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Islam and Warfare: Context and Compatibility with International Law (Routledge Research in the Law of Armed Conflict)
by Onder BakirciogluThe question of how Islamic law regulates the notions of just recourse to and just conduct in war has long been the topic of heated controversy, and is often subject to oversimplification in scholarship and journalism. This book traces the rationale for aggression within the Islamic tradition, and assesses the meaning and evolution of the contentious concept of jihad. The book reveals that there has never been a unified position on what Islamic warfare tangibly entails, due to the complexity of relevant sources and discordant historical dynamics that have shaped the contours of jihad. Onder Bakircioglu advocates a dynamic reading of Islamic law and military tradition; one which prioritises the demands of contemporary international relations and considers the meaning and application of jihad as contingent on the socio-political forces of each historical epoch. This book will be of great interest to scholars and students of international law, Islamic law, war and security studies, and the law of armed conflict.
How To Make Money: An Honest Guide To Going From An Idea To A Six-figure Business
by Nafisa BakkarHow do I start a business on a budget? How do I find my first 100 customers and make my first £100k? How do I build a network and get my business noticed?
The Liberalization of Capital Movements in Europe: The Monetary Committee and Financial Integration 1958–1994 (Financial and Monetary Policy Studies #29)
by Age F.P. BakkerThe member states are facing the choice between either reaping the benefits of increasing integration in a certain area - in this case the capital markets - attended by a significant reduction in national powers of autonomous decision-making and independence, or retaining this national independence enabling them to pursue their own policy objectives with the aid of instruments selected at their discretion. To this question, there is no generally valid answer. The solution is determined by the weight assigned to the benefits, on the one hand, and that assigned to the reduction in national sovereignty, on the other. This, however, is a subjective matter, which is assessed differently in the various countries. OnnoRuding, 1969 1. 1 CAPITAL LffiERALIZATION AND MONETARY UNIFICATION In the 1980s Europe made a leap forward towards the liberalization of capital movements. EEC directives were accepted by all member states obliging them to abolish all remaining exchange controls. This common objective of freedom of capital movements has been consolidated in the Treaty on European Union. Nowadays virtually all restrictions have been lifted. This stands in striking contrast to the state of affairs only a decade ago, when many countries still operated a tight regime. Although the Treaty of Rome provided for the freedom of capital movements, this objective was circumscribed by the clause that such liberalization should only be carried through to the extent necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the Common Market.
The EU, the US and Global Climate Governance
by Christine Bakker Francesco FrancioniThis volume presents a critical analysis of transatlantic relations in the field of environmental governance and climate change. The work focuses on understanding the possible trends in the evolution of global environmental governance and the prospects for breaking the current impasse on climate action. Drawing on research involving experts from eleven different universities and institutes, the authors provide innovative analyses on policy measures taken by the EU and the US, the world’s largest economic and commercial blocs, in a number of fields, ranging from general attitudes on environmental leadership with regard to climate change, to energy policies, new technologies for hydrocarbons extraction and carbon capture, as well as the effects of extreme weather events on climate-related political attitudes. The book examines the way in which the current attitudes of the EU and the US with regard to climate change will affect international cooperation and the building of consensus on possible climate policies, and looks to the future for international environmental governance, arguably one of the most pressing concerns of civilisation today. This book, which is based on research carried out in the context of the EU-financed FP7 research project TRANSWORLD, will appeal to academics, policy makers and practitioners seeking a deeper understanding of the challenges resulting from climate change.
