The Role of Social Capital in the Employability of University Graduates in Zambia: A Case of University of Zambia Graduates

The research presented in this paper was designed to investigate the role of social capital in the employability of University Graduates in Zambia: A Case of University of Zambia Graduates. The study focused on the period between the years 2000 and 2015. In this study social capital was operationalised as social connections that can be used in search of jobs. Employability was operationalised as the ability to get employed or get a job. This research used a sequential mixed method research design to investigate the research problem. The study was carried out in the City of Lusaka. 208 University of Zambia Graduates and 16 employers participated in this study. Data were collected using a questionnaire and interviews. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used in the management and analysis of quantitative data while thematic analysis was applied in the analysis of qualitative data. The results from this study indicated that UNZA Graduates attach a lot of importance to the use of social connections in search of job opportunities in the labour market. However, only powerful social connections were effective in this process and were not available to everyone. The results also revealed that social connections through relatives and close friends were more effective in their employability than social connections through acquaintances and potential employers. In conclusion, this study showed that social connections facilitated by relatives and close friends through people of influence in society were more effective but, to a large extent, they depend on one’s social status.

The Politics of Women’s Empowerment in Yemen

Despite the existence of women’s empowerment strategies since the late nineties and qualified women in decision-making positions in charge of implementing them, these strategies failed to significantly improve women’s conditions and the situation of Yemeni women in the Republic of Yemen remains dismal. This article attempts to explain this failure through a mixed-method approach, surveying and interviewing Yemeni women leaders who were involved as authority figures or people of influence between 2006 and 2014 in said strategies. Findings from this research have strong policy implications on future development and gender equality policies in the country placing the experiences of women as policy makers, activists, advocates at the center of the analysis.

The Public Psychiatrist as Advocate

Given the credibility many physicians possess with legislators, political leaders, and other policymakers, along with people of influence such as thought leaders and activists, community psychiatrists play an important role in patient advocacy. Contemporary professional advocacy is rooted in mental health advocacy generally, beginning with Dorothea Dix’s asylum movement in the 19th century. This chapter reviews the historical significance of mental illness and the underpinnings of modern-day mental health advocacy. It then discusses the community psychiatrist’s role in advocating for mental health care, primary prevention, community awareness, and social justice. It includes examples of the community psychiatrist effectively serving in the advocate role, and it explains the how and where to learn about public policy and advocacy skills. It concludes with a summary of key learning points.

Contextualising Hate Speech: A Study of India And Malaysia

Hate speech is a verbal expression, which is designed to promote hatred based on race, religion, ethnicity and violence between different communities . Hate speech are systematically used to lash hatred towards minorities and for inflaming regional, religious and ethnic passion. It has been repeatedly observed that inflaming and deleterious words have been used by people of influence to further their vested interests and incite violence. Indian laws as well as Malaysian laws forbid anyone from making hate speeches that disturb the communal harmony and creates discord among the people. When the issue of suppression of hate speech comes to purview, the notion of reasonable restriction comes into picture. Consequent debate narrows down to two sharply contrasting opinions ie: restraints v. freedom of speech and expression. It is difficult to balance both divergent opinions. Article 19(1) of the Indian Constitution, provides for the freedom of speech and expression but also places reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) on the grounds of public order, decency and morality. Similarly, Article 10 of the Malaysian Constitution empowers the Malaysian citizens with the freedom of speech and expression subject to restrictions imposed by the Parliament. Whenever these contradictory opinions are presented in front of the court, even the Apex court of the respective countries has shown its reluctance towards curbing such communally charged statements. Even if the judgment restraining hate speech is pronounced, it often comes too late, sometimes after the damage has already been inflicted, thus failing to exert any deterrent effect. By using doctrinal research methods,this paper a) discusses the terminology of hate speech; b) analyzes different legal provisions that deals with hate speech in India and Malaysia; and c) discusses non-legal solutions to the problem. This paper argues that although several legal provisions are available to curb hate speech, Alternative Dispute Resolution and counter speech may be used as alternative ways to address hate speech.

The Language in the Common-Sense Speech: ideology and imaginary

This research is part of our Master’s thesis, and it proposes to analyze the statements expressed in the common sense about the language, in order to understand which ideology and the linguistic imaginary that cross these statements. Many studies have already been undertaken in relation to speeches about the language, highlighting those of Mariani (2004), who analyzed the speeches of writers and politicians, grammarians and scholars - people of influence in the society of Brazil colony. Thus, we propose to carry out this analysis to know the imaginary language that circulates in common sense, from comments of Internet users in the official fanpage of the Planalto Palace on Facebook, the first official pronouncement of President Michel Temer abroad. The theoretical perspective adopted is that of the Theory of Enunciation (BENVENISTE, 1989), focused on the presuppositions of Semantics of the Event (GUIMARÃES, 2002), and making use of the analytical movement of the rewriting procedure. We observe an imaginary language perpetuated in common sense based on the idea of a homogeneous, pure and idealized language; as well as being confused with spoken language and written language, having as a criterion for a Portuguese spoken in a “correct” way the approximation and fidelity to grammar.

Community-level responses to domestic violence and abuse

This chapter explains the nature and cause of domestic abuse and sexual violence including female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and summarizes the latest research. It describes ways of engaging men and other perpetrators. The chapter debunks common myths around the topic and gives examples of specific situations. It discusses how to raise awareness at community level to prevent domestic abuse and the principle of ‘do no harm’. The chapter outlines practical steps to implement community-level responses to violence and abuse. It teaches how community members can be informed and aware of local services, some legal backgrounds, and ways of responding appropriately to victims and survivors. It describes ways to pursue justice and reconciliation, including holding to account those in authority, including people of influence, e.g. faith leaders. The chapter elaborates on dealing with specific forms of abuse.

Perceived Barriers and Sources of Support for Undergraduate Female Students’ Persistence in the Sport Management Major

Male undergraduate sport management majors substantially outnumber females, suggesting that the path to a career in the sport industry is male dominated and gender stereotypes may exist. Simultaneously, there is a dearth of research on females’ experiences while enrolled in higher education and within sport management career development. Through qualitative focus groups conducted at two institutions with female sport management majors, this research sought to understand the barriers and sources of support that female students perceive while engaged in this academic discipline. The authors identified four themes—otherness, roles and credibility, prior experiences, and people of influence—all of which help illuminate the lived experience of gender bias among women in the sport management major and generate suggestions for the creation of more inclusive environments that foster persistence.