This paper discusses women in African and IndianSociety based on two novels: Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" and K. Markandaya's "Nectar in a Sieve".
Abstract This paper explains that the women in both societies play productive roles, working in the fields, attending to all domestic duties, and educating the children. The author points out that, in both novels, the softer, more accepting nature of the female characters should not be mistaken for weakness. The paper relates that African and Indian cultures may place undue emphasis on the male role in society; but, as Achebe and Markandaya demonstrate, their cultures are not devoid of respect and care for their women.
From the Paper "The interpretation that women in "Things Fall Apart" are at the mercy of a male dominated, sexist society is largely due to the character of Okonkwo, its central protagonist. Right through the text, Okonkwo is heard to constantly compare all signs of weakness to femininity, a worldview that also leads him into frequently asserting his masculinity with his multiple wives, family and community. Okonkwo's obsession with masculinity should not, however, be taken to represent the views of African culture, as a whole."
Abstract This essay concerns an underground, invisible band of women called hijras. The writer explains that the hijras are found as a part of the Indiansociety. The writer then points out that they are invisible to society by virtue of the fact that they are either castrated males or they identify and dress as males. Further, the writer discusses in this article that they only have limited access to society because in India the law and traditional customs frown upon homosexuality. The writer then notes that the only place they are accepted wholly is as part of weddings.
From the Paper "In the patriarchal dominated Indian society, the Hijra women have existed for years living invisibly among the population. The Hijras are, for all intents and purposes, "a social sub-group of men that assume the lives of women, dress in feminine attire, and in a majority of cases, are emasculated". Probably the closest expression that could be made to describe these men in English is transsexual, without the operation. Not to digress, but the Hijras form specific functions in Indian society, as they are "ascribed with special spiritual powers derived from their identification with Hinduism's popular androgynous mythical figures including, Bahuchara Mata of Gujarat, Shiva united with his feminine aspect, etc...""
Abstract This paper discusses American history from 1607 to 1877. The paper answers a variety of questions pertaining to the coming of Europeans to the continent and how it changed the Indiansociety. The paper also points out the pressures that the Indians faced soon after the American War of Independence.
From the Paper "The American Indians are a group of diverse people of North, Central and South America and the Caribbean islands who in many respects resemble the Mongoloid people of Asia, which has a led to their classification as a subtype of the Mongoloid race. However their physical diversity and the possession of certain features not common among Mongoloids suggests other origins. The ensuing section of the essay will deal with a few relevant issues of the American Indians with respect to the coming of the Europeans in the continent."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth examination of the classic Vedic text, "The Mahabharata". The author discusses how and where the codes of moral honor and worldview are perceived in respect to their structure within the Hindu society. The story demonstrates various forms of codes, where the role of honor, and women's places are defined, and how leading a spiritual and moral life is the ultimate goal. The paper includes a detailed outline.
From the paper:
"The worldview as is presented in the classic Hindi epic, "The Mahabharata" of moral and philosophical values still hold true today. "The Mahabharata" is considered to be an ideal source for examining the qualities found within Indiansociety. A sense of mortality is presented in many aspects of the text as we refer to the societies of the kuru and the Pandu dynasties of India. A Religious/philosophical teaching of Dharma is to live the path of our life that has been chosen for us. The independent elements of the early Indiansociety displayed in the Vedic text is more than just a story of Arjuna; but key elements to how world view is portrayed with emphasis on the values presented therein and the role of women in the work."
Tags: english, hindu, indan, liturature, mythology, world, gods, hindi
Abstract An examination of the role of the Indian woman in society. An analysis of the "Mahabharata" which goes into great depth when describing this role. The author looks at the lives of Indian women, their status, education, goals and contributions.
From the Paper "The Mahabharata is essential for understanding human nature and the culture of India, past and present. As declared by Vyasa, ?Whatever is not found in the Mahabharata cannot be found anywhere else.? The Mahabharata does indeed present a complete picture of the lives of women in India, dealing with such topics as status, education, goals, marriage, achievement, family life, social life, moral codes, duty (dharma), and etiquette."
Tags: hindu, india, indian, ramayana, vedas, vishnu
Abstract This essay will explore Indian legislation concerning women and its impact on women and their children who marry out of the Indiansociety. A look at recent changes and implications for society.
From the Paper "In June 1985, Parliament passed legislation, which ended over 100 years of discrimination in the Indian Act. These amendments commonly referred to as Bill C-31 respect three fundamental principals. First, the amendments exclude discriminatory conditions from the registration criteria from the Indian Act .For instance, Indian women no longer lost status through marriage to non-status Indian and a non-status woman can no longer gain status through marriage to Indian men. In recognition of the problems of discrimination contained within the Indian Act; the government chose to pass a law to eliminate the obstacles people had to endure. "
This paper reviews two novels, both related to IndianSociety in the U.S.A. --"Indian Killer", by Sherman Alexie and "A House Made of Dawn", by N. Scott Momaday.
