Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
The Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (ISSN: 3134-7533) is an international, peer-reviewed scholarly journal dedicated to advancing knowledge, research, and critical discourse across a broad spectrum of disciplines. JAHSS provides an inclusive platform for researchers, academics, and practitioners to publish high-quality original studies, theoretical analyses, and review articles that examine the complexities of human society, culture, creativity, and social interaction. The journal covers a wide range of subject areas, including but not limited to literature, linguistics, philosophy, history, cultural studies, sociology, anthropology, political science, psychology, education, communication studies, fine arts, and performing arts. Its interdisciplinary orientation encourages innovative approaches that bridge traditional academic boundaries, fostering deeper understanding of cultural expression, human behavior, and social structures.
Fixing Nigeria's Electoral System: A Critical Analysis of the Electoral Act 2022 and the Electoral Act 2026
The strength of an electoral system is the bedrock of constitutional democracy as it is the foundation of the legitimacy of political power, the accountability of elected officials and the trust of citizens in democratic institutions. The Electoral Act 2022, which contained technological innovations, enhanced party party regulation and expanded the administrative powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was however found wanting during the conduct of the 2023 General Elections due to legal ambivalences, institutional weaknesses and inconsistent judicial rulings, which led to the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026 repealing the 2022 Act and adding compliance provisions for party party administration, digital members' registration and internal party party disputes. This paper critically analyzes doctrinal provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and 2026, constitutional principles, judicial decisions as well as institutional implementations in order to examine the transition from Electoral Act 2022 to Electoral Act 2026. It concludes that electoral reform through legislation should be clear, independent of institutional interference, effective and interpreted by courts of law in a consistent and constitutional manner that would enhance democratic governance and electoral integrity, if to achieve this, electoral reforms must be sustainable.
Electoral reform, Electoral Act 2022, Electoral Act 2026, INEC, Judicial Review, Democratic Governance
Copyright (c) 2026 Festus Uwakhemen Asikhia (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Gendered Institutionalism Tested On The Ground: Analysis Of The Impact Of UN Women On The Feminization Of The Political Space In Cameroon (2011-2024)
Dans un contexte marqué par une faible participation politique et représentativité des femmes sur les instances de décisions, Onu Femmes apparait comme l’acteur international dans la lutte pour la parité homme et femme. En effet, Cet article scientifique examine et évaluer le rôle de l’Onu femmes Dans la promotion de la féminisation politique au Cameroun depuis sa création en 2011. Sous le prisme de l’institutionnalisme genré à l’épreuve de l’espace politique camerounais, cette théorie est convoquée pour évaluer les stratégies d’action de l’entité Onusienne sur le champ politique. Cette analyse met d’abord en évidence son dispositif normatif puis son mandat et ses stratégies d’actions. Dans une logique évaluative, au-delà de son impact, l’article explore aussi les limites de cette intervention notamment les résistances socioculturelles, des problèmes économiques, et des maux endogènes relatifs aux manquements managériales et institutionnels. La présente réflexion montre dès lors que même si les progrès restent modestes de manière quantitative, l’Organisation internationale Onusien a beaucoup de défis dans le but d’accroitre son efficacité. Des challenges à la fois qualitatif et quantitatif nécessitant une création d’un fond spécial alloués pour favoriser la campagne électorale des femmes. Et les inciter à la compétition électorale représentative. Car depuis l’indépendance le Cameroun n’a jamais eu de femmes à la tête d’une première institution du pays encore moins une femme Ministre d’Etat. Théoriquement, l’Institutionnalisme genré l’approche mis en exergue ici pour disséquer comment l’Organisation Internationale Onu femmes influence la féminisation politique au Cameroun. Au-delà, la méthodologie de recherche est axée sur la collecte documentaire, des archives physiques et numériques d’Onu femmes Consultés. Cet article est enrichi par le traitement des données à la fois quantitative et qualitative mettant en exergue des entretiens directs et semi-directs. In a status quo characterized by low political participation and representation of women in decision- making bodies, UN Women has emerged as the international actor in the fight for gender equality. Since its creation in 2011, this scientific article examines and evaluates the role of UN Women in promoting women's political participation in Cameroon. This work begins with highlights on the normative framework, then the mandate and strategies actions. From an evaluative perspective, beyond its impact, the article also explores the limits of this intervention, including socio-cultural resistance, economic constraints, and endogenous problems related to managerial and institutional shortcomings. This reflection thus shows that even if progress remains acceptable from a quantitative point of view, the UN organization faces many challenges in increasing its effectiveness. These challenges are both qualitative and quantitative, necessitating the creation of a special fund allocated to support women's campaigns and encourage them to participate in representative electoral competition. Since independence, Cameroon has never had a woman at the helm of a major national institution, talk less of having a female as Minister of State. This article's analysis is based on the theory of gender institutionalism, a theoretical approach used to analyze how the international organization UN Women influences political feminization in Cameroon. Furthermore, the research methodology focuses on document collection, including physical and digital archives of UN Women. This article is enriched by the analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data, highlighting direct and semi-structured interviews.
