This thesis specifically focuses on the professional practices and training of Western industrial designers using postcolonial theory to inform working practices in a complex global ecology. It investigates the culturally hegemonic construction of design solutions in man-made products. By adopting key ideas from postcolonial and cultural studies as a lens to evaluate fields of industrial design discourse, practice and pedagogy, the work proceeds from the premise that design is not intrinsic to a product but the result of a myriad different forces and factors acting on it externally including hegemonic potencies. By reinterpreting technological formations in light of research emerging from post-colonial studies, it attempts to broaden our intellectual understanding of how product design in theory, practice and education can often rely upon western [hegemonic] aesthetic and deep cultural archetypes. The purpose of this enquiry is to highlight the potentials that exist to explore a synergy between east and west in industrial design with a prospective vision for global, trans-cultural design. The research claims that current design practice often leads to culturally determined - rather than universal - conceptions in design and it attempts to re-conceptualise design as practice within a necessarily hegemonic culture. This hegemony needs to be acknowledged and redressed via increased awareness and changes to the intellectual heritage and autonomy of West European and American industrial design, in its dialogue, practice and education. As an epistemological project to identify knowledge within this discourse, it suggests new methodological and strategic approaches to engage with the crisis the discipline faces in light of globalisation so as to open up future discussions in design discourse and give a voice to the many silences that make up the noise of the world. It attempts to: • Further understand the trajectory of hegemony and globalisation in relation to design, technology and culture. • Critically engage with cross- and trans-cultural, global and social design implications. • Address the discrepancies between designers’ culture and users’ culture, to expose the necessity for more culturally-cognizant design practice and pedagogic provision. The research was initiated by identifying a number of questions that designers and users may consciously or subconsciously confront when faced with products that problematise the imagined universal values of designed products in terms of gender and culture. It explores how certain design solutions produced and developed in the west and their diffusion into global, international markets and foreign cultures could affect those cultures by asking in what ways the usability, aesthetic and symbolic characteristics of these artefacts often unwittingly contribute to the privilege or marginalisation of people from particular socio-cultural backgrounds. The thesis intervention is that product designers are neither explicitly trained to comprehend nor surmount their respective cultural constraints and design education both nationally and internationally is not sufficiently equipped with the tools to acknowledge and confront this. The key arguments presented in this thesis are: 1. Products can often be deconstructed to identify cultural connotations or omissions in their design. 2. Global, a-cultural design and universal usability are fallacies that frequently deny the existence of an underlying cultural hegemony at play. 3. Mass-produced products can gradually homogenise and eradicate cultural diversity contributing to the negative effects of colonialist attitudes and/or globalisation. 4. Academia and educational institutions have the potential to extend awareness in this field to inform and train future designers and graduates to better advance design obligations in global, trans-cultural, cross-cultural and multicultural contexts.

1 and 2 Chronicles is a book that solicits many questions and on which neither research nor debate is complete. The reason for this is the discrepancies between the book compared to other books with similar content. The purpose of this dissertation is to: - -- identify the differences between Chronicles and source writings; -- determine which selections were made from the source material, what has been nuanced, omitted, added and emphasized; -- study these selections contextually and determine what its function or purpose would have been; -- determine the Chronicler’s ideology and against this background determine whether the text functioned as discourse of power. The book 1 and 2 Chronicles forms the study field of this dissertation. This book is mainly a narrative that pretends to be a narration of history and covers the period from Adam until after the Babylonian exile. The temple and cult in Jerusalem form the focal point of this narrative. A comparison of the book 1 and 2 Chronicles with the source documents the author(s) used (namely Genesis, Joshua, 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings) clearly shows that the Chronicler worked extremely selectively when using the source documents and that he retells the history of Israel and Juda through omissions and additions with his own particular emphasis. The narrative offers a negative judgment of the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and all the tribes that lived in that area. On the other hand the Southern Kingdom and the tribes Juda, Levi and Benjamin are described extensively and are judged positively. David is presented as the ideal king. Bar one, all his wayward deeds that are comprehensively reported in the source documents are concealed. The purpose is evidently to create an extremely positive image of him. He is inter alia depicted as the founder of the cult in Jerusalem. In this manner the cult is also legitimized and given the stamp as the only true place of worship of the living God. To have a close connection with the cult in Jerusalem or not thus becomes the criterion to judge all kings after David. The study clearly reveals that 1 and 2 Chronicles functioned as a discourse of power that was aimed at promoting the interests of the post-exilic temple personnel in Jerusalem and legitimizing their control over the cult. As a discourse of power it sets boundaries and excludes different groups that were traditionally part of the people of YHWH. The destruction of the temple in 70 AD and the ending of the cult also meant the end of the purpose of this text as a discourse of power and created the possibility that it could become part of the collection of sacred writings known as the Old Testament. / Thesis (PhD (Old Testament Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Old Testament Studies / unrestricted

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This doctoral dissertation examines the intersection of lived religion with sport and fitness, and in particular how fitness facility users navigate modesty values, shame, and identity. How individuals experience fitness spaces and engage in fitness in keeping with their religious practices and beliefs is often unexplored in scholarship about religiosity in sport. This research examines the experiences of individuals who hold intersecting religious and sport identities and whose full inclusion in sport may be affected by their religious beliefs and preferences, such as for single-gender fitness spaces. Using qualitative sociological methods, this study addresses the following questions: How do individuals navigate their religious identities in athletic spaces, and what limitations to full accessibility do they experience? How do fitness space users interpret and live their religious commitments? This thesis argues that athletic space limitations include physical and mental barriers. These barriers are not solely tied to the physical construction of the space itself, nor do they centre solely on religious identity. Facilities can improve accessibility by addressing both kinds of barriers through recommendations derived from this research.

