Journal of Development and Social Sciences

Role of ChatGPT in Undergraduate Education: Benefits, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations

2025-04-07T12:40:39+05:00

This research focuses on benefits and challenges of using Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically ChatGPT, in undergraduate education at Government College University Lahore. AI technology is advancing, its use in educational settings has been increasing as well. ChatGPT is a high-level language model tool developed by AI, among the most influential tools of one branch in which Artificial Intelligence tool works. This tool uses a large dataset to create text that other humans have produced and it can be utilized for academic purpose. This research study used quantitative research methodology, questionnaires were distributed to gather information from students. The results show that ChatGPT can be a helpful tool for personalized learning, quick content creation, and easy access to information. At the same time, it presents challenges like cheating, misuse, and unequal access to technology. Future research should focus on how the use of AI tools impacts students' cognitive development and critical thinking skill, Investigate the long-term effects of AI tools on students' creative and problem-solving abilities, explore how AI technologies like ChatGPT can be integrated into diverse academic coursework and cultural settings and Study the effects of AI in areas with limited resources and accessibility to educational tools.

Challenging Boundaries in Harrow's The Ten Thousand Doors of January: A Postcolonial Feminist Study

2025-04-13T16:10:16+05:00

This study examines Harrow's The Ten Thousand Doors of January (2019) through the lenses of Homi K. Bhabha and Simone de Beauvoir. Harrow uses fantasy to critique colonialisation and celebrate women's resistance. The role of women in fiction and adventure literature has often been marginalised and overlooked. The novel presents the parallel story of January Scaller and her mother, Adelaide Larson, as they navigate their path under the rule of Mr. Locke, an Englishman who created an archaeological society. The society of Locke collects antiques and crafts from other worlds and closes and destroys the doors they find. The research involves close textual analysis, guided by Simone de Beauvoir's The Second Sex (1949) and Homi K. Bhabha's hybridity and 'Third Space' theories. It analyses how January, as a mixed-race individual with black skin, faces exploitation in Locke's household and how her father has been subjected to Locke's insatiable colonial greed. It examines how January exists in an in-between space and how doors symbolize a third world where the world intersects. Boundaries dissolve, allowing January, Julian, and Adelaide to defy social constraints and redefine their identities. The present study concludes how Hybridity and the concept of 'the other' reveal the resistance and transformation of marginalized identities against colonial and societal constraints in The Ten Thousand Doors of January.

An Empirical Analysis of Demand Determinants for Women’s Apparel in Emerging Markets

2025-04-15T07:51:15+05:00

With an eye toward economic, psychological, and cultural impacts especially in Karachi, this study seeks to pinpoint and examine main elements driving demand in Pakistan's women's apparel sector. Although the women's clothing market of Pakistan is growing, it is still difficult to forecast because of changing customer behavior impacted by cultural changes, economic variance, and changing digital trends. Strategic decisions and inventory control suffer inaccurate demand predictions. Survey data gathered from Karachi female consumers was a quantitative one. Examined in relation to income levels, brand loyalty, price sensitivity, and product preferences was regression analysis. Results show that main economic drivers are pricing policy and discretionary income. Purchasing behavior is greatly shaped by cultural inclination for simple and classic designs as well as by digital marketing and social media. High expenses prevent the acceptance of sustainable fashion even if environmental awareness is growing. Advice for clothing companies should be to use flexible pricing policies, stress distinctive brand identities, and improve online interaction. In the garment business, knowledge of demand elements helps to improve forecasting, competitiveness, and sustainable development.

Unveiling Gender Disparities: A Critical Review of PSDP Budget Allocations (2020-2025)

2025-04-22T10:41:40+05:00

This Study rigorously assessed gender specific budgetary allocations of Pakistan Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2020-2025, focusing on evaluating the degree and impact of women specific initiatives. The main aim was to understand how these initiatives and budget allocations empower women in Pakistani society. Using annual PSDP reports for documentary analysis, the research also examined allocations using gender-responsive budgeting framework to identify trends, sectoral gaps and funding patterns. The finding highlighted that, despite a slight increase in education and health allocation, funding for gender-specific initiatives is still shockingly low, accounting only for 0.04% of the total PSDP across five years. Overall, the study highlighted noticeable inequality of prioritization where education and health received the majority of funding, whereas economic empowerment, legal aid and rural based initiatives consistently receive low levels of funding. The study recommended at least a 5-10% increase on gender-based allocation for the total PSDP, in order to provide a radically higher budgetary allocation that could successfully promote women empowerment and gender equality.

