Abstract This paper presents a Discussion and analysis of the relationship between the two Koreas, North and South from 1945 to 2003, and prospects for reunification. It looks at the division of Korea following the second world war into the Communist North and the non-Communist South, and the impact of the great powers' support of each region. The paper looks at the disparity of the economies of South Korea and North Korea and the impact of the Cold War and changes after its end. It looks at the crisis over North Korea's nuclear program, the role of the United States and proponents of reunification, and outlook for its success.
From the Paper "This research paper discusses and analyzes the relationship between and prospects for reunification of North Korea Democratic People's Republic of Korea or DPRK and South Korea Republic of Korea or ROK ..."
Abstract This paper reviews Ida Pruitt's book, "Autobiography of a Chinese Working Woman", as told to her by Ning Lao, a poor, traditional woman who took control of her destiny in order to keep her family together. the paper offers insights into social, political and gender issues at end of the Qing Dynasty.
Tags: Pruitt, Chinese, Qing, Dynasty, Woman, Social, Gender, Political
Abstract This paper details the modernization of Japan's society through an examination of both the nation's factual history and the memoirs of a Japanese reformist. The writer mentions the struggles faced by the lower classes of Japan, with particular emphasis on the peasant class, as the country slowly struggles to overcome the strict hierarchical structure of the feudal period. As Western ways become more accepted in Japanese culture and the country becomes more industrialized, the traditional feudal order is abolished. However, the concept of "knowing one's place" remains instilled in the Japanese peasants, who had for centuries been conditioned to accept the hierarchy. In this article the writer demonstrates the lingering effects of a hierarchical structure on a modern Japan.
From the Paper "By detailing the plights of the underprivileged classes in "Peasants, Rebels, Women, and Outcastes", Mikiso Hane presents a very clear picture of the effects of the modernization of Japan. The acceptance of Western culture in the "modern century" left an incredible weight that was borne primarily by the lower classes, and although Japan was rapidly becoming an industrialized country, "starvation, infanticide, abortion, and selling daughters into prostitution did not cease". Hane's book closely examines the struggles faced by the lower classes of Japan, with particular emphasis on the peasant class, as the country slowly struggled to overcome the strict hierarchical structure of the feudal period."
Abstract This paper explains that one of the greatest factors, involved in the changes or manipulations of an environment, lies in the geographic distribution religion and the way each specific religion spreads and interacts with the surrounding divergent cultures and religions. The author points out that the famous Chinese characters Yin and Yang signify both the shadowy and sunny sides of the same mountain: Yang represents the sunshine, and Yin the darkness. The paper relates that another critical geographic feature of Asian culture especially Chinese is the Yangtze River; the stones from its riverbed are called "Fengshui" or "Geomancy" and are believed to have special powers.
From the Paper "Another example of how the physical landscape of Asia affected Asian religion and culture is apparent in Taiwan. Located in the Shangdong province, Mt. Tai, referred to as "Taishan", is the Sacred Mountain of the East. "Chinese people believe that Mt. Tai is itself a deity or 'Buddha', a powerful deity as well." Mt. Tai illustrates the impact and importance physical geography can have on a culture. Buddhism has incorporated the physical landmark, Mt. Tai, as an integral part of their spiritual belief system."
Abstract This paper reviews the pollutions in Shanghai as a result of the poor levels of emissions control and the mass growth the city has under gone in past few years. However this paper also discusses what the plan of action is for Shanghai and how it is expected to achieve these targets. The writer points out that ultimately China has teamed up with the U.S. and learned a great deal, due to the fact that the United States has already dealt with these issues currently being faced by Shanghai.
Abstract This paper discusses the cause of the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997, and the South Korean government's reaction to monetary and financial pressures. According to this paper, the Asian financial crisis has many causes and consequences, but loans by U.S. banks to businesses in South Korea and elsewhere are an important part of the story. These loans helped create the crisis by supporting unsound investments and creating repayment obligations that Korean enterprises were unable to meet, thus undermining financial market confidence in the South Korean economy.
From the Paper "For thirty years prior to the Asian' financial crisis South Korea enjoyed fast growth that translated into impressive economic performance, strong fiscal positioning, and macroeconomic stability (Radelet et al). Economic indicators including decreased inflation, increased saving rates, open economies, and thriving export segments made it impossible for economists to predict what was to follow. In the summer of 1996, the Asian financial crisis erupted in Thailand after the country had just experienced an influx in economic growth."
Abstract The paper assesses the theory that one reason that the United States has for performing so poorly in the economic sphere in recent years is the growing strength of the economy of China. The growth of the Chinese economy has resulted in employment being taken from Americans as many companies have chosen instead to outsource their factories in China. The paper also discusses the political arena and argues that China is also gaining popularity while the U.S. is loosing respect on a world-wide scale.
From the Paper "China's recent gains in industrial growth have changed the ways in which the rest of the world now perceives the country, especially concerning the other major world powers. As this trend continues, China could change current power relationships and current existing financial situations, especially in regards to the United States. If one country takes a strong hold on the economy, the entire ratio begins to shift. Currently, as China has taken such a stronghold through their economic and industrial growth, this has taken an affect on the United States. With China's new position in the Twenty-First century, the U.S. has been negatively affected in relation to their previous economic position, as China obtains manufacturing companies who once did business within the United States, begins to require and utilize more natural resources and fossil fuels..."
Abstract The history of hukou and the evolution of peasant enclaves in the city of Beijing suggest that spatial segregation can be both an economic pressure and a social choice of a migrant worker. This and combination of globalization and high migration has resulted in emerging problems of socioeconomic and spatial segregation. This essay discusses the perspective of three articles on this issue.