Kvinnor i IT-branschen, Könsteori, Kvinnor inom Informationsteknologi, Inkludering, Underrepresentation av kvinnor inom IT Sammanfattning (kopiera från uppsats) *: IT-branschen har traditionellt varit mansdominerad under lång tid överallt i världen och behöver fler anställda som är kvinnor. Även om samhället är medvetet om detta faktum är det mindre klart hur verksamheter ska arbeta för att få in och behålla kvinnor inom IT-branschen. För att möjliggöra att fler kvinnor vill ge sig in och stanna kvar inom branschen är det viktigt att förstå de utmaningar kvinnor möter inom branschen och vad som motiverar dem till att arbeta inom IT. Denna förstudie syftar till att undersöka vilka utmaningar kvinnor inom den svenska IT-branschen möter. Det finns forskning inom området kring vilka motgångar kvinnor inom IT-branschen möter men det har identifierats ett gap i den svenska kontexten: vad kvinnor i Sverige möter för motgångar inom IT-branschen. Förstudien syftar även till att genom dessa utmaningar ta reda på vad kvinnor motiveras av för att förstå hur fler kvinnor kan vilja ta sig in i branschen i Sverige. Förstudien är av kvalitativt slag där det empiriska materialet har samlats in genom semistrukturerade intervjuer med sex stycken kvinnor från varierande verksamheter och har olika roller inom IT-branschen. Utöver den empiriska förstudien har även en litteraturstudie genomförts för att identifiera eventuella luckor eller motsägelser i tidigare forskning inom området. Resultatet visar att det är skillnader på vad män och kvinnor motiveras av inom IT-branschen. Fler män än kvinnor har valt branschen vilket i sin tur lett till underrepresentation av kvinnor och negativ inverkan på IT-innovationer. Resultatet visar på utmaningar som är djupt förankrade i stereotyper, samhällets förväntningar, den mansdominerade miljön och brist på förebilder. Trots de många utmaningarna som kvinnor möter finns det mycket som motiverar dem till att arbeta inom IT-branschen. Motivation som att utveckla tekniska färdigheter inom olika områden, flexibiliteten som ger möjligheten till att lägga upp sin arbetsvecka och distansarbete samt att branschen är så pass bred att det finns något för alla. Resultatet av den empiriska förstudien och litteraturstudien är förstudiens bidrag till vidare forskning som visar på vilka utmaningar kvinnor kan möta och den motivation de kan ha inom att vilja arbeta inom IT-branschen. Förstudien kan användas som utgångspunkt för vidare forskning inom området. För att möjliggöra att få in fler kvinnor och få kvinnor att stanna kvar inom IT-branschen har förstudiens resultat påvisat att företag och organisationer bör lägga större vikt på att inkludera fler perspektiv. Resultatet av förstudien visar att kvinnor som arbetar på en mer inkluderande arbetsplats där mångfald på arbetsplatsen är centralt trivs bättre än på en arbetsplats som är mansdominerad inom alla nivåer. / The IT industry has traditionally been male-dominated for a long time worldwide and needs more female employees. Although society is aware of this fact it is less clear how companies can attract more women and want them to stay in the IT industry. To increase the possibility of bringing more women into the field it is important to understand the challenges women face in the industry and what motivates them to work with IT. This preliminary study aims to investigate the challenges faced by women in the Swedish IT industry. While there is existing research in this area there is a gap in the Swedish context regarding the obstacles and motivations specific to women in Sweden within the IT industry. The preliminary study also aims to identify what motivates women and understand how more women will be inclined to enter the industry based on this. The preliminary study is of a qualitative nature where empirical data has been collected through semi-structured interviews with six different women from various organizations and with different roles within the IT sector. In addition to the empirical preliminary study a literature review has been conducted to identify any gaps or contradictions in previous research in this area. The results show that there are differences in what motivates men and women in the IT industry. More men than women have chosen the industry which has led to female underrepresentation and a negative impact on IT innovations. The results highlight challenges which are deeply rooted in stereotypes, societal expectations, professional culture and lack of role models. Despite the many challenges women face there are many factors that motivate them to work in the IT industry. Motivations include developing technical skills in various areas, the flexibility that allows for planning your work, remote work and the broadness of the industry that offers something for everyone. The contribution of the preliminary study lies in identifying the challenges women can face and the motivation they may have in order to attract more women to the IT industry. To enable the inclusion and retention of more women in the IT industry, the preliminary study's results indicate that companies and organizations should place greater emphasis on including diverse perspectives. The preliminary study's findings have shown that women working in a more inclusive workplace where diversity is central at all levels thrive better than in a male-dominated workplace. The language of the essay will be Swedish.

