Choose one case study and evaluate it from the perspective of the Behaviourist Approach. Provide strategies for intervention based only on this theory

Abstract This essay evaluates case study 3B through the perspective of behaviourism as identified by Skinner et al (1948). The subject in 3B is named Jethro, who is exhibiting signs of disruptive behaviour in school. His actions are analysed from the view of the Behaviourists, using such theories as classical and operant conditioning. Methods for guidance and improvement based on this analysis are then offered. Introduction Behaviourism is a theory which analyses human behaviour in terms of observable cause and effect, rather than mental processes. It advocates that humans react to positive and negative reinforcement of such behaviour throughout their lives – most notably during childhood and adolescence (Mah, 2007). A behaviourist psychologist named Pavlov (1902) developed the theory of ‘classical conditioning’ through an experiment with using his dogs. The theory then went on to become one of the most vital mechanisms of Behaviourism. This is where un-conditioned responses such as salivation at the sight of food can be associated with the ringing of a bell that accompanies the smell of food; thereby giving the dog a learned conditioned response. Skinner (1948) added to this by developing ‘operant conditioning’; which suggests that positive reinforcement and negative punishment are able to create similar conditioned responses too. It has also been argued by Behaviourist s that humans share this same basic psychology as animals on a fundamental level, and can learn associations between reward and consequence (operant conditioning) and learn conditioned responses to stimuli (classical conditioning) (Costello & Angold, 2000). Because of this how concrete and empirically-based the approach is, it is the most commonly applied theory to basic classroom dynamics; as good behaviours are rewarded with positive reinforcement (i.e. good grades, a ‘gold sticker’) and bad, maladaptive behaviours are rewarded with negative reinforcement (i.e. bad grades, detention or ‘naughty step’). It is the simplest way to discipline a class. Shirley (2009) has argued that no lesson plan can work if there is no behaviourism present. In light of this, the analysis will look at how Jethro’s ‘good’ and ‘bad’ behaviours have been reinforced by both his teachers and his parents, and then how his current actions have developed because of this. Any possible suggestions for intervention will then be given in order to re-balance his previous conditioning. Jethro’s Behaviourist Assessment At first glance, Jethro’s behaviour seems to be a product of a lack of reinforcement from his parents and teachers in both a positive and negative respect (Wheldall & Glynn, 1989). He lacks the balance that operant conditioning offers and classical conditioning can be used to explain the way he has associated subjects he does not enjoy with frustration and even aggression. It seems that neither parent nor teacher has attempted to positively associate a subject Jethro doesn’t enjoy with a reward or method that he does enjoy (Porter, 2006). This can be seen from the â€Å"challenge† that is posed by adults that spark â€Å"angry outbursts† from Jethro. From a behaviourist view, this â€Å"challenge† would be seen as another negative reinforcement for his actions, as opposed to engagement on another level that may interest the boy. For example, he enjoys music and is evidently a creative person – perhaps more creative lesson plans would put an e nd to his aggressive behaviour, as he would then learn a positive conditioned response to that lesson. A large-scale survey of teachers and pupils entitled ‘The Elton Report’ (1989) suggested that schools’ biggest concern was that of low-level but high-frequency disruptions such as talking during lessons, not waiting, running in corridors and fidgeting. These are called â€Å"TooTs† (talking out of turn) by the DFE, and seem to be a very common occurrence in adolescents. Jethro’s behaviours are mostly TooTs such as rudeness, only doing the minimum required and lateness, and could easily be seen as avoidance of activities that he does not gain any sort of positive reinforcement from i.e. truanting classes when he does not like the teacher. Jethro does not gain any reward from these classes, and therefore does not seek to even attempt to participate because he has been conditioned to act out of turn in them and not pay due attention. It is also evident that musical stimulus gives Jethro pleasure. Akin to how the smell of food gave Pavlov’s dogs a ‘hard-wired’ un-conditioned response (McLeod, 2007), it seems that Jethro did not need to learn his response to music; that it was always present. We can infer that his parents did not aid this response, as they are â€Å"too busy† to have even kept any appointments with his head-teacher. This neglect seems to have created these maladaptive behaviours, as children thrive on a token economy with a reward/punishment scheme (Cooper & Upton, 1991). It could be argued that Jethro’s parents’ neglect of his interests and behaviours acts as its own positive reinforcement of his maladaptive behaviours such as truancy, lateness and being confrontational. This would make Jethro believe that these bad behaviours are in fact good or merely neutral. Without punishment from the primary caregiver, the subject will learn to persist in these behaviours as they go without consequence or even reason (Chung & Nolan, 1998). Jethro fits into the first group of unruly children as stated by the DFE – the â€Å"naughty and disruptive, but responsive† group (DFE, 1994). This can be seen in his sometimes aggressive behaviour, but also in his enjoyment of music. His participation in his town’s Community Action Week makes a good example of how Jethro does indeed respond to positive rewards and stimuli i.e. the act of playing guitar at the old people’s home made him feel elated, or ‘good’; whereas other subjects make him unruly (Premack, 1959). Strategies for Intervention The â€Å"chill-outs† that Jethro receives from teachers shed light on his previous conditioning. Although they could be seen as punishments, they are not the correct punishment to give, as they fail to make a negative association with acting ‘out-of-turn’. Especially given the fact that Jethro is sixteen years old, in the midst of adolescence. It should be noted that adolescents require extra stimulation in their field of interest, as they are beginning to progress up the ‘pyramid of learning’ of Bloom’s taxonomy (1956) and start to create more complex associations and responses as well as being more autonomous (White & Renk, 2011). In light of this, perhaps a harsher punishment is necessary to re-balance the boy’s conditioning, for example – a detention. Arguably this could take place during music class, so as to heighten the negative reinforcement of his behaviour. However, a strategy such as this may serve to severely harm the boy if carried out repeatedly, as it is clear that he is passionate about music, and music is one lesson that he has â€Å"no reported problems† in. Care should be taken so as not to permanently damage Jethro’s positive talents and create an even more negative association with every other aspect of school life. Although, if this punishment is reserved for instances of intense aggression, the strategy may prove fruitful. Another intervention strategy may be to actively encourage Jethro with more rewards for trying harder in lessons he currently does not enjoy. Presently, there are no signs of any attempt to condition the student into doing more than the very minimum required. Although he is working at his National Curriculum age appropriate levels, the teachers are seen to only â€Å"complain†; thereby further reinforcing his response of ‘not trying’. If teachers offered some sort of reward as compensation i.e. being able to complete ‘homework’ in class rather than having to take it home, then maybe Jethro would comply more as he would then have more time to pursue his music, for instance. After a while, Jethro would begin to associate going to class with positive responses and rewards through a teaching style based upon classical and operant conditioning. Similar to the DFE’s circular 8/94 entitled â€Å"Pupil Behaviour and Discipline† (1994); strategies should be implemented that promote respect between students and staff. There should be a token economy with formal rewards that focusses mainly on positive reinforcement for successes, rather than purely negative reinforcements and punishments for acting ‘out of turn’. Clear boundaries of acceptable behaviour are required in order to successfully intervene with Jethro and condition him to be a more respectful, academically-minded student. A liaison between home and school should also be encouraged to ensure Jethro adapts thoroughly as a person, not just a pupil (Ayers et al, 2000). Conclusion In conclusion, it is clear that Jethro’s conditioning needs to be re-balanced through a succession of positive and negative reinforcements, coupled with a reward scheme that congratulates ‘good’ behaviour to encourage the student to try harder. At present, his behaviour is un-disciplined because he has not learnt the correct responses to stimuli such as adults’ challenges, work that he does not like and arriving to lessons promptly. With the suggestions offered here, these behaviours will change and make Jethro a more ‘co-operative’ student; to the point of altering his responses to neutral stimuli into positive ones – allowing him to associate the aspects of school life that currently trouble him, with happiness and rewards. References Ayers, H., Clarke, D. & Murray, A. (2000). Perspectives on Behaviour: A Practical Guide to Effective Interventions for Teachers. David Fulton Publishers. ISBN-10: 1853466727. Chung, C. M. & Nolan, P. (1998). Children with Challenging Behaviour: Past and Present in the United Kingdom. Children and Society. Vol. 12. Cooper, P. & Upton, G. (1991). Controlling the Urge to Control: An Eco-systemic Approach to Problem Behaviour in Schools. Problem Behaviour. Support for Learning. Vol. 6 No. 1. Costello, J. & Angold, A. (2000). Bad Behaviour: An Historical Perspective on Disorders of Conduct. Conduct Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence. Cambridge University Press. ISBN-10: 0521786398. DES. (1989). Discipline in Schools. The Elton Report. London. HMSO. DFE. (1994). Discipline in Schools, Circular 8/94. London. Department for Education. Mah, R. (2007). Difficult Behaviour in Early Childhood. Positive Discipline for Pre K-3 Classroom & Beyond. Corwin. ISBN-10: 1412937159. McLeod, S. (2007). Pavlov’s Dogs. Simply Psychology. Accessed: http://www.simplypsychology.org/pavlov.html. Last Accessed 04/07/2014. Porter, L. (2006). Behaviour in Schools: Theory and Practice for Teachers. Open University Press. ISBN-10: 0335220010. Premack, D. (1959). Empirical Behaviour Laws: Positive Reinforcement. Psychological Review. Vol. 66. Shirley, R. (2009). The Behaviourist Approach to Teaching in Class. Accessed: https://suite.io/rachel-shirley/1qz5268. Last Accessed 04/07/2014. Wheldall, K. & Glynn, T. (1989). Effective Classroom Learning. Blackwell. Oxford. White, R. & Renk, K. (2011). Externalizing Behaviour Problems during Adolescence: An Ecological Perspective. Springer Science and Business Media.

