How the idea of family has changed Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

How the idea of family has changed - Essay Example These factors have made the reliance on a single source of income a progressively more risky approach for family sustenance. Consequently, encouraging public policies on informal care of the ageing population by family members replaces traditional community responsibility on caring for the aged (Lewis & Lewis, 1996). Personally, these changes in the family concept have made me to develop a broader outlook on how present-day families function. Even though women maintain the majority of work in family care, changes have emerged in the readiness of men to adjust work for family and family participation, especially amongst young generations. The overall social workforce now comprises of men and women with the obligation for caring and economically supporting families while seeking a balance between their private life and social work. On the other hand, globalization and technological development have produced changes in employing organizations and the nature of social work. Hence, there exist unclear limits between work and leisure time. Moreover, developments in technology have eradicated the need for several routine jobs. The choices of where and when to work have become more practical as a result of technology such as mobile phone and computer. In this regard, work spills over and intrudes into private or family time. Similarly, employing organizations have reduced their workforce size while empowering teams or individual employees to become more accountable, autonomous and responsible. It would be evident that restructuring may make available opportunities for more flexibility in enabling employees to manage their leisure and work life. From this viewpoint, changes in the family have traditional assumptions have become more obsolete in relation to the distinction between family and work. Subsequently, the concept of a working mother enlightens social policy on the realities of current family life diversity. Nevertheless, the

Personal Theory Paper Essay Example for Free

Personal Theory Paper Essay Abstract There are many ways is which we can build and create our own theories about child development but the way we do our own theories will significantly affect the way we guide and teach children. My unique personal theory about child development is that children should be guided and treated with respect and dignity. This essay will explain my own personal theory or theories that I would use to greatly guide and help children along the way, I believe that these that I am about to mention are the ones that I feel I would really use later on as I pursue my profession in the Child development Field. A positive approach to guidance makes children and others feel confident, happy, and pleasant. A positive approach does not include shaming, humiliation, ridicule, pressure to compete, nor is it punitive, impatient, mean, or bossy. Personal Theory 3 Personal Theory Paper Having your own personal theory means how you will guide children into success in their life’s later on. Making our own personal theory helps us understand, predict, explain and control that reality. Thy are mostly verbal but they can also be mathematical or illustrative. Having our own personal theories really helps learn how children will learn and develop. These several questions that I will discuss are questions that often children caregivers ask themselves: 1. How do you view the course of development is it Continuous or Discontinuous? 2. Is there one course or many courses of development that would characterize all children? 3. Do genetic or environmental factors play a greater role in development? Highlighting these major questions will give us an understanding as to how children develop and react to the changes around them. 1 Theory is a contemplative and rational type of abstract or generalized thinking. Depending on the context, the results might for example include generalized explanations on how nature works, or even how divine or metaphysical matters are thought to work. How do you view the course of development is Continuous or Discontinuous? To me how I view the course of development is it depends on the childs physical and psychological development. On the Wikipedia article about Child Development in the Continuity section of the article I read this: â€Å"Many aspects of developmental change are continuous and do not display noticeable milestones of change. Continuous developmental changes, like growth in stature, involve fairly gradual and predictable progress toward adult characteristics.† (www.wikipedia.com). Although scientists and children caregivers have an interest in identification of developmental milestones, many aspects of developmental change are continuous. An example of a discontinuous development is Freuds Psycho Sexual stages of development is theorized that children systematically move through oral, anal, phallic, and latency stages before reaching mature adult sexuality in the genital stage. The same is mentioned for Eriksons theory of development and Piagets stages of cognitive development. Theorists who believe children grow continuously believe that kids constantly add new lessons and skills on top of old lessons and though parents cannot see it all the time with their own eyes, children are growing all the time right in front of them. Their bodies make new cells. Their minds learn new skills as they play and interact with other people everyday. On the other hand children who grow Discontinuously believe that children grow in stages as they seem to develop chunks of abilities and to experience events at certain times in life. Is there one course or many courses of development that would characterize all children? In my view I believe that both one or many courses in development exist. There is not only one course or just many course, in a preschool setting a teacher or caregiver is dealing with children from different backgrounds, culture, and developmental differences physically, emotional, and psychologically. Its important for a teacher or caregiver to really observe and understand if each child has only one course or many courses of development. â€Å"When a developmental theory has only one course then it is only said to follow one path, but when a developmental theory involves many courses then it has unique paths for particular individuals across popular contexts.† (www.wiki-answers.com/Q/Child_development_One_course_of_development_or_many). Do Genetic or Environmental factors play a greater role in Development? Genetics and the environment shape the development of a human. This fact is mostly known by the idea of nature versus nurture. Scientists have been questioning which of these factors influence upon the various aspects of personal growth. A persons physical development is strongly affected by their genes inherited from their parents. Parents genes predetermine the limits of an individuals height and other characteristics. (www.teenink.com/opinion). Genetics can have a powerful influence on development, but experiences are also important. For example, while the genetic code contains the information a child is influenced by their surroundings. If a child grows up in a home Personal Theory 6 that is well off, they may not appreciate the hard work that goes into earning a dollar because everything was given to them. On the other hand if a child grows up in poverty he or she may not want things that have no significance in their life. Childs growth starts right away and does not end until the child is ready. As a child grows up he or she will learn to think for herself, become aware of themselves, learn to reason, and master language. The environment plays mostly an important part in the childs skill enhancement in so many ways. First there are hereditary traits that can affect a child. The way they talk, walk, their psyche, cognitive thinking, and more can be due to the environment. My Own two Major theories of Development Two major theories that I have experienced while interacting with children is self-direction in which it is the ability to control ones own behavior, to think for oneself was a basic aim by Swiss psychologist, Jean Piaget which have mostly to do with values of freedom and liberty. I have personally come across this because when interacting with children I like to teach them to be more independent with themselves, to be able to do the things by themselves and if they already tried several times and they still need help on doing something then they can rely on me for help. I have a younger sister who I have been helping my mom take care of ever since my sister was three years old (now she is eight years old) she does like to do things by herself independently but now that she is growing up, I have noticed that she is always wanting someone to do the things for her. Like there are times in the mornings when she feels lazy to do her own bed so she always tends to ask for my help only even though she also has other older sisters and an older brother she still only asks for my help, sometimes it is kind of annoying for me when she only asks for my help it almost seems like if I was her only sister. I am tend to loose my patience at times but that is when I Personal Theory 7 say to myself to calm down and realize that she likes to spend quality time with me, even if sometimes it is annoying. I want her to rely on me for help but what I want her to realize is that she also has to do her own things. When she is in a tight situation then that is when she can come to me for advice. My other theory is the imitation experience, when a child sees someone clapping then after seeing the grownup clap the child claps back just the same way the grownup did it. Helping a child read picture books can help develop schemas in child development. A schema can be defined as a set of linked mental representations of the world, which are used both to understand and respond to situations. The assumption is that we store these mental representations and apply them when needed. (www.simplypsychology.com/piaget.html). For example, a person might have a schema about buying a meal in a restaurant. The schema is a stored form of the pattern of behavior which includes looking at a menu, or during food, eating it and paying the bill. This is an example of a schema called script. Whenever they are in a restaurant, they retrieve this schema from memory and apply it to the situation. The schemas Piaget described tend to be simpler than this-especially those used by infants. He described how as a child gets older-his or her schemas become more numerous and elaborate. An example of an initial schema is when the teacher is showing the children how a dog looks from a picture book, therefore the children begin to develop an understanding of what a dog looks like just by looking at the picture book. Experience in practicing the skill can be provided by adults at strategic moments when the child shows readiness, thus enhancing development. Expert teachers are sensitive to childrens readiness in many learning domains. Children seek ways to gain experience when they find a new skill fascinating. (Hildebrand pg. 29) I would watch children climb up and down a mountain when they learning to climb. When observing I would also listen to the childrens conversations, to me it is Personal Theory 8 interesting listening to the way children use words to connect them into sentences that are filled with fantasy, imagination and curiousness all over listening to their conversations also makes me wonder sometimes if they are imitating a grown-up from their own family or if it comes from their own active imagination, it almost seems like they have an inner drive to excel. I would never like to hinder a child from saying anything they wish to say but I would also watch carefully that any child does not swear because a young childrens mind is always active and open; and when they are toddlers everything the grownups say or do they will want to do it also because they are at a period where they want to try everything you do also, so we as their caregivers have to be extra careful what we say or do because what we do or say will greatly affect the child in the present and later on in their l ife. Conclusion Even though I have never had professional early child development teaching experience I know that in the several years of taking care of my sister I have at least gained some basic experience and have seen some of the theories that I mentioned in this essay in action with my younger sister. To me the course of development is both continuous and discontinuous depending on how each child develops. Learning about these theories and finding out more information about the many courses or just one course of development made me see that there are many courses of development based on the many developmental theories and stages each child goes through in life. Lastly I discovered that both genetic and environmental factors can affect children greatly in the present as well as later on in life. As I said earlier if a child is brought up in a negative environment then that will definitely affect the children emotionally as well psychologically. References Continuity and Discontinuity in Development http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_development Oswald, Angela. Child Development Stages versus Continuous Development. Retrieved from: http://www.sevencounties.org/poc/view_doc.php? type=docid=7920.. Cabi816, Greenville, SC. Teen Ink. Genetic Versus the Environment and their Effects on the Development. Retrieved from: http://www.teenink.com/opinion/current_events_politics/article/155563/Geneti cs-V-The-Environment-And-Their-Effects-On-Development/ McLeod, Saul. (Published 2009, Updated 2012). Simply Psychology. Jean Piaget. Retrieved from: http://www.simplypsychology.org/piaget.html Hildebrand, Verna and Hearron, F. Patricia. Guiding Young Children. Sixth Edition. (1999). Merrill, an imprint of Prentice Hall. Upper Saddle, New Jersey and Columbus, Ohio. Chapter 2 Knowing Children as a Basis for Guidance. Speed of Development.

