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Sense-Making: New Sensory Methods for Exploring the Past and Imagining Possible Futures (Sensory Studies)
by David Howes Sheryl Boyle Genevieve CollinsIn this highly innovative work, the senses are liberated from the confines of the present to serve as vehicles for accessing other historical periods and imagined futures. Sense-Making builds on the burgeoning field of sensory ethnography by introducing a pair of methodologies—sensory (re)construction and sensorial extrapolationCexpressly devised to facilitate time-travel.The first part offers a survey and critique of extant work in sensory archeology and sensory futures. The second part presents a case study of sensory (re)construction in action, focusing on Thornbury Castle (1508—1521) in the UK. The third part probes the life of the senses on the "final frontier", the "next habitat" of humanity—namely, outer space. These sensory case studies are not purely architectural or purely futuristic. They are, at the same time, exercises in "arts-based practice" or "research-creation," where the authors do not just carry out bibliographic research and write about pasts and futures, they make them.Sense-Making is necessary reading for the international community of sensory studies scholars, as well as those with interests spanning material culture, museum and heritage studies, visual and auditory culture, experimental psychology, design and digital technology.
Queer (Queering Criminology and Criminal Justice)
by Ellen ReevesQueer(y)ing Civil Law Responses to Domestic and Family Violence offers unique, in-depth insights into the experiences of LGBTQ+ victim-survivors who have engaged with civil protection order systems.Drawing on data from an Australian study following the experiences of LGBTQ+ victim-survivors of domestic and family violence who engaged with Victoria’s civil protection order system, this book adopts a feminist, queer and trans abolitionist perspective to challenge the assumption that the best response to LGBTQ+ domestic and family violence is a legal one. Problematising responses that fundamentally require increased investment in policing, courts and prisons despite the risks this poses to marginalised individuals and communities, this book centres queer criminology as a framework through which we can situate and critique the rigid victim/perpetrator binaries that are so characteristic of legal responses to violence. This same criminological framework also provides the tools and knowledge needed to envision an alternative, community-oriented response to harm—within and beyond queer communities. In this way, the book presents queer criminology not only as a way of understanding LGBTQ+ experiences, but also as a means for analysing the broader shortcomings of a system that more often exacerbates risk of harm than minimises it.Queer(y)ing Civil Law Responses to Domestic and Family Violence will be useful for students and scholars of LGBTQ+ violence, as well as a valuable resource for policy makers, legal and specialist practitioners and advocates considering how best to respond to LGBTQ+ domestic and family violence.
Language, Place, and the Body in Childhood Literacies: Theory, Practice, and Social Justice (Expanding Literacies in Education)
by Rachel Holmes Rosie Flewitt Abigail Hackett Christina MacRae Khawla Badwan Ruth Churchill Dower Warda Farah Vishnu Kk Nair David Ben ShannonChallenging dominant views of early childhood language development and knowledge, this thought-provoking volume illuminates the importance of place, the body, and movement in opening space for young children’s improvisatory, creative, playful language practices.Bringing together a rich collection of contemporary research and diverse perspectives, the book centers on the premise that ‘where’ talk happens—be it spoken, mimed, signed, or assisted through one or more communication tools—is not a neutral backdrop or controllable variable. Rather, it is deeply entangled in the emergence of language from bodies, in how these vocalizations make their way into the world, what they might feel like and set into motion, and how they are received, heard and listened to by other humans and by non-humans. Chapter authors introduce theories about language, body, and place, while also providing examples of what this work may look like in practice.This book is key reading for those who work with young children and families, including teachers, pre-service teachers studying child development, speech and language therapists, support workers, and those in the arts, cultural and environmental sectors. It is also highly relevant to researchers, literacy education scholars, and anyone who endeavors to think more expansively and critically about language and literacy in early childhood contexts.
