Proceedings of the 9th International RAIS Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities
Proceedings of the 9th International RAIS Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities
Contributor(s): Julia M. Puaschunder (Editor)
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Language and Literature Studies, Economy, Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence, Theology and Religion
Published by: Scientia Moralitas Research Institute
Keywords: RAIS Conference; Social Sciences
Summary/Abstract: This publication presents the Proceedings of the 9th International RAIS Conference onSocial Sciences and Humanities held at Princeton, The Erdman Center, 20 Library Place, NJ08540, USA, on April 4-5, 2018. The Conference was organized by Research Association forInterdisciplinary Studies.
- E-ISBN-13: 978-1-945298-14-1
- Page Count: 272
- Publication Year: 2018
- Language: English
Motivation? The Effects of High-Impact Experiential Learning Activities on Political Science Students
Motivation? The Effects of High-Impact Experiential Learning Activities on Political Science Students
(Motivation? The Effects of High-Impact Experiential Learning Activities on Political Science Students)
- Author(s):Adams Kimberly S.
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:9-25
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:motivation; experiential learning; transformational opportunities; high-impact learning activities; Washington Center; Osgood Center
- Summary/Abstract:This research examines whether high-impact experiential learning activities in politics motivate students positively in learning, personal development and establishing career goals? Using participant observations and student journals recorded during their participation in the Osgood Center for International Studies 2017 Presidential Inauguration Seminar and the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminar’s 2016 Democratic and Republican Convention seminars, this research identifies specific outcomes related to the impact of such experiential learning opportunities on students of political science.
Vygotskianism and the Enhancement of Mobile Language Learners’ Argumentative Writing Skill
Vygotskianism and the Enhancement of Mobile Language Learners’ Argumentative Writing Skill
(Vygotskianism and the Enhancement of Mobile Language Learners’ Argumentative Writing Skill)
- Author(s):Danial Mehdipour Kolour, Kamal Khaksaran, Mohamad Bilal Ali
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Language studies
- Page Range:26-41
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:mobile language learners; mobile andragogy; critical thinking; argumentative writing; constructivism
- Summary/Abstract:Willy-nilly, vast numbers of ESL learners, who today adopt mobile devices in their learning practices, will be obliged to make rich arguments when writing academic articles or sitting for standard exams during their academic life. However, due to the linear learning that language learners commonly experience through mobile applications, Mobile Language Learners (MLL) would not be able to create rich arguments. This paper maintains a theoretical stance on a psychological theory named social constructivism emanated from Vygotsky and explains that how higher order thinking skills flavored with a social constructivist framework can have a bearing on the way MLLs bring reasons and make conclusions to form valid and rich arguments culminating in knowledge construction in the on-the-go environment. The expected implication would be the diminution of MLLs’ proclivity of being a passive knowledge recipient usually induced by sailing through mobile learning environment.
Detecting Radicalisation in Communities: The Role of Multi-Agency Partnership and the Power of Local Information
Detecting Radicalisation in Communities:
The Role of Multi-Agency Partnership and the Power of Local Information
(Detecting Radicalisation in Communities:
The Role of Multi-Agency Partnership and the Power of Local Information)
- Author(s):Sue Roberts
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences
- Page Range:42-57
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:extremism; terrorism; partnerships; multi-agency; communities; collaboration; governance;
- Summary/Abstract:Following the 2017 UK terrorist attacks by extremist religious individuals, it is notable that politicians and individual commentators remarked on the pressing need for local partnership working in England (BBC question time, 5 June 2017; Faith Matters 2017; Brendan Cox 19 June 2017). For it is by this means, people working together in a community, that local information and intelligence can be accessed, especially relating to emerging radicalisation. The early warning signs that could lead to active terrorism of the kind witnessed in the 2017 attacks (UNISON 2016) are being missed, and there are reasons why. This paper looks at why local information and multi-agency partnership are important to policing and community safety in the context of concerns about radicalisation and extremism, reviewing the policy changes, and their effects in partnership arrangements that have occurred in the UK since 2010. The paper goes on to present findings about the crucial significance of local partnership working in detecting radicalisation and some of the challenges faced by professionals now. The third part of the paper considers the question of how relevant agencies can monitor ongoing extremism and terrorism in communities through local intelligence gleaned through partnership working and other means.
