You are a helpful assistant generating synthetic data that captures *System 1* and *System 2* thinking, *creativity*, and *metacognitive reflection*. Follow these steps in sequence, using tags [sys1] and [end sys1] for *System 1* sections and [sys2] and [end sys2] for *System 2* sections.

1. *Identify System 1 and System 2 Thinking Requirements:*
   - Carefully read the text.
   - Identify parts of the text that require quick, straightforward responses (*System 1*). Mark these sections with [sys1] and [end sys1].
   - Identify parts that require in-depth, reflective thinking (*System 2*), marked with [sys2] and [end sys2].

2. *Apply Step-by-Step Problem Solving with Creativity and Metacognitive Reflection for System 2 Sections:*

   *2.1 Understand the Problem:*
   - Objective: Fully comprehend the issue, constraints, and relevant context.
   - Reflection: "What do I understand about this issue? What might I be overlooking?"
   - Creative Perspective: Seek hidden patterns or possibilities that could reveal deeper insights or innovative connections.

   *2.2 Analyze the Information:*
   - Objective: Break down the problem logically.
   - Reflection: "Am I considering all factors? Are there any assumptions that need challenging?"
   - Creative Perspective: Explore unique patterns or overlooked relationships in the data that could add depth to the analysis.

   *2.3 Generate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Propose at least 10 hypotheses, each with a Confidence Score (0.0 to 1.0) and Creative Score (0.0 to 1.0), reflecting originality, surprise, and utility.
   - Reflection: "Have I explored all possible explanations or approaches, both conventional and unconventional?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider novel angles that might provide unexpected insights.

   *2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:*
   - Objective: Make predictions, accounting for potential outcomes and obstacles.
   - Reflection: "What challenges might I face? Is my plan flexible for different scenarios?"
   - Creative Perspective: Visualize unforeseen outcomes and adapt plans to make use of them effectively.

   *2.5 Evaluate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Assess hypotheses based on feasibility, risk, and potential impact.
   - Evaluation: Refine Confidence and Creative Scores as needed.
   - Reflection: "Am I unbiased in my assessment? Which options fit best with the overall objectives?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify hidden opportunities or overlooked details in each hypothesis.

   *2.6 Select the Best Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Choose the most promising, strategic hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Why does this hypothesis stand out? How does it uniquely address the issue?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider any underutilized potential in the selected approach.

   *2.7 Implement the Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Outline actionable steps for testing the hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Is this plan practical? What resources or preparation are required?"
   - Creative Perspective: Refine steps to maximize effectiveness and yield unexpected benefits.

   *2.8 Monitor and Review Progress:*
   - Objective: Review progress, noting areas for improvement.
   - Reflection: "What’s working well? What could be improved?"
   - Creative Perspective: Look for emerging patterns that could refine future approaches.

   *2.9 Reflect and Capture Insights:*
   - Objective: Summarize lessons learned and insights gained for future reference.
   - Reflection: "What new understanding has emerged from this process?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify innovative insights or patterns that could be applied to similar challenges.

3. *Generate Text Output with Interleaved System 1 and System 2 Responses:*
   - Use the tags [sys1] and [sys2] throughout.
   - Aim for a lengthier, detailed response. Combine both direct, straightforward *System 1* insights and reflective, deeply analytical *System 2* segments to capture a blend of quick observations and thoughtful analysis.

---

### *Example Input Text:*

You are tasked with analyzing a sudden shift in customer preferences in a tech market. There has been a noticeable decline in demand for physical devices, with customers increasingly interested in digital-only options. The challenge is to understand this shift, generate hypotheses for why it might be occurring, and explore potential strategies for adapting to this new trend.

---

### *Processed Output with System 1 and System 2 Thinking:*

The tech market is experiencing a shift in customer demand, moving away from physical devices toward digital-only options.

[sys1]
Customer demand has shifted from physical devices to digital-only options.
We need to understand why this change is happening and find strategies to address it.
Key factors may include cost, convenience, and technological trends.
[end sys1]

[sys2]
**2.1 Understand the Problem:**
The goal is to understand the underlying reasons for the shift in demand from physical devices to digital-only options, then develop a strategy to adapt.

*Reflection:* 
"I understand that preferences are changing, but what might be driving this? Is it primarily cost, or are there other factors such as convenience or sustainability?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could there be a larger trend in digital minimalism or a preference for eco-friendly solutions that we’re missing? What unseen motivations might explain this shift?"

**2.2 Analyze the Information:**
There are multiple possible factors driving this shift, from economic influences to cultural shifts. It’s essential to isolate each factor and understand its impact.

*Reflection:* 
"Am I fully considering the various economic and social influences? Could there be a technological factor, like better internet speeds, that makes digital-only products more accessible?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Are there patterns or trends in other markets that could shed light on this shift? Could this be part of a larger trend toward virtual experiences?"

**2.3 Generate Hypotheses:**
1. Customers prefer digital options due to lower costs. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.4)
2. There’s a growing trend toward minimalism and reduced physical clutter. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.7)
3. Digital products offer greater flexibility and ease of use. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
4. Environmental concerns are pushing consumers away from physical goods. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.8)
5. Advances in tech make digital-only options more functional. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.5)
6. Pandemic-era remote work increased demand for digital solutions. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.6)
7. Media coverage of the environmental impact of physical devices affects preferences. (Confidence: 0.5, Creative: 0.7)
8. There’s an increase in global digital literacy, expanding market access. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
9. Customers view digital as more convenient and scalable for future needs. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.5)
10. Younger consumers prefer the aesthetics and convenience of digital products. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)

*Reflection:* 
"Have I considered all possible influences? Are there any surprising factors that could explain this shift?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could specific social trends, like the rise of influencer culture or digital-first lifestyles, be influencing customer choices?"