The EU, the US and Global Climate Governance
by Christine Bakker Francesco FrancioniThis volume presents a critical analysis of transatlantic relations in the field of environmental governance and climate change. The work focuses on understanding the possible trends in the evolution of global environmental governance and the prospects for breaking the current impasse on climate action. Drawing on research involving experts from eleven different universities and institutes, the authors provide innovative analyses on policy measures taken by the EU and the US, the world’s largest economic and commercial blocs, in a number of fields, ranging from general attitudes on environmental leadership with regard to climate change, to energy policies, new technologies for hydrocarbons extraction and carbon capture, as well as the effects of extreme weather events on climate-related political attitudes. The book examines the way in which the current attitudes of the EU and the US with regard to climate change will affect international cooperation and the building of consensus on possible climate policies, and looks to the future for international environmental governance, arguably one of the most pressing concerns of civilisation today. This book, which is based on research carried out in the context of the EU-financed FP7 research project TRANSWORLD, will appeal to academics, policy makers and practitioners seeking a deeper understanding of the challenges resulting from climate change.
Multilevel Regulation of Military and Security Contractors: The Interplay between International, European and Domestic Norms (Studies in International Law)
by Christine Bakker Mirko SossaiThe outsourcing of military and security services is the object of intense legal debate. States employ private military and security companies (PMSCs) to perform functions previously exercised by regular armed forces, and increasingly international organisations, NGOs and business corporations do the same to provide security, particularly in crisis situations. Much of the public attention on PMSCs has been in response to incidents in which PMSC employees have been accused of violating international humanitarian law. Therefore initiatives have been launched to introduce uniform international standards amidst what is currently very uneven national regulation. This book analyses and discusses the interplay between international, European, and domestic regulatory measures in the field of PMSCs. It presents a comprehensive assessment of the existing domestic legislation in EU Member States and relevant Third States, and identifies implications for future international regulation. The book also addresses the crucial questions whether and how the EU can potentially play a more active future role in the regulation of PMSCs to ensure compliance with human rights and international humanitarian law.
Multilevel Regulation of Military and Security Contractors: The Interplay between International, European and Domestic Norms (Studies in International Law)
by Christine Bakker Mirko SossaiThe outsourcing of military and security services is the object of intense legal debate. States employ private military and security companies (PMSCs) to perform functions previously exercised by regular armed forces, and increasingly international organisations, NGOs and business corporations do the same to provide security, particularly in crisis situations. Much of the public attention on PMSCs has been in response to incidents in which PMSC employees have been accused of violating international humanitarian law. Therefore initiatives have been launched to introduce uniform international standards amidst what is currently very uneven national regulation. This book analyses and discusses the interplay between international, European, and domestic regulatory measures in the field of PMSCs. It presents a comprehensive assessment of the existing domestic legislation in EU Member States and relevant Third States, and identifies implications for future international regulation. The book also addresses the crucial questions whether and how the EU can potentially play a more active future role in the regulation of PMSCs to ensure compliance with human rights and international humanitarian law.
Challenges to EU Values in Hungary: How the European Union Misunderstood the Government of Viktor Orbán (Comparative Constitutional Change)
by Beáta BakóThe national-conservative government of Hungary has been heavily criticised for its violation of EU values, primarily, the rule of law in recent years. This book looks to the bigger picture in examining the rule-of-law debate between Hungary and the EU. It explores how certain elements of various Hungarian constitutional reforms are interrelated and how the EU has failed to address the situation properly. It is argued here that the reason the EU has been unable to enforce its values effectively in Hungary stems from the misunderstanding that Hungary kept the institutional design of liberal democracy but made it dysfunctional. The debate with the EU is characterised as a dialogue of the deaf as the EU insists on advancing the rule-of-law agenda, while the Hungarian government defends itself by alluding to its democratic legitimacy. The author contents that the Hungarian government is in fact playing a charade, while the actions of the EU maintain this drama. The book will be of interest to students, academics, and policymakers working in the areas of constitutional law and politics, EU law, and populism.
