Welcome to the 5th Edition of the Social Science Student Journal

We are proud to present the fifth edition of the Social Science Student Journal — and my final edition as Editor-in-Chief before passing the role to Saffron Baker, who will continue this exciting work into the future.

This edition brings together eight thought-provoking essays that reflect the depth, range, and critical insight of our undergraduate community. Topics include the impact of overcrowding in prisons, the relationship between imprisonment and rehabilitation, and social policy debates such as whether disabled people are treated as second-class citizens and the development of an active ageing strategy. Each piece demonstrates the ability of undergraduate students to engage meaningfully with complex societal challenges.

The journal provides a platform for students to share high-quality assignments beyond the lecture halls, reaching a wider audience of peers, academics, policymakers, and practitioners. The interdisciplinary nature of the social sciences enables us to feature diverse perspectives from sociology, education, social policy, and beyond.

Over the past four editions, we have been privileged to publish work on a wide variety of pressing issues — from suicide prevention policy in Northern Ireland and transnationalism in the global care chain, to illegal drug use in early adolescence and the complexities of depression in older adults. These contributions have not only enriched academic discussion but have also brought fresh insights to ongoing public debates.

Our editorial process is designed to support students in refining their work to meet the rigours of publication, whether it is their first time publishing or a step towards future academic or professional writing. We remain committed to showcasing research that is:

• Focused on contemporary societal issues and debates.
• Engaging critically with concepts, theories, and data.
• Grounded in thorough literature reviews and strong synthesis of sources.
• Methodologically sound, with a clear and coherent structure.

Thank you for visiting our site and for supporting the achievements of our students. I hope you enjoy reading this edition as much as we have enjoyed preparing it. It has been an honour to serve as Editor-in-Chief, and I look forward to seeing the journal continue to thrive under Saffron’s leadership.

Thank you for visiting our website and showing an interest in our students.

Kelly Razey – Editor

Saffy Baker – Assistant Editor