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“For a Better Future”: The Impact of Labor Migration on Families in Samoa
Get PDFThis research sought to investigate the motivations, benefits, and consequences of international labor migration on Samoan families. Seasonal worker schemes in New Zealand and Australia were generally found to be beneficial to families given the tangible and material benefits it provided to them. The benefits of remittances were found to have been multiplied through investment in the village of Poutasi to increase industry and job opportunities. A lack of economic opportunity in Samoa was implicated in the motivation and beneficiality of participation in labor schemes and may have increased due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Family was at the forefront of Samoans’ desires to improve economic conditions. Despite this, negative impacts of parental/spousal absence were found on children and wives in Samoa. Loneliness, infidelity, impaired relationships, difficulty child rearing, and behavioral challenges with children were referenced in the wake of migration. Cultural gender roles were also found to shift due to a labor vacuum from absent young men in family and village settings. Mitigating factors that were found to reduce the harm of migration were the use of technology, reliance on extended families, and duration of stay. Samoan families remained resilient in the wake of challenges caused by labor migration likely due to strong social networks and cultural understandings of migration
Medical Ethics: How Resource Distribution Affects the Decision Making of Doctors in Rural India: An Explorative and Comparative Study in Jamkhed, Maharashtra
Get PDFUsing rural Mahrasthra as a case study, I was able to explore the medical ethics and common dilemmas that occur in Rural India. Through a collection of interviews and articles, I was able to piece together my understanding of some common ethical challenges that India faces, emphasizing ones that were unique to the location and circumstance. Using observations I made through my work in the hospital, I learned that limited resources effects all sides of ethics in the medical field, with a significant effect on economics, hospital structure, and clinical protocol. In an attempt to source the aspects of Indian society that caused these differences, I decided to explore some notable causes, such as India’s collectivistic society, cultural and religious phenomenon, and medical schooling. Compiling my explorative journey into the following findings, it is notable that western medical ethics is somewhat of a privilege, and changes in bioethic principles hierarchy must be considered when in a medical system that does not have abundant medical resources
The Undocumented Perspective in California
Get PDFImmigration is one of the most debated issues in the United States. Research on these populations has been limited and often lacks the perspectives of undocumented individuals. Using qualitative research methods through semi-structured interviews, this study explores the perspectives of undocumented young adults in California. The study was guided by the following research questions: What are the identity challenges undocumented young adults face? How do undocumented young adults from Mexico view themselves in the United States today? How has the lack of U.S. citizenship and the discourse surrounding immigration affect the way they view themselves? All participants discussed living in a constant state of fear and uncertainty. Fears contributed to hesitancy to participate in associative citizenship practices resulting in limited political engagement. Lack of access to higher education, financial assistance, and other state and federal programs affected participants negatively. When discussing perceptions of citizenship, views varied among participants. Media and public discourse were observed as negative and affected the participants adversely. This study adds insight to the challenges of navigating life in the U.S. while being undocumented. These findings demonstrate the urgency for the American public to engage in positive productive dialog to change the discourse and culture on this topic to have a positive effect on the policies and laws implemented in the U.S.
