Structure and Functions of Education free essay sample

Introduction: Education is a lifelong process. It begins the day we are born and ends the day we day we die. Found in every society, it comes in many forms ranging from the school of hard knocks or learning by experience to formal institutional learning from postindustrial to non-industrial communities, from rural to urban settings and from youth to older person. Education is commonly defined as cultivation, transmission of knowledge, and skill development that is imparted from an older to a younger generation. Historically, education is closely related to organized society. The institutionalization of the education system, more recently, posed a set of questions in social sciences that addressed and explored the link of education to society in a more systematic manner. Philosophy has customarily inquired into the nature of educational aims that best serve current or aspired forms of social organization. Education is a social institution that sociologists are very interested in studying. We will write a custom essay sample on Structure and Functions of Education or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page They are interested in all types of learning process, formal and informal. This includes teaching formal knowledge such as reading, writing, and arithmetic, as well as eaching other things such as morals, values, and ethics. Education prepares young people for entry into society and is thus a form of socialization. Sociologists want to know how this form of socialization affects and are affected by other social structures, experiences, and outcomes. Sociology attempts to explore the relationship of education to the functioning of other societal institutions in causal terms, employing for this purpose the concept function; theorizing on this relation flared up during the 1960s to 1980s in western countries. Sociology of education is a field that focuses on two separate levels of analysis. At a acro-level, sociologists work to identify how various social forces, such as politics, economics, culture, etc. , creates variation in schools. At a micro-level, sociologists look to identify how variation in school practices lead to differences in individual-level student outcomes. 2. Sociology of Education: The sociology of education provided important insights to the ways in which school affects individuals and groups. It is the application of sociological theories, perspectives and research methods to an analysis of educational process and Peter Snelson (1974) defines education as a condition of human survival. It is the eans where by one generation transmits the wisdom, knowledge and experience which prepares the next generation. Peter Herold (1968) defines sociology of education as the study of the origin of organizations, institutions and development of human society. His definition refers to the study of sociology of education by using the historical approach. It studies initial specific conditions. Emil Durkheim (1858-1917) who regarded as the father of sociology of education clearly defines sociology of education as a systematic study sociological perspective.

Co-ownership on Family Home Essay Example

Co Co-ownership on Family Home Essay Co-ownership on Family Home Essay in Baumgartner v Baumgartner30, the court held that the foundation for the imposition of a constructive trust was that a refusal to recognise the existence of the equitable interest amounts to unconscionable conduct and that the trust is imposed as a remedy to circumvent that. The majority of the judges here considered the determination of the terms of a constructive trust in such cases. The Baumgartner 31principles, if properly applied, may achieve a reasonable degree of justice and equity in the determination of de facto property issues. However, there lacked clear guidance and reasonable predictability, and hence a difficulty to advise clients. The non-recognition of non-financial contributions means that, to succeed, a party must establish a Baumgartner 32type constructive trust or other equitable device. While the current position is a significant advance on the common law regime for resolving property issues between cohabitants on relationship breakdown, it remains imperfect and fragmented. In Canada, the Supreme Court of Canada in Pettkus v Becker33 used the constructive trust to award a woman an equal share in property acquired by her partner during a nineteen-year relationship, in which both were working together on a farm, concluding that he would be unjustly enriched if her contribution to the acquisition of this property was not recognised. The constructive trust in Canada has evolved into a broad equitable remedy for giving property based recognition for domestic contributions at the end of a non-marital relationship. This is seen in Peter v Beblow34, whereby, MacLachlin J made it clear that this constructive trust claim could be based on purely domestic contributions and in Nowell v Town Estate35 where the Court invoked the related doctrine of unjust enrichment to award a woman $300,000 after the end of a 30-year quasi-spousal relation-ship, despite the fact that the man continued to maintain his primary residence with his wife throughout the relationship. It is clear that the corpus is made up of English thinking with the traditional analysis, Australian bringing about quasi-marital property division with a constructive trust but on the basis of unconscionability, and in Canada good conscience as well as unjust enrichment. However, it remains unclear how receptive the courts are to the notions of unconscionability and unjust enrichment being the underlying principles of estoppel. This willingness does not appear to be obvious across the board and the approach of the English courts has become too rule-orientated. One of the significant shortcomings in the English law is that the courts may have become too rule-orientated, in searching for legal clarity, as reflected by the rigid interpretation of Rosset36 and, in particular, the requirement for direct financial contributions. Once the courts recognise that the common intention approach need not be dictated solely by the rigid rule, it allows greater flexibility for the courts to take into consideration a wider range of contributions, direct and indirect. The courts assessment should include consideration of the whole course of conduct between the parties, as well as the effects of sexual division of labour in the relationship and how that may impact on the claimants resources in terms of making contributions, whether direct or indirect, towards the relationship. Refocusing on these issues may cover the way for a principled basis of deciding family property disputes which is less gender biased. No doubt, it would be an easier approach to protect the cohabitants through the passing of legislation similar to those that protect married couples and civil partners and this seems to be the case today after the suggested reforms seen in Cohabitation: The Financial Consequences of Relationship Breakdown37 and Sharing Homes38 by the Law Commission. The vital importance throughout common law history of the trust creators intent has left instead a shifting sand of theory of what it is that constitutes a trust. All the adjectives express, implied, resulting, and constructive merely had us chasing the peripheral. Hence, it is undeniable that a better change is needed to mend the imperfection identified above.

