Paper discussing the theme and proving it in Sophocles's play Oedipus Essay

Paper discussing the theme and proving it in Sophocles's play Oedipus the King - Essay Example Aristotle (1998) stated â€Å"the tragic hero falls into bad fortune because of some flaw in his character of the kind found in men of high reputation and good fortune such as Oedipus.† In this statement, he indicates Oedipus had a flaw that, because of his high station, would ultimately cause his demise. In this essay I will argue how Oedipus from Oedipus the King by Sophocles is a protagonist driven by the passion of pride and how this largely contributes to his own downfall, placing the discussion within the context of the classical definition of a tragedy. As has been mentioned, the classic definition of a tragedy begins with the driving force behind the action which was referred to as hamartia. Hamartia is commonly referred to today as a tragic flaw (â€Å"Aristotle†, 1998). It is the concept that a noble man will fall not as the result of a vengeful god or violation of the god’s laws per se, but rather as a result of some inherent flawed portion of his character that causes him to act in a specific way or make a particular mistake in judgment. In much of Greek tragedy, this tragic flaw appears in the form of an excessive pride on the part of the protagonist that renders them incapable of listening to the counsel of others or of correctly perceiving the events taking place around them. This behavior or mistake will be the actual cause of ruin thus illustrating that the fall of great people is not necessarily the will of the gods but are instead manifestations of the gods allowing humans to act of their own accord, for b etter or worse. In Oedipus the King, the action opens as Oedipus is approached by plague-stricken masses asking help from him as king. When he sees his people gathered around him as if he were a god, his response to them is â€Å"What means this reek of incense everywhere, / From others, and am hither come, myself, / I Oedipus, your world-renowned king† (4-8). Although the people of Oedipus’ day did turn to

A Systematic Model Of Training Management Essay

A Systematic Model Of Training Management Essay Introduction The primary reason for evaluation being adopted in any sector is to determine the effectiveness of processes and the ways to improve them. A single meaning for the term evaluation is not easy to find. Weiss (1972; p.1) saw evaluation as an elastic word that stretches to cover judgements of many kinds. We can thus suggest that one meaning of evaluation in LD is concerned with judgements relating to the value of particular processes. Taken in this way, we can see that evaluating is closely connected with peoples view of LD and the criteria use to make judgements. If one accepts that evaluation is an attempt to judge the value that LD adds to an organisation then Bramley (1991) and other as per (Appendix 1) argues that purpose of evaluation is not only to add value but to discover to what extent the learning is useful for the job and has the learning transferred to workplace. Development activities intended to increase the effectiveness of managers can be evaluated at number of levels. The proposed framework for evaluation by Kirkpatrick (1959) is as follows: Reaction: The reaction of learners following an activity. Learning: The skills, knowledge gained as a result of the activity Behaviour: The effect on the performance of the learner within the workplace Results: The effect of changes in performance on measurable results at work This view has become conventional wisdom with regard to evaluation where different levels can be linked in a chain of consequences (Hamblin, 1974). Another level was added by Phillips (1996) to enable a return on investment (ROI) which could provide direct link between LD and an organisations results. Most organisations carry out evaluation at the reaction level, some measure learning in technical skills, but few attempts to assess changes in behaviour or criteria of organisational effectiveness (Ralphs and Stephan, 1986). Representation of Kirkpatricks and Phillips model of learning analytics showing level-wise measurement objectives Fig 1: Representation of Kirkpatricks and Phillips model of learning analytics showing level-wise measurement objectives (http://leanlearning.wikispaces.com/learning_analytics). Methodology will partly depend on the beliefs held about what happens in LD. The two board approaches of methodology can be identified as positivist methodologies which are based on observations and measurements, whereas phenomenological methodologies are based on action and implementation (Mumford and Gold, 2004). The differing perspectives offered by positivism and phenomenology provide evaluators of LD with different thoughts to inform the choice of evaluation models and methods. In UK, for many years a systematic model of training and evaluation has been regarded as the orthodoxy. A typical presentation of this model is shown below. IDENTIFY TRAINING NEEDS AND SPECIFY OBJECTIVES DESIGN ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENT ACTIVITIES EVALUATE ACTIVITIES Fig 2: A systematic model of training (Mumford and Gold, 2004) The four stages model emphasises the need to evaluate at the conclusion of activities. Data collected can then be analysed and decisions made on the value of the activities and the extent to which the objectives set were valid. The data gathered may be subject to bias and distortion, dependent on the feelings of the group at the time of completion (Smith, 1990). The various meaning of evaluation has tended to focus on the outcomes of LD activities. It also suggests that value can change throughout participation and that objectives at the start of process are not the same during the process and on completion of it. Here we could make use of a distinction that is frequently made between (Appendix 2) summative evaluation, which occurs on completion of an activity and formative evaluation, which occurs while the activity is happening. These variations and presence of different interests make evaluation a complex process for it needs to take into account and respond to different interests and their judgements (Easterby-Smith, 1994). Leadership Development It is hard to overstate the importance of leadership in todays corporate environment, especially in the light of business failures. Leadership can play a critical role in almost every aspect of corporate and communal life (Ashkanasy, 2004: 165). There are many models of leadership; a traditional approach is the trait-based model (Bird, 1940; Mann, 1959; Stogdill, 1948; Zaccaro, Kemp Bader, 2004). This approach seeks to find those attributes of persons that are associated with leadership success. There are few problems associated with this approach as it tends to be modest to moderate and hence can account for only a part of what makes a leader successful, also it undervalues the importance of modification and the approach is static, whereas leadership is dynamic (Antonkasi et al, 2004). Stenbergs WICs Model The theory proposed here views leadership as in large part of how one formulates, makes and acts upon decisions (Sternberg Vroom, 2002). According to this model, the three key components of leadership are wisdom, intelligence and creativity (WICS). The basic idea is that one needs these three components working together in order to be a highly effective leader. Intelligence: academic intelligence (memory and analytical abilities) and practical intelligence (ability to solve everyday problems and manage oneself, others and tasks). Wisdom: using intelligence, creativity and experience moderated by values to reach a common good, balance between own, others and organisational interest, over the short and long term to adapt, shape and select environments. Creativity: skill in generating ideas and products that are novel, high quality, appropriate for the task in hand. generation of ideas that others will follow. Leadership Fig 3: Sternbergs WICs model of leadership (Sadler-Smith, 2006) The WICs model is related to many other models which incorporates elements of transformational as well as transactional leadership (Bass, 1998; Bass Avolio, 1994; Bass, Avolio Atwater, 1996), emotionally intelligent leadership (Goleman, 1998), visionary leadership (Sashkin, 1988, 2004), and charismatic leadership (Conger Kanugo, 1998; Weber, 1968). WICS provides a framework that not only integrates many of the models that have come earlier, but also that have individually included only some of these interlocking skills, attitudes, and situational variables. Leadership development is expected to improve these attributes further and also to maintain balance in negotiating situational demands and tensions. All of these theories propose explanations for developing leaders but they have not been scientifically proven and some might require an in depth analysis to prove their effectiveness. Most of these strategies tend to concentrate on the individual leader but they tend to ignore the effects of dynamic or individuals environment on the leaders performance. Day et al. (2003) mentions that due to constantly changing environment with a variety of stakeholders requests and expectations, the possibility of using one best approach to leadership development is unlikely. In todays dynamic environment organisations might need to take a global approach to follow a mixture of some models of leadership development (Ivancevich Matteson 1996). The importance of effective leadership could be emphasised by looking at the LBG leadership model. Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) Leadership Model Creating a high performance culture, identifying future leaders and building the talent pipeline to expand organisational capability are critical areas of focus for all leaders in the group. In challenging economic times, the groups ability to build distinctive leadership capability will differentiate it from its competitors. JDIE (Judgement; Drive; Influence and Execution Appendix 3) is the leadership model that LBG widely uses across all its divisions. Fig 4: Lloyds Leadership Model (https://www.learningatlloydsbankinggroup.com/exec/exec.asp) The model has 4 capabilities that determine outstanding leadership performance and potential. At the centre of the Leadership Diamond are the Values which underpin all the behavioural capability statements. Individual performance rating is based on their total contribution equally assessing what they have achieved against their objectives in the Balanced Scorecard and how they have achieved it using the LBG values and the JDIE leadership model. The JDIE leadership model describes outstanding leadership in the Group and is based around the organisational values, which drives culture, engagement and performance/potential. Benefits of JDIE model: Enables individual to take ownership and accountability for accelerating personal and team development, achieving higher performance and delivering quality. Builds deep and strong relationship among members of the team. Enlightened individual and collective awareness. Improving coaching and feedback skills among team members. Role of Evaluation in Leadership Development: Evaluations have replaced assumptions with evidence. It has used new knowledge to stimulate discussion or debate, have solved practical problems and have proved the feasibility of innovative programs. The following examples demonstrate the kinds of benefits organisations have obtained from evaluation: Evaluations improve performance and promote accountability through monitoring. Evaluations provide important and action-oriented lessons about implementation. Evaluations provide powerful evidence about impacts. Evaluations provide practical information about who participates and who benefits, thereby improving the targeting of services. Evaluations provide crucial information on costs. Evaluations assess the logic and the knowledge underlying the design of new programs. The following examples demonstrate the kinds of issues organisations might face from evaluations: There could be insufficient knowledge of the value of an appropriate pre-course for assessment of individual and organisational needs. Limited support appears to be provided to aid the transfer of individuals learning benefits to organisation. The organisations need to focus on leadership as a social process for developing leadership beyond individual leaders and thus maintaining equilibrium among human and social capital. It is not yet clear of the potential measurement criteria to assess impact on return on investment. Such criteria need to be re-designed to develop a suitable framework. Currently available leadership development models and theories lay a lot of emphasis on the importance of change, but they may not operate scientifically to validate the change framework. Effectiveness of most of these existing leadership models tends to lay prominence on the initial stages of the change cycle, which assumes that individuals would be able to change themselves at the wrap-up phase of the programme (Bernal, E. 2009). As there is no perfect model for leadership and organisations may tend to use views of different models to achieve their strategic goals, so further we will look at the strategic human resources development models in an organisation. Strategic Human Resources Development Strategic human resource development (SHRD) focuses on integrating HRD activities with organisational goals and values to develop core capabilities that enhance firm competitive advantage (Garavan, 1991). Competitive advantage is secured when organisations have skills and capabilities that are unique, difficult to replicate and imitate by competitors (Rainbird, 1995). It promotes practices that enhance the strategic performance of employees and organisations. It also emphasizes proactive change in management which enables organisations to survive in an increasingly complex, unstable, competitive, and global environment (Grieves, 2003). Garavan (1991) proposed a prescriptive model of SHRD outlining three characteristics: focus, orientation, and strategies. Furthermore, the model acknowledges the importance of multiple stakeholders that have emerged in the design, development, and implementation of SHRD, both internal and external to the organization. The model emphasizes horizontal and vertical linkages throughout and suggests various stakeholder-focused outcomes. Fig 5: Conceptual Framework of SHRD (Garavan, 2007) In the period since the original definition, several notable contributions have been made by Horwitz (1999),Walton (1999), McCracken and Wallace (2000), Harrison (2004), Maxwell,Watson, and Quail (2004) and Sadler-Smith (2006). A number of themes emerge from these models: SHRD facilitates the development of core capabilities that are critical in developing and maintaining sustained competitive advantage. SHRD enables the firm to make the best use of existing firm-specific capabilities and through the development of new capabilities and skills enables it to cope with change. SHRD must be sensitive to both emergent and planned strategies. Any of these three SHRD strategies can be adopted to facilitate the focus on organizational learning, organizational change, and organizational performance. LBG has preferred to use organisational performance SHRD strategy along with a small percentage of organisational learning change strategy. Lloyds Banking Group SHRD Model Organizational performance-focused SHRD strategies emphasize skills training, job and competency analysis, and management and leadership development. A key role for organizational SHRD is to identify performance needs and thereby developing core competencies to meet the demands of organizations. Fig 6: Lloyds SHRD Model (https://www.learningatlloydsbankinggroup.com/exec/exec.asp) Leading in the Human Resources function Leading by example within the HR function, role modelling LBG values and one HR approach to work thereby build the capability and structure of the HR function. Strategy, Insights and Solutions Uses deep understanding of the business and the HR function to deliver strategy and sustainable solutions that meet the needs of the business, colleagues customers. Learning and Talent Development Ensures that people at all levels possess the skills, knowledge and experience to fulfil the short and long term ambitions of the organisation and that they are motivated to develop and perform well. Evaluation of LBG SHRD model: Uses and analyses a full range of information and knowledge, using judgement to identify options and make robust decisions. Evaluates information from multiple sources, applying judgement to weigh their value and relevance to the decision at hand. Makes effective decisions in the absence of complete information, ensuring things can move forward while further analysis is conducted. Identifies how best to distil a mass of complex data into distinct, clear and concise concepts others can understand. Maintains a helicopter view of the situation, identifying the key elements while keeping an overview of the detail. Gives concepts meaning, often using powerful illustrations and comparisons. Creates an environment where others can make decisions by clarifying roles and responsibilities and providing appropriate support. Knows the different key questions to ask in complex situations to extract information, view points, risks and potential solutions. The above model emphasises on assumptions in absence of complete information thus the strategy might not be completely effective under the phase of these assumptions. Evaluating the strategy requires a complex skill set which is difficult to acquire. Different organizational stakeholders, such as owners, investors, employees, suppliers, and customers, are likely to evaluate the contribution of SHRD differently. Conclusion: No matter which of the evaluation approaches or models is followed, there are at least two features that need to be considered, namely the credibility and trust, as well as externalization and replication of the validation carried out. SHRD can contribute to the development of both operational capability and enhanced capacity to learn. Appendix 1 The Purpose of Evaluation Source Purposes Bramley (1991) Feedback, research, intervention, power, control Easterby-Smith (1994) Proving, improving, learning, controlling Gibb (2002) Pragmatic, ethical, intellectual, social, business, personal Newby (1992) Quality control, efficient LD design, professional self-esteem, track record, identification of assessment criteria, intervention Reid and Barrington (1999) Investment appraisal, feedback, improvement, learning, achievement of objectives Stewart (199) Promoting (in addition to proving, improving and learning) Source: Sadler-Smith, E (2006, p.382) Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Source: Lloyds Intranet (Internal Database)

Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory Essay -- Sociology

The old African proverb ‘it takes a whole village to raise a child’ (Mohamed, 1996, p. 57) rings significantly through Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory (Bronfenbrenner and Evans 2000); a theory which focuses on gaining insight into human development through identifying the circumstances and considering the environmental influences of which a child is raised not just the genetic components. This essay will endeavour to encompass my understanding of Bronfenbrenner’s theory by incorporating the effect of the theory in child development and the significance of the nested systems with the purpose of illustrating the importance for the development of secondary emotion and the development of the expression of emotion from infancy through to adolescence. Bronfenbrenner’s approach was to study children in their natural environments to explore how a child experiences and interprets their world within a complex system of relationships (Berk, 2009, p. 26). His theory regards the environment of a child; taking into account the practices within that environment and how they might influence development and of the child’s individual connections to show the way in which external forces and the child interrelate to influence their development (Paquette and Ryan, n.d.). It is important to recognise how the interaction of the systems with bidirectional (adults affect children’s behaviour but children’s behaviour can also affect adults’ behaviour [Berk, 2009]) influences within and between the systems can strengthen or interrupt healthy child development as each system contains roles, norms, values, beliefs and rules that can effectively shape their development. From this writers perspective Bronfenbrenner’s theory ... ...ampos, R. G., & Barrett, K. C. (1989). Emergent themes in the study of emotional development and emotion regulation. Developmental Psychology, 25(3), 394-402. doi: 10.1037/0012-1649.25.3.394. Mohamed, E.R. (1996). It Takes a Whole Village to Raise a Child. Peabody Journal of Education, Mentors and Mentoring 71(1), 57. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/1492552?uid=3737536&uid=2&uid=4&s id=21100750938471 Paquette, D., & Ryan, J. (n.d.). Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory. Retrieved from http://pt3.nl.edu/paquetteryanwebquest.pdf Wilson, R.L. (2003). The emotional life of children. Wagga Wagga: Keon. Wilson, R.L. (2012). Child and adolescent psychology. Week 4. [Psy113 CSU Forums]. Retrieved March 23, 2012 from Charles Sturt University website http://forums.csu.edu.au/perl/forums.pl?forum_id=PSY113_201230_B_D_forum

Thirty Days as a Cuban Article Review

â€Å"THIRTY DAYS AS A CUBAN† Article Review Based on Patrick Symmes' article â€Å"Thirty Days as a Cuban†, it seems as though the degree of ECONOMIC INEQUALITY (the extent of the economic difference between the rich and the poor) in Cuba is relatively low. While many people still make more than others, the vast majority of Cubans are significantly poor and suffer from starvation from day to day. Symmes' account of the average life of a Cuban was interesting because I don't believe many people are aware of the suffrage going on in this country. I, for one, am a prime example of this.I had no idea that such a state existed in Cuba. The ration system and dictatorship of the country contribute immensely to the degree of poverty. And in turn, poverty results in what we would label as DEVIANCE and CRIME (behavior that violates norms and arouses negative social & behavior that violates written laws, respectively). These people literally have no choice but to result to crime in order to survive. The communistic ways and schemes of the government do not really enable moral and ethical ways of making even a mere comfortable living.This suggests an inevitably low chance of VERTICAL MOBILITY (the movement up or down a through a society's stratification system) in the sense that while the Cuban government might like to think or tell people that movement up the vertical scale is possible, it really is not. Another point I found interesting is that the Cubans seem to be pretty CLASS CONSCIOUS (aware of their social class membership, the structural reasons for it, and the needs arising from such membership). They are 100% aware of where they stand in the social ladder, but there is virtually little they can do about it.They are aware of what the government is doing– giving them just enough to â€Å"get by†, but, in reality, is not enough to survive. â€Å"†¦ The problem in Cuba isn't food, or clothes. It's the total lack of civil liberty, an d therefore of economic liberty, which is why you have to have the libreta in the first place. † This quote validates my point exactly. The Cubans are very aware of their suppression, but in contrast to Karl Marx's theory that the oppressed would inevitably revolt if they had class consciousness, the Cubans cannot because of the dictatorship existing in their country.

Effectiveness of Educational Technology”

The purpose of this research â€Å" Effectiveness of Educational Technology† â€Å"From a Department of Education 1995 forum, some panelists contended that rather than debating the connections between technology-based instruction and test scores, schools should focus on the most obvious and compelling reason form implementing technology-namely, those students needs strong technology skills to succeed in the world of work. From research studies it shows positive benefits from the use of technology for educational purposes. The data method use to collect this information was â€Å"First, a U. S. Department of Education-funded study of nine technology-rich schools, concluded that the use of technology resulted in educational gains for all students regardless of age, race, parental income, or other characteristics. The second, a 10-year study supported by Apple Computer, Inc. Concluded that student provided with technology-rich learning environments ‘continued to perform well on standardized tests but were also developing a variety of competencies not usually measured. † Some success seen by there research, rising scores on state tests, improved student attendance, increased student comprehension, self motivation, more parent/ teacher support improved student retention. Another issue the research hoped to confront was the possibility of negative effects from prolonged exposure to computers. Some critics have worried those students who use computers extensively will become ‘brain-dead’ or less social from looking at the computer screen all day. At the end of two years, the researchers learned that some of their worst fears had been groundless. † In a 1994 Software Publisher's Association (SPA) study, research found that: Educational technology has a significant positive impact on achievement in all subject areas, across all levels of school, and in regular classrooms as well as those for special-needs students. Educational technology has positive effects on student attitudes. The degree of effectiveness is influenced by the student population, the instructional design, the teacher’s role, how students are grouped, and the levels of student access to technology. Technology makes instruction more student-centered, encourages cooperative learning, and stimulated increased teacher/student interaction. Positive changes in the learning environment evolve over time and do not occur quickly. †

Jonathan Letterman

Jonathan Letterman Jonathan Letterman was a surgeon in the U.S. Army who pioneered a system of caring for the wounded during battles of the Civil War. Prior to his innovations, the care of wounded soldiers was fairly haphazard, but by organizing an Ambulance Corps Letterman saved many lives and changed forever how the military operated. Lettermans accomplishments did not have much to do with scientific or medical advances, but with ensuring that a solid organization for caring for the wounded was in place.   After joining the Army of the Potomac of General George McClellan in the summer of 1862, Letterman began preparing the Medical Corps. Months later he faced a colossal challenge at the Battle of Antietam, and his organization for moving the wounded proved its worth. The following year, his ideas were utilized during and after the Battle of Gettysburg. Some of Lettermans reforms had been inspired by changes instituted in medical care by the British during the Crimean War. But he also had invaluable medical experience learned in the field, during a decade spent in the Army, mostly at outposts in the West, before the Civil War. After the war, he wrote a memoir that detailed his operations in the Army of the Potomac. And with his own health suffering, he died at the age of 48. His ideas, however, lived on long after his life and benefited the armies of many nations. Early Life Jonathan Letterman was born December 11, 1824, in Canonsburg, in western Pennsylvania. His father was a doctor, and Jonathan received an education from a private tutor. He later attended Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, graduating in 1845. He then attended medical school in Philadelphia. He received his M.D. degree in 1849 and took the examination to join the U.S. Army. Throughout the 1850s Letterman was assigned to various military expeditions which often involved armed skirmishes with Indian tribes. In the early 1850s he served in Florida campaigns against the Seminoles. He was transferred to a fort in Minnesota, and in 1854 joined an Army expedition that traveled from Kansas to New Mexico. In 1860 he served a stint in California.   On the frontier, Letterman learned to tend to the wounded while having to improvise in very rough conditions, often with inadequate supplies of medicine and equipment. Civil War and Battlefield Medicine After the outbreak of the Civil War, Letterman returned from California and was briefly posted in New York City. By the spring of 1862 he was assigned to an Army unit in Virginia, and in July 1862 he was appointed medical director of the Army of the Potomac. At the time, Union troops were engaged in McClellans Peninsula Campaign, and military doctors were grappling with the problems of disease as well as battle wounds. As McClellans campaign turned into a fiasco, and the Union troops retreated and began to return to the area around Washington, D.C., they tended to leave behind medical supplies. So Letterman, taking over that summer, faced a challenge of resupplying the Medical Corps.  He advocated for the creation of an ambulance corps. McClellan agreed to the plan and a regular system of inserting ambulances into army units began. By September 1862, when the Confederate Army crossed the Potomac River into Maryland, Letterman commanded a Medical Corps that promised to be more efficient than anything the U.S. Army had seen before. At Antietam, it was put to the test. In the days following the great battle in western Maryland, the Ambulance Corps, troops specially trained to retrieve wounded soldiers and bring them to improvised hospitals, functioned fairly well. That winter the Ambulance Corp again proved its worth at the Battle of Fredericksburg. But the colossal test came at Gettysburg, when the fighting raged for three days and casualties were enormous. Lettermans system of ambulances and wagon trains dedicated to medical supplies worked fairly smoothly, despite countless obstacles. Legacy and Death Jonathan Letterman resigned his commission in 1864, after his system had been adopted throughout the U.S. Army. After leaving the Army he settled in San Francisco with his wife, whom he had married in 1863. In 1866, he wrote a memoir of his time as medical director of the Army of the Potomac. His health began to fail, and he died on March 15, 1872. His contributions to how armies prepare to attend to the wounded in battle, and in how the wounded are moved and cared for, had great influence over the years.