Kumbh Mela

The sea of humanity that the mela resembles is surreal and spiritual. When friends and well-wishers learnt that my wife and I were going to the Mahakumbh mela for Mauni Amavasya, they were aghast. Some shuddered at the prospect of rubbing shoulders with 30 million of the great unwashed. Others warned of how polluted and carcinogenic the once-pristine Ganga has become. A few were mortified that we would be staying in tents on the riverbank with no access to room service or a flat-screen TV. Some wondered why I, as a non-Hindu, wanted to visit the Mahakumbh at all.Everyone wished us well but confessed to being glad they weren't undertaking the expedition to Allahabad. I, too, was initially apprehensive about embarking on this mega pilgrimage, afraid, perhaps, of the unknown. The logistics of getting to Prayag were daunting. The trains were overflowing and the nearest airports were located several hours away. We decided to fly into Lucknow and then drove a harrowing six-and-a-half hours through â€Å"rururban† UP to finally reach the Sangam around midnight. Our tent, with an adjacent toilet, was basic but comfortable. An unseasonal downpour had, however, turned the chalky riverbank into a slushy mess.Mauni Amavasya is considered the most auspicious day during the Mahakumbh to undertake the Shahi Snan. Pilgrims were converging by the tens of thousands and the state administration had locked down vehicular entry into the city. Our neighbours, city slickers like us, had to walk 13 kilometres from the outskirts of Allahabad to reach the tent complex as their car wasn't allowed to proceed. At night, the temperature plummets and in the absence of heaters, we snuggled in a sleeping bag and used a blanket overlay to keep warm in our flimsy tent. The next morning, we were woken up at 4 am by a cacophony of loudspeakers, competing to be heard.Bhajans and pravachans from rival akhadas blared at full volume. Shouting above this din was a public announcement for family members who had been separated at the Kumbh. A female voice, mimicking a cow, lowed â€Å"Maa† instead of a moo, and exhorted pilgrims to join the campaign to end cow slaughter. A medicine man on a megaphone advertised a book for a hundred rupees that provides a remedy for all ailments known to mankind. Forget about doctors, he shrieked at the top of his voice, simply sit at home and cure yourself of either insomnia or impotence.We groggily stepped out and were stunned by the sight of an entire township of tents that stretched endlessly along both banks of the mighty Ganga. This was the proverbial sea of humanity one had heard about, and it was staggering to witness the sheer scale of this congregation. Walking with millions of believers chanting har har Gange to the Sangam at 4. 30 am was both a surreal and spiritual experience. Naked Naga babas, brandishing swords and trishuls, charged into the river exalting Lord Shiva, who had tamed his wilful daughter by trapping her in his matted locks.Men, women and children were unmindful of stripping before strangers as they undertook the sacred dip in freezing waters. The entire ritual was conducted without any jostling, shoving or disturbance. The faithful converged with reverence and behaved impeccably. Any fear of crowds and claustrophobia melted away and all you felt was oneness with your fellow man. It was, therefore, ironic and all the more tragic that the same evening the stampede at the Allahabad Railway Station left 36 people dead. Today is the last day of the Shahi Snans and we should all perhaps whisper a prayer that it passes without incident.

Progress report on internet abuse and employee productivity case study Essay

The internet has able to improve business by increasing productivity because of improved information dissemination and decision-making, however employers are concerned by employees who use it for their personal and social needs during working hours which occurs because the workplace give them a sense of privacy. The monitoring of employee internet use has created tensions between employers, who monitor employee use to protect data leakage and check employee productivity, and employees, who feel a breach of trust whenever monitored, who suggest that casual internet use is not detrimental, and who have felt emotional and physical problems because of monitoring. The internet has had significant impact in the 1995 economic boom despite studies which show that this is only felt in the microeconomic level. A UN report has shown that American employees are less productive than their European and Asian counterparts because they cannot improve side-by-side with the effects of Moore’s Law. Organizations which have put in investments in technology improvements have not felt the supposed exponential increase in revenue and increase in market share because they have not reduced input resources such as the number of employees and that their employees have not increased in knowledge or productivity. It was suggested that to reduce productivity losses non-internet tasks should increase, productivity benchmark methods revised and incentives given to productive employees. IT was also suggested that to avoid employee-employer conflicts, the employer must give ample time for internet use, enforce a written internet and e-mail use policy, forge a company website that will help employees to finish tasks, and keep a friendly working atmosphere. The employees in turn must not use the internet often for personal use and enhance their productivity in line with the company’s premier interests. I have completed the entire research project and found out that employee and employer relations can be resolved following my proposed guidelines which I have made after preceding research from articles in magazines and books. I have found that employees regard monitoring as a beach of trust and had felt emotional tolls during monitoring by their bosses. Employers on the other hand only move to monitor to ensure the security of company data. I have found out that employee productivity has decreased with the increase in IT investments among companies. I have proposed guidelines and suggestions basing on my readings to decrease worker productivity losses. Work Completed I found this survey conducted by Mercer Management Consulting and have gathered that companies though they have invested much on improving technology to increase their business’ efficiency, have not yet felt the projected increase in sales. I have gathered from an article on The Economist that according to the joint research venture between MIT and U Penn the paradox that is the decrease of worker productivity despite increase in IT investments can be attributed to the factors they have laid out. This information I have placed under Technology vs. Productivity. After connecting ideas, and finding the real root of this paradox, I have now searched for references to build a suitable to-do list for employers and employees to resolve the worker productivity losses. I read a New York Times copy dated February 9, 2000, with an article saying that employers who give incentives to productive employees contributed to the increase in US productivity in the 2nd quarter of 1999. I have gathered form a copy of PC week that filtering and monitoring policies increased productivity of employees, from this idea I suggested in my research paper that employers must impose strict e-mail and internet use policy. Conclusion After so much consideration of facts, I have come up with a research paper that will explain the problems of employee productivity and internet abuse and guide employees and employers while joining forces to reduce productivity losses. Reference Gupta, Jatinder, and Sushil Sharma. â€Å"Improving Worker’s Productivity and Reducing Internet Abuse. † The Journal of Computer Information Systems 44. 2 (2004): 75-78.

Petro-Canada's Total Compensation Strategy and Program Research Paper - 1

Petro-Canada's Total Compensation Strategy and Program - Research Paper Example However, the report analyses the above compensation structure before the occurrence of the merger between Petro-Canada and Suncor Energy. The idea is to analyze the compensation package of this employee to evaluate the same for the organization. Overview of the Company It is important to provide an introduction about the company before studying its compensation structure. Petro-Canada is a public organization producing oil and gas organization and taking part in all of the upstream and downstream operations. The company is known for exploring for and producing energy not only locally but also internationally. It has as many as 1,323 retail outlets which supplies petroleum products and services across the nation (The Canadian Encyclopedia, 2011). Headquarter of the company is located at the in downtown Calgary in Alberta. In the year 2008, the total revenue of the company was $27,785,000, while its employee strength was 6,088 (Petro-Canada, 2008, p.110). The oil and gas industry in Ca nada happens to be highly competitive having strong competitors like Encana etc. The objective to increase strength and emerge as a larger oil and gas company the company decided to merge with Suncor in the year 2009. However, now it operates as a subsidiary under the parent company, Suncor Energy (Suncor Energy Inc, n.d). Compensation Program for Applications Analyst I The compensation package received by an applications analyst I is quite favorable (Please refer Appendix 1). Cash Compensation The cash compensation received by an Applications analyst I in Petro-Canada is CDN$75,000-85,000 (Tang, 2010). This is a much higher amount as compared to the average market rate which is $50,795 (Pay Scale, 2011). Thus it can be said that the company has a lead policy in this regard. Apart from having an attractive salary the company also has a scheme of sharing profits with employees which happens at the end of each fiscal year. The amount of the profits shared with the workers depends on t he performance of the company at that financial year. As per the rules of the company an Application Analyst I is able to earn an amount of 10% of his base pay as profit sharing. In this way an employee could earn as high as 15% to 20% when the company has a successful performance in a year (Tang, 2010). Benefits Every staff in the company is subjected to the same comprehensive benefits and there is no biasness in that. Some of the benefits are determined by the company; however certain benefits schemes are subjected to more flexibility by the employees. Employees have certain amount of liberty to decide plans for the schemes. Thus, a flexible policy of benefits was developed by Petro-Canada to provide workers with the flexibility to choose their benefit coverage as per their choice. Beginning from the day the employee starts working with the organization, he is entitled to the following benefit schemes. Medical Insurance Companies generally provide benefits regarding the medical ex penses of the employees. This type of benefit forms a major part in employee benefit policy. It has often seen that if the employees’

Financial Innovations and Monetary Policy Term Paper

Financial Innovations and Monetary Policy - Term Paper Example on of debit and credit card into the economy was seen as a major step as this was believed to significantly curb the risks associated with carrying cash and eliminate the losses incurred by investors due to destruction of money as a result of losing cash or fire epidemic. Use of cash is also dispirited due to the continual problem of counterfeiting and the often contested argument that it makes it easy for criminals such as prostitutes and drug dealers to conduct business (Mishkin, 2009; Goodhart, 2000). While the prognoses for the eradication of cash have demonstrated to be quite challenging, the boom in internet shopping has sent a clear signal to futurists that the cashless society is almost becoming an overpowering reality which will present its benefits and drawbacks to consumers and banks, particularly when the whole concept of monetary policies is taken into consideration (Goodhart, 2000). Many developed economies are presently striving towards an economy where cash will be mi nimal and e-money, which in its broadest sense is electronic money often exchanged electronically through technical devices including mobile handsets and computers, is also significantly reduced (Goodhart, 2000). A cashless society implies that coins and currency will be absent but that does not imply a backward development towards barter system, but rather a development towards a society with widespread use of EFTS (Electronic Funds Transfer System). In the US, for instance, only 7% of transactions are in cash as over 90% of transactions are sealed via e-money (Palley, 2011). Apparently, these transactions are low-value transactions involving only small amounts of money. People have accepted EFTS, and it is not surprising that organizations have been forced to use EFTS to remain competitive. However, as the move towards a cashless economy proceeds incrementally, it raises significant issues with regard to monetary policy, the consumer, and payment system threats. Under the monetary

Gangs in America Why are they so out of control Essay - 2

Gangs in America Why are they so out of control - Essay Example Through the advanced technology in the entire United States, drug trafficking has been simplified and even gang recruitment is easier where the activities are mastermind through the use of technology leading to killings and other insecurity issues (Schneider, 1999). The expansion of gangs in the States has also increased in the streets due to the usage of social networking. The use of drugs and drug trafficking is unlawful and it is unethical to the States. To address the problem the federal government together with the Federal Bureau of Investigation should make sure that the advanced technology that is being used by individuals is monitored. Each and every activity that is taking place in United States should be tracked through the use of social media. Gangs are being recruited and expanding in the social media and thus close monitoring of all the activities should be done to ensure all those unethical practices in the States are curbed and eliminated in New York and California States among others. In California, landmark legislation referred to as Juvenile Crime Enforcement was passed in 1996 and Accountability Challenge Grant Program worthy $50 million was started to reduce the crime and prevent young individuals from conducting criminal activities. Young individuals associating themselves with gangs who threat and others cause mass killing in the States has been an ethical issue in entire United States. The young individuals who engage themselves in criminal activities die in many circumstances since they are confronted by the security officers making the youths to be reduced in the society. To curb this unethical issue, it is important for the federal government to fund and implement the program where juvenile rehabilitations centers will be structured where the violent and chronic juvenile offenders will be accommodated. Counseling and other disciplinary acts should be conducted to ensure that

