مطالب

One of the functions of environmental sociology is the creation and development of socio-environmental concepts. “Environmental socialization” is one such concept, addressing which can offer valuable insights for future research, policymaking, and intervention strategies. Accordingly, this article aims first to explore the meaning and conceptual dimensions of environmental socialization as thoroughly as possible, and second to identify the contexts influencing it through a review of the theoretical literature and empirical studies in the field. This research employs a document-based method using content analysis of relevant texts. In terms of data collection, it is a library-based study, and in terms of data analysis, it falls within the category of qualitative content research. Based on the most prominent and recurrent themes found in expert definitions of the broader concept of "socialization," “environmental socialization” can be defined as the process of learning and internalizing environmental attitudes and awareness, and their behavioral manifestation in everyday life. Furthermore, drawing on themes derived from empirical research, the primary contexts in which environmental socialization occurs include residential environments, family, peer groups, educational settings, and media.

Objective: This study aimed to explore how parents in mixed heritage families in Malaysia engage in ethnic-racial socialization and transmit cultural identity to their children within the context of a multicultural society. Methods: Using a qualitative grounded theory approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 25 parents from diverse mixed heritage backgrounds residing in Malaysia. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and theoretical saturation guided the endpoint of data collection. Interviews focused on participants’ practices, challenges, and perspectives regarding cultural identity transmission in the home. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using NVivo software, employing open, axial, and selective coding to generate a conceptual framework grounded in participants’ narratives. Findings: Five main categories emerged: Cultural Identity Transmission, Language and Communication, Navigating Racial Bias, Family Dynamics, and Community and Social Engagement. Parents engaged in intentional practices such as storytelling, celebration of traditions, and bilingual upbringing to reinforce cultural heritage. They also described emotional and strategic responses to racial bias, as well as negotiation between co-parenting and intergenerational influences. Language was both a bridge and a barrier, shaping identity and familial cohesion. Parents sought external support through cultural events and digital communities to validate and enrich their children’s mixed identities. These findings highlight the emotional labor and adaptive strategies involved in raising bicultural children in socially stratified environments. Conclusion: Ethnic-racial socialization in mixed heritage families is a complex, multifaceted process involving intentional practices, emotional negotiations, and contextual adaptations. Parents act as cultural mediators, balancing heritage preservation with societal integration.

Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the lived experiences of Zoroastrian-Muslim interfaith marriages in Iranian society, focusing on the challenges, outcomes, and strategies adopted by couples. Methods: This qualitative study employed interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to understand the participants' perspectives. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 13 male participants involved in interfaith marriages between Zoroastrians and Muslims in Iran. Theoretical sampling was used, and interviews were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding, with data saturation achieved after the 13th interview. The Atlas.ti software was used for coding and analysis to derive themes from the participants' narratives. Findings: The findings reveal both positive and negative outcomes of interfaith marriages. Negative consequences include social exclusion, personal dissatisfaction, and emotional stress due to religious and cultural conflicts. These challenges were exacerbated by legal constraints, such as the requirement for non-Muslims to convert to Islam for formal marriage registration. On the other hand, positive outcomes included personal growth, intellectual development, and enhanced social cohesion through exposure to different religious and cultural perspectives. Acceptance of differences and maturity were key factors in successful marriages. Social exclusion and family opposition were prevalent but varied based on gender and minority status. Conclusion: Interfaith marriages in Iran, particularly between Zoroastrians and Muslims, are fraught with complexities. While many couples experience significant challenges related to social exclusion and cultural conflicts, others find personal growth and mutual understanding through their relationships. These marriages reflect broader societal dynamics, where religious hegemony and legal frameworks play crucial roles in shaping outcomes. The study highlights the need for legal reforms and social support to foster inclusivity in interfaith marriages.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the predictive roles of parental anxiety and parental criticism on child internalizing symptoms in a South African sample. Methods: The research employed a correlational descriptive design with a sample of 470 parents of children aged 6 to 12 years, selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie sample size table. Participants were recruited from various regions of South Africa. Standardized instruments were used, including the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for child internalizing symptoms, the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) for parental anxiety, and the Perceived Criticism Measure (PCM) for parental criticism. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, applying Pearson correlation coefficients to examine the relationships between variables and multiple linear regression to determine the predictive power of parental anxiety and criticism on child internalizing symptoms. Findings: Pearson correlation analysis showed significant positive relationships between child internalizing symptoms and both parental anxiety (r = .61, p < .01) and parental criticism (r = .53, p < .01). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that both parental anxiety (β = .49, t = 12.67, p < .001) and parental criticism (β = .33, t = 8.82, p < .001) significantly predicted child internalizing symptoms. The overall model was statistically significant (F(2, 467) = 183.19, p < .001), with an R² of .44, indicating that 44% of the variance in child internalizing symptoms was explained by the two predictors. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that higher levels of parental anxiety and criticism are associated with increased internalizing symptoms in children. These results highlight the importance of addressing both emotional and behavioral aspects of parenting in preventive and therapeutic interventions aimed at supporting child mental health.

