München, Techn. Univ., Diss., 2005.

Bibliography: leaves 72-76. A case study of Rakazampa region was carried out based on agroecosystem analysis combined with Rapid Rural Appraisal, literature review, personal communication and personal ideas. To adopt and enhance agroforestry in Rakazampa as well as in Bhutan, some general recommendations are given.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1991.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1991. / Also available in print.

No description available.

Techn. University, Diss., 2005--München.

No description available.

Syn-convergent low-angle normal-sense detachments (LANDs) are found in many orogens around the world. However, those tectonic processes which result in their formation are little known. The South Tibetan detachment system (STDS) is the best-studied example worldwide of a syn-convergent LAND, and formed in the Miocene due to the continental collision of India and Asia. In Bhutan, eastern Himalaya, the STDS is duplicated. Here I investigate the tectonic history of the inner STDS and particularly the outer STDS in Bhutan, to determine whether the duplicated STDS can be explained by or used to constrain models of Himalayan orogenesis. A range of geochronometric, thermochronologic, petrologic, structural, thermobarometric, thermometric, and isotopic tools are used to constrain: the onset and cessation of motion on the outer STDS; the cessation of motion on the inner STDS; the peak metamorphic conditions in the hanging wall and footwall of the outer STDS; the pressure-temperature-time paths of tectonites in the hanging wall and footwall of the outer STDS; the structural history of the hanging wall rocks of the outer STDS, and; the paleogeographic affinity of the hanging wall rocks of the outer STDS. The results of these studies are compared to thermo-mechanical models of Himalayan- type continental collision. Similarities in model predictions of the type and timing of structures, peak metamorphic conditions of hanging wall and footwall tectonites, pressure-temperature-time paths, and other regional tectonic observations lead to two main conclusions. 1. The STDS is a system of three main types of LANDs: those that formed during channel flow of low-viscosity mid-crustal rocks, those that formed by extrusion of cooled channel rocks to the surface, and those that formed by destabilization of the upper crust above a dome of mid-crustal channel rocks. 2. The STDS was duplicated by underthrusting of a crustal ramp into the Himalayan orogen since early Miocene. The underthrusting led to extrusion of a dome of weak mid-crustal above a previously-extruded channel. The crustal ramp may be local to the eastern Himalaya due to higher convergence and/or erosion rates, or due to local underthrusting of relatively strong crust behind weaker crust.

Based on ethnographic research in Bhutan and among Bhutanese living in Nepal, this thesis examines the reach of law in everyday life in contemporary Bhutan. Drawing on inter-linked themes of social values drawn from Buddhist teachings and the importance of morality, power and legitimacy, I examine popular discourse of and about law. It contributes to current arguments in socio-legal studies and anthropology concerning the reach of law in contemporary societies and its significance in everyday life. Furthermore, my thesis represents the first ethnographic account of law and society in Bhutan. It makes a valuable contribution not only to our understanding of Bhutan, but also provides an ideal opportunity to examine everyday conceptions of law as the Bhutanese State promotes legal change that draw on non-indigenous models. The thesis considers the impact of the creation of a modem, independent judiciary and recent changes in legal education and the increasing amount of legislation and secondary regulations. However, the everyday construction of law, as well as the meanings and uses to which law are put, raises problems. Therefore, I turn to examine how ordinary people create and develop a sense of the law by focussing on the development of legal consciousness. To do this, I look less at the formal legal processes of the law than at the narratives about law from a number of Bhutanese. These narratives focus on the importance of community values and notions of morality and legitimacy, which simultaneously draw on a prevalent authoritative public discourse concerning social behaviour and individual re-interpretations and resistance within the broad framework of the discourse. I examine the interrelationship between these various features, which evoke, on an individual level, a sense of "legal consciousness" and I develop how this informs daily life. This interrelationship highlights the dynamism of the process and the fluidity of ideas and adaptability to changing needs and relationships of power. This approach allows for an examination of law situated within, rather than separate from, everyday life in order to analyse the fragmentary and often inconsistent use made by individuals of the legal orders and forums available to them.

This study of women in Bhutan is based on the country’s unique development concept known as Gross National Happiness (GNH). Whereas in most countries, a western approach to development concentrates on increasing Gross Domestic Product to improve a country’s economy, Bhutan follows a different approach based on improving the general well-being of the people. The thesis argues that Bhutan has relegated Gross Domestic Product to the background where it can be used as a means to enhance “happiness” but not as an overall goal of development and that the impacts of this on women require separate study. There are four elements that form the core of the Gross National Happiness concept: good governance, environmental conservation, cultural preservation and socio-economic development. This thesis has focused on only two elements of the GNH concept, questioning the nature of cultural preservation and socio-economic development. This is because cultural preservation is one of the areas that affects women particularly. In the path of development, many socio-economic policies inadvertently discriminate against women although their intentions are gender neutral. Thus, the overall purpose of this thesis is to explore women’s position, especially in the education sector and the impact of tradition and culture on Bhutanese women. The relationship between women in Bhutan and the government policy of preserving culture is analysed in order to determine if there is conflict between preserving culture and sustaining happiness against the backdrop of the fast pace of economic development. The methodological approach for this thesis is both qualitative and quantitative. Because of the limited written material on Bhutan, it was important to talk to members of the public to explore general perceptions, feelings and opinions relating to government policies and the impact of development activities and culture on their lives and also to bring in unofficial perspectives. Participants consisted of twenty households in the village and twenty-two participants from the urban area to address urban/rural differences. Literacy is less in rural areas as is access to information and exposure to western influences. Official documents, newspapers, on-line discussion forums, school curricula and films were also drawn on to explore the role of culture and the impact of development policies on the Bhutanese people. The thesis concludes that cultural preservation, particularly when followed uncritically, remains a major obstacle to women’s empowerment towards achieving their development goals.