Post-Colonial Realism: Cultural Conflicts, Cuisine, and the Changing International System
by Hanna Samir KassabIn Post-Colonial Realism, Hanna Samir Kassab develops a theoretical framework to explain, understand, and predict international conflict, placing culture at the center of international political analysis.Kassab contends that nationalism, a belief system, forms an intervening variable that shapes the foreign policy behavior of states. Studying food is central to understanding nationalist belief systems that shape international politics. By combining theories of nationalism with post-colonialist understandings of cultural revitalization, Kassab conceptualizes state motivation to understand how cultural symbols shape nationalist identities, to see the fault lines of civilization through food, and to appreciate the centrality of identity issues. Using ethnography to understand food ownership as part of nationalist conflict, Kassab examines neighboring states (Greece, North Macedonia, Turkey and Armenia) alongside India. In each country study chapter, he compares at least two nationalisms and views of cuisine ownership. He later maps out potential future flashpoints as the international system becomes increasingly competitive due to the changing structure of the international system: unipolarity to multipolarity.Post-Colonial Realism offers a more robust and flexible theory of international relations, concentrating not on abstractions but on individuals and their collective beliefs.
Rethinking Disability, Care, and Motherhood: Lived Experiences of Disabled Mothers in India (Critical and Qualitative Approaches to Mental Health Experiences among Vulnerable Groups)
by Priyasha Choudhary Shubha RanganathanThis book focuses on the lived realities of disabled mothers to examine how they navigate their multiple competing responsibilities and identities. It reimagines normative constructions of motherhood, dependency, and care while rethinking advocacy and resistance, in the context of disability, gender, and mental health. It essentially argues that disabled women negotiate a delicate balancing act: they constantly work at proving their competence, even as they push the boundaries of normative femininity.The book is grounded in qualitative research on disabled mothers. In these conversations, disabled mothers described various aspects of their motherhood journey, ranging from their interactions with society to their daily experiences within the household. Drawing from critical disability studies, critical psychology, care theory, and feminist scholarship, this interdisciplinary volume elaborates on the everyday situations that disabled mothers encounter and the strategies they engage in to provide care for their children.This book will be relevant for students and scholars in disability studies, psychology, gender studies, development studies, medical anthropology and sociology, and medical humanities, among others. Further, the use of case studies makes it an essential read for practitioners and policymakers. Recognising the political significance of ‘plain language’ in disability studies, the book’s accessible language will appeal to academic, lay, and practitioner audiences.
How Feminist Writing Shapes Personal and Political Narratives: Odd Shoes and Other Essays
by Elizabeth MackinlayHow Feminist Writing Shapes Personal and Political Narratives delves into the profound influence of female writers on the author's craft and worldview.This book, inspired by the blog "In-sister," explores the evocative writings of feminist thinkers and how their work shapes personal and political narratives. With a rich tapestry of memory, critique, and creativity, the author reflects on the transformative power of women's words across generations. This book offers readers a collection of essays that examine the writings of iconic female authors like Marilyn French, Virginia Woolf, and Hélène Cixous. It underscores the value of feminist citation as a form of memory and resistance, fostering a deep connection with the literary legacies that shape feminist discourse. Readers will find a unique blend of memoir, literary analysis, and social commentary that celebrates the radical potential of writing to inspire change and cultivate solidarity among women.This is an essential read for those interested in feminist literature, essay writing, and the intersection of personal and political narratives. It is particularly relevant for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of women's studies, literary criticism, and those seeking inspiration from the powerful voices of female writers. This book is a tribute to the enduring legacy of feminist writing and its ability to transform lives and societies.
China’s Anti-monopoly Law in the Digital Era: How China Tames the Digital Behemoth
by Jingmeng CaiThe book aims to depict the whole picture of China's Anti-Monopoly Law (AML) in the digital sector and reveals the three key factors that shape AML enforcement.The author introduces the legal revolution and a major enforcement campaign in the digital sector. She focuses on three typical monopolistic behaviours—abuse of dominant position, merger control, and monopoly agreements. High-profile cases—such as administrative penalties against Alibaba and Tencent and private lawsuits against Apple and Didi Chuxing—are discussed in detail. She also identifies three underlying factors that have influenced AML enforcement reform: the political factor, the legal factor, and the academic factor. Finally, the book raises open questions and challenges that are relevant not only to China but to a wide range of jurisdictions.The book will appeal to competition law (antitrust) and Chinese law academics, practitioners, and officials, as well as general readers interested in the subject.
