The Influence Of Internet And New Media Media Essay

The Influence Of Internet And New Media Media Essay This study aims to give insight into the meaning young educated people in Syria give to the Internet and new media as a means to gain social, political and religious agency, and the influence this has on existing social structures in a traditional and authoritarian state like Syria. Background The Internet has enabled entirely new forms of social interaction, activities, and organizing. Especially social networking websites such as Facebook, Twitter and Blogger have opened new ways of communication over the last couple of years. As global Internet access is growing, the effects of the Internet have also spread to the Middle East, and its influence on restrictive socio-political entities is often mentioned in the press. One may think of news headlines like Iran Protests: Twitter, the Medium of the Movement (Time Magazine  [1]  ), In Egypt, Pushing Revolution by Internetà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ½ (Newsweek  [2]  ) or the frequently mentioned influence of Internet on changing social and religious patterns (e.g. Ambrust 2000). Unfortunately, academic knowledge to back up these claims is very limited. In a country like Syria, Internet was virtually non-existent less than ten years ago. Today however, a fast growing group  [3]  of people has access to the global network and many shops, mosques and political movements have created a space on-line. All these developments seem to have a big impact in a traditional and authoritarian society. But how can Internet and new media influence the agency of people? Why Syria ? Syria is a traditional society with an authoritarian government where gaining agency is highly channeled through religious and social traditions or membership of the ruling Baath party. However, as the countrys age demographic is changing (the majority of the people is under the age of thirty  [4]  ) and globalization has brought new ideas inside its borders, the younger generation seems to search for more direct ways to gain agency. At the same time, Internet usage is on the rise and recent figures  [5]  indicate that social networking sites are attracting an increasing community of (young) Syrians who use these media to interact with friends, exchange ideas and form digital communities. There are also examples of young Syrians using the Internet to gain agency. Syrian Facebook users recently organized a successful campaign to boycott mobile telephone providers in protest against high tariffs (Sharif 2009) and a simple search brings up a plethora of on-line Syrian communities, ranging from religious discussion groups to calls for educational reform. Nevertheless, recent initiatives calling for mass protests against the government were less successful  [6]  . Despite these developments, Reporters Without Borders ranked Syria among the thirteen enemies of the Internet  [7]  , a conclusion based on the persistent monitoring of Internet dissidents by the state and the blocking of websites. However, in the wake of the popular uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, the Syrian government recently (February 2011) made a remarkable step by opening up the Internet and dismantling blockades on websites like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube  [8]  . With an ever growing Internet community and the legalization of access to social networking websites, it seems likely that the role of the Internet and new media as a means to gain agency will increase over the next couple of years. Research questions (preliminary) The main question I would like to pose in this study is:What meaning do young, educated people in Syria give to the Internet and new media as a means to gain agency and change existing structures? To answer the main research question, it is important to first answer a couple of sub-questions. By tackling these questions, I will increase my insight into the subject as the research progresses. How do young, educated people in Syria use the Internet and new media? How do young, educated people in Syria believe that their use of the Internet and new media influences their social values, societal participation and world view? What is the position of the Internet and new media in current social, political and religious structures in relation to young, educated people in Syria? How are existing structural forces in Syria (e.g. religious, political, traditional entities) acting and adapting to the use of Internet and New Media use? Methodology (preliminary) This study will have a social-anthropological focus. While using statistical data where possible, the research methods that will be used will mainly be qualitative: individual interviews, participant observation and focus group discussions. By