In this thesis I have endeavoured to throw light on both the private and public aspect of the lives of women living in the Roman African provinces from the first century BC to the seventh century AD. Funerary inscriptions reveal that the role of women in private life was projected in a manner which reflected the ideals for Roman womanhood (pudicitia, castitas,fides and fecunditas), even when they clearly came of Afro-Punic stock. In terms of the quality of their lives Roman African women of the propertied status groups (about whom we know the most) had a good standard of living compared to other parts of the Roman Empire, and for example were well-educated in the urbanized areas compared to provinces such as Gaul. Roman African women of the elite also enjoyed a degree of autonomy enhanced by the increased financial independence granted to them in terms of Roman law, which enabled them to function as benefactors in their communities in the same way as their male counterparts, donating money for temples, baths and markets. In return for this they were duly recognized in honorary inscriptions by their communities. Although this public role may appear to be in conflict with the 'ideal' domestic or private role of the Roman matron, this activity was sanctioned by the fact that they were acting in the interests of male family members who were engaged in municipal careers. In the 2nd and 3rd centuries there are a few signs that women were beginning to act more in their own interests, but much of their public role faded with the increasing dominance of the Christian Church which prescribed a more limited role for women. The only exceptions occurred in the times of persecution through the temporary prominence gained by women as martyrs and confessors, although this prominence cannot be said to have advantaged women in general. During the Vandal and Byzantine period we know of only a few women, primarily those with connections to the elite at Rome and Constantinople, who acted with the independence and authority of their class. / D.Litt. et Phil. (Ancient History / Ancient and Near Eastern Studies

This thesis is an analysis of the use and definition of the concepts health, well-being and welfare within the field called “the science of animal health and welfare”. The materials used are a literature survey of the field, qualitative interviews with Swedish veterinary surgeons and a study of the concepts in legislation concerning animals in England, Germany and Sweden. The main emphasis has been on theoretical definitions explicitly stated in the different texts or in the interviews. Two ways of distinguishing between animals are used: according to species and according to the role that animals have for humans. As a result it becomes salient whether the definitions have limits with regard to species or role. In the thesis a great number of definitions of the three concepts are interpreted, compared and criticised. As a result a limited number of definitions have been categorised and collected into clusters which fulfil minimal requirements of consistency and practicability. The analysis supports the use of all three concepts – health, well-being and welfare – since they are all needed for making crucial distinctions in the science of animal health and welfare.

This research study explores the perceived impact of multiple sclerosis on “carepartners” in committed caring relationships as the spousal roles change over time. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used in this study of persons with MS and their spousal carers residing in Australia during ten months of recruitment. Varied recruitment methods were used including the internet. 263 expressions of interest were received, and 203 survey packets were returned with usable data (77%). The demographic instrument and 4 scales measuring mood, reciprocity, life satisfaction and functional wellness were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. Results from the quantitative phase of the study supported many international epidemiological findings related to gender, age of onset, difficulty in obtaining a diagnosis in the light of vague early symptoms of MS, and high levels of depression in the study sample. The preliminary analysis suggested that these data should be analysed further in dyadic terms (a person with MS and their identified carer). Further inferential statistical analysis examined the data sub-set of ‘pairs only’ which helped to inform formation of a pool of couples in caring relationships from which was selected a sub-sample of 12 spousal dyads residing in Victoria for interview in the second phase of the study. / Emerging themes from narrative analysis (n=24 persons) revealed pressing concerns, personal strengths and coping strategies of interviewees. Two themes of special interest relating to (1) differing perceptions by ‘carepartners’ of the importance of cognitive changes to the dyadic relationship, and (2) expectations of health professionals are explored. Most respondents agreed that their expectations left much to be desired, suggesting that improvements could be made in the area of health care delivery to persons with MS, their carers and their families. There are implications for the development of a multidisciplinary, ongoing assessment, educational and support program for these persons. Further research is needed to define and expand the proposed role of a specialized key contact person to be a valuable ‘advocate’ in the delivery of timely health care resources throughout the disease trajectory.

This research study explores the perceived impact of multiple sclerosis on “carepartners” in committed caring relationships as the spousal roles change over time. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used in this study of persons with MS and their spousal carers residing in Australia during ten months of recruitment. Varied recruitment methods were used including the internet. 263 expressions of interest were received, and 203 survey packets were returned with usable data (77%). The demographic instrument and 4 scales measuring mood, reciprocity, life satisfaction and functional wellness were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. Results from the quantitative phase of the study supported many international epidemiological findings related to gender, age of onset, difficulty in obtaining a diagnosis in the light of vague early symptoms of MS, and high levels of depression in the study sample. The preliminary analysis suggested that these data should be analysed further in dyadic terms (a person with MS and their identified carer). Further inferential statistical analysis examined the data sub-set of ‘pairs only’ which helped to inform formation of a pool of couples in caring relationships from which was selected a sub-sample of 12 spousal dyads residing in Victoria for interview in the second phase of the study. / Emerging themes from narrative analysis (n=24 persons) revealed pressing concerns, personal strengths and coping strategies of interviewees. Two themes of special interest relating to (1) differing perceptions by ‘carepartners’ of the importance of cognitive changes to the dyadic relationship, and (2) expectations of health professionals are explored. Most respondents agreed that their expectations left much to be desired, suggesting that improvements could be made in the area of health care delivery to persons with MS, their carers and their families. There are implications for the development of a multidisciplinary, ongoing assessment, educational and support program for these persons. Further research is needed to define and expand the proposed role of a specialized key contact person to be a valuable ‘advocate’ in the delivery of timely health care resources throughout the disease trajectory.

