DOCSLIB.ORG

An Ethnographic Study of Young University Students in Bangladesh

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
An Ethnographic Study of Young University Students in Bangladesh Veil as Religious Expression : An Ethnographic Study of Young University Students in Bangladesh Fouzia Mannan1 Abstract This paper draws from the experience of teaching feminism to a class of young women who wear black, all covering veils with just their eyes showing through. Increasing numbers of women, especially young women, can be seen wearing veils in Bangladesh, a drastic shift away from the decades following the nation's independence in 1971. Currently, within feminist discourse, two major debates surrounding veiling or 'purdah' take precedence; with one sect of feminist scholars identifying veils as oppressive and the other heralding it as a source of agency as well as a freedom of choice. However, this dichotomy is not relevant to the Bangladeshi context, and has given rise to a discrepancy between theoretical knowledge and real practice; urging further critical analysis of the changing role of veiling in the Global South generally and Bangladesh specifically, particularly among the youth and adolescent populations. Therefore, this paper will aim to both explore and discuss factors that incentivize young women, especially those who are studying and critique societal structures and phenomena (including religious behavior and gendered norms) to a different form of social attire. Thus, the research conducted, in this case, was qualitative in nature and the sample consisted of a select group of young university students (using purposive sampling). 25 case studies were conducted on the basis of in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation. Last but not least, I note the ways in which patriarchy, capitalism, globalization converge in the urban metropolitan setting of Dhaka, to encourage women across age and class divides, to embrace religion as their dominant social identity over ethnic and national identities. It was concluded that the role of veiling in the context of Bangladesh, is a complex and multi- dimensional phenomenon; that is to say, it is not only an expression of religious piety against an ethno-symbolic identity; deeply intertwined with issues of globalization, patriarchy, class, and feminine sexuality. Key words: Religious expression, University student, Symbolic interaction, patriarchy and Globalization. 1 Associate Professor , Department of Sociology & Dean, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, East West University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, email: [email protected] . 1 Introduction The practice of veiling2, has always been considered a manifestation of religious expression for Muslim women globally and in Bangladesh. An increasing number of veils, particularly among the younger generations has become widespread within the past two decades in Bangladesh. On the contrary, western outfits have also become increasingly popular, particularly among upper class women that is apparent to see in both private and public universities, corporate offices and as well as in the media, where young female presenters and newscasters wear formal western attire regularly on private TV Channels in Bangladesh. However, according to Hassim (2014) in her research on Hijab and the Malay-Muslim Woman in Media, "the globalization of Islamic countries worldwide, inadvertently changed the representation of Muslim woman and the hijab. Displays of Islamic modesty in print, broadcast and social networking channels create opportunities for Muslim women to experience empowerment and diminish oppressive stereotypes,”. However, feminists have argued that veiling has a symbolic meaning that is interconnected with other sociopolitical issues, 'such as resistance, oppression, identity, colonialism, and patriarchy rather than being just an object' (Ahmed 1992:56). Thus, the sociological interpretation of veil as attire is not only culturally symbolic, but can be telling of broader socio-cultural trends within a society. This paper largely draws from the experience of teaching feminism in a class full of young women with only their eyes showing through black, all-covering veils. Increasing numbers of Bangladeshi women, especially younger women, are now seen sporting veils, contrary to traditional practice in Bangladesh even a decade ago. Bangladesh emerged into the world after fighting for independence with Pakistan on the basis of a salient ethno-symbolic national identity that stems from a shared culture and the principle of secularism as opposed to religious identity. Since its inception, the 2 The veil, is an attire that Muslim women wear to cover or conceal the face and body. There are different terminologies relating to the veil worn by Muslim women, such as niqab or burqa. Three versions of coverings. Stylish, colorful, long robes and the hijab substitute long suits and the more traditional full black burqa with a full face covering (niqab). Often, women even cover their hands with gloves and wear socks on their feet, so that none of their skin is visible. It has been highly debated that these variations are not religious, but cultural and are in fact, the result of interactions between religion and cultural identities. 