investigating the (perception of) influence as experienced by people themselves, it will be possible to draw a picture of the way Internet and new-media influence their agency and the existing structures. I will also conduct research through on-line participant observation on Syrian social-network sites and by following the activities of other new media. Furthermore, I will investigate how (religious, social and governmental) structural forces (re)act towards the use of Internet and new Media by investigating policies, publications and activities. Before the start of my fieldwork period (1 year), I will start with an extensive literature research on the subject. During the fieldwork period, I will gain access to the target group through my personal network of people, which I have built-up over the last couple of years (see also: personal information). Theories and concepts (preliminary) Central to this study are the concepts of structure and agency. Agency refers to the ability of people to act independently, have control over their life and make free choices. Structure, by contrast, refers to the pattern or framework of relationships between social institutions such as political systems, religion, class, customs and moral norms, which influence or limit the choices and opportunities that individuals possess. In applying these concepts, I will follow Anthony Giddens Structuration theory (1986). The Structuration theory holds that all human action happens within the framework of an existing social structure which is controlled by a set of norms and laws. Therefore, human actions are at least partly predetermined based on the contextual rules under which they occur. However, structures are not definite and external, but sustained and modified by human actions. Therefore, in and through their activities (agency), people reproduce and transform the conditions (structures) that make these activities possible. Besides Giddens, this study will also build on publications by some of his contemporaries who have published on the subject, like Bourdieu (1977) , Berger Luckman (1966) and Orilowski (1992, 2000), who have published on the duality of structure to technology. Furthermore, I will also use sources from the realm of (new) media studies for the conceptual and theoretical framework of this study. Manual Castells has been one of the most significant social theorist of new media in the last two decades. In his Information Age trilogy (1996, 1998, 2000), Castells argues that the development of communication network structures and architectures is a core feature of the contemporary social condition. These networks are not controlled by anyone but extend outward from computing and information communication technologies to all forms of social, economic and cultural relations. In Critique of Information (2002) the sociologist and critical theorist Scott Lash, builds forth on Castells and argues that the rise of the global information order is marked by a fundamental blurring of the distinction between culture and technology. This means that in order to influence relations of power, inequality and domination within a technological and informational c ulture, one must become part of the networks and flows of this informational culture. In their work on Internet use in Trinidad, Miller and Slater (2001) come to a rejection of Internet research that focuses on the way in which new media seems to constitute spaces or places apart from the rest of social life (real life or offline life). Internet (and new-media) are rather spaces within social life in which new forms of sociality and new identities are emerging. Internet and new media should thus be seen as extensions of the social space rather than tools within the social space. Poster (2001) summarizes this as follows, the Internet is more like a social space than a thing, so that its effects are more like those of Germany than those of hammers. In conjunction with Miller and Slater, Jenkins (2006) argues that the frame of reference for individuals who are connected, is not the same as for those who are not. Connected people judge their social environment according to different standards, sourcing from norms, values and beliefs that not always match with the social p ractices they are subject to in real life. In relation to the research topic, we can say that instead of being an instrument to gain agency, Internet and new media may function as a place, within social space, that is out of reach for the structures that normally define it. That is, unless these structural forces will also embrace new media and the Internet. This place within social space creates a new social reference frame and a platform for sharing thoughts, beliefs and ideas which may contribute to the increase of an individuals agency in society.

