مجلة العلوم الاجتماعية (Journal of Social Sciences) ISNN 2568-6739 Social Science Journal is an international peer-reviewed journal issued by the Arab Democratic Center Berlin-Germany that publishes research in the field of social sciences in Arabic, English, and French. It aims to promote cooperation in all fields of social sciences It is published periodically every three months and has an editorial board and an international scientific body that supervises it, as it oversees the refereeing process for incoming articles. Read More ...
Democratic Arabic Center For Strategic, Political & Economic Studies
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0
A Maqasid-Based Conceptual Framework for Educational Governance: Toward a Normative Model for Institutional Legitimacy in Education
Educational governance has emerged as a central framework for improving institutional performance, accountability, transparency, and stakeholder participation in educational institutions. However, existing scholarship has largely approached educational governance from organizational, managerial, and policy-oriented perspectives, with limited attention to the underlying normative foundations that give governance principles their ethical and institutional legitimacy. Consequently, a theoretical gap remains regarding the conceptual relationship between contemporary Maqasid-based thought and the foundational principles of educational governance. This study aims to develop a Maqasid-based conceptual framework for educational governance by examining how governance principles can be interpreted through higher purposive foundations derived from contemporary Maqasid theory. To achieve this objective, the study employs an analytical and conceptual approach, drawing on the literature of educational governance and contemporary Maqasid scholarship. The analysis identifies five overarching Maqasid-based foundations relevant to educational governance: justice, human dignity, responsibility, public interest, and civilizational development and sustainability. The study further argues that these foundations do not translate directly into governance principles; rather, they operate through a set of intermediary institutional values, including equity, trust, empowerment, ethical accountability, institutional prudence, and continuous improvement. The study proposes a three-level conceptual framework linking Maqasid foundations, institutional values, and educational governance principles. Within this framework, transparency, participation, accountability, efficiency, and sustainability are understood as institutional manifestations of deeper normative foundations rather than merely procedural governance mechanisms. The study’s principal theoretical contribution lies in proposing a conceptual pathway that explains how governance principles derive their normative legitimacy from higher Maqasid-based foundations through intermediary institutional values. By doing so, the study contributes to bridging the gap between educational governance scholarship and contemporary Maqasid thought and offers a value-oriented perspective for understanding governance in educational institutions
Educational Governance, Maqasid al-Shariah, Human Dignity, Justice, Public Interest, Accountability, Institutional Sustainability, Conceptual Framework
Copyright (c) 2026 Authors retain full copyright and publishing rights without restrictions. All articles published in the Journal of Social Sciences are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0). This allows readers to share, copy, and redistribute the material, provided that appropriate credit is given to the original authors. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Artificial intelligence in environmental monitoring: Advancements, challenges, and future directions
The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in environmental monitoring offers accurate disaster forecasts, pollution source detection, and comprehensive air and water quality monitoring. This article provides an overview of the value of environmental monitoring, the challenges of conventional methods, and potential AI-based solutions. Several significant AI applications in environmental monitoring are highlighted, showcasing their contributions to effective environnemental management. AI technologies enhance environemental monitoring by enabling better understanding, prediction, and mitigation of environmental risks. However, realizing the full potential of AI faces hurdles such as a shortage of specialized AI experts in the environmental sector and challenges related to data access, control, and privacy. These issues are more pronounced in regions with developing technological infrastructure. The paper advocates for proactive data governance measures by governments to protect sensitive information. Despite these challenges, the future of AI in environmental monitoring remains promising, with advancements in AI algorithms, data collection techniques, and computing power expected to further improve accuracy and efficiency in pollution monitoring and management
Artificial Intelligence, Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Disasters, Environmental Risks
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence Technologies on the Study of Family Issues and Social Relationships in Israeli Society
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the most influential technological innovations shaping contemporary social science research. The increasing availability of digital data and advanced analytical techniques has enabled researchers to explore social phenomena with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. This study examines the impact of artificial intelligence technologies on the study of family issues and social relationships in Israeli society. It focuses on the role of AI applications, including machine learning, natural language processing, big data analytics, and predictive modeling, in enhancing the understanding of family dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and social behavior. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach based on an extensive review of academic literature, scholarly publications, and institutional reports addressing artificial intelligence and its applications in social research. The analysis demonstrates that AI technologies provide significant opportunities for improving data collection, identifying behavioral patterns, analyzing communication networks, and supporting evidence-based policymaking. Furthermore, AI-assisted methods facilitate the examination of demographic changes, family structures, and social interactions within diverse communities. The findings indicate that artificial intelligence can significantly enhance the understanding of family issues and social relationships by analyzing large datasets efficiently. However, its use also raises important challenges related to privacy, data security, algorithmic bias, transparency, and ethical responsibility
Artificial Intelligence, Family Issues, Social Relationships, Israeli Society, Machine Learning
La mobilité des étudiants étrangers au Maroc : Cas des jeunes subsahariens et leurs trajectoires (Université Moulay Ismail-Meknès).
