|
Books > Social sciences > Sociology, social studies > Social institutions > Customs & folklore > Customs
Don't just see the sights-get to know the people. The Philippines
may appear to be one of the most Westernized countries in Asia.
However, the realities of Filipino life are complex; the facade of
the English language does not run deep. Culture Smart! Philippines
gives you the inside story of this unique and attractive country
and unpacks the daily lives of its inhabitants. An explanation of
the values, attitudes, and customs of the Filipinos today opens the
way to a more meaningful experience, while an abundance of
practical information on socializing, working, shopping, and
communicating will help to make it a more enjoyable experience,
too. Have a more meaningful and successful time abroad through a
better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on values,
attitudes, customs, and daily life will help you make the most of
your visit, while tips on etiquette and communication will help you
navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.
All of Charles Thomas Taylor's previous writings have attempted to
reveal the universal rational foundation that undergirds all of the
various ethical, political, and economic systems that best nurture
human existence. With a latent recognition that the presence of
symbolism in other areas of human concern, such as in religion or
the fine arts, essentially communicates ethical value, Taylor
presents his new book to consider the current relevance or
irrelevance of religion and art for the ethical life. An
appreciation of beauty in nature and art is generally applauded,
not as a substitute for that sense of sensual and emotional
gratification that inevitably proceeds from successful rational
endeavor toward the satisfaction of human needs, but as a
supplemental source of pleasure and happiness. The outcome of
Taylor's evaluation of the experience of religion in human affairs
does not fare quite as well, for reasons that he lays out in
systematic detail. Although the book may be seen as offering some
new and original ideas in either sphere of human concern, it is
essentially a work of cultural anthropology that attempts to
integrate, or not to integrate in some cases, the peripheral
concerns of religion and aesthetics with a central ethical vision
for the future of our species.
The Volume and Dynamics of International Migration provides a
theoretical account of the causes, nature, and extent of the
movement of international South-North migrants between affluent and
poorer countries. The puzzle is: why are there so few international
migrants out of most places? And why are there so many out of so
few places? Only once migration out of a few places has started, do
we see relatively more people moving. Mass mobility proceeds only
when migrant networks turn local assets into transnational ones.
The book also examines the reasons why many immigrants continue to
keep ties to their places of origin, and why these ties do not
hinder the adaptation of newcomers to immigration countries. These
ties span immigration and emigration countries and form
transnational social spaces, ranging from border-crossing families
to refuges diasporas. Transnational social formations carry
far-reaching implications for immigration adaptation, dual
citizenship, and transnationalizing civil societites. The author
provides an empirical grounding for his arguments by analysing the
Turkish-German example.
Miriam Meyers celebrates the positive role that food plays in the
mother-daughter relationship. Despite their increasing freedom to
pursue other roles in society, women still retain primary
responsibility for food-related tasks in the home. With that
responsibility comes considerable work, but it also affords women
in families a special opportunity for companionship, communication,
learning, and inspiration. To illuminate the ways women use this
role to connect with their daughters, Meyers combines original
research, encompassing focus groups, interviews, and a national
survey, with a personal memoir and a wide range of other sources.
She shows, in women's own voices, how food offers, more than just
nourishment for the body, something for the mind, heart, and soul.
Browse through the list of books that come out each year on women
and food. The vast majority treat food as the enemy of women
everywhere, either by pitching (or criticizing) the latest diet fad
or by focusing on such problems as eating disorders, and parents'
implication in them. Taking a different path, Miriam Meyers
celebrates the positive role that food plays in women's lives, and
in the relationship between mother and daughter. Despite the
changes wrought by modern technology, the provision of food remains
necessary to sustain physical, social, religious, and familial
life. The idealized homemaker of the 1950s, working ceaselessly to
achieve the perfectly clean home and perfectly arranged food, has
all but disappeared from the American scene. While the ways we
acquire and prepare our food has shifted, women still have primary
responsibility for home food management, despite their increasing
pursuit of other roles. With that responsibility comes considerable
work, but it also affords women in families a special opportunity
for companionship, communication, learning, and inspiration.
Beginning with a look at food's place in the greater family, A Bite
Off Mama's Plate explores the connections mothers and daughters
enjoy in the kitchen and beyond. To illuminate those links, Meyers
combines original research, encompassing focus groups, interviews,
and a national survey, with personal memoir and a wide range of
other sources. She shows, in women's own voices, how food offers,
more than just nourishment for the body, something for the mind,
heart, and soul.