UN Women, political feminization, gender, equality, parity, Cameroon.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jacques Christian Bull Bagneken (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Xenophobia, Political Leadership, and Psychological Impact in South Africa
Xenophobia is a significant governance and human rights problem in South Africa, as well as in the wider African region, and it impacts on migrants, refugees, political leadership and the politics of the region. The aim of this study is to explore the psychological impact of xenophobic messages and actions on the political leadership of South Africa and how these impacts on the governance and decision-making process. The study combines an interdisciplinary literature review, which incorporates the views of psychology, constitutional law, political science and international relations. It examines psychological theories and South African constitutional provisions, key judicial rulings, the United Nations Human Rights Instruments and the legal instruments of the African Union. The results show that xenophobic crises create leadership stress, moral injury, burnout and decision fatigue, and that the shortcomings in the implementation of policies and institutional coordination are associated with poor governance. The study calls for greater political leadership and responsible leadership, regional cooperation, evidence-based policies to improve leadership resiliency, human rights protection, and social cohesion in Africa as key elements in addressing xenophobia.The study recommends that there should be greater legal enforcement, evidence-based policies that promote social cohesion, human rights protection, and regional cooperation, in addition to political leadership and responsible leadership, as critical pillars in addressing xenophobia.
Xenophobia; Leadership; Psychology; Governance; Migration Diplomacy; Resilience; Discrimination; Policymaking; Africa.
Psychology of Narcissism in Nigeria Political Leadership: The proposed reforms
The quality of leadership and governance affects the performance of the government, national development and public trust in democracy. Nigeria is beset with a number of challenges, including corruption, abuse of executive power, inadequate accountability, nepotism, and weak institutional governance, which have sparked concerns about the role of personality attributes of political leaders. Recently, a trait of the psyche that has caught the interest of many researchers is that of narcissism, especially narcissistic aspects linked with exaggerated self-relevance, need for admiration, absence of empathy, and an inclination to favor one's personal concerns over the welfare of the public. Narcissistic qualities can be associated with confidence and charismatic leadership but can also be detrimental to democratic functioning, institutional accountability and effective policy implementation.The study looks at the relationship between narcissism as an attribute of political leadership and governance challenges in Nigeria with a multidisciplinary approach of health psychology, political psychology and legal analysis. The study examines the pertinent psychological theories, constitutional provisions, legal provisions, judicial rulings and institutional structures that govern political accountability in Nigeria. It also looks at how well current laws and governance structures are functioning to prevent behaviours from leadership that lead to undermining of democratic institutions. The doctrinal legal research methodology is used to examine the interplay of personality, law and public administration, with a comprehensive analysis of the psychological and governance literature.The results show that Nigeria's existing legal and institutional structure largely focuses on tackling corruption and misuse of power rather than on preventing actions of leaders that are related to narcissistic tendencies. The study suggests a range of comprehensive reforms such as constitutional and legislative changes, institutional independence, Executive policy reforms, the implementation of ethics and leadership development programmes and research on political psychology and governance. These recommendations seek to enhance democratic accountability, enhance public leadership and enhance sustainable governance in Nigeria.