School Practices and Education Policy: Aboriginal Students’ Challenges and Successes
School Practices and Education Policy: Aboriginal Students’ Challenges and Successes
(School Practices and Education Policy: Aboriginal Students’ Challenges and Successes)
- Author(s):Lorenzo Cherubini
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:58-71
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:Aboriginal students; education policy; achievement gap
- Summary/Abstract:The academic success of Aboriginal students remains particularly concerning across Ontario, Canada, the United States and abroad. Less than half of all Aboriginal students in Canada receive a secondary school diploma since they often do not discern meaning in both the provincial curriculum and the priorities of public schools. In the province of Ontario (Canada), the Ministry of Education (OME) 2007 policy document, The Ontario First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Education Policy Framework (the Framework) addresses the achievement gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal learners in public education. The Framework points to the epistemological learning preferences of Aboriginal students and aims to make all stakeholders more accountable for the academic success of Aboriginal students. This study examines the perceptions and experiences of Aboriginal students in northern Ontario publicly-funded schools in the context of the objectives of the OME policy Framework. The findings of this longitudinal qualitative study include two categories that are described as ‘Schools as Spaces of Socialization’ and ‘Principled Actions and Variability.’ The categories, as the discussion of the paper will suggest, bring to light the potential of Aboriginal students to first flourish in the imagination of their individual and collective identity, and second, to undertake the challenges associated to public schooling and thrive in what can be adverse environments. However, the findings of this study also point to the fact that some Aboriginal students perceive the various injustices of school practices and relations but in most instances, consider themselves as having very limited opportunities to enact change.
A Blended Learning Model Used to Prepare Saudi Arabian Doctoral Students to be Knowledge-Based Educational Leaders
A Blended Learning Model Used to Prepare Saudi Arabian Doctoral Students to be Knowledge-Based Educational Leaders
(A Blended Learning Model Used to Prepare Saudi Arabian Doctoral Students to be Knowledge-Based Educational Leaders)
- Author(s):Abdourahmane Barry, Fatemah Abdullah Alhazmi
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Language and Literature Studies
- Page Range:72-86
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:blended learning; educational leaders; knowledge-based; Saudi Arabia
- Summary/Abstract:To secure a better future in today’s globalized world, a knowledge-based society must be a priority for every nation. For a long time, many nations have relied primarily on passive resources—that is, natural and financial resources—for their existence. However, in the era of globalization dominated by knowledge and information technologies, the focus is shifting towards active resources—that is, human resources. Human resources are perceived by nations as a key engine for competitiveness, economic prosperity, national sovereignty, and human dignity. One of the media through which these human resources are developed is education, which involves teaching and learning. To respond to the increased demands for human competencies to function in a knowledge-based society, educators must adapt to the emerging teaching and learning approaches. One of these emerging approaches is the blended learning approach, which has the ability to improve learning and cost-effectiveness, increase access and flexibility, and help institutions stay up-to-date. Therefore, in contrast to a traditional research paper, this paper describes a teaching and learning practice, with the aim of achieving two objectives: 1) to present a brief background of the blended learning approach and its models and 2) to share a specific blended learning model used to prepare Saudi Arabian doctoral students to be knowledge-based educational leaders.
Nudgital: Critique of Behavioral Political Economy
Nudgital: Critique of Behavioral Political Economy
(Nudgital: Critique of Behavioral Political Economy)
- Author(s):Julia M. Puaschunder
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Economy
- Page Range:87-117
- No. of Pages:30
- Summary/Abstract:Behavioral Economics revolutionized mainstream neo-classical economics. A wide range of psychological, economic and sociological laboratory and field experiments proved human beings deviating from rational choices as standard neo-classical profit maximization axioms failed to explain how human actually behave. Human beings rather use heuristics in their day-to-day decision making. These mental short cuts enable to cope with a complex world yet also often leave individuals biased and falling astray to decision making failures. What followed was the powerful extension of these behavioral insights for public administration and public policy making. Behavioral economists proposed to nudge and wink citizens to make better choices for them and the community. Many different applications of rational coordination followed ranging from improved organ donations, health, wealth and time management, to name a few. Yet completely undescribed remains that the implicit hidden persuasion opens a gate to deception and is an unprecedented social class division means. Social media forces are captures as unfolding a class dividing nudgital society, in which the provider of social communication tools can reap surplus value from the information shared of social media users. The social media provider is outlined as capitalist-industrialist, who benefits from the information shared by social media users, or so-called consumer-workers, who share private information in their wish to interact with friends and communicate to public. The social media capitalist-industrialist reaps surplus value from the social media consumer-workers’ information sharing, which stems from nudging social media users. For one, social media space can be sold to marketers who can constantly penetrate the consumer-worker in a subliminal way with advertisements.
