Browse Our Social Sciences Journals
In the broadest sense, social sciences encompass society, human behavior, and its influence on the world. Social sciences help understand how society works, ranging from the causes of unemployment, economic growth, what makes people happy, and so on. The information it provides is vital for governments and policymakers, non-governmental organizations, and local authorities.
Social Sciences and Law
Abstract
The outbreak of the Russian–Ukrainian war fundamentally shook the international legal order. Consequently, possibilities of holding the aggressor state and potential perpetrators of international crimes accountable became a central topic. Options for establishing state responsibility for violating international law are limited. Possible individual criminal prosecution mechanisms are available at both national and international levels. At the national level, several jurisdictional bases can be found for prosecuting the most serious international crimes.
In addition to the procedures at the national level, the International Criminal Court has jurisdiction at the international level in terms of holding persons accountable; however, this also faces challenges. In connection with the current conflict, the International Criminal Court cannot conduct proceedings in relation to all categories of crimes, so the international community seeks to rely on alternative mechanisms that support prosecution efforts. Furthermore, there is an increasing political demand for the creation of new mechanisms which, however, for the time being, are based on shaky international legal grounds.
Abstract
One year of full-fledged conventional war fought on the European continent between two large countries, including a nuclear power, is obviously a historical watershed for NATO and the whole Euro-Atlantic area. The conflict has already caused many casualties, destroyed infrastructure and degraded the relationship between the West and Russia. The lecture summarizes the most important elements of the crisis from security and military perspectives.
Abstract
The aggression and the ‘special military operation’ against Ukraine by the Russian Federation have, since their outset, implied not only the violation of fundamental customary and treaty norms of international law, but, at the same time also undermine the foundations of the contemporary international legal order. The ‘special military operation’ violates several universal international conventions in the elaboration of which the predecessor state of contemporary Russia, the Soviet Union had a definitive role; furthermore, it expressly breaches Russian undertakings concerning respect for the independence and sovereignty of Ukraine. Since in this case the aggressor state is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, thus, instead of the Council, the emergency special session of the UN General Assembly proceeds on the basis of the Uniting for Peace resolution and makes recommendations for collective measures to the Member States. The present study discusses the most important international norms breached with the aggression and during the war, the resolutions of the emergency special sessions of the UN General Assembly, the post-war situation, as well as the issue of remedy and reparation due to Ukraine.
Abstract
We believe that the causes of the Russian-Ukrainian war can be understood as part of the post-communist transition. From the perspective of Putin's Russia, compared to the United States and China, the last three decades have been a failure on the economic growth front. Hence Putin's desire to restore as much as possible the Soviet Union, a multi-ethnic confederation of people built on communist ideology. But there is a contradiction here that neither public opinion nor Russian leaders can see. The Russian leadership cannot legitimise its current power and its ambitions to change the status quo by anything other than appealing to Russian national interests. This cannot be done without a communist ideology, because the Slavophile, ethno-nationalist, Pravoslav ideology and Putin's cult of personality are unacceptable to all other ethnic groups in the region.
War shock and the economy
Some economic impacts of Russian aggression in Ukraine
Abstract
The main features of war shock are substantially different from those of the preceding COVID-19 shock. The EU economy is showing important elements of resilience. The existing structural forces and adaptive capacity of the EU economy are clear indications that it is capable of transformation and avoiding recession.
The dynamics of the war is also crucial in terms of economic impacts. There are still many uncertainties about the future course of the war and its ramifications. The fundamental question is whether the war is heading in the direction of escalation or de-escalation. Unless the war spreads beyond Ukraine and the conventional means of warfare, its global economic consequences may be limited after the initial shock. New adjustment processes in the field of green and digital transition can be set in motion in parallel with the suffering and turmoil of war shock. New market players could emerge in the energy markets.
The prolonged war continues to challenge the Ukrainian economy, but it can remain viable with massive external support. The Russian economy could suffer serious erosion, with its comparative advantage being wasted.
There is a real threat of deglobalisation and the emergence of a fragmented world economy, but the counteracting factors appear to be much stronger. However, the prolonged war continues to pose major and unpredictable threats to the countries affected directly and indirectly, to Europe and to the world economy.