Ethicals Dilemma Of A Working Mother Social Work Essay

Ethicals Dilemma Of A Working Mother Social Work Essay INTRODUCTION In every sphere of life it is proved that woman is getting in hand in hand with man. Therefore if man works to earn money, women can manage three careers at a time i.e. earn money, delegate work at home, and at the office as well. How beautifully a working woman juggles these three roles and still is not complaining. [Working Mothers, How Much working -2009] One could define a working mother as a women with a ability to combine a career with the added responsibility of raising a child[Jayita, Murali-2009,p.64] All the educated working mothers work because they tend to need a financial freedom while balancing a professional career. [Working mothers, How much Working- 2009] The ascending numbers of working mothers are seen in the last few decades. Both the partners have to work just because to maintain the financial status of the house. According to the 2003 US census bureau states that fifty percent professionals are the women workers. It is nearly 90% of the women are out of the house for the work delegates. All the women are blessed with various professional skills, if not professional then with the business skills. Though after facing various dilemmas in work place i personally feel that women are quite capable of facing the various challenges which occur in there ways. According to the 2000 US census states that single parent is no longer left behind in this race.[www.working mothers .com] I have chosen this case study because i am a professional woman where i tend to face various difficulties. How hard it is to manage both the delegates i.e. delegates at home and delegates at our work place. It is also to ponder on those aspects where women are going out of ways to manage these various delegates. Also to look at the different dilemmas women is facing while managing these dual career responsibilities. CONTEXT/ History In olden days all the women were aware of their boundaries and limitations. They rendered there whole span of their life for the care of their families, by dwelling in the four walls of the house. Later on a sudden thrust evolved into business sector and public affairs, which made them turn their backs towards thrive families. Those pioneering days are no more .The tie of Gordian has broken down and the feminine dilemma is over. The last two decades has proven that the right time to integrate into their dual career management at home and at the work place has arisen. In the present century the social status of women is trapped under different profound differences. First is the entry into the different hitherto masculine placements. The second is the endeavor of an increasing number of women who jointly balance the family and employment. [Womens two role-1956, reprint-2001] RIGHTS OF CHILD, RIGHTS OF WOMEN/ LEGISLATION RIGHTS OF CHILDREN Their various rights which are bestowed upon children due to U N convention. Children are protected by four P according to the child protection act. Four p are listed below. 1. PROVISION 2.PREVENTION 3.PROTECTION 4.PARTICIPATION. In the provision of rights, child is supposed to be provided with the basic necessity of food, shelter, and education .In the prevention of rights child should be protected from abuse given privacy and has the rights of legal representation. In the protection of rights child is supposed to be protected from sexual abuse, entitled to be protected during war times, conflicts and during the natural disaster causing bad effect on the child. Under the last participation child right act it says that child is entitled in decision making, has voice for his own opinion, and has his own freedom of conscience. According to the UN convention for childrens right they say that, Children should not be ignored, but heard for the better development and welfare of the child. All the courts must understand the grief and suffering the child must be undergoing and must have regards for their wishes. Children were heard and given relief form the courts. Advocacy groups were formed in order to provide help to the children in decision making. A very big BRATS CHARTER is formed where a child can divorce his parent if the child is not happy or dont want to carry on with their parents. Children has right of quality of life where the child has right to choose his own parents either.[UNCRN ACT- 1 WOMENS MATERNITY LEAVE EQUALITY PAY ACT 2010 All the women are given and supported with some of their womens rights. What so ever may be the worked out tenure women is entitled for the one year maternity leave form her office with full paid leave. This is applied only to those who are about to go on the maternity leave from April 2007. They also have increased maternity and adoption pay period from 26 weeks to 39 weeks. Law has also benefited women by scrapping old rule of work experience of six months to be entitled for the 26 weeks maternity leave. [News-2007] According to the equality act 2010 it states that when a woman is working with shoulder to shoulder with a man, then she is entitled for the same amount of benefits in terms of pay and other benefits. The act claims that gender equality has to be included into the contractual terms, considering women not less than a man. Woman should not be discriminated on the basis of her womanhood; on the contrary she should be looked upon with sense of figure of equality. [Equal pay the equality act 2010] The old 1970 equal pay act has replaced few good changes. The various changes which include men and women performing their duties towards their profession should be considered and rated at the same level, and should also be provided with equal standards of salaries for the work generated out of them. Every women is allowed to check across her equal share of pay and the bonus given to her.