Master thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
open access
Ecofeminist debate around ‘women as closer to nature’ centers the intersection between gender and climate. This assumption is put as unreliable, however ethnographic findings reveal that women of...Show moreEcofeminist debate around ‘women as closer to nature’ centers the intersection between gender and climate. This assumption is put as unreliable, however ethnographic findings reveal that women of the Greek island Corfu redefine ‘closeness to nature’ through the practice of herbalism. This study shows a nuanced depiction of the relationship between women and the natural environment, by revaluating notions of care and labor. Through ethnographic methods based on participant observation, in-depth interviews and filming, data is obtained. The data shows that the women of Corfu use herbalism as a means to be independent from their demanding role as caregivers; traditional knowledge is based on connections with past generations that refer to survival skills; herbalism teaches how mainstream society can live more sustainable. Concluding, herbalism is more than a practice. In the context of Corfu, herbalism critiques capitalist economies and creates a sustainable relationship with the natural environment. Through redefining labor and performing care as herbalist practice, lived experiences refine discussions on ‘women as closer to nature’.Show less
In this thesis I examine the future of Artificial Intelligence at work. My goal is to investigate whether the replacement of human labor is imminent and whether the use of AI is a source of...Show moreIn this thesis I examine the future of Artificial Intelligence at work. My goal is to investigate whether the replacement of human labor is imminent and whether the use of AI is a source of celebration or worry for labor. I first present some of the hopes and fears around fully-automated, labor-replacing AI technology. I then argue that any predictions are best-situated within the historical and material parameters of value and profit. I aspire to examine how these relate to human-labor, set the pace and shape the limits of the use of AI and labor-replacement. I conclude this thesis by investigating whether it is possible for AI to dominate production within the current economic framework, or not.Show less
This thesis describes the topic of labor within the NAFTA agreement, based on the labor conditions, labor unions, and finally labor mobility. It examines whether the labor conditions during the...Show moreThis thesis describes the topic of labor within the NAFTA agreement, based on the labor conditions, labor unions, and finally labor mobility. It examines whether the labor conditions during the agreement improved or worsened.Show less
