I am a sociologist researching Communications & Media in the context of cross cultural relations. Over the last two decades, I have applied my sociological insights to media studies, religion, and health/medicine among migrants, International Medical Graduates and other international students. Phone: +61-3-9905-4212
Calculated Nationalism in Contemporary South Korea, 2023
Nationalism in a nation-state reflects its emergent structural, cultural, and personal properties... more Nationalism in a nation-state reflects its emergent structural, cultural, and personal properties at a given time. In the politico-historical context of South Korea and the globe, the fruits of the 1968 Revolution in France could not reach Korean society under its military regime and exploitative economic structure. This continued to frustrate the grassroots and especially social actors in South Korea, which eventually brought about the June Struggle in 1987 and the 2016–2017 Candlelight Revolution. Calculated Nationalism in Contemporary South Korea sketches Korean grassroots’ perception of their nation-state, national identities, and what they desire regarding the future direction of their nation-state. The grassroots have openly spoken out about their frustrations through political rallies and media. This book attempts to reflect the minds of Korean progressives regarding, in particular, the forcibly recruited Japanese military “comfort women,” Abe’s trade provocation against South Korea in 2019, reunification, the 2016–2017 Candlelight Revolution, National Flag-carriers’ struggles, and bullying at work.
South Korea ranks number one in suicide rate among the OECD nations and the funeral service indus... more South Korea ranks number one in suicide rate among the OECD nations and the funeral service industry is booming. How do we understand high suicide rate and the booming death industry in the context of ‘pariah capitalism’ of the Korean society? South Korea is the only country where the hospital accommodates both roles of making efforts to cure the sick as well as to fare-well the dead to the long and last journey.
Whilst there are many ways to understand a society, funerary rituals have much to represent about it. Korean society is not an exception. The proposed book attempts to understand the 21st century Korean society as reflected on the contemporary funerary rites.
The unprecedented economic success in a short span of time has led to a large increase in the num... more The unprecedented economic success in a short span of time has led to a large increase in the number of foreigners in Korean educational, cultural and other industries. The central goal of the book is to describe and explain the experiences of discrimination and racism that foreigners and ‘new’ Koreans have faced in a multicultural South Korea since the 1990s: (1) how Korean society has treated foreigners and (2) what the foreigners’ experiences have been.
An essential dimension of why one becomes an immigrant is based on a quest for identities - who o... more An essential dimension of why one becomes an immigrant is based on a quest for identities - who one is, whom one wants to be, and how one wants to live. There is much in common between immigrants of the past and immigrants today in terms of what they seek through diasporic life. However, one key difference relates to how they express the processes of searching for their identities. This book illuminates the ways in which Korean immigrants in Australia express their identities through autobiographies, novels, church websites, and popular weekly magazines. Korean Diaspora and Media in Australia also examines the role of the Korean immigrant church in contributing to the formation of transnational identities. Han's in-depth analysis is informed by the concepts of reflexivity and internal conversation from a tradition of critical realism. Internal conversation is enabled through human reflexivity (the regular application of mental ability) and is the process for individual agents to work out their best reactions to social conditions. Han carefully explains this process and thoughtfully applies it to the Korean community's search for identities in Australia.
Rural Australia has faced many economic and demographic disadvantages. Advances in medical techno... more Rural Australia has faced many economic and demographic disadvantages. Advances in medical technology and economic reforms have led to the closure or near closure of many rural hospitals. Since the late 1980s, the Australian government has increased their focus on the quality and functionality of rural health. Most notable was the development of a rural health strategy and the introduction of flexibly funded, integrated health services, otherwise known as Multipurpose Services (MPS). Healthcare Reform and Interests Groups explores the resistance that the MPSs encountered from rural health professionals and rural communities in Australia.
The MPS program in Victoria provided an opportunity to review the response of structural interest groups when the status quo is challenged. Healthcare Reform and Interest Groups analyzes the development of the MPS program in Victoria, in particular the processes and outcomes associated with the development of an MPS in Corryong, a small town in Victoria. The study led to the testing of findings in other Victorian communities. The goal of the study was to understand why the Victorian MPS program, developed to help improve the distribution of rural health services, was met with such resistance. With interesting analysis of the power and conflict issues between rural general practictioners, the government, and healt bureaucrats, Healthcare Reform and Interest Groups examines the critical role of the community in Australia's healthcare reform.
