resources enlarged the gap of trust and formed high inequalities leading to religious sense of alienation and deprivation. This feeling of inferiority and deprivation spawned resentment in smaller provinces. This was the purpose of this research which aimed at analyzing federalism in Pakistan. The objectives of the study were to analyze nature of federalism in Pakistan, to identify both pros and cons of federalism in Pakistan. The relationship between the federal government and the provinces shifted as a result of the amendments of the disputed relation between the two. The sense of deprivation caused complaints in the smaller provinces which were due to the imbalance of power between the provinces and the center, economic resources are not distributed evenly. Equally, the whole country will be open to ethnic conflict due to political and economical exploitation and although it will mean fully enforcing the new 18th amendment. The federal and provincial relationship rendered the same as the amendment reinterprets that relationship. In order to have an effective federal democracy, a constitution is indispensable. This paper has described the meaning of federalism, strengths and weaknesses of federalism in Pakistan. Finally this study made some important conclusions about the problem. Federalism was recommended.
Disaster and Disability: A Qualitative Study of the 2005 Earthquake in District Bagh, Azad Kashmir
This research explores the long-term experiences of individuals who became disabled due to the 2005 earthquake in Bagh Azad Kashmir. The study adopts a qualitative methodology to understand the long-term psychological, social, and economic difficulties that survivors face and the coping mechanisms they adopt to adjust to their new realities. The findings bring out a raft of significant issues: PTSD, social exclusion, financial dependency, and limited access to healthcare, employment, and assistive devices. Survivors reported feelings of isolation and loss of identity but showed resilience through family support, community involvement, and spiritual practices. Using the Social Model of Disability, the research shows how systemic barriers, such as inaccessible infrastructure and societal stigma, increase the challenges faced by disabled individuals. The study calls for the need for all-inclusive disaster recovery policies that address enhanced mental health services, vocational training programs, accessible infrastructure, and anti-stigma campaigns that ensure survivors with disabilities are integrated into the mainstream of society. These findings aim to better inform the equitable management of disasters, addressing the distinct needs of the most marginalized populations.
Silenced Tongues: Power, Policy, and the Precarious Future of Pahari in Pakistan’s Azad Kashmir Diaspora
This study investigates the rapid decline of Pahari, a mother tongue central to the cultural identity of the Azad Kashmiri community in Pakistan, against the backdrop of state-driven linguistic hegemony and sociopolitical marginalization. Focusing on urban communities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the research employs ethnographic interviews, participant observation, and critical discourse analysis to examine how systemic power hierarchies and Urdu-centric policies disrupt the intergenerational transmission of Pahari. Findings indicate a significant decline in Pahari proficiency among the younger generation, with a marked shift toward Urdu and English. Gendered dimensions are evident, as women report pressure to abandon Pahari due to social stigma, while men align with Urdu for career advancement. Economic drivers further compel migration to urban centers, reinforcing language shift. The study argues that constitutional recognition, educational reforms, and digital revitalization strategies are essential to counter linguistic homogenization and preserve Pakistan’s cultural diversity.
Effects of 18th Amendment On the Relationship Between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa And Federal Government
The purpose of this study was to investigate the conflicts and tensions that exist between the federal administration and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. Since inception, Pakistan is a federal polity but unfortunately with the adoption of a centralized Federal system, political elites, civil and military bureaucracy have failed to provide a satisfactory institutional arrangement, which has brought dissatisfaction and unrest to the ethnic groups.The objectives of the study were: How has 18th amendment changed the checkered relationship between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and federal government? How can federal democracy be ensured in Pakistan in the wake of post-FATA merger in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa? The imbalanced power structure between the center and provinces and the unjust distribution of economic resources widened the trust deficit and increased inequalities, which resulted in a sense of alienation and deprivation. This sense of alienation and deprivation generated grievances in smaller provinces. The denial of provincial autonomy and lack of fiscal decentralization resulted into the separation of East Wing of Pakistan. Likewise, the remaining part is still vulnerable to the ethnic unrest due to the political and economic exploitation. The 18th constitutional amendment was a step in the right direction which redefines the center and provincial political-economic relations but needs to be implemented in later and spirit. A successful federal and democratic democracy with a plural society will inevitably require an organic constitution. Similarly, democracy is the name of an ongoing process of development; in a democratic system, nothing can be accomplished quickly. In summary, this study examined the impact of the post-18th constitutional amendment on the political and economic ties between the center and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Ultimately, this study yields important conclusions about the problem.