IMF World Bank And Chinas Role Global Governance Politics Essay

IMF World Bank And Chinas Role Global Governance Politics Essay This study will explain how these international organizations are changing and why there are differences in how the two organizations (IMF World Bank) are developing. Constructivist approach to the study of international organizations as actors, it is argued that an understanding of international organizations as bureaucracies with varying degrees of autonomy will contribute to a deeper understanding of their behavior. There are three central International Organizations (IOs) involved in regulating and coordinating the global economy; the International Monetary Fund (IMF or the Fund), the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization (WTO). But I am only going to discuss the role of IMF, World Bank and Chinas role in Global Governance. Since the end of the Second World War, when most of todays more important IOs were created the environment in which these organizations operate has undergone some significant changes impacting on the roles they are to fulfill and the expectations place d on them. The larger process of globalization has generally meant more work for IOs, more states joining, and expansion into new areas previously considered domestic issues. So, the idea is that in new era organizations like IMF and World Bank have become more important in governing the global economy. So, the IOs can be seen as part of an international system where such organizations act as intervening variables in international affairs but also influence the interests of states, in a mutually constituting environment.  [1]   In creating an IO, states also necessarily grant some level of autonomy in order for the organization to work effectively.  [2]  Naturally some states will have more influence in an organization than others but an IO needs to find a balance between the interests of its members and the organizations interests in promoting its mission and continued existence. The roles of the IMF and the World Bank have changed since their creation and the dismantling of the Bretton Woods system in the 1970s. The increased importance of these organizations has meant different things for the organizations and they have developed their own unique way, yet they are still involved in the larger task of regulating the global economy. In some ways these organizations now also have a greater involvement in the domestic policies of the states. Those for example need to lend money or want to be part of the global trade regime. Importantly their membership numbers have also increased greatly since the end of the Cold War. However, if these organizations are perceive as being in the business of performing tasks that impinge on the sovereignty of states, in some ways fulfilling a governance function at the international level then we arguably need to look closer on how they are accountable to member states (shareholders) and people affected by their policies (Stakeholders). This becomes even more important since it is clear that often the states mostly affected by their policies. Developing countries, are the states with little input in these IOs, to an extent by design, have a degree of autonomy in developing solutions for problems and agenda setting  [3]  . The study of IOs in international relations takes place against a background of theoretical disagreement between rationalists and constructivists. From mainstream international relations perspectives, which are rationalist in character, IOs traditionally have not been seen as relevant actors in the international arena. IOs are primarily seen as tools for states with no independent interests and no relevant autonomy. At best from a neo-liberal perspective you could say that the existence of IOs can have a pacifying impact on state behavior increasing the likelihood of international cooperation. Rationalist theories are focused primarily on states and why states create IOs in the first place. State interest in rationalist theories is largely seen as predetermined while in a constructivist view more emphasis is placed on the importance of changing norms and ideas. Constructivists argue those ideas, principles and an actors perceived identity influence behavior  [4]  . International Organizations as Agents of Change IOs are designed to facilitate state cooperation but often also to uphold a given set of rules, norms and practices. These norms and rules are of course designed by states and are subject to change if states wish it. One state alone however will have a hard time bringing about significant changes. Cooperation and reciprocal treatment is usually necessary to reach some form of consensus on what norms should prevail. IOs can here also be seen as important facilitators of change as they develop new solutions and policies, within general borders of what is acceptable to their principals. In this view state interests can be seen as derived from both the domestic level and the international level where numerous actors more or less important and involved in shaping and reshaping internationally held norms and rules. IOs are sites of interaction where such norms are shaped, but not exclusively by the states as experts and staff are also highly involved. When an organization has become more e stablished it can be seen as an actor in itself, working to promote tasks delegated to it. In the process of doing this the organization needs to solve problems and develop solutions that can be acceptable to member-states and other clients. So, IOs are generally treated as something positive and are seen to promote peace and international cooperation. The fact that IOs often have a liberal orientation, promoting issues like human rights and free trade adds to the positive view of IOs. A view of IOs as bureaucracies however provides insight into how IOs can sometimes fail due to internal dysfunction  [5]  . In addition IOs have traditionally not been famous for their democratic organization and transparency. Treating them as bureaucracies could provide insights into their legitimacy and how they change to improve their legitimacy in the face of increasing criticism. Four characteristics of modern bureaucracies relevant to understanding IOs as actors are organizational hierarchy, continuity, impersonality and expertise  [6]  . The impersonal character of bureaucracies means that there is a focus on rules that contribute to the image of bureaucratic organizations as impartial and depoliticized. Ideally, as pointed out by rationalists, IOs could be seen as impartial organizations administrating and carrying out the will of their members. This is a view that IOs themselves are often happy to promote  [7]  . Bureaucratic culture is a concept that is useful in understanding why organizations choose one solution over another or why they develop in a certain way. Bureaucratic rules are an integral part of this. Rules and guiding principles will be specific to an organization depending on its area of expertise. Rules will reflect underlying norms and principles and define how the organization interprets problems. They can be both explicit, like operating procedures internal to the organization, and implicit rules and norms guiding staff as to how an issue should be approached. Barnett and Finnemore pointed out some effects of bureaucratic rules that can be of interest  [8]  . Internal rules prescribe how an organization interprets problems so that the organization can respond to issues in an effective manner. Rules, often produced by the organization, also define how other actors should behave. Such rules, as part of the bureaucratic culture of an IO, also influence how staff interprets the world around them and how new problems are dealt with. A further argument is that such rules also contributes to a classification of issues in a way that fits the organization that then influences how others understand those issues, thus having a constitutive effect. For example rules on trade are defined at the WTO which then serves as a standard for others. The World Bank develops solutions to problems of poverty and development which prescribe future action by themselves and others. Rules and principles at an organization are also constitutive of the organization s identity in that they define what the values of the organization are. In addition to this, a contribution to bureaucratic culture at IOs, are their different areas of expertise and what kind of people work there. The IEIs are economically oriented organizations working within the areas of international trade, development and poverty alleviation, and financial issues. Traditionally, although this is changing slowly, these organizations have been staffed primarily with individuals educated and experienced within these fields. While this is quite natural it also contributes to what can be called epistemic communities in these organizations. This can have both positive as well as negative effects. It is positive in that it contributes to effectiveness and expertise, but it also limits critical and alternative input. It may lead to dysfunctional behavior because of unwillingness to take in alternative ideas and information  [9]  . The bureaucratic culture thus informs how staff und erstands and interprets problems, as well as what problems they see. This also suggests that IOs may develop their interests over time as long as it is within the general frames of the original mission. Interpretation is necessary from the beginning as IOs are often given broad mission goals like promoting financial stability which the then has to be turned into a manageable set of goals  [10]  . Authority and Autonomy As bureaucracies IOs also have authority  [11]  . The fact that they have been delegated their responsibility by states is central but there are different dimensions to IOs authority as well. Their bureaucratic character as well as other characteristics of IOs contributes to their independent authority and also to autonomy. IOs autonomy is an issue that has been discussed in trying to account for what has been called mission creep in IOs. One way of explaining autonomous IO behavior and such mission creep that fits within the rationalist perspective, is by focusing on the distribution of information between an agent and its principals  [12]  . It can be argued that IOs have access to more information than their principals which they then use to further their own interest. Despite this IOs may have an informational advantage in certain issue areas that they may, but not necessarily will, use. But important point here is that; why would IOs have diverging interests from that of their members? As suggested above, seeing IOs as bureaucracies provide us with insights as to why IOs may develop their interests. IOs often have normative goals that they try to advance. Member-states would however in the rationalist view have a central role in defining the mission and underlying norms. For example the creation of conditionality on loans and the promotion of increased transparency in member-states by the IMF and the World Bank have produced both resistance from some states and support from other states. States of course have mechanisms to keep IOs in check, primarily by having representatives at the organization  [13]  . Evaluation mechanisms at IOs also serve the function of keeping states informed. While states may have an interest in limiting transparency at IOs in some cases, increased transparency could also be seen as a positive development to improve state control of the organization and accountability of the organization towards member-states. In being bureaucracies, IOs have a rational-legal character, they are authorities because they have been delegated this authority but also because of their bureaucratic organization and expertise. The IMF is seen as the guarantor for international financial stability, the World Bank as a central IO working for development. IOs are often perceived as promoting the general welfare of their members, which they have to balance against particular interests of member-states. These sources of authority contribute to IOs being authorities in themselves and also consequently contribute to their autonomy. IOs are not of course autonomous or nor can they likely be entirely autonomous. Analysis of the Discussion There are various perspectives on IOs, and how we should understand them as actors? The arguments reflect that IOs are relevant actors, and although they are set up by states and states as their principals can have a degree of autonomy in them. This does not mean that IOs should be considered independent actors or they are making up their own interests as they go. IOs will likely have different degrees of autonomy depending on the original design by states for their functioning, but autonomy can also come from other sources. Like organizations expertise and informational advantage can contribute to autonomy in some cases. The expansion of the IEIs in the light of globalization has lead some to argue that these organizations constitute an elitist system of governance unaccountable to both member-states and people affected by their policies. This simplified picture is not really helpful in understanding the roles that the IEIs play in the international political economy or the environm ent in which they operate. In many ways the IEIs have been successful in pursuing their missions of trade and financial liberalization  [14]  . They have been able to adapt to a changing environment and find new issues to deal with as others have become less important. They have also persisted through various crises and have been central in solving problems. This reflects a concern over how these organizations are accountable to both shareholders and stakeholders and the character of the developing system of global economic governance. Legitimacy of this system should base on output oriented logic. In this way its effectiveness will matter the most. Furthermore, the inclusion of stakeholders in decision-making could play a prominent role. The International Monetary Fund The IMF as an organization has developed significantly from its creation reflecting the changing needs of member-states and developments in the world economy. The IMF has expanded over the years and has become increasingly engaged in prescribing economic policy for states in a way that was not originally intended  [15]  . The IMF since the 1980s increasingly deals with the domestic economies of states that want to draw from the Funds resources and prescribe economic policy through conditionality requirements on loans to developing countries. The IMF is an expert bureaucratic organization and an authority on international financial issues. To be perceived as an impartial and expert organization is important for the IMF to retain its legitimacy and importance. From the beginning the IMF has had a liberal ideological orientation to promote free movement of capital and contribute to economic growth. That the organization has been primarily staffed with economists in turn also affect how problems are interpreted and what kind of solutions are developed  [16]  . The staff of IMF need to interpret the mission given, identifies problems, and develops solutions that are likely to be successful while being sensitive to the interests of member states. The World Bank The World Bank of today has changed significantly from its origin both in its organization and in the policies it promotes. The Bank, like the IMF, has conditions attached to most of its loans and has moved further into previously domestic issues in order to pursue its mission of poverty alleviation and development. Originally the World Bank consisted of only one institution, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). With time a number of auxiliary organizations were created; the International Financial Corporation (IFC) in 1956; the International Development Association (IDA) in 1960; the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in 1966; and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) in 1988. These together form the World Bank Group, while the IBRD and IDA are usually referred to as just the World Bank or simply the Bank. Unlike the IMF the Bank (IBRD) provides project specific long-term loans, but also development polic y loans to support institutional and policy change in borrowing countries. Although now strongly influenced by similar economic ideals as the IMF, the Bank has previously promoted and supported various development models  [17]  . In the 1980-90s the Bank became more engaged in issues of institutional and policy change in borrowing countries  [18]  . The organization has continuously been a target for criticism by NGOs and various other critics. But the World Bank has however changed more quickly and in slightly different ways than the IMF in response to legitimacy critique. How to Share Responsibility Before going further in the discussion of global governance, we need to understand the concept of power first. Following could be the important factors to determine a states power: geographical extension, population and military capacity etc. Considering this, and in order to achieve a democratic sharing of responsibilities on the principle of one person one vote. Now is the time when US and EU should really recognize the shift of economic power, energy power and of GDP power to Asia and other emerging economies. After the rise of China, US and EU should think about the other powers in developing countries. The world is progressing day by day and world powers should realize this change. As world is shifting very quickly and many countries are approaching them for forcing them to play their neutral role for the betterment of the world. The US and EU need to think of making IMF and World Bank more open and give representation to the developing countries of the world. If they are not going to act wisely, then there is possibility that other growing countries get frustrated soon and try to create their own multilateral institutions like IMF and World Bank. They could change the situation by giving up from their longstanding monopolies for appointing heads for the IMF and World Bank. (Traditionally Europe names IMF Director General and the US the h ead of the WB). EU and US should adopt the global changing economic reality and give up the leadership of World Bank and IMF for their own good  [19]  . Chinas Role in Global Governance China is rapidly integrating into the international system, but still a new player in global governance while the EU and its member states have rich experience in global governance. General literature on Chinas growing international importance is abundant; but there is still only a limited understanding of the motivations, targets and limitations driving Chinas participation in global governance. According to the literature there are four global governance arenas as key research areas, namely climate change, energy, trade, and development because they are global issues of particular concern for both Europe and China. It is most important to consider that mutual understanding and dialogue are indispensable tools for constructing global governance structures for the world. Since the onset of the financial crisis there have been suggestions to form a Group of Two (G-2) consisting of the United States and China. This proposal is based on the facts that China is the largest creditor of the US, the US is Chinas biggest export destination, and the strong interdependence of their two economies provides a foundation for joint action that can shape the global economy. This thinking is tempting when the Group of Eight is seen as reflecting an outdated balance of power and the Group of 20 is considered too diluted to respond to global challenges. Yet a G-2 would give a false assumption about stronger global governance and China would probably not deliver in such a format. We can say it like this [The] steady and fast growth of Chinas economy is in itself an important contribution to global financial stability. Or look at the closing statement of the National Peoples Congress: We have prepared enough backup firepower to deal with potential greater difficulties, a nd new stimulus packages, if necessary, will be launched.  [20]   Some Chinese are flattered by the suggestion of a G-2. It suggests China is a global power. But on the other hand Chinese realize that they are not yet ready for this. It could have another dimension and that it could be a potential trap for China that could expose it on the world stage. China is active in international reform with focus on internal growth and active foreign policy in financial and monetary matters. China is on the center court of international decision-making to protect a system of economic globalization that has provided China with many benefits. That is reflected in diplomatic efforts undertaken with regard to financial reform and the International Monetary Fund, as well as floating suggestions regarding a new reserve currency. Chinas foreign policy is still deeply rooted in non-interference and at its best conflict-avoidance. The US-China relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships. There is need for tight coordination between the US and Chi na. Yet, to turn that into a G-2 will create an illusion of global governance that will not deliver on its promise. Is China Prepared for Global Leadership? Few years ago, some in the West warned of Chinas coming collapse but now, almost all hopes for global economic recovery are pinned on China, the only major economy still enjoying growth during the current global financial crisis. China has long sought to make others believe that it is one of the greatest countries on the planet. But China is not yet ready to take the leaders role, as it is a revisionist rather than revolutionary state. Chinas effective response enhances its image as the savior of a struggling global economy. Therefore, its proposals for the international economic order have attracted attention. President Hu Jintao became the star of the London Summit. Zhou Xiaochuan, governor of Chinas central bank, also won world wide fame for his suggested new international reserve currency, managed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to replace the US dollar. Chinas new offer of a loan to the IMF was also considered a step toward raising its voice in the international financ ial institutions (IFIs)  [21]  . Although China undoubtedly wields significant economic and political influence, its society contains the fundamental weaknesses of an underdeveloped country. It still has far to go to be a global leader in quantity and quality. With its domestic focus, Chinas government does not think it is time to take primary responsibility for global prosperity and stability. But China can still be more active in global governance and the G20 is an appropriate forum for China to exert its influence on global issues. Chinas rising power enhances the effectiveness of the G20 because a stronger China will improve the power balance in the group, as well as its legitimacy. Here there is no need to deny the differences between the advanced and emerging economies. The developed world is always willing to forget how countries became developed. For instance, developed countries claim that developing countries are stealing their intellectual property and that all countr ies need the strictest regulations to protect their intellectual property, overlooking the fact that they have control of most of it and that they were also imitating and copying during their development process. These differences, as well as Chinas power, help to ensure that the G20 will be a democratic and balanced forum for countries in various stages of development to revise the existing global economic system. Critical Analysis of Chinas Position for Global Governance China has brought forward ideas on the reform of the international institutions. But it is not trying to overturn the existing system and does not yet have its own blueprint for future global governance. It is trying only to reform some deficiencies that conflict with its own interests and values, as China is not yet in a position to take on the responsibility to lead. Moreover, China has enjoyed unprecedented growth under the current system. With regard to global economic governance, it will take into account the interests and requests of developing countries and reduce the control of industrialized countries. China also shares many common interests with the developed world. Cooperation rather than confrontation will help China achieve its goal of revising the international economic order. Because China has benefited much from its WTO membership, and the economic downturn has demonstrated that the Chinese economy still depends heavily on foreign demand, China needs to take a more ag gressive and accommodating stance in the coming negotiations, for instance, by offering more radical market-opening commitments in services and agriculture. On sustainable development, however, China is more defensive. The United States and the European Union have proposed a carbon tariff, which China strongly opposes. For China, this proposal ignores the differences between developed and developing countries for the historical responsibility of climate change, as well as regarding their present levels of development. Here, China again has a strong sense of identity as a developing country. Although it is excited by its acceptance as a major world power, China is not yet prepared to take a leading role in assuming responsibility for global prosperity. In terms of its economic and political development, it is still a developing country. China has therefore neither the capability nor the willingness to establish a new international system to replace the existing one. China, rather, us es the current system, while trying to change parts of it to sustain its own interests. This rising China is revisionist rather than revolutionary, and will help the recovery of the global economy and the reform of international economic order. Globally, I think China should actively participate in global governance constructive. From a longer-term perspective, China should participate in many global issues such as climate change and food security, and offer suggestions with vision. The world power shift has been happening in a peaceful way, without wars. But in reshaping international economic and financial territories, trade wars and protectionism are threats China and other countries must face. China is rapidly integrating into the international system, but still a new player in global governance while the EU and its member states have rich experience in global governance. While general literature on Chinas growing international importance is abundant, there is still only a limit ed understanding of the motivations, targets and limitations driving Chinas participation in global governance. The rise of China will undoubtedly be one of the great dramas of the twenty-first century. Chinas extraordinary economic growth and active diplomacy are already transforming East Asia, and future decades will see even greater increases in Chinese power and influence. But exactly how this drama will play out is an open question. Will China overthrow the existing order or become a part of it? And what, if anything, can the United States do to maintain its position as China rises? Conclusion The size and rapid growth of China, together with its increasing assertiveness, represent a challenge to the established global order. The dynamics and the future impacts of these power shifts for global governance and Chinas rise will create tensions varies according to the ways in which the basic interests of China and Western countries clash. Correspondingly, China has been playing a responsible, cooperative and constructive role in many areas. We can find contributions from China at nearly every big global or regional occasion. But meanwhile, Chinas domestic economic measures have helped create opportunities for other countries. In this way, the stimulus package has been designed and implemented in a balanced way. China is against trade protectionism and actively participating in redesigning international financial institutions. And the efforts are gradually delivering results. We can say China, as a growing power, is playing its role well. It is a suggestion that China should wo rk more aggressively to establish partnerships with international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. On the other hand some states will have more influence in an organization than others but an IO needs to find a balance between the interests of its members and the organizations interests in promoting its mission and continued existence. The US and EU need to think of making IMF and World Bank more open and give representation to the developing countries of the world. Chinas new activism should be encouraged as part of its transformation into a responsible stakeholder. A strengthened partnership and contribution from China can, in turn, boost its role and performance globally. At the same time, Chinas partnership with the United States is very important. The bilateral partnership is the key to the success of Chinas role on the global stage. The Western countries are losing power, and we have to admit the US has been severely affected by the financi al crisis. However, the US is still a robust society. Its high-tech industry is still leading its economy. Furthermore, economic cooperation between the US and China is much needed but world governance is still about more than economics.