Social Sources of Church Growth is the product of a comprehensive scientific study conducted to u... more Social Sources of Church Growth is the product of a comprehensive scientific study conducted to unveil the unexplained explosive growth of the Korean church both in Korea and overseas. Despite much discourse on this subject, Han explains that previous attempts to understand growth are futile without first employing the concept of church as social institution. Han investigates the growth with references to pervasive Korean culture, education, industrialization, and other religions. Contents: Introduction; Literature Review; Conceptual Framework and Methodology; THE GROWTH OF CHURCH IN KOREA; The Growth of the Church in Korea Up to 1960; Church Growth, Industrialization, Materialism and the Birth of Religio-Economic Entrepreneurship; THE GROWTH OF THE KOREAN ETHNIC CHURCHES IN SYDNEY; Overview of the Life of Koreans and Korean Churches in Sydney; The Ethnic Dimension of Korean Churches in Sydney; The Political Dimensions of Korean Churches in Sydney; Summary and Conclusion.
This book examines the relationships between ethnic and Indigenous minorities and the media in Au... more This book examines the relationships between ethnic and Indigenous minorities and the media in Australia. The book places the voices of minorities at its centre, moving beyond a study of only representation and engaging with minority media producers, industries and audiences. Drawing on a diverse range of studies – from the Indigenous media environment to grassroots production by young refugees – the chapters within engage with the full range of media experiences and practices of marginalized Australians. Importantly, the book expands beyond the victimization of Indigenous and ethnic minorities at the hands of mainstream media, and also analyses the empowerment of communities who use media to respond to, challenge and negotiate social inequalities.
Calculated Nationalism in Contemporary South Korea
Nationalism in a nation-state reflects its emergent structural, cultural, and personal properties... more Nationalism in a nation-state reflects its emergent structural, cultural, and personal properties at a given time. In the politico-historical context of South Korea and the globe, the fruits of the 1968 Revolution in France could not reach Korean society under its military regime and exploitative economic structure. This continued to frustrate the grassroots and especially social actors in South Korea, which eventually brought about the June Struggle in 1987 and the 2016–2017 Candlelight Revolution. Calculated Nationalism in Contemporary South Korea sketches Korean grassroots’ perception of their nation-state, national identities, and what they desire regarding the future direction of their nation-state. The grassroots have openly spoken out about their frustrations through political rallies and media. This book attempts to reflect the minds of Korean progressives regarding, in particular, the forcibly recruited Japanese military “comfort women,” Abe’s trade provocation against Sout...
ABSTRACT The 2016–2017 Candlelight Revolution was one of the most significant events in recent So... more ABSTRACT The 2016–2017 Candlelight Revolution was one of the most significant events in recent South Korean politics, but little attention has been paid to the powerful conservative counter-movement that accompanied and followed the candlelight protests. This counter-movement was symbolized by demonstrations by flag-carriers who found Park Geun-Hye’s impeachment and Moon Jae-In’s inauguration incomprehensible. They argued that Park was innocent, called for her release from prison, and claimed that Moon’s election was illegitimate. An analysis of speeches made during conservative counter-protests between 2016 and 2019 illustrates how these activists reject the values of a new era in South Korean political and economic life. Instead, their speeches conveyed a clear desire to have the legacy of the industrialization generation recognized in contemporary South Korea. These flag-carriers are evidence that a marginalized set of desires and aspirations about South Korean nationalism and identity coexist with the progressive views of the candlelight protesters. The persistence of such an intense and partisan worldview, however, poses a threat to the future of liberal democracy in South Korea.
Particular moments and contexts in human history have produced desirable and privileged methods o... more Particular moments and contexts in human history have produced desirable and privileged methods of disposal of the recently dead and their memorialisation in their own unique ways. One desirable method in a culture at a particular point in time may be understood differently in another culture in the same era. Over the course of industrialisation and urbanisation in the last half-century in Korea, the predominant practice of full-body burial changed to that of cremation: 7% in 1971, 13.9 in 1980, 17.5 in 1990, and 82.7 in 2016 (Chun 2003: 138; Lee et al. 2015). This change has been mainly due to the popularised concern over ‘chewing up the small land for the sake of burying the dead’. While the burial rate has been decreased, other methods of body disposal have mushroomed, which consequently brought about new cultures, traditions, and concerns around the new practices, including the shortage of related facilities, the coming of luxurious memorialisation, illegal grave sites and damag...
