This study explores the prevalence and patterns of cigarette smoking among working women of reproductive age in Kashmir, focusing on the social, cultural, and psychological factors influencing this behavior. Using a sample of 150 participants from three districts, the research employs thematic content analysis to identify key themes. The “Background highlights the complex interplay between societal norms, cultural influences, and stress factors that contribute to smoking habits. The “Method” involves a cross-sectional qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires to gather in-depth insights. The “Findings” reveal three primary themes: Social and Cultural Influences that drive smoking behavior, Stress and Coping Mechanisms, where smoking acts as a response to work and life challenges, and Perception of Health Risks, where participants acknowledge the dangers of smoking but struggle to quit due to perceived stress-relief benefits. The “Conclusion” emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive public health interventions, including awareness and cessation programs, tailored to the unique social context of Kashmir to address this growing concern.

Keywords: Cigarette smoking, working women, reproductive age, Kashmir.

This study aims to examine the challenges and opportunities of urbanisation and proper strategies for sustainable, inclusive, and equitable urban development. It seeks to address issues such as environmental degradation, social inequality, housing shortages, and overcrowding while considering the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders. Additionally, the study explores the potential benefits of de-urbanisation as a solution to mitigate the negative impacts of urbanisation. The findings and recommendations of this study have significant applicability in addressing the challenges of urbanisation and guiding policy decisions. The study highlights the need for a balanced distribution of population and resources between rural and urban areas to promote sustainable development. The government can utilise the study’s insights to refine existing schemes and introduce new initiatives to discourage rural-to-urban migration. Policymakers can leverage the study’s findings to shape urban planning strategies and create liveable, sustainable urban environments. By implementing a comprehensive approach that considers, both rural and urban perspectives, the government can foster equitable development and enhance the well-being of communities.

Keywords: Urbanisation, Rural Development, Sustainable Development, Balanced Economic Growth, Labour Migration.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been caused untold fear and suffering for older people across the world and this turmoil open up the scope of ‘globology’1 . The article is trying to explore the way of life of the older in the COVID-19 situations through the opinion of Indian fixed earning working professionals. During the COVID-19 turmoil, various institutional advice was circulated to keep the senior citizens active, natural in interaction and stress-free. This class of the senior citizens have a ‘fixed earning source’ in comparison to ‘rest of the population’ of India as well as they are also worried about varied effect of the COVID-19 to their loved one with whom they are socio-economic and psychologically linked.

The aim of the article is to gain a sense about the aged of ‘rest of the population’ of India through the opinion of ‘fixed earning working professional of India’. The ‘rest of the population’ are featured with 21.92 percent are BPL; 28.7 percent of household’s one member covered under health scheme; 85.26 percent demanded employment under MGNREGA; 78 percent males are regular wage employees; one in three women experience spousal violence; 49 percent internet subscribers and 88 percent with mobile connections.

Expecting, the result of the article will open the avenues of further research work to frame policies for the ‘rest of the population’ of India who are adversely affected in this COVID-19 turmoil and unable to reaching them due to ‘socio-physical distance’.

Keywords: COVID-19; India; Lockdown; Population; Senior Citizens; Working Professionals.

This study examines the inter-generational knowledge transfer within the Malayali tribe in the Kolli Hills of Tamil Nadu, focusing on 15 participants from the villages of Devanur Nadu, Valappur Nadu, and Valavanthi Nadu. The research aims to explore how traditional agricultural and cultural knowledge is passed down through generations and its impact on the sustainable well-being of the community. Data were collected through qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys, with SPSS used for statistical analysis. The findings highlight the critical role of elders in preserving traditional knowledge and the challenges posed by modernization and migration. The study underscores the importance of maintaining this knowledge for sustainable practices and overall community resilience.

Keywords: Inter-generational knowledge transfer, sustainable well-being, traditional knowledge.

The objective of this work is to explain the correlation that exists between family diversity in Maroua and socio-demographic characteristics such as religious affiliation, income, ethnic groups, level of education etc. The deterministic approach which examines causal variables that shape families was adopted to establish the relationship between family diversity and socio-demographic factors. The quota sampling method was used to ensure the equal representation of male and female in the sample. We administered 849 questionnaires 430 to men (50.65%) and 419 to women (49.35%). Equally, the number of questionnaires administered in each quarter was determined by its size. The systematic sampling method was used, we started the administration of questionnaires from a particular household and then skip five households before selecting the next household. We obtained the following results: If one is a monogamist, the higher the probability that one will be highly educated, have a legalized relationship, be younger, have a prestigious job and consequently earn a higher income and the reverse is true with polygynists There is a very significant relationship between family diversity and income, level of education, age, occupation, religion, ethic groups, legality of the relation and family size.

