International and Area Studies Commons^™

From Marxism-Leninism To Ethnicity: The Sideslips Of Ethiopian Elitism, Messay Kebede

International Conference on African Development Archives

For many scholars, colonialism and neocolonial policies remain the root causes of Africa’s numerous impediments, ranging from the persistence of poverty to the ravages of ethnic conflicts. However, the number of scholars who prefer to ascribe these impediments essentially to the persistence of traditional views and methods and to the lack of reforms radical enough to trigger a sustained process of modernization is not negligible. My position contests this either-or debate and identifies the culprit as the rise of African elitism--a phenomenon implicating the specific effect of colonialism in conjunction with internal African contributions. I take the case of Ethiopia …

The Impact Of Globalization On Sustainable Management Of Natural Resources In African Economies, Livingstone Musoro

International Conference on African Development Archives

In this paper, we are not going to have a definitional discussion per se of what globalization is all about. So much has been done toward definitional discussion. Good coverage on the definitional aspects of globalization can be reviewed, for example, from the works of Kiely (in Kiely and Marfleet 1998) and Wolf (in Critical Review, Vol. 14, No. 1; 2001). My focus here is at a brief note on misconception or misunderstanding about the process of globalization, and then, at its impact on the sustainable management of natural resources in Africa.

Obstacles, Controversies And Prospects Surrounding Child Abuse Management In Addis Ababa, Getnet Tadele

International Conference on African Development Archives

Corporal punishment by parents or guardians, family members and relatives is an accepted cultural practice in Ethiopia. Aside from parents and other family members, many children are also abused (physically and sexually) by other persons who by chance meet them. At the same time, there are undergoing activities related to child abuse management by concerned institutions. Coordinated child abuse management involves various professionals and institutions. This paper examines the situation of child abuse and its management in Addis Ababa focusing on challenges and controversies revolving around this social problem. It assess pertinent issues involved in child abuse management on the …

Food Security And Rural Vulnerability In Ethiopia: A Development Perspective, Alemayehu Lirenso

International Conference on African Development Archives

This paper analyzes current food security and rural vulnerability situation in present day Ethiopia from a development perspective. In the sections that follow: (i) various issues relating to food security and vulnerability are presented, (ii) current food aid management policies and practices are reviewed and their implications for overall agricultural development policy are evaluated, and (iii) alternative strategies for combating the risks of future famines are suggested. The analysis is based partly on my own previous studies and partly on review of other recent studies listed in the references.

The Impact Of Economic Structural Adjustment Programs [Esaps] On Women And Children: Implications For Social Welfare In Zimbabwe, Saliwe M. Kawewe, Robert Dibie

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This study examines the impact of structural adjustment policy (SAP) on the welfare of Zimbabweans, particularly women and children and draws some parallels with economic policy in the US and its effect on social welfare programs and the poor. The paper argues that economic structural adjustment programs (ESAPs), introduced by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund as major international financial institutions in economic globalization, have been an inappropriate public policy for Zimbabwe. These economic reforms inflate poverty, decrease the country's capability to develop a strong diversified domestic economy, increase the exploitation of workers through deregulation accompanied by environmental …

A Descriptive Analysis Of Skin Color Bias In Puerto Rico: Ecological Applications To Practice, Ronald E. Hall

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Travel brochures to the island of Puerto Rico aptly profess the rich variation in skin color and other phenotypes among its people. Following acts of domination vis-a-vis the island's cultural mores, invading colonizers evolved a social hierarchy to discourage any notions of merit attributable to racial diversity. According to the data herewith, the presumption of a relationship between skin color and selected values for skin color ideals is plausible. Social work practitionersa re then challenged to decipher the maze of racial traditions as pertains to discrimination. Doing so will enable an environment for knowledge based purely upon merit in order …

Factors Encouraging The Growth Of Sustainable Communities: A Jamaican Case Study, Eleanor Wint

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The concept of sustainable communities assumes a process of social and/or economic development that has as a high priority, the needs of the future generation. However, models of social and economic development employed in developing countries, must rely heavily on political, social and psychological empowerment techniques being employed at the community level, in order to warrant any type of sustainability becoming apparent. A case study taken from Kingston, Jamaica recounts and examines the experience of a Social Work Unit/private company in partnership, becoming involved in a low-income community's drive for sustainable development. The paper will reflect on the intervention, the …

Review Of The East Asian Welfare Model: Welfare Orientalism And The State. Roger Goodman, Gordon White And Huck-Ju Kwon (Eds.). Reviewed By Kwong-Leung Tang, University Of Northern British Columbia, Kwong-Leung Tang

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Book review of Roger Goodman, Gordon White and Huck-ju Kwon (Eds.), The East Asian Welfare Model: Welfare Orientalism and the State. New York: Routledge, 1998. $90.00 hardcover, $29.99 papercover.

