Thesis advisor: David L. Blustein / Globalization has had many implications on the world’s economy, culture, mobility, and experience of work. Of these, global human migration, or international mobility, is often used as the prime indicator of globalization (United Nations Population Fund [UNPFA]; 2013). Evidence suggests that multiple international relocations, with the accompanying loss of familiar spatial environments, social relationships, and social institutions, are deleterious to human well-being. However, literature has yet to elucidate the mechanisms that contribute to the difficulties associated with high rates of international mobility. Using a multinational dataset of responses gathered from 255 internationally mobile employees at 24 worksites in 11 different countries (i.e. Botswana, Japan, Brazil, Spain, China, United Kingdom, India, United States, Mexico, South Africa), this exploratory study tested a structural model delineating the relationships among the rate of international mobility, dispositional optimism, social engagement and well-being, as defined by life satisfaction, job satisfaction, and functional health. Structural equation modeling and follow-up multiple regression analyses found optimism to have the greatest in impact on predicting the levels of job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and functional health, above all other demographic and observed predictors in the study. The rate of international mobility had a significant negative impact on job satisfaction, but not on functional health or life satisfaction. In addition, the frequency of an individual’s in-person interactions with family, friends, and neighbors did not have a significant role in predicting the outcomes. Contrary to the study’s hypotheses, social engagement did not function as a mediator between optimism and well-being. These important findings highlight human resilience in international migration, and offer research, practice, and organizational policy implications for understanding and supporting internationally mobile individuals. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2015. / Submitted to: Boston College. Lynch School of Education. / Discipline: Counseling, Developmental and Educational Psychology.

Thesis advisor: William A. Gamson / In this dissertation, I examine the strategic evolution of the US anti-sweatshop movement, particularly United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) and the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC). While scholars of social movements have analyzed individual tactics used by movements, they have only recently begun to look at the larger question of strategy--how movements make choices about which tactics to use when and how they link these tactics together into a larger plan to alter macro-level power relations in society. This dissertation is one of the first empirical examinations of the processes by which particular groups have developed their strategy. I look at how ideology and values, a sophisticated analysis of the structure of the apparel industry, strategic models for action handed down from past movements, and the movement's decision-making structures interacted in the deliberations of anti-sweatshop activists to produce innovative strategies. I also focus on how the larger social environment, especially the structure of the apparel industry, has shaped the actions of the movement. In seeking to bring about change, the anti-sweatshop movement had to alter the policies of major apparel corporations, decision-making arenas typically closed to outside, grassroots influence. They did so by finding various points of leverage--structural vulnerabilities--that they could use against apparel companies. One of the most important was USAS's successful campaign to get a number of colleges and universities to implement pro-labor codes of conduct for the apparel companies who had lucrative licensing contracts with these schools. In USAS's campaigns to support workers at particular sweatshops fighting for their rights, they could then use the threat of a suspension or revocations of these contracts--and therefore a loss of substantial profits--as a means to pressure apparel companies to protect the workers' rights. This combination of strategic innovation and access to points of leverage has allowed the US anti-sweatshop movement to win some victories against much more powerful foes. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2010. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Sociology.