Phytonutrients in the Treatment of Breast Cancer: Molecular Aspects and Therapeutic Potential
by Tarun Belwal Haroon Khan Muhammad Ajmal Shah Eduardo Sobarzo-SánchezPhytonutrients in the Treatment of Breast Cancer delves into the evolving role of phytonutrients as powerful therapeutic agents in the fight against breast cancer. This comprehensive book explores the molecular mechanisms by which bioactive compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and plant-based foods influence cancer progression, offering a promising approach to cancer prevention and treatment. Drawing on the latest research, it highlights how compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids and polyphenols target key molecular pathways involved in cancer cell growth, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy.Incorporating cutting-edge experimental and clinical data, this book provides a detailed examination of how specific phytonutrients can complement traditional cancer therapies. It presents a compelling case for the integration of these natural compounds into holistic treatment strategies, aimed at improving patient outcomes while minimizing side effects. The author addresses the potential of phytonutrients to support immune function, reduce inflammation, and enhance the efficacy of conventional treatments, positioning these dietary compounds as critical adjuncts in personalized cancer care.Features: Covers the latest research on how phytonutrients contribute to breast cancer prevention and treatment Explains in-depth the molecular pathways through which phytonutrients exert their anti-cancer effects Provides practical applications for incorporating phytonutrient-rich foods into breast cancer treatment plans Discusses how consuming phytonutrients may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer Includes a comprehensive list of resources and references for further exploration into phytonutrient research The book also emphasizes the growing importance of diet and nutrition in cancer prevention, offering practical insights for healthcare professionals, researchers, and patients alike. With a focus on the therapeutic potential of plant-based foods, Phytonutrients in the Treatment of Breast Cancer serves as an invaluable resource for those seeking to understand the molecular intricacies of cancer and explore innovative, integrative treatment options. Whether for clinical application or research exploration, this book provides a solid foundation for advancing the role of phytonutrients in breast cancer therapy.
The Ethics of Argumentation (Routledge Studies in Contemporary Philosophy)
by Katharina StevensThis book offers a new approach to the theory of argumentation that conceptualizes argumentation as a fundamentally ethical activity whose norms are grounded in, and must be selected according to, moral reasons.Current normative approaches to argumentation do not treat ethics as an integral part of argumentation theory. This is at least in part due to a methodological commitment not to address internal states of the arguers, such as intentions and beliefs, which makes moral theorizing about argumentation difficult. This book presents three arguments for why ethics ought to be a central element in normative theorizing about argumentation. Through these arguments it shows, first, that ethics is needed for providing normative argumentation theory with its foundation and for offering arguers reliable guidance for decision- making, both about which norms ought to govern their arguing and how they should shape each argument they make. Second, it addresses some of the most persistent problems faced by currently dominant normative approaches to argumentation, most notably that they are only reliable under the assumption that unrealistic background conditions are fulfilled. Finally, it provides the groundwork for a systematic ethics of argumentation. It does so by showing how a function of argumentation can be justified via moral reasons and by providing the outlines for both an applied ethics of (meta- level) normative argument design and an applied role-ethics of object-level arguing.The Ethics of Argumentation is essential reading for researchers and graduate students in a wide range of disciplines— including philosophy, communication studies, linguistics, and rhetoric— who are interested in communication, deliberation, argumentation, critical thinking, and social epistemology.
