Earthquakes in the Xi Chuan Province Research Paper

Earthquakes in the Xi Chuan Province - Research Paper Example Being near an active fault, the area regularly experiences light tremors due to the constant movement of the plates. However, there are instances where big, catastrophic earthquakes hit the region. An example of which happened on May 12, 2008, 06:28:04 (UTC) which according to official reports, seventy thousand people were killed, three hundred seventy four thousand people were injured, and about seventeen thousand more were reported missing. (Chen, Qiao, and Liu 809) To make a good equivalence, the Xi Chuan province is like Charleston of the United States. These places when they were established were not really plagued by catastrophe but, throughout the years, they became known to be the â€Å"center of calamity† for their respective countries. (Steinberg 5) For most people, inside and especially outside China, we only hear about these great catastrophes through the reports given by media. Although those in the media are sworn to present news in the most accurate way possible , it is hard for get such an accurate representation. There will always be bias and only snippets of the catastrophe can be recorded at one time. The perspective from which the report was derived is important in determining how a catastrophe will be seen by viewers inside and outside the immediate areas affected. Responses from these reports will ultimately determine how people will act with regard to the needs and situation of those struck with the calamity. There are several perspectives that a disaster report might come from. A disaster can be seen through the eyes on a local who has experienced the tragedy first hand, or through the eyes of an outsider, a foreign journalist perhaps that was tasked to report on the case. Another and more prevalent perspective, especially in a socialist country like China, is the perspective given by the government. These perspectives are the key that determines how locals as well as the policy makers will prepare their disaster management and pre paredness plan in for future catastrophes. Loopholes in the presentation of facts or exaggerations in the number of lives lost or damage to property can adversely affect these efforts to reduce damage and mortality for earthquakes. Aside from the perspectives, there are also a lot of ways wherein the reports on the disaster can be expressed. Newspapers and Blogs carry text and images regarding the aftermath of the disaster. Television and radio broadcasts also carry video and audio information about the activities and current situation of those affected. Incorporation different types of media and harnessing different modes of getting information disseminated can create a big effect on how a disaster is perceived and might well be the key determinants to the immediacy as well as the appropriateness of the actions instigated in response to the catastrophe. In this regard, the study intends to analyze how the Xi Chuan earthquakes are represented in media through text, videos, photo doc umentaries, and press releases. The study tries to connect how these reports affect the views of the locals, and even the rest of the world regarding earthquakes in the Xi Chuan province and will also try to determine the implications of these reports on the disaster management and preparedness plans for the area, the conduct of the rescue and relief operations as well as its effect on other relevant sectors. Literature Review A brief history of the study of seismic activity in the Xi Chuan basic region was detailed in the study of Han and Jiang (231). The Xi Chuan –

Asia Pacific Business Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Asia Pacific Business - Assignment Example Rationalization involves the adoption of techniques that can lead to efficient production of the capital goods. Japan has a tradition of a high savings rate, and a low consumption rate. During the periods of growth, the Japanese government used these savings for purposes of constructing roads, and infrastructures (Lye, 2010). In 1990s, this surplus savings became a structural impediment to the growth of Japan (Asher, Newman and Snyder, 2002). There was a severe slump in its demand, causing the Japanese economy to stagnate. The support of various interest groups by LDP made it fail to implement various measures aimed at improving the economy. This includes, failing to implement reforms that could tackle non-performing loans (Lye, 2010). Lack of good leadership led to development of ineffective policies such as the consumption tax of 1997. These taxes led to an increase in prices of commodities, leading to stagnation in growth (Menkhoff, 2010). The Japanese complex economic structure led to its economic stagnation. The symbiotic relationships between the ministry of finance and other cooperation’s between its jurisdictions have contributed to the stagnation of its economy (Lye, 2010). There is also little transparency in the economic affairs of the state. It is possible to use technology in agricultural development (Rowley, 2007). It will enable farmers improve their produce, hence feeding the nation. For example, the use of green houses to produce fruits, and vegetables. Technology helps in the creation of jobs. This is mainly because the government will employ new people in the vacancies brought forth by these technologies. For example, technological innovations in the mobile phone industry will create jobs in the