Implementation Problems In The Development Of Urban Community Services In The People's Republic Of China: The Case Of Beijing, Agnas K.C. Yeung, Kwok Kin Fung, Kim Ming Lee

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

To review the ten year implementation of the community service policy of the People's Republic of China, community service implementers and academics located in Beijing were interviewed. By employing implementation theories as a framework of analysis, a number of implementation problems are identified. In terms of policy characteristics and the structuring of implementation, this case shows that the objectives are not specific enough. The decentralized implementation strategy allows the implementers too much discretionary power. The shortage of qualified and motivated personnel further complicate the issue. Lastly, the policy environment of Beijing does not lend adequate support to the policy.

In The Service Of Market Socialism: The Quest For A Welfare Model In China, Bong-Ho Mok, Jitong Liu

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The socialist market economy in China has brought about impressive economic growth. It has also resulted in serious social problems such as unemployment, deteriorating family relations, prostitution, and poverty among the disadvantaged groups. This paper discusses a welfare model proposed by the Chinese Government to contain the destabilizing effects of the social problems and to serve the newly adopted market socialism. The authors argue that although this welfare model is still very much residual by western standards, it is a big step forward in building a modern Chinese welfare system.

Population Aging, Changes In Living Arrangement, And The New Long-Term Care System In Japan, Wataru Koyano

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

During the last five decades, family life of the Japanese elderly and longterm care have drastically changed. As a response to the rapid population aging and the increasing difficulty of family care, a new universalistic system of long-term care services is going to be introduced in 2000. The new system, called the Insurance Against Care, acknowledges societal responsibility for long-term care, and guarantees a certain level of provision of care services. While the insurance is a response to the changes in family life of the elderly, symbolized by the decrease of co-residence with adult children, it may further stimulate and …

Confronting Ageing As A Caribbean Reality, Joan M. Rawlins

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This article acknowledges the increased life expectancy which Caribbean populations presently experience. It draws upon data collected throughout the region and identifies some of the main concerns which families, communities and governments need to address, in order to ensure that the elderly will not be severely disadvantaged as a consequence of their increased life expectancy. The article recommends closer cooperation between governmental agencies and non-government organizations (NGOs) in determining the needs of the elderly, as well as the provision of services for them.

Population Aging In Korea: Social Problems And Solutions, Ik Ki Kim

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Aging in Korea is discussed in light of the rapid growth in numbers and proportion of the Korean population and has a great impact upon planning and policy development. The demographic transition has implications on the traditional family caregiving system. Living arrangements and employment status of the elderly will be described, and the economic implications on society will be addressed. There are many roles for the Korean Government to provide for the welfare of the country's growing elderly population.

Aging In China, Nelson W. S. Chow

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This article reports on a description of aging in China, in general, and Shanghai, in particular, with contrasts to the aging taking place in Hong Kong. Focused upon are the consequences of population aging on informal and formal support systems in the present and for the future. The efforts in the two cities of Shanghai and Hong Kong reflect differences in systems but are both influenced by traditional practices of a Chinese society.

Review Of Growth Theories In The Light Of The East Asian Experience. Takatoshi Ito And Anne 0. Krueger (Eds.). Reviewed By K. L. Tang, University Of Northern British Columbia., K. L. Tang

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Takatoshi Ito & Anne 0. Krueger (Eds.), Growth Theories in Light of the East Asian Experience. Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago Press, 1995. $65 Hardcover.

State Against Development: The Experience Of Post-1965 Zaire. Mondonga M. Mokoli.

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Mondonga M. Mokoli. State Against Development: The Experience of Post-1965 Zaire. Westport, CT: Grenwood Press, 1992. $45 hardcover.

Social Change And Attitudes Of Educated Elite Toward The Role Of Women In Qatari Society, Jassim Al-Nassr

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate attitudes of educated elite toward \ the role of women in Qatari society. Attitudes were viewed as reactionary, traditional, and liberal.

A questionnaire technique was used to gather data for this study. Five hundred eighty-two questionnaires Were distributed at eighteen Qatari ministries and official establishments. The response rate was 62.37%.

