Proceedings of the 8th International RAIS Conference on Social Sciences
Proceedings of the 8th International RAIS Conference on Social Sciences
Contributor(s): Salam Omar (Editor)
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Language and Literature Studies, Economy, Theology and Religion
Published by: Scientia Moralitas Research Institute
Keywords: Social Sciences; Conference;
Summary/Abstract: This publication presents the Proceedings of the 8th International RAIS Conference on Social Sciences held at Georgetown University Hotel & Conference Center in Washington, DC, on March 26-27, 2018. The Conference was organized by Research Association for Interdisciplinary Studies.
- E-ISBN-13: 978-1-945298-13-4
- Page Count: 255
- Publication Year: 2018
- Language: English
The Intra-Industry Effects of Proxy Contests
The Intra-Industry Effects of Proxy Contests
(The Intra-Industry Effects of Proxy Contests)
- Author(s):Fang Chen, Jian Huang, Han Yu
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy
- Page Range:9-23
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:proxy contest; intra-industry effect; competitive effect; systemic risk effect
- Summary/Abstract:This paper is the first study on the intra-industry effects of proxy contests. Using a sample of proxy contests from January 1988 through December 2008, we identify a striking cross-sectional difference in market reaction to the target companies. As much as 61% of the target firms have significant positive cumulative abnormal return (CARs) in the period (‒10, +10) around the announcement day, while 39% of the target firms have the negative CARs in the same event window. Moreover, we find that the stock market reaction to the target firms’ competitors is primarily driven by the target-related factors when the market reacts favorably to a proxy contest. In contrast, the stock market reaction to the competitors is mainly affected by the competitor-related factors when the market reacts unfavorably to the proxy contest. We further reveal that competitors experience a significant negative abnormal stock return when the target firms receive negative market reactions, while competitors have no significant abnormal return when the target firms receive a positive market reaction. Our findings enrich the corporate governance research by showing the impact of the target firms’ corporate governance change on the firms’ competitors.
Successful Managerial Accounting Practices, the Antecedents and Consequences: Empirical Evidence from SMEs Ceramics
Successful Managerial Accounting Practices, the Antecedents and Consequences: Empirical Evidence from SMEs Ceramics
(Successful Managerial Accounting Practices, the Antecedents and Consequences: Empirical Evidence from SMEs Ceramics)
- Author(s):Phaithun Intakhan
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Economy
- Page Range:24-36
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:Managerial Accounting Practices; Decision Making Effectiveness; Top Management Support; Accountant Competency
- Summary/Abstract:The objectives of this research were to study managerial accounting practices of SMEs ceramics, to examined the influence of top management support and accountant competency on successful managerial accounting practices, and to tested the influence of successful managerial accounting practices on decision-making effectiveness. The data were collected from 107 accounting managers of SMEs ceramics. The data analysis is conducted with descriptive statistics to find percentage, mean, standard deviation, and inferential statistics analysis with structural equation model. The results showed that SMEs ceramics adaptation 3 highest managerial accounting practices for instance; cost volume profit analysis, cost behavior analysis, cash budget, budget for planning and operation control. The outcome of casual relationship analysis revealed that successful managerial accounting practices had the most direct effect toward decision making effectiveness and followed by top management support had direct effect toward accounting competency. Lastly, top management support had direct and indirect effect on successful managerial accounting practices through accountant competency. The results implied that manager should focus on building accountant competency in order to create successful managerial accounting practice and to get the valuable information for right decision making.
Contrasting Theoretical and Case-Related Thinking in Poverty Alleviation:
Contrasting Theoretical and Case-Related Thinking in Poverty Alleviation:
(Contrasting Theoretical and Case-Related Thinking in Poverty Alleviation:)
- Author(s):Judit Juhász, Zoltán Bajmócy, György Málovics, Judit Gébert
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:37-55
- No. of Pages:18
- Keywords:Poverty Alleviation; Capability Approach; Relation of Economics to Social Values; Human Development
- Summary/Abstract:The capability approach of Amartya Sen focuses on the freedom of individuals, their real opportunity to lead a life they have a reason to value. Within this framework poverty is not solely the lack of material goods, but the lack of valuable doings and beings one has the freedom to choose. The objective of present paper was to propose a minimum set of aspects to be considered by poverty alleviation initiatives on the basis of the capability approach; and to test this framework through a qualitative empirical analysis carried out in Hungary. The paper analyzed how were the proposed aspects of poverty alleviation reflected by various stakeholders of poverty reduction initiatives (decision makers, experts and civil activists). It first examined the general thinking of stakeholders about poverty, then it analyzed their opinion about a planned housing project for disadvantaged people in Szeged, Hungary. According to the results, the general thinking of stakeholders about poverty was in harmony with the aspects we proposed on the basis of the capability approach. However, stakeholders’ focus of attention shifted when they evaluated a given case instead of just thinking generally about poverty.