Rise of modern Chinese Nationalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Rise of modern Chinese Nationalism - Essay Example In one of its earliest forms during the early twentieth century, Chinese movement led by the Han majority began to overthrow the Qing dynasty under which China was ruled by the Manchu .Ethnic nationalism views the nation as politicized ethnic group and often produces a state -seeking movement to create an ethnic nation-state. After the fall of the Qing in 19121, the Kuomintang (KMT) and the CCP in 1949 defined as a multi ethnic political community. In general the rise of modern nationalism in China has played a great role in the contemporary China. Therefore the nature and role of this Nationalism can be assessed in terms of economical aspects, political conditions, military developments and enhancement of foreign relations as explained below:- Prior to 1978, the Chinese economy was centrally planned. However, after this period the Chinese leadership, started moving the economy to a more market oriented system .The system still works under the control of the communist, but the economic influence as non-state managers and enterprises has been increasing steadily. The Chinese authorities have adopted a system of household responsibility in agriculture instead of the old collectivization, increased the authority of local officials and plant managers in industry, permitted a wide variety of small scale enterprise in services and manufacturing, as well as opened the economy of increased foreign trade and investment. The developments of economic growth in china can be assessed in the the following sectors. b) Agriculture. China is the largest producer and consumer of agricultural products. Half of China's labor force is engaged in agriculture, even though only 10% of the land is suitable for cultivation and agriculture contribute only 13% of china's GDP. China produces about 30% more crops and livestock than U.S. because of intensive cultivation. Largely china produces rice, wheat, Soya beans, vegetables, tea and pork. Major food crops include cotton, fibers and oil seeds. c) Industry. Industry has posted major gains especially in coastal areas near Hong Kong and opposite Taiwan where foreign investment helped spurs output of both domestic and export goods. Major industries are mining or processing, steel, aluminum, coal, machinery, textile, Petroleum, cement, fertilizers, toys, electronics, automobiles and telecommunications. d) Science and Technology. China's political leadership comes almost from technical background and has a high regard for science. Chinese science strategists see China's greatest opportunities in newly emerging fields such as biotechnology and computers. Further US-China science and technology has remained the framework for bilateral cooperation. Recently technology agreement was to extend science and technology. Agreement was signed the agreement. The agreement covers cooperation in areas such as Marine conservation, renewable energy and health. e) Trade: China has advanced in Trade. China's primary trading

The Joy of Graduating Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Joy of Graduating - Essay Example In addition, during summer, just like her then oncoming sophomore year, she went through a course on international law and took in an internship which lasted 50 hours (Lombardi 1). Danielle was named a valedictorian, which she did not expect. According to the author, a valedictorian season has just ended and students are receiving accolades for being the best performers academically in the school. However, the path to that honor has become more competitive lately. A number of aspects such as the rise in the number of high school scholars, inflation of grade, strong competition for acceptance in collage and a well-informed student body have transformed the game. One of the characteristics of the valedictorian is that they strategize to win, by taking an intense load of A.P courses that are weighted during calculation of the average grades. Some of them keep off from creative courses, such as art or photography, since in creative courses, grading can be biased while having a grade B can mess their target. In most of the cases, enthusiasm for valedictorian honors has resulted into lawsuits. For example, in Danielle’s high school, a high school senior is said to have sued the district in an attempt to be declared valedictorian (Lombardi, 1). Some valedictorians end up suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome like Ms. Hornstine, who is claimed to have maneuvered the system and her claim brought an outcry in the society. Later, her acceptance to Harvard was nullified following allegations that her articles for the local daily were plagiarized (Lombardi, 1). Most of the valedictorians end up sharing the position. For example, this year, Susannah and Brett are the co-valedictorians in Horace Greeley High School. Even though nobody would speak to give evidence, stories about competed grade point means spread and brought hatred. However, Susannah and Brett showed a united front, explaining how they

World War 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

World War 3 - Essay Example Therefore, he outlined the major factors that would contribute to this war. Thus, according to Mills, the following factors would contribute to the occurrence of the third world war: Power Elites created by the US industrial complex According to C. Wright Mills, the structure of national policy was centered on politics and military supremacy. Therefore, if a country had to achieve economic prosperity, it had to be superior on the war front and in its military organization (Goertzel, 242). Thus, economic prosperity was to be achieved through the assertion of political and military power, instead of applying the economic principles which drive the economy. Therefore, the economic elites who lead major organizations were also the same who drove the political life of both the USA and the USSR, the major rivals in the foreseen war (Goertzel, 242). Making the political power an elite component, where the political and military authority was centered on the economic elite’s point of view posed some war danger. According to Mills, the political, the military and the economic elites shared a common world view (Goertzel, 243).... Mills observed that the elites were using the media as their tool of manipulation and propaganda to mislead the masses, whom they considered inferior. Therefore, with the economic elites at the helm of political and military authority, a devastating war was inevitable (Goertzel, 242). The conspiracy and poor definition of reality According to the Americans, the enemy of the people was Russia. This faulty definition, which substituted the reality with the preconceived notion of a specified enemy, could ultimately cause another devastating war (Goertzel, 241). The actual definition of the enemy is war, since any war, irrespective of the parties involved, has the same damaging effects. Therefore, while the Americans substituted the real definition of the enemy and personalize it to suit their interest, they created an environment for pursuing the wrong target (Goertzel, 243). If the American could perceive war as the common enemy, they would work towards ensuring that no more war could be experienced in the world, owing to the damaging effects caused by the previous world wars. Nevertheless, through the erratic perception of Russia as the enemy, they were determined to continue the warfare until they subdued it (Goertzel, 243). This inevitably made the third World War a reality that could not be escaped. Additionally, the Americans based their arguments on a false premise that peace with the USSR could not be achieved unless through war. This made it clear that the Americans would pursue the Russians. The same case applied for the Russians, who perceived the USA as an aggressive opponent, who could not relent until a war determined who was powerful. This prepared a stage for the most devastating war in the history of the world, which could