The six hypotheses tested in the study examined the relationships between the independent variables of gender, level of education, major and place of study, religious commitment, and job status, and the dependent variable of attitudes of Qatari educated elite toward the role …

Asian American Immigrants: A Comparison Of The Chinese, Japanese, And Filipinos, John K. Matsouka, Donald H. Ryujin

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

An historical overview of the immigration of the three most populous Asian American groups in the United States is presented. The immigrant experiences of the Chinese, Filipinos, and Japanese are compared, and the implications of their experiences for current and future immigration/ resettlement programs and policies are discussed.

Political Perspectives In Encyclopedias: Portrayal Of The Nicaraguan Revolution, Brian B. Smith

Masters Theses

Encyclopedia text is most often presented as objective, factual, authoritatively documented truth. To examine this knowledge claim, this thesis analyzes the portrayal of the 1979 Nicaraguan revolution in editions of the four major U.S. encyclopedias. A qualitative content analysis is employed to determine the political perspectives present in encyclopedia coverage of the Nicaraguan revolution and the subsequent changes in Nicaraguan political economy brought about by that revolution.

The findings indicate that significant differences among and within the encyclopedias existed in the text analyzed. A variety of political perspectives were found to have influenced the content of the text, and to …

Health Implications Of Homelessness: Reports From Three Countries, Gerald Daly

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

This paper discusses the health implications of homelessness in the context of problems discovered and remedies proposed in three countries: Britain, Canada, and the United States. The findings, particularly with respect to programmatic responses, are selective. Based upon personal observation over the past four years, they are intended, however, to offer a glimpse at the range of projects which have evolved in the three countries during the eighties.

Street Children Programs In Latin America, Mark W. Lusk

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The growing problem of street children is among the most important child welfare problems today. Estimates are that there are as many as 25 million street children in Latin America alone. This paper, which is based on over five months of fieldwork in Latin America, is a study of the problem of street children. Life on the streets is described in relation to the developmental stages of street children. The paper emphasizes the types of programs that have emerged as the countries of the region seek to ameliorate and prevent this social problem. A program typology is developed and discussed.

Social Work Concerns Related To Peace And People Oriented Development In The International Context, Daniel S. Sanders

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

It is the thesis of this paper that the social work profession along with other human service professions has the potential of making a vital contribution in promoting peace and people oriented development and that the ultimate test of the profession's contribution to individuals, families, and communities in varying contexts is the ensuring of human survival and the enhancing of the quality of life for all people.

Social Development In Nigeria: A Case Analysis, Gloria Mead Jinadu

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Nigeria is plagued by a social poverty that continues to escalate dramatically, in spite of the rapid economic growth associated with the "petrol naira." Efforts to check this deterioration and ensure development are hindered by the lack of culturally rooted structural and conceptual supports in the social development sector. These support components have been, and still are absent and until they are established, economic growth and ideological choices will be irrelevant to any rational effort to halt the escalation of social poverty and enhance the quality of life enjoyed by Nigerians.

An Examination Of Certain Factors Which Contributed To The Separation Of Central America From Spain: 1808-1821, John R. Permesang

Masters Theses

The separation of Central America from Spain in 1321 was, unlike other similar occurrences, a peaceful event. This thesis, after presenting an historical overview, narrates certain happenings in the area during the thirteen years prior to the gaining of political independence. Commencing with the Napoleonic invasion of Spain in 1808, this thesis places special emphasis on political changes in the Spanish Empire which were brought about through the adoption of a liberal Spanish constitution in 1812. In Central America the new measures were opposed by a recently appointed Captain-General who effectively frustrated any creole ambitions towards having an enlightened government. …

Alienation Of Youth As An Unintended Consequence Of Military Assistance In Africa: Illustrations From The Ethiopian Experience, Quentin F. Schenk

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The development of global competition between Russia and the United States led to a dramatic diversion of the resources of the United States to military and quasi-military programs. Some of the objectives of the competition were to maintain United States influence and power over its empire in the Middle East and Africa: to monitor the Red Sea; to have a presence near Egypt, especially in view of the development of the Aswan Dam by the Russians; to have proximity to its Asian colony, Israel; to keep watch over its oil in Saudi Arabia; to establish and man satellite tracking stations …

Alienation Of Youth As An Unintended Consequence Of Military Assistance In Africa: Illustrations From The Ethiopian Experience, Quentin F. Schenk

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The development of global competition between Russia and the United States led to a dramatic diversion of the resources of the United States to military and quasi-military programs. Some of the objectives of the competition were to maintain United States influence and power over its empire in the Middle East and Africa: to monitor the Red Sea; to have a presence near Egypt, especially in view of the development of the Aswan Dam by the Russians; to have proximity to its Asian colony, Israel; to keep watch over its oil in Saudi Arabia; to establish and man satellite tracking stations …