South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics

Synergising Social Work and Indigenous Value Systems for Addressing Contemporary Social Issues: A Conceptual Framework

M. Nagesh — 2026-04-20

Contemporary social work faces mounting pressure to transcend its historically Eurocentric theoretical foundations and engage more meaningfully with diverse epistemological traditions. Indigenous value systems, characterised by holistic well-being, relational ontologies, communal responsibility, and deep ecological connectedness, offer substantial conceptual resources for enriching social work practice in ways that are culturally responsive, community-centred, and structurally transformative. This review article examines the theoretical and practical dimensions of synergising social work with Indigenous value systems to address pressing contemporary social challenges, including mental health crises, child welfare concerns, environmental degradation, and entrenched social inequalities. Drawing on a narrative review of peer-reviewed literature and authoritative international reports, the article identifies key convergence points between social work and Indigenous epistemologies, critically analyses the decolonisation imperative within the profession, and proposes a conceptual framework that integrates Indigenous knowledge systems into mainstream social work theory and practice. The framework emphasises four interlocking principles: epistemic pluralism, relational accountability, cultural safety, and structural transformation. The article further discusses implications for social work education, policy formulation, and frontline practice, whilst acknowledging the significant challenges posed by institutional inertia, tokenism, and unresolved tensions between Western and Indigenous paradigms. It is suggested that the genuine integration of Indigenous value systems into social work holds considerable promise not only for improving outcomes for Indigenous populations but also for reinvigorating the broader social work profession in its pursuit of social justice and human dignity.

Green Human Resource Management and Environmental Sustainability: A Bibliometric Analysis

Rohit Kumar Sahu — 2026-04-13

Rapid industrialization and excessive utilization of Natural Resources have risen the problem of global warming. Every Discipline of studies are focusing to curb the problem of climate changes, from science to humanities, the focus of studies related to utilization of resources in sustainable way has increased. In the same way Human Resource Management also focusing on new paradigm of Human Resource Management which would contribute to Environmental Management, this new Paradigm is Known as Green Human Resource Management. Purpose of the study is to understand the concept of Green Human Resource Management Practices, annual scientific production, most cited authors, most important Journals and Various collaborations. Although it seems to be new concept but studies related to this perspective can be related to 1989 or before this duration. Scopus and Web of Science are considered as most reliable source of data for any scientific study, therefore in this research Paper we have taken Database of Scopus for the duration of 1989-2025. Data is collected by searching key words, Green Human Resource Management (GHRM), Employees Green Behavior (EGB) and Environmental Sustainability by restricting the result to Management, Commerce and Accounting. In this paper we focused Various aspects of Bibliometric information, such as Number of Publication per years, Most Cited Authors and top most journals. In this paper we also focused on social structure and country collaboration map of the study field. In this study we found that Green Human Resource Management Practices is a multidisciplinary field of knowledge, Environmental sustainability was previously focused through collective action but now, with the help of Green Human Resource Management Practices focuses directly on employees to tackle the problem of Environmental issues. Green Human Resource Management practices and Human Resource Management Practices are two broad dimensions of this study focusing on environmental sustainability and Innovations respectively. In this study we also found that the number of publications has slightly increases in last 10 years showing increasing interest of scholars and researchers in this field. Study showed the relevant Journals, authors and yearly publication of papers which will definitely help the researchers to deep dive into the field of Green Human Resource Management Practices and understand the concept in more relevant way. Study also revealed that the publication in year 2025 declined subsequently which may be due to late publications of papers. Conclusion- The study concludes that GHRM plays a crucial role in aligning organizational strategies with sustainability goals and is emerging as an important area of research and practice.

The data provided does not include data of whole 12 months of 2025 which may be worked by other researchers to eliminate such limitations of this study.