Normal Flora and their Benefits

Normal Flora and their Benefits Normal Flora and their benefit The normal flora is a bacteria found in or on ones bodies on a temporary basis without causing disease. In that respect are larger numbers of bacteria than cells present in ones body. The human body contains around 1013 cells, whereas the human physical structure is home to around 1014 bacteria. One-fourth of fecal weight consists of bacteria. They mainly inhabit the Large Intestine. They are likewise set up in the respiratory tract, particularly the nose, the Digestive tract, i.e., in the oral cavity and the terminal ileum and also in the Urinary tract. Discussion The normal flora of humans are extremely composite and comprises of more than 200 species of bacteria. The physical composition of a typical plant life gets influenced by several agents, including genetics, age, sex, strain, nutrition and diet of the mortal. The normal flora of the digestive tract The stomach contains fewer bacteria due to its high acidity nature. However, there are some bacteria that survive there like the Helicobacter Pylori whose human interaction got discovered in the 1980s and that is currently proving to be the cause of most cases of gastritis and peptic ulcers. Likewise, the small intestine contains small numbers of Streptococci, Lactobacilli, and yeasts, particularly Candida Albicans. Nevertheless, bigger numbers of these bacteria are found in the lower parts of the ileum, which is a section of the small intestine before the large intestine. The colon is the main site for bacteria in the body. Several bacteria like Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Eubacterium, Coliforms (e.g. E. coli), Streptococcus, Lactobacillus and Clostridium reside in the large intestine. Approximately twenty percent of the faeces of an ordinary person consist of bacteria, most of which have come from the colon. The respiratory Tracts Normal Flora. A large number of bacterial species inhabit the upper respiratory tract since it lacks ciliated epithelium that is an efficient cleansing action. For example, the nostrils are always heavily colonized, with Staphylococcus epidermis. The Microbe of the Skin Man’s epidermis is not a fertile region for microorganisms to inhabit since the surface is comparatively dry and somewhat acidic. It, therefore, impede the development of many microbes but, however, inhabited by few that have adjusted to the skin. An example is the Propionibacterium acne and the Staphylococcus epidermidis. The Nostrils Normal Flora. Organisms’ nostrils are a habitat to the Gram-positive pathogens as Staphylococcus aureus. The Microorganism is recognised well for its duty in health centres in which it is the primary causal agent of systemic infection and surgical injury. Thither are many dissimilar types of kinship that the body can induce with the normal flora. These are: Mutualism. In this type of relationship, both the Microbe, and the host benefit from the relationship. For instance, the E. Coli. These organisms reside in the intestines, where they get nourishment, and in turn produce Vitamin K, that the human body requires for the cognitive operation of the blood coagulation. In essence, as the Microbe acquires a stable contribution of nutrients, stable environment, protection and interest, the host also obtains individual nutritional and digestive gains as well as the development and natural action of the immune system which protects it against the pathogenic infection by the microbes. Commensalism. Commensalism refers to a kind of kinship in which one collaborator of the association benefits, while the other collaborator neither benefits nor get harmed. Parasitism. This kind of relationship is one in which one organism benefits at the expense of the other. However, mostly, the Microorganism benefits at the cost of the ringmaster. For instance, an external parasite is said to cause infestation while an internal parasite is said to cause infection to the host. Pathogenic. This sort of relationship is one in which the microorganism causes destruction to the ringmaster during infection. An Opportunistic Pathogen causes an infection in the host that is physically impaired or debilitated. Mostly, the opportunist organism is harmless; however, it takes advantage when the hosts defenses are impaired, for example, when the immune system is being suppressed by drug treatment or other illnesses. Characteristics of the Normal Flora The Normal flora exhibit certain characteristics. These are: Not disease-inducing: They normal flora are also known as Microbiota and are not typical disease causing micro-organisms found in and on healthy individuals. Very abundant: The normal flora are extremely abundant in terms of sheer numbers. For instance, an ordinary human has approximately 1013 body cells and 1014 individual normal flora. All found externally: Normal flora are found more often than not on the skin, eyes, nose, oral fissure as well as on the throat and lower parts of the urethra and the large intestine Benefits