https://carijournals.org/journals/index.php/IJHSS/issue/feed International Journal of Humanity and Social Sciences 2024-05-07T16:56:12+03:00 Open Journal Systems <p>IJHSS is an open access journal that publishes peer-reviewed articles in humanities and social sciences. It aims to provide a platform for sharing insights, perspectives, and experiences on the issues and challenges facing humanity and society in the 21st century. The journal covers topics such as anthropology, sociology, psychology, education, culture, history, philosophy, religion, art, literature, media, communication, and more. The journal is indexed in several databases and follows strict ethical standards and quality principles. The journal publishes articles monthly and provides fast and efficient publication process. The authors receive certificates for publication and can access, read, download, cite, and order hardcopy prints of their articles. Publishing in IJHSS is beneficial for the authors because it offers them an opportunity to showcase their research to a wide and diverse audience.</p> https://carijournals.org/journals/index.php/IJHSS/article/view/1890 Social Capital and Community Development 2024-05-07T16:56:12+03:00 Timson Nyamari journals@carijournals.org <p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study sought to investigate the concept of social capital and its role in promoting community development and resilience, with a focus on practical interventions and policy implications.</p> <p><strong>Methodology: </strong>The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.</p> <p><strong>Findings:</strong> The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to social capital and community development. In this study on social capital and community development, while all authors contribute to the overarching theme, one author stands out for discussing a slightly different topic. Specifically, the author who emphasizes the economic advantages of robust social capital within a community diverges somewhat from the others. While the study as a whole examines various aspects of community development, including economic prosperity, social cohesion, and resilience, this particular author delves deeper into the specific mechanisms through which social capital enhances economic opportunities, such as access to resources, markets, and employment. Therefore, this author's focus on the economic dimension of social capital provides a unique perspective within the broader context of community development discussed by the other authors.</p> <p><strong>Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: </strong>The Social Capital theory, Community Empowerment theory and Structural Functionalism theory may be used to anchor future studies on the concept of social capital and its role in promoting community development and resilience. The study made several recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy in the field. It suggested further exploration of the mechanisms linking social capital to community development outcomes, integration of social capital considerations into policy frameworks, and implementation of community-based interventions. Additionally, the study emphasized the importance of capacity-building efforts, collaborative partnerships among stakeholders, and robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. By investing in these recommendations, stakeholders aimed to foster resilient, inclusive, and thriving communities, leveraging social capital as a catalyst for positive social change.</p> 2024-05-07T00:00:00+03:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Timson Nyamari https://carijournals.org/journals/index.php/IJHSS/article/view/1889 Healthcare Disparities among Socioeconomic Groups 2024-05-07T16:38:44+03:00 Abdi Sharmake journals@carijournals.org <p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study sought to explore the socioeconomic factors contributing to disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.</p> <p><strong>Methodology: </strong>The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.</p> <p><strong>Findings:</strong> The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to healthcare disparities among socioeconomic groups. Preliminary empirical review revealed that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds faced multiple barriers to healthcare access, leading to inequalities in health outcomes. The study highlighted the complex interplay between social factors such as income, education, and wealth, emphasizing the need for comprehensive, multisectoral approaches to address healthcare disparities. Despite progress, gaps in research, policy, and practice remained, underscoring the importance of continued efforts to achieve health equity through collaborative initiatives and evidence-based interventions.</p> <p><strong>Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: </strong>The Social Determinants of Health theory, Health Benefit model and Critical Medical Anthropology theory may be used to anchor future studies on healthcare disparities among socioeconomic groups. The study provided comprehensive recommendations to advance theory, practice, and policy. It contributed to theoretical frameworks by highlighting the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors and healthcare disparities. In practice, it emphasized the importance of patient-centered care and collaborative models to address social determinants of health. Policy recommendations focused on structural interventions to improve social and economic conditions and expand healthcare coverage. Capacity building efforts aimed to enhance skills and competencies, while improved data collection and monitoring systems were advocated for tracking progress. Finally, a research agenda prioritized understanding the mechanisms underlying disparities and evaluating intervention effectiveness. These recommendations aimed to promote health equity and ensure equitable access to healthcare services.</p> 2024-05-07T00:00:00+03:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Abdi Sharmake