Roth v. United States Supreme Court Decision

Roth v. United States Supreme Court Decision What is obscenity? This was the question put before the Supreme Court in the case of Roth v. United States in 1957. Its an important decision because if the government can ban something as obscene, then that material falls outside the protection of the First Amendment.   Those who wish to distribute such obscene material will have little  if any, recourse against censorship. Even worse, allegations of obscenity stem almost entirely from religious foundations. This essentially means that religious objections to a specific material can remove basic constitutional protections from that material. Fast Facts: Roth v. United States Case Argued: April 22, 1957Decision Issued:  June 24, 1957Petitioner: Samuel RothRespondent: United StatesKey Question: Did federal or California state obscenity statutes prohibiting the sale or transfer of obscene materials through the mail impinge on freedom of expression as guaranteed by the First Amendment?Majority Decision: Justices Warren, Frankfurter, Burton, Clark, Brennan, and WhittakerDissenting: Justices Black, Douglas, and HarlanRuling: The court ruled that obscenity (as defined by whether an average person, applying contemporary community standards, the dominant theme of the material taken as a whole appeal to prurient interest) was not constitutionally protected speech or press. What Lead to Roth v. United States? When it reached the Supreme Court, this was actually two combined cases: Roth v. United States and Alberts v. California. Samuel Roth (1893-1974) published and sold books, photographs, and magazines in New York, using circulars and advertising matter to solicit sales. He was convicted of mailing obscene circulars and advertising as well as an obscene book in violation of the federal obscenity statute: Every obscene, lewd, lascivious, or filthy book, pamphlet, picture, paper, letter, writing, print, or other publication of an indecent character... is declared to be nonmailable matter... Whoever knowingly deposits for mailing or delivery, anything declared by this section to be nonmailable, or knowingly takes the same from the mails for the purpose of circulating or disposing thereof, or of aiding in the circulation or disposition thereof, shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. David Alberts ran a mail-order business from Los Angeles. He was convicted under a misdemeanor complaint which charged him with lewdly keeping for sale obscene and indecent books. This charge included writing, composing, and publishing an obscene advertisement of them, in violation of the California Penal Code: Every person who wilfully and lewdly... writes, composes, stereotypes, prints, publishes, sells, distributes, keeps for sale, or exhibits any obscene or indecent writing, paper, or book; or designs, copies, draws, engraves, paints, or otherwise prepares any obscene or indecent picture or print; or molds, cuts, casts, or otherwise makes any obscene or indecent figure... is guilty of a misdemeanor... In both cases, the constitutionality of a criminal obscenity statute was challenged. In Roth, the constitutional question was whether the federal obscenity statute violated the provision of the First Amendment that Congress shall make no law ...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press ...In Alberts, the constitutional question was whether the obscenity provisions of the California Penal Code invaded the freedoms of speech and press incorporated by the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The Courts Decision Voting 5 to 4, the Supreme Court decided that obscene material has no protection under the First Amendment. The decision was based on the premise that freedom of expression does not provide absolute protection for every possible utterance of any sort: All ideas having even the slightest redeeming social importance - unorthodox ideas, controversial ideas, even ideas hateful to the prevailing climate of opinion - have the full protection of the guaranties, unless excludable because they encroach upon the limited area of more important interests. But implicit in the history of the First Amendment is the rejection of obscenity as utterly without redeeming social importance. But who decides what is and is not obscene, and how? Who gets to decide what does and does not have redeeming social importance? On what standard is that based on?   Justice Brennan, writing for the majority, suggested a standard for determining what would and would not be obscene: However, sex and obscenity are not synonymous. Obscene material is material which deals with sex in a manner appealing to prurient interest. The portrayal of sex, e. g., in art, literature and scientific works, is not itself sufficient reason to deny material the constitutional protection of freedom of speech and press. ...It is therefore vital that the standards for judging obscenity safeguard the protection of freedom of speech and press for material which does not treat sex in a manner appealing to prurient interest. So, there is no redeeming social importance to any appeal to prurient interests? Prurient is defined as excessive  interest in sexual matters.  This lack of social importance associated with sex is a traditionalist religious and Christian perspective. There are no legitimate secular arguments for such an absolute division.   The early leading standard of obscenity allowed material to be judged merely by the effect of an isolated excerpt upon particularly susceptible persons. Some American courts adopted this standard but later decisions have rejected it. These later courts substituted this test: whether to the average person, applying contemporary community standards, the dominant theme of the material taken as a whole appeal to prurient interest. Since the lower courts in these cases applied the test of whether or not the material appealed to prurient interests, the judgments were affirmed. The Significance of the Decision This decision specifically rejected the test developed in the British case, Regina v. Hicklin. In that case, obscenity is judged by whether or not the tendency of the matter charged as obscenity is to deprave and corrupt those whose minds are open to such immoral influences, and into whose hands a publication of this sort may fall. In contrast, Roth v. United States  based the judgment on community standards rather than the most susceptible. In a community of very conservative Christians, a person could be charged with obscenity for expressing ideas that would be regarded as trivial in another community. Thus, a person might legally sell explicit homosexual material in the city, but be charged with obscenity in a small town. Conservative Christians could argue that the material has no redeeming social value. At the same time, closeted gays could argue the opposite because it helps them imagine what life might be like without homophobic oppression. While these matters were decided over 50 years ago and times certainly have changed, this precedent could still affect current obscenity cases.

Distillation Definition in Chemistry

Distillation Definition in Chemistry In the most general sense, distillation means to purify something. For example, one you might distill the main point from a story. In chemistry, distillation refers to a particular method of purifying liquids: Distillation Definition Distillation is the technique of heating a liquid to create vapor which is collected when cooled separate from the original liquid. Its based on the different boiling point or volatility values of the components. The technique may be used to separate components of a mixture or to aid in purification. The equipment used for distillation may be called a  distillation apparatus or  still. A structure designed to house one or more stills is termed a distillery. Distillation Example Pure water can be separated from salt water through distillation. Salt water is boiled to create form steam, but the salt remains in the solution. The steam is collected and allowed to cool back into salt-free water. The salt remains in the original container. Uses of Distillation Distillation has many applications: Its used in chemistry to separate and purify liquids.Distillation is used to make alcoholic beverages, vinegar, and purified water.Its one of the oldest methods of desalinating water. Distilled water dates back to at least 200 AD, when it was described by Greek philosopher Alexander of Aphrodisias.Distillation is used on an industrial scale to purify chemicals.The fossil fuel industry uses distillation to separate components of crude oil to make chemical feedstock and fuel. Types of Distillation Types of distillation include: Batch Distillation - A mixture of two volatile substances is heated until it boils. The vapor will contain a higher concentration of the more volatile component, so more of it will be condensed and removed from the system. This changes the ratio of components in the boiling mixture, raising its boiling point. If there is a large difference in the vapor pressure between the two components, the boiled liquid will become higher in the less volatile component, while the distillate will be mostly the more volatile component. Batch distillation is the most common type of distillation used in a laboratory. Continuous Distillation - Distillation is ongoing, with new liquid fed into the process and separated fractions continuously removed. Because new material is input, the concentrations of the components should not change as in batch distillation. Simple Distillation - In simple distillation, vapor enters a condenser, cools, and is collected. The resulting liquid has a composition identical to that of the vapor, so simple distillation is used when components have greatly different boiling points or to separate volatile from non-volatile components. Fractional Distillation - Both batch and continuous distillation may incorporate fractional distillation, which involves use of a fractionating column above the distillation flask. The column offers more surface area, allowing for more efficient condensation of vapor and an improved separation. A fractionating column may even be set up to include subsystems with separate liquid-vapor equilibrium values. Steam Distillation - In steam distillation, water is added to the distilling flask. This lowers the boiling point of the components so they may be separated at a temperature below their decomposition point. Other types of distillation include vacuum distillation, short-path distillation, zone distillation, reactive distillation, pervaporation, catalytic distillation, flash evaporation, freeze distillation, and extractive distillation,

Case Study 3 - Input Diagnosis (skype) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Case Study 3 - Input Diagnosis (skype) - Essay Example Now in the context of the project, the report will highlight the business strategy of Skype. Apart from that the report will also shed light on the three generic strategies of Porter and its resemblance with the organizations strategy of Skype. Furthermore Nadler-Tushman Congruence Model will be also emphasized in accordance with the strategies of Skype. Finally the report will present the critical inputs of Skype and will then offer a conclusion based on the findings from the study. The next part will therefore put emphasis to the business strategy of Skype. Skype mainly follows the business model, which is the combination of network effects model and service provision and thereby collective referred to as â€Å"freemium† model. Skype offers both free as well as premium services to the customers. Some of the applications that are offered free include chatting, Skype-to-Skype calling, file transfer, multi-party calling, and video calling. On the other hand premium or paid serv ices comprise of Skype-In, Online numbers, Voicemail, subscriptions, Skype-Out and SMS. Since Skype offers a number of communication methods via internet, it has been able to target a large number of customers, who seek communication over the internet at low cost. In the recent past the company has also entered the mobile market by incorporating software that runs on a Smartphone. Skype also caters to the television segment along with the blue-ray devices. Hence from an overall viewpoint the basic business strategy of Skype is to have global coverage for the users of mobiles and computers. Apart from generating revenues from the premium services, the company earns revenue by providing partnership perspectives through licensing, and advertisement opportunities (Hagstedt, Hakansson & Thideman, 2011). Nevertheless, one of the important factors that played a major role in driving the business of Skype is the security it offers to the customers and a strong brand reputation supported by Microsoft. Porter’s Three Generic Competitive Strategies The three generic strategies of Porter include cost leadership strategy, differentiation strategy and focus strategy. The cost leadership strategy is about being the low-cost manufacturer. The differentiation strategy can be characterized by the offerings of a service or product that is unique and highly valued by the customers. Finally the focus strategy is about focusing and catering to a particular customer segment. Now comparing with the business strategy of Skype, it can be concluded that Skype makes use of differentiation strategy. The company offers a large number of unique communication modes that are distinctive and are highly value by the customers. Organizational Inputs The organizational inputs are those materials which the organization has to utilize for completion of their desired objectives. There are several different types of inputs, each of which signifies different resource for the organization. All t he organizational inputs are interlinked; especially the environment and resources have a very close relation. The environmental conditions affect the availability and price of acquiring the resources. The key organizational inputs are: a) Environment: It includes all the factors such as events, groups, individuals, institutions, and the whole

