South Africa Geography and History

South Africa is the southernmost country on the African continent. It has a long history of conflict and human rights issues, but it has always been one of the most economically prosperous nations in southern Africa due to its coastal location and the presence of gold, diamonds, and natural resources. Fast Facts: South Africa Official Name: Republic of South AfricaCapital: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)Population: 55,380,210 (2018)Official Languages: isiZulu, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, Sepedi, Setswana, English, Sesotho, Xitsonga, siSwati, Tshivenda, isiNdebeleCurrency: Rand (ZAR)Form of Government: Parliamentary republicClimate: Mostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny days, cool nightsTotal Area: 470,691 square miles (1,219,090 square kilometers)Highest Point: Njesuthi at 11,181 feet (3,408 meters)Â  Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean at 0 feet (0 meters) History of South Africa By the 14th century CE, the region was settled by the Bantu people who migrated from central Africa. South Africa was first inhabited by Europeans in 1488 when the Portuguese arrived at the Cape of Good Hope. However, permanent settlement didnt occur until 1652 when the Dutch East India Company established a small station for provisions on the Cape. In the following years, French, Dutch, and German settlers began to arrive in the region. By the late 1700s, European settlements were spread throughout the Cape and by the end of the 18th century, the British controlled the entire Cape of Good Hope region. In the early 1800s, in an effort to escape British rule, many native farmers called Boers migrated north, and in 1852 and 1854, the Boers created the independent Republics of the Transvaal and Orange Free State. After the discovery of diamonds and gold in the late 1800s, more European immigrants arrived in South Africa and this eventually led to the Anglo-Boer Wars, which the British won, causing the republics to become part of the British Empire. In May 1910, though, the two republics and Britain formed the Union of South Africa, a self-governing territory of the British Empire, and in 1912, the South African Native National Congress (eventually called the African National Congress or ANC) was founded with the goal of providing blacks in the region with more freedom. Despite the ANC in an election in 1948, the National Party won and began passing laws enforcing a policy of racial separation called apartheid. In the early 1960s, the ANC was banned and Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid leaders were convicted of treason and imprisoned. In 1961, South Africa became a republic after it withdrew from the British Commonwealth because of international protests against apartheid and in 1984 a constitution was put into effect. In February 1990, President F.W. de Klerk, unbanned the ANC after years of protest and two weeks later Mandela was released from prison. Four years later on May 10, 1994, Mandela was elected as South Africas first black president and during his time in office he was committed to reforming race-relations in the country and strengthening its economy and place in the world. This has remained the goal of subsequent governmental leaders. Government of South Africa Today, South Africa is a republic with two legislative bodies. Its executive branch is its Chief of State and Head of Government—both of which are filled by the president, who is elected for five-year terms by the National Assembly. The legislative branch is a bicameral Parliament composed of the National Council of the Provinces and the National Assembly. South Africas judicial branch is made up of its Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court of Appeals, High Courts, and Magistrate Courts. South Africas Economy South Africa has a growing market economy with a plethora of natural resources. Gold, platinum, and precious stones such as diamonds account for nearly half of South Africas exports. Auto assembly, textiles, iron, steel, chemicals, and commercial ship repair also play a role in the countrys economy. In addition, agriculture and agricultural exports are significant to South Africa. Geography of South Africa South Africa is divided into three major geographic regions. The first is the African Plateau in the countrys interior. It forms a portion of the Kalahari Basin and is semiarid and sparsely populated. It slopes gradually in the north and west but rises to 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) in the east. The second region is the Great Escarpment. Its terrain varies but its highest peaks are in the Drakensberg Mountains along the border with Lesotho. The third region consists of the narrow, fertile valleys along the coastal plains. The climate of South Africa is mostly semiarid, but its eastern coastal regions are subtropical with mainly sunny days and cool nights. South Africas west coast is arid because the cold ocean current Benguela removes moisture from the region, which formed the Namib Desert that extends into Namibia. In addition to its varied topography, South Africa is famous for its biodiversity. South Africa currently has eight wildlife reserves, the most famous of which is Kruger National Park along the border with Mozambique. This park is home to lions, leopards, giraffes, elephants, and hippopotamus. The Cape Floristic Region along South Africas west coast is also important as it is considered a world biodiversity hotspot which is home to endemic plants, mammals and amphibians. More Facts about South Africa South Africas population estimates must account for excess mortality due to AIDS and its affect on life expectancy, infant mortality, and population growth rates.South Africa divides its governmental power among three capitals. Bloemfontein is the capital of the judiciary, Cape Town is the legislative capital, and Pretoria is the administrative capital. Sources Central Intelligence Agency. CIA - The World Factbook -- South Africa.Infoplease.com. South Africa: History, Geography, Government, and Culture - Infoplease.com.United States Department of State. South Africa.

My Philosophy Of Teaching And Learning - 800 Words

My Philosophy of Teaching and Learning In regard to how I teach, I want students to discover facts, not just learn them by rote. Information Systems is an ideal field for such a teaching strategy. I live by the quote, â€Å"All things are common sense if taught well.† I think in my subject this is especially true. I work to be successful at teaching students how to discover information, they will have a more effective way of absorbing the background data and looking at new information when it is presented. I find ways to simplify difficult material in a manner that is usable and easy to remember. I believe that students can be excited about learning. I like to bring in examples of how the information that they are learning can play a part in the students’ lives. I want to get my students more involved in the teaching and learning process. I feel that there will always be a benefit to learning how to teach. Therefore, I intend to give students more opportunities to teach their fellow students the information that they are learning in my classes. Currently, I have been able to provide teaching opportunities in budgeting and finances at a local high school and a local middle school. I feel it is important to understand the skill or knowledge level that the students are bringing into the classroom. Due to my interest in utilizing current best practices I stay in contact with professionals in the field to ensure what is taught is important. I believe it is important forShow MoreRelatedMy Philosophy Of Teaching And Learning1123 Words   |  5 Pagesdevelop a philosophy of teaching and learning. Our philosophy drives our passion for teaching, influences our teaching styles, sets our core values, provides strength during challenges and constantly reminds us the importances of self development and learning. 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Include examples of teaching and learning strategies to promote higher level thinking that align with your stated philosophy. The context for implementation of the strategies may be within your area of expertise. When I began my nursing career over fifteen years ago, I had a single goal in mind, to be good. I graduated from a program that boasted a consistent 100 percent passage rate on theRead MoreMy Philosophy Of Teaching And Learning Programs Essay1612 Words   |  7 PagesMy philosophy of teaching involves creating an environment that promotes student well being by welcoming open collaboration and participation, setting high expectations and developing positive, safe and respectful relationships with all members of the class.(Vrankovic, M, 2016). My learning philosophy is derived from the constructivist philosophy whereby students are active participants in their learning in order to be able to transfer information into new situations to promote deeper levels ofRead MoreEducation: The Expert Theory Essay1082 Words   |  5 PagesParamount to my teaching philosophy is building strong relationships with students. By illustrating that I care for their needs and desires, I hope to become approachable and produce a sense of belonging. In my opinion, students possess an innate need to belong to social groups, and the development of positive relationships is imperative to students’ satisfaction of this need. According to Dreikurs, ‘students can often appear to be complicated and confusing to their teachers, most of them simplyRead MoreMy Teaching Philosophy Of Education1486 Words   |  6 PagesMy teaching philosophy of education is being able to recognise that all children learn in different and unique ways. I believe that all students should have a safe learning environment which enables them to grow physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. As a teacher, I aim to act as a guide for student learning and provide demonstrations and understanding to all students. More specifically as a physical education teacher, I aim to bring a positive and encouraging attitude to the students andRead MoreEssay about Personal Educational Philosophy1069 Words   |à ‚  5 PagesAbstract This paper is my personal educational philosophy statement. It represents my ideas and values about teaching and learning; it reveals my personal teaching beliefs and their relation to the five major established educational philosophies; it shows my role and responsibilities in educational process. I place great significance on personal style of instruction and its influence on curriculum implementation. The paper also highlights my career aspiration and orientation. Read MoreMy Personal Philosophy Of Teaching797 Words   |  4 PagesPhilosphy of Teaching The the purpose of this paper is to identify/describe and discuss my personal philosophy teaching. As I describe my theory of learning I will talk about experiences that have affected me. As well as identify areas of pedagogy that have influenced my personal philosophy. I will then describe how my philosophy teaching guide my teaching style. Personal Experinces My personal philosophy of teaching has its foundations in my experiences as a student. These experiences as aRead MoreMy Teaching Philosophy Of Education880 Words   |  4 PagesAccording to the Education Philosophy test that we took in class, my education philosophy matched with social reconstruction. Social Reconstructionist believes that systems must keep changing to improve human conditions. Also, emphasizes social questions and to create a better society. Social reconstructionist believe that you have to start over to make things better. While going through the PowerPoint that explained what social reconstitution is, in a deeper way, I came to the conclusion that social

The Green Mile free essay sample

A comparative analysis of the book and movie versions of Stephen Kings The Green Mile. This paper analyzes Stephen Kings novel, The Green Mile, and its differences (and similarities) by comparing the treatment of the story through two different media: the book and film version. The book shows that in both media, Stephen Kings novel possesses the theme of life, death, and healing, despite some differences in narrative order and treatment of the events in the story. Edgecombes character was introduced in the film in the second scene, wherein the viewers see him as an old man already. This was radically different with the books style, since King did not mention anything about Edgecombes being in a nursing home until in the first chapter of the second part of the novel. In the movie, Darabont (the director) made his film as clean-cut as possible, using flashbacks to the minimum and chronicled the events in the movie in an orderly way. We will write a custom essay sample on The Green Mile or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In fact, Darabont did not dwell so much about Edgecombes life in the nursing home, and focused entirely on Edgecombes full narration of the events that happened to him when he was chief prison guard of the E block in Cold Mountain.

