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The Changing Tide of Corporate Social Responsibility
Get PDFIn a world that is plagued by the crises of climate change, the practice of Corporate Social Responsibility has never been so essential. While looking out towards the future, we must visualize the methods, practices, and mentality that will allow our society to overcome the obstacles of practicing ethical and sustainable business. This paper describes the perception and mentality associated with CSR today, and how ethical minds and innovative technologies can change CSR for the future
The UN’s Political Engagement in the Occupied Palestinian Territories: Reconceptualized Strategies in Humanitarianism and Diplomacy in the Middle East Peace Process
Get PDFThis paper studies the humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories, focusing on the Palestinians’ short-term needs in emergency relief as well as their long-term needs regarding sustainable development, good governance, legal and physical protection. Against the backdrop of a cost/benefit analysis of the current UN humanitarian operational model, the paper then introduces new models of engagement, such the UN’s positioning itself as a mediator between the PA and the civic society throughout the implementation of a decentralized development model. Within this framework, the UN is advised to complement its engagement by facilitating negotiations towards a unified Palestinian government that incorporates the PA’s expertise in engaging the global political platform with the civic-based authority Hamas has within Palestine. The paper also proposes that the UN deploy a peace-keeping mission to help reduce the rate at which Israeli authorities and extremist settlers are pursuing a coercive environment in the WBGS. The last section of the essay highlights a reconceptualized diplomatic negotiation process spearheaded by the UN that complements its domestic operations. This reform essentially involves the expansion of the UN agenda to leverage the strategic partnerships the Gulf States, China, and Japan have with Israel and Palestine, as well as their financial powers to help sustain a viable Palestine until a settlement is reached
Perceptions of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Western Society: A Focus Study on Switzerland
Get PDFThe demand for complementary, alternative, and traditional medicine, or CAM, has been a topic of debate in Western countries like Switzerland in the past decades due to the limited evidence-based research on its effectiveness. However, countries like Switzerland have been implementing CAM in their national health insurance as a response to the pressure of demand from the people. Thus, understanding the motivations for CAM use may help medical and government institutions address the shift towards a new way of managing health and disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychosocial factors involved in influencing the patients’ perception of CAM in Switzerland, as a reflection of the rise of CAM in Western society. The current literature reveals that for CAM users, psychosocial factors, such as culture and doctor-patient relationships, may be more important in determining CAM use and in influencing the perception of effectiveness of CAM than actual treatment outcomes. In addition, patients may prefer CAM as it seems to address psychological and social needs that conventional medicine in Western society does not
AN EXAMINATION OF PERCEPTION GAPS IN EDUCATIONAL ACCESS FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES IN AMMAN
Get PDFThis research aims to explore the underlying reasons of educational access gaps of Syrian students in host communities in Amman, Jordan and the effectiveness of the Government of Jordan and international organizations in addressing these gaps. Through interviews, surveys, and a literature review, the researcher explores current perceptions of educational access, gender-based access gaps, and barriers to education at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. This research draws on the concepts of supply and demand and cost/benefit analysis to analyze why so many Syrian students do not attend school. The researcher hypothesizes that perceptions of access and barriers diverge as students get older. The study’s significance is related to a growing “Lost Generation” of uneducated Syrian students, which increases risk of exploitation and is believed to pose a security challenge to Jordan. Interviews and surveys were completed with employees of major international organizations working in the education sector in Jordan, research experts focusing on refugee education, Syrian college students, and parents of Syrian students from all educational levels. The findings confirmed the hypothesis in that while policies targeting primary education have generally succeeded in enrolling more Syrian students, policies targeting secondary and university education are generally ineffective at addressing the root cause of the problem, i.e. a lack of advancement to justify educational costs. The researcher concludes that the Ministry of Education and international aid organizations must holistically consider education for refugees utilizing a cost-benefit analysis and focus on creating tangible post-graduation incentives for emphasizing education within families
