Heidi R. M. Pauwels
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195369908
- eISBN:
- 9780199871322
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195369908.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Hinduism
The introduction sets up the basic question of the book: when are goddesses as role models potentially empowering or oppressive for women? It situates this question within contemporary feminist ...
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The introduction sets up the basic question of the book: when are goddesses as role models potentially empowering or oppressive for women? It situates this question within contemporary feminist debates. It contrasts the role models of Sita and Radha and counters a monolithic understanding of these goddesses, arguing for a historically nuanced study of how their stories change over time as told in classical Sanskrit sources, the bhakti or devotional tradition, and the popular culture frameworks of television series and movies. Three hypotheses will be tested. First, are bhakti texts in privileging love above duty and celebrating women's subjectivity liberating for women? Second, does the modernity of the medium of television and film result in a more progressive view? Finally, how is the increasing influence of Hindutva in the public sphere reflected on screen? The introduction establishes the methodology of “siting” Sita and Radha, introduces the sources used and outlines the overall organization.Less
The introduction sets up the basic question of the book: when are goddesses as role models potentially empowering or oppressive for women? It situates this question within contemporary feminist debates. It contrasts the role models of Sita and Radha and counters a monolithic understanding of these goddesses, arguing for a historically nuanced study of how their stories change over time as told in classical Sanskrit sources, the bhakti or devotional tradition, and the popular culture frameworks of television series and movies. Three hypotheses will be tested. First, are bhakti texts in privileging love above duty and celebrating women's subjectivity liberating for women? Second, does the modernity of the medium of television and film result in a more progressive view? Finally, how is the increasing influence of Hindutva in the public sphere reflected on screen? The introduction establishes the methodology of “siting” Sita and Radha, introduces the sources used and outlines the overall organization.
Marianne Githens
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198293484
- eISBN:
- 9780191598944
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198293488.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
This chapter reviews existing research about women's political recruitment focusing on women's participation in electoral politics and social movements and civic organizations. Githens proposes an ...
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This chapter reviews existing research about women's political recruitment focusing on women's participation in electoral politics and social movements and civic organizations. Githens proposes an agenda for future research on women's political recruitment that includes attention to the importance of identity politics, reference groups, perceptions of opportunity structures, political role styles, and role models.Less
This chapter reviews existing research about women's political recruitment focusing on women's participation in electoral politics and social movements and civic organizations. Githens proposes an agenda for future research on women's political recruitment that includes attention to the importance of identity politics, reference groups, perceptions of opportunity structures, political role styles, and role models.
West Stevens Joyce
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195121643
- eISBN:
- 9780199865383
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195121643.003.0005
- Subject:
- Social Work, Children and Families
In this chapter, as in the next two chapters, the developmental domains are linked. The linkages of the domains are such due to their unique compatibility to one another. This chapter and subsequent ...
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In this chapter, as in the next two chapters, the developmental domains are linked. The linkages of the domains are such due to their unique compatibility to one another. This chapter and subsequent chapters clarify the developmental tasks of each domain while providing an examination of their paired congruency. The Care Protective Sensibility domain task is to respect and care for others and to be empathic; the Role Model Formulation domain task is to enhance one’s capacity for empathy, to learn from esteemed adults, and to develop a more realistic view of parental figures. It is argued that the maturational tasks of all seven domains operate as organizers of identity and personal meaning systems.Less
In this chapter, as in the next two chapters, the developmental domains are linked. The linkages of the domains are such due to their unique compatibility to one another. This chapter and subsequent chapters clarify the developmental tasks of each domain while providing an examination of their paired congruency. The Care Protective Sensibility domain task is to respect and care for others and to be empathic; the Role Model Formulation domain task is to enhance one’s capacity for empathy, to learn from esteemed adults, and to develop a more realistic view of parental figures. It is argued that the maturational tasks of all seven domains operate as organizers of identity and personal meaning systems.