Strategic Management of Wastewater from Intensive Rural Industries (Springer Water)
by Nurudeen Abiola Oladoja Emmanuel Iyayi UnuabonahThis book provides insight into the environmental and ecological impacts of the operations of intensive rural industries and how these undesirable impacts can be effectively managed. In the developing economies, the different human empowerment and poverty alleviation schemes have produced myriads of intensive rural industries that littered States in these economies. These industries are often characterized by their small scale, outmoded technology, obsolete equipment, poor management and large water consumption. Since their operations usually consume large volume of fresh water, high magnitude of untreated wastewater is equally discharged. The huge consumption of freshwater puts a lot of stress on freshwater resource available for human use, and the discharge of contaminated wastewater from these industries disrupts the ecological balance. It has been reported that untreated industrial waste constitutes about two-thirds of the total waste discharge into water bodies, and the largest chunk of this is derived from rural enterprises. Therefore, the environmental cost of rural industrialization is enormous and needs to be examined.The evaluation of the quality characteristics, the socioeconomic impacts and the law guiding the generation and the discharge of the wastewater from specific rural industries are enunciated. The conventional practice and the trends in the effective management of specific wastewater samples are also discussed.
Spoken Language Processing: Conversational AI for Spontaneous Human Dialogues (Studies in Computational Intelligence #1205)
by Mikołaj MorzyThis book tackles the complexities of spontaneous human dialogues, exploring the challenges of unscripted conversations with their interruptions, overlaps, and disfluencies for conversational AI. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the differences between spontaneous and prescriptive languages, examining the impact of these differences on machine learning models. The author examines the technical aspects of processing spontaneous speech, including automatic speech recognition and transcript engineering, discussing the design and development of AI systems capable of handling the nuances of spontaneous dialogues. Written for researchers in natural language processing and students interested in AI and machine learning applications for spontaneous human communication, this book serves as a guide for understanding the latest advancements in the field and developing more robust and effective Conversational AI systems.
Selbstheilung durch Vorstellungskraft
by Gary Bruno SchmidDieses Buch widmet sich dem Themenkomplex Vorstellungskraft als Heilmittel. Der Autor – theoretischer Physiker, Psychologe, Psycho- und medizinischer Hypnotherapeut – hat die wissenschaftliche Literatur über psychogene Heilung gesammelt, kritisch bewertet und um neue Daten und Erkenntnisse, basierend auf jahrzehntelanger Erfahrung, erweitert. Das Spektrum reicht von einfacher Entspannung über Psychoneuroimmunologie bis zur Selbstheilung durch Vorstellungskraft. Da die Psychoneuroimmunologie – evidenzbasierte Grundlage für psychogene Reaktionen des menschlichen Organismus, wie z. B. Entspannung, Placebo-/Noceboeffekt oder medizinische Hypnose – selten explizit Bezug auf die Vorstellungskraft nimmt, führt der Autor den Begriff der Bewusstseinsmedizin ein. Er erläutert die psychoneuroimmunologischen Zusammenhänge der Vorstellungskraft und entwickelt eine einfache, generische Sechs-Dramaturgische-Elemente-Methode für die praktische Anwendung der medizinischen Hypnose zur Selbstheilung, die anhand konkreter Beispiele aus der Praxis dargestellt wird. Der Leitsatz seiner Erkenntnisse lässt sich so zusammenfassen: “Jede Heilung ist letztendlich immer eine Selbstheilung und die Vorstellungskraft dient als Heilmittel.“
Urban Sustainability: Navigating Environmental Transition Challenges in Global South (Disaster Risk Reduction)
by Rajib Shaw Mohammed Firoz C Lalit Kumar DashoraThis book delves into the dynamic intersection of urbanization and sustainability in the rapidly evolving cities of the Global South and unravels the complexities and nuances surrounding the environmental transition challenges in the region. The primary objective is to offer a comprehensive understanding of how cities in the Global South are struggling with the intricate task of achieving sustainability amidst rapid urbanization with population growth, economic transformations, and environmental uncertainties such as climate change associated with emerging extreme events. By examining case studies, policy frameworks, and innovative solutions, the book sheds light on the unique circumstances shaping the sustainability discourse in these urban landscapes. The book also provides a roadmap to craft-informed policies and strategies to foster sustainable urban development, addressing pressing issues such as resource management, climate resilience, and social equity. As the cities of the Global South navigate the challenges of the twenty-first century, the "urban sustainability" emerges as a timely and indispensable guide to shape resilient, inclusive, and environmentally conscious cities in the Global South. This book is a valuable resource for academics, policymakers, urban planners, environmentalists, and citizens at large.