Impact of Christianity On The Roman Culture :: essays research papers

Christianity came into the world approximately two thousand years ago. It was persecuted at first, but atually became the offical religion in 381 A.D. "It is the spiritual force that conquered the Roman Empire; one of the decisive elements in the growth of Western civiliztion (Bunson 9). Throughout history Christianity has played a major role in changing our society into what it is today. "Christianity won the professed allegiance of the overwhelming majority of the population of the Roman Empire and even the support of the Roman State (Latourette 65). Not only did Christianity thrive, but it also succeeded in changing the face of Roman culture. Consider the gladiatorial fights. "The huge Coliseum at Rome seated 50 thousand people and was the scene of many bloody gladiatorial combats and even mock naval battles" (Schoder 108). "Hundreds of thousands of slaves shed their blood in the arena in Rome year after year to satisfy the perverted lust of the Roman mob" (Kennedy 148). "Although many Romans descried these blook-letting contests, there persisted a streak of cruelty in Roman public amusements which can scarcely be comprehended, far less condoned, today (81). The message of Christianity helped changed this aspect of Roman life because it gave worth and significance every life (Kennedy 149). Jesus told the multitudes to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Luke 10:27) He also told the story of the good summaritan to illistrate that any person he came in contact with was his good neighbor (Luke 10:30-37). Christianities message contains the golden rule "do to others as you you have them do to you" (Luke 6-3)."The child of today is loved and adored. But it was not so in pre-Christian times. The Roman father’s power of his child was absolute. "He could expose it to death; he could scourge it, mutilate it, marry it, divorce it, see it as a slave, or kill it to satisfy his own blood lust." Quintillion, a roman writer, said that to kill a man was often held to be a crime, but to kill one’s own children was sometimes considered a beautiful action (Kennedy 149). The message of Christianity gave value to children. Jeasus said "who ever humbles himself like this child is greatest in my kingdom. If anyone causes these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone around his neck and be drowned in the Sea (Matt 18:4-6).