Success of Community Management Based on the Collaboration: Lesson Learned for Environmental Crisis Solutions
Success of Community Management Based on the Collaboration: Lesson Learned for Environmental Crisis Solutions
(The success of Community Management Based on the Collaboration: Lesson Learned for Environmental Crisis Solutions)
- Author(s):Nathdanai Pratuangboriboon
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:56-65
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:Community Management; Collaboration; Environmental Crisis Solutions
- Summary/Abstract:World change influences the changes in the economy, society, environment, way of life, culture, and traditions into the slavery of capitalism, materialism, and consumerisms including modern trends all have a great impact on the country’s development. This is why “Society has problems and the development is not sustainable” while Ban Thung Sri Community, Moo 3, Thung Sri Sub-district, Rong Kwang district, Phrae province, Thailand has been accredited by various institutions in community management in a variety of dimensions until the community is successful. When the study was conducted, the Lesson learned of community management for environmental crisis solutions, which the community believes is a sustainable solution to the environmental crisis and driven by community strategies. This can be an example that other communities can apply concretely.
Does Helping Others Really Pay off? An Overview of Individual Leadership
Does Helping Others Really Pay off? An Overview of Individual Leadership
(Does Helping Others Really Pay off? An Overview of Individual Leadership)
- Author(s):Cristian Liviu Vele
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:66-72
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:Leadership; organizational change; creativity, strategy; competitive advantage
- Summary/Abstract:This article examined the relations between transformational leadership and employee efficiency and profitability. Transformational leadership is the most efficient style of leadership when it comes to organizational change necessary to gain competitive advantages. We found out that building vision about what an organization and its members need to do, is extremely important and it provides meaning and purpose in work and consequently leads to higher levels of individual and organizational efficiency and profitability. Also, we discovered that it is not enough to communicate vision, it is necessary to find the proper meant to build it. Employees that took part in this study declared that they actively communicate vision, but a large proportion failed in building it and in generating purpose. Although scoring high in inspirational motivation, the participants involved in the study could not get others to fully visualize the organization’s strategic outcomes, thus generating a possible lack of involvement in ensuring organizational success. The findings in this article provide useful information for managers and leaders regarding the key elements that allow employees to better use their abilities in performing their work. Also, the findings provided relevant information about the people’s willingness to be an active part of the strategic implementation process and their willingness to influence and help others understand their role and contribution for the organization.
Mobility and Regional Competitiveness in the Digital Age
Mobility and Regional Competitiveness in the Digital Age
(Mobility and Regional Competitiveness in the Digital Age)
- Author(s):Bence Zuti
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:73-81
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:regional competitiveness; digitalization; globalization; regional mobility; urban mobility
- Summary/Abstract:Digitalization is one of the key drivers of accelerated change in our everyday lives, both on an economic and social level. With solutions enabled through ICT technologies, we are more connected than ever on the global scale. In this next chapter of globalization, we currently experience significant transition in the structure of industries, consumer behavior and how we collect and manage data. This transition requires a shift in mindset, as we need to reevaluate the key factors of competitiveness, in order to prepare ourselves for rapid and presumably disruptive changes. These changes, however, mean to ease our everyday lives in the long run. The presence of an advanced regional infrastructure is a crucial factor in enhancing the competitiveness of regional economies, hence the opportunities in mobility in the digital age need to be revised. The aim of the paper is to systematize the key connections between digitalization, mobility and regional competitiveness while mapping potential challenges in the topic as well.
