Társadalomtudomány

Beauty can be consoling, disturbing, sacred, profane

Africa is home to hundreds of ethnic groups, who together speak more than a thousand languages. It is not surprising, then, that Africa's enormous range of peoples, cultures, and ways of life has engendered a wide diversity of religious practices.This Very Short Introduction offers a wide-ranging look at the myriad indigenous religious traditions on the African continent. Drawing on archeological research, historical evidence, ethnographic studies, and archival materials such as missionaryrecords, Jacob Olupona-one of the world's leading authorities on African religions-captures a wealth of information in a short compass. The book not only gives the reader a full and vivid sense of African religious belief-exploring myths, gods and localdeities, ancestor worship, rites of passage, festivals, divination, and much more-but it also underscores the role these religions play in everyday African life. Indeed, traditional religions inform everything from birthing and death, marriage and familydynamics, to diet, dress and grooming, health care, and even governance. Monarchs, chiefs, and elders play both political and religious roles, imparting secular and spiritual guidance to their subjects, while also being guardians of religious centressuch as shrines, temples, and sacred forests. The author also examines the spread of Christianity and Islam throughout Africa, both the moderate sects (which often blend aspects of indigenous faith into their own practice) and the more extremefundamentalist sects, which the author states have had a dire effect on African life. In fact, radical forms of Christianity and Islam-both of which decry tradition religion as paganism-have driven a near total collapse of indigenous practice. But iftraditional religions are engaged in a battle for their lives in Africa, Olupona shows that they are thriving elsewhere in the world-particularly in the Americas and in Europe.

Most of us recognize that organizations are everywhere. You meet them on every street corner in the form of families and shops, study in them, work for them, buy from them, pay taxes to them. But have you given much thought to where they came from, whatthey are today, and what they might become in the future? How and why do they have so much influence over us, and what influences them? How do they contribute to and detract from the meaningfulness of lives, and how might we improve them so they betterserve our needs and desires?This Very Short Introductions addresses all of these questions and considers many more. Mary Jo Hatch introduces the concept of organizations by presenting definitions and ideas drawn from the a variety of subject areas including the physical sciences,economics, sociology, psychology, anthropology, literature, and the visual and performing arts. Drawing on examples from prehistory and everyday life, from the animal kingdom as well as from business, government, and other formal organizations, Hatchprovides a lively and thought provoking introduction to the process of organization.

'I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it' This slogan, attributed to Voltaire, is frequently quoted by defenders of free speech. Yet it is rare to find anyone prepared to defend all expression in everycircumstance, especially if the views expressed incite violence. So where do the limits lie? What is the real value of free speech? Here, Nigel Warburton offers a concise guide to important questions facing modern society about the value and limits offree speech: Where should a civilized society draw the line? Should we be free to offend other people's religion? Are there good grounds for censoring pornography? Has the Internet changed everything? This Very Short Introduction is a thought-provoking,accessible, and up-to-date examination of the liberal assumption that free speech is worth preserving at any cost.

Compelling and accessible, this Very Short Introduction challenges the perception of borders as passive lines on a map, revealing them instead to be integral forces in the economic, social, political, and environmental processes that shape our lives.Highlighting the historical development and continued relevance of borders, Alexander C. Diener and Joshua Hagen offer a powerful counterpoint to the idea of an imminent borderless world, underscoring the impact borders have on a range of issues, such aseconomic development, inter- and intra-state conflict, global terrorism, migration, nationalism, international law, environmental sustainability, and natural resource management. Diener and Hagen demonstrate how and why borders have been, are currently,and will undoubtedly remain hot topics across the social sciences and in the global headlines for years to come.

This book introduces readers to the concepts of political philosophy. It starts by explaining why the subject is important and how it tackles basic ethical questions such as 'how should we live together in society?' It looks at political authority, thereasons why we need politics at all, the limitations of politics, and whether there are areas of life that shouldn't be governed by politics. It explores the connections between political authority and justice, a constant theme in political philosophy,and the ways in which social justice can be used to regulate rather than destroy a market economy. David Miller discusses why nations are the natural units of government and whether the rise of multiculturalism and transnational co-operation will changethis: will we ever see the formation of a world government?