Um dos motivadores desse trabalho foi o artigo de Theodore Levitt (1983) \"The globalization of markets\". Nesse texto, o autor afirma que as empresas globais devem vender o mesmo produto, da mesma maneira, empregando a mesma comunicação, em todos os países em que vierem a atuar. Tal ação seria possível em virtude da globalização, situação em que ocorreria a convergência dos gostos e preferências dos consumidores espalhados pelo mundo e, como resultado, seriam obtidas economias de escala, alto padrão de qualidade e preço competitivo do produto. Esta tese é uma investigação de cunho qualitativo com dois objetivos principais: verificar se uma empresa usa a mesma comunicação ao oferecer o mesmo produto em países distintos e aferir, junto aos usuários, a percepção dos conteúdos das comunicações de marca e de produto (classificação de Kapferer, 2003). Para tanto, foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica, que fez um levantamento acerca das várias estratégias passíveis de serem empregadas por empresas multinacionais e/ou globais nessa situação. Foram pesquisados também conceitos e teorias acerca de cultura, semiótica, identidade visual corporativa, globalização, marketing, gestão do design e marca. Foi feito então o levantamento acerca do discurso emitido pela empresa Honda (divisão de motocicletas), ao oferecer um mesmo produto (Honda CG 150 Titan) em dois países: Brasil e Argentina. Foi selecionado um anúncio em cada país que divulgasse a CG 150 Titan e foi realizada uma comparação direta entre eles. Foram comparados também folhetos promocionais desse produto, aspectos de pontos de venda específicos e condições de uso da marca gráfica da empresa em comunicações locais. Foi feita, então, a análise semiótica dos anúncios escolhidos (método de Perez, 2004), de modo a se identificarem seus conteúdos potenciais. Em seguida, foram realizadas entrevistas individuais com usuários de motocicletas dessa categoria: 11 na cidade de São Paulo e 11 na cidade de Buenos Aires. Este estudo verificou que os produtos vendidos nos dois países, apesar de terem o mesmo nome, não são iguais, assim como são distintas as comunicações empregadas pela Honda nesses dois mercados. Apesar disso, as percepções dos entrevistados acerca da marca e do produto em questão estão alinhadas, e habitualmente associadas a conceitos de qualidade superior e robustez das motocicletas vendidas. A percepção dos respondentes, ao observarem os anúncios selecionados, mostrou ser compatível com os significados potenciais das mensagens emitidas. Dessa forma, concluiu-se que a padronização dos produtos e da comunicação, apesar de ser uma estratégia para empresas globais oferecerem seus produtos em países distintos, não é a única alternativa, como foi constatado no caso da Honda, ao atuar no Brasil e na Argentina. A companhia consegue, ao emitir discursos diferentes, transmitir conteúdos semelhantes, que resultam no fortalecimento da percepção da marca e do produto nesses mercados. / One of the drivers of this work was the article by Theodore Levitt (1983) \"The globalization of markets\". In this text, the author states that global companies must sell the same product in the same way, using the same communication, in all countries in where they come to acting. Such action would be possible due to globalization, in which case there would be a convergence of tastes and preferences of consumers around the world and, as a result, economies of scale would be obtained, as well as high quality standards and competitive price of the product. This thesis is a qualitative approach research with two main targets: to determine whether a company uses the same communication to offer the same product in different countries and to benchmark, with users, the perception of the contents of brand and product communications (classification by Kapferer, 2003). For this study a literature review was done, which surveyed the various strategies that could be employed by multinationals and/or global companies in this situation. Concepts and theories on culture, semiotics, corporate branding, globalization, marketing, design management and brand were also searched. Then a survey was done about the speech delivered by the company Honda (motorcycle division), when offering the same product (Honda CG 150 Titan), in two countries: Brazil and Argentina. An advertisement was selected in each country that divulged the CG 150 Titan, and a direct comparison was made between them. Were also compared flyers that promote the product, aspects of specific stores and conditions of use of the group symbol and logotype of the company in local communications. Then the semiotic analysis of selected advertisements (Perez method, 2004) was done in order to identify its potential contents. Then, individual interviews were conducted with motorcycle users in this category: eleven in the city of São Paulo and eleven in the city of Buenos Aires. This study found that the products sold in both countries, although bearing the same name, are not equal, as are different the communications employed by Honda in these two markets. Nevertheless, the perceptions of respondents about the brand and the product concerned are aligned, and usually associated with superior concepts and robustness of the motorcycles sold. The perception of the respondents, concerning the advertisements, was shown to be compatible with the possible meanings of the messages sent. Thus, it was concluded that the standardization of products and communication, despite being a strategy for global companies to offer their products in different countries, is not the only alternative, as was observed in the case of Honda acting in Brazil and Argentina. The company can, by issuing different discourses, transmit similar contents, resulting in the strengthening of brand and product perception in these markets.