Narcissistic traits, political leadership, health psychology, governance, legal reform, Nigeria, public administration
Legal Solutions To The Poorly Designed Social Work Programmes In Nigeria: The Case Of Internally Displaced Persons Arising From Insecurity In Northern Nigeria
The rising rate of IDPs due to insecurity in Northern Nigeria has highlighted the vulnerabilities of the social welfare and social work systems in the country. Although there are a number of constitutional, statutory, institutional and policy mechanisms that address the vulnerabilities of IDPs, their access to shelter, health, education, psychosocial support, livelihoods and durable solutions remains inadequate. The article provides a critical analysis of the legal dimension of poorly designed social work programmes for IDPs in Nigeria, and examines the extent to which the current legal and institutional framework helps or obstructs provision of effective protection and welfare. The study uses doctrinal legal research methodology in analyzing the primary legal sources such as the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), National Emergency Management Agency Act, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons Act 2022, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Kampala Convention, judicial authorities, government policies, and relevant academic literature. The article also explores how legal shortcomings contribute to institutional disintegration, weak policy implementation, and the continuing problems currently facing IDPs. The results show that Nigeria's social work programmes are more humanitarian and reactive and less rights and sustainable in nature. There is no IDP-specific legal framework, social work is poorly professionalised, there is a lack of accountability processes and overlapping mandates between different institutions have contributed to the poor effectiveness of the programmes. The study concludes that there is a need for comprehensive legal and institutional reform for meaningful protection of IDPs. Based on this, the article suggests the need for a specific IDP protection law, more effective judicial implementation of human rights commitments, better coordination by the executive, greater institutional accountability, and greater academic involvement in IDP governance. The measures are vital to ensure a shift from the present response to displacement towards a rights-based approach that guarantees the protection, welfare, rehabilitation and sustainable reintegration of IDPs.
Internally Displaced Persons, Social Work Programmes, Human Rights, Kampala Convention, Legal Protection, Social Welfare, Northern Nigeria, Displacement Governance.
Addressing the Concerns of Special Persons, Women, and Individuals with Mental Health Challenges
The purpose of this essay is to examine and emphasize the urgent issues that three neglected groups, women, people with mental health issues, and special persons face. It emphasizes the necessity of intersectional, inclusive policies and comprehensive interventions that address their particular requirements. People with special needs frequently encounter structural and physical obstacles that restrict their access, involvement, and inclusion. Women still face socioeconomic disparities, reproductive rights concerns, restricted access to healthcare, and gender-based discrimination. Meanwhile, social marginalization, stigma, and limited access to mental healthcare exacerbate mental health issues. Using a combination of case studies, observational data, and a literature review, the paper takes a qualitative approach. It looks at how these communities face additional challenges as a result of cultural prejudices, legislative gaps, and ignorance. The results show that despite the existence of certain policies, their execution is still lacking because of difficulties with enforcement and public indifference. Important tactics like community-based support networks, enhanced healthcare delivery, public awareness campaigns, inclusive education, and economic empowerment are highlighted as essential solutions. As part of the process, advocacy groups were interviewed, current neighborhood activities were examined, and national and international policies were reviewed. Localized community support has been found to significantly improve inclusion initiatives, particularly when bolstered by religious and traditional leaders. However, in the absence of sufficient political will and persistent campaigning, structural change continues to go slowly. In conclusion, even though there has been a lot of progress in the world in acknowledging these groups' rights, much more work remains. In order to build a truly inclusive society where everyone can prosper, regardless of ability, gender, or mental health condition, holistic and multi-stakeholder approaches are crucial.
