Write an ethnographic research essay that primarily focuses on Aging in different cultural and/or national contexts
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Title: Aging in Different Cultural and National Contexts: An Ethnographic Exploration
Introduction
Aging is a universal human experience that is shaped by cultural beliefs, social norms, and national policies. Through ethnographic research, we can gain a deeper understanding of how aging is perceived, experienced, and valued across diverse cultural and national contexts. This essay explores the complexities of aging through an ethnographic lens, highlighting the ways in which culture and society influence the aging process.
Cultural Perceptions of Aging
Different cultures have unique beliefs and attitudes towards aging that shape how older adults are viewed and treated within society. In some cultures, older individuals are revered for their wisdom and experience, while in others, aging is associated with decline and dependence. Ethnographic studies have documented how cultural values influence intergenerational relationships, caregiving practices, and expectations around aging.
For example, research has shown that in collectivist cultures, such as many Asian societies, the concept of filial piety emphasizes respect for elders and the importance of family support in old age. Ethnographers have observed how these cultural norms impact the roles and responsibilities of older adults within their families and communities.
National Policies and Aging
National policies play a significant role in shaping the experiences of older adults, including access to healthcare, social services, and retirement benefits. Ethnographic research has examined how variations in healthcare systems, pension schemes, and long-term care services contribute to disparities in aging outcomes across different countries.
For instance, comparative ethnographic studies have highlighted the contrast between countries with robust social welfare programs for older adults, such as in Scandinavia, and those with more limited support systems, such as in parts of the Global South. These studies have underscored how national policies can either enhance or hinder the well-being of older populations.
Gender, Race, and Aging
Intersectional perspectives are crucial in understanding how gender and race intersect with aging experiences within cultural and national contexts. Ethnographic research has explored how older women and minority populations face unique challenges related to healthcare access, economic security, and social inclusion.
Studies have shown how gender norms influence caregiving responsibilities and retirement outcomes for women in different cultural settings. Additionally, ethnographers have documented the impact of systemic racism on the health and well-being of older adults from marginalized racial and ethnic groups, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive approaches to aging research and policy.
Intergenerational Dynamics and Aging
Ethnography provides a lens into the complex dynamics of intergenerational relationships and support networks in diverse cultural contexts. By examining how older adults interact with their families, communities, and institutions, researchers can uncover the reciprocal exchanges of care, knowledge, and resources that shape the aging process.
For example, ethnographic studies have explored the role of grandparents in child-rearing practices across cultures, the impact of migration on family caregiving patterns, and the changing dynamics of elder care in urbanizing societies. These studies offer valuable insights into the ways in which intergenerational relationships evolve in response to social and cultural changes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ethnographic research offers a rich and nuanced perspective on aging in different cultural and national contexts. By illuminating the cultural beliefs, national policies, intersectional dynamics, and intergenerational relationships that influence the aging experience, ethnographers contribute valuable insights to our understanding of this universal yet diverse stage of life. As societies grapple with the challenges and opportunities presented by an aging population, ethnographic approaches provide essential tools for fostering age-friendly environments, promoting social inclusion, and enhancing the quality of life for older adults around the world.