Take a Seat: A Critical Analysis of the Evolving Role of Women in Morocco’s Parliamentary Parties
Get PDFAs is the case in many countries, Morocco’s legislative body is largely male-dominated in terms of both representation and political influence. Despite the adoption of gender and youth quotas within Parliament, female politicians are frequently disadvantaged by discriminatory perceptions of the capabilities and roles of women in public life. Political women face obstacles during campaigns, elections, and in office unparalleled by the challenges facing men. Even in the face of adversity, however, many women have achieved and maintained remarkable political success and influence. Today, numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society groups, and individuals are becoming increasingly involved in the process of evolving the culture and structure of Morocco’s political system so as to incorporate female politicians to a greater extent. This paper, by means of an extensive review of literature accompanied by interviews with politicians, scholars, and representatives from NGOs, aims to describe and analyze the difficulties associated with being a Moroccan woman involved in politics, as well as offer insights into potential solutions to the issue of gender inequality in political parties and in Parliament
Participatory Development and Menstrual Health Management in South Africa: A Case Study of Project Dignity
Get PDFMenstrual health management (MHM) poses a significant public health concern in many South African communities. Though the national government is beginning to devote attention and resources to MHM, civil society organizations play a critical role in providing menstrual health products and education to female-bodied individuals who may otherwise lack access. This study examines the praxis and impact of Project Dignity, a nongovernmental organization which distributes washable, reusable sanitary pads and panties to students in public schools. The researcher collected qualitative data through participant observation as well as interviews and focus group discussions with Project Dignity’s staff and intended beneficiaries. Using participatory development as a theoretical lens, the study evaluates the organization’s impact on students’ educational experiences and menstrual health practices. Findings illustrate the practicality of the pads and panties and suggest a limited but positive effect on students’ understanding of menstruation and ability to manage their periods comfortably at school. The researcher outlines recommendations for Project Dignity and suggestions for further research
Getting Sick Where Karma is Gravity: Disease in the Tibetan Perspective
Get PDFKarma is the Buddhist idea that our actions from current and previous lives affect our fortune in this life. In particular, if we suffer in the current life, it is due to negative action in the past. Likewise, if we prosper, it is due to past positive acts, such as compassion. The idea of karma extends to illness; in simplification, sickness is attributed to negative past action.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the belief of karmic disease in the Tibetan Buddhist community of Shangri-La. Although disease is often used as an example of karmic suffering, and there is extensive literature on this concept, there is significantly less literature on karmic disease. To my knowledge, there are no published studies (in English) exploring karmic disease through the voices of Tibetan peoples.
In this study, twelve people in Shangri-La and the surrounding villages were interviewed about their perspectives on karmic disease. Interviewees included eleven Tibetans, two of whom were doctors, and one American doctor. The series of in-person interviews were conducted over the period of two weeks with the assistance of a translator when necessary.
Findings show that it is generally the most insidious and inexplicable diseases that are attributed to karma. Small illnesses are more likely to be explained through bad luck, poor hygiene or imbalance of the three humors characteristic of Tibetan medicine. The advice of a lama as well as accruing good karma through compassionate acts are essential for healing karmic disease. To conclude this paper analyzes the efficacy of healing karmic disease through Tibetan practice via a western lens, including an evaluation of the science of Buddhist healing
What to Expect When You’re Expecting: The Impacts China’s Maternal and Child Health Care Law has had on Tibetan Birthing Practices In the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
Get PDFWhile childbirth is universal, it is undeniable that class, culture, ethnicity, and the scientific and political state of medicine all influence how women experienced it. The Tibetan ethnic minority of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is a culture that exemplifies the uniqueness of each birth. Due to both their distinctive childbirth beliefs and practices, as well as the swift changes China has undergone, Tibetan birthing experiences are asking to be explored.