Thinking about research in Gentrification An Examination of Positivism and Structuralism Essay Example

Thinking about research in Gentrification: An Examination of Positivism and Structuralism Paper Geography is the study of the earths landscapes, peoples, places and environments. It is quite simply the world in which we live (RGS). Literature aimed at enhancing our knowledge of these social and physical processes is fundamentally based on philosophical assumptions inherent in the research. Indeed it is impossible to conduct a successful piece of research without making certain philosophical choices (Graham in Flowerdew and Martin, 2005). These philosophical positions have a significant bearing on the research question, the evaluation of theory, the choice of appropriate methodologies and most crucially the interpretation of results (Holt-Jenson, 1999). As a consequence the research is shaped by its philosophical foundation and it is therefore fundamental to any research project. The paper aims to promote awareness of the range of philosophical positions which may be seen to represent different epistemologies and ontologys. This will be achieved through critically evaluating four different empirical studies on gentrification. While some authors are overt in their philosophical position, many are implicit, in that there are philosophical guidelines but these are not overtly recognised and instead form part of the researchers taken for granted world (Johnson, 1986). By explicitly questioning the epistemological and ontological positions which underpin the research, it takes the research into a different realm and also situates the research in the history of geographic thought. We will write a custom essay sample on Thinking about research in Gentrification: An Examination of Positivism and Structuralism specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Thinking about research in Gentrification: An Examination of Positivism and Structuralism specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Thinking about research in Gentrification: An Examination of Positivism and Structuralism specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer I wish then to highlight and contrast these approaches in order to render them explicit. The central element in any philosophy is its epistemology which refers to the theory of knowledge and the fundamental epistemological question of how we know what we know. In epistemology one strives to generate truthful and justified descriptions and explanations of the world. Associated with epistemology is the philosophical framework of ontology, which Johnston (1986) describes as the nature of being, existence and reality, or what can be known. The manner in which we answer the question of what exists determines what can be accepted as fact and thus is the basis of every investigation. The divergent epistemologies and ontologys together inform the methodologies for any piece of research, which, in turn, must be appropriate to the questions or problems that prompt the research enterprise (Graham in Flowerdew and Martin, 2005). Methodology is defined as a a set of rules and procedures which indicate how research and argument are to be constructed: how information can be collected and organised (Johnston, 1986). The methodology enables the accumulation of a store of knowledge which can be accepted as valid because it was collected within the boundaries of coherent epistemologies and ontologys. This in itself also has a moral element to it, as the goal is not simply to add to knowledge but to change the world and society for the better (Graham in Flowerdew and Martin, 2005) Acknowledgement of the different epistemological and ontological assumptions and methodological approaches they entail is particularly fundamental in the literature surrounding gentrification and cannot be ignored. The preoccupation with gentrification during much of the 1970s and 80s has been described as a major research frontier (Hamnett, 1991) and can be explained primarily because gentrification represented one of the key theoretical and ideological battlegrounds in urban geography, and indeed human geography as a whole (Hamnett, 1991). It was this contrast within theoretical explanation which encouraged many scholars to the study of gentrification and the different epistemological and ontological assumptions it evokes. Hamnett (1991) collapses this broad set of philosophical positions (each emphasising radically different theories and explanations) into two competing sets, between the liberal humanists who stress the role of choice, culture, consumption and consumer demand and the structural Marxist who stress the role of capital, class, production and supply. However, such a view has been criticised for over simplifying the debate (Smith, 1982) to the neglect of a number of other identifiable epistemological positions being advanced within the study of gentrification. These include feminism (Blondi, 1991), post-modernism (Rose, 1984) and post-structuralism (Mills, 1993) to name a few (In Martin Phillips, 2002). This vast array of alternative epistemologies has caused an increasing range of conceptualizations of what constitutes gentrification (Phillips, 2001). One response to such a broad plethora of ontologies and epistemologies has led to Rose (1984) to label gentrification as a chaotic concept and argue for it to be an urgent research priority to disaggregate this concept as it includes a wide variety of different categories which should be explored separately. Furthermore, this work led many geographers to question some of the concepts within geography, and in particular, the positivist approach which was dominating geography at the time (Phillips, 2005). The debates has come a long way since its ignition in the early 1980s. The major outcome of this debate is that it served to crystallise many of the epistemological perspectives and forced researchers to look much more explicitly at the philosophical foundations of their work. This debate has changed our understanding of what geography is and thus the ways in which research is approached. This debate is highly complex and theoretical and a detailed synopsis shall not be attempted here. However, it is important to recognise how different philosophical assumptions are fundamental to the research and can cause vastly different claims to knowledge. This essay will examine the assumptions of the structural Marxists and positivist epistemologies and ontologys. Positivism is a philosophy of science developed by August Comte. This philosophy follows the belief of the supremacy of science as the only form of knowledge. Although this philosophy was born of the natural sciences, it has also very influential in the field of social research as well. Positivism is based on an objectivist epistemology. It approaches knowledge with the view that the world is a structured place independent from human existence, and observations through direct sensory experience form the way of constituting knowledge of that world. The adequacy of this knowledge is determined through replication of the research, through rigorous testing of theories that can be falsified through repeated observation. The ontology follows that only what is directly observable (and measurable) can be accepted as evidence (Johnston, 1986). Positive methodology is thus primarily quantitative in nature, although qualitative studies do exist. The studies use replicable experiments to rigorously test hypothesis and enable empirical generalisations, this enables the accumulated Knowledge through identifying empirical regularities which are used to create theories and scientific laws. The second philosophical position is Structuralism. Associated with mainly Marxist traditions, structuralism is in part derived self-consciously in response to many of the shortcomings of positivism. Structuralism is defined as the study of the theory of the processes and structural forces that underlie and determine empirical events (Holt-Jenson, 1999). The structuralist epistemologies is that the world of observations yields knowledge of surface appearances but are inadequate at revealing the general structures which underpin all phenomena and observations. These underlying structures are not directly observable, so instead valid knowledge is generated through identifying from the observable features of a given historically specific phenomenon, the essential underlying mechanisms which themselves inform the reconstruction of the surface appearances (McLean, 2002). These underlying structures provide understandings of our experience within that society. It is therefore necessary to have an ontological distinction between the surface observations and the underlying reality that cannot be observed directly but only through thought (Johnston, 1986). The methodology aims to identify underlying structures through empirical observation followed by the construction of theories that can account for what is observed but cannot be tested directly as evidence for their existence is not available. The articles chosen use a more specific epistemology of structural Marxism which forms part of the literature referred to by Johnston (1986) as structure of processes. Marxism aims to understand how the mechanism of the economic base are gradually changed in dialectical processes between society and individual agents (Holt-Jensen, 2005). This position recognises the social constitution of the human subject, assuming that actors themselves have no say, and individuals are merely puppets who are manipulated by the economic mechanisms (Hoyt-Jensen, 1999). The different practical outworking of each philosophical position will become obvious as the two empirical papers are compared below. The first two papers are from a positivist perspective. The first paper is by Wyly and Hammel, (1998). Modelling the context and contingency of gentrification. The second is Bostic and Martin (2003) Black Home-owners as a gentrifying Force? Neighbourhood Dynamics in the context of Minority Home-ownership. Although these two perspectives are discrete in their philosophical position the articles are inherently and unmistakably positivistic in nature. The second two articles are from a structualist perspective and both by the same author, Neil Smith, who was prolific in the much of the theoretical debates intertwined with the study of gentrification. The first structuralist article was extremely influential, Towards a theory of gentrification: a back to the city movement by capital, not people, (1979). The second is Of Yuppies and housing: gentrification, social restructuring, and the urban dream (1987). Both approaches are inherently self aware of their philosophical positions. The first article has adopted certain aspects of Marxist thought (particularly those related to the economic workings of a capitalist society), however the article has not embraced a full Marxist approach. This approach has been criticised for separating production and consumption (emphasised throughout the article) which Marxist writing maintains are inseparably linked. As a result the second article (1987) attempts to integrate the two, although it gives presidents the former. Positivism and Structuralism form fundamentally different epistemological and ontological perspectives and consequently take different approaches to the topic. The first article (Wyle and Hammel, 1998) define gentrification is as relating to changes in class structure to conspicuous housing investment and new consumption patterns in the built environment. The second article (Bostic and Martin, 2003) describing gentrification as being characterised as a neighbourhood evolutionary process with an influx of new affluent, young households which displace original residents. Both definitions entail a positivist ontology of a reality which can be defined, categorised and measured and which exist objectively. Thus the articles epistemology is objectivist, research measures surface phenomenon which are separate from the subjectivity of the researcher. This is inherent throughout the articles and explicitly stated in the second (Bostic and Martin), 2003: the paper uses a straightforward, independent objective approach (Pp. 2447) The first paper objectively measures signs of reinvestment that typically precede in tandem with gentrification processes. The second article maintains that these neighbourhood characteristics (which define gentrification) are observable by viewing the correlation between gentrification and neighbourhoods growth of black home ownership in a historical context. Positivism holds that the only claim to knowledge is that which is empirically viable as such both articles demonstrate methodologies in adherence with the scientific method. The data, from the census statistics, is purely quantitative in nature. The analysis is based on statistical testing against hypothesis in order to verify the results. The hypothesis is stated in both articles, in the first (Wyly and Hammel, 1998), the null hypothesis is: gentrified neighbourhoods are not a distinct neighbourhood type (pp. 305). This is analysed using models and multivariate statistical methods to permit a rigorous quantitative assessment (pp. 06) of the degree to which the gentrified neighbourhoods have developed significantly different neighbourhoods in relation to surrounding urban neighbourhoods. In the second paper (Bostic and Martin, 2003) the working hypothesis is minority households have been a gentrifying force in the US (pp. 2438). Regression analysis is used to test whether Black home -owners were attracted to gentrifying census tracts, and enable them to state that A comparison of the statistics provides an indication that Black home-owners have been a gentrifying force. Thus, in both cases the statistical analysis enables them to accept the alternative hypothesis. The scientific method used in the research also aims to be ensure generality and be repeatable, as demonstrated in the first article, (Wyly and Hammel, 1998) the technique must be generalizable and replicable to facilitate comparison among cities and time periods (pp. 315). In order for it to be accepted by the scientific community as a whole (Johnston, 1986). Contrary to the first two articles the structural Marxist approach takes as axiomatic a broad Marxist position in defining gentrification and class. Smith first paper identifies gentrification to be a structural product of the land and housing market. The second paper (1986) aims to identify the influence of new middle class on gentrification, defining class according to peoples relation to the means of production. Therefore the ontologys (positivism and structuralism) share communality in that each assert that the social world, and more specifically the process of gentrification are identifiable fields of social reality. However, structuralism makes an ontological distinction between the surface observations and the reality which structures such appearances. For example in first article (Smith 1979) the underlying mechanism is found in the theoretical formulation of the rent gap. This Smith claims this is able to explains and predict the surface observations : If the rent gap is correct, it would be expected that rehabilitation began where the rent gap was greatest Empirically this seems to have been the case. However the theory is itself not directly observable, thus, it is formed through the abstracting from the empirical evidence. The structural Marxist methods for gathering data do not differ from those of positivism, as both articles use empirical observations. The first of Smiths articles (1979) uses a case study of society hill in Philadelphia (supported by data from Baltimore and Washington), from data sampled from case files by the redevelopment authority in Philadelphia. From this a statistical breakdown is performed. Additionally he uses economic observations from property value, sale price, conceptualised ground rent and potential ground rent. The second article uses slightly more detailed empirical data derived from census data from a total of twenty-four census tracts from which statistical analysis is performed to provide evidence for the existence of the new middle class and the changing social roles of women in causing gentrification. Different value is given to these empirical evidence to that of the positivist methodology, this is due to the structuralist epistemology that knowledge is produced not through the accumulation of evidence but by the development of theories. Consequently the evidence is evaluated in theoretical terms (Smith, 1987) this is very different from the positivist approach which is based on empirical observations and hypothesis testing of correlations found in the results. As a consequence, by unquestionably accepting as a given the observable reality the positivist claims to knowledge are very different from the conceptions of the structural Marxists (which is in itself a criticism of positivism). Both structuralism articles unlike positivism do not use clearly stated testable hypothesis, rather they submit the empirical data to interpretations. The structuralist approach maintains this is not the place to attempt a comprehensive empirical investigation, but will provide statistical documentation of the role of women in gentrification (Smith, 1987 pp. 57). Referring to his results Smith (1987) states that correlation is not causation, and this should not blind us to less visible but more truncated effects. Instead Smith aims to identify through theoretical debates and abstractions from the evidence the mechanisms which explain the occurrence of gentrification, which is found in the rent gap (in the first article) and political and structural changes i n the labour market and in styles and modes of reproduction which have loosened previously oppressive social bonds (the second article). The identification of these theories have power in explaining and predict surface observations and thus explaining gentrification. Another crucial difference is that where positivism aimed to generalise its results, the structural Marxist articles acknowledges the importance of distinctive times and space to each of the levels of social construction. This is recognised by Smith (1987) who states. Whether these findings are replicable in other cities or whether New York City is in this as in other respects unique remain to be shown (pp. 158). These article maintain that mechanisms themselves are not fixed but rather social products created by societies as means of organising the reproduction of human life (Johnston 2000). It is also important to recognise the structural Marxist understanding of the social constitution of the human subject. Both articles doubt that social life can be explained in terms of unbounded capacities of human agency. By way of comparison, it is useful to contrast this perspective to the humanist work emphasising the changes in the social and spatial divisions of labour and the supply of potential gentrifiers (Ley, 1978). Humanism was in part created in response to positivisms, which has no room for human agency. Indeed structuralism maintains a profound suspicion of humanism. Smith contests this notion instead emphasising the role of producers; the relationship between production and consumption is symbiotic, but it is a symbiosis in which production dominates (pp. 540). He sees gentrifiers as merely the passive handmaidens of capitalists requirement (Hamnett, 1991). This polarisation of theoretical perspective is debated at length by Hamnett (1991). This serves to demonstrate firstly the distinctive structural Marxist perspective, and secondly how the different approached produce fundamentally different claims to knowledge. In the process of producing claims to knowledge some believe there is a ethical dimension, not simply to add to research but to improve the scientific explanations and change the world for the better (Flowerdew and Martin 2005). Both positivist papers aim to improve the discipline, this is demonstrated in the second article, An important contribution of the current work is the development methods for identifying gentrification neighbourhoods marking a departure from much of the extant literature enhancing the ability of future research on gentrification (pp. 2447). This clearly demonstrate the authors considered effort to produce action-orientated knowledge from this research, which are made explicit from the start. The structuralist article take an oppositionist ethical stance to that of positivism. The difference is demonstrated by Harvey (1973, in Holt-Jensen, 1999) who stated that positivism simply seeks to understand the world whereas Marxism seeks to change it this expresses political and ethical aims inherent in Marxism. In Smiths second article he emphasises the bifurcation of the consumption dream, producing a city of haves and have-nots the yuppies and mushrooming gentrification and the burgeoning homeless (pp. 170). Thus the approach, in seeking to identify the structures that constrain peoples lives, thus enable people to change them. The presentation of the research is also influenced by the philosophical positions. The body of the text in both positivist articles have clearly defined conventions, following an standard scientific way of reporting experiments. The structural Marxist articles also followed logically from the initial presentation of observation to the final conclusion, however, the articles are less formally structured and more theoretical, building on the past work and shaping the abstract interpretations into theoretical knowledge. The presentation of data is represented far more explicitly in the positivist articles. For example, in the first positivist paper Wyly and Hamel (1998), tables occupy five pages and forms a much more central role in the body of the text itself, where it is reviewed in detail within lengthy results sections. This is because empirical analysis form an integral part of the methodology and in reaching verifiable conclusions. In contrast, the structural Marxist approach presents tables and data far more subtly with only two very small and uncomplicated tables presented in each article. Although the empirical observation are important to producing claims to knowledge, the research is not aimed to be replicable and verifiable, and as such data forms a less central part in convincing the reader to the validity of the article. The neat philosophical characterizations presented in this essay should not obscure the rather blurred conceptions prevalent within the topic of gentrification and social science as a whole. In reality a vast amount of diversity and disagreement is prevalent within each. The presentation of these two philosophical perspectives and how they generate knowledge is obviously a simplistic representation of the work on gentrification. The analysis has demonstrated the substantial commonality between Positivism and structural Marxism. These two philosophical positions share much more than their interest in generating knowledge about gentrification, each maintain that the social world is real and that the progressive accumulation of knowledge about that reality is possible. It follows then, in each philosophy that the researchers enjoys a privileged status in comparison to their research subjects. However within each philosophy are fundamental differences, which are often actively contested, as each set of assumptions speak an fundamentally different language they have trouble understanding or at least recognising the legitimacy the each others alternative expiations. I would argue with Rose (1984) that the study of gentrification should not be solely reliant on the assumptions of the positive perspective. Nor should research be so narrowly conceived on Marxist work. By doing so is to make epistemological and methodological errors which both truncate and distort our understanding of gentrification (Rose, 1984). It should be recognised that there is no single correct epistemological position or mode of explanation, rather each position has benefits and flaws which hold particular values to the study of geography. Finally, and most importantly, the essay has served to emphasise that the practice of research cannot be divorced from questions of philosophy (Graham in Flowerdew and Martin, 2005). The implications of these philosophical underpinnings make it hugely important to provide careful considerations of the fundamental epistemological and ontological assumptions in the way the research question is framed. The two philosophical positions informed dramatically different methods and consequently (as demonstrated using these articles) create extremely different claims to knowledge. Furthermore these assumptions provided, in part, the justification of the research questions. Crucially for ones own future research it is essential these positions are made explicit to ensure a coherent epistemological stance.

