This paper discusses the changes in traditional gender roles caused by societal modernization in Turkey: Male dominance, family, marriage, impact of Islam, work and foreign influence.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 11 sources, 1995, $ 55.95
From the Paper "Gender relationships in contemporary Turkey are experiencing dynamic change. The source of the changing relationships between the genders in Turkey is societal modernization. Some elements of Turkish society desire to develop a stronger European orientation and identity for the country, while other societal elements desire to retain Turkey's traditional Islamic heritage. For gender relationships, this clash of ideas means not only change in the character of such relationships, but also means that disharmony characterizes many relationships at both societal and familial levels.
Introduction
Turkey is emerging as a modern nation in the last years of the twentieth ... "
Examines economic, cultural, social, political, agricultural and ideological effects of development from 1870 to 1939, compared to the growth in Western Europe.
3,150 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 6 sources, 1995, $ 111.95
From the Paper "The period between 1870-1939 was an era of radical change for East and Central Europe. Throughout the early part of the period, this region developed in response to the Industrial Revolution, with most of the countries becoming peripheral to the core nations of Western Europe. The period of development ended with World War I. The interwar era was characterized by reconstruction, fueled by foreign capital. The redrawing of national boundaries during the early interwar period left East and Central Europe in the throes of societal conflict, a prelude to World War II.
Politically, the period between 1870 and 1918 was characterized by international stabilization. Alliances between the so-called central powers--Germany, France, and Austria-Hungary--were forged using the diplomacy of Germany's Otto von ..."
From the Paper "The United Nations faces a new power structure in the world with the breakup of the Soviet Union and the Soviet bloc. This provides a new opportunity to reconstitute the UN so that it more clearly fulfills the original purpose of the United Nations, which was to avoid conflict or to settle it without force. The new paradigm may be bolstering international law and arbitration in order to judge the actions of nations according to ethical standards.
After World War I, many of the nations of the world tried to address one of the issues that had interested idealists for some time--the creation of some means for international adjudication as a way of authoritatively and peacefully settling international disputes. One of the institutions that emerged from this war was the League of Nations, a forerunner of the United Nations but ..."
From the Paper "The decision on the part of the Soviet Union to invade Czechoslovakia came about because of a combination of forces and crises. The invasion followed what has come to be known as the Prague Spring, a period of liberalization of policies in Poland, which came at a time when the Soviets were faced with problems in Romania. Efforts at liberalization by the Dubcek regime in Czechoslovakia raised fears in the Soviet leaders that this would be only the beginning of widespread demands for changes of the same sort in other East European countries. In addition, there were changes taking place in Czechoslovakia in terms of self defense and foreign policy which threatened the membership of that country in the Warsaw Pact, and the Soviets could not abide any potential defection from the apparent unity of the Eastern bloc."
Examines the social, political and economic instability after the collapse of the Soviet Union including leadership, citizen apathy, elections, reform and the future.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, 1995, $ 47.95
From the Paper "The Ukraine is a country struggling for independence. It has gained international recognition as a independent country but has yet to achieve independence in its own mind. Ukraine has many problems in the arenas of politics and economics. Politically the country is fragmented. Economic stagnation, inflation, and an entrenched non-capitalistic philosophy hinder development. The inability to survive without cooperation from Russia remains to be accomplished. Its military is weak but enjoys a high level of trust by most of the population.. The Ukraine's new president has begun a program of reform which may impact on these problems but only if given enough time and cooperation from within the country and international support. To survive as an independent state, Ukraine needs to reform and democratize its economy and state structures and build a national ..."
The crumbling of the so.called Communist Empire in Eastern Europe in 1989 and 1990 has led many political analysts to proclaim that the transformation of international political environment from a bipolar character, in which the United States and the Soviet Union were the principal players, will result in either (1) a multipolar character, in which either (a) the United States will be but one of several major players (Hyland, 1990, p. 5), or (b) the United States, Japan, and the reunited Germany will be the major players, with a considerably less significant role for Russia (Tarnoff, 1990, pp. 67-80), or (2) a unipolar character in which the United States is the dominant world power (Sanders, 1991, pp. 27-35). According to many political analysts, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will ..."
Abstract The paper discusses how the Albanians of Kosovo were forced to partake in a mass migration move due to the dramatic rise in the degree of ethnic animosity and violence in the region, threatening the very existence of minorities, Albanians as well as others. The paper explores the reasons behind the sudden increase in Albanians seeking to leave Kosovo, including the role which NATO's attacks on the region played in their leaving. Finally, the paper examines why Switzerland became the Albanians' chosen immigration destination.