In this thesis I have endeavoured to throw light on both the private and public aspect of the lives of women living in the Roman African provinces from the first century BC to the seventh century AD. Funerary inscriptions reveal that the role of women in private life was projected in a manner which reflected the ideals for Roman womanhood (pudicitia, castitas,fides and fecunditas), even when they clearly came of Afro-Punic stock. In terms of the quality of their lives Roman African women of the propertied status groups (about whom we know the most) had a good standard of living compared to other parts of the Roman Empire, and for example were well-educated in the urbanized areas compared to provinces such as Gaul. Roman African women of the elite also enjoyed a degree of autonomy enhanced by the increased financial independence granted to them in terms of Roman law, which enabled them to function as benefactors in their communities in the same way as their male counterparts, donating money for temples, baths and markets. In return for this they were duly recognized in honorary inscriptions by their communities. Although this public role may appear to be in conflict with the 'ideal' domestic or private role of the Roman matron, this activity was sanctioned by the fact that they were acting in the interests of male family members who were engaged in municipal careers. In the 2nd and 3rd centuries there are a few signs that women were beginning to act more in their own interests, but much of their public role faded with the increasing dominance of the Christian Church which prescribed a more limited role for women. The only exceptions occurred in the times of persecution through the temporary prominence gained by women as martyrs and confessors, although this prominence cannot be said to have advantaged women in general. During the Vandal and Byzantine period we know of only a few women, primarily those with connections to the elite at Rome and Constantinople, who acted with the independence and authority of their class. / D.Litt. et Phil. (Ancient History / Ancient and Near Eastern Studies

In this thesis I have endeavoured to throw light on both the private and public aspect of the lives of women living in the Roman African provinces from the first century BC to the seventh century AD. Funerary inscriptions reveal that the role of women in private life was projected in a manner which reflected the ideals for Roman womanhood (pudicitia, castilas,fides and fecunditas), even when they clearly came of Afro~Punic stock. In terms of the quality of their lives Roman African women of the propertied status groups (about whom we know the most) had a good standard of living compared to other parts of the Roman Empire, and for example were well~educated in the urbanized areas compared to provinces such as Gaul. Roman African women of the elite also enjoyed a degree of autonomy enhanced by the increased financial independence granted to them in terms of Roman law, which enabled them to function as benefactors in their communities in the same way as their male counterparts, donating money for temples, baths and markets. In return for this they were duly recognized in honorary inscriptions by their communities. Although this public role may appear to be in conflict with the 'ideal' domestic or private role of the Roman matron, this activity was sanctioned by the fact that they were acting in the interests of male family members who were engaged in municipal careers. In the 2nd and 3rd centuries there are a few signs that women were beginning to act more in their own interests, but much of their public role faded with the increasing dominance of the Christian Church which prescribed a more limited role for women. The only exceptions occurred in the times of persecution through the temporary prominence gained by women as martyrs and confessors, although this prominence cannot be said to have advantaged women in general. During the Vandal and Byzantine period we know of only a few women, primarily those with connections to the elite at Rome and Constantinople, who acted with the independence and authority of their class. / History / D.Litt. et Phil. (Ancient History)

In this thesis I have endeavoured to throw light on both the private and public aspect of the lives of women living in the Roman African provinces from the first century BC to the seventh century AD. Funerary inscriptions reveal that the role of women in private life was projected in a manner which reflected the ideals for Roman womanhood (pudicitia, castilas,fides and fecunditas), even when they clearly came of Afro~Punic stock. In terms of the quality of their lives Roman African women of the propertied status groups (about whom we know the most) had a good standard of living compared to other parts of the Roman Empire, and for example were well~educated in the urbanized areas compared to provinces such as Gaul. Roman African women of the elite also enjoyed a degree of autonomy enhanced by the increased financial independence granted to them in terms of Roman law, which enabled them to function as benefactors in their communities in the same way as their male counterparts, donating money for temples, baths and markets. In return for this they were duly recognized in honorary inscriptions by their communities. Although this public role may appear to be in conflict with the 'ideal' domestic or private role of the Roman matron, this activity was sanctioned by the fact that they were acting in the interests of male family members who were engaged in municipal careers. In the 2nd and 3rd centuries there are a few signs that women were beginning to act more in their own interests, but much of their public role faded with the increasing dominance of the Christian Church which prescribed a more limited role for women. The only exceptions occurred in the times of persecution through the temporary prominence gained by women as martyrs and confessors, although this prominence cannot be said to have advantaged women in general. During the Vandal and Byzantine period we know of only a few women, primarily those with connections to the elite at Rome and Constantinople, who acted with the independence and authority of their class. / History / D.Litt. et Phil. (Ancient History)