of the Normal Flora There is an increased ability of the host to nourish itself since the bacteria Produce vitamins that the human body is ineffective to give forth like vitamin B12 and vitamin K. They help digest food as they break down foodstuffs that are normally indigestible by the host into forms that are easily digestible by the hosts. The Normal flora protects the host against infection by pathogenic organisms. similarly, this takes place as the normal flora out-competes the invader for available nutrients, therefore, starving the invader and preventing it from reproducing. Likewise, the normal flora may pre-occupy the favorable ecological niches for bacteria, e.g. the intestinal villi, so confronting the invading pathogen with the trouble of getting somewhere to anchor itself. Similarly, certain members of the normal flora produce anti-bacterial chemicals as a side product of their metabolism, therefore, taking a local antibiotic effect which hinders the invader. The Normal flora helps in hiking up ones immune system. The germ-free animals given birth to and brought up in a germ free environment are very susceptible to disease when transferred from the germ free environment since their immune system is still underdeveloped. Therefore, the presence of the Normal flora helps in protecting the human body from highly pathogenic organisms. They synthesizes and excrete vitamins in surplus of their individual wants, which are useful to the host and which can be taken in as nutrients. For instance, in humans body, enteric microorganisms produce and discharge Vitamin K and B12 whereas lactic acid microorganisms release vitamin B that are mostly utilized by the host as nutrients. The microbes as well harbor colonization by microorganisms by contending for attachment places as well as for the essential nutrients. Consequently, this is considered their most significant profitable effect, that presents itself in the mouth, the bowel, the epidermis as well as in the vaginal epithelial tissues. The Microbes induces the production of natural antibodies and thus contribute to the immunity in the human body. likewise by stimulating low levels of circulating and secretory antibodies, they enhance the bodies immunity. It may also counteract other microorganisms through the output of substances that stamp down and bottle up non-endemic classifications. The intestinal microorganisms fabricate a diversity of materials ranging from non-distinct fatty acids to distinct bacteriocins, that stamp and kill other microorganisms. The microorganisms induce the growth of particular body tissues which include the individual lymphatic tissues and the caecum within the GI region.The caecum of bacterium-free organisms is thin walled, filled with fluids a well as enlarged in size in comparison to the ones in standard animals. Likewise, found upon the capacity to withstand immunological stimulation, the enteric lymphatic materials of the Conventional animals are highly developed as compared to those of the germ-free animals. They stimulate an immunological response, in particular, an antibody-mediated immune response as they act as antigens in the human body. Low volumes of antibodies brought forth against the constituents of the microbes are acknowledged to respond with particular related microorganisms, and thus preventing infection as well as invasion of the human body. The antibodies fabricated against the antigen ingredients of the microbes are at times known as inborn antibodies, and which lack in bacterium-free organisms. Intestinal human flora carry out a diverseness of all-important metabolic reactions that give rise to various compounds. The compounds include vitamins B12 and K and gas. Conclusion The Normal Flora as well has limitations to the human body. For instance, Most flora are pathogens and; therefore, they may be agents of diseases. Similarly, if they gain access to certain issues, they may cause infections as well as destruction. Likewise, the Microbe may absorb some of the hosts’ nutrients due to competition, leading to the development of bacterial antibiotic resistance in humans. Works Cited Bitton G., and Marshall KC: Adsorption of Microorganisms to Surfaces. John Wiley Sons, New York, 1980 . English MP,. Microbes, Man, and Animals: The Natural History of Microbial Interactions. New York: Wiley. 1982. Print Hillman JD., Genetically modified Streptococcus mutans for the prevention of dental caries. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek .2002 Postgate JR. Microbes and Man. Oxford, UK; New York: Cambridge University Press. 2000. Draser BS., and Hill MJ: Human Intestinal Flora. Academic Press, London, 1974. Relman DA, and Falkow S. The meaning and impact of the human genome sequence for microbiology. Trends Microbiol. 2001. Salyers AA., and Whitt DD. Microbiology: Diversity, Disease and the Environment. Bethesda Maryland: Fitzgerald Science Press. 2000. Staley JT., and Reysenbach AL. Biodiversity of Microbial Life: Foundation of Earth’s Biosphere. New York: Wiley. 2002. Print