Challenges to EU Values in Hungary: How the European Union Misunderstood the Government of Viktor Orbán (Comparative Constitutional Change)
by Beáta BakóThe national-conservative government of Hungary has been heavily criticised for its violation of EU values, primarily, the rule of law in recent years. This book looks to the bigger picture in examining the rule-of-law debate between Hungary and the EU. It explores how certain elements of various Hungarian constitutional reforms are interrelated and how the EU has failed to address the situation properly. It is argued here that the reason the EU has been unable to enforce its values effectively in Hungary stems from the misunderstanding that Hungary kept the institutional design of liberal democracy but made it dysfunctional. The debate with the EU is characterised as a dialogue of the deaf as the EU insists on advancing the rule-of-law agenda, while the Hungarian government defends itself by alluding to its democratic legitimacy. The author contents that the Hungarian government is in fact playing a charade, while the actions of the EU maintain this drama. The book will be of interest to students, academics, and policymakers working in the areas of constitutional law and politics, EU law, and populism.
Bazaars, Conversations and Freedom: For a Market Culture Beyond Greed and Fear
by Rajni BakshiLong before the financial meltdown and the red alert on climate change, some far-sighted innovators diagnosed the fatal flaws in an economic system driven by greed and fear. Across the global North and South, diverse people - financial wizards, economists, business people and social activists - have been challenging the "free market" orthodoxy. They seek to recover the virtues of bazaars from the tyranny of a market model that emerged about two centuries ago. This widely praised book is a chronicle of their achievements.From Wall Street icon George Soros and VISA card designer Dee Hock we get an insider critique of the malaise. Creators of community currencies and others, like the father of microfinance, Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus, explore how money can work differently. The doctrine of self-interest is re-examined by looking more closely at Adam Smith through the eyes of Amartya Sen. Mahatma Gandhi's concept of 'Trusteeship' gathers strength as the socially responsible investing phenomenon challenges the power of capital. Pioneers of the open source and free software movement thrive on cooperation to drive innovation. The Dalai Lama and Ela Bhatt demonstrate that it is possible to compete compassionately and to nurture a more mindful market culture.This sweeping narrative takes you from the ancient Greek agora, Indian choupal, and Native American gift culture, on to present-day Wall Street to illuminate ideas, subversive and prudent, about how the market can serve society rather than being its master. In a world exhausted by dogma, Bazaars, Conversations and Freedom is an open quest for possible futures.This fully updated and revised UK version of the 2009 Vodafone Crossword Book Award winner for non-fiction is a rare and epic narrative about those who have been quietly forging solutions and demonstrating that a more compassionate market culture is both possible and desirable.
Bazaars, Conversations and Freedom: For a Market Culture Beyond Greed and Fear
by Rajni BakshiLong before the financial meltdown and the red alert on climate change, some far-sighted innovators diagnosed the fatal flaws in an economic system driven by greed and fear. Across the global North and South, diverse people - financial wizards, economists, business people and social activists - have been challenging the "free market" orthodoxy. They seek to recover the virtues of bazaars from the tyranny of a market model that emerged about two centuries ago. This widely praised book is a chronicle of their achievements.From Wall Street icon George Soros and VISA card designer Dee Hock we get an insider critique of the malaise. Creators of community currencies and others, like the father of microfinance, Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus, explore how money can work differently. The doctrine of self-interest is re-examined by looking more closely at Adam Smith through the eyes of Amartya Sen. Mahatma Gandhi's concept of 'Trusteeship' gathers strength as the socially responsible investing phenomenon challenges the power of capital. Pioneers of the open source and free software movement thrive on cooperation to drive innovation. The Dalai Lama and Ela Bhatt demonstrate that it is possible to compete compassionately and to nurture a more mindful market culture.This sweeping narrative takes you from the ancient Greek agora, Indian choupal, and Native American gift culture, on to present-day Wall Street to illuminate ideas, subversive and prudent, about how the market can serve society rather than being its master. In a world exhausted by dogma, Bazaars, Conversations and Freedom is an open quest for possible futures.This fully updated and revised UK version of the 2009 Vodafone Crossword Book Award winner for non-fiction is a rare and epic narrative about those who have been quietly forging solutions and demonstrating that a more compassionate market culture is both possible and desirable.
