Report Education System in Japan Essay

Japan has already begun to experience a population decline, with the result that many universities are already having difficulty maintaining their student populations, although entry into top ranks of the universities remains hugely competitive. The emerging and foreseeable trend is that many universities will have to try to attract large numbers of foreigners or diversify or face closure. It is also now said that a university education in Japan is within easier reach of students today, but that the quality of that higher education is now in question despite the many educational reforms that have been set in motion. Each academic year begins in April and comprises of two semesters. Basic general degrees are four-year degrees, a feature adapted from the American system. Undergraduate students receive instruction via the lecture and seminar group method. The general degree may be followed by two-year Master’s degrees (generally a combination of lectures and guided research) and then a three year Doctorate (largely based on research) where these are offered. Graduate education in Japan is underdeveloped compared to European countries and the United States with only slightly more than 7 percent of Japanese undergraduates going on to graduate school as compared to 13 percent of American undergraduates. Postgraduate educational offerings are weak and the number of universities offering postgraduate programmes or a wide variety of programmes, is small, compared to that in other industrialized western countries. Japan has about three million students enrolled in 1,200 universities and junior colleges and consequently the second largest higher educational system in the developed world. Japan also has one of the largest systems of private higher education in the world. The 710 odd universities in Japan can be separated into 3 categories: highly competitive, mildly competitive and non-competitive (the schools that are first-tier being the infamously difficult to enter ones). Public universities are generally more prestigious than their private ones with only 25 percent of all university-bound students being admitted to public universities. More than 65 percent of high school graduates continue their studies; of these, over 70 percent are enrolled in private colleges and universities. Only about 10 percent of private institutions receive their financial resources from public funding, with most public funds on higher education being spent on the national and local public universities. Despite the impressive statistics, Japanese universities are considered to be the weakest link in the country’s educational system. While many western writers have, time and time again, attributed the economic success of Japan to the well-educated and highly literate population of Japan, recent writings and studies tend to be far more critical, lamenting the deplorable state and quality of higher education in Japan today. Despite the famed exam rigors and competitiveness, declining standards in education and the high school student’s lack of interest in studying have lately been under spotlight. Some attribute this disinterestedness to the fact that academic effort no longer assured automatic rewards with the disintegration in the formerly stable and guaranteed lifetime employment system. Japanese students are also widely known to traditionally consider their university days to be a social playground, a reward for the hard work and having made it there, and, as many critics have recently pointed, professors demand relatively little from their students. Despite the institutional change and sweeping national reforms underway in response to these criticisms, the key problems remain unresolved: the pyramidal-structure of the university system and entrance exam wars; the centrally-controlled curriculum and lack of individuality and creativity of students as well as the lack of competitiveness in educational suppliers.

Political Spectrum

The Political Spectrum is a term given to the different ideologies of political parties or organizations. The Young Men's Christian Association is one organization on the left side of the Spectrum. The YMCA provides after school programs for both children and adults. A right wing group is the John Birch Society which dedicates itself to restoring and preserving freedom under the United States Constitution. The Young Men's Christian Society (YMCA) was founded in London to improve the spiritual condition of young men engaged in the drapery and other trades during the 1800s. Today the YMCA appears in over 124 countries and help promotes a healthy, balanced lifestyle regardless of beliefs or gender. This year on, April 27 2007, Durham YMCA held an open house for their new Y-Knot Abilities Programs. This program offers children and youth with physical disabilities access to the YMCA programs. The Y-Knot creates an â€Å"Equal Playing Field† for disabled youth. The Y-Knot Abilities program shall run every Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 pm in the gymnasium. Through the years, the YMCA has setup the YMCA Strong Kids Fundraiser. The money raised helps provides, families YMCA memberships, Children and Youth a chance to go to camp, renovations on community YMCA's and the fees for training new employees. Their goal from the fundraiser is hope on providing children and families with the tool they need to succeed. The YMCA's goal to create a positive attitude both physically and mentally in the community is achieved through a balanced leadership style. The organization creates both fundraisers to decrease membership fees, improve community recreations and increase daily activities to achieve their goal. There is no force by the organization to the community in participating in fundraisers and activities. The John Birch Society (JBS) is a right wing organization established in Indiana in 1958 by a group of twelve â€Å"patriotic and public-spirited† men. The society opposes socialism, communism, Nazism, and fascism, and strongly agrees to a limited federal government under the Constitution of the United States. The JBS plans many campaigns to help preserve freedom for themselves and American families. A recent campaign was called the â€Å"Repeal NAFTA† campaign. Goals are to withdraw U.S. membership form in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The society has dedicated time in creating pamphlets and written articles to approve in the withdrawal of NAFTA. The JBS has also organized the â€Å"JBS Freedom Campaign†. The campaign was designed for all Americans who want to preserve their cherished lives of freedom for themselves and their family. Through this campaign they will have the opportunity to participate with other Americans to help defeat some of the biggest threats to their way of life. The campaign acts like umbrella against issues such as illegal immigration and the North American Union. The JBS goal to preserve freedom for themselves and American families is achieved through an authoritarian leadership style. The society sets campaigns against the government to set regulations or eliminate different acts such as Illegal Immigration and NAFTA. The group forces people to join through riots, publicity and the internet. The YMCA on the spectrum is located at 3 o'clock on the left side due to being a beneficial organization to many communities. YMCA holds programs, clubs, fundraisers and teams to help create a positive attitude physically and mentally in the attitude. The JBS society would be located between 9 o'clock and 10 o'clock along the right side. The JBS is a group against communism and socialism, which are mid. to high left wing characteristics. The society opposed the â€Å"Civil Rights Movement†, an act of equality between colored and whites. Both organizations are clearly opposites due to the way they achieve their beliefs and achieve them.

Poetry from other cultures Essay

Task: John Agard ‘in ‘Half Caste’ and Moniza Alvi in ‘Presents from my Aunts in Pakistan’ both deal with the issues of being born of mixed marriages. ‘Half Caste’ and ‘Half English’. Write about the different ways in which the past explore what this means to them. John Agard and Moniza Alvi have two different attitudes in there poetry about there mixed racial backgrounds. John Agard uses a very proud attitude as on the hand Moniza Alvi is very unsure about her personal identity. It is not just there attitude towards there mixed background but there style of there written poetry is also different. Through examining the text and reading the poem it is clear that they are two different people with very different approaches to life. There writing techniques are different as John Agard uses his own rules when he writes, as Moniza Alvi sticks to the correct English grammar and spelling. John Agard’s poem is very different to Moniza Alvi’s poem, they talk about the same issues concerning race, but they have do not have the same views on there own race. John Agard is very proud of his mixed racial origin, and in the poem says that it is not clever and makes a mockery of people who discriminate him, he is proud to be who he is. He uses a very powerful name for his poem ‘Half caste’ half caste is an offensive term, which John Agard uses a lot in his poem this makes it very powerful by using this word it suggests purity and inferior, Agard attacks this idea of beig ure blood . In ‘half caste’ John Agard also repeats the term â€Å"explain yuself† this repeat of this word is very effective and strengthens the argument. John Agard starts with a loud apologetic start, â€Å"Excuse me†. By this apologetic start it has strong meaning, he is saying what people expect of him because he is ‘half caste, people expect him to apologise for being who he is. He says also ‘standing on one leg I’m half caste’ which says that as he is of mixed origin he is not right; he is only half a real person, when that is not true. The strong start gets you into the swing of the poem and you know how strong it is going to be. Being racist towards him, for being ‘half caste’, stupid as if you look at every thing in the world, everything is nearly ‘half caste’, â€Å"yu mean Tchaikovsky sit down at dah piano an mix a black key wid a white is a half caste symphony† by using examples of famous people who are one of the best in the world but then because it is halfe caste it is not good and it is in inferior and should Tchaikovsky be seen as bad because he mixed a white key with a black key. It also uses the example â€Å"Yu mean when light an shadow mix in de sky is a half caste weather/ well in dat case England weather nearly always half caste†. These examples are trying to prove that if you are prejudice against John for being half caste it is stupid because nearly everything is ‘half caste’. It also shows how proud John Agard is of his mixed racial background and how he would stand up for his race. Throughout the poem â€Å"Explain yuself† is repeated this repetitiveness is very effective in getting the audience interested and it is also very original. The ending of the poem is a lot more serious it stops the humour to get the message across. It talks about ‘purity’ and how someone is only half a person because they are half caste, Agard attacks this idea of purity. John Agard use comic use of absurd analogies such as ‘half caste weather/half, ‘de other half of me story’. These Examples that he uses it is challenging for himself provocative responding to annoyance, he proves that he is as good or better then Tchaikovsky or Picasso. John Agard uses lower case letters to show common humanity, he also uses his own spelling and punctuation this show he is very proud of him self. John Agard is very proud of whom he is and makes a direct mockery of people who say that he is not ‘pure’ so he is not as good as other people. John Agard attacks there theory and he also ‘hits home’ an important message. Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE John Agard: Half-Caste section.