Rollo May Theory of Personality Analysis

Rollo May Theory of Personality Analysis Rollo Reese May was born on April 21, 1909, in Ada Ohio to Earl Tittle and Matie Boughton, he was the first son and the second child of six children. Both of his parents were not well educated and there was very intellectual motivation in the household. Mays parents didnt get along and ended up getting a divorce. (Dr. C. George Boeree, 1998, 2006, p. 1) May older sister was diagnosis with schizophrenic and the father blame the illness on too much education. Growing up May was not close to his parents and really disliked his mother, he considered his mom as a bitch-kitty on wheels. He believed that his mothers behavior and his older sister schizophrenia caused him to have two failed marriages. (Rabinowitz, Good, Cozad, 1989). Mays was married three times and had two failed marriages, from his first wife he had three children a son and two daughters, he stood marry for 30 years in his first marriage due to the children, but then realized the marriage wasnt going to get better and end up divorcing his first wife, his second marriage was also unsuccessful. The last woman that he married was name Georgia Miller Johnson and was a Jungian analyst and that marriage lasted from 1988 until he died of tuberculosis, his son Robert Rollo was a director of counseling at Amherst College and his twin sister Carolyn Jane was a social worker and artist and the third child was Allegra Anne who was a documentary film writer and a single mother of two adopted multiracial children. (Bugental, 1996, p. 418). May attend college at Michigan State University and major in English and was asked to leave because he became an editor of a radical student magazine, he then transferred to Oberlin College where he received his BA in the year of 1930. After graduating, he pursued in art and was traveling through Europe with a group of artist. He stood in Europe from 1930 until 1933 and addition to his study of art, he taught at an American College in Greece where he took summer seminars that was taught by Alfred Adler in Vienna. In his second year while being in Europe, he began to question the meaning of his life when he came down with tuberculosis, While being in an sanatorium, he was faced with the possibility of death, he had a lot of time to read many literatures, he came across a literatures that was on the writer named Soren Kierkegaard, who was a Danish religious writer, a person that was inspired of existential movement. May became inspired of Soren Kierkegaard words of wisdom that it gave May the inspiration of coming up with his own theory. (Dr. C. George Boeree, 1998, 2006) Rollo Reese May was best known as an American existential psychologist and he was referred as the father of existential psychotherapy. May was associated with the humanistic psychology; he had a different way of thinking on the Human existence, then other psychologist, his human existence was sharper on the tragic dimension. According to Dr. C. George Boeree, (1998, 2006) on Mays personality Theories, stated that Rollo Reese May, used different terms and invented new words from some of existentialism old ideas, for example the word destiny is the same as thrownness and it is combined with the word fallenness, which mean that part of peoples lives that is determine for them, he also gave another example of the word courage, which was used more often than the traditional term authenticity, which meant facing ones anxiety and then raise above it. (Dr. C. George Boeree, 1998, 2006). According to Serlin, llene, Mays work was maintained by the balance between darkness and light, between the experiential and the intellectual. May considered the fundamental questions of human existence as the nature of evil, love and will and the meaning of anxiety and the important of myth. May inspired many people and it came from his ability to name the void of create in its face, to name evil but worked toward the good, to see meaningless, but to discover meaning and to face death, but create life. May was in the antiwar movement and many other social causes, he taught and mentored countless students and called himself a gentle rebel (Serlin, llene A. Tikkun, January 1995. pg. 65), in the face of an increasing dehumanized world. Rollo Reese May Theories of Personalities While being under influenced of Freud, Kierkegaard and Tillich, May developed a theory of personality that was based on existential philosophy and from that, he accepted the following terms: Dasein means a particular person in a world that is particular time and existing is under a particular set of circumstances. Mays Three Modes of Existence: Umwelt is the interaction with the physical world, Mitwelt, is the interaction with other humans and the Eigenwelt is the interaction with oneself. Alienation is when a person is estranged of aspect of the nature, which results of feeling lonely, emptiness and despair this happens because the three modes of existence is alienated from nature and from other people. Mays describe freedom, which a person can be free to choose the meaning of their own existence. Since a person is free to choose what type a person they become, they have to be responsible for what they become, another person circumstance of their fate can be praise or blamed for the nature of their existence, because we are responsible for ourselves. Ontology is the study of being. Within existentialism, ontological analysis is directed at understanding the essence of humans in general and of individual in particular. Phenomenology is the study of conscious experience as it exists for the person without any attempts to reduce, divide or compartmentalize it in anyway. Authenticity, if people live their lives in accordance with values that are freely chosen, they are living authentic lives, if however if people conform to values established by others, they have not exercised their personal freedom and are therefore living inauthentic lives, inauthentic is causally related to neurotic anxiety and guilt and the feeling of loneliness, ineffectiveness, self alienation and despair. Death because humans are mortal and because death is the ultimate state of nonbeing, awareness of ones inevitable death can cause anxiety. The source of anxiety is part of human existence and cannot be voided. The awareness of death, however, can add vitality to life by motivating a person as much out of life as possible in the limited time available. Thrownness is the circumstanced of a persons lives which it cant be control. Other existentialist referred this as thrownness and May refers it as destiny. May was the only existential psychologist that discusses certain stages, not as strict as the Freudian development. Mays Stages: Innocence is the pre self conscious stage of an infant, it is the innocent of premoral that is neither bad or good, the description that was given is like a wild animal who kills to eat and since the animal has to eat, he or she has to do what is must. Rebellion stage, the childhood and adolescent is when the ego or self-consciousness of the contrast with an adult from the no of a two years old to the no way of a teenager, which mean the rebellious person wants their freedom and does not yet understand of the responsibility that goes along with it. A teenager would like to use their allowance money on what ever they want, but still what the parent to provide the money and still complain about the parent not being fair. Ordinary stage is when the normal adult ego, conventional and a little boring, perhaps they have learned that the responsibility, but find it too demanding, and so seek refuge in conformity and traditional values. Creative is an authentic adult, the existential stage, beyond ego and self-actualizing. This is the person who, accepting destiny, faces anxiety with courage. Human Dilemma According to May (1967), the human dilemma is when people can view themselves as both the subject and the object at the same time. Mays description of the object-subject dichotomy is done in various ways, which is not always consistence. People are capable of seeing themselves as an object to things that happens to them, which are influenced by their destiny. Objectives are events of variables that are caused through stress that can cause a persons behavior, which is the stimulation that happens in certain ways and the way people respond to that certain way. Subjective is when the person is aware of the fact is happening to them and acts on the information, which gives them the determination of experience that are valuable and which one are not valuable to them and then act according to the personal formulations. (May, 1977, pp.198-201) May description of self-relatedness is distinguished of a human that rest from nature. It is mans capacity to stand outside himself, to know he is the subject as well as the object of experience, to see himself as the entity who is acting in the world of objects (May, 1967, p. 75). Humans can view the world and we can also view ourselves viewing and the self-relatedness or consciousness of our self allows the humans to escape the determinism and personal influence what we do. Humans consciousness of ones self can give us the power to stand outside of the rigid chain of stimulus and response to pause and by that pause can throw some weight on either side that can cast some decision and what the response will be, (May, 1953, p. 161). According to May feeling on these two psychologists, Skinner and Rogers, he felt that they had emphasized one side of the dilemma but was at the expense of others. Skinner had avoided the subjective of experience, May felt that people dont react to their inner experience of their environment, but they do see their environment in terms of their past experience and they do interpret the terms of their own symbols of hope and fear,(May, 1967, p. 15). Mays description of intentionality meant all mental acts are purely subjective of the way it is intended or that relates to the events that are from the outside of themselves. The example that was given, love is a subjective experience but one must love someone of something. Perception is a subject experience but one must perceive something. (May, 1969, pp. 224-225) Importance of Myth May believed that myth is the way of making sense in a senseless world, and is a narrative pattern that gives the significance to the society of existence (1991, p. 15), the problem in the society as cults, drug addiction, suicide and depression are traced of the lack of myths that can provide the individuals with a sense of their inner security. Anxiety and Guilt May was really interested in the human anxiety and guilt; he rejected Freuds interpretation of anxiety as the result from conflict that is between a persons biological needs and the demands of society. May felt that Freuds analyzed was too biological and compartmentalized and Freuds anxiety viewed his results from the conflict of the id, ego, and superego, but May approved on Kierkegaards existential definition instead because Kierkegaard theory of human freedom and anxiety went hand and hand. Normal anxiety is when a person experience the attempt to expand ones conscious or when the new values is displaced with the old ones due to changes in the person circumstances and it is an integral of a healthy growth, Mays theory consists that all growth of anxiety is the creation of surrender past values (May, 1967, p. 80). Neurotic anxiety is when a person hasnt met their normal anxiety on the time of the actual crisis in their growth and the threat to their values, which the neurotic anxiety ends in the result of the previous unmet normal anxiety (May, 1967, p. 80). In my understanding of Mays theory on normal anxiety and neurotic anxiety, one is when the person is having a problem, but not major and the problem can be solve. Example, when it is time to write a paper my normal anxiety kicks in and I start feeling shortness of breathe and then I cant concentrate on what I am doing and then I have to walk away for a little while to relax. Neurotic anxiety is when a person have problems and cant control their feeling and start to think that life is not going to get better for them, they start to become depress, feeling lonely and dont what to do anything with their lives, but it all depends on the circumstances the person is going through. May had four description of love and they are Sex, Eros, Philia and agape: Sex is the biological drives that can be satisfy by engaging in sexual intercourse, the same way eating a meal that can satisfy the hunger drive, which both can be triggered by the need and the availability of an object that will satisfy the need, (May, 1969, p.73). May one important wad daimons was the eros which to him was love not sex and in the Greek mythology was the minor god pictured as a young man and later the eros had transferred into an annoying little cupid, he understood that love was the need that people have to become as one with another person and was referred of an ancient Greek story that was by Aristophanes, that people was originally a four legged, four armed and a two headed creature and people became to prideful that the gods spilt the people into two, male and female and had cursed us with the never ending desire to recover the people missing in half, according to May, like any daimon, eros it is a good thing until it takes over the personality and the people would become obsessed with it. May also believe that the theory of will is another important concept and it was the ability for a person to organize their lives in order to achieve in their goals and that will is also a daimon that can have potential to take over a pe rson. Another definition of will is the ability to make a wish to come true. (Boeree, C. George, 1998, 2006) Philia is the third of love which is a friendship or a brotherly love. According to May, Eros cannot last for long without Philia because the tension of continuous attraction and passion would be too great (May, 1969). Philia is the relaxation in the presence of the beloved with accepts the others being as being; it is simply liking to be with the other, liking to rest with the other, liking the rhythm of the walk, the voice, the whole being of the other. Agape is the fourth type of loving, which May, 1969, p. 310), is the unselfishness of concern for ones partner and the aspect of love that is unconditional. New Science of Human: According to May an approach of the study on human nature, should not reduce the collection of habits, brain functions, genetically determined traits, early experiences or environmental events, all that is needed for science of humans are based on the ontological characteristic of humans and that science should take into consideration of human freedom and the importance of their phenomenological experience, the use of symbols and myths and the ability of the past, present and future in making decisions should value the process. Empirical Research are done by most existential theorists that are unconcern with the empirical validation of their concepts and believe that the place to validate their concepts is when the arena of everyday life, or in the therapeutic situation and not with a systematic laboratory or field of investigations. According to Van Kaam, (1966), an existential psychologist summarized the viewpoint: Experience such as responsibility, dread, anxiety, despair, freedom, love, wonder or decision cannot be measured or experimented with, they are simply there and can only be explicated in their givenness (Van Kaam, 1966, p. 187). May did not rejected the idea of the objective study of humans, but felt that the traditional scientific methodology was not appropriate, but he felt, what was needed was an approach of the studies of humans as whole, unique, complex beings. Many sciences welcomed Mays idea of developing of science more appropriate to the study of humans and not based on the assumptions and techniques of the natural science (Hergenhanh Olson, 2007, p. 32). Conclusion Rollo Reese May theories of Personality was inspiring, because as a psychologist, he consider the people as human beings, not just an experimental objective. His theories explain of different type of anxiety and what they meant in the human nature, he also explains the difference of love and the will to achieve in a goal. I felt that May Reese Rollo, really care for the people and once he became sick of Tuberculosis, he needed to let people know the understanding and the meaning of death and that people shouldnt be afraid of it, because one day we are going to leave the earth and we shouldnt be afraid of the word death. I remember telling my mom that I was scared of getting old and scare of dying and I didnt understand why I felt this way, but as I got older and realized that one day, we would have to leave this earth and we should enjoy the rest of our lives and shouldnt worry about dying and God would know when it is time for us to go.

The Bean Trees Essay -- essays research papers

The Bean Tree   Write a composition based on the novel you have studied discussing the basis for and impact of individual choices. What idea does the author develop regarding choices? 	Living is about making choices. The choices people make shape their lives for better or worse. Even the decision not to choose has its effects, often not wanted. But the individual who chooses to make positive choices and to act accordingly is more likely to see his or her life reflect his or her beliefs and desires. Usually the individual who chooses to take action is also willing to face the risks and obstacles that such choices involve. 	"The Bean Tree," by Barbara Kingsolver, is a warm, funny story about a personal journey of self-discovery, commitment, and risk-taking which illustrates these facts. Its spirited protagonist, Taylor Greer, grows up poor in rural Kentucky. In her town some families "had kids just about as fast as they could fall down the well and drown," and a boy with a job as a gas- meter man was considered a "high-class catch." Simply avoiding pregnancy was a major achievement for Taylor. She needed to get away from there to get ahead, and when she goes, she leaves almost everything behind, including her real name. Taylor is the name she adopts at the place where her car runs out of gas, in Taylorville, Illinois. 	However, what starts out as a commonplace search for personal opportunities soon turns into a test of her character and beliefs, and of her ability to face and overcome obstacles. On her way west with high hopes and a barely functional car, she acquires a completely unexpected child. The baby girl is given to her outside a bar, by a desperate Indian woman. Taylor moves on to Tucson, Arizona, with Turtle, as she calls the little girl. There she makes new friends, finds work, and settles down to a new life. However, since Turtle is not her legally adopted daughter, Taylor finds herself at risk of losing her to the state authorities in Arizona. She must formalize her relationship with her new-found daughter. She chooses to do what it takes to adopt Turtle. She has to find a way to contact Turtle's relatives in order to get their signatures to adoption papers. She decides to take her out of state, back to Oklahoma, along with Estevan and Esperanza, a refugee couple from Guatemala ... ...s can arise, but choices made with some understanding of the alternatives will usually work out better than leaving matters to chance. Also, if choices are made with the welfare of others in mind they are more likely to be the right ones. In particular, if there is a problem to solve that involves conflict between the law and conscience, the best solution may be to follow one's heart. If a decision is guided by conscience, no one can better tell one what to do, or how to do it. That is how Taylor is able to take her loved ones out of Arizona, even though it means breaking the law. She feels she can not do otherwise, and the law has to take second place. Someone else might not do the same. Everything depends on both conscience and courage, but not everyone has these qualities in the same degree. Nonetheless, if even breaking the law must sometimes be considered, it can best be done by an appeal to common humanity, conscience, and the heart. That is exactly what Taylor does here. B ut, like Taylor, people must be prepared to live with the possible consequences of their choices and actions. Knowing clearly, however, why one's choices are made, makes such risks or obstacles acceptable.