Political Issues with the Current Immigration Essay

â€Å"In the wake of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Congress passed the Immigration Act of 1965. This new law abolished the national origins quota system and barred racial considerations from expressly entering into decisions about immigrant visas; it also imposed for the first time a ceiling (120,000) on migration from the Western Hemisphere.† (Johnson, 2006). Historical Framework for the Issue of Illegal Immigration Towards the end of the 19th century, Congress passed the first immigrant exclusion law restricting criminal and prostitutes, and followed up with the Japanese, Asian and Chinese. Even with this law in place the immigration still reached a record high of 1.3 million personnel in 1907. In 1965, Congress then passed the Immigration and Nationality Act amendments that ended the quota and initiated the concept of family sponsored immigration. In 1987, Congress enacted the Immigration Reform Control Act (IRCA) which authorized two programs to identify and legalize illegal immigrants who are able to document their entry into the U.S. prior to 1 January 1982 (America.gov Archive, 2003). The immigration migration is a phenomenon of crucial importance to the United States as long as the immigration guidelines and procedures are followed, but with the vast number of amendments being reconstructed and enacted by Congress, on almost a daily basis this put additional strain on our border patrol, g overnment agencies, and our military forces who have been tasked to assist in the protection of the U.S./Mexico border alongside the local police officers. On October 1, 2004, Mr. Jim Gilchrist, U.S Vietnam Marine veteran, founded the multi-ethnic Minuteman Project after he had been frustrated dealing with the United States Government to enforce the immigration laws. The Minutemen, who formed the name from militiamen who fought in the American Revolution, has described themselves as â€Å"a citizen’s neighborhood watch on our border†,  and have continued to get the media attention on dealing with the illegal immigration issue plaguing the United States. The Minutemen organization has portrayed more of a negative connotation rather than the positive that they had initially strived for. On May 25, 2005 there was the Garden Grove Incident dealing with protestors. On October 4, 2006 they had the Columbia University incident where their stage was stormed by student protestors. The T-Shirt incident on April 6, 2005 in which minutemen had an old man poses with a racial discrimination T-shirt, and in August 2007 there was a fake murder video published by the organization (Sanchez, 2011). Even with this negativity, on April 28, 2005, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger praised the Minutemen Project on a Los Angeles radio station KFI. The issues of the constant illegal immigration border crossings, violence and murders on the borders of the immigrants and law enforcements officers, the immigration laws will continue to be pushed through Congress in order to keep our borders safe and ensure the diverse cultures visiting the United States are entering with the appropriate documentation instead of through the desert with a backpack, bottles of water, and for some, with bags of drugs. Is the Media Portrayal of biased or unbiased Illegal Immigration? On October 6, 2010, Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, announced that record numbers of deportations of criminal aliens, declaring that these figures have demonstrated that President Obama’s administration is focused on enforcing our immigration laws that prioritizes public safety a nd national security. One of the political issues on July 7, 2011, according to Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (2011), a memorandum was published entitled â€Å"Individuals Who Are Not Authorized to Work in the United States Were Paid $4.2 Billion in Refundable Credits† which is also the entire product of the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) for the 2010 tax processing year (Impact on Taxpayers). Illegal immigration laws that are in place are not only bottlenecking the system, becoming costly to taxpayers and increasing the deficit, but the ranchers along the border are either having the illegals trespassing onto their land, destroying their fence line along the property, and on a few occasions ranchers have been killed. Mr. John Ladd, a rancher on the Southern border of Arizona, has a ranch sprawling over 14,000 acres between Mexico border and state highway 92. His ranch is the major corridor  for the smuggling of drugs and human beings into the United States. The border pat rol makes frequent arrests on the ranch, but most of those are released back into Mexico where they regroup and try again until they are successful (Gisorg, 2010). On average, one mile of border fence costs US taxpayers $4 million. Is it worth the expense? The measurements of this fence is 21 feet (6.4m) tall and 6 feet (1.8m) embedded into the ground, and cemented in a 3 foot (.91m) wide trench. With all of this material, manpower, monetary cost and security, on December 16, 2010, a video was shot showing two young American students visiting the border and on their first try, these girls made it to the top of the fence in less than eighteen seconds. How much time do you think it will take if you visit the beach of Tijuana and just swim out to the fence line and cross over? Does the public’s perception encourage or discourage prejudice, labeling or stereotyping? There are media commentaries that intentionally sensationalize the story being reported; it all depends on where their station ratings stand. Even unintentional biased reporting can be portrayed depending on what the listener’s views are on immigration. I cannot justify what their true intentions are, but as a viewer there are times when my perception is that they are not telling the full story, or the story is biased to the side of the populace majority. One of the best media outlets I’ve come across depicting the conflict between bordering countries was by the Coca-Cola Corporation. Two guards who are patrolling their border, walking back and forth along a stretch of about 15 feet with hatred and discontent showing on their faces not uttering a word. What brought these two cultures to a brief truce was a 16oz bottle of Coca-Cola (Gisorg, 2010). Even In the portrayal of the movie ‘Borders’ which depict the immigration issues with Mexico and the United States. Chris Burgard’s award winning television series takes an impartial look at the agonizing and complex issue of our southern U.S. border. This film fosters debate, open discussion, and hopefully a more balanced outlook towards a national problem that has polarized our nation.† (Rick Dixon, Star Tribune, 2011). During the viewing, you may perceive that all Hispanics are probably in this country illegally, drug runners or coyotes. This actually encourages hatred of most Hispanics because they are perceived the same as terrorist in this land. This show demonstrates how individuals should be fighting again crime and illegal immigration of all  types, and the question you should be asking yourself is if you believe in your government, and what is the true border between justice and crime. Does this issue affect the U.S. economy and labor force? Presently illegal immigrants arriving into country are taking advantage of the job workforce that average Americans deem beneath them. They are willing to take on those jobs that we perceive as demeaning, and underpaid. Due to this immigration issue, the United States, as paid over $4.2 billion dollars towards labor for the illegal immigrants and over $100 billion each year on medical, housing and education. According to the Arizona state treasurer Dean Martin, they are losing between $1.3 and $2.5 billion each year on illegal immigrant on incarceration, education and their families. This does not account for the legal services that are provided through the court system. As a manager, what inclusion strategies would be implemented? When dealing with the issues of illegal immigration and the media coverage as a manager, there are strategies that can be utilized to foster a collaborative working environment for employees. Coordinate with Human Resources to schedule diversity and equal opportunity training, plan a quarterly cultural luncheon/potluck, and during each holiday ensure there are decorations representing every culture in your organization and allow those individuals to explain what each trinket means. When dealing with stereotyping, encourage employees to ask questions concerning that cultural difference they don’t understand or have perceptions about. Most organizations will have a media device placed in the office, and employees will hear of negative connotations dealing with the diverse groups around the United States. If listening to these stories makes you stop and think, then it will also make you wonder about that culture. Not all individuals in are the same, and not all cultures are radical, illegal immigrants or a threat. Conclusion The media is the media is the media. As long as there is conflict it will be reported to the masses. Illegal immigrants and immigration laws are tied to the hip and will always be part of society and culture. Unless the United takes a lesson from the 1981 television show called ‘Escape from New York’,  produced by John Carpenter, place a twenty-five foot solid cement wall that is fifteen feet thick around the state. There will always be illegal immigrants either from Mexico, Cuba, and other countries seeking domicile in the United States. References America.gov Archive. (2003). The Immigration Act of 1965. Retrieved from http://www.america.gov/st/educ-english/2008/April/20080423214226eaifas0.9637982.html Canoy, M., Beutin, R., Horath, A., Hubert, A., Lerais, F., Smith, P., & Sochacki, M. (2006, September 10). Migration and public perception. Retrieved from http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/policy_advisers/publications/docs/bepa_migration_final_09_10_006_en.pdf Gemano, R. P. (2010, December 16). 2 Girls Undermine US Border Strategy in Under 18 Seconds [Video file]. Retrieved from YouTube website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHjKBjM1ngw&feature=related Gisorg. (2010, August 9). Gaming the Border: A Report from Cochise County, Arizona [Video file]. Retrieved from YouTube website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRof_dizXH4 Johnson, K. R. (2006). The History of Racial Exclusion in the US Immigration Laws. Retrieved from http://academic.udayton.edu/race/02rights/immigr09.htm Morgenstern, M. (2011). TheBlaze. Retrieved from http://www.theblaz e.com/stories/govt-audit-illegal-immigrants-received-4-2-billion-in-tax-credits-last-year/ Pemberton, J. S. (2011, February 3). Coca-Cola Border [Video file]. Retrieved from YouTube website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-STkFCCrus Sanchez, C. (2011). HATEWATCH. Retrieved from http://www.splcenter.org/blog/2007/08/13/new-video-appears-to-show-vigilante-border-murder/ Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. (2011). Individuals Who Are Not Authorized to Work in the United States Were Paid $4.2 Billion in Refundable Credits. Retrieved from http://Individuals Who Are Not Authorized to Work in the United States Were Paid $4.2 Billion in Refundable Credits

It is impossible to believe in God in todays world †Argumentative Essay

It is impossible to believe in God in todays world – Argumentative Essay Free Online Research Papers It is impossible to believe in God in today’s world Argumentative Essay If we travel to the past we can study the full faith of the people in God. People believed completely and sincerely in God and everybody went to church at least once a week. What has happened now? It has gradually changed. More and more people believe less in God but this is normal because of today’s customs and Discoveries. We should consider that science has developed too much to be able to think that there is a god who has created our environment, everything. For example children are not taught and educated anymore with religious ideas such as the story of Adam and Eva, how the woman was formed and how nature was formed. Children are now taught about genetics, evolutions such as from ape to man and theories such as the ‘Big-Bang’ explosion and how the universe was formed; therefore, if you are educated with these theories since you were small how can you possibly believe the existence of God? Comparing to the past, if you observe how many people go to church or how many people pray to God you can see that the number is decreasing rapidly which is not surprising with all these scientific explications. Nowadays every single thing that surrounds us has an explication: how seeds form, how humans are formed, why it rains†¦ it is very difficult to think that God is the one who controls all this. Many people argue this and think that there must be a God who has started everything and is always there when you need him. These people don’t consider that when you have an accident or an illness God is not going to help you to solve it you need science; you need the medicine created to cure yourself. One of the supposed sins that we must not commit is crime and still many people commit it. Do these people go to hell? Or are punished as they should? The answer is no, they stay some years in prison and then go out so how can we possibly believe in God if the people who deserve to be punished are not punished? And everybody asks question to themselves of how can God who wants peace and good actions to occur to permit, to allow people to commit sins such as killing, robbing, wars†¦how can he allow this violence to occur? This makes us assume that no God exists, that we are responsible for our actions and that no one is there to help us. In addition to this, we have the natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes that kill lots of lives and threaten us constantly. Some people say that they occur because it is a punishment sent from God but in my opinion this is not true. If God did exist he wouldn’t consent the loss of millions of innocents lives and this is what most of the people think. In conclusion, I consider that in today’s world where we have natural disasters, wars and lots of crimes and science is advancing more and more it is impossible to trust that god exists and that he has created everything and is taking care of us. I don’t think there is one God there judging if you are going to go to hell or to heaven when you die or helping you when you need it. I feel this mostly because of the technology and science knowledge that we have acquired. It may had been easier in the past to believe in God because they weren’t so advanced and therefore people were more superstitious but nowadays I do think people are more realistic and assume that it is impossible to believe in God. Research Papers on It is impossible to believe in God in today’s world - Argumentative EssayCapital PunishmentEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenMind TravelComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoGenetic EngineeringQuebec and CanadaMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesRelationship between Media Coverage and Social and19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided Era

Bulimia nervosa essays

Bulimia nervosa essays In todays American society, eating disorders are extremely common. Many people believe that eating disorders have reached epidemic levels. In most cases eating disorders lead to serious and life-threatening medical conditions. Also, eating disorders often lead to physical and psychosocial morbidity in adolescent girls or young women. There are three different classifications of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and the atypical eating disorders. Bulimia nervosa is a much more common eating disorder then anorexia nervosa. Bulimia nervosa is a psychological eating disorder, which is characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by purging or taking laxatives. Bulimia became a recognizable eating disorder when it was established in the 1980s (1). Most bulimics look normal, and are not underweight. Usually bulimia is caused in people who have an overvaluation of body shape and weight. Some triggers for bulimia are uncontrolled hunger and stress. Binge eating and purging is usually done in secret, but bulimics often display signals that can be detected. Opposed to anorexia, bulimia generally occurs later in life. Young adults are more susceptible to bulimia then adolescents. Approximately five percent of older adolescents and young adult females are bulimic. The ratio is 29:1 of females to males who have bulimia. An aspect that does not contribute to the chances of bulimia is social class. Bulimic wealthy people as well as the less fortunate bulimics are in equal proportions. However, there are often more white bulimics then black bulimics. In addition to ethnic background, worldly location also is a contributing factor. Bulimia is often a larger problem in predominantly western societies (3). There are many symptoms and warning signs that someone can be bulimic. Some of the subtle warning signs are hair loss, showing blood vessels in the eyes, and exercising compulsively. Another major sign is...