In this provocative but balanced essay, Kenneth Minogue discusses the development of politics from the ancient world to the twentieth century. He prompts us to consider why political systems evolve, how politics offers both power and order in oursociety, whether democracy is always a good thing, and what future politics may have in the twenty-first century.

Drawing on studies of social class, crime and deviance, education, work in bureaucracies and changes in religious and political organizations, this Very Short Introduction explores the tension between the individual's place in society and society's rolein shaping the individual, and demonstrates the value of sociology for understanding the modern world.In this new edition Steve Bruce discusses the continuing arguments for social egalitarianism, considering issues such as gay marriage, women in combat roles, and the 2010 Equality Act to debunk contemporary arguments against parity. As gender divisionsare increasingly questioned he looks ahead to the likely consequences of this for society. Delving into the theory of sociology, Bruce also argues that the habit of dividing sociology into apparently competing 'sects' is misleading, and shows how a newunderstanding of the disciplinary background of many of the most famous theorists, which shows that much social theory is actually philosophy or literary theory, will prove useful to today's sociologists.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combinefacts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Critical Theory emerged in the 1920s from the work of the Frankfurt School, the circle of German-Jewish academics who sought to diagnose-and, if at all possible, cure-the ills of society, particularly fascism and capitalism. In this book, Stephen EricBronner provides sketches of leading representatives of the critical tradition (such as George Lukács and Ernst Bloch, Theodor Adorno and Walter Benjamin, Herbert Marcuse and Jurgen Habermas) as well as many of its seminal texts and empiricalinvestigations. This Very Short Introduction sheds light on the cluster of concepts and themes that set critical theory apart from its more traditional philosophical competitors. Bronner explains and discusses concepts such as method and agency,alienation and reification, the culture industry and repressive tolerance, non-identity and utopia. He argues for the introduction of new categories and perspectives for illuminating the obstacles to progressive change and focusing upon hiddentransformative possibilities. Only a critique of critical theory can render it salient for a new age. That is precisely what this very short introduction provides.

The companion volume to 12 Rules for Life offers further guidance on the perilous path of modern life.In 12 Rules for Life, clinical psychologist and celebrated professor at Harvard and the University of Toronto Dr. Jordan B. Peterson helped millions of readers impose order on the chaos of their lives. Now, in this bold sequel, Peterson delivers twelvemore lifesaving principles for resisting the exhausting toll that our desire to order the world inevitably takes.In a time when the human will increasingly imposes itself over every sphere of life-from our social structures to our emotional states-Peterson warns that too much security is dangerous. What's more, he offers strategies for overcoming the cultural,scientific, and psychological forces causing us to tend toward tyranny, and teaches us how to rely instead on our instinct to find meaning and purpose, even-and especially-when we find ourselves powerless.While chaos, in excess, threatens us with instability and anxiety, unchecked order can petrify us into submission. Beyond Order provides a call to balance these two fundamental principles of reality itself, and guides us along the straight and narrowpath that divides them.

In this modern tale for the ages, hit Instagram illustrator @iuliastration takes us a on a healing journey. Following the story of a traveller as they move from darkness to light through the rhythm of the seasons, this is a deeply relatable quest forinner peace told through calming and original illustrations. Using ancient wisdom and philosophical quotes from around the world - from Rumi to Emily Dickinson - to anchor her striking visual storytelling, Iulia Bochis weaves a timeless story of personalgrowth and self-love.