Progressive Movement Essay

I am intended to write my research paper of Progressive Movement i.e. a movement marked by an all-encompassing and intensive change in all spheres of American life viz. political, economic and social and how Theodore Roosevelt, Howard Taft and Woodrow Wilson contributed toward it. Thesis: The period from 1890 to 1917 in the history of United States is known as Progressive era. This period is marked by an all-encompassing and intensive change in all spheres of American life viz. political, economic and social. The progressive leaders with faith in the traditional American ideals of democratic government, individual liberty, rule of law and protection of private rights and property, felt that Gilded Age was marked by corruption. They further felt that due to the policies and practices of the previous regimes, a privileged wealthy class has been created that had plundered the national wealth and resources. Supporting Arguments: What is Progressivism? A: A Reaction to Gilded Age? B: Manifestation of Mature American Ideology? Ideological Roots of Progressive Movement Progressive Reforms A: Progressivism at local level B: Progressivism at State Level C: Progressivism at Federal Level Progressive Leader and their contributions A: Theodore Roosevelt B: Howard Taft C: Woodrow Wilson D: La Follette. Conclusion References Ekirch, Arthur A. Progressivism in America. A study of the Era from Theodore Roosevelt to Woodrow Wilson. New York; New Viewpoints. 1974. Filene, Peter G. An Obituary for â€Å"The Progressive Movement†. American Quarterly. Vol. 22, No. 1(Spring, 1970). pp. 20-34 Nevins, Allan& Commager, Henry S. A short history of the United States New York, A. Knopf, 1966. Parkes, Henry B. The United States of America—A History. New York, Knopf, 1959 PBS. The Progressive Era 1900-1918.Retrieved on March 07, 2007 from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/eleanor/peopleevents/pande08.html

The Importance of Benchmarking in Strategic Management

The Fortune's list of 100 best companies to work for is a source of prestige to companies that are nominated by their employees as the best companies to work for. The Container Store which is a Dallas-based retail store emerged number 32 in the recently released 2009 Fortune list. One department to reckon with at Container Store is the human resource management which earned the company a position in the Fortune 100 best companies to work for in America. But just what is Container Store's approach to human resource management?This paper seeks to answer this question and offers conclusions about the human resource management approach used by the company. Analysis Container Store makes use of a flexible human resource structure. Their rules on employees are simple and flexible and the concept of a rulebook or manual for employees is not their way of managing people (Laabs, 2001). The company is interested in people's ability to be straight forward and eager to counter different situatio ns with flexibility and creativity.Unlike in the traditional HR system, Container Store makes use of managers and supervisors to promote motivation and staff retention since they are more closer to the employees (Laabs, 2001). There is great interaction between employees and managers in order to create freedom of expression. Even the founders Kip and Garret still frequent the store to interact with employees and help them out (Container Store, 2009).The company's employee development philosophy focuses on employee's talents and not titles letting employees make the best use of their abilities to benefit themselves and the company. Container Store puts great value on employees describing them as the greatest assets in the organization. Motivation and an enthusiastic environment are the factors that give its employees the desire to stay with the company for years (Container Store, 2009). Career development and training ensure well qualified staff for the company which is very keen on customer care.For motivation, great benefits for their employees including exceptional training, job security and attractive pay package are provided. A 40% discount on the company's merchandise, 401(k) retirement benefits, medical and dental plans for employees both full-time and part-time provide even more benefits for the employees (Container Store, 2009). From the above analysis, we can conclude that the human resource management at Container Store is employee oriented. It allows flexibility and is democratic in nature.More so it values success and the management recognizes that the employees are key to achieving this. Container Store is also keen on its employee's welfare and health. This kind of management style brings in positive outcomes in a company since the employees will often feel as contributors to the business growth. According to the vice president of operations, Beth Barret, flexibility gives employees a chance to participate in company decision making (Laabs, 2001) .This gives a sense of responsibility and is better off than using autocratic kind of management system. Allowing employees to be flexible rather than follow a certain set of laws is a motivating factor and plays a big role in defining productivity of employees. Container Store's dedication to employee motivation is a good quality in the human resource management which is aimed at encouraging employee commitment to the company. Employee benefits are a good way of not only retaining employees but also motivation which promotes productivity. ConclusionFlexibility and staff involvement in the business activities are emphasized as the key contributors of Container Store's success. The qualities of the human resource management approach used by Container Store gives a justification for why the employees nominated it as the best company to work with. Word Count: 606 References Container Store (2009). Careers for Great People. Retrieved on April 27, 2009 from www. containerstore. com Laabs , J. K. (2001). Thinking Outside the Box at The Container Store – Human Resource Management Awards. Workforce, March Issue.

drug testing1 essays

drug testing1 essays Precision Machine Tool is a machine tool company that primarily manufactures for the automobile industry. The machine tool industry is self-sufficient in that they use their resources to manufacture products; that is, they use their own tools. Precision Machine tool uses big machines to build parts for lathes, which are sold in the automobile industry for use in factories. Precision has always had a reputation of quality, though it has declined because of aging technology and machines. The aging of the technology is because of a decline in their capital caused by a recession in the automotive industry. During the late 1970s, the American automotive industry was at its apex. Americans fell behind during this boom because of inadequate production capacity. The Japanese had identified the machine industry as a growing industry and invested in modernization of technology. Consequently, Japanese technology was better and costs were lower. When a recession hit in 1980-1981, American firms had little capital to invest, and thus could not modernize their equipment. The industries that are going to survive in the future are those that have the most efficient computerized operations and that produce the cheapest, most reliable products. The Japanese have this edge and the American machine tool manufacturers are reluctant to change their ideologies of buying only American made products. John Garner and Tom Avery created precision Machine Tool. John Garner is the president of Precision Machine Tool, and is a financial conservative. He prefers to invest in the company using only its profits. Tom Avery is an expert tool design engineer. He is in charge of the manufacturing and management end of the business. Both men are very critical of selling out to the Japanese and want to keep Precision American. One of the main problems plaguing Precision is the aging of its technology and equipment ...

Only the President Can Veto Bills

Only the President Can Veto Bills The U.S. Constitution grants the President of the United States the sole power to veto- say â€Å"No†- to bills passed by both houses of Congress. A vetoed bill can still become law if Congress overrides the president’s action by obtaining a supermajority vote of two-thirds of the members of both the House (290 votes) and the Senate (67 votes).    While the Constitution does not contain the phrase â€Å"presidential veto,† Article I requires that every bill, order, resolution or other act of legislation passed by the Congress must be presented to the president for his or her approval and signature before it officially becomes law. The presidential veto clearly illustrates the function of the system of â€Å"checks and balances† designed for the U.S government by the nation’s Founding Fathers. While the president, as head of the executive branch, can â€Å"check† to the power of the legislative branch by vetoing bills passed by Congress, the legislative branch can â€Å"balance† that power by overriding the president’s veto. The first presidential veto occurred on April 5, 1792, when President George Washington vetoed an apportionment bill that would have increased the membership of the House by providing for additional representatives for some states. The first successful congressional override of a presidential veto took place on March 3, 1845, when Congress overrode President John Tyler’s veto of a controversial spending bill.    Historically, Congress succeeds in overriding a presidential veto in less than 7% of its attempts.For example, in its 36 attempts to override vetoes issued by President George W. Bush, Congress succeeded only once. The Veto Process When a bill is passed by both the House and Senate, it is sent to the presidents desk for his signature. All bills and joint resolutions, except those proposing amendments to the Constitution, must be signed by the president before they become law. Amendments to the Constitution, which require a two-thirds vote of approval in each chamber, are sent directly to the states for ratification. When presented with legislation passed by both houses of Congress, the president is constitutionally required to act on it in one of four ways: sign it into law within the 10-day period prescribed in the Constitution, issue a regular veto, let the bill become law without his signature or issue a pocket veto. Regular Veto When Congress is in session, the president may, within the 10-day period, exercise a regular veto by sending the unsigned bill back to the chamber of Congress from which it originated along with a veto message stating his reasons for rejecting it. Currently, the president must veto the bill in its entirety. He may not veto individual provisions of the bill while approving others. Rejecting individual provisions of a bill is called a line-item veto. In 1996, Congress passed a law granting President Clinton the power to issue line-item vetoes, only to have the Supreme Court declare it unconstitutional in 1998. Bill Becomes Law Without Presidents Signature When Congress is not adjourned, and the president fails to either sign or veto a bill sent to him by the end of the 10-day period, it becomes law without his signature. The Pocket Veto When Congress is adjourned, the president can reject a bill by simply refusing to sign it. This action is known as a pocket veto, coming from the analogy of the president simply putting the bill in his pocket and forgetting about it. Unlike a regular veto, Congress has neither the opportunity or constitutional authority to override a pocket veto. How Congress Responds to a Veto When the President returns a bill to the chamber of Congress from which it came, along with his objections in the form of a veto message, that chamber is constitutionally required to reconsider the bill. The Constitution is silent, however, on the meaning of reconsideration. According to the Congressional Research Service, procedure and tradition govern the treatment of vetoed bills. On receipt of the vetoed bill, the Presidents veto message is read into the journal of the receiving house. After entering the message into the journal, the House of Representatives or the Senate complies with the constitutional requirement to reconsider by laying the measure on the table (essentially stopping further action on it), referring the bill to committee, postponing consideration to a certain day, or immediately voting on reconsideration (vote on override). Overriding a Veto Action by both the House and the Senate is required to override a presidential veto. A two-thirds, supermajority vote of the Members present is required to override a presidential veto. If one house fails to override a veto, the other house does not attempt to override, even if the votes are present to succeed. The House and Senate may attempt to override a veto anytime during the Congress in which the veto is issued. Should both houses of Congress successfully vote to override a presidential veto, the bill becomes law. According to the Congressional Research Service, from 1789 through 2004, only 106 of 1,484 regular presidential vetoes were overridden by Congress. The Veto Threat Presidents often publicly or privately threaten Congress with a veto in order to influence the content of a bill or prevent its passage. Increasingly, the â€Å"veto threat† has become a common tool of presidential politics and is often effective in shaping U.S. policy. Presidents also use the veto threat in order to prevent Congress from wasting time crafting and debating bills they intend to veto under any circumstances.