Jute Farming in Selected Areas of Kishoreganj District in Bangladesh: Production Trends and Profitability Analysis

Minhajul Islam Provat — 2026-04-11

Jute remains a vital cash crop in Bangladesh, contributing to rural livelihoods and national export earnings. This study empirically examined profitability, long-term production trends, and the major challenges of jute cultivation in Pakundia and Katiadi upazilas of Kishoreganj district in Bangladesh during 2025 production year. Primary data were collected from 65 farmers through random sampling technique, and time-series data covering 30 years were analyzed for achieving the study objectives. Both log-linear growth model and the compound annual growth rate methods were used to conduct trend analysis of jute area, production and yield in the study area. Gross margin analysis was also used to measure the profitability of jute cultivation. The profitability analysis revealed that the average total cost of jute production was Tk. 57,647.36 per acre, while the average gross return and net return were Tk. 73,129.08 and Tk. 15,481.72 per acre, respectively. The Benefit–Cost Ratio 1.27 confirmed that jute farming is profitable, though high production and marketing uncertainties continue to threaten sustainability. Trend analysis showed that the area under jute cultivation has significantly declined (–1.40% annually at 1% level), and production has also decreased slightly (–0.80% annually at 10% level), while yield has increased over time (+0.60% annually at 1% level), partly compensating for area loss. Farmers identified constraints such as limited retting facilities, high labor wages, low market prices, costly inputs, inadequate extension support, and limited access to quality seeds and credit. They suggested for improved retting infrastructure, government incentives, fair price assurance, timely input supply, and capacity-building initiatives. Overall, jute farming remains economically viable but is constrained by production and market-related risks. Therefore, strengthened policy support, efficient supply chains, are crucial for sustaining the golden fiber of Kishoreganj district in Bangladesh.

Financial Technology and the Financial Stability of the Traditional Banking System in Nigeria: An Empirical Analysis

Ogochukwu Florence Ngaikedi — 2026-04-14

This study looked at how financial technology affected the financial stability of Nigeria's traditional banking system. Several studies have been conducted on Fintech to determine how it affects the financial performance of the banking sector as well as customers’ satisfaction in Nigeria. However, to the best of the researcher's knowledge, based on an online search, there is no study on financial technology as it affects the financial stability of the traditional banking system, so this study was done. In specific term, the study ascertained the effect of value of transactions in automated teller machines, mobile banking, internet banking, and point of sale terminals on z-score, a proxy for financial stability of traditional banking system in Nigeria. The study employed an ex post facto research design using secondary data sourced from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and The Global Economy from 2006 to 2024. The Auto-Regressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) technique was utilized in analyzing the data. The study identified that financial technology variables of value of transactions in automated teller machines, mobile banking, and point of sale terminals have significant effect on z-score. With regard to the nature of relationship in the short-run, there is an insignificant negative relationship between value of transactions in automated teller machines, mobile banking, and financial stability oftraditional banking system in Nigeria. On the contrary, value of transactions in internet banking and point of sale terminals were found to have insignificantly and positively associated with financial stability of traditional banking system in Nigeria. The study advises the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and banks to expand automated teller machines, point of sale terminals and mobile banking access and literacy, since digital inclusion tends to raise Z‑score, while calibrating transaction limits, capital and liquidity buffers to offset short run instability from rapid digital growth. Banks should integrate digital channels into a risk appetite framework, ensuring adequate capital adequacy and governance so that the long‑run U‑shaped benefits of FinTech for stability are realized without persistent Z‑score deterioration.

An Analysis of the Factors Affecting Cropping Intensity Across States of India

Gaganpreet Kaur Kaushal — 2026-04-15

Agriculture is known to be the backbone of the Indian economy. Agriculture significantly influences the Socio-economic and cultural aspects of people’s lives in India. In the absence of alternative livelihood opportunities in rural areas, around 47% of India's population depends on agriculture for their livelihoods. Therefore, agriculture plays a very important role in determining the quality of life of people in India, as about 64% of its population lives in rural areas. However, despite being the predominant occupation, Agriculture is the most backward and least productive sector of India. With around half of the population engaged in agriculture, it contributes only 17-18% of the national income. Unlike the manufacturing and service sectors, agriculture is seasonal; therefore, higher cropping intensity is expected to significantly influence agricultural production and productivity. The present study attempts to analyse the role of irrigation, farm mechanisation, use of chemical fertilisers, rural credit and public expenditure on agriculture in determining the level of cropping intensity across 15 states of India during 2018-2024. The study seeks to develop insights into the determinants of cropping intensity in Agriculture, with a clear objective of identifying and suggesting ways to improve it in Indian agriculture. The study uses stepwise regression analysis to identify the predictor variables which reduce the explanatory power of the regression model. In the present study, the use of NPK fertilisers reduced the explanatory power of the model and is therefore dropped from the analysis. Along with step-wise regression analysis, t-test, R-Squared, Adjusted R-Squared and Correlation Coefficients have also been used to achieve the set objectives of the study. The study finds that the percentage of net irrigated area, disbursement of agricultural credit by institutional sources, tractor density and public expenditure on agricultural development account for 63.7% of interstate variations in cropping intensity in India. However, the study has a major limitation concerning the unavailability of data for many states due to which only 15 states have been included in the analysis.