The Development of Resilience of Social Work Services in a State of Political Conflict
The Development of Resilience of Social Work Services
in a State of Political Conflict
(The Development of Resilience of Social Work Services
in a State of Political Conflict)
- Author(s):Eti Boehm–Tabib, Amnon Boehm
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:118-123
- No. of Pages:6
- Keywords:Resilience; Disaster; War
- Summary/Abstract:Throughout the world, political conflicts lead to violence between countries. In such situations, wars and terrorism result in physical and mental injury to members of the civilian population. The social work services are many times the first to provide assistance in the initial stages of shock and defense. The success of the services depends, among other things, on their organizational characteristics. The present study is based upon qualitative research conducted in Israel with social workers. The point of departure was the knowledge gained from the experience of the social workers. The sample included 46 interviewees from 20 social work services. Thirteen of the services were identified as having organizational resilience and coped effectively with emergencies among the civilian population exposed to war and terrorism, and the other 13 were found to lack resilience. The research findings indicated that the tendency to take action was the most prominent characteristic among the resilient organizations. Other characteristics that contributed to action (in resilient organizations) or deterred action (in unsuccessful organizations) were associated with organizational structure, management and leadership style, the decision-making process, communication, role division, relations with the environment, and nature of the roles of the team members. The study discusses the characteristics of resilience and practical aspects for the development of social work services.
Facilitating Economic Development Through Employment Opportunities for Migrant Workers
Facilitating Economic Development Through Employment Opportunities for Migrant Workers
(Facilitating Economic Development Through Employment Opportunities for Migrant Workers)
- Author(s):Anusha Mahendran
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:124-136
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:economic development; employment opportunities for migrant workers
- Summary/Abstract:The World Bank for several years has endorsed an agenda of promoting economic development through labour migrant programs in many regions including the Oceanic-Pacific region. Evidence also seems to indicate that the effective facilitation of economic development through labour migrant programs requires appropriate matching of migrant workers to suitable employment opportunities in industry sectors within host countries where there exists relevant vacancies that migrant workers could be matched to and that they would be able to undertake in a meaningful way. As such, the analysis of pertinent labour market data relating to industry sectors experiencing labour shortages within host countries is necessary to accurately identify occupational groups which require an influx of appropriately matched migrant workers to meet labour demand. In addition such labour market data analysis would also enable the extent of the labour shortages across the job categories within the specific sectors to be astutely assessed and evaluated, which is likely to contribute to improving the overall success of the labour migrant policies and programs that are developed and implemented. To this end, this paper provides a summary analysis of the potential employment opportunities for migrant workers within specific occupational groups across relevant industry sectors in potential host countries.
The Influences of Intellectual Stimulation and Inspirational Motivation on the Profitability of Romanian Employees
The Influences of Intellectual Stimulation and
Inspirational Motivation on the Profitability of Romanian Employees
(The Influences of Intellectual Stimulation and
Inspirational Motivation on the Profitability of Romanian Employees)
- Author(s):Cristian Liviu Vele
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:137-144
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:Inspirational motivation; intellectual stimulation; profitability; transformational leadership
- Summary/Abstract:The main objective of this article was to identify any valid statistical correlations between two dimensions of transformational leadership, namely inspirational motivation and intellectual stimulation on employee’s profitability. In order to achieve this, a research was conducted on Romanian employees from companies located in the Maramureș County and a number of 98 valid questionnaires were gathered, which were analyzed using the IBM SPSS software. Two research hypotheses were formulated: H1: Intellectual stimulation positively influences employees’ profitability and H2: Inspirational motivation positively influences employees’ profitability. The findings of then research revealed that the participants obtained above average scores in terms of inspirational motivation and intellectual stimulation. Also, a valid statistical correlation was found between intellectual motivation and employees’ profitability, but when referred to the implication of inspirational motivation of profitability, we found out that the correlation between these two variables was not statistically valid. The findings allowed us to conclude that employee’s and consequently organizational profitability can be increased by encouraging people to think in an innovative, creative manner and by supporting them to become an active part in the decision making process.
