Abstract In this paper, the writer proposes that education is a vital tool if democracy is to develop and prosper. The paper states that education represents an essential instrument that a government, a country, and even an individual, can posses and must constantly improve on and that it represents the future of a nation. The paper continues and contends that adult education as a means of achieving democracy can be said to be one of the most important tools a state government can make use of in order to establish and develop a system based on the rule of law and democratic principles. The paper specifically examines two areas of the world where concerted efforts have been made to improve adult education in order to strengthen democratic values - South and Latin America and South Africa.
From the Paper "This is an important factor in the evolution of the democracy because it offers the older generation the possibility to reconsider their position inside a society which is constantly changing. Taking into account the fact that the younger generation is already on a different set of values, it is important to reduce this gap. Thus, adult education represents a set of norms which aim precisely at reducing this difference. Initiatives in this sense relate to actions addressing the basic levels of knowledge up to the highest ones. Thus, nongovernmental organizations as well as different international organizations address illiteracy among Latin Americans (Torres, 1990), one of the first steps towards achieving a more educated society. At the same time, the idea of eradicating illiteracy has also an impact on the way in which people receive information or get in contact with analysis and interpretations of different political evolution. It can be said therefore that another reason for which leaders such as Chavez of Castro are still in the frontline of international politics is the lack of access to information and at the same time the limited knowledge of the actual meaning of that information."
Abstract The following paper examines the factors that contributed to socio-economic problems in Latin America in the past , as well as looks at the sustainability of democracy in Latin America. This paper discusses the significant socio-economic difficulties based upon the faltering economies of larger trading partners, income inequality, political polarization and corruption. The writer examines how in the past dictators cared more for maintaining their own power and the privilege of their own supporters than they did for the welfare of their people and countries. The writer argues that the success and continuation of democracy depends on the patience of the people to see the long-term results of regional initiatives. This paper contends that if people support the type of government that promotes the satisfaction of the most basic of needs, well-fed and employed people will not initiate revolutions.
From the Paper ?Going into the new millennium, Latin America seems to be poised for active participation as a part of an increasingly global social and economic environment, perhaps more than other developing regions. According to the current Bush Administration, it is virtually all democratic, there are no cross-border disputes, no ethnic conflicts, and there are no immediate threats of terrorism to the West coming from the area (Associated Press, 2002).Security cooperation has been shown in confidence-building measures among historical rivals in the region and peacekeeping operations in Central America and the Caribbean. Terms such as multilateralism, regionalism, consensus, and convergence appear in descriptions of hemispheric relations released by the World Bank and other entities sharing a belief in the positive potential of these factors.?
Abstract In 1950, Adorno, Frenkel-Brunswick, and Levinson and Sanford delved into the concept of the authoritarian personality (TAP). Some of their prime assumptions include that those with TAP are submissive to authority and look to them for the definitions of right and wrong; that they are prejudiced towards an out-group, which they consider weak and inferior. The present study is based on these assumptions. An opportune sample of 100 male students of "hard sciences" were given a questionnaire assessing their susceptibility to an authoritarian source of information over that of a non-authoritarian source, along with Rokeach's Dogmatism scale (measuring authoritarianism). No significant correlation was found between the two factors. Although the findings do not support Adorno, et. al.'s assumptions, they provide evidence for forthcoming theories.
From the Paper "Hitler, Mussolini and many other political and national leaders of the 1930-1950 period adopted and pushed authoritarianism as a strong challenge to democracy. Followers flocked to their banners" (Whitten, 1976, p.622). In an attempt to explain this phenomenon, Adorno, Frenkel-Brunswick, Levinson and Sanford (1950, which will be referred to in the text as AFLS) carried out a search for possible roots and causes of the Authoritarian Personality (TAP) type. Starting at the roots of anti-Semitism, it became a psychological study of ethnocentrism based on Freudian Psychodynamic theory. A person with TAP was defined as "a potentially fascistic individual, one whose structure is such as to render him particularly susceptible to anti-democratic propaganda" and these individuals "exhibit numerous characteristics that go together to form a syndrome", Adorno et al (1950, p.1). These were conventionalism, authoritarian submission, authoritarian aggression, superstition and stereotypy, power and toughness, destructiveness and cynicism, projectivity, concern with sexual goings-on and dogmatism. Some argued that this definition was too limited and too concerned with political opinion, thus defining it as "the desire to impose one's will on others" Ray (1976 cited in Louw-Potgieter (2001), p.78)."
