Why do we care for future generations? This work argues that the reason we care for future generations lies in our psychogenetic nature. When we think of future generations, we feel that we have to do something for them. If we all have a common feeling profile, it is plausible to assume that this common feeling profile includes &ldquo / caring for future generations&rdquo / , because all of us do care for at least our own future generations. This psychogenetic disposition enables us to explain why sometimes we act as if we do not care for future generations as well. I believe that instead of telling people what their obligations are, it would be more realistic to reach their feelings deep inside: once people are aware of their true feelings, the situation can change.

This thesis analyzes the identity of the Nur movement in Turkey from the emic perspective on two levels, the group and the individual. Research was conducted through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with ten university students who identify themselves as Nur students. With regard to group identity, first, the emergence and function of the movement is considered in light of Norbert Elias&#039 / s &quot / Changes in the We-I Balance,&quot / concluding that the movement constitutes an important &quot / survival unit&quot / for the students, for some even taking the place of the nation-state. Second, an attempt is made to define the boundaries that exist vis-a-vis non-adherents, other Islamic groups, and between the sub-groups within the movement itself per Fredrik Barth and Thomas Hylland Eriksen&#039 / s theories. Several important boundary markers are identified including such things as language, dress, value orientations, differing approaches to religion (rational versus imitative or emotional), social involvement, political involvement and attitudes toward the Risale-i Nur. Finally, the impact of the movement on one&#039 / s individual identity is considered, utilizing Richard Jenkins&#039 / s model of the internal-external dialectic. Regarding the external, it was determined that the &quot / outside other&quot / creates the need for identity negotiation and restricted interaction, while the &quot / inside other&quot / prescribes some important values, including education and nationalism. The internal half of the identity dialectic, it was concluded, is significantly shaped by one&#039 / s interaction with the Risale-i Nur.

This thesis is an attempt to present the sociological dimensions of high-technological work from the perspective of highly-qualified white-collar professionals under the conditions of &lsquo / new economy&rsquo / . This study tries to shed some light on the rapidly growing professional high-tech work and its interrelation with personal consequences. The pace of change and the acceleration of global informational economy have created a new kind of workforce, introduced new cultures of work, and witnessed diverse social transformations for more than twenty years. At the core of this research, it aims at providing a broad sociological perspective on the changes which are brought by the entry of a large number of well-educated young people into the workforce. New forms of work organization, employment, and the new cultures of work and identity that emerged in this industry is taken into consideration. Technopoles as a newly emerging concept for Turkey, are clusters where this so-called technological change could be clearly observed. METU-Technopolis is chosen as the field of research due to the widespread use of flexible production employment methods and highly qualified labor force.

The purpose of this study is to investigate perceived group identity and the differences between select ethnic groups as well as the perceived distance and discrimination experienced by these groups from the other ethnic groups. Using the conceptual framework provided by Constructionist Theory of ethnicity and subjectivist approaches to ethnicity, as well as the theoretical insights of Symbolic Interactionism, this study explores the individual and ethnic identity, images and perceptions of the other groups, discrimination or feeling discriminated by the others, social distance between the groups, commonly shared traits among the groups, ethnic relations and interactions among the groups, and finally the future of the intergroup relations. These problem areas of the thesis are explored conducting a survey questionnaire applied to 252 people, chosen on the basis of purposive sampling, and 20 in-depth interviews in Ankara. It is found out that the ethnic identities are not salient characteristics of the members of the ethnic categories and determining factor in intergroup relations in Ankara.

This study examines the history and ethnic identity of Turks living in Bor&ccedil / ali (Kvemo-Kartli) region of Georgia. It focuses on the mechanisms that led to the formation and strengthening of their ethnic identity and the impact of the shifts in political borders on ethnic identification. Characteristics of the region and the people are provided and socio-political developments are analyzed with an historical perspective. Different dimensions of the concepts of ethnicity and ethnic identity are discussed with an interdisciplinary approach.

The present thesis aims to recount the current situation of the Alevi community in the urban Turkish setting. The data were collected during eight months of ethnographic field research from February 2009 to October 2009 in a complex preferred to be called as the Dikmen Alevi Community Center, in Ankara. I present different ways adopted by various groups while explaining what Alevism is and I stress the fact that there is a certain degree of fragmentalization within the community due to such diverse descriptions. Thenceforth, I emphasize the reasons behind the existence of divergent classifications and analyze Alevis&rsquo / migration from rural to urban areas during 1970s and 1980s as it relates to the changes in the institutions. After offering an evaluation of the changes accompanying migration, I accentuate the competitive sharing of the city as a religious space between Alevis and Sunnis concentrating on Alevis&rsquo / perception of religious space and providing a comparison between Sunni and Alevi perceptions regarding the places of worship. Subsequently, I attempt to show that there is a competitive sharing relationship present within the community giving the example of Dikmen Alevi Community Center after the establishment of the Alevi Institute for Research, Documentation and Application. I conclude that this kind of a relationship and the current state of affairs are the results of the struggle to adapt to a changing environment, which in turn alters the individuals themselves.

Alienation is a one of the central concepts in Marx&rsquo / s philosophy. It has positive and negative implications regarding man&rsquo / s self realization in nature. It is also about discussion on ontology of work. Moreover, it has led Marx to design new society models for human beings. Alienation in Marx is analyzed together with political economy and its concepts. Baudrilliard&rsquo / s alienation discourses in contemporary age include arguments in terms of consumerism and technology in today&rsquo / s developed world. While Marx&rsquo / s theory of alienation considers the relation of subject and object in political economic conditions, Baudrilliard&rsquo / s discourses discuss it in social and cultural bases. Baudrilliard rather argues that reality and meaning in contemporary world is lost, we live in a &ldquo / hyperreal&rdquo / and &ldquo / simulacrum&rdquo / world.

Thesis (M.A.)--Université de Sherbrooke, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Chicago, Graduate School of Business, August 2001. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.

Masteropgave. / Format: PDF. Bibl.