Special Persons, Women Empowerment, Mental Health Challenges, Social Inclusion ,Health Equity, Vulnerable Populations, Inclusive Policy Development
Copyright (c) 2026 Ikechukwu Vincent Ezenwa, Albert Ulutorti Green, Madubuike Gilbert Okwuchukw (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Reassessing Accessism: Structural Preconditions and the Limits of Epistemic Access
This essay reexamines accessism as a structural epistemology, arguing that knowledge requires exposure and accessibility. Accessism emphasizes epistemic involvement, while traditional epistemology emphasizes belief, truth, and justification. The research critically examines whether this transformation is a reformulation of latent assumptions in established traditions or a major theoretical development. According to the paper, which compares rationalist, empiricist, and modern social epistemologies, accessism alleviates traditional epistemology's internalist bias by stressing knowledge's structural constraints. In example, structural ignorance provides a nuanced explanation for how people can be uninformed due to constrained access rather than cognitive deficiency. However, the study notes numerous problems, including the risk of limiting epistemology to sociological research, the conceptual vagueness of "access," and the primary argument's probable triviality. Epistemic agency and structural limits conflict, and accessism undervalues intellectual traits and cognitive processes in knowledge formation. In response, a more complex framework comprising structural, cognitive, and normative elements treats accessibility as an enabling condition inside an epistemic system. The study found that accessism is better viewed as a framework rather than a philosophy. By emphasising epistemic availability, it broadens epistemology. Future research should focus on fair knowledge access rules, empirical validation, and conceptual enhancement.
Accessism , Epistemic access , Structural epistemology ,Knowledge accessibility, Epistemic justice ,Social epistemology ,Epistemic limits
Copyright (c) 2026 Ikechukwu Vincent Ezenwa, Albert Ulutorti Green, Christian Chidozie Nwadilibe, Efido Blessed Samuel Okechukwu Ph.D (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Reconfiguring Epistemology Through Structure: A Critical Appraisal Of Accessism As An Epistemology Of Exposure And Accessibility
This paper examines Accessism, a nascent epistemological framework that prioritises accessibility and exposure as essential conditions for knowledge acquisition. Traditional epistemology, although presuming that epistemic agents possess pertinent knowledge, has focused on the internal conditions of knowledge, including belief, justification, and truth. Accessism introduces a structural element to epistemological analysis, indicating that knowledge relies on prior conditions that facilitate epistemic interaction. The paper examines Accessism's sequential model of knowledge generation, which includes accessibility, exposure, belief, justification, and knowledge, as well as its differentiation between structural, cognitive, and volitional ignorance. The paper demonstrates that Accessism is a meta-epistemological framework that enhances existing theories by situating it inside rationalism, empiricism, critical philosophy, and social epistemology. The analysis identifies several strengths. Accessism incorporates structural variables into epistemology, offers a nuanced understanding of ignorance, and presents a formal paradigm for conceptual precision. Contemporary issues, including epistemic inequalities in education, technology, and global knowledge systems, underscore its significance. Nevertheless, the paper reveals significant deficiencies. The theory's basic claim, being intuitive, poses a risk of triviality. By prioritising structural variables over epistemic evaluation, it risks reductionism and overlooks justification and truth. Concerns regarding circularity and the inadequately established normative aspect persist. The article concludes that Accessism is promising however deficient in epistemological foundations. It does not reinvent knowledge; instead, it compels a reevaluation of the conditions that render knowledge possible, presenting fresh opportunities for the structural dimensions of the study of knowing.