Role of Digital Payment Practices in Green Finance Orientation: A Study among Millennials in Kerala

P. A. Shefini — 2026-04-15

Aims: In a digitally oriented sustainable financial ecosystem, this study emphasizes the relationship of green finance orientation and usage of digital payment practices among the Millennials in Kerala. The objectives set for the study are to identify the factors influencing usage of digital payment options in a sustainability-focused world, to analyze the level of awareness about Green financial behaviour and digital payments and to evaluate the role of Green finance-oriented payment options in promoting environmentally responsible financial behavior.

Study Design: Descriptive and Analytical Research Design is undertaken by collecting data from Millennial users of Fintech payment practices, within the Geographical boundary of Kerala.

Place and Duration of Study: The study is conducted in Kerala among Millennial category during the year 2025.

Methodology: The sample size of the study is 206 (97 men, 109 women; age range 29-44 years). Various analysis tools (Descriptives, Kruskal–Wallis H Test, Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner Pairwise Comparisons, Spearman’s Rank-Order Correlation, Multiple Linear Regression Analysis, Pearson’s Product–Moment Correlation Coefficients and Linear Regression Analysis) used in the study to draw necessary interpretations with the help of statistical software package Jamovi.

Results: Descriptives reveal a high level of awareness regarding the digital payment mechanism and correlation (level of awareness to influencing factors of digital payment usage: Spearman's rho 0.807***, p-value<.001) explains existence of internal consistency among the variables, while the regression model based on demographic factors (Level of awareness about Green financial behaviour and digital payments: p-value<0.666, R 0.0159, F 0.645) is not statistically significant, which means more behavioural, attitudinal and environmental factors beyond the demographic factors need to be explored. The study recommends for further research that more enhanced awareness level and behavioural factors can lead to more efficient sustainable financial practices.

Conclusion: The digital payment adoption by Millennials can positively contribute towards an environment-friendly financial system. This study leads insights to Government, Policy makers, Education system, Fintech service providers etc. which help them to formulate measures which can encourage the financial practices in a more sustainable manner.

The Impact of Green Marketing Factors on Consumers’ Green Purchase Intention in the Food and Beverage Industry in Hanoi

Cao Tuan Khanh — 2026-04-18

In the context of a rapid transition toward green consumption in major urban areas of Vietnam, such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, green marketing has appeared as a strategically critical issue for businesses operating in the food and beverage (F&B) industry. This research aims to identify and quantify the extent to which green marketing factors affect consumers’ green purchase intention in Hanoi. Data collection was carried out through a structured survey questionnaire administered to 468 consumers, and the data were analyzed using SPSS, including reliability testing (Cronbach’s Alpha), Pearson correlation analysis (r), and multiple linear regression. The findings reveal that six green marketing factors influence green purchase intention based on 24 observed variables, among which “Green Product”, “Green Price”, and “Green Place” exert the strongest impact. The study contributes empirical evidence in the Vietnamese context, clarifying the role of green marketing in shaping purchase intention and sustainable consumption behavior in urban settings. Moreover, the paper provides managerial implications for F&B enterprises seeking to transition toward environmentally friendly business practices.

Effect of ICT on Men Subjective Wellbeing Based on Democratic Republic of Congo

Samy Musubao Kyoghero — 2026-04-20

Empirical and theoretical studies suggest that access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) goes beyond supporting development objectives and plays a significant role in enhancing subjective well-being. However, the existing literature has largely concentrated on developed economies or specific population groups, leaving limited evidence on how ICTs affect men’s well-being in fragile and low-income settings. This study seeks to fill this gap by examining the relationship between ICT access and subjective well-being among men in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a context characterized by structural constraints, socio-economic vulnerability, and persistent inequalities. Using a representative sample of 6,161 men drawn from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS-Palu 2018), logistic regression models are employed to assess the associations between ICT access and self-reported life satisfaction and happiness. The results indicate that ICT access positively influences men’s subjective well-being, with heterogeneous effects across technologies: computer use consistently improves life satisfaction, while Internet access alone shows weaker and occasionally ambiguous effects. Moreover, health status, social integration, and protection against ethnic discrimination emerge as critical determinants of well-being, suggesting that the impact of ICTs is shaped by broader socio-economic and psychosocial conditions. These findings highlight the importance of policies promoting digital inclusion, computer literacy, and productive ICT use, alongside efforts to strengthen health systems and social cohesion. By providing gender-disaggregated evidence from the Congolese context, this study contributes to the literature on ICTs and subjective well-being and offers policy-relevant insights for improving men’s quality of life through technology.