Taxation, Virtual Currency and Blockchain
by Aleksandra BalThe emergence of convertible decentralized virtual currency schemes confronts tax authorities with unprecedented questions, among them are the status of virtual currency for tax purposes, which virtual transactions may bene?t from a VAT exemption and determining the most optimal method of tax regulation. This ?rst book-length treatment of this major current topic provides an in-depth and comprehensive analysis of the tax implications of virtual currency transactions. Seeking to ascertain whether virtual currency requires additional regulation or whether the law as it stands is adequate to administer its usage, the analysis not only thoroughly explains the nature of the underlying blockchain technology and its regulatory and judicial treatment so far but also identi?es best practices for virtual currency transactions and makes recommendations for the improvement of the existing tax systems. Among the aspects of the phenomenon covered are the following: – particular aspects of virtual currency use such as smart contracts and initial coin offerings; – comparative review of income tax consequences of virtual currency transactions in Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States; – VAT/sales tax treatment of transactions involving virtual currency in the European Union and the United States; – methodology for creating an effective regulatory framework for the taxation of virtual currency; and – the future of blockchain. The book has three parts and an annex that describes tax regulations, administrative rulings and court decisions concerning virtual currency in twenty countries. In its in-depth analysis of tax implications of virtual currency transactions in major economies, detailed overview of recent tax developments that affect virtual currency transactions and evaluation of tax policies related to virtual currencies, this book has no peers. Especially in view of the OECD's examination of the tax challenges presented by the digital economy as part of its base erosion and pro?t shifting (BEPS) project, this clear and comprehensive explanation of the functioning of virtual currency and blockchain technology will be welcomed by tax administration of?cials and by persons mining and transacting in virtual currencies needing to know their compliance obligations.
Dignity in the Workplace: New Theoretical Perspectives
by Matthijs BalIntroducing a theory of workplace dignity into the field of management studies, this innovative new book presents an alternative paradigm based on principles of human dignity which is integrated into a theoretical approach to the topic. The author addresses and analyses the causes and consequences of the dominant political-economic paradigm within management studies. Further, it presents a theoretical alternative which can constitute a foundation for a new way of thinking about organisations, management, and leadership. Dignity in the Workplace offers scholars ideas for how research in the field of management studies may be enriched by a dignity-paradigm, and goes further to explore the role of a dignity-paradigm in the function of HR-managers and organisational leaders. Thus, the book aims to contribute to the need for alternative conceptualisations of how contemporary organisations can be managed.
Dignity in the Workplace: New Theoretical Perspectives
by Matthijs BalIntroducing a theory of workplace dignity into the field of management studies, this innovative new book presents an alternative paradigm based on principles of human dignity which is integrated into a theoretical approach to the topic. The author addresses and analyses the causes and consequences of the dominant political-economic paradigm within management studies. Further, it presents a theoretical alternative which can constitute a foundation for a new way of thinking about organisations, management, and leadership. Dignity in the Workplace offers scholars ideas for how research in the field of management studies may be enriched by a dignity-paradigm, and goes further to explore the role of a dignity-paradigm in the function of HR-managers and organisational leaders. Thus, the book aims to contribute to the need for alternative conceptualisations of how contemporary organisations can be managed.