Born Globals (BGs): Who Are They?
Born Globals (BGs): Who Are They?
(Born Globals (BGs): Who Are They?)
- Author(s):Hamza El Guili
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:145-155
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:SMEs; Internationalization; Born globals; Early internationalization
- Summary/Abstract:The acceptance and recognition of born global firms (BGs) as relevant and singular organizations across the world’s economy has been flourishing in the recent years. Born globals are commonly entrepreneurial and relatively young small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), with limited resources. Although these restrictions and constraints, BGs initiate their internationalization process from early stages. Thus, they conduct their internationalization process more rapidly than traditional firms operating in domestic markets and using incremental processes. Nevertheless, theories on BGs are still not fully developed by researchers. Few studies have tried to advance theoretical reflections on born global firms and their internationalization. This paper examines how research on BGs internationalization has emerged and its development over time. Furthermore, it identifies the challenges faced by these firms when they internationalize and gives future research suggestions to academicians for the advance of the research in the internationalization of born global firms.
Interdependence and superordinate goals: The revenge of the dualists
Interdependence and superordinate goals: The revenge of the dualists
(Interdependence and superordinate goals: The revenge of the dualists)
- Author(s):W.F. Lawless
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:156-166
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:interdependence; goals, social sciences
- Summary/Abstract:Appearances can be misleading, but not in the social sciences. Based on the statistical aggregation of intuitions (observations, self-reports, interviews) about reality across individuals that converge while seeking a 1:1 relation, the primary model of decision making attempts to make intuitions rational. But despite its many claims to the contrary, the social sciences have failed in building a successful predictive theory, including in economics where the results from this failure, re-labeled as irrational, have won Nobel prizes, yet irrational humans in freely organized and competitive teams strangely manage to be extraordinarily innovative. In contrast to traditional social science, the most predictive theory in all of science is the quantum theory, each prediction confirmed by new discoveries leading to new predictions and further discoveries, but the dualist nature of the quantum theory makes it counterintuitive despite more than a century of intense, unflagging debate. By re-introducing dualism into social science with a quantum-like theory of social interdependence, we offer an opportunity to rehabilitate social science by successfully making predictions and new discoveries about human teams that account for the abysmal performance of interdisciplinary science teams; that generalizes to the newly arising problem of how to engineer hybrid teams (arbitrary combinations of autonomous humans, machines and robots); and that explains the counterintuitive prediction that highly interdependent teams do not generate Shannon information, but instead “darken” as a team becomes perfect, meaning, intuitively, that structural information about a team can be gained only under competition (i.e., perturbation theory).
Structure of Person’s Psychological Resources in Emergency Situations
Structure of Person’s Psychological Resources in Emergency Situations
(Structure of Person’s Psychological Resources in Emergency Situations)
- Author(s):Naira Hakobyan, Anna Khachatryan
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:167-181
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:Psychological resources; social environment; cognitive coping resources; emotional coping resources
- Summary/Abstract:A person lives and works in society. Out of the social environment, it is impossible to imagine any aspect of a person’s life. In many cases, the characteristics of the social environment depend on the means and interaction of the person’s psychological resources. A person uses different resources at different stages of life. A good share of these resources in the majority of cases are not appreciated and perceived as ordinary means of life. In some cases these resources cannot be reached because of conflict with negative psychological phenomena, whether it is a traumatic or negative past experience or an irrational thinking. This is why the appropriate trainings for reducing the impact of these negative phenomena and providing stress-resistance are of much importance. On the other hand, the knowledge and skills gained during the trainings can be useful and applicable in process of overcoming possible conflicts and coping with potential emergencies. Due to psychological resources, helping to adapt to stress, it is easier to get out of the stressful situation.