How Long Should A Chapter Be • The Master Guide To Chapter Length

How Long Should A Chapter Be The Master Guide To Chapter Length Chapter Length Matters. Here's Why Stop us if you’ve experienced this before: the clock strikes 8pm and you realize that you really need to pick up your drycleaning. But you’re right in the middle of your book! Well, you’ll put the book down when you get to the end of this chapter, you reason.30 minutes afterward, you can’t resist taking a quick peek to see where you are. That’s when you discover: you’re only a quarter of the way through.ï » ¿From these numbers, we can establish some guidelines: the average word count of a chapter typically falls somewhere between 1,500 and 5,000 words, with 3,000–4,000 being the most common sweet spot.Does this mean that every chapter must end up somewhere in this range? Heck no. Books with much shorter sections become bestsellers all the time. (Kurt Vonnegut or Dan Brown, for instance.) And are there books with chapters that consistently score above 5,000 words? Of course! May we introduce you to J.R.R. Tolkien?But it's safe to say t hat 1,500-5,000 is the normal range for most books. In any case, to see how authors use this tactic to set their pacing, we also mapped out the word count of every chapter in four famous books:- Rainbow Rowell, Eleanor ParkThen the next section segues smoothly into Eleanor’s take on things, keeping readers intrigued by revealing a new angle on previous events. When there are more than two POV characters, you'll need to make sure that you distribute time equitably between them while making each character interesting in their own right, so that one 7,000-word chapter with a boring character doesn't slow the whole story down.That said, there are always exceptions, which takes us to our next important point...Guidelines, not rulesAs with everything else when it comes to writing a book, these are only guidelines- not rules. Though the average word count of a chapter is around 2,000 – 5,000 words, it all depends on your story. (We can't emphasize this enough.)There are ple nty of books that purposefully play with the word counts of their chapters. The Luminaries, which won the Man Booker Prize in 2015, has 12 sections that steadily decrease in word count to mirror the waning of the moon. (The first chapter of The Luminaries is 360 pages, whereas the final is two pages.) Then there’s William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying, in which Vardaman’s famous five-word sentence, â€Å"My mother is a fish,† is the whole of Chapter 19. Or consider Fahrenheit 451, which contains a Part I and Part II - but no chapters.So, don’t write a chapter with only one eye on your story and the other on your word count. When you're outlining your book and writing your first draft, concentrate on making the content of your story the best it can be. Then you can always circle back to adjust word counts afterward, with pacing and reader experience in mind.What do you think about chapter word counts? Have any tips for your fellow writers? Share your t houghts in the comments below!