Structuring Sustainable Finance Transactions: A Practical Guide to the Legal and Financial Considerations of Green Finance Instruments
by Aaron FranklinThe rapid rise of green bonds, sustainability-linked loans and other sustainable finance transactions has been one of the most surprising developments in corporate finance over the past 15 years. Sustainable finance is rapidly growing as an educational subject among top universities, business schools and law schools, separate from the only somewhat related &“ESG&” and sustainable investing trends. But sustainable finance transactions are prone to being misunderstood, sometimes the subject of controversy and structured largely behind closed doors. Mainstream news outlets, NGOs and political leaders routinely criticize this evolving market, with arguments ranging from greenwashing (not doing enough) to anti-ESG (doing too much). Making matters worse, there is a dearth of pragmatic, comprehensive and objective resources to help students and practitioners go beyond a superficial understanding. This book will be a first-of-its-kind resource unlocking the mysteries of structuring and executing sustainable finance transactions. This book addresses the entire spectrum of new and emerging transaction types, as well as the rarely articulated concepts explaining why these deals work the way they do.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Sports Science
by Daniel MemmertThis professional book is one of the first book publications providing a comprehensive overview of how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are used in the context of sports science research and sports practice. In addition to the basics of AI and ML, various applications are described, including self-learning algorithms for analyzing athletes' movement patterns and intelligent wearables that provide real-time data. By integrating big data, game results, fitness parameters and individual performance can be analyzed in detail, leading to new developments in research. There are many opportunities for future research activities, e.g. performance analysis to prevent injuries and personalized training methods. More than 25 experts help to cover a wide range of topics related to AI and ML and concisely summarize the latest state of research. Various topics are clustered in overarching book sections, including general basics, metrics in team sports, metrics in individual sports and applications in sports science. An outlook also addresses ethical issues concerning the use of AI and ML in sport and their responsible application. Overall, professionals and researchers in the fields of sports informatics, sports technology, exercise science and sports medicine are provided with a comprehensive reference work with practical examples of an innovative field of research.
Cognitive and Neural Foundations of Chinese Reading: From Learning to Advanced Processing and Beyond (Chinese Language Learning Sciences)
by Denise Hsien WuThis book provides a comprehensive and concise introduction of experiments on contemporary issues of language processing and the brain. It covers a wide range of neurolinguistic and neuroscience topics, including but not limited to word recognition, reading acquisition and dyslexia (in typically developed children, foreign language learners, and deaf people), comprehension of sentences and fictional narratives, the interplay of language processing/acquisition with other cognitive domains, and aging of language comprehension and Chinese reading. This book showcases the significance of empirical studies on language and cognitive processing, particularly those emerging from the Taiwan research community, to illuminate the intricate nature of the language faculty enabled by the sophisticated computations of the brain. This book informs readers of crucial issues in the neurolinguistic literature and advances in neuroimaging technology and provides perspectives inspired by evolution and neuroscience.