Political Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Political Science - Essay Example It is against this background that the central premise of this essay is focused on conducting an exhaustive critique into the relevance or otherwise of nationalist sentiments in our day and age. This question clearly emanates from the recent trends of highly charged tensions generated in the global political landscape due to nationalism. The debate is even made more complex by the fact that in one breadth whilst nationalism is cited as a justifiable intervention in a bid to consolidate an existing heritage in the next breadth all the blame for the internecine conflicts that have engulfed some parts of the world with deplorable impacts have heaped on the doorsteps of nationalist sentiments. Nationalism remains one of the greatest issues in international politics that does not have a simple, straightforward answer1. Suffice to cite a few instances to buttress the forgoing points. The state of Bangladesh was carved out of Pakistan, fuelled mainly by the strong nationalist elements of th e then Pakistani Bengali populace. In many respects the Bengali people shared common features with the mainland Pakistani people, with their Islamic religious creed serving as the most shining example. Yet nationalist yearning for sovereignty far exceeded the underlining factors-- a drive that eventually lead to the establishment of the independent state of Bangladesh. Irrespective of how this issue is looked at it served as a landmark victory for the Bengali nationalist. In sharp contrast, the same cannot be said about the Yugoslavian massacre that witnessed the mass killing of both ethnic Serbians and Albanians on a purely nationalist alter. Neither can the Nazi extremist execution of over six million Jews be used as a good example of the benefits of nationalist. To this end, the essay proceeds to pose prying questions as to what constitutes and when the middle line can be towed with regards to the question of nationalist sentiment. One truism is acknowledged in conducting this review. Nationalism is an inevitable human reality that can never be eliminated, whilst acknowledging this fact there is need to also state in terms of the need for complementary moderation to work within the framework of established state structures. To achieve the stated goals of this essay, there will be a conscientious attempt to conduct a theoretical assessment of all the contending issues on the nationalist debate as a way of orienting the reader before delving into the analytical scope of the essay. The essay extensively uses, historical and contemporary precedents to conduct a comparatively and inferential analysis that will eventually lead to a tentative conclusion to support the underlining thesis of the essay. Theoretical Basis There is a general consensus among anthropologists and sociologists that the human being has an inherent inclination to crave for affiliation with a recognized group within an environment that is socially supported2. Indeed, this serves as the graphic illustration of Aristotle's saying that man is a social animal. Group structures provide viable grounds for the provision of perceived or even real security besides the cardinal goal of presenting an identity. The group structure

Review of the Recent Movies that you watch Essay

Review of the Recent Movies that you watch - Essay Example After the Crowned Prince of Austria is discovered dead, the authorities term it as a suicide case, but Sherlock Holmes is not satisfied and goes on to find that it is only one murder in a series of assassinations and explosions aimed at putting the European nations at war. Professor Moriarty is especially cunning and hides all manner of evidence that could lead back to him, including poisoning Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams). This he also uses as a warning to Sherlock Holmes that if he continues countering the professor’s actions, the same might also happen to his closest friend Dr. Watson (Jude Law) and his newly-wedded wife, Mary Watson (Kelly Reilly). The ensuing drama and action takes us from Victorian London to Paris and Switzerland where they also happen to meet Sherlock’s brother, Mycroft (Stephen Fry), who is well connected in the diplomatic realm and proves to be an indispensable asset. The viewer is treated to a great deal of the scenery in that particular point of history only that we have to look quickly as the movie dashes through episodes. Unfortunately, this did not contribute well in bringing out the classic Holmes story. But it is understandable because, in the current world of movie production, a chance of getting an authentic Sherlock Holmes movie is rather difficult. Two female characters have been important in the propagation of the plot. We meet a new character, Madame Simza Heron (Noomi Rapace), a gypsy fortune teller who gets mixed up with Moriarty’s evil plans and works with Holmes to save her brother from the professor’s traps. Irene Adler is back again, but her romantic relations with Holmes now lead to her demise. Dr. Watson also plays a major role in the movie, being more involved in the action not only as a friend and chronicler, but also as a hero. Holmes remains my most favorite character in the movie. His humorous choice of words as well as disguise takes the viewers by surprise, especially at

Home depot Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Home depot - Essay Example Home Depot had been doing quite well in growing from 1 to 1,000 big box stores in 21 years. It reached the $40 billion faster than anyone ever has (Charon, 2006). Their success was tied to the fact that they seemed like a warehouse, including the fact that they were cluttered and their lighting was not great. Their culture was one of having a huge inventory would sell a huge inventory. Store managers did pretty much what they wanted to do and there was very little in the way of consequences to pay. In fact, most of these managers did not know whether they were doing well or not. This is the atmosphere and culture that Robert Nardelli walked into. He seemed to be direct opposite of the culture that was presently within this corporation. He used techniques from his leadership style that very much mimic what Schein would say would work. He decided to first go to the core of the beliefs that Home Deport management had. This according to Shien is where the overall assumptions that employees and management have about their organization. In this case Home Depot thought they were successful and that that success was built upon the casual attitude they had, including how their stores were run. However, it's share price was dropping and the competition was doing well. Mr. Nordelli also wanted to extend services which Home Depot had seen themselves as a big box business that mostly men visited. To make this happen, Mr. Nordelli had to tackle the other two layers. The values of this company have been that the management team was had made all their own decisions regardless of what the corporation thought, sometimes sabotaging deals they did not agree with. They had previously been very autonomous. He changed this by giving them information that blatantly showed what their own production looked like and how successful they were. He then held them accountable for their own performance with the expectation that it would improve and the values of those who stayed began to change. They actually became a very cohesive group. Those things that Shein (2009) would call artifacts included those things such as a messy story with little signage and heaped product. One visit to Lowe's gave them new insight as to where their artifact was headed. Women were shopping at Lowe's as well as men and they were talking about the new big box everywhere. This had to change and the only way the new leadership would see that is to be confronted and they were. However, Nordelli was just the beginning for Home Depot. When Nordelli left, Donovan arrived. He found that though some things had been tightened up there was a long ways to go. He found that managers were not as accountable as they seemed and they were getting excellent reviews even when their stores were failing. He also saw that there were different standards according to where the store was. He put into place a culture change toolbox which many corporations have picked up to use at this stage. The culture toolbox (Charon, 2006), included new artifacts such as data templates, reviews and conference calls, new values which were driven through those artifacts and strategic and operating planning and Monday morning conference calls and new assumptions at the core brought on through all of the change that occurred through these changes. In conclusion, Home Depot was successful from the

The nature and extent of environmental health concerns surrounding the Essay

The nature and extent of environmental health concerns surrounding the use of sludge and biosolids from wastewater treatment in agriculture - Essay Example (Perlman 2009; U.S. Department of Labour 2007; Willis 2001) This can be done by purifying the wastewater in order to remove and destroy harmful materials such as chemical compounds, microorganisms, debris, and other solid materials. (U.S. Department of Labour 2007) To provide the readers with a better understanding concerning the research topic, the process of conventional wastewater treatment will first be tackled in details. Upon discussing the importance of primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment process in purifying the wastewater, the researcher will discuss the environmental and health concerns of using sludge or sewage biosolids that comes from the wastewater treatment plant for food agricultural activities. To avoid the increase of developing life threatening diseases such as cholera and cancer among others, the researcher will thoroughly discuss the importance of making the use of sludge and biosolids found wastewater illegal for agricultural purposes. Upon weighing the advantages and disadvantages of using biosolids as fertilizer in agricultural activities, the research findings of Goodman and Goodman (2006) revealed that the negative impact of using biosolids as fertilizer is approximately three times more than the positive impact of recycling biosolids. Despite the environmental and health threats of using sewage products, a lot companies that manufacture fertilizers are using sludge or sewage biosolids as one of the major components of fertilizers used in food agriculture. (Lewis, Booth and Hill 2004; Richards, et al. 2004) Concerning the harmful health effects of using biosolids as fertilizer in agriculture, the purpose of this research study is to educate the people around the world and to persuade the farmers to avoid using fertilizers that uses sludge or biosolids coming from the wastewater treatment for agricultural purposes. Concerning the use of

Significant Health Issue Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Significant Health Issue - Research Paper Example Different studies have shown that depression should be recognized as crucial issue by the practitioners. The major signs and symptoms of depression are losing interest, loss or change in the appetite, lack of interest in daily activities, change in sleep patterns. In a depressed state one may also feel low levels of energy and feeling of exertion even after having rest. If depression is not treated in a proper way it can result in physical sickness, isolation or in worst cases may lead a person to commit suicide (Styron, 1990). By dealing with the hurdles and utilizing a straightforward 20 questions Geriatric Depression Scale, diagnosis and cure can be performed with ease. The reports by NIH show that the symptoms of depression are represented by about 15 to 20% of the people who are over 60 to 65 years in age. Major and minor depression varies in rates from 5% to 30% from primary to long term setting. It has been shown that only 15 % of the old people receive the proper treatment fo r depression according to American Psychiatric Association (2002). The mortality rates in the old aged people due to depression are much higher as compared to the ones who are not suffering from it. The barriers for depression diagnosis by the patients and the practitioner are given as follows: By The Patient: †¢ Issues regarding perceptions or disgrace associated with psychological sickness †¢ Fear about condemnation by relatives †¢ Economic concerns related to expenditure of treatment †¢ Information and aptitude to identify symptoms of depression †¢ Anxiety concerned with other therapeutic occurrences like chronic sickness The Practitioner †¢ Unwillingness to pay attention †¢ Conviction that depression is a usual factor of growing old †¢ Non- familiarity or identification of symptoms †¢ Other medical situation is given priority Predominance of Elder Depression It has been found by extensive research that almost 25 to 30% of the elderly population shows symptoms of depression in one way or the other. The prevalence of depression in older women is two times more as compared to men of the same age. The depression in late life can lead to serious complications leading towards increased mortality and morbidity, higher costs of health care and prolonged stay at the hospitals. It has been estimated that 65% of older people having some mental problem want unmet psychological health services (Huisani, 2004). As the American people have longer life span, the disease and disability can not be avoided with the advancing age. It has been estimated that 55% or people at age 65 or older have some sort of disability and 35% are having severe disabilities. Therefore more than seven million elderly persons need some sort of help in order to perform daily activities of life like bathing, eating, cooking, travelling etc. All the above problems increase to further extent when the person moves to the age of 80+. Consequently, almost 20 % of the US adults are engaged in providing extraordinary care to their elderly relatives especially parents. These adults are at the same time involved in the brought up of their own children and also do jobs outside their home. So they are having a sort of double burden on them. Theoretically "Individuals involved in providing care to aging relatives and raising kids simultaneously at are known as the sandwich

Judiciary Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Judiciary Assignment - Essay Example However, at around midnight, turmoil broke out for a couple of minutes and literally affected those in attendance. In this case, Bradley Smith was injured severely in the bar fight. He brought a premises liability action against Del Lago and the jury realized that the resort was 51% responsible and smith had a 49% responsibility on the occurrence. The damages were estimated to be worth $2,874,000, although the trial court minimized the damages by 49% and they agreed that Smith was to be compensated $1,478,283. Bradley smith won the case and he was compensated for his loss. This was a major reason that resulted to the judge’s disagreement. In case I was the Texas Supreme Court Justice, I would conclude the risk of a criminal act that occurred in the Grandstand Bar resulted to injuries although it was not predicted. This means that Del Lago never owed any legal duty to Smith so that he would protect him fro the criminal acts of the third party. In this case, a decision was issued on 3rd March, 2010 and it involved Ronald Lee Wilson, who was accused of shooting Amos Gutierrez during the year 2006. It was noted that the case was not successful since the detective used invalid forensic reports to deceive Wilson so that he would think that his fingerprints were on the ammo clip that was found lying next o the body of Amos Gutierrez. This issue focused Wilson to admit having committee the crime, although he was not involved. However, after the appellants motion to suppress, it is evident that the police officer who had interrogated the defendant had violated the Penal Code 37.09 and he confessed to have tampered with the forensic report. In conclusion, we note that the state provides the defense of the prosecution and it was concluded that Detective Robert created the document as an interrogation technique to ensure that the report was noted as the evidence. According to the law, Wilson served half of the