Heidi R. M. Pauwels
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195369908
- eISBN:
- 9780199871322
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195369908.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Hinduism
This book seeks to understand the major mythological role models that mark the moral landscape of young Hindu women. Generally, the goddess Sita, faithful consort of the god Rama, is regarded as the ...
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This book seeks to understand the major mythological role models that mark the moral landscape of young Hindu women. Generally, the goddess Sita, faithful consort of the god Rama, is regarded as the most important positive role model for women. The case of Radha, Krishna's clandestine lover, seems to challenge some of these norms. The book investigates in how far that holds true today. The focus is on the ways the goddesses cope with love. The first part looks at their falling in love, the way their weddings are arranged, and the significance of the wedding ceremonies. The second part looks at their married life, where they are faced with challenges. They come out of purdah to follow their beloved in hardship, and face the threat from “the other woman” and “the other man.” The book takes the case of Sita as main point of reference, but contrasts with comparable episodes from the stories of Radha or Krishna's other consorts. The goddess as role model for the woman in love is just as relevant today as in the past, as is evident from the popularity of the televised mythological series Ramayan and Shri Krishna directed by Ramanand Sagar, and the many allusions to Sita and Radha in popular culture. The television series and popular recent and classical hit‐movies that use Sita and Radha tropes are analyzed through comparison with the ancient Sanskrit sources (Valmiki Ramayana and Bhagavata Purana) and medieval vernacular reworkings by devotional poets (Tulsidas, Surdas, Nanddas and Hariram Vyas).Less
This book seeks to understand the major mythological role models that mark the moral landscape of young Hindu women. Generally, the goddess Sita, faithful consort of the god Rama, is regarded as the most important positive role model for women. The case of Radha, Krishna's clandestine lover, seems to challenge some of these norms. The book investigates in how far that holds true today. The focus is on the ways the goddesses cope with love. The first part looks at their falling in love, the way their weddings are arranged, and the significance of the wedding ceremonies. The second part looks at their married life, where they are faced with challenges. They come out of purdah to follow their beloved in hardship, and face the threat from “the other woman” and “the other man.” The book takes the case of Sita as main point of reference, but contrasts with comparable episodes from the stories of Radha or Krishna's other consorts. The goddess as role model for the woman in love is just as relevant today as in the past, as is evident from the popularity of the televised mythological series Ramayan and Shri Krishna directed by Ramanand Sagar, and the many allusions to Sita and Radha in popular culture. The television series and popular recent and classical hit‐movies that use Sita and Radha tropes are analyzed through comparison with the ancient Sanskrit sources (Valmiki Ramayana and Bhagavata Purana) and medieval vernacular reworkings by devotional poets (Tulsidas, Surdas, Nanddas and Hariram Vyas).
Anne Phillips
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198294153
- eISBN:
- 9780191600098
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198294158.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
In recent decades, a significant number of political parties have taken steps to increase the representation of women in national assemblies, often by introducing gender quotas. The arguments for ...
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In recent decades, a significant number of political parties have taken steps to increase the representation of women in national assemblies, often by introducing gender quotas. The arguments for this fall into four categories: those that dwell on the role model that successful women politicians offer; those that appeal to principles of justice between the sexes; those that identify particular interests of women that would otherwise be overlooked; and those that see women as introducing new forms of political behaviour. The case for quotas depends on the idea that interests are gendered, but should not presume a unitary set of women's interests. The use of quotas raises new questions about the accountability of representatives to their constituents.Less
In recent decades, a significant number of political parties have taken steps to increase the representation of women in national assemblies, often by introducing gender quotas. The arguments for this fall into four categories: those that dwell on the role model that successful women politicians offer; those that appeal to principles of justice between the sexes; those that identify particular interests of women that would otherwise be overlooked; and those that see women as introducing new forms of political behaviour. The case for quotas depends on the idea that interests are gendered, but should not presume a unitary set of women's interests. The use of quotas raises new questions about the accountability of representatives to their constituents.
