GPH-International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research

SALT AND LIGHT AS SYMBOLS OF CHRISTIAN CALLING: A STUDY OF MATT 5:13-16

2025-09-07T10:23:27+00:00

Matt 5:13-16 is an aspect of the Sermon on the Mount. It is the longest teaching from Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel. It forms a transition from identifying those who are to live according to the demands of the Sermon on the Mount in the present (5:17-7:27) and those who will live the life of blessedness in the future (5:3-12). The audience is metaphorically identified as “The salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” The metaphors of “salt” and “light” in Matthew 5:13-16 serve as indicators of the expected influence of Christians in society, a concept that resonates profoundly within the context of Nigeria. This paper will examine practical applications of these metaphors among Nigerian believers, highlighting effective Christian engagement in social issues such as poverty alleviation, education, and interfaith relationships. As Christians fulfill their calling to be salt and light, they can significantly impact the moral and social fabric of Nigeria, encouraging a transformative movement toward a more equitable and harmonious society. Ultimately, this study aims to inspire Nigerian Christians to realize their potential as agents of change, fostering an environment where faith and active citizenship converge for the common good.

THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL EDUCATION THROUGH THE PORO IN COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT AND THE PRESERVATION OF FOREST SANCTUARIES IN URBAN AREAS:

2025-09-10T10:22:13+00:00

This study explores the tension between the resilience of traditional systems and the transformation of collective consciousness surrounding the traditional PORO system in Korhogo. From a sociological perspective, it examines the PORO as a traditional institution that mobilizes collective representations, ritual knowledge, and legitimization mechanisms to act as a guardian of sacred heritage. Through the lens of Senufo society in Korhogo, the study analyzes traditional education related to the PORO based on semi-structured interviews with key actors in this tradition village and land chiefs, custodians of sacred forests, and initiates of the sacred woods. The findings indicate that the PORO tradition serves as an identity marker within Korhogo’s urbanization process, through the spatial organization of sacred forests used for transmitting traditional values that are socially recognized and reinforced in the local collective consciousness. This identity marker integrates with and adapts to the dynamics of the urban environment through innovations in PORO practices, fostering collaboration and integration in a multicultural urban setting.

STRENGTHENING NATIONAL RESILIENCE THROUGH DEFENSE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE ERA OF GLOBALIZATION

2025-09-11T10:24:12+00:00

This study aims to analyze the role of defense entrepreneurship in strengthening national resilience in the era of globalization. Globalization demands that countries be independent in the defense sector, particularly through innovation, strategic industrial independence, and strengthening the defense entrepreneurship ecosystem. The research method used is a qualitative case study approach. Primary data was obtained through in-depth interviews with academics, defense industry practitioners, and policymakers, while secondary data was collected from policy documents, official reports, and related scientific publications. Data analysis was conducted using NVivo 12 Plus software for coding, categorizing, and thematic analysis. Within the theoretical framework, this study uses the National Resilience Theory, which emphasizes the importance of ideological, political, economic, socio-cultural, and defense and security aspects (Asta Gatra), and is supported by the concept of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Theory to explain the dynamics of defense innovation development. The results show that defense entrepreneurship plays a strategic role in increasing the independence of the defense industry through collaboration between the government, academics, and business actors. In addition, the emergence of defense technology start-ups can strengthen national competitiveness amidst the pressures of globalization. This study concludes that strengthening national resilience requires the integration of defense innovation policies, entrepreneurial support, and the use of digital technology. Research recommendations are directed at establishing a defense entrepreneurship ecosystem that is inclusive, sustainable, and adaptive to global dynamics.

Conflict Management in Real Estate Development: Brazilian Case

2025-09-15T10:50:04+00:00

This case study examines a complex negotiation in the real estate sector, where a developer successfully acquired a strategic plot of land from three distinct landowners. Through a comprehensive analysis of the negotiation process, this research highlights the importance of identifying zones of possible agreement and best alternatives to a negotiated agreement (BATNA).The study demonstrates how creative deal structuring and effective communication can facilitate mutually beneficial agreements in complex negotiations.By applying theoretical frameworks from negotiation and conflict management, this research provides insights into the strategic decisions that underpinned the successful conclusion of the deal. The findings offer valuable lessons for practitioners and scholars seeking to navigate similar complex negotiations in the real estate sector and beyond.