This thesis considers the nature and impact of social change on Kuwaiti Society. It begins by giving a detailed account of the origins of Kuwait Society and its economic, political and social structure before the exploitation of the country's enormous oil resources. This is followed by an equally detailed discussion of the changes in the economic, political and social structure that followed the development of the oil resources. Finally, in the first section, the major changes are outlined and the question is posed as to what effect these changes are likely to have on the values and attitudes of the population of the country. The second section begins with a consideration of some of the problems of measuring potential alienation in a society such as Kuwait and reviews some of the major problems of isolating and defining the relevant concepts. The general conclusion is that the micro-social psychological approach to the problem adopted by American social psychologists in the 1960's is the more fruitful way forward. Using the scales of Struening and Richardson levels of alienation in Kuwait are then measured and the results given. Finally, by the application of new scales specifically developed for this study the major dimensions of alienation are related to the particularities of the social structure of modern Kuwait. The conclusion considers the problems of mounting such an investigation in Kuwait, the substantive findings of the study and it indicates future research possibilities.

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This thesis explores the nature and impacts of social change in a remote rural, island area within the Scottish Gaidhealtachd. It seeks to contribute to an in depth understanding of how the social and economic system of crofting, as well as the Gaelic culture which has related closely to it in such areas, has evolved over the past 40 years. The case study area of South Uig in the Isle of Lewis has low population numbers and offers an opportunity to study these processes of change in microcosm. Where appropriate, inferences can be drawn from the study which may contribute to the formulation of policy for similarly remote rural places and the fragile cultures which are integral to them.

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No description available.

Thesis (M.F.A.)--Ohio State University, 2008. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes bibliographical references (p. 64-65).

This dissertation examines literary debates initiated by Tibetan writers and critics in the 1980s and 1990s within the context of a rapidly modernizing society. My broader project is to illustrate how intellectuals position themselves in the field of literary production regarding questions of innovation, the function of literature, periodization, linguistic idiom, and the relevance of Indic kāvya theory, which dominated Tibetan belles-lettres for nearly seven hundred years. What discursive strategies do critics use to stake their literary claims? From what conceptual structures do they draw? How do they effect or resist, and ultimately shape literary change? This dissertation presents a cultural history centered on the concept of discursive formations, while also drawing on theoretical insights in sociology and literary criticism. After demonstrating how translation, publishing and educational activities of monastically trained scholars since the 1940s lay groundwork for the advent of a "New Tibetan Literature," I examine the subsequent development of modem Tibetan literary criticism, focusing on topics of sustained debate. While the bulk of my findings are based on a broad survey of Tibetan-medium literary criticism in the PRC, my selection of significant texts for close reading was informed by seventeen months of fieldwork in Qinghai and Gansu Provinces, and the Tibet Autonomous Region. My research illustrates how Tibetan literary and other journals provide a proxy public forum for intellectuals to negotiate Tibetan literature and culture. Key debates in the 1980s, during which kāvya principles continued to prevail, regarded the criteria for defining Tibetan literature, periodization and the emergence of free verse. By the mid- 1990s, however, free verse was commonplace and western literary theory more available A growing number of critics altogether rejected the kāvya model, suggesting instead that Tibet's literary roots lay in pre-Buddhist writings. An alternate response lay in the nascent formation of a modernist literary movement.

This thesis places for consideration the esoteric teachings of Alice A. Bailey, written between 1919 and 1949, as part of the theosophical current of western esotericism. Bailey’s overarching concern for human betterment underpins her appropriation of esoteric thought, into a reformulation that incorporates her own version of Christian faith. Bailey argues that humanity faces a major turning point, involving a reorientation towards spiritual living. Alongside the vast number of contemporary writers seeking similar goals, Bailey’s work constitutes another voice attempting to foster such change. Investigating how well the esoteric contents of Bailey’s work serve her intention drive this research. The author follows with some critical reflections upon Bailey’s work with relation to its potential to transform consciousness, reorienting a reader towards spiritual living and human betterment. After exploring aspects of her work considered opposite to transforming consciousness, the author speculates upon how Bailey’s texts might achieve her goal. In essence, it is found that any transformation that may occur through exposure to Bailey’s texts results from a reader’s own efforts at penetrating to the heart of esoteric thought, and not through the adoption or application of esotericism. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Maori identity has changed as a result of many factors including colonisation, assimilation and social change. Traditional Maori identity is constructed within whanau, hapu and iwi relations. As Maori have moved away from traditional iwi areas, the traditional forms of identification as Maori have been challenged. Maori whanau with at least two generations present, were interviewed using open-ended questions. Interviews were then transcribed and coded to ascertain important features of Maori identity. This research shows that Maori participants identified with most of the traditional forms of Maoridom such as the importance of land, language, whakapapa and traditions. The Treaty of Waitangi has become a form of identification for some Maori, particularly urban Maori. There were also some differences between generations within whanau and between rural and urban Maori. Grounded theory was used within the scope of this research as it was deemed to be more reflective of Maori realities than conventional (i.e., Western) psychological theories. Maori participants indicated concern with some themes within New Zealand society that have a negative impact on Maori identity. Social expectations, negative stereotypes and commercialism were major concerns for Maori. Issues with education, power, money and finance and politics were also deemed of great concern and a threat to a positive Maori identity. Participants also commented on the need for more positive role models for young Maori and the need for bicultural initiatives to improve Maori and Pakeha relations. Recommendations are that there should be more money focused on positive initiatives rather than focusing on prisons and welfare. There should also be more emphasis on the Treaty of Waitangi in education with emphasis on why it is important in New Zealands history.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 1973. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 146-151). Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center