Stratigic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Stratigic - Essay Example In addition, it means that the company will have production or management problems. A high Return on Investment reveals that the gains in the investments compare favourably to the costs of investment. Similarly, low ROI means that the gains made in investments compare poorly with the costs in investment. Therefore, a high ROI is needed for the success of a business. Internal audit is an objective and independent consulting and assurance exercise that adds value to the operations of an organization. The internal assessment of Zip Cola will be through two main approaches. The SWOT analysis applies as a strategy to determine the factors in the internal environment that will affect the organization. The SWOT analysis identifies the weaknesses, strengths, threats and opportunities that exist in the organization. The external factors involve the opportunities and the threats of the business whereas the strengths, and the weaknesses reflect the internal factors. Further, needs assessment identifies the gaps and needs of the company that requires an address to achieve its objects. Therefore, the SWOT analysis (Strengths and weakness) and the needs assessment will assist the business attain its goals and objectives, hence its focus by the essay. In this particular section of the SWOT analysis, one needs to look at the internal capacities and the available resources that will position the organization as the best in both the local and international markets. The company must identify the existing resources and find out how well the company utilizes those possessions. It is essential to list all the available relationships with the customers, the assets of the firm, and the inputs. For example, the available staff with the excellent knowledge of sales concerning the existing products and the success strategies of marketing the company’s goods and products besides the reputation associated with innovation. The

The Cause and Effect of Learning the English Language Essay

The Cause and Effect of Learning the English Language - Essay Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that not so many people can speak the English language well in the companies in Saudi Arabia and such, employees who could speak the language well are often paid high salaries. In addition, English speaking employees also get promoted easily compared to the non-English speaker because companies prefer those who can interact with more people. This is becoming more important today because employees now have to work with other people from other countries and culture with the globalization of our economies. Such, learning English is becoming more and more important to be effective in one’s job in the future. This explains why many of us flocks in English speaking universities in order to improve our English. We would like to get paid well and get easily promoted in the companies that we will work in the future when we go back to our respective countries after graduation. It is hard but it is worth it.  

Gender-Based Differences in Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Research Paper

Gender-Based Differences in Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) - Research Paper Example As reported by the American Heart Association (2006), almost 70% of the total population of the United States has cardiovascular disease. As shown in the charts above (Health Care Online, 2011), males are more prone to develop CVD than women at the age below 60. Men die 10 years younger than women from heart attacks (Kannel et al., 1976). However, this biological advantage of women over men shrinks as they age. II. Biological Theories The primary biological advantage of women over men in terms of CVD risk is the female sex hormone, estrogen. Estrogen protects women from cardiovascular disease. Most of the protective functions of estrogen originate from its role in controlling cholesterol levels. This hormone works in the liver to eliminate unnecessary cholesterol in the body (Saleh & Connell, 2007). More particularly, estrogen boosts the level of good cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and minimizes the buildup of bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Bad chol esterol buildup blocks blood vessels which then can disrupt blood flow to the heart. In contrast, good cholesterol reduces these blockages by minimizing the level of bad cholesterol (Vitale, Miceli, & Rosano, 2007). Estrogen strengthens the prostacyclin receptor. The prostacyclin receptor, which soothes the production of vascular smooth muscle cells and minimizes pulmonary vascular disorders, is a primary goal for estrogen being controlled by the estrogen receptor proteins— ERa and ERb (Saleh & Connell, 2007). Prostacyclin receptor can hinder the tightening of vessel walls, blood clotting, and clustering of platelets (Sugden, 2001). Thus the protein can help protect the body from heart disease. Estrogen also prevents the development of dangerous blockages by working on white blood cells. These white blood cells can cause blockages by accumulating in the interiors of blood vessels (Sugden, 2001). Women in their childbearing years have higher amount of the protein annexin-A1 in their white blood cells compared to men. Annexin-A1 stops white blood cells from aggregating in the blood vessel wall which can cause vascular disorder (Sugden, 2001). Therefore, Pre-menopausal women are less prone to CVD than post-menopausal ones. Epidemiological studies reported lower CVD risk factors among estrogen-enriched women. These findings resulted in the assumption that estrogen-enhancing therapy, such as the use of birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), for a specified period of time before the onset of the menopause is feasible. It is assumed that estrogens assume a major physiological function when the heart exhibits reperfusion disorder, which is an injury to the renal blood vessels (Saleh & Connell, 2007). Normally, estrogen activity is interceded by particular estrogen receptors (ERs). ERs are part of the primary group of steroid hormone receptor, which can function as endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which serves a vital function in sus taining vascular homeostasis by combining and discharging a number of soothing elements, like prostacyclin (Saleh & Connell, 2007), with possible repercussions for coronary heart function. Nevertheless, the use of birth control pills has been linked to the raised amount of C-reactive protein related to CVD. This C-reactive protein (CRP) is generated in the body as a reaction to inflammation (Mendelsohn, 2002). Recurrently high CRP levels have been connected

Asian Currency Crisis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Asian Currency Crisis - Research Paper Example Credit was made available from abroad cheaply and in large quantities because of the implicit government guarantees (Hale, 2011, pg. 2) The Asian Financial Crisis was also a set back from its artificial growth from the 1980’s until July of 1997 where its growth was fueled primarily by â€Å"hot money† that expects high profit on a short term. This â€Å"hot money† kept pouring in South East Asia (around half of all the investments that went in the developing countries) as a result of high interest rate which made investing in that part of the world attractive. As a result, asset prices rose with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) registering from 8-12 %. While this was initially laudable, this was not sustained as real total factor productivity growth, or productivity output, especially in Thailand is not commensurate to its financial growth. Such, this continuous capital inflow into Thailand formed into a bubble fueled by â€Å"hot money† and not by total pro ductivity output. And as the bubble furtherly developed, it required more and more â€Å"hot money† needed to sustain it until it burst resulting to the Asian Financial Crisis of July, 1997.

Written analysis of Enron Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Written analysis of Enron - Essay Example lves a recent decision by Fair Work Australia (FWA) that the termination of the employment of an employee who has served for long in a firm as a result of breach of the golden safety rules was not harsh, unjust and unreasonable. Karratha Gas Plant site conducted activities in potentially hazardous conditions and had a system to mitigate these risks which require permits as part of the Golden Rules of the company. Mr. Chadwick was employed for 15 years by Woodside Energy Limited at this plant and was working as a maintenance technician. The plant operated with a work permit which formed part of the Golden Safety Rules and Chadwick had been issued with work permit for 7 days to perform hot work which required him to liaise with the control panel before commencing work at any time to ensure that work was done safely. Hours before the expiry of the permit, Mr. Chadwick and another employee arrived at the site before the opening of the permit hut and without consulting the higher management or the panel operator as was the requirement of the permit. They knew the permit hut would open in two hours’ time and thus he obtained a further permit later that day. He claimed that he knew the condition of the relevant permit and he had worked on the same LNG tank on previous occasions and therefore felt that he could meet the conditions without exposing himself or other people to danger. His employment was terminated for breaching the Golden Rule and this action was contested by Chadwick as being harsh, unjust and unreasonable in all contexts. The Deputy President McCarthy held that the Golden Rule had been obtained from standards which had been developed in the oil and gas industry back in 1988 after the Piper Alpha disaster in the North Sea that had led to the death of165 people. This disaster had involved an accumulation of management error and a failure of the permit to work that had not ensured good system of communication. In considering whether the termination was

The Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 Essay Example for Free

The Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 Essay The law officially named, â€Å"The Public Company Accounting Reform and Investor Protection Act†, was passed into law in 2002 in wake of the numerous corporate scandals that rocked our financial markets. One in particular was the Enron scandal, which before its collapse; Enron was thought of as one of the best companies in the United States. However, it failed to follow Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP) from as far back as 1997 through 2001. When the company suddenly collapsed in the latter part of 2001, it lost tens of billions of dollars of its shareholders money (Jickling 2003). The controls which were supposedly in place, neither internal nor external, did not uncover the financial masquerade. Because of the many corporate and accounting scandals to astonish the U. S. marketplace and its investor, shareholders organized and protested for tougher laws that required a greater degree of corporate accountability. The act is commonly referred to as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), named after Senator Paul Sarbanes and Representative Michael Oxley, who were its main sponsors. SOX is intended to raise the bar for integrity and competence for publicly traded companies and also to promote a greater degree of accountability within these companies. The act changed corporate governance, including the responsibilities of directors and officers, the regulation of accounting firms that audit public companies, corporate reporting and enforcement. It is organized into eleven categories, called â€Å"titles†. The first being the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PACOB), second, Auditors Independence, then, Corporate Responsibility, Enhanced Financial Disclosures, Analyst Conflicts of Interest, Commission Resources and Accountability, Supporting Studies and Reports, Corporate and Criminal Fraud Accountability Document preservation (Whistle-Blower Protection), White-Collar crime penalty, Corporate Tax Returns and Corporate Fraud Accountability. Title I of the Act establishes the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). It is an independent, non-governmental board that oversees the audits of publicly traded companies. The purpose was designed to protect the interest of the investors and to promote public confidence and transparency in the independent audit process. The powers of the PCAOB are to register public accounting firms that prepare audit reports for issuers; establish auditing, quality control, ethics, independence and other standards relating to the preparation of audit reports; and conduct inspections, investigations and disciplinary proceedings of, and take enforcement action against, public accounting firms (Clearly 2003). Titles II of the act have nine sections. It sets the standard in which the auditors must remain independent to limit their conflicts of interest. Under these sections the auditors have stricter requirements of reporting, they must rotate jobs and they are not allowed to perform other services to the same company they are auditing. Also, as stated in Title I the auditing company must be registered with the PCAOB to perform acceptable audits. Title III of this act speaks to the individual responsibility of the corporate leaders. Management must certify that the financial statements do not contain any material omissions or untrue statements and those they represent fairly the financial condition of the company. And that all of the internal controls are and have been operating effectively prior to the issuance of the reports. Title IV relates most closely with the accountants and the auditing process. It details the new requirements of the financial reporting process and the certification of the effectiveness of the companys internal control process. Section 404 which requires management to assess the internal control procedures and to sign off on its effectiveness and that the procedures are being followed. Section 404 highlights the critical importance of controls related to the financial reporting function of management information systems by requiring a regular assessment of the quality of the financial reporting, because management uses this to manage operations, monitor performance, create forecast and report results to stakeholders (Peters 2012). Title V, VI and VII are designed to help build the publics confidence in the markets by promoting transparency and by providing criminal sanctions and monetary penalties to perpetrators. Title VII can be considered a reflection piece, as it looks to examine different factors and how they affect the markets. The SOX act in Title VIII obligates companies to provide a documented whistle-blower protection policy. It is a means to collect, retain and resolve claims regarding accounting, internal accounting controls and auditing matters. This system must allow for such concerns to be submitted anonymously. SOX provides protection to whistle-blowers and severe penalties to those who retaliate against them. Under this provision violators who destroy, alter, or falsify documents or retaliate against employees who report such going-on are subject to lengthy prison terms. Title IX, X and XI outline the increase penalties for white-collar crimes, such as mail and wire fraud; the requirement that the CEO is responsible for the accuracy and certifying the corporations tax return and other financial reports. The last section institutes guidelines for failure to comply as a criminal offense and gives the SEC the right to freeze monetary transactions if they suspect fraud. Before SOX, the financial world was basically governed by the Securities Laws of 1933 and the establishment of the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) in 1934. Corporations were only required to report the financial reports periodically to the public and the SEC. It was the publics responsibility to review the records and form an educated decision on the well-being of the company. The act also prohibited certain conduct such as insider trading and market manipulation. The exchanges, brokers, transfer agents were responsible for reporting any material changes in the holding of the companies to the SEC. However after the numerous financial scandals such as Enron, WorldCom, Adelphia to mention a few, in which the information presented to public, was fraudulent. They statements were misrepresented by millions and millions of dollars it was felt by the general public, investors and the federal government that there had to be stricter regulations to govern against such corporate behavior. SOX calls for greater accountability from everyone in charge. It implements rules and requirements from the top-down on accountability. CEO, CFO, directors must sign off on the reliability of the reports; auditors must maintain their independence and are prohibited from performing other services to the company they are auditing; managers and employees are responsible for the internal controls in their departments. And all these actions are punishable if not followed, as addressed in Title XI. Title XI provides authoritative powers for companies, its leaders, employees and/or auditors to be sued, sanctioned or criminally prosecuted if they are involved in any fraudulent behavior. It also provides the SEC the ability to seize funds and/or impose significant financial penalties for breaking the law. The most significant impact that SOX has had on the accounting world besides the increased criminal prosecution, is Section 404, which outlines the managements assessment of internal controls over financial reporting and the disclosure of such information. Internal control over financial reporting, is defined by Guy Lander, as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the companys principal executive and principal financial officers and implemented by the companys board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance for the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The independent auditor must also attest to and report on the managements assessment of the effectiveness of the companys internal control over financial reporting. Each fiscal year, companies must select audit committees to perform the assessment of internal controls. In section 404, the auditing requirements have changed drastically. Integrated within the law is now a Code of Ethics which was not there prior to the SOX act. Everyone is now accountable and required by law to do the right thing. With the implementation of SOX, the spirit of the law is being enforced. God calls us to a higher standard. We are to perform our job to best of our ability and we should maintain our integrity. No law is higher than the laws given to us by God. Management is now required to know more about the system of internal control so that he/she can make an accurate account of its effectiveness. Management must also include a written document in their end of the year managers report to attest to the effectiveness of their internal control. CEO and CFO are required to certify that the financial reports are accurate and they must discuss with the audit committee any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control in the financial reporting process. The audit committee is required to attest to the integrity of the companys financial statements; the companys compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; the qualifications and independence of the independent auditor and the performance of the companys internal audit function and independent auditor (Cleary 2003). The independent auditor has an increased responsibility to verify the financial information of the company. The audit firm must attest to the reliability of managements statement on the effectiveness of their internal control procedures and processes. The SOX act requires increased communication between the auditor and the companys audit committee. They must communication at least quarterly to discuss management, accounting and/or auditing adjustments, any difficulties or disagreements encountered, or any auditors concerns over the quality of the companys accounting practices or principles (Cleary 2003). The cost of implementing the required changes associated with SOX, Section 404, Internal Controls has had a significant effect on most small business. Auditing firms increased their fees by an average of 40% to recoup fees associated with the loss of business because of the new guidelines requiring independence. The SOX guidelines limit services allowed by auditing firms to perform for companies they are auditing. Internal costs associated with compliance jumped 62% for companies. In 2007, the SEC formed a committee to determine the impact on smaller businesses. Their guidelines were business with revenue under $100 million. The impact of compliance with section 404 internal controls were 3. 5 cents for every dollar earned (Michelson 2008). According to a SOX research study by Lord ;amp; Benoit, the average costs of complying with section 404(a) management assessment for all non-accelerated filers included in the study were $53,724(ranging from as low as $15,000 to as high as $162,000. The range of audit fee increases was from as low as $7,500 to as high as $86,000). Krishnan 2008). Armed with this information the SEC decided to admen its reporting and disclosure requirements for small businesses. In February 2008, the SEC adopted the amendments and issued the Smaller Reporting Company Regulatory Relief and Simplification to provide assistance for smaller firms (Michelson 2008). Smaller companies have received multiple extensions to become fully compliant. It was stated that more than half of all small companies say SOX has made it more diff icult to do business. They have had to make cutbacks in other areas, such as marketing, research and personnel to offset the increase in costs. Also, two-thirds of the small businesses favor a different set of guidelines for smaller companies (Swartz, 2006). Another significant impact on small businesses is the increased turnover of its board members. The new guidelines that require increased independence and conflicts of interest make it more difficult for smaller companies who have higher managerial ownership. Executive directors of companies are less likely to appointed to boards. KPMGs Audit committee took a survey and found that directors were concerned with two very important issues, the first being accountability reform and their legal exposure and the second being how management is responding to Section 404 of SOX(KPMG 2004). The Sarbanes-Oxley Act is hailed as the most dramatic change and far-reaching act in the financial market place since the SEC was formed. The SOX act is here to stay and it is long overdue. There have been lists of companies and their improprieties for decades and decades that cheated others out if their fair shares. People who in charge of a companys finances and they succumbed to the temptations of greed. As humans we are fallen creatures, we need stipulations in place to keep us in check. We need laws to govern our actions. The SOX act represents a change in corporate accountability and corporate governing. Although it is still changing and adapting to the environment it has had a significant impact on the way people act. It takes into account the Spirit of the Law and not just the letter of the Law. Corporate leaders are being held to a higher standard, which is a step in the right direction. References Bedard, J. G. (2011). Detection and SEverity Classifications of Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 Internal Control Deficienies. The Accounting Review , 825-855. Green, E. S. (2003). The Sarbanes-Oxley Act. New York: Aspen Publishers. Jickling, M. (2003). The Enron Collapse. CRS Report for Congress . Krishnan, J. R. (2008). Cost to comply with SOX Section 404. Auditing: Journal of Practice and Theory , 169-186. KPMG Audit Committee Institute (2004), Oversight of Auditors, Audit Committee Roundtable Highlights, Spring, KPMG Audit Committee Institute, Kansas City, p. 2. Lander, G. (2004). What is Sarbanes-Oxley? New York: McGraw-Hill. Michelson, S. S. (2009). The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002: What impact has it on small business firms. Managerial Auditing Journal , 743-766. Peters, G. F. (2012). The Consequences of Information Technology Control Weaknesses on Management Information Systems. MIS Quarterly , 179-203. Spending on SOX. (2008). Journal of Accountancy , 90-93. Swartz, N. (2 008). SOX costs socks small firms. Information Management Journal , 14.