Este trabalho apresenta a Comunidade deParaisópolis, Zona Sul de São Paulo . A historia da comunidade eseus dados atuais, associados as imagens do cotidiano e relatos orais de moradores através de um diálogo esbocam um perfil dessa populacao . A comunicação visual encontrada nos espaços públicos dessa região da cidade reflete a fala de seus moradores, suas dificuldades, vivências e desejos. As imagens mostram o cotidiano que mescla influências da cultura local fortemente influenciada pelo global. As falas dos moradores exprimem temas que os convidam a reflexão e ao dialogo. A favelaque teve seu inicio na década de 1920 apresenta-se como um espaço pleno de ambigüidades, onde existe a pobreza e os programas de reurbanização, traços da cultura regional convivendo os da cultura globalizada. Ao contrario do que se imagina a favela não é um lugar exótico , ela se mostra como um microcosmo, um espelho da cidade de São Paulo em miniatura. / This survey presentes the Community of Paraisopolis, located at Zona Sul,São Paulo. A profile of the members of the community can be seen through their history associated with images of daily life and the speech of the habitants.The communication founded in the public spaces in this part of the city of São Paulo shows the difficulties and desires of the members The images explain the daily lyfe strongly influenced by the global ideias that mixes with the local culture. Several themes appear though the conversation with the community members.The favela was born in the beginning of the twentieth century and its a place where poverty, culture, globalization work together. The favela is not an exotic place but reflects the city of São Paulo in a small way.

Nos últimos anos, tem sido crescente a publicação de trabalhos preocupados com as respostas dos trabalhadores à globalização. Em especial, a proposição de que estaria em desenvolvimento um \"novo internacionalismo operário\" motivou debate. O alcance deste processo ainda é incerto, mas sindicalistas alojados em organizações sindicais internacionais levaram a cabo iniciativas na tentativa de responder aos desafios da globalização, o que tem gerado experiências inovadoras. Esta pesquisa explora as características das redes sindicais em empresas transnacionais em atuação no Brasil nos setores químico e metalúrgico, exemplo de ação sindical que tem sido considerado parte dessa tendência. Essas redes articulam trabalhadores e sindicatos que atuam em relação a uma mesma empresa transnacional em diversas partes do mundo e são hoje bem conhecidas entre os sindicalistas engajados nesse tipo de atividade. Este trabalho introduz a questão do novo internacionalismo operário, apresenta a origem das redes no mundo e no Brasil e, por fim, analisa a ação de 15 redes sindicais. O que torna essas redes relevantes é o fato de que elas oferecem um exemplo concreto de como é possível articular o \"global\" e o \"local\" através de uma ação sindical multiescalar: ao ligar em um movimento global sindicatos até então separados entre si, elas criam a possibilidade de enfrentar a empresa em escalas para além do local, seja nacionalmente ou internacionalmente. Por outro lado, a pesquisa revela que o engajamento dos sindicatos locais implica um processo de acomodação em que os seus interesses imediatos, vinculados ao trabalho sindical cotidiano, precisam ser atendidos para que as redes sejam viáveis na prática. Além disso, o fato de que as redes são construídas a partir da estrutura sindical já constituída impõe limites às suas possibilidades de ação. A estratégia das redes, assim, é marcada por preocupações pragmáticas e busca emular as relações de trabalho encontradas em algumas transnacionais: aquelas que admitem uma relação mais democrática com os sindicatos sob o paradigma do \"diálogo social\". Para subsidiar a análise, a pesquisa mapeou as redes sindicais em atuação no país e, após análise documental preliminar, realizou uma série de entrevistas semiestruturadas com dirigentes sindicais brasileiros e estrangeiros. Um primeiro conjunto de entrevistas serviu para identificar as posições dos formuladores da política geral de redes sindicais, representantes de um \"sindicalismo global\". Posteriormente, a pesquisa se voltou para o trabalho mais cotidiano das redes. Foram entrevistados coordenadores e participantes de 15 redes sindicais em atuação no país, em geral sindicalistas em contato próximo com o chão de fábrica. Cada uma dessas redes se organiza em relação a uma empresa específica, e estão representadas empresas brasileiras, europeias e norte-americanas. / The last few years have seen growing interest in labor responses to globalization. In particular, the proposition that a new labour internationalism