Understanding Environmental Science: Evaluating Conceptual understanding of Prospective Science Teachers for Environmental Issues in higher Education

2025-04-23T10:56:24+05:00

Present study aimed to evaluates the understanding of prospective science teachers at undergraduate level about the concepts of environmental science. Environmental science understanding among prospective teachers is essential and significant for the society to make sustainability parameters best in practice. For this purose, data were collected using Tayyaba Environmental Science Academic Performance Test (TEAT). A survey-based research design was employed, with purposive sampling of 54 prospective science students. The sample included prospective science teachers with background of pre-medical and pre-engineering, with a focus on overall conceptual understanding, Factors of environmental issues and the impact of demographic factors such as CGPA, study hours, socioeconomic status and internet usage. A 60-item MCQ-based assessment tool “Tayyaba Environmental Science Academic Performance Test (TEAT)” was designed to evaluate prospective science teachers’ conceptual understanding about environmental issues . Data were analyzed through Descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results of descriptive statistics revealed that prospective science teachers achieved a moderate overall conceptual understanding (mean score = (M = 39.87, SD = 4.9), with significant variability across Factors. The highest mean score was observed in “Contribution of Environmental Sciences to Society” (M = 4.78, SD = 0.98), while the lowest was in “Human Environment and Resources” (M = 2.67, SD = 0.85). Inferential analyses showed no significant mean differences in conceptual understanding based on CGPA (F = 0.468, p = .798), study hours (F = 1.134, p = .355), socioeconomic status (F = 0.142, p = .868), or internet access (t = 1.15, p = .257). These findings highlight the importance of fostering environmental awareness and equipping future science teachers with the knowledge and skills to resolve environmental challenges. It is recommended that the short faculty training programs should be initiated to introduce experiential learning methods to teach science subjects like environmental sciences to strengthen compitesnes of teachers as well as students in improving conceptual understanding of Environmental issues to meet sustainable development goals (SDGS) in future.

Binge Watching, Para Social Relationships and Psycho Social well-Being in Early Adults

2025-04-23T11:22:53+05:00

This study aimed to examine the relationship between binge-watching, parasocial relationships, and psychosocial well-being in early adults, with a focus on the mediating role of parasocial relationships.The rise in binge-watching behavior among young adults has been associated with the formation of parasocial relationships, potentially impacting mental and social well-being. This study explores these interrelations in the context of early adulthood. Using a correlational research design, a purposive sample of 250 university students (88 males, 162 females; M = 1.65, SD = 0.48) aged 18–30 years was recruited from universities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Standardized scales were used to assess binge-watching engagement, parasocial interaction, and psychosocial well-being. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and mediation analysis. Binge-watching was positively correlated with parasocial relationships and negatively with psychosocial well-being. Parasocial relationships significantly mediated this relationship. Demographic variables showed no significant association. Interventions promoting balanced media use and emotional regulation are recommended to enhance psychosocial well-being in early adults. Data was collected from three universities only which was a limitation as the data cannot be generalised on students of other universities. Data was not collected from males and females equally. In further studies gender difference could be one dimension to be researched on. For future research, evaluation criteria can be altered in accordance with the sample, or the sample population might be given a brief introduction to the study.

AI-Powered Surveillance in China and Its Implications for Global Democracy

2025-04-25T15:26:01+05:00

This article explores how China's AI-powered surveillance system affects the world, emphasizing how AI reinforces authoritarian rule, stifles criticism, and shapes international standards. Through the integration of technology such as facial recognition, big data analytics, and predictive policing, China facilitates behavioral control and real-time surveillance through online filtering and the Social Credit System. In addition to strengthening control over domestic life, these instruments are disseminated internationally through programs like the Digital Silk Road, which puts democratic institutions at risk, particularly in nations with lax security.Using qualitative methods—including policy analysis, cross-case comparison, and content analysis—this study draws from primary sources like government documents and secondary sources such as academic research and investigative journalism. The article calls for international cooperation to promote ethical AI governance, strengthen legal and institutional protections, and support civil society and independent media in order to counter the spread of AI-enabled authoritarianism. The establishment of global standards for responsible AI use is crucial to upholding democratic values in the digital age. The findings demonstrate the widespread adoption of China's model in fragile democracies, raising serious concerns about privacy, freedom of expression, and democratic participation