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Courage in the Civil Society — Historical, Cultural, and Conceptual Differences of Moral Courage and Zivilcourage
No full textZivilcourage, as it is known in Germany, is the courage of citizens to stand up to defend democratic norms. Recent attacks on democratic institutions all over the world, e.g., the January 6th Capitol insurrection in the US, rising popularity of a right-wing party in Germany, or the election of a neo-fascist government in Italy, highlight the need to study such concepts that can strengthen social institutions and safeguard democracy. Zivilcourage is often translated to English as moral courage and given a slightly different connotation: the courage to stand up to defend personal (moral) values. Building on this my research explored (1) the current state of research on Zivilcourage and moral courage, (2) the development of the terms moral courage and Zivilcourage over time and across three societies, and (3) the evaluation of situations as representing moral courage /Zivilcourage across cultures.In the first study of my thesis, I provide a review of the literature in the field of moral courage and civil courage, the literal translation of Zivilcourage, using bibliometric analyses supplemented with traditional literature review methods. My results show that the term moral courage is more common among US based researchers and civil courage is more common among German based researchers. Research on moral courage is divided into research on ethics in nursing, ethics in organizations, and bystander intervention, while research on civil courage is focused only on bystander intervention. I further found definitions for moral courage emphasised acting based on personal principles, while civil courage definitions emphasised intervening when social and democratic norms were violated.In the second part of my thesis, I traced the development of the public discourse around the terms moral courage and Zivilcourage over two centuries. In Study 2, I used recent advances in natural language processing and topic modelling to analyse newspaper articles across 75 years in newspapers-of-record in three major democracies (USA, UK, Germany). I found that in relation to Zivilcourage the German newspaper emphasised acts by ordinary citizens that safeguard cooperation in society by confronting illiberal and anti-democratic behaviour. In contrast, in the English language newspapers the focus in relation to moral courage was on politicians and personal values. Behaviour based on one’s moral convictions and fundamental values, such as publicly standing up for them, may be considered moral courage, even when those values are anti-democratic. Temporal changes were linked to localised events, with relatively few persistent longer-term shifts.In Study 3, I went further back in time and tracked the development of discourse around moral courage across 240 years in the UK. The UK is especially interesting as it is the longest standing democracy in the world and thus offers a unique view into the long-term developments of democratic concepts and values. In addition, with the Times the UK has one of the longest running national newspapers in the world providing uninterrupted access to 240 years of public discourse. Using the same methodology as in Study 2, I found that the public discourse around moral courage in the Times changed slowly over time, with an apparent consolidation of the discourse shortly after WWII, after which it became more similar between decades. The topic modelling indicated multiple topics specific to certain historical events, that could be further narrowed down to 5 broader topics, most of which capture some form of politics. These findings further highlight the apparent differences in understandings of moral courage between academia and the public.In my next study, based on the findings of the previous studies, I focused on the usage of moral courage within foreign policy thought and debate and conducted a qualitative analysis of all articles that were published over the last 100 years in the magazine Foreign Affairs that mention moral courage. I found three main themes around moral courage: politics, military politics, and society. My results supported the existence of two different understandings of moral courage as relating to politicians versus regular citizens and suggested systematic differences between these two understandings based on the articles being related to Germany or not.In the third part of the thesis, I moved from archival data analysis to research involving human participants and investigated the contemporary understanding of Zivilcourage and moral courage among ordinary citizens. In my last study, I used vignettes of situations that possibly describe moral courage or Zivilcourage and asked participants in Germany and the UK to evaluate the presence of certain features in these situations. Both the vignettes and the defining features used for rating the vignettes were based on the results of the previous studies, bringing together the usage of moral courage in the academic literature with the use of moral courage in newspapers and foreign policy. Using multidimensional scaling and mixed-effects modelling I found that participants in both countries were more likely to act if the behaviour was beneficial for society, considered the right thing, and was desirable in society. Participants from both countries were also more like to categorize a behaviour as moral courage if the behaviour was beneficial for society, was not beneficial for the actor themself, and was considered the right thing. Despite these cross-cultural similarities, participants from Germany tended to include societal values in their definitions of Zivilcourage, whereas participants from the UK tended to include personal (moral) values.In the general discussion, I explored the role of moral courage in sustaining peaceful coexistence within society and discussed potential implications of cross-cultural differences in the understanding of the concept. Concerning theoretical implications, I outlined suggestions for future research on this topic and suggested the differential investigation of Zivilcourage or civil courage as the courage of ordinary citizens as a self-regulation process for small scale societal crises, and of moral courage as the courage of to stand for one’s values and make difficult decisions.</p
