Books matching: government policy
100 result(s)
'The Little Book of Lykke: The Danish Search for the World's Happiest People' by Meik Wiking is an inspiring and insightful exploration of happiness, incorporating research and real-life examples from around the world. The book delves into the main factors that contribute to people's happiness, offering practical advice on how to incorporate these elements into daily life. While celebrating the pursuit of happiness, the author also acknowledges the challenges and struggles faced by many individuals, emphasizing the importance of finding contentment beyond material possessions or status.
The book not only provides a guide to personal happiness but also explores the broader implications of societal and governmental policies on overall well-being. Through a mix of statistics, studies, and anecdotes, Wiking presents a compelling narrative that encourages readers to strive for happiness and kindness in their own lives while also considering the impact of such values on a larger scale.
One of them was from Sarah, who teaches five-year-olds in the UK and has long had an interest in the mental health of children and how happiness has an impact on their capacity to learn. ‘I have read ...- #2
'The Year of Living Danishly: My Twelve Months Unearthing the Secrets of the World's Happiest Country' by Helen Russell follows the author's journey as she moves to Denmark with her husband. Through a year of cultural immersion, Russell explores the reasons behind the Danes' reputation as the happiest people on Earth. delves into various aspects of Danish life, from traditions and government policies to social norms and daily routines, providing insights into what makes Danish society unique. Russell's writing style is described as humorous, engaging, and thought-provoking, offering a blend of personal experiences and research to paint a vivid picture of life in Denmark.
It all started simply enough. After a few days off work my husband and I were suffering from post-holiday blues and struggling to get back into the swing of things. A grey drizzle had descended on Lon... - #3
"The Home for Unwanted Girls" by Joanna Goodman is a heart-wrenching story set in Quebec during the time of Premier Duplessis. It follows the lives of Maggie, a young mother forced to give up her baby, and Elodie, her daughter who grows up in an orphanage turned mental asylum. The narrative explores the historical fact of orphanages being converted to asylums for financial gain, the hardships faced by the characters, and their relentless pursuit of reunion amidst government and church wrongdoing. The storytelling alternates between Maggie and Elodie, providing a poignant portrayal of their struggles and search for each other over the years.
A boom of laughter drifts up to the attic where Maggie is weighing and counting seeds. Premier Duplessis has just been reelected and there’s a buzz in the store. She dumps a handful of seeds on the sc... - #4
'Whereas' by Layli Long Soldier is a collection of poetry that delves into the Native American experience, shedding light on the struggles, oppression, and cultural heritage of the First Nations. The book is praised for its modern and refreshing style, which challenges the reader to learn new languages and explore traditional storytelling intertwined with contemporary poetics. Through deconstruction and restructuring of language, Layli Long Soldier invites readers on a journey to understand and appreciate the Native experience, offering a new perspective on historical events like the Dakota 38 Massacre.
The poems in 'Whereas' are described as heavy, emotionally impactful, and deeply thought-provoking. The book's layout, visual vocabulary, and use of different styles and structures contribute to its absorbing nature, encouraging readers to reflect on the content long after reading. Layli Long Soldier's work in this collection is praised for its profoundness, spiritual perfection, and its ability to provide a human response to historical injustices and colonial legacies. Overall, 'Whereas' is a testament to the power of poetry in conveying complex narratives and fostering understanding across cultural divides.
It took many trials before I learned how to knot my sinew thread on the point of my finger, as I saw her do. Then the next difficulty was in keeping my thread stiffly twisted, so that I could easily s... - #5
'A Secret History of the IRA' by Ed Moloney delves into the intricate and controversial history of the IRA during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Through first-hand accounts and extensive research, the author provides a deep understanding of the early history of Northern Ireland and the IRA, shedding light on key figures like Gerry Adams. offers a serious and informative read, presenting a fair and balanced view of the Troubles while also exploring the complexities of the IRA's evolution and tactics.
Moloney's writing style is captivating and engaging, offering readers a well-researched and detailed account of the events that transpired behind the scenes of the IRA during the Troubles. is praised for its informative nature, providing glossaries, chronologies, and printed documents that aid in understanding the complexities of the conflict in Northern Ireland.