I haven't decided yet It might be something about advertising Essay

I haven't decided yet It might be something about advertising - Essay Example dvertisements in Wal-Mart retailing, to analyse Wal-Mart as a global retailer, to identify the role of advertisements in Wal-Mart and to frame certain recommendations for the improved success of Wal-Mart through effective advertising. With a Confidence Interval of 90%, the sample size for this research happens to be 100 participants. This survey research has collected data related to the advertising media and advertising of the products of Wal-Mart. The data collected are statistically analysed using MINITAB statistical tool in terms of mean, standard deviation, tally tables and Pearson’s correlation. It has been found that Wal-Mart uses TV as major advertising media but other media like newspapers, billboards, mobile phones, digital signage, direct mail, cinema have not been used much for advertising. Also certain product range of Wal-Mart like musical storage devices, health and beauty products, jewellery, Grocery products and few others have not been advertised effectively. Based on this data analysis and discussion, this research has formulated a set of recommendations for improved advertising strategies of Wal-Mart. This chapter introduces the research concept and research scenario. The aim and objectives of this research are to be discussed along with the main research question and the supporting research hypotheses. The significance of this research work has also been emphasised along with the introduction of the research design specific to this research work. Started by Sam Walton in 1962 in US, Wal-Mart is expanding in it’s retail business all over the world. The business model of Wal-Mart happens to be ‘Every Day Low Prices’, which has earned many customers. Wal-Mart tries to achieve this reduced pricing strategy by cost optimisation in business processes like advertising, logistics, branding, cost effective supplier strategies, store design and merchandising. The international operations of Wal-Mart started in 1991 in the form of super stores

Tort Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Tort Law - Essay Example Stringer also has a case to make claims against McNulty as a secondary victim. This is because he was present in the immediate aftermath of the accident and had a direct perception of the accident. In addition, by virtue of Stringer Bell’s response to McNulty’s distress call, following the decision in Frost v Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police in which claims by rescuing policemen were allowed, Stringer will become a primary victim of the incident as a rescuer (Best & Barnes, 2011: p61). However, McNulty cannot make claims against the Baltimore District Council for joint liability in the accident. This is because, even though the construction materials had been left on the road, they were not part of the road. He cannot claim that the council was responsible for removing the materials as they belonged to Barksdale Development ltd. To make a claim, he must show that the council was negligent in the provision of a safe roadway (Best & Barnes, 2011: p63). In additio n, the council is immune from being sued except in special conditions, of which this is not one of them as the materials belonged to Barksdale. Finally, Omar can sue Kima for economic loss due to negligent misstatement. This is because Kima knew the purpose for which Omar sought the advice and Omar acted on the advice given to him to his economic detriment (Best & Barnes, 2011: p42). However, because Kima expected that he would seek advice from another independent source as she had already told him that she could not carry out a full road check without going to her garage, there is a possibility that the claim may be denied. In the second case, Lucy cannot make any claims against the zoo for her incident with the monkey. This is because the damage she suffered from the monkey bite had been forewarned by a sign that asked visitors not to feed the monkey in the absence of a zoo staff member. In

Kate Chopin Essay Example for Free

Kate Chopin Essay Who comes to mind when the term â€Å"American author† is mentioned? A lot of female authors of today would say Kate Chopin, one of the most independent writers of the nineteenth century. Although Kate Chopin didn’t live to see her work re-published, she is an important author to study because her stories are influential, her ambition arouses her readers, and her point of view supports independent women. Unlike most of the women during her time period, Chopin didn’t agree on letting the men be in control. After a couple of her stories were published in Vogue Magazine, like â€Å"Desiree’s Baby† and â€Å"A Pair of Silk Stockings†, people began to start liking Chopin’s short stories (Powell). Vogue had even quoted how they â€Å"admired her brains and beauty† (Powell). It wasn’t until Chopin decided to give more of her belief of independence and write her first novel â€Å"The Awakening† for people of that time to start disliking her. Publishers cited what they considered â€Å"promotion of female self-assertion and sexual liberation† (Chopin, Kate Introduction). Libraries banned Chopin and her friends shunned her as her reputation started to fall. Kate Chopin may influence women today, but during her social period she wasn’t looked upon by many. Born into a prominent St. Louis family, Chopin was influenced by her mother and great-grandmother after the death of her father. Her family descended from French-Creole pioneers and that also influenced her to be involved with music, school, and arts (Kate Chopin: The Awakening, The Storm, Stories, Biography). Chopin graduated from a convent school at age seventeen (Kate Chopin). In 1870 she married Oscar Chopin, who was also Creole descent, and they had six children. His death in 1883 was when Kate Chopin decided to become more serious about writing (Kate Chopin). She sold all the land her and her husband owned and moved back to St. Louis with her mother. Family friends who found her letters entertaining encouraged her to â€Å"write professionally† (Chopin, Kate Introduction). Chopin started writing short stories and eventually began having her stories published in periodicals. Popular American periodicals published Kate Chopin, such as America, Vogue, and the Atlantic (Powell). Her collections â€Å"Bayou Folk† and â€Å"A Night in Acadie† made her reputation grow as an important colorist at the time (Chopin, Kate – Introduction). Chopin started writing about her husband’s death and her response to it. After trying to publish â€Å"The Awakening† she was immediately rejected because during the time it wasn’t appropriate. The novel subjected as female sexuality and adultery (Chopin, Kate – Introduction). Her reputation declined greatly after that and Chopin wanted to give up on writing all together. Now that all her work is republished, people find it very inspiring, especially women. Critics today say that â€Å"her work is focused on the pioneering use of psychological realism, symbolic imagery, and sensual themes† (Chopin, Kate Introduction). A large amount of female writers today are encouraged by Chopin’s short stories, novels, and essays. One of Kate Chopin’s most famous short stories is â€Å"The Story of an Hour†. The main character, Mrs. Mallard finds out her husband just died. She didn’t hear the bad news the same as most widows would have. Finally she could do what she wanted without anyone else telling her what to do, is the way she saw it. She was still young with a pretty face and she wanted to show it off. She kept whispering â€Å"free, body and soul free† (Kate Chopin: A Re-Awakening). Mrs. Mallard started planning the days ahead of her. All of those days would be her own days to live by. As she opened the door to jump straight to all her new opportunities, there stood Mr. Mallard. Mrs. Mallard fell over, when the doctor came he said she had died of a heart disease. She enjoyed feeling independent and it when she found out it could no longer be she collapsed. Although â€Å"The Story of an Hour† didn’t have a happily ever after ending, Kate Chopin showed her true meaning of the short story by using symbolism, comparison, and assertiveness (Chopin, Kate – Introduction). When Mr. Mallard died it was symbolic for Oscar Chopin, and how Kate herself felt as a woman afterwards. After the death, the story describes Mrs. Mallard looking out the window and everything looks like there’s more freedom, which is also symbolic for herself having more freedom without her husband telling her what to do. Chopin uses comparison in her stories to show her readers what she’s been through and prove independence is important. In â€Å"The Story of an Hour†, not only did the author’s and Mrs. Mallard’s husbands die, but they have the same attitude about the situation (Kate Chopin: A Re-Awakening). Chopin uses comparison with the character and herself to show what she really means and make it easier to describe the theme. Kate Chopin is most known for her assertiveness in this particular story and without it she may not be as well known today. She spoke her feelings and true meanings through this action and that’s what led her to be so independent. Chopin knew people would frown upon this quality, but it was honesty. During the time Kate Chopin tried publishing her work, the morals were different than they are now. Her stories, to a lot of people, are very influential. Commentators have noted that â€Å"her influence on later feminist writing and consider her a major American short story writer† (Chopin, Kate Introduction). Her work encourages people to stand up for what they believe in, regardless of what people think of them for doing so. Also to let her readers feel freedom and that everyone is equal. A handful of her short stories have the same plot and story, but they all have different meanings in which influence writers today to strive for what they believe in. After â€Å"The Awakening†, people believed that it aroused the readers. Chopin didn’t intentionally want for this to happen, but she wasn’t like most women of that time. Short story after short story, her work became more visual and exciting. Of course during her time no one liked it, but now the excitement in her stories makes one of the most important qualities. At the time, it was different from anything anyone has ever read. A woman’s freedom, which so many people took the wrong way, was a huge difference and conflict at the time (Chopin, Kate – Introduction). Many say she â€Å"broke a new ground of literature† (Powell). It’s Chopin’s inspiring excitement that arouses her readers and makes them want to come back for more. Most of what has been written about Kate Chopin is feminist in nature or is focused on women’s positions in society (Powell). The late 19th century, no women were independent. Kate Chopin took a stand and that’s all she wrote about. After her husband’s death, she feels like she has more freedom and independence. Someone not telling her what to do all the time; what she’s been wanting so badly. Her work helps women recognize the consequences of action, and helps them find individual freedom (Kate Chopin: The Awakening, The Storm, Stories, Biography). Female writers look up to her greatly because of how she was able to take a stand and speak her mind, without caring what people thought of her. She was one of the first women in her century to write outspoken fiction literature, revolting against tradition and authority (Chopin, Kate – Introduction). Chopin’s highly respected as a writer through the understanding of all the complications to get her word out for woman independence (Powell). Through her influential stories, ambition, and support of independent women, she became an inspiring American author. It may’ve took society half a century to grasp what Kate Chopin accomplished, but now she is finally known as a strong independent woman, and that’s all she wanted to be known for.