Electroshock Therapy Essays - Abnormal Psychology, Depression

Electroshock Therapy Essays - Abnormal Psychology, Depression Electroshock Therapy Electroshock therapy what is it? How does it work? What is it used for and what comes from it? This paper will answer all of these questions and will also try to prove that electroshock therapy is useful and not as bad as it appears to be. Electroshock therapy is an old process of ridding schizophrenia, and depression, and suicidal tendencies. It is used when people with major depression are taking too many anti depressant drugs, cant take the side-effects of their medication, or they are taking too many drugs and anti-depressant drugs are too risky to take. It is also used to irradiate certain cases of schizophrenia and is being studied to treat dementia. (Mental Illness Assessment and Treatment p.78). Convulsive therapy using drugs rather than electricity was introduced in 1934 by Hungarian neuropsychiatrist Ladisles meduna , who speculated that seizures (similar to the ones occurring in epilepsy) could probably alleviate mental disorders. He based his theory on the belief that epileptic seizures prevented the symptoms of schizophrenia. Although this was a good theory, the drugs administered to the patients to induce these seizures was too risky to the patients lives. In 1937 psychiatrists started using electric shocks to induce seizures. In 1939 ECT was in wide use in the United States. In those days ECT was unrefined and resulted in many complications and was terribly abused. Today ECT is more refined, safe, and effective (Mental Illness Assessment and Treatment p.78). How does it work? Electroshock therapy or ECT involves exposing the brain to carefully controlled pulses of electric current that induce brief seizures. The reason why electroshock therapy relieves depression is still unknown. Researchers believe that Electroshock therapy alters monoamine function, as do the anti-depressant drugs. The process of inducing seizures through electroshock is not as complicated or as dangerous as people think. The patient is placed in a specially equipped room, where a clinical team first issues intravenous general anesthetic. After this a muscle relaxant is given to the patient. Oxygen is administered and an electric current is applied through electrodes. The patient undergoing the ECT does not feel the electric current, and the only reaction noticeable is the patients toes curling (Mental Illness Assessment and Treatment p.78). The placing of electrodes is still a matter of ongoing research. In unilateral treatment the electrodes are placed two or three inches apart on the same side of the head. The side that is chosen is the same side as the dominant hand. This method is said to reduce short term memory loss and confusion, another method of ECT is placing the electrodes over both temples. This method is proved to work better than unilateral treatment(Mental Illness Assessment and Treatment p.79). Electroshock therapy consists of a series of treatments, a patient is usually scheduled for two to three times a week for six to twelve treatments of depression. The treatment tine for schizophrenia is usually twenty-five to thirty treatment. The entire ECT process takes anywhere from twenty to forty minutes from start to finish (Mental Illness Assessment and Treatment p.79). Even though ECT predominantly effective, there are many risks involved including drowsiness and confusion for about an hour. Short-term memory loss will occur, but there memory will come back to them in tine. Another risk of ECT is the patients heat is affected by the seizures and the drugs, i.e. muscle relaxants, anesthesia, and barbiturates. Side effects such as headaches, speech loss, nausea, muscle soreness, and skin burns ( around the electrode sights). These sides effects go away within a few hours, with acceptation of speech loss coordination which might take up to six months to recover(Mental Illness Assessment and Treatment p.79). Depression is a disorder that affects millions of people everyday, some of these people have suicidal urges and need help desperately. They could take antidepressant drugs, but these become addictive and have sides effects such as nausea, vomiting, digestive problems, drowsiness, damage to hearing and sight, also it could lead to stronger depression. These anti-depressant drugs are only temporary relief. These medications can also have long term damages too, but only five percent of users reported this (Jack Mendelson, MD p.25). Schizophrenic victims, contrary to popular belief, are highly intelligent, but tend to see life as a collage of disassociated and often frightening impressions. These people also have trouble coping with the outside world, and are usually locked away in hospitals for life on strong prescription of medications. These do not solve their problems, whereas electroshock therapy can solve their problems

African Athena Controversy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

African Athena Controversy - Essay Example In his first volume, â€Å"The Fabrication of Ancient Greece†, the author has attacked the nineteenth century notion that Greeks were basically Aryans from the North and he proposes to dissolve his ideas from the Aryan Model to Ancient Model and stated that the religion of the Greeks were derived from the East with Egypt in particular. The controversy is that the western ideological thinkers have criticized Bernal’s views of the Greek’s influence (p.1). Bernal argues that the widely influential books like Flaubert’s Salambà ´ (1862) suggested that the African cultures were pugnacious and uncivilized than that of the Greeks or the Romans. Bernal describes that Flaubert had originally meant to elucidate a historical novel about Egypt but later on fixed on ancient Carthage as his subject because the Egyptians were not sufficiently degenerated for his purposes. Bernal describes the authors’ work as a typical reflection of the western hypocrisy. â€Å" Flaubert implied that Europeans-with the possible exception of the English-were incapable of such things. In fact, the Romans outdid the Carthaginians in virtually every luxury and outrage while the Macedonians [i.e., Greeks] were not far behind† (p. 2). The paper focuses on the influence of the Greeks and the Phoenicians on the Greek society on the lines of Bernal’s elucidation in his â€Å"Black Athena† but at the same time criticizes his views and highlights the area of loopholes of his findings. From the initial findings of the book Black Athena project, Bernal saw the competition between the Aryan and the revised models in terms of competitive plausibility from the documents of the Late Bronze Age in terms of archaeology, language, culture and religious rituals and historical analogy and topology (p.3). In terms of the archaeology and documents the evidence hardly points out to the Revised Ancient Model but in terms of cult and language the evidence supports the very dominance of the

PROJECT MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT - Project Plan Assignment - 1

PROJECT MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT - Project Plan - Assignment Example The plan includes a project initiation document that explains the objective and the importance of this project. Thereafter a detailed work breakdown structure has been formulated explaining the entire task associated with the project. A staff plan as well as a budget plan has also been drafted in order to explain the management regarding the requirements of the project. A project schedule has also been prepared giving an estimate of the time required to bring the project to its conclusion. The project involves the implementation of various project management tools in order to ensure the feasibility of the project. Table of Contents Project Title 4 Responsibilities of the Project Manager 4 Project plan overview and critical assumptions 4 Project Initiation Document (PID) 4 Objective 5 Stakeholders 7 Internal Stakeholders 7 Work breakdown structure 8 8 Staffing plan 10 Role Requirements 10 Project Schedule 11 Budget plan 11 Quality management plan 12 Risk management plan 12 Communicati on management plans 13 Appendix 17 Project Title Development of customer services department of Shipkart.com Responsibilities of the Project Manager The project manager will be primarily responsible for the completion of the project. The individual working as the project manager will have the responsibility of supervising the project from its initiation phase through to its execution phase and then to its completion phase. The project manager, in close connection with the project sponsor will have to develop the business case. The project manager will be required to develop a feasible project plan that caters to identify the resources that is required for the fulfilment of a particular project. In addition to that the project manager will also manage the completion of the project in accordance with the project team. The individual is also responsible for reporting the status of the project to the higher authorities such as the project sponsor, the project advisory board and the top level management of the company. The individual will also direct his/her attention towards risk management of the project and escalation of issues which are detrimental to the life of the project and cannot be resolved by the project team thereby making sure that the project stays in schedule and is very well within the budget (Project Smart, 2013). Project plan overview and critical assumptions Project Initiation Document (PID) The project initiation document will give a comprehensive overview of the project plan based upon which the project will be authorized and thereafter permitted to progress. The documents will also serve as a foundation on the basis of which the project will be evaluated in terms of the delivery timescales associated with the project as well as the content and quality of the deliverables. In addition to that, the purpose of the project initiation document is to set forth the detail required to successfully carry out and control the project thereby facilitatin g communication between the stakeholders of the project. The project plan is a dynamic and expandable and is henceforth expected to change over time with the availability of more information regarding the project. Objective The

Business Culture in China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Business Culture in China - Essay Example Economic Environment Economic environment refers to all economic factors such as economic structures, economic philosophy of a country, economic policies, planning, controls and regulations which affect the functioning of a business organization in a country. In China, the government has absolute control over all markets and owns all resources. The buying power of the people of China is high and continues to rise constantly and with this rise, tremendous business opportunities are created. The high population of China also provides a good market for products as local consumers eagerly purchase western goods. In addition, the high population also provides ready and sufficient labor to the business firms or organizations (Yong, 2005). The stock market is also an economic indicator of how the Chinese economy is performing. Investors can get information on the performance of any sector of business that they wish to invest in through the stock market. From a market perspective, the pressu re to innovate has not existed in China because the demand for goods has never outweighed supply. The Chinese innovation has also been affected by the economic impact of the low labor costs and the foreign direct investment policy. China’s has a good infrastructure that promotes business operations. It has good communication systems, transportation systems, energy facilities and internet and technology (Yong, 2005). Legal Issues The legal environment incorporates a number of legal regulations of doing business in a given country. The regulations ensure that the interests of businesses organizations do not go against the national interests. The regulations can either be government legislations or... This essay gives an insight into the business culture of Chinese people. For example, showing impatience or humility in a business deal implies mischief and one can change the power balance in one’s favor. Guanxi (which means relationship) is also a very vital characteristic of the business culture of China. Good business relationship reduces frustrations, disappointments and risks in business. The Chinese culture is very different from the western culture in that whereas the western countries make deals with any person, Chinese people will only make business deals with those whom they think are trustworthy. Therefore, for the western countries to do business with them, they have to prove that they are trustworthy. Economic environment refers to all economic factors such as economic structures, economic philosophy of a country, economic policies, planning, controls and regulations which affect the functioning of a business organization in a country. In China, the government has absolute control over all markets and owns all resources. The buying power of the people of China is high and continues to rise constantly and with this rise, tremendous business opportunities are created. The high population of China also provides a good market for products as local consumers eagerly purchase western goods. In addition, the high population also provides ready and sufficient labor to the business firms or organizations. China has for many years been politically stable and this has promoted foreign investment.

Good Writing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Good Writing - Essay Example I discovered that writing this semester raised my confidence in high school educational writing. My style of writing at the beginning of the semester was not the same as the one I used recently. I was able to master a collegiate style of writing on a high school project individually. In spite of this mastery, lasted three assists couples for this class truly challenge me to maintain my choice of words a high school level while maintaining an intriguing flow, content, and structure. In retrospect, the first essay that I composed this semester was a rough guide to the new style of academic writing that I was to integrate into my writing soon and master it. After reading the first three papers I composed this semester, I discovered that my focus was not enforcing other writers’ ideas. Instead, my focus was grasping new ways of articulating my ideas successfully. The introduction and ending of my first essays this semester were sections for me to demonstrate this new skill properly. More precisely, I posed questions for the reader to ponder on reading the rest of the essay or simply reflecting on its message. The only way to peek into the interest of the reader was to address him or her directly. This style of writing was a strong suit at the beginning of the semester. However, I cannot continue this writing style in the future since much of the work may not involve addressing readers directly or posing questions. The second strong suit that I discovered in my writing was taking into account the significance of using drafts during the onset of the writing process. I was not familiar with ways to exploit the revision practice before learning the skill of clarifying and polishing my ideas for writing. I became more accustomed to using drafts for revision purposes after writing six more research papers and before completing the final paper.  