Cemeteries in Victoria were planned and designed 150 years ago, without any major developments ta... more Cemeteries in Victoria were planned and designed 150 years ago, without any major developments taking place since. Large numbers of baby-boomers, as well as migrants of a similar age, are now at a stage where end-of-life plans come into view. However, their needs of funeral rites require reassessment due to a significantly different socio-cultural context where social norms are shifting and environmental resources are scarce. Considering the aging population and the contexts of ‘religion, space and economic rationalisation’, the new cultural differences and changing religious affiliations are likely to be reflected on public preferences in relation to funeral rites.Australia’s population was 24,385,600 as at December 2016, an increase of 372,800 since December 2015 (ABS 2017). Migration has contributed significantly to this increase with Victoria experiencing the largest level of growth (2.4%). Migrant increases have led to religious shifts that were particularly noticeable in Melbo...
Calculated Nationalism in Contemporary South Korea, 2023
Nationalism in a nation-state reflects its emergent structural, cultural, and personal properties... more Nationalism in a nation-state reflects its emergent structural, cultural, and personal properties at a given time. In the politico-historical context of South Korea and the globe, the fruits of the 1968 Revolution in France could not reach Korean society under its military regime and exploitative economic structure. This continued to frustrate the grassroots and especially social actors in South Korea, which eventually brought about the June Struggle in 1987 and the 2016–2017 Candlelight Revolution. Calculated Nationalism in Contemporary South Korea sketches Korean grassroots’ perception of their nation-state, national identities, and what they desire regarding the future direction of their nation-state. The grassroots have openly spoken out about their frustrations through political rallies and media. This book attempts to reflect the minds of Korean progressives regarding, in particular, the forcibly recruited Japanese military “comfort women,” Abe’s trade provocation against South Korea in 2019, reunification, the 2016–2017 Candlelight Revolution, National Flag-carriers’ struggles, and bullying at work.
South Korea ranks number one in suicide rate among the OECD nations and the funeral service indus... more South Korea ranks number one in suicide rate among the OECD nations and the funeral service industry is booming. How do we understand high suicide rate and the booming death industry in the context of ‘pariah capitalism’ of the Korean society? South Korea is the only country where the hospital accommodates both roles of making efforts to cure the sick as well as to fare-well the dead to the long and last journey.
Whilst there are many ways to understand a society, funerary rituals have much to represent about it. Korean society is not an exception. The proposed book attempts to understand the 21st century Korean society as reflected on the contemporary funerary rites.
The unprecedented economic success in a short span of time has led to a large increase in the num... more The unprecedented economic success in a short span of time has led to a large increase in the number of foreigners in Korean educational, cultural and other industries. The central goal of the book is to describe and explain the experiences of discrimination and racism that foreigners and ‘new’ Koreans have faced in a multicultural South Korea since the 1990s: (1) how Korean society has treated foreigners and (2) what the foreigners’ experiences have been.
An essential dimension of why one becomes an immigrant is based on a quest for identities - who o... more An essential dimension of why one becomes an immigrant is based on a quest for identities - who one is, whom one wants to be, and how one wants to live. There is much in common between immigrants of the past and immigrants today in terms of what they seek through diasporic life. However, one key difference relates to how they express the processes of searching for their identities. This book illuminates the ways in which Korean immigrants in Australia express their identities through autobiographies, novels, church websites, and popular weekly magazines. Korean Diaspora and Media in Australia also examines the role of the Korean immigrant church in contributing to the formation of transnational identities. Han's in-depth analysis is informed by the concepts of reflexivity and internal conversation from a tradition of critical realism. Internal conversation is enabled through human reflexivity (the regular application of mental ability) and is the process for individual agents to work out their best reactions to social conditions. Han carefully explains this process and thoughtfully applies it to the Korean community's search for identities in Australia.
Rural Australia has faced many economic and demographic disadvantages. Advances in medical techno... more Rural Australia has faced many economic and demographic disadvantages. Advances in medical technology and economic reforms have led to the closure or near closure of many rural hospitals. Since the late 1980s, the Australian government has increased their focus on the quality and functionality of rural health. Most notable was the development of a rural health strategy and the introduction of flexibly funded, integrated health services, otherwise known as Multipurpose Services (MPS). Healthcare Reform and Interests Groups explores the resistance that the MPSs encountered from rural health professionals and rural communities in Australia.