Resisting neoliberalism: teacher education academics navigating precarious times
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Statistical Analysis of Energetic Particles and Magnetic Fluctuations in the Van Allen Belts
No full textThe Van Allen belts are a region of great importance to modern space infrastructure due to the presence of high-energy charged particles that can interfere with sensitive electronics. Turbulence is known to affect plasma densities in the magnetosphere by allowing for different modes of transport and by dissipating energy from the solar wind into the geomagnetic field. The Van Allen probes provide a comprehensive data set of measurements of both high-energy particle densities and the magnetic field vector. This particle data from HOPE allows for analyses into the correlation between high-energy particle densities and L-shell, as well the relative abundances of different types of particles. Protons and oxygen ions displayed clear delineation between two populations, which likely correspond to each of the radiation belts. Electrons strangely did not vary significantly in density as L increased. A comparison between energetic and thermal electrons from HOPE and EFW in the Van Allen belts was made. A strange feature at L = 3.8 was seen in the thermal electron data that has some characteristics of the plasmapause, but appear too sharp and unvarying. The magnetic field measurements from EMFISIS allow for investigating the fluctuations in the magnetic field in different areas around the Earth and comparing how they vary with the other parameters. Contrary to expectations, the mean and standard deviation of the magnetic field fluctuations did not vary significantly with L-shell. Finally, the normalised fluctuations in the magnetic field were compared with HOPE energetic particle densities. No correlation was found between the magnetic fluctuations and any of the HOPE particle species. The reasons for the lack of correlation are unknown, but improvements to resolution may shed light on smaller scale information that was averaged over and masked in our study.</p
The Evolution of Humanitarian Discourse - Four episodes of colonial violence debate in New Zealand, circa. 1860-1907
No full textThis thesis uses discourse analysis to explore humanitarian discourse in the interplay of arguments for and against official policies harmful to Indigenous peoples in four select episodes of colonial violence. It seeks to extend our understanding of the logics of colonial violence between circa. 1860 and 1907. The four episodes examined are: the “pamphlet war” debating Governor Thomas Gore Browne’s actions in connection with the Taranaki war during the period 1860-1862; debate on the confiscation of Māori land during the period 1863-1864; debate on the government’s actions in connection with the invasion of Parihaka during the period 1879-1881; and debate on New Zealand’s annexation and administration of the Cook Islands during the period 1898-1907.The humanitarian discourse used in colonial violence debate changed significantly during the period under review. During the Taranaki “pamphlet war” Browne’s critics and supporters debated his actions in rights-based discourses with strong roots in British humanitarianism. Browne’s critics judged his conduct against the British civilising mission. Humanitarian discourse underpinned by opposing notions of amalgamation was important in both justifying and opposing confiscation. Humanitarian discourse continued to evolve in new, harder ground in debates over Parihaka. Changes in racial thinking, settler demographics, and views of Te Tiriti pared humanitarian discourse back to first principles. By 1900, the British civilising mission had evolved into the more secular “white man’s burden”. Humanitarian discourse was used, rather unsuccessfully, to oppose colonial violence. But it was also consistently used as a tool that allowed Europeans to reconcile demands for land, effective sovereignty, and prestige with professed concern for the welfare and rights of the Indigenous peoples who were displaced, rendered landless, and disenfranchised by processes of colonialism.The legacy of the humanitarian discourse observed in this thesis reverberates in the present in the way non-Indigenous peoples think about history; and represent, advocate for, and engage with Indigenous peoples on issues that affect them. Engaging with the history of humanitarian discourse in colonial violence debate, and the wider history of the logics of colonial violence, is key to understanding the roots of these issues, and a crucial step on the path contemporary non-Indigenous people must take to decolonise discourse.</p
Workplace psychosocial stressors in the construction industry: Perspectives of construction industry stakeholders.
