African Journal of Gender and Women Studies

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies ISSN 2736-1578 Vol. 1 (2), pp. 001-014, February, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Ecological stress and deritualization in East Asia: Ritual practices during dark age phases

Daniel Sarabia^1* and J. David Knottnerus²

¹Department of Sociology, Roanoke College, 221 College Lane, Salem, VA 24153. (540) 375-2220 USA.

²Department of Sociology, Oklahoma State University, CLB 006, Stillwater, OK 74078 USA.

Accepted 21 October, 2015

Abstract

Despite highlighting the implications of resource over utilization and scarcity on social systems, recent studies under explore the impact of environmental stress on culture. Specifically, further research is needed to understand the importance of natural resources for ritual practices. This study utilizes struc-tural ritualization theory to analyze historical periods characterized by ecological degradation and deri-tualization. The period examined corresponds to the former and latter Han Dynasties, a moment in time that saw the first universal history of China written and where discussion of ritual appears prominently in historical documents. In addition to primary texts, secondary sources are used to examine derituali-zation and the continuity, abandonment, and emergence of new ritual practices. The results demon-strate that despite periods of resource unavailability social rituals survive. By tracing the introduction of Chinese ceramics and burial practices into the Korean peninsula and Japan, we see the strategies human communities employ when they can no longer obtain needed materials to practice specific rituals.

Key words: Structural ritualization, environment, dark ages, ritual.

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies ISSN 2516-9831 Vol. 1 (1), pp. 001-015, January, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Gender equality and women’s empowerment endeavors in least developed countries to achieve MDGs

*Genzebe O. Darartu, Ejegayehu K. Tulu and Mengistu Derartu H. Abebe

Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension, Institute of Cooperatives and Development Studies, Ambo University, Ethiopia.

E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 10 November, 2015

Abstract

This paper critically reviewed the gender equality and women’s empowerment endeavors in least developed countries (LDCs) and proposed policy and strategy measures for achieving millennium development goals (MDGs) in Ethiopia. Ethiopian women are economically, socially, culturally and politically disadvantaged in the enjoyment of equal rights, in accessing opportunities, decision-making processes, and basic resources. In other words, although a number of policies are emerging that support and encourage women’s participation in development, women’s access to and control of productive resources, information, training and education, employment and in decision-making are limited. The general objective of this paper is to assess the quest for gender equality and women’s empowerment in least developed countries to achieve MDGs and identify policy and strategy implications for Ethiopia. This paper adapts a human ecological approach and a comprehensive review and analysis of the existing literature was made in order to obtain both theoretical insights and secondary data on the review themes. The collected secondary data and information were qualitatively analyzed through narration and description and presented under relevant themes. The findings of the study reveal that promising efforts are being made by the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to address gender equality and women’s empowerment issues in the process of achieving millennium development goals. Nevertheless, a lot has to be done for more effective gender equality and women’s empowerment thereby the millennium development goals (MDGs) and sustainable development objectives will be achieved in Ethiopia. Adaptation of the good practices of gender equality and women’s empowerment from different successful countries, proper implementation of the ratified international conventions on gender equality and women’s empowerment, and development and implementation of appropriate national gender policy will improve the condition of Ethiopian women in the years to come.

Key words: Development, empowerment, equality, ethiopia, gender, women.