The MPS program in Victoria provided an opportunity to review the response of structural interest groups when the status quo is challenged. Healthcare Reform and Interest Groups analyzes the development of the MPS program in Victoria, in particular the processes and outcomes associated with the development of an MPS in Corryong, a small town in Victoria. The study led to the testing of findings in other Victorian communities. The goal of the study was to understand why the Victorian MPS program, developed to help improve the distribution of rural health services, was met with such resistance. With interesting analysis of the power and conflict issues between rural general practictioners, the government, and healt bureaucrats, Healthcare Reform and Interest Groups examines the critical role of the community in Australia's healthcare reform.
Social Sources of Church Growth is the product of a comprehensive scientific study conducted to u... more Social Sources of Church Growth is the product of a comprehensive scientific study conducted to unveil the unexplained explosive growth of the Korean church both in Korea and overseas. Despite much discourse on this subject, Han explains that previous attempts to understand growth are futile without first employing the concept of church as social institution. Han investigates the growth with references to pervasive Korean culture, education, industrialization, and other religions. Contents: Introduction; Literature Review; Conceptual Framework and Methodology; THE GROWTH OF CHURCH IN KOREA; The Growth of the Church in Korea Up to 1960; Church Growth, Industrialization, Materialism and the Birth of Religio-Economic Entrepreneurship; THE GROWTH OF THE KOREAN ETHNIC CHURCHES IN SYDNEY; Overview of the Life of Koreans and Korean Churches in Sydney; The Ethnic Dimension of Korean Churches in Sydney; The Political Dimensions of Korean Churches in Sydney; Summary and Conclusion.
This book examines the relationships between ethnic and Indigenous minorities and the media in Au... more This book examines the relationships between ethnic and Indigenous minorities and the media in Australia. The book places the voices of minorities at its centre, moving beyond a study of only representation and engaging with minority media producers, industries and audiences. Drawing on a diverse range of studies – from the Indigenous media environment to grassroots production by young refugees – the chapters within engage with the full range of media experiences and practices of marginalized Australians. Importantly, the book expands beyond the victimization of Indigenous and ethnic minorities at the hands of mainstream media, and also analyses the empowerment of communities who use media to respond to, challenge and negotiate social inequalities.
Calculated Nationalism in Contemporary South Korea
Nationalism in a nation-state reflects its emergent structural, cultural, and personal properties... more Nationalism in a nation-state reflects its emergent structural, cultural, and personal properties at a given time. In the politico-historical context of South Korea and the globe, the fruits of the 1968 Revolution in France could not reach Korean society under its military regime and exploitative economic structure. This continued to frustrate the grassroots and especially social actors in South Korea, which eventually brought about the June Struggle in 1987 and the 2016–2017 Candlelight Revolution. Calculated Nationalism in Contemporary South Korea sketches Korean grassroots’ perception of their nation-state, national identities, and what they desire regarding the future direction of their nation-state. The grassroots have openly spoken out about their frustrations through political rallies and media. This book attempts to reflect the minds of Korean progressives regarding, in particular, the forcibly recruited Japanese military “comfort women,” Abe’s trade provocation against Sout...
ABSTRACT The 2016–2017 Candlelight Revolution was one of the most significant events in recent So... more ABSTRACT The 2016–2017 Candlelight Revolution was one of the most significant events in recent South Korean politics, but little attention has been paid to the powerful conservative counter-movement that accompanied and followed the candlelight protests. This counter-movement was symbolized by demonstrations by flag-carriers who found Park Geun-Hye’s impeachment and Moon Jae-In’s inauguration incomprehensible. They argued that Park was innocent, called for her release from prison, and claimed that Moon’s election was illegitimate. An analysis of speeches made during conservative counter-protests between 2016 and 2019 illustrates how these activists reject the values of a new era in South Korean political and economic life. Instead, their speeches conveyed a clear desire to have the legacy of the industrialization generation recognized in contemporary South Korea. These flag-carriers are evidence that a marginalized set of desires and aspirations about South Korean nationalism and identity coexist with the progressive views of the candlelight protesters. The persistence of such an intense and partisan worldview, however, poses a threat to the future of liberal democracy in South Korea.