Tax Revenue and Human Capital Development in Nigeria

F. Adioha Ndubuisi — 2026-04-20

This study examined the impact of tax revenue on human capital development in Nigeria from 2013 to 2022.Data on five significant taxes in Nigeria were observed as explanatory variables: Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Educational Tax (EDT), Value Added Tax (VAT), Company Income Tax (CIT), and Customs and Excise Duties (CED). At the same time, Nigerian Human Development Index (HDI) were utilized to measure Human Capital Development. The study used secondary data obtained from the Central Bank Nigeria annual statistical bulletin, World Development Indicator and Federal Inland Revenue Service publications. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller Unit root test was used to determine the stationarity and order of integration of the research variables. Thereafter, these variables were integrated into order one. Ordinary Least Square (OLS) Log –Log Model was adopted to estimate parameters for analysis. Results showed that CIT and VAT positively and significantly affect Human Capital Development. PPT and EDT showed positive but insignificant effect, while CED has a negative insignificant effect on Human Capital Development in Nigeria. It was recommended, among other things, that Nigerian government, through the fiscal policy makers should utilize significant proportion of tax revenue in financing human capital development infrastructure.

Implementing Circular Economy Practices in Apparel Manufacturing Sector in Sri Lanka: Explore Challenges and Opportunities

Anju Parami Jayavilal — 2026-04-20

Background: Circular economy encourages environment protection and social prosperity while giving the green light to economic growth with sustainable development in a country. The apparel industry both globally and Sri Lanka faces considerable environmental challenges and it is recognized as a major consumer of water.

Aim: This study seeks to identify the challenges and opportunities of adopting circular economy practices to enhance resource efficiency in the apparel manufacturing industry of Sri Lanka, under social, environmental, and economic aspects.

Methods: Within the apparel industry, circular design, product life extension, textile recycling, and resource efficiency were identified as key circular economy practices. Qualitative research approach was adopted to identify the social, environmental, and economic aspects of circular economy adoption. Target population consisted of key stakeholders in Sri Lanka’s apparel manufacturing sector, including lean managers, sustainability officers, supply chain professionals, and employees involved in circular economy-related practices. Given the qualitative nature of this study, a purposive sampling strategy was adopted to select 4 respondents. A semi-structured interview used as the primary method of data collection and content analysis used to identify key factors through participants’ responses.

Results: The results revealed that circular economy is understood among Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers as a strategic shift from linear “take-make-dispose” model to a closed-loop system that keeps materials in use for as long as possible. Despite facing notable challenges such as high initial costs, limited infrastructure, and low awareness, companies are making steady progress through innovation, collaboration, and commitment to sustainability goals. The social findings revealed the need for awareness and training to drive behavioral change, while environmental results confirmed significant achievements in waste reduction, water reuse, and carbon footprint minimization. Economically, although initial investments are high, long-term cost savings, market differentiation, and stronger buyer relationships make circular adoption a viable and strategic direction for the industry.

Implications: Apparel manufacturers in Sri Lanka need to implement circular economy principles as port of their core business strategy rather than as isolated sustainability projects. Capacity building in employees and suppliers through continuous awareness and training program; collaborating across the supply chain actors, leveraging circularity for brand differentiation; developing the supportive policy frameworks; expanding recycling and waste management infrastructure and establishing regulatory and certification system would encourage to take part in circular transformation.

Further Study: This study focused on the manufacturing perspective; future research could explore consumer behavior, buyer expectations, and government policy roles in enabling circular transformation.