**2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:**
*Objective:* Anticipate possible challenges, such as resistance from segments still preferring physical products.

*Reflection:* 
"What market obstacles might we face if we shift our focus to digital-only? Are there sub-segments that still prioritize physical products?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could expanding digital options help us reach a more global audience? Are there emerging trends that we could leverage in our strategy?"

[end sys2]

[sys1]
To address this shift, consider a strategy that incorporates both digital-only offerings and educational campaigns about the benefits of digital solutions.
Use insights from customer feedback and current trends to guide product development.
Focus on flexibility and adaptation to cater to different customer segments.
[end sys1]


Русский

Россия

Казахстан

Армения

Азербайджан

Грузия

Киргизия

Таджикистан

Крым

Евразия

How to Listen

Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty broadcasts in 28 languages. Most of our programs are available on FM and medium-wave frequencies of local radio stations in the countries of our broadcast area. If you are having problems listening to programs on the internet, please read our technical help document.

Afghanistan Seeks Divorce From Long-Standing Marital Traditions

The families of many Afghan brides demand that the groom spend thousands of dollars in "walwar" payments and other gifts. The groom is also required to pay for a lavish wedding banquet and a string of wedding-related parties. (file photo)

Related Articles

Roya Mahboob is one of Afghanistan's only female CEOs. As the head of one of the country's most successful software companies, she seeks to be a role model for Afghan women. But her road to success has been marred by hostility.

In Afghanistan, few bat an eye when a young suitor spends a small fortune to secure his bride.

The payment of a "walwar" -- essentially a premarital fee paid to the bride-to-be's parents -- can run into the thousands of dollars, adding to the already exorbitant costs plunked down for the wedding itself.

Now there is a movement within the country's government to divorce the Afghan people from such long-standing but financially crippling customs.

The Afghan Women's Affairs Ministry is waging war on the walwar, arguing that it is not only technically illegal but unnecessarily buries families under tremendous debt.

"The campaign mainly focuses on unaffordable walwars, a shameful custom, which is putting enormous financial strain on families," says Deputy Women's Affairs Minister Mezhgan Mustafavi. "But it also includes a fight against some of our other marital traditions, such as marrying off girls to settle family feuds -- a so-called 'bad' marriage."

The goal of the campaign is to improve women's lives and protect their rights, because ultimately it's the woman in the arrangement who suffers the consequences, Mustafavi says.

In the case of walwar payments, the bride often "starts her new life in a family struggling under the burden of debt," Mustafavi says. "Or, in the case of 'bad' marriages, she is usually treated as an enemy's daughter."

Clerics' Participation Vital

The ministry has called on the country's influential clerics, as well as media and law-enforcement agencies, to help promote the campaign.

Some 400 religious figures from all over the country recently assembled in Kabul for a meeting organized with the help of the Hajj and Religious Affairs Ministry, during which they condemned the walwar tradition and other long-standing customs that are deemed to violate women's rights.

The clerics agreed to include lectures on marital traditions in their mosque sermons, potentially reaching millions of people throughout the country.

The popular television station Tolo agreed to record such sermons and broadcast them weekly during peak hours.

In Afghanistan's deeply conservative society, the word of clerics carries significant weight and the Women's Affairs Ministry considers their participation vital to the success of the campaign.

"Many people don't know that expensive walwars, which effectively mean selling your daughter, have nothing to do with Islam," Mustafavi says. "In fact, it violates both civil and Shari'a laws."

"According to Afghanistan's law banning violence against women, selling or buying a person in the context of marriage is a crime punishable with up to 10 years' imprisonment," Mustafavi says. "Our civil laws ban any un-Islamic preconditions in matrimonies. Our Family Code clearly states that customs like the walwar, bride price, marrying off girls to settle family scores, or marrying off girls as a blood price for a victim's family are against Islam. Therefore, such customs are forbidden."

Thousands Of Dollars

Shari'a law does allow for a potential bride to request money from the groom's family. While the amount is not fixed, Shari'a rules advise that the amount should be small and easily affordable to her new family.

Some clerics even estimate that the amount should not exceed a few hundred afghanis, the equivalent of $5 or $10.

In reality, however, the families of many Afghan brides demand that the groom spend thousands of dollars in walwar payments and other gifts, including jewelry. In addition, the groom is required to pay for a lavish wedding banquet and a string of wedding-related parties.

The ministry estimates that the average Afghan family spends up to $15,000 in wedding costs.

In the social sphere, the cost of the dowry and the lavishness of the wedding parties can affect each family's social standing. To affirm high status, families save for years and young men commonly leave home to endure years of hard labor abroad to raise cash.

Desperate to avoid such costs, some families that have both sons and daughters marry off the groom's sister to the bride's brother in so-called "badal" marriages, which literally translates as "exchange."

"The laws to punish such actions have almost never been exercised," says Mustafavi. "We have asked law-enforcement agencies to bring to justice a few people who violate these laws in order to remind others that it is a crime to sell your daughter."

You Might Also Like

Comments

by: Anonymous

December 09, 2012 19:23

interesting article. yet, it would be great if you could refer to some quote if you address parts of sharia law. could you highlight some antithetical aspects in Islamic jurisprudence which unmistakably contradict or reject "bad marriage", "walwar payments". in some contexts, quran and hadith are mentioned without the source. so, even as an argument that supports your point of view it would be a pillar of your ratiocinations and make it more reliable and authoritative. thanx in advance