The New Less-Social Psychology of China's First Generation of Only ChildrenSince 1979, China has instituted a strictly-enforced policy of allowing the birth of only one child per family as a means of stemming explosive population growth. (There are signs that this policy finally may change - as recently posted in Worldbuzz.co.)
Now that an entire generation has been raised as only children, cosseted by parents who view them as their sole legacy, some experts have noted troubling personality traits of entitlement and insularity, earning them the nickname "Little Emperors." A fascinating new research study, just published in Science, examined personality traits of these children compared to children born prior to the One-Child policy. Researchers found them to be less trusting, more risk-averse, less competitive, more pessimistic, less conscientious, and it appears, more neurotic. A summary of the research findings is provided here. For more detailed information, see the Supplementary Materials from the study authors. Related articles: TIME magazine: China's One Child Policy: Curse of the "Little Emperors" NPR: China's 'Little Emperors' Lucky, Yet Lonely in Life |
"The findings that China's only children have fewer of the qualities necessary for being social and entrepreneurial, compounded across an entire nation, may very well have real world implications in the global marketplace." |
The Bedu of Wadi Rum, Jordan: A Culture on The Brink of ExtinctionFrom SocialDocumentary.net: How do you capture the entire character of a culture that has no written record, has lived for centuries in relative isolation and exists in complete harmony with one of the world’s most extreme environments?
The Bedu of Wadi Rum have preserved specific knowledge related to the flora and fauna of the area, traditional medicine, camel husbandry, tent-making craftsmanship, tracking and climbing skills. They have an extensive knowledge of their environment and a complex moral and social code, all of which is expressed and transmitted orally. Their rich mythology is manifested in various forms of oral expression, comprising poetry, folktales and songs that are closely linked to particular places and the history of these communities. Photographer Mark Abouzeid has beautifully captured scenes from the lives of the Bedu. See his photographic essay and thoughtful commentary at SocialDocumentary.net. |
Israeli Museum Exhibit Looks to Combat AgeismIsrael, like many other countries, is experiencing a “gray” population boom due to higher life expectancy—its 65-and-older population will increase 44 percent by 2020.
The Israel Children’s Museum in Holon, Israel, is currently featuring an exhibit that is the first-ever interactive look at the process of aging. Visitors strap on boots and gloves to experience some of the physical changes of aging, and mannequins act out vignettes of aging issues. |
Japan and Blood Types: Does it Determine Personality?Blood is one thing that unites the entire human race, but most of us don't think about our blood group much, unless we need a transfusion.
In Japan, however, blood type has big implications for life, work and love.It is a widespread belief in Japan that character is linked to blood type. What's behind this conventional wisdom? |
Sworn Virgins of Albania: Women Living as MenIn certain parts of Albania, the role of women has traditionally been solely restricted to taking care of children and the home.
The only way for a woman to gain more power in these parts was to live as a man - a practice that has surprisingly been in existence for over 5 centuries. By taking an oath of virginity, women could take on the role of men as head of the family, carry a weapon, own property and move freely. This video and articles share interviews with these Virgins, who discuss their experiences of living life as men - and whether they think the practice will continue. |
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