Doubly Damned: Dealing with Power and Praxis in Development Anthropology

1993 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 380-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Gow
Keyword(s):  
Direct Action ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Local Participation ◽  
Realistic Approach ◽  
Development Professionals ◽  
Underlying Causes ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Policy Arena ◽  
Development Anthropology

Development anthropologists are doubly damned-criticized by both academics and development professionals on romantic, moral, and intellectual grounds, and basically regarded as second-class citizens within the "development community." As a result, they have studiously avoided defining the principal objectives of development. Likewise, they have shied away from developing theories that direct action to the underlying causes of "underdevelopment." And given their traditional focus on the local context, development anthropologists have often been hard pressed to deal effectively with external factors, particularly power, whether political, institutional, or economic. An analysis of three rural development projects shows how anthropologists dealt with power. A key element was their effectiveness in the policy arena, based partly on their "anthropological authority," but also on their relative autonomy. Equally important is a broader definition of local participation that includes a realistic approach to empowerment. For development anthropology to shed its stigma of damnation, it is necessary for it to increase its concentration on critique and analysis, leading to better policy formulation, and the opportunity to implement policy as theory in practice.

Social Failure Modes in Technology and the Ethics of AI

2020 ◽  
pp. 441-461
Author(s):  
Jason Millar
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Design ◽  
Failure Modes ◽  
Design Practice ◽  
Detailed Understanding ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
The Social ◽  
Underlying Causes ◽  
Physical Defects ◽  
Definition Of

This chapter argues that, just as technological artefacts can break as a result of mechanical, electrical, or other physical defects not fully accounted for in their design, they can also break as a result of social defects not fully accounted for in their design. These failures resulting from social defects can be called social failures. The chapter then proposes a definition of social failure as well as a taxonomy of social failure modes—the underlying causes that lead to social failures. An explicit and detailed understanding of social failure modes, if properly applied in engineering design practice, could result in a fuller evaluation of the social and ethical implications of technology, either during the upstream design and engineering phases of a product, or after its release. Ideally, studying social failure modes will improve people’s ability to anticipate and reduce the rate or severity of undesirable social failures prior to releasing technology into the wild.

A Survey of U.S. Education Policy Regarding the Education of Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 785-815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Anne Roumell ◽  
Florin D. Salajan ◽  
Corina Todoran
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Workforce Education ◽  
Policy Area ◽  
Training And Education ◽  
Policy Domain ◽  
National Economic ◽  
Policy Arena ◽  
Historical Examination ◽  
Over Time

In the United States, adult and workforce education (AE) seems to be located, simultaneously, both everywhere and nowhere in particular. Ongoing shifts in national economic demands and changes in requirements for training and education have brought learning in the adult years into the federal public policy arena. Sometimes referred to as lifelong learning, AE has proven to be a somewhat vague concept as a basis for federal policy formulation, but its existence signals an important federal locus of responsibility for learning in adulthood. This historical examination of the AE policy domain offers a review of the formulation, and more specifically how AE policy has been framed, where AE policy originated, and its progression over time. Primary U.S. legislative documents, federal agency reports, and federal white papers spanning the years 1862 to 2014 were reviewed to present a survey of the AE policy area.

scholarly journals On Evidence-Based Practice in Disaster Risk Reduction

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
David E. Alexander
Keyword(s):  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Willingness To Use ◽  
Disaster Science ◽  
Made In

AbstractDisaster science and scholarship are forever expanding and there are increasing calls to base disaster risk reduction policies on the evidence produced by such work. Using examples and argument, this opinion piece examines the nature of evidence. It defines evidence-based practice and considers how it has developed and become important to disaster risk reduction. A definition of what constitutes evidence is difficult to achieve but it must be made in relation to whether the data and information collected can usefully be interpreted and employed to change things for the better. Case histories from past and present centuries show that evidence can sometimes be argued over endlessly. In other cases it is roundly ignored. In yet other instances, false conclusions derived from evidence can become evidence in their own right. Nevertheless, there are situations in disaster risk reduction in which evidence is sorely needed but is clearly lacking. The effectiveness of counter-terrorism measures is one such area. In conclusion, evidence is valuable, above all if there is willingness to use it to support policy formulation, especially in a simple, transparent manner. Subjective interpretation can never be entirely removed from the use of evidence, and evidence alone will not stimulate the policy formulators to improve their decision making.

