Journal of Social Sciences and Media Studies

(Un)Doing Gender: Intersections of Publishing Industries, Young Adult Fiction and Movies Farkhanda Shahid Khan

Farkhanda Shahid Khan — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 Pakistan Standard Time

The most often classified gender, women, raise their faithful voices through writings in order to show their ability. They excavate their confidence through creative ability – when they write about gender issues with creative genius, through artistic intelligence – when their works are adapted into movies, and struggle to boost their self-respect through their talent. This article unfolds its argument that being the second gender in male chauvinist societies, women – no matter they belong to first or third world, face discrimination while publishing their works, or they are asked to write as publishers want. However, producers and directors endorse turning their works in the genre of Young Adult Fiction (YAF) in America into movies, where their works for young readers are not categorized as underrated. In so doing, media as compared to publishing industries provides an assenting platform often, and thus establishes women writers as significant contributors towards society. Concentrating on the issues, this work analyses the efforts of Young Adult writers along with the intersecting spheres of adaptation, publishing industries, and fiction while highlighting discrimination against them. Moreover, the work also examines the views of the feminist theorists to understand the relevant biases. The article concludes that women can best serve the genre of Young Adult Fiction by undoing gender and let alone the affirmative behaviour of producers, impartial reviews and unbiased acceptance by the publishing industry is also mandatory.

Exploring the Causes and Consequences of Migration from Saraiki Belt to Karachi

Ali Raza Shah, Abdul Karim Suhag, Badar-un-Nisa Soomro — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 Pakistan Standard Time

A qualitative exploratory research was conducted to study the causes and consequences of migration from Saraiki belt to the city of Karachi. To achieve that purpose, interviews based upon an open – ended questionnaire were conducted. Total of ten (10) respondents were interviewed. After transcribing their responses, thematic analysis was conducted to identify causes and consequences. Following significant conclusions were drawn after performing thematic analysis: 1) The law of migration as given by Raven stein is true in the case of migration of people form south Punjab to Karachi; push factors include limited opportunities in the south Punjab districts and pull factors include better economic opportunities in the
city. 2) The analysis shows that support system in Karachi plays a vital role in attracting migrants from the south Punjab as it reduces risks and costs attached with migration and provides information about job and other opportunities in the city. It means that the Network Migration Theory is also valid as far as the migration from the south Punjab to Karachi is
concerned. 3) One of the biggest consequences is the economic prosperity. 4) Migration has significant consequences for women. Immediate consequences for women include the extra responsibility that they share when go out for work to support their families and issues which they face at the hands of male family members who get frustrated owing to the
weakening patriarchal bonds in the city. 5) The analysis also shows that Louis Wirth’s urban traits as given in his classical work ‘Urbanization as a way of life” are also possessed by the Saraiki migrants in the city of Karachi like specialization, dependence on secondary contracts et cetera

Student-Teachers’ Attitude towards ICT Use: An Application and Modification of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in Education

Fatima Hashim, Martin Thomas — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 Pakistan Standard Time

All over the world, the use of technology has revolutionized a wide variety of processes and procedures in various disciplines, including education. The implementation of ICT in education enhances both the standard and quality of education, hence it is introduced in the teaching, learning, and evaluation processes. However, there are examples of ICT under use, both in rural as well as urban areas, during classroom teaching at different levels of studies in developing countries such as Pakistan. One reason for limited use is students’ attitude towards ICT use. The current research used an adapted version of a model called TAM and a self-developed survey questionnaire to gather quantitative data from 270 student teachers enrolled in teacher education programmes in Karachi. Data were analysed using PLS-SEM technique. The results revealed that all factors studied had significant positive contribution towards teachers’ attitude towards the ICT adoption. It was recommended that teacher education programmes provider integrate ICT in the teacher education
curriculum and ensure extensive professional development for teacher educators teaching these courses.