IR theorists specifically in the realist school have emphasized the Essay

IR theorists specifically in the realist school have emphasized the important role of states and their interaction in the intern - Essay Example The Realist school of thoughts presents the nation as the most important force in international politics. According to this school of thoughts the states are sovereign. Therefore a state’s authority is higher than all other non-state players like the transnational enterprises, the nongovernmental organizations, or the international organizations. All the states act in their own national interest. The Realist school of thoughts promotes the idea of states interlocked in a constant struggle for power to establish their supremacy over the others. However this struggle for power and the domination of one particular state over the others lead to a counter force against the dominant state. As a result the global balance is restored. In this struggle for power and the counter struggle military of the nations act as significant sources of power (Pant, n.d., 3; Spiegel, 2011). The states also collaborate with the other states for their national interest. The struggle for power between nations during the Cold War is an example of the Realist theory of international relations. The other states also adapt to the existing system of power on the world platform and align themselves according to their national interest. ... Realists and Market   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Globalization is a phenomenon that has caught the attention of scholars around the world. According to McGrew globalization is the growing interconnectivity and linkage that has transcended the national boundaries. It is a feature of the modern world system. By this process, any event, decision or action by a certain nation affects the residents of a different nation (Koffman, Youngs, 116). It has resulted in the integration of the entire world (Baylis, Smith, & Owens, 14, 15). According to the realists, the states have exhibited accepted globalization properly and ultimately they have played a key role in the process of globalization. Various developments had indirect influence of the state. The authors argue that the states have indeed established their sovereignty and not lost control in the age of globalization. The states have been the most significant drivers of the process of globalization through relaxing the regulation of the markets. Therefore there is a presence of state in the emergence of globalization. For a market to operate successfully there needs to be rigid enforcement of laws. The states act as the primary regulator of market. The rise in the number of multilateral trade policies shows how the states can incorporate the process of globalization in their plans and policy in the interest of their nation (Taylor, 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the age of globalization human rights have received considerable focus and international standards of worker’s and civilian rights have emerged. But the realist school advocates that this attention on human rights have been possible due to the hegemony of the powerful nations. The powerful nations are mostly democratic countries. Therefore they have set up norms of

Exchange Rate Regime - Korea Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Exchange Rate Regime - Korea - Essay Example On May 3, 1964, there was abolition of the official rate of Korean currency whose official rate was Won (W) 130.00 per U.S. dollar with an establishment of a unitary floating system was established on a basic rate of around W 255.00 per US dollar. There was also introduction of foreign exchange certificates that were issued by the Bank of Korea against foreign currencies that could be sold in a free market. In November 1964, there was extension in the foreign exchange certificate system for covering practically foreign exchange dealings. With the establishment of fluctuating certificate rate system in the year 1971, there has been dynamic depreciation in the Korean currency. With the devaluation in US dollar there has been reduction in the gold content of Korean currency by a percentage of 7.89%. In the month of February, the currency of Korea established link with the U.S. dollar was being controlled and there was establishment of a floating exchange rate regime ( a regime where the exchange rate is freely determined by the foreign exchange market). Running a single currency peg against the US dollar there was introduction of multiple currency basket peg in Korea in 1980.The effective rate was associated with SDR (special drawing rights) along with the combination with basket of the currencies of the major trading partners of South Korea and they are namely USA, Japan, Germany and Canada. From the year 1989, the exchange rate of Korea was being allowed to fluctuate within a percentage range against the basic rate. In the month of March 1990, there was replacement of effective rate by a market average rate (MAR). There was a managed floating exchange rate regime with determination of market forces in the interbank market and the Seoul Foreign Exchange Market. Under the system of MAR, there were fluctuations in currency of Korea being restricted within a narrow band.

Pop and rock music history Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Pop and rock music history - Essay Example Indeed, Appleseed cast is one of the most creative musical bands in the world. According to the Herald News, the album is described as unique in that, each song on this album induces emotion. The bass work and drum nicely complement the loud and thick guitars to maintain the rhythm of the songs. These are accompanied by true and raw vocals by the experienced singers. Screams are also included to the rich set of instruments, though occasionally some singing is thrown in when suitable. The art work and production of the album is the best ever. As mentioned, the album is also made unique by the emotion created. This makes this album to stand out among the rest. It is inspirational, heartfelt and an emotional music album. In comparison to other bands, The Appleseed Cast has no non-versatile descriptive words, bland choruses and excessive use of the words agony and pain. In simple words, it is a poetry of the young emotions of harsh losses and true love. Appleseed Cast perfectly blend the songs between simple tunes, sad and an emotional flurry of drums and guitars. However, this sometimes happens within the same song. In the song Marigold & Patchwork the lead singer’s voice is rattling yet, perfectly quiet. At the same time the voice is becomes abrasive and can send chills down a person’s spine. On the other hand, the song untitled half, is comprised of almost perfect crescendo of bass, jackhammer drumming, duel guitars and sax. Interestingly, the song Ring Wars deserves time to really understand comprehend the music. It is like Nirvana meets Radio Head. In this song, the lead singer Chris shows in and out voice that mumbles lyrics and also screeches. Their melodies are nice even though not pop. It has soothing instants where singing stops for about 2 minutes into the song. The drum work is amazing as heard the in the last instrumental track. Another song in the album is Marigold & Patchwork. This is an all-time amazing song. It has an

Prevention of the dangers facing hospitals Research Paper

Prevention of the dangers facing hospitals - Research Paper Example To date, health care is primary domestic priority among Americans, and their top financial concern deals with the skyrocketing costs of health care (Newport, Jones, Saad, Gallup & Israel, 2009). In fact, 16 per cent of the US gross national product goes to health care. It should not, therefore, come as a surprise that health care is â€Å"a principal issue in the national consciousness of Americans† (Griffin, 2011, p. 3). Ironically, however, Sultz and Young (2011) observed that while the American health care system prioritized health promotion and disease prevention, health care expenses tend to be concentrated on treating what are otherwise preventable diseases. Moreover, it was revealed not too long ago that hospitals are not really the safest place in America, and perhaps around the world, with 48,000 deaths each year reported due to hospital acquired infections (DeNoon, 2010). There is even a big possibility that incidences of hospital acquired infections are not reported as intimated by some medical experts (Doyle, 2011). Infections are just one of the many dangers which put both patients and medical practitioners at risk. Other possible sources of danger in hospitals are direct physical hazards and malfunction of medical electrical devices, exposure to medical radiation, health hazards of mobile phones, human errors, medication errors, unsanitary practices, etc. (Leitgeb, 2010; Peart 2010; Mennen, 2005; Raheja, 2011; Pozgar 2007). Cognizant of such dangers which directly and / or indirectly threaten the safety of patients confined in a hospital or those simply availing of out-patient services, an attempt will be made to propose interventions and courses of action to avoid these two sources dangers in the hospital. Interventions will be framed on the premise of avoiding those which can be prevented, and mitigating the effects of those which are not preventable. 2.0. Available technology 2.1. Air-borne infection Cursue, Popa, Sirbu, and Popa (2009) supports the benefits of engineering control measures for the reduction of the concentration of airborne infections. Prevention of the spread of such particles in a structure lessens contact with infectious pathogens, as well as the threat of illness from this kind of pathogens. However, engineering controls comprise only one-third of the necessary control elements towards the mitigation risks from airborne infections in health care settings. As explained in Atkinson, Chartier, Pessoa-Silva, Jensen, Li, and Seto (2009), transmission of airborne infections happens by the spreading of droplet nuclei over a long distance from an infected patient. A number of necessary factors are met for the dissemination of droplet nuclei. These are: (1) presence of viable pathogen inside the droplet at the source of the infection; (2) survival of the pathogen inside the droplet after expulsion from its source, and preservation of its ability to cause infection even after being exposed to evaporation, light, temperature, relative humidity, and / or other physical challenges; (3) reaching a specific infective dose sufficient to infect a susceptible host, and (4) exposure or contact of the droplet to a susceptible host. The Word Health Organization (2007, as cited in Atkinson, et al, 2009) maintained that preventing the spread of airborne infections involves the implementation of the so-called airborne precautions. This is realized with the setting of the following forms

Management - Web Activity Speech or Presentation

Management - Web Activity - Speech or Presentation Example Also anger gets generated when somebody feels that the opposite party has intentionally done something wrong. Anger is always perceived as a negative mannerism in the society. However in some situations anger can be a good thing. It helps an individual to express his/her negative feelings in a stronger way. In order to cite an instance anger assists to motivate individuals in the process of finding possible solutions of the problems. While on the other hand extreme and unnecessary anger can generate various kind of problems. It hugely impacts in the physical and mental health of a person. It leads to increased blood pressure, muscle tension, headaches, increased heart rate, higher sugar levels and also other associated mental and physical issues. Extreme anger also makes it complicated for a person to think simple and straight, thereby harming the mental and physical health (â€Å"Anger†). Recent studies portray that anger hugely increases the chance of heart disease and can e ven be a cause of certain nervous breakdown. A study in this aspect was conducted with a sample of around 12,986 adults for 3 years. The research revealed that persons with high anger trait are hugely prone to coronary diseases. Also another study with 4,083 adults conducted for over a period of 10 years revealed that, those who have the lowest level of anger control, holds the highest risk towards non fatal and fatal cardio vascular diseases. Nonetheless it also revealed that when the level of anger is moderate and also uttered assertively, the intensity of disruptiveness is less as compared to intense and frequent anger. Aggression: A Brief Overview Aggression is a deeper sense is the action or the behavior which is antagonistic, vigorous and energetic in nature. Aggression can generate either out of retribution, retaliation or through provocation. Nonetheless in the narrower definition that are being used in the behavioral science or social science, aggression is a rationale or i ntention in order to cause harm or in simple words is an action that intends to boost the comparative social supremacy. Defensive or predatory behavior among the members of various genuses however is not considered as aggression. Aggression can take various forms that can be either physical or can be conversed non-verbally or verbally. Aggression behavior is however not assertive in nature. It can be described as the way by which an individual portrays what he/she believes and anybody contradicts it is wrong from his/her point of view (â€Å"Aggressive behavior†). For example words such as ‘You're so stupid. Just do as I say and don't ask questions’, clearly justify the meaning of aggression. Aggression can be depicted by shoving, punching, hitting or even defacement another person, and it can occur in child or elder abuse, marital violence, and criminal activities. Anger and Aggression: Differences in Perspectives While studying about the concepts of anger and a ggression, I mainly found the difference between the two actions lies in their occurrences. The causes of anger and aggression depend upon different situations. I believe anger and aggression are the two different dimensions of human psychology. Since anger is usually uttered only through deafening verbalizations, it is the cases of hostility that coil up in the illegal justice system. I found in a recent study conducted by