From the Paper "The best thing about the Swiss policy in regard to refugees is that they?re virtually no degree of discrimination in accordance to the manner, in which the refugees are treated in all aspects, this being apparent in light of the fact that once they cross the age of 16, all refugees are given a sum of CHF 3,250 [EUR 2,101] in order to attend language courses provided by private organizations. ? Furthermore, there are no restrictions implemented upon the refugees in terms of work, education, social welfare and citizenship too, the criteria for refugees being virtually the same as the one applying to citizens; A refugee who has been resident in Switzerland for at least 12 years may apply for Swiss citizenship."
Abstract The paper provides an overview of Russia's bid to change from a communist to a capitalist economy.The paper discusses how its antiquated infrastructure presents major, but not insurmountable problems for the Russian people and their economy. As the infrastructure improves, the author of the paper believes that there will be more foreign investment and a greater infusion of foreign ideas and technologies. The paper shows that building up the infrastructure is not the only task facing the new Russia. Old ways of thinking frequently get in the way of modern capitalism. The paper examines how centuries of Tsarism, followed by an even more oppressive communism, have inculcated in the minds of the Russian people a distrust for authority, and yet, at the same time, a complete reliance upon it. They have developed a herd mentality, while at the same time each individual tries to be the one antelope who snatches the extra blade of grass. The paper shows how an inefficient regulation and an overly personal political and governmental structure mean that Russia, even after all these years, is still, in the main, a society built upon direct personal bonds. The paper suggests that the Russian Federation has great potential, but first it must move forward into the Twenty-first Century and into the heart of the Western World.
From the Paper "According to the American steel producers, its Russian counterparts are stuck in a system that is midway between that of a state supported and state run system, and that of a free market economy. Often, Federation steel mills do not have to actually even pay for their supplies. They may simply barter for what they need. Furthermore, financial concerns are wholly different for the Russian manufacturer. Wages, taxes, and even suppliers? bills frequently go unpaid, and in spite of all this, there is little fear of bankruptcy. All of this is just the normal Russian way of doing business, an inheritance of more than sixty years of hard-line communism. One might call it the "lazy" faire way of doing business. With no profit motive, and no competitive impetus, Russian manufacturers operated solely under the guidelines of government bureaucrats."
Abstract This paper attempts to analyze why Byzantium survived and Rome fell during approximately the same time period. It evaluates whether the introduction of Christianity to Byzantium and the effort to gain allies as the city grew were two important factors to its success and whether the fall of Rome had to do with its territorial attitude and its lack of morals and values both on individual levels and group levels. The diversity that was included in the city of Byzantium as far as ethnic and cultural traditions went also contributed to the support the city initially received. It concludes that all of these factors combined are what allowed Byzantium to survive as the Roman empire fell.
From the Paper "When Rome became overcrowded, making it difficult for import and export transports as well as other issues many people moved to outlying areas, but wanted to stay within the familiar confines of what they were used to. The answer was easily found in Byzantium. A new and exciting area that had the foundational building blocks of successful Rome, but also the ability to correct Rome's pitfalls and problems was found for those who moved to Byzantium. ?The imperial government was centralized and ordered. From the church and emperor to the peasant, ceremonies created a sense of order and stability for the members of Byzantine society."
Abstract This paper examines how even though the society that was Byzantine has faded from the annals of history and gone is the Eastern Empire of the Holy Roman Emperor and his vast influence over the ancient world, the cultural diversity, architectural prowess and masterful artwork of the time remain ingrained into the fabric of our society. It shows how this type of influence is evident in modern times by a city such as New York, considered to be ?cosmopolitan.? Along with worldliness comes an interest in all things aesthetic. The architecture of the Byzantine period distinctly reflects this influence. The glory of Byzantine is not an era bygone, but rather lives at present in modern cultural diversity, architecture and artwork.
From the Paper "Most may think of luxury automobiles as having a modern futuristic bent, but the simplicity of the outside belies the splendor within. Granted there are no rotundas, pendentives, or cylindrical drums (Byzantine Architecture) present but within there is an abundance of opulence (television screens, highly polished wood paneling, leather, gold accessories etc) designed for paying tribute to the modern gods of money and status. Far fetched? Perhaps, but the suggestiveness and display of grandeur can not be ignored. "
Abstract This paper gives an overview of Moscow, the capital of Russia. It discusses various issues including the city's population make-up and demographics, an historical overview, urban elements and cultural and social features. The paper also looks at Moscow's educational facilities.
From the Paper "During the Soviet era, streets of the central zone were broadened. The major part of the ancient inner city was brought down and substituted by government ministries, large workplace and residential buildings, command centers of national and international establishments, hotels and superior stores, developed marketplaces and key cultural centers (RACC. 2001). Consequently, one can only get the hint of Moscow's heritage through small cultural areas still preserved. Among the famous architectural structures are Moscow Kremlin, The Red Square, Boulevard Ring, Garden Ring, Moscow Little Ring Railway, Moscow Ring Road, Arbat Street and the Kutuzov Avenue (RACC. 2001)."