Abstract
The objective of the study was to identify and compare differences in the attitudes of non-disabled students towards the inclusion of a peer with a visual impairment in physical and sport education (PSE) classes. The research sample comprised a total of 419 primary school students of the 6th grade (n = 96; 11.7 ± 0.54 years) 7th grade (n = 120; 12.7 ± 0.57 years), 8th grade (n = 109; 13.7 ± 0.55 years), and 9th grade (n = 94; 14.6 ± 0.52 years) level. A modified version of a CAIPE-R was used as a primary research method. Students of the 6th, 7th and 8th grades have more positive attitudes towards the inclusion of a peer with visual impairment in PSE lessons compared to the 9th grade students in social interactions area as well as in rules modifications area. The 6th, 7th, and 8th grades student groups showed significantly more positive social interaction attitudes compared to sport-specific attitudes. No significant differences were found between social interactions and sport-specific attitudes in the group of the 9th grade primary school students. Regarding the most appropriate solutions for the inclusion of students with visual impairment in PSE lessons, more information on attitudes towards inclusion is also needed from teachers and school management.
Abstract
While extensive research has been conducted on L2 motivation in the Hungarian context, more studies need to be focused on international students beginning to learn Hungarian while studying in Hungary. This article offers an explanatory investigation into the motivational dispositions influencing the learning of Hungarian as a second language (L2) among international students at Hungarian higher institutions. By utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study included 203 international students. It analyzed components of the L2 Motivational Self System (L2MSS), including the Ideal L2 Self, the Ought-to L2 Self, and Learning Experiences, alongside other motivational dispositions such as cultural integration, personal aspirations, and social influences. The aim is to address the existing knowledge gap regarding the dynamics of language learning motivation, particularly for less commonly taught languages like Hungarian. The findings highlight the importance of aligning language learning with students' cultural and personal goals, revealing strong connections between various motivational factors. Regression analysis suggests how different elements, such as the Ideal Self, Intrinsic Motivation, and Ought-to Self, contribute to the overall motivation for learning Hungarian. This research provides valuable insights into the complex interplay of motivational factors, offering a more profound understanding for educators and policymakers aiming to improve the language learning experience for international students.
Abstract
Years ago, John Griffiths introduced the concept of ‘legal pluralism’ in comparative legal research. He underlined the significance of ‘the presence in a social field of more than one legal order’ (1986). In the meantime, the phenomenon of legal pluralism and the pluralism of norms is widely discussed in modern societies. Decades later, Dupret seeks to sum up the development of research and ideas about the plurality of legal and social norms in our time (2007). In this paper I look at sources from the ancient world. I raise the question whether the phenomenon of legal pluralism and the plurality of social norms already existed in the Roman Empire. Traditionally, Roman law is considered as a systematized, and sophisticated system of rules. Approaching the topic from the aspect of everyday practice, one gets a different picture. A closer look at concrete legal disputes and at the reaction of leading lawyers of Rome to problems of citizens who lived in the provinces convince us of the co-existence of different legal conceptions in the Empire.
Abstract
This study aims to synthesize teachers' assessment literacy (AL) reviews of past studies to find how AL is conceptualized, measured, and developed and formulate recommendations for further empirical studies. As AL is important for teachers to contribute to teaching and learning improvement, a growing body of teacher AL research has been established in the literature. The present study identifies, assesses, synthesizes, and describes the characteristics of reviews on AL from 2014 to 2023. The results show that studies used different terms and definitions for AL. Researchers apply different forms of instruments to measure AL in various aspects of assessment. AL is influenced by mediating factors, including assessment conceptions and efficacy. It can be effectively developed through training workshops, assessment courses, and teachers' self-reflection on assessment practices. The review suggests that further AL studies are needed among in- and pre-service teachers at different levels and contexts and directional relationships between assessment-related constructs that encompass AL.
Abstract
The article covers the issue of ecological security in Poland with a view to international regulation, the objectives of which are pursued at the municipality level, i.e., the basic unit of local government. It is in local areas and at the source of any threat that a rapid response is often needed to eliminate environmental pollution and its effects. Accordingly, the municipal authorities have been equipped with a number of powers enabling them to take action for environmental safety. It should be assumed as a research hypothesis that, in terms of activities in the sphere of ecological security, a municipal authority is a body that complements the activities of the state resulting from EU obligations and other higher-level local government units and that these activities are aimed at issues closest to individuals. The study is characterised by a legal theory-based approach. The main research method used in the study is the doctrinal method, as well as the method of legal text analysis. It mainly draws on theoretical views presented in legal studies and those offered in case law practice.
