Humanities and Social Science Research

A Systemic Model Proposed for the Management of Local Environmental Education, Awareness and Protection

Evangelos C. Papakitsos — 2018-07-31

The present study proposes a systemic model for the operation of small local environmental centers, as a key factor for the implementation of environmental policies that are close to local communities. The presentation and analysis of the required activities of local environmental organizations and the duties of their staff highlights their complex and demanding multidisciplinary character. The consequent necessity to optimize their operation, in order to respond more holistically and effectively to their complex mission, has been the motivation for the present study, proposing a planned operation based on techniques from Systems Science.

Complexity of Reconciliation of Multiple Regional Identities and Regional Policies

Goran Mutabdzija — 2018-10-18

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) today shows marked inefficiency, which in economic terms is seen as an example of extremely unfavourable macroeconomic indicators. It is the most visible in the domain of the unemployment rate according to which this is the first country in Europe. This economic reality is particularly reflected in the elements of the spatial structure (population and settlements) and which flows into the overall social relations that are recognized as non-perspective countries / regions. This is one of the reasons why BiH is the first country in the world by the percentage of inhabitants who do not live in the country where they were born. The complexity of relations in BiH reflects the complexity of regional identities, which are recognized as the formula 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 (one state + two entities + three nations + four different religions). In addition to religious diversity, regional identities are characterized by physiognomic, cultural, economic and legal specificities of the existing two entities, which can be better reconciled and harmonized through a more efficient regional policy.

The Phenomenon of Homelessness during the Greek Economic Crisis 2009-2018

Symeon N. Mavridis — 2018-10-29

This research focuses on the phenomenon of homelessness in Greece, especially during the deep economic crisis that has lasted from 2009 until this day. Unfortunately, in large part, homelessness also affects welfare policy, as well as social cohesion and healthcare. The significance of the study lies in the fact that there are no official data from governmental institutions concerning the number of homeless people across the country. For this reason, this study attempts to collect all available data in order to present the evolution of the phenomenon of homelessness from 2009 to present. Homelessness is examined in relation to poverty and other factors of deprivation. In addition, countermeasures addressing homelessness, adopted by both public and private organizations, are also examined. Public institutions usually provide small pensions, only for seniors over sixty-seven years old, meal cards, free soup kitchens and several shelters. At the same time, a large number of private organizations, such as NGOs, provide free accommodation, meals, and showers. Unfortunately, the rising number of homeless people during the ongoing socioeconomic crisis and the lack of communication among institutions deteriorate the problem. On these grounds, this research analyzes the phenomenon of homelessness in Greece in order to provide the appropriate solutions for its containment.

Planning Educational Activities for Learning “Road Safety”

Evangelos C. Papakitsos — 2018-11-28

In this paper, a project of the local sustainability network of schools in the area of Western Attica (Greece) is described. The subject of this project is “Road Safety”, and it was addressed to third grade pupils of junior high-schools. It has been planned as the result of collaboration between the local Secondary Education Directorate, a few voluntary organizations, some private Vehicle Technical Inspection Centers and the local traffic-police department. This educational activity had been mainly implemented through the teaching and learning method of “experiential learning”. The pupils were divided into groups and attended six workshops that were designed accordingly. The entire process aims at establishing educational activities that in long-term will deal effectively with the acute problem of road safety.

Prevalence of Domestic Violence Against Women and Children in the Philippines

Glenda M. Dimaano — 2018-11-28

In a country where gender and development is promoted, professionals, educators, students, household and families must be exposed in the issues of Violence against Women and Children in the Philippines. Hence, this mixed method study determined the prevalence of domestic violence against women and children in the municipality of Malvar with an end goal of proposing extension service activities to minimize the problem of domestic violence in the municipality of Malvar. Specifically, it dealt with the following: the issues of violence against women and children in the municipality from 2014-2016, the police officers’ perspective in addressing such case, and the factors that drive the complaints to report such case. The data were obtained through the issues of violence reported in the women’s desk and interview of the two police officers and two random victims. By evaluating and analysing the information gathered, the researchers found out that the common factor that lead the complainant to report the case was the victim’s fear that even their children may experience violence from the husband. The results of the study also revealed that reluctance of the victims to pursue the complaints and the victims’ tolerance of abuse are the problems which boil down the culture. In connection to victims’ reluctance to pursue the complaint, problems like costly, lengthy litigation and corruption in the judiciary and prosecution exist. These problems discourage the victims in filing formal complains. In addition, there is no established national free legal aid program for financially challenged women. In line of the above cited problems, the researchers recommend that victims be referred to DSWD even if she does not file formal complaint. In instances when the victims chooses to go back to her abuser, consistent monitoring and counselling must be done to inform them of other remedies like that of Barangay Protection Order which is cheaper and readily available in barangay.