Criticisms And Arguments Against Transformational Leadership Management Essay

Criticisms And Arguments Against Transformational Leadership Management Essay A person can have many distinctive qualities, leadership is among those qualities, not everyone possess such quality, which made this quality special and extraordinary. In the field of business, a decision often comes down to success and failure, leadership is one of the most important quality for a managerial person to have. As Thomas J. Watson, Jr. had put it: I believe the real difference between success and failure in a corporation can be very often traced to the question of how well the organization brings out the great energies and talents of its people. Leaders that can bring positive or beneficial effect to a group or enterprise are consider as a transformational leader, they are energetic, passionate, not only they focus on the systems and the structure of a business, they also focus on the individual employee to do well and to be successful as well. According to Cox (2001), leadership is divided into two categories: transactional leadership and transformational leadership. The distinction between the two, according to James McGregor Burns work on political leader (1978), are those ones who uses the policy of rewards to motive and earn his/her employees efficiency and loyalty, is called transactional leader; and those ones who gets involve with his/her employee, also possess determination and committed towards success as well as motivates its employees in exchange for their high performance, also their loyalty. However, in this ever changing world, business leaders needs improve his/her skill and ability in order to coordinate wit h the change. In this particular essay, the main focus will be on the transformational leadership and some of the arguments and criticisms against it, as well as some counter arguments in favor of the transformational leadership; along with supporting explanations, facts and various examples. Arguments against Transformational Leadership Theory: Study results shows that Transformational Leadership have its positive effect on organizations, improve its work productivity, performance and as well as the creativities, according to Bass and Avolio (1994), it can be found in every aspect of an enterprise, because sometimes transformational leaders are the type of leaders needed for an company to survive, according to Burn (1978): recognizes and exploits an existing need or demand of a potential followerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ looks for potential motives in followers, seeks to satisfy higher needs, and engages the full person of the follower. A transformational leader in an organization often break through its frame of organization culture and thrive, which made transformational leadership one of the most renewed and popular leadership theory in modern days, nevertheless, its resplendency is not without oppugns. There are many criticisms against the theory of transformational leadership, one of the criticism is transformational theory is very difficult to be trained or taught, because its components are too comprehensive; on the other hands, one of the argument against transformational leadership is that supporters might be handled by leaders. Among them all, one of the important key criticisms against transformational theory is accusing it to be only for the selected individuals, which may lead to abusing of power. As Colonel Mark .A Homig (2001) have stated that: Transformational leadership is a double edged sword. Which means that, when a transformational leader over done his part in terms of leadership, his/her innate defect in personality or even later life experience can turn him/her into another type transformational leadership, the one on the opposite side-Pseudo transformation leadership. According to Mark. A. Homig: has a potential immoral and unethical dimension that could be exp loited by an unscrupulous leader inflicted on naive and unsuspecting followers. For example, Adolf Hitler was elected as the leader of Germany, he came into power during Germanys economic inflation and depression in 1920s, he did pull Germany out of its economic depression, however, after first couple of years honeymoon between him and the country, his follower later become so obsessed with him and followed him blindly into his conquest for his so called Lebensraum for Germany, which brought one of the worst disaster to Europe. Other example is Shoko Asahara, founder and leader of Aum Shinrikyo, also known as Aleph, a Japanese cult that is responsible for the Sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway in 1995. The second key argument against transformational leadership is the un-clarity of its definition and components, since the definitions of the four components (Inspirational, Intellectual, Idealized, and Individualized) associated with transformational leadership are overlapping each other. According to Brayman (1992), the transformational leadership looks more suited to be a set of personality characteristics rather than special requirements. There are other various arguments against transformational leadership as well, like the ones associated with ethics, according to Avolio and Howell (1992), qualities that makes a great leader can lead to unethical act, as the first key point in this section stated, such leader can make his/her follower to make unethical decisions and even commit crimes as well, according to Yukl.G. (1998). One example for this case is Hitler. Within this essay, the focus will be on the above arguments, in the following section, and in-depth analysis will be done. Supports for the Transformational Leadership theory: Two of the key arguments against transformational leadership theory primarily focus on the un-clarity of its concepts, and accusing it to be misleading. However, if we take a closer look at the details and examine the core components of the transformational leadership theory, one can easily notices the arguments against transformational leadership is losing its roots. Based on Benard. M, Bass (2006)s book on Transformational leadership, the qualification of transformational leaders are those who has great personality qualities and the ability to influence others in exchange for their loyalty, it focuses on the processes between the leader and followers. Therefore, those who uses negative examples of transformational leadership such as Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini to fault the transformational leadership theorys core concept is false, because idea or the overall construction of the theory of the transformational leadership is solid, and does not varies when people interpolate it dif ferently. Arguments such as the requirements for transformational leadership are sets of personality traits, and it cannot be taught or learn, Oscar Arias (cited in blog: leadership, 2010) have stated: More than knowledge, leaders need character. Values and ethics are vitally important. The basics of leadership can be taught. What is desperately needed is more responsible leadership a new ethic to confront the challenges of our day. Based on an interview and commentary essay done by Jonathan P. Doh (, many educators believes that transformational leadership can be taught, in fact all types of leadership can be taught and learned. Here are some of the quoted interviews from that report: Jay Conger (Professor of Organizational Behavior at the London Business School and Senior Research Scientist, Center for Organizations at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles) have :Yes, most definitely. Here work experiences, bosses, special projects, and role models, education all play a role in leadership development. Using an analogy with sports, not everyone can become an outstanding player despite coaching, yet most will benefit and improve their game. A few will go on to become stars or outstanding leaders given coaching, extensive experiences, and personal drive. Also from Kim S. Cameron (Professor of Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management at the University of Michigan Business School.) said that: Some people have an inclination to learn some competencies faster or better than others, of course, and some people reflect more charismatic or likable characteristics than others. But many great leaders are not those that appear on the covers of Time and Fortune. They have learned to achieve spectacular results in their own circumstances. Think of parents. Can people learn to become better parents, or are we just born either competent or not? Everyone would agree that effective parenting can be learned and improved. So can effective leadership. Leadership can also be taught, according to Jay Conger, Kim Cameron, and Steve Stumpf (cited in Jonathan P. Dohs interview essay), have all agreed that leadership can be taught, but only to a certain extent. The reason behind this is the three dimensions of leadership: skills, perspectives and dispositions. Just like in school, everything can be taught to students, but there are always some students do better than others, in terms of adapting knowledge, and the ability of applying the knowledge that they have learned. Skills can be taught, and perspectives can be trained, however, dispositions such as ambitions, mental capacity, etc.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.is difficult to teach. Bottom line is, leadership can be taught and learned through education and training. There are a lot of examples of leaders that proved valuable to a company, just to name of few in this essay. Steve Jobs is one of the perfect example, he was fired from apple and later came back, and turned Apple into one of the most profitable technology company in the world. Another example is Gordon Bethune, CEO of Continental Airlines (merged with United in 2010), and he joined Continental Airlines during its bankruptcy, during that time, company was losing $55 million dollars per month, he, however, not only eliminated the debt they had at that not, but also increased Continental Airlines stock price from $2 a share to $50 a share. Conclusion: In conclusion, Transformational leadership theory have proved its value throughout the modern days, even if there are some criticisms, it still not enough to effect the core concept of transformational leadership theory. Counter arguments in support for the transformational leadership theory, have proved its aptitude in work performance, quality and earn their loyalty. Key arguments have been vindicated in this essay, even though, motive of a leader sometimes is questionable, but this does not change the core construction of the theory; transformational leadership theory or any leadership theory can be learned or taught, only difference is how well one can adapt and apply the knowledge of leadership. Transformational leadership is surely one of the most popular theory, and most likely will become the resolution for todays organization, as todays enterprises facing many tough challenges such as creativity, sustainability, and uniqueness.