A Critique on the Social Justice Perspectives in the Works of Friedrich A. Hayek
A Critique on the Social Justice Perspectives in the Works of Friedrich A. Hayek
(A Critique on the Social Justice Perspectives in the Works of Friedrich A. Hayek)
- Author(s):Anusha Mahendran
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:82-89
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:social justice; economics; Friedrich Hayek
- Summary/Abstract:Given that the academic work of Friedrich Hayek has received eminent accolades (including the 1974 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics Sciences) and has been well recognized and widely referenced, this paper reviews the denial of the concept of social justice in many of the academic economic theory papers written by the renowned British-Austrian economist. The paper therefore effectively provides a critical analysis of some of Hayek’s socio-political and economic theories relating to this issue. It attempts to do this by adopting the perspective of an objective and analytical economist with reference to and by examining the content of three of Hayek’s well known economic texts, namely The Road to Serfdom (1944); Law, Legislation and Liberty (1973-79) and the Fatal Conceit Conceit: The Errors of Socialism (1988).
An Investigation on the Perspectives of Parents on the Impact of the Western Teachers’ Values and Cultures on Developing their Children’s Character and Morality
An Investigation on the Perspectives of Parents on the Impact of the Western Teachers’ Values and Cultures on Developing their Children’s Character and Morality
(An Investigation on the Perspectives of Parents on the Impact of the Western Teachers’ Values and Cultures on Developing their Children’s Character and Morality)
- Author(s):Salam Omar
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:90-102
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:character; character education; Western teachers; values; culture
- Summary/Abstract:The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the Western teachers’ values and cultures on the Emirati students’ character and morality in the international schools that implement the British curriculum from the Emirati parents’ point of view. As this study followed a mixed method approach, a total of forty-nine parents answered the questionnaire of the study in the quantitative part. While in the qualitative section, ten Emirati parents were interviewed in semi-structured interviews to get deeper insights. Quantitative data suggested that the majority of parents believed that parents are the best teachers of character (mean of 1.55) and social skills are more important for their children than academic skills (mean of 1.73).The qualitative data revealed that the UAE national students are influenced by the values and the cultures of their Western teachers in various ways. According to the Emirati parents, Western teachers who act as role models for their children have influenced their children positively as well as negatively. The results also demonstrated that there is an immense gap in the Western teachers’ knowledge about the UAE culture as their Western values and cultures are different from those in the UAE; therefore, this situation needs to be underlined to ensure that the Western teachers’ teaching and practices do not contradict what the Emirati students are expected to learn.
Prospective Teachers’ Perceptions: A Critical Literacy Framework
Prospective Teachers’ Perceptions: A Critical Literacy Framework
(Prospective Teachers’ Perceptions: A Critical Literacy Framework)
- Author(s):Lorenzo Cherubini
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:103-109
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:Aboriginal students; critical literacy; education policy
- Summary/Abstract:The education of Aboriginal youth is, in some respects, in crisis. Aboriginal communities in Ontario (Canada) are as a group currently experiencing marginalization within the education system. As such it is imperative that efforts be made to better understand the system to improve the success rate for Aboriginal youth. The Ontario First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework (2007) has committed to “improve achievement among First Nation, Métis and Inuit students and to close the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students” (5).English and Language Arts teachers (K to 12) are compelled to consider how the policy discourse of the 2007 Aboriginal Policy Framework implicates upon the socio-political and socio-historical currency of literacy in their instruction. Consequently, this qualitative study examined one component of a large-scale project, in the tradition of grounded theory, including the implications of Aboriginal education policy discourse on literacy instruction as it applies to over 200 prospective teachers enrolled in a Teacher Education Program in Ontario, Canada. Participants identified two themes that they believed Aboriginal students would find most challenging, including: (i) tension with provincial curriculum and, (ii) feelings of misrepresentation.