NGOs and Elite Press Discourse in Pakistan: A Framing Analysis

Akber Ali — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 Pakistan Standard Time

Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) have emerged as important sociopolitical actors in the larger siocio-political landscape of Pakistan. Lately, NGOs have come under heated debates both in the political and public discourses in Pakistan. Although there is a considerable scholarship on the role of NGOs in the public sector development, there is
scant literature on how the NGOs are framed in the mediated discourse. Addressing this question is important because the public opinion about NGOs formed by the media could have implications for the legitimacy of the NGOs and the services they render. Using framing theory and qualitative textual analysis as methodological approach, this study aims
to dwell on how NGOs are framed in the editorial genres of the elite newspapers of Pakistan. The analysis identified three major frames within which the NGOs are discussed in the English press of Pakistan viz. welfare frame, threat frame and accountability frame. The analysis reveals that NGOs are represented positively in most of the editorials. However, certain
newspapers have also supported the new NGOs regulation policy promulgated by Pakistan. The study concludes that despite the global critical voices on NGOs, the news media in Pakistan mostly favouraly famre the NGos and their working in Pakistan and that NGOs are depicted as important actors doing welfare acttivites in the Pakistani society. The
findings are discussed in the light of the possible political and institutional reasons due to which the NGOs are portrayed favorably in the elite press discourses of Pakistan.

Concentration Camps of British Colonialism in Sindh: A case study of Hur Movement

Tarique Hussain keerio — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 00:00:00 Pakistan Standard Time

Colonial forces of the British Empire endured in the Indian Subcontinent for two centuries, throughout which the British administrations scuffled with strong, vast, and uncompromising resistance from the Hurs of Sindh. However, the Hur movement, distinguished by its challenging upturn, stood as a giant force in hard-and-fast, marking the collective initiative of the indigenous Sindhi packs within the British colonialism in the Indian Subcontinent. Thus, the understudy exhaustively explores the Hur Movement, especially focusing on concentration camps. Thereafter, the study's findings investigated the role played by the Hurs in rebelling colonial powers and extraordinary strength under the unjust conditions of the concentration camps. In this way, this research study aims to reveal novel findings within the context of the concentration camps, shedding light on the British reaction, the engagement of nightmare torture, and the stark characterization of Hurs. Henceforth, the study highlights key insights about four phases, delving into the tactics and toxic of torture operated during the colonial period, accordingly the brutal conditions within the camps of Hurs. Initially, the harsh brutality of British colonialism is highlighted in the research with a focus on concentration camps in Sindh, where the vicious treatment of inmates presented the dimensions of British oppression. Yet, the understudied domain expedites additional research and back-and-forth, encouraging a more exhaustive interpretation of modern history and its essence of the selected realm. Lastly, it recommends prospective study doors to delve deeper into the intricacies of colonial rule and resistance in Sindh and across other regions of British colonialism.

Happiness as a Mediator in the Relationship Between Workplace Spirituality and Job Satisfaction Among Nursing Staff

Muhammad Muzammil Ghayas, Sana Hussain, Muhammad Usman Khan, Zareen Hussain — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 Pakistan Standard Time

This paper investigates the mediating role of happiness between dimensions of workplace spirituality and job satisfaction within the context of Pakistan's healthcare sector, particularly among nursing professionals. Three scales were administered by employing a cross-sectional study design to a sample of 412 participants, and the analysis was conducted through Structural Equation Modeling. The result shows a significant mediating role of happiness in the relationship between workplace spirituality dimensions and job satisfaction.Moreover, this mediating role of happiness is partial in all cases. The study's findings emphasize the relevance of applying workplace spirituality concepts to raise nurses' happiness levels and offer insightful information about the relationship between organizational spirituality, happiness, and job satisfaction in the healthcare industry

Trainee Teachers' View on Getting Similar Responses from Students Based On Rote Learning. “A Qualitative Study at Elementary Level in Pakistan

Samiya Ashfaq, Dr. Safi Ullah, Dr. Farkhunda Rasheed Choudhary — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:00:00 Pakistan Standard Time

This research delves into the perspectives of trainee teachers within Pakistani teacher education programs regarding the practice of assigning identical homework and classwork in elementary education. The study encompasses a diverse group of trainee teachers representing various specialties and demographics. The researcher used a descriptive design and a
qualitative approach. The qualitative data from the interviews were recorded and analyzed thematically. Thematic analysis involves identifying patterns, themes, and categories in the interview data. The study focused on trainee teachers enrolled in a teacher training program engaged in teaching activities in the Islamabad region of AIOU. Of the 46 students enrolled in this study, 12 students were interviewed using convenience sampling (Stratton, 2021). Interview data were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed to identify recurring patterns and themes. The findings reveal a nuanced picture, with trainee teachers acknowledging both the potential benefits and limitations of identical assignments on student engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes. Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of striking a balance between reinforcing learning and personalizing assignments to cater to diverse student needs. The recommendations put forth include the promotion of diverse pedagogical approaches, enhancing teacher training programs, fostering critical reflection, and encouraging further research to refine teaching practices in the context of identical assignments in elementary education in Pakistan.