Tags: Soviet, Union, Muscovites, christianity, ethnicity, Ring, Road, State, University
Abstract This paper analyzes the post-soviet transformation of the institutions providing health care in the Ukraine, basing the study on various statistical tables. It addresses the lack of interest in the transformation of these institutions and lists reasons for this lack of interest. It discusses the change in management structure in the light of the basic economic indicators for the Ukraine. It tackles the problem of corruption in Ukrainian organizations, looks at the changes in the sources of finance of health-care and deals with the additional costs borne by patients. The paper concludes that the current situation concerning health-care is absolutely adequate to the general situation in the Ukrainian economy and that the reforms are unnecessary.
From the Paper "There has been a noticeable lack of interest of western observers and reformers in the multiple transitions in health care in post-Soviet societies. The Ukraine is not an exclusion, since the country's economy is obviously the major reason of all the problems it is witnessing nowadays. Therefore, in the western debate mostly the changes in the other sectors are considered. In, politics, for example, the emphasis has been made on the shift from dictatorship towards democracy. In economics, the focus is mainly stuck on transformation from centrally planned system to capitalism, or market economy, as well as on the inclusion in global markets. Moreover, in foreign policy, the attention is drawn to the implementation of openness to Europe from the suspicious attitude that existed before. Recently, interest has also extended to the phenomenon of crime and corruption in post-Soviet countries."
Abstract This essay argues that distribution of state assets in post-communist societies repeated already established stratification system by using two types of privilege among the groups:
1) either imposing power due to the occupational position, or
2) manipulation of informational resources among interest groups.
From the Paper "Definition of social stratification system in industrial or post-industrial society is much more complicated than in socialist societies. Usually stratification refers to inequalities among people concerning different aspects: 1) distribution of goods, 2) power relations, 3) mobility possibilities etc. "The study of social stratification is the study of how different groupings or strata relate to one another. One group may own and enjoy more economic resources than another, or it may be held in higher esteem, or it may be in a position to order other groups around" (P. Saunders, 1990: 2). Stratification system differs in different societies even in our century. There are various patterns of relations between individuals and groups, which could be determined by cultural heritage or traditions. Despite these differences stratification system usually refers to hierarchical order of groups, which are called classes. The changes in social stratification system appear also within time perspective. If in pre-industrial societies class division was mainly due to the property rights and wealth, class position within stratification system in industrial and post-industrial societies is defined due to more than one attribute of power or wealth. ?"Knowledge and education, it is said, have become more important than ownership of property or wealth per se in determining a person's life chances" ( H. R. Kerbo, 1996: 75). From this point of view one could argue that property rights, private ownership lost its power in determining individuals position in social stratification system. Thus this argument can be very easy denied. Property in modern industrial society loses only some of the weight in determining individual's or class's position in stratification system, due to emerging new attributes accounting for its place in hierarchical system of a society."
Abstract This paper analyzes the process of privatization and revival of the real sector in Ukraine within a broader picture. The writer submits that a comprehensive reform of the economic and other frameworks has to be undertaken in order to ensure a successful transformation. The paper concludes that the state should guarantee social equity and social consensus, otherwise economic stability will not be achieved or maintained.
From the Paper "The causes of current disastrous economic situation are manifold. There are constraints imposed by institutional legacy, and a developed set of parasitic and backward mechanisms, which prevents further social and economic progress. Factors contributing to failures at the macro level are a lack of governmental experience in implementation of transformation schemes, inconsistency between obsolete and innovative forms of economic activity and organization, a lack of both competitive environment (the former central planning monopoly was substituted by the monopoly of interest groups discretionary distributing resources) and of market infrastructure. At the micro level it is a distortion of real power structures within enterprises and frequent deviation of activities from the legal title. Thus in spite of existence of Boards of Directors it is usually the executive managers who solely run the company."
Abstract The present study determines whether socio-cultural environment of the country undergoing major transitional processes requires localized or standardized advertising campaigns. Te writer investigates the relationship between advertising appeals of international companies and socio-cultural dimensions of Lithuanian society. He shows how the findings of the local culture and national character of the country prove to be favorable for the implementation of universal values in the advertising industry.
From the Paper "Economic actors in the emerging global economic system today are forced to behave beyond the boundaries of the national state or the local market. But culture, its elements and dimensions are important for the success of international organizations. The knowledge of the basic needs, customs and traditions of the people can direct the business in the right way. At the same time the lack of awareness about shared meanings and appropriate behavioral patterns of the target market can weaken the efficiency of the firm. Therefore, the socio-cultural environment plays a significant role in the process of implementing and developing marketing strategies. The major functions of the marketers are to ascertain social needs and to satisfy them in the most appropriate way for the customer."