Carl Gauss Essays - Differential Geometers, Number Theorists

Carl Gauss Carl Gauss was a man who is known for making a great deal breakthroughs in the wide variety of his work in both mathematics and physics. He is responsible for immeasurable contributions to the fields of number theory, analysis, differential geometry, geodesy, magnetism, astronomy, and optics, as well as many more. The concepts that he himself created have had an immense influence in many areas of the mathematic and scientific world. Carl Gauss was born Johann Carl Friedrich Gauss, on the thirtieth of April, 1777, in Brunswick, Duchy of Brunswick (now Germany). Gauss was born into an impoverished family, raised as the only son of a bricklayer. Despite the hard living conditions, Gauss's brilliance shone through at a young age. At the age of only two years, the young Carl gradually learned from his parents how to pronounce the letters of the alphabet. Carl then set to teaching himself how to read by sounding out the combinations of the letters. Around the time that Carl was teaching himself to read aloud, he also taught himself the meanings of number symbols and learned to do arithmetical calculations. When Carl Gauss reached the age of seven, he began elementary school. His potential for brilliance was recognized immediately. Gauss's teacher Herr Buttner, had assigned the class a difficult problem of addition in which the students were to find the sum of the integers from one to one hundred. While his classmates toiled over the addition, Carl sat and pondered the question. He invented the shortcut formula on the spot, and wrote down the correct answer. Carl came to the conclusion that the sum of the integers was 50 pairs of numbers each pair summing to one hundred and one, thus simple multiplication followed and the answer could be found. This act of sheer genius was so astounding to Herr Buttner that the teacher took the young Gauss under his wing and taught him fervently on the subject of arithmetic. He paid for the best textbooks obtainable out of his own pocket and presented them to Gauss, who reportedly flashed through them. In 1788 Gauss began his education at the Gymnasium, with the assistance of his past teacher Buttner, where he learned High German and Latin. After receiving a scholarship from the Duke of Brunswick, Gauss entered Brunswick Collegium Carolinum in 1792. During his time spent at the academy Gauss independently discovered Bode's law, the binomial theorem, and the arithmetic-geometric mean, as well as the law of quadratic reciprocity and the prime number theorem. In 1795, an ambitious Gauss left Brunswick to study at Gottingen University. His teacher there was Kaestner, whom Gauss was known to often ridicule. During his entire time spent at Gottingen Gauss was known to acquire only one friend among his peers, Farkas Bolyai, whom he met in 1799 and stayed in touch with for many years. In 1798 Gauss left Gottingen without a diploma. This did not mean that his efforts spent in the university were wasted. By this time he had made on of his most important discoveries, this was the construction of a regular seventeen-gon by ruler and compasses. This was the most important advancement in this field since the time of Greek mathematics. In the summer of 1801 Gauss published his first book, Disquisitiones Arithmeticae, under a gratuity from the Duke of Brunswick. The book had seven sections, each of these sections but the last, which documented his construction of the 17-gon, were devoted to number theory. In June of 1801, Zach an astronomer whom Gauss had come to know two or three years before, published the orbital positions of, Ceres, a new "small planet", otherwise know as an asteroid. Part of Zach's publication included Gauss's prediction for the orbit of this celestial body, which greatly differed from those predictions made by others. When Ceres was rediscovered it was almost exactly where Gauss had predicted it to be. Although Gauss did not disclose his methods at the time, it was found that he had used his least squares approximation method. This successful prediction started off Gauss's long involvement with the field of astronomy.On October ninth, 1805 Gauss was married to Johana Ostoff. Although Gauss lived a happy personal life for the first

Assigment two Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Assigment two - Essay Example Conducting a training needs analysis significantly helps in the process of evaluating the lacking areas of the teams and individuals of an organization and can significantly lead to the process of development of skills of the employees, thereby increasing their individual productivity as well as the productivity of the entire organization on a whole. Training needs analysis is increasingly considered as a highly important tool for planning and management as it aids in the process of growth and development of the individuals and the organization (Drummond, 2008, p. 5 - 6) Talking in terms of Wal-Mart, it can be said that since Wal-Mart is a global organization, with interests and stakeholders present in major and emerging markets of the globe, there are some specific areas of development that Wal-Mart can focus on for the process of providing better opportunities towards individual development and resources on a global note. The most important areas of development that Wal–Mart can focus on at the present moment are the processes of educating and developing the front line associates in the emerging markets to go for better customer engagements as well as imparting relevant product knowledge and required rack arrangement. Another important area where Wal-Mart can conduct a training needs analysis is the process of evaluating the need of technological and process developments in the emerging markets which can in return lead to achieving of better production and efficiency. The organization also needs to conduct training need evaluations of the customers in the emerging markets for the purpose of generating better responses in the e-retailing formats. Also, the company needs to conduct the analysis for the purpose of assessing the gap of technology experts’ team of the organization and their efficiency in generating the valuable insights from customer information by using data analytics technology. 2. It is of considerable importance to state that Wal -Mart is a global organization, which increasingly focuses on generating extreme value for customer through its product and service offerings (Annual Report, 2012, p.4). Hence, its key strategies are more focused in generating more value to the customer, while increasingly going through various evolutionary phases and individual development techniques of the internal stakeholders of the organization. Training Need Analysis for Wal-Mart is being provided through the following format Training Need Type of Training For Whom Objectives Front line associates of the various Wal-Mart outlets in some of the key emerging markets needs training in regards to style and fashion of involving in customer engagements. Role Playing Front line associates in Wal-Mart stores located in key emerging markets. To provide a superior shopping performance to the customers by providing high level of customer satisfaction through customer engagements. Front line associates of the Wal-Mart outlets in the key e merging markets needs training for rack arrangement as well as developing product knowledge. On job training Front line associates in Wal-Mart stores located in key emerging markets. To enable the front line as

Assess, Plan and Design Possible Teaching and Learning Interactions Essay

Assess, Plan and Design Possible Teaching and Learning Interactions that Promote Acquisition and Learning of Oral, Visual Art - Essay Example Persisting with difficulty: When she realized that the drip stand was empty, she persisted in searching for a bag of fluid to attach to it so that the drip station would look authentic. She even suggested to put clamps so that the fluid will not run down. Expressing an idea or feeling. Her play emulated a nurse administering an IV to her own hand and this was observed when she pretended to prick her finger. Taking responsibility. She asked that a note be placed on the medical equipment she was playing with so that no one will touch it and that it will still be available when she comes back to it next time. 2. Assessment: The assessment framework adopted is the Learning Stories Framework (Carr, 2001). It is an approach that tells a story about a child in action as observed and documented by a teacher or practitioner. It is a more holistic approach in assessing a child’s knowledge, skills and attitudes, which are reflective of the child’s competencies (Carr, 2006) 3. ... She has displayed adequate verbal communication skills as she was able to express herself when she requested for some things she needed in her play (Communication, 2, p. 76) She showed ownership of her play by asking her teacher to write a note not to touch her drip. She realized that the note can be read by others and is a form of communication (Communication, 3, p. 78) Observing Daneka gave the teacher ideas on how to help her in her language development. She seems to be open to learning because she is very curious and applies her ideas directly to her play (Communication 4, p. 80) In her play, Daneka learned that her ideas have value and with a responsive environment, she can pursue it. She realized that the practitioner respected her ideas and cooperated with her requests. She has learned that a real life experience can be reproduced in play. Daneka has shown that she has developed confidence in pursuing her ideas further by exploring what the drip would feel like if it were on h er. Daneka’s opportunity to observe her brother gave her ideas regarding the use of medical equipment thus supporting and extending her understanding of what is happening to her brother. (Indexed for Mind Map) *Emergent literacy is the term used to refer to the earliest period of a child’s literacy development, specifically the time between birth and when the child can read and write (Sulzby and Teale, 1991). According to emergent literacy theories, the child is the central figure in the construction of learning. His life experiences directly affect his literacy. One theoretical perspective in the area of emergent literacy is that children are innately predisposed to

How Discovery of Oil Has Affected State Building of Saudi Arabia Essay

How Discovery of Oil Has Affected State Building of Saudi Arabia - Essay Example The post-World War II period of growing demand for cheap and reliable suppliers of oil for rebuilding Europe was a great boost to the unity of the Saudi Arabian regions, and to the developing oil industry in the state. The attractive revenues that were realized during the reign of Abd al Aziz Al ibn Abd (1932-1953), strengthened his position and gave him the power to exert a higher political and economic influence over his territories (Country Studies par 4). The Saudi state became the pervasive economic change agent, replacing the initially differentiated economy with one that relied entirely upon the state's expenditure. In the 1970s and early 1980s, the rapid increase in oil prices enabled the Saudi state to meet its long-term financial obligations (Country Studies par 9). The huge oil revenues, in addition to delays in expenditures and the Saudi economy's restricted absorptive capacity, brought about large financial surpluses in the economy. Majority of these surpluses were inves ted in reputable international financial institutions and securities. The state is one of the leaders in the oil market in the 1990s, found it hard to diversify its economy (Country Studies par 6). This government has however, raised the average living standards of Saudi citizens’ to among the best globally, and established excellent infrastructural facilities and social services for its people. Being the major source of revenue, the oil industry has been an area of keen interest to the government.

Service management marketing Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Service management marketing - Case Study Example The nature of the relationship between each service-oriented facility and the end consumer is based on separate transactions that can occur continuously, that is, a client can buy or sell an item through EBay and Amazon at any time, but each physical sales transaction is a singular event. The benefits of EBay and Amazon to sellers are global recognition and ease of use. Each service allows any retailer or private party to advertise their product via the Internet, and so each product has the potential of reaching millions of viewers internationally. The service encounter is fairly well-received, although due to the direct nature, a person may experience difficulties with a particular seller or buyer. The service facilities of both EBay and Amazon are Internet based E-commerce. Service interaction is mainly the computer interface, although this can also be done by cellular phone, PDA, and any other medium of connecting to the Internet. The role of customers in EBay and Amazon is highly imperative to the service. Each customer can be defined as a buyer or seller of a product, and in turn these people can review and leave feedback for interactions of other buyers and sellers of products. Direct contact with EBay and Amazon is rare in the person to person domain; however, both companies have continuous updates, newsletters, service additions, and so forth that are centered on improving the customer experience. The concern is that these communications are largely one-way, contact with EBay and Amazon disseminates from EBay or Amazon, and not from the customer. Demand for EBay services is high. Recently, Bob Swan CFO of EBay announced at the at Merrill Lynch Internet, Software & Services Conference that: the biggest piece of it [EBay] is the large and growing core business, or the eBay platform. With a global presence in 33 markets, transacting $1,800 of goods per day, with over -- I'm sorry -- per second -- with over 6.6 million new listings added per day, and 45,000 developers leveraging our APIs, we've grown from over 222 million users on this site as we exit 2006. And we've processed $52 billion of global merchandise value on the site during the course of 2006, as a whole (Fair Disclosure Wire pp 7 2007). Amazon has similar consumer demand structure, with 9.7 billion dollars in annual revenue, but where EBay applies a global presents, multi-functional consumerism and value strategy, Amazon appeals to the customer services and their capabilities, according to Adam Selipsky, vice president, product management and developer relations, Amazon.com Inc: "As with most good ideas, we come at things from two different directions: What do people need, and what can we do well" says Selipsky. "We look internally and ask, 'what do we have built, or what can we build with our world-class engineering talent that would justify creating a business"' (Cone p 51 2007).