Reconfiguring Epistemology, Accessism, Epistemology of Exposure, Accessibility
Copyright (c) 2026 Nwokedi Godswill Okechukwu, Nganwuchu Geoffrey Chiazo, Kenechi N Afunugo, Efido Blessed Samuel Okechukwu Ph.D (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Security Sector Reform and Institutional Capacity Gaps: Implications for Peacebuilding and Human Security in Sierra Leone
Security sector reform (SSR) remains central to post-conflict stabilization efforts in Sierra Leone following the end of the civil war. However, while significant progress has been made in rebuilding security institutions, recent developments indicate a renewed phase of institutional expansion that may not be matched by corresponding increases in capacity. This article examines how gaps between institutional ambition and operational capability affect peace building outcomes and long-term stability. Drawing on secondary sources and comparative insights from Ghana and Nigeria, the study argues that under-resourced security institutions can unintentionally contribute to governance fragmentation reduced public trust, and uneven protection across communities. These dynamics are particularly significant in post-conflict environments where fragile peace depends on the legitimacy and effectiveness of state institutions. The article further explores how recruitment practices, weak oversight structures, and donor-dependent reforms shape institutional performance. It concludes that sustainable peace building requires not only institutional expansion but also careful sequencing of reforms, strengthened accountability mechanisms, and alignment between security provision and human security needs.
Security Sector reform; Peace-building; Sierra Leone; human security; Institutional Capacity; Post-conflict governance
Copyright (c) 2026 Tamba Eric Sourie (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The Impact of Social Media on Religious Communities
This paper examines the growing impact of social media on religious communities in contemporary society, with particular attention to how digital technologies have reshaped religious communication, participation, identity formation, and community engagement. In today’s digital era, platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) have become central spaces where religious organizations and believers connect, communicate, and express their faith. These platforms are no longer just social tools but have evolved into important religious spaces where sermons are shared, worship services are streamed live, prayers are conducted online, and spiritual messages are circulated instantly across global audiences. The study explores how these digital platforms have significantly improved access to religious content, making it easier for individuals to engage with faith-based teachings regardless of time or location. This increased accessibility has also strengthened global religious interaction, allowing believers from different cultural and geographical backgrounds to share experiences and deepen spiritual connections. In addition, social media has expanded opportunities for evangelism, religious education, and community outreach, making religious messages more visible and widely distributed than ever before. Furthermore, the paper highlights how social media plays a crucial role in shaping religious identity and participation, particularly among young people who increasingly depend on online platforms for spiritual guidance, moral support, and a sense of belonging. However, alongside these benefits, the study also identifies key challenges. These include the spread of misinformation, commercialization of religious content, weakening of traditional religious authority, and exposure to morally conflicting or inappropriate content online. Such issues often create tension between long-established religious traditions and the rapidly evolving digital culture.Drawing from sociological and historical perspectives, the study argues that social media serves both as a powerful tool for religious growth and as a space of ideological and moral negotiation. It concludes that the influence of social media on religion is complex and ever-changing. Therefore, religious institutions must adopt balanced, ethical, and strategic digital approaches that enhance positive engagement while minimizing potential risks to religious values and teachings.
Social media, religion, religious communities, digital communication, secularization, moral values
Copyright (c) 2026 Emma David (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Theological Education In The Digital Age: Charting An Ai-Future For All.
The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping every sphere of human life, including education and religious practice. Theological education, with its deep concern for truth, wisdom, and formation, faces both significant opportunities and serious challenges in this transition. This paper explores how AI is transforming theological education in the digital age, examines key ethical and theological questions raised by these changes, and proposes principles and practices for charting an AI- future that is accessible, just, and faithful to the core commitments of Christian theology (or other religious traditions, as appropriate). It argues that AI must be approached not only as a technological tool but as a context that reshapes human identity, relationships, and spiritual formation. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for institutions, educators, and churches seeking to adopt AI in ways that foster inclusivity, critical discernment, and genuine spiritual growth.