No full textUnderstanding psychosocial stressors in the construction industry is crucial for improving mental health outcomes. This research used qualitative methods, including 19 focus groups and 2 interviews with 115 industry workers, to explore these stressors and their impacts. It identified five key stressors: financial instability, poor communication, entrenched old-school masculinity, low pay and job insecurity, and insufficient mental health support. Proposed solutions include government intervention, better regulation, improved communication, supportive workplace cultures, and specific interventions like limits on overtime and mental health programs. Despite ongoing challenges, there is optimism as cultural change is evident, with increasing discussions on mental health and wellbeing in the sector
Information Experience within Multispecies Families: Understanding shared life with companion cats and dogs
No full textInformation Science is about understanding humans and their lives through the lens of information. But humans share their lives not only with other humans, but also with animals. Among them, companion species such as cats and dogs hold a distinct and important place in our homes and communities. Just like humans, they are social creatures and learn from their interactions with others. The strong bond between humans and animal companions creates a special relationship, where cats and dogs are considered part of the family, forming what is called multispecies families. Nonetheless, there are instances where a lack of understanding leads to unmet needs for the companion species (i.e., human, cat, and dog) who live together in a family context. This can lead to issues that impact the overall well-being of the entire family, especially the non-human members. This issue of not understanding well how to live with and care for animals is connected to the “red thread of information” (Bates, 1999) which goes into and across the multispecies family. Better understanding leads to better care for others. It is crucial to understand how members of such families experience information to inform their interactions and perceptions related to each other. The central focus is to identify the fundamental element of information that shapes the everyday activities of humans and their companion cats and dogs. So, the purpose of this research is to explore information experience within multispecies families to understand what information is and how it is used (i.e., the totality of their information engagement). This thesis has a holistic approach to understanding information phenomena in everyday life within the context of multispecies families. It is positioned within the metatheories of phenomenology and posthumanism. However, the practice of incorporating animals with humans into information research is not straightforward. To achieve it successfully, it adopted a creative and playful methodological approach to discover unconventional ways of thinking about multispecies phenomenological ethnography. Ten families participated in this research, including 13 humans, 7 cats, and 11 dogs, which were recruited from an online survey conducted in New Zealand and were selected in terms of the role and relationship of the animal in the family. For collecting experiential material from participating multispecies families, several methodological strategies, including speaking for the animal, listening differently, walking and sensing, photography, and technological mediation were found effective. To thematize the meanings embedded in the experiential materials, a reflective approach was adopted, incorporating elements from thematic analysis and visual analysis, leading to phenomenological writing. The findings are organized into four papers. The introductory paper provides a broad yet concise overview of the external and internal elements that humans find informative in their shared lives with cats and dogs. Subsequently, across three phenomenological papers, the thesis comprehensively explores the information that shapes multispecies love, living, and learning. Each paper weaves together different aspects of information within the context of daily life with companion animals. Love emerges as a foundational element within the multispecies family. It is portrayed through affective information conveyed in human-animal interactions and their perceptions of each other's existence and actions, using their physical and sensory bodies. Extending beyond living beings, the research illuminates how non-living objects within the family environment also contribute to shaping information. Material items, spaces, and even plants serve as sources of information for family members. It explores their social environment, showcasing how their shared lives actively shape and are shaped by information experienced through social interactions and companionship with other humans and animals. The last finding chapter returns to the internal dynamics of human-animal relationship and highlights unconventional yet innovative cognitive information that shapes learning in multispecies families. It explores the knowings of companion cats, dogs, and humans, grounded in their past experiences, attention, observation, habits, instincts, experiments, and imagination. It discusses cognitive information that transcends individual minds, promoting unity through mutual communication, play, and empathy between humans and animals. Combining the findings, the thesis makes a strong contribution to information experience. By extending our care for animals into the realm of information science, I demonstrated how a multispecies information experience can enrich our comprehension of information, its engagement, and its context. On the theoretical front, it refines and applies the concept of information experience to more-than-human, a broader context of human relationships with others. It presents an approach that elucidates the diversity of information forms, the entirety of information engagements, and greater inclusivity of individuals as information experiencers within a particular context. As for the methodological implications, this thesis brings humans as conjoined with other life forms and found ways to include animals in information behaviour research. On the practical side, it imparts insights into designing information for and with multispecies environments and advocates for the integration of a multispecies approach within information institutions, aiming to foster more inclusive and compassionate practices.</p
