Thesis (M. Ed.)--York University, 2002. Graduate Programme in Education. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 98-103). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/yorku/fullcit?pMQ71582.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology, San Francisco, 2007. / Includes bibliographic references (123-137) and abstract.

No description available.

The research examines the factors which account for the emergence of ethno-nationalist movements in multi-ethnic and late industrialising societies such as India. The research employs a historical sociological approach to the study of nationalism. Opening with an interrogation of the classic theories of nationalism, the research shows the Eurocentric limitations of these works. By providing an account of the distinctive nature and development of Indian nationalism, it is maintained that the nature, growth, timing and scope of nationalist movements is affected by the level of development and the nature of the state and society in which they emerge. Using the theoretical framework developed here, the theses seeks to explain the nature and timing of breakaway movements in the Indian subcontinent. By providing an account of the social composition of the Sikh secessionist movement, the research shifts the focus on to the peasantry. Consequently, the study interrogates the social and cultural sphere beyond the English-speaking Indian elite. The role of the widely influential media, such as the vernacular press and cassettes, in ethnic movements is also considered. The hypothesis is that the conjunction of three sets of factors explain the rise of Sikh nationalism. The first is economic, notably the transition to commercial agriculture, the second is the revolution in communication, notably the expansion of vernacular press and cassettes and the third is religious, notably the revolutionary Sikh religious ideology with emphasis on martyrdom. The theses traces the three stage evolution of the Sikhs from a religious congregation into an ethnic community in the nineteenth century and from an ethnic community into a nation in the twentieth century.

This thesis examines Sikh groups in Britain and the implications these have for criteria related to the issue of Sikh identity. Five groups have been selected. They are: the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jama; the Namdharis; the Ravidasls; the Valmikis; and the Sikh Dharma of the Western Hemisphere, which is also frequently associated with the Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization (3HO). The thesis begins with a historical analysis of Sikhism, to discover what it meant to be a Sikh in the days of the founder of the faith, Guru Nanak, and during the time of the successive Gurus. Political and social issues related to the development of Sikhism and emerging Sikh identity are examined also at the outset. Each group has its own unique contribution to make towards highlighting certain indicators and inhibitors of a Sikh identity. Thus, an important part of the present thesis is to examine the beliefs and practices of each group in order to assess its contribution towards a Sikh identity. Each group has unique leaders and founders; it is interesting, therefore, to see what implications the leaders' backgrounds and teachings have on the ethos of the group studied. The present thesis has aimed to highlight the implications of five groups ~ who have in the present and/or in the past have Sikh connections ~ on issues related to Sikh identity. This has been undertaken by continuous reference to four fundamental questions. A thematic approach was adopted for concluding the thesis. Each of the themes arose as significant factors developed throughout the research. The themes illustrate areas that are responsible for the promotion, as well as the hindering, of a uniform Sikh identity among the groups. The five themes that emerged were: (1) The concept of Guru in Sikhism; (2) Leaders and founders; (3) The role of the Rehat Maryada in relation to Sikh identity; (4) Caste and the Panth; (5) The issue of Sikh identity in relation to Punjabi ethnicity. The present research has shown that there are no overall dominant criteria with which to assess the Sikh identity of the Sikh community as a whole. Thus, contrary, to prevalent views about the Sikhs, there are many different "types" of Sikhs present today. I have suggested a federal identity of the Sikh community as a whole. This implies a unity of Sikhs worldwide but independence in the interpretation of Sikhism for the different groups. A federal identity might mean one or two core beliefs such as the acceptance of the Sikh Gurus' teachings and belief in the Sikh Absolute -- but, further than that, it is up to the individual group to express its unique beliefs and practices.

No description available.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Chicago, Dept. of Anthropology, December 1998. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.

This study investigated the spiritual and religious experience of members of the Sikh community with a focus on how such an experience affects their sense of wellbeing. Consequently, the central aim of this study is to explore how Sikhs use religion and spirituality with coping. This was examined by exploring how Sikhs deal with stressful events and how these impacted on their wellbeing. The thesis was comprised of two parts. Study one comprised of the thematic analysis of questionnaires. 56 UK based Sikh participants (23 males and 33 females; age range 17-62) took part. The findings from study one speculated that the older age group appeared more accepting of their religion and spirituality suggesting maybe they are less occupied by a quest to explore their life through religion and spirituality than the 20-30 year old age group. Consequently, study two looked more closely at participants aged between 20-30 year olds to further explore their lived experience. In line with the IPA methodology, a small well-defined opportunity sample of six people (4 males and 2 females) in the Sikh faith, who have been practicing their religion for at least 2-3 years and between the ages of 20-30 were invited to participate in the interviews. Four superordinate themes were found which represented an overall story. The themes were namely, religious and spiritual struggles; religion and spirituality assisting with the development of self and identity; spiritual striving and aids to well-being: religious/spiritual coping. It is hoped that findings from this research will help to inform our understanding of how Sikh client's religious and spiritual beliefs influences their wellbeing as well as incorporating this knowledge into the therapy process to make good clinical judgements. This study will enhance research in counselling psychology with regards to religion and spirituality and mental health specifically with regards to young Sikh's.

Sikhs, in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), represent only 1.87% – roughly 60,000 members – of the overall population in the region, which remains predominately Muslim. In the valley of Kashmir, Sikh minorities maintain distinct cultural, linguistic, religious, and (at times) political traditions from other Sikhs in India. In recent decades, beleaguered by the lack of secure work opportunities, religious and political violence, an overall political invisibility, and the slow migration of members out of the region, Sikhs have been agitating for minority status over their lack of official recognition by the Indian government as a religious and cultural minority. Many Sikhs have found it easier to seek opportunities outside the valley, leading to a “slow migration” of members from Kashmir. The efforts of minoritization would see Sikhs gaining better work and educational opportunities and potentially stemming their slow departure. This research looks at subjects of visibility, membership, minority rights and efforts, and looks to provide the historical contexts that remain relevant to the community in current discourses. This thesis seeks to understand more specifically (1) what minoritization would provide for Sikhs in the Kashmir valley and (2) the possible future implications of becoming recognized as distinct and different political subjects by the Indian State, while simultaneously seeking to maintain their own distinct cultural and regional identities. For Kashmir’s Sikhs, desires for visibility highlight anxieties related to their awareness of their own disappearance and economic suffering. Between the region’s violent history and India’s military occupation, their anxieties reveal complex social issues that are rooted in memories and experiences of traumas, weak government efforts to provide access to Scheduled Status, and the continued burden of oversight that have long left the community in the margins of relevance. / Thesis / Master of Arts (MA) / This thesis looks at Kashmir’s minority Sikh community who have been petitioning the Indian government for minority rights and reservations. These reservations would alleviate issues related to economic, educational, and political oversights. These oversights have left the community without equity and access to work and representation as they compete for access against much larger communities in India’s competitive systems. However, government recognition would also force upon the community a criteria for membership as recognized by the state, challenging notions of self identification. This research looks at subjects of visibility, membership, minority rights and efforts, and seeks to establish the historical contexts that remain relevant to the community in current discourse, as they engage with Indian state.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 274-280). Also available on the Internet.