Multifactorial Model of Health Psychology

The multifactorial model in health psychology is a leading paradigm that recognizes the multi-faceted nature of illnesses. It is not a clear-cut, simple case that a disease is caused by a singular factor. The fact is that decades if not over a century of modern research has led to the recognition that a host of factors, as well as their interactions, function in illness and health determination (Nevid & Rathus, p. 126). These varied factors that the multifactorial model indicates to be the range of possible influences or causes of diseases cover the psychological, sociocultural, environmental, and stressors. This broad range of factors, which include both those within and without one's control, determine an individual's health and his/her level of susceptibility to health problems (Nevid & Rathus, p. 127). Psychological or personality and behavior factors figure in quite a large number of health problems. Such is seen in the large number of preventable deaths that occur yearly in the United States. For one, smoking leads to way over 400,000 annual deaths from cancer, diseases of the heart and lungs, and stroke. Some 300,000 year deaths stroke, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes can actually be prevented with good diet and proper exercise. Immunizations, moderation or control of alcohol drinking, and abstinence or safe sex practices could also help prevent deaths from infectious diseases, vehicular and other accidents/injuries, and sexually transmitted diseases, respectively (Nevid & Rathus, p. 128). It should be well noted that depression and other negative psychological states could actually render an impaired immune system functioning (Nevid & Rathus, p. 126). The reason for this is that, contrary to popular thinking, the mental and the physical are not entirely separate domains but, rather intertwined (Nevid & Rathus, p. 131). Biological factors include age, gender, genetics, as well as injuries, exposure to pathogens and inoculations. One's genetic make-up, while beyond an individual's capacity to be altered, tend to make certain people falsely assume that their health is doomed by, say, a family history of diabetes. Having a family history of a disease can make some people think fatalistically that nothing they do can improve their chances of overcoming or escaping a disease. Dr. Robert N. Hoover of the National Cancer Institute, however, says that many cases of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and others merely give rise to predispositions, not really certainties (Nevid & Rathus, p. 126). Environmental factors include pollution, water quality, hygiene from solid waster treatment and sanitation, natural disasters, and even global warming and depletion of the ozone layer. Personal stressors cover a wide range of situations such as daily hassles at home, co-workers, time pressure, and financial insecurity; frustrations; major life changes; workplace situation; and isolation or rejection by peers (Nevid & Rathus, p. 27). Thus, in the diagnosis of illnesses, the multifactorial model considers the possible roles played by psychological, biological, environmental/cultural factors, along with their interactions (Nevid & Rathus, p. 126). In the United States, the application of the psychological health model can be seen in studies that attempt to explain the phenomenon of black Americans seemingly suffering from health problems more compared to the European Americans. The ethnicity consideration has led to studies showing that African-Americans may indeed be genetically predisposed to hypertension but, at the same time, poor diet, stress and smoking contribute to the development of the disease. Such consideration has also led to findings that the tendency of Afro-Americans to have lower access level to quality health care help explain, for instance, why they are less prone to receive surgeries for hip and knee replacements (Nevid & Rathus, p. 128). Use of Psychology in Understanding Illnesses Diagnosing, understanding and managing headaches have been helped a lot with the use of psychology. The multifactorial model views headaches, migraine headaches in particular, as being triggered by multiple factors that include fluctuations in hormonal levels/balance, stress, barometric pressure changes, exposure to very bright lights, certain drug use, certain chemical ingestion, and certain foods, among others (Nevid & Rathus, p. 132). Said factors, of course, involve biological and environmental factors, but also psychological ones which are more the concern of health psychology—how psychological factors interact with physical health problems, including in terms of triggering, preventing, or treating diseases (Nevid & Rathus, p. 18). Health psychology studies have shown that stress figures in migraine headaches. The causal mechanisms that underlie migraines have been described to be complex and not well understood—with neurotransmitter serotonin imbalance and resulting blood flow changes in the brain appearing to be related somehow. The psychological perspective ha s identified stress and glaring lights exposure, among others, as possible triggers for migraine headaches. As well, this branch of psychology has indicated that behavioral coping responses may help people deal with headaches. While evidence collated in a study showing that women suffering from regular migraines tend to be more self-critical, likely to make a big thing of life's stresses, and less likely to look for social support during periods of stress, is only correlation, the study does suggest that people's behavior may inadvertently be leading them into a vicious cycle. Psychology shows that with recurrent headaches such as migraine, certain behaviors help trigger the illness as much as how the refusal to avail of social support may further aggravate emotional distress and pain from migraines (Nevid & Rathus, p. 32). With advances in health science in general, headaches today are better managed, with its triggers even being avoided. Psychology has helpe understand and cope with migraines also by way of advising people, women in particular, not to accept such an illness as â€Å"normal† and, instead, advise them to be more assertive with their doctors who limit migraine treatments to only one approach (Nevid & Rathus, p. 133). The importance of health psychology is, perhaps, more apparent in the case of coronary heart disease or CHD. This is because this leading cause of mortality in the US clearly lists several types of psychological factors as triggers: diet patterns; anger and hostility; Type A behavior that markedly consists of hostility; job strain; chronic emotional strain and fatigue; sudden stressors; and an inactive lifestyle (Nevid & Rathus, p. 135-137). Health psychology science has established how consumption patterns such as overeating, heavy alcohol drinking, smoking, and high-cholesterol diet lead to coronary heart ailments. It is also worth noting that the science has also identified that a minimal amount of alcohol appears to be beneficial to the heart. The psychological perspective also makes the suggestion that a modest association between coronary heart disease and Type A behavior exists, particularly among white, middle-aged-to-older men. Hostility and anger are closely linked with increased CHD risk and are even thought of to be a stronger predictor of CHD compared to genetics, obesity, or smoking (Nevid & Rathus, p. 35). With regards work-related psychological factor, the job-strain health psychology model helps understand how highly demanding jobs and jobs that gives workers little control lead to increased risk of heart-related illnesses (Nevid & Rathus, p. 136). The multifactorial health psychology perspective has also led to the understanding of how sudden life stressors, chronic fatigue/emotional strain and a physically inactive lifestyle figure in the development of heart disease and occurr ence of heart attacks. The multifactorial model in health