The objective of this multi-perspective qualitative research study was to explore the phenomenon of Inclusivity and to develop a theoretical Inclusivity Framework. Inclusivity is defined by the researcher as a radical transformational methodology with the intent to achieve sustainable results. A case study, in which an Inclusivity Transformational Strategy was implemented, was introduced to provide context. Six years after initial implementation of this strategy, with the purpose to investigate the sustainability thereof, in-depth interviews with a phenomenological nature were conducted with national leaders (n=4) responsible for the strategy and provincial leaders (n=13) that participated in the interventions. Furthermore, a round table discussion was conducted with the executive team (n=12), and three focus groups were held on regional leader level (n=32) and three on employee level (n=28). The essence of the phenomenon namely Inclusivity was synthesised through Phenomenology. Emerging theory was built through Grounded Theory principles. Meta-insights were derived through content analysis. Post Intervention Investigation was done in the case organisation. This strategy and the Inclusivity Framework, derived from literature, were adapted and presented as contributors to the theory of Inclusivity. Positive trends were found in the case organisation, in profitability, retention, compliance to legislation, levels of emotional intelligence of leaders and organisational climate indicators. Six years after the initial stages of the strategy were implemented, evidence of the principles of Inclusivity was still found. It was derived that Inclusivity leads to higher levels of commitment, trust and engagement. Fundamental to the achievement of success were leadership�s emotional intelligence, and willingness to allow differences. A key finding was that although aligned around strategy, individual styles were allowed to manifest in the case organisation. Creating Inclusivity in one system may however lead to the exclusion of other systems. It was concluded that Inclusivity as defined by this study is a radical transformational methodology that may result in sustainable transformation. / Graduate School of Business Leadership / D.B.L.

South African schools provide an enormous challenge for transformation towards inclusive and caring communities of learners, facilitators and caregivers. This qualitative study conducted at a primary school used narrative pastoral therapy-as-research and participatory action research-as-therapy to develop inclusive and caring practices. Co-authoring conversations with learners and caregivers from a diverse cultural and religious traditions and collaborating with facilitators challenged me to develop pastoral care as political care. This paved a way for future transformation of a school as a multi-religious community of care and respect. I engaged with participants in finding alternative ways of dealing with loss due to death of loved ones or separartion from caregivers. Children with chronic illness challenged their experiences of rejection and marginalisation at school by writing and producing a play while those whose voices were silenced chose other ways to inform learners and facilitators about their illness. / Practical Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology with specialisation in Pastoral Therapy)

The objective of this multi-perspective qualitative research study was to explore the phenomenon of Inclusivity and to develop a theoretical Inclusivity Framework. Inclusivity is defined by the researcher as a radical transformational methodology with the intent to achieve sustainable results. A case study, in which an Inclusivity Transformational Strategy was implemented, was introduced to provide context. Six years after initial implementation of this strategy, with the purpose to investigate the sustainability thereof, in-depth interviews with a phenomenological nature were conducted with national leaders (n=4) responsible for the strategy and provincial leaders (n=13) that participated in the interventions. Furthermore, a round table discussion was conducted with the executive team (n=12), and three focus groups were held on regional leader level (n=32) and three on employee level (n=28). The essence of the phenomenon namely Inclusivity was synthesised through Phenomenology. Emerging theory was built through Grounded Theory principles. Meta-insights were derived through content analysis. Post Intervention Investigation was done in the case organisation. This strategy and the Inclusivity Framework, derived from literature, were adapted and presented as contributors to the theory of Inclusivity. Positive trends were found in the case organisation, in profitability, retention, compliance to legislation, levels of emotional intelligence of leaders and organisational climate indicators. Six years after the initial stages of the strategy were implemented, evidence of the principles of Inclusivity was still found. It was derived that Inclusivity leads to higher levels of commitment, trust and engagement. Fundamental to the achievement of success were leadership�s emotional intelligence, and willingness to allow differences. A key finding was that although aligned around strategy, individual styles were allowed to manifest in the case organisation. Creating Inclusivity in one system may however lead to the exclusion of other systems. It was concluded that Inclusivity as defined by this study is a radical transformational methodology that may result in sustainable transformation. / Graduate School of Business Leadership / D.B.L.

South African schools provide an enormous challenge for transformation towards inclusive and caring communities of learners, facilitators and caregivers. This qualitative study conducted at a primary school used narrative pastoral therapy-as-research and participatory action research-as-therapy to develop inclusive and caring practices. Co-authoring conversations with learners and caregivers from a diverse cultural and religious traditions and collaborating with facilitators challenged me to develop pastoral care as political care. This paved a way for future transformation of a school as a multi-religious community of care and respect. I engaged with participants in finding alternative ways of dealing with loss due to death of loved ones or separartion from caregivers. Children with chronic illness challenged their experiences of rejection and marginalisation at school by writing and producing a play while those whose voices were silenced chose other ways to inform learners and facilitators about their illness. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology with specialisation in Pastoral Therapy)