Abstract The writer compares and contrasts the works of these two writers whose novels both focus on the issues of cultural ties in a sub-culture that is dominated and oppressed by the white majority. The paper looks first at Sherman Alexie's novel where the main character John is caught between the two cultures, his Indian background by birth and his adopted white family. The paper then continues with a review of N. Scott Momaday's book, set in post-war America and analyzes the characters development as he struggles between the world he once valued and the white world.
From the Paper "In Alexie's murder story, a serial killer is operating in Seattle and leaving behind scalped corpses decorated with owl feathers. This leads to a good deal of anti-Indian rhetoric and some street violence, both white against Indian and Indian against white. The killer is John Smith, an Indian without a tribe, which alone sets him apart from both groups. His name is clearly an ironic reference to the white captain famous for the story of Pocahantas. John is caught between the two cultures, for while he is Indian by birth, he is Adopted by a white couple. He rapidly slips into a delusional fantasy life in which he is the Native American hero able to right all the wrongs inflicted on Native Americans by European settlers and all those who followed."
Abstract The paper examines four current nations on the Indian subcontinent: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. The writer proposes that an examination of these nations will demonstrate how colonialism has forever changed societies in the region that have a history that can be traced back for at least 5,000 years. The paper discusses how, even though the region has a civilized history dating back five millennia, British rule only accounted for about 180 years
From the Paper "It is impossible to discuss the Indian subcontinent in terms of colonialism without also discussing the historically central role that the British Empire played in shaping the organization development of the nations that were born in the mid 20th century in that region following decolonization. The will of the British Empire has had a lasting impact on the region."
Presents a complete research paper to investigate neo-convergence in the Indian Constitution in the areas of constitutional amendments and human rights.
Abstract This paper hypothesizes that the current attempts of making structural changes in legal systems, especially constitutions, are a result of economic globalization and is different from the earlier existing forms of influences on constitution-making. The writer explains that the selected methodologies of case study and qualitative analysis present two dimensions viz. experience of nations in responding to convergence attempts and executive and judicial responses to human rights. To make Indiansociety functional in the future, the paper concludes, it is imperative that its present constitution be revised or altogether rewritten.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Unconstitutional Constitutional Amendments: Definition and Theory
Unconstitutional Constitutional Amendments: A Definition
Unconstitutional Constitutional Amendments and Liberal Democracy
India's Basic Structure.
Problem Statement and Hypothesis
Hypothesis
Objectives and Methodology
Objectives
Methodology
Convergence and Neo-Convergence Explained
The Concept, Politics and Future of Constitutional Amendment in India
Why Focus on the Constitutional Amendment
Amendment Politics, Constitutional Change and the Social Revolution
Reforming the Constitution: Towards Liberalization or Human Rights?
Recent Developments in the Constitutional Amendment and Indian Judiciary
Conclusion
From the Paper "The political economy of "socialism" has triggered important constitutional amendments to achieve the desired goals of the social revolution: The 1st Amendment created the 9th schedule, the 7th Amendment introduced new land laws, expropriations following the 17th Amendment were struck down by the Golak Nath decision, correspondingly the 24th, 25th and 27th amendment diluted Golak Nath while the 42nd amendment overrode Kesavananda. Liberalization policies, so far, have neither translated into mass politics nor into a constitutional reform debate."
Abstract This paper presents an overview of the history of India beginning with the creation of the Indian National Congress in 1884. More specifically, the paper discusses India's independence, the emergence of the various political groups in the country, and the influence of the "moderates", the "swarajists". The paper also discusses the influence on India of the strong leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.
From the Paper "Gandhi's action of suspending the non-cooperation movement was severely criticized by other movement advocates and other sectors (National Indian Congress 2004, Edidin 2006). But other critics recognized its most outstanding feature as the willingness and ability of people in general to endure hardships and punishment inflicted by the government. The movement may have collapsed but its great impact survives and is destined to inspire the nation to persist on a stronger campaign. It clearly served as a basis for new faith and new hope in the people. It roused in them a new confidence in their own power to fight for freedom. Because of the movement, the Congress, for the first time, turned into a truly mass movement."
Abstract This paper provides an analysis of the novel, which deals with the problems of drugs, violence and despair, and asks the question, "Can society repair itself?" The paper addresses this theme through an examination of the main character, a psychiatrist attempting to make a difference in an inner-city ghetto.