9 Spanish Verbs Based on Venir

9 Spanish Verbs Based on Venir Usually meaning to come, venir is one of the most common verbs in Spanish. Like many other verbs, venir can be combined with prefixes to expand its meaning. As you can see from the examples below, many of the words formed by combining venir with a prefix are related to English words that end in -vene. Thats because the English verbs come from the Latin verb venire, which is also the source of venir. Following are the most common verbs formed using the venir root along with examples of their use. Avenir Avenir typically means to reconcile, to get along, or to come to an agreement. It is frequently used in the reflexive form. Nos avenimos a firmar la Carta de la Paz, un documento que debemos fortalecer. (We came together to sign the Peace Letter, a document we ought to strengthen.)Tras largas negociaciones, los empresarios finalmente se avinieron con los sindicatos. (After lengthy negotiations, the business owners finally came to an agreement with the unions.) Contravenir Meanings of contravenir include to violate, to infringe, and to contravene. Este tipo de medidas contravenerà ­an el principio de libre circulacià ³n. (This kind of step violated the principle of free circulation.)Los usuarios que usen las computadoras de la biblioteca no contravendrn las leyes sobre derechos de autor o marcas registrada. (Library computer uses will not violate the laws about copyright or trademarks.) Convenir Although convenir can sometimes refer to convening, it more often refers to being suitable or agreeing. Los representantes convinieron en que debà ­an esperar hasta recibir mas informacià ³n. (The representatives agreed that they ought to wait until they receive more information.)Espero que el Congreso convenga, tambien aprobando el artà ­culo que se discute. (I hope that the Congress convenes, also approving the article under discussion.) Devinir Devenir is not related to the English verb divine but instead usually means to become or to happen. Cuando la mente deviene quiescente, el soplo deviene controlado. (When the mind quiets down, breathing becomes controlled.)No puedes devenir lo que no eres naturalmente. (You cant become what you naturally arent.) Intervenir Intervenir can refer to intervening, but it can also have a weaker meaning that refers just to participating in something. El Banco Central intervino cuando el tipo de cambio tocà ³ $2,98. (The Central Bank intervened when the exchange rate reached $2.98.)Los varones intervienen menos que las mujeres en el cuidado de los hijos. (The men participate less in the care of children than the women do.) Prevenir While prevenir often refers to preventing something, it can also refer to merely warning or even just expecting. Ambas vacunas previnieron la diseminacià ³n cloacal del virus de influenza aviar. (Both vaccines prevented the sewage-connected dissemination of the bird flu virus.)El gobierno no previno el desastre de Nueva Orleans. (The government did not anticipate the New Orleans disaster.) Provenir Provenir typically means to come from somewhere. Provengo de la ciudad de Talca en Chile. (I come from the city of Talca in Chile.)Como mi apellido indica, mi padre proviene de Alemania. (As my surname indicates, my father comes from Germany.) Sobrevenir Sobrevenir frequently refers to something coming or happening suddenly, although it can also refer to something that merely happens subsequent to something else. En la madrugada sobrevino el terremoto. (The earthquake came suddenly in the dawn.)Hay que identificar la probabilidad de que sobrevenga un tsunami. (It is necessary to determine the chance that a tsunami will occur.) Subvenir Subvenir is often translated as to pay or to defray; it typically refers to the payment for necessities. El populismo pretende que el estado subvenga a toda necesidad social tengan las personas. (Populism hopes that the state will provide for every social necessity that people have.)La madre subviene a todas las necesidades del nià ±o. (The mother pays for all the childs needs.) Conjugation of Verbs Based on Venir All these verbs are conjugated in the same way as  venir, which is irregular in nearly all its simple forms. For example, this is how prevenir is conjugated in the indicative present tense: yo prevengo, tà º previenes, usted/à ©l/ella previene, nosotros/nosotras prevenimos, vosotros/vosotras venà ­s, ellos/ellas previenen.

Net Neutrality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Net Neutrality - Essay Example â€Å"How, What, Impossible,† many would say, when they know that today internet providers have the capability of controlling what everyone goes through, does and believes in for the purpose of getting profit i.e., violate network neutrality. Discussion Internet is at war as one of its basic structural principles is threatened. Telecommunication companies are pressuring major political institutions to intervene and modify neutrality. Users and native internet companies are defending tooth and nail. The debate is open, but the reality is that most people affected by the violation of this principle know its meaning and implications (wiseGEEK, 2003). Companies and Net Neutrality The net neutrality means that bits are not discriminated, and there is no such thing as first or second class for such categories as destination, source, protocol or content. From this definition it follows that any company that provides internet services (ISPs) can manipulate, manage, hinder or prevent u ser access to some Internet services according to their specific interests. Telecommunication companies control access and transport network information. Undoubtedly, Internet service providers are identified as the main threat. Operators have proposed prioritizing some services over others, and some even speak of the payment of â€Å"tolls† and quotas to companies that fill the web content. According to a research it is clear that "The telecom operators want to do much more business with internet by increasing the charges for access as well as monetizing the content that others want to view as if it was their own network. Another goal of the ISP would "limit services (such as IP telephony or video conferencing) within their networks and extract revenues from people who earn a lot of money on the Web, like Google." (Quora, 2010) They provide the â€Å"data pipes† ensuring that any person [at a price] can connect and access all network resources. Currently, these entiti es hold true to a â€Å"code of honor† that prevents them from taking control of the content by these ways. This code means net neutrality: all content and services distributed through the pipes must be treated equally, regardless of person or entity (Quora, 2010). Neutrality still seems intact, but many users report behaviors of operators that already violate this basic principle of the network and most of the information highway studies confirm the dirty war of the companies providing internet against p2p networks. But network neutrality is not limited to a dispute over the division of the economic pie concerning technology or the battle against piracy but it is a concept that has entered the political game. According to some studies, the ISPs will accompany some European governments, in matters concerning the net transfer of money to the other side of the Atlantic in areas such as digital advertising. Perhaps for this reason, politicians have not been clear. There is no co mmunity legislation regarding Network Neutrality (Quora, 2010). The problem is that this policy is not neutrally supported by any law or regulated by any relevant entity. Therefore, their survival depends on "common sense" of users and, primarily, the network providers. The latter is the source of danger as the common sense of the big companies is generally shaped by the opportunities to make money and it can’t be ruled out at some point that they may take control of internet

Choose a recent IS security breach or service outage that has been in Essay

Choose a recent IS security breach or service outage that has been in the media - Essay Example As a result of this breach records of more than 40 million workers were stolen. Additionally, the significant influence of such cyber attack that stole data and information on the businesss Secur-ID verification tokens is yet being debated. According to the management of RSA, two separate hacker groups working in the organization with an overseas supervision to begin a set of spear phishing based security attacks beside RSA workers, demonstrating like people the workers relied, to infiltrate the businesss network. In this scenario, EMC stated that in last July it had used-up as a minimum $66 million on remediation. However, RSA administrative staff believes that there was no harm to clients networks. Additionally, the management of RSA has not supported the matter by initially being unclear regarding both the security based attack vector and (more notably) the information that was stolen (Armerding; Bell; Cate). In addition, it was simply a matter of time previous to following security based attacks on Lockheed-Martin, L3, and others happened, all of those are supposed to be particularly supported by RSA breach. In this scenario, many people believe that it is just a psychological damage. Without a doubt, this security breach was very harmful and critical just not simply because of the damage it caused, however as well in the scenario of the miserable danger that it drove into each CIO who misplaced the warm-and-fuzzy situation that the reliability of his/her enterprise verification model was undamaged (Armerding; Bell; Cate). Moreover, the bank had to face the loss of more than $100 to put back identification tokens that left their computers susceptible to spying. According to the management of RSA, clients have suggested them to follow a number of prevention practices. However, the bank is seriously considering the suggestions of their customers. And it is currently