Theo Van Leeuwen
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195323306
- eISBN:
- 9780199869251
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195323306.003.0006
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Sociolinguistics / Anthropological Linguistics
This chapter investigates how legitimations are added to representations of social practices, and how the same practices may be legitimized differently in different contexts. Key categories of ...
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This chapter investigates how legitimations are added to representations of social practices, and how the same practices may be legitimized differently in different contexts. Key categories of legitimation include various forms of authority legitimation—personal and impersonal authority, expertise, and role modeling—as well as rationalization legitimations, moral evaluation legitimations and ‘mythopoesis’. The chapter discusses the linguistic and visual realizations of legitimation and shows how analyses of social practices can be integrated with legitimation analyses, and how legitimation theory can be applied to critical discourse analysis.Less
This chapter investigates how legitimations are added to representations of social practices, and how the same practices may be legitimized differently in different contexts. Key categories of legitimation include various forms of authority legitimation—personal and impersonal authority, expertise, and role modeling—as well as rationalization legitimations, moral evaluation legitimations and ‘mythopoesis’. The chapter discusses the linguistic and visual realizations of legitimation and shows how analyses of social practices can be integrated with legitimation analyses, and how legitimation theory can be applied to critical discourse analysis.
Valerie Purdie-Vaughns,, Rachel Sumner, and Geoffrey L. Cohen
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- May 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199735204
- eISBN:
- 9780199894581
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199735204.003.0008
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
This chapter discusses the effect of President Obama’s political success on the academic achievement of academically at-risk ethnic minority students. Existing research on role models, stereotype ...
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This chapter discusses the effect of President Obama’s political success on the academic achievement of academically at-risk ethnic minority students. Existing research on role models, stereotype threat and self affirmation shapes this exploration of potential consequences of Obama’s being elected on minority students’ motivation and academic performance. One possibility is that Obama’s success will act as a societal level disconfirmation of stereotypes about minority students’ intellectual ability, leading to an expected improvement in motivation and performance. Alternatively, Obama’s historic accomplishment may be discouraging for minority youth who compare their own successes to his, which would likely result in a decrease in motivation and performance. It may be the case, however, that Barack Obama’s ascendancy to the presidency has little or no effect on minority student motivation or academic performance. Strategies for maximizing the effectiveness of Obama as a role model are discussed.Less
This chapter discusses the effect of President Obama’s political success on the academic achievement of academically at-risk ethnic minority students. Existing research on role models, stereotype threat and self affirmation shapes this exploration of potential consequences of Obama’s being elected on minority students’ motivation and academic performance. One possibility is that Obama’s success will act as a societal level disconfirmation of stereotypes about minority students’ intellectual ability, leading to an expected improvement in motivation and performance. Alternatively, Obama’s historic accomplishment may be discouraging for minority youth who compare their own successes to his, which would likely result in a decrease in motivation and performance. It may be the case, however, that Barack Obama’s ascendancy to the presidency has little or no effect on minority student motivation or academic performance. Strategies for maximizing the effectiveness of Obama as a role model are discussed.
Henriette van der Blom
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199582938
- eISBN:
- 9780191723124
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199582938.001.0001
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Literary Studies: Classical, Early, and Medieval
This book is about Cicero's rhetorical and political strategy as a newcomer in Roman republican politics. It argues that Cicero advertised himself as follower of chosen models of behaviour from the ...