Describe The Four Types Of Solid Structures Environmental Sciences Essay

Describe The Four Types Of Solid Structures Environmental Sciences Essay There are three forms of substances exist: liquid, solid and gas in which solid is one of the major state of matter. The solid structure bonds the atoms together by different chemical physical attraction. Chemical bonds are the result of interactions of electrons by various forces of attraction. This attraction can hold atoms together in a stable arrangement. Atoms may transfer or share atoms to form molecules and compounds. When atoms bond together by chemical bonds, they will become more stable. Different types of chemical bonds determine solids properties, such as melting point, conductivity and solubility (Lister and Renshaw, 2000). Electron transferring form ionic bonds while electron sharing and joining molecules form covalent bonds. Linus Pauling came up with a scale, a value for each element called the electronegativity (E.N.) value. Each element has different desire wanting, ability to attract electrons. The strong electron attractions were given high values and some atoms have very low ability to attract were given a low value. These values are relative-comparison values and have no units. The value of difference electronegativity between two atoms less than 1.8 are defined as covalent bonds while the value of difference electronegativity between two atoms more than 2.0 are defined as ionic bonds. This essay will describe four types of solid structures: ionic and metallic which contains of unit cell, giant covalent which is held by network and simple molecular which are small molecules with weak forces of attraction. Ionic Structure First of all, ionic bonding commonly exists in crystal solid structures. Ionic bonding electrons are transferred from mental atoms to non-metal atoms which result in each ion obtaining a full outer shell of electrons to become stable. Commonly, metals form cation by losing valence electrons while non-metals form anions by gaining valence electrons. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a well known ionic compound. Sodium loses one electron from its outer shell while the chlorine gains one electron to fill its outer most shell. When sodium (Na+) ions bond with chloride (Cl-) ions they form common table salt, sodium chloride (NaCl) (Lister and Renshaw, 2000). In addition, Sodium chloride (NaCl) is made up of giant lattice of ions. There are a large amount of sodium ions and chloride ions packed together which depends on how big the crystal is. Figure 1 (Adapted Steinberg, 2000) shows how does a bit of sodium chloride lattice arranged. Figure 1: Ionic Bonding in Sodium Chloride (Adapted from Steinberg, 2000) Each sodium ion is at a centre surrounded by 6 chloride anions. Each chloride ion is also in the centre, it is also surrounded by 6 sodium cations. So sodium chloride is described 6 co-ordinated. The pattern in this way will be repeated countless times in sodium chloride crystal and ensure the maximum stability in sodium chloride. Because when each ion is touched by 6 opposite charged ions, there is more attraction between the ions which makes the structure more stable (Clark, 2010). Figure 2 (Adapted from Clark, 2010) shows clearly the unit cell of sodium chloride. Figure 2: Unit Cell of Sodium Chloride (Adapted from Clark, 2010) Commonly, the atoms arrange in a regular way, but sometimes this is not the case. All metal atoms consist of a lot of crystal grains which are regions of regularity. At grains boundaries atoms become inconformity. There are various properties in ionic compounds. Firstly, ionic compounds have a high melting point and boiling point. There are strong attractions between the positive and negative ions which take a lot of energy to overcome them. Secondly, one of the main properties of ionic compounds is they conduct electricity when molten, because when the compound is in the liquid state, the ions can carry the charge freely. Ionic compounds are brittle which resulting from an applied stress. The ions will be moved sufficiently to make contact between ions. Ions of the same charged are brought side-by-side leading to repulsion forces within the crystal. Many ionic compounds dissolve in the water. Water molecules have unbonded electrons, called lone pairs. They attract positive ions and negative ions in the compounds form dative bonds and polar water forms electrostatic attractions between the ions. Water molecules also produce energy by hydration to break up the lattice and reduce their attractio n (Clark, 2010). Covalent bonds Atoms sharing electrons form covalent bonds which the electronegativity difference between two atoms are less than 1.8. Giant Covalent Structure In giant covalent structures, all atoms are bonded together by covalent bonds which directly have an influence on specific atoms in a regular extended network. The electrostatics forces hold other structures together to act equally in all directions. Diamond is best example of giant covalent structure (Lister and Renshaw, 2000). Diamond has a tetrahedral shape in three-dimensions, with four covalent bonds from each carbon atom. According to VSEPR theory which can explain the levels of repulsion between chemical bonds (Lane, 2009), to reduce the repulsion four pairs of covalent bonds form and covalent bonds repel each other equally. There are no intermolecular forces of attraction only, between the carbon atoms. Figure 4 (Adapted from Chemcases, 2010) shows the structure of diamond Figure 4 shows the structure of diamond (Adapted from Chemcases, 2010). Diamond is well known as the hardness natural substance, and results from four strong covalent bonds giving diamond a strong rigid extended and continuous structure, so diamond just can be cut by other diamond. In addition, diamond has a very high melting point of around 4000K, because to break up the four strong covalent bonds requires a lot of energy. Next, the electrons which are held tightly are not free to move, resulting in the diamond having neither conduct electricity nor heat. At Last, diamond is insoluble in water because the covalent bonds are much stronger than the attraction of water molecules (Clark, 2000). Simple Molecular Structure The simple molecular substances are non-metal compounds which are made up of atoms by strong covalently bond and relatively weak intermolecular forces. Water is taken as a typical type of the simple molecular structure (Lower, 2010). In water, each hydrogen atom is bound to the central oxygen atom by a pair of sharing electrons. Oxygen has four free electrons in its outer second level to form two lone pairs to reduce the repulsions between clouds of negative charge, leaving two of the outer electrons shared with hydrogen to form covalent bonds. This rule leads to a tetrahedral structure in which the angle between electron pairs is 104.5Â °. In addition, water molecules forms hydrogen bonding. Oxygen likes electrons more than hydrogen and electrons spend more time near the oxygen, resulting in oxygen is part negative charge while the hydrogen is positive charge. Electrons are distributed leading to water form a negative structure of hydrogen bonds. Dipole-dipole attractions occur between two water molecules, due to its polar nature (Lane, 2009). Figure 5 (Adapted from Google, 2010) shows the structure of water molecule. Figure 5: Hydrogen Bonding Between Water Molecules (Adapted from Google, 2010) As the weak forces exist in simple molecular substances, they are not very dense or strong nor solid resulting in it having a low melting point and boiling point. Simple molecular substances can easily become gas or liquid. There are no ions existing in these substances, so they are insoluble in the water and can not conduct electricity (Lower, 2010). Metallic Structure Metals are giant structures which hold the atoms together by metallic bonding transferring the electrons. All elements of metal can easily lose electrons forming positive ions which are in a freely moving sea and electrons. How many electrons have been lost by each metal determine the number of electrons in the sea (Lister and Renshaw, 2000). Most ions in metals pack as close as they can. However, sodium in Group one is more open and less dense and forms a unit called the body-centred cubic (BCC) structure which is a common packing geometry for some metals. This structure is not a close-packed arrangement, just 68% of the space being filled (Lister and Renshaw, 2000). There is an atom located in the centre of a cube which is surrounded by eight other spheres. Figure 3 (Adapted from Clark, 2007) shows the structure of sodium: a coordination of eight and a unit cell containing two atoms. Figure 3: The Structure of Sodium (Adapted from Clark, 2007) There are several properties about metals. Most of metals tend to have a high melting point and boiling point due to the strength of the metallic bonding. The strength of metallic bonding is not only different from metal to metal, but also depends on the number of electrons which each atom can delocalise in the sea of electrons and by the packing. Transition metals have a high melting point and boiling point because they form a unit called hexagonal close packing. Group one such as Sodium is an exception and has a low melting point and boiling point, because it only has one electron to contribute to the bond and it is 8 co-ordinated which can not form strong enough bonds as other metals. Secondly, metals are good conductors of electricity. The electrons in the sea are free to move throughout the structure even cross the grain boundaries. The metallic bonding still exists as long as atoms are touching each other. In addition, these electrons are also responsible for the high thermal c onductivities of metals. Electrons of the metals can pick up heat energy which is transferred to the rest of metal by moving electrons (Clark, 2007). In conclusion, electrons are transferred forming ionic bonding in ionic crystal solid structure. As giant lattice of ions exist in ionic solids, the ionic solids not only have a high melting point and boiling point but also conduct electricity well. Metal hold the atoms together by metallic bonding which determines that metal compounds have a high melting point and boiling point and are good conductors of electricity and heat. Although both of giant covalent structures and simple molecular structures have electron sharing covalent bonding, they have different properties. Strong covalent network bonding is involved in giant covalent structures holding the atoms together, with the result that giant covalent compounds are easily to melt and can not conduct electricity. In contrast, there are some weak intramolecular forces in simple molecular structures which lead to this kind of structure having a low melting point and boiling point, and unable to conduct electricity.

The Afro-Cuban Struggle for Equality :: Race Racial History Historical Cuba Essays

The Afro-Cuban Struggle for Equality I. Introduction: The legacy of slavery and the legacy of systematic racial discrimination imposed on Afro-Cubans are grim realities that are imbedded in Cuban societal and cultural fibers. Despite the abolition of slavery in 1886 and its gaining of independence in 1902 Cuban society, politics, and ideology have been haunted with the specter of the ‘race issue.’ According to Aline Helg, "the myth of Cuban racial equality has proved remarkably enduring, even since the revolution of 1959" (p. 247). Thus, in order to comprehend the current political and social conditions in Cuba as well as the conditions that led to the revolution in 1959 one must examine the afro-Cuban struggle for equality that emerged at the turn of the 20th century. II. The Afro-Cuban Struggle for Equality (1886-1912): Jose Marti, in his idealistic pursuit for a free Cuba, envisioned a revolution that would not only allow Cubans to gain their independence from Spain, but also a revolution that would revitalize and redefine the Cuban social structures. This sentiment was indeed shared by the many Afro-Cubans who joined the ranks of the Liberation Army en masse in order to rebel against Spanish racism and inequality. In fact, as Helg states, "although few orientales were able to leave written testimony of their motivation to join the insurgency, their goal was probably not only independence from Spain but also the creation of a new society in which they would fully participate" (p. 57). Besides the Afro-Cuban motivations of ceasing racism and inequality were the motivations of members from other factions of society such as the landless peasants who desired land, the popular cabecillas who strove for political authority, and the orientales who fought to gain control of their regions destin y. This war for independence had the potential to become a social revolution, a revolution that would ultimately seek to alter the status quo of Spanish colonial order with its strict social and racial hierarchy. However, this social revolution never truly came into fruition for the many Afro-Cubans who fought and died en masse. Even though the Liberation Army seemed to consist of members of all classes and races, there ensued a systematic repression of Afro-Cubans.

Grapes of Wrath Essay: Steinbecks Faulty Logic :: The Grapes of Wrath John Steinbeck

Steinbeck's Faulty Logic in The Grapes of Wrath      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath   chronicles the destruction and chaos of the lives of the dust bowl victims and their families.   The classic novel works on two levels. On the one hand, it is the story of a family, how it reacts, and how it is unsettled by a serious problem threatening to overwhelm it.   On the other hand, the story is an appeal to political leaders that when the common working-class is put upon too harshly, they will revolt.   In this aspect it is a social study which argues for a utopia-like society where the powerful owners of the means of production will be replaced by a more communal and egalitarian community like the ones that spring up along the highway by the migrants seeking a higher ground.   Their lives are destroyed by poverty and the dust bowl and all that matters is finding a more decent life somewhere west.   Survival and getting to a new kind of life are all that matter, so much so that Ma lies next to a dead Granma all night because she is afraid the family will not get through is she seeks help "I was afraid we wouldn' get acrost,' she said.   'I tol' Granma we couldn' he'p her.   The fambly had ta get acrost.   I tol' her, tol' her when she was a-dyin'.   We couldn' stop in the desert...The fambly hadda get acrost,' Ma said miserably" (Steinbeck 237).   Throughout the novel the lure of communism lurks subtly in the background as a reminder that in desperate circumstances, pushed too far, the people will revolt.    The Grapes of Wrath depicts the degradations and abject poverty visited upon immigrants who try to survive in the face of American capitalism where the powerful land-owning companies force them into constant migration and keep them from rising above a poverty level of less than basic sustenance.   The novel focuses on the sacrifices these individuals make for each other, family and friends, and the way their simple lives are inherently worthy of dignity and respect.   However, in the midst of the thousands of others traveling the concrete highway barely keeping body and soul together on the road to a better promise of life in California, these immigrants form a utopia-like community.   Society is recreated each evening among the migrants, where social leaders are picked, unspoken rules of privacy and generosity emerge, and lust, violence and murder breakout.