Evolution of Educational Management and Its Impact on Society
Evolution of Educational Management and Its Impact on Society
(Evolution of Educational Management and Its Impact on Society)
- Author(s):Samuiel Balc
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Education
- Page Range:110-115
- No. of Pages:6
- Keywords:management; education; evolution; society; school
- Summary/Abstract:It is recognized that education is the field with the oldest history throughout the science perimeter. Education has been a special concern and a major concern for all social categories throughout history. The ultimate goal of education has been and remains to ensure the inner peace of man in all circumstances of life. Beyond the information received, man needs to know what to do and how to do in the context of a correct understanding of reality.The hope of people lies in the good education they provide to every citizen. Through this education, each person must be prepared to live a complete life and to be able to fulfill all the kinds of activities he needs in life. In this sense, it is very important for education to have clear objectives; without this objective, the whole educational process being inefficient. This article highlights the evolution of educational management over the course of history and its impact on society. At the same time, some recommendations will be presented for the effective use of the fantastic potential of the company.
Promoting EFL Learners’ Writing Skills through Assigned Tasks
Promoting EFL Learners’ Writing Skills through Assigned Tasks
(Promoting EFL Learners’ Writing Skills through Assigned Tasks)
- Author(s):Fatma Zaghar, Minouna Zitouni
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Education
- Page Range:116-121
- No. of Pages:6
- Keywords:EFL Students; assigned tasks; writing difficulties; improving the writing skills
- Summary/Abstract:Writing as a work of art and a form of connection has become the framework of our world’s communication, business, job-opportunities, and foreign language education. In their early struggles with major skills, English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students describe the process of writing as problematic and complicated. Yet, throughout time as their academic tasks become more demanding and enquiring and with the assistance of their teachers, these language learners can become writing connoisseurs. This paper tried to explore if these students can overcome the writing difficulties by engaging in assigned activities. The data were collected through a case study carried out with third Year LMD students using questionnaires administered to the learners, informal interviews, discussion classes and assessment of students’ feedback from the assignments. Findings demonstrate that the suggested techniques have helped the learners’ promote their writing aptitudes and nourish their motivation to write in the target language.
The Effect of E-Learning on Learning and Interest in School Attendance among Elementary School Students
The Effect of E-Learning on Learning and Interest in School Attendance among Elementary School Students
(The Effect of E-Learning on Learning and Interest in School Attendance among Elementary School Students)
- Author(s):Seyedehsahar Shafieiosgouei, Nava Nourdad, Robab Hassantofighi, Seyyedreza Shafieioskouei
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Education
- Page Range:122-138
- No. of Pages:16
- Summary/Abstract:The technological advances of the 21st century have impacted all spheres of life, including education. The world of books and pens is being replaced by computers at young ages. The present study aimed at investigating the effect of technology on Iranian elementary school students’ learning and interest in school attendance. The participants were 47 sixth grade students selected from two schools with and without technological support. The results of the study revealed a higher level of interest in school attendance in the group provided with technology. Consequently this study may have beneficial pedagogical implications for learners, teachers, and curriculum developers.
Comparative Analysis of the Thermal Performance of Selected Public School Classroom Buildings in Lagos, Nigeria
Comparative Analysis of the Thermal Performance of Selected Public School Classroom Buildings in Lagos, Nigeria
(Comparative Analysis of the Thermal Performance of Selected Public School Classroom Buildings in Lagos, Nigeria)
- Author(s):Adeyemi Oginni
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:139-157
- No. of Pages:17
- Keywords:hermal Performance; Building Envelope; Thermal Comfort, Public Primary Schools; Lagos Metropolis
- Summary/Abstract:Limited research has been carried out on school buildings in Africa, especially for children below the age of 11. The aim of this research was to assess the thermal performance of the building envelopes of selected public school classrooms in Lagos Metropolis, in order to have an assessment of the impact of thermal performance (measurement of the environmental factors) on pupils’ comfort. A two stage method of sampling was used; a purposive method to select 5 samples from each of the 6 educational districts in Lagos and then random selection of schools. Questionnaires were administered to 5 pupils per school. Subjective and objective measurements were carried out according to class II field experiment method and in consonance with ASHRAE’s (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning, Engineers) standards. Results showed that classrooms on the mainland had a significantly higher performance than those on the Island. Recommendations were made for future provisions of classroom designs to be suited to the microclimate of their locations and tailored towards the enhancement of activities at the hottest periods of the day and year, and no single design template should be adopted for use on various sites.
