This thesis explores the unusual cultural phenomenon that is South Korea’s high suicide rate. Although influential, South Korea’s competitive society, lack of attention to mental health and...Show moreThis thesis explores the unusual cultural phenomenon that is South Korea’s high suicide rate. Although influential, South Korea’s competitive society, lack of attention to mental health and cultural stigma cannot fully account for why this rate is so high. Therefore, a different aspect must be looked at, namely, The Werther Effect. Through the analysis of the case study of Choi Jin-Ri (Sulli), this research demonstrates how the K-Pop industry may be causing celebrities to take their own lives, thus through mechanism of the Werther Effect, aiding the increase of South Korea’s national suicide rate.Show less
Born in the wake of the Second World War, moulded by the polarisation of the Cold War and diametrically opposed to its Northern counterpart, South Korea’s domestic history and the arising memory...Show moreBorn in the wake of the Second World War, moulded by the polarisation of the Cold War and diametrically opposed to its Northern counterpart, South Korea’s domestic history and the arising memory issues are among the issues that were deemed worthy of addressing by the conception of the 2005 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Korea (TRCK). The truth-seeking activities of a truth and reconciliation commission tap into the larger debate on transitional versus punitive justice. This thesis will argue that South Korean politics are polarised along the same moral issues as the debate around the merits of a truth and reconciliation commission and that in the crossroads of the goals of a truth and reconciliation commission and the South Korean political context it tried to operate in lies a reflection of the structural problems of a truth and reconciliation commission.Show less
This thesis provides an overview of the policies implemented concerning indigenous rights since the formulation of the Brazilian National Constitution in 1988 until the recent return of the neo...Show moreThis thesis provides an overview of the policies implemented concerning indigenous rights since the formulation of the Brazilian National Constitution in 1988 until the recent return of the neo-conservative movement under pro-dictatorship authoritarian candidate Jair Bolsonaro. Brazil has been described as an emerging economy at the global level. However, its economic prioritization goals are linked with the intense extraction of natural resources and the expansion of infrastructure, agriculture, and illegal activities in the Amazon region, including indigenous territories. This paper seeks to illustrate the limits of such economic expansionism which threatens indigenous communities and their rights. Since Bolsonaro’s rise to power in 2019, the privileging of the agribusiness sector and military is endangering indigenous communities through dismantling of state institutions, implementation of public policies, and use of dehumanizing reminiscent of the colonial era.Show less
Ma Ke and ICICLE are two examples of Chinese contemporary luxury fashion which aim at embracing sustainable practices throughout their work. Through their examples, this thesis wants to show that...Show moreMa Ke and ICICLE are two examples of Chinese contemporary luxury fashion which aim at embracing sustainable practices throughout their work. Through their examples, this thesis wants to show that Chinese designers and brands constitute a major springboard for establishing a global model in sustainable fashion. Simultaneously, it seeks to dismantle the widespread stereotypes portraying Chinese fashion designers and brands as mere copycats of Western trends, as well as stereotypes describing Chinese fashion as a product of fast fashion. The literature review first explores the concept of ‘fashion’, and then delves into the different models fashion can take, namely fast fashion, sustainable fashion and luxury fashion. Finally, it assesses the degree of sustainable awareness in China, as well as highlights the crucial role of Chinese fashion designers and brands on the global scene. Then, the analysis of Ma Ke and ICICLE demonstrates that Chinese designers and brands have already been actively working towards embracing sustainability since the late 1990’s, and have further taken their designs to Paris as a way to successfully display their designs and practices. Nevertheless, despite similar visions of fashion and approaches to the environment, designer Ma Ke and brand ICICLE carry different purposes and philosophies.Show less
In this paper the relationships that existed between the Bolivian state, women’s-focused civil organisations and international NGOs between 2006 and 2019 will be explored. Whilst political networks...Show moreIn this paper the relationships that existed between the Bolivian state, women’s-focused civil organisations and international NGOs between 2006 and 2019 will be explored. Whilst political networks during the 1980s and 1990s have been the subject of much academic interest, the period 2006 - 2019 has been less well researched and therefore this dissertation will seek to fill a gap in the existing academia. There will be a particular emphasis on women’s issues. Instances where the actors’ interests aligned and instances where they did not will be highlighted and it will be considered which internal and external factors influenced this.Show less
As a result of increased interest in women’ s development, microfinance has received considerable attention. Microfinance is seen by some as an effective way of giving women the chance to come out...Show moreAs a result of increased interest in women’ s development, microfinance has received considerable attention. Microfinance is seen by some as an effective way of giving women the chance to come out of poverty and empower themselves. Microfinance is heavily criticized by others since they believe it does not do any good to impoverished women. This study investigates whether microfinance contributes to women’s empowerment in Tanzania through a case study on BRAC Tanzania. This research has found that BRAC’s microfinance projects contribute to the empowerment of a selected group of Tanzanian women.Show less
This thesis analyzes the influence of NAFTA on the agricultural sectors of the United States and Mexico between 1984 and 2004. The thesis is subdivided in three chapters, with each chapter...Show moreThis thesis analyzes the influence of NAFTA on the agricultural sectors of the United States and Mexico between 1984 and 2004. The thesis is subdivided in three chapters, with each chapter presenting one dimension of 'agricultural sector.' These dimensions are, production efficiency (1), trade competitiveness (2), and agricultural employment (3). Three general conclusions were made. NAFTA positively influenced Mexican and American production efficiency (1), NAFTA positively influenced American trade competitiveness, but negatively influenced Mexican trade competitiveness (2), and NAFTA barely influenced agricultural employment in the United States (3).Show less
How is Venezuela’s oil dependency associated with the authoritarian rise of Hugo Chávez Frías? This question can be addressed in three varying pathways; short, medium and long-term explanations....Show moreHow is Venezuela’s oil dependency associated with the authoritarian rise of Hugo Chávez Frías? This question can be addressed in three varying pathways; short, medium and long-term explanations. This paper attempts to construct profound insights into the rise of Chávez as a populist competitive authoritarian leader. In order to comprehend the popularity of a leader with authoritarian characteristics, the political and socio-economic context must be understood. Chávez’s rise is often seen as a consequence of the collapse of the Punto Fijo system. However, this only provides medium-term explanations. Instead, it should be asked why the collapse of puntofijismo entail the rise of authoritarianism. To answer this question, this thesis commences its research by exploring the foundations of the pact of Punto Fijo. It finds that Venezuela did not consolidate its democracy and, as a consequence, during social upheaval, its democratic institutions withered when confronted with the rise of authoritarianism. Furthermore, it explores the social grievances that led to Chávez’s rise and analyzes the role of petroleum in his ascension to power. The findings conclude that the pact of Punto Fijo, which prevailed for 40 years, prolonged the existence of peace and disguised democracy in Venezuela because it was built on clientelist strategies that were supported by oil rents. The decline of the world price of oil in the 1980s meant the collapse of an unsustainable system alongside the Venezuelan quality of life which opened the route for the rise of an authoritarian leader, such as Chávez.Show less
