This is an exciting week for Kumarian Press as we welcome a new book into our family entitled The Essentials of Economic Sustainability by John Ikerd. Ikerd has written for KP in the past, with his first book Sustainble Capitalism.
In his new book, Ikerd addresses the basic principles and concepts essential to economic sustainability. Some of these concepts are capitalist, some are socialistic, and others are general principles validated by philosophy or common sense. What results is a synthesis: something that is neither capitalist nor socialist but fundamentally different; it is sustainable.
Readers of any political and ideological persuasion will find this brief book engaging, informative, optimistic and refreshing.
About the author:
John Ikerd spent the first half of his thirty-year academic career as a traditional free-market, neoclassical economist. He served on the faculties of four major state universities during his career: North Carolina State University, Oklahoma State University, the University of Georgia, and the University of Missouri. Growing concerns for the lack of ecological, social, and economic sustainability of American agriculture during the 1980s led to broader concerns for the lack of sustainability for American society in general. As an economist, Dr. Ikerd eventually came to understand that growing threats to ecological and social sustainability are rooted in the neoclassical paradigm of economic development, which is inherently extractive and exploitative, and thus, is not sustainable. Dr. Ikerd spent the last half of his academic career and much of his time since retirement developing and testing the concepts and principles of an alternative development paradigm, the economics of sustainability, which are elucidated in this book.
If interested in receiving a review copy of either title, please contact Marketing Associate Jennifer Kern at: Jennifer@styluspub.com.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
KP Author Jo Bailey Sets the Record Straight About Orphan Care
The journey for the collection and publication of Orphan Care: A Comparative View has been incredibly long, yet fruitful.
In 2006, I attended the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) Conference in Munich and presented my research on international adoption and the effects of institutional care on children. At the conference, I attended roundtables and met professionals and scholars from around the world. I was surprised to find so many people studying the same issues I was interested in, surprised mostly because their research never surfaced in my searches of the literature. This was especially noteworthy to me because, as I state in the Introduction, the English language social work literature purported a global perspective. From my new perspective, this “global” vision had a strongly western view. I left the conference with a new directive, to somehow connect with scholars in other countries to gather their insights about children without parental care.
But, finding contributors was difficult. For the next five years, I contacted (or attempted to contact) close to 60 researchers. Some didn’t respond to my email, countless others connected me to someone they thought may be interested, which sometimes bore results and other times did not. Some accepted the invitation to collaborate but could not follow through because of personal or professional reasons. For those who signed on to the project, it was not easy. I imposed rather rigid criteria for acceptance in terms of content and format (that is, certain issues had to be addressed).
Over time, all of the submissions underwent a number of revisions. In the end, we had ten authors who found a way to complete their chapters in time and in accordance with guidelines constructed to allow true comparisons to be made between countries. I am especially indebted to these authors. From the far reaches of the world, they responded to a plea from a person unknown to them. And over the several years of preparing this collection, each of them met my numerous, and often urgent, requests for information with punctuality and poise. And, they are generous. All of the authors immediately agreed with the proposal that instead of any of us earning money from the book, we find a global organization that helps orphaned and vulnerable children. Because of its solid reputation, worldwide reach, and mission of connecting children to communities, we agreed that any royalties from the book would go to SOS Children’s Villages International. This project has also enriched me personally, deepening my global connections in ways that I didn’t foresee.
In 2008, with support from the University of Houston-Downtown, I traveled to Brazil and was fortunate to meet with Christiane and Lúcia, and we co-presented some of our initial results at the IFSW Conference there. Then, Lúcia’s university, Espirito Santo Federal University, sponsored a trip for her to come to Houston in 2011. Local Rotarians, Dr. Ed and Robin Charlesworth, graciously provided her with housing and transportation while in Houston. On her visit, she lectured, to the delight of our students, in our social work classes at the University of Houston-Downtown and toured social service agencies, such as Neighborhood Centers, Inc. Harutai and I got to meet when she and her husband came to Dallas. I was attending the National Association of Social Workers/Texas conference and they were visiting their daughter and son-in-law. Victoria Schmidt and I have also continued working together. We are currently working on a paper about child welfare in the Czech Republic, where she now lives and works, and hope to expand our analysis to other countries. And, finally, several of us, Victoria, Rodreck, and I, plan to attend the joint IASSW/IFSW/ICSW Conference in Stockholm in the summer of 2012 to present our findings and experiences in writing the book. My experience with Kumarian Press has been equally propitious. As the manuscript was close to completion, I pursued its publication. I was told by a couple of presses that the work was too narrow in focus for them.