Is Linguistic Democracy Possible? English and Chinese at the Heart of the Subject
Is Linguistic Democracy Possible? English and Chinese at the Heart of the Subject
(Is Linguistic Democracy Possible? English and Chinese at the Heart of the Subject)
- Author(s):Zoubida Sebane, Minouna Zitouni
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Language and Literature Studies
- Page Range:158-164
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:Language; dominating; dominated; power; hegemony
- Summary/Abstract:Does linguistic democracy exist or is it only a lull? Linguists and politicians believe that it has never existed, not even in countries where political democracy is a tribute to preserve. They rather believe there are only dominating and dominated languages.The dominating languages are explained by the number of people who speak a language. Presently, the US and China are respectively illustrative examples of dominance and dominating languages in the world. English ranks first in the top ten world’s most important languages and Chinese is gaining supremacy over many other languages. The dominating languages are hegemonic that means their use covers indoor and offshore territories. The dominated languages, therefore, are considered second-class languages, they are disregarded. This linguistic attitude has always prevailed in the world. The transfer of a dominant language to other people is considered to be a demonstration of power, traditionally, military power but also, in the modern world, economic power, and aspects of the dominant culture are usually transferred implicitly. The power of a country explains the extension of its language. English, Spanish, and Portuguese are the dominant languages of the Americas. In Africa, the languages of some of the colonizing powers like Great Britain, France and Portugal are more firmly entrenched than ever, as English is in several Asian countries. This study will concentrate on highlighting issues related to linguistic dominance which could help to clarify whether the winning of independence can lead to language recovery or not.
Jurisprudence of Minority Rights: The Changing Contours of Minority Rights
Jurisprudence of Minority Rights: The Changing Contours of Minority Rights
(Jurisprudence of Minority Rights: The Changing Contours of Minority Rights)
- Author(s):Kheinkor Lamarr
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:165-180
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:Minority Rights; History of Minority Rights; International Law; Human Rights
- Summary/Abstract:Questions concerning minority rights has long been of international consequence and is at the center of many academic, legal and political debates. Identity claims of minority groups have been recognized and deemed worthy of protection. It is significant to note that nonetheless, even today minority issues tend to occasion anxiety amongst people and States. It is, therefore, necessary to have jurisprudential understanding of minority rights. This will enable us to gain clarity on questions of the nature of minority rights and the various challenges revolving around them. The paper has viewed claims and rights of minorities from the stand-point of international law and human rights and in doing so has charted out the historic progression of minority rights. It further studies the present day issues of the inter-relationship between minority rights and refugees and migrants. It also examines the ever increasing demands for the inclusion of various categories like gender and children under the minority rights regime.
Core Values of Academic Freedom in EU and their Compliance with Legal Documents Adopted by the Common European Space and UN
Core Values of Academic Freedom in EU and their Compliance with Legal Documents Adopted by the Common European Space and UN
(Core Values of Academic Freedom in EU and their Compliance with Legal Documents Adopted by the Common European Space and UN)
- Author(s):Ekaterine Bakaradze
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Education
- Page Range:181-193
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:Academic Freedom; tenure; governance; Professor; University; Higher education
- Summary/Abstract:The paper discusses legal approaches of EU member states towards academic freedom through comparative analysis. The research was carried out on the basis of checking the constitutions and other legal acts of EU member states; the extent of compliance of national acts with legal documents adopted by the UN and Common European Space.The work includes the discussions about what academic freedom is formed from, which values define it, which criteria is important to assess it and how it can be protected, whether or not the fact of existence of academic freedom in EU member states has an impact considering Bologna process as a background. More precisely, the core values necessary for academic freedom are discussed, such as freedom of research and teaching, self-governance and tenure. As a result, the subject for analysis is rules existing on national level, including institutional governance, legal acts regulating the appointment and dismissal of a rector, general approach of EU member states regarding tenure. There has not been conducted a research similar to this in Georgia in the field. Thus, the present work can be an aiding factor towards further studies.