This is an argument for the libertarian conception of self-ownership as the foundation for democracy, as opposed to other values such as republican non-domination and deliberative democracy, with treatment of empirical work on the phenomenon of voter igno
Abstract This paper looks at the notion of western democracy, and how by its very definition, impinges on our everyday lives. The author defines democracy, and looks at what democracy was intended to be, and how, as government expanded, and its influence expanded that democracy has had the opposite affect, and is not limiting our freedoms. The author also suggest ways in which we can regain the benefits that democracy was designed to provide.
From the Paper "Indeed, if we did otherwise, we would be treating people not as full members of the community among equals, but as sheep unto a shepherd, or a child unto a parent. While such relationships are certainly appropriate between the incompetent and the competent, they can hardly be countenanced for the competent, who are entitled to their own private sphere in which they can determine the meaning of their experiences and define their own ends. After all, since people are different, and even individuals change through time, no one can better know his own conception of the good and his unique set of ends better than the individual himself. The state, far removed from the individual, is in no position to make that determination, and therefore, must be neutral to conceptions of the good. The state's disallowing one to choose for himself the sort of life he leads is, in fact, a principal criterion by which we can judge its goodness."
Tags: deliberative, democracy, domination, libertarianism, non, republican, republicanism
A study on democracy in Iraq, looking at how much progress the country has made towards establishing democracy, the quality of its democracy and how well its institutions are functioning.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 5 sources, 2006, $ 71.95
Abstract This paper takes three of the fourteen topics provided on the Democratic Audit web site and apply them to a study of democracy in Iran. Specifically, the paper assesses the country's progress towards democracy, the quality of its democracy, and the functioning of its institutions - all by using the following three topics as a "measuring stick". These topics are a) civil and political rights, b) economic and social rights, and c) the extent of participation in the political process by various Iranian citizens.
Abstract This paper is a dissertation on the necessity for education in a democratic society. It deals with the problems ignorance can cause with regard to freedom and some possible explanations for these current problems.
From the paper:
"The link between education and democracy is well documented. Philosophers from the likes of Plato to Booker Washington to the late John Dewey as well as many others understood this point well. As Dewey begins a chapter in his book, Problems of Men, ?It is obvious that the relationship between democracy and education is a reciprocal one, a mutual one, and vitally so.?(34). Dewey goes on to further drive home the point that with liberty lies a tremendous responsibility, "Do you want to be a free human being standing on your own feet, accepting the responsibilities, the duties that go with that position as an effective member of society"? (34). It is these duties that are neglected in a civilization unlearned. Democracy in a true form is likely impossible, however the continuation and evolution of a democratic society requires informed involvement from all of the population. Effective involvement requires at least moderate thinking ability and knowledge."
Abstract The following paper discusses Rousseau's theory of democracy which was contradictory to the dictum of the democratic practice we have today but is nevertheless the practical view of democracy. This paper argues that although Rousseau's theory may not be congruent to the image we have of democracy or the natural state, we have seen traces of it in existent in our life.
From the Paper "When man was first introduced with the theory of living in a society, he was only too glad to join as it ensured his safety and shelter. Through the course of time he learned from others to become wiser in the ways of living, thereby there emerged laws and regulations by one community abide to live together. Many communities have their own rules and regulations, and each one put up conditions for any one who does not obey it. This was a natural dicourse by which man had grown to become caveman society."
This paper explains why Americans continue to reflect and quote from Tocqueville's classic book, "Democracy in America," which was written more than 150 years ago and how it's still relevant in today's society.
Abstract This paper explores the reasons "Democracy in America" is repeatedly quoted as a commentator on life in America and why numerous politicians reference the book in speeches as well as political and presidential campaigns. The author goes on to explain why candidates and incumbents consequently turn to one of its most perceptive analysts, Tocqueville, as he mixes a gratitude towards democracy with an acknowledgement of its flaws. The book is often considered a major source for anyone who wants to better understand America. The paper also addresses the author's views on democracy, freedom and the role of the government.