THE PHENOMENAL INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER: OVER 1O MILLION COPIES SOLD WORLDWIDETransform your life with tiny changes in behaviour, starting now.People think that when you want to change your life, you need to think big. But world-renowned habits expert James Clear has discovered another way. He knows that real change comes from the compound effect of hundreds of small decisions: doing twopush-ups a day, waking up five minutes early, or holding a single short phone call.He calls them atomic habits.In this ground-breaking book, Clears reveals exactly how these minuscule changes can grow into such life-altering outcomes. He uncovers a handful of simple life hacks (the forgotten art of Habit Stacking, the unexpected power of the Two Minute Rule, orthe trick to entering the Goldilocks Zone), and delves into cutting-edge psychology and neuroscience to explain why they matter. Along the way, he tells inspiring stories of Olympic gold medalists, leading CEOs, and distinguished scientists who have usedthe science of tiny habits to stay productive, motivated, and happy.These small changes will have a revolutionary effect on your career, your relationships, and your life.________________________________A NEW YORK TIMES AND SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'A supremely practical and useful book.' Mark Manson, author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck'James Clear has spent years honing the art and studying the science of habits. This engaging, hands-on book is the guide you need to break bad routines and make good ones.' Adam Grant, author of Originals'Atomic Habits is a step-by-step manual for changing routines.' Books of the Month, Financial Times'A special book that will change how you approach your day and live your life.' Ryan Holiday, author of The Obstacle is the Way

A 7 és 11 év közötti gyermekek nagy változásokon és fejlődésen mennek keresztül az elme, a test, a tanulás és a társadalmi kapcsolatok területén - mindezek hatással lehetnek a kialakulóban lévő önértékelésükre. Várnak rájuk az első vizsgák, szorosbarátságokat kötnek, és azzal is ahogy egyre jobban megismerik testüket elkezdik magukat másokkal összehasonlítani. Teljesen érthető, hogy néhány gyermeknek ebben az időszakban segítségre van szüksége az egészséges önbizalom megőrzéséhez. Poppy O'NeillLégy önmagad! című könyve megadja ezt az oly szükséges útmutatót, amely segítséget nyújt a gyermekeknek. Tele van szórakoztató feladatokkal, amelyeket akár egyedül saját tempójukban, vagy a szülők segítségével oldhatnak meg, dolgozhatnak fel. A kisolvasót egy barátságos szellem (szörnyecske) kíséri végig a könyvön.A könyvben szereplő szövegek és gyakorlatok fejlesztik a gyermekekben önmaguk és mások megértését. A feladatok célja, hogy a gyerekek elgondolkodjanak arról, hogyan észlelik önmagukat és a körülöttük lévő világot, hogy támogassák a kreativitásukat éspozitívan emeljék ki egyediségüket. A gyerekek megtudják belőle, hogy milyen gondolatok és hiedelmek tartják vissza őket, de mindenekelőtt megtanulják tiszteletben tartani és becsülni saját és más emberek egyediségét. Ha sikerül megváltoztatninézőpontjukat, szemléletüket, magabiztosabbnak és jobban felkészültnek érzik majd magukat a mindennapi életben.

The Doctor Is In . . . Again!Did the mega-bestselling Why Do Men Have Nipples? exhaust your curiosity about stuff odd, icky, kinky, noxious, libidinous, or just plain embarrassing? No, you say? Well, good, because the doctor and his able-bodied buddy are in! Again! Mark Leyner andBilly Goldberg, M.D., now take on the differences between the sexes-those burning questions like Why doesn't my husband ever listen? or Why does my wife ALWAYS have to pee? And of course, Why do men fall asleep after sex?, plus plenty of others to keepyou fully informed.Full of smart and funny answers to an onslaught of new questions, all in a do-ask-we'll-tell spirit that entertain and teaches you something at the same time, Why Do Men Fall Asleep After Sex? offers the real lowdown on everything everyone wants to knowabout all things anatomical, medical, sexual, nutritional, animal, and mineral, but would only ask a physician after a few too many, like: Why do you have a bionic sense of smell when you're pregnant? Does peeing in the shower cure athlete's foot? Is a dog's mouth clean? Can you breastfeed with fake boobs? Does thumb sucking cause buckteeth? Do your eyebrows grow back if shaved?Bigger, funnier, and better than ever, Why Do Men Fall Asleep After Sex? proves that in the battle of the sexes, as in most things, a little Q&A is a safe, effective, minimally invasive remedy.