Keywords: undocumented immigrants, immigration, associative citizenship, discursive practices, United State
FOOD SOVEREIGNTY AND COFFEE CULTIVATION IN EL SALVADOR: CURRENT PITFALLS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE INTERSECTIONS OF COFFEE, GENDER, AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Get PDFAbstract
Climate change threatens agriculture worldwide, and coffee farming is especially vulnerable. This is apparent in El Salvador, a Central American coffee producing country, previously a prominent player in the field. Due to climate change impacts, as well as social, economic, political, cultural, and institutional issues, the country has been struggling during the last three decades to remain in the coffee industry in a way that is sustainable for the environment and for people. This study aimed to identify the ways in which coffee cultivation in El Salvador has contributed to or detracted from the ability of farmers to achieve food sovereignty and security. This investigation also sought to consider how gender, climate change, and unique El Salvadoran weaknesses and strengths bolster or diminish the likelihood that local farmers can achieve a sustainable path forward for coffee cultivation. To research these themes, a multi-method qualitative approach included a literature review, site-visits, participant observations, and semi-structured interviews. In conclusion, coffee farming contributes to food security in nuanced but seemingly unsustainable ways, as many small and medium-scale famers struggle to make a sufficient living, however, agroforestry style coffee farming contributes essential ecosystem services and must be protected and incentivized. Additionally, gender inequality, climate change, and problems specific to El Salvador threaten the sustainable future of the coffee industry
Strategies of Adaptation and Coping to Climate Change Impacts Among Women Farmers in Guinayangan, Quezon, Philippines: A Life History and Comparative Approach
Get PDFThe unique struggles and needs of marginalized communities must be considered in a local context prior to addressing climate change mitigation on a global scale. The study uses life history interviews and focus group discussions to capture the challenges, diverse adaptation strategies, and coping mechanisms of women farmers from upland and coastal areas of Guinayangan, Quezon, Philippines. These perspectives may initiate advocacy efforts for increased support so that these agricultural livelihoods can continue to feed populations in the future, as climate change persists. Results suggest that both women from upland and coastal areas experience similar climate vulnerabilities, but the way that these climate vulnerabilities impact their daily lives are quite different. Coastal women adopt gleaning and fishing practices for supplemental income and food security, while upland women tend to turn to street vending and online sales. Both groups express the importance of their families, farming organizations, and the local government for support. However, policies and future actions should be personalized to address the needs of women in each location to provide consistent support into the future
A second Pandemic : How COVID-19 has impacted international student mental health in North Carolina
Get PDFThe international student experience through the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States is under-studied. To further the limited research, this study asks: how has COVID-19 affected the mental health of international students studying in North Carolina? The research used phenomenological design, a survey, and interviews using convenience sampling to primarily gather data from Warren Wilson College. The research uncovered five themes: (a) increased feelings of isolation, (b) decreased engagement and support, (c) academic struggles, (d) connection to family, and (e) stress over the July 2020 ICE regulations. To best support international students at Warren Wilson College, the research recommends intentional in-person connection and support. Furthermore, the research recommends that Warren Wilson College hire additional diverse mental health counselors with intercultural training to better support the international student population. The findings of this research add to the limited research on the international student experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results can be broadly helpful for those supporting international students who wish to understand their experience better and have an increased idea of what support their students may need. As an international student advisor in North Carolina, the results of this research have already informed how I support my own students through any mental health concerns
Drivers and Barriers of the Transition To Regenerative Agriculture Within the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy Reform: Comparative Analysis with the US Farm Bill
Get PDFIn the wake of multiple crises, such as climate change and international conflict, there is increased urgency to ensure a stable food system. Additionally, changing priorities of citizens have fostered the desire for sustainable production of food. One innovative method of food production is regenerative agriculture and in this practice the main goals are to increase system resilience, improve soil and sequester carbon. This is done through practices such as no tilling, cover and intercropping, and incorporation of livestock into crop fields. Although great in theory, these practices go against traditional agricultural practices and therefore the policy currently in place must shift in order to foster an environment where farmers are supported to facilitate the transformation of their land. This paper analyzes the most current reform of the Common Agricultural Policy in the European Union in comparison to the most recent Farm Bill reform in the United States in order to analyze if those policies are being transformed in a way that will help progress regenerative agriculture. As well as a literature review surrounding the policies and farmer sentiments, information has been collected as to how policy impacts farmers’ actions. Additionally, a direct analysis of the policy changes has been performed in order to see how these reforms will impact the food system as a whole. Through this analysis and informational interviews with farmers and a member of the Regenerative Revolution, it is clear that policy has been a historic barrier to a sustainable agricultural landscape, yet the reforms are an essential starting point to create support for farmers looking to alter their traditional practices. Despite the progress made, it is evident that both the CAP and the Farm Bill require significant improvement is necessary in order to offer genuine support for those who need it
From City State to Medina: The Timeless Wisdom of Aristotle’s Polis
Get PDFMany philosophers and thinkers have considered the idea of community and what makes it strong, beneficial, and enduring. The Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle is no exception. Aristotle wrote thoroughly on the nature of the ideal community, which he observed in Greek city-states. Called a “polis”, this ideal community, according to Aristotle, is one that provides for its residents to live a good life above all else. In doing so, it usually is small enough that all its residents share a similar lived experience while being big enough to be self-sufficient. While Aristotle wrote on this subject over 2000 years ago, his teachings on community are still relevant today.