[ Equal pay act- 2010] WHAT IS ETHICS It is hard to define ethics, but somehow to understand ethics, ethics can be defined as what is correct and incorrect, moral and immoral. Generally ethical behavior is accepted in the society where the behavior is considered with the moral codes. According to the dictionary ethics means The study of standards of conduct and moral judgment and moral philosophy[Youngdictionary.com] Man has always worked hard to understand between correct and incorrect and between ethics and legality. As per dictionary again ethics can be defined as The study of the general nature of morals and of the specific moral choices to be made by the individuals in his relationship with others [Insightempire.com, p.1] Ethics deals with the study concerned with usually what is morally correct and incorrect. This study is also applied to any theory of moral deeds. Very often ethics refers to how one should live his life? Should he only aim at gathering knowledge or at happiness? If we happen to select happiness, should that happiness be meant only for ourselves or for the whole of the family? Should we live in opulence, should we break laws? What are our obligations when we are living with other human beings on this mother planet, and what examples we are setting for other generation? Ethics are surrounded with all the moral questions form all the corners of life. The main focus of the ethics covers the fundamental crisis of empirical decisions, which includes the practical costs and the levels by which human behavior can be justified. [Ethics by Peter Singh] Few working mothers work just because they are qualified and dont want to find themselves to be hanged around only with the domestic work. The main motive was to get employed was to give a good standard life to the family from different angles.[How working mothers manage-1970] All women are responding towards the pressure of inflationary economy, to achieve high level of education for their children and for self-satisfaction. But working mothers can manage both i.e childcare and home delegates. [Pediatrics vol 56 no-1975] ATTACHMENT THEORY- BOWLBY According to the Bowlbys theory, he ponders over the fact that early childhood is always in straight contact with mothers, or sometimes it is hardly very few steps away from the mother. Mother always tries to keep her child close to her chest i.e. under her feathers. But as soon as the child tends to grow old the closeness and the bonds tends to become lighter, the child seems to get involved with more worldly activities, but when time comes to rest at the night they prefer nobody else and they tend to search for their mothers. This attachment clearly speaks that how mother and Childs bonding is inbuilt bonding. Bowlby stresses on the facts that early age is the age where both child and the mother are very attached to each other and also very much strongly involved for each others feelings and togetherness.[Cyc-net.org] MAIN PARTICIPANTS In my case study i have involved various participants who face various dilemmas in connection with the working mothers while she is managing her dual careers. My first participant whom i would consider is the child. Sufficient evidences has proved that home delegate has a clear impact for women own life and family organization, but both are seems to be important for childrens upbringing.[Journal-Maternal education and early child care-2009] As an educated mother she can and supposed to be giving home achieving activities for her children, taking her child to brain storming events and cover their children in different learning ways , but the dilemma is that due to busy schedule she is unable to give enough time , where the child is neglected of his rights and face the dilemma.[journal maternal education and early child care-2009] It is true that children of working mothers are quite quick in all aspects of life .It is also true that children are more capable and strong towards the ups and downs in their life. Children face dilemmas when they are sick during the holidays when mothers are at work, their right to protection is overlooked and the child is under the dilemma.[How working mothers manage-1970] At early years of stages babies are considered to be going under stress of separation from their mothers when they are about to leave for their work. The dilemma faced by children to manage this rhythm of separation is very stressful.[Managing two careers-1989] Children of lone parents face high rate of emotional dilemmas, because mother is working for the bread butter and is unable to give sufficient and required time for her children.[How working mothers manage-1970] It is also considered that due to working parents specially the mother lack of care and supervision children are found in high number of school dropouts, drug abuse and juvenile delinquency.