Ruairi O Bradaigh: If there is no confidence in Leadership, policies are no use to us. Anonymous articles and letters in AP/PN do not go down well. We must re-establish confidence by printing own name... 'Chavs: The Demonization of the Working Class' by Owen Jones delves into the portrayal and treatment of the white working class in British society. It critiques the derogatory caricature of 'chavs' as a means to deflect blame from the capitalist system and neoliberal politics onto individuals, leading to the working class being ridiculed and reviled. Jones explores the impact of Thatcherism on class dynamics, the decline of working-class representation in media and politics, and the perpetuation of class stereotypes in society. Through a mix of historical analysis and contemporary observations, the book sheds light on the struggles and challenges faced by the working class in the UK.
Chavs, written more than five years ago, is a polemic about a society that was unnecessarily unjust, cruel and divided; since its original publication in 2011 Britain has only become more unjust, crue...- #7
'Your Life in My Hands' by Rachel Clarke is a poignant and eye-opening account of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals within the NHS system. Through a blend of personal experiences and factual insights, Clarke sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of doctors working tirelessly to provide compassionate care to patients. The book delves into the complexities of the NHS, highlighting issues such as government interference, inadequate staffing, and the impact on patient safety. Clarke's writing style eloquently captures the emotional and physical toll that healthcare workers endure, offering a compelling narrative that exposes the harsh realities of the healthcare system.
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'When Affirmative Action Was White' by Ira Katznelson delves into the untold history of racial inequality in twentieth-century America. It highlights how deliberate policy decisions during the New Deal and the Fair Deal excluded African Americans from the benefits of social programs, perpetuating racial disparities. explores how government initiatives such as the GI Bill and Social Security Act were designed to benefit white Americans while excluding African Americans, ultimately shaping the existing wealth gaps in society.
Through a well-researched narrative, the author uncovers the systemic discrimination faced by African Americans in accessing government assistance and opportunities for economic advancement. Katznelson's writing style is informative and academic, providing a detailed account of how past government policies favored white citizens and perpetuated racial inequality in the United States. challenges the conventional narrative of affirmative action and sheds light on the historical context that has contributed to the current disparities between African Americans and whites in American society.
THE SUN HAD BEGUN its downward slope on the evening of June 4, 1965, as President Lyndon Johnson mounted the podium on the main quadrangle of Howard University, the country’s most celebrated black cen... Barbara W. Tuchman's 'The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam' delves into the epic errors and blunders in history made by governments and leaders. The book examines historical instances where policies contrary to self-interest were pursued, despite feasible alternatives being available. Through analyzing events such as the Trojan War, the Renaissance Popes' actions leading to the Reformation, the British loss of the American colonies, and the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War, Tuchman presents a thought-provoking exploration of governmental folly throughout the ages. The writing style is described as clear and engaging, making complex ideas accessible and compelling for readers.
A phenomenon noticeable throughout history regardless of place or period is the pursuit by governments of policies contrary to their own interests. Mankind, it seems, makes a poorer performance of gov...- #10
In "Poor Economics: A Radical Rethinking of the Way to Fight Global Poverty," authors Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo delve into the complexities of poverty by examining the lives of individuals living below the poverty line. Through their experiences with the Poverty Action Group, outcomes of Randomised Control Tests (RCTs), and personal research, they explore how the poor make decisions regarding crucial aspects like hunger, health, education, and family planning. The authors argue that poverty is a multifaceted issue that cannot be solved by a single action plan or ideology, emphasizing the need to evaluate each problem individually for effective poverty alleviation strategies.
The book challenges common assumptions about poverty by discussing how government intervention, private charity, and the free market each have limitations in addressing the root causes of poverty. Banerjee and Duflo highlight the importance of understanding the decision-making processes of the poor, advocating for evidence-based interventions and a nuanced approach to tackling poverty that considers the unique circumstances of individuals.
For many of us in the West, poverty is almost synonymous with hunger. Other than major natural catastrophes such as the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004 or the Haiti earthquake in 2010, no single event affe...