<p>The social organization of Carrier bands is found to have been functionally dependent on a network of relations with coastal groups and other interior bands, including Carrier. This network involved kinship ties, economic exchanges between affines, coastal and interior trade, and participation in common ceremonial activities. The social organization of each Carrier band depended on the total set of participant communities within a ceremonial and social network specific to each band. By means of published sources and unpublished manuscripts the approximate extent and chronology of introduction of coastal features is traced and the arrangement of social units described. Ecological and historical factors in the formation of Carrier social organization are described. Due to differential contact with coastal groups, there is a west to east decrease among the northern Carrier bands in the incorporation and importance of matriliny as a structuring mechanism. Among the southern bands, a bilateral form of social organization was prevalent. Historical documents and jourrials provided a base line for tracing the development and incorporation of coastal features in the interior, the whole process a function of the increased importance of the fur trade, commencing in the late eighteenth century, and shifts in population centres and density.</p> / Master of Arts (MA)

<p>Outward Bound wilderness school uses experiential, adventure-based learning strategies to facilitate personal transformation for its students. While this process has been well-researched from an individualistic, psychology-based perspective, the possible influence of cultural factors has not yet been well-addressed. This ethnography explores the cultural dimensions of transformation at Outward Bound, using a constructivist, narrative-based approach, as well as employing theoretical notions such as: rites of passage, communitas, experiential education, generative education, and 'border intellectual' in the interpretation of the narratives. Selfnarratives were co-constructed with twenty Outward Bound students at three points: before, at the end of, and three months after their courses. The research confirms that transformational learning was accomplished by 18/20 participants, in at least one of eight general areas that emerged from their narratives. A further eight cultural factors were identified which contributed to students' willingness and ability to undertake personal transformation in that environment: a culture of support for success and failure, intrinsic adventure, acceptance of diversity, open communication with others, improved communication with self, a culture of possibility, simplicity, and patience. Alternatives to the rites of passage model for post-industrial society are discussed. The overall learning is that it is possible to improve the likelihood of generating transformational learning, through managing the cultural factors indicated, in the learning environment.</p> / Master of Arts (MA)

This research focuses on the transactional nature of sexual and non-sexual relationships between certain young women in Cambodia described as ‘professional girlfriends’, and their ‘western boyfriends’. In this case, the term ‘transactional’ refers to the initial material motivation behind their interactions. While the majority of women are employed as bartenders or waitresses in tourist areas of Phnom Penh, outside observers tend to erroneously label them as ‘prostitutes’ or ‘broken women’ because of the gift-based nature of the intimate exchanges. Ethnographic evidence demonstrates, however, that they make up a diverse and nuanced group of individuals who engage in relationships more complex than simply ‘sex-for-cash’ exchanges, and often seek marriage and love in addition to material comforts. Though they do not view themselves as ‘prostitutes’, the distinction of the term ‘professional’ is used to emphasize that 1) they do rely on the formation of these relationships as a means of livelihood and their motivations are initially materially-based; 2) they engage in multiple overlapping transactional relationships, usually unbeknownst to their other partners; 3) there is a performance of intimacy, whereby the professed feelings of love and dedication lie somewhere on a continuum between genuine and feigned, and where the term ‘love’ itself carries multiple meanings. The research further reveals not only the stereotypes, contradictions, and structural constraints experienced by these young women, but also their entrepreneurialism, determination and creativity. Despite trauma related to recent political past, sexual violence, stigma, depression and self-harming, they use tools of global feminine youth culture, consumption, linguistic ability, ‘bar girl’ subculture, and interpersonal relationships to make socioeconomic advancements and find enjoyment in their lives. The practice of 'intimate ethnography' also illuminates the negotiation of intimacy and friendship between the participants and researcher, as well as the general materiality and exchange of everyday sex and relationships around the globe.

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