is being developed has sparked debate. The scope of this process is still uncertain, but trade unionists engaged in international activities have undertaken initiatives in an attempt to meet the challenges of globalization. That has created innovative experiences. This thesis investigates the characteristics of trade union networks in transnational companies operating in Brazil in the chemical and metal industries, an example of union action that is usually considered part of this trend. A trade union network unites workers and trade unions in a joint effort to confront a transnational company in various parts of the world. Today, they are well known among trade unionists working in transnational companies. This paper introduces the question of new labor internationalism, presents the origins of these networks in the world and in Brazil, and finally, analyzes the activities of 15 trade union networks operating in the country. What makes these networks relevant is the fact that they offer an example of how to articulate the global and the local through multiscalar union action: as they unite trade unions through multiple localities, they create the possibility of facing the company on scales beyond the local, either nationally or internationally. On the other hand, the research reveals that the participation of local unions implies an accommodation process where their immediate interests, linked to everyday union work, must be met so that the networks are feasible in practice. Moreover, the fact that networks are built from the union structure that is already established imposes limits to their possibilities. The strategy of the networks is thus marked by pragmatic concerns and seeks to emulate the industrial relations found in some transnational companies: those who admit a more democratic relationship with the unions under the paradigm of social dialogue. In order to fundament the analysis, the research identified the trade union networks operating in Brazil and, after a preliminary document analysis, conducted a series of semi-structured interviews with Brazilian and foreign union leaders. A first set of interviews served to identify the opinions of the makers of the general policy of trade union networks, part of a global unionism. Subsequently, the research turned to the more routine work of the networks. Coordinators and participants from 15 trade union networks were interviewed, generally trade unionists from local unions in close contact with the shop floor. Each of these networks is organized in relation to a specific company and there are Brazilian, European and American companies represented.

The paper develops a global vector auto-regressive model with time varying pa- rameters and stochastic volatility to analyse whether international spillovers of US monetary policy have changed over time. The model proposed enables us to assess whether coefficients evolve gradually over time or are better characterized by infrequent, but large, breaks. Our find- ings point towards pronounced changes in the international transmission of US monetary policy throughout the sample period, especially so for the reaction of international output, equity prices and exchange rates against the US dollar. In general, the strength of spillovers has weakened in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. Using simple panel regressions, we link the vari- ation in international responses to measures of trade and financial globalization. We find that a broad trade base and a high degree of financial integration with the world economy tend to cushion risks stemming from a foreign shock such as US tightening of monetary policy, whereas a reduction in trade barriers and/or a liberalization of the capital account increase these risks.

Nos últimos anos, tem sido crescente a publicação de trabalhos preocupados com as respostas dos trabalhadores à globalização. Em especial, a proposição de que estaria em desenvolvimento um \"novo internacionalismo operário\" motivou debate. O alcance deste processo ainda é incerto, mas sindicalistas alojados em organizações sindicais internacionais levaram a cabo iniciativas na tentativa de responder aos desafios da globalização, o que tem gerado experiências inovadoras. Esta pesquisa explora as características das redes sindicais em empresas transnacionais em atuação no Brasil nos setores químico e metalúrgico, exemplo de ação sindical que tem sido considerado parte dessa tendência. Essas redes articulam trabalhadores e sindicatos que atuam em relação a uma mesma empresa transnacional em diversas partes do mundo e são hoje bem conhecidas entre os sindicalistas engajados nesse tipo de atividade. Este trabalho introduz a questão do