[Working mothers, how much working-2009] Also one of the important dilemma children face during their mothers are out for work are the invigilation of the various child-minders. If the child shifts from one minder to other, child has to get accustomed to all the various child-minders habits and discipline. Such circumstances confuse the child, to what exactly he or she has to adopt. According to the Lawree Tilton-Weaver-normal behavior controls guides and protects children to master over self-discipline and curtails the problems like disobeying parents, consuming alcohols. Drug abuse and robbery. She states that psychological management over children with more personal feelings breaks out into severe depression and anxiety. For instance if we choose their friends and clothing which turns to be interference with their decision makings, which ultimately falls into damaging there personal feelings. Which means that we are not caring for their personal feelings? Just when working mothers tends to lay down few regulations which children do not accept, and thus the dilemma occurs saying that interference with the feelings of children and adds as a negative impact on the minds of the children towards there working mothers.[ Workingmothers .com] Though various research bodies are working with the protection of the childcare and there progress- it is openly accepted that childrens education and there personal development can only develop childs confidence and peer relationships. However it is very difficult for those children who are under neglected or poor childcare. [Provisions of childcare for working mothers in wales. co.uk] My second participant is the mother herself. Generally mothers balance their identity around mothering and employment. Mothers foremost interest is always care giving to children and family, through there paid employment which upholds the financial status of her house.[I am so much more myself coming back to work-2008] According to Vincent and Ball the need to construct a morally adequate account of oneself, as mothers require of all classes to present their prioritization of their children need[I am so much more myself coming back to work-2006, p.72] Though full time working plays a vital role for upliftment of financial status of the house [managing two careers-1999, 2003] All the working mothers accepted that limited financial freedom will be stressful when staying with children at home. While socializing with other children, children behavior happens to be more worried. Although children of age 6 and 11 years need most attention, but unfortunately mothers find it stressful to commit and dedicate sufficient time for children specially when their children are affected with serious disabilities.[Influence on mothers employment when children have disabilities-2007] Every woman who is a mother can be called as working mother. But those who are with professional career deal with more challenges in balancing there career and family. It is a very difficult and pressurized task, where mother at the end finds that she is left with no time and no social togetherness in society. Few working mothers are quite and sound who are blessed with good encouraging and supportive male partner who gives her the strength to balance her dual career. The dilemma is observed in big ratio that very less percent co-operative male partners are matched. If the children are not co-operative again the working mothers are into big dilemma towards the childcare and upbringing of the child.[ Working mothers .com] Moreover working mothers are worried when child care factors occur. When no home support is provided by in-laws or other relatives to shoulder the children burden. Childcare providers are the last option where the working mother seeks help from. According to Lynne Hill, a policy director for children in wales says that there may not be sufficient options for parents to keep their children with the childcare providers. She says that it is a high task for mothers to balance her work and safety of her child. It matters more with the children with disabilities, where mothers are more specific with the choosing of the childcare options. If she fails to get the opted option she tends to face the dilemma for her child. Though job centers are providing with more jobs to women, but due to various dilemmas working mother are unable to reach the oriented professional goals.[ Wales online.co.uk] The working mothers activity plays a vital role both during the stages of prenatal and postnatal development of the child. At times working mothers has to place her child into the orphanage facility which strongly hampers the childs growth and the future destiny. [S.B.Khatskel- 2006] The is dilemma is that though working women balances both work and home delegates, but still she is not counted as a bread winner or given equal status by the society. She is shouldering the entire burden of the house, but is left unrewarded forever. My third participants would be the employer. As the growing economy tend to need the man power to control the workforce. Women with high pace of education are entering in to the market. Though all the working mothers are supported with the legislation they are finding it difficult to get the jobs. Most of the working mothers are out of job because the dilemmas most employers are facing. Most of the employers avoid child bearing women due to the implementation of the maternity leaves. Nearly 63% employers take these maternity laws as a serious threat to their industries. Many other employers face difficulties to hire mothers on work due to various variation occurring into the support of the working mothers.