Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 6 of 6

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Assessing “Mixed-Use” - Evaluating New Urbanism In New England, Michael K. Daniels May 2014

Assessing “Mixed-Use” - Evaluating New Urbanism In New England, Michael K. Daniels

Honors Scholar Theses

New urbanism is a movement in city and regional planning that is primarily based upon a return to mixed-use development. New urbanists contend that reintegrating land uses to make “walkable” urban neighborhoods will help increase residential financial diversity and make once downtrodden areas desirable again. It remains unclear if physical design changes can truly impact economic and social conditions. Is mixed-use development worth pursuing for cities looking to restore economic diversity? To investigate this question, I turn to two Southern New England cities of similar population which have faced parallel struggles: Worcester, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island. I analyze the …


The Specter Of Intolerance: Understanding Religious Violence In Pakistan, Syeda Haider May 2014

The Specter Of Intolerance: Understanding Religious Violence In Pakistan, Syeda Haider

Honors Scholar Theses

The role of religion in Pakistani political and civil life has had a defining role in the political development of the nation. The country is now a breeding ground for religious extremism, with militant groups conducting brutal attacks against the Shia, Ahmedi, Christian and Hindu communities of Pakistan. There have been few explanations attempting to describe the problem of religious violence domestically, within Pakistan’s borders towards Pakistani citizens. This essay examines how, despite Pakistan’s initial conception as a secular state, the country has become haunted by intense religious violence. It links the lack of consensus around national identity with the …


Climate Change Vulnerabilities: Case Studies Of The Maldives And Kenya, Katherine A. Peinhardt May 2014

Climate Change Vulnerabilities: Case Studies Of The Maldives And Kenya, Katherine A. Peinhardt

Honors Scholar Theses

This paper examines the political and social vulnerabilities of climate change, with the use of two salient case studies, the Republic of the Maldives and Kenya as exemplars of effects observed and projected. The susceptibilities for each nation are examined, with unique sensitivities highlighted and common themes synthesized between the two states. Examples of existing conflict, and implications of projected territorial conflict will be discussed. Policy outcomes will also be discussed for the situation of each nation, each with its own set of contextual sensitivities in the face of climatic shifts. Generalized policy options will be proposed for the common …


Adapting To A Changing Climate: Local Drivers For Policy Response, Andrew J. Bilich May 2014

Adapting To A Changing Climate: Local Drivers For Policy Response, Andrew J. Bilich

Honors Scholar Theses

Responding to the present and looming effects of global climate change presents a challenging task for policymakers at all levels of governance. The outcomes of climate change do present serious adaptation problems for global policy makers, but the implications of climate change are more immediately experienced by local communities and policy makers. Historical policymaking models suggest that economic well-being is an influential driver in local policy adoption. This particular analysis explores the relationship between economic variables and the development of climate adaptation policies by Connecticut municipalities. To test the degree of interaction present, adaptation policy data in the form of …


From Inclusion To Empowerment: The Political Implications Of Microfinance, Kateri R. Ciccaglione May 2014

From Inclusion To Empowerment: The Political Implications Of Microfinance, Kateri R. Ciccaglione

Honors Scholar Theses

There has been extensive literature on the positive effects of microfinance in developing countries with regards to financial inclusion of the poor, economic growth and poverty reduction. This paper seeks to take these facts one step further, arguing that microfinance paves the way for the political empowerment of the poor because it creates social capital in developing economies. I make the case that a growth in social capital due to financial inclusion helps impoverished people realize their political potential by instilling a need for political awareness and increased participation in the political process. An analysis of the current literature concerning …


Delegitimizing Sultanistic Regimes, One Step At A Time, Joshua Thomas Apr 2014

Delegitimizing Sultanistic Regimes, One Step At A Time, Joshua Thomas

Honors Scholar Theses

Sultanistic regimes can be classified as a government structure that blends authoritarianism and democracy. Sultans use democratic institutions—political parties, elections, and general assemblies—to advance their personal policies over their citizens’ interests. This results in oppression of citizens. The Libyan Civil War of 2011 serves as a paradigmatic case that illustrates three conditions that help citizens destabilize this type of regime. I explored these conditions and their sequence to illustrate how sultanistic regimes can be overthrown. I conclude that the mixture of international assistance, military support, and civil society groups create the opportunity for a successful revolution.