Effects of Gender Wage Discrimination on Women

Effects of Gender Wage Discrimination on Women The Effects of Gender Wage Discrimination on  Life of Women Contents 1Introduction 2Literature Review 2.1Need for Equal Pay Act and its Impact 2.2Problems faced by Women 3Conclusion 4References Abstract This research is a review for some studies which are focused to highlight discrimination in payment between male and female members. The studies present the data collection methods such as surveys and interviews. All the studies showed that the discrimination in payment against women still exists, but there is a significant decline in the gender wage gap particularly because of the increasing awareness and enforcement of Gender Equity Act. The studies showed that the women recently have gained more experience and higher education which declined racial discrimination against the women. The studies also noted that the women have the right to get equal pay like that of men. Similarly women deserve to have the same employment opportunities as of men. 1 Introduction The equal pay act was signed on the 10th of June 1963 by the President John F. Kennedy (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 2014). The enactments of this act were to support and amend the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1938. This Act gave attention to unfair practices in paying low wages to female employees than males for the same job. John F. Kennedy highlighted the importance of the Equal Pay Act as â€Å"While much remains to be done to achieve full equality of economic opportunity for the average woman worker earns only 60 percent of the average wage for men this legislation is a significant step forward† (John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, 1963). Kelly Jeanetta, founder of Kelly A. Jeanetta Law Firm LLC, said that the women are still getting only seventy percent of total wages earned by men for the same jobs. She further argues that due to unexamined biases and favoritism systems men are getting higher wages than women which has negatively affected the lives of women (Jeanetta, 2013). The goal of the Equal Pay Act of 1963 was to achieve equality in wages paid to both men and women at workplace. Furthermore the Act was approved keeping in consideration the objective to prevent the discrimination and biasness in jobs and pays in the private sector. Previously a negative notion existed stating that men should get more wages than women if they are on the same job and have same responsibilities. However this shows the obvious discrimination in disbursement to men and women. Jeanetta (2013) further pointed out the law that was enacted in Minnesota in 1969 about Equal Pay for Equal Work, which prohibits employers to discriminate between employees in paying who are doing the same work, the same effort and the same efficiency. This law is a good model to reduce the difference in wage payment between man and woman, and the employer who pays wages on the basis of sex difference is a violation of the law of equality in pay. However to fully implement the rules and regulations of this Act, continuous work is required to be done. Government and NGOs must step ahead to ensure that wages are paid equally to both sexes. The aim of this research is to understand the need for Equal Pay Act and the improvements in the gender wage discrimination during the course of history. Furthermore the paper attempts to find if discrimination exists in disbursement of wages to men and women. Also the research aims to highlight major problems faced by the women with the low wages than their counterparts. 2 Literature Review 2.1 Need for Equal Pay Act and its Impact The basis of Equal Pay Act was to eradicate the discrimination of wage between men and women during the course of their job. Several researches have been conducted to analyze the importance of Equal Pay Act and improvement in the wage distribution as a result of the increased enforcement of the law. Suh (2009) investigated determinants and characteristics of changes in the gender wage gap in the United States of America between 1989 and 2005. The study found that the wage gap between men and women reduced during the study period, from seventy four percent to more than eighty percent. The results of this study show that women tried to close the wage gap by education, working hours and increased experience. This study also concluded that decreasing gender gap is also the result of diminishing level of wage discrimination in the labor market. Although with the passage of time the improvement in the wage gap between men and women occurred, still the distribution is far from equality. Regarding the economic impact on lives of the women due to low wages, the study shows that certainly the economic condition of women was improved as human capital development became the reason for better wages. According to Neumark decomposition the majority of increasing discrimination is because of the increase of influence of men in the workplace (Neumark, 1988). Jake Rosenfeld and Meredith Kleykamp (2012) used the current population survey between 1973 and 2007 to find out the impact of African-Americans to reduce the wage gap in the private sector, and how African-Americans worked with unions to protect themselves from discrimination in the private sector. The survey showed that wage gaps between women, black-white are thirteen to thirty percent lower. The study showed that the important role played by Union to reduce racial inequality (Rosenfeld Kleykamp, 2012). Patrick Mason (2011) presented the paper which studied the changes in the concept of ethnic Americans during the post-Jim Crow era, the study included American families between 1965 and 2006, and the differences between the U.S. region, especially the South. The study noted that men and women regardless of their racial difference, have different opportunities in society and the market and likewise the remuneration also differentiates (Mason, 2011). The study also showed that Oaxaca-Ransom decompositions found there is a big reduction in payment discrimination against African Americans especially for those between the ages of 50 and 59, women are more practice racial equality faster than men. The study also showed that the reduction in the Southern racial disparity is reason for the national improvement among men (Mason, 2011). According to a study carried out by both of Rafael Lalive and Alois Stutzer (2009), women get paid lesser than men for the same work, and the level of their satisfaction with their jobs are lower than men. But the study showed that the wage discrimination against women has decreased significantly, and thats because the high awareness of the act of equal pay between men and women, in addition to experience factor which the women have from the labor market. The reduction in the gap occurred during 1970s due to immediate attention toward the wage discrimination after the resolution of Equal Pay Act. Increase in jobs opportunities in the U.S. labor market occurred during this period because of higher qualification of women. Many European countries have evolved towards decentralization and to determine the minimum wage, which address the problem of the wage gap gender. â€Å"In several European countries the gender pay gap has a low profile both in the public debate and in the policy agenda. Summarizing, one of the main problems is that there is no real owner of the problem, as nobody really feels responsible for closing the gender pay gap. Organizing political support for closing the gap seems to be an important challenge for the near future.† (O’Dorchai, 2008). Liqin Zhang and Xiao-Yuan Dong (2008) used the data from Chinese company to analyze the wage discrimination between male and female in China’s industry. The results of the study showed that there is a relation between low wages for women, and weak production for female workers compared with male workers. The result of this study showed that the women who worked in the public sector get wages equal to the men, but the women who worked in the private sector more like to discrimination in wage. The study noted that the Chinese woman status in the deterioration because of discrimination against them from employers in the private sector, in addition to the failure of the public sector to the protection of women, and failure to impose policies and laws against discrimination in wages. â€Å"In the service sector, women do not encounter gender wage discrimination in state-owned enterprises but do suffer from discrimination in private-owned enterprises. The public sector pays more attention to advocating gender equality while managers of private enterprises have more discretionary power to act out their prejudice against women in wage-setting and employment policies†( Zhang and Dong, 2008). A group of researcher: Ariane Hegewisch, Hannah Liepmann, Jeffrey Hayes, and Heidi Hartmann (2010), they presented a paper to prove the existence of discriminatory wage between the gender by analysis of occupational data during the 1970 and 1980s, and the study noted that can be seen from the occupations that does not require high levels of education, and the jobs which required especial degree. 2.2 Problems faced by Women Discrimination in the pay between men and women is no doubt troublesome for a large population of US workforce, mainly consisting of women. Glynn (2012) says that 50% of all workers of U.S. payrolls are women and majority of them are single mothers working outside their homes. In order to support their families the single mothers and other women are required to have adequate payments. Furthermore gender pay gaps and the discrimination hinder the women to progress up to the top level management positions in the organizations. Even if female workers are qualified and experienced they are paid lesser than their male counterparts. Apart from the single or married women the female workers who are unmarried are also getting lower wages. Recently graduated female staff members are usually paid less than other female staff. Organizations on the other hand save a big chunk of their income by paying less to the female workers. The study noted that the European women are suffering from difficulty in earning with low wages and the discriminatory practices from employers. The study suggested to impose a three polices to protect woman from discrimination at work, first equal pay policies, the legal frame is not the problem, but the problem is enforcement of this policy, second wage policies and third equal opportunities policy. Women are also paid less because they are considered to be best suited for pink collar jobs which offer lesser benefits than other white collar jobs. Furthermore position of women in white collar jobs which demand effective decision making skills is very limited. Few organizations offer top management positions for the women. According to Boushey, Arons, and Smith, among the 19 million families in USA women are the main breadwinner for their families, which makes the women bear the brunt of keeping their jobs and take care of family. Whereas the man is more prone to lose his job, which means that millions of families now rely on a woman’s job to make ends meet. This shows that women’s jobs are more critical for their families than men (Boushey, Arons, and Smith, 2010) and getting paid lesser is no doubt extreme level of discrimination. Nowadays the American parents working very hard to take care of their kids and cover their bills, and women try to find a good job with a good payment to help her family to cover the requirements of family life. So, the discrimination in wage could have a negative impact not only on her life, but also on her family life, â€Å"Nearly two-thirds of mothers are either the breadwinner for their family or share that responsibility with a partner. Women’s earnings therefore are vital to their families’ economic well-being† (Glynn, 2012). 3 Conclusion Previous researches and articles included in the research helped to analyze the facts and figures of the discrimination. Furthermore study of the Equal Pay Act shows how payment discrimination was reduced and more awareness is spread about its implementation. Equal Pay Act helped to reduce the unfairness in the wage disbursement to both men and women. From the studies we can see the reduction in racial discrimination in wages, especially against women. And thats because the increase awareness of the Equal Pay Act. The studies showed that The United States and European Union countries are more pursuant to the Equal Wages Act than Eastern European countries and China. The studies also confirm the importance of supporting of the Equality Act, and make it effective in order to protect women from discrimination and give women the right to equal employment opportunities. The study showed major problems faced by the women when they are paid lesser than their counterpart male workers. As statistics show that women share major portion of US workforce the discrimination of pay has negative impact on their economic condition. Furthermore single, married and single moms face trouble as they are main contributors in the family. Considering the economic and social problems faced by the women due to discrimination in the wages, the need for a strongly established law is obvious. Federal agencies need to play vital role in the establishment and implementation of equal pay system to both sexes. This research can also be extended further to see why organizations do not appoint women in top managerial positions. 4 References Alksnis, C., Desmarais, S. (2008). Workforce Segregation and the Gender Wage Gap: Is â€Å"Women’s† Work Valued as Highly as â€Å"Men’s†?1. ournal of Applied Social Psychology, 1-6. Bacolod, M. P., Blum, B. (2010). Two Sides of the Same Coin U.S. Residual Inequality and the Gender Gap. Journal of Human Resources, 198-242. Glynn, S. J. (2012, August 16). Fact Sheet: The wage Gap for Women. Retrieved from American Progress Organization: http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/labor/news/2012/08/16/12029/fact-sheet-the-wage-gap-for-women/ Hegewisch, A., Liepmann, H., Hayes, J., Hartmann, H. (2010). Separate and Not Equal? Gender Segregation in the Labor Market and the Gender Wage Gap. INSTITUTE FOR WOMEN’S POLICY RESEARCH. Jain, T. (2008). Equal Pay for Equal Work . ICFAI Journal of Employment Law, 1-27. Jeanetta, K. A. (2013). Equal Pay for Equal Work. The Hennepin Lawyer. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. (1963, June 10). Remarks on signing Equal Pay Act of 1963. Retrieved April 27, 2014, from John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum: http://www.jfklibrary.org/Asset-Viewer/Archives/JFKPOF-045-001.aspx Mason, P. L. (2011). Moments of Disparate Peaks: Race-Gender Wage Gaps Among Mature Persons, 1965–2007. Rev Black Polit Econ, 1-25. Neumark, D. (1988). Employers Discriminatory Behavior and the Estimation of Wage Discrimination . The Journal of Human Resources, 279-295. O’DORCHAI, S. (2008). DOWOMEN GAIN OR LOSE FROM BECOMING MOTHERS? A COMPARATIVEWAGEANALYSIS IN 25 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES. Brussels Economic Review, 1-7. Rosenfeld, J., Kleykamp, M. (2012). Organized Labor and Racial Wage Inequality in the United States. American Journal of Sociology, 1460–1502. Stutzer, A., Lalive, R. (2004). APPROVAL OF EQUAL RIGHTS AND GENDER . Leibniz-Informationszentrum Wirtschaft. Suh, J. (2009). Decomposition of the Change in the Gender Wage Gap. Research in Business and Economics Journal , 1-18. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (2014). The Equal Pay Act of 1963. Retrieved April 28, 2014, from U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/statutes/epa.cfm Zhang, L., Dong, X.-Y. (2008). Male-female wage discrimination in Chinase industry . Economics of Transition, 85-112.

