Bystander Apathy –An Enquiry Into The Expression Of Humanity And Empathy In China (2013-2014)

Aim To explore the apparent lack of personal concern for the welfare of others in China? To develop concepts to understand this  social phenomena in natural  settings using ethnographic and participatory research. Research Question How can the knowledge derived from qualitative research be used to improve the welfare of the poor in Shanghai? Ethics The study was carried out within the guidelines of the declaration of Helsinki. The study was characterised by anonymity, beneficence, non maleficence, and the  maintainence of  the dignity of participants Method Collection of data. The principle data source was “observation” spot observation”(Baksh 1990)”, participant observation”(Hammersley and Atkinson 1983)vignettes(Finch 1987, Sani Bin Gabi 1990), oral history(narrative) Conclusion The study was conducted ethically. It was a worthwhile study attempted to deal with current problems. The publication of this paper can be used to stimulate further enquiry into the problem of those in need of social welfare in Shanghai and China, in the hope it will improve services where they are needed. Suggested solutions In a country where intergenerational family ties are so strong and “guanxi” exists it is paradoxical there is  little empathy for others. Confuscian values, changed family beliefs, and education at school and  university may assist in increasing empathy. Learnt conditioning, to ignore or dissociate, from another human being in   need of help, can be slowly overcome by implementing universal and improved changes in societal living conditions. This can be achieved  by improving social welfare programs, spearheaded by a compassionate government. There is a view that it is an egregious and transparent fiction, to promulgate and publically promote, the philosophies and policies of communism, yet allow these curable social ills to remain. ”Rex ipsa Loquiter”. The healthy should help the sick, the rich should help the poor and the employed should help the unemployed, Proportionately, in accordance with what they have they should give. The promotion of a “ forward thinking, humane, listening and open society, rather than a closed, narrow, opaque, inward looking “weltanschaung” would assist societal reform. We “bystanders”, we must all try to imagine we are in the  place  of those in need, and  feel aas they do, in their situation. We must follow the advice of Mencius (372-289BC) and develop and use “empathy” As Mencius  said, ”a  developed  human heart is the basis  of a moral life”

An Inquiry into the Implementation of the Associate Degree in Education Ade in a Public Sector Teacher Education Institute in Karachi, Pakistan

This study intended to comprehensively document the experiences and practices of some of the selected stakeholders (faculty, prospective teachers and administrators) of the ADE programme in a public sector teacher education institute in Karachi, Pakistan. A qualitative case study method situating in phenomenology was used in order to get in-depth qualitative data to see the implementation of the ADE programme. A purposive sampling technique was used to select research participants. The population comprised all the faculty members, administrators, continuing students of the ADE programme and sampled ADE graduates. The data were collected through interviews, Focus Group Discussions, document analysis and classroom observations. I used phenomenological approach in theorizing the research phenomenon. The study probed into the programme implementation, explored through lived experiences of the participants of their day to day classroom practices, the success stories, challenges, and the conscious efforts they make towards the quality of education imparted to prospective teachers through the innovative ADE programme. The findings of the study revealed that the new pre-service programme is quite relevant to the needs and demands of schools and teachers as compare to the conventional teacher education models. The new programme is a vibrant and innovative version. The assessment process is partially formative and the practicum has been designed on the basis of constructivist paradigm. The study exposed some drawbacks as well, like frustration among graduates regarding joblessness and un-clear policy about the scope of ADE. The study further revealed that lack of human and material resources, the idealistic nature of the curriculum and no provision of books to the prospective teachers are the key hindrances in implementing the programme. The study has significant implications for the participants by highlighting the fundamental issues and problems they face like joblessness of ADE graduates, scope of ADE, promotion of faculty and provision of required resources.