2 Constitution3 of Bangladesh branded the new nation-state as completely secular in nature4. The question has arisen in academia in general and in the field of sociology in particular–– how can the social phenomena of veiling be explained? Is it a revivalism of religious faith or a new global expression in the new era? Has secular cultural identity only propelled new generations towards founding new religious identity? Or has the new market economy ushered a new form of patriarchy in the name of religious freedom and choice? In this paper, I discuss the factors that are influencing young Bangladeshi women to embrace the practice of veiling; including those who have chosen to study and understand social problems from religious behavior to socialization, gendered norms and coherent thinking. However, considered a means of evoking modesty on the one hand and a form of beautification on the other: this discrepancy between theoretical knowledge and the real practice of veiling has claimed attention worldwide over the past few years. In order to understand these new changes in Bangladeshi society, particularly in terms of the creation of new identities through religious expression, the concept of veiling must be explored alongside other social processes including Globalization, Westernization, Modernization etc. Objectives This study aims to explore why the practice of veiling is seeing a notable increase among young women in general and university students in particular within Dhaka city. The primary goal of this research is to explore the causal relationship between wearing a veil and the ethno-symbolic 3 According to the Constitution: “The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth” (Article 28:1) Eighth Amendment of the Constitution was adopted : “The State religion of the Republic is Islam, but other religions may be practiced in peace and harmony in the republic” (Article 2A) 4 After the colonial period in India, it was divided into two parts on the basis of religion. Pakistan ( the then East and West Pakistan) was created with the majority of the Muslim population . Again, in 1971, the then East Pakistan emerged as a new independent nation, Bangladesh, on the basis of ethno-cultural identity that is Bengali nationalism, and secularism is one of the pillar of the Constitution of Bangladesh. Afterwards in 1975, the different political regimes have brought up religion in the arena of national identity and national identity of Bangladesh now in a complex juncture. 3 construction of female Muslim (religious & cultural) identity among young Muslim women, with a specific focus on young university students in Dhaka. Research Questions a) Why is veiling becoming increasingly ‘popular’ among young university students in Dhaka? b) Is the upsurge of veiling a symbol of cultural , religious or a new identity among young university students? and how is it intertwined with gender, class, patriarchy and with the process of globalization? Methodology This research has been carried out using qualitative methods with the sample consisting of a select group of young university students who wear veils, selected using purposive sampling. It is mainly based on in-depth interviews conducted with female students of two departments, one is from the faculty of social sciences and other is from the faculty of sciences. 25 case studies have been done on the basis of in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGD) and participant observations. Apart from classroom interaction and observation, personal experiences based on interpersonal relationships with different social classes of females who are wearing veils are also reflected in this study. The scope of this research study is confined to one university, which might not provide a general view of the situation, but can throw light on the attitude, belief and causal relationship of the recent trend of the increasing wearing veil among young Muslim women in a limited manner that can enhance the scope for research in the future. 4 2. Literature Review Sociology of Religion & Ethno-Symbolic Identity Religion is not simply a feature of culture, but a distinctive cultural phenomenon. Religious concerns today can be understood only in relation to social changes affecting the position of religion in the wider world. Sociologists argued that religion needs to be recognized for its diversity but also looked
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Developing a Low-Carbon Architecture Pedagogy in Bangladesh
    Afroz, R. (2020). Developing a low-carbon architecture pedagogy in Bangladesh. Buildings and Cities, 1(1), pp. 637–649. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/bc.54 SYNTHESIS Developing a low-carbon architecture pedagogy in Bangladesh Rumana Afroz1 Abstract Architectural education and training can help ensure low-carbon emission for projects. Despite some broad initiatives to address this, there are still gaps in the curricula, theory and practices. The current pedagogical trends and approaches in Bangladesh are identified and examined for how climate mitigation is addressed in the architecture curriculum. This has revealed a lack of awareness, limited education and training, and inadequate pedagogical (i.e. teaching) approaches for low-carbon education in architecture curricula. A lack of alignment exists between curricula orientation and the national agenda for climate change and low-carbon development. In order to integrate a sustainable low-carbon education in the architecture pedagogy, a set of recommendations for pedagogical approaches, education and training framework is proposed to offer crucial guidance to academia and other relevant stakeholders. Practice relevance Bangladesh is acutely affected by climate vulnerability due to its geographical location in the Ganges Delta. Although mitigation and low-carbon development policies are part of the national agenda, this has not been incorporated into the additional capabilities required by architects to deliver this. Low-carbon design and sustainability issues in architectural curricula are still in the initial phases of development. A lack of awareness, inadequate education and training, and lack of alignment between curricula orientation and the national agenda are identified as important factors. A set of scalable solutions and recommendations for education and training for architectural students is suggested.