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This book is about Cicero's rhetorical and political strategy as a newcomer in Roman republican politics. It argues that Cicero advertised himself as follower of chosen models of behaviour from the past — his role models or exempla. As an ambitious new man, a homo novus, in a political culture which favoured men descended from famous consuls and generals, Cicero had to devise alternative strategies to reach political office and influence. Through his main means to political power, his oratory, Cicero adopted the traditional claim to political offices through ancestry and adapted it to his own situation. Instead of references to the virtues and achievements of his own ancestors, Cicero presented himself as emulating specific historical figures with the purpose of building up and strengthening his public persona and thereby supporting his claim to political offices and influence. His treatises provided further possibility for promoting himself as a political thinker and brilliant orator. Chapters on the importance of the ancestors in Roman political culture and their role as historical examples for emulation lead up to the central part on Cicero's role models; role models which he utilized to build up and maintain self‐presentations as a leading orator, a prominent consul and statesman, a triumphantly recalled exile and, furthermore, as a role model to his own family, contemporary Romans and posterity.Less
This book is about Cicero's rhetorical and political strategy as a newcomer in Roman republican politics. It argues that Cicero advertised himself as follower of chosen models of behaviour from the past — his role models or exempla. As an ambitious new man, a homo novus, in a political culture which favoured men descended from famous consuls and generals, Cicero had to devise alternative strategies to reach political office and influence. Through his main means to political power, his oratory, Cicero adopted the traditional claim to political offices through ancestry and adapted it to his own situation. Instead of references to the virtues and achievements of his own ancestors, Cicero presented himself as emulating specific historical figures with the purpose of building up and strengthening his public persona and thereby supporting his claim to political offices and influence. His treatises provided further possibility for promoting himself as a political thinker and brilliant orator. Chapters on the importance of the ancestors in Roman political culture and their role as historical examples for emulation lead up to the central part on Cicero's role models; role models which he utilized to build up and maintain self‐presentations as a leading orator, a prominent consul and statesman, a triumphantly recalled exile and, furthermore, as a role model to his own family, contemporary Romans and posterity.
Zain Abdullah
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195314250
- eISBN:
- 9780199871797
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195314250.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Islam
This chapter covers relations between longtime Black residents and newly arrived West African Muslims. During their settlement, African immigrants try to reconcile their Black identity with their ...
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This chapter covers relations between longtime Black residents and newly arrived West African Muslims. During their settlement, African immigrants try to reconcile their Black identity with their Muslim identity, but relations between them and their Black counterparts are often strained. Blacks view them as scornful invaders, and Africans see American-born Blacks as incorrigible slackers. Although Harlem residents have held a positive view of Muslims over the years, the Islamic identity of Africans is disregarded in their ongoing conflict. Some Africans are embraced as role models or cultural brokers, while other Blacks see their African clothing and religious practices as an opportunity to reclaim their African heritage.Less
This chapter covers relations between longtime Black residents and newly arrived West African Muslims. During their settlement, African immigrants try to reconcile their Black identity with their Muslim identity, but relations between them and their Black counterparts are often strained. Blacks view them as scornful invaders, and Africans see American-born Blacks as incorrigible slackers. Although Harlem residents have held a positive view of Muslims over the years, the Islamic identity of Africans is disregarded in their ongoing conflict. Some Africans are embraced as role models or cultural brokers, while other Blacks see their African clothing and religious practices as an opportunity to reclaim their African heritage.
Augustin K. Fosu (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199660704
- eISBN:
- 9780191748943
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199660704.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental, Economic History
In the development literature, some countries are cited more often than others as examples of development success. These countries are understood to have policies and institutions in place that could ...