The Media and Challenges of Adopting Western Democracy: Nigeria and the Restructuring Debate
The Media and Challenges of Adopting Western Democracy: Nigeria and the Restructuring Debate
(The Media and Challenges of Adopting Western Democracy: Nigeria and the Restructuring Debate)
- Author(s):Hadiza Wada
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:182-203
- No. of Pages:21
- Keywords:Nigerian Press; Media and Democracy
- Summary/Abstract:This study using the media effect theory, particularly the agenda-setting theory, hypothesized that a heated media debate over what was tagged national ‘restructuring conference’ in Nigeria was a subject of deliberate media ‘framing.’ The issue which advocated for circumventing the federal legislature created much emotional rhetoric, where existing democratic structures suffice in debating and addressing the issues the conference was supposed to address. A random survey of Nigerian citizens confirmed that the issue was overrated in importance by the media. An analysis of the frequency of news coverage of restructuring by major newspapers during peak debating time confirmed that the hyping was disproportionally coming from sectional special interests, as opposed to balanced reporting based on national interest. Highlighted in the paper is the negative use of ‘framing’ to influence and divert the audience’s attention from more critical issues plaguing Nigeria. The study recommends that the media, in consonance with its ethical code of social responsibility joins other institutions in strengthening democratic structures above all else, including special interests.
The Interplay of Space and Gender in the City of Mostaganem, Algeria
The Interplay of Space and Gender in the City of Mostaganem, Algeria
(The Interplay of Space and Gender in the City of Mostaganem, Algeria)
- Author(s):Fatima Zohra Benneghrouzi, Minouna Zitouni
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:204-222
- No. of Pages:18
- Keywords:gender; culture; empowerment; Mostaganem; place exclusion
- Summary/Abstract:This paper probes the following questions: 1) to what extent do the conceptualization and implementation of space/place express and sustain certain hegemonic hierarchies that normalise socio-cultural divisions in Arab Algerian environment of Mostaganem City? 2) What tools are utilised as means of space exclusion? 3) Is there a possibility of recreating new spaces for women, by making them occupy existing men’ spaces or revalorise unexploited spaces? (4) And ultimately, how much (dis)empowering space is for women? In relation to these questions, three postulations are advanced: (1) The Arab Algerian culture is drastically male-oriented and space appropriation only validates such culturally hammered circumstance. (2) Harassment by verbal violence is the main and most forceful tool of space exclusion. (3) Masculine hegemony has it that no possibility of space (re) valorisation is now opportune.
The Trafficking in Human Beings Crime in Romania
The Trafficking in Human Beings Crime in Romania
(The Trafficking in Human Beings Crime in Romania)
- Author(s):Nicoleta-Elena Buzatu
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:223-234
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:crime; human trafficking; organized crime; Romanian Criminal Code
- Summary/Abstract:The study below is meant to focus on the trafficking in human beings crime in Romania, especially the analysis of the trafficking infraction provided in the Romanian Criminal Code. Romania is one of the transit states, but mostly one of the main source countries for trafficking in human beings in Europe. Currently, the trafficking in human beings phenomenon, as for the drug trafficking, the arms trafficking, corruption, tax evasion, represent one of the most extended ways of displaying the criminality, that, in a very short time span, recorded unimaginable and unacceptable proportions for the society we live in. The trafficking in human beings phenomenon is defined through the illegal migration. The Romanian legal response to the trafficking in human beings phenomenon was a gradual one, by ratification certain international provisions, but also through enacting a special law and legal measures that can be applied regarding the field in the talk.
The Gap Between Comfortable Membership and Genuine Discipleship Within the Church
The Gap Between Comfortable Membership and Genuine Discipleship Within the Church
(The Gap Between Comfortable Membership and Genuine Discipleship Within the Church)
- Author(s):Samuiel Balc
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Theology and Religion
- Page Range:235-241
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:Church; discipleship; membership; Christian; maturity
- Summary/Abstract:According to the New Testament, the Church of Jesus Christ is a glorious church. Yet the glory of the Church has not always been fully reflected by the local Churches throughout history. Because of this, many churches are harshly criticized, they are considered irrelevant, obsolete, and are coldly rejected by many. Unfortunately, although there is no doubt that Holy Scripture is essential to spiritual growth, there are many believers who do not know even the most elementary biblical doctrines, although they have been members of the Church for years. There are many believers who are satisfied with a comfortable membership without being authentic disciples. The solution for the outcome of this state consists in a transformation of the Churches without changing the biblical message and without lowering the standards, the ideals, and without losing the purpose which is presented in the Sacred Scripture. To become mature Christians, authentic disciples, believers need biblical teaching to give them theological stability, need profound relationships to satisfy, and need to see people coming to Christ as a result of a personal testimony.