Particular moments and contexts in human history have produced desirable and privileged methods o... more Particular moments and contexts in human history have produced desirable and privileged methods of disposal of the recently dead and their memorialisation in their own unique ways. One desirable method in a culture at a particular point in time may be understood differently in another culture in the same era. Over the course of industrialisation and urbanisation in the last half-century in Korea, the predominant practice of full-body burial changed to that of cremation: 7% in 1971, 13.9 in 1980, 17.5 in 1990, and 82.7 in 2016 (Chun 2003: 138; Lee et al. 2015). This change has been mainly due to the popularised concern over ‘chewing up the small land for the sake of burying the dead’. While the burial rate has been decreased, other methods of body disposal have mushroomed, which consequently brought about new cultures, traditions, and concerns around the new practices, including the shortage of related facilities, the coming of luxurious memorialisation, illegal grave sites and damag...
Cemeteries in Victoria were planned and designed 150 years ago, without any major developments ta... more Cemeteries in Victoria were planned and designed 150 years ago, without any major developments taking place since. Large numbers of baby-boomers, as well as migrants of a similar age, are now at a stage where end-of-life plans come into view. However, their needs of funeral rites require reassessment due to a significantly different socio-cultural context where social norms are shifting and environmental resources are scarce. Considering the aging population and the contexts of ‘religion, space and economic rationalisation’, the new cultural differences and changing religious affiliations are likely to be reflected on public preferences in relation to funeral rites.Australia’s population was 24,385,600 as at December 2016, an increase of 372,800 since December 2015 (ABS 2017). Migration has contributed significantly to this increase with Victoria experiencing the largest level of growth (2.4%). Migrant increases have led to religious shifts that were particularly noticeable in Melbo...
From the content of Korean media reports, readers can quickly ascertain that Korean funerals are ... more From the content of Korean media reports, readers can quickly ascertain that Korean funerals are often far from affordable and have lasting financial impacts on families whose loved ones have died and been ‘farewelled.’ This high cost is one of many concerns and risks that Koreans are informed of through the media, but seemingly quickly put aside and forgotten. Yet, the problem remains and the adverse impact continues. Despite the significance of the problem, there are not enough attempts to understand and analyse sociocultural dimensions underpinning the problem. This may be partly due to the ‘taboo’ nature of the funeral rite and partly because contemporary Koreans have many other priorities to address in their everyday lives.
A critical role of ethnic minority media is to provide a platform through which diasporic populat... more A critical role of ethnic minority media is to provide a platform through which diasporic populations can express and form their identities. Gil-Soo Han explores the ways in which Korean immigrants of different generations engage with media while in search of identities in Australia. Focusing on migrants and especially young sojourners from Korea, the chapter argues that the goals and ideals of migration to Australia are quickly challenged for all Korean immigrants. However, they actively engage with Korean media in ways that allow them to manage new identities and learn how to reconcile their initial goals and what they can practically achieve in Australia.
Abstract:This paper attempts to understand and analyze ‘‘pariah-capitalism’’ in South Korea throu... more Abstract:This paper attempts to understand and analyze ‘‘pariah-capitalism’’ in South Korea through the case of highly dehumanized and commodified funeral services as advertised in the media. There is much in common between Max Weber’s concept of pariah-capitalism and ‘‘funeral capitalism’’ in the context of this paper, the latter of which pays attention to the practice and impact of pariah-capitalism on the lives of Koreans in Korean society. The paper starts by commenting on a couple of dramatic changes in Korean funeral rites in the last two decades: the change of the venues of funeral rites and the popularization of cremation rather than traditional burials. In addition, the dramatic commercialization of funeral services has created a huge source of income for prestigious general hospitals and funeral service conglomerates. I then discuss some long-lasting socioeconomic and cultural aspects of Korea that have paved the way for a high degree of commercialization of funeral services, eventually triggering the coming of ‘‘funeral capitalism’’ to South Korea. The ways in which funeral capitalism is manifested in Korean society are illustrated through an analysis of TV advertisements. This analysis reveals the extent to which funeral services are rituals through which socioeconomically and culturally grounded Korean greed is fulfilled, illustrating the characteristics of a highly competitive and overly dehumanized Korean capitalism that is strongly promoted by the digital media.