Prevention of the dangers facing hospitals Research Paper

Prevention of the dangers facing hospitals - Research Paper Example To date, health care is primary domestic priority among Americans, and their top financial concern deals with the skyrocketing costs of health care (Newport, Jones, Saad, Gallup & Israel, 2009). In fact, 16 per cent of the US gross national product goes to health care. It should not, therefore, come as a surprise that health care is â€Å"a principal issue in the national consciousness of Americans† (Griffin, 2011, p. 3). Ironically, however, Sultz and Young (2011) observed that while the American health care system prioritized health promotion and disease prevention, health care expenses tend to be concentrated on treating what are otherwise preventable diseases. Moreover, it was revealed not too long ago that hospitals are not really the safest place in America, and perhaps around the world, with 48,000 deaths each year reported due to hospital acquired infections (DeNoon, 2010). There is even a big possibility that incidences of hospital acquired infections are not reported as intimated by some medical experts (Doyle, 2011). Infections are just one of the many dangers which put both patients and medical practitioners at risk. Other possible sources of danger in hospitals are direct physical hazards and malfunction of medical electrical devices, exposure to medical radiation, health hazards of mobile phones, human errors, medication errors, unsanitary practices, etc. (Leitgeb, 2010; Peart 2010; Mennen, 2005; Raheja, 2011; Pozgar 2007). Cognizant of such dangers which directly and / or indirectly threaten the safety of patients confined in a hospital or those simply availing of out-patient services, an attempt will be made to propose interventions and courses of action to avoid these two sources dangers in the hospital. Interventions will be framed on the premise of avoiding those which can be prevented, and mitigating the effects of those which are not preventable. 2.0. Available technology 2.1. Air-borne infection Cursue, Popa, Sirbu, and Popa (2009) supports the benefits of engineering control measures for the reduction of the concentration of airborne infections. Prevention of the spread of such particles in a structure lessens contact with infectious pathogens, as well as the threat of illness from this kind of pathogens. However, engineering controls comprise only one-third of the necessary control elements towards the mitigation risks from airborne infections in health care settings. As explained in Atkinson, Chartier, Pessoa-Silva, Jensen, Li, and Seto (2009), transmission of airborne infections happens by the spreading of droplet nuclei over a long distance from an infected patient. A number of necessary factors are met for the dissemination of droplet nuclei. These are: (1) presence of viable pathogen inside the droplet at the source of the infection; (2) survival of the pathogen inside the droplet after expulsion from its source, and preservation of its ability to cause infection even after being exposed to evaporation, light, temperature, relative humidity, and / or other physical challenges; (3) reaching a specific infective dose sufficient to infect a susceptible host, and (4) exposure or contact of the droplet to a susceptible host. The Word Health Organization (2007, as cited in Atkinson, et al, 2009) maintained that preventing the spread of airborne infections involves the implementation of the so-called airborne precautions. This is realized with the setting of the following forms

Products Apply to SuperVisions Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Products Apply to SuperVisions - Case Study Example The representative description of quality by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society Quality Control (ASQC) in 1978 is, â€Å"the totality of features and characteristics of a product or service that bears on its ability to satisfy given needs† (Peris-Ortiz et al 86). Supervisions is a regional retail eye care center, located in the northeast, which has been experiencing some quality management issues as discussed in this paper below.   There are two main approaches in the definition of quality, fitness for use and conformance to specifications. Fitness for use relies on the fact that customer needs must be the driving force behind quality products, while conformance to specifications argues that from the perspective of manufacturing or service delivery, specifications are targets and tolerances determined by designers of products and services. Targets being the ideal values for which production is expected to strive; and tolerances are acceptable deviations from these ideal values, recognizing that it is impossible to meet the targets all the time (Mawby 54).   Conformance to specification is the key quality dimensions that apply to SuperVision’s products. For SuperVision’s, conformance includes traits like, such as right lens and frame. The feature is a second most important quality dimension observed. The feature means availability of particular features than the total number of options available to customers. This encompasses reversibility such as change of lens and frames at minimal cost rather than purchasing a new pair. This is apparent in week one because it was noted that lenses were reversed. Furthermore, with wrong lenses attached, this is a quality dimension because they can be reversed in future (McCollum 116).   Reliability is the key service quality dimension observed.

Concepts of Censorship

Concepts of Censorship Censorship There are different types of freedoms or forms of liberations that everyone needs to be able to feel comfortable and accommodated in our society. The intellectual freedom is the right of each individual to access information that is; both receiving and in pursuit exclusive of any restriction or containment. Free expression of ideas at all angles can be termed as intellectual liberty. Most of our democratic communities are supposed to present this liberty for, it is the foundation of social equality and this must comprise the right to posses, obtain and distribute thoughts. Censorship is the control of informatory materials that are seen to be of great threat, dangerous or might bring fierce public debate to a society, a nation or even international. The main information materials censored are films, books, videos and art works which are detached or reserved from free public access. Restraint of materials can also be based on definite audiences depending on age limitations or other distinctiveness. There are certain organizations or individuals that might advocate for the society or children in particular that might be at risk of certain immoralities. Many democracies however have put in place clear regulations stating that; every one has a freedom to read, write, view and express. The library personnel must forever be enthusiastic to edit supplies, for their focal concern is to protect the public from unethical resources. When another person shares out his arguments it is very vital to be considered but not forgetting the other side’s opinion must not be taken for granted and be secluded. The word censorship comes from the Latin word censor, which was an occupation of two Romans whose task was to oversee civic behavior and ethics, consequently monitoring the way inhabitant acted.The act of censorship differs from one material to another. There are many things that we come across, in our every day lives; these could be in books, televisions, radios, the internet and many more. Censorship is believed to be with human since time immemorial and cannot be extricated .Censorship can be traced back from the ancient communities like ancient Rome, Greece and China, where it is believed that around the year 300AD,this was passed as a valid law for checking ethical conducts and opinions of the inhabitants. One of the most remembered historical saga on censorship was in the ancient Greece when Socrates was forced to take poison in the year 399BC for admitting of his involving the young in dishonesty and untraditional divinity.This antique view of suppression, as a compassionate civic check in the most excellent concern of the public, is still in use by many nations in the world and it has along eternal impact on the Soviet Union, for the leaders used censorship for the greatest durable time ever recorded in the 20th century. Censorship as containment has diverse complications, with some censorships targeting matters seen to be filthy or indecent; unorthodox or sacrilegious; treasonable or profane. In consequence, the main aim generally for this art in our societies is to restrain and conceal beneath the disguise of defending the main fundamental public amenities that is; the State, families and churches. For full grasp of censorship, and the desire to censor, it is indispensable to shred away the astonish appellation importance that is emotionally involved to the remark at first declaration. One must be familiar with that suppression and the philosophy behind it goes back to prehistoric period, and that each culture has had mores, norms and rules by which dialogue, clothing, spiritual execution, and sexual appearance were synchronized. As we go back to Ancient Rome, where autonomy of idiom was reticent for those in power and that resulted in writers of subversive articles ruthlessly dealt with, especially Nero the emperor, is in records after setting ablaze books and even expelling many authors. Clear evidence shows that the art of repression has great hereditary from the first democratic state of Greece. Plato was the initial philosopher to devise a validation for academic, spiritual, and creative expurgation that projected any that; unconventional ideas concerning God henceforth taken as criminal acts and that proper trial is recognized to contain profanation. Tales being narrated to children by their mothers could be censored. In our modern world, there are different types of censorships carried out simultaneously, and these are moral, Political, religious, military and corporate censorships (Hellin et al 1986). Religious Censorship The religion censorship actually suppresses the free views that might go against the teachings of the church. It is habitually performed on the foundation of blasphemy, and one known example is that of the author of satanic verses, who was condemned to die by the late Iranian head, Ayatollah .Religious censorship is one of the most responsive parts in both ancient and current censorships and involves some of the most influential denominations enforcing limitations on the lesser ones shunning the progress of the other when feel endangered. It is believed that expression of thoughts candidly was posing a great menace to some Christian and church rulers, following the era of Protestantism and the innovation of printing press, this catapulted both the Catholic Church and the protestant to wage a great war on each other and prompted the Roman church to stiffen censorship on many books that were seen to be ideologically unsafe. In the year1559, Pope Paul IV outlawed some books, which were later carried forward by many of other succeeding popes until later dates. Up this time, there are some books and teachings, which are censored before being allowed to a particular church or denomination. Moral censorship The moral censorship is entirely for family and society interest. There are materials that must be censored before being released to public for children’s’ safety .Prohibition of pornographic and violent film materials are some of the best examples that forces moral censorship to take stage. The US, is complimentary and independent civilization, where freedom of expression is tolerated but some issues concerning censorship especially the Internet freedom has degenerated to a heated debate. Entrance category of substance, made by a governing ability or its legislative body. In conventional documentation surroundings of a library it is very likely to monitor instructional and library media resources foregoing to use by subjecting all such supplies to a sensible assortment criterion, but concerning the Internet it is proving to be tough. Indeed, it is significant to supply affluent materials to scholars and to formulate that in sequence presented is not opposing or else distasteful in scenery. For these grounds,  teachers are accountable to widen the skills essential to examine and appraise assets found on the Internet. It has been established that many children in recent days are accessing the internet, making friends, chatting about social issues meeting adults and their fellow kids. The Internet connection clasp vast information that covers from education to sex related articles that are very awkward for kids to access. Many parents have argued if there could be law that guard children from the Intrenet.The issue of kids accessing the Internet are some of the gains that censorships can deliver. Even though it is unkind to deny our kids their rights but at times when need be, restrictions must be carried out. Indeed this matter must be addressed tactfully, for the Internet can act as an educational library and is helpful to our kids. Political Censorship The suppression, of information that are channeled by a state to a particular news bulletins conduit after trying to cover something ,deforming to give another meaning or fabrication of ideas to conceal the plain truth from the public ,is regarded as censorship of politics. This could be also restraining some views that are contrary to the ruling government. Obviously, the government of the day has every machinery at its disposal to dismantle any civil disobedience. It has the military, the police the secret agents that must make sure compliancy to any directives. This is where political censorship can come in, to repress the opposition. Many governments can even hire reporters to scuttle some grave propaganda among its people to deter the public from the truth of the matter. In the Soviet Union, there was no autonomous journalism that was allowed, until president Gorbachev ascended to power. The communist government only was to release information or its affiliate organization. There was only one newspaper that monopolized the media space.Howerver overseas newspapers that were ultimately allowed supported the regime. Television and radio stations were always under the control of the communists. Foreign broadcasters who were never supportive to the government in any nature found there stations disabled at times. These acts of suppression faded away after the fall of the communists. China still has ideologies of communism and is said to be employing Internet observers of around 30,000 personnel just to monitor the electronic coverage. During the reign of Mussolini, press freedom almost came to an extinct. There was great persistence put in place to fully check the media. The authorities frequently raided journalists and even closing down some of their premises. The Jews were never allowed to publish any paper even journalism was a nightmare to them. South Africa also suffered massively under the apartheid regime whereby a law was introduced to veto any individuals that were against the government, once you were confirmed banned there was no way any newspaper could carry your story or views.Saddam of Iraq also directed the censorship of all press materials. Another Arabic country that is regarded as mainly tyrannical concerning the freedom of expression is Syria. The human rights organizations have been seen in the front line to criticize the government on opinio nated detentions and arrests. The foremost obstruction is the inability to afford the Internet services and the ultimate suppression from the government censorship bodies. In accumulation to maintaining rigid control of service providers, state imposes economic and technological constraints to the users of the Internet (Vaughn et al 1980) Military censorship This can never be overlooked and its history dates back from the first and second world wars. The military intelligence was vital and crucial for any army to succeed in a battle. There were some secrets and strategies of war that were to be practical in keeping ahead of the opponent, and were applied especially when spying on the next move. The Indian troops of the year 1914 were some of the victims of the forces scrutiny in famous western front. There was consistent scrutiny of mails by a band of censors that was instructed to compile seven-day information that commented on the contents of the letters. Several individual letters were collected and then translated. They were containing enclosed names of the sender rank and religion .Many of the soldiers were not educated, and that meant in residing to others for writing of the letters. They were enlisted from the countryside where e education was inadequate. For that reason, they had a frantic time of identifying the corporation clerks who were to write the outgoing and to read the incoming mails. They later found out that the authority was censoring their mails and this prompted some of the soldiers who were educated to change writing tactics. The censors who were intelligent managed to decipher most of the mails written in oblique idiom revealing of their horrors. The US Military censorship was uncommon in the early democracy due to the archaic lines of communications in the forces operation areas. Information received from the facade was never valued for more than a week. When the media fraternity became more complex in later centuries, there was need for scrutiny from the military measures. Telegraphic lines were federalized during the civil war era and this was due antagonism correspondents, that the authority wanted to suppress. The civic demand for current updates piloted the tough contest for the reporters and this saw proficiency in professionalism .Indeed many uncensored news reported were mostly fake, but tolerance was deployed for the authority new, some traces of intelligence could be seen to influence civil opinion. The American war with the Spanish had several efforts of censorship thwarted after a vast logistical failure to conceal violence inflicted by the American troops. The American government also commanded the exchanges from transatlantic that included correspond by mail and the line cable. The information from the entire media fraternity, were subjected to strict cencorship.When the World WarII started, the US government in 1941, had a censor office that scrutinized all the out going and the in coming mails, that most of them had pictures of wounded soldiers and were never wanted to be seen publicly and it was seen these were matters of national interest. Many reporters had to concur and with strict regulations ended up performing individual censorship to avoid victimization. The Vietnam conflict experienced comparatively cordial bond flanked by the forces and the journalists. Incomplete in their aptitude to confine in sequence lacking an affirmation of war, the administration had to pass to the press practically unfettered admission to the combat zone. When the Americans invaded the gulf region, it was certainly, fair giving little restrictions Corporate Censorships The application of negative ideologies to corporate sector has greatly impacted on some victims of corporate suppression to being edged out and rejected to vend merchandise, denial to publicize or airtime defiance has been experienced in the recent years especially in America. Many articles have been denied circulation by corporate bodies in view of tarnishing the media fraternity fearing loses or impeachment. Sports and film bodies have also suffered silently at the mercy of the corporate censorships. Broadminded favoritism in the media is frequent idea to be the result of moderate doctrine and ideas influencing the reporting or variety of news stories. Conformist critics of the media argue that bias exists inside a broad assortment of media channels together with set of connections reports. A survey carried out by an independent body found out that, reporters at state media outlets such as the New York Times, Washington Post, and the broadcast networks, mostly are Democratic voters whose attitudes were well left to the universal community on a selection of topics, counting on social issues such as abortion, positive action, and gay rights. The interviewers recognized their way of expressing some of the debatable matters involving security of nuclear supremacy, school busing to encourage ethnic combination, and the1970s power calamity .their conclusion was that the writers reporting of divisive issues were their own opinions. Obtainable tilt as a mostly insensible procedure of concurring persons analytical on their collective assumptions onto their interpretations of actuality. In assurance, this doomed that information houses engaged principally one party would fabricate equally slanted perception headed for the prejudiced bearing (Sweeney et al 2001).Significantly and disconcerting swing may be mounting concerning the way legislators standardize the media many countries of the world particularly African governments are out to mug the media especially those radio stations broadcasting in ethnic languages, who are always threatened to closure for their oppressors believe they are perpetuating cultural hatred. In one intellect, the dispute for censorship equality is prevailing. Main concern is the menace of incompetent and unprofessional censorship still lurks with the increasing junction of media providers and modern technologies. Expectations are high that established broadcasters will strengthen their fight for the appropriate delivery quality of services to their customers even though, anxiety that is more dictatorial is still being asserted to these classified operators. Nevertheless, certain protections from the law are needed while chances are high that current situations shall be put to rest. General public attitude to recent days can be quantified as saying that in many countries across every diverse sections of expansion, it has never been that easy for immediate custodians of children that is; parents to keep an extra close eye on their kids. It is believed that most frequently censored materials are books, for the majority of them are have many offensive mechanism mainly politics, gender or sexuality cultural background, religious values, or sac rilegious articles or rebellious and might not be appropriate for the children, hence need to be censored. The educational facilities especially libraries are the most vital treasures in any society that value education. They are therefore charged with the full responsibility to both public more so to the children who at no time are required to access any material that might generate a negative attitude, towards their development and later service to the community at large. Censorship as many say could be the restriction of ideas and expressions, but to look at the issue summarily, there specific questions that must be addressed and put back to their order of sequence. It is clear that no parent will allow any kid to pop in the library and come out with a book containing of violent scenes, sexuality, or with a book that actually endorses witch craft or ethnicity. Each an everyone has a great task of ensuring that this general assignment provided by nature be accomplished in the best method applicable. Many hurdles are encountered because strong opposition is met during the removal of unwanted materials that are regarded as risky. Nevertheless, the real victims here are the public. American Library Bill, First Amendment is violated when the removal of books is carried out and actually brings controversial dispute, for people see it as a violation of the act. The subject of restriction of books in schools is sensitively charged, but having known the consequences is always necessary to avoid confrontational issues. When one considers reading any luminous manuscript, shows that we think autonomy of idiom is precious, we must be able to distinguish and crusade about its most composite and vital limits. The culture of censorship must go on but it must be done both morally and professionally. For the librarians they must be prepared for any resistance from various stakeholders because, they might be victimized for avoiding to purchase other uncensored books hence, be seen, as an economic sabotage. It is a collective responsibility for the parents to also confer with the librarians to advice on any materials that are best for our children. For the exposure of uncensored materials might be harmful to the society; and our kids in particular are the most targeted .Definitely it is important for the libraries to have censored books and educational materials, because the benefits out weigh the disadvantages. References Dinton, Robarte k (1991), Middle East war: Westport, Connecticut. Hellion, Danielle C (1985) world wars: the Media and Vietnam. New York: Oxford University Press, 1986. Knightly, Philip J (1975) the First Casualty: From the Crimea to Vietnam: The War Correspondent, New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. Vaughn, Stephen E (1980) Holding Fast the Inner Lines: Democracy Committee on Public Information. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, Sweeney, Michael S. (2000) victory secrets: Censorship and the American Press and Radio in World War II. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press.