[Maternity laws hurting women job prospects, News-2007] My fourth participant would be Single Parent. All the working mothers undergo various difficulties. But when we judge and observe a single parent she has double difficulties. She has double difficulties that of emotional and financial balance of the home, for being the bread winner of the house. Single parents families are always under indefinite security, because they cannot predict about the future of their employment. More attention is required as you go at higher level and managerial level; ultimately the dilemma is less hours are dedicated towards the children. The biggest dilemma of the single parent is that every working mothers get holiday but an unsupported working mother is hanged on with day today difficulties throughout her life.[How working mothers manage-1970] Single parents find it difficult at times to choose an affordable childcare option at the proper time and at the right place, this is more effective to single parenting because of lack of support from there life partners, which is stated by- Kate research officer. Especially when mothers have to work for more hours to get more financial support for her family. It becomes more difficult when mothers get low wages to provide a good childcare for her child. [Walesonline.co.uk] The financial conditions of single parent and their children depends upon the group of support structure. Various structures which support the single parents are friends, neighbour, and communities. This shows a crystal clear picture that lone parents can very rarely be financially free. Histarically mothers were not accepted to be working. Nurturing children and also to become the breadwinner for the family is observed to be a drastic burden for the single parents, and disadvantages to their children. [Randy Albelda ,Susan Himmelweit -2004] My fifth participant would be the Husband. The important factor for the working mother would be the right and supporting husband. She may be linked with high position and status or a perfect employer, but if there is no positive signal from her husband towards her working, then she is sure of taking her marital relationship into risk. It is quite sure that it is the husband not the children who sacrifices most when mothers are working. Though culturally saying he understands that women place is inside the house. But still various dilemmas occur into the mind of husband stating that he was deprived of something which he actually expected out of marriage. His dilemma is marriage is not solemnized just for sake of having sex or reproduction of children, and their after looking after them alternatively. Both the partners should have sufficient and class time for each other especially the working mother who is unable to give time for her husband due to busy schedule time.[How working moth ers manage-1970] INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON This international comparison is done just to support my case study. In Asian countries especially in India it is always observed that whether it is a joint family or a neutral family working mother are always supported by their in laws and all the other nonworking members of the family. Support such as childcare, mothers health care, sometimes even the home delegates are fully taken care of. When we compare Britain with India there is a huge difference that of support to the working mother. In India working mothers are given all round support to perform her dual career managements. Grandparents take the place of all the nannies as a privilege to look after their grandchildren.[Working mothers; How much working, and where is the woomanhood-2009] SUGGESTIONS The modern womanhood is epitomized by the professional mothers. The working mothers need to be supported by the modern work providers and the employers, transforming its look from male dominance to gender neutrality. The nuclear family and the joint family unit both need to understand the need and the support a working mother is expecting out. There should be good quality and affordable childcare, where mothers are at peace at their work place. CONCLUSION To sum up it is quite easy to be a woman, mother, and an achiever. Many have achieved it through the back up of society, but many have fought through out there life to prove it. In todays competitive world it is the necessity for the mothers to be working, like their partners to support all angles of their house. As we are living in the advanced world, and still undergoing the male dominating society, should not acknowledge that working mothers are bad mothers. On the contrary should always support and consider working mothers as good mothers. While serving as a mother and also managing her flourishing professional career gives a credit to the working mothers as a sign of completeness of being a woman. The various dilemmas a working mother undergoes are lack of time, and a feeling of guilt for getting deprived of her parenting duties. Many rewards are showered on her, rewards such as personal status, improved economy, and up liftment of family standards .Women work when their spouse is incompetent, or earns inadequate money for the family. A second income adds as an a source of extra income which uplifts the standards and releases the stressful life of the whole family. Working mother should always keep reminding to her family members that she is not working for her leisure, but only and only for the betterment of her family. However it is quite possible for a mother to fight for her right to get her professional right in many different ways. A general person will accept her hard work by saying oh! She earns extra money, but women is never recognized for her hard work which she renders for the whole family. To achieve all the rewards, compromising balance is required at individual level and at work place, which helps the working mothers to satisfy the two careers of her life i.e. a professional career and the motherhood balance.