Ethnicity in Sociology Essay Example for Free

Ethnicity in Sociology Essay -Much greater levels of police stop and search on young black African-Caribbean males, than whites. -After attack on World Trade Center in 2001 and London Underground bombings in 2005, a new discourse has emerged regarding Muslim Youths. -The new image of them is of being dangerous- a threat to British culture. Offending -There are 3 ways on gathering statistics on ethnicity and crime: official stats, victimization studies and self-report studies. -According to Home Office statistics, about 9. 5% of people arrested were recorded as ‘Black’ and 5. 3% ‘Asian’ (similar rating to white). This means that, relative to the population as a whole, black people are 3x more likely than whites to be arrested. -However, these stats could be seen as a comment on the actions of the police. – some sociologists argue there is institutional racism in police. -Offenders are most likely to be young males aged between 14 and 25. Any ethnic group with a high proportion of this age group within it will have relatively high arrest rates. The British black pop has high rates, and so it would be expected that they’d have high arrest rates too because of this. -Stats show that Black Youth are more likely to be unemployed or in low paid jobs. Victimizing studies -Victim-based studies (British Crime Survey) are gathered by asking victims of crime for their recollection of the ethnic identity of the offender. -According to the British Crime Survey, the majority of crime is intraracial, with 88% of white victims stating that white criminals were involved, 3% claiming offenders were black, 1%Asian, 5% mixed. -About 42% of crimes against Black victims were identified as black offenders and 19% of crime against Asian were Asians. -The figure of white crimes AGAINST ethnic minorities are much higher – 50% (though 90% of pop is white). -However only 20% of survey-recorded crimes are ‘peronal’ such as theft, where the victim may actually be able to identify the offender. Bowling and Phillips argue that victims are influenced by racial stereotypes and ‘culturally determined expectations’ as to who commits crime. Their research shows that where the offender is not known, White people are more likely to describe those of African-Caribbean background. Self-Report Studies- asked in anonymous questionnaires to see what offences people commit -Graham and Bowlings study for the Home Office of 14 to 25 year olds, found that the self-reported offending rates were more or less the same for the White, Black and Asian respondants. However, Blacks are 3. 6 x more likely to be arrested (Jones and Singer). Sentencing -After arrest, Affro-Carbs are slightly more likely to be held in custody and to be charged with more serious offences than Whites. But they are more likely to plead, and be found ‘not guilty’ -Bowling and Phillips state that these stats indicate that that both direct and indirect discrimination (types of charges laid, accsess to bail etc) against members of ethnic minorities do exist. -For example, Those of African-Caribbean backgrounds have a 17% higher chance of imprisonment than whites. Punishment -According to Jones and Singer the proportion of Black British background took 19% of total prison population. Racist Policing -Most sociologists ie Mayhew et al a rgue that most crime is committed by young males who come from a poor background. -The ‘canteen culture’ approach argues that police officers have developed distinctive working values as a result of their job. The core characteristics of this culture according to Reiner include a thirst for action, cynicism, macho values and racism becasude they often feel pressure/work long hours/face public scrutiny etc. -Studies by Smith and Gray (who himself was a policeman) showed racist views by the police force and they targeted blacks. Institutional Racism -After the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence, the Macpherson Report was set up to look at the circumstances of his death and handling of the situation by the police. Sir William Macpherson said ‘police had procedures, practices and a culture that tended to exclude or disadvantage non-white people’. Left-realist approach -Lea and Young accept that there are racist practices by the police but argue that despite this, the statistics do bear out a higher crime rate for street robberies and associated ‘personal crimes’ by youths of Affro-carb backgrounds. -They explain this by suggesting British society is racist and that young ethnic minorities are economically and socially marginalized (pushed out of society), with lesser chances of success than majority of population. Cultures of Resistance -Because minority groups have been discriminated against (colonialism etc) leaving them in a lower socioeconomic position compared to whites, a culture of resistance formed. -COF = organized resistance that has its origins from anticolonial struggles. Ie when young offenders commit crime they are doing it as a political art rather than a criminal act. -However Lea et al argues that this doesn’t account for the high proportion of Black on Black crime. -Fitzgerald et al = street crime is caused by deprivation, lack of community -Higher crime in lone-parent fams -Justifications among crime such as l=bad education, alienation from schools etc.

Urging the Acceptance of Plus Size Fashion Essay -- Health Weight Body

Throughout the centuries, history finds women doing whatever they can to fit into the current cookie cutter mold of popular, accepted society. From the whale bone corsets of the late 1800s to the psychedelic style of hippies in the 1960s and 1970s, one major trend that followed these fashions through the ages is weight. For the past fifty years or so, since the dawn of models like Twiggy and Verushka von Lehndorff, the world turned away from the â€Å"plus size† and opened its arms only to the phenomenon of thin. But what did society think of plus sized fashion in a time when thin was unaccepted? A web article from articalesbase.com sheds some light on the subject: â€Å"In the past, a big beautiful body was associated with health and wealth. As a matter of fact, up until the 1960’s, BBW and plus size women were lauded for their beautiful physiques. The plus size woman appeared in almost all of the fashion photographs, films, and paintings of the 1920’s-1950’s† (Brown). According to dictionary.com, plus size means â€Å"an extra-large size category of clothing, esp. for women.† (plus). However, recent years have shown a push towards plus size, and even â€Å"real† size fashion. This can especially be seen in the banning of very skinny models from Madrid Fashion shows, and the more liberal Full Figured Fashion Week. While the acceptance of plus size fashion continues to increase, it still does not completely conform to the wants and needs of its wearers. Full figured, curvy, big-boned - any woman who describes herself with these terms automatically finds her self categorized into the â€Å"plus size† by retailers and manufacturers. Today, plus size generally encompasses sizes 14W to 30W, however some retailers consider sizes as low as a... ...odel-ordinary-women-No-Miss-England-finalist-fat-lazy-poster-girl-ill-health.html>. Lacey, LB. "What Size Is the "Average" Woman?" Full & Fabulous Inc. - A State of Mind, Not a Dress Size! Web. 28 Nov. 2010. articles_view.asp?articleid=17064>. Morton, Camilla. "Show Report - John Galliano Spring/Summer 2006." Www.vogue.co.uk. Vogue Magazine, 8 Oct. 2005. Web. 29 Nov. 2010. http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/show.aspx/id,2862#. The Phit. Digital image. Missphit.com. Missphit. Web. 29 Nov. 2010. "plus size." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 26 Nov. 2010. . Postrel, Virginia. "The Real Reason That Ann Taylor Hates Plus Sizes." Blog | Double X. 9 June 2009. Web. 29 Nov. 2010. http://www.doublex.com/section/life/real-reason-ann-taylor-hates-plus-sizes?page=4,0.

Abortion: Teenage Pregnancy

Alyssa Gonzalez Prof. Carter ENC 9020 11-3-09 Teenage Pregnancy Everyday we see or hear about a teenage girl pregnant. When were teenagers we don’t realize the long term effect on unprotected sex. Not only getting pregnant but picking up sexual transmitted diseases. There are many effects on teenage pregnancy emotional and physical. Teenage pregnancy is the number one problem in the United States on why kids drop out of school. Right now kids are having sex at a very young age and not using protection and getting pregnant causing young girls to drop out of school and not getting an education. In those cases the kids of the teenage moms usually end up being messed up because there parents were so young they don’t have that much of an education because they dropped out. Schools and parents encourage abstinence from all sexual activity but these days girls think the only way to prove to there boyfriend or just a hook up that they like them is by having sex. Resulting in pr egnancy if not using a condom or not on birth control or if those fail. Now girls and guys like having sex because its fun and it feels good not worrying so much about the consequences. Teenage pregnancy can be very stressful of course for the girl to having to decide whether or not to keep the baby, how to cope with motherhood or whether to make an adoption plan. The biggest effect a girl faces is the body changing during pregnancy and there lifestyle. Because most teenagers are drinking underage, smoking, lack of sleep, and unhealthy diet that can have a negative effect on the baby. Emotional teenage girls have a higher risk on health issues then an older women, such as anemia, pregnancy induced hypertension, toxemia, premature elivery, cervical trauma, and even death. Teenage girl is more likely to be undernourished and suffer premature and prolonged labor. Many of these risks is because a lack of parental guidance. When a teenager is pregnant it also has an effect on the society of being pregnant while your in school and unwed. People in our society seem to condemn the young girls that become pregnant and cast them aside. In peoples minds its that you have to be married out of school and have a house to be able to have a kid when that’s really not the case anymore.

Arguments for and Against Term Limits Essay

My research indicated there is more public support for term limits. The most common reason was voters feel dissatisfied and misrepresented by the candidate in office. It is believed that career politicians are elitists and do not have a clear understanding of what â€Å"real† people are dealing with or need. Term limits would create an even playing field for newcomers allowing new ideas and fresh thinkers into the mix. Newcomers would be less influenced by special interests and reduce corruption. Those opposed to term limits primarily support the premise that replacing seasoned experienced politicians with inexperienced members that are unfamiliar with the issues is detrimental to moving things forward. It takes years of experience to get up to speed on the issues and the rules of government. Limiting terms would be restrictive and eliminate the â€Å"good† guy politicians that are doing a good job representing the people. It is common that term limited politicians are not as committed toward the end of their term because they don’t have to worry about their record of accomplishments for re-election. When I first started to work on this assignment I was convinced that I was in favor of term limits for federally-elected officials. I was convinced that term limits were a good idea in order to reduce corruption and generate fresh ideas. After doing some initial research I realized that term limits are not the solution to government reform. The people elect government officials. It is up to the voters to vote in change, get involved, and support their candidate of choice. Voting is a civil liberty for all secured by the sacrifices of others. It is our citizen responsibility to invoke our right to vote and to be informed, educated voters. References htttp://dbp.idebate.org /en/index.php/Debate:_Term_limits_for_legislators http://suite101.com/article/term-limits-are-set-at-the-polls-a214115

