This study investigates the normative framework and the experienced reality of a social norm to enable effective policymaking, which improves the financial situation of the underserved in Eastern...Show moreThis study investigates the normative framework and the experienced reality of a social norm to enable effective policymaking, which improves the financial situation of the underserved in Eastern Province, Zambia. Social norms are becoming increasingly part of social science research, but working with social norms is not straightforward. This thesis contributes to this field of knowledge by giving in-depth qualitative knowledge of how a social norm influences people in rural Zambia. A previously conducted quantitative research revealed tensions between the desire for individual control over money and social and personal norms prohibiting secrecy, advocating the communal over personal interests. During a fieldwork period of ten weeks, seven group and twenty-two individual interviews were conducted. The group interviews show the content of the social norm and how salient it is in the communities where the interviews were conducted. The individual interviews shed light on how a social norm and its behavioral prescriptions are personally experienced. The main conclusion is that it is context-dependent on how social norms influence people's behavior choices, and this differs with time and personal circumstances. The behavioral prescriptions of the social norm prohibiting saving in secret do not guide all community members' actual behavior all the time. Some people sporadically elude or violate the norm secretly, while others do it openly, and again others never transgress. This norm is dynamically and flexibly interpreted depending on people's living situations. Effective policies should include this variety of households and living situations to improve the financial situation of the underserved.Show less
Since the beginning of the twenty-first century, the African continent has been affected by an expansion of the Chinese economic presence across several dimensions. This process of economic...Show moreSince the beginning of the twenty-first century, the African continent has been affected by an expansion of the Chinese economic presence across several dimensions. This process of economic integration elevated the relevance of the Sino-African commercial relationship, raising questions over the PRC’s interests and the resulting consequences for the African continent. By using the notion of economic diplomacy, this paper investigates the evolution of Chinese economic policies in the African continent between 2006 and 2015, particularly by looking at the case study of Zambia. The findings of the research show that Chinese economic policies were established through bilateral agreements with single African countries to foster economic integration by commercial and financial means. During the empirical analysis, implications deriving from the evolution of Chinese economic policies raised questions for possible future research.Show less
Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are the biggest marginalised group in the world, especially within the context of the global South. Having a disability is linked to extreme poverty because of...Show morePersons with disabilities (PWDs) are the biggest marginalised group in the world, especially within the context of the global South. Having a disability is linked to extreme poverty because of lacking social services, high medical costs and low employment rates. These challenges contribute to a low self-esteem among young persons with physical impairments. On top of that, societal prejudices and negatives stereotypes about PWDs only further deteriorate their situation. This thesis clarifies the potential that role models have in disability advocacy, something that has never been researched before. Field research in Zambia demonstrated that role models have the potential to (1) address the negative self-esteem of youth with disabilities, (2) stimulate their pro-active attitude, (3) strengthen their ability to speak out and (4) enhance group solidarity. These outcomes are realised through indirect engagement between role models and disabled youth (through observation) and direct engagement (through teaching and feedback).Show less
Over the past decades, China has evolved into a major world power and moved away from being an isolated nation to one integrated into the international community. This thesis will discuss how...Show moreOver the past decades, China has evolved into a major world power and moved away from being an isolated nation to one integrated into the international community. This thesis will discuss how Chinese presence, power and interference have evolved and how this has impacted the international community with a focus on the African continent. Going more in-depth with two case studies in Africa, Ethiopia and Zambia, it will describe the reasons for China’s cooperation with both countries and the differences in her strategic approach and outcome.Show less
This thesis reflects the findings of a study conducted in Lumwana in the North-Western province of Zambia in 2009, 2013 and 2014. It looks at the socio-economic impacts of large scale mining...Show moreThis thesis reflects the findings of a study conducted in Lumwana in the North-Western province of Zambia in 2009, 2013 and 2014. It looks at the socio-economic impacts of large scale mining activities on the Lumwana community. To find out how the community has been impacted, the study combined primary and secondary data collection including a small survey, open and structured interviews,a documentary research, field observations and focus group discussions. Copper mining industry plays a very important role in Zambia: it is the main driving force behind Zambia's economy. In order to mitigate some of such negative effects and ensure peaceful coexistence between the mining company and the surrounding communities, LMC tries to provide certain socio-economic incentives for the Lumwana communities. However, perceived inequalities in the distribution of economical benefits, unfulfilled expectations, the lack of social infrastructure and the issues of migration are all contributing to the development of social conflicts. It is suggested that for the interests of the communities to be represented, government, chiefs and the international corporations involved should redefine their roles. Copper mining industry plays a very important role in Zambia: it is the main driving force behind Zambia's economy. In order to mitigate some of such negative effects and ensure peaceful coexistence between the mining company and the surrounding communities, LMC tries to provide certain socio-economic incentives for the Lumwana communities. However, perceived inequalities in the distribution of economical benefits, unfulfilled expectations, the lack of social infrastructure and the issues of migration are all contributing to the development of social conflicts. It is suggested that for the interests of the communities to be represented, government, chiefs and the international corporations involved should redefine their roles.Show less
Was the TAZARA railway a successful instrument in the development of an economic nation state in Zambia? The effects of state, nation and market building on Kasama during 1976 - 1986
Empirical evidence shows that maternal sensitivity and child attachment are universal phenomena and cross-cultural differences in its quality have been examined extensively. However, less is known...Show moreEmpirical evidence shows that maternal sensitivity and child attachment are universal phenomena and cross-cultural differences in its quality have been examined extensively. However, less is known about cultural differences or similarities in maternal beliefs about sensitive parenting. The current study tested the hypothesis that mothers from Zambia, Moroccan immigrant mothers in the Netherlands and Dutch mothers generally have similar beliefs about sensitive parenting. The total sample consisted of 75 mothers with at least one child between 6 months and 6 years old. Maternal views about an ideal mother assessed with the Maternal Behavior Q-Sort (Pederson, Moran, & Bento, 1999) showed high agreement between the groups of mothers. In addition, in all groups of mothers the sensitivity beliefs showed strong overlap with the notion of a highly sensitive mother as described by experts in the field of child and family studies. These findings suggest that sensitive parenting is seen as ideal across cultural and ethnic groups, which implies that it might be possible to use the same interventions and measurements for maternal sensitivity in different ethnic and cultural contexts.Show less