Blending Approaches Towards Sustainability Focus (Earth and Environmental Sciences Library)
by Pardeep Singh André Cavalcante da Silva BatalhãoIn an era defined by environmental challenges and the urgent need for sustainable practices, this book emerges as a groundbreaking resource for public and private organizations, practitioners, users of environmental services, and professionals in the fields of environmental sciences, engineering sciences, and business sciences. This thought-provoking book delves into the intricate realm of sustainability, offering profound insights, theoretical frameworks, and practical solutions that can be applied across diverse sectors and systems worldwide. Purpose and the Need for a New Resource: Authored with a visionary perspective, this book aims to catalyze change and inspire action in the face of pressing global challenges. The urgency of addressing energy transition, waste management, sustainable supply chain, and circular economy has never been more evident. As we navigate a world grappling with climate change, resource depletion, and ecological degradation, there is a critical need for a comprehensive and up-to-date resource that provides both theoretical foundations and technical guidance on sustainable practices. This book fills a crucial gap in the literature by addressing these pressing concerns and equipping readers with the knowledge and tools necessary to foster a sustainable future. By amalgamating insights from environmental, engineering, and business sciences, "Sustainable Futures" offers a multidisciplinary approach, presenting a holistic understanding of sustainability and its interconnectedness with various sectors and systems. Solving Problems for Readers: The book illuminates the theoretical underpinnings of sustainability while equipping readers with tangible mechanisms for transformative action. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, this book empowers practitioners and professionals alike to implement sustainable strategies and initiatives within their organizations. Moreover, this book recognizes the need for context-specific approaches, acknowledging the diverse range of systems and sectors around the world.
Addressing South Africa's Moral Crisis: Society, Moral Identity, and the Psycho-Social Dynamics of Post-Apartheid South Africa
by Nico VorsterThis book attempts to understand and address the psycho-social dynamics behind South Africa&’s moral crisis. It describes South Africa as afflicted by state capture, violence, corruption, and the looting of state infrastructure thirty years after the establishment of democracy. It then provides a holistic, social diagnosis of this problem that integrates the findings of different disciplines into an overall picture of the forces at work in South Africa's collective moral decline. Ultimately, this book engages with the deeper psycho-social phenomena behind South Africa&’s moral decline, arguing that the diagnostic question of why this moral decline has taken place must be answered before turning to the normative question of what ought to happen in this situation. Accordingly, this book explores themes regarding the innate moral capacities of the human person, the effects of need pressures and systemic pressures on ethical decision-making, and the phenomena of distorted motivational drives and distorted behavioral responses. It shows how the framing of virtue-centered moral identities might act as buffers against moral disengagement strategies and assist in promoting pro-social behavior. It then specifies the macro-social changes required to create such an ethical-social climate. The book is of interest to social scientists, ethicists, behavioral scientists, educators, theologians, and moral philosophers. In the end, this case study of South Africa shows us more broadly how maintaining public morality and social cohesion is a challenge that most modern societies face.
Essays on Topology: Dedicated to Valentin Poénaru
by Athanase Papadopoulos Louis FunarThis book consists of a collection of articles dedicated to Valentin Poénaru, on topology and geometry in a broad sense. Poénaru is one of the leading mathematicians whose work had an essential impact on the development of topology in France over the last forty years of the twentieth century. The special topics addressed in this volume include hyperbolic geometry, 3-manifolds, complex and symplectic geometry, differential topology, combinatorial group theory, piecewise-linear topology, algebraic geometry, knots and links, homotopy theory, braid groups, phylogenetics, the history of geometry, and the philosophy of mathematics. This collection of articles, written by well-known researchers, provides a lively insight into a number of current research topics in geometry and topology.
Colonial Scholasticism: Interpreting Nature, Society, and Philosophy in Spanish America (Global Perspectives on the History of Natural Philosophy)
by Nicola Polloni Abel Aravena ZamoraColonial Scholasticism: Interpreting Nature, Society, and Philosophy in Spanish America explores the enduring influence of scholasticism beyond Europe, tracing its evolution in the intellectual and educational institutions of colonial Latin America.Far from being a mere extension of European thought, colonial scholasticism developed in response to new cultural, political, and scientific contexts, engaging with both local realities and global philosophical traditions. This volume examines the emergence and adaptation of scholastic philosophy in Spanish America, from the establishment of schools and universities to the development of novel approaches to law, science, and theology. It explores how the works of Aristotle and his ancient and medieval followers continued to shape intellectual discourse in the American world. At the same time, it highlights how these traditions were reinterpreted in dialogue with Indigenous knowledge, social structures, and the challenges posed by colonial rule. Bringing together contributions from leading scholars in the field, Colonial Scholasticism sheds light on a neglected chapter in the history of Western philosophy. It challenges Eurocentric periodisations that confine scholasticism to the Middle Ages and demonstrates its continued relevance in shaping philosophical and scientific thought well into early modernity.This book is an essential resource for historians of philosophy, scholars of Latin American intellectual history, and all those interested in the global dimensions of scholasticism.
