This thesis discusses the concept of cultural identity in relation to three literary works. It argues that Kiran Desai’s novel, The Inheritance of Loss, highlights the postcolonial structure of its...Show moreThis thesis discusses the concept of cultural identity in relation to three literary works. It argues that Kiran Desai’s novel, The Inheritance of Loss, highlights the postcolonial structure of its characters’ identities, Jhumpa Lahiri’s novel, The Namesake, focuses on the concept of diaspora identities, as defined by Stuart Hall; her short stories collection, Interpreter of Maladies, on the other hand, centres around the interplay between social and personal identities, as put forward by Margarita Azmitia. Instead of portraying cultural identity as a monolithic construct, all three literary works make a case for the fact that cultural identity is ever-changing and dynamic.Show less
This thesis examines the impact of multinational corporations in the (eastern) Democratic Republic of the Congo through the extractive industry and the arms trade. It mainly focuses on the eastern...Show moreThis thesis examines the impact of multinational corporations in the (eastern) Democratic Republic of the Congo through the extractive industry and the arms trade. It mainly focuses on the eastern DRC as this is where the bulk of the natural resources, activities of MNCs and perennial conflicts are found.Show less
The decreased importance of the state, increased financialization, and growing power of multinationalcorporations have led to a shift of the responsibilities of the state, and a subsequent change...Show moreThe decreased importance of the state, increased financialization, and growing power of multinationalcorporations have led to a shift of the responsibilities of the state, and a subsequent change in the way in which different regimes legitimize their rule. The responsibilities of a regime, and the legitimacy it has are closely related in this regard. The research question that this thesis will aim to answer then is the following: "what is the influence of a regimes source of legitimacy on the responsibilities is has and the attitude the regime adopts vis-à-vis globalisation? For this purpose various theories on globalisation have been brought together in a theoretical model. This model is also tested and applied on Latin America in order to assess the relevance and applicability on non western economies.Show less
In the decades before the turn of the 19th to the 20th century Dutch writer Maurits Wagenvoort traveled across both the geographical and intellectual landscapes of Europe. Struggling with being an...Show moreIn the decades before the turn of the 19th to the 20th century Dutch writer Maurits Wagenvoort traveled across both the geographical and intellectual landscapes of Europe. Struggling with being an individual within the masses of an ever expanding (literary) world around 1900, Wagenvoort looks up to the modern intellectuals, artist and dreamers of his time. Three of them in particular act as his guides through this modern quest: Walt Whitman, Friedrich Nietzsche and Lev Tolstoj. Although Wagenvoort and his work is often left out in literary histories, why is a cultural history of his wrestle -- and that of his temporaries -- with living in a modern society still relevant for the 21st century?Show less
This research analyses the relationship between real effective exchange rates and trade balance changes in the presence of differing levels of global value chain complexity and fragmentation in a...Show moreThis research analyses the relationship between real effective exchange rates and trade balance changes in the presence of differing levels of global value chain complexity and fragmentation in a large sample of economies using a variety of quantitative analysis techniques (ordinary least square regression, two-stage least squares regression, fixed effects regression, and panel vector autoregression). The research expects economies which are more integrated into global value chains, with larger greater global value chain complexity, to have a weaker relationship between real effective exchange rates and trade balances changes. The results of the quantitative analysis find a weaker relationship between the two variables and suggests some potential effects that this will have on debates within global political economy.Show less
The coming together of foreign cultures and goods in the ancient Roman world is extraordinary. Here, the specific role and contribution of various foreign cultures can be analysed from several...Show moreThe coming together of foreign cultures and goods in the ancient Roman world is extraordinary. Here, the specific role and contribution of various foreign cultures can be analysed from several different angles. With a keen interest in Indo-Roman trade, this thesis investigates into the Indian objects that were brought over to the Roman world as a result of this trade. This includes objects ranging from spices and condiments, to various fabrics, precious stones, and even ivory objects. In contrast to the influences of Hellenistic and Egyptian art as seen in ancient Roman art and architecture, Indian objects played a much more domestic role. Comments by ancient Roman