Don't just see the sights-get to know the people. Often called the
"Land of the Thunder Dragon," Bhutan was secluded for much of its
history, its towering mountains and lush green valleys virtually
unvisited, evoking a sense of mystery and wonder. A sovereign
country throughout the ages, Bhutan is now establishing its place
on the world stage. It is determined to maintain its Buddhist
culture and unique way of life as it evolves and adapts to
political change and economic challenges. Culture Smart! Bhutan
will give you a deeper insight into the country's history, values,
customs, and age-old traditions. It highlights changes in people's
attitudes and behavior as the country modernizes, and provides
practical guidance on how to get to know the Bhutanese on their own
terms, paving the way for a more meaningful experience of this
fascinating and beautiful country. Have a more meaningful and
successful time abroad through a better understanding of the local
culture. Chapters on values, attitudes, customs, and daily life
will help you make the most of your visit, while tips on etiquette
and communication will help you navigate unfamiliar situations and
avoid faux pas.
Food: The Key Concepts presents an exciting, coherent and
interdisciplinary introduction to food studies for the beginning
reader. Food Studies is an increasingly complex field, drawing on
disciplines as diverse as Sociology, Anthropology and Cultural
Studies at one end and Economics, Politics and Agricultural Science
at the other. In order to clarify the issues, Food: The Key
Concepts distills food choices down to three competing
considerations: consumer identity; matters of convenience and
price; and an awareness of the consequences of what is consumed.
The book concludes with an examination of two very different future
scenarios for feeding the world's population: the technological
fix, which looks to science to provide the solution to our future
food needs; and the anthropological fix, which hopes to change our
expectations and behaviors. Throughout, the analysis is illustrated
with lively case studies. Bulleted chapter summaries, questions and
guides to further reading are also provided.
This volume provides an overview of the history of Greece, while
also focusing on contemporary Greece. Coverage includes such
21st-century challenges as the economic crisis and the influx of
immigrants and refugees that is changing the country's character.
This latest volume in the Understanding Modern Nations series
explores Greece, the birthplace of democracy and Western
philosophical ideas. This thematic encyclopedia is one-of-its kind
in its down-to-earth approach and comprehensive analysis of complex
issues now facing Greece. It analyzes such topics as government and
economics without jargon and brings a lighthearted approach to
chapters on such topics as etiquette (e.g., what gestures to avoid
so as not to offend), leisure (how Greeks celebrate holidays), and
language (the meaning of "opa"). No other book on Greece is
organized like this thematic encyclopedia, which has more than 200
entries on topics ranging from Archimedes to refugees. Unique to
this encyclopedia is a "Day in the Life" section that explores the
actions and thoughts of a high school student, a bank employee, a
farmer in a small village, and a retired couple, giving readers a
vivid snapshot of life in Greece. "Day in the Life" features
portray the specific daily activities of various people in Greece,
from teenagers to working adults in different fields, thereby
providing readers with insight into daily life in the country Key
terms related to the reading are defined in a Glossary appendix A
chart of national holidays provides at-a-glance information about
Greece's important religious and secular holidays Photos and
sidebars illuminate the text, helping to illustrate key topics and
allow students to dive more deeply into ideas Sidebars provide fun
facts and anecdotal information that help to engage readers
History students and Victorian enthusiasts looking for
comprehensive information on dining practices of Victorian America
will find this book a vital resource. Revealing the history of
19th-century dining, clothing, and etiquette, the volume includes
sample menus and explicit instructions explaining how to recreate a
dinner, tea, breakfast, or lunch in the 21st century. Collectors of
china, crystal, and silver will also find this book helpful because
it provides a photograph of each piece of tableware that was used,
with a history and description of the item.
After explaining the different dining styles and the way they
evolved into rituals of the Victorian era, a formal dinner is
examined course by course. The Schollanders present the history and
uses of various wines and show they were matched with different
foods. They also explain the evolution of silver, crystal, and
china pieces. Additionally the book includes an explanation of the
seating order at the Victorian table, correct Victorian table
manners, invitations and menu cards, correct dress for dinner
guests, correct table settings, the role of servants, and
step-by-step instructions for recreating a formal Victorian dinner,
tea, breakfast, or lunch.
While Victorian tourism and Victorian sexuality have been the
subject of much recent critical interest, there has been little
research on a characteristically nineteenth-century phenomenon
relating to both sex and travel: the honeymoon, or wedding journey.
Although the term 'honeymoon' was coined in the eighteenth century,
the ritual increased in popularity throughout the Victorian period,
until by the end of the century it became a familiar accompaniment
to the wedding for all but the poorest classes. Using letters and
diaries of 61 real-life honeymooning couples, as well as novels
from Frankenstein to Middlemarch that feature honeymoon scenarios,
Michie explores the cultural meanings of the honeymoon, arguing
that, with its emphasis on privacy and displacement, the honeymoon
was central to emerging ideals of conjugality and to ideas of the
couple as a primary social unit.