Locomotive and Conyers Rd Loganville Essay

Locomotive and Conyers Rd Loganville Essay Locomotive and Conyers Rd Loganville Essay Erin Nolan Mrs. Deaton AP English Language and Composition 9/29/14 Town History lefttopLoganville, Georgia is one of those small country towns that people tend to pass through rather than stay behind in. The Population is around eight thousand but it continues to grow. Back in the 1800's one farmer owned all of Loganville as a single plantation and it was only after he began to sell his land that it began to form a community. As its population peeked to five hundred a railway was established by the Georgia Carolina and Northern Railroad in 1898. This new railway would operate along a ten mile line between Loganville and Lawrenceville, GA. It's name was the LL Railroad. The artwork above can be found in the town library on Main Street at 363 Conyers Rd Loganville, GA 30052. Framed along one of the walls you can see the simple sketching of a small locomotive that played a key role in Loganville's early progression as an established city. The artist, Steve Story, was one of the engineers that helped to build and maintain the train. He used what appears to be an ebony pencil and simple cardstock to draw out the body of the train. Thin lines and precise shading outline and etch detail in the drawing so that no minor part of the train is left unknown. The grainy and smooth texture indicates the pencil and the shading technique of the artist. It also indicated the purpose of the drawing which was to either plan out how the train was to be build or how it was to

19 Famous Quotes for Inspirational Marriage Wishes

19 Famous Quotes for Inspirational Marriage Wishes The vows and rings are exchanged, and the new couple makes their newlywed walk back up the aisle. If you look carefully at their faces, you may see joy mixed with apprehension. What wedding wishes and wisdom can you offer them? Its too late now to warn them away from the marital institution. Its time for wishing them well. Here are famous quotes on love and marriage that you can use to wish them a new life of togetherness and happiness: Anne Bradstreet If ever two were one, then surely we. If ever man were loved by wife, then thee. Nathaniel Hawthorne What a happy and holy fashion it is that those who love one another should rest on the same pillow. John Lennon To the world, you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world. Martin Luther There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage. Rumi Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along. Sam Keen You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly. Joseph Campbell When you make a sacrifice in marriage, you’re sacrificing not to each other but to unity in a relationship. Sophocles One word frees us of all the weight and pain in life. That word is love. George Sand There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved. Lao Tzu Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage. Amy Bloom Marriage is not a ritual or an end. It is a long, intricate, intimate dance together, and nothing matters more than your own sense of balance and choice of partner. Mahatma Gandhi Where there is love there is life. Vita Sackville-West There is nothing more lovely in life than the union of two people whose love for one another has grown through the years, from the small acorn of passion into a great rooted tree. Victor Hugo The supreme happiness in life is the conviction that we are loved. Leo Tolstoy What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility. Mignon McLaughlin A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. George Eliot What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined for life- to strengthen each other in all labor, to rest on each other in all sorrow, to minister to each other in silent unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting? Montaigne If there is such a thing as a good marriage, it is because it resembles friendship rather than love. W.H. Auden Like everything which is not the involuntary result of fleeting emotion but the creation of time and will, any marriage, happy or unhappy, is infinitely more interesting than any romance, however passionate.

Racial and Gender Discrimination and Sterilization Essay

Racial and Gender Discrimination and Sterilization - Essay Example Eugenic sterilization is the process of performing forceful human sterilization on individuals who have been diagnosed with mental diseases or insanities such as schizophrenia, manic-depressive psychosis, feeblemindedness, or epilepsy (Myerson, Ayer and Putnam 82–136). The main purpose of performing eugenic sterilization is to prevent the increase in the population of those individuals who have defective genes that can be inherited by their future children and who do not possess the self-control necessary to ensure children are not conceived. As an effective prevention method for unwanted pregnancies, the preservation of social standing of people who belong to upper- and middle-class families, and a permanent control over the rapid family growth of people in the lower-class societies (Revenel), men and women in the United States have been either given the option or forced to participate in one of two procedures – either tubal ligation (the cutting of fallopian tubes in women) or vasectomy (the cutting of vas deferens in men) since the 1900s (Myerson, Ayer and Putnam; Revenel). At the same time, it has been commonly reported that most African Americans experience racism and prejudice when it comes to receiving health care services throughout the United States (Benkert and Peters; Gamble; Krieger and Fee). To prove that gender and racial discrimination in forced human sterilization have existed since the early 1900s, a literature review will be gathered to examine the medical practices that took place in California and the United States during this time period. Based on the gathered evidence, it is expected to be discovered whether the controversy behind the issue of gender and racial discrimination in forced human sterilization still exists in the United States today.

Law of International Dispute Resolution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Law of International Dispute Resolution - Essay Example The Treaty of Rome, in establishing the EEC in 1958, conceptualized a dynamic Europe to be an integrated regional economic and political union, "providing governance for a common market and organizing the steady growth of economic interdependence between the Member States". This new European environment which sharply defied the prevailing Westphalian state model - based on territoriality and autonomy - sought to engage states in an "international contractual arrangement that establishes authority structures superseding territorial boundaries and transgressing autonomy". Such a task was achieved by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) through the constitutionalisation of the Treaty of Rome, consequently cementing the "legal foundation for an integrated European economy and polity" and by the subsequent Treaties that followed. The most significant feature of the European Court of Justice is undoubtedly the doctrine of supremacy of Community law, which has continued to be the cause of much confusion and controversy regarding its actual Treaty position and entailment. The EC Treaty does not expressly provide for supremacy - there is no Article which clearly states that Community law is supreme over the national laws of the Member States - however, certain Articles of the EC Treaty impliedly require supremacy to be in effect. I will argue that in order to fulfil the main objectives of fostering integration stipulated by the Treaty of Rome, Community law requires supremacy of the ECJ which is provided through the interpretation of the European Community Treaties and case laws - whether categorically imposed or not. The need for an effective and uniform EC law applying within national legal orders in compliance to a voluntary limitation of sovereignty by Member States is critical to the concept of integration. By considering the fact that supremacy is ultimately perceived throughout national courts to be a monolithic holy concept which bears tremendous implications if removed or limited, the question is then raised as to how Member States receive the 'supreme nature' of Community Law. In attempting to clarify the need for a supreme legal authority for integration, I will examine the supremacy of EC law and state its Treaty position with particular emphasis on significant case-laws that have shaped the supremacy debate. Furthermore, I will observe the Constitutionalisation of the Treaty system, looking at the interplay of the doctrine of direct effect and doctrine of supremacy; under what conditions Member States might be provoked to challenge the authority of the ECJ; the expanding competence of the ECJ which now includes a political and judicial interplay of decision-making; and conclude with a look at what the Constitutional Treaty would have signified in terms of legalizing the doctrine of supremacy and how the rejection has started questioning whether the Community law should be considered above and beyond national laws and if it has gone too far already. The role of the European Court of Justice in developing the legal means for the integration process and constructing a constitution from the Treaty of Rome

Vincent van Gogh Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Vincent van Gogh - Essay Example In 1879, he started working in a Belgium-based mining company as a missionary. He sketched the local people in Belgium. Gogh’s produced his first major work in the year 1885, named The Potato Eaters. It primarily contained somber earth tones and lacked the use of vivid coloration which was the distinguishing feature of his later artwork. Gogh discovered the French Impressionists when he moved to Paris in the year 1886. When he moved to Southern France, Gogh gained inspiration from the strong sunlight in the region. He brightened his work with the use of intense colors, and thus developed a unique style of art that gained him immense recognition and praise in Arles in the year 1888. Gogh made most of the best-known pieces of art in the last two years before death. In almost a decade from the start of paintings till his death, Gogh made above 2100 paintings, which included over 1300 watercolor artworks, prints, drawings, and sketches, and almost 860 oil paintings. Gogh made a wide range of paintings that included but were not limited to landscapes, self-portraits, paintings of sunflowers and cypresses, and paintings of wheat fields. â€Å"Van Goghs finest works were produced in less than three years in a technique that grew more and more impassioned in brushstroke, in symbolic and intense color, in surface tension, and in the movement and vibration of form and line† (â€Å"Vincent van Gogh†). Color was the fundamental way of expression for Gogh. He played with colors and came up with such contrasts that lent life to his paintings and emotionally appealed to the audiences. Vincent van Gogh’s artwork is known for its jagged beauty, boldness of colors, emotional appeal, and several other factors due to which it has had great impact on the 2oth century art. Vincent van Gogh had a tough and very short life. He was a patient of depression and mental illness. It can be attributed to a large extent to his high sentimentalism and lack of self-confidence. Despite