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In the development literature, some countries are cited more often than others as examples of development success. These countries are understood to have policies and institutions in place that could be transferred, at least in part, to less successful countries both within their own regions, and elsewhere in the world. As such, they may constitute ‘role models of development’. This scholarly volume contains historical accounts of a select set of successful countries in the developing world; successful by virtue of their growth and development path — albeit at times in an uneven, non-linear, and patchy manner. Each unique case describes the fundamental ‘causes’ of success: initial conditions and resources; local, regional, and international factors shaping the national state of affairs; contributions to the development process by internal and external actors and institutions. Each country has a story to tell from where useful lessons can be drawn. While other similar works have presented cases of successful development strategies, they tend to be region-specific or constitute a relatively small number of cases. This book takes a more wide-ranging perspective involving a large number of country studies, spanning world regions and development levels.Less
In the development literature, some countries are cited more often than others as examples of development success. These countries are understood to have policies and institutions in place that could be transferred, at least in part, to less successful countries both within their own regions, and elsewhere in the world. As such, they may constitute ‘role models of development’. This scholarly volume contains historical accounts of a select set of successful countries in the developing world; successful by virtue of their growth and development path — albeit at times in an uneven, non-linear, and patchy manner. Each unique case describes the fundamental ‘causes’ of success: initial conditions and resources; local, regional, and international factors shaping the national state of affairs; contributions to the development process by internal and external actors and institutions. Each country has a story to tell from where useful lessons can be drawn. While other similar works have presented cases of successful development strategies, they tend to be region-specific or constitute a relatively small number of cases. This book takes a more wide-ranging perspective involving a large number of country studies, spanning world regions and development levels.
Evans Elizabeth
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- July 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780719083471
- eISBN:
- 9781781702277
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719083471.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, UK Politics
Symbolic representation is a relatively under-studied concept amongst feminist political scientists. Most existing research on women's symbolic representation in politics has tended to adopt a more ...
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Symbolic representation is a relatively under-studied concept amongst feminist political scientists. Most existing research on women's symbolic representation in politics has tended to adopt a more wide-ranging approach to analyse the media's representation of women and the impact of women politicians as role models. This chapter illustrates various examples where, in common with both Labour and Conservative women MPs, Liberal Democrat women MPs have been subjected to trivialisation and objectification by the media. It also explores instances of representation where the descriptive and symbolic meet and questions whether the low number of women MPs impacts upon identification of role models. Prior to the 2010 election the Liberal Democrats had the youngest MPs in England, Scotland, and Wales, all of whom are women: this resulted in mixed press coverage. The women MPs had varying attitudes towards the media, some found it hurtful, whilst others identified it as a ‘necessary evil’. The intersection between women's symbolic and descriptive representation peaked during the infamous 2001 debate on the all-women shortlists. The most commonly identified role model was Baroness Shirley Williams.Less
Symbolic representation is a relatively under-studied concept amongst feminist political scientists. Most existing research on women's symbolic representation in politics has tended to adopt a more wide-ranging approach to analyse the media's representation of women and the impact of women politicians as role models. This chapter illustrates various examples where, in common with both Labour and Conservative women MPs, Liberal Democrat women MPs have been subjected to trivialisation and objectification by the media. It also explores instances of representation where the descriptive and symbolic meet and questions whether the low number of women MPs impacts upon identification of role models. Prior to the 2010 election the Liberal Democrats had the youngest MPs in England, Scotland, and Wales, all of whom are women: this resulted in mixed press coverage. The women MPs had varying attitudes towards the media, some found it hurtful, whilst others identified it as a ‘necessary evil’. The intersection between women's symbolic and descriptive representation peaked during the infamous 2001 debate on the all-women shortlists. The most commonly identified role model was Baroness Shirley Williams.
Robert Wuthnow
- Published in print:
- 1995
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195096514
- eISBN:
- 9780199853380
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195096514.003.0005
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
As we reflect on life in the 21st century, we surely must hope that goodness and mercy will be preserved. Traditionally, it has fallen to the church to pass on such ethical ideals. In the future, the ...