Infectious diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in China. The capacity of hospit... more Infectious diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in China. The capacity of hospitals to deal with the challenge from emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases due to climate change is of great importance to population health. This study aimed to explore the capacity of hospitals in China to deal with such challenges. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was utilized to gauge information regarding capacity of hospitals to deal with infectious diseases in the context of climate change among 611 clinical professionals whose roles pertained to infectious disease diagnosis, treatment and management in Anhui Province of China. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed on the data. More than 90% of participants believed climate change would have an adverse influence on population health and infectious disease control in China. Most indicated that their hospitals were well prepared for emerging infectious diseases at present, and they consider...
Film and theatre performances often reflect the realities and concerns of a society and also crit... more Film and theatre performances often reflect the realities and concerns of a society and also critique some practices in it as well as educate people at a particular point in time. Death in general has been a topic of plays and movies frequently enough in all parts of the world. The funeral rite specifically is much less frequently the focus of a play or a movie. However, there have been some movies dealing with death and funeral rites simultaneously since the mid-1990s in Korea.
Dengue fever is an important climate-sensitive mosquito-borne viral disease that poses a risk to ... more Dengue fever is an important climate-sensitive mosquito-borne viral disease that poses a risk to half the world's population. The disease is a major public health issue in China where in 2014 a major outbreak occurred in Guangdong Province. This study aims to gauge health professionals' perceptions about the capacity of infectious disease control and prevention to meet the challenge of dengue fever in the face of climate change in Guangdong Province, China. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was administered among staff in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCs) in Guangdong Province. Data analysis was undertaken using descriptive methods and logistic regression. In total, 260 questionnaires were completed. Most participants (80.7%) thought climate change would have a negative effect on population health, and 98.4% of participants reported dengue fever had emerged or re-emerged in China in recent years. Additionally, 74.9% of them indicated that the capability of the CDCs to detect infectious disease outbreak/epidemic at an early stage was excellent; 86.3% indicated laboratories could provide diagnostic support rapidly; and 83.1% believed levels of current staff would be adequate in the event of a major outbreak. Logistic regression analysis showed higher levels of CDCs were perceived to have better capacity for infectious disease control and prevention. Only 26.8% of participants thought they had a good understanding of climate change, and most (85.4%) thought they needed more information about the health impacts of climate change. Most surveyed staff suggested the following strategies to curb the public health impact of infectious diseases in relation to climate change: primary prevention measures, strengthening the monitoring of infectious diseases, the ability to actively forecast disease outbreaks by early warning systems, and more funding for public health education programs. Vigilant disease and vector surveillance, preventive practice and health promotion programs will likely be significant in addressing the threat of dengue fever in the future. Further efforts are needed to strengthen the awareness of climate change among health professionals, and to promote relevant actions to minimize the health burden of infectious diseases in a changing climate. Results will be critical for policy makers facing the current and future challenges associated with infectious disease prevention and control in China.
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Books by Gil-Soo Han
Whilst there are many ways to understand a society, funerary rituals have much to represent about it. Korean society is not an exception. The proposed book attempts to understand the 21st century Korean society as reflected on the contemporary funerary rites.
The MPS program in Victoria provided an opportunity to review the response of structural interest groups when the status quo is challenged. Healthcare Reform and Interest Groups analyzes the development of the MPS program in Victoria, in particular the processes and outcomes associated with the development of an MPS in Corryong, a small town in Victoria. The study led to the testing of findings in other Victorian communities. The goal of the study was to understand why the Victorian MPS program, developed to help improve the distribution of rural health services, was met with such resistance. With interesting analysis of the power and conflict issues between rural general practictioners, the government, and healt bureaucrats, Healthcare Reform and Interest Groups examines the critical role of the community in Australia's healthcare reform.
Edited Volume by Gil-Soo Han
Papers by Gil-Soo Han
Whilst there are many ways to understand a society, funerary rituals have much to represent about it. Korean society is not an exception. The proposed book attempts to understand the 21st century Korean society as reflected on the contemporary funerary rites.
The MPS program in Victoria provided an opportunity to review the response of structural interest groups when the status quo is challenged. Healthcare Reform and Interest Groups analyzes the development of the MPS program in Victoria, in particular the processes and outcomes associated with the development of an MPS in Corryong, a small town in Victoria. The study led to the testing of findings in other Victorian communities. The goal of the study was to understand why the Victorian MPS program, developed to help improve the distribution of rural health services, was met with such resistance. With interesting analysis of the power and conflict issues between rural general practictioners, the government, and healt bureaucrats, Healthcare Reform and Interest Groups examines the critical role of the community in Australia's healthcare reform.