Population Genomics of New Zealand Kaimoana Species at Various Spatial Scales
No full textUnderstanding the genetic connectivity and genetic structure of valuable New Zealand kaimoana (seafood) species, such as the green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) and southern rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii), is crucial for designing conservation strategies and implementing effective management options for these fisheries resources. However, for many species (in particular, those with long pelagic larval durations), identifying connectivity patterns and resolving genetic structure at various spatial scales remains a challenge. This is particularly true for P. canaliculus, which exhibits interesting life history characteristics involving primary and secondary settlement that may prolong its pelagic larval duration (PLD; 3-6 weeks), as well as for J. edwardsii, which possibly has the longest PLD of any crustacean, with pelagic stages remaining in the water column for 1-2 years. This study employed genomic tools to characterise genetic connectivity and genetic structure for these two economically and culturally important seafood species at the national and regional scales.Using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, in Chapter 2 I report the pronounced genetic differentiation of the northern and southern groups of P. canaliculus at a genetic break, which was reported by earlier studies using a range of population genetic markers (e.g. SSCPs, mtDNA, microsatellites). However, this study reported for the first time the presence of this differentiation in both neutral and outlier loci, and that the genetic split is attributed to the influence of oceanographic distance and environmental differences such as bottom temperature and phosphate concentration across regions. Additionally, the chapter highlighted further genetic divergence of Christchurch mussels from the southern group, likely due to the impact of genetic drift, indicated by a low effective population size estimate.In Chapter 3, I identify region-wide genetic connectivity of P. canaliculus in the Bay of Plenty (BoP) using neutral markers, due to the mussel’s relatively long PLD of up to 3-6 weeks. Interestingly, regional genetic differentiation was observed amongst the outlier loci, consistent with other recent findings on region-scale variations in oceanographic processes and microchemical signatures in the area. The analysis of both neutral and outlier datasets suggests that Tirohanga (central BoP) could potentially serve as a source population for mussel spat in the region. Moreover, this study highlights the possibility of introgression of Kaitaia spat genes into the local gene pool of BoP mussels. These findings lead to recommendations for Whakatōhea (the local iwi that solely owned the Ōpotiki mussel farm) to protect the source of mussel spat in the region and monitor the potential effect of genetic introgression into the local mussels of BoP.In Chapter 4, I report pronounced differentiation of J. edwardsii between Australia (Tasmania) and New Zealand samples. In New Zealand, substantial gene flow was observed across its species range, consistent with its 1-2 year pelagic larval duration (PLD). Subtle genetic differentiation was observed at site 902 at CRA1 (the northernmost part of New Zealand) at the neutral loci, attributed to variations in habitat (roughness and depth) and physical properties of the ocean (temperature and tidal speed). Additionally, three genetic groups were delineated using the outlier markers, separating the northeast (NE), northwest (NW), and south (S). Migration models indicated an asymmetric pattern of gene flow (S→NW→NE), which is consistent with previous larval dispersal and settlement models. Patterns of genetic structure at the outlier loci were strongly correlated with environmental variables across New Zealand, such as roughness at the seafloor and sea surface temperature, which may be associated to settlement, post-settlement, and survival of J. edwardsii. These findings highlight complex connectivity patterns and the impact of oceanographic processes and environment factors on the genetic structure and local adaptation of J. edwardsii, despite its high dispersive potential.Overall, this research provides significant support for devising spatially explicit management and conservation strategies for these two economically and culturally important seafood species in New Zealand. The study highlights the utility of SNP markers - both neutral and outlier loci - for understanding the genetic connectivity and genetic structure of the green-lipped mussel (P. canaliculus) and rock lobster (J. edwardsii) at various spatial scales. For both species, several important genetic groupings were identified at the international scale (rock lobsters) and the national scale (rock lobsters and green-lipped mussels), including the detection of potential source populations, along with the identification of environmental and evolutionary forces shaping these species-specific patterns. The research also emphasises that while empirical genetic data can offer substantial evidence or support for decision-making, a multidisciplinary approach can provide even more valuable information to support the development of spatially explicit management and conservation strategies for these important species in New Zealand.</p