Eating Disorders in a Capitalist World: Super Woman or a Super Failure? (Women, Economy and Labour Relations)
by Jelena Balabanić MavrovićFeminist critique has yet to deconstruct the new ‘superwoman’ ideal: the modern woman who can and must have everything, but who, in reality, is never good enough. This media myth is fertile ground for harmful practices that focus on a woman’s own body and of course for specific consumerist behaviours. Media equalization of success, self-control, and attractiveness with a thin, healthy body frame these achievements as individual responsibility. Thus, in a society where women can now do anything, only the woman herself can be blamed if she does not achieve her full potential. Combining scientific approach with personal voices, Eating Disorders in a Capitalist World presents a critical analysis of the social context of eating disorders based on in-depth interviews with women suffering from anorexia and bulimia. Employing a variety of influential socio-cultural theories, Jelena Balabanić Mavrović closely relates various environmental influences on the development of low self-esteem, poor self-image and body dissatisfaction to the shaping of normative femininity and the experience of gender socialization in Western society. Chapters also provide a detailed review of the socio-historical development of discourses and practices related to anorexia and bulimia, including ‘healthism’, the war on obesity, and other current trends. Providing a new perspective on female identity, Eating Disorders in a Capitalist World offers a complete insight into the world of eating disorders in today’s society, exposing how new forms of freedom for women have also become new forms of self-surveillance.
Eating Disorders in a Capitalist World: Super Woman or a Super Failure? (Women, Economy and Labour Relations)
by Jelena Balabanić MavrovićFeminist critique has yet to deconstruct the new ‘superwoman’ ideal: the modern woman who can and must have everything, but who, in reality, is never good enough. This media myth is fertile ground for harmful practices that focus on a woman’s own body and of course for specific consumerist behaviours. Media equalization of success, self-control, and attractiveness with a thin, healthy body frame these achievements as individual responsibility. Thus, in a society where women can now do anything, only the woman herself can be blamed if she does not achieve her full potential. Combining scientific approach with personal voices, Eating Disorders in a Capitalist World presents a critical analysis of the social context of eating disorders based on in-depth interviews with women suffering from anorexia and bulimia. Employing a variety of influential socio-cultural theories, Jelena Balabanić Mavrović closely relates various environmental influences on the development of low self-esteem, poor self-image and body dissatisfaction to the shaping of normative femininity and the experience of gender socialization in Western society. Chapters also provide a detailed review of the socio-historical development of discourses and practices related to anorexia and bulimia, including ‘healthism’, the war on obesity, and other current trends. Providing a new perspective on female identity, Eating Disorders in a Capitalist World offers a complete insight into the world of eating disorders in today’s society, exposing how new forms of freedom for women have also become new forms of self-surveillance.
Open Source Systems: 13th IFIP WG 2.13 International Conference, OSS 2017, Buenos Aires, Argentina, May 22-23, 2017, Proceedings (IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology #496)
by Federico Balaguer Roberto Di Cosmo Alejandra Garrido Fabio Kon Gregorio Robles Stefano ZacchiroliThis book is open access under a CC BY license.This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 13th IFIP WG 2.13 International Conference on Open Source Systems, OSS 2017, held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in May 2017. The 16 revised full papers and 3 short papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from 32 submissions. The papers cover a wide range of topics related to free, libre, and open source software (FLOSS), including: licensing, strategies, and practices; case studies; projects, communication, and participation; tools; and project management, development and evaluation.
Technology Offsets in International Defence Procurement (Routledge Studies in Innovation, Organizations and Technology)
by Kogila BalakrishnanTechnology offsets, a nonconventional international trade-financing tool, is used by governments (buyers) to obtain industrial and technological benefits from companies (sellers) as part of international procurement. Offsets deals involve billions of dollars and this practice exists in around 80 countries around the world. Though offsets is a popular practice in defence, it is increasingly gaining popularity in civil sectors. Offsets is often tainted by controversy and receives bad press. What then makes offsets popular? Governments claim that offsets delivers technology and knowledge transfer, skills in high technology sectors and employment, and offsets expands export opportunities through participation in OEM supply chains. For companies, offsets is mainly employed as a tool to obtain a competitive edge and win sales in international business. In the past, there have been mixed results of case studies on the impact of offsets successes and failures. Considering the mismanagement of globalisation, unfair trade agreements and current political and economic discontent, there is a stronger need for governments and companies to use vehicles such as offsets to create a relationship of trust and commitment for sustainable development. This book fills the gap in offsets and focuses on how to manage offsets more effectively by addressing issues of strategy, policy and implementation, technology management, governance and risk. Technology Offsets in International Defence Procurement is designed for those studying international procurement, international trade, international business, technology management, defence policy and industrial policy. This book will also be of interest to practitioners and policy makers in both government and industry.