Employability Skills and Career Preparedness among College Students in Nagaland: An Empirical Study

Saju Mathew — 2026-04-20

Concerns about students' employability skills and job readiness have been highlighted by the widening gap between the demands of the labour market and higher education, especially in developing nations. While earlier research has looked at employability in general, little empirical study has looked at the connection between career readiness and employability abilities in situations that are particular to a certain region, like North-East India. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the employability skills and career readiness of Nagaland college students and investigate the correlation between these two factors. A structured questionnaire based on a 5-point Likert scale was used to gather the primary data from 269 college students, utilising a quantitative research approach. The data was analysed using Pearson's correlation analysis and descriptive statistics. The results show that students have a modest level of professional readiness (mean = 3.41) and employability abilities (mean = 3.47). Additionally, the employability skills and career preparedness were shown to be positively and statistically significantly correlated (r = 0.64, p < 0.01), indicating that stronger employability skills are linked to greater career readiness.

The study highlights the importance of integrating skill-based learning, practical training, and career guidance initiatives within higher education to enhance students’ preparedness for labour market. The findings provide useful learning for educators and policymakers in improving graduate employability in similar regional contexts.

Economic Efficiency and Operational Dynamics of Broiler Poultry Farming: Evidence from Lucknow, India

Rizwan Ahmad — 2026-04-21

Farming of broiler poultry has become a significant element of the agricultural sector in Lucknow with significant contribution to rural livelihoods, job creation, and food security. This paper investigates the socio-economic nature, operational and economic features of broiler poultry farming in the four largest tehsils of the district, i.e., Bakhshi Ka Talab, Malihabad, Mohanlal Ganj, and Sarojini Nagar. The research is founded on primary data gathered by use of a structured questionnaire and field survey of 200 broiler poultry farmers. The study was to examine the socio-economic profile of poultry farmers, learn about the operations and production activities of broiler farming, and determine the primary determinants of farm performance and sustainability.

The demographic and socio-economic characteristics of respondents, such as age, gender, education, income, and occupational pattern were presented in terms of descriptive statistics. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was utilised to determine variation between the sampled tehsils but Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to extract underlying factors affecting broiler farming practices. Moreover, the multiple regression analysis was used to test the dependency between the area of a farm performance and the predictive variables, including its size, experience of farming, the availability of markets, and the income level.

The results indicates that farming of broiler poultry in the study region is male dominated and concentrated majorly in rural households that have diversified livelihood plans. The findings also reveal the presence of a great difference in operational practices and economic performance within the chosen tehsils. The most important determinants of the success of broiler farms are experience in farming, availability of infrastructure and market connections. The study identifies the significance of ensuring that accessibility to credit, market networks, and technical training programs are further increased to improve the productivity and profitability of broiler poultry farming in the area. The research findings are informative to policy makers, researchers, and stakeholders interested in achieving sustainable poultry production and rural economic growth.

Region-Specific Poverty Alleviation Model: A Qualitative Inquiry in Gunungkidul Regency, Indonesia

Murti Lestari — 2026-04-21

Many developing countries struggle with poverty due to unstable and unsustainable development patterns. It is typically defined by income levels and the inability to meet basic human needs. Within modern governance, the success of a government, whether central or regional, is often judged by its ability to lower poverty figures. Because of this, poverty alleviation is consistently prioritized as a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) across all development planning stages. Moving to a more detailed analysis, the Gunungkidul Regency area is known as a barren area and always suffers from a lack of water to meet domestic needs. Meanwhile, the population is dominated by the productive age, which is 15-64 years, which is 497.35 thousand people. This means that the population in Gunungkidul Regency in 2023, the productive age population dominates. Then the location of poverty alleviation priorities in Gunungkidul Regency from 2022 to 2026 is determined based on the Circular Letter of the Deputy Governor of Yogyakarta number 401/0161 dated January 5, 2022, concerning the submission of 15 subdistrict Locus for Poverty Alleviation. In this study, 7 samples were taken, namely Nglipar, Tepus, Playen, Ponjong, Karangmojo, Saptosari, and Gedangsari. In this study, it is to find out the causative factors, existing conditions, and specific poverty management in Gunungkidul district. The qualitative analysis used was field condition analysis, social and cultural analysis, and descriptive statistical analysis. Overall, the conclusion of this finding is that poverty in Gunungkidul Regency is basically a type of natural poverty where due to natural and geographical conditions, some areas are the Gunungsewu Karst area, which is a conservation land, some areas need infrastructure to empower the community. The latest findings in this study are that there are several sample locations that are close to tourism zones, but poverty in these areas is still high due to geographical problems, and many more.