From the Paper "The history of hukou and the evolution of peasant enclaves in the city of Beijing suggest that spatial segregation can be both an economic pressure and a social choice of a migrant worker. In the article, "Social Polarization and Segregation in Beijing," the authors Gu and Liu indicate that the city has developed two distinct classes that are both spatially and socially segregated (Gu, 211). Pointing to globalization and foreign investment as a reason for economic segregation, their approach is to explore the reasons for poverty and segregation of the migrant workers in that city in terms of similarities with Western countries (Gu, 204)."
Abstract The paper analyzes the prime objective of the industrial revolution in China through the book "The Man Awakened From Dreams: One Man's Life In A North China Village 1857-1942" by Henrietta Harrison. The premise of Harrison's book revolves around the effective primary source of Liu Dapeng's diary and published commentaries on Chinese society in the 19th and 20th centuries. In this manner, the question of spiritual wakening is brought into question regarding Liu, since he is radically against any change that is evolving as a result of a growing industrial complex in China.
From the Paper This book review will examine the biography of Liu Depang through the historical novel writing of Harrison in relation to 19th and 20th century China. Although Harrison makes historical depictions of Depang's life in relation to his own diary and recollections, the premise of life for this man is correctly arranged alongside historical events. Harrison effectively fuses primary sources from the personal experiences of Liu Depang within the cultural and industrial upheaval in China, creating a compelling blend of religious personal experience alongside the historical changes that brought China ..."
Abstract In this article the writer discusses that the Mongol invasions of the thirteenth-century occasioned significant change throughout the Eurasian culture-area. The writer explains that the Mongols dominated Asia for two hundred years. further the writer points out that despite some of the harsh consequences of their rule, they had a long term positive impact in terms of broadening and spreading knowledge and skills, and through their establishment of extended road networks across their Eurasian empire, which facilitated trade and communications.
Abstract This paper explains that the study of Buddhism is crucial to the understanding of Chinese history because, for almost two thousand years, Buddhism has influenced Chinese culture, politics, philosophy and literature. The author points out that the spread of Buddhism was unique for China for the reason that, when it was introduced, China was already a very old civilization with very sacred traditions and was felt by the population to be the only truly civilized society in the world. The paper relates that the most important reason for the success of Buddhism in China is Buddhism's willingness to recognize and take in certain elements of preexisting religions.
From the Paper "It is hard to tell exactly how Buddhism made its way into China, but it is assumed though, that this first contact was with Buddhist icons worshiped by Central Asians coming into China. Back then, the Chinese accepted the Buddha into their lives as a religious figure because of their own mythical Yellow Emperor and the philosopher Loazi, who was believed to have reached the Buddhist level of immortality. However, the turning point for Chinese Buddhism was when the original texts started being translated into Chinese."
How Jonathan Spence details the limiting effect of China's past upon present China. Spence concludes that China is engaged in a quest for stability and modernity.
1,000 words (approx. 4 pages), 1 source, 1999, $ 35.95
From the Paper "That the history of China, though noteworthy and varied throughout the centuries, remains unknown to most Westerners, especially relative to American and European history, reflects the Chinese experience of uniqueness and isolation from the West. No country remains unblighted by turmoil and tragedy, and to that extent, the West and China are similar. However, China's history is particularly marked by tragedy and turmoil, and consequently, by a quest for stability. "
A look at the class and gender differences presented in 2 Japanese novels: "As I Cross A Bridge of Dreams" by Lady Sarashina and "The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu.
1,432 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 4 sources, 2001, $ 47.95
Abstract This paper examines class differences as presented in Japanese Literature. The paper looks at "As I Cross A Bridge of Dreams" by Lady Sarashina and "The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu. Several questions are raised in the paper, to examine the not only class differences but also gender differences. Are the upper-class male characters willing to risk their careers for the women they meet? What are the social codes and regulations, and what happens to these men and women who assault the social code and pursue forbidden relationships? Are the consequences enforced so the men suffer in their political careers? Are the women ultimately abandoned and destroyed? These questions are all brought up in the context of class and gender issues to illustrate that the two authors, from the same culture and heritage, use their different destinies and experiences to portray different opinions.
Abstract This study takes the literary approach in unraveling the Maguindanaon character and sees what their literature says about them.
From the Paper "In Mindanao, southern part of the Philippines, and particularly in the Province of Maguindanao, a tribe known as the Maguindanaon has since been stereotyped by the mainstream population as being uncivilized, violent, war-like and with criminal tendencies. However, the educated members of the Maguindanaons resisted such characterization of their people and instead argued that like their majority brothers they too possess positive characteristics."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the socio-political structures in China under the Ming Dynasty and the People's Republic of China. In doing so, the author explores the differences between Confucius's philosophies and Mao's with its roots in Soviet Communism. A good part of the paper is devoted toward a discussion of Zhu Yuanzhang's totalitarian rule.
From the Paper "In 1911 AD, a revolution in China overthrew the Manchu rulers and ended the Qing Dynasty. Over the next forty years China was ruled by various warlords, occupied by the Japanese, and eventually liberated by the nationalist forces of Chang Kai Shek, known as the Guomindang. However, before China could be restored to order, the Red Army of the Chinese Communist party, operating in small guerilla units, took first the North and then the South of China, forcing Chang and the remnants of his forces to flee to Taiwan. On October 1st 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the establishment of the people's republic of China."