Parents-in-Law Support as a Predictor of Marital Satisfaction in Generation Y Married Women: Moderating Role of Communication Patterns
The current study investigated the impact of parents-in-law support, couple’s communication pattern on marital satisfaction of generation Y married women. Data was collected through purposive sampling technique from 117 married women with an age range of 25 to 45 years from different cities of Punjab, Pakistan. Kansas Marital satisfaction Scale (Schumm et al., 1983) was used to measure marital satisfaction, Communication Questionnaire Short Form (Christensen & Heavey, 1990) for communication patterns and Perceived Social Support Scale (Procidano & Heller, 1983) for measuring parent-in-law support. Participants responded questionnaires about communication patterns, marital satisfaction, and perceived support from parents-in-law. The findings of this study indicate that constructive communication, marital satisfaction, and parents-in-law support are positively correlated. Results also found that Constructive communication of couples’ is a strong predictor of marital satisfaction.The current study has a significant theoretical implication such as Parent-in-law and young generations will benefit from this research, by knowing the communication patterns that helps in their relationship.
Parent-in-law support, Communication patterns, Marital satisfaction
Exploring the Potential of Blockchain Technology in Education at the Secondary Level
Educational digitisation creates a need to study modern technological solutions which make academic activities more secure as well as transparent and efficient. Blockchains, with their distributed secure nature, can actively transform multiple secondary educational domains, starting from records control and credentials authentication up to reasonably managed e-learning provisions. A study about blockchain technology applications in secondary education explores both its advantages and obstacles together with its anticipated development in the educational landscape. The research applies qualitative data obtained through teacher and student interviews and quantitative data from surveys and statistical methods. The research explores secondary blockchain educational significance that includes decentralised academic teaching and learning processes in systems with automated smart contracts and blockchain-powered credential verification methods. Research investigates how blockchain implementation potential appears to stakeholders when applied to education facilities. Initial data indicates blockchain technologies would strengthen academic record protection along with improving transcript verification processes while making educational information accessible without alteration. Organizations face adoption barriers primarily because of technical difficulties in combination with high implementation expenses and lack of knowledge among staff about blockchain systems. Research provides direct implementation guidelines that showcase how to deploy blockchain technology in secondary education despite encountered implementation challenges. The study explains that blockchain technology creates transparent trusts with optimized operational procedures which can enhance secondary education institutions.
Competency-Based Progression: A New Approach to Educational Assessment in the 21st Century"
Educational researchers together with the majority of educators reject the application of standards-based test measures utilizing time-lock protocols because these methods provide no support for personalized performance. The educational model known as competency-based progression (CBP) uses student mastery achievements rather than classroom seat time to function as a contemporary educational platform in teaching learning process at secondary level. The investigation examines major components in CBP systems to explain how personalized teaching with enhanced learning possibilities develops through individual methodologies. The alternative educational methodology used by competency-based education relies on continuous Checks while also demanding student involvement as well as motivation which uses practical world experiences enabled by educational technology. The assessment procedures that Kinect introduces to educational environments. AI and adaptive learning systems implement technological approaches in learning process originating from research evidence. Evaluation results indicate how CBP educates students in analytical and problem-solving capabilities by utilizing up-to-date educational patterns found in modern twenty-first-century teaching methods. The assessment advantages of Competency-Based Pedagogy stand out however teachers face three primary challenges because they dislike change, and the assessment frameworks lack standardization and evaluators doubt validity in assessment procedures. The paper outlines solutions to barriers by providing professional development to educators which combines accommodation requirements alongside regulatory competency-based credentialing standards taught in both educational institutions and work environments. The educational transformation of CBP unifies learning standards with contemporary educational needs and ongoing educational goals to guarantee learner-controlled education above standardized assessment methods.
Teachers’ Perceptions About Teacher Education Program in Pakistan in Perspective of Global Education
A descriptive research was carried out in order to pinpoint aspects related to the global viewpoint in teacher education and offer potential recommendations for enhancement. It is imperative that educators receive training on global concerns since they are essential to the development of a society. Finding global components in Abdul Wali Khan University's English B Ed courses was the study's main goal. The population was made up of all instructors at Abdul Wali Khan University and its associated institutions who taught at the B Ed level. Thirty-six teachers were chosen at random to make up the sample. Descriptive statistical methods were used to evaluate and tabulate the data. Teachers were found to be adequately aware of the goals of the BEd level courses. Though its usage is not encouraged, the curricula included principles of using the Internet, multimedia, and other information technology tools in the teaching and learning process. Women's rights, gender equality, and social justice were not included in the conceptual framework of the selected subject's curriculum. It was observed that the courses failed to foster pupils' critical thinking skills. It was suggested that curriculum planners ensure that their curricula don't include any content that emphasizes blind trust in the past. Instead, teachers should help pupils build a realistic and analytical perspective based on logic, reason, and rationality. The use of electronic media, the internet, and other recently released educational applications must be taught to aspiring teachers. Integrating these into the curriculum will surely help society become more aware of global education and prepare for the challenges of the modern world.