novo internacionalismo operário, apresenta a origem das redes no mundo e no Brasil e, por fim, analisa a ação de 15 redes sindicais. O que torna essas redes relevantes é o fato de que elas oferecem um exemplo concreto de como é possível articular o \"global\" e o \"local\" através de uma ação sindical multiescalar: ao ligar em um movimento global sindicatos até então separados entre si, elas criam a possibilidade de enfrentar a empresa em escalas para além do local, seja nacionalmente ou internacionalmente. Por outro lado, a pesquisa revela que o engajamento dos sindicatos locais implica um processo de acomodação em que os seus interesses imediatos, vinculados ao trabalho sindical cotidiano, precisam ser atendidos para que as redes sejam viáveis na prática. Além disso, o fato de que as redes são construídas a partir da estrutura sindical já constituída impõe limites às suas possibilidades de ação. A estratégia das redes, assim, é marcada por preocupações pragmáticas e busca emular as relações de trabalho encontradas em algumas transnacionais: aquelas que admitem uma relação mais democrática com os sindicatos sob o paradigma do \"diálogo social\". Para subsidiar a análise, a pesquisa mapeou as redes sindicais em atuação no país e, após análise documental preliminar, realizou uma série de entrevistas semiestruturadas com dirigentes sindicais brasileiros e estrangeiros. Um primeiro conjunto de entrevistas serviu para identificar as posições dos formuladores da política geral de redes sindicais, representantes de um \"sindicalismo global\". Posteriormente, a pesquisa se voltou para o trabalho mais cotidiano das redes. Foram entrevistados coordenadores e participantes de 15 redes sindicais em atuação no país, em geral sindicalistas em contato próximo com o chão de fábrica. Cada uma dessas redes se organiza em relação a uma empresa específica, e estão representadas empresas brasileiras, europeias e norte-americanas. / The last few years have seen growing interest in labor responses to globalization. In particular, the proposition that a new labour internationalism is being developed has sparked debate. The scope of this process is still uncertain, but trade unionists engaged in international activities have undertaken initiatives in an attempt to meet the challenges of globalization. That has created innovative experiences. This thesis investigates the characteristics of trade union networks in transnational companies operating in Brazil in the chemical and metal industries, an example of union action that is usually considered part of this trend. A trade union network unites workers and trade unions in a joint effort to confront a transnational company in various parts of the world. Today, they are well known among trade unionists working in transnational companies. This paper introduces the question of new labor internationalism, presents the origins of these networks in the world and in Brazil, and finally, analyzes the activities of 15 trade union networks operating in the country. What makes these networks relevant is the fact that they offer an example of how to articulate the global and the local through multiscalar union action: as they unite trade unions through multiple localities, they create the possibility of facing the company on scales beyond the local, either nationally or internationally. On the other hand, the research reveals that the participation of local unions implies an accommodation process where their immediate interests, linked to everyday union work, must be met so that the networks are feasible in practice. Moreover, the fact that networks are built from the union structure that is already established imposes limits to their possibilities. The strategy of the networks is thus marked by pragmatic concerns and seeks to emulate the industrial relations found in some transnational companies: those who admit a more democratic relationship with the unions under the paradigm of social dialogue. In order to fundament the analysis, the research identified the trade union networks operating in Brazil and, after a preliminary document analysis, conducted a series of semi-structured interviews with Brazilian and foreign union leaders. A first set of interviews served to identify the opinions of the makers of the general policy of trade union networks, part of a global unionism. Subsequently, the research turned to the more routine work of the networks. Coordinators and participants from 15 trade union networks were interviewed, generally trade unionists from local unions in close contact with the shop floor. Each of these networks is organized in relation to a specific company and there are Brazilian, European and American companies represented.