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As we reflect on life in the 21st century, we surely must hope that goodness and mercy will be preserved. Traditionally, it has fallen to the church to pass on such ethical ideals. In the future, the social role of the Christian will hopefully include an ethical life, a life of caring and compassion for those in need. But how can the ethical ideals of the past be transmitted effectively to the coming generation? Stories of brave people are a very important feature of American culture. People can learn how to be caring even if they do not have warm, loving parents who provide role models. In the American population at large, having experienced a personal crisis yourself does appear to be associated with being a more caring and compassionate person. What then is the role of Christianity in all this? An ethic of love and compassion is of course central to the Christian gospel. The stories of caring that we experience in our own lives are an epiphany.Less
As we reflect on life in the 21st century, we surely must hope that goodness and mercy will be preserved. Traditionally, it has fallen to the church to pass on such ethical ideals. In the future, the social role of the Christian will hopefully include an ethical life, a life of caring and compassion for those in need. But how can the ethical ideals of the past be transmitted effectively to the coming generation? Stories of brave people are a very important feature of American culture. People can learn how to be caring even if they do not have warm, loving parents who provide role models. In the American population at large, having experienced a personal crisis yourself does appear to be associated with being a more caring and compassionate person. What then is the role of Christianity in all this? An ethic of love and compassion is of course central to the Christian gospel. The stories of caring that we experience in our own lives are an epiphany.
J. Eric Vance
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195134575
- eISBN:
- 9780199864065
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195134575.003.0007
- Subject:
- Social Work, Health and Mental Health, Communities and Organizations
Community mentoring is a rapidly growing movement that affiliates high-risk youth with healthy adult role models from outside their immediate families. This chapter looks at the notion of mentoring, ...
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Community mentoring is a rapidly growing movement that affiliates high-risk youth with healthy adult role models from outside their immediate families. This chapter looks at the notion of mentoring, discusses the rationale for this type of intervention, and describes a model of community mentoring designed to enhance psychosocial resiliency in high-risk youth. Research evidence for the effectiveness of mentoring as an intervention strategy for youth with severe emotional disorders is examined.Less
Community mentoring is a rapidly growing movement that affiliates high-risk youth with healthy adult role models from outside their immediate families. This chapter looks at the notion of mentoring, discusses the rationale for this type of intervention, and describes a model of community mentoring designed to enhance psychosocial resiliency in high-risk youth. Research evidence for the effectiveness of mentoring as an intervention strategy for youth with severe emotional disorders is examined.
Robert Wuthnow
- Published in print:
- 1995
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195096514
- eISBN:
- 9780199853380
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195096514.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
If Mother Teresa and other contemporary saints all embody the individualistic ethos prevalent in our culture, they still outshine what any of us are ever likely to accomplish, or even aspire to, in ...
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If Mother Teresa and other contemporary saints all embody the individualistic ethos prevalent in our culture, they still outshine what any of us are ever likely to accomplish, or even aspire to, in bravery and devotion. In an era of so-called lite heroes, whose small deeds of virtue are overplayed in the media one day and are gone from view the next, these giants of compassion necessarily stand out as the genuine exemplars of high ethics and lasting goodness. Indeed, their example is a clear step removed from the valor we associate with ordinary acts of kindness and charity. It is not just to honor the courage and dedication of those who display exceptional compassion, though, that causes us to set them apart. We feel ambivalent about them, as we do with all heroes and villains. To understand further how ethical role models may serve American culture in the future, this chapter examines the nature of this ambivalence and how thoughtful people actually learn to benefit from the role models they love and hate at the same time.Less
If Mother Teresa and other contemporary saints all embody the individualistic ethos prevalent in our culture, they still outshine what any of us are ever likely to accomplish, or even aspire to, in bravery and devotion. In an era of so-called lite heroes, whose small deeds of virtue are overplayed in the media one day and are gone from view the next, these giants of compassion necessarily stand out as the genuine exemplars of high ethics and lasting goodness. Indeed, their example is a clear step removed from the valor we associate with ordinary acts of kindness and charity. It is not just to honor the courage and dedication of those who display exceptional compassion, though, that causes us to set them apart. We feel ambivalent about them, as we do with all heroes and villains. To understand further how ethical role models may serve American culture in the future, this chapter examines the nature of this ambivalence and how thoughtful people actually learn to benefit from the role models they love and hate at the same time.