Investigating the Impact of Excessive Technology on Enhancing Learning Outcomes of Students with Disabilities
Abstract The way that children with disabilities learn in the classroom has been totally transformed by modern educational technologies. When technology is used excessively, it can have negative effects on students' learning outcomes. An evaluation investigates the impact of excessive technology on the academic performance of kids with impairments. Data was gathered using a mixed-methods approach that combined quantitative and qualitative research data gathering and analysis methodologies. In addition to conducting 20 in-depth interviews with impaired students, the study team gave a survey to 100 of them. According to the research, students with disabilities who use technology extensively had shorter attention spans, more distractions, and weakened social ties. Students with impairments can now learn with equal chances thanks to technology, which also improves communication and student engagement. This study highlights the need for an adapted approach to technology integration that considers the individual needs and preferences of students with disabilities. To develop plans for both ethical technology administration and the mitigation of negative effects, educators and policymakers must carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of technology use.
A Comparative Study of Two Different Artistic Traditions: The Art of Calligraphy in China and Pakistan
Abstract China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a framework of national regional connectivity, and its prime concern is to develop economies of both countries. There is no gainsaying that this social, economic and cultural intercourse between two distinctive geographical regions, cultures and religions will draw far-reaching impact mainly on Pakistani ways of life. China has the biggest irreligious population, while Pakistan represents strict Islamic religious values and norms. Because of the CPEC Project, cultural friction due to Chinese influx in Pakistan might occur. Considering the great probability of cultural friction, this study endeavors to explore possibilities for the cultural intercourse of two opposite cultural traditions. This paper focuses on the common artistic tradition of calligraphy art in Pakistan and China. The study put the Pakistani or Islamic calligraphy in comparison with the historic Chinese calligraphy and analyses their philosophical and aesthetic approaches, tangible artistic expressions, cultural mindset and tools and materials used in both respected traditions. It endeavors to explore the differences and commonalities of two different forms of the art of calligraphy, which may help us to enhance our understanding of academic, cultural and regional knowledge, and artistic traditions of two different nations with opposite aesthetic, social and spiritual traditions.
Explores strategies for designing exclusive digital learning environments that support students with disabilities.
While the incorporation of digital learning environments has transformed education, students with impairments sometimes face major obstacles impeding their academic development. This paper investigates approaches for creating unique digital learning environments that provide students with disabilities accessibility, inclusion, and customised learning opportunities first priority. The study looks at several technical treatments, instructional strategies, and universal design ideas meant to improve digital accessibility. It emphasises how assistive technologies—screen readers, speech-to--text tools, and adaptive learning platforms—might help to create a more inclusive learning environment. This study mostly focusses on the application of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) ideas, which underline several ways of involvement, representation, and expression to meet different learning requirements. The study also looks at how tailored instructional materials may be for the particular needs of students with disabilities using artificial intelligence (AI) and personalised learning algorithms. The paper also looks at issues with digital equality including access to technology, digital literacy, and the necessity of professional development for teachers to successfully apply inclusive digital initiatives. By means of a qualitative and quantitative investigation, this paper offers insights on best practices for establishing digital learning environments that not only meet accessibility criteria but also improve student motivation, involvement, and academic performance. The results highlight the need of a cooperative strategy including educators, legislators, and technology developers to guarantee that digital learning environments satisfy the several needs of students with disabilities. The study ends with suggestions for next studies and policy issues meant to create a digital learning environment inclusive and fair.
Effects of Social Networking Sites on Educational Performance of Undergraduates After COVID, Pakistan
Social networking sites (SNS) is a platform using which people belonging to every field of the world can collect information related to their field. Smartphone, PCs, and data connection has a significant role to achieve this goal. But the use of SNS, which was much more than the normal routine, we saw in pandemic when the mode of teaching and the pursuit of education has shifted entirely from physical to online. Aims: The purpose of this research was how SNS has affected undergraduates in the field of education during and after the corona virus. Furthermore, highlighting what impacts they had on the quality of their learning outcomes and what they are still experiencing. Moreover, to investigate whether the e-learning platform makes any difference to students’ health and how it links with academic performance. Primary data was collected from two major public universities, Rawalpindi, which are located in Pakistan. Methodology: In order to know the perception of these university students, a semi-structured questionnaire was used with a sample size of 25 respondents. The sampling technique used was simple random sampling and the methodology used was descriptive methodology using survey method. The software used to maintain data records was Microsoft excel. Findings of this research are how social networking sites affected the degree and how diverse types of changes in habits took place. Furthermore, to examine that what are the negative effects that students face on their academic performance due to excessive use of SNS.