The Background Of Food Tourism Tourism Essay

The Background Of Food Tourism Tourism Essay This chapter will explain the background of food tourism. The researcher will explain why food tourism is a niche activity and what the benefits of niche tourism are. This chapter will also outline the interaction between food and tourism. Furthermore, the researcher will describe the trends shaping the tourists interest in food. This chapter will then analyse the recognition of food tourism internationally, most notably within countries such as Canada and Whales. Finally, the researcher will investigate the food tourism industry in Ireland and examine how Ireland measures up as a food destination when compared to international standards. Food tourism, which can also be referred to as gastronomy or culinary tourism is increasing as an area of research among tourism scholars (Hall, Sharples and Mitchell 2003; Smith and Xiao 2008). In 1998, folklorist Lucy Long first defined the relatively new term food tourism as intentional, exploratory participation in the foodways of another participation including the consumption, preparation and presentation of a food item, cuisine, meal system, or eating style considered to belong to a culinary system not ones own (Chrzan 2006; International Culinary Tourism Association 2010; Long 2004). This definition indicates travelling with the intention of experiencing other cultures through their food (Chrzan 2006). However, Smith et al (2008) argue that Long`s definition is exclusive and narrow, limiting food tourism to food experiences belonging to another culture. In contrast to Long`s definition, the International Culinary Tourism Association (ICTA) (2010) define food tourism as the p ursuit of unique and memorable culinary experiences of all kinds, often while travelling, but one can also be a culinary tourist at home. This definition explains food tourism in its broadest sense and includes all culinary experiences from Michelin star restaurants to local bakeries or cookery schools (Chrzan 2006; ICTA 2010). Furthermore, the ICTA (2010) explain that local residents can be culinary tourists in their own town simply by breaking their routine and trying out new restaurants. Erik Wolf, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ICTA explains that true culinary tourists are perfectly happy at a roadside cafà © in the middle of nowhere, as long as there is something positively memorable about their dining experience (Wolf 2006, p.2). 2.3 Food Tourism as a Niche Activity According to Novelli (2005) niche tourism or special interest tourism is one of the fastest growing areas within the tourism sector. Douglas, Douglas and Derrett (2001) concur and believe that the growth of niche tourism is seen as a reflection of the increasing diversity of leisure interests among the twenty-first century tourist. The traditional two week sunbathing holiday abroad has given way to niche tours catering for peoples special interests (Collins 1999). The term niche tourism is largely borrowed from the term niche marketing. In marketing terms, niche refers to two inter-related ideas. First that there is a place in the market for a product, and second, that there is an audience for this product (Novelli 2005, p.4). Therefore, the clear premise of a niche market is a more narrowly defined group, whereby the individuals in the group are identifiable by the same specialised needs or interests, and are defined as having a strong desire for the products on offer (Novelli 2005) . This can be customised to refer to a specific destination tailored to meet the needs of a particular market segment, for example, a wine growing region can position itself as a niche destination offering tours of its specific wines. The size of a niche market can vary considerably, however it allows the market to be broken into relatively large market sectors macro-niches; for example cultural, rural or sport tourism which can then be divided into precise market segments micro-niches, for example geo, food or cycling tourism (Deuschl 2006; Novelli 2005). Niche tourism has been frequently referred to in tourism policy and strategy documents in recent years in opposition to mass tourism (Hall et al 2003; Novelli 2005). The connotations of a more tailored and individualised service carries its own cachet relating to features like the small scale of operations, implied care and selectivity regarding discerning markets, and a suggested sensitivity of tourists (Novelli 2005, p.6). Such features provide a more suitable fit with planning and development policies relating to environmentally sustainable and socially caring tourism. For these reasons, organisations such as the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) view niche tourism consumption as more of a benefit to the host communities when compared to the more traditional forms of mass tourism (Hall et al 2003; Novelli 2005). Furthermore, niche tourism is also seen as a mechanism for attracting high spending tourists. Take for example the concept of cookery school holidays, a market which is expanding year by year (Sharples 2003). Google Insights (2010) show a consistent web search interest in cookery holidays over the years 2004 to 2010, with particular interest from the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US). Ballymaloe Cookery School, located in one of the most scenic areas of Ireland, East Cork is one of Europes foremost cookery schools. The school which is run by well known cooks Darina and Tim Allen has attracted people of all ages and abilities, from all over the world since its opened in 1983. The courses range from simple one (average price à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬125) to two day courses (average price à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬575), based on a certain theme, such as baking, finger food, salads or pasta dishes, to more lengthy week long courses (at an average price of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬895). An analysis of their website showed that some cookery courses are booked out with an option to join a waiting list (Ballymaloe Cookery School 2010; Sharples 2003). 2.4 The Interaction between Food and Tourism Although it is agreed that food tourism is a niche activity, Novelli (2005) categorises food tourism as a subset of rural tourism due to its roots in agriculture. Wolf (2006, p.6) contradicts and illustrates food tourism as a subset of cultural tourism because cuisine is a manifestation of culture. Everett (2008, p.337) agrees with Wolf and suggests that food tourism provides a conceptual vehicle for pursuing a more culturally aware tourism agenda. It can be assumed that food is representative of a culture, take for instance Italy, a country which is known throughout the world for its pizza and pasta dishes. Nevertheless, food tourism is a newly defined niche that intersects and impacts on the long entwined travel and food industries (Wolf 2006). Food is a vital component of the tourism experience. Selwood (2003) suggests that food is one of the most important attractions sought out by tourists in their craving for new and unforgettable experiences. A growing body of literature sugge sts that food can play an important role in the destination choice of tourists, and more significantly, in visitor satisfaction (McKercher, Okumus and Okumus 2008). The food consumed by tourists in a place is part of the tourists memory of their visit to that particular holiday destination (Failte Ireland 2009a; Fitzgibbon 2007). Henderson (2009) explains that food and tourism have a very close relationship as food is a critical tourism resource. Food is vital for physical sustenance and all tourists have to eat when travelling. However, both Henderson (2009) and McKercher et al (2008) declare that the desire to try different foods may act as a primary motivator for some, or part of the bundle of secondary motivators for others. Culinary tourists are drawn by the opportunity to consume, and dining out is a growing form of leisure where meals are consumed not out of necessity but for pleasure (Smith et al 2008). Much of the literature on food tourism refers to the concept of visualis m as epitomised by Urrys tourist gaze (Urry (1990) as cited in Everett 2008, p.340). Everett (2008) discovered that viewing windows are being built in food tourism sites in an effort to meet an increasing demand for a more embodied, immersive and authentic food tourism experience. Theses viewing windows bring the producer closer to the consumer and allow the tourist to gaze into the backstage of food production activity (Everett 2008, p. 340). As previously mentioned, all tourists have to eat when travelling. Therefore, from an economic point of view, 100% of tourists spend money on food at their destination (Wolf 2006). Yet, data on food tourism appears scarce. Selwood (2003, p.178) explains that food is a very much overlooked and unsung component of tourism literature. Hall et al (2003, p.1) agree and cite food, just like tourism, was for many years a fringe academic discipline, and was frowned upon as an area of research by students. Typically, food is placed together with accomm odation in collections of tourism statistics, partly because it is almost always part of another attraction, and also because of it being a necessary element of survival no matter where a person is located (McKercher et al 2008; Selwood 2003). As the ICTA (2010) point out, the more that food is accepted as a main stream attraction by destination marketers, the more research that will be done to further develop and justify this niche activity (ICTA 2010; Wolf 2006). Hashimoto and Telfer (2006) refer to the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) who has recognised the growing interest in cuisine and have begun to promote Canada as a food tourism destination. The CTC (2010) highlight local Canadian cuisine as one of the top five unique selling points on offer in the country. Furthermore, dining out is one of the most popular activities undertaken by Canadian tourists (Selwood 2003). Hashimoto et al (2006) cite that Canada has approximately 63,500 restaurants and Canadians themselves spend CAN$39 billion annually in restaurants, eating out on average 4.7 times a week. The contribution of food to the Canadian tourism economy is of considerable importance and, because of their intensive use of labour, food preparation and food services also contribute very heavily to the tourism employment sector. In Canada, nearly a million people work in the foodservice industry and the promotion of local cuisine is therefore an effective way of supporting local economies along with agricultural production (Hashimoto 2006; Selwood 2003). The importance of food to the tourism industry has increased significantly within the last ten years, according to the Welsh Assembly Government (2009). They believe that the availability of high quality, local food has become a key driver for tourists when selecting a holiday destination. A Food Tourism Action Plan has been drawn up to promote W ales as a destination where high quality and distinctive food is widely available. Currently visitors on short breaks in Wales spend 18.7% of their holiday spend on food and drink whereas visitors on longer holidays spend 17.8% (Welsh Assembly Government 2009). Research carried out by the Travel Industry Association in conjunction with the Gourmet Tourism Association and the ICTA reported in March 2007 that over the previous three years 27 million travellers engaged in culinary or wine related activities, while travelling throughout the world. Therefore, the Welsh Government believe that there is a clear demand for culinary experiences, and outlets which promote and market high quality Welsh food and drink for consumption or purchase (Welsh Assembly Government 2009, p.3). 2.5 Travel Trends As previously mentioned, some tourism agencies such as the CTC have begun to recognise the growing interest in food and have embarked on the promotion of their destination as a food tourism location. However, the question arises as to the trends which are shaping the tourists interest in food. Nowadays, modern food tourists are better educated and have travelled more extensively, therefore they are culinary savvy and want to experience individualism as they search for local, fresh and good quality cuisine that reflects the authenticity of the destination (Chon, Pan, Song 2008; Yeoman 2008). Moreover, the influence of the media and the emergence of niche food programmes have influenced the tourism industry as celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver increase our interest in good quality food. Furthermore, the media is now full of magazines, such as Food Travel, Intermezzo, Cuisine, Gourmet Traveller, Australian Gourmet Traveller; radio shows and even entire lifestyle channels, such as Good Food or the Food Network which clearly connect food and tourism. In addition, the world is online. Whether through computers or mobile phones people can constantly read and talk about food, nowadays people blog about it, online restaurant reviews are instantly available and Tripadvisor now produce a list of the best places to eat in each country (Yeoman 2008). According to Chon, Pan, Song (2008) travel trends are becoming more activity-interest based rather than destination based. More and more travellers are deciding what activities they want to take part in first and then choosing the destination which offers them. Many of todays leading destinations offer superb accommodation and attractions, high quality service and facilities and every country claims unique culture and heritage. A s a result, the need for destinations to promote a differentiated product is more critical than ever in order to survive within a globally competitive marketplace (Morgan and Pritchard 2005). Food tourism shapes culinary destinations such as France, Italy and California whereas in emerging destinations such as Croatia, Vietnam and Mexico food plays an important part of the overall experience. Food is essential to the tourist experience, it can change the image of a destination, take for example the city of Las Vegas which was a renowned gambling destination where cuisine was barely an afterthought. This changed dramatically in 1992 when Wolfgang Puck became the first celebrity chef to come to Las Vegas when he opened Spago at the Caesars Palace Forum Shops.   He started a growing culinary revolution in Vegas which paved the way for fine dining restaurants.   At present, majority of the hotels and/or casinos in Vegas have celebrity chef restaurants attracting many tourists eager to sample the best cuisine money can buy (Wolfgang Puck 2010).   There are currently sixteen Michelin Star restaurants in Las Vegas, with Joel Robuchons Restaurant at the MGM Grand currently holding three Michelin stars (Quezada 2010). 2.6 Food Tourism in Ireland According to a Mintel report on Ireland, published in 2009, the food tourism market outperformed the overall tourism market between 2003 and 2007, however, neither has been immune to the effects of the global economic slowdown which has caused the value of the food tourism market to decline by 4% in 2008, and the value of the broader tourism market to decline by 3%. The market for food tourism in Ireland was worth à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬2.23 billion in 2008. Nonetheless, this figure was a decrease of 4% on 2007 figures and brought an end to a 26% increase between the years 2003 to 2007 (Mintel 2009; Fitzgibbon 2009). According to Tracey Coughlan (2009) from Failte Ireland, the most appealing activities for tourists in Ireland stand as heritage, natural amenities and sports. Sinead OLeary (2002) agrees and in her study of Qualitative and quantitative images of Ireland as a tourism destination in France, French visitors to Ireland were asked to describe their image of Ireland in terms of commo n attribute-based components and holistic aspects. Her findings show that the key images of Ireland remain the welcoming people, the beautiful scenery and the relaxed pace of life. Unfortunately, food did not get a mention, however, beer; most notably Guinness was cited by 37% of French Tourists as an image which is most readily associated with Ireland. This suggests that food has a lower priority when it comes to the primary purpose of visits and as Coughlan (2009) illustrates this is not just among French tourists. Nevertheless, as demonstrated above, the food tourism market is strong; therefore a gap exists in Ireland for a strategic approach to food tourism and the more demanding culinary tourist. As mentioned in the introduction Failte Ireland proposes to develop a Food Tourism Ireland strategy in the future. However, no report has of yet been published by Failte Ireland in relation to Irelands approach to the development of food tourism. Ireland has a wealth of natural opportunities at its doorstep, for example food festivals, fine artisan producers, food trails, high quality local farmers markets and world class cookery schools such as Ballymaloe Cookery School or Dunbrody Cookery School. It can be assumed that such images of Irish food festivals or Irish farmers markets would be beneficial from a food tourism perspective. Tracey Coughlan of Failte Ireland stated that The quality of our food ingredients is recognised worldwide as excellent in terms of both quality and authenticity. While Irish cuisine may not be as renowned as those of our neighbours on the continent, the strength of our basic ingredients beef, lamb, and dairy are a strong selling point. It is therefore suggested that in these challenging times, continuing to create demand for our tourism product is vital. Specialist areas like food and annual events like Harvest Feast are very important in this regard (Failte Ireland 2009). Furthermore, Mintel (2009) report that the quality of food coupled with the availability of local produce are the most influential factors for tourists w hen choosing somewhere to eat. Mintel (2009) also point out that online reviews and guides such as the Michelin guide, the Michelin Pub Guide, and the Bridgestone Guide can be exceptionally influential on tourists choices. However, it must be realised that Ireland face challenges in its task to stimulate further demand from a food tourism perspective. The perception that Irish food is expensive, service related issues (a consistent level of quality is required), Irish food cost issues and the lack of innovation to create new food experiences are of concern (Coughlan 2009). It is therefore suggested that Ireland must build on the success of its food export market and take advantage of its natural opportunities. All the relevant agencies and bodies in Ireland must work together in order to develop a food tourism Ireland strategy which will fully integrate into and support the broader national and regional tourism development objectives. 2.7 Summary According to the literature, food tourism is increasing as an area of research among tourism scholars. However, data on food tourism is scarce. Although primarily a niche activity with a defined and reachable market, food tourism can have an extensive impact on every holiday experience as all tourists have to eat. This creates a connection between the food source and the food destination, as the food consumed by tourists in a place is part of the tourists memory of their visit to that particular holiday destination. As explained, travel trends are becoming more activity-interest based rather than destination based. Furthermore, modern food tourists are better educated and have travelled more extensively. It is apparent from the research that the influence of the media has a major part to play in the recognition of food tourism. Online reviews and guidebooks can be exceptionally influential on tourists choices. As demonstrated above, the food tourism market in Ireland is strong, despi te the lack of a food tourism strategy. Although some issues arise, overall, Ireland has a wealth of natural opportunities available, all of which could be used for the promotion of food tourism. Some tourism agencies such as the CTC have begun to recognise the growing interest in food and have begun to promote Canada as a food tourism destination. It is evident that the interest in food tourism spans across all age groups and the size of the potential market is large. Further analysis of the culinary tourist will be examined in the next chapter.