Life Cycle Assessment of Ordinary Portland Cement Production in South Africa: Mid-Point and End-Point Approaches
No full textSeveral environmental impacts are associated with cement production, ranging from high greenhouse gas (GHG) levels to high energy consumption (fossil fuel and electricity) to high resource usage. Due to the growing demand for cement in the industry and limited studies in South Africa, it is essential to evaluate the environmental impact of cement production in the South African context. In this study, an analysis of the production model of South African (SA) cement plants was carried out to quantify its impacts and decipher how they consequently affect lives, resources, and the ecosystem. This study carried out a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of cement using both the mid-point and end-point approaches of the Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA). This study carried out a cradle-to-gate analysis of 1 kg of cement produced in a typical SA plant. The result showed that for every 1 kg of cement produced, 0.993 CO2 eq was emitted into the atmosphere; 98.8% was actual CO₂ emission, and its resultant effect was global warming, which causes changes in climatic conditions. Also, 1.6 kg of 1,4-Dichlorobenzene (1,4-DCB) eq was emitted into the air and water, which caused high toxicity in these media, and for every 1 kg of cement produced, 0.139 kg of oil eq was produced, and its effect was seen in fossil resources’ scarcity. The end-point result showed that 55,404 was the potential number of human lives that could be endangered annually; 133 species had the potential to be endangered annually, and the effect of a potential scarcity of resources caused a total marginal price increase of ZAR 6.2 billion due to these damages. In conclusion, this study prescribed mitigation and adaptation strategies to counter these environmental impacts
Lalagaina o Manatu: Weaving Pasifika wellbeing approaches into Music Therapy for enhanced practice in disability learning support setting.
No full textThere is great paucity within the field of music therapy regarding the integration of Pasifika knowledge, methodologies, and approaches. Thus, this research aimed to explore ways in which Pasifika perspectives of wellbeing could be woven into music therapy practice within the context of a disability learning support setting.This qualitative research used an action-based critical autoethnography design. There were a total of four cycles, three of which lasted six weeks, and one cycle that lasted two weeks. This short cycle was vital in addressing some discomforts that emerged around ableist beliefs and language that spiralled beneath and within the space between cycles one, two, and four. All data was thematically analysed, and actions were generated through the emerging themes and implemented into subsequent cycles to improve my practice.Findings from this study indicate the possibilities of appropriately and respectfully integrating Pasifika concepts of wellbeing into the practice of music therapy. Prominent themes that emerged were around the concept of ‘le va’ (relational space) and navigating the balance between cultural and practitioner identity. This study illuminated that development of practice requires one to examine how equalized their relational and therapeutic spaces are. Moreover, it highlighted the importance of challenging familiar belief structures that no longer align with the spaces and contexts in which music therapists are called to work.The scope I aimed to investigate was complex given the limited time and novice researcher skills I currently possess. I acknowledge that due to the scope of the project it was not possible to utilize more Pasifika methodological frameworks and theories. Further investigation into the integration of Pasifika knowledge into the field of music therapy, supported by these methodological frameworks and theories has been recommended.This work has been inspired by extensive contributions of many Pasifika practitioners in various fields of practice. The work of Dr Byron Seiuli (2012), and Dr Julia Ioane’s (2022) work in the fields of counselling psychology and psychotherapy has had an immense impact on this specific study. Additionally, the contributions of Māori and Indigenous Music Therapists including Carolyn Kenny (1989), Dennis Kahui (2008), and Ruby Solly (2019), have been significant.</p
Towards Collective Sustainability
No full textThe environmental and social issues associated with modern lifestyles present a unique set of challenges that architecture has an important role in helping to address. The basic human right of housing has become a commodity that is becoming increasingly inaccessible for people. Change is required in our perception and approach to housing and its potential to facilitate positive change and work towards a point where quality housing is accessible for all New Zealanders. This thesis explores the role of Architecture, through the integration of cohousing principles, in designing homes that help to facilitate holistically sustainable lifestyles with the goal of minimizing issues of isolation, environmental degradation, and inaccessible. Having quality living spaces that bring people together to make positive lifestyle changes will be vital in working towards collective sustainability.</p
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