Rites of Passage in Ismailis: A Case Study of Chatorkhand Valley
The present study was conducted to highlight the rites of passage such as birth, marriage and death that influence the transition of an individual in a community. Rites of passage are the ceremonial events through which an individual move from one status to another. There are many types of celebrations in our lives but these are the rites of birth, funeral and marriage are the most important human developmental stages that we culturally celebrate. Celebrations are very distinctive and significant in every culture that reflects values that are important in a given culture. The current research explores these major rites of passage and how rituals and ceremonies help create logic that how different cultures distinctively celebrate a change in position or status in society. This study aims to describe the numerous rites of passage of the Ismaili community in the Chatorkhand Valley. The data was obtained through in-depth interviews and analyzed through qualitative thematic analysis. The purposive sampling technique had been used by the researcher. A total of 12 interviews were conducted and only female members of the community were selected. The age of the respondents was 30 – 55 from Chatorkhand Valley. The current study finds that ceremonial events are the most important elements of culture in society, creating a social network for uniting the community.It is a way to maintain social relations, strengthen social ties and hold together a society. In this social network, people developed strong relationships that ultimately lead to creating unity and solidarity in the society which is helpful in the formation of culture.
Investigates the impact of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teaching Chemistry at Higher Secondary School level
abstract There are also numbers of dimensions of the educational system where the AI application is leading to modifications in terms of teaching-learning strategies, assessment and accreditation processes, and organizational practices. Moreover, it has the vested interest of promoting the improvement of the teaching of science. Of interest to this systematic review is therefore to present a basic understanding of the empirically tested connection between science education and artificial intelligence. It also assesses impacts of AI on learning outcomes for students, possible adoption contexts, perceptions that students and teachers have concerning AI, as well as challenges inherent in use of AI in the teaching of sciences. The research also aims to answer questions as to how resources developed with AI may enhance chemistry students’ performance and understanding and increase their level of interest. In this study, the quasi-experimental group was used to investigate an experimental group that has used the AI-learning modules and a control group that was taught according to usual teaching procedures. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews with students, pre- and post- tests. This research suggested that incorporating of AI could significantly improve the students’ performance outcomes particularly on their understanding of concepts and problem solving skills. Thus, for the effect to go viral, some of the teachers may require training on the use of the equipment, and technology needs to be made available in order to support the wide use.
Challenges for Girls in Seeking Higher Education: A Case of Qutbal, Pakistan
Girls’ education is often considered as a challenge in societies where a huge gender gap exists and patriarchy is in practice. But getting higher education for girls living mostly in rural areas of Pakistan is the challenge itself. This study aims to see the difficulties faced by the girls to get their higher education. The objective of this research is to examine the socioeconomic and cultural obstacles faced by girls in a particular area of district Attock’s village named Qutbal. Girls' own will related to their higher education and the decision-making of their families is explored in this research. For that reason, data were collected from girls who are unable to take admission to the university. And parents of those girls who are studying at university. Exploratory research methodology is used. A sample size of 15 girls and 10 parents have been selected. A purposive sampling technique has been used. In-depth interviews had been conducted to collect data. After the research findings suggest the ground realities. What sort of struggles do girls have to face when they want to pursue higher education? What type of cultural and socioeconomic hindrances do parents face when they let their daughters to complete their education? Research also covers societal narratives related to girls’ education. This study is helpful to figure out what is the actual struggle of girls in perusing their higher education. How one can strengthen those who are enthusiastic to fulfill their dreams to get financial independence as well as take their part in the country’s development.
Role of Women in Absence of Emigrants: A Case Study of Syed Kasran Village, Pakistan
This research focuses on the differentiating roles or status of women during the presence and absence of emigrants. It focuses on whether emigration has a positive impact on women in terms of their empowerment or a negative in terms of the burden of responsibilities. The main focus is on emigration from a village in the Chakwal Rawalpindi. Various studies have shown that when a male member migrates from a family it brings changes to the role of women that can be positive or negative. So, here the focus is on analyzing those changes in various dimensions: decision-making power, financial empowerment, increase in responsibilities of children, and other household activities. This research was done in Syed Kasran, a village of Chakwal, district Rawalpindi. The Snowball sampling method is used to find migrant families. An explanatory research methodology is used for this purpose. For this study the data collected through semi-structured questionnaires. The results suggest that emigration results in having positive and negative impacts on women’s life. Their involvement in rural society increases. They have to manage their household activities, children’s education, and other outside tasks themselves in the absence of males which leads to empowerment. On the other hand, they have a lot of responsibilities for children and in-laws that result in burdening them. It also depends on family structure. If living in joint family, women are not empowered enough to take decisions about their family and life. So, it has a negative effect on women empowerment. On the other hand, it also has a positive impact for women in terms of shared responsibilities with other family members. Those living in nuclear family system have to face many challenges and have a lot of responsibilities.