As a host country, Morocco has experienced a significant increase in student mobility, particularly from sub-Saharan African countries. Far from being a spontaneous phenomenon driven solely by students’ individual initiative, this form of mobility reflects a complex dynamic embedded in broader systems of economic and political exchange between countries of origin and destination. This field-based study adopts a qualitative research approach, as it allows for an in-depth understanding of the conditions, forms, and representations shaping individuals’ experiences. Among the various data collection techniques available, we chose the semi-structured interview method, conducting interviews with 16 male and female students from Sub-Saharan African countries, who came to Meknes to pursue their university studies. A snowball sampling technique was employed in order to reach a sufficient number of participants within a limited timeframe. The objective of this article is to analyze the trajectories of sub-Saharan students studying at various institutions affiliated with Moulay Ismaïl University in Meknès, affiliated with Moulay Ismail University in Meknes. The study examines their experiences, motivations, and the ways in which they cope with the challenges associated with their academic trajectories. Particular attention is paid to two key aspects: the influence of social status on the continuity of their academic paths, and the settlement strategies, whether temporary or permanent, that they envisage after graduation. By exploring their adaptation processes and the difficulties they encounter, this study sheds light on the complexities of sub-Saharan student mobility in Morocco
Sub-Saharan student mobility, trajectories, integration, higher education
The Role of Psychological Empowerment in Job Engagement: An Exploratory Study of Employee Opinions at Al-Furqan University
This study evaluates the role of psychological empowerment, represented by its dimensions (meaning, competence, self-determination, and impact) in enhancing job engagement , represented by its dimensions (vigor, dedication, and absorption) among employees at Al-Furqan University in Mosul, Iraq. The study relied on the descriptive-analytical approach, and a questionnaire was used to collect data from all members of the target population. (48) respondents completed the questionnaire. The reliability and normality of the data were tested. Hypotheses were tested using regression analysis. The overall scores for the psychological empowerment scale and the job engagement scale were high . The regression analysis results showed that psychological empowerment and all its dimensions had a statistically significant positive impact on job engagement. The study offers a set of recommendations to enhance the levels of psychological empowerment and job engagement among employees at the university under study
Psychological empowerment, meaning, competence, self-determination, impact, job engagement, Al-Furqan university
Guardians of Truth in Algerian Academia: Developing Ethical AI Frameworks for Multilingual Hypothesis-Driven Research
The proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has transformed academic research practices across higher education institutions around the world. While AI-powered tools such as large language models, neural machine translation systems, and automated writing assistants offer significant opportunities for enhanced research productivity, but also pose complex ethical and linguistic challenges. These issues are particularly acute in multilingual and postcolonial academic contexts, where researches are often required to navigate between multiple languages, traditions, and knowledge systems. This study explores the ethical implications of AI-assisted research in the Algerian higher education and presents a context-sensitive framework for responsible AI use in multilingual hypo thesis-based research. Using a convergent mixed-methods approach, this study examines the experience of 45 master students at the English department of Batna 2 University enrolled in a research methodology course. The results indicate that structured AI ethics education significantly improves students’ ethical decision-making skills, awareness of algorithmic bias, and their ability to engage critically with AI generated outputs. The study also demonstrates that mainstream AI systems tend to favor Anglophone linguistic norms, which could marginalize local epistemologies and multilingual scholarly practices. In response, the article proposes the Algerian AI Ethics Triade: a framework based on the principles of Transparency, Cultural Relevance, and Human Primacy. The framework offers practical recommendations for researchers, educators, and policymakers who want to incorporate AI into academic research scholarly without compromising integrity, linguistic diversity, and intellectual autonomy. The findings contribute to emerging discussions on responsible AI governance and offer implications for multilingual higher education systems across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region
artificial intelligence ethics, multilingual research, academic integrity, EFL research, higher education
Strategies for preventing psychological disorders at the societal and family levels
This article examines the prevention of psychological disorders in Algeria through the analysis of interactions between family solidarity and social transformations. It highlights the central role of the family in psychological protection through socialization processes, emotional support, and educational practices. The study also demonstrates that contemporary transformations related to urbanization, socioeconomic difficulties, and digital development deeply affect psychological balance. In response to these challenges, prevention requires a comprehensive approach involving families, educational institutions, public policies, and community organizations. Finally, the article emphasizes the importance of combating stigma and strengthening prevention strategies adapted to the Algerian context