Anti-globalization arguments Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 6

Anti-globalization arguments - Essay Example Also, how the proponents of globalization have responded to these criticisms has been discussed in the analysis. The report also includes a discussion of the ways in which the supporters of globalization have presented their views to negate the anti globalization arguments. The report is concluded by summarizing the findings and presenting a derived view of the topic. Globalization is a dynamic aspect which includes wide varieties of dimensions like economic dimensions, social dimensions, political dimensions, cultural dimensions, environmental and security dimensions and so on (Goldin and Reinert, 2006). The advent of the globalization era has changed the way corporations across the world function and has also had metamorphic effects on the way the global industries function. The access to international markets and global production capabilities offer the companies with extraordinary scopes of expanding their businesses and ensuring continued growth and profitability. Also, globaliz ation acts as a powerful catalyst in the stimulation of innovations and technological advancements in different sectors (Hoekman and Nicita, 2011). However, there is no doubt regarding the fact that that function on an international platform face complex and inherent challenges associated with the conducting of business in compliant and ethical ways that meet the distinct high standards as set by the constituencies. The access to international markets and global production capabilities offer the companies with extraordinary scopes of expanding their businesses and ensuring continued growth and profitability. Also, globalization acts as a powerful catalyst in the stimulation of innovations and technological advancements in different sectors (Hoekman and Nicita, 2011).  

The role of the internet in the formation of popular culture Essay

The role of the internet in the formation of popular culture - Essay Example 11). The Internet is an excellent technology, however not since it is able to be synchronized. Similar to something else, strategies are expressed as well as applied on the Internet. The factual potency of the web is that, like an organization, it reveals distinctiveness of strategy configuration that demands to ones intelligence of independence. This is not exclusively for the causes that of maxim similar to "The Net understands restriction since harm as well as methods approximately it," or else "No one be acquainted with we are a trouble on the Internet." Complimentary dialogues as well as isolation are creditable uniqueness of the premature Internet; though they are neither unlimited nor definite eternally additional. Actually, systems of recognizing oneself and scheming content should be practical and enveloping. In its place, what formulate the Internet a "positive aspect" is its anarchical uniqueness of strategy development, like that devolution, agreement, and honesty that ac tual world community arrangement has struggled by means of additional accomplishment than others (Reagle, 2009). The Internet is on the way to change our lives. Internet has reached at such stage that it has total transformed our lives (for instance banking, communication as well as shopping everything is using Internet). However a lot of researchers have assessed that Internet has established some critical influences on our lives and the nature of our society has completely transformed. Now we are living in a more internally connected society. Postmodernist hypothesis should be stridently illustrious from postmodern society. Now we can see lot of information around us and the Internet is the only source that has engaged all the information and provided us in simpler form. At the present, our community has turned out to be an information based community. Internet has completely transformed all the areas of life and presented a new form of knowledge that comprise all

Anti-globalization arguments Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 6

Anti-globalization arguments - Essay Example Also, how the proponents of globalization have responded to these criticisms has been discussed in the analysis. The report also includes a discussion of the ways in which the supporters of globalization have presented their views to negate the anti globalization arguments. The report is concluded by summarizing the findings and presenting a derived view of the topic. Globalization is a dynamic aspect which includes wide varieties of dimensions like economic dimensions, social dimensions, political dimensions, cultural dimensions, environmental and security dimensions and so on (Goldin and Reinert, 2006). The advent of the globalization era has changed the way corporations across the world function and has also had metamorphic effects on the way the global industries function. The access to international markets and global production capabilities offer the companies with extraordinary scopes of expanding their businesses and ensuring continued growth and profitability. Also, globaliz ation acts as a powerful catalyst in the stimulation of innovations and technological advancements in different sectors (Hoekman and Nicita, 2011). However, there is no doubt regarding the fact that that function on an international platform face complex and inherent challenges associated with the conducting of business in compliant and ethical ways that meet the distinct high standards as set by the constituencies. The access to international markets and global production capabilities offer the companies with extraordinary scopes of expanding their businesses and ensuring continued growth and profitability. Also, globalization acts as a powerful catalyst in the stimulation of innovations and technological advancements in different sectors (Hoekman and Nicita, 2011).  

Biography of Plato Essay Example for Free

Biography of Plato Essay Plato was a Greek philosopher, mathematician, rhetorician, writer, founder of Academy, and even a double Olympic champion. He was born in 427 BCE in family of wealthy and influential Athenian parents: Ariston and Perictione. Platos real name was Aristocles. For his athletic figure his wrestling coach called him Plato, which means â€Å"broad†. As Plato was from a wealthy family, he got the best teachers of that time, who taught him music, grammar and athletics. At the age of 20 years old, Plato meets Socrates, who became his teacher, mentor and closest person. Eight years with Socrates influenced Platos life path. After Socrates died, Plato travels to Egypt, Italy, Sicily and Cyrene. Then he came back and opened his famous philosophical Academy. The Academy was an institution of higher education. Such philosophers as Aristotle, Heraclitus, Crates and Xenocrates attended Platos Academy. Plato’s writings are dialogues and letters to his teacher Socrates, which talks about a variety of different topics, ranging from philosophy to ethic, from mathematics to rhetoric. In these dialogs Plato used Socrates as a fictional person. His early dialogues are typically devoted to investigation of a single issue, where results are rarely achieved. The middle age dialogs developed, expressed, and defended Platos conclusions about central philosophical issues. And his later writings often modify or abandon the structure of a dialogue, they were critical examinations of the theory of forms, discussions of the problem of knowledge and cosmological speculations. Platos most famous works are: The Apology of Socrates, The Symposium and The Republic. Plato started the very first University in Europe – The Academy in 387 BC in Athens. Though the Academic was not open for the public, it did not charge fees for education there. Therefore no formal teachers or students, but there was unspoken distinction between teachers and students. One of the most famous Platos student, who also attended Academy for more than 20 years was Aristotle. There are evidences of lectures given in the Academy, such as Platos lecture On the Good and The use of dialectic. Academy continued on for nearly 1000 years until it was closed by emperor Justinian, because it was believed not to follow the Christian religion. Plato died on the day of his birthday at 347 BC. It is unknowing how he died, there are multiple versions from committing suicide to according to The American Scholar, Plato died in his bed, whilst a young girl played the flute to him. Plato moves his finger to indicate the beat and rhythm to get the right measure for her. When the girl gets the right measure, Plato died listening to the correct measure. References: Schall, James V. , â€Å"On the Death of Plato. † The American Scholar 65 (1996): 401-15. Print. Kemerling, Garth. â€Å"Plato. † Philosophy pages. Web. 9 Aug. 2006 Kraut, Richard, Plato, The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2011 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed. ), .