Analysis and evidence-based findings on Alex Color Studio employee's Essay

Analysis and evidence-based findings on Alex Color Studio employee's relationship Conflict - Essay Example This approach is more concerned with how workplace relationships progress and how such conflicts can be predicted by examining underlying communication practices, quality of the existing relationships, employees satisfaction, career advancement and performance. Thus, relationship conflicts is a workplace is affected by poor communication strategies, lack of employee satisfactions due to pay or promotions, unavailability of career advancement chances, and the nature and quality of the relationships. The nature of conflicts in Axle Color Studio is mostly relationship conflicts as opposed to task conflicts. Alex and Jackie admitted of there being several cases of relationship conflicts despite their constant argue to their employees not to bring personal conflicts into the salon. The interview revealed that there have been many visible instances of relationship conflicts between staff members which cause strain on assistant-stylist relationship when we are understaffed with assistants. Much of the relationship conflicts identified by Alex and Jackie are traced to the stylists’ relationship outside the salon. Due to the fact that the salon has few employees, their relationship is more personal and thus, extends outside the salon and thus external conflicts are extended from outside the salon into the salon. Even though Alex and Jackie have tried to persuade their employees to avoid mixing outside issues with the salon issues relationship conflicts have continued to be inevitable in Axle Color Studio. Stylists in the salon agree that conflict in the salon has very negative energy as conflicts between two employees causes the other employees around them to become stressed out which causes the salon’s atmosphere to then become tense and unpleasant. Intensified conflicts results into an overworked staff and it can be translated into their clients too. A client getting an experience in a tense and an unwelcoming environment is not likely to

Women writers during the Harlem Renaissance Research Paper

Women writers during the Harlem Renaissance - Research Paper Example The name referred to black Americans in the United States who had moved to search for education, job and suffrage during the Great Migration that took place from Southern cities to the Northern. The term was used to describe the African Americans as sophisticated, conscious and artistic despite the stereotypes of them being instinctively servile. It involved a group of different writers and intellects associated with Manhattan district and Harlem. The period was known as having a rebellious edge since it acted a celebration and development of the intellectual gains of the African Americans. Jim Crow also described it as the social uprising and literary movement against racism implementation. The main objective of this period was to recreate Blacks identity in museum, literature, arts and music. This paved way for the New Negro Women in relation to writing poems, novels and other literary works. The women played an important role in the struggle of the minority African American women. They made use of this movement in expressing their opinions on gender and race (Deborah, 2011 pg 89). Thesis Statement: It is evident that Women writers have made a step in the literary world as compared to men writers from the history. Mother of Renaissance According to Edame, (2003 pg 66) in some of his book argues that, the major focus of Harlem renaissance women writer is based on the first three women who were referred to as the mothers of renaissance. They include Zora Neale Hurston, Jessie Redmon Faucet and Nella Larson. These women symbolized different voices of women, styles and vision in New York. Zora’s use of parlance in black folk societal was unpopular as evident in most of the literary works. Huston in her essay titled ‘How It Feels To Be Colored Me’ clearly depicts how she feels to be black woman besides being within the white people colony. Williams, (2007 pg 56) adds that among the three women writers of this period, Hurston had a typical think ing that influenced the modern forms of writing. Her work focused on the northern region of her birth. Most of the writers during her era in literacy had not come across ‘Tragic Negro’, which was her piece of work hence sought to transcend. Faucet during her teaching profession at Fisk University, challenged other writers on the race issue in the coming period. Hurston experience of the black people contributed much to her work since she was born and raised in the black region. The memories of the southern life made most of her work parallel with other women who were within the white States. Hurston was the first woman writer in the canon of Harlem through her recognized value in writing. She opened the door for other women writers and artists in the society of literature despite their contribution being of no importance to the society but later recognized after their death. Faucet was recognized as the mother of Harlem because she was the first woman among the black wo men writers to be matriculated at Cornell University. She helped in selecting various works on the board for publication (Harold, 2004 pg 89). This woman shared most of her expertise and contact with other up-coming young writers whose works could not make it to publishers. She edited they work and help them through publications. This made her novel; ‘Plum Bun’ to be the best in the country. She re-created the climate that produced and sustained the walls of the Harlem renaissance in her chapter. The extensive publication of her work was the innermost figure during this period thus contributed to her advancement of other artists. Laying the Foundation Sacvan & Patell, (2008 pg 120) asserts from their research works that, chapters concerning Larsen and Hurston the entertaining

Good Writing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Good Writing - Essay Example I discovered that writing this semester raised my confidence in high school educational writing. My style of writing at the beginning of the semester was not the same as the one I used recently. I was able to master a collegiate style of writing on a high school project individually. In spite of this mastery, lasted three assists couples for this class truly challenge me to maintain my choice of words a high school level while maintaining an intriguing flow, content, and structure. In retrospect, the first essay that I composed this semester was a rough guide to the new style of academic writing that I was to integrate into my writing soon and master it. After reading the first three papers I composed this semester, I discovered that my focus was not enforcing other writers’ ideas. Instead, my focus was grasping new ways of articulating my ideas successfully. The introduction and ending of my first essays this semester were sections for me to demonstrate this new skill properly. More precisely, I posed questions for the reader to ponder on reading the rest of the essay or simply reflecting on its message. The only way to peek into the interest of the reader was to address him or her directly. This style of writing was a strong suit at the beginning of the semester. However, I cannot continue this writing style in the future since much of the work may not involve addressing readers directly or posing questions. The second strong suit that I discovered in my writing was taking into account the significance of using drafts during the onset of the writing process. I was not familiar with ways to exploit the revision practice before learning the skill of clarifying and polishing my ideas for writing. I became more accustomed to using drafts for revision purposes after writing six more research papers and before completing the final paper.  

Women writers during the Harlem Renaissance Research Paper

Women writers during the Harlem Renaissance - Research Paper Example The name referred to black Americans in the United States who had moved to search for education, job and suffrage during the Great Migration that took place from Southern cities to the Northern. The term was used to describe the African Americans as sophisticated, conscious and artistic despite the stereotypes of them being instinctively servile. It involved a group of different writers and intellects associated with Manhattan district and Harlem. The period was known as having a rebellious edge since it acted a celebration and development of the intellectual gains of the African Americans. Jim Crow also described it as the social uprising and literary movement against racism implementation. The main objective of this period was to recreate Blacks identity in museum, literature, arts and music. This paved way for the New Negro Women in relation to writing poems, novels and other literary works. The women played an important role in the struggle of the minority African American women. They made use of this movement in expressing their opinions on gender and race (Deborah, 2011 pg 89). Thesis Statement: It is evident that Women writers have made a step in the literary world as compared to men writers from the history. Mother of Renaissance According to Edame, (2003 pg 66) in some of his book argues that, the major focus of Harlem renaissance women writer is based on the first three women who were referred to as the mothers of renaissance. They include Zora Neale Hurston, Jessie Redmon Faucet and Nella Larson. These women symbolized different voices of women, styles and vision in New York. Zora’s use of parlance in black folk societal was unpopular as evident in most of the literary works. Huston in her essay titled ‘How It Feels To Be Colored Me’ clearly depicts how she feels to be black woman besides being within the white people colony. Williams, (2007 pg 56) adds that among the three women writers of this period, Hurston had a typical think ing that influenced the modern forms of writing. Her work focused on the northern region of her birth. Most of the writers during her era in literacy had not come across ‘Tragic Negro’, which was her piece of work hence sought to transcend. Faucet during her teaching profession at Fisk University, challenged other writers on the race issue in the coming period. Hurston experience of the black people contributed much to her work since she was born and raised in the black region. The memories of the southern life made most of her work parallel with other women who were within the white States. Hurston was the first woman writer in the canon of Harlem through her recognized value in writing. She opened the door for other women writers and artists in the society of literature despite their contribution being of no importance to the society but later recognized after their death. Faucet was recognized as the mother of Harlem because she was the first woman among the black wo men writers to be matriculated at Cornell University. She helped in selecting various works on the board for publication (Harold, 2004 pg 89). This woman shared most of her expertise and contact with other up-coming young writers whose works could not make it to publishers. She edited they work and help them through publications. This made her novel; ‘Plum Bun’ to be the best in the country. She re-created the climate that produced and sustained the walls of the Harlem renaissance in her chapter. The extensive publication of her work was the innermost figure during this period thus contributed to her advancement of other artists. Laying the Foundation Sacvan & Patell, (2008 pg 120) asserts from their research works that, chapters concerning Larsen and Hurston the entertaining

The Lady with the Pet Dog Essay Example for Free

The Lady with the Pet Dog Essay The versions of the â€Å"The Lady with the Pet Dog† by Anton Chekhov and Joyce Oates are considered different largely due to the fact that the authors took different perspectives in narrating the story. The earlier maximized on the guy’s point of view, thus providing a clear interpretation of his actions, while the latter focused on the woman’s. However, in general, the story spoke of the same two persons and a dog; a man and a woman, both within the sanctity of marriage taking a vacation, meeting each other and getting into a dalliance. Then again, the authors showed different realizations from the man and the woman at the end of the story. Another main difference that can be observed, if one reads both stories, is the illustration of the personality of the female character, Anna Sergeyevna.. In Chekhov’s account, she was barely described, so simplified, typical, one can only see her through Gurov’s perception of her, if not for her major participation as Gurov’s mistress she might as well be just one of the women generalized in the story. Thus, after reading the story, one would definitely identify her as just the lady with the pet dog. On the other hand, although Oates took the view of the female character, she did not maximize on the actions, rather on what Anna feels; her inner emotions. Thus, she was able to show the female protagonist as having a hysterical character, has suicidal tendencies, full of self-loathing and with a melodramatic self-image. It was also shown in this version what seemed to be almost neglected in the original narration, the female protagonist’s thoughts of the situation she was in. If one would observe how Anna reacted on the circumstance based on Chekhov’s narrations, it would be unclear how she felt about what was happening. One may somehow recognize the struggles but not to the extent of truly identifying with her. In fact, it may be possible to jump to a conclusion that she was not tremendously affected by the obviously wrong conduct that they were doing. As can be seen in the situation where Gurov went to visit her, she was described as astonished about his sudden appearance but showed no remorse for they continued their escapades and promised to meet discretely (Gioia, 1998). This can be misleading for readers may interpret her reaction as a complete acceptance of the situation they were in. However, in Oates’s account, it can be seen and felt how much Anna was confused about the situation. The conflict inside her was clearly illustrated which made it easy to relate with her struggles. Thus, it can be understood why she had inclination to end her own life. Moreover, being able to focus on her perception makes readers understand that she actually desired for things to be in the right place. She wanted her marriage to be better so that things would be corrected. This confusion was emphasized more by Oates’s circular presentation of events, which made it seem like it was actually the main idea of the story. Moreover, in the depiction of the characters, one can see how the Gurov of Chekhov’s version and Anna of Oates’s story have quite different perceptions of marriage and adultery. Through Chekhov’s, we identify that the main protagonist do not think highly of his marriage, staying within it but not respecting its real essence. It has actually became instrumental in perpetuating his quest for women, thus, adultery can be said as a second nature to him. On the other hand, we learned through Oates that Anna has fair regards to her marriage, which made her feel guilty about her affair with Gurov. She was not comfortable with adultery the same way that her partner was; therefore, she had to deal with her conscience throughout the story. (Fulford, 2004). Further differences unfold at the end of each story. On Chekhov’s note, since it was on Gurov’s view, he presented how he realized that he can actually still find true love; that despite the fact that he despised women in general, here is a woman who was able to show him that he can still feel that form of affection. On the other hand, Anna also found love at the end of Oates’s story, however, it was a different one for it was a love for herself. It was an acceptance of what she is and what she has become in loving â€Å"the stranger†, which made her acknowledge that she cannot live without him and that her marriage would not be able to keep her from being with him. Through this realization, it showed that she has finally decided to take the path that would make her happy, disregarding other matters, just making a decision that would satisfy her needs and wants. Her identity has been found and she has learned to love it (Edrich, 2003). If profoundly analyzed, one would identify that the theme of both stories revolve on the stereotypical idea of love, marriage and adultery. Men tend to find love on another person, often on women, while women always seem to be lacking self-acceptance which translate to not loving themselves; women has higher respect and gives more importance to marriage as compared to men and society seems to have a better acceptance of men being adulterous but women are judged awfully for it. As a matter of fact, men who commit adultery are at times admired but women are abhorred for doing so. The story is somewhat an illustration of society’s double standard. Chekhov was a genius in coming up with a story with a theme like this and the way that he presented it was very exceptional. Oates should also be commended for her brilliance in making an interpretation of the woman’s character. Thus, even though these are different stories, they are able to present different perspectives and understanding of issues that are rampant in the society but are not often addressed. I cannot completely decide on which of the versions is better because both have their own merits, although I have a slight inclination to the original. Perhaps, a good deciding factor would be to which character one could relate to, the man or the woman? Works Cited: Edrich, M. M. (2003). The Lady with the Pet Dog Essay. Retrieved May 31, 2010, from: http://www. edrich. us/files/own/c_engcheckhov. pdf Fulford, R. (2004). Surprised by Love: Chekhov and The Lady with the Dog. Queens Quarterly, 111, 300+. Goioa, D. (1998). Anton Chekhovs The Lady with the Pet Dog. Retrieved May 31, 2010, from Ecclectic Literary Review: http://www. danagioia. net/essays/echekhov. htm