Mental health; prevention; psychological disorders; family; family solidarity; social change; Algeria; public health
The role of the Israeli occupation in facilitating the spread of modern narcotics in Ramallah Governorate from the perspective of Palestinian police officers: A field study
This study investigates the role of the Israeli occupation in facilitating the proliferation of modern synthetic drugs in the Ramallah Governorate. It aims to identify the security and legal challenges facing Palestinian police officers in combating this phenomenon and to assess its social implications. Adopting a descriptive-analytical approach, the researchers conducted a comprehensive census of the specialized police personnel (Anti-Narcotics, Investigation, and Criminal Evidence departments) in Ramallah. A total of (66) valid questionnaires were analyzed. The findings reveal a "very high" prevalence of chemically synthesized drugs, specifically "Hydro" and "Captagon," within the governorate. Statistical analysis (using One-Sample T-Test) confirmed a significant correlation between occupation policies and the spread of these substances. The study indicates that areas classified as "C" have evolved into safe havens for drug production and trafficking due to the deliberate security vacuum. Furthermore, the possession of "Israeli ID" cards by dealers was identified as a major legal impediment to Palestinian prosecution. The research concludes that this phenomenon poses a direct threat to family security and civil peace. Key recommendations include documenting the occupation's complicity for international advocacy, establishing specialized units to detect local chemical laboratories, and enacting deterrent legislation for cross-border drug crimes
Israeli Occupation, Modern Narcotics, Area
Algeria as Peacemaker in Africa a Bercovitch and Galtungs Evidence Based Models Analysis
Mediation, particularly in Africa – a continent known for its complex and multifaceted conflicts – has become a major aspect of the foreign policy of powerful states. Algeria has emerged as a leading regional actor in peacemaking through its foreign policy, which is based on non-interference, dialogue, and peaceful means of resolving differences. This study uses an analytical framework that combines Jacob Bercovitch's mediation approach and Johan Galtung's peace approach, with the aim of assessing Algeria's peacemaking performance in Africa in terms of offering mediation and managing conflicts, the quality of peace achieved, and success in addressing the structural causes of conflict. This provides deeper insight, allowing for an understanding of what Algeria is, what it is not capable of being, and how feasible its role can be
Algeria, peacemaking efforts, conflict, Africa, peace, mediation
The Role of Iraqi Art in Building Communicative Action: A Critical Approach to Jürgen Habermas's Theory
This study aims to examine Iraqi art through the lens of Jürgen Habermas' theory of communication, considering it as a medium for social interaction and a tool for collective understanding. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology, analyzing Iraqi artistic production in relation to Habermas’ concepts of the public sphere, communicative action, and deliberative rationality. It highlights the role of art in shaping social awareness and fostering public discourse the study traces the evolution of Iraqi art, from Sumerian and Babylonian art to contemporary artistic expressions, with a particular focus on how artworks reflect social and political experiences. It also explores the audience’s engagement with art as a communicative practice and its impact on the development of critical consciousness within society. This research seeks to answer the following questions: How does Iraqi art contribute to the creation of a critical public sphere according to Habermas’ theory? To what extent can artistic works transform collective consciousness through processes of communication and interpretation? The study concludes that Iraqi art is not merely a reflection of social and political realities but serves as an effective communicative tool that reshapes the public sphere by stimulating discussions on fundamental societal issues. This underscores its significance in shaping Iraqi cultural identity and fostering continuous critical dialogue
Iraqi Art; Communicative Discourse; Communication Theory; Jürgen Habermas; Communicative Acti
The Anatomy of Atrocity: A Century of Human Rights Violations in Sudan (2003–2025)
The paper examines the continuum of mass human rights violations in Sudan from the Darfur genocide (2003–2005) through the ongoing civil war (2023–2025). Drawing on reports from the United Nations, the International Criminal Court, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the analysis traces how a state-building failure and the institutionalization of militia violence produced cycles of atrocity crimes. The paper documents that between 2003 and 2008, approximately 300,000 civilians died in Darfur, with 2.7 million displaced. From April 2023 to December 2025, the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has killed over 40,000 people, displaced 14 million, and pushed 21.2 million people (45% of the population) into acute food insecurity, with famine confirmed in multiple locations. The paper argues that the RSF, as the direct successor to the Janjaweed, has operationalized genocide as a systematic tool of territorial control, while the SAF has committed war crimes through indiscriminate bombardment and the recruitment of child soldiers. International responses, including UN sanctions and ICC prosecutions, have proven insufficient to deter ongoing atrocities. The paper concludes that accountability mechanisms require urgent reform to address the structural impunity that has enabled successive Sudanese regimes to weaponize ethnic violence