Religious Rejections of Globalization

Religious Rejections of Globalization Introduction The conflict between Western and Islamic worlds has drawn the attention of various scholars such as Samuel Huntington and Fukuyama whom predicted future war would be premised on cultural differences. Since the 1990s, countless scholars have analyzed Islam and its connection to religious fundamentalism in order to understand why fundamentalists are so radically opposed to economic modernization and social change. More surprisingly however, is the fact that Western academia and political leaders have largely ignored assertive Christian responses against globalization, especially those coming from Christian fundamentalists whose numbers and political influence continues to grow around the world. The re-emergence of religious fundamentalism as a political force has been propelled by the perceived threat of globalization which promotes the spread of Westernization, neoliberalism and secularism (Juergensmeyer 140). In the eyes of many religious movements, globalization challenges the prese nce of local religions by encouraging capitalist beliefs that do not take into account moral principles. Among these religious groups, Christianity is of particular importance because of its status, outreach and role in international affairs. When we talk about Christianity, we refer to a set of religious values and beliefs that led to the creation of various denominations, organizations and creeds. The following essay argues that the religious rejection of globalization within the Christian community has been spearheaded by religious fundamentalist groups in order to prevent the creation of a secular world order because it threatens to reduce their influence, power and legitimacy. Presently, Christianity’s role and status in international affairs is being redefined by two important groups: Christian liberals and Christian evangelicals. This internal religious competition aims to democratically capture important decision-making positions within the hierarchy of western states to reassert Christianity presence on the public sphere to ensure social and moral order. Liberal Christianity and civil society’s anti-globalization response The influential expansion of global society has redefined the role that religious groups play in the development of important international policies. As multiple sectors of global civil society have come together to denounce the negative effects of globalization on the poor and vulnerable, religious groups have joined their voice to highlight the need to create a better world order (Lechner 115). It is important to note that global civil society’s critical responses to globalization have largely evolved along secular lines (Lechner 116). At the same time, if we define civil society as all forms of voluntary association outside the market and state, then religion constitutes the largest segment of civil society (Lechner 116). The Roman Catholic Church alone accounts more members than all advocacy networks combined together which helps explain Christianity’s influence and outreach on major international socio-economic issues (Lechner 116). The Roman Catholic Church has pl ayed an important role in condemning the neo-liberal model imposed by Western states because of its tendency to support the imposition of economic values over moral principles. During a speech by Pope John Paul II, during his visit to Havana in 1998, the leader of the Catholic community openly expressed his concern on the negative effects that capitalism has on the vulnerable but also on the worldwide presence of Catholicism (Robertson 612). He claimed that the absolutizing of the economy was wrong for three main reasons: 1-markets were imperfect and were bound to leave people unsatisfied, 2-withouth proper regulation, the community markets do not serve the common good which results in exclusion and marginalization and 3-left to their own devices, markets promote economic inequality (Lechner 124). In this sense, the religious Christian left and the western secular left have evoked similar arguments and appear to pursue the same socio-economic goals (Lechner 124). In the late 1990s, both the Catholic Church and Protestant Churches pressured affluent states for the forgiveness of poor nations’ foreign debt because it imposed heavy economic burdens on people whose human dignity was constantly challenged by unequal and oppressive conditions (Lechner 117). On November 6, 2000, President Bill Clinton signed a foreign aid bill fully funding debt relief for poor countries (Lechner 118). Liberal Christians around the world celebrated this victory that had rallied multiple sectors of global civil society behind a common goal. Truly, Jubilee 2000 demonstrated how the power of religious scripture could be used to re-shape the history of the â€Å"secular world† (Lechner 119). However, it is important to acknowledge Jubilee’s 2000 success was primarily caused by secular forces who lobbied tremendously well to achieve their goal (Lechner 120). In addition, the Catholic Church previous support for economic liberalism as a way to force the fall of communi sm contradicted its new discourse against globalization and neo-liberalism which further divide its community. These contradictions demonstrate that liberal Christianity’s moderate approach is too passive to efficiently oppose globalization and further highlights its dependence on secular forces to provide political solutions for the world’s most worrisome problems. The rise of religious fundamentalism in Christianity Liberal Christianity’s global decline has helped Christian evangelicals spread their political message in more assertive, faster and active manner in the Americas, Asia and Africa. At the moment, liberal Christianity represents a mere minority within their societies who no longer share their assumptions and are experimenting drastic socio-economic changes as a result of globalization (Stahl 350). This political vacuum has been filled by both secular individuals and Christian evangelicals that have attracted considerable amount of support towards their opposite political goals. Religious movements whether liberal or conservative tend to perceive globalization as a competing form of religion association that contains a set of established ideas, beliefs, authorities, goals and followers (Stahl 341). For this reason, religious groups zealously oppose this expanding force. However, religious conservatives appear to be more successful than their liberal parts in using certain aspect s globalization to reach people and transmit their political goals (Jesus Camp). Many Christian evangelicals in the United States believe that their government has been taken over by corporations and foreign agents that seek the expansion of evil and corrupt forces within their nation (Jesus Camp). This threat often takes form in secular institutions and policies that are often demonized publicly by evangelical leaders who lobby their communities to vote for a particular candidate who will accurately represent their traditional values. The ongoing expansion of Christian fundamentals and their active political involvement in public affairs makes them a considerable force that can effectively influence the political spectrum of multiple nations. Despite this, few western scholars consider Christian fundamentalism a real threat to the stability of their nations as they wrongly believe that the most dangerous face of fundamentalism is to be associated with Muslim faith. Religions of revolution and their radical answer to globalization The modern social stability of Western secular societies has been built on the free practice of religion in the private sphere. This explains why, westerners are so fearful of the public imposition of a single religious tradition that could violate the freedoms and rights of individuals. According to Stahl, religious complaints against globalization focus on two main themes: the demand for justice and the defense of tradition (Stahl 339). Stahl uses these themes to draw a comparison between Osama Bin Laden whose exemplifies Islam fundamentalism and Dwight Hopkins who embodies Liberal Christianity (Stahl 339). Osama’s complaints are addressed in Letter to America (2002) and Resist the New Rome (2004). He believes that Muslim fundamentalists are fighting a defensive war against the forces of imperialism and aggression which are responsible for the establishment of corrupt and dictatorial regimes throughout the Muslim world (Stahl 339). He claims this religio-economic war is a co ntinuation of the Crusades and other past struggles between Muslims and Christians (Stahl 340). He criticizes the economic, environmental and cultural decline of the West and defends Islamic tradition from what he believes to be an infectious and corrupt culture (Stahl 340). He also denounces the theft of Muslim wealth and America’s refusal to ratify Kyoto. Despite this, most of his criticism is directed towards individual behavior, especially the treatment of women and sexualisation of culture (Stahl 340). Immorality is high on his list, economic exploitation is not. His call for Muslim community to violently resist the enemies of Islam appealed to many devoted people regardless of their socio-economic background (Stahl 341). On the other hand, Hopkins’ complaint based on liberal Christianity is one dimensional because it focuses on the economic aspect of globalization (Stahl 341). As Bin Laden, Hopkins advocates for justice and defense of tradition, although he clear ly understands these concepts differently than his counterpart. On the demand for justice, he criticizes the grotesque accumulation of wealth and power into the hands of few individuals. He attributes this to be the cause of corrupt politics and the unrestricted destruction of the environment (Stahl 341). In defense of tradition, he claims that globalization is a competing form of religious organization that seeks to promote material realities and economic values over moral principles (Stahl 341). Bin Laden and Hopkins are quite different. Bin Laden was ready to kill to achieve his version of Islam whereas Hopkins liberation theology called for spiritual resistance and struggle for freedom and justice (Stahl 342). Liberal Christian has slowly become a religion of resistance that has struggled to mobilize its followers against globalization. On the other hand, Islamic fundamentalism is religion of revolution that violently opposes globalization. The means advocated Islamist fundament alism are not that different from Christian fundamentalists who have also adopted a confrontational direct tone to send out powerful political messages. Conclusion To conclude, Christianity’s position and role within the Western World is being redefined by two competing religious movements that aim to democratically capture political power within their state to reassert religion’s role on the public sphere. On the one side, Liberal Christianity appears to have a renewed interest in opposing globalization and neoliberalism which has motivated many liberal Christians to join forces with the secular left. The success of Jubilee 2000 attests on what this cooperation can provide in terms of progressive and inclusive social policies. However, liberal Christianity’s moderate critique of globalization has also been qualified as too passive by many of its members that are drawn by Christian conservatives’ more pro-active and direct message. As Christian evangelical’s popularity and numbers continues to grow, they have become an influential political force that opposes secularism and modernization in their own nations. As the dominant forces within Christianity are slowly turn it a religion of revolution, they are adopting various fundamentalist values and premises which threaten to unbalance the social stability of these secular societies. Western societies tend to picture Islam as the main motor of religious fundamentalism in the world. However, what they ignore is that the real threat to their society’s stability comes from the radicalization of Christianity which supports a more confrontational approach to promote their religious values.

Manic Hamlet in Shakespeares Hamlet :: GCSE Coursework Shakespeare Hamlet

Manic Hamlet      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Manic: affected by violent madness . When one is affected by mania it becomes the dictator of his or her actions .   This holds true in William Shakespeare's Hamlet . In the play, Hamlet is depressed to the point of mania. His entire existence is engulfed in his melancholia.   Hamlet's words, thoughts, interactions and most tangibly his actions make his heavy-heartedness an undeniable reality. The degree of Hamlet 's depression is set by his ennui and his melancholy itself is revealed through his tenacity. Throughout the play Hamlet's actions are plagued by his overbearing depression. This depression in combination with Hamlet's mania is what makes his a bipolar disorder sufferer.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Psychologically, mania is described as a mood disorder characterized by euphoric states ,extreme physical activity ,excessive talkativeness, distractedness, and sometimes grandiosity. During manic periods a person becomes "high" extremely active , excessively talkative, and easily distracted. During these periods the affected person's self esteem is also often greatly inflated. These people often become aggressive and hostile to others as their self confidence becomes more and more inflated and exaggerated.   In extreme cases (like Hamlet's) the manic person may become consistently wild or violent until he or she reaches the point of exhaustion. Manic depressives often function on little or no sleep during their episodes.   Ã‚  Ã‚   At the opening of the play Hamlet is portrayed as a stable individual . He expresses disappointment in his mother for her seeming disregard for his father's death. His feelings are justified and his actions are rational at this point, he describes himself as being genuine. As this scene progresses it is revealed that Hamlet views himself as being weak: "My father's brother, but no more like my father/ than I to Hercules" (1.2.153) The doubts that Hamlet has concerning his heroism become particularly evident in his actions as the story progresses. These doubts are a major hindrance to his thoughts of revenge.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Hamlet wishes to avenge the murder of his father and rectify this great injustice. The conflict between his desire to seek revenge and his own thoughts of incompetence is the cause of his initial unrest. "Haste me to know't , that I , with wings as swift / As meditation or thoughts of love , / may sweep to my revenge (1.5.29-31).   Here Hamlet pleads to the Ghost of King Hamlet to reveal the name of his murderer.

Free College Admissions Essays: Strength and Weakness :: College Admissions Essays

Strength and Weakness Everyone has strengths and weaknesses but as a child, it's hard to deal with your weaknesses. It's not until you grow up and realize that you have to use your strengths to overcome your weaknesses. Combining logic with technology can be a useful tool. For me it was the way to overcome my disability. Early on in my education I encountered learning disabilities. These learning disabilities included reading, spelling, grammar, and difficulty in time writing reports. These learning disabilities have frustrated me. I wondered " Why couldn't I do this?" I knew that I had the intelligence, but I just could not finish the assignments. I would then become angry. My anger sometimes led me to break pencils and throw them across my room. The basis of my learning disabilities, I discovered, was in transferring my thoughts and ideas from my head to paper. Reading was also a challenge for me in the early grades. I never had trouble understanding stories themselves; but when I had to answer question s about what I had read, I often had difficulty formulating an answer. Another major issue I had was the slow pace of my work. In elementary school I usually didn't finish my homework until 10 o'clock at night. Other students in my grade were finished by 7 o'clock. Although this was difficult for me to deal with, I did not let it stop me from completing my homework. Originally I felt sorry for myself. I believed that I would never overcome these problems. This led me to complain how unfair it was. Perhaps, I thought, someone did not want me to succeed. Word processing was a huge benefit to me in overcoming my learning disabilities. Before I had a desktop computer I had great difficulty writing reports. This was due to the fact that I had to type up my reports using a typewriter. After every sentence, my mother had to check my spelling. Due to this my progress was at a snail's pace. Also, throughout elementary school, and into the beginning of high school, I had illegible notes. Then , at the beginning of junior year, I purchased a notebook computer. This aided me greatly. I could now actually take notes since I could type far faster than I could write. Free College Admissions Essays: Strength and Weakness :: College Admissions Essays Strength and Weakness Everyone has strengths and weaknesses but as a child, it's hard to deal with your weaknesses. It's not until you grow up and realize that you have to use your strengths to overcome your weaknesses. Combining logic with technology can be a useful tool. For me it was the way to overcome my disability. Early on in my education I encountered learning disabilities. These learning disabilities included reading, spelling, grammar, and difficulty in time writing reports. These learning disabilities have frustrated me. I wondered " Why couldn't I do this?" I knew that I had the intelligence, but I just could not finish the assignments. I would then become angry. My anger sometimes led me to break pencils and throw them across my room. The basis of my learning disabilities, I discovered, was in transferring my thoughts and ideas from my head to paper. Reading was also a challenge for me in the early grades. I never had trouble understanding stories themselves; but when I had to answer question s about what I had read, I often had difficulty formulating an answer. Another major issue I had was the slow pace of my work. In elementary school I usually didn't finish my homework until 10 o'clock at night. Other students in my grade were finished by 7 o'clock. Although this was difficult for me to deal with, I did not let it stop me from completing my homework. Originally I felt sorry for myself. I believed that I would never overcome these problems. This led me to complain how unfair it was. Perhaps, I thought, someone did not want me to succeed. Word processing was a huge benefit to me in overcoming my learning disabilities. Before I had a desktop computer I had great difficulty writing reports. This was due to the fact that I had to type up my reports using a typewriter. After every sentence, my mother had to check my spelling. Due to this my progress was at a snail's pace. Also, throughout elementary school, and into the beginning of high school, I had illegible notes. Then , at the beginning of junior year, I purchased a notebook computer. This aided me greatly. I could now actually take notes since I could type far faster than I could write.

