In China, the term "leftover women" is used to describe young, succesful and single women in their twenties. Popular media depict "leftover women" as picky and selfish. In existing literature the...Show moreIn China, the term "leftover women" is used to describe young, succesful and single women in their twenties. Popular media depict "leftover women" as picky and selfish. In existing literature the role of the Chinese media and state in creating this image is often discussed. But how much influence does this image have on the next generation of Chinese women? And do they make important choices in life in order to avoid becoming a "leftover woman"? By conducting in-depth interviews with young Chinese women that study in the Netherlands, this study aims to create an understanding of their opinion about "leftover women" and how their life is influenced by the image around "leftover women".Show less
This thesis explores the Attic custom of pederasty by applying gaze theory to passages from Socratic philosophy, vase-paintings and a selection of Greek novels. This allows for previously under...Show moreThis thesis explores the Attic custom of pederasty by applying gaze theory to passages from Socratic philosophy, vase-paintings and a selection of Greek novels. This allows for previously under-emphasized emotions and views to be studied, which reveals that the repeated scholarly focus on static active and passive roles between lover and beloved respectively is unjustified and restricting. Instead a trope is present in the sources where the impact that gazing upon a desired youth had could render a lover passive to his beauty: the beloved held (emotional) power over him through the spectacle he presents.Show less
This thesis deals with the topical themes of home, homelessness, exile, and migration as explored in James Joyce's novel Ulysses (1922). The aim is to analyze the manner in which Joyce has...Show moreThis thesis deals with the topical themes of home, homelessness, exile, and migration as explored in James Joyce's novel Ulysses (1922). The aim is to analyze the manner in which Joyce has presented the various perspectives on these notions, and to what extent these themes may be connected to the characters in the text, with an emphasis on the two male leading characters, Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus. The thesis takes an original approach by using as its framework the sociological theories of Georg Simmel (1858-1918), a contemporary of Joyce.Show less
There are only a few other things in this world that can bring as much wonder and amazement to our way of life than tourism. Not only can tourism broaden the perspective of travellers, but it also...Show moreThere are only a few other things in this world that can bring as much wonder and amazement to our way of life than tourism. Not only can tourism broaden the perspective of travellers, but it also helps contribute to the economy of many countries that may otherwise struggle in financially tough times. Yet, still, despite all the benefits, travellers, visitors, and tourists (TV&T) do take a toll on our common global heritage. Thus, the purpose of this qualitative type thesis is to uncover certain negative physical and social impacts of tourism on heritage sites around the world and on various ethnic groups and/or Indigenous Peoples. The research for this thesis led to the discovery that heritage sites have been either directly or indirectly negatively impacted by TV&T and/or the greater tourism industry in many ways. The physical impacts were found to be in the forms of TV&T producing vandalising graffiti and erosion caused by their movements, their impact on the microclimate of caves containing ancient wall art, touching or keeping pieces of cultural heritage artefacts and the greater tourism industry initiating the placement of both temporary and permanent forms of construction. It was also discovered that TV&T and/or the greater tourism industry has caused various negative social impacts on the perceived sense of sanctity of various heritage sites and to the Indigenous Peoples living among them in the forms of ‘Naked Tourism’ and overcrowding at Machu Picchu and the city of Venice, Italy. Lastly, an exploration into the social impact of the commodification of Indigenous Peoples by the greater tourism industry led to the realisation that this can and has led to the exploitation of many of these peoples and the change in the significance of many of their cultural materials.Show less
A more peculiar approach to the study of the Sokoto Caliphate under the rule of Usman Dan Fodio. Unlike other similar studies on the Sokoto Caliphate, this research does not revolve around the...Show moreA more peculiar approach to the study of the Sokoto Caliphate under the rule of Usman Dan Fodio. Unlike other similar studies on the Sokoto Caliphate, this research does not revolve around the historical conceptualization of the Sokoto Caliphate, rather, takes a sociological perspective on examining the active role Islam played in building social cohesion.Show less