Sudan, genocide, human rights violations, International Criminal Court, civil war, famine, displacement, child soldiers
Digital Factchecking: Beyond the Human Gates to Digital Fortifications Against Misinformation in the Newsrooms
Misinformation has become a common news pollutant and a vicious malady that many news professionals and media scholars have become wary of in this digital age. Beyond its likelihood to destroy the validity of any information, it has also been noted to damage the credibility and integrity of any media house found culpable of disseminating misinformation and other information misnomers. This work tried to synthesize existing research to develop its conceptual framework. The gatekeeping theory guided this. The review adopted more of the exploratory and systematic techniques to provide logical discussions under relevant headings. Studies and related works on social media misinformation, disinformation, malinformation, fake news, information disorder fact checking, digital fact checking, and gate keeping were carefully identified primarily through online data base, using Google search, research gates, and works on other academic repositories like Scopus and Google Scholar. Since this work relied on secondary data in explaining how digital fact-checkers can limit the erosion of adulterated news materials and other information pollutants in the media space, to ensure trust, credibility and highly effective digital gatekeeping process in today’s media production, ample evidences were provided on the need for a hybrid newsroom operation in order to effectively combat misinformation and other disorders
Disinformation, Fact checking, Gate keeping, Misinformation, Online News
LES NOUVELLES FRONTIERES DE LA SOCIOLOGIE A L’ERE DU NUMERIQUE : RECONFIGURATIONS THEORIQUES ET METHODOLOGIQUES
In the contemporary era of digital transformation, the field of social sciences is encountering novel dynamics that are fundamentally reshaping the manner in which knowledge is interacted with, produced, and circulated. In this context, sociology is required to reconsider its theoretical and methodological frameworks in order to enhance its capacity to comprehend social change in digital environments. This article explores the ways in which digital technology is contributing to the redefining of objects of study, research methods and disciplinary boundaries in contemporary sociology. In order to address the aforementioned issues, the present study has been conducted through the medium of a survey of sociology researchers from various countries. The survey was distributed through academic and professional networks. The study is based on a non-probabilistic convenience sample and adopts an exploratory approach. The survey design is structured around three main themes: firstly, the impact of digital technology on the social world ; secondly, the emergence of new social phenomena in virtual environments; and thirdly, the theoretical and methodological challenges these transformations pose for contemporary sociology. It is imperative to note that particular attention is also given to the ethical issues that are intrinsically linked to the utilisation of digital data and artificial intelligence in research
digital sociology, methodological reconfiguration, epistemological issues, research practice, conceptual renewal
Assessment of the water situation in the lower Basin of Sebou (Local Public communes) by applying the principle of virtual water in the agricultural sector
This article aims to assess the outcome of the water situation in the lower Sebou Basin, by studying the interaction of human behavior towards the space: land and water, and to show the most important transformations that occurred in the region. To accomplish this work, a scientific geographic approach was functioned, based on observing various water uses that the rural population knows. and this study concluded that the demand for water resources in the agricultural sector has increased dramatically, in addition to encouraging farmers to adopt modern techniques that take into account Irrigation water management through the localized irrigation system, and finally, recommending the adoption and inclusion of agricultural products with high added value on the one hand and the least water consumption on the other hand, in accordance with the results of the principle of virtual water
the water situation, the lower Sebou basin, the rural area, the use, the management, the principle of virtual water
Social Media and the Construction of Political and Civic Space in the State of Qatar through Twitter
This research paper offers a comprehensive analysis of the evolving role of social media platforms in reshaping Qatar’s political and civil spheres amidst rapid digital transformations. The study examines how digital platforms are leveraged to enhance political participation, broaden civil activism, and facilitate societal dialogue within Qatar’s unique context characterized by increasing technological openness and advanced digital infrastructure. The paper further explores the reciprocal impact between digital technological advancements and the shifting dynamics of political and civil domains, emphasizing the mechanisms of building and reinforcing these spheres through contemporary digital community engagement. Additionally, it highlights the opportunities and challenges Qatar faces in navigating this digital landscape
Social media, political sphere, civil sphere, political participation, digital transformation, Qatar
Freedom of Belief in Morocco: The Legal and Political Problematic