Understanding Of Human Growth And Development Social Work Essay

Understanding Of Human Growth And Development Social Work Essay The field of psychology has vast areas of interest, and Human growth and development is one of the most popular topics being studied by social workers today. The purpose of this report is to show how essential it is for a trainee social worker to attain a firm understanding of human growth and development, and to ultimately achieve a foundation of knowledge in this area. This report will show that, with practice, preparation, assessment, reflection and finally application, this foundation of knowledge can be effectively used in positive intervention methods. (Crawford 2006) There have been many great theorists over the years, all of who had different ideas on human growth and development. This report will highlight and discuss 3 theories based on the work of Erikson, Bowlby and Bronfenbrenner. Furthermore, the report will also throw light on the pros and cons of these theories, identifying and discussing potential issues that may arise from failure to mature, as described in each theory. Finally, the report will identify the role of social workers in relation to their intervention with a client or family. The outcome of this report will be a sum-up of the key identifying points of each of the 3 theories. Using practical examples, the report will explore the effects of the theories and outcomes that may arise from failure to mature. The practical examples used will aid, guide and shape the discussion by highlighting the life span of the individual problems or issues, and will provide an underpinning reason for using each of the theories. Each theory chosen in this report is taken from a different discipline of social science; psychodynamic, sociological and psychosocial. These three disciplines all have a different emphasis, but structured in all of them is the core principle of determining what can potentially influence life course development. The first theory outlined in this report is Bowlbys attachment theory. This theory fundamentally sees the earliest bonds formed between children and their caregivers as a key factor in human growth and development, having an immense impact on progression and continuing throughout life. This theory will be examined, using social work examples with infants. There will be an explanation of how the theory is vastly important for attaining a firm understanding of the foundational relationships infants build for a healthy development. The second theory discussed in this report is Bronfenbrenners theory of ecological development. Bronfenbrenners theory describes the influences of further environmental factors on children, and their positive or negative development. For this theory, social work examples will be chosen from older adults in order to help attain an understanding of how environmental factors, at micro and macro levels, can influence social workers in relation to the stages of development. The final theory discussed in this report is Erik Eriksons model of life stage development. This theory addresses identity as an individual moves through the stages of life, and how they negotiate crisis points in a successful or unsuccessful progression, this effecting healthy development. For this theory, examples of middle-later stages of life will be discussed, and how progression through the life stages can successfully or unsuccessfully result in a healthy or unhealthy development of the individual. So, what can human growth and development be determined as? Before we discuss in depth the main theories, it would be appropriate to give a definition of human growth and development, and highlight why it is so fundamentally important for social workers to have a firm understanding of the various theories. According to Baltes cited in Crawford (date), human development is multi-dimensional; it is made up of biological, cognitive and social dimensions. Physically, from the moment we are conceived till the moment we die, we are developing biologically. Our bodies are consistently moving from one biological change to another. Subsequently, the growth of our intellectual and social development comes. This begins from very early stages in the course of life and continues across the span of each life. (Thompson) Both Freud and Erikson agree that every individual is born with a number of basic instincts, that development occurs through stages, and that the order of these stages is influenced by biological and sociological maturation (Sigelman, and Shaffer 1992). The Requirements for Social Work Training state that all social work programmes must: Ensure that the teaching of theoretical knowledge, skills and values is based on their application to practice. (Department of Health 2002) Theorists, such as Bowlby, Bronbenfrener and Erikson, have different perspectives on life span development stages and the individuals evolved behaviour as a consequence or a response to developmental milestones crises. These theories are rooted in the disciplines of sociology, biology and psychology. Each theory provides an explanation, in line with development, for arising issues and problems that individuals face and are all relevant to an understanding of the life course development. (Thompson) Social work practitioners need to have a wide range of knowledge from a span of theoretical disciplines to ensure that all aspects of an individuals make-up are considered and appreciated when working with them. (Crawford and walker) Using theory can give an explanation as to why an action resulted in a particular consequence. This can help us review and possibly change our practice in an attempt to make the consequences more effective. (Beckett) Developmental theory provides a framework for ordering the lifecycle and accounts. For factors that may shape development at specific stages. It discusses the multiple. Bio-psycho-social factors impacting development, explores the tasks to be accomplished. At each stage and considers successes and failures in light of other stages. Developmental theories also aim to recognise individual differences in development. Journal The course of life is different for each individual, and is influenced by the events and experiences that people go through throughout their lives. (Crawford and Walker, 2003) Understanding the impact of transitions within a persons course of life is important for social work practice, as it aids the social worker in attaining a firm understanding of other peoples lives, so they can effectively intervene with appropriate measures. Using theory can help justify actions and explain practice to service users, carers and society in general. The aim is for this to lead to social work becoming more widely accountable and ultimately more respected. (Beckett ) The use of theories in social work practice underpins how social workers approach their tasks. As social workers, we need to recognise the opportunities to work with people through transitions as an opportunity to grow. We need to try to enable people to use these events to trigger change, move on and develop. (Crawford) When a social worker works with an individual, utilising theories which may relate to a specific situation, will give us more direction in our work. It is clear then that theory is important in practice both for work with service users and for social work to be more valued in society. (Beckett) After the definition of human growth and development and the brief discussion of why a theory is important in social work practice, this report will now discuss the attachment theory and will explain why it can be positively used in approach and effectively in practice.4 So, what is the attachment theory? To start with, lets define the word attachment; it means a strong emotional bond between two people. Forming an attachment is based on a two-way interaction. The behaviours from an infant, such as crying, reaching, grasping and making eye contact, and the response of the caregiver both work as a reciprocal process to develop and strengthen attachment. (Woods) According to (Crawford), children use the people they are attached to as a safe base to explore, a source of comfort and a source of encouragement and guidance. According to (Fahlberg, 1991, cited in Howe), attachment aids children in attaining their full intellectual potential, sorts out what children perceives, assists them in logical thinking, helps them develop a conscience, teaches them to become more self-reliant, aids them in coping with stress and frustration, helps them handle fear and worry, assists them in developing future relationships and helps reduce jealousy.                  In 1953, a psychoanalyst named John Bowlby wrote the book Child Care and the Growth of Love. In this book, Bowlby put forward his theory that the relationship between a mother and her child, during the childs first year, is of vital importance and can greatly affect the development of the child in later life. This theory is known as the attachment theory, and it is still being used and discussed today, although it has been altered and adapted to suit the modern day economic environment and the change in the family unit over the past 50+ years. (Jeremy Holmes, 1993) Bowlby believes that attachment begins at infancy and develops throughout an individuals life, and that there are many distinctive behavioural control systems needed for continued existence and proliferation. The attachment and exploration systems are the main central points in Bowlbys attachment theory. (Elliot Reis, 2003) (Crawford) Bowlbys Maternal deprivation Hypostasis, the forerunner of the attachment theory, believes that if an infant was unable to develop a warm, intimate and continuous relationship with his or her mother or permanent mother substitute, then the child would have difficulty forming relationships with other people, and would be at the risk of behavioural disorders. Bowlby says: Mothers love in infancy and childhood is as important for mental health as vitamins and proteins are for physical health. (Cardwell) (Bowlby 1988) goes on to say that without a secure base of first attachment relationships, children will not be able to cope with separations of normal life. For Bowlby, the impact of prolonged separation on children is viewed as maternal deprivation. Bowlby describes this as being the temporary or permanent loss to children of their mothers care and attention. Bowlby believes that prolonged separation of children from their mothers, especially during the first five years of their lives, is a major cause of delinquent behaviours and mental health issues. (Crawford) Mary Ainsworth developed a method, whereby a childs behaviour is observed when reunited with his or her mother after a short separation.   This is known as the strange situation, and it has become widely used to determine whether the attachment was secure or insecure. Ainsworths strange situation is used to measure Bowlbys hypotheses that early relationship experiences affect later adult functioning. The strange situation procedure consists of eight three-minute episodes that have been arranged so as to create increasing levels of stress for a child that will activate attachment behaviours that researchers can then observe. The resulting behaviour was used to classify the child into one of three categories. These categories are insecure avoidant attachment, secure attachment and insecure resistant attachment. Securely attached children were able to balance their need to explore the environment with their need for comfort and support from their caregiver in relation to their feelings of stress.   Insecure avoidant attached children, when stressed, continued to explore the environment, showing minimal need for comfort and support.   The children who were classified as having insecure resistant attachments stop their exploration and return to their care giver show the maximum amount of attachment behaviours. Main (1991) has since identified a fourth category that of the disorganised/ disorientated child. (Cardwell) According to Bowlby a central tenet of attachment is that: People developmental representations, Or internal working models, that Consist of expectations about the self, significant Others and the relationship between the two. (Bowlby, 1969, 1973) The main criticism of Bowlbys attachment theory came from J.R. Harris. It is often assumed that hard working, kind, honest and well-respected parents will have children who will turn out to be like them. On the other hand, in the case of parents who are bad role models, rude, and disrespectful, the children will end up the same when they become adults. According to Harris, this may be far from the truth. Harris (2008), believes that a parent does not determine a childs personality or character, and that a childs external social factors have more influence than anything else. A good example of this taken from Harris is a child from an immigrant family. Although the parents may well pick up a new language, they will still have an accent from their native language. The child, on the other hand, will learn the new language, and will speak it without an accent. Children are more influenced by their peers than their parents. (Harris, 1998). Criticisms were also levelled at Bowlbys theories because of his ideas that he concluded from work he had undertaken with juvenile delinquents who had been separated early in their lives from their mothers. The criticism is that the theories are unrepresentative of the general population, and involved too small a sample. It was also argued that not all maternally deprived children became juvenile delinquents. But in agreement with Bowlby, Stroufe (1979) stated: We cannot assume that early experiences will somehow be cancelled out by later experiences. Lasting consequences of early inadequate experiences may be subtle and complex. (Cardwell) Research has shown that, contrary to Bowlbys idea of monotropy (one primary caregiver), children can form more than one significant attachment, and these need not be towards the biological parents, and can be of either sex, although there is often a definite hierarchy. An infants attachment to his or her father is as strong as the mothers in the first few days of life. Then the attachment changes because of the different amount of time available for the parents to interact with the infant, given the work commitments. Both the mother and the father are important attachment figures for their infants, but the circumstances that lead to selecting the mother or the father may differ. For example, the father is usually selected for playing. (Schaffer Emerson 1964) According to Parke (1981), Both the mother and the father are important attachment figures, the father is not just a poor substitute for the mother. (Cardwell) When looking at how attachment theory is applied to social work practice, Coulshed (1988) proposed that psychology has been useful in the degree to which you can apply some of the theories, if you are prepared to see theoretical contributions as ways of enriching your thinking and understanding. You will gain a broad framework of information through which you will recognise the complexities and possible causes of human suffering. The attachment theory provides a valuable model in understanding relationships of families in need and promoting new and healthy attachments (Daniel et al 1999).   