Machine Learning for Semiconductor Materials (Emerging Materials and Technologies)
by Neeraj Gupta Rashmi Gupta Rekha Yadav Sandeep Dhariwal Rajkumar SarmaMachine Learning for Semiconductor Materials studies recent techniques and methods of machine learning to mitigate the use of technology computer-aided design (TCAD). It provides various algorithms of machine learning, such as regression, decision tree, support vector machine, K-means clustering and so forth. This book also highlights semiconductor materials and their uses in multi-gate devices and the analog and radio-frequency (RF) behaviours of semiconductor devices with different materials.Features: Focuses on semiconductor materials and the use of machine learning to facilitate understanding and decision-making. Covers RF and noise analysis to formulate the frequency behaviour of semiconductor devices at high frequency. Explores pertinent biomolecule detection methods. Reviews recent methods in the field of machine learning for semiconductor materials with real-life applications. Examines the limitations of existing semiconductor materials and steps to overcome the limitations of existing TCAD software. This book is aimed at researchers and graduate students in semiconductor materials, machine learning and electrical engineering.
Experimental Xiqu Performances Endure: A Soft Touch of the Wounds with Interweaving Aesthetics (Routledge Advances in Theatre & Performance Studies)
by Lin ChenThis book offers a detailed, comprehensive, and theoretically grounded study of experimental xiqu performances that have taken place in recent decades across Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and online platforms.Situating these performances within their specific socio-political contexts and historical trajectories, this book explores the question, what defining aesthetics and methodologies characterise experimental xiqu practices, and how do they distinguish themselves from traditional xiqu aesthetics and the ‘intercultural theatre’ paradigm epitomised by the ‘Western story, Eastern body’ approach? A performative theoretical framework is developed to facilitate a thorough examination of the evolution of xiqu from the last millennium to modern times, with particular focus on the 20th century. The primary objectives of this investigation are twofold: to establish a nuanced understanding of the dynamic and non-dualistic concept of ‘traditional xiqu’, and to provide a vivid depiction of the diverse soils shaping various experimental xiqu performances. Focusing on aesthetics, this book further conducts detailed performance analyses of The Outcast General, Metamorphosis, Sighing and The Spirits Play Online. This book contends that experimental xiqu performances reveal the deep wounds borne by a significant number of ordinary people. Owing to the discourse of ‘beauty’ surrounding xiqu, the institutional constraints, the dualistic political discourses and, most of all, the as-yet-unconstructed condition of collective cultural trauma within these contexts, all the wounds are touched ‘softly’. Experimental xiqu performances help endure the deep wounds and the unarticulated cultural traumas.This book will be of great interest to theatre, performance and opera studies scholars and students.