This research aims to clarify the factors involved in shaping the problematic situation related to the legal framing of freedom of belief in Morocco. Its importance lies in revealing the tension between legal texts and the actual reality of freedom of belief, as well as in enriching the debate on this issue in its universal and international dimension. One of the main reasons for choosing this topic is that it forms part of broader research interests in the sociology of religion and belief, in addition to the topic’s contemporary relevance and its strong presence in ongoing social debates in Morocco. The study is based on the documentary method, through the analysis and comparison of selected documents and the extraction of relevant findings, while also incorporating a sociological perspective that considers freedom of belief as an expression of an ideal model of reality that social actors seek to establish within society. The research concludes that the issue of legally recognizing freedom of belief in Morocco is linked to the need to maintain social balances and to respect public order, both of which are often associated with Moroccan identity, as well as to the nature of the state itself, which derives a significant part of its legitimacy from religious considerations that continue to influence both the stakes of political power and the way authorities deal with freedom of belief. Finally, the study includes an introductory section, followed by a first part entitled “Freedom of Belief in Morocco: National and International Contexts,” a second part entitled “Freedom of Belief in Morocco: The Legal Problematic,” a third part entitled “Freedom of Belief in Morocco: The Political Problematic,” and concludes with a synthetic conclusion
Freedom of belief, Religious legitimacy, Command of the Faithful, Laicity, Statization of religion, National identity
Advanced regionalization and mechanisms for mountain development in the Beni Malal-Khenifra region (Morocco
Advanced regionalization is considered a new development model adopted by Morocco after all other regional policies failed to achieve territorial development and eliminate all forms of imbalances and disparities among Morocco’s regions and geographical areas. In fact, these policies exacerbated the severity of imbalances, particularly in mountainous regions, and perpetuated their precarious situation. This inconsistency and vacillation in adopting different policies highlights the instability of development policies and approved programs. It also highlights the failure to establish an effective and efficient formula or a genuine development model for the development of all Moroccan regions, as well as the failure to find an appropriate formula that aligns with the situation of mountainous regions in general, and with the specific conditions and characteristics of the mountainous regions of the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region in particular. Advanced regionalization offers significant development options through which a qualitative leap in territorial development can be achieved. In this regard, the study relied on field research and bibliographic sources to examine certain aspects related to regional development mechanisms under the modern model
advanced regionalization, development policies, imbalances, territorial development, fragility
This article examines Abraham Flexner’s seminal 1915 address, Is Social Work a Profession?, in which he critically evaluates the professional status of social work. Flexner argues that, despite its intellectual and humanitarian qualities, social work does not meet the defining criteria of a profession due to its lack of clearly defined methods, specific aims, and a systematic body of knowledge. He characterizes social work primarily as a mediating activity that coordinates the interventions of established professions such as medicine, law, and education, rather than functioning as an autonomous profession itself. The article situates Flexner’s arguments within the broader historical context of the Progressive Era, a period marked by rapid social, economic, and institutional transformation in the United States. It highlights how the diversity of social work activities and its wide scope limited its ability, in Flexner’s view, to develop specialized expertise comparable to other professions. Furthermore, Flexner emphasizes the importance of scientific methods, professional education, and rigorous documentation as essential components for achieving professional status. At the same time, he acknowledges the strong ethical commitment and humanitarian spirit inherent in social work, suggesting that the profession’s ultimate legitimacy may rest more on its moral purpose than on formal professional criteria. The article underscores the enduring influence of Flexner’s critique on debates about the identity, methods, and development of social work as a profession
Social Work, Profession, Professionalization, Abraham Flexner, Social Work Education, Professional Identity
La migration subsaharienne sous la pression de l’Union européenne : le Maroc comme espace d’externalisation des frontières (2015–2025)
Cet article propose une analyse de la migration subsaharienne sous l’effet des politiques migratoires européennes en s’intéressant au partenariat entre l’Union européenne et le Maroc sur la période 2015-2025. En mobilisant une approche qualitative s’appuyant sur l’analyse documentaire, l’étude interroge les instruments mobilisés par l’Union européenne pour mettre en œuvre cette coopération (financements, coopération sécuritaire, politiques de retour) ainsi que les cadrages discursifs (sécuritaire, humanitaire, développement) qui permettent de fonder l’externalisation du contrôle migratoire. Les résultats mettent en lumière le fait que cette coopération participe à déplacer la frontière européenne en amont, renforçant ainsi le rôle du Maroc comme espace de contrôle avancé. L’externalisation ne réduit pas mécaniquement les mobilités, mais sert à reconfigurer les chemins de migration et engendrer une immobilisation relative des migrants subsahariens au Maroc. Dans le même temps, cette dynamique s’accompagne d’une précarisation liée à des vulnérabilités sociales et juridiques, notamment en matière d’accès aux droits et de protection. L’article fait ressortir comme une tension structurant le discours partenarial des Européens et les effets concrets d’un dispositif de sécurisation des migrations