Copyright (c) 2026 MUTEBA JOSHUA MPALANGA (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The Role of Social Media in Shaping Contemporary Art and Culture
This review examines the influential role of social media in shaping contemporary art and cultural practices, emphasizing how digital platforms have transformed artistic production, dissemination, and audience engagement. Social media enables artists to reach global audiences, bypass traditional institutional gatekeeping, and engage directly with diverse communities. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube facilitate experimentation with multimedia forms, participatory art, and collaborative projects, fostering dynamic networks of creators and audiences. The literature indicates that these platforms have democratized artistic expression, allowing previously marginalized or emerging artists to gain visibility, challenge traditional hierarchies, and influence cultural trends.At the same time, social media introduces challenges that affect both creativity and cultural perception. Algorithmic biases, commercial pressures, and the emphasis on virality can influence artistic visibility and decision-making, sometimes prioritizing popularity over originality. Ethical and intellectual property concerns also emerge, particularly regarding the ownership and attribution of digital artworks. Additionally, social media plays a pivotal role in shaping cultural narratives, amplifying social movements, identity-based initiatives, and community discourse, blurring the lines between art, activism, and everyday cultural production.By synthesizing recent scholarship, case studies, and digital ethnographic research, this review highlights the dual nature of social media’s influence—its capacity to empower artists and democratize access, alongside its potential to commodify culture and constrain artistic autonomy. The findings offer critical insights into the evolving relationship between technology, creativity, and society, underscoring the significant impact of social media on contemporary art and cultural practices in the twenty-first century.
Social media, Contemporary art, Digital culture, Artistic production, Cultural dissemination, Online communities, Creative engagement.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
The Representation of Marginalized Communities in Historical Narratives
The representation of marginalized communities in historical narratives has long been shaped by power relations, colonial legacies, and dominant ideological frameworks. Traditional historiography often prioritized the voices of political elites, colonizers, and ruling classes, resulting in the systematic exclusion, misrepresentation, or silencing of groups such as women, ethnic minorities, enslaved peoples, indigenous populations, and the working poor. This review article critically examines how marginalized communities have been portrayed in historical narratives and how contemporary scholarship seeks to recover suppressed voices and reinterpret the past through more inclusive lenses. Drawing on existing literature from postcolonial studies, subaltern studies, feminist historiography, and cultural history, the review highlights the mechanisms through which historical exclusion has occurred, including archival bias, Eurocentrism, and institutional control over knowledge production. The article further explores recent methodological shifts—such as oral history, microhistory, and interdisciplinary research—that have enabled historians to challenge dominant narratives and foreground lived experiences of marginalized groups. The review also analyzes the social and political implications of historical representation, emphasizing how distorted narratives contribute to ongoing inequality, identity marginalization, and social injustice. By reassessing whose stories are told and how they are told, modern historiography plays a crucial role in promoting historical justice and inclusivity. This review concludes that equitable representation in historical narratives is not merely an academic concern but a vital process for fostering social awareness, strengthening collective memory, and empowering marginalized communities. The article calls for continued critical engagement with historical sources and greater commitment to inclusive historical practices
; Marginalized communities, Historical narratives, Collective memory Representation, Postcolonial studies, Social justice, Subaltern voices
The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Creative Industries
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into creative industries has sparked profound ethical debates regarding authorship, originality, labor, and societal impact. AI technologies are increasingly employed in fields such as visual arts, music, literature, design, and media production, enabling novel forms of content creation, automated processes, and personalized experiences. While these innovations expand creative possibilities and efficiency, they also raise questions about the ethical responsibilities of creators, developers, and institutions in managing AI-generated content. This review examines the ethical implications of AI in creative industries, focusing on issues of intellectual property, accountability, transparency, and the potential for cultural homogenization. Key ethical concerns center on authorship and ownership: AI systems can generate outputs with minimal human input, challenging conventional notions of creativity and copyright law. Scholars highlight the risk of devaluing human artistry and the need for frameworks that recognize both human and machine contributions. Additionally, the use of AI in creative work raises questions about labor displacement and the role of human creativity in an increasingly automated environment. Ethical considerations also extend to transparency and bias: AI algorithms may reproduce or amplify social biases, misrepresent cultural narratives, or prioritize profit-driven outputs over artistic integrity.Furthermore, the review explores the broader societal implications of AI in creative industries, including the tension between innovation and cultural preservation, the democratization of creative tools, and the environmental impact of computational processes. It emphasizes the importance of responsible AI governance, ethical design principles, and interdisciplinary collaboration among artists, technologists, and policymakers. Ultimately, the ethics of AI in creative industries reflect a balance between embracing technological innovation and safeguarding human, cultural, and societal values. This review underscores the need for ongoing dialogue, critical assessment, and regulatory frameworks that guide the responsible integration of AI, ensuring that technological progress enriches rather than undermines creative expression and cultural diversity.