    [Show full text]
  • Challenges of Islamic Da'wah in Bangladesh: the Christian
    IIUC STUDIES ISSN 1813-7733 Vol. – 4, December 2007 Published in April 2008 (p 87-108) Challenges of Islamic Da‘wah in Bangladesh: The Christian Missions and Their Evangelization Dr. Md. Yousuf Ali∗ Abu Sadat Nurullah∗∗ Abstract: Although Bangladesh is the second largest Muslim populated country in the world, there are several challenges of Islamic da‘wah here. The Christian mission, taking the opportunity of people’s poverty and distress, is evangelizing them through financial assistance and other means. The rapidly increasing number of conversion to Christianity among the tribal population is alarming. The missionary activities are spreading around the country, chiefly in the intellectual arena, in educational institutions, and in other aspects of life. The influence of it on the culture, education, religion and lifestyle of people results into converting people to the Christian ideology. Particularly the young generations are inclining towards this lucrative dogma of the new age. Media, both print and electronic, are propagating and claiming the banning of the da‘wah movement. In these situation, the Islamic da‘wah movements require to explore and implement new methodology to face the enormous challenges to prevent Bangladesh from becoming a Christian country in future. Keywords: Islamic da‘wah, Christian mission, and evangelization. Introduction: Bangladesh has the fourth largest concentration of Muslim populations in the world with a population of about 140 billion, of which 88 percent are Muslims. However, majority of the population (74 percent according to 2001 census) reside in rural area with lower economic condition and lowest standards of living. In fact, about half of the ∗ Assistant Professor, Faculty of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, IIUM, Malaysia ∗∗ Student Department of Sociology and Anthropology, International Islamic University Malaysia IIUC Studies, Vol.
    [Show full text]
  • Parenting, Identity and Culture in an Era of Migration and Globalization: How Bangladeshi Parents Navigate and Negotiate Child-Rearing Practices in the Usa
    University of Massachusetts Amherst ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst Doctoral Dissertations Dissertations and Theses October 2018 PARENTING, IDENTITY AND CULTURE IN AN ERA OF MIGRATION AND GLOBALIZATION: HOW BANGLADESHI PARENTS NAVIGATE AND NEGOTIATE CHILD-REARING PRACTICES IN THE USA Mohammad Mahboob Morshed University of Massachusetts Amherst Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations_2 Part of the International and Comparative Education Commons Recommended Citation Morshed, Mohammad Mahboob, "PARENTING, IDENTITY AND CULTURE IN AN ERA OF MIGRATION AND GLOBALIZATION: HOW BANGLADESHI PARENTS NAVIGATE AND NEGOTIATE CHILD-REARING PRACTICES IN THE USA" (2018). Doctoral Dissertations. 1373. https://doi.org/10.7275/12682074 https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations_2/1373 This Open Access Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Dissertations and Theses at ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst. It has been accepted for inclusion in Doctoral Dissertations by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst. For more information, please contact [email protected]. PARENTING, IDENTITY AND CULTURE IN AN ERA OF MIGRATION AND GLOBALIZATION: HOW BANGLADESHI PARENTS NAVIGATE AND NEGOTIATE CHILD-REARING PRACTICES IN THE USA A Dissertation Presented by MOHAMMAD MAHBOOB MORSHED Submitted to the Graduate School of the University of Massachusetts Amherst in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY September 2018 College of Education © Copyright by Mohammad Mahboob Morshed 2018 All Rights Reserved PARENTING, IDENTITY AND CULTURE IN AN ERA OF MIGRATION AND GLOBALIZATION: HOW BANGLADESHI PARENTS NAVIGATE AND NEGOTIATE CHILD-REARING PRACTICES IN THE USA A Dissertation Presented by MOHAMMAD MAHBOOB MORSHED Approved as to style and content by: ____________________________________ Jacqueline R.