The attachment theory has had an impact on many areas relating to how children are cared for, including the legal framework it operates under and how services for children have developed. Some of the areas, where clear links can be made to practice being underpinned by the attachment theory has effected changes, are; When negotiating contact between children and their families it is undertaken from a child centre perspective rather from the adults involved. This may include having closer links with grandparents, relatives and any other persons who the child considers significantly important to them. (Howe) Attachment theories underpin the policies that are relevant to the development of children in public care, and form the basis for assessing their needs, such as pre-placement and post-placement support systems. The effects of separation and loss that children have experienced can be taken into account when assessing their needs. (Oloughlin) Social Work as a profession can promote the needs of children through influencing policy and practice e.g. acknowledgement that delays in placing children may be detrimental to their wellbeing should ensure that the adoption and fostering processes can be as speedy and efficient as possible. Likewise, it is clear from research that children are adversely affected by the loss of familiar peers. Children who maintain friendships over time are seen to have greater social skills and better social adjustment. This should also be promoted. (Aldegate et al) The attachment theory has allowed optimism to develop towards caring for children, as a less distorted and confused picture of child development has emerged. It is now apparent that a healthy development can occur in many different family environments. There are many right ways of meeting childrens needs. (OLoughlin) The second theory discussed in this report is derived from the discipline of sociology. Sociological theoretical perspectives explain human development by examining the interactions between people and the society in which they live. Sociologist theorists research this by looking at influencing factors at different levels of society. (Crawford) Unlike other disciplines of human development theories in which service users problems are conceptualized on individual terms, sociological perspectives on human development seek to gain a full understanding by locating the persons problems within his or her experiences in a broader picture of social and historical circumstances. In other words, rather than directly focusing on the problem and the persons inability to cope, the problem would be assessed in terms of the impact of the economic and political conditions of the day. (Cunningham and Cunningham). One theorist whose theory has being particularly influential in the study of human development is Uri Bronfenbrenner 1917 2005. Bronfenbrenner developed a theory to explain how everything in a child and the childs environment affects how a child grows and develops. His theory is known as the ecological systems theory, and it approaches a childs development by looking at different levels of interaction, from family, local communities and schools to economic and political conditions that are all influential to the development of the individual in his or her course of life. He uses the terms Microsystems, exosystem and macrosystem. He suggests that there is a reciprocal process of interaction, in that the child is both influenced by and influences his or her environment at each of the levels. (Crawford) The ecological environment is thought of as: Nested structures encircled within and inside the other like a set of Russian dolls. Starting with the most inside to the outside, these networks are described as micro systems, meso systems and macro systems (Brunfenbrenner, 1994). The work of Bronfenbrenner has been particularly influential in social work practice and is the model that underpins the framework for the assessment of children in need and their families (department of health, 2000 cited in Crawford). The theory also encourages social workers to grasp the concept and understanding of the sociological imagination, and develop this in relation to service users own lives and practice. As social work intervenes at the points where people interact with their environments (NOSS), this approach, therefore, helps social workers to locate service users within an understanding of the bigger picture that underlies their lives. (NOSS) Applying an ecological approach can be best understood as looking at  persons, families, cultures, communities and policies, and identifying and intervening upon strengths and weaknesses in the transactional processes between these systems. A practical example of this in practice would be the use of the ecological perspective when carrying out assessment and for planning intervention for older adults in the community. Although it is theoretical, it is very practical, as it provides a kind of a map to guide us through very confusing terrain Stevenson 1998 cited in aldegate) The population of the UK is ageing. Over the last 25 years, the percentage of the population aged 65 and over increased from 15 per cent in 1984 to 16 per cent in 2009, an increase of 1.7 million people. (Gov statistics) Elderly individuals are vulnerable and in need of social services because they often live alone, and can be subject to numerous health difficulties, such as difficulties in functional ability. As senior adults experience an increased need for care, it is predicted that, in many cases, family caregivers will begin to have a higher level of physical, emotional and financial burden. All of these issues combined warrant an increase in research related to meeting the needs of the elderly and their families living in our communities (Crawford). EST is an ideal approach for assessing the needs of elderly adults living in communities. Given the rapidly increasing numbers of baby boomers reaching retirement age and beginning to require extended support, it is important for communities and families to address the best fit for the senior adult later in life. EST addresses the micro, meso and macro systems that are an extension of the individual, and works to obtain resources in order to improve support and expand networks necessary to maintain good quality of life for senior adults. (Journal) The ecological perspective analyzes how well the individual or family fits with their environment, and is based on the assumption that when a person or group is connected and engaged within a supportive environment, functioning improves. In order to determine the best fit, usually for an individual, there is an examination of the difference between the amount of social support needed by the person and the amount of social support available in the existing environment. Once this assessment has taken place, the social worker engages with the individual and works together with him or her to offer the support needed. One unique feature of the ecological model is its distinguished concept of human development within an environmental perspective. (Bekett) Social work practice has an overarching meta-paradigm that emphasizes the person in the environment. This meta-paradigm is linked with an ecological systems perspective as a focus of attention. EST is compatible with this belief system and helps support a theoretical approach for practice at the micro, meso and macro levels with individuals, families and communities. Social workers need to be aware of how the changing needs of families will affect psychosocial and emotional factors for the elderly individuals and their family caregivers. Examples of such issues include geographical location of family members when the senior adult is in need of care, role reversal when there is a shift in the family system and a parent becomes more dependent upon an adult child, and the anticipated grief and bereavement as spouses and adult children care for elderly family members over an extended period of time. The final theory of discussion is Erick Eriksons eight stages of man. Eriksons theory is an extension and modification to Freuds psychoanalytical theory on explaining the development of the personality through childhood stages of psychosexual development. Erikson, however, provides a more comprehensive framework for human lifespan through a series of genetically influenced sequence of psychosocial stages. The term psychosocial describes an approach that considers the impact of both the individual psychology and the social context of peoples lives on their individual development.(Crawford) Each stage involves a battle between contradictory resultant personalities, and each stage has either adaptive or maladaptive qualities. To develop into a healthy, mature adult, the adaptive must outweigh the maladaptive. (Richard Gross, 2005). In other words, he suggests that people confront a series of developmental challenges or conflicts, each occurring at particular and predictable times or sta ges in their lives. One of the main elements of Eriksons psychosocial stage theory is the development of ego identity. Ego identity is the conscious sense of self that we develop through social interaction. According to Erikson, our ego identity is constantly changing owing to new experience and information we acquire in our daily interactions with others. In addition to ego identity (Quote), Erikson believes that a sense of competence also motivates behaviours and actions. Each stage in Eriksons theory is concerned with becoming competent in an area of life. If the stage is handled well, the person will feel a sense of mastery, which he sometimes refers to as ego strength or ego quality. If the stage is managed poorly, the person will emerge with a sense of inadequacy. (Quote) In each stage, Erikson believes people experience a conflict that serves as a turning point in development. In Eriksons view, these conflicts are centred on either developing a psychological quality or failing to develop that quality. During these times, the potential for personal growth is high, but so is the potential for failure. Eriksons eight life stages: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Basic trust versus mistrust 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Self-control versus shame and doubt 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Initiative versus guilt 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Competence versus inferiority 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Identity versus role confusion 6.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Intimacy versus isolation 7.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Generativity versus stagnation 8.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Ego-integrity versus despair Erikson suggests that whereas the outcome of moving through a life stage is unfavourable, the individual will find it more challenging to meet the trials of the next stage. Erikson further suggests that if individuals fail to develop through a stage, they may return to unsettled earlier points in their lives. (Crawford) Stage five is commonly associated with adolescence Erickson 1995 recognised this as the critical crisis of adolescence in the eight stages of development identity versus role confusion. He believes that a successful transition through childhood would lead to a progressive success to resolve this stage (Crawford). Erikson considers the fifth stage, that of adolescence, in the developmental process to be of particular importance.   He considers that by the end of this period of psychosocial moratorium, adolescents should have achieved ego identity,   that is the integration of their own self perceptions into their core identity which is both psychological and social. But he notes that some young people experience difficulty or find it impossible to commit themselves to adult roles, thus characterizing this as a period of identity crisis. When adolescents fail to achieve ego identity, it is considered to be identity role diffusion.   Applying Eriksons model to social work can help identify with individuals whether or not they have progressed successfully at previous life stages. It can also help individuals clarify and address their strengths, expectations and limitations, a duty expected of the social worker according to NOSS Key role 1(Crawford). The psychosocial perspective enables social workers to consider the influences of the relationship between the internal world of the service users and the social environment in which they live. (Howe 1987 cited in Crawford) However, Eriksons stages are criticised alongside other psychosocial stage approaches to human development because they do not incorporate difference and diversity. They are culturally specific and differences between sexuality and gender are not easily explained, because the theory was developed from a male perspective. Crawford Being too fixed and deterministic in real life, it is not possible to divide ones life into neat stages. The theory also does not consider the significance of social change in different societies and across different cultures. The model suggests there are universal experiences that all people encounter. Anthony Giddens 1991 cited in Crawford argues that modern society is continually changing, and that people pursue many different paths through their lives. Erikson describes the concept of a life cycle as implying some kind of self completion (Erikson, 1982 p. 9 cited in Crawford). This use of the word cycle can be criticised for implying a circular process whereby, in the later years of life, there is a return to the dependency of childhood. (Crawford) In conclusion this assignment has looked at Social workers need to develop an understanding of theories from a range of disciplines in order to take a holistic approach to their practice. (Crawford) Whilst it is important for social workers to have knowledge of these theories, none of the theories can be easily applied to explain a persons course of life. One theory may be relevant to a particular person at a particular moment in time. For example, one theory may be useful for child development, but not so useful in explaining the challenges of life events that influence growth and development in later life. (Crawford and Walker, 2003) All people are individuals and deserve the right to be treated as such. To do anything less would be seen as an act of oppressive practice. Social workers need to draw on many different resources and theories available to them in order to truly meet service users needs. (Beckett 2007)