Undeterred, I kept searching for the right outlet and eventually found Kumarian Press. Because KP’s focus is on issues of development, the fit was perfect. The editor, Jim Lance, expressed enthusiastic interest from the start. And, he and others at the press, namely Alex Hartnett, worked diligently to produce a scholarly work that would appeal not only to academics but to practitioners and policymakers alike. I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. We accomplished precisely what I set out to achieve. That is, we not only produced what I hope to be a valuable report on some of the world’s most vulnerable children, but we also created a platform for a number of incredible scholars, most of whom have years of practice, research, and leadership experience, to reach a western audience.
Orphan Care is available to purchase through the Kumarian Press website. For more information on ordering and/or reviewing this publication, please contact Marketing Associate Jennifer Kern at Jennifer@styluspub.com.
In 2006, I attended the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) Conference in Munich and presented my research on international adoption and the effects of institutional care on children. At the conference, I attended roundtables and met professionals and scholars from around the world. I was surprised to find so many people studying the same issues I was interested in, surprised mostly because their research never surfaced in my searches of the literature. This was especially noteworthy to me because, as I state in the Introduction, the English language social work literature purported a global perspective. From my new perspective, this “global” vision had a strongly western view. I left the conference with a new directive, to somehow connect with scholars in other countries to gather their insights about children without parental care.
But, finding contributors was difficult. For the next five years, I contacted (or attempted to contact) close to 60 researchers. Some didn’t respond to my email, countless others connected me to someone they thought may be interested, which sometimes bore results and other times did not. Some accepted the invitation to collaborate but could not follow through because of personal or professional reasons. For those who signed on to the project, it was not easy. I imposed rather rigid criteria for acceptance in terms of content and format (that is, certain issues had to be addressed).
Over time, all of the submissions underwent a number of revisions. In the end, we had ten authors who found a way to complete their chapters in time and in accordance with guidelines constructed to allow true comparisons to be made between countries. I am especially indebted to these authors. From the far reaches of the world, they responded to a plea from a person unknown to them. And over the several years of preparing this collection, each of them met my numerous, and often urgent, requests for information with punctuality and poise. And, they are generous. All of the authors immediately agreed with the proposal that instead of any of us earning money from the book, we find a global organization that helps orphaned and vulnerable children. Because of its solid reputation, worldwide reach, and mission of connecting children to communities, we agreed that any royalties from the book would go to SOS Children’s Villages International. This project has also enriched me personally, deepening my global connections in ways that I didn’t foresee.
In 2008, with support from the University of Houston-Downtown, I traveled to Brazil and was fortunate to meet with Christiane and Lúcia, and we co-presented some of our initial results at the IFSW Conference there. Then, Lúcia’s university, Espirito Santo Federal University, sponsored a trip for her to come to Houston in 2011. Local Rotarians, Dr. Ed and Robin Charlesworth, graciously provided her with housing and transportation while in Houston. On her visit, she lectured, to the delight of our students, in our social work classes at the University of Houston-Downtown and toured social service agencies, such as Neighborhood Centers, Inc. Harutai and I got to meet when she and her husband came to Dallas. I was attending the National Association of Social Workers/Texas conference and they were visiting their daughter and son-in-law. Victoria Schmidt and I have also continued working together. We are currently working on a paper about child welfare in the Czech Republic, where she now lives and works, and hope to expand our analysis to other countries. And, finally, several of us, Victoria, Rodreck, and I, plan to attend the joint IASSW/IFSW/ICSW Conference in Stockholm in the summer of 2012 to present our findings and experiences in writing the book. My experience with Kumarian Press has been equally propitious. As the manuscript was close to completion, I pursued its publication. I was told by a couple of presses that the work was too narrow in focus for them.