Her life. Her learnings. Her toolkit to live boldly.How do we build enduring and honest relationships?How can we discover strength and community inside our differences?What do we do when it all starts to feel like too much?Michelle Obama believes that when we light up for others, we can illuminate the richness and potential of the world around us, discovering deeper truths and new pathways for progress.In The Light We Carry, the former First Lady shares her practical wisdom and powerful strategies for staying hopeful and balanced in today's highly uncertain world. A mother, daughter, spouse and friend, she shares fresh stories, her insightfulreflections on change and the earned wisdom that helps her continue to become. With her trademark humour, candour, and compassion, she also explores issues connected to race, gender, and visibility, encouraging readers to work through fear, findstrength in community, and live with boldness.The Light We Carry will inspire readers to examine their own lives, identify their sources of gladness, and connect meaningfully in a turbulent world.Praise for her critically acclaimed, multi-million #1 bestselling memoir, Becoming:'This is a rich, entertaining and candid memoir...it is as beautifully written as any piece of fiction' -- i'In the best moments of Becoming, the miracle of Michelle Obama arises' -- Vanity Fair'Intimate, inspiring and set to become hugely influential' -- Sunday Times'Becoming serenely balances gravity and grace, uplift and anecdote' -- Observer

'It all starts with waking up... to what our bodies are expressing and our minds are suppressing' Western countries invest billions in healthcare, yet mental illness and chronic diseases are on a seemingly unstoppable rise. Nearly 70% of Americans arenow on prescription drugs. So what is 'normal' when it comes to health? Over four decades of clinical experience, renowned physician and addiction expert Dr Gabor Maté has seen how health systems neglect the role that trauma exerts on our bodies and ourminds. Medicine often fails to treat the whole person, ignoring how today's culture stresses our bodies, burdens our immune systems and undermines emotional balance. Now, in his most ambitious and urgent book yet, Dr Maté connects the dots between ourpersonal suffering and the pressures of modern-day living - with disease as a natural reflection of a life spent growing further and further apart from our true selves. But, with deep compassion, he also shows us a pathway to health and healing. Filledwith stories of people in the grip of illness or in the triumphant wake of recovery, this life-affirming book, co-written with his son Daniel, proves true health is possible - if we are willing to reconnect with each other and our authentic selves.

We give up too easily. With a simple change of attitude, what seem like insurmountable obstacles become once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.Ryan Holiday, who served as an apprentice to Robert Greene and is now a media consultant for billion-dollar brands, draws on the philosophy of the Stoics to show you how in every situation, that what blocks our path actually opens one that is new andbetter.

'It all starts with waking up... to what our bodies are expressing and our minds are suppressing'Western countries invest billions in healthcare, yet mental illness and chronic diseases are on a seemingly unstoppable rise. Nearly 70% of Americans are now on prescription drugs. So what is 'normal' when it comes to health?Over four decades of clinical experience, renowned physician and addiction expert Dr Gabor Mate has seen how health systems neglect the role that trauma exerts on our bodies and our minds. Medicine often fails to treat the whole person, ignoring howtoday's culture stresses our bodies, burdens our immune systems and undermines emotional balance.Now, in his most ambitious and urgent book yet, Dr Mate connects the dots between our personal suffering and the pressures of modern-day living - with disease as a natural reflection of a life spent growing further and further apart from our true selves.But, with deep compassion, he also shows us a pathway to health and healing.Filled with stories of people in the grip of illness or in the triumphant wake of recovery, this life-affirming book, co-written with his son Daniel, proves true health is possible - if we are willing to reconnect with each other and our authenticselves.

Pope Francis' Little Book of Wisdom offers more than 250 bite-size nuggets of inspiration and wisdom from one of the most popular popes of all time.A pope of the people, Pope Francis' teachings have been praised and shared by the faithful and nonreligious alike. During his short papacy so far, his commitment to compassion and humility have already cemented his position as one of the most popularpopes of all time.Pope Francis' Little Book of Wisdom offers quotes of faith and hope from this incredible man - all in a handy, portable format.This comprehensive book is arranged thematically, covering: Hope & Joy Faith & Prayer The Church & Evangelization Love & Truth The Journey of Life Family Building a Better World Listening to God Humility & Idolatry Forgiveness & Grace Human Dignity, Suffering & Solidarity The Lessons of the Cross