Stephanie E. Pitts
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199838752
- eISBN:
- 9780199950065
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199838752.003.0004
- Subject:
- Music, Psychology of Music
This chapter considers the role of teachers and family as gatekeepers to the opportunities needed for young people to flourish musically. Instrumental teachers are the critical factor for many ...
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This chapter considers the role of teachers and family as gatekeepers to the opportunities needed for young people to flourish musically. Instrumental teachers are the critical factor for many musicians of a classical background, bridging the gap between home and school experience, and offering the individual attention that secures a sense of musical confidence. Parents also shape their children’s experience through their own musical behaviour and attitudes towards music, while classroom teachers are most often seen as the providers of opportunities, and appear to achieve inspirational status out of the classroom more often than within it. Tales of off-putting or demoralizing teachers are also examined, and the theories of autobiographical memory are used to show how the same experiences can be a prompt to action for some young people, while destroying the confidence of others. Reported experiences of learning in later life show the lasting impact of formative influences, with adult identities as parents and teachers being shaped in part by childhood role models.Less
This chapter considers the role of teachers and family as gatekeepers to the opportunities needed for young people to flourish musically. Instrumental teachers are the critical factor for many musicians of a classical background, bridging the gap between home and school experience, and offering the individual attention that secures a sense of musical confidence. Parents also shape their children’s experience through their own musical behaviour and attitudes towards music, while classroom teachers are most often seen as the providers of opportunities, and appear to achieve inspirational status out of the classroom more often than within it. Tales of off-putting or demoralizing teachers are also examined, and the theories of autobiographical memory are used to show how the same experiences can be a prompt to action for some young people, while destroying the confidence of others. Reported experiences of learning in later life show the lasting impact of formative influences, with adult identities as parents and teachers being shaped in part by childhood role models.
Geoffrey L. Greif
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195326420
- eISBN:
- 9780199893553
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195326420.003.0005
- Subject:
- Social Work, Communities and Organizations
This chapter discusses the influence of fathers, both positive and negative, on how men make friends. Some men want to emulate what their dads do while others distance themselves from their fathers ...
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This chapter discusses the influence of fathers, both positive and negative, on how men make friends. Some men want to emulate what their dads do while others distance themselves from their fathers as role models. Some men were raised by dads with many friends, while others by dads who were isolated or who never had time for friends because they worked all the time and dedicated their free time to their family. The chapter concludes with wisdom about friendships accrued from the fathers.Less
This chapter discusses the influence of fathers, both positive and negative, on how men make friends. Some men want to emulate what their dads do while others distance themselves from their fathers as role models. Some men were raised by dads with many friends, while others by dads who were isolated or who never had time for friends because they worked all the time and dedicated their free time to their family. The chapter concludes with wisdom about friendships accrued from the fathers.
Henriette van der Blom
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199582938
- eISBN:
- 9780191723124
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199582938.003.0004
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Literary Studies: Classical, Early, and Medieval
This chapter outlines the features of Cicero's background, upbringing, education, and early career which are necessary for understanding his later references to his role models. A particular focus is ...
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This chapter outlines the features of Cicero's background, upbringing, education, and early career which are necessary for understanding his later references to his role models. A particular focus is the people surrounding Cicero, whom he presented as models later in life, for example L. Licinius Crassus, M. Antonius, and the Scaevolae. Attention is also given to the broad‐ranging education he received as it formed the basis for his main means to political power, his oratory, and because he was to present it as exemplary in his later treatises. This discussion will provide the basis for later chapters, which argue that Cicero's transformation of his own experience into an example for emulation formed part of his rhetoric throughout his works and career.Less
This chapter outlines the features of Cicero's background, upbringing, education, and early career which are necessary for understanding his later references to his role models. A particular focus is the people surrounding Cicero, whom he presented as models later in life, for example L. Licinius Crassus, M. Antonius, and the Scaevolae. Attention is also given to the broad‐ranging education he received as it formed the basis for his main means to political power, his oratory, and because he was to present it as exemplary in his later treatises. This discussion will provide the basis for later chapters, which argue that Cicero's transformation of his own experience into an example for emulation formed part of his rhetoric throughout his works and career.