Undeterred, I kept searching for the right outlet and eventually found Kumarian Press. Because KP’s focus is on issues of development, the fit was perfect. The editor, Jim Lance, expressed enthusiastic interest from the start. And, he and others at the press, namely Alex Hartnett, worked diligently to produce a scholarly work that would appeal not only to academics but to practitioners and policymakers alike. I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. We accomplished precisely what I set out to achieve. That is, we not only produced what I hope to be a valuable report on some of the world’s most vulnerable children, but we also created a platform for a number of incredible scholars, most of whom have years of practice, research, and leadership experience, to reach a western audience.
Orphan Care is available to purchase through the Kumarian Press website. For more information on ordering and/or reviewing this publication, please contact Marketing Associate Jennifer Kern at Jennifer@styluspub.com.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Young Afghan Bride Tortured, Raped Tells Her Story
"When they put electric shocks on my feet, I felt like I was going to die at that moment."
Sahar Gul, now 15-years-old stood in court last week and listened to the sentence of three of her in-laws who were charged with torture, abuse and human rights violations.
Gul told the court her story of how she was married off at the young age of 13 to a man in the Afghan Army. After numerous rapes, and unsuccessful attempts to impregnate her, Gul's in-laws hid her away in a basement for months as punishment for failing to meet her obligations as a woman.
Gul described the abuse endured upon her as her in-laws tortured her as she went to the bathroom, struck her skin with hot pokers, ripped out her hair and tore out her finger nails. The plan was to force her into prostitution (see Hollow Bodies and Reluctant Bedfellows for more on this issue). They barely fed her, too.
"When they put electric shocks on my feet, I felt like I was going to die at that moment. I screamed and that's how our neighbors realized there was something happening. For one day and night I was unconscious, feeling dead."
Her relatives received sentences of 10 years each, her husband is on the run and fears that he will come after her. She worries that he will find her and kill her, as they are still married. Gul feels it may be time to leave Afghanistan and study abroad. She has dreams of becoming a doctor or a prosecutor.
Gul's case highlights the struggles that women face in the Middle East. With a future rule of the Taliban back in the realm of possibilities, more than 86% of Afghan women fear living in the country under these circumstances.
Under Taliban rule until 2001, women were not allowed to leave their homes alone without a male relative alongside, nor were they allowed to attend school or hold employment. If they went outside of their homes alone, the women faced public lashings.
In case that wasn't bad enough, because of recent events, the Afghan government may be withdrawing support for women's human rights, as they continue peace talks with the Taliban.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Kumarian Press Announces Launch of E-books
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2012 -- Kumarian Press has recently released e-books as an option for book buyers who are looking for a light-weight, easy-to-access solution to reading our publications.
All Kumarian Press e-books are compatible to use through all e-reader platforms. Not only is KP selling through resellers, but also offering direct sales off the main web site.They are available to view and purchase on our website through this link. Interested customers may also purchase these books through customer service at (703) 661-1501.
Contact Kumarian Press Marketing Associate Jennifer Kern for more information on obtaining e-books for personal use, book reviews and/or course adoption. E-mail: Jennifer@styluspub.com , phone: (703) 996-1022.
About Kumarian Press:
Kumarian Press was founded in 1977. We pioneered publishing in the people-centered approach to development, but our range of topics has expanded over the years to include issues such as peace, gender, governance and human rights. Our founding mission of raising awareness of global connections remains strong.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Floods Move in on Afghanistan and Nepal
Just two days after Nepal was hit by an unexpected flood, a flash flood in Afghanistan left many pleading for help after homes and lives unraveled.
Going back to last Saturday in Nepal, at least eight bodies were found and pronounced dead near Pokhara, and at least three Ukrainians were among the many still missing. The flood was believed to have been triggered by an avalanche in the mountains or a glacial lake outburst.