Technology Offsets in International Defence Procurement (Routledge Studies in Innovation, Organizations and Technology)
by Kogila BalakrishnanTechnology offsets, a nonconventional international trade-financing tool, is used by governments (buyers) to obtain industrial and technological benefits from companies (sellers) as part of international procurement. Offsets deals involve billions of dollars and this practice exists in around 80 countries around the world. Though offsets is a popular practice in defence, it is increasingly gaining popularity in civil sectors. Offsets is often tainted by controversy and receives bad press. What then makes offsets popular? Governments claim that offsets delivers technology and knowledge transfer, skills in high technology sectors and employment, and offsets expands export opportunities through participation in OEM supply chains. For companies, offsets is mainly employed as a tool to obtain a competitive edge and win sales in international business. In the past, there have been mixed results of case studies on the impact of offsets successes and failures. Considering the mismanagement of globalisation, unfair trade agreements and current political and economic discontent, there is a stronger need for governments and companies to use vehicles such as offsets to create a relationship of trust and commitment for sustainable development. This book fills the gap in offsets and focuses on how to manage offsets more effectively by addressing issues of strategy, policy and implementation, technology management, governance and risk. Technology Offsets in International Defence Procurement is designed for those studying international procurement, international trade, international business, technology management, defence policy and industrial policy. This book will also be of interest to practitioners and policy makers in both government and industry.
Growing Up and Away: Narratives of Indian Childhoods: Memory, History, Identity
by Vijayalakshmi BalakrishnanThis book aims to expand our understanding of the role of institutions, norms, and key players in shaping the evolution of child rights in India. It traces the evolution of the child rights discourse in post-Independence India, suggesting that there are different and political ways of thinking about childhoods. Divided into three parts, the book begins with analyses of the effects of Partition, which while creating new political and cultural identities framed the child–State relationship. The second part further examines the ways in which the multiplicity of discourses during the nationalist struggle gave way to a singular view, seen in later public conversations on children and their rights. The third part explores the narratives of continuity and change, and maps the departures of memory, history, and identity. The book emphasizes the point that more than any other event or process, the violence and fears aroused by Partition have influenced the course of modern child development related policymaking. The relationship between the political and cultural identities of all the actors, who influenced the experience of childhoods, had also been deeply affected by these events.
The EU Leniency Policy: Reconciling Effectiveness and Fairness (International Competition Law Series)
by Baskaran BalasinghamThe European Union (EU) leniency programme is a key weapon in the Commission’s fight against hard-core cartels. Much of the success of EU cartel enforcement depends on the continued effectiveness of the leniency policy and is especially critical in response to the growth of private enforcement. This book offers a comprehensive description of the development of the policy, along with a normative framework that promises to ensure the full legitimacy of the leniency programme: the Commission’s policy should pursue not only effectiveness but also fairness. It is the first work to extensively analyse the effectiveness and fairness in the EU leniency policy. Proceeding systematically from clarifying the concepts of ‘effectiveness’ and ‘fairness’ to addressing the tension between leniency and private actions for damages, the author discusses the nature of, and interrelations among, such aspects as the following: – the theoretical model of the EU fining policy; – the compatibility of the EU enforcement system with fundamental rights protection; – the gathering and evaluation of evidence at the preliminary investigation stage; – the severity and foreseeability of the EU cartel fines; – judicial review by the EU Courts in competition matters; – to what extent the current policy is effective and fair; and – reforms brought about by the 2002 and 2006 Leniency Notices and the leniency-related amendments by the 2014 Antitrust Damages Directive. A key feature is the author’s presentation of a normative framework to test the effectiveness (deterrence) and substantive fairness (retribution) of the EU leniency policy. As a clear demonstration of how to forestall the danger of focusing on effectiveness of leniency at the expense of fairness, both in a substantive and in a procedural sense, this book is a major contribution to the literature of competition law. It will prove to be of great value to competition authorities, antitrust practitioners and interested academics not only in Europe but also throughout the world.