Chan, Pui Lun. / "December 2010." / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 133-147). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract of thesis entitled: --- p.i / Abstract (Chinese) --- p.iii / Acknowledgements --- p.iv / Table of Contents --- p.v / List of Figures and Tables --- p.viii / Romanization and Translation --- p.ix / Chapter Chapter One - --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- "Motivations, Arguements and Methodology" --- p.2 / Chapter 1.2 --- Ethnomusicological Studies on Chinese Operas --- p.3 / Chapter 1.3 --- Studying Peking opera in Hong Kong --- p.5 / Biographies of Mainland Peking Opera Performers --- p.5 / Newspapers Reports and Columns --- p.6 / Interview Transcripts of Peking Opera Artists in Hong Kong --- p.7 / Government Documents and Archival Data --- p.8 / Fieldwork --- p.8 / Challenges and Limitations --- p.9 / Chapter 1.4 --- Thesis Outline --- p.10 / Chapter Chapter Two - --- The History of Peking Opera in Hong Kong --- p.14 / Chapter 2.1 --- The Dual Forces of Cultural Policies --- p.15 / Tour Performances as Diplomacy --- p.15 / The First Encounter: Mei Lan-fang's Tour in 1922 --- p.17 / Cultural Competition between the Two Chinese Regimes --- p.21 / Cultural Policy of the Colonial Government before 1980 --- p.24 / Chapter 2.2 --- Early Peking Opera Activities in Hong Kong --- p.26 / Peking Opera in Recordings and Radio Broadcasting --- p.26 / Peking Opera Films in the 1940s and 50s --- p.33 / Integrating Peking Opera with Local Martial Arts Films in the 1960s and 70s --- p.35 / Local Peking Opera Academies --- p.38 / Amateur Peking Opera Groups --- p.42 / Hybridization Between Peking Opera and Cantonese Opera --- p.43 / Chapter 2.3 --- An Entertainment for Mainland Emigrants --- p.48 / Chapter 2.4 --- Summary --- p.51 / Chapter Chapter Three - --- Contemporary Peking Opera Activities --- p.54 / Chapter 3.1 --- The Continuing Political Influence --- p.55 / The Shifting Dynamics of Political Influences in the Pre-HKSAR Period (From 1980 to 1997) --- p.55 / Increasing Support in the HKSAR Period (1997- present) --- p.58 / Chapter 3.2 --- Readapting Western Literature into Peking opera --- p.62 / Chapter 3.3 --- Other Contemporary Activities --- p.65 / General Observations --- p.65 / Musical Background of Participants and Audiences --- p.69 / Audiences'and Participants' Responses --- p.70 / Presentations Styles --- p.71 / Chapter 3.4 --- Summary --- p.78 / Chapter Chapter Four - --- Globalization Impacts on Peking opera in Hong Kong --- p.80 / Chapter 4.1 --- Peking Opera Activities and Globalization in Hong Kong --- p.83 / "Realizing the ""Imaginations""" --- p.83 / The Hybrid Form of Globalization r. --- p.88 / Chapter 4.2 --- A Traditional Interpretation of Globalization --- p.93 / "The ""Dilemma of Identity""" --- p.93 / The Dominance/Resistance Dichotomy in Ethnomusicological Studies --- p.94 / The Co-existence of Dichotomy --- p.96 / Chapter 4.3 --- Summary --- p.99 / Chapter Chapter Five - --- Conclusion --- p.101 / Chapter 5.1 --- Historical Activities --- p.101 / Chapter 5.2 --- Contemporary Activities --- p.104 / Chapter 5.3 --- Political Influences --- p.106 / Chapter 5.4 --- Globalization Impacts --- p.108 / Chapter Appendix I: --- Peking opera events presented by major cultural supporting sectors from 1976 to 2009 --- p.110 / Chapter Appendix II: --- Arts Development Council Grants to Local Peking Opera Troupes from the Financial Year of 1994/95 to 2007/08 --- p.120 / Chapter Appendix III: --- Other Peking Opera Activities Conducted by Local Peking Opera Troupes from 1976 to 2009 --- p.122 / Glossary --- p.126 / Bibliography --- p.133

Cette thèse propose une analyse des relations entre les forces globales et locales qui agissent dans le cadre de la prévention des Infections Sexuellement Transmissibles (IST) au Vanuatu. Ayant constaté que le nombre d’acteurs et d’actions en santé sexuelle et reproductive était relativement important dans l’archipel au regard du faible nombre de cas de Virus de l’Immunodéficience Humaine (VIH) déclarés par le gouvernement et que le Vanuatu connaissait des problèmes de santé impactant la morbidité et la mortalité de ses habitants d’une manière plus sévère que les IST, je me suis intéressée aux effets de la mondialisation contemporaine qui pouvaient éclairer ce décalage. Mon analyse se fonde sur des données collectées entre 2009 et 2012 au cours de dix-huit mois de terrain de recherches dans l’archipel (essentiellement dans la capitale Port-Vila), ainsi que sur deux missions de consultante réalisées en 2012 et en 2013 pour les Nations unies. Mon travail établit que les organismes œuvrant en matière de santé sexuelle et