    [Show full text]
  • Indo-Bangladesh Relations
    ISSN 0971-9318 HIMALAYAN AND CENTRAL ASIAN STUDIES (JOURNAL OF HIMALAYAN RESEARCH AND CULTURAL FOUNDATION) NGO in Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC, United Nations Vol. 7 Nos.3-4 July - December 2003 BANGLADESH SPECIAL Regimes, Power Structure and Policies in Bangladesh Redwanur Rahman Indo-Bangladesh Relations Anand Kumar India-Bangladesh Bilateral Trade: Issues and Concerns Indra Nath Mukherji Rise of Religious Radicalism in Bangladesh Apratim Mukarji Hindu Religious Minority in Bangladesh Haridhan Goswami and Zobaida Nasreen Situation of Minorities in Bangladesh Ruchira Joshi Conflict and the 1997 Peace Accord of Chittagong Hill Tracts Binalakshmi Nepram Demographic Invasion from Bangladesh Bibhuti Bhusan Nandy India and Bangladesh: The Border Issues Sreeradha Datta Bangladesh-Pakistan Relations Smruti S. Pattanaik HIMALAYAN AND CENTRAL ASIAN STUDIES Editor : K. WARIKOO Assistant Editor : SHARAD K. SONI © Himalayan Research and Cultural Foundation, New Delhi. * All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electrical, mechanical or otherwise without first seeking the written permission of the publisher or due acknowledgement. * The views expressed in this Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or policies of the Himalayan Research and Cultural Foundation. SUBSCRIPTION IN INDIA Single Copy (Individual) : Rs. 200.00 Annual (Individual) : Rs. 400.00 Institutions : Rs. 500.00 & Libraries (Annual) OVERSEAS (AIRMAIL) Single Copy : US $ 15.00 UK £ 10.00 Annual (Individual) : US $ 30.00 UK £ 20.00 Institutions : US $ 50.00 & Libraries (Annual) UK £ 35.00 The publication of this journal (Vol.7, Nos.3-4, 2003) has been financially supported by the Indian Council of Historical Research.
    [Show full text]
  • Institutionalising Diaspora Linkage the Emigrant Bangladeshis in Uk and Usa
    Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employmwent INSTITUTIONALISING DIASPORA LINKAGE THE EMIGRANT BANGLADESHIS IN UK AND USA February 2004 Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, GoB and International Organization for Migration (IOM), Dhaka, MRF Opinions expressed in the publications are those of the researchers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Organization for Migration. IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As an inter-governmental body, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration; and work towards effective respect of the human dignity and well-being of migrants. Publisher International Organization for Migration (IOM), Regional Office for South Asia House # 3A, Road # 50, Gulshan : 2, Dhaka : 1212, Bangladesh Telephone : +88-02-8814604, Fax : +88-02-8817701 E-mail : [email protected] Internet : http://www.iow.int ISBN : 984-32-1236-3 © [2002] International Organization for Migration (IOM) Printed by Bengal Com-print 23/F-1, Free School Street, Panthapath, Dhaka-1205 Telephone : 8611142, 8611766 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without prior written permission of the publisher.
    [Show full text]
  • Traditional Institutions As Tools of Political Islam in Bangladesh
    01_riaz_055072 (jk-t) 15/6/05 11:43 am Page 171 Traditional Institutions as Tools of Political Islam in Bangladesh Ali Riaz Illinois State University, USA ABSTRACT Since 1991, salish (village arbitration) and fatwa (religious edict) have become common features of Bangladesh society, especially in rural areas. Women and non-governmental development organizations (NGOs) have been subjected to fatwas delivered through a traditional social institution called salish. This article examines this phenomenon and its relationship to the rise of Islam as political ideology and increasing strengths of Islamist parties in Bangladesh. This article challenges existing interpretations that persecution of women through salish and fatwa is a reaction of the rural community against the modernization process; that fatwas represent an important tool in the backlash of traditional elites against the impoverished rural women; and that the actions of the rural mullahs do not have any political links. The article shows, with several case studies, that use of salish and fatwa as tools of subjection of women and development organizations reflect an effort to utilize traditional local institutions to further particular interpretations of behavior and of the rights of indi- viduals under Islam, and that this interpretation is intrinsically linked to the Islamists’ agenda. Keywords: Bangladesh; fatwa; political Islam Introduction Although the alarming rise of the militant Islamists in Bangladesh and their menacing acts in the rural areas have received international media attention in recent days (e.g. Griswold, 2005), the process began more than a decade ago. The policies of the authoritarian military regimes that ruled Bangladesh between 1975 and 1990, and the politics of expediency of the two major politi- cal parties – the Awami League (AL) and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) – enabled the Islamists to emerge from the political wilderness to a legit- imate political force in the national arena (Riaz, 2003).