My American English Lessons :: Education Language Learning Essays

Mezimene's sonorous singing rang clearly above the voices of her classmates. A, B, C, D . . . L-M-N-O-P . . . W, X, Y, and Z. Wednesday night language classes all started the same way; we introduced ourselves and a neighbor: I am Mezimene. He is Francisco. All eighteen students came for the same reasons. Learning American English would allow them to pass the U.S. citizenship exam and interview, to advance at work, or to find better employment. Listening, speaking, and writing were our tasks. The women did very well; they learned to collaborate and worked together filling the gaps in their understanding of the reading or writing assignments. Most of the men struggled to stay awake as we worked into the late evening hours, lagging behind in their lessons-but Francisco managed to excel and always stayed on track. Tired, weary-the students trickled in before 6:10 pm, coming from work or taking care of children. They paid forty dollars for six months of classes, money invested toward achieving their goals and dreams in America. I had never taught adults before, but embarked on the endeavor full of idealistic hope and fervor. My students came to America from Ethiopia, Somalia, Haiti, and Cape Verde. None were younger than forty and some were already in their sixties, but that, for me, was the charm of teaching the class: nurturing the desire to find new opportunities through citizenship or assimilation into the American way of life. I saw the class as an avenue of passage, a beacon, a training ground, where the students could complete the difficult passage from being seen as outsiders to becoming full-fledged Americans, even of a hyphenated variety: Ethiopian-American, Somali-American, Haitian-American, and Cape Verde-American. Finding out the goals and aspirations of my students was as important as marking down progress notes about their reading and writing skills. I was not there to teach language in isolation, or phonics alone; I felt called to teach my class about American English in the real world, in their world. Yet there were those who disagreed with me: the alphabet and kinesthetics practitioners, who touted the importance of writing the alphabet over and over again at each class session and engaged in physical activities that would reinforce classroom learning. The program director was one of these devotees, and I watched as she began instruction one week. The program director was a tall, bony woman with wild, frizzy hair and a smile that seemed more snide than kind.

George Orwells Nineteen Eighty-Four :: 1984 Essays

George Orwell is the pen name of Eric Arthur Blair, a British writer with political conscience. He was born in India but educated in England at Eton College. He served the Indian Imperial Police in Burma from 1922 to 1927. In sick health, he returned to Europe to live in poverty as a struggling writer. Orwell joined the Republican forces in the Spanish civil war, and wrote a chilling account of this experience. He went on to write many books, mostly autobiographical, and achieved successes as a brilliant writer. 2. SynopsisThe novel takes place in a theoretical and fictional dystopian totalitarian society. The story begins in London on April 4, 1984 after an atomic world war divides the world into three states. London is the capital of Oceania which is run by INGSOC(English Socialism). The controllers are called "The Party." The Party is divided into two sections, The Inner Party, and The Outer Party which are the "Rich" and the "middle-class." There is a third group of people called "The Proles," or "The Proletariat" which are the poor, and considered to be animals by the party. The main leader of this government is Big Brother. The novel is told in third person and partly first person, and is also divided into three parts. In the first part the main character and his conflicts with the world he lives in are revealed. Winston Smith is a bureaucrat who works for the government by altering history at the Ministry of Truth. He begins to ponder the reason things are so bad and commits a terrible crime. In the second part, he falls in love with Julia, and is taken in by a man named O'Brien, a member of the anti-party society called the Brotherhood. O'Brien turns out to be a true member of The Inner Party. Winston and Julia are captured and hauled off to the Ministry of Love (Minilove in Newspeak). Here, during the final part of the story, Winston is incarcerated and rehabilitated by The Party. O'Brien constantly tel ls Winston that Winston is crazy, and that he is trying to help him. During these sessions he reveals the true purposes of INGSOC. The party's goals can be summed up in their mottoes. "WAR IS PEACE, FREEDOM IS SLAVERY, and IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH(Orwell, 7)."3. ThemeUnder the rule of INGSOC, members of The Party are engrossed in their work. It is essential that the government keeps its people happy in order to avoid rebellions and "thought crimes.