Paths Of Life :: essays research papers

The only way to know for sure if a path is right for you is to take and follow the path all the way to the end. Unfortunately life can only allow so many misdirection plays and crossing of paths. There are many paths to choose from and every decision everyday of one’s life can lead further down a path or force you to back up. Many people believe in one path and stick with it while others try to follow every path they get a hint of. Only one person can make this decision of a single or multiple path life and that person is you. There are many paths, but in specific four distinct groups. Every event in life can be placed on one of these four paths.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first major path in life is most closely related to the American Dream. This path takes one through a normal life. As the old American dream clichà © goes one grows up in a family with two stable parents and one other sibling. They go through their school years doing every activity from the second grade play to the senior prom. They eventually go through a four-year college and end up marrying a woman who has had a similar existence. Both work for a job they particularly like and wind up having two children, one boy, one girl and living in suburban America. They have a three-bedroom house, two cares and a wonderful bunch of neighbors. Their children will eventually follow in the same path. This path is the middle of the road path and either has a step up or a step down.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A step down from the American dream path would be the underachiever path. This starts with a person growing up in a somewhat dysfunctional family and winds up hating their early life. This path leads to a bad school experience and a state of anti-social behavior where the person misses every activity from the second grade play to the senior prom. This person will decide not to struggle through college and joins the work force out of high school. This person has no real life and completely hates their job. This person suffers though life in many different areas, which include socially, financially, and emotionally. They will wind up not having a family and will finish their life alone and sad. Thankfully there is always a step up from that crappy old American dream clichà ©.

My Trip to Italy Essay -- Personal Narrative Writing

My Trip to Italy I stood in the town square of the small village. Like any other normal day, people were going about their day-to-day business. Old men sat on a wooden bench beneath a large tree and predicted this year’s crop. Women shared town gossip as they shopped for groceries, and children sucked on lollipops while they played along the cobblestone streets. However, unlike any other day, the whole crowd had stopped in unison and darted their eyes in my direction, their full attention on me. I heard hushed whispers as I passed by the crowd, â€Å"Americano!† â€Å"Oh mio Dio, guarda com’à ¨ alto!† I lowered my head as I thought to myself, â€Å"What the hell am I doing here? I’m in a country where I don’t know the language or the culture, and I have another nine and a half months until I go home!† I didn’t know it then, but those nine and a half months that lay in front of me would be the experience that would challenge my views and goals a nd help shape the person I am today. My journey started when I came to the conclusion that, after high school, I wanted (and needed) a break. My senior year had been less than perfect, as I didn’t apply myself, was lazy, partied, and lost my parents’ trust and respect. I was a man without direction or a purpose, and knew that college would be just like high school but with more parties and less parental supervision. I quickly decided that instead of going straight to college, I would take a year off and participate in an exchange program. I’m part Italian, and I’ve always had a desire to trace my roots and to experience Italy and â€Å"la dolce vita† or â€Å"the sweet life.† When I signed the papers to go to Italy for the exchange program, I pictured myself lying in a hammock on a beach, surrounded by three... ...unfair when I left, suddenly became people when I returned. I suddenly realized their good intentions and how they had sacrificed so much so that I would be able to educate and better myself. I made time for friends, and went out of my way to acknowledge and help people who I wouldn’t have noticed before. I fully appreciated everything in my life, and all the things I had taken for granted suddenly became important and meaningful. Katharine Butler Hathaway once said, â€Å"A person needs at intervals to separate from family and companions and go to new places. One must go without familiars in order to be open to influences, to change.† In doing this, I broadened my horizons and changed my outlook on life. Now, as I move on to college, I am leaving my family and friends again to educate and better myself so that I am prepared to walk down any path on the road of life.

What makes a business successful?

I have chosen to analyses three successful businesses to understand how each business has gained their success, these businesses Include Apple, Sad and McDonald's. Other than having success with a growing profit I will explain other factors that they have used. Apple Is an Innovative business that has dominated the technology sector. They have plenty of experience, since they have been In the technology industry for over 30 years.This means they have enough knowledge for their market and know how to meet consumer demands. Also they have an excellent racketing team that promotes their product worldwide most commonly through their simple yet effective TV adverts. They have a strong brand identity compared to its competitors since their apple logo is so recognized worldwide. Sad is a massive supermarket the 2nd largest retailer in the I-J following behind Tests. However I still believe that Sad is successful due to their main aim that Is based upon focusing on their customers.This Inclu des providing a friendly service and also by consistently putting the customer first by lowering prices to save money which automatically attracts more new consumers and also growing a larger market online. McDonald's Is the world's most popular fast food franchise with over 60 million customers per day. I believe It's such a successful company because of their sponsorship deals, they often team up with media partners for example film companies such as Dreadlocks when they release a new movie you are likely to see that theme in your local McDonald's.Also they have mastered international expansion which creates a huge global presence within over 100 countries. I have also chosen three businesses that are unsuccessful to carry out further research on which includes Blockbuster I-J, HEM and Comet. I will explain why I consider each business has failed in their market and how we can learn from their mistakes. Blockbuster UK is a film rental store that used to dominate the industry.It's faced troubles from the Increase of competitors that are online, they offer to stream films over the Internet which Is more suited to their current target market that are technology obsessed. The business which Is currently dominating Is Nettling that Is a popular website rather than a postal service meaning it's more ideal. It's a wealthy and powerful rival. What we can learn from this is that as a business you have to develop and match customers needs by focusing on what would be preferred by the customer and always adapting to new trends.HEM had an overall decline in sales for CDC and DVD'S undermined by competition from online retailers and online downloads. The common trend among music lovers was to buy their music in digital form rather than buying a CD. HEM has failed to keep their face and instead struggled with handling debt. What we can learn from this is exactly the same with Blockbusters that we need to develop the business in different ways to attach the target market a llowing them to survive and succeed such as WHO Smith.Comet reached a downfall due to new competitors and the movement of Internet competitors Is popular meaning other competitors have a larger target market and loyal customers. Also the market Is extremely competitive since new products are being made so princes half each year which means retailers have to sell double to online because it tends to be cheaper. What we can learn from this is that to become a successful business you need to understand the online world. Business must now offer different options such as a shop and a website.