Assessing Local “Diversity”: A Nationally Representative Analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 232949652110216
Author(s):  
Neeraj Rajasekar ◽  
Evan Stewart ◽  
Joseph Gerteis
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Racial Difference ◽  
The United States ◽  
Racial Ideology ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Local Diversity ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Diversity Discourse

The meanings and definition of “diversity” can change across different applications and contexts, but many such meanings have implications for racial difference and racial ideology in the United States. We provide a nationally representative analysis of how everyday Americans assess “diversity” in their own communities. We test how county-level racial, religious, economic, and political heterogeneity predict the view that one lives in a highly diverse locale; we also test how individual-level factors predict such a view. Among the four indicators of local difference, racial difference is most strongly and consistently associated with Americans’ assessments of local diversity. Individual-level factors do not weaken this relationship; rather, local context and individual-level factors conjointly predict assessments of local diversity. Despite the flexible, hyperinclusive nature of diversity discourse, local racial difference is salient in Americans’ assessments of “diversity” in their communities, and this pattern is not simply a product of individual-level factors. Our findings illustrate another dimension of the flexible-yet-racialized nature of diversity discourse in the United States. We also show that Americans are particularly aware of racial difference in their locale, which has implications for social and ideological responses to changing communities and a changing nation.

scholarly journals Binnegevegte in die GKSA: verskuiwing van ‘plausibility structures’?

1992 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Snyman
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Global Village ◽  
Realistic Approach ◽  
Definition Of

The present tension within the Gereformeerde Kerke of South Africa (GKSA) is probably a result of a conflict between different plausibility structures. By referring to Berger’s definition of plausibility structures, the article illustrates their function in the churches. Because of the global village in which modern humankind finds itself the GKSA is furthermore influenced by other non-traditional plausibility structures. The theological implications of the change from a naive realistic plausibility structure to a more critical realistic one, as brought about by quantum metaphysics are explored. Similarly, the theological implications of retaining a naive realistic approach, namely a ghetto theology, are discussed.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s white moderates and moderate Baptists: Moderateness as betrayal of the gospel

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-203
Author(s):  
Kate Hanch
Keyword(s):  
Civil Rights ◽  
Social Structure ◽  
Civil Rights Movement ◽  
Direct Action ◽  
Martin Luther ◽  
Women In Ministry ◽  
Sustained Change ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Martin Luther King

In his 1963 “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” Martin Luther King Jr. criticizes “the white moderate,” identifying them as empathizing with the Civil Rights Movement, but not acting upon it. King’s “white moderate” compares to contemporary white Baptists who embody King’s definition. Putting “white moderate” in conversation with “moderate Baptists” demonstrates how moderate actions betray the Gospel. Exploring the identity of the clergy whom King addresses in his letter aids in drawing out a fuller definition of “moderate.” This article applies three aspects of King’s critique to contemporary Baptist concerns, such as women in ministry and inclusion of LGBTQIA persons in all areas of ministry: (1) an avoidance of tension through silence, what King calls “negative peace;” (2) a sympathetic view without sustained change in social structure or policy, identified by King as “lukewarm acceptance;” and (3) using generalized statements to avoid speaking of “hot-topic” issues, which King phrases as “sanctimonious trivialities.” White Baptists can fight against the trend of “moderateness” through being transformed by and participating in what King calls “direct action.” In doing so, Baptists may become, to use King’s term, “extremists for love.”

scholarly journals An out-of-hospital perspective on hyperventilation syndrome

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 41-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Raphael ◽  
Enrico Dippenaar
Keyword(s):  
Provocation Test ◽  
The Body ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Scope Of Practice ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Hyperventilation Syndrome ◽  
Hospital Perspective ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
Underlying Causes ◽  
Definition Of

Hyperventilation and tachypnoea both involve breathing at an increased rate. There are a variety of causes of hyperventilation and conditions associated with it, including acute and chronic hyperventilation syndrome (HVS). The characteristics of HVS are not well defined. It results from a reduction in carbon dioxide and altered pH in the body from overbreathing. Symptoms vary between individuals but usually include altered sensations in the extremities, nausea and headache. Diagnosing patients with this condition can be difficult; diagnostic tools include the hyperventilation provocation test, voluntary overbreathing, the Nijmegen questionnaire and the exclusion of physiological causes in the acute situation. There are various prehospital patient presentations and differentiating between potential underlying causes is vital to appropriate treatment and patient safety. Treatments vary in nature, depending on the desired effect and the clinician's scope of practice. Some aim to reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks while others combat the attack when it strikes. This review briefly discusses some treatments available to a clinician with a basic skill level. There is a lack of evidence in this area, and research with a focus on the out-of-hospital environment is recommended. Because of controversy over existing research regarding the definition of HVS, a review of all sources was conducted to produce a definition. This suggests that HVS is a collection of physical and biochemical reactions from an unnecessarily increased respiratory rate that occurs because of an unknown or benign aetiology which can be triggered by anxiety in the absence of other external factors.