Keywords: Family diversity, Monogamy, Polygynous, Determinants, Socio-demographic.

Illicit alcohol consumption poses a significant public health crisis in India, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. This paper examines the pervasive issue of illicit alcohol, focusing on its production, distribution, consumption patterns, and devastating consequences. The analysis reveals a complex interplay of factors contributing to the problem, including poverty, social exclusion, weak regulatory oversight, and cultural practices. Despite substantial government revenue from legal alcohol sales, illicit liquor remains prevalent, particularly among Scheduled Castes and Tribes. The paper highlights the urgent need for comprehensive policy interventions, such as increased awareness, improved access to affordable legal alcohol, effective enforcement, and rational tax policies to address this critical public health challenge.

Keywords: Illicit alcohol, India, Methanol poisoning, Public health, Marginalized communities, Social inequality, Regulatory challenges.

Perinatal mental health has emerged as a critical public health concern globally; however, it remains inadequately explored within the socio-cultural contexts of India‘s Indigenous and tribal communities. This paper offers a theoretical and review-based analysis of perinatal mental health issues among sub-tribes in the Churachandpur district of Manipur, which is one of the ethnically diverse regions in Northeast India. Drawing on sociological theories of health, illness, and care—particularly symbolic interactionism, structural functionalism, and intersectionality—the paper critically examines how socio-cultural norms, gender roles, kinship systems, marginalization, and access to healthcare shape maternal mental health experiences in the perinatal period. By reviewing existing literature and regional studies, the paper foregrounds the need for culturally sensitive frameworks and mental health interventions that consider the lived experiences and realities of tribal women. It also highlights the gaps in research and policies connecting indigenous communities in Northeast India, advocating for a more inclusive and decolonized sociological engagement with maternal health.

Keywords: Gender, Indigenous communities, intersectionality, Manipur, Maternal Care, Northeast India, Tribal women, Perinatal Mental-health, Sociology of Health, Tribal women.

This theoretical and review-based manuscript critically explores the intersection of structural inequalities and healthcare access among informal migrant workers in India, focusing on migration corridors such as from the underdeveloped Seemanchal in Bihar to urban hubs like Delhi.

Drawing from sociological frameworks of social stratification, mobility, and institutional exclusion, the paper interrogates the role of caste, class, gender, and regional identity in shaping the lived experiences of migrant workers. Migrants, especially those from marginalised communities, are systematically excluded from urban public health infrastructure due to a variety of interlocking factors: lack of residential proof or documentation, unstable housing, informal employment without benefits, and sociocultural discrimination.

Through a comprehensive review of empirical studies, policy documents, and theoretical literature, the paper identifies critical gaps in the public health system that hinder equitable access. These include inadequate portability of health schemes, fragmented urban health governance, and neglect of preventive and occupational health services for mobile populations. Though ambitious, the Jan Arogya Yojana (Ayushman Bharat) remains poorly accessible to urban migrant populations due to its dependence on domicile-based registrations.

This paper argues that health disparities among migrant workers cannot be understood in isolation from the larger political economy of labour, urban development, and social policy. It emphasises the need to reconceptualise health access as a service delivery challenge and structural justice issue. This paper critically explore the interaction of core social work principles and ethical challenges encountered in real and dynamic field settings. Focusing primarily on the principles of confidentiality and non-judgemental attitude, it highlights the significant gap between theoretical classroom understanding and practical ground level realities in the Indian context. Drawing from direct field observations and practitioner experiences, the study examines that how social workers navigate ethical dilemmas. The paper contributes to the discourse on professional integrity, suggesting way to strengthen ethical practice in diverse and complex community environment.

The paper concludes with actionable policy recommendations aimed at dismantling the structural barriers to health for migrant workers and fostering a rights-based, inclusive healthcare framework that acknowledges and responds to their specific realities.

Keywords: Health Access, Informal Migrant Workers, Intersectionality, Migration, Structural Inequalities, Sociological Perspective, Social Stratification, Seemanchal Region, Social Exclusion, Urban Health.