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The 2nd Sino-Japanese war
Started in 1937, morphs into second world war. Actually skirmishes well before that as Chinese nationalist government under Chang Kai Shek struggled to control warlords. Japan wanted to establish control of mainland (Manchuria), particularly given colonial expansion throughout Asia, and had forces throughout China, even in Shanghai. Other East Asian countries obviously see this as…
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Jobs as a lifestyle choice
People see their jobs as a lifestyle choice – esp young middle class students, who pursue brand-specific jobs eg specific coffee chains, clothes shops despite low pay and few benefits. They will even display fierce loyalty to their employer eg covering shifts, getting to work despite adverse weather conditions. Negative effects of this are that…
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Game theory
How we don’t always act rationally. Prisoners dilemma: if both confess, both go to jail. If one confesses then he goes free and the other goes to jail. But if neither confesses then both go free. The paradox is that self interest will drive both to confess, even though the best outcome would be achieved by…
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Neds rule
Neds (self identified) more widespread than might be expected for what is usually a perjorative term. In fact, often perceive themselves as popular and respected in schools! Disengagement from education is more important than class – middle class Neds not uncommon! Although minority groups may reclaim perjorative term eg queer, negro as a means of…
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Dangerous status dogs
Dangerous “status dogs” differ from other dogs equally large/powerful because they are perceived in particular communities as potentially vicious. Owning one can be seen as a pragmatic adaptation to status deficit in a street centred culture. Buy a pitbull cross – instant status, simply through the implied potential for violence. Highly associated with criminal record.…
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Love
Love is the most codified of all emotions, the most subject to the rules of society & culture yet we continue to believe it the most spontaneous & genuine! In medieval society it was bound up in valour & chivalry (producing the Tristan and Isolde paradox, that the best knight deserves the queen but must…