reproductive à Port-Vila cherchent à transmettre des normes, des catégories et des concepts reconnus et admis au niveau international. Il révèle aussi que ces organismes mettent en avant de nouvelles hiérarchies de valeurs et des représentations de la personne différentes de celles le plus souvent présentées par la population locale et qu’ils participent à la diffusion des discours mettant en association la vie en milieu urbain et les IST. Cependant, les ni-Vanuatu employés par ces organismes pour conduire des actions de prévention en matière de santé sexuelle et reproductive dans la capitale réalisent un important travail de traduction – ou, si l’on peut dire, de vernacularisation – de ces notions et les habitants de Port-Vila, tels ceux de Seaside Tongoa, sont confrontés à une multiplicité de sources de savoirs qui imprègnent de diverses manières leurs façons de penser et d’agir autour de ces questions. / This thesis presents an analysis of the relations between the global and local forces at work in the context of the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) in Vanuatu. I noted that, in the archipelago, the number of actors and actions in the field of sexual and reproductive health was relatively large considering the small number of cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) declared by the government and that Vanuatu had health problems impacting its population’s morbidity and mortality more severely that STI’s. I therefore became interested in the effects of contemporary globalization which might explain this discrepancy. My analysis is based on data collected between 2009 and 2012 during eighteen months’ fieldwork research in the archipelago (mainly in the capital, Port-Vila), as well as on two consultancy missions for the United Nations in 2012 and 2013. My work establishes that the organizations working in sexual and reproductive health in Port-Vila endeavour to transmit internationally recognized and acknowledged norms, categories and concepts. It also reveals that these bodies propose new hierarchies of values and representations of personhood different from those usually presented by the local population and contribute to the spread of discourses associating life in urban environments with STIs. However, the ni-Vanuatu employed by these organizations to run prevention programmes concerning sexual and reproductive health in the capital do considerable work translating these notions, and the inhabitants of Port-Vila, for instance those of Seaside Tongoa, encounter a profusion of sources of knowledge which affect how they think and act with regard to these questions differently.

The social scientific study of globalization's increasing flows of commodities, financing, knowledge, media, and people has been a productive ground for investigating changing connections among geographically distant people and their consequences. In spite of this recent focus on movement and flows, however, I suggest that our knowledge of globalization is incomplete without an understanding of the infrastructures of stoppage that underlie and determine the ongoing shape and directionalities of that movement. This dissertation lays out an argument for patents as one such critical legal infrastructure of global stoppage that provides unique insight into the changing roles and challenges confronting China and Taiwan within global systems of production, consumption, creativity, and copying. The dissertation's ethnography of patents in practice is based on 20 months of fieldwork on the production of technological knowledge and property in it within a Taiwanese LED (light emitting diode) company that produces patents between Taiwan and the United States and products between Taiwan and China. I argue that the processes by which knowledge is extracted and translated from the lab to the law decouples the knowledge from its origins in machines, materials, and engineers. This decoupling enables patents to circulate separately from these and provides owners with new control over global flows of engineers, tangible commodities, and usable knowledge. Alongside my Taiwanese interlocutors, I argue that patents are best understood as weapons of competition: more similar to non-disclosure agreements or aggressive pricing tactics than copyright or other forms of “intellectual property.” As weapons, the deployment of patents encourages the production of new patents much more than it does technological innovation. As they are currently practiced, patents therefore enable flows, but do so only in particular directions. It is through this stoppage that high tech patents create and maintain global divisions of labor, profit, and environmental risk.