The Migrant Smuggling Crime in Romania
The Migrant Smuggling Crime in Romania
(The Migrant Smuggling Crime in Romania)
- Author(s):Nicoleta-Elena Buzatu
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:194-204
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:migrant; illegal migration; crime; organized crime; Romanian Criminal Code
- Summary/Abstract:The study below is meant to focus on the migrant smuggling crime in Romania, especially the analysis of the migrant smuggling infraction provided in the Romanian Criminal Code. Being a component of the human trafficking activity, the illegal migration is a phenomenon that is continuously extending and harder to stop due to the involvement of the organized crime networks and also due the ingenuousness and maliciousness of the people and the criminals. Therewith, the migrant smuggling is highly connected with drug trafficking, terrorism etc., aspects that are connected with the organized crime. Legally, there are many differences between the source states, the transit states or the destination states, that is slowing the fight of the states for combating this scourge. During this fight of preventing and stopping the illegal migrant smuggling, the states that are involved aligned their own legal frame to the international one in the activity field, by elaborating and promoting the regulatory acts that have been putting the responsibility on the governmental and non-governmental institution in this activity field.
Climate in the 21st Century:
Climate in the 21st Century:
(Climate in the 21st Century:)
- Author(s):Julia M. Puaschunder
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences
- Page Range:205-243
- No. of Pages:37
- Keywords:Climate Change; Climate Change Bonds; Climate Change Gains; Climate Change Losses; Climate Justice; Europe; Macroeconomic Modelling; Tax-Bonds-Transfer Strategy; Taxation; United States; World
- Summary/Abstract:Climate justice accounts for the most challenging global governance goal. In the current post- COP21 Paris agreement climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, the financialization of the ambitious goals has leveraged into a blatant demand. In the weighting of the burden of global warming, the benefits of a warming earth have been neglected since recently. Following the introduction of the gains from climate change (Puaschunder 2017), this article proposes a model to distribute the benefits of a warming earth in a fair way based on which countries are losing and which countries are winning from a warming earth until 2100. A macroeconomic cost-benefit analysis thereby aids to find the optimum solution on how to distribute climate change benefits and burden within society. When unidimensionally focusing on estimated GDPgrowth given a warmer temperature, over all calculated models assuming linear, prospect or hyperbolic gains and losses, the world will be gaining more than losing from a warming earth until 2100. Based on the WL index of 188 countries of the world, less countries (n=78) will gain more from global warming until 2100 than more countries (n=111) will lose from a warming earth. Based on the overall WLTT index factored by GDP per inhabitant, global warming benefits are demanded to be redistributed in a fair way to offset the costs of climate change loser countries for climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts and to instigate a transition into renewable energy. Adding onto contemporary climate fund raising strategies ranging from emissions trading schemes (ETS) and carbon tax policies as well as financing climate justice through bonds as viable mitigation and adaptation strategies, climate justice is introduced to comprise of fairness between a countries but also over generations in a unique and unprecedented tax-and-bonds climate change gains and losses distribution strategy.
Macgowan and Innovation in Stage Design
Macgowan and Innovation in Stage Design
(Macgowan and Innovation in Stage Design)
- Author(s):Daniel Kurz, Hyunjin Kang
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Film / Cinema / Cinematography
- Page Range:244-254
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:set designer; theatrical arts; Macgowan, innovator
- Summary/Abstract:In April of 1919, the roar of the guns of the Great War had only been silent for a few months. Between that fateful November of 1918 and April of the next year, the world of international politics, economics, and medicine would be challenged by several factors. The collapse of Germany, the establishment of the Soviet Union, the wrath of the Great Influenza, and the return of millions of men from the front would transform society in new ways. It was in this historical moment that modernism began to flourish, and it would continue to do so well into the 1920’s. The Imperial age of neoclassicism, romanticism and opera was fading while a new approach to art emerged (Cozzolino 2016, 13-15). In the immediate post-war era, each art form had its own innovator or innovators. There had been innovators before, but never in history had the ideas and institutions of the “Old World” been so thoroughly discredited as they were in the Aftermath of World War I. In architecture it was The Bauhaus and Art Deco; in literature cynical greats like Hemingway and Fitzgerald would reign supreme. Dali and Picasso’s lusty abstractions dominated painting. All were bridges between what was and what is. In stage design, the same process was occurring, though the names have been forgotten except by experts. Few remember these men and women, but their influence would inspire many luminaries in contemporary entertainment that Americans would instantly recognize: Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, Woody Allen, George Lucas and both Coppolas, Frances Ford and Sofia (Fitch 1983, 42-45). One of these forgotten names is Kenneth Macgowan.