In this paper, I examine the social, economic, and physical construct of Moroccan medinas through secondary research, primary interviews, and observational research in the medina of Rabat. Medinas are the old walled cities found across North Africa. They consist of weaving streets, interconnecting alleyways, countless shops and small restaurants, and historical buildings such as mosques. While medinas have been around for hundreds of years, modern cities have sprawled around them, and the modern medina is an outpost of preserved history and culture surrounded by modernization. Inside the walls, however, remains the strong communities formed by the proximity of living quarters and similar lived experiences. I begin by examining Aristotle’s teachings before bringing up the Arab philosopher Al-Farabi, and then shifting to discussing the history and modern context of the medina. Then, I examine and synthesize the findings from my interviews to paint of a picture of the modern culture of the medina and analyze it in the context of the Aristotelian theory discussed earlier. By the end, I present a comprehensive picture of life in the modern medina and examine it through the lens of the Aristotelian idea of the polis
Jabaaru Immigré ak Goor Jaarin: Migration, Marriage, and Emigrants’ Wives in Senegal
No full textThis research studies the community of women in Senegal whose husbands migrate to other countries for work. I examine how migration has impacted their marriages and their understanding of their roles as wives. I aim to answer the following question: How does migration affect women’s relationships with their husbands, their roles and responsibilities as wives, and their standing in society? To answer this question, I interviewed six women whose husbands work abroad. Before interviewing these women, I will arrange an initial conversation so we can get to know one another. This pre-interview also will allow me to determine other potential participants, as I am to use a snowball sampling method. The official interview may be one-on-one, but I am also open to group interviews should women know other women they would like to join. This research aims to understand how Senegalese women interpret their relationships with their husbands, as well as how larger Senegalese understandings of marriage have adapted to the realities of globalization. As part of this project, I aim to explore how notions of global security extend beyond traditional definitions into the spheres of family life and the home, particularly for transnational families
Aquatic diversity in a changing tropical Andean glacierized catchment: Macroinvertebrates reveal possible important consequences to the Chimborazo region as glaciers recede and the climate continues to change
Get PDFTropical Andean glaciers are retreating rapidly, and their disappearance will have drastic consequences for the people and ecosystems that depend on them. While they have begun to receive the attention they deserve in scientific literature, much is still not known. Majority of these investigations have taken place on the Volcán Antisana, while other important glacierized systems, like the Volcán Chimborazo have received little attention. This investigation aimed to a) evaluate the possible effects of glacier loss and climate change on aquatic ecosystems by comparing glacial meltwater, non-glacial and mixed streams, and b) to evaluate the effects of pasture intensity on water quality in the Pulinguí-San Pablo community next to Chimborazo National Park. Physicochemical measurements were taken, and macroinvertebrates were collected, counted and identified from 11 sites in 5 different streams. The water quality at the sites and streams were evaluated using the Andean Biotic Index (ABI). Glacial streams had the lowest ABI scores, lowest measures of biodiversity and of family richness. Since no families were shared between glacial and non-glacial/mixed streams, and physicochemical measurements are drastically different, I suggest that using ABI to evaluate the water quality of glacial streams may not be sufficient. Since there was a restriction of taxa in the glacial streams, the loss of glacial influence would result in the loss of specialized taxa and a reduction in regional biodiversity. The first non-glacial stream had good water quality according to ABI while in the second non-glacial stream, almost no macroinvertebrates were found. This raises many concerns about the water quality of this non-glacial stream; however, the instability and temporality of this stream might be the cause of this lack of macroinvertebrates. Further testing may be urgent in assessing the quality of this stream. The fifth stream was set up as a natural experiment, where one site was above the confluence with a glacial stream, and the other two sites were below this confluence. There was also an increasing influence of intensive pasturing as you move downstream. This stream had the best water quality according to ABI, the highest biodiversity indexes, and the greatest family richness. The current intensity and practice of pasturing in the area does not seem to be affecting water quality according to the ABI index. The two sites below the confluence with glacial meltwater had higher diversity and family richness than the one above, suggesting that a loss of glacial influence in this system would result in both a local and regional loss of macroinvertebrate diversity. As glaciers shrink and precipitation becomes more unpredictable in this region, the landscape will continue to change in drastic ways. A large reduction in macroinvertebrate biodiversity, increased flooding regimes in glacial streams and increased water stress for communities may be expected. As a preliminary study, this investigation demonstrates the necessity for further related investigations into the effects of glacier retreat and climate change on Chimborazo.