Migration subsaharienne, Externalisation des frontières, Union européenne, Maroc, Sécurisation
Decentring the Canon: Knowledge, Pluriversality, and Narrative Reclamation
This paper investigates the theoretical foundations and practical ramifications of decolonial philosophy, focussing specifically on the dynamic sociopolitical and cultural terrain of Morocco. The paper presents the Decolonial Alternative as a significant response to the persistent influence of colonialism inside global knowledge frameworks, institutions, and social hierarchies, employing key concepts such as "coloniality of power" and "coloniality reimagined." This viewpoint examines the ways in which epistemic resistance and the creation of alternative knowledge challenge Eurocentric frameworks of modernity, rationality, and progress. Morocco is analysed as a dynamic case study where decolonial aspirations manifest through historical revisionism, cultural resurgence, environmental justice movements, and progressive educational reforms. The primary focus is on the revalorization of indigenous languages, specifically Tamazight and Darija, within the framework of a thorough linguistic decolonisation, in the face of the ongoing marginalisation of Amazigh populations. The paper also looks at how Moroccan literature, from writers who fought against colonialism to modern voices, can be used as a way to fight back and rebuild identity. The study situates Morocco's decolonial endeavours within the larger movement to decolonise Arab academia, contest Western epistemic dominance, and promote the recognition and integration of indigenous knowledge systems. The study posits that decolonisation is a continuous, complex process focused on dismantling colonial structures, broadening epistemological perspectives, and cultivating more inclusive and equitable futures through an intersectional decolonial framework
Decoloniality, Morocco, coloniality of power, epistemic resistance, indigenous languages, education reform, cultural revitalization, pluriversal knowledge
The Language of Eroding Democracy: A Comparative CDA of Legitimisation Strategies in Geo-Political Populism of Trump, Orbán, and Saïed
This paper examines the discursive mechanisms facilitating the process of autocratization in contemporary global politics, that is, the gradual concentration of executive power by elected leaders who dismantle institutional checks on their authority. Using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Theo van Leeuwen’s (2007, 2008) framework of legitimisation, the study conducts a comparative analysis of the rhetoric employed by Donald Trump (United States), Viktor Orbán (Hungary), and Kaïs Saïed (Tunisia). By analyzing key speeches, legislative defenses, and administrative narratives from 2021 to 2026, the research identifies a recurring “Autocratic Pivot” in political discourse. The findings suggest that while these leaders operate in diverse geopolitical contexts, ranging from a long-established democracy, to an electoral autocracy embedded within the EU, to a nascent post-revolutionary state, they converge on a shared rhetorical strategy: the continuous deployment of legitimisation strategies, particularly Moral Evaluation and Mythopoesis, to accompany and justify autocratic legal measures. This populist rhetoric does not replace autocratic action; rather, it perpetually escorts it. The paper concludes that the erosion of democratic norms is preceded and sustained by a linguistic transformation in which Authorization (the rule of law) is increasingly subordinated to the personalistic narrative of the leader, providing a framework for identifying discursive “red flags” of autocratization, defined here as rhetorical patterns that precede or accompany concrete institutional dismantling
Critical Discourse Analysis, Legitimisation Strategies, Populism, Autocratization, Van Leeuwen
Coach Travel and Fan Perceptions: Ultras vs Regular Football Supporters
This article examines football supporters’ social representations of coach travel, comparing ultras and regular fans. Collective supporter travel has become a salient issue in contemporary football governance, as public authorities frequently restrict or ban such trips due to concerns related to public order, alcohol consumption, and supporter behaviour. Despite the centrality of these measures, the meanings attributed to coach travel by supporters themselves remain insufficiently explored. Data were collected through an online questionnaire administered to 135 football supporters, including 76 ultras and 59 regular fans. The study combines a characterisation questionnaire with a calling-into-question test in order to identify the central and peripheral elements structuring supporters’ representations. Overall, coach travel is primarily associated with positive meanings related to collective identity, solidarity, and shared experience. However, differences emerge between ultras and regular supporters. Ultras tend to conceptualise coach travel as a strong identity-based and festive practice, where the journey itself is meaningful reinforcing group cohesion beyond the match itself. In contrast, regular fans primarily view coach travel as a practical means of attending matches, with a weaker symbolic dimension. These differences reflect distinct forms of commitment and highlight the heterogeneity of supporter subcultures in football
Coach Travel ; Football Supporters; Ultras; Regular Fans; Fan Perceptions; Supporter Mobility
The construction of identity between social space and digital space: The case of residents of marginalized neighborhoods in Morocco