Artificial Intelligence (AI); Creative Industries; AI Ethics; Intellectual Property; Algorithmic Bias; Automation and Labor; Responsible AI Governance
Postcolonial Narratives In Modern Literature
Postcolonial narratives in modern literature offer critical insights into the complex legacies of colonialism, exploring themes of identity, power, resistance, and cultural hybridity. This review examines the ways in which contemporary authors from formerly colonized nations engage with postcolonial themes, often challenging dominant Western narratives and reclaiming historical and cultural identities. Postcolonial literature reflects the intersection of past colonial experiences with the present-day struggles of individuals and societies, exploring issues such as the impact of colonization on language, national identity, and social structures. Key themes in postcolonial literature include the deconstruction of colonial discourses, the articulation of marginalized voices, and the exploration of the complexities of hybridity in a globalized world. Writers like Chinua Achebe, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, and Salman Rushdie foreground the tensions between the colonizer and the colonized, using narrative strategies to subvert colonial ideologies and assert indigenous cultures. These authors often use allegory, magical realism, and the reclamation of indigenous languages to articulate the psychological and cultural scars left by colonial domination. The review also considers how postcolonial narratives examine the politics of memory, trauma, and the rewriting of history. Literature becomes a tool for resistance, creating counter-narratives that challenge the reductionist views imposed by colonial powers. Furthermore, it looks at the ways in which contemporary postcolonial writers engage with the globalized, interconnected world, grappling with questions of migration, diaspora, and the continuing effects of colonialism in the 21st century. Ultimately, postcolonial literature continues to be a vital space for the articulation of resistance, empowerment, and self-definition. Through the examination of these narratives, this review underscores the ongoing relevance of postcolonial discourse in understanding modern literary traditions and its role in shaping cultural and political dialogues.
Postcolonial Literature, Cultural Identity, Hybridity, Colonial Legacy, Diaspora and Migration, Narrative Techniques, Resistance and Reclamation
The Impact of Digital Technology on Contemporary Art Practices
The integration of digital technology into contemporary art practices has radically transformed both the production and consumption of art. Digital tools and platforms have expanded artistic possibilities, allowing for new forms of expression that blur traditional boundaries between genres, media, and artistic disciplines. This review examines the diverse ways in which digital technology has influenced contemporary art, focusing on digital media, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and interactive installations. By enabling artists to explore novel materials, techniques, and collaborative processes, digital technology has facilitated an era of unprecedented experimentation in the visual arts. The impact of digital technology is particularly evident in the realm of digital media art, where software, algorithms, and video manipulation tools have become integral to artistic creation. Similarly, the rise of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) has opened up immersive environments where viewers can engage with art in dynamic, participatory ways. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have also introduced new creative possibilities, challenging conventional notions of authorship and creativity by allowing machines to generate and influence artistic outcomes. This review also addresses the challenges posed by the digital age, including concerns over copyright, the preservation of digital works, and the growing commercialization of art through online platforms. Additionally, it explores the democratization of art, as digital technology enables artists from diverse backgrounds to reach global audiences and engage with interactive, decentralized forms of exhibition. Ultimately, the evolving relationship between digital technology and contemporary art invites further investigation into its role in shaping cultural narratives and the future of artistic practice.
Digital Art, Contemporary Art, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Art, NFTs and Blockchain, Interactive Art