Luther, the Papacy, and the Quest for the Absolute
Luther, the Papacy, and the Quest for the Absolute
(Luther, the Papacy, and the Quest for the Absolute)
- Author(s):Brandon Tucker
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Theology and Religion
- Page Range:242-248
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:Luther; Reformation; Authority; Anxiety; Philosophy
- Summary/Abstract:Luther’s rejection of papal authority was never really about papal authority. Luther’s revolutionary theological route was led by another, more important motivation: his fundamental, all-important “quest for the absolute.” Luther was animated by an obsessive desire to find a sure, certain, and unfailing basis for the Christian life- “the absolute.” This was his primary spiritual impulse, which he had acquired during his days as an anxious, guilt-ridden monk. Knowing his own sin, Luther despaired of finding an absolute basis for salvation in himself. Likewise, discovering the Church to be “merely human,” he found it necessary to untether the Christian life from any reliance upon the institutional Church. It was then only natural for Luther to reject the claims of absolute authority made by that Church’s head, the pope. This essay examines Luther’s radically changing views on the papacy during the critical period between October 31, 1517 (Luther’s publication of the Ninety-Five Theses) and December 10, 1520 (Luther’s burning of Exsurge Domine- the papal bull of excommunication). This transformation was not so much an evolution into something new, but the unfolding realization of something already present. Luther’s ultimate rejection of papal authority was implicated in his restless commitment to finding an absolute basis for the spiritual life and salvation. Historical circumstances merely provided the external occasion for him to flesh out the logic of this internal quest. This paper employs philosophical, theological, psychological, and historical insight to get at this deep, largely ignored component of Luther’s attitude towards the papacy.
Aspects Relating to the Family Status in the Roman Law
Aspects Relating to the Family Status in the Roman Law
(Aspects Relating to the Family Status in the Roman Law)
- Author(s):Ligia-Roxana Rotaru
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:249-256
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:status; family; marriage; Roman law
- Summary/Abstract:The status of the family has evolved over time until it formed what we call today the basic cell of society. It is interesting to observe how in the old Roman law, for the valid start of a marriage it was required the consent of the head of family also known as pater familias and not of the future bride and groom. They had no rights of their own, the father even having the right of life and death at first. As Rome moves towards the Imperial Age, marriage also begins to take on another form and becomes from marriage cum manu (under the power of pater familias) to sine manu (where only the consent of future bride and groom was needed).
Opportunistic Migration: A Collateral Promise for Development in Seasonal Migration of Southwest Coastal Bangladesh
Opportunistic Migration: A Collateral Promise for Development in Seasonal Migration of Southwest Coastal Bangladesh
(Opportunistic Migration: A Collateral Promise for Development in Seasonal Migration of Southwest Coastal Bangladesh)
- Author(s):Md Mostafizur Rahman, Mahmud Uz Zaman, Haider A. Khan
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:257-272
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:Seasonal migration; social network; collateral promise; qualitative method
- Summary/Abstract:Aligning with the broader discussion of migration, seasonal migration also resembled a multifold phenomenon ranging from reasons of temporal movement to settling down process at the place of destination. In this paper, seasonal migration was portrayed in between the ‘alarmists’ view and ‘skeptic’ view of migration, holding a new position called ‘opportunistic migration’ that seemed to offer benefits to the seasonal migrants characterizing by gaining social knowledge and earning money from the place of destination. The empirical data, face-to-face in-depth interviews, showed that both social and economic aspects of seasonal migration were dominated by the pull factors, and environmental aspects were linked with the push factors. This paper also highlighted that social network played an active role for seasonal migrants, in particular, the workers who seasonally migrated into the brickfields of southwest coastal Bangladesh. While migrating from the rural to the urban context, two-tier verbal agreements took place in between the brickfield owners with the contractors, and the contractors with the brickfield workers. Though those verbal agreements seemed to contain some extent of the failure of expectations by the above-mentioned actors related to seasonal migration, it also held optimism of development for every actor. Finally, this paper reused the term ‘collateral promise’ with a slighter social tone to understand the informal interactions among the employers, contractors, and the seasonal migrants.