From the Paper "The story Ten Indians is set in the town of Baltimore and is set to relate the story of Mike Devlin who is a psychiatrist and yet, his own personal conflicts are creating turmoil within himself and his practice. Bell creates Devlin as a man who is isolated even in a crowd and who is unable to reconcile his inner and outer realities. His perceptions of events at times deceive him and the consequences are tragic.
Within our society is seen the presence of drugs, violence, and despair which seem to be so deeply ingrained in the culture that there is no solution to making things better. A lack of jobs and a welfare system that keeps people alive but provides little hope further inhibits social change and so arises the question can anything truly be changed? Or are the problems so intractable that keeping people alive is the best that can be done?"
Abstract This paper examines the influence and importance of the Ramayana of Valmiki in Indiansociety. Initially, its origins and content are outlined. The emphasis is on its continuing influence, particularly as it relates to current events and Hindu/Muslim tensions in India.
Abstract This paper shall examine the novel "Nectar In a Siev"e by Kamala Markandaya and address the qualities of Indiansociety that were present during the British occupation and the changes and similarities that occurred in this social structure when the occupation was ended.
A review of the sociology text "When Jesus Came, the Corn Mothers Went Away: Marriage, Sexuality, and Power in New Mexico, 1500 - 1846" by Ramon Gutierrez.
Abstract The paper reviews the text with emphasis on the gender roles in Pueblo Indiansociety. The writer explains and describes the tension caused by the other major themes of the book such as the belief in one God by the Franciscan missionaries versus the natives' animistic views and the sexual freedom of the Puebloans compared to the sexual self-denial of the monks. The paper shows how Gutierrez brings the reader to the middle of the nineteenth century in New Mexico. In conclusion, the writer feels that Gutierrez resists the temptation to try to make up for the inequities of past accounts written by others, and instead presents a balanced, objective analysis of a complex and intriguing set of cultural phenomena.
From the Paper "With regard to cultural significance, sexual intercourse was considered a powerful force for women in the Pueblo society as well. With none of the inhibitions or restrictions that members of supposedly more advanced cultures struggle with, Puebloans enjoyed a wide range of sexual activity. The women had total power of partner discernment which, when used well, enabled them to control a great deal of the social and political dynamics for the family. Reciprocal gift-giving was a major organizational and social force within the Pueblo society. A woman was obligated to have intercourse with her husband in exchange for the gifts given at the marriage and because he provided for her mother. But she was free to offer her hospitality by having sex with others as well. By so doing, she essentially accumulated guarantees of assistance, service, and possibly even goods from these sexual partners. Though a difficult conceptualization for this reader, it almost seems as though she was ensuring her family's future resources by giving the gift of her body to someone other than her spouse.
"With this complex cultural backdrop in place, enter the Franciscan missionaries--how shocked they must have been! Prior mission efforts may have prepared them for much of what they saw, but individual records still reported repulsion, especially at the apparent nexus between sexuality and the sacred among the Puebloans. The Franciscans order had especially severe ideals regarding self-discipline and sexual self-denial. Surely any pleasure derived from witnessing the "wicked" scenes among the Puebloans occasioned harsh flagellation among the friars."
Abstract The paper discusses that the term 'Indian giver' has come to be a synonym for someone who gives something, only to take it back. The paper further explains that it was the Indians who were forced to give to the Europeans--their knowledge about farming and fishing in the Americas and ultimately their land. The paper discusses that in Jack Weatherford's book, "Indian Givers: How the Indians of the Americas Transformed the World," the exchange between Europeans and Native Americans was an unequal one, with Europeans taking of the positive benefits of the New World, while the Indians were doing all of the giving. The paper concludes that unwittingly, the Indians found themselves the recipient of the evils of European civilization, like slavery, and a disrespectful attitude to the land.
From the Paper "According to Weatherford, the early post-Columbian contact of the Europeans with the native populace actually enabled the Industrial Revolution to change Europe, and ultimately the world. "Had Europe and America not come together through Columbus or some other connection, the industrial revolution would never have happened in the way we know it," because Europeans would never have gained access to the metals of the New World, or to Indian mines (Weatherford 57). This contact also generated the money economy of Europe and fueled a shift to a European economy based upon real, hard, convertible currency. Metal-based currency also was critical in fueling industrialism and world trade. By beginning the book with tales of South American encounters with Europe, which were particularly brutal and unequal from the beginning of the Indian-European relationship, Weatherford initiates a tragic tone, explaining how enslaved South American Indians mining gold and silver in Potosi supplied the precious metals for most of the European coins that generated wealth for the Old World at the expense of the liberty of the New World."