    [Show full text]
  • Santal Community in Bangladesh: a Socio- Historical Analysis
    Asian of Journal Humanity, Art and Literature; Volume 5, No 2/2018 ISSN 2311-8636 (p); 2312-2021 (e) Santal Community in Bangladesh: A Socio- historical Analysis Md. Shamsuddoha*, Ms. Rifat Jahan Lecturer, Bangladesh Studies, BRAC Institute of Languages, BRAC ISSN: 2311-8636 (Print) University. Dhaka-1212, BANGLADESH ISSN: 2312-2021 (Online) URL: http://i-proclaim.my/archive/index.php/ajhal/article/view/228 Licensed: ABSTRACT Source of Support: Nil The Santals are one of the most ancient indigenous communities in Bangladesh. Many historians denote them as No Conflict of Interest: Declared the earliest settlers in greater Bengal. They mainly belong to Austro-Asiatic group of pre-Aryan settlers. Being the *Email for correspondence: indigenous community of the country, they should have [email protected] been more influential and developed. But the reality is different. Santals are deprived of stately rights and privileges in many aspects. It has a historical legacy of isolation and clash. As Santals live isolated from mainland people, proper attention was never given to them. Rather they were tortured and oppressed both by colonial and post-colonial rulers, which led them to launch many resistances. But ultimately those resistances could not completely stop the deprivation. In spite of all these challenges, Santals are still struggling to uphold their socio-cultural tradition. The absence of written document in Santal society created a paucity of information in the reconstruction of their history. Therefore, secondary source was mainly used in this research. This study tries to explore the social customs, livelihood and cultural features of Santal community keeping a special focus on the historical development.
    [Show full text]
  • Muzharul Islam- Pioneer of Modern Architecture in Bangladesh
    ArchSociety Page 1/9 Muzharul Islam: Pioneer of Modern Architecture in Bangladesh Kaanita Hasan, Wednesday 31 January 2007 - 18:00:00 (This essay was submitted by Architect Kaanita Hasan as a part of the course MA Architecture: Alternative Urbanism & History and Theory in the University of East London School of Architecture) His pioneering works from the 1950 s onward marked the beginning of modernism in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan). He brought about a massive change in the contemporary scene of International Style Architecture of Bangladesh. He is none other than the most influential architects of Bangladesh, Architect Muzharul Islam. Being a teacher, architect, activist and politician he has set up the structure of architectural works in the country through his varied works. His commitment to societal changes and his ethics for practicing architectures is visible in his work. These thoughts are more like a means of progress towards transformation and changes rather than drawing a conclusion by themselves. The existence of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, as a sustainable city is the most critical statement that confronts it today. It is not only difficult but would be quiet inaccurate to judge this issue from its current architectural and planning scenario. Although there is a recent ever growing building activity going on in the city, it hardly compliments the surrounding environment it is being built on. These steel, concrete and brick structures of varied types and heights are growing rapidly, resulting a decrease of open space and water bodies. Roads bear more traffic and congestions and the air we breathe in is becoming more contaminated.
    [Show full text]
  • Costume Color: the Representation of Bangladeshi Tradition and Cultural Revival
    ISSN: 2641-192X DOI: 10.33552/JTSFT.2021.08.000679 Journal of Textile Science & Fashion Technology Research Article Copyright © All rights are reserved by Liang Huie Costume Color: The Representation of Bangladeshi Tradition and Cultural Revival SM Minhus1 and Liang Huie1,2* 1Department of Textiles & Clothing, Jiangnan University, China 2Department of Art & Design, Wuxi Institute of Arts & Technology, China *Corresponding author: Liang Huie, Professor, Department of Costume Culture and Received Date: March 15, 2021 Fashion Design, Jiangnan University, China. Published Date: April 08, 2021 Abstract The representation of traditional color in costumes is a unique phenomenon of cultural revival in Bangladesh. In order to explore the study traditionalcontext, seven costume colors colors were haverevealed a strong as Bangladeshi correlation traditional and factor costumeloading. Amongcolors, namely-all the mentioned red, white, colors, green, the yellow, main and traditional orange, costumereddish-orange colors were(rO), and orange-yellow (OY) from the theoretical concepts. Through the analytical method from the survey data, it was disclosed that the Bangladeshi obtained from the color preference of different professional groups who participated in the survey process. Besides, the obtained main traditional Keywords:costume colors have significant value and a strong impact on reviving the costume tradition in the modern-era that encourages further depth study. Bangladeshi tradition; Color concept; Costume; Cultural revival; Preference; Decorations Introduction Different cultures have their tradition and costume culture of time and the impact of the storage environment, the matrix that represents a strong cultural existence from history to present the traditional color identification and protection. With the passage material of the clothing collection in the archive is aging seriously by different cultural elements.