scholarly journals The Just Wage in Early Modern Italy: A Reflection on Zacchia's De Salario seu Operariorum Mercede

2011 ◽  
Vol 56 (S19) ◽  
pp. 107-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Caracausi
Keyword(s):  
Early Modern ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Daily Work ◽  
Early Modern Italy ◽  
Norms And Values ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Literature Evidence ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Reciprocal Influences

SummaryThis article aims to understand norms and values pertaining to the definition of just wages in early modern Italy. The starting point is the treatise by the jurist Lanfranco Zacchia, De Salario seu Operariorum Mercede, which appeared in the mid-seventeenth century and represented the first attempt to collate a set of rules on wages based on the traditions of Roman and canon law. After a brief presentation of the treatise, I shall analyse the meanings and concepts of wages, and then consider the elements that determined the just wage. To understand how prescriptions were seen by individuals, I shall also compare them with information about court cases and rulings compiled by Zacchia in another book, the Centuria decisionum ad materiam Tractatus de Salario, and with the rest of the existing literature. Evidence from my comparison will allow us to understand the interaction and reciprocal influences between juridical thought and daily work practice, and underline the fact that wages were based on a complex system of norms and values where individuals, their social positions, skills, and experience determined the recognition of the just wage with reference to the local context.

Factors affecting temporary labour migration for seasonal work: a review

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 1176-1200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shilpi Smita Panda ◽  
Nihar Ranjan Mishra
Keyword(s):  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Seasonal Migration ◽  
Labour Migration ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Temporary Migration ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Temporary Labour Migration

Purpose Seasonal labour migration is a common form of temporary migration where the work of the migrant labour depends on seasonal conditions and is performed only during that period of year. This paper aims to identify the factors and subfactors of temporary labour migration from the existing literature. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on an extensive review of the literature on temporary labour migration. Studies done from 1990 to 2016 were considered for review. The literatures from research articles, book chapters, working papers, conference papers and field-based project reports from various disciplines, like economics, sociology, anthropology, psychology and management studies were reviewed for critically analysing various factors affecting seasonal labour migration. Findings A total of five key factors and 60 subfactors of temporary labour migration were documented from previous studies. The findings of the study are organized under five thematic segments: economic factors, social factors, environmental factors, policy-related factors and psychological factors New aspects of seasonal migration were identified such as “role of labour contractors ”, “inter-generational mobility”, “social networks”, “grassroot politics”, “migrant’s relationship with the agents”, “labour registration process”, “market intervention” and “civil society intervention” after consultation with the subject experts and field study. Research limitations/implications The paper restricts itself to include aspects of temporary labour migration. Only the factors and subfactors affecting temporary migration are taken into purview. Further the findings of the paper can be empirically tested to know the significance of each factor and subfactor. Practical implications The paper has implications for better understanding of the temporary labour migration process in different context by focussing extensively on the factors of migration. The factors identified can be empirically tested in regional and local context, which would provide effective insights for policy formulation for the welfare and protection of the migrant workers. Originality/value The paper fulfils an identified need to provide a holistic review for understanding and documenting various factors and subfactors that affect the process of temporary labour migration.

scholarly journals Forecast of the Demand for Electric Mobility for Rome–Fiumicino International Airport

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (17) ◽  
pp. 5251
Author(s):  
Romano Alberto Acri ◽  
Silvia Barone ◽  
Paolo Cambula ◽  
Valter Cecchini ◽  
Maria Carmen Falvo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Level ◽  
Electric Mobility ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Electrical Mobility ◽  
Charging Infrastructure ◽  
International Airport ◽  
Transport Studies ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
Definition Of

Following electrification of automotive transport, studies on the penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) are widespread, especially in defined contexts. As major transport hubs, airports fall within contexts worthy of interest. In this work, a forecast of the demand for electric mobility in an Italian international airport (Rome–Fiumicino) is presented. The main goal of the research is to build up a methodology that allows evaluating the penetration index of EVs that will access the airport parks in 2025 and 2030, to be able to have a preliminary assessment of the number of charging points necessary for serving them. In the paper, first, a wide review of proposed scenarios on the penetration of EVs at international and national level and available data on local automotive transport are presented, as a preliminary study for the definition of reference scenarios for the local context. Then, the proposed methodology is presented and applied to the specific case study. Finally, a preliminary sizing of the required charging infrastructure is reported. The results show that a significant impact on the airport electricity network can be foreseen, and it requires proper planning of adaptation/upgrading actions. The proposed approach can be considered as a reference for similar studies on electrical mobility in other airport areas around the world.

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