Today in Afghanistan, at least 26 are confirmed dead from a flood that hit after more than eight hours of heavy rainfall since Sunday with more than 100 persons still missing. Several districts were hit by the flood, and a search team is in effect.
The need for aid has been called on by both regions urgining people around to help in the rescue efforts and food relief. Mark Schuller, Pablo Morales and contributors discuss the importance of aid in Tectonic Shifts: Haiti Since the Earthquake. This book shows how a poor country with onset problems has responded to the "help" from aid workers, as well as to the government's response after the 2010 earthquake. (The findings are appalling and will inspire you to do more.)
So, what happens when natural disasters hit in areas that have had ongoing economic, political and social problems long before the floods? Kumarian Press author Jennifer Hyndman attemps to answer this question through case studies on natural disasters including the 2004 tsunami in her book Dual Disasters.
Going back to last Saturday in Nepal, at least eight bodies were found and pronounced dead near Pokhara, and at least three Ukrainians were among the many still missing. The flood was believed to have been triggered by an avalanche in the mountains or a glacial lake outburst.
Today in Afghanistan, at least 26 are confirmed dead from a flood that hit after more than eight hours of heavy rainfall since Sunday with more than 100 persons still missing. Several districts were hit by the flood, and a search team is in effect.
The need for aid has been called on by both regions urgining people around to help in the rescue efforts and food relief. Mark Schuller, Pablo Morales and contributors discuss the importance of aid in Tectonic Shifts: Haiti Since the Earthquake. This book shows how a poor country with onset problems has responded to the "help" from aid workers, as well as to the government's response after the 2010 earthquake. (The findings are appalling and will inspire you to do more.)
So, what happens when natural disasters hit in areas that have had ongoing economic, political and social problems long before the floods? Kumarian Press author Jennifer Hyndman attemps to answer this question through case studies on natural disasters including the 2004 tsunami in her book Dual Disasters.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Can't We All Just Get Along? The Battle in Korea
It's the same old song and dance - just a different date: Tensions rise as the young, North Korean president threatens South Korea this week.
As the story goes, North Korea has made public threats to South Korea that they plan on "destroying" the president and its government. A caricature with the face of South Korean President Lee Myung-bak had rocks thrown at it by delegates of the state earlier today.
The North's threats came just a few weeks after a failed test-launch missile launched by the North claiming it to be an "earth observation satellite" in orbit. This sparked tensions between the two states.
The battles around the world have to end. Our troops will end up in Syria, Afghanistan, Turkey, Iraq and North Korea forever if this does not come to an immediate hault. (Where did Turkey come into the cluster? Read the news about Turkey Vs. Syria) These wars will inevitably lead to more bloodshed, and will inevitably leave the U.S. no choice but to assist in the pain, anguish and devastation.)
It's the 21st Century, and we're supposed to be living in a civilized, global world. We shouldn't be on power-trips or battling eachother to see who is on top. You know the story of Jack and Jill, and of course, someone will have to tumble to the bottom.
Can't we break the cycles of violence? If so, how and more importantly, when? I'm not even confident we know what we're fighting about anymore.
As the story goes, North Korea has made public threats to South Korea that they plan on "destroying" the president and its government. A caricature with the face of South Korean President Lee Myung-bak had rocks thrown at it by delegates of the state earlier today.
The North's threats came just a few weeks after a failed test-launch missile launched by the North claiming it to be an "earth observation satellite" in orbit. This sparked tensions between the two states.
The battles around the world have to end. Our troops will end up in Syria, Afghanistan, Turkey, Iraq and North Korea forever if this does not come to an immediate hault. (Where did Turkey come into the cluster? Read the news about Turkey Vs. Syria) These wars will inevitably lead to more bloodshed, and will inevitably leave the U.S. no choice but to assist in the pain, anguish and devastation.)