Female circumcision in other states

Female circumcision in other states An estimated 100 million to 140 million girls and women worldwide have undergone female gender mutilation/cutting (Population Reference Bureau, 2008). This figure is enormous and unsurprisingly, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is an extremely controversial topic within the international sphere. Whilst some may argue that it is simply natural and a general norm within certain areas and cultures, others, largely from the Western world, believe it to be an infringement of a basic human right and so many concerns and condemnations of the practice emerge from an ethical and humanitarian perspective. Engaging with this debate involves studying the works of two academics, Martha Nussbaum and Yael Tamir, both providing counteracting views towards such a complicated debate like this one. This essay examines the practice of female circumcision, arguing that it is legitimate for states like the UK to attempt to bring them to an end, thus agreeing with the argument made by Nussbaum, namely that we should be ashamed of ourselves if we do not use whatever privilege and power has come our way to make it disappear forever (Nussbaum, 1996). My argument however is one of states only being able to legitimately intervene where FGM is being practiced against the will of females, yet if the practice is warranted and women, of adult age, consent to it, then it is not as permissible for states to intervene. Cultural opinions and determination are not valid enough reasons to allow such a horrific process to continue, specifically due to the medical implications of the circumcision procedure as a whole. The Capabilities Approach by Nussbaum (1999) is examined within this essay therefore, in terms of arguing that females should have the choice of whether or not to go through with the act of FGM as this procedure removes their opportunity to fulfil their full capabilities as both human beings and as women. Thus this goes hand-in-hand with the argument that states are legitimate in interve ning to allow capabilities to be satisfied. Finally, a series of policy recommendations are made with respect to the ways in which states, such as the UK, can intervene legitimately to prevent such practices occurring in future years, the key one being education. These measures will therefore protect the human rights and social welfare of females across the world, along with other institutions i.e. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). FGM is commonly performed on young girls as a rite of passage to womanhood (Rahman and Toubia, 2000, p.3). Since the early 1990s, FGM has gained global recognition as a serious health and human rights issue. Often this act is committed for social and cultural values as opposed to medical ones and so it is very difficult to begin a process of change as in order to do this, as the whole thinking of society and its actors would need be adjusted. Largely conducted within African countries, the practice, although having decreased in recent years, still poses a threat to the rights and capabilities of women in such areas. The fall in numbers of females undergoing such circumcision coincides with numerous global efforts to target excisors, medical professionals, and families who perpetuate the practice (Population Reference Bureau, 2008). Political will and implementation of such legislation however is the key hurdle to achieving this. FGM poses severe health risks, both physical and psychological in both the immediate/short-term and also the long-term. Some of these medical problems include: haemorrhaging, infections, septicaemia, shock from the severe pain and loss of blood, risks during childbirth, and in extreme cases, death (Slack, 1988, p.451). Other side effects include: infertility, cysts and abscesses, urinary incontinence and psychological and sexual problems (Population Reference Bureau, 2008). Intense trauma is often caused as many of the females who undergo this operation are of an incredibly young age, held down by force and circumcised with little, if any, anaesthesia (Slack, 1988, p.454).These medical consequences for women who undergo genital mutilation are unbearable to even think of, let alone experience, yet still the practice continues due to the myths which surround the issue i.e. females being sterile until they have been excised and so the procedure will supposedly increase fertility (Slack, 1988, p.447) and other myths that the clitoris is incredibly dangerous to women so if not excised will be harmful to the foetus, physically and spiritually (Slack, 1988, 460). Such myths are of course based on fictitious information but due to social pressures are not questioned but preserved, as has been the case for many years. The following map illustrates where FGM is at its highest and thus such areas are the first which need to be aided through state intervention to stop it. Statistics have shown though, that although the practice is still occurring, largely within third world countries, the number of women undergoing FGM has actually fallen and so this is indicative that some level of progress towards eradicating FGM is occurring. African countries, specifically Egypt, Mali, North Sudan and Ethiopia are (according to 2009 figures) experiencing the highest rates of female circumcision procedures. In international relations, both high priority and low priority political issues need to be addressed, seeking global communication, negotiation and interaction. Globally, greater interconnectedness and increasing multicultural societies are leading to both domestic and international issues being discussed at a global level. This is indicative of states helping other states in terms of economics i.e. through increased trade and assistance during globalisation, and politics i.e. through the exchange of political ideologies and support. The argument here posits that if it is legitimate for states to intervene in economic and political issues, is it not also legitimate for states to intervene, when and where necessary, to improve social welfare and quality of life of the less fortunate? This does of course refer to intervention to stop FGM and resultantly improve the social welfare of women across the globe. Governments duty to take action against practices like female circumcision is e mbedded in international human rights treaties and thus states must comply with this (Rahman and Toubir, 2000, p.44). FGM is therefore a violation of a fundamental human right, and as the process cannot be reversed, the consequences are horrific. Bleeding profusely, reproduction problems, and even death are the terrible repercussions that those who undergo the process will endure. Hence these are serious medical implications and these are medical explanations for stopping the practice, as opposed to the usual moral explanations often spoken of within international ethics theory (Jaeger, Caflisch and Hohlfeld, 2009, p.31). Tamir (1996) however, makes the argument that before looking at other countries, we should look at our own countries as they are highly unlikely to be perfect. I disagree with this to some extent, particularly in relation to the issue of FGM. Countries where this occurs may simply believe this to be a custom or norm, something that is a normal and unquestionable pa rt of a females life. Without being educated and increasing awareness though, this disturbing process will continue. The people living in such small communities view FGM as normality, relying on myths on which to base the rest of their lives. Thus, it is the duty of those more educated i.e. in the West, to use education as the catalyst to bring about change and in turn stop this practice from occurring against the will of females. So why is it that FGM is seen as disgraceful whilst male circumcision is not seen with such unacceptability? A key reason for this relates to religion i.e. in Islamic teachings, male circumcision is natural and compulsory for all Muslim males. Male circumcision is not as harmful in any way when compared to FGM is and men are still able to fully function both physically and sexually whereas women arent. Male circumcision outside of Islam is often undertaken for hygiene reasons and so all of these reasons clearly display the picture that within most societies around the world, male circumcision is widely accepted as a type of norm. The term female circumcision seems to suggest an analogy with male circumcision yet in actual fact, the degree of cutting in female circumcision is anatomically much more extensive (Rahman and Toubia, 2000, p.4). In addition to this, FGM is seen as a way of sexually controlling females and although in current political debate this may seem to be rather liber al in appearance, references to cliteridectomy commonly reveal a patronizing attitude toward women, suggesting that they are primarily sexual beings (Tamir, 1996). Thus many advocates of cliteridectomy are concerned with corruption i.e. that the operation will restrict female sexual desires and in turn this will make them chaste wives and mothers (Tamir, 1996). The issue here though is that sexual enjoyment from women is not an openly discussed matter, but rather a taboo in many traditional communities, and so cliteridectomy is in itself symbolic of repressing female sexuality. Such non-Western cultural practices like FGM often symbolise resistance to the dominance of the West i.e. in Kenya, whereby cliteridectomy gained life as a political tool between British Colonials and African Nationals (Brown, 1991, p.262, cited in Jaggar, 2005, p.577/578). The counter-argument to this though lies within the hypothetical example given by Tamir (1996): mutilation enables women to be free of their reliance on men and thus they are able to function fully in order to follow social and political aspirations. The more common argument however is one of cliteridectomy and similar practices being corrupt in nature, restricting women and not allowing them to break free of the imposed barriers with respect to sexuality. All of these issues relate back to cultural and traditional values and so it often impossible to think beyond ones own culture. Nussbaum, a liberal feminist, provides an almost world-view which encourages people to think outside their own cultural box, raising the argument that just because something is done i.e. FGM, this does not mean that we cannot question it or interrogate it for the greater good. Her concerns therefore lie with issues of morality, freewill and choice. Nussbaum (1996) responded to Tamir (1996), focusing primarily on three points: (1) it is unfair to criticise another culture without being prepared to accept criticisms of ones own culture, (2) one cannot criticise another cultures acts without the certainty that their own culture is free of any evils, and (3) FGM is morally similar to dieting and body-shaping as within American culture. Nussbaum (1996) agrees with the first point, disagrees with the second and believes the third point to be egregiously wrong, con tending that the damage caused to women from extreme dieting and surgery can be undone in most cases, yet genital mutilation cannot be and so this is why it is of the greatest concern. The third critique Nussbaum (1996) makes is of greatest relevance as FGM is often compared cosmetic surgery and enhancements and so on by many theorists. It is often seen as the opposing argument, but as stated in the article, the eight differences between FGM versus dieting and surgery explain why Vogue is not illegal, whereas FGM is illegal in many of the countries where it occurs (Nussbaum, 1996). Nussbaum (1999) later built on Amartya Sens theory of Capabilities and this is of great relevance when examining the controversial topic of FGM. She understands capabilities to characterise each human life and is interested in ensuring that all persons have these capabilities to perform central functions, an explicitly Universalist standpoint. Her argument affirms that within the political arena, human beings exhibit moral capabilities which can in future be developed, yet such capabilities are deprived of the nourishment that would transform them into high-level capabilities (Nussbaum, 1999, p.236). Hence without these capabilities Nussbaum (1999) argues human beings are useless. With regards to FGM, the Capabilities Approach largely frowns upon the deprivation of individuals to have the opportunity to choose to be sexually active or indeed celibate (Nussbaum, 1999, p.238). Capabilities require constant development to be able to function fully. With respect to Nussbaums work, ten ce ntral human function capabilities are identified (Nussbaum, 1999, p.235). FGM breaks two of these capabilities, namely bodily health and bodily integrity (Nussbaum, 1999, p.235). Hence according to these, states are legitimate in intervening and influencing other states where practices like female circumcision are taking away the capabilities of their citizens. Resultantly, the Capabilities Approach is demonstrative of an accurate framework to use where the matter of states, like the UK, legitimising actions, such as FGM, is concerned. This Capabilities Approach was later put into action by the United Nations Human Development Reports, arguing that GDP per capita was not a true reflection of this and instead, Sen argued that how people live their lives and other similar economic indicators, need to be examined. Tamir (1996) opposes such points, arguing that there is much to criticise about ones own culture before one is able to criticise another. So common Western practices such as cosmetic surgery, in her argument, would be