Need for Power Essay

The need for power is just one part of McClelland’s acquired needs theory. The Other Parts of the Theory are Need for Achievement and Need for Affiliation. I would like to stay and write about part The need for Power. We can find little theory about this topic (The need for Power) in book Organizational Behavior on page 101. There is: A third major individual need is the need for power – the desire to control one ´s environment, including financial, material, informational, and human resources. People vary greatly along this dimension. Some individuals spend much time and energy seeking power, other avoid power if at all possible. People with a high need for power can be successful managers if three conditions are met. First, they must seek power for the betterment of the organization rather than for their own interest. Second, they must have a fairly low need for affiliation because fulfilling a personal need for power may well alienate others in the workplace. Third, they need plenty of self-control to curb their desire for power when it threatens to interfere with effective organizational or interpersonal relationship. Resources for this theory: David McClelland and David H. Burnham, â€Å"Power Is the Great motivator,â€Å" Harward business Review, March-April 1976, pp. 100-110. Pinder, Work Motivation in Organizational Behavior, McClelland and Burnham, â€Å"Power Is the Great Motivator.â€Å" We can identified four stages within the power orientation: 1) Drawing inner strength from others – being a loyal follower and serving the power of other people; 2) Strengthening oneself – beginning to play the power game, collecting symbols of status, one-upmanship, trying to dominate situations; 3) Self-assertiveness – becoming more aggressive and trying to manipulate situations so as to use other people to achieve one’s own targets; 4) Acting as an instrument of higher authority – identifying with some organization or authority system and employing the methods learnt in stages 2 and 3 but now being able to claim formal legitimacy. Blake and Mouton (1964) would feature the kind of person who maximizes this kind of approach as having the ‘Authority – Obedience’ style of management: concentrating on maximizing production through the exercise of personal authority and power. Individuals with a high need for power exhibit a number of characteristics. These individuals tend to be more argumentative. We can see in real life that they are often elected to political offices (member of government etc.). These individuals are also more assertive when a part of in-group discussions. They are known for displaying risk-taking behavior and they also tend to own more prestigious possessions such as expensive cars and credit cards. I think that this people tend to be and want to be on public display. In examing the motive scores of over 50 managers of both high and low morale units in all sections of the same large company, we found that most of the managers – over 70% – were high in power motivation compared with men in general. This finding confirms the fact that power motivation is important for management. (Remember that as we use the term â€Å"power motivation†, it refers not to dictatorial behavior, but to a desire to have impact, to be strong and influential). The better managers, as judged by the morale of those working for them, tended to score even higher in power motivation. But the most important determing factor of high morale turned out not to be how their power motivation compared to their need to achieve but whether it was higher than their need to be liked. This relationship existed for 80% of the sales managers as compared with only 10% of the poorer managers. And the same held true for other managers in nearly all parts of the company. In the research, product development, and operations divisions, 73% of the better managers had a stronger need for power than a need to be liked (or what we term â€Å"affiliation motive†) as compared with only 22% of the poorer managers. Why should this be so? Sociologists have long argued that, for a bureaucracy to function effectively, those who manage it must be universalistic in applying rules. That is, if they make exceptions for the particular needs of individuals, the whole system will break down. The manager with a high need for being liked is precisely the one who wants to stay on good terms with everybody, and, therefore, is the one most likely to make exceptions in terms of particular needs. If an employee asks for time off to stay home with a sick spouse to help look after the kids, the affiliative manager, feeling sorry for the person, agrees almost without thinking. (I am personally this kind of manager. I have a high need for being liked. I think that if people have a confidence in the manager he can do more things – also not so popular – and the people will accept them and also him.) When President Ford remarked in pardoning ex-President Nixon that he had â€Å"suffered enough†, he was empathizing primarily with Nixon ´s needs and feeling. Sociological theory and our data both argue, however, that the person whose need for affiliation is high does not make a good manager. This kind of person creates poor morale because he or she does not understand that other people in the office will tend to regard exceptions to the rules as unfair to themselves, just as many U.S. citizens felt it was unfair to let Richard Nixon off and punish others less involved than he was in the Watergate scandal. Advantages / disadvantages There are both positive and negative aspects in regards to the need for power. Being argumentative can be perceived as an ideal expression of one’s opinion; although it can also create threatening environments for those of a more compliant nature. Having an assertive manner in group discussions can make others feel as though one is dominating a discussion within the group. However, this individual may have a profound impact on the group’s progress by assisting in accomplishing tasks more efficiently. Participating in risk-taking behavior can allow an individual to experience more radical events in their life, but sometimes risk-taking behavior can lead to undesirable consequences. Owning luxurious items tends to be costly, even though these possessions may make one feel good about themselves and their lives. My conclusion The need for power is good if it is useful for organization and also if the manager can use some kind of humanity to the other. For manager figure is very important the confidence. The people (other) must confidence in him and then they will better in accept his conclusion.