Marginalized neighborhoods constitute spaces that generate social stigmatization of their residents; however, they also become strategic resources that inhabitants mobilize in defense of their interests. Adequate housing represents the most prominent of these interests, alongside access to essential services such as water and electricity. Previous studies have shown that residents of these areas rely on diverse negotiation strategies with public authorities to secure these demands. They have also demonstrated that inhabitants develop argumentative patterns that enable them to reconstruct an alternative urban identity. Building on this body of literature, this article aims to examine the formation of urban identity among residents of marginalized neighborhoods through digital spaces, with a particular focus on its manifestations on social media platforms. The central research question addresses how social networking sites have become mediators in the reconfiguration of urban identity. The study adopts a qualitative approach and analyzes widely circulated social media recordings, framed within theoretical perspectives inspired by studies of social marginality
marginalized neighborhoods, urban identity, digital space, social media, stigmatization
Copyright (c) 2025 Authors retain full copyright and publishing rights without restrictions. All articles published in the Journal of Social Sciences are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0). This allows readers to share, copy, and redistribute the material, provided that appropriate credit is given to the original authors. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The Influence of Feminist Advocacy on University Women’s Perceptions of Marriage and Career Priorities
This paper dives into the intricate relationship between feminist advocacy, traditional patriarchal norms, and a significant socio-economic crisis, all of which shape how female university students in Lebanon view marriage and careers. It’s interesting to note that Lebanon has high rates of female tertiary education, yet it struggles with poor rankings in global gender equality. This study looks at how these educated young women deal with the conflicting social, legal, and economic pressures they face. By using a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative survey data with qualitative thematic analysis, the research sheds light on the priorities and attitudes of this important group. The findings show that while feminist advocacy on university campuses promotes ideals of autonomy and gender equality, its real-world impact is significantly influenced by the economic collapse that began in 2019. This crisis has led to two distinct responses: some women are focusing on practical career paths as a way to emigrate and survive, while others are reconsidering marriage as a potential source of financial stability. The study suggests that Lebanese university women are developing a "dual-track" mindset, aiming for equal partnerships in their personal lives while being acutely aware of the patriarchal limitations imposed by sectarian personal status laws. Ultimately, the paper argues that feminism's influence isn't a straightforward journey toward empowerment; rather, it acts as a crucial lens through which this generation interprets and strategically navigates a collapsing national landscape, resulting in a complex and often contradictory set of life priorities
Feminism, Lebanon, Gender Roles, Marriage, Career Priorities, Higher Education, University Women, Economic Crisis, Personal Status Law
Tabun al-Zibl and Its Vernacular Terminology in the Folk Dialect of Saffa Village, Ramallah, Palestine
This study provides a comprehensive examination of Tabun al-Zibl in Saffa village—now completely disappear from use—as an essential component of Palestine’s tangible rural heritage. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach that combines literature review, field documentation, and anthropological analysis to examine the historical, social, cultural, and economic dimensions related to the traditional tabun. Particular attention is given to its architectural characteristics and construction materials—unshaped stone, wood, and a clay–straw mixture—alongside its operational mechanism, which relies on dried animal dung as the primary fuel source, and also to the terminologies related to it. These features show how effective the local community is at using the natural resources they have in their environmental context. Beyond its functional role in bread-making, cooking, and heating, the tabun also serves as a focal point of social interaction, especially among women, reinforcing its status as a locus of communal cohesion and cultural continuity. A qualitative field study was undertaken to assess the degree of familiarity among Safa’s residents with the popular terminology associated with Tabun al-Zibl and its linguistic and cultural implications. The findings reveal a gradual decline in the usage of traditional terms among younger generations, a trend attributed to ongoing social, economic, and technological change. The study concludes by underscoring the urgent need for integrated national and community-based strategies that employ digital documentation and linguistic approaches to effectively enable the local community to use the natural resources in its environment research to safeguard both the material and intangible heritage associated with Tabun al-Zibl throughout Palestine, ensuring its preservation and transmission to future generations
Tabun al-Zibl, Al-Muqhar, Saffa village, colloquial dialect, al-Makhbaz, Palestine
Impact of Photography as an Art Therapy on treating trauma disorder