Sex without Love

Just Sex, Nothing Else â€Å"How do they do it, the ones who make love/ without love† (Olds, 1-2)? As time goes on, the value of love and intimacy in sex diminishes further and further. In the past, becoming intimate with another person had very strong meaning and was frowned upon outside of marriage. Although there are still people who value sex in its purist form and value the meaning of the action, more people desire only the pleasure that comes from sex instead of the love and connection that it creates.In â€Å"Misery and Splendor† by Robert Hass and â€Å"Sex Without Love† by Sharon Olds, both poets present the idea that having sex without love is hard to grasp and ultimately dissatisfying. Hass and Olds argue this idea through the use of imagery and tone. Poets and authors are very careful with the words they choose to be in their pieces. Authors most often paint a verbal picture for the reader that reinforces his or her underlying argument. In â€Å"Mise ry and Splendor† and â€Å"Sex Without Love,† both Hass and Olds create very vivid imagery for their readers to create certain visuals while reading.In â€Å"Misery and Splendor,† Hass describes the man and woman as â€Å"trying to become one creature/ and something will not have it† (13-14). With this description, Robert Hass explains to the reader that the two people in his poem are trying to find love in their physical intimacy, but there remains another unknown force preventing them from finding this love. Hass also paints the image of this relationship being somewhat animalistic. â€Å"So they rub against each other/ their mouths dry, then wet, then dry† (17-18).This image does not create a lovely, romantic scene like sex is most often thought to be. Instead, Hass refers that the two people become intimate in a brutish way. By doing this, Hass makes the point that the man and woman are becoming intimate in the physical manner instead of the emo tional manner. Hass ends the poem by stating that the two are â€Å"huddled against the gate of a garden/ to which they can’t admit they can never be admitted† (23-24). This image gives the reader the image that the couple is waiting for something, but will never be able to find what they are waiting for.These two people are having sex in search for love; however, by strictly becoming physically intimate, they are disappointed by never finding the love they desire. The physical qualities of sex do not come hand-in-hand with the emotional qualities that this couple desires. By making the couple wait for this love after they become intimate, Hass demonstrates that he believes the love must be present before the intimacy and sex can happen between two people.Not only does Hass use imagery in his work, Sharon Olds creates very strong imagery in â€Å"Sex Without Love† to demonstrate the same concept as Hass, which is that sex without love is very disappointing and a hard concept to understand. However, Olds uses a slightly different approach with the imagery in her poem. Throughout the poem, Sharon Olds creates imagery that is very ironic for the reader. The images she creates are meant to be beautiful actions; however, Olds represents them in quite the opposite way.They are â€Å"wet as the/ children at birth whose mothers are going to/ give them away† (6-8). When a mother gives birth to a child, it is most popularly known as the best day of the mother’s life. The occasion is a very happy and celebratory time. However, in the poem, Olds paints the picture of a mother giving her child away. She uses this image to enforce that sex without love could have repercussions that are very negative. Although sex may have physical benefits, it also comes with consequences as well. Olds also depicts these people as runners. They know they are alone/ with the road surface, the cold, the wind/ the fit of their shoes, their over-all-cardio-/ v ascular health-just factors, like the partner/ in the bed, and not the truth† (18-21). Although the people that choose to be intimate without pairing it with love know that they are alone, they do not seem to care. They are like runners; they want the physical aspects of the action but nothing else. Olds also states that the people like runners â€Å"know they are alone† (18). This depicts that these people believe they are capable of doing things on their own, without help.They see their partner as a factor that helps them achieve the goal that they desire. When these people have this viewpoint, Olds describes them as â€Å"a single body in the universe/ against its own best time† (23-24). Until these independent, do-it-yourself people realize that a single person cannot achieve love, Olds claims that the search for the love and intimacy that two individuals share remains to be a very lonely and dissatisfying time. Not only do these poets create vivid imagery, b oth Hass and Olds also form ery distinct tones throughout their poems to convey this thought that love cannot be achieved through sex alone. â€Å"Summoned by conscious recollection, she/ would be smiling, they might be in a kitchen talking/ before or after dinner† (Hass, 1-3). The first three lines set an important tone to this poem â€Å"Misery and Splendor†. In these first lines, Hass claims that the man and woman are conscious of what should be happening. They both know that if they shared love, they would be happy and having a good conversation after dinner.Instead, â€Å"they are in this other room/ the window has many small panes, and they are on a couch/ embracing† (3-5). Hass compares what they should be doing to what they are actually doing to set this yearning tone that makes the couple seem desperate. They are desperate to find this love between them; however, the love is not reachable. â€Å"The light in the room/ does not change† (11-12). Th is statement also creates a somewhat dark and negative tone. By stating that the light stays the same, it seems as though nothing else emotionally between the couple changes either.This dark and unpleasant tone that Hass depicts throughout the poem also reinforces his argument that trying to find love by performing the act of sex alone will be extremely disappointing. Although the man and woman are being intimate with one another, the disappointment still lingers throughout them. â€Å"They are tender/ with each other, afraid/ their brief, sharp cries will reconcile them to the moment/ when they fall away again† (14-17). The couple feels the intimacy in the moment, but as soon as it is over, they go back to feeling nothing.They try to hold on to feeling in the moment, but it is soon stripped away. The couple fears that the love will never be achieved, and they cling to the thought of this love they desire so much. However, because this love is not present, the couple cannot h old on to this artificial feeling that refuses to remain. While Hass conveys his idea in â€Å"Misery and Splendor† through the suggested tone, Olds also advocates her thoughts through the tone created in â€Å"Sex Without Love. † By beginning the poem with a question, Olds sets the tone in a somewhat negative way.She asks, â€Å"how do they do it, the ones who make love/ without love† (1-2). By posing this question, Olds seems baffled by the fact that people can become intimate with another person without loving that person first. Her misunderstanding and amazement of the concept also makes this idea making love without actually having love seem very skeptical and difficult to grasp. â€Å"How do they come to the/ come to the come to the God come to the/ still waters, and not love/ the one who came there with them† (8-11).This second question that Olds presents in her poem, reinforces not only her misunderstanding of these people, but also the tone she h as created. This question that Olds has posed reinforces the idea that these people do not truly love the person they are becoming intimate with. The fact that Olds is questioning this concept creates a negative connotation of this action. This negative tone that Olds uses in this poem is also seen through her metaphor of these people as runners- â€Å"They know they are alone† (18); â€Å"[they are a] single body alone in the universe/ against its own best time† (23-24).Olds implies that these â€Å"runners† are alone. This metaphor creates not only a negative tone, but also implies that these people are ultimately lonely. As Olds indicates that these people are lonely, the negative tone that she fuses through her poem becomes stronger. Love is not intended to be lonely. With these questions inserted in the poem and the implication of the person being â€Å"alone in the universe† (23), the tone of â€Å"Sex Without Love† is negative and disappoint ing, similar to the tone in â€Å"Misery and Splendor. † Both â€Å"Misery and Splendor† and â€Å"Sex Without Love† have very similar underlying meanings.Both Hass and Olds take an â€Å"old-fashioned† stance on the concept of being intimate with another person without feeling love for him or her first. Through the use of imagery and tone, these poets convey their thoughts that having sex before love will lead to disappointing, consequential repercussions. Although that is not the typical viewpoint today, these poets do pose an interesting stance on this topic. Instead of receiving media messages that having â€Å"sex friends† or â€Å"friends with benefits† is a normal occurrence, Hass and Olds both give reasons as to why this could be misleading.They both explain that love cannot be found through the act of sex alone. Love comes from an emotional place before a physical place. Both Robert Hass and Sharon Olds share this idea that the phys ical factors of sex alone will not lead to the emotional benefits of love. Works Cited Hass, Robert. â€Å"Misery and Splendor. † Class Document for English 230-008, Fall 2012. Olds, Sharon. â€Å"Sex Without Love† The Seagull Reader: Poems. Ed. Joseph Kelly. New York: W. W. Norton, 2008. 231-232. Print