This study will focus on two major factors influencing Tibetan women\u27s birthing experiences. To begin, research will be done to understand the Buddhist influences surrounding pregnancy and childbirth, from conception, through gestation, until birth. Questions concerning religious impact 1will be intertwined in more common and general pregnancy experience question (Appendix A). Secondly, the impact China’s quick modernization has had on the birthing practices of this ethnic minority, (specifically the implementation of the Law of the People\u27s Republic of China on Maternal and Child Health Care (MCHL), will be looked at. Despite China’s extensive growth in healthcare in the last 50 years, many previous studies of birthing practices in Tibetan ethnic minority regions still show maternal mortality ratios remaining among the highest in the world (Adams, Miller, Chertow, & Craig, 2001). Why, despite the recent and strictly enforced law, have tibetan communities continued to suffer in childbirth more than the rest of China? Further, how has the MHCL impacted their traditional Tibetan Buddhist birthing practices? Overall, this study will work to gather a full picture of a Tibetan woman experience in childbirth- including but not limited to her religious beliefs, her psychological and physical health, as well as the positive and negative effects of the MCHL
Coming in Hot: Motor Vehicles, Capitalism, and Modernization in Mongolia
Get PDFTraditionally, nomads in Mongolia have used horses for transportation. The horse was used to help herd livestock and also allowed them to get to the soum center quicker (Yembuu, 2015). This way of transportation is seen less and less now. With globalization comes an increase in different products from around the world. Herders now have the opportunity to buy cars and the ever popular motorcycle. Now, when out in the open Mongolian steppe, one can see motorcycles racing around to get herders from place to place. Some even use them to herd instead of a horse. And when a family decides it is time to move locations, instead of seeing a camel carrying the family’s belongings, you may see a car (Yembuu, 2015). This transition from using live animals for transportation in their daily lives to using motorized vehicles brings a new lifestyle and potentially new problems.
The purpose of this study was to examine how this new transport option has changed the way people live and how it affects their lives. This research explored the following question: How do nomads view these newer types of transportation? How do they view the use of these new vehicles? Do they see it as a loss of tradition? How do these vehicles impact to the land? What are the benefits of using motorcycle over horse? For the field research I visited Undershireet soum and conducted twelve interviews with families who own motorcycles and cars, particularly male family members since they are generally the ones who used the vehicles. There were several patterns that emerged through the interview process. Herders often thought that motorcycles were damaging to the land but that the benefits of them outweighed damages done. Interviewees commented on how time-saving motorcycles were and how they were necessary to keep up with the times. Finally, they saw their traditions changing with the use of motorcycles. This research looks at how herders view the modernization of their profession and livelihood
‘Padre nuestro que estás en la tierra’: una exploración teórica del Territorio Ancestral afroecuatoriano / \u27Our Father who is on earth\u27: a theoretical exploration of the Afro-Ecuadorian Ancestral Territory
No full textEste es un proyecto colaborativo que documenta el fenómeno del territorio y explora cómo influye en la identidad del pueblo afrodescendiente de la sierra ecuatoriana. Empezamos por presentar el marco teórico, incluso la distinción clave entre territorio y tierra en este contexto. Entonces nos lanzamos al análisis por problematizar el nombre mismo del área bajo discusión. Luego, discutimos su geografía física y social. A continuación, presentamos una historia breve de la región. Por fin, conducimos una sociología del territorio, revelando los elementos sociales y discursivos detrás de los conceptos de ancestralidad, identidad, derecho, y política. Concluimos con sugerencias para proyectos futuros y reflexiones de índole personal.
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This is a collaborative project that documents the phenomenon of the territory and explores how it influences the identity of the Afro-descendant people of the Ecuadorian highlands. We begin by presenting the theoretical framework, including the key distinction between territory and land in this context. So we started the analysis by problematizing the name of the area under discussion. Then, we discuss their physical and social geography. Next, we present a brief history of the region. Finally, we conduct a sociology of the territory, revealing the social and discursive elements behind the concepts of ancestry, identity, law, and politics. We conclude with suggestions for future projects and reflections of a personal nature