Lynn Schofield Clark
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195300239
- eISBN:
- 9780199850525
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195300239.003.0009
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter examines the extent to which parents in the US approached the media in relation to what they hoped to teach their teenage children about religion and spirituality. It explains two very ...
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This chapter examines the extent to which parents in the US approached the media in relation to what they hoped to teach their teenage children about religion and spirituality. It explains two very different expectations of parents regarding the media. These is the expectation that the media provides viable role models for others and the sense that the media should raise social issues for young people. It suggests that parents' thoughts about the media–religion relationship are influence by how they define religion.Less
This chapter examines the extent to which parents in the US approached the media in relation to what they hoped to teach their teenage children about religion and spirituality. It explains two very different expectations of parents regarding the media. These is the expectation that the media provides viable role models for others and the sense that the media should raise social issues for young people. It suggests that parents' thoughts about the media–religion relationship are influence by how they define religion.
Brid Featherstone
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861349880
- eISBN:
- 9781447301974
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861349880.003.0006
- Subject:
- Sociology, Comparative and Historical Sociology
As sociologists engage more with the diversity and complexity of fathers, fathering, and fatherhood, exciting possibilities appear to be emerging for future research. This chapter explores key themes ...
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As sociologists engage more with the diversity and complexity of fathers, fathering, and fatherhood, exciting possibilities appear to be emerging for future research. This chapter explores key themes in a journey from the rigidity of role models to contemporary work around intimacy, the ‘meaning’ of children, the body, and feminist and pro-feminist work, particularly in relation to masculinities. The latter highlights how crucial it is that individual practices by men as fathers, including the kinds of knowledge they draw on, are located within wider social relations.Less
As sociologists engage more with the diversity and complexity of fathers, fathering, and fatherhood, exciting possibilities appear to be emerging for future research. This chapter explores key themes in a journey from the rigidity of role models to contemporary work around intimacy, the ‘meaning’ of children, the body, and feminist and pro-feminist work, particularly in relation to masculinities. The latter highlights how crucial it is that individual practices by men as fathers, including the kinds of knowledge they draw on, are located within wider social relations.
Robert Wuthnow
- Published in print:
- 1995
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195096514
- eISBN:
- 9780199853380
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195096514.003.0006
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
If one of the serious ethical challenges facing Christians in the 21st century is having personal stories that tell Christians how to be caring and compassionate, then a similar challenge exists as ...
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If one of the serious ethical challenges facing Christians in the 21st century is having personal stories that tell Christians how to be caring and compassionate, then a similar challenge exists as Americans think about themselves collectively. For believers and non-believers alike, there need to be heroes, public figures, role models at the collective level who can exemplify the nation's highest ethical ideals. These “contemporary saints” are likely to be different in the 21st century than the ones we admire today. Men and women of compassion have always been included among the heroes and public figures we most admire. Prominent examples are Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Albert Schweitzer, Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta King, Pope John Paul II, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. These people are not only compassionate but also individualistic. We see their goodness and try to draw lessons from it. We also see their individualism, emphasizing it above many of their other qualities, and take comfort from it.Less
If one of the serious ethical challenges facing Christians in the 21st century is having personal stories that tell Christians how to be caring and compassionate, then a similar challenge exists as Americans think about themselves collectively. For believers and non-believers alike, there need to be heroes, public figures, role models at the collective level who can exemplify the nation's highest ethical ideals. These “contemporary saints” are likely to be different in the 21st century than the ones we admire today. Men and women of compassion have always been included among the heroes and public figures we most admire. Prominent examples are Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Albert Schweitzer, Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta King, Pope John Paul II, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. These people are not only compassionate but also individualistic. We see their goodness and try to draw lessons from it. We also see their individualism, emphasizing it above many of their other qualities, and take comfort from it.
