GPH-International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research

MAPPING SOCIAL FAULT LINES

2025-12-05T12:07:11+00:00

Nigeria’s development trajectory over the past six decades has been characterized by vast human and natural resource endowments paradoxically coexisting with widespread poverty, entrenched inequality, and uneven socio-economic progress. This paper examines the structural fault lines that shape poverty and inequality in Nigeria and interrogates the persistent failure of growth patterns to translate into broad-based social welfare. Drawing from empirical data, interdisciplinary social-science literature, and global development frameworks, the study critically analyzes the economic, political, demographic, and institutional drivers of exclusion. It argues that Nigeria’s growth model historically consumption-driven, resource-dependent, and structurally unequal has produced a development paradox where economic expansion coexists with worsening multidimensional poverty. Grounded in social-justice theory, political-economy approaches, and human-development perspectives, the article maps key vulnerabilities embedded in governance structures, regional disparities, class stratification, gender inequalities, youth unemployment, and the urban-rural divide. The study proposes a multidimensional agenda for inclusive growth rooted in institutional reform, equitable distribution, social protection, climate-responsive policies, human-capital investment, and participatory governance. It concludes that a new Nigeria requires not merely economic expansion, but a complete restructuring of development pathways that place human welfare at the center of national transformation.

CULTURE IN TRANSITION

2025-12-05T12:24:44+00:00

Nigeria’s complex cultural landscape faces increasing pressure from the forces of globalization, digitalization, and transnational cultural flows. As global norms and values rapidly penetrate local contexts, concerns have intensified regarding the erosion of indigenous knowledge systems and the diminishing sense of African identity among Nigerian youth. Social Studies education, designed as a discipline for citizenship formation, value transmission, and cultural continuity, is strategically positioned to respond to these challenges. This paper examines how Social Studies education in Nigeria can preserve and promote African identity in a globalized world. Drawing on empirical studies from Nigerian secondary schools, national policy documents, Afrobarometer datasets, and contemporary scholarly literature, the article analyzes the nature and pace of cultural transition in Nigeria, the extent of identity shifts among learners, and the capacity of the Social Studies curriculum to mitigate cultural loss. Findings indicate that, although globalization has amplified cultural hybridity, weakened indigenous value systems, and reshaped youth identities, Social Studies education still holds significant potential to reinforce cultural awareness, indigenous values, and national consciousness. However, this potential is constrained by curriculum inconsistencies, inadequate teacher preparation, limited integration of local knowledge, and the dominance of Western digital content. The study concludes by proposing a culturally responsive and hybridized Social Studies model that blends global competencies with African identity affirmation, offering strategic policy recommendations for curriculum reform, teacher education, and community–school collaboration.

INCLUSIVE GROWTH THROUGH HUMAN RESOURCES COOPERATIVES: IDENTIFYING BEST EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES IN NAGA CITY

2025-12-17T07:02:16+00:00

This study aimed to identify the best employment practices of a selected cooperative in Naga City and examine their contribution to inclusive growth and decent work. It addressed the problem of limited research on how cooperatives implement fair, equitable, and inclusive employment systems, particularly in local contexts where marginalized groups face persistent barriers to economic participation. Using a descriptive-evaluative research design, the study gathered data through surveys, key informant interviews to assess practices on recruitment, employee development, job security, inclusivity, innovation, and working conditions. The findings revealed that cooperatives demonstrated strong organizational commitment to human capital development and inclusive governance. Recruitment practices were aligned with cooperative values, employee development was supported through training programs, and job security was prioritized. Inclusivity and innovation were actively promoted, while areas such as career advancement communication and member participation in innovation required further improvement. The study concluded that cooperatives in Naga City had matured in their human resource systems, reflecting principles consistent with the Diversity Management Maturity Model (DMMM), Strategic Human Capital Theory, and Stakeholder Theory. These practices enhanced employee satisfaction, organizational resilience, and long-term sustainability. It recommended strengthening communication on career pathways, expanding inclusive innovation programs, and deepening collaboration with the Naga City Cooperative Development Office. These efforts would help institutionalize inclusive employment and position cooperatives as models of participatory development and decent work in the region.