In this book, contemporary representations of Bolivian art, music,
religion, literature, festivals, theater, and cinema document how
history and geography have shaped Bolivia's modern culture. Bolivia
has long been neglected by North American historians and
anthropologists. Now, author Javier A. Galvan fills this gap with a
book that analyzes the complex cultures of this South American
nation within the context of its rich history and contemporary
traditions. The first half of this text is dedicated to how and
where people live-detailed geography, social traditions, religious
practices, political institutions, and Bolivian cuisine and
culture. The varied religious and linguistic traditions of the
indigenous groups that comprise the majority of the national
population are also described, giving readers a deeper appreciation
for the diversity of Bolivia's character. The second half of the
book explores the creative talent of Bolivians who are advancing
the literary movements, painting styles, architectural design,
theater productions, fashion design, and emerging film industry of
the country. Culture and Customs of Bolivia also includes a
detailed analysis of contemporary print and broadcasting media.
Presents a chronology of historical, political, and cultural events
from pre-Colombian times to the present Includes photographs that
illustrate the country's richness of people, festivals,
architectural treasures, artwork, and regional cultural
celebrations as well as geographical and historic maps Contains a
comprehensive bibliography for further reading Provides a glossary
of regional expressions and key terms to understanding the cultural
mosaic of Bolivia
Designed for both academic and lay audiences, this book identifies
the characteristics of ritual and, via multiple examples, details
how ritual works on the human body and brain to produce its often
profound effects. These include enhancing courage, effecting
healing, and generating group cohesion by enacting cultural-or
individual-beliefs and values. It also shows what happens when
ritual fails.
Since 2004, the Baby Doll Mardi Gras tradition in New Orleans has
gone from an obscure, almost forgotten practice to a flourishing
cultural force. The original Baby Dolls were groups of black women,
and some men, in the early Jim Crow era who adopted New Orleans
street masking tradition as a unique form of fun and
self-expression against a backdrop of racial discrimination.
Wearing short dresses, bloomers, bonnets, and garters with money
tucked tight, they strutted, sang ribald songs, chanted, and danced
on Mardi Gras Day and on St. Joseph feast night. Today's Baby Dolls
continue the tradition of one of the first street women's masking
and marching groups in the United States. They joyfully and
unabashedly defy gender roles, claiming public space and
proclaiming through their performance their right to social
citizenship. Essayists draw on interviews, theoretical
perspectives, archival material, and historical assessments to
describe women's cultural performances that take place on the
streets of New Orleans. They recount the history and contemporary
resurgence of the Baby Dolls while delving into the larger cultural
meaning of the phenomenon. Over 140 color photographs and personal
narratives of immersive experiences provide passionate testimony of
the impact of the Baby Dolls on their audiences. Fifteen artists
offer statements regarding their work documenting and inspired by
the tradition as it stimulates their imagination to present a
practice that revitalizes the spirit.
Ideal for high school students and undergraduates, this volume
explores contemporary life and culture in Libya. Libya is one of
Africa's largest nations, but its topography is dominated by a huge
southern desert with some of the hottest temperatures recorded
anywhere in the world. Culture and Customs of Libya explores the
daily lives of the 90 million men, women, and children who struggle
to get by in this authoritarian state, where only a fraction of the
land is arable and 90 percent of the people live in less than 10
percent of the area, primarily along the Mediterranean coast. In
this comprehensive overview of modern Libyan life, readers can
explore topics such as religion, contemporary literature, media,
art, housing, music, and dance. They will learn about education and
employment and will see how traditions and customs of the
past-including those from Libya's long domination by the Ottoman
Empire and 40 years as an Italian colony-are kept alive or have
evolved to fit into today's modern age. Two dozen black-and-white
images A glossary of terms
Spanish popular culture is one of the richest in the world. The
absence of an efficient ruling class has allowed the people to
stamp their personality on all major aspects of the country's life.
This book describes the peculiar Spanish feeling for death and
tragedy in popular religious practices, music and the bullfight;
the fiesta sense of life, so foreign to the work ethic of other
Western countries; the oral tradition that has managed to survive
into the post-industrial age with its creative use of slang,
proverbs and obscenity; popular literature, the press, radio,
television and the movies.