Single Parent Families in Australia

Contents 1. 1Introduction3 1. 2Social Wellbeing3 1. 3Disadvantage, Marginalisation, Power and Privilege4 1. 4Brief Report Outline4 2Research Methodology4 2. 1Reliability of Data and Limitations5 3Presentation and Analysis5 3. 1Housing6 3. 2Income7 3. 3Survey Evidence10 3. 4Survey results – Diagrammed12 3. 5Conflict and Functionalist Theories17 3. 6Functionalist Theory17 3. 7Conflict Theory18 4Conclusion – Evaluation and Decision Making19 4. 1Recommendations and Implications19 5Appendix20 Melissa Zanesco, Adderton 6 Study of Society report Single Parent Families Ms Brown 1 Introduction In a survey conducted over a period of ten years, it has been found that the number of single parent families has nearly doubled, and is continuing to increase [Figure 11 – ABS, 2007]. Despite this, single parent families in Australia face many challenges in terms of marginalisation and disadvantage because they do not have the same income advantage and housing accessibility as coupled families. In particular, research has shown that women are even more so disadvantaged than men and, as such, experience further difficulty in raising children and balancing income and housing affordability. Consequently, these disadvantages lead to a lower chance of having power in society and therefore, not receiving the same level of privilege as those in married couples. 2 Social Wellbeing Social wellbeing comprises a number of contributing factors. The Australian Bureau of Statistics lists areas of concern as being health, education, employment status, economic resources and housing [ABS, 2001]. It is these very factors that directly affect the level of equality shown towards groups in society. In addition, if one’s access to these fundamental indicators is undermined because of their marital status, it can lead to social inequality. Inevitably, this produces unfair rights and opportunities between groups. Inequality arises in societies when individuals or groups within the society do not experience sameness of treatment in relation to class, wealth, education, gender or race [Wikipedia, 2010]. Single parent families are particularly affected by their access to ffordable and maintainable housing and their capacity to earn an adequate income in order to support their families. In 1996, the ABS Census of Population and Housing found that at least fifty percent of single parent home owners or private renters spent at least a quarter of their income on either mortgage repayments or rent [Council of Single Mothers & their Children, 2002]. This claim is further supported by findings from the survey completed – which found that of thirty people surveyed, 87% of single parents were living in rented accommodation compared to only 13% of married couples. These statistics confirm that single parent families are hugely disadvantaged in housing ownership, primarily because the income being earned is not sufficient enough to purchase a house and the absence of a second income limits the level of privilege single parents have. 3 Disadvantage, Marginalisation, Power and Privilege Such disadvantages and consequent marginalisation inevitably produces inequalities in society, therefore hindering their access to power and privilege in the community. Limited power in society results in single parent families receiving inadequate support and privileges [WordNet, 2009]. Power can often be confused with privilege. While the two are interrelated, one’s level of power is determined by their actions and the subsequent status achieved by it. Privilege can be seen as a result of having power. When one achieves power in society, greater privileges are rewarded [WordNet, 2009]. Similarly, marginalisation is also closely related to disadvantage. One is disadvantaged when they are not given equal access to opportunities. Disadvantages are often caused by not having the same level of status as another because of lifestyle circumstances; in this situation it is being a single parent [WordNet, 2009]. Consequently, single parents and in particular single mothers are a minority group in society and as such become marginalised within the community because they are unable to have the same lifestyle a coupled family would have. 4 Brief Report Outline This report will investigate single parent families in Australia and the way in which they are disadvantaged through economic income and housing. As a direct consequence of these disadvantages, single parents are being marginalised in society. From the ABS Social Indicators, housing and income will be analysed as areas of concern in order to evaluate whether single parent families are indeed disadvantaged because of their status in society. It will be investigated as to how these two measures of social wellbeing affect the level of equality shown towards single parent families. In addition, evidence from the survey will be presented to support the information given in the report. Finally, both the conflict and functionalist theories will be considered to explain social inequality in relation to, and which theory is best suited to single parent families. Research Methodology The focus of the research was to locate information from an array of primary and secondary sources about single parent families in Australia. The Australian Bureau of Statistics was the main secondary source used to find official statistics, while the quantitative survey completed was the primary source of data. The survey provided information from thirty participants that would support the information presented and allow conclusions to be drawn. The questions in the survey focused primarily on housing and income and also what the general public’s view was on government assistance for families. The survey was created with convenience in mind, and thus featured primarily multiple choice questions, with one question asking for a written opinion on the government assistance scheme. Information found from secondary sources was presented in a research book and referenced accordingly. Reliability of Data and Limitations There were only three factors which may have played a role in the reliability and validity of the findings. Firstly, and the biggest variable was the survey responses. It is unknown whether every person surveyed gave truthful answers and while it was acceptable, it made it difficult to record accurate statistics if a participant did not want to answer certain questions. Seco ndly, in terms of the survey, only thirty people were questioned, which meant that the sample size was small and confined to Brisbane regions. Presumably, this meant that it did not harness the opinion of a wide variety of people. And lastly, only about half of the survey participants were single parents and it was very difficult to find single parents, so the results were not as comprehensive as would have been preferred. Presentation and Analysis Single parent families consist of a parent whereby they do not live with either a married or de facto partner together with a child of their own that was dependent on the parents [ABS, 2007]. According to the information obtained through the surveys, 9 out of the 18 single parent families were single due to divorce of registered marriage. The other 9 of the 18 single parents stated that they had never been in a registered marriage, but this was single due to separation of de facto couples. It was found that single parent families are most often headed by women, with only a small minority headed by men [ABS, 2007]. This is a significant variable that has been consistent in research and whereby income and housing have shown to differentiate between the two. Single parent families account for twenty two percent of families with children less than fifteen years of age in Australia [ABS, 2007]. This figure is expected to continue to rise, as can be seen in Figure 11, which has shown a steady and continual increase in single parent families from years 1987 to 2003. In 2006, 87% of one-parent families with children younger than 15 years were headed by mothers [ABS, 2007]. Yet, despite this rising trend, single parents continue to be one of Australia’s most disadvantaged groups, with little indication of improvement. 1 Housing In 2007, 14% of single parent families publicly rented their homes, forty percent privately rented and forty percent owned or purchased their homes. While that figure does not seem alarming, it is when compared to the eighty percent of coupled families who owned their homes – double the rate of single parent families [ABS, 2007]. Coupled with this, the survey found that 87% of single parents surveyed were living in rental accommodation, compared to just 13% of married couples [refer to Figure 2]. Between the ABS and survey statistics, this is an average of 70. % of single parents living in rental housing. In addition, women are at a further disadvantage with 62% of single women surveyed living in rented homes and only 38% of single men with the same living arrangements [refer to Figure 3]. In addition, those applying to take out a mortgage must pass a certain criteria; including whether your income has the capacity to afford the repayments. Banks apply certain standards, like capacity to make repayments and many single parents are not earning enough to qualify for this criterion, making it even more difficult for single parents to buy a house. The key trend here is that single parents are marginalised in housing ownership because only those with a high income may be able to afford to take out a mortgage and as such, are restricted in their chances of being able to purchase a house. A recent study by the University of South Australia found that single mothers faced discrimination when trying to secure housing in the private rental market because landlords were unwilling to sign leases for single mothers with children [AHURI, 2002]. Furthermore, Cam Smith from the Victorian Council of Social Service recently discovered that â€Å"rents have also been rising by about 15 per cent a year†, arguing that despite the growing costs of housing, the Government is yet to re-evaluate it’s rental assistance scheme for single parent families, with single parent families still spending more than a quarter of their income on housing [ABS, 2007]. Those eligible for rent assistance must be living in private rental accommodation and must also be receiving social security payments [Centrelink, 2010]. Many have called for a review of this policy because single parents on a low income that are not receiving social security payments are ineligible for rent assistance. This is supported by evidence found in the surveys which showed that half of the single parents surveyed were earning under $30 000 per annum, meaning that $7500 of this income is eing spent on rent alone. In summary, it is evident that in terms of housing access, single parent families struggle to obtain suitable housing that is affordable and maintainable and majority of single parents are unable to purchase a house because their income and other factors do not meet the criteria for home loans. Majority of single parents are living in rented accommodation and still find it difficult to pay rent even with rent assistance. Thus, single parent families are marginalised in terms of home ownership because many do not earn a sufficient income to purchase a home, but cannot work more hours because they must be home to look after their children. Inevitably, single parent families are limited in their access to power and privilege because having dependent children means they are restricted to working less hours and earning a lower income – a key factor in determining the level of power a person has and the privileges attained by it. Income Research constantly shows that single parent families are at a greater risk of poverty than couple families. According to a study by the National Centre for Economic and Social Modelling (NATSEM), in 2001 the proportion of single parent families in income poverty was 18% compared with 6% of married couples with children (refer to Figure 1)[NATSEM, 2001]. The vulnerability of single parents results from the difficulty of balancing employment to earn an income while pr oviding for and raising children alone. The difficulty in this is that single parents who are raising children alone find it almost impossible to work any more than part time and thus, cannot earn the same income as married couples working full time. Single parents are disadvantaged because they are restricted in being able to work only a certain number of hours a week because a lot of time must be spent at home looking after their children. Single mothers are at a greater level of poverty as seen in the surveys; with only 26% of single mothers working full time, compared to 74% of single fathers [refer to Figure 7]. This statistic reinforces the argument that single mothers are not privileged in terms of income because they do not have opportunity to earn that of a full time working parent, and are more disadvantaged than single fathers because women account for the majority of single parents. In 2007, the ABS reported that forty two percent of single parent families were relying on government benefits as their primary source of income compared to six percent of coupled families with dependent children [ABS, 2007]. The disadvantage in this is that many single parents are headed by mothers, and it is widely known that women earn less than men. In fact, surveys showed that 38% of single mothers were earning less than $30 000 per annum compared to just 11% of single fathers earning the same income. Furthermore, just 5% of single mothers were earning over $45 001 per annum compared to 38% of single fathers earning the same amount [Figure 6]. These results highlight the fact that single fathers are less disadvantaged when it comes to income because they are more likely to be working full time than single mothers and as such are less likely to be living in poverty. If majority of single mothers are only working part time and if wealth equals power, single women are limited in their access to power in society because they are unable to achieve power with minimal income. This demonstrates the income marginalisation of single mothers when compared to their male counterparts and the fact the single mothers are one of society’s most underprivileged groups. According to a survey conducted by the Child Support Agency in 2000, seventy five percent of the ninety one percent of single mothers were raising children on incomes below $20 000. Furthermore, these women were earning and average of $295. 00 per week, but research conducted by the University of Canberra found that the weekly cost of raising two children alone was $310. 00 [CSA, 2000; University of Canberra, 2003]. This proves that single mothers are earning less than basic living expenses require and are finding it incredibly difficult to survive, despite child support from the government, it is not sufficient for single mothers to live comfortably. In addition, if they are earning barely enough to support their children, it would be impossible to save any money to put towards possible housing ownership. This reinforces the argument that single mothers are increasingly disadvantaged by only having one source of income and that hinders their access to any privilege in society because they do not have any assets or savings needed to gain a powerful status in society. Further statistics are proving that single parent families are at a disadvantage when it comes to income and child support. The Australian Institute of Family Studies research paper notes that forty one percent of single parents were receiving no child support, due to income deemed too high to be eligible and hours children spent in their custody were not enough. Of those who did receive it, over eighty percent got only one hundred dollars or less per week [AFS, 2003]. In addition, the surveys showed that a huge 89% of single parents were not satisfied with the government assistance they were receiving (refer to Figure 4) and believed the government did not provide enough funds for single parents. The key trend noted here is that even those receiving child support are still only receiving minimal amounts and a low income means their financial disadvantage is at an all time low. An average single parent family spends half its income on rent, household bills, and food while parents who are married spend under one third of the budget on these essentials, further highlighting the fact that married parents do not face anywhere near the level of financial hardship that single parents do [ACOSS, 2005]. The expenses of raising a child do not decrease because one is a single parent, and these statistics are proving that single parent families are becoming financially marginalised because their inevitable low incomes are preventing them from living comfortably. This information has clearly distinguished the extreme disadvantages in terms of housing and income that single parents, and in particular, single mothers face. Single parents on the whole are earning far less than those who are married and as such, are disadvantaged in their ability to buy necessities and have any money remaining to put towards savings or other expenses. It is clear that single mothers are the most marginalised because majority of children in single parent families live with their mother and as such, single mothers must lessen their working hours to ensure that they are home to raise their children. It is clear that single parents with primary custody should be receiving more support from the government to compensate for their inability to work full time and government assistance should be provided with more consideration of the single parent’s situation. 3 Survey Evidence (Notes: *all statistics and figures presented in this section are out of thirty participants surveyed. those who responded as being ‘Never married’ were previously in a de facto relationship that had separated, and those without children in this category were omitted from the results. ) ? Of the single parents surveyed, 44% were male headed and 55% were female headed (Figure 1). The information presented in this report reinforces that single mot hers are at a greater disadvantage than single fathers due to majority of single parent families being headed by women and their limitations in earning a high income because of family commitments, thus making them less likely to achieve any power or privileges in society. Of those who were living in rented accommodation, 87% were single parent families and 13% were married parents (Figure 2). This supports the argument that single parents are marginalised in their ability to afford a mortgage and their low incomes prevent them from being eligible for a home loan. ? Furthermore, of the single parents renting, 62% were single mothers and 38% were single fathers (Figure 3). Single mothers are marginalised in housing ownership because many experience discrimination when applying for a home loan and low incomes make housing ownership almost impossible. Married parents were earning a minimum of $45001 per annum, with 67% earning $75001 or more a year (Figure 5) Married parents have the ab ility to gain power in society because while one parent is raising the children, another can be out working full time and earning good money, which is a determining factor in one’s level of power. Thus, wealth and power means greater privileges are rewarded and married couples are less restricted in achieving this than single parents are. 61% of single parent families were earning under $30000 per annum (Figure 5). This reinforces the fact that low income means limited access to power and privilege in society and wealth in a major disadvantage for single parent families. ? Furthermore, the single parents who were earning $45001 or more (2) were unsurprisingly men (Figure 6) Single fathers are less marginalised than single mothers because they have the capability and time to work longer hours and earn more due to most single parent families being headed by women. 74% of single fathers were working full time, compared to just 26% of single mothers (Figure 7) Single mothers are disadvantaged in their ability to work full time because they must be home to take care of their children, which limits the hours they can work. ? 70% of single parents had children enrolled in state schooling, while just 28% of married parents had children attending state schools (Figure 8). Married parents earn more > can afford private schooling; single parents earn less > don’t have financial opportunity to send children to private school therefore, they are marginalised in their access to education. 65% of married parents were unaware of the current government assistance scheme for parents, while 21% of married parents thought it was unfair and 14% thought it was fair or that single parents should be given counselling (Figure 9). Married couples do not know what single parents are receiving from government and so, that may be preventing them from lobbying for the government to provide single parent families with more assistance. Perhaps better education about government assistance should be given to harness stronger opinions from people. 61% of single parents were unsatisfied with the government assistance they were receiving, while 22% were satisfied with it and 17% were not entitled to it (Figure 10). Single parent families are at a disadvantage of only having one income, but are even more so marginalised because government assistance provided does not compensate for a second income; it is only support. ? Single parents surveyed were not receiving anymore than $200 fortnightly in Government Assistance. Despite being at an income disadvantage, single parents who are desperately in need still receive no more than $200 fortnightly which indicates the limitations they have to afford life essential, let alone save any money to afford to buy a house. 4 Survey results – Diagrammed Figure 1: [pic] Figure 2: [pic] Figure 3: [pic] Figure 4: [pic] Figure 5: [pic] Figure 6: [pic] Figure 7: [pic] Figure 8: [pic] Figure 9: [pic] Figure 10: [pic] 5 Conflict and Functionalist Theories The Conflict and Functionalist theories are concepts developed by theorists looking for a way to describe levels of class in society. Each has key tenets that make them different and why one in particular may be a better explanation of single parent families and their marginalisation and disadvantage in society, which leads to power and privilege shown towards them. 6 Functionalist Theory The Functionalist theory sees levels in society as a comparison to the human body. It sees the social system to be made up of different interconnected parts and if any of these ‘organisms’ break down, the rest of society will malfunction. Functionalists approve of social order and view inequality as natural and necessary where ‘everyone gets their due’. In addition, they see social change as disruptive on the system unless it happens gradually and social stratification is useful in maintaining stability in society. It sees those with special talent as deserving of the social reward and privilege (wealth, power, prestige) but fails to explain the place of those in society where their social status is ascribed or inherited, and not achieved. As such, the Functionalist theory sees single parent families and the disadvantages they experience as necessary to maintain social order and believe they receive what their position in society is worthy of. [Sociology: Australian Connections. 2007] 7 Conflict Theory The Conflict Theory originates from the thinking’s of Karl Marx who studied societies throughout history. Marx believed that social change emerges through the struggle and conflict being played out between social classes. The Conflict Theory sees social stratification as a result of groups becoming rich and powerful then preserving their own interests above those in lower classes. Conflict theorists view tension, hostility, competition and differences as a permanent and inevitable feature of societies. The key idea in the Conflict Theory is that ‘social order is marked by conflict and maintained by force’. It states that life chances are less for members of subordinate and powerless groups who have inferior opportunities, which in the case of single parents, is the limitations in income and housing that their situation has created. It is important to note that Conflict theorists do not see conflict as a negative force, more that it has many consequences bringing about social change. [Sociology New York, 1987; Sociology: Themes and Perspectives, 2000. ] Of the two theories, the Conflict theory more suitably explains the disadvantage and marginalisation experienced by single parent families. The rising number of single parent families is due to their low level of income forcing them into a lower social class and as such, their level of class hinders their access to power in society. Due to their lack of power and marginalisation in comparison to married parents, the opportunities of single parents are limited to those that they can afford and find time for and it has proven to be a vicious cycle that is very difficult to break. The rising number of single parents and disadvantages they experience in comparison married parents has been an issue for some time and so, as the Conflict theory states, these differences are bound to bring about change in the future. For these reasons, the Conflict Theory is a better explanation of single parent families. Conclusion – Evaluation and Decision Making Single parent families are one of Australia’s most underprivileged and powerless groups. In particular, single mothers have shown to be the most disadvantaged group and experience the highest level of financial disadvantage and are most marginalised in their housing accessibility. Because most single parent families are headed by women, single mothers are limited in their access to power because it is a constant struggle to balance earning an income with family duties. As such, single mothers do not receive the same privileges as married parents because they are restricted in their ability to earn a high income which limits the opportunities available to them. Single fathers have shown to be less disadvantaged than single mothers but still experience hardship in relation to home ownership. The research has proven that the disadvantage experienced by single parent families has shown no signs of improvement and married parents continue to have a much greater level of power and more privilege in society. As the Conflict theory states, when there is conflict between two groups in society single and married parents), it is destined to bring about social change. For that reason, the rising number of single parents in Australia is not necessarily a negative force, but one that is demonstrating the need for reform in the Government support and privileges that single parent families so desperately need. 1 Recommendations and Implications It can be seen from the primary and secondary sources of information that single parents experience the greatest disadvantage in their ability to work full time to earn a high income and their ability to purchase a home. Thus, it is recommended that the Government puts in place certain programs and funding to ensure that the marginalisation of single parents is decreased and that the equality between married and single parents is made level. This can be achieved by providing single parents with child care grants that provide single parents with the opportunity to work full time without having the burden of child care costs. In addition, the government should provide single parents with grants to purchase a home to ensure that their single income does not restrict their access to home ownership. Furthermore, grants for everyday necessities such as groceries and fuel should be provided so that single parents have a higher chance of being able to save money. Finally, the government should create some programs for single parents that give them advice on how to handle work and family duties and how they can save money even on a low income. These suggestions may cost taxpayers more money, but at the end of a day, if society wants to live in an egalitarian society, these are the first steps that must be taken in order to achieve this. Appendix Figure 11: [pic] Figure 12: [pic] Figure 13: [pic] Bibliography Article Base. 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