psychology is a leading paradigm that recognizes the multi-faceted nature of illnesses. It is not a clear-cut, simple case that a disease is caused by a singular factor. The fact is that decades if not over a century of modern research has led to the recognition that a host of factors, as well as their interactions, function in illness and health determination (Nevid & Rathus, p. 126). These varied factors that the multifactorial model indicates to be the range of possible influences or causes of diseases cover the psychological, ociocultural, environmental, and stressors. This broad range of factors, which include both those within and without one's control, determine an individual's health and his/her level of susceptibility to health problems (Nevid & Rathus, p. 127). Psychological or personality and behavior factors figure in quite a large number of health problems. Such is seen in the large number of preventable deaths that occur yearly in the United States. For one, smoking leads to way over 400,000 annual deaths from cancer, diseases of the heart and lungs, and stroke. Some 300,000 year deaths stroke, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes can actually be prevented with good diet and proper exercise. Immunizations, moderation or control of alcohol drinking, and abstinence or safe sex practices could also help prevent deaths from infectious diseases, vehicular and other accidents/injuries, and sexually transmitted diseases, respectively (Nevid & Rathus, p. 128). It should be well noted that depression and other negative psychological states could actually render an impaired immune system functioning (Nevid & Rathus, p. 126). The reason for this is that, contrary to popular thinking, the mental and the physical are not entirely separate domains but, rather intertwined (Nevid & Rathus, p. 131). Biological factors include age, gender, genetics, as well as injuries, exposure to pathogens and inoculations. One's genetic make-up, while beyond an individual's capacity to be altered, tend to make certain people falsely assume that their health is doomed by, say, a family history of diabetes. Having a family history of a disease can make some people think fatalistically that nothing they do can improve their chances of overcoming or escaping a disease. Dr. Robert N. Hoover of the National Cancer Institute, however, says that many cases of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and others merely give rise to predispositions, not really certainties (Nevid & Rathus, p. 126). Environmental factors include pollution, water quality, hygiene from solid waster treatment and sanitation, natural disasters, and even global warming and depletion of the ozone layer. Personal stressors cover a wide range of situations such as daily hassles at home, co-workers, time pressure, and financial insecurity; frustrations; major life changes; workplace situation; and isolation or rejection by peers (Nevid & Rathus, p. 27). Thus, in the diagnosis of illnesses, the multifactorial model considers the possible roles played by psychological, biological, environmental/cultural factors, along with their interactions (Nevid & Rathus, p. 126). In the United States, the application of the psychological health model can be seen in studies that attempt to explain the phenomenon of black Americans seemingly suffering from health problems more compared to the European Americans. The ethnicity consideration has led to studies showing that African-Americans may indeed be genetically predisposed to hypertension but, at the same time, poor diet, stress and smoking contribute to the development of the disease. Such consideration has also led to findings that the tendency of Afro-Americans to have lower access level to quality health care help explain, for instance, why they are less prone to receive surgeries for hip and knee replacements (Nevid & Rathus, p. 128). Use of Psychology in Understanding Illnesses Diagnosing, understanding and managing headaches have been helped a lot with the use of psychology. The multifactorial model views headaches, migraine headaches in particular, as being triggered by multiple factors that include fluctuations in hormonal levels/balance, stress, barometric pressure changes, exposure to very bright lights, certain drug use, certain chemical ingestion, and certain foods, among others (Nevid & Rathus, p. 132). Said factors, of course, involve biological and environmental factors, but also psychological ones which are more the concern of health psychology—how psychological factors interact with physical health problems, including in terms of triggering, preventing, or treating diseases (Nevid & Rathus, p. 18). Health psychology studies have shown that stress figures in migraine headaches. The causal mechanisms that underlie migraines have been described to be complex and not well understood—with neurotransmitter serotonin imbalance and resulting blood flow changes in the brain appearing to be related somehow. The psychological perspective ha s identified stress and glaring lights exposure, among others, as possible triggers for migraine headaches. As well, this branch of psychology has indicated that behavioral coping responses may help people deal with headaches. While evidence collated in a study showing that women suffering from regular migraines tend to be more self-critical, likely to make a big thing of life's stresses, and less likely to look for social support during periods of stress, is only correlation, the study does suggest that people's behavior may inadvertently be leading them into a vicious cycle. Psychology shows that with recurrent headaches such as migraine, certain behaviors help trigger the illness as much as how the refusal to avail of social support may further aggravate emotional distress and pain from migraines (Nevid & Rathus, p. 32). With advances in health science in general, headaches today are better managed, with its triggers even being avoided. Psychology has helpe understand and cope with migraines also by way of advising people, women in particular, not to accept such an illness as â€Å"normal† and, instead, advise them to be more assertive with their doctors who limit migraine treatments to only one approach (Nevid & Rathus, p. 133). The importance of health psychology is, perhaps, more apparent in the case of coronary heart disease or CHD. This is because this leading cause of mortality in the US clearly lists several types of psychological factors as triggers: diet patterns; anger and hostility; Type A behavior that markedly consists of hostility; job strain; chronic emotional strain and fatigue; sudden stressors; and an inactive lifestyle (Nevid & Rathus, p. 135-137). Health psychology science has established how consumption patterns such as overeating, heavy alcohol drinking, smoking, and high-cholesterol diet lead to coronary heart ailments. It is also worth noting that the science has also identified that a minimal amount of alcohol appears to be beneficial to the heart. The psychological perspective also makes the suggestion that a modest association between coronary heart disease and Type A behavior exists, particularly among white, middle-aged-to-older men. Hostility and anger are closely linked with increased CHD risk and are even thought of to be a stronger predictor of CHD compared to genetics, obesity, or smoking (Nevid & Rathus, p. 135). With regards work-related psychological factor, the job-strain health psychology model helps understand how highly demanding jobs and jobs that gives workers little control lead to increased risk of heart-related illnesses (Nevid & Rathus, p. 136). The multifactorial health psychology perspective has also led to the understanding of how sudden life stressors, chronic fatigue/emotional strain and a physically inactive lifestyle figure in the development of heart disease and occurrence of heart attacks. Reference Nevid, J. S. and Rathus, S. A. (2000). Psychology and the challenges of life. John Wiley & Sons.