It's the 21st Century, and we're supposed to be living in a civilized, global world. We shouldn't be on power-trips or battling eachother to see who is on top. You know the story of Jack and Jill, and of course, someone will have to tumble to the bottom.
Can't we break the cycles of violence? If so, how and more importantly, when? I'm not even confident we know what we're fighting about anymore.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Why the U.S. Should Play Nice with Syria
"Iran has used Syria as a staging ground to train and support militants who have crossed into Iraq to hurt our troops and to train for other terrorist activities." - Robert Zarate, a geopolitical strategist with Capitol Hill
Syria: A small country outside of Asia and the Middle East that has it's own share of problems. (and could potentially create a major problem for us) Many of us have heard the recent news involving Syria's clash between government and protesters, and plans to get the president out of office. Violence has spread for the past few months and has gone as far as suggesting to slaughter children and families.
Many of us know about the humanitarian crisis under fire that this country faces; but many of us also don't know why this country should matter to us. We already thrust ourselves into Iraq and Afghanistan. Do we really need/want to care about a country that doesn't exactly have strong connections to us? The answer is yes.
Here's why you should care about Syria:
1) Syria borders Iraq, where our troops are still involved in the "War on Terror." If Syria weakens its power, this can trickle down to Iraq and have negative effects on our men and women.
2) Lebanon, another bordering country of Iraq and Turkey (a U.S. Ally) can also lead into a civil war if problems go down with Syria, leading to a war that we will most likely get involved in because we have to be the helpers of the world (as noted in African Security and the African Command).
3) Al Queda, U.S. enemy #1 would love another reason to go to war with the Americans if we co-op with any of these countries to "fix" the problems in Syria.
4) Oh, and, did I mention that if we have to go into the Middle East, again to fix another country's problems (again), then our oil prices will go up and our economy will suffer (again)? Don't forget, gas rose well over $5.00 last year in all parts of the U.S., and the war cost us $1 trillion.
Yes, yes...as it turns out, this small country could potentially create big problems for the U.S. We may get involved in another war where we will not leave for another 10 years. Syria is alleys with Iran, as well, who haven't yet friended us on Facebook quite yet. We'll have to watch out for them, too
Ugh..must we always get involved in other country's affairs? As you can see, the plot thickens; and the conclusion may be anticipated.
More information on this article may be found on CNN's site.
Syria: A small country outside of Asia and the Middle East that has it's own share of problems. (and could potentially create a major problem for us) Many of us have heard the recent news involving Syria's clash between government and protesters, and plans to get the president out of office. Violence has spread for the past few months and has gone as far as suggesting to slaughter children and families.
Many of us know about the humanitarian crisis under fire that this country faces; but many of us also don't know why this country should matter to us. We already thrust ourselves into Iraq and Afghanistan. Do we really need/want to care about a country that doesn't exactly have strong connections to us? The answer is yes.
Here's why you should care about Syria:
1) Syria borders Iraq, where our troops are still involved in the "War on Terror." If Syria weakens its power, this can trickle down to Iraq and have negative effects on our men and women.
2) Lebanon, another bordering country of Iraq and Turkey (a U.S. Ally) can also lead into a civil war if problems go down with Syria, leading to a war that we will most likely get involved in because we have to be the helpers of the world (as noted in African Security and the African Command).
3) Al Queda, U.S. enemy #1 would love another reason to go to war with the Americans if we co-op with any of these countries to "fix" the problems in Syria.
4) Oh, and, did I mention that if we have to go into the Middle East, again to fix another country's problems (again), then our oil prices will go up and our economy will suffer (again)? Don't forget, gas rose well over $5.00 last year in all parts of the U.S., and the war cost us $1 trillion.
Yes, yes...as it turns out, this small country could potentially create big problems for the U.S. We may get involved in another war where we will not leave for another 10 years. Syria is alleys with Iran, as well, who haven't yet friended us on Facebook quite yet. We'll have to watch out for them, too
Ugh..must we always get involved in other country's affairs? As you can see, the plot thickens; and the conclusion may be anticipated.
More information on this article may be found on CNN's site.
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