open to the same criticisms from non-Western countries as FGM is for people within the West. In her critique, states are not legitimate in intervening in other countries before they have addressed all issues of a similar nature within their own home country. With respect to this argument though, the fact of the matter remains that those individuals who undergo surgery and other cosmetic enhancements are usually doing so out of their own personal choice and so this raises other concerns as to why people feel the need to do this, as opposed to intervening to stop it. Other theorists are generally more reluctant for intervention to occur i.e. Walzer, who would argue that intervention of any kind would only be necessary if a clear case of genocide was being demonstrated whe re thousands of victims were losing their lives. In my critique of this though, the practice of FGM, although maybe not as severe as genocide, is indicative of female oppression and so causes a predictable number of deaths which could have been prevented had the right systems been put into place through state intervention. The factor specific to FGM which makes it appropriate for outsiders to intervene and attempt to halt it is that of women not being given a choice of whether or not to undergo the procedure. Women should be able to decide for themselves whether or not they wish to be circumcised, with no pressure from external forces, yet before such a decision they must be made aware of the implications in terms of health and future capabilities. This is what Nussbaum (1999) is referring to in her Capabilities argument as outlined previously. As prosperous developing countries, it is the obligation and duty of states like the UK to intervene to stop FGM when it occurs against the will of women, at least until sufficient change is seen and this change fosters sustainability. The following section therefore examines the ways of doing this. Since the early 1990s, FGM has been recognised as a global human rights issue and so numerous efforts have been made to end it or to at least reduce the number of cases of it occurring. Initiatives such as the annual International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation on February 6th, introduced by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in 2007, demonstrates this, calling for greater government commitment to programmes preventing the practice (Obaid, 2007). Although female circumcision is a heavily criticised practice in many developed countries, it is not feasible to simply condemn the practice as this suggests that Western culture is paramount. Understandings of cultural relativism need to transpire but more importantly, a process of change needs to be instigated. Nussbaum (1996) is correct in critiquing Tamir for this (suggesting cultural relativism is a valid argument), explaining how it is difficult to morally decide whether or not intervention should be committed in terms o f local or distant acts, and although individuals will legitimately prioritise about these decisions, this does not mean that we should not intervene. Poor education and low levels of income among women in African countries, coupled with inadequate governmental support (Wakabi, 2007, p.1069) are the key issues regarding the eradication of FGM and only when such problem areas are addressed, can progress begin to occur. Rahman and Toubia (2000, pp.58-68) identify three types of measure to be implemented in order to tackle the FGM issue: legal, regulatory and policy measures. It is important to note from the very beginning though that no single measure will be feasible if states are to intervene, but rather a series of combined approaches and changes must be adopted. Legal measures involve ratifying human rights arrangements to ensure that rights within such treaties are upheld and also carefully considering the imposition of criminal sanctions to dissuade people from committing the circumcision operation (Rahman and Toubia, 2000, pp.59-61). With regards to regulatory measures, suggestions have been made of disciplining those medical professionals who engage in the practice and removing their licences if they persistently offend (Rahman and Toubia, 2000, p.68). Finally, but most importantly, policy measure areas are discussed, these being: education, the media, empowering women and increasing access to reproductive welfare services (Rahman and Toubir, 2000, pp.68-71). The primary way of states intervening legitimately, in my argument, is through the process of education. By educating those within the countries where the practice of FGM takes place, the root cause of the problem can be targeted. This has previously been done through NGOs and alike, yet states too can intervene to promote adequate social welfare for the women within countries where FGM is a severe issue. Older generations need to be approached and made to understand the deficiencies associated with the practice and thus ultimately this will feed through to younger generations. Simultaneously though, younger generations too need to be targeted as t hey are the future and by educating them, forthcoming generations of females will be protected against such a painful practice. Governments need to begin devoting resources to providing FGM practicing countries and communities with information about the negative effects of the procedure and about human rights as important. Such information however must emphasize the potential psychological and physical impact[as well as] examine the history and purpose (Rahman and Toubir, 2000, p.68). If we now examine the media, the argument made is one of facilitating public dialogue and discourse about FGM along with the promotion of women to be free from FGM by various media outlets (Rahman and Toubir, 2000, p.69). This is a very good suggestion, yet in my critique, isnt feasible due to the fact that media within FGM practicing countries is relatively low, if at all existent. Thus this policy recommendation is good in theory yet in practice may not be as simple as first assumed. Empowering women is the third suggestion, self-explanatory in nature yet the ways of doing this include reforming policies which prevent women from improving their status i.e. social, economic etc, ensuring women can work alongside men and that issues of equal pay are addressed (Rahman and Toubir, 2000, p.70). Again this poses potential difficulties in that in certain rural communities, women are not seen as employable and do not have the opportunity to go out to work and more importantly have not been educated enough to undertake even the most low-skilled job positions. Hence such a recommendation is reliant on the previous policy suggestion of education, as only when communities are educated will the women within them be able to start working legitimately. The final proposal is that relating to reproductive services for females within the communities where female circumcision is occurring. These services are critical in providing women with accurate information about FGM as a whole in terms of th eir reproductive health (Rahman and Toubir, 2000, p.71). This is a great service as it is well-known that women who have been circumcised require regular medical attention and so this would address this issue and make it a more widely recognised initiative. Hence the ideal outcome of this is that women, who understand the severity of the practice for their health, will be less likely to make their daughters go through with it (Rahman and Toubir, 2000, p.71). This is ideal and would be the best possible solution but, Rahman and Toubir (2000) fail to consider the impact of community, religious, cultural, family and social pressures on women who do not undergo the FGM operation. Thus reproductive services although being an invaluable resource, are not as simple and easy in terms of changing social attitudes immediately. In the long-run however, reproductive services do have the potential scope to be a success. Other suggestions for intervention include: withholding aid to those countries where FGM is continuing to happen along with working with local groups to support advocacy efforts promoting negotiated, verbal intervention as opposed to plain physical intervention. The critique of this though relates to speaking but taking no action and some theorists would argue that an issue like FGM can only be tackled by head-on intervention that doesnt pussyfoot around the topic but rather stops the practice for the horror it causes, and rightly so. It can be argued by many that these policy recommendations are too simplistic and idealistic yet the fact of the matter remains that before any of these can be implemented, government structures need to be changed. In places like Somalia, several humanitarian organisations have launched campaigns to stop the spread of FGM, yet the widespread insecurity and absence of a central administration have only handed minimal success to their efforts (Wakabi, 2007, p.1070). A case study of Mali however informs us of the positive impact of NGO based intervention, working alongside local communities and governments. The initiative here used a mobile cinema travelling from village to village to encourage the open discussion of womens health issues and once trust had been established, discussed FGM more openly in an attempt to change social attitudes towards it (Good, 2010). This programme has increased awareness about FGM amongst the Malian community, and is beginning to get positive results in M ali, where women are deciding against their daughters being circumcised (Good, 2010). Kenya too has undertaken programmes, the key one being Ntanira Na Mugambo which translates to Circumcision by Words (BBC News, 1998). This week long programme secluded women from males, informing them about FGM in a subtle manner i.e. referring to anatomy, reproduction, self-esteem building, dealing with peer pressure and respecting adults (BBC News, 1998). Thus this type of programme didnt abhor FGM outright but rather tackled the issues surrounding it, offering an alternative view yet allowing the women to make up their own minds. Another project was employed in Uganda where an Outreach Plan was created, targeting leaders of rural communities who commit the practice of FGM. Such a plan provided local community leaders with economic incentives to stop the process i.e. that those women who undergo FGM find it incredibly difficult to work and thus their contribution to the workforce is trivial (Rahman and Toubia, 2000, p.78). Such intuition prevents women from being forced to be circumcised whilst also positively impacting upon productivity and as a result increasing economic efficiency. Outside pressure does still exist though and experts on FGM believe it is vital to actively engage with communities to ban the practice and penalise those who still conduct it. Thus as said before, education, although the most important element of this process of instigating change, cannot simply be the only solution, but rather must be combined with a series of other strategies. To conclude, FGM is a practice heavily debated about within international relations due to the ethical concerns it raises and ultimately infringes. Cultural relativist positions would argue that is necessary to understand the behaving of different groups due to cultural backgrounds, yet the stance that we should simply accept differences is highly critiques where FGM is concerned. In my critique, the practice is one worthy of severe condemnation, yet through little fault of the people continuing it but rather the myths and general history surrounding it. Hence, ultimately it is these myths and historical factors that need to be eradicated in order to promote the safety of women across the globe, particularly in less-developed countries. Thus this essay has agreed with and supported the argument put forward by Nussbaum that it is legitimate for states like the US and UK to intervene to bring the practice of FGM to an end yet this is relative to the situation. My core argument however remains that if women are being forced to undergo genital mutilation, then it is acceptable for states to intervene through the measures discussed previously. However, if the procedure if consented to and women are voluntarily wishing to go through with it out of their own freewill, then states are not legitimate in intervening. Intervention thus is dependent on the factor of choice towards FGM, yet women and men alike should be educated about the medical and psychological consequences of it. Additionally, such education should enlighten communities about the falsities of the myths they cling on to and how they are in actual fact untrue. The Capabilities Approach is fundamental to this process of education as it informs the public of how FGM can harm and worsen the capabilities of women. Education however will not work alone and must be accompanied by a series of other policy measures, namely legislation, regulatory policies and reproductive services. It is therefore legitimate for states like the UK to intervene to halt practices like FGM, according to the circumstances outlined in this essay and through the policy recommendations suggested. Bibliography BBC News (1998) Female genital mutilation [online] Available from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/medical_notes/241221.stm [Accessed 25th November 2009] Good, H. (2010) Mobile cinema helps change attitudes about female genital mutilation/cutting in Mali [online] Available from: http://www.unicef.org/health/mali_52714.html [Accessed 21st March 2010] Jaeger, F., Caflisch, M. and Hohlfeld, P. 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