Pharmacogenetics

History Pharmacogenetics was first discovered in the 1950’s, however it was used to isolate how genes affected the metabolizing of drugs. When pharmacogenetics was first started, they did not have the aid of the technology we do today, so the doctors of the 1950’s discovered how genes affected drugs by testing how people of different ethnicities reacted to drugs, and they would record how one ethnicity would react to drug and what side effects they would get compared to another ethnicity, however this was first done because of curiosity or chance.Once enough data had been collected, it showed that these tests should be done for any other drug made in the drug development process, and has since then progressed through the years due to the progression of technology. Facts First pharmacogenetics trait discovered was the inability to taste the chemical phenylthiourea, and this was due to hereditary reasons. Negative drug reactions are believed to be the reason behind 100,00 0 deaths in U. S. hospitals every year. 2. 2 million more suffer from non fatal but still serious reactions to drugs each year.What is Pharmacogenetics? Pharmacogenetics is the study of how the genes of a person will affect how they react to drugs. This reaction can be positive or negative, the positive affect being the drug working, and the negative affect could be bad reactions or death. These reactions are caused by the way your genes react with the ingredients of the drug. By engaging in the study of pharmacogenetics, we have figured out why men and women react to drugs differently, and why people of different races react to drugs differently.Using this knowledge doctors have changed the ingredients and structure of the drugs so that they would have the desired affect. With advances in Pharmacogenetics, People would not have to go to the doctors over and over again because they had a negative affect to the drug, because after your doctor had examined your genes, he would be able to identify the perfect drug for you, which would less likely have severe effects. Ethical questions about PharmacogeneticsOne of the biggest problems with pharmacogenetics is that the person must be genetically screened first so that their doctor can analyze their genes and see which drug would be best for the patient. What is wrong with the genetic screening is that if the company the patient was working out found out the person was likely to die young or had a tendency to get sick, the company could end up firing the person to cut costs if the company offers health insurance to its workers.Health insurances Companies could also use the information they found out about this person to deny them coverage or raise the price of their coverage.Sources www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC2752627/ http://www. actionbioscience. org/genomic/barash. html http://www. prozactruth. com/pharmagenetics. htm http://www. dartmouth. edu/~dmsheart/genetics/pharm/pharm. html http://www. ncbi. n lm. nih. gov/About/primer/pharm. html http://medical-dictionary. thefreedictionary. com/Pharmacogenetics www. ornl. gov/hgmis/medicine/pharma. html www. nigms. nih. gov/pharmacogenetics/

Web Du Bois and Double Consciousness

W. E. B. Du Bois: Double-Consciousness Ashanti Johnson SOC101 Lestine Shedrick October 18, 2011 W. E. B. Du Bois (1968-1963) was a huge contributor to sociology through the eyes and experience of an African-American scholar (Vissing, 2011). Du Bois was an author, activist and student of Black sociology. In his 1897 article, Strivings of the Negro People†, Du Bois introduced the term â€Å"double-consciousness†, a concept I believe to be just as relevant in today’s African-American communities. Double consciousness refers to what Du Bois considered an absence of â€Å"true self consciousness† (Du Bois, 1897) amongst Africans in America. In place of that absence, lies a dual awareness- awareness of one’s self combined with an awareness of how others perceive you. Is being an American a contradiction to Black identity, even in contemporary society? In his 1903 book, ‘The Souls of Black Folk’, Du /bois gives an analysis of African-Americans and double-consciousness, that Black people are caught between separate self conceptions, as an American and as an African. â€Å"The negro ever feels his two-ness, an American, a negro, two souls, two warring ideals and one dark body whose dogged strength keeps it from being torn asunder† (Du Bois, 1903). Du Bois broke his concept of double-consciousness down into three manifestations: First, the power of White stereotypes on Black life and thought. Second, racism and the exclusion of Black Americans from mainstream American society. Lastly, Du Bois points out the internal conflict between being of African descent and being an American. What is the power and influence of White stereotypes on the everyday lives of African-Americans today, in the 21st century? We live in a society that, many could argue, is saturated with Black culture. Commercial television, film and radio are largely influenced by African-American language, imagery and music. Examples of what used to be considered African-American youth vernacular, have seeped into mainstream culture. Words and phrases such as â€Å"bling† and â€Å"you go boy† are not Black slang, but American slang. The continued commercial inclusion of African-American images, language and music, does not eliminate double-consciousness- it may, in fact, magnify it. The stereotypes and images of Black people in America have evolved since Du Bois coined his term in 1897, but even the ever-changing understanding of Black culture leaves most African-Americans trapped in a conflict of who they are versus who they are believed to be in the eyes of America. On one hand, Africans are credited with inventing many genres of sound, dance, art and athletic styles. Although there are many groundbreaking contributions in math, medicine and science, Africans are not â€Å"popular† for these attributes. Because of this, many African-American parents keep their children from concentrating on such areas of strength as dance, music or sports in order to keep them away from a stereotypical field of study. Double-consciousness will have a talented athlete fore-go a sports career so that they are not considered â€Å"just another ball player†. When we think of Black Americans being excluded from mainstream American society, we consider the generations leading to the civil rights movement. Today, our President is an African-American, so surely this issue is no longer relevant. Racism cannot flourish in contemporary America, right? According to Merriam Webster’s Dictionary, racism is â€Å"a belief that some races are by nature superior to others† and the â€Å"discrimination based on such beliefs† (Webster, 2011). We now live in an anti-racism society. It is frowned upon to act or react in any way that could be construed as racist. Our society has laws in place which make racist actions in the workplace, school or even in public- illegal. The conflict of double-consciousness still exists in this modern, anti-racist America. Perhaps even more frustrating for today’s African-American, is living with the reality of racial tension in a society refusing to admit that such tension still exists. Du Bois spoke of internal conflict as being the most significant manifestation of double-consciousness. There is an inner conflict between being of both American and African lineage. African-Americans are a special group of immigrants who did not choose America as their new home. It was slavery that brought the African to America for generations of forced labor. The knowledge that most of the African culture, language, history and experience, was lost to American Africans after the slave trade, helps fuel the inner conflict. Where should the African-American feel his strongest connection? Africa? America? In conclusion, double-consciousness impacts the African-American today just as it did in the early 1900’s. W. E. B. Du Bois described his concept as â€Å"a world which yields no true self-consciousness, but only lets him see himself through the revelation of the other world† (Du Bois, 1903). Today’s politically correct society tends to use the word â€Å"color blind†, intended to show an acceptance for all people, regardless of race or color. Today, the double-conscious African-American must continue the search for his conscious identity in a society which has gone from color-racist to color-blind in a matter of a few decades. References Du Bois, W. E. B. (1897, August). Strivings of the negro people. The Atlantic, Du Bois, W. E. B. (1903). The souls of black folk. Chicago: McClurg and Company. racism. 2011. In Merriam-Webster. com. Retrieved October 18, 2011, from http://www. merriam-webster. com/dictionary/racism Vissing, Y. (2011). An introduction to sociology. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education