Desperate Housewives and Its Portrayal

My interviewee, Karen, grew up in the Philippines and has recently just migrated to the United States. She is a 24-year old ESL teacher who admits to pondering over the meaning of life yearly when her birthday is nearing. She was then enthusiastic to sit down with me to answer my questions about the meaning of life. For Karen, life does have an ultimate purpose or significance. She cites as proof of this belief the fact that bookstores and libraries currently carry a lot of books that help people find the meaning to their lives. â€Å"There has got to be a purpose to our lives. Will authors of self-help and ‘find a purpose in life' books be raking in a lot of money if people do not think that their life amounts to something? And that's another thing, actually. People are always in search for a purpose in their lives. This clamor for life to actually mean something is, I think, the ultimate proof that people come packaged with significance in life,† Karen says Being Catholic, Karen admits to always thinking that her life is meant to have purpose. She explains, â€Å"I have always attended Catholic schools where â€Å"religion†, specifically Catholic faith, is a constant in our list of subjects. Since pre-school days, my teachers would always emphasize the fact that I am meant to serve God. They always tell me, my classmates, that we should live our lives according to God’s will.† Asked what God’s will is, she answers, â€Å"Exactly what it is, my teachers haven’t actually defined. They did tell me, though, that I need to always be good. I need to be kind to my fellow men. That everything I do should be in accordance to God’s law, which is of course comprised of what the Bible says, what the commandment says, etc. Basically, life’s purpose is to be good and do good so that I will be welcomed in heaven. And in way, I still believe that is the purpose in life. I cannot accept that I’ve been put here on Earth for nothing. Something better must be waiting for me at the end of the line.† Karen confesses that even though she’s been reared in the Catholic upbringing, there was a time when she felt like serving God was not really her purpose in life. She says that although she believed in the existence of a higher being, she defied the fact that all the laws and commandments she’s been following are all dictated by human beings like her. â€Å"Who can say that what the Catholic Church outlined is really the ultimate truth? And that what they’re teaching is not made to serve their own purpose? And that what they want is also what God wants? I got to think this way when I started taking Philosophy classes in the University. My teachers imparted in me the habit of not taking everything in stride, of questioning everything that is being handed out to me. I also had a class, advertising I think, where the teacher had a great influence on me. He taught us about self-actualization. He always insisted on us trying to make something for ourselves just because we want to be something and not because somebody told us to do. That was the point when I got to question what the Church told me: that everything I do is for His glory,† she quips. But a few years after her University life, Karen admits that she started to soul-search and she realized that ever since she put God out of her life, her life started to feel meaningless. She explains, â€Å"There was this hollow part of me that neither friends nor a high-paying and glamorous job just cannot fulfill. I started to have this feeling that everything I’m doing is for no special reason. When I started to pray and go to Church again, I suddenly felt whole. That’s when I realized what was missing.† Karen’s opinion regarding the meaning of life was highly-influenced by her faith. Though she came to a point when she asked about the things she has always believed in, she still made a turnaround and accepted what her faith has outlined for her.

Critique on Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read Essay Example

Critique on Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read Essay Example Critique on Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read Paper Critique on Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read Paper Francine Prose, â€Å"I Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read† â€Å"I Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read† Essay Introduction In Francine Prose’s â€Å"I Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read: How American High School Students Learn to Loathe Literature†, the author is trying to explain why high school students are not asked to read more quality pieces of literature now a days. In my opinion I agree with Prose because I think the texts we read in high school are not challenging and not a lot of students enjoy the readings because they cannot relate. Prose uses the rhetorical strategy of degrading the books high school students are reading and she uses her own personal experiences to support her argument. Literature in high schools Throughout the essay, Prose argues that literature in high schools are dumbing down the English curriculum. She says books that are â€Å"chosen for students to read are for ‘obvious lessons. ’† However, Prose does not mention â€Å"great† books that students should read and that will help them to understand what the characters are feeling. â€Å"†¦The weaker novels of John Steinbeck, the fantasies of Ray Bradbury,† (424). Prose explains how her sons never read the better of Steinbeck’s novels in high school and she makes the assumption that all high school students read the so-called weaker Steinbeck novels. English curriculum issue She also makes an argument that the English curriculum is an important issue both culturally and politically. If both the teachers and books are not challenging the young students minds, then how can we expect them to understand challenging books. â€Å"We hear the more books are being bought and sold than ever before, yet no one, as far as I know, is arguing that we are producing and becoming a nation of avid readers of serious literature† (423). Again, Prose brings up her own personal experience and what she has heard. From what she has heard, people today are not reading â€Å"serious† literature. She does not even go to defend her argument and further explain what she means by â€Å"serious literature† and â€Å"avid readers. † The first point that Prose makes in her essay is that she is not satisfied with her two sons’ educations. Prose is the kind of person who has a huge passion for good books and she finds herself â€Å"appalled each year by the dismal lists of texts that my sons are doomed to waste a school year reading,† (422). She does not understand why the older and well-known authors are not being read in high school. Prose uses a personal experience from her son’s sophomore English class. He had to read a â€Å"weeper and former bestseller by Judith Guest† (424), about a dysfunctional family dealing with a teenage son’s suicide attempt. â€Å"No instructor has ever asked my sons to read Alice Munro, who writes so lucidly and beautifully about the hypersensitivity that makes adolescence a hell,†(424). She again mentions books she approves of that should be read in English classes. Another big point in Prose’s essay is the assignments associated with high school literature. Role of the teacher She argues that teachers make students write around the books and not about the books they read. â€Å"No wonder students are rarely asked to consider what was actually written by these hopeless racists and sociopaths. Instead, they’re told to write around the book, or, better yet, write their own books,† (430). The assignments that teachers give these days are nto about the book or the story itself. They usually ask the student to rewrite the ending, or ask what the student would do if they were in the same situation as the character. Prose argues that high school students are seen as having the same experience as some of the characters they read about, such as Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby. â€Å"And is it any wonder that teenagers should complete these exercise with little but contempt for the writer who so pointlessly complicated and obfuscated a personal true story that sixteen year olds could have told so much more interestingly themselves? † (431). However, in this part of her essay, Prose can get a little bias because she only talks about the negative assignments. Books should only be discussed for their language We all know that not all high school assignments are like the ones she mentions and she knows that too. The last point in Prose’s argument is that she only talks about that books should only be discussed for their language. This is one point where I disagree with her because I think that books can be discussed for their value as well as their language. Prose thinks that, â€Å"The present vogue for teaching â€Å"values† through literature uses the novel as a springboard for the sort of discussion formerly conducted in civics or ethics classes,†(427). I do not agree with this statement because not all high schools are able to offer civics classes. My high school, for example, did have a civics class but it was more driven towards the History end than English literature classes. So the only place for values in literature be discussed was during English class. Also, English class should not only be about the language. Students should learn the value of the story also through discussion and assignments. â€Å"I Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read† Essay Conclusion In conclusion, Francine Prose does have a couple of good arguments in her paper, â€Å"I Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read: How American High School Students Learn to Loathe Literature†. She argues her opinion that students in high school English classes are not getting good education because of the weak pieces of literature they are reading. Prose however, can be a little bias and bases to much of her essay on her personal experiences. Prose, Francine. â€Å"I Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read: How American High School students Learn to Loathe Literature. † Harper’s Magazine. 1999: 422-435. Print

