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Diosa Aranka Castro-Florez: Social Economic Policies Under Authoritarianism: The Case of Venezuela’s Populist Decision-Making
This thesis analyzes the overall situation in Venezuela, a country led by authoritarian leaders, and how it can change drastically from one year to the next under authoritarianism. The main focus of this thesis is the consequences of populist decisions and their impact on the country.
At the start, I examine Venezuela’s economic and political background, focusing on two key figures—Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro—who played significant roles in shaping the country’s current state. Hugo Chávez, the former President of Venezuela, introduced a new ideology known as Chavismo. Nicolás Maduro, his successor, continued Chávez’s approach and, through his decisions, transformed nearly every aspect of life in Venezuela.
One of the most debated presidential elections took place in 2024. I analyzed the speeches delivered by the winning presidents, exploring their rhetoric, thought processes, and how they influenced public opinion. Additionally, I conducted a survey to gain deeper insight into the situation and understand public perceptions.
Keywords: Venezuela, President, populist decisions, authoritarian leaders, Hugo Chávez, the Chavism, Nicolás Maduro, Presidential elections, economic and political background, drastic change, political populism, cultural populism, economic populism
Alex Chikán: Under Pressure: Does Broad Public Recognition Contribute To Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?
Addiction is a global and historical issue, affecting people from all social classes. A person is considered addicted when they have a strong need to use a substance or engage in an activity. This research focuses on substance use as a way to alleviate mental pressure, which can lead to an ongoing need for the substance.
While addiction is often linked to poverty and lack of opportunity, individuals in affluent circumstances are also at risk due to stress and ineffective coping mechanisms. I hypothesize that public recognition and celebrity lifestyles increase the likelihood of substance use disorders due to heightened pressure.
This thesis examines how public recognition influences substance use, identifies psychological and social factors involved, and explores protective factors. It also provides recommendations for prevention and intervention.
Keywords: addiction, substance use, public recognition, celebrity lifestyle, mental pressure, prevention, intervention
Mikes Lőrinc Jancsó: Perceptions of Generation Z Towards Informal Value-Conscious Authentic Advertising: A Duolingo Case Study
This thesis explores Generation Z’s view of informal, value-conscious, and authentic advertising, with Duolingo’s marketing as a case study. Known for valuing transparency, humor, and social values, Generation Z prefers brands that connect on a personal level. The study examines how brands can adapt to these preferences, with Duolingo, Ryanair, Yeezy, Doritos, and KFC as examples.
Survey results show that humor, relatability, and social consciousness strongly influence engagement and purchase intent. Duolingo’s success demonstrates the effectiveness of digital platforms and authentic, interactive advertising. In contrast, ads from Yeezy and Ryanair, which lacked emotional connection, failed to engage Generation Z.
The study confirms that Generation Z responds more positively to informal, authentic advertising than traditional approaches, providing insights for brands seeking to connect with this group.
Keywords: Generation Z, informal advertising, authentic marketing, Duolingo, brand engagement, value-conscious advertising
Lina Koltai-Macdonald: The Impact of The French New Wave on Filmmaking
The French New Wave was a revolutionary film movement that emerged in the late 1950s, challenging traditional filmmaking conventions and reshaping global cinema. Originating from a group of film critics, who became directors later, this movement emphasized artistic liberation, non-linear storytelling, handheld cinematography, and rejection of classical narrative structure. Its influence extended far beyond France, reaching even politically restricted environments such as communist Hungary.
This thesis explores the impact of the French New Wave on Hungarian cinema, particularly during times of creative limitations. Through interviews with renowned Hungarian filmmakers Lajos Koltai and István Szabó, the study examines how the movement inspired Hungarian directors despite political censorship. Additionally, an analysis of four key French New Wave films highlights the techniques and themes that redefined filmmaking. Researchers do not discuss the French New Wave’s influence on world cinema. This thesis aims to answer the question: Was contemporary Hungarian cinema influenced and shaped by the French New Wave?
Keywords: French New Wave, Hungarian cinema, Jean-Luc Godard, François Truffaut, Agnès Varda, István Szabó, Lajos Koltai, Breathless, Band of Outsiders, Jules and Jim, Cleo from 5 to 7, Age of Illusions
Lívia Nádasi: Teenage Consumerism in the Digital Age: Social Media, Influencers and Fast Fashion
Social media’s rapid growth has significantly impacted teenagers aged 13-19, especially girls, who are highly influenced by microtrends and influencer marketing. Spending over five hours daily on these platforms, many teens struggle with issues like poor sleep, focus, and depression. These marketing strategies, targeting young women, shape their consumer behavior and perceptions of beauty, fueling insecurities and creating new trends like “thunder thighs” or “makeup blindness.”
This thesis explores the influence of influencers and microtrends on online shopping habits, focusing on adolescent girls. I hypothesize that these trends drive overconsumption and that young women are the primary targets of such advertising. Data from platforms like Shein and Temu, along with survey results, will support this study.
Keywords: social media, influencers, microtrends, adolescent girls, beauty industry, online shopping, consumer behavior
Letícia Pikó: The Development of the Right to Use One’s Mother Tongue in Hungary
This thesis explores the evolution of language rights in Hungary, focusing on the role of the Hungarian language in national identity and public administration. It examines how language rights have expanded to include both Hungarian and non-Hungarian speakers, particularly in areas like immigration, government services, and the Client Gate+ platform.
The research hypothesizes that Hungary’s legal system has evolved to support access to essential services for both native and non-native speakers. A qualitative approach, including structured interviews with three non-native Hungarian speakers, was used to investigate their experiences with government services, such as customer portals and immigration authorities. The study aims to highlight the challenges and successes of language rights in practice, providing insights into how they function within the Hungarian legal framework.
Keywords: language rights, Hungary, public administration, mother tongue, non-Hungarian speakers, immigration, Client Gate+, legal system.