Suchergebnisse

The objective of this article is to study the impact of the cultural deep-rooted fondness in Mexico for festivities and celebrations on household spending behavior. Using an interdisciplinary approach, this work analyzes official records of expenditure related to festivities in Mexico. The study finds evidence of an abundant allocation of family economic resources to events such as family parties, festivals, parades, and civic and religious ceremonies. Some of the celebrations are held regularly, whereas others take place on special occasions in individuals' lives. In either case, the result is a significant flow of spending to finance the appetite for revelry. This work concludes that, as a result of cultural factors, Mexican people are used to holding celebrations quite frequently. Those celebrations often involve conspicuous spending. Both the frequency and the ostentatious spending impact negatively on family finances for urban and rural households, the latter bearing the brunt of the burden because their average income is lower than that of the former.

Compulsory national service for male citizens presents the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces with an opportunity to recruit future military officers. Research showed that parental attitudes towards the military, manifested through their communication with youths, are likely to influence youths' decision on a military career. Hence this study examined the attitudes of Emirati parents on the UAE military and national service; particularly parental perceptions of the military work environment; support of a military career for their children; and concerns about national service. Surveys, individual and focus group interviews were conducted with 59 Emirati parents. It found that most participants held the positive view that the military work environment helps attainment of professional goals but were uncertain about personal goals and workplace conditions. Also, more participants were supportive of a military career for sons than daughters. It also identified the basis for parental confidence about enlistment as patriotism and development of positive character traits but main concerns were the exposure to harsh training conditions and threat to life during enlistment. Recommendations were provided for better engagement by the UAE military with Emirati parents and the community.