Cora Diamond on Ethics (Philosophers in Depth)
by Maria BalaskaThis collection offers an in-depth look at Cora Diamond’s distinctive approach to ethics and its philosophical significance. It comprises a new essay by Cora Diamond on the policing of concepts, followed by ten original chapters by world-class scholars covering conceptual loss, moral theory, the category of the human, the moral consideration of animals, and the meaning of narcissism. Including comparisons to the work of other contemporary moral philosophers such as Martha Nussbaum, Jeff McMahan, Rai Gaita, Eva Kittay, Christine Korsgaard, and Edward Harcourt, the volume also creates interdisciplinary links between Diamond’s work and other fields of study, including psychoanalysis and contemporary ethology. Showcasing the vital importance of Diamond’s contribution to philosophy, this volume is essential reading for scholars working in ethics, philosophy of language and literature.
Wittgenstein and Lacan at the Limit: Meaning and Astonishment
by Maria BalaskaThis book brings together the work of Ludwig Wittgenstein and Jacques Lacan around their treatments of ‘astonishment,’ an experience of being struck by something that appears to be extraordinarily significant. Both thinkers have a central interest in the dissatisfaction with meaning that these experiences generate when we attempt to articulate them, to bring language to bear on them. Maria Balaska argues that this frustration and difficulty with meaning reveals a more fundamental characteristic of our sense-making capacities –namely, their groundlessness. Instead of disappointment with language’s sense-making capacities, Balaska argues that Wittgenstein and Lacan can help us find in this revelation of meaning’s groundlessness an opportunity to acknowledge our own involvement in meaning, to creatively participate in it and thereby to enrich our forms of life with language.
Hostility to Hospitality: Spirituality and Professional Socialization within Medicine
by Michael J. Balboni Tracy A. BalboniSpiritual sickness troubles American medicine. Through a death-denying culture, medicine has gained enormous power-an influence it maintains by distancing itself from religion, which too often reminds us of our mortality. As a result of this separation of medicine and religion, patients facing serious illness infrequently receive adequate spiritual care, despite the large body of empirical data demonstrating its import to patient meaning-making, quality of life, and medical utilization. This secular-sacred divide also unleashes depersonalizing, social forces through the market, technology, and legal-bureaucratic powers that reduce clinicians to tiny cogs in an unstoppable machine. Hostility to Hospitality is one of the first books of its kind to explore these hostilities threatening medicine and offer a path forward for the partnership of modern medicine and spirituality. Drawing from interdisciplinary scholarship including empirical studies, interviews, history and sociology, theology, and public policy, the authors argue for structural pluralism as the key to changing hostility to hospitality.
Hostility to Hospitality: Spirituality and Professional Socialization within Medicine
by Michael J. Balboni Tracy A. BalboniSpiritual sickness troubles American medicine. Through a death-denying culture, medicine has gained enormous power-an influence it maintains by distancing itself from religion, which too often reminds us of our mortality. As a result of this separation of medicine and religion, patients facing serious illness infrequently receive adequate spiritual care, despite the large body of empirical data demonstrating its import to patient meaning-making, quality of life, and medical utilization. This secular-sacred divide also unleashes depersonalizing, social forces through the market, technology, and legal-bureaucratic powers that reduce clinicians to tiny cogs in an unstoppable machine. Hostility to Hospitality is one of the first books of its kind to explore these hostilities threatening medicine and offer a path forward for the partnership of modern medicine and spirituality. Drawing from interdisciplinary scholarship including empirical studies, interviews, history and sociology, theology, and public policy, the authors argue for structural pluralism as the key to changing hostility to hospitality.