The Routledge Companion to Responsible Business (Routledge Companions in Business, Management and Marketing)
by Adam Lindgreen François Maon Stefan Markovic Cristina SanchaContemporary companies are expected to behave ethically and responsibly toward their stakeholders and to provide social and environmental good. Key stakeholder groups, including employees, consumers, investors, and public authorities, increasingly demand that companies deliver products and services in responsible yet economically sound manners and act in accordance with moral obligations and financial requirements. Such mounting societal expectations and institutional pressures relate to complex concerns, including environmental and climate impact, working conditions, and human rights, both locally and oversees. In this context, as companies now appear to commit to comprehensively tackle ethical, social, environmental, and economic challenges, concerns increasingly are raised as to whether most companies in the end can indeed contribute to societal and environmental good and transform how they operate to create value responsibly, considering the success and impact of so called corporate social responsibility or sustainability policies.In recent decades, while some companies have advanced on their social and environmental responsibility journey, other companies have engaged in ethical, social, and environmental initiatives in manipulative and insincere way, or merely as a rhetorical tool to maintain legitimacy. Together with governments and business partners, these companies are largely failing to deliver for society and the environment. Subsequently, more than ever before, understanding what it means to do business responsibly and how business actors can engage constructively in ways that support the development of resilient business practices, forms, and organizations that contribute to generate positive impact for society and the environment and generate the type of economic value needed to address the key challenges of this century is central.On this background, this edited volume sheds light on different crucial themes and approaches spanning historical, conceptual, operational, critical, practical, and prospective considerations that have animated the field of business and society in the last decades, and that are instrumental or have the potential to drive constructive research discussions and business efforts.The central aim of the book is to set the research agenda for the next five to seven years, to redefine existing areas within the context of international research, and to highlight emerging research areas in need of further investigation, representing a prestige reference work providing an overview of the subject area of responsible business, primarily for academics, researchers, postgraduate students, as well as reflective practitioners.
Corporate Crime: The Firm as Victim and Offender (Advances in Criminological Theory)
by William S. Laufer Miranda A. GalvinThis volume speaks to the fundamental issues inherent in trying to understand the who-what-where-and-whys of corporate crime. Only in addressing these larger issues does it become possible to begin to integrate the study of corporate crime into the larger criminological theory literature. A collection of chapters by experts in the field grapples with three deceptively simple questions: When are firms morally and legally responsible agents? What are the harms of corporate wrongdoing and who are the victims? What theories offer insight to explain corporate wrongdoing? In the first section, chapter authors wrestle with what it means for a corporation to have agency enough to commit a violation of law as well as what philosophies of punishment might apply when there is no body to jail. The second section focuses attention on the often unnamed, ambiguous, or even ignored victims of corporate crime. Many authors in this section take a broad view of “victimization,” speaking to the ways in which the intentional acts of corporations produce negative consequences for individuals and society at large through both the violation of law and the use of corporate power to produce laws that do not problematize corporate behavior. The third section turns to issues in corporate offending research, including the circumstances that beget offending, how corporations may be thought to have “life courses,” and the role of the State in structuring criminal opportunity. The editors wrap up the volume by proposing a framework for developing a more comprehensive system of criminal responsibility for corporate actors.The chapters in this volume underscore the failures of the current system and are intended to inspire readers to push for change. This important work will be of interest to a wide range of criminologists and has potential to shape the future of corporate crime theory and research. It is ideal for use in graduate seminars and upper-level undergraduate courses.
Social Suffering and Healing among Migrant Labourers: A Qualitative Study of the Informal Sector (Critical and Qualitative Approaches to Mental Health Experiences among Vulnerable Groups)
by Sangeeta YadavThe book uncovers the nuances of the lives of unskilled migrant labourers in India. The qualitative approach, along with the social constructivist paradigm and ethnographic fieldwork demonstrates the nature of scientific inquiry carried out in this work. The data analysis methods supporting the narratives will not only help readers understand the experiences of the migrant communities but will also facilitate a bond of empathy with the participants.Taking a bottom-up approach, the book explores how migrant labourers’ suffering, and their sense of wellbeing are deeply embedded in their existing surroundings. It throws light on the numerous communities across the world that are at high risk of developing mental health related problems due to existing socio-political conditions.The book will be useful to the students, researchers, and teachers of Sociology, Social Work, Anthropology, Psychology, Political Science, Economics, Public Policy and Administration. It will be especially be useful to mental health professionals, social workers and NGOs engaging with migrant or other marginalized communities.