Over the course of the 21st century, the study of the Global South has evolved beyond a state-centric and strictly geographical conception. This framework now encompasses cultural, philosophical, and social dimensions, as well as the impacts of globalization on countries experiencing similar challenges within the global capitalist system. From a geopolitical perspective, the Global South has been employed as a category to classify countries, many formerly categorized as the “Third World,” that have sought to establish a more equitable international order characterized by cooperation and mutual respect since at least the 1960s. This article, adopting a geopolitical Global South perspective, aims to present the development and convergence of the diplomatic agendas of Brazil and Kazakhstan, particularly since the first term of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in 2003. The primary conclusion of this study is that, despite their geographical distance, Brazil and Kazakhstan have developed convergent diplomatic relations that can contribute to strengthening economic ties, renewing the multilateral system, and enhancing the role of Global South diplomacy in mediating contemporary geopolitical crises.

Keywords: Brazil, Kazakhstan, Global south, Geopolitics, Foreign policy

DOI : https://doi.org/10.53277/2519-2442-2025.1-01 [HTML]

This study explores the motivations behind the marriages of Kazakhstani women to Turkish citizens and examines the broader implications of these unions, particularly regarding the emigration of highly qualified young Kazakhstani women of reproductive age. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study is based on in-depth interviews with 23 Kazakhstani women who have married Turkish men. The collected data were analyzed through text analysis to identify key patterns and drivers of these cross-national marriages. The findings reveal that the motivations for these marriages vary significantly. While love and emotional attachment play a crucial role, other factors such as economic stability, social security, and the perception of Turkish men as responsible family- oriented individuals also contribute to these marriage decisions. Additionally, sociocultural similarities between Kazakhstan and Türkiye, family influence, and religious alignment emerge as important determinants. Some women see marriage to a Turkish citizen as a means of personal development and access to better economic opportunities, while others emphasize the support, reliability, and traditional values they find in their Turkish partners. Given the growing trend of international marriages, the study highlights the need for further sociological and demographic research to assess the long-term impact of such unions on Kazakhstani society. It also calls for policies that address the social and economic factors influencing marriage migration.

Keywords: Foreign marriages, International marriages, Kazakh women, marriages, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Kazakh-Turkish marriages

DOI : https://doi.org/10.53277/2519-2442-2025.1-02 [HTML]

The article analyses educational plans and higher education choices by school graduates from different school types, such as private (fee-based) and public (free of charge) schools. Theoretical analysis of social aspects of higher education choice within categorical and modernist approaches is presented. The research aims to understand how graduates from private and public schools make their decisions about higher education. The results of structured interviews conducted with school graduates are presented. The sample contains school graduates representing different socio-economic groups. Respondents are graduates from urban and rural areas, private (paid) and public, general and advanced schools. The sample size is 150. During the research, it was determined that the decision to choose a higher education institution depends on the family’s socio-economic status. The higher the family’s socio-economic status, the more ambitious the choice of a school graduate becomes. On the one hand, the process of higher education choice is formed based on the principle of rationality considered in economic theories and, on the other hand, based on social opportunities and limitations defined in sociological theories. Thus, school graduates try to make rational decisions considering social opportunities. The research aims to find out how social opportunities and constraints affect school graduates’ higher education choices.

Keywords: School graduates, Social aspects, Higher education choice, Schools, Success in higher education

DOI : https://doi.org/10.53277/2519-2442-2025.1-03 [HTML]

This study aims to explore the process of religious identity formation in the context of increasing digitalization and changes in the socio-political environment. The findings show a shift in religious authority structures; the traditional hierarchies are being replaced by new decentralized digital networks and user-generated content. From the present study, it becomes clear that social media and other digital communication tools help form hybrid religious identities, combining traditional religious practices and the new digital culture. Three ways in which digitalization affects religious identity are through virtual community formation, algorithmic content curation and interactive ritual practices. The study also examines how socio-political factors, such as the state regulation of digital spaces and content, influence the digital expression of religious identity. The comparison of cultures reveals different trends in the adoption of digital religious practices in various political systems and cultural environments. Quantitative and qualitative methods, including analysis, synthesis, historical-formal methods and generalization, were used in this study to analyze the relationship between digital technologies and religious identity formation. The study analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of Internet-mediated religious practices in various churches while making specific reference to the Republic of Kazakhstan. Thus, the results show how the development of technology influences modern religious identity and interpersonal religious relations and, therefore, contributes to the discussion of digital religion and social change.

Keywords: Digitalization, Religious identity, Social cohesion, Political aspects, Interreligious dialogue, Social networks

DOI : https://doi.org/10.53277/2519-2442-2025.1-04 [HTML]

This study compares occupational incidents in the mining industries of Kazakhstan and Japan from 2018 to 2023. Kazakhstan’s rising workplace accidents, particularly in coal mining, highlight deficiencies in safety management despite adopting global standards. In contrast, Japan benefits from advanced safety technologies and stringent protocols, resulting in significantly lower incident rates. The study analyses trends in incident types, such as falls and machinery-related injuries, using harmonized injury classifications. Findings reveal regulatory weaknesses and underreporting in Kazakhstan, while Japan faces challenges with aging infrastructure and disaster preparedness. The research emphasizes Kazakhstan’s need to enhance legal frameworks, training, and safety culture, while Japan must address infrastructure-related risks. Recommendations for both countries focus on improving occupational safety systems to meet international standards, providing key insights for policy reform in high-risk industries such as mining.

Keywords: Mining industry, Occupational injuries, Socioeconomic factors, Culture of safety, Kazakhstan, Japan

DOI : https://doi.org/10.53277/2519-2442-2025.1-05 [HTML]

DOI : https://doi.org/10.53277/2519-2442-2025.1-06 [HTML]