Contemporary Social Work Theory and Issues Essay

Assignment Title To what extent can social work be adequately conceptually understood in terms of a position at the interface between social exclusion and social inclusion? To what extent can social work be adequately conceptually understood in terms of a position at the interface between social exclusion and social inclusion? According to the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) the social work profession ‘promotes the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance wellbeing. Utilising theories of human behaviour and social systems, social work intervenes at the points where people interact with their environments’ (IFSW, 2000). However the social work role is questioned, in both its operational approach, and in terms of where it is positioned at the interface of individuals that are excluded and included within today’s society. This essay will aim, using relevant theories and concepts, to provide the opinion of the author, regarding their notion of how the social work role is delivered, and moreover, grasp an understanding of where this role is located, either working with the socially excluded or leaning towards the concept of inclusion. The term social exclusion was coined in France by Rene Lenoir in 1974, (Gore, 1995, Silver, 1995, Haan, 1998, cited in Islam, 2005: 4) and, in his opinion, referred to people who were omitted from employment-based social security systems. His reference to the excluded consisted of the ‘mentally and physically handicapped, suicidal people, aged individuals, abused children, drug addicts, delinquents, single parents, multi-problem households, marginal asocial persons and other social misfits’ (Silver, 1994-95: 532). Social exclusion did not replace poverty as a concept but referred to the ‘broader process of social disintegration – an increasing rupture of the bond between the individual and society’ (Islam, 2005: 4). As Lenoir suggests, social exclusion transpires in many forms; race, poverty and deprivation, employment, and class, and retains varied definitions. According to Sheppard (2006), the best definition that provides an understanding of all the dimensions of social exclusion was submitted by the Child Poverty Action Group (Walker and Walker, 1997, cited in Sheppard, 2006) ‘social exclusion refers to the dynamic process of being shut out, fully or partially, from any of the social, economic, political and cultural systems which determine the social integration of society’. However, the model of ‘social exclusion’ has only been in use in the UK for a relatively short time, and its extensive practice could indicate that it ‘describes a phenomenon that already existed, but lacked a suitable name’ (Page 2000: 4). Marx, for example, refers to the ‘underclasses in contemporary capitalist society. According to Marx members of the proletariat are compelled to sell their labour power to the bourgeoisie in order to ‘attain for themselves the means to their own subsistence’ (Ashley and Or enstein, 1998). Marx was aware of the growth of the middle classes, situated at the interface of proletariat on the one side and the bourgeoisie on the other, thus increasing the security and power of the upper class. Subsequently this produced a different division of the working class, Marx’s ‘lumpenproletariat’, for example; the migrant population, the indigents, the unemployed and those in poverty and deprivation, individuals that today would be the termed ‘socially excluded’. According to Marx, class structures are primary in determining the main social classes, the focal forms of struggle within societies, and the life experiences of people in these classes. However, secondary forms of inequality and oppression occur within each class, and these may take the form of racial and ethnic inequalities, or gender inequalities. Marxist feminists argue that, ‘within any class, women are less advantaged than men in their access to material goods, power, status, and possibilities for self-actualisation and the causes of this inequality lie in the organisation of capitalism itself’ (Ritzier, 1992: 468-9). , However, as Marxist theory distillates on class division, and is concentrated on the macro level only, this view of Social Work’s position at the interface of exclusion and inclusion is not conclusive. The Social Worker would be seen as working more in line with the ‘lumpenproletariat’ and not providing services to the ‘proletariat’ and certainly not the ‘bourgeoisie’, therefore places social work at the heart of the excluded and not the included. Moreover as social work from the Marxist perspective, is placed firmly within the macro level, the individualism and person centred approach that the social worker aims to provide the client cannot be fulfilled, as to do so would mean to be working at the micro level which the Marxist view discounts. The Functionalist stance referencing the concept of social exclusion is to describe a group, or groups, of people who are excluded from the normal activities of their society in multiple ways, thu s deviating from their societies ‘norms’ of behaviour (Sheppard, 2006). A functionalist perspective of social exclusion is, therefore, focussed upon the excluded persons being deviant and non- conforming to social norms. However, unlike the Marxist perspective, the Functionalist would concentrate on the social worker operational on the macro and the micro level, working with the individual, and also taking the clients wider social systems in to account, for example; family, friends, school and working environment. Emile Durkheim (1858-1917), and later Talcott Parsons (1951), suggests that societies were social ‘systems’, made up of interrelated social elements, and that these systems were ‘moral’ entities. Durkheim and Parsons argue that all human associations give rise to expectations in patterns of conduct, therefore producing restrictions on how a person should or shouldn’t behave. Hence emerges ‘collective consciousness’ which, in turn, constrains an individual and obliges them to act in particular ways ( Cuff, Sharrock and Francis, 1992). One way is that norms ‘effectively discipline individuals above all through their moral authority, relatively independent of any instrumentally significant consequences of conformity with them’ (Parsons 1951, p. 37). The other is that there is a tendency for individuals to ‘develop and maintain attachment to the same integrated system of norms and to find solidarity in the pursuit of shared goals’ (Parsons 1934: 295, Peacock 1976: 265). The Functionalist, therefore, would suggest that social work is very much concerned with the deviants in society, the individuals that do not conform to society’s norms. However this notion too could be contested, as, if the social work profession concerns itself with the deviants of society, the client could be at risk from labelling and of being further excluded by the social worker themselves. Sheppard (2006), asserts that social work is, in fact, exclusionary and that social workers ‘cannot engage in integration and inclusion because its innate functions involve labelling and marginalising people’ ( Sheppard, 2006). Functionalism also neglects the negative functions of an event, such as divorce, and does not encourage people to take an active role in changing their social environment, even when such change may benefit them. Conflict Theory also sees society as a social system, but unlike Functionalism who perceives society held together by social consensus or cohesion, Conflict Theory interprets society as held together through conflict and coercion. From this perspective, society is made up by competing interest groups, some more powerful than others (Andersen and Taylor, 2008). When Conflict Theorists look at society, they see the social domination of subordinate groups through the power, authority, and coercion of dominant groups. Randall Collins (1941) su ggests that power and status are fundamental relational dimensions at the micro level of social interaction and perhaps at the macro level as well. Collins concludes that coercion and the ability to force others to behave a certain way are the primary basis of conflict in society (Turner, 2000). Therefore in the conflict view, the elite members of the dominant groups create the rules for success and opportunity in society, often denying subordinate groups such success and opportunities, thus generating social division, and creating social exclusion, at the macro and the micro levels of society. In contrast to the conflict perspective, the strengths approach concentrates on building clients strong points in order for them to become empowered and initiate social change. Cowger and Snively (2001) favour the empowerment perspective as ‘central to social work practice, and see client strengths as providing the fuel and energy for that empowerment’ (Miley et al, 2004:91). Empowerment can be defined as ‘a construct that links individual strengths and competencies, natural helping systems, and proactive behaviours to social policy and social change’ (Rappaport, 1981, cited in Zimmerman, 1995: 569). However if the social worker is operational more within the context of empowering the socially excluded, rather than the included, what of the power and authority that a social worker holds over the client as an agent of social control? Moreover, if a social workers role involves empowering the client to take control of their own lives, how does the power transfer from the authoritative figure of the social worker, to the deprived, socially excluded client? Indeed, would the client want to be empowered, or be able to hold rational thought, capacity, to be open to empowerment? Rojek (1989) argues that empowering clients to focus on capacity building and not in making changes directly to the oppressive social structures affecting the client, places responsibility on the client to change whilst still facing social obstacles. Therefore, for the social worker to effectively practice empowerment, the client is presumed to have adequate rational capacity, and have only one risk factor influencing their lives. This is difficult, as, from researching this essay, it has become apparent, that the socially excluded individuals that social work operates with, has more than one disadvantage, problem, or need that they require support to cope with. Perhaps the term enablement would be more fitting than the harsh, power/powerless concept of empowerment and subsequently, that the social workers role should concentrate on maintaining the client According to Davies (1994: 58) ‘the social worker is contributing to the maintenance of society, by exercising control over deviant members, whilst allocating resources according to policies laid down by the state, on an individual basis’. This consensus approach ‘analyses structural inequalities in society and the role of social work in relation to such inequ alities’ (Lishman, 2005: 70). Davies idea of maintenance of the individual, and, therefore society, is simplistic, and, by using the term ‘maintain’ rather than ‘change’, dominates a proper conception of social work’ (Sheppard, 2006). However the radical social worker would discount Davies notion of maintenance as they perceive the state as serving particular dominant interests and therefore cannot play a neutral, humanitarian role in respect to vulnerable, disadvantaged, socially excluded people. They would argue that social workers using the maintenance role, with respect to state policies, will perpetrate inequality and its associated oppressions, disadvantages and stigma. Radicalists distinguish that social workers need to understand the nature of state power, and the role of social work as an element of state control and oppression (Lishman, 2005). If this is the case, and the social worker is operational in the form of an agent of social control, whilst holding the power and control over the client, may actually be alienating them further from society. Additionally, as the radical perspective, alongside Marxism, focusses on the class differences in society, it fails to take into account the multiple and varying oppression and disadvantage which operate in British Contemporary Society. According to Langham and Lee (1989: 9) radical social work texts and practice led to the failure to ‘recognise the systematic denial of power to women and black people and failed to recognise inequality arising from sexuality, disability or age’. There is much debate and confusion in reference to the definition of social work, and even more deliberation concerning the role of the social worker and of its operational position in today’s society. Taking into account, views from the Marxist, Radical and Functionalist perspectives, it has been the focus of this essay to decide upon the position of social work at the interface of social exclusion and social inclusion. It is of the author’s opinion, that social work should perform a maintenance role, working with socially excluded individuals. The notion of being an agent of social control is not very appealing, as it makes the social worker an authority figure, which clients would find oppressive. It doesn’t matter if the client is deviant or a conformist, the social worker should remain non-judgemental and focus on enabling and maintaining them to gain independence and improve their lives. References Andersen, M. Taylor, H. (2008), Sociology, Understanding a Diverse Society, 4th edn. USA: Thomson Higher Education. Ashley, D. Orenstein, D. (1998), Sociological Theory, Classical Statements. 4th edn. USA: Allyn and Bacon. Cuff, E. Sharrock, W. Francis, D. (1992), Perspectives in Sociology, 4th edn. London: Routledge. Davies, M. (1994), the Essential Social Worker, 3rd edn. Aldershot: Ashgate Publishing Ltd. International Federation of Social Workers, 2000, Definition of Social Work, [Online] Available at http://www.ifsw.org/f38000138.html (Accessed on 19/12/2011). Islam, A, (2005), ‘Sociology of Poverty: Quest for a New Horizon’, Bangladesh e-Journal of Sociology. 2, pp. 1. Lisman, J. (2005), Handbook of theory for practice teachers in social work, 10th edn. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Miley, K. DuBois, B. (2004), Social work: an empowering profession, 5th edn. Boston: Pearson Publishers. Page, D. (2000), Communities in Balance, the reality of social exclusion on housing estates, York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Parsons, T. (1934), ‘the Place of Ultimate Values in Sociological Theory’, International Journal of Ethics, 45(3), pp. 282-316. Parsons, T. (1951), the Social System, New York: Free Press. Ritzier, G, (1992), Sociological Theory, 3rd edn. New York: McGraw-Hill. Rojek, C. Peacock, G. Collins, S. (1989) Social Work and Received Ideas, London: Routledge. Sheppard, M. (2006), Social Work and Social Exclusion, the Idea of Practice, Hampshire: Ashgate Publishing Ltd. Silver, H. (1994-95), ‘Social Exclusion and Social Solidarity: Three Paradigms’, International Labour Review, (133), pp. 531-578. Turner, J. (2000), Handbook of Sociological Theory, USA: Spring er Press. Zimmerman, M. Perkins, D. (1995), ‘Empowerment Theory Research and Application’, American Journal of Community Psychology, 23(5), pp. 569– 579.