Los glaciares tropicales andinos se están retirando rápidamente, y su desaparición tendrá consecuencias radicales para las personas y los ecosistemas en que dependen. Mientras los han comenzado a recibir la atención que ameritan en la literatura científica, todavía hay mucho que está desconocido. Mayoría de estas investigaciones se han realizados en el Volcán Antisana, mientras otras cuencas glaciales, como las del Volcán Chimborazo, todavía no han recibido mucha atención científica. Esta investigación tiene dos objetivos. Primero, me gustaría evaluar los efectos posibles del perdido glacial y cambio climático en los ecosistemas acuáticos por comparar riachuelos glaciales, no-glaciales, y mixtos. Segundo, me gustaría evaluar los efectos de intensidad de pastura en la calidad de agua de estos riachuelos. Todas las investigaciones se han realizados en la comunidad de Pulinguí-San Pablo fuera del parque nacional de Chimborazo. Medidas fisicoquímicas fueron tomados y macroinvertebrados fueron colectados, contados y identificados en 11 sitios en 5 riachuelos diferentes. La calidad del agua en estos sitios fue evaluada con el Indice Biotica Andina (ABI). Los riachuelos glaciales tuvieron los resultados más bajos de ABI, las medidas más bajas de biodiversidad y de riqueza de familias. Ya que no familias fueron compartidos entre riachuelos glaciales y no glaciales/mixtos, y que las medidas fisicoquímicas son muy diferentes, sugiero que no sea suficiente usar ABI para evaluar la calidad de agua en riachuelos glaciales. Ya que había una restricción de taxonomía en los riachuelos glaciales, la pérdida de la influencia de los glaciares resultaría en la pérdida de especies especializadas y una reducción en biodiversidad regional. El primero riachuelo no glacial tuve agua de calidad bueno según ABI, mientras en el segundo riachuelo no glacial, casi no macroinvertebrados fueron encontrados. Este resultado aumenta muchas preocupaciones sobre la calidad de agua en este riachuelo no glacial; sin embargo, la inestabilidad y temporalidad de este riachuelo pueden ser la causa de la falta de macroinvertebrados que fueron encontrado por yo. Sin embargo, es probable más investigaciones estén urgentes por evaluar la calidad de este riachuelo. El quinto riachuelo fue como un experimento natural, donde un sitio estaba arriba de la confluencia con un riachuelo glacial, y los otros do sitios estaban bajos de esta confluencia. Además, había una influencia creciente de pastura intensivo mientras que se mueven a aguas abajos. Este riachuelo tuve la mejora calidad de agua según ABI, la mejora medida de biodiversidad, y la mejora riqueza de familias. La intensidad y practica de pastura en este lugar en este momento no parece que está afectando la calidad del agua según ABI. Los dos sitios bajos de la confluencia con el riachuelo glacial tuvieron diversidad más alta y riqueza de familia más alta que lo más arriba. Este sugiere que una pérdida de influencia en este sistema resultaría en ambos una pérdida de diversidad de macroinvertebrados local y regional. Mientras que los glaciares retiran y precipitación se hace más impredecible en esta región, la tierra y el agua van a seguir cambiando en maneras fuertes. Una reducción grande en biodiversidad de macroinvertebrados, un crecimiento de inundaciones en riachuelos glaciales, y un crecimiento de estresa de agua pueden ocurrir en los años que vienen. Como una investigación preliminar, demuestro la necesidad para más investigaciones relacionadas en los efectos de retirada glacial y cambio climático en la región del Volcán Chimborazo