Social Science : Customs & Traditions

This new book examines the relationship between culture and respect for human rights. It departs from the oft-made assumption that culture is closely linked to ideas about community. Instead, it reveals culture as a quality possessed by the individual with a serious impact on her ability to enjoy the rights and freedoms as recognised in international human rights law in meaningful and effective ways. This understanding redirects attention towards a range of issues that have long been marginalised, but which warrant a central place in human rights research and on the international human rights agenda. Special attention is given to the circumstances induced by cultural differences between people and the laws by which they are expected to live. The circumstances are created by differing tools, know-how and skills ('cultural equipment'), diverse settlements on matters that are ultimately indifferent from the standpoint of cosmopolitan moral law (adiaphora), and conflicts having their source in conflicting doctrines - ethical, religious and philosophical - addressing deep questions about the ultimate purpose of human life ('comprehensive doctrines'). Each of the circumstances shifts the focus with the aim of securing effective and adequate protection of individual freedom, as societies become increasingly diversified in cultural terms and issues arise of access to laws and public institutions, exemption from legal obligations for reasons of conscience, fair resolution of conflicts having their source in differing ethical, religious and philosophical outlooks, and, excuse for breach of law in case of involuntary ignorance. more...

Price: $98.00

Certain to be one of the most controversial books of the year, In Praise of Nepotism is a learned, lively, and provocative look at a practice we all deplore — except when we’re involved in it ourselves. Nepotism, the favored treatment of one’s relatives, is a custom with infinitely more practitioners than defenders — especially in this country, where it is considered antidemocratic and almost un-American. more...

Price: $9.95

A 'landmark in Australian anthropology' when it first appeared in 1880, this is the first major analysis of Aboriginal social structure, adopting a model today termed 'social Darwinist'. While this theory is now rejected, it exerted tremendous influence on European attitudes for decades. Kamilaroi and Kurnai is of particular relevance to Koories of Kurnai descent and to all students of Aboriginal anthropology and history. more...

Price: $26.50

Drawing on twenty years of fieldwork and on psycho logical theory this book explores issues of male identity among the Gisu of Uganda in the context of the moral dilemma faced by men who define them- selves in terms of their capacity for violence. more...

Price: $49.95

An encyclopedia of marriage rites, traditions, and beliefs from around the world, ranging from ancient practices to contemporary ceremonies. Weddings are filled with traditions that everyone accepts as meaningful and necessary. But when and how did all those necessary things originate? more...

Price: $105.00