The thesis provides a comparative analysis of the evolving regulatory frameworks in China's fintech sector, with a specific focus on Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending and crowdfunding. It explores how...Show moreThe thesis provides a comparative analysis of the evolving regulatory frameworks in China's fintech sector, with a specific focus on Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending and crowdfunding. It explores how these frameworks have adapted to technological innovations and assesses their impact on the development and stability of the fintech sector. The study reveals a transition from initial regulatory leniency to increased oversight in P2P lending and details the evolving regulatory environment of crowdfunding. By examining these sectors, the thesis sheds light on the interplay between regulation, technological innovation, and the broader economic and political context, contributing to both academic research and practical policy-making in the fintech field.Show less
South Korea, Japan, and China are struggling with loneliness in their respective societies. As prolonged feelings of loneliness can have large and lasting consequences for one’s health, it should...Show moreSouth Korea, Japan, and China are struggling with loneliness in their respective societies. As prolonged feelings of loneliness can have large and lasting consequences for one’s health, it should be avoided at all costs. People found solace in watching livestreams; the streams are very personal and it feels like the hosts are in the room with you. In South Korea, mukbangs became popular as more and more people are living in single-person households and therefore more frequently eat alone as well. VTubers made it possible for Japanese people to interact with anime characters, giving life to large communities as a growing number of people are looking at technology to fulfill their social needs. Nǚ zhǔ bō streams provided young Chinese men that are unable to find real girlfriends a virtual girlfriend experience. Livestreaming is a breeding ground for parasocial relationships, as the relationship between streamer and viewer feels very intimate and real. Ideally would viewers find comfort in the company not of the streamers, but in the community as a whole, in which actual meaningful relationships can be formed.Show less
This thesis delves into the intersection of Buddhism, medicine, and art through the lens of seventeenth-century Tibetan paintings known as the Blue Beryl series. These intricate artworks not only...Show moreThis thesis delves into the intersection of Buddhism, medicine, and art through the lens of seventeenth-century Tibetan paintings known as the Blue Beryl series. These intricate artworks not only serve as repositories of medical knowledge but also reflect the cultural, religious, and political values of their time. Central to these paintings is the representation of indigenous Tibetan perspectives on spirit-caused illnesses, which focus on the existence of elemental spirits deeply rooted in local beliefs and landscapes. The research aims to investigate the indigenous Tibetan beliefs surrounding spirit causation and illness as depicted in the Blue Beryl paintings, offering a deeper understanding of these often misconstrued spiritual entities. By closely analyzing the iconography within these artworks, the study seeks to unveil the presence and significance of non-Buddhist beliefs and practices within Tibetan psychiatry, shedding light on a less-explored aspect of Tibetan medicine and spirituality.Show less
This paper explores why Hinduism acts as a source of empowerment for Hindu Surinamese women in The Netherlands following Sanātan Dharm to answer the research question: ‘Why does Hinduism act as a...Show moreThis paper explores why Hinduism acts as a source of empowerment for Hindu Surinamese women in The Netherlands following Sanātan Dharm to answer the research question: ‘Why does Hinduism act as a source of empowerment for Surinamese Hindu women in the Netherlands?’ Currently it is unknown how empowered Surinamese Hindu women pursue Hinduism in The Netherlands. This research investigates the cultural and religious aspects of Hinduism they implement to their lives, why Hinduism acts as a source of empowerment for Hindu Surinamese women, how they combine their Hindu lifestyle with the Western society and how they convey Hinduism. For this, interviews were conducted with twenty women. The outcome was that most respondents express themselves by implementing life lessons from the Bhagavad Gitā. Negative aspects of Hinduism are linked to the marginalization of lower caste and women, who believe everyone should be treated equally. The results indicate that all Hindus define Hinduism not only as a way of life but also connect Hinduism to various concepts such as dharma, arth, kām, moksh and more. Some respondents are vegetarian or do vrat once a week or on religious festivities. They mostly join and celebrate religious festivities. In difficult situations, Hinduism provides guidance, and various deities, such as Durgā Mā, Kāli Mā, Pārvati Mā, Sarasvati Mā, Lakshmi Mā, and Santoshi Mā, are a source of empowerment. Hinduism also brings family together with its culture and religion and provides solace in difficult situations. Although a part of the respondents think that Hinduism is marginalizing women, we can conclude that the positive influence of Hinduism to the extent that it empowers them outweighs this negative aspect. Besides empowerment Hinduism is linked to many more values, such as energy, love, confidence, and peace.Show less