    [Show full text]
  • The Emerging Consumer Culture in Bangladesh: Everyday Life and Festivals in Rural Areas
    Journal of Social Sciences 6 (3): 488-497, 2010 ISSN 1549-3652 © 2010 Science Publications The Emerging Consumer Culture in Bangladesh: Everyday Life and Festivals in Rural Areas Md. Motaher Hossain Department of Economics and Management, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 27, 00014, Finland Abstract: Problem statement: Bangladesh, often better known to the outside world as a country of natural calamities, is a poor and low-income country. Bangladesh’s main challenge is to reduce poverty through increasing equitable income. Although Bangladesh has faced many problems since its independence in 1971, its gross domestic product has been growing steadily and the country has achieved much success in social indicators. This article explores the culture of consumption in rural Bangladesh and answers the following question: How is Bangladeshi culture associated with consumption. Approach: This study employed a triangulation of methods: namely semi-structured in- depth qualitative interviews, ethnography and unstructured conversations substantiated by secondary sources and photographs. Results: This study highlighted consumption and other related issues of marriage and dowry, household decision making, division of labor, as well as different festivals such as Eid (for Muslims), the Bengali New Year and Durga puja (for Hindus). Early marriage and dowry are still practiced in rural areas. Women in rural Bangladesh perform most of the household work but men, as in any other patriarchal society, make the major decisions. Conclusion: The government and NGOs should engage in various activities to boost awareness among the rural people. Key words: Cultural consumption, festivals, marriage and dowry, decision-making, division of labor INTRODUCTION fresh ways of viewing popular consumption patterns and debates about multiculturalism.
    [Show full text]
  • Consumption in Rural Bangladesh: Households, Lifestyles, and Identities
    CORE Metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk Provided by Helsingin yliopiston digitaalinen arkisto Consumer Economics Unit Department of Economics and Management University of Helsinki Finland Consumption in Rural Bangladesh: Households, Lifestyles, and Identities Md. Motaher Hossain ACADEMIC DISSERTATION To be presented for public discussion with the permission of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, University Main Building, Auditorium XV, Unioninkatu 34, 4th floor Friday, 25 March 2011 at 10 am Helsinki, 2011 Supervisor Professor Visa Heinonen Consumer Economics Department of Economics and Management Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry University of Helsinki Pre-Examiners Professor Ilmo Massa Department of Environmental Sciences University of Helsinki Petteri Repo, Ph.D (Econ), Docent Head of Research National Consumer Research Centre Helsinki Opponent Professor Anja Nygren Development Studies Department of Political and Economic Studies University of Helsinki ISBN 978-952-92-8577-8 (nid.) 978-952-10-6812-6 (PDF) 2 To my parents, my beloved wife, and my sweet children 3 Abstract Bangladesh, often better known to the outside world as a country of natural calamities, is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Despite rapid urbanization, more than 75% of the people still live in rural areas. The density of the rural population is also one of the highest in the world. Being a poor and low-income country, its main challenge is to eradicate poverty through increasing equitable income. Since its independence in 1971, Bangladesh has experienced many ups and downs, but over the past three decades, its gross domestic product (GDP) has grown at an impressive rate.
    [Show full text]
  • Religion, Politics and the Everyday Moral Order in Bangladesh
    Religions and Development Research Programme Religion, Politics and the Everyday Moral Order in Bangladesh Joe Devine and Sarah White Centre for Development Studies University of Bath Working Paper 40 - 2009 Religions and Development Research Programme The Religions and Development Research Programme Consortium is an international research partnership that is exploring the relationships between several major world religions, development in low-income countries and poverty reduction. The programme is comprised of a series of comparative research projects that are addressing the following questions: z How do religious values and beliefs drive the actions and interactions of individuals and faith-based organisations? z How do religious values and beliefs and religious organisations influence the relationships between states and societies? z In what ways do faith communities interact with development actors and what are the outcomes with respect to the achievement of development goals? The research aims to provide knowledge and tools to enable dialogue between development partners and contribute to the achievement of development goals. We believe that our role as researchers is not to make judgements about the truth or desirability of particular values or beliefs, nor is it to urge a greater or lesser role for religion in achieving development objectives. Instead, our aim is to produce systematic and reliable knowledge and better understanding of the social world. The research focuses on four countries (India, Pakistan, Nigeria and Tanzania), enabling the research team to study most of the major world religions: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and African traditional belief systems. The research projects will compare two or more of the focus countries, regions within the countries, different religious traditions and selected development activities and policies.
    [Show full text]