The quest to harmonize Eastern and Western perspectives on human rights has become increasingly salient in a globalized world where cultural norms and values often clash. This paper seeks to evaluate the complexities of this issue by conducting a comparative analysis of key human rights principles within Eastern and Western contexts, with a focus on identifying areas of convergence. By exploring the historical, philosophical, and cultural underpinnings of human rights in both regions, I aim to get possibilities of gaining a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles that underpin these divergent perspectives. Through this comparative lens, I seek to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western conceptions of human rights, ultimately aiming to promote dialogue, mutual understanding, and the advancement of a universal framework that respects the diverse expressions of human dignity across different cultural landscapes.

The structure of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is based on humanistic thoughts, which has played an important role in its drafting motivations, content, and the actions of its implementers. It has specific foundations and reflections in the field of anthropology, which can be considered the anthropological bases of the Declaration of Human Rights. In this view, man, separated from origin and resurrection (eschatology), replaces God and prioritizes his own desires over God's. This descriptive-analytical article, by considering the content of the UDHR, aims to extract the foundations of human rights, which are, in fact, the foundations and reflections of humanistic thought, such as: negating the belief in origin and resurrection, negating the non-material dimension, negating gender rights, expanding and encroaching rights into other domains, negating duty-orientation, prioritizing hedonism over duty-orientation, negating dignity from religious ethics and rights, and finally, individualism.

The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of tax avoidance on investment efficiency with emphasis on the role of institutional ownership and managerial ownership. Tax avoidance can be used as internal source of financing to enable financially distressed companies to access valuable investments with savings from tax avoidance. For this, a sample of 152 companies was selected from the companies listed in the Tehran Stock Exchange and by collecting data related to the research during the years of 2015 to 2022. The data related to the research variables for a period of 8 years were collected from reliable statistical databases. The hypotheses inspired by the title of the research were estimated according to the Chow test and the Hausman test using related statistical methods. The result of the first hypothesis indicates the existence of a significant and positive relationship between tax avoidance and investment efficiency. Also, the result of the second hypothesis showed that there is a direct and significant relationship between tax avoidance in companies with institutional ownership and investment efficiency. While the result of the third hypothesis showed that there is no significant relationship between tax avoidance in companies with managerial ownership and investment efficiency.

Resource management is a part of project management and its ultimate goal is to achieve maximum efficiency with the lowest level of inventory. Resource management is built around optimization and increased efficiency. In this paper, inventory optimization is done using fuzzy approach and statistical averaging methods are used to solve fuzzy multi-objective linear programming problems. These methods have been used to form a goal function of fuzzy multi-objective linear programming problems. First, in order to optimize inventory and find the weight of each product in Isfahan Steel Company, a model of fuzzy multi-objective linear programming problem is estimated. The highest weight of products is related to commodity ingots and the lowest weight related to other products. The Fuzzy Multi-Objective Linear Programming Estimation Model has compared the statistical methods with the Chondrasen method. The results show that this method has the capacity to optimize the amount of inventory, reduce storage costs and reduce interest costs due to working capital.

Escalating urban heat island effects and rising energy demands in Iran's hot, dry climate pose a serious challenge for educational buildings, where high occupant density intensifies cooling needs and operational costs. This research addresses the urgency of adopting cool roof technologies—such as reflective coatings, green roofs, high-albedo materials, and radiative cooling roofs—to mitigate extreme indoor temperatures, reduce carbon footprints, and enhance student and staff well-being. Drawing on empirical data, simulation models, and a comprehensive literature review, we employ a weighted-scoring framework that evaluates each technology's thermal performance, energy savings, cost factors, durability, and environmental impact. Findings reveal that while radiative cooling roofs offer the greatest potential for reducing cooling loads (up to 30–40%) and maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures, they demand more advanced materials and higher initial investment. Green roofs yield substantial insulation and environmental benefits, but are limited by water scarcity and elevated setup costs. Conversely, reflective coatings and high-albedo materials strike a balance between effectiveness and affordability, making them viable for retrofits in budget-constrained educational facilities. The results underscore the need for context-specific solutions that consider local climate, water resources, building typology, and policy incentives. By clarifying the strengths and trade-offs of each cool roof approach, this study provides actionable guidance for architects, policymakers, and school administrators seeking sustainable and cost-effective interventions. Future research should focus on long-term performance monitoring, integrating complementary passive strategies (e.g., shading, natural ventilation), and developing localized materials tailored to resource-limited contexts.