authors have allowed a glimpse into how these objects penetrated the ancient Roman daily life, and how quickly they gained popularity. Their perceptions about the Indian objects and the fascination of the land of India, go hand in hand in, particularly when we explore the reasons behind their demand and popularity. The spices seemed to have reached all the kitchens in the Roman society, from Rome to all of its provinces as well. The Indian fabrics made up a lot of the garments worn by Roman citizens. Precious Indian stones were found in the jewellery of many of the Roman matrons. A rather curious Ivory statuette of an Indian woman discovered in a small house at the site of Pompeii, reflects the Roman curation of Indian artefacts. The influence of the image of India and its objects is very clear from literary sources, but it is necessary to compare these with the archaeological material available to us, and to investigate into how they can contribute in getting an even better understanding of this cultural exchange. This thesis thus takes into consideration all these factors to formulate a conclusion on the idea of “India in the lives of Ancient Romans".Show less
The present thesis aims to introduce an educational proposal that will allow our societies, and particularly the society of Spain, to deal with the challenges presented by a globalised world. It is...Show moreThe present thesis aims to introduce an educational proposal that will allow our societies, and particularly the society of Spain, to deal with the challenges presented by a globalised world. It is a proposal for a balance between knowledge, social equality, and learning. The development of cosmopolitan education, managed through both schools and the community (local administration), is presented as a key to the sustainable development of our societies. An assessment of the rise of migrations in a context of asymmetrical globalisation, and its relation to sustainable development is a requirement when considering the importance of education in understanding the migration phenomenon to promote sustainability. A greater symmetry between sustainability and cosmopolitan education is recommended in order to heighten awareness in the world about the meaning and importance of sustainability and cosmopolitanism for our future.Show less
Due to the recent influx of foreigners into South Korea, its once very much homogeneous society is now becoming more diverse. The presence of these foreigners, who bring with them their own customs...Show moreDue to the recent influx of foreigners into South Korea, its once very much homogeneous society is now becoming more diverse. The presence of these foreigners, who bring with them their own customs and attitudes, has brought about the need for the rethinking of what it means to be a Korean citizen. One powerful way of shaping and changing society's views on national identity is through multicultural discourse in the national school curriculum. In this thesis I will review what changes the South Korean government has made tot the national curriculum, in order to broaden the meaning of South Korean national identity and accommodate the foreigners into society.Show less
Master thesis | Theology and Religious Studies (Master)
open access
In this thesis, the use of the English language in a Dutch neo-Pentecostal congregation is explored. The use of English is connected to the church's desire to be 'modern', in relation to other ...Show moreIn this thesis, the use of the English language in a Dutch neo-Pentecostal congregation is explored. The use of English is connected to the church's desire to be 'modern', in relation to other 'traditional' churches. In addition, it enables a mediation of authority from global Pentecostal preachers, to local pastors in the NetherlandsShow less
One of the defining characteristics of the past few decades is the growth and subsequently the internationalisation of corporations which can be attributed to manifold factors including more...Show moreOne of the defining characteristics of the past few decades is the growth and subsequently the internationalisation of corporations which can be attributed to manifold factors including more promising market opportunities, less strict market regulations, and more strengthened ties among states forming coalitions and alliances aimed at fostering economic growth, among others. Latin America – a region which never fails to attract scrutinising scholars owing to its socio-economic and political landscape, has witnessed the burgeoning of its domestic corporations and the creation and cessation of alliances among its component states. This thesis analyses the relationship of these two actors in order to shed light on the effects of globalisation in the region. It shall then argue that the process of globalisation in Latin America should not be seen in a generalising perspective. Rather, as the circumstances in the region’s economic and political landscapes suggest, the relationships between Multilatinas and the regional economic blocs indicate the “lumpiness” of the movement of capital, that is, occurring at different levels of intensity and not happening at an increasing level of global cohesion believed to eradicate nation-states.Show less
