Ian Felce
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- May 2020
- ISBN:
- 9781474414098
- eISBN:
- 9781474449502
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9781474414098.003.0004
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Literary Studies: Classical, Early, and Medieval
The sagas of Icelanders are renowned for recurring acts of vengeance. What is perhaps less frequently considered is how often this impetus for vengeance is contrasted with relationships of mutual ...
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The sagas of Icelanders are renowned for recurring acts of vengeance. What is perhaps less frequently considered is how often this impetus for vengeance is contrasted with relationships of mutual devotion between men. Through an analysis of the kinship between Kjartan Óláfsson and Bolli Þorleiksson in Laxdæla saga, and the friendship of Njáll Þorgeirsson and Gunnarr Hámundarson in Njáls saga, this chapter highlights how certain saga heroes are continually forced to choose either to betray a relationship with another man by seeking revenge or to risk forfeiting their masculinity by avoiding it. These sagas thus use the male condition as a construct to portray the conflict between competitive values and cooperative values at the heart of saga society. The fact that the authors remain silent on a solution to this conflict may suggest that they saw it as an inevitable characteristic of their society, or, perhaps even, of human nature. Less
The sagas of Icelanders are renowned for recurring acts of vengeance. What is perhaps less frequently considered is how often this impetus for vengeance is contrasted with relationships of mutual devotion between men. Through an analysis of the kinship between Kjartan Óláfsson and Bolli Þorleiksson in Laxdæla saga, and the friendship of Njáll Þorgeirsson and Gunnarr Hámundarson in Njáls saga, this chapter highlights how certain saga heroes are continually forced to choose either to betray a relationship with another man by seeking revenge or to risk forfeiting their masculinity by avoiding it. These sagas thus use the male condition as a construct to portray the conflict between competitive values and cooperative values at the heart of saga society. The fact that the authors remain silent on a solution to this conflict may suggest that they saw it as an inevitable characteristic of their society, or, perhaps even, of human nature.
Paul A Jones and Michelle Howlin
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- May 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781447331032
- eISBN:
- 9781447331056
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447331032.003.0006
- Subject:
- Social Work, Social Policy
Inspired by a strong sense of social mission, credit unions in London, as elsewhere in Great Britain, have a long commitment to serving people on low-incomes. Recognised by the UK Government as key ...
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Inspired by a strong sense of social mission, credit unions in London, as elsewhere in Great Britain, have a long commitment to serving people on low-incomes. Recognised by the UK Government as key players in providing financial services to those marginalised by mainstream financial providers, credit unions have received significant political support and public financial investment to expand their services in low-income communities. This has been particularly important in times of austerity and hardship and of change to the welfare benefits systems. This chapter focuses on the historic development of credit unions in London, and explores how they have endeavoured to resolve the tension inherent in remaining true to their social and co-operative values and at the same time in ensuring their economic stability and independence. It discusses the background of credit unions in the capital, the challenges they have faced over the years and how they are endeavouring to reform as professional financial co-operatives serving a wide and diverse membership. East London Credit Union (ELCU) was founded by local volunteers inspired and motivated by their Christian faith to make a difference in the local community. The chapter reflects on ELCU’s mission and social commitment to assist people through hard times and the way in which has endeavoured to tackle austerity through business success.Less
Inspired by a strong sense of social mission, credit unions in London, as elsewhere in Great Britain, have a long commitment to serving people on low-incomes. Recognised by the UK Government as key players in providing financial services to those marginalised by mainstream financial providers, credit unions have received significant political support and public financial investment to expand their services in low-income communities. This has been particularly important in times of austerity and hardship and of change to the welfare benefits systems. This chapter focuses on the historic development of credit unions in London, and explores how they have endeavoured to resolve the tension inherent in remaining true to their social and co-operative values and at the same time in ensuring their economic stability and independence. It discusses the background of credit unions in the capital, the challenges they have faced over the years and how they are endeavouring to reform as professional financial co-operatives serving a wide and diverse membership. East London Credit Union (ELCU) was founded by local volunteers inspired and motivated by their Christian faith to make a difference in the local community. The chapter reflects on ELCU’s mission and social commitment to assist people through hard times and the way in which has endeavoured to tackle austerity through business success.