Students and scholars will appreciate the first comprehensive
treatment of Spanish popular culture in a single volume. The author
has done first-hand research in all the major regions of Spain and
has compiled a list of major archives and resource centers. An
extensive bibliography on the major fields of popular Spanish
culture is included at the end of each chapter.
This thoroughly engaging encyclopedia considers the rich diversity
of unfamiliar foods eaten around the world. The title They Eat
That?: A Cultural Encyclopedia of Weird and Exotic Food from around
the World says it all. This fun encyclopedia, organized A-Z,
describes and offers cultural context for foodstuffs people eat
today that might be described as "weird"-at least to the American
palate. Entries also include American regional standards, such as
scrapple and chitterlings, that other regions might find
distasteful, as well as a few mainstream American foods, like
honey, that are equally odd when one considers their derivation. A
long narrative entry on insects, for example, discusses the fact
that insects are enjoyed as a regular part of the diet in some
Asian, South and Central American, and African countries. It then
looks at the kinds of insects eaten, where and how they are eaten,
cultural uses, nutrition, and preparation. Each of the
encyclopedia's 100 entries includes a representative recipe or, for
a food already prepared like maggoty cheese, describes how it is
eaten. Each entry ends with suggested readings. Approximately 100
entries A representative recipe for each entry Photographs and
drawings Suggested readings for each entry Alphabetical and
geographical lists of entries A selected bibliography
This is an examination of human encounter with death in Germany
from the eve of the Reformation to the rise of Pietism. The
Protestant Reformation transformed the funeral more profoundly than
any other ritual of the traditional church. Luther's doctrine of
salvation by faith alone made the foundation of the traditional
funeral, intercession for the dead in Purgatory, obsolete. By
drawing on anthropological interpretations of death ritual, this
study explores the changing relationships between the body, the
soul, the living and the dead in the daily life of early modern
Germany.
This book pulls together experts in the fields of economics and
Russian culture, all participants in the Samuel P. Huntington
Memorial Symposium on Culture, Cultural Change and Economic
Development, a follow-up to the 1999 Cultural Values and Human
Progress Symposium at Harvard University. As the sequel to the 2001
volume Culture Matters, it discusses modernization,
democratization, economic, and political reforms in Russia and
asserts that these reforms can happen through the reframing of
cultural values, attitudes, and institutions. (Cover design by
Katie Makrie.)
Designed for both academic and lay audiences, this book identifies
the characteristics of ritual and, via multiple examples, details
how ritual works on the human body and brain to produce its often
profound effects. These include enhancing courage, effecting
healing, and generating group cohesion by enacting cultural-or
individual-beliefs and values. It also shows what happens when
ritual fails.
Each year, thousands of communities across the United States
celebrate their ethnic heritages, values, and identities through
the medium of festivals. Drawing together elements of ethnic pride,
nostalgia, religious values, economic motives, cultural memory, and
a spirit of celebration, these festivals are performances that
promote and preserve a community's unique identity and heritage,
while at the same time attempting to place the ethnic community
within the larger American experience. Although these aims are
pervasive across ethnic heritage celebrations, two festivals that
appear similar may nevertheless serve radically different social
and political aims. Accordingly, The Dutch American Identity
examines five Dutch American festivals-three of which are among the
oldest ethnic heritage festivals in the United States-in order to
determine what such festivals mean and do for the staging
communities. Although Dutch Americans were historically among the
first ethnic groups to stage ethnic heritage festivals designed to
attract outside audiences, and despite the fact that several Dutch
American festivals have met with sustained success, little
scholarship has focused on this ethnic group's festivals. Moreover,
studies that have considered festivals staged by communities of
European descent have typically focused on a single festival. The
Dutch American Identity thus, on the one hand, seeks to call
attention to the historical development and current sociocultural
significance of Dutch American heritage festivals. On the other
hand, this study aims to elucidate the ties that bind the five
communities that stage these festivals together rather than
studying one festival in isolation from the others. Creatively
combining several methodologies, The Dutch American Identity
describes and analyzes how the social, political, and ethical
values of the five communities are expressed (performed, acted out,
represented, costumed, and displayed) in their respective
festivals. Rather than relying on familiar, even stereotypical,
notions of "the Midwest," "rural America," "conservative America,"
etc., that often appear in contemporary political discourse,
Schoone-Jongen shows just how complex and contradictory these
festivals are in the ways they represent each community. At the
same time, by placing these festivals within the context of
American history, Schoone-Jongen also demonstrates how and why each
festival is a microcosm of particular cultural, social, and
political developments in modern America. The Dutch American
Identity is an important book for sociology, performance studies,
folklore, immigration history, anthropology, and cultural history
collections.
|
|