Prufrock in Progress

Prufrock in Progress In A Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T. S. Eliot, the main character, J. Alfred Prufrock battles with his identification in the world. T. S. Eliot comprises this character with traits that any human being can relate to, like fear and desire, while ironically depicting the character as a monster. This dueling monster lives within Prufrock. His desire to be accepted is bogged down by his unworthy self-esteem because of his lack of human relationships. Prufrock is a relatable character at best, but his self-image ruins his potential of connecting with other people.Some scholars believe that Prufrock is yearning for a long lost lover throughout his love song, but most evidence shows that he is in confliction with himself. Sistani writes Internal Anxieties and Conflicts in The LOVE SONG of J. ALFRED PRUFROCK and states that Prufrock is searching for a female lover in his expression of A Love Song. Sistani believes that J. Alfred is experiencing internal conflict ab out a love source and the need of comfort through a relationship with another woman. This interpretation poses irony continuously established throughout the poem because Prufrock does not even love himself.Sistani explains this insecurity by analyzing, â€Å"The article concludes that the male character’s anxieties and conflicts are all the results of a past unsatisfactory mothering situation during his childhood,† (Sistani 478). This accusation is made from empty evidence that he desires a woman’s affection simply because he did not ever have it. This shows that J. Alfred Prufrock is in a habitual pattern of looking for love in all the wrong places. This interpretation by Sistani suggests that J. Alfred is speaking out in the desire for a loving partner.Sadly, Prufrock’s relationship with his mother was disappointing and unfulfilling, therefore; he longs for someone to fill this place. Unfortunately, his lack of love and acceptance for himself disables h im from relating and loving or even accepting others. Prufrock speaks of attending a party in which none of the women are good enough for him. He talks of their skirts hitting the floor and is infatuated by the women, but then ironically changes his viewpoint stating, And I have known the eyes already, known them all- The eyes that fix you in a ormulated phase, And when I am formulated, Sprawling on a pin, When I am pinned and wriggling on the wall, Then how should I begin? (Gwynn 623). Prufrock is explaining how women prevent him from being his true self. How the presence of them makes him feel like an insect being pinned on the wall; examined and preserved for humans to review and criticize. He deems the question of how to begin the expression of self when all women seem to want is a fixed idea of what a man should be, and that is not what J.Alfred is. Sistani evaluates â€Å"As a dependent character with not good enough mothering, Prufrock, like a child, is always willing to att ach to an external loved object to achieve support and gratification. This need for attachment, to relate to the desired object is constant in Prufrock,† (Sistani 481). The poem in itself is a projection of how Prufrock views himself in comparison to how the reader or another person would view him. He projects only what he wants to be known, and leaves the rest as mystery.He purposefully reveals only what he is comfortable revealing, which will never lead to a sustainable relationship. Sistani concludes in her article, â€Å"Prufrock, with unresolved internal conflicts and anxieties still dreams of the women to attach to in order to fulfill the need for security and comfort,† (Sistani 481). This analysis believes that Prufrock himself feels he will not be able to fully express himself or be accepted without a female partner to lovingly accept him first. Unfortunately and ironically, the cycle persists because J.Alfred Prufrock does not ever have the epiphany that his en tire misery is derived from his lack of confidence and love for himself, not from a lack of an external object or person. On the other hand, Human Voices in Silent Seas: A Reading on Eliot’s Love Song by Videnov uses a psychoanalytic approach to interpret the poem sang by J. Alfred Prufrock. She expands on his internal conflict of worthiness. Throughout the poem, Prufrock battles with the public and private sides of himself, and whether his thoughts and feelings are worthy of expression.Videnov explains this contrast in character by stating, â€Å"Through jarring and easy transitions, Eliot contrasts the privacy of observation, insight, and dream with the social functioning of man, his appraisal by others, and his appraisal of himself as reflected in â€Å"the eyes† (55), thoughts, and words of others. † (Videnov, Valentin A. , 126). Videnov also analyzes the internal and external influences on J. Alfred Prufrock’s psyche. The internal conflict that J. Al fred Prufrock exhibits throughout his love song is evident in his lack of self-confidence that leads to a feeling of disconnection with the human population.On one hand, Prufrock expresses the desire to cultivate a relationship with the external world, or a lover; yet on the other hand, he lets his insecurities define him and refuses to let himself engage in relationships with other people. Videnov explains this by describing Prufrock’s quest, â€Å"a quest for belonging, the examination of which could yield the message of the poem and the ultimately optimistic idea of love, as the title suggests, lurking behind the apparently tragic finale,† (Videnov, Valentin A. , 126).This statement establishes the irony in the desire to fulfill a journey of love, yet the inevitable misery Prufrock lives. The psychoanalytical dynamic of the ego and the true self is brought through in Prufrock’s character. T. S. Eliot repeatedly uses the pronouns, â€Å"you and I,† to d escribe this relationship of the ego and true self that Prufrock experiences. In the interpretation of Human Voices in Silent Seas: A Reading on Eliot’s Love Song, Videnov declares that these two entities are both representative of J. Alfred Prufrock himself. â€Å"You† represents the public face of Alfred J.Prufrock, the ego; and â€Å"I† represents the true self, the self that wants to be expressed but is prevented by Prufrock’s fear and insecurity. The opposing characters within Prufrock are further extended through the symbols of afternoon and evening. The imagery of afternoon is a representation of the light, the desire to express, and the need for connection. The evening represents a darkness, or comfort in the habitual pattern of the introverted mind and it’s self-destructive thoughts. Prufrock expresses his mental state when he says, ‘the evening sleeps so peacefully. † (Gwynn 624) In saying this, Prufrock is confirming within h imself his comfort in the thought pattern of darkness. This leads him to question, â€Å"Would it have been worthwhile? † (Gwynn 625), referring to the desired human connection he wants deep down. He truly believes that expression of the self and what he, as an individual has to say and share, are not going to be accepted by others. Because of his fear of expression, the singer sings a song of love, but predominately and more ironically, a song of sadness. He has continued his pattern of introversion to such an extreme that he suffers from continual loneliness and disassociation.He proves this dissociation when he ends the poem with an insight of his fantasy world of mermaids where he retreats, when he is lonely. He looks upon the beautiful creatures in awe of their unifying world; yet won’t even allow himself to be happy in his fantasy. He states this saying, â€Å"I do not think that they will sing to me,† (Gwynn 625). This prevents him from dreaming himself t o a healthy and loving relationship with himself, or anyone else. The lines â€Å"let us go† (Gwynn 622) used repeatedly are incredibly significant in this poem. Us† being the internal representation of the two conflicting sides that exist within Prufrock, as he yearns for release of this horrible cycle. What J. Alfred Prufrock does not understand is that every individual goes through this experience of questioning self worth. The underlying ironic theme of this poem is the relation of the reader to Prufrock himself. This is a cry of the main character to emerge from the inner seclusion that he feels – a bonding of the afternoon and evening, the light and dark, inner and outer; a battle for the merging of duality to become a union.In â€Å"an overwhelming question† in The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by Xue, the main question that J. Alfred Prufrock is consistently in conflict with is whether or not to reveal his true self. Prufrock’s dueling cha racter is established through the language of the poem. The internal conflict of Prufrock is addressed through repetitive language. â€Å"Prufrock is trying to express some deeper philosophical insight or disillusionment with society, but fears rejection. † (Xue 79). This fear causes his misery. Prufrock’s character is dominated by his uncertainty.The repetition of the lines, â€Å"there will be time,† (Gwynn 622) pose irony in the poem. Prufrock is hopeful that he will be able to truly open up to the world in time, yet currently; he is perpetuating his cycle of loneliness by assuming that these desires will naturally unfold without regarded effort. Xue states this in saying, â€Å"The phrase ‘There will be time,’ repeated five times between lines 23 and 36, represents his hesitation and delay, in order to conceal his inner anxiety to the world,† (Xue 80).Essentially, Prufrock is only happy when he is alone with his thoughts because there are no external influences to judge him, yet this is also his cause of misery. Irony is also addressed in the â€Å"you and I† (Gwynn 621) characterization of Prufrock. Xue states the psychoanalytical interpretation of these pronouns, â€Å"In the poem, Prufrock is divided in two selves. One is persuading Prufrock to ask the ‘overwhelming question’, while the other is trying to prevent it,† (Xue 82). Prufrock’s soul really desires is the opposite of what it endures. At the root of his inability to express is his insecurity.Prufrock asks, â€Å"Do I dare Disturb the Universe? † (Gywnn 623) which is direct evidence that Prufrock has serious lack of self-confidence. J. Alfred directly articulates his anxiety about interaction by describing his unappealing physical attributes. He quivers in the thought, â€Å"With a bald spot in the middle of my hair- ‘They will say: ‘How his hair is growing thin! ’† (Gwynn 623). This state ment is directly in connection with Prufrock’s physical insecurity, as well as his emotional insecurity because of his self-image. He uses this as an excuse for his anti-social behavior.He manifests this negative expression of self by bolding stating that if he were to share with another he would, â€Å"Die with a dying fall,† (Gywnn 623). This self-conscious attitude and fear of being mocked for this truth is the entire reason for J. Alfred Prufrock’s cyclical misery. He does not love himself; therefore, he cannot find or receive or the love of another. If he never learns to share his truth, he will never understand the beauty of human connection. The reality of how much Prufrock shares about himself is shown in the line, â€Å"To prepare to meet the faces that you meet; to murder to create,† (Gwynn 622).The real self or â€Å"I†, as Videnov described in Human Voices in Silent Seas, is lost or â€Å"murdered† in society to â€Å"createâ₠¬  a false self or alter ego that functions in society. Another line stating this ego-oriented society and repeating the symbol of darkness reads, â€Å"the evening spread out against the sky,† (Gwynn 622) which refers to the apparent darkness of all humans all hidden under the masks of ego. Yet, if J. Alfred Prufrock understands this is a battle of every individual, he would be able to relate. In conclusion, it is J. Alfred Prufrock’s choice to live in misery.If he were open to see himself as a mirror image of others he would realize that every individual has insecurities of their own. Therefore, I agree with scholars Videnov and Xue in the psychoanalytical approach to J. Alfred Prufrock battling with his own ego versus the exploration and expression of his true self. If he deemed himself worthy of external expression then he would finally be able to share in love with himself and in turn, the rest of humanity. Works Cited Gwynn, R. S. Literature: A Pocket Anthology. 5th. New York: Pearson Education, Inc. , 2012. 21-625. Print. Videnov, Valentin A. â€Å"Human Voices In Silent Seas: A Reading Of Eliot's Love Song. † Explicator 67. 2 (2009): 126-130. Academic Search Complete. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. Sistani, Roohollah Reesi. â€Å"Internal Anxieties And Conflicts In â€Å"The LOVE SONG Of J. ALFRED PRUFROCK. † European Journal Of Social Science 17. 4 (2010): 478-489. Academic Search Complete. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. Xue, Haiqin. â€Å"On â€Å"An Overwhelming Question'† In The Love Song Of J. Alfred Prufrock. † Canadian Social Science 5. 2 (2009): 79-82. Academic Search Complete. Web. 10 Nov. 2012.