Background: Photography as art therapy has proved to be a potential intervention to those, who have suffered traumatic disorders. Aim: This paper discusses the potential of photography to help the individuals express emotions, reflect on themselves, and develop post traumas among people who have undergone physical, psychological or chronic adversities to their health. Methods: An autobiography, qualitative design study was conducted, using the experience that the researcher has passed through as a photographer, and how the researcher treat her psychological trauma through photography. Results: By capturing, organizing and reflecting on personal photographs, the individuals create visual story through which they can externalize their complex emotional states, reframe traumatic experiences, and recover self-worth. Photography enhances a state of mind, control and rebirth into beauty in everyday life, both a form of therapy and a form of resiliency. Recent studies emphasized the creativity art therapy (photography) is able to decrease the signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stress, and depression, and improves coping styles and mental health. Conclusion: This work highlights the possibilities of photography as artistic and supplementary intervention in the trauma therapy
Art Therapy, Photography Therapeutic, Trauma Disorders, Autobiography
Social Media between Threat and Preservation: A Study of Cultural Heritage
Yemen has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, but it has been largely neglected due to the country's current political circumstances. Under these circumstances, digital technologies, particularly social media, have become a key factor in promoting and disseminating Yemeni culture. Hence, the significance of this study emerges. This study aims to analyse Yemeni youth's perceptions of the impact of social media on their cultural heritage and to identify the most affected cultural elements. A qualitative approach was adopted, utilizing focus groups with purposive sampling to ensure participant diversity. Appadurai's theory of global cultural flows was also adopted. The theory was repurposed to suit the Yemeni context, focusing on three axes: the flow of images and media content (Mediascapes), the movement of individuals and their impact on culture (Ethnoscapes), and ideas and theories (Ideoscapes). The study concluded that social media plays a dual role between deterioration and preservation, as it relies primarily on media flows. It also significantly enhances attachment to Yemeni culture and awareness of traditions, but its role in encouraging active participation in heritage preservation is limited
Cultural heritage, Social media, Preservation, Yemen
International Migration and Digital Networks
By looking at the nature of intensified migratory flows in our digital age, this article attempts to shed light on the presence of this new digital dimension in migratory waves. First, we discuss the networked transition from the social to the digital to better understand its present and its impact on the imagination and representations of migrants. Second, we provide a brief theoretical reading of this digital trend by listing its main theories. Third, we make a modest attempt to show how digital networks reinforce the transnational dimension of migration. Therefore, we try to demonstrate the pervasive presence of digital social networks in the migration process and their impact on the process of dismantling international borders
Migration; Digital Networks ; Communication ; Digital Age
The role of forensic medicine in determining criminal liability
Forensic medicine is one of the basic sciences in achieving justice, as it contributes to the detection of crimes and the determination of criminal liability through scientific evidence and medical examinations. This research aims to study the role of forensic medicine in criminal responsibility, by addressing the nature of forensic medicine and its characteristics, as it is defined as the science that applies medical knowledge to serve the law. He also discusses the artworks of forensic experts, such as autopsies and analysis of biological evidence. The research deals with scientific evidence provided by forensic medicine, such as DNA analysis and toxins, and their role in proving or denying crimes. It also highlights the criminal liability of the forensic doctor, and the consequent legal accountability in case of negligence or manipulation of evidence. Finally, it reviews the role of the forensic doctor in the criminal case, the impact of his reports and testimony before the judiciary, as well as the scientific evidence provided by forensic medicine. The research concludes that forensic medicine is an essential tool for achieving justice, which requires its development and ensuring the accuracy and ethics of work in it
Forensic medicine, criminal liability, toxicology, DNA
The Sociological Implications of Social and Technological Change for Belonging and Citizenship
This article explores the dialectic of citizenship and belonging in parallel with the emergence of new and innovative technologies, which have reshaped the contours of personal identity for individuals and groups, while simultaneously deepening the social divide that has influenced the nature of social relationships. In this context, our research deconstructs the sociological meanings of social change, starting from the definition of this change and its connection to the concept of citizenship through its various manifestations, primarily participation and its procedural conditions such as dialogue and other forms of interaction. The article relies on sociological and legal frameworks, as well as examples drawn from field studies that address, according to the principles of pluralism and active citizenship, issues related to how the youth engage with the aforementioned social changes, which have touched upon aspects of identity, selfhood, and personality. The article begins with the issue of the conflict between social change due to technology and the new platforms of identity, and the process of reconstructing this reality as a condition for harmony between the culture of citizenship and belonging, and the dominance of technology
Belonging, Citizenship, Social Change, Technology, Youth