Counseling Specializations and Multidisciplinary Terms Essay

This paper discusses the importance of collaboration within the different specializations of the counseling field. Two specializations, mental health counseling and addictions counseling are reviewed and are brought together to help a hypothetical 12 year old girl â€Å"Ashley† in her own education and problem-solving while in therapy. Counseling Specializations and Multidisciplinary Teams The counseling profession and all of its specializations and the related fields that came before, all emerged due to the inabilities for some individuals cope with life stresses. These individuals were seen as non-resilient. Newman (2012) explains the meaning of resilience as: individuals who exhibit positive outcomes in the face of serious threats to development. They may have experienced prolonged, severe poverty; they may have a parent with a serious mental illness; or they may have been exposed to ongoing abuse or violence. Faced with these and or other difficulties, resilient individuals show low levels of psychological symptoms and function effectively in the basic developmental tasks expected for their stage of life. (pg. 78). Individuals who could not conform to â€Å"normal† societal expectations and were often locked up in the name of keeping society safe. It didn’t matter if these individuals were alcoholics, drug addicts, manic depressives, traumatized Vets, schizophrenics, or someone who merely suffered a temporary situational ordeal; they were locked up for the safety of others Smith & Robinson (1995) explain how Clifford W. Beers’s published autobiography in 1908 raised public awareness by detailing his own inhumane treatment while in a mental health institution. In 1793 the definition of mental health care was extended to include liberty, equality, and fraternity by Philippe  Pinel who was the director of Bicetre, the largest mental hospital in Paris. Pinel believed that punishment was ineffective upholding the idea that patients need some degrees of normalcy in their lives. Brooks and Weikel promoted the idea of â€Å"nonmedical approaches† to psychotherapy and state that this was an important step to the characterization and progression of mental health care. The client-centered theory emphasized by Carl Rogers and Fritz Perls, also helped to pave the way for current wellness models used today. Addictions counseling seems to follow a similar model and is often categorized under the same umbrella as professional counseling, however, â€Å"it is recognized that the addictions counselor needs to have specialized knowledge about what clients experience that have addictions problems† (Page, R.C., & Bailey 1995 pg. 170). White (2004) asserts the advantages of mental health and addictions counselors who work together: As mental health professionals, we owe our clients who present with addictions no less in respect, support, or treatment than we would bestow upon any other client. The counseling relationship or therapeutic alliance is perceived to be central to achieving a positive outcome in all mental health counseling (Gelso & Fretz, 1992), and it is especially important that a positive relationship or therapeutic alliance be formed early in addictions counseling before the more difficult or challenging times (e.g., withdrawal symptoms, relapse) occur (pg.3) As an example, consider a team that successfully joins forces in order to help a 12 year old girl named â€Å"Ashley†. Ashley asks her school counselor to help her set up an appointment with a therapist named â€Å"Ms. Henning.† Ashley tells the school counselor that she is unable to concentrate on her schoolwork because she is depressed. She further explains that her mother just recently re-married, her step-dad has 2 kids, and she is not adjusting well to the situation. Ashley asks the school counselor to speak to her mother on her behalf because she is afraid to ask. The school counselor makes the call. Fortunately, the family has health insurance and mom is onboard because she has been concerned about Ashley for awhile now and was considering this possibility as well. The first meeting with Ms. Henning and Ashley goes well. Ashley explains that she misses her mom. Her mom is busy all the time. Her step-dad is nice but she misses her â€Å"real  dad† and her new siblings are â€Å"okay† but she gets really jealous sometimes. Ashley is specific and articulate when explaining her depression but says that it gets worse sometimes the day after she does drugs with her friends. Ms. Henning explains to Ashley everything that she knows about drugs and the adolescent brain but suggests that Ashley get more information from an AODA counselor. Ms. Henning also encourages Ashley to inform her mother of the drug use. Ashley agrees reluctantly but states that she would be more comfortable addressing this issue with mom while in session. Ms. Henning agrees to make the arrangements. This therapist realizes that this is one of her easier cases. The family has health care and seems supportive rather than angry and defensive. Ms. Henning continually reminds and comforts Ashley in the fact that this is her therapy and her choice and any suggestions that are made will be discussed first—there will be no surprises. One of Ms. Henning’s goals is to provide a â€Å"crisis plan† with the school counselor for Ashley in case Ashley needs additional support during the school day. Ms. Henning also wants Ashley to see an AODA counselor at least once a week (Mr. Marks), and will keep Mr. Marks up to date on what is happening in therapy while she implements his evaluations and suggestions. She has communicated this to him in a credulous manner. Ms. Henning also hopes to initiate family support for Ashley by teaching and encouraging family members to openly discuss the family changes, possible effects, and brain-storm potential solutions. Ms. Henning would like to include â€Å"real† Dad and new siblings, at some point, if feasible and appropriate to Ashley and her family. Ashley’s ability to understand her sadness and develop coping skills will be greatly increased with a team of family members, the therapist, the AODA counselor, the school counselor, or possibly a psychiatrist if it is suspected that medication might be needed. Ms. Henning is dedicated to keeping all team members informed beyond progress reports by scheduling group meetings with everyone involved once a month. She is dedicated to receiving and offering feedback at every turn throughout the duration of Ashley’s therapy and reiterates this frequently to every member on this â€Å"team† emphasizing the value and importance of each team member. She knows that one field (or specialization) cannot effectively handle it all. The significance of promoting team work and joining forces in the counseling field is also included in some college  counseling curriculums. McAllister, M., Morrissey, S., McAuliffe, D., Davidson, G., McConnell, H., & Reddy, P. (2011), present the importance of the cooperation of professionals within the field and how some students are required to reach outside of their own specialization (or discipline) to connect with those students who have chosen other disciplines in order to build an understanding and respect between specialties. These students are required to share their own POEM’s (philosophy, ontology, epistemology and methods) with students in specialties other than their own. Studies and research; on spirituality, the human body (especially the brain), pharmaceuticals, addictions, or how society, science, technology, or government and new laws can affect individuals, will continue to shatter preconceived ideas and current acceptable â€Å"norms† of life and society. Those who choose this field must keep up. Specializations and collaboration in counseling seems to be invaluable and necessary. References McAllister, M., Morrissey, S., McAuliffe, D., Davidson, G., McConnell, H., & Reddy, P. (2011). Teaching ideas for generating critical and constructive insights into well-functioning multidisciplinary mental health teams. The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education, and Practice, 6(3), 117-127. oi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/17556221111171711 Merta, R. J. (2001). Addictions counseling. Counseling and Human Development, 33(5), 1. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.library.capella.edu/docview/206851023?accountid=27965 Newman, N. &. (2014). Development through life a psychosocial approach. Stamford: Cengage. Page, R. C., & Bailey, J. B. (1995). Addictions Counseling Certification: An Emerging Counseling Specialty. Journal Of Counseling & Development, 74(2), 167-171. Smith, H. B., & Robinson, G. P. (1995). Mental Health Counseling: Past, Present, and Future. Journal Of Counseling & Development, 74(2), 158-162. White, W. (2004). The historical essence of addiction counseling. Counselor, 5(3), 43-48.

Ethics Paper

Ethics Paper MGT/498 Professor: The primary purpose of ethics and social responsibility is imperative to the way we do business and live amongst society. Ethics most commonly know as the rights and wrongs are principles and standards that establish what is know as acceptable conduct within an organization. Organizations have moral and legal duties to implement ethics when developing a strategic plan while considering stakeholders and consumers, they do not want to be lied to or cheated into buying a false product.Unethical companies will use aggressive sales tactics and mischievous ways, of doing usiness to sell, promote and profit from vulnerable consumers. Unethical organizations believe in these tactics not realizing that ethical and honest companies tend to be more profitable, reputable and operate amongst less stress from employees to managerial position. Social responsibilities are Just as important as ethics but pertain to a greater scale; it's an organizations obligation to m ake a positive impact rather than a negative one on society and the environment.An example of a company that overstepped ethical and social responsibility boundaries s the oil and gas company BP p. l. c. In 2010, a massive oil spill broke out in the Gulf of Mexico that was caused by oil drilling conducted by this Company and its key contractors. This oil spill caused the death of eleven individuals and cost the company and its partners tens of billions of dollars in order to contain a blowout of the well, mitigate the damages caused and compensate all the individuals and businesses impacted by the spill. The Telegraph). As a result of this oil spill, the US Government established an Oil Spill Commission hich was put in place to investigate the reasons for this disaster. The report concluded that a number of separate factors contributed to the spill which included oversights and outright mistakes from BP and its contractors, Halliburton and Transocean, however that the underlying rea son was a failure from management (National Commission).Management, in an effort to minimize the loss of returns, made concessions for a series of cost-cutting measures that included the quality of the materials used, short cuts in testing processes and the reliance on fewer esources which ultimately contributed to the oil spill. The Commission also concluded that the overall industry nad deficiencies in its internal controls; decision making protocols, training and corporate culture.As a result, the short falls in this disaster were a combination of oversights and negligence from multiple parties thus extending the ethical and social responsibility among internal and external stakeholders (National Commission). As part of the remedy process for the disaster, BP was required to take actions to urther enhance the safety of its drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico.These actions included improved risk management processes such as auditing and verification from third-parties, impro ved training for its employees, and the implementation of more efficient and safer equipment for well drilling (BP, Investigations and Legal Proceedings). Additionally, the company's sustainability report for 2012 includes a letter from the Group's Chief Executive which states that the Organization's strategy going forward is to create value for its shareholders and upply energy throughout the globe in a safe and responsible manner.The statement goes on to use other key phrases such as becoming a safety leader in the industry, a responsible corporate citizen and a good employer. The strategy also emphasizes the need to enhance safety and risk management and earn back the trust and value of the Organization (BP, Sustainability Review 2012). All indications are that the Company's behavior pre oil spill was irresponsible and negligent and was potentially driven primarily by a focus to provide strong returns on heir investments while compromising the integrity and internal controls of t he operations.Post oil spill, the Company has had to learn from the consequences of a very costly disaster in order to stay in business and thrive. The Organization appears to understand now the need for effective communication, transparency and detailed due-diligence in all their efforts. In collusion ethics and social responsibilities' within an organization take on an imperative role to the success of a corporation or company. Society must also be ware and educate themselves from scams, aggressive business tactics and do their part to prevent these unethical organizations from preying on vulnerable consumers. Ethics Paper Ethics Paper MGT/498 Professor: The primary purpose of ethics and social responsibility is imperative to the way we do business and live amongst society. Ethics most commonly know as the rights and wrongs are principles and standards that establish what is know as acceptable conduct within an organization. Organizations have moral and legal duties to implement ethics when developing a strategic plan while considering stakeholders and consumers, they do not want to be lied to or cheated into buying a false product.Unethical companies will use aggressive sales tactics and mischievous ways, of doing usiness to sell, promote and profit from vulnerable consumers. Unethical organizations believe in these tactics not realizing that ethical and honest companies tend to be more profitable, reputable and operate amongst less stress from employees to managerial position. Social responsibilities are Just as important as ethics but pertain to a greater scale; it's an organizations obligation to m ake a positive impact rather than a negative one on society and the environment.An example of a company that overstepped ethical and social responsibility boundaries s the oil and gas company BP p. l. c. In 2010, a massive oil spill broke out in the Gulf of Mexico that was caused by oil drilling conducted by this Company and its key contractors. This oil spill caused the death of eleven individuals and cost the company and its partners tens of billions of dollars in order to contain a blowout of the well, mitigate the damages caused and compensate all the individuals and businesses impacted by the spill. The Telegraph). As a result of this oil spill, the US Government established an Oil Spill Commission hich was put in place to investigate the reasons for this disaster. The report concluded that a number of separate factors contributed to the spill which included oversights and outright mistakes from BP and its contractors, Halliburton and Transocean, however that the underlying rea son was a failure from management (National Commission).Management, in an effort to minimize the loss of returns, made concessions for a series of cost-cutting measures that included the quality of the materials used, short cuts in testing processes and the reliance on fewer esources which ultimately contributed to the oil spill. The Commission also concluded that the overall industry nad deficiencies in its internal controls; decision making protocols, training and corporate culture.As a result, the short falls in this disaster were a combination of oversights and negligence from multiple parties thus extending the ethical and social responsibility among internal and external stakeholders (National Commission). As part of the remedy process for the disaster, BP was required to take actions to urther enhance the safety of its drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico.These actions included improved risk management processes such as auditing and verification from third-parties, impro ved training for its employees, and the implementation of more efficient and safer equipment for well drilling (BP, Investigations and Legal Proceedings). Additionally, the company's sustainability report for 2012 includes a letter from the Group's Chief Executive which states that the Organization's strategy going forward is to create value for its shareholders and upply energy throughout the globe in a safe and responsible manner.The statement goes on to use other key phrases such as becoming a safety leader in the industry, a responsible corporate citizen and a good employer. The strategy also emphasizes the need to enhance safety and risk management and earn back the trust and value of the Organization (BP, Sustainability Review 2012). All indications are that the Company's behavior pre oil spill was irresponsible and negligent and was potentially driven primarily by a focus to provide strong returns on heir investments while compromising the integrity and internal controls of t he operations.Post oil spill, the Company has had to learn from the consequences of a very costly disaster in order to stay in business and thrive. The Organization appears to understand now the need for effective communication, transparency and detailed due-diligence in all their efforts. In collusion ethics and social responsibilities' within an organization take on an imperative role to the success of a corporation or company. Society must also be ware and educate themselves from scams, aggressive business tactics and do their part to prevent these unethical organizations from preying on vulnerable consumers. Ethics Paper Ethics Paper MGT/498 Professor: The primary purpose of ethics and social responsibility is imperative to the way we do business and live amongst society. Ethics most commonly know as the rights and wrongs are principles and standards that establish what is know as acceptable conduct within an organization. Organizations have moral and legal duties to implement ethics when developing a strategic plan while considering stakeholders and consumers, they do not want to be lied to or cheated into buying a false product.Unethical companies will use aggressive sales tactics and mischievous ways, of doing usiness to sell, promote and profit from vulnerable consumers. Unethical organizations believe in these tactics not realizing that ethical and honest companies tend to be more profitable, reputable and operate amongst less stress from employees to managerial position. Social responsibilities are Just as important as ethics but pertain to a greater scale; it's an organizations obligation to m ake a positive impact rather than a negative one on society and the environment.An example of a company that overstepped ethical and social responsibility boundaries s the oil and gas company BP p. l. c. In 2010, a massive oil spill broke out in the Gulf of Mexico that was caused by oil drilling conducted by this Company and its key contractors. This oil spill caused the death of eleven individuals and cost the company and its partners tens of billions of dollars in order to contain a blowout of the well, mitigate the damages caused and compensate all the individuals and businesses impacted by the spill. The Telegraph). As a result of this oil spill, the US Government established an Oil Spill Commission hich was put in place to investigate the reasons for this disaster. The report concluded that a number of separate factors contributed to the spill which included oversights and outright mistakes from BP and its contractors, Halliburton and Transocean, however that the underlying rea son was a failure from management (National Commission).Management, in an effort to minimize the loss of returns, made concessions for a series of cost-cutting measures that included the quality of the materials used, short cuts in testing processes and the reliance on fewer esources which ultimately contributed to the oil spill. The Commission also concluded that the overall industry nad deficiencies in its internal controls; decision making protocols, training and corporate culture.As a result, the short falls in this disaster were a combination of oversights and negligence from multiple parties thus extending the ethical and social responsibility among internal and external stakeholders (National Commission). As part of the remedy process for the disaster, BP was required to take actions to urther enhance the safety of its drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico.These actions included improved risk management processes such as auditing and verification from third-parties, impro ved training for its employees, and the implementation of more efficient and safer equipment for well drilling (BP, Investigations and Legal Proceedings). Additionally, the company's sustainability report for 2012 includes a letter from the Group's Chief Executive which states that the Organization's strategy going forward is to create value for its shareholders and upply energy throughout the globe in a safe and responsible manner.The statement goes on to use other key phrases such as becoming a safety leader in the industry, a responsible corporate citizen and a good employer. The strategy also emphasizes the need to enhance safety and risk management and earn back the trust and value of the Organization (BP, Sustainability Review 2012). All indications are that the Company's behavior pre oil spill was irresponsible and negligent and was potentially driven primarily by a focus to provide strong returns on heir investments while compromising the integrity and internal controls of t he operations.Post oil spill, the Company has had to learn from the consequences of a very costly disaster in order to stay in business and thrive. The Organization appears to understand now the need for effective communication, transparency and detailed due-diligence in all their efforts. In collusion ethics and social responsibilities' within an organization take on an imperative role to the success of a corporation or company. Society must also be ware and educate themselves from scams, aggressive business tactics and do their part to prevent these unethical organizations from preying on vulnerable consumers.

Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and Wic Analysis

Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and WIC Analysis a. How effective is the policy is in terms of solving the social problem. The Child Nutrition Act of 1966 has since formed and developed many programs beneath it to aid those in poverty. The five top producing programs under the Child Nutrition Act in fiscal year 2010 include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the National School Lunch Program, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the School Breakfast Program.WIC serves 45-50 % of all infants born in the United States (Facing Hunger in America, 2011, para. 3). According to Kowaleski-Jones & Duncan (2002), much of the research on the effects of WIC participation on children has focused on the potential benefits of increased use of prenatal care, increased Medicaid savings, better infant outcomes, and less infant mortality. In addition to the previously stated, WIC’s effecti veness can be supported by the perception of â€Å"WIC Works,† (Kowaleski-Jones, & Duncan, 2002).The observation that â€Å"WIC works,† is driven by the great deal of research for WIC partakers to birth healthier offspring (Kowaleski-Jones, & Duncan, 2002). For example, each dollar spent on WIC saved the state at least $1. 77 to $3. 13 in health care costs (Bitler, & Currie, 2004). According to Public Health Nurse Supervisor Luzette Samargia, of Duluth, Minnesota, WIC is effective and produces positive outcomes (Facing Hunger in America, 2011, para. 11).Luzette manages about 27 public health nurses and 3 dieticians, who as part of their jobs are highly trained to provide WIC health checks, breastfeeding encouragement, nutrition counseling for mothers and their young children, and appropriate WIC food vouchers (Facing Hunger in America, 2011, para. 7). According to Luzette: WIC has generally not been found to significantly change food patterns of participants or to redu ce the incidence of obesity. Thus, WIC programs are increasing their focus on nutrition education.And in 2009 the WIC nutrition advice and foods available with WIC vouchers were completely updated in accordance with current USDA guidelines. For example, WIC vouchers may now be used for fresh fruits and vegetables, more whole-grain products are required and only milk with 2 percent or lower fat content is authorized for women and children age 2 and older (Facing Hunger in America, 2011, para. 12). WIC’s goal is not to end poverty and solve all problems amongst it. WIC’s purpose is to aid those in need and supplement their nutritional prerequisites.Breastfeeding an infant is vital to a newborns development, yet not everyone has this knowledge. WIC does offer free infant formula to its participants but strongly encourages mothers to breastfeed. b. Describe the policy’s strengths and limitations Limitations involved when discussing WIC can be drawn to breastfeeding rates. Because WIC provides free infant formula, breastfeeding rates have been a hot topic amongst WIC participants. However, according to the National WIC Association breastfeeding rates have slightly risen in recent years.In the year 2004, approximately 55% of mother’s participating in WIC’s benefits were breastfeeding; in the year 2010 rates had increased to over 60% (National WIC Association [NWA], 2011). An additional limitation involved with WIC is of course funding (Mahoney, 2008). Each year Congress authorizes just how much of funding will be allotted for the WIC program (Mahoney, 2008, pg. 4) According to the USDA: They requested $6. 1 billion for the WIC Program for fiscal year 2009, a 1. 3% increase from fiscal year 2008.This request was based on projected increases in participation and food costs, and the USDA’s proposal to limit nutrition services, cut administrative costs, and to restrict eligibility for Medicaid recipients – a proposal reje cted by Congress for fiscal year 2008 (Mahoney, 2008, pg. 4). With inflation rates continually on the rise and because WIC is not an entitlement program, if funds are not available eligible participants at nutritional risk may not receive the supplemental nutrients as they have in the past (Mahoney, 2008, pg. 5).In contrast to limitations WIC also has much strength. In Indiana alone, according to the National WIC Association in the fiscal year of 2011 167,875 women, infants, and children participated (National WIC Association [NWA], 2013, pg. 1). WIC is preparing ways in which women can avoid the long lines, the stigma, and hassle when purchasing nutritious foods. Indiana is currently preparing plans in converting the WIC program to the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) by 2020 (NWA, 2013, pg. 2) c. Who gains and who loses as a result of the policy? . Are there people in need who are left out? Who is left out? WIC serves a tightly-defined population – strictly low to moderate income, nutritionally at-risk pregnant women, breastfeeding women, non-breastfeeding postpartum women, infants, and children up to their fifth birthday (Facing Hunger in America, 2011). Participants of WIC’s family members may benefit from participation, yet if you were not mentioned previously you may be left out from receiving WIC benefits. e. Is the policy addressing only a portion of a larger issue?What is the larger issue? f. Does the policy improve social well-being? Explain in detail. g. Does the policy advance the cause of social and economic justice? References Bitler, M. , & Currie, J. (2004, June). Does wic work? The effects of wic on pregnancy and birth outcomes. Retrieved from http://www. econ. ucla. edu/people/papers/currie/more/prams. pdf Facing Hunger in America. (2011, June 23). Wic works. Retrieved from http://facinghungerinamerica. blogspot. com/2011/06/wic-works. html Kowaleski-Jones, L, & Duncan, G. (2002).Effects of participation in the wic program on b irthweight: Evidence from the longitudinal survey of youth. American Journal of Public Health, 92(5), 799-804. Retrieved from http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC1447164/ Mahoney, M. (2008). The special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, & children (wic): Opportunities to influence participants’ health in Minnesota. Tobacco Law Center. Retrieved from http://phlc. stylefish. com/sites/default/files/resources/phlc-policy-wic. pdf National WIC Association. (2011). Advocacy action center.Retrieved from http://www. nwica. org/? q=advocacy/1 National WIC Association. (2013, January). How wic impacts the people of Indiana. Retrieved from http://www. paramountcommunication. com/nwica/Indiana. pdf National WIC Association. (2011, November). Wic funding: What does sequestration mean for wic’s future? Retrieved from http://www. paramountcommunication. com/nwica/WICSequestration. pdf Neuberger, Z. (2013, March 5). Sequestration could deny nutrition deny up to 750,000 at-Risk low-Income women and children. Center and Budget and Policy Priorities.Retrieved from http://www. offthechartsblog. org/category/food-assistance/child-nutrition-and-wic/ Neuberger, Z. , & Greenstein, B. (2013, March 5). The impact of the sequester on wic: 575,000 to 750,00 eligible low income women and children at nutritional risk could be denied benefits. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Retrieved from http://www. cbpp. org/files/2-26-13fa. pdf Studymode. (2010, February). Social welfare: Wic schema. Retrieved from http://www. studymode. com/essays/Social-Welfare-Wic-Schema-285472. html Whaley, S. E. , Koleilat, M. , Whaley, M. Gomez, J. , Meehan, K. , & Saluja, K. (2012). Impact of the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children. American Journal Of Public Health, 102(12), 2269-2273. doi:10. 2105/AJPH. 2012. 300770 Wolf, J. (n. d. ). Wic: Women, infants, & children. Retrieved from http://singleparents. about. com/od/financi alhel1/p/wic. htm U. S. Department of Agriculture. (2011, March). The food assistance landscape. (Economic Information Bulletin No. 6-8). Washington DC: Economic Research Service. Retrieved from http://www. ers. usda. gov/media/129642/eib6-8. pdf