Race to the Finish essays

Race to the Finish essays When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.... This quote, said by Charles Austin Beard, can be taken in may ways. In this case the quote is being used to show how it can relate to the dark and light times of the 1930s. In this era, when blacks were thought to be weak and useless, Jesse Owens showed his strengths in the 1936 Olympics in Germany when he out ran the master race. Since Jesse Owens was black, and the master race was white, German, and wealthy; when Jesse Owens ran one of the fastest times people had ever seen everyone all around the world had to take a min. to think about if there really was a superior race (Jesse Owens Track and field Star). Jesse Owens was just one of many stars to shine in the dark. He brought the bright inspiration the world needed. Sometimes people dont realize the impression the positive influences in our lives can alter the things we achieve. For Jesse Owens there were numerous fans that influenced him as they cheered for him when he finished the race winning the gold for his country, fans, and most importantly himself (McRa 7). Although this would certainly make a huge impression on someone hearing all the applause from all the watching fans, this was just a minor influence to Jesse. The real inspiration was from the people he had known long before the 1936 Olympics. Jesse Owens found the most valuable encouragement from Joe Louis who was also a black athlete struggling against the segregation of these times. Joe Louis was the defending heavy weight boxing champion and Owens was the defending four gold medal winner so the friendship was only expected some would say, but friendship was formed as solid as a rock (Adler 15). The inspiration of one on another became the roots for the achievements. Charles Ril ey was also a great influence on Jesse Owens. Riley was an inspiration because he was not only Jesses first track coach, he was also the first whi...

Marketing planning and Control Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Marketing planning and Control - Essay Example They have won the Liveable City Award of London in 2006 and was the first supermarket to ever sign a partnership contract with local beef farmers pertaining organic beef supply. The company's unending efforts to source out viable products and suppliers made them extend their internal training and orientation of this array of shelf food products on noted chemically established effects of pesticides to their raw materials resources and producers and on to the first level farmers. Stressing that all of their farm products comply with the UK or its equivalent animal welfare standards, I proudly commend Sainsbury's effort to provide the freshest product with the most accurate product info labels to the least product pricing offer as possible. Sainsbury has been performing strongly with total sales up to 8.3% to 9,549 million and sales growth of 6.2%, pre tax profit of 123.0%, delivery of 1.3 billion of additional sales after 18 months.2 The company is said to have employed a total number of 153,000 employees and have established 728 supermarkets UK based and a duly represented website for online shoppers worldwide. Sainsbury is said to be UK's third largest food retailer.3 Established in 1869 by John James and May Ann Sainsbury, Sainsbury's internet based home delivery shopping service currently operates from ninety seven (97) stores. In addition to its high quality food and fresh grocery produ... Marketing Audit of Products, Goods and Services: In addition to its high quality food and fresh grocery products, Sainsbury has been retailing books, CDs, DVDs, MP3s, videos and computer games. Also on display are flowers, wine, gifts, and electrical parts or accessories. On board with the online shopping directory is a provision for the banking and insurance needs of the customers or consumers with affiliate Sainsbury's Bank. The bank offers wide array of services on credit cards and personal loans of lower interest rates, simple savings and investments (child trust funds to internet savings), car financing all present via online banking. This study aims to make a Proposal on the Marketing Plan of Sainsbury's Supermarket Stores only. SWOT Analysis: A. History of Mergers and Acquisitions Sainsbury PLC is the parent company of Sainsbury's Supermarkets nationally known as plain Sainsbury at present. Its chains of supermarkets were acquired thru constant effort of branch-outs and thru merger and acquisitions. Bell Stores of North East England was acquired in February 2004. It was composed of fifty four (54) high quality convenience stores. Jackson's Stores across Yorkshire and North Midland was acquired in August 2004. It was composed of one hundred fourteen (114) stores and was UK's leading independent, regional convenience store. JB Beaumont of East Midlands was acquired in November 2004. It was composed of six (6) convenience stores and has been regarded as a long established neighborhood convenience store operator. We can give due credit to Sainsburys financial cost saving analyst on his fatigue causing search for branch outs and extensions by buying other known retail stores apart from managing its liabilities on hand. Inventories

The Role of Consumer Behavior in Marketing Decisions Research Paper - 2

The Role of Consumer Behavior in Marketing Decisions - Research Paper Example From this study it is clear that  nearly every respondent attested to the fact that McDonalds is a big market player in food products. This is because with regard to the food products that do well in the summer across the various market segments, every respondent gave an indication of having bought them in less than a week. The young market has a higher preference for McDonalds’ products than in the older market segments. It is clear that the older age segment still has a significant attraction to the McDonalds’ range of products. The most elaborate choice for McDonalds’ ice cream products in the summer has however been among the children, youths and young adults. All the respondents had a recent purchase experience with a McDonald’s product.  This paper outlines that  in order to find out the actual brand preferences that the respondents had for the various products offered at McDonalds, personal opinion was from each of the respondents. A question was asked regarding the specific brand choices and the decision making process behind them from each of the respondents. The three children and one adult bought vanilla ice cream cones from McDonalds while one young adult and two adults had chocolate dipped ice cream products.  Two of the remaining young adults bought strawberry yoghurt from McDonalds. Some of the reasons behind the decision to purchase the preferred product from McDonalds included identity with the company for all the children while one of the adults was having fun with his young son.