Response and Reporting of Cybercrimes in Pakistan – Mass Media as a Mean of Awareness, Prevention, and Protection

Syeda Afsheen Sohail, Dr. Fouzia Naz — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 05:03:42 Pakistan Standard Time

The escalating popularity of the internet has contributed to the augmented rate of cybercrimes across the globe. Fromfinancial fraud to cyber bullying, nations, organizations, and individuals are commonly confronting the threats of cybercrimes. Pakistan has also recorded a substantial upsurge in the reported cases of cyber crimes during the last few years. The cybercrime cell working under the Federal investigation Agency is not only providing awareness to internetusers about identifying and reporting cybercrimes, but it also takes legal action against the people involved in such activities. Despite these efforts, there is insufficient awareness among the public about their cyber rights. This research paper focuses on the issue of cybercrimes and the response of internet users in Pakistan toward these acts. The data for the study has been collected through a survey conducted online among 250 internet users belonging to Pakistan. The data provide a picture of the current level of awareness among internet users about the reporting procedure for cybercrime and punishments for different crimes determined by the law. The paper also highlights various factors that discourage usersfrom reporting crimes and the response of users toward several types of cybercrimes. The discussion also underlines therole of traditional and new media in this context. The paper also proposes a communication plan to raise awareness and encourage cybercrime reporting in the country to abridge the pervasiveness of such acts.

How Technology Transforms Students: Unpacking its Influence on Daily Life, Academic Learning, Social Bonds, and Mental Wellness

Fouzia Rehman, Dr. Shahida Sajjad, Dr. Saira Saleem, Dr. Muniza Omair — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 05:44:36 Pakistan Standard Time

This extensive study centered on the impact of technology, particularly digital devices, on contemporary society, with a special focus on university students. Participants (N=205) were selected through a simple random sampling with no age limit and gender biasness. It reveals that spending extended hours on digital devices lead to addiction and create sleep disruption. A complex relationship between technology and interpersonal interactions was found in fewer face-to-face encounters with family and friends. Furthermore, technology is reshaping students' learning experiences; a shift towards digital resources and feedback methods was observed, that have both positive & negative effects on teacher-student interactions and academic engagement. Besides all of these consequences, this addiction of technology significantly affects students' mental well-being, with most reporting negative impacts. The study suggested critical recommendations, such as teaching digital literacy, fostering communication, mental health awareness programs, and responsible use of AI in academic settings.

News Treatment of the Energy Crisis and Shaping the Public Opinion: An Analysis of Agenda Setting and Framing of Press in Pakistan

Farrukh Nazir, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Bilal Bhatti — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:00:00 Pakistan Standard Time

Media plays an important role in shaping the public opinion by covering societal issues. The obstinacy of this study was to investigate the role of Pakistani press in the issues regarding the energy crisis and its framing. The objectives of the study were to find out that is there positive relationship among readers of Jang Daily who prioritized energy crisis and discussion of the issue with their colleagues and friends & is there positive relationship among the readers of Daily Dawn who prioritized energy crisis and discussion of the issue with their colleagues and friends. The population was the Daily Dawn and Jang Lahore. The social issues covered by the both newspapers published on their main and last pages during the year 2015 was chosen as the sample for this research. The convenient sampling method was used to determine 300 respondents to collect their opinions through survey technique. Daily Jang was resulted the more prominent in placement of news regarding the social issues than the Daily Dawn. The close association was observed between the media agenda and public opinion while assessing the issue of energy crisis covered by Daily Jang. The social issues were covered bythe both dailies with different agendas meanwhile promoted the media agenda instead of public agenda. This studyrecommended that a proper coverage of the social issues should be maintained by the dailies. Furthermore, the press should have kept an eye on the agenda setting and framing theories by focusing on the public agenda.