From the Paper "The other danger Tocqueville acknowledged occurred when the people became so fixed in pursuit of material pleasures that they neglected their duties as citizens. "Under this system the citizens quit their state of dependence just long enough to choose their masters and then fall back into it."8 Democracy, then, could lead gently into a benign despotism, although there was no assurance that such a government would remain benign and much evidence to the contrary. In these elections, candidates typically remind the populace that voting is a key obligation as a way to preserve the essence of the democratic process. Candidates gradually begin to realize that the 21st century Tocquevillian America is not necessarily Republican, any more than Tocqueville's 1830s America inevitably voted for the Jacksonian Democrats. (The Whigs, when they escaped the thrall of their New England elites, won elections too, and in the 1990s Bill Clinton has shown that Democrats can win by convincing margins."
Tags: literature, democracy, united, states, government
Abstract In this essay, the writer compares social democracy in Switzerland and England. The writer examines how the features of social democracy vary from country to country. The writer discusses how England and Switzerland created two different political versions of social democracy.
From the Paper "Social democracy as a political and governmental movement has always, according to Stefan Berger, represented a somewhat uneasy marriage of capitalism and socialism, a feature of social democracy which has caused to vary significantly from country to country. Berger points out that Alexis de Tocqueville noted that while democracy assigns primacy to the individual, socialism reduces each individual to little more than an instrumental part of a whole. What democracy and socialism share at their most basic is the notion of equality ... "
Abstract This paper discusses Islam and modernity. Specifically, the paper looks at Saudi Arabia and democracy. The paper argues that Saudi Arabia, like most Islamic countries in the Middle East, is not following a Western developmental path and therefore, that democracy in these countries is not going to be like democracy in the west.
From the Paper "Saudi Arabia and Democracy Middle Eastern Islamic countries are usually seen as primitive and backwards by Western Scholars. For example, In Iran: Change in Islam; Islam and Change Nikki R. Keddie argues, The progress-oriented secularist concentration of most Western and Middle Eastern scholars not only prevented them from foreseeing major developments, but skewed their view of the past, including ideological and religious history (Keddie 528). Even though many of these societies may appear to be primitive and backwards to most developed countries they are constantly developing."
Abstract This paper discusses the differences between Capitalism and Democracy, outlining certain theories dictated by major thinkers and scholars of the Western World. The paper then discusses how the two opposing ideologies are combined within the modern western democratic world.
Abstract An analysis of Robert McChesney's book "Rich Media, Poor Democracy". The paper examines the author's major ideas and his combination of historical with contemporary media environment. The paper looks at the main argument that structural media reform is vital to preserve democracy.
From the Paper In Rich Media Poor Democracy Robert W McChesney argues that the media including the Internet serve the interests of corporate profit rather than the public interest. The result of the concentrated corporate power that McChesney details is the weakening of ..."
Abstract This paper studies the various forms of democracy found today in the post-Communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The paper compares and contrasts parliamentary and presidential democracy and explains why the parliamentary form is more appealing to these post-Communist nations.
From the Paper "According to Reiter and Stam, the driving force behind the new wave of democratization stems from the belief that liberal democracy brings with it at least three promises: freedom..."
Abstract This paper argues that democracy is the most just organization of society because the people have the right to determine who governs them. It contends that despite weaknesses that are associated with democratic government, democracies are better able to ensure that a just civil society will prevail than other forms of government.
From the Paper "Democracy is based upon the idea that the people have the right to determine who governs them and on the belief that legal limits should be imposed upon governmental authority by guaranteeing certain rights and freedoms..."
Abstract This paper debates the issue of whether Colombia is a democracy, examining both the political elements that mark the country as a democracy as well as those elements within the country that threaten democratic rule.
From the Paper "At issue in this report is the question of whether or not Colombia is a democracy. If one assumes that a country which holds regularly scheduled public elections in which adult citizens of both genders are entitled to vote for officials at the regional and national levels, one must conclude that Colombia is a democracy. A democracy but of many warts. At the same time Colombia is not a democracy without deep troubles. It has experienced decades of internal dissent resulting in various insurgencies and civil..."