The Conflict in the Balkans Essays -- War Violence Serbia Military Swi

The Conflict in the Balkans The conflict in the Balkans is interesting because for years, reporters and politicians have touted it as being the result of ancient ethnic hatred. The first phase of Yugoslavian disintegration can be attributed to the conditions of the people living in Kosovo, an autonomous province of Yugoslavia. In 1981, the socioeconomic conditions in Kosovo were far worse than those in the other republics of Yugoslavia. Poverty was rampant and unemployment was around twenty percent as compared to about two percent in Slovenia that same year. The standard of living in Kosovo was deplorable and whatever aid was given to the province by the federal government was mismanaged. Another significant problem with this particular province was that while the Serbs claimed the province as the â€Å"Cradle of Serbian Empire† because of a legendary battle and defeat that happened at Kosovo in 1389. The Albanians constituted approximately eighty percent of the population of Kosovo. In reality, Kosovo c ould be claimed more by the Albanian majority than by the Serb minority. Many of the valiant warriors who fought and died at the Battle of Kosovo were in fact Albanian warriors, a fact seldom acknowledged by the Serb leadership. The â€Å"Serb Empire† was not as grand and powerful as modern Serbia would contend. Relations between Albanians and Serbs were good in the Middle Ages. Under independent rule, the region was able to make available an Albanian curriculum and Albanian culture grew in importance. Economically, however, Kosovo was still suffering since whatever gains the economy made were outdone by the gains in population made by the Albanian Muslims. The power in Kosovo was vested in a small group of elite Albanians who did well at advancing national identity and improving education and other public works but who were poor at managing and maintaining a functional economy. Whenever federal funds were given to the province, those elites at the top either wasted the money on grandiose projects and ornate buildings or on their new and privileged lifestyles. In the late 1980’s, Slobodan Milosevic came to power in Serbia. His first actions were directed against Kosovo Albanian dominance in the province. He removed virtually all of the Albanian’s rights, their leadership role in government, their party, and their parliament. He further removed their control of ... ...t this help, something could be done against the police and army. The citizens could be taught to take a stand and protect themselves in a non-violent way. Having the knowledge that how you are living is not wrong and that the action by higher authority is not right, can make strength grow. The bottom line is that something needs to be done about the way citizens are treated in Albania. Maybe it isn’t the place for the USA to step in, but on the other hand we could help them. In the near future things need to change over there but it is going to be a feat to get through to them. Nothing is ever a guarantee but every try is worth it to the citizens. Works Cited CIA World Factbook 2000 Serbia and Montenegro 1999. http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/sr.html Human Rights Watch. Yugoslav Military and Serbian Police Commit War Crimes in Kosovo 30 Jun. 1998. http://www.hrw.org/hrw/press98/june/kosov630.htm Malerba, Ainello D. â€Å"The Long Hard Road† The Washington Post July, 1995: 57-69 The U.S. Swiss Embassy Ustasha http://www.usis.usemb.se/nazigold/ustasha.html Visiglia, Michael A. Baltic Conflicts New York, New York: Workman, 1987

Understanding Eskimo Science :: essays research papers

In Richard Nelson’s â€Å"Understanding Eskimo Science† a man, Nelson, traveled below the Arctic Circle in the boreal forest of interior Alaska were he lived, studied and interacted with a few native Eskimos groups during the mid-1960’s. Throughout the article Nelson provides an abundance of interesting and relevant information about Eskimo survival coming about through the understanding of one’s environment. Nelson’s best argument is the simple fact that these people have managed to survive in one the, if not the, harshest environment on the planet. There knowledge is useful, tested and true to the groups as this truly unique understanding of there world has permitted them to thrive well in these parts. Although the vegetation is rather scarce the Eskimo’s made due with a diet based mostly on hunting. But as we find out in the article Nelson describes how these people are well adapted to the art of hunting. The relationship between man and animal is described to be one of intricate understanding and respect: â€Å"Koyukon hunters know that an animal’s life ebbs slowly, that it remains aware and sensitive to how people treat its body†. The Eskimo people have accumulated a massive memory based archive of scientifically valid knowledge concerning the diverse workings of the landscape of Alaska. Unfortunately Nelson makes it all too clear that this knowledge is disappearing and he fears that once gone there will never again be such a deep link between man and land. On a side note, this arcticle also makes it clear that the Eskimo’s respect there elders and place them at the head of all that is important as there knowledge and experience is treasured. They are the teachers of there people and the identity of the Eskimo is reflected in stores of experience in the minds of elders like Igruk. Nelson is most obviously a rational man saying rational things, but as is often the case with topics concerning native people, this knowledge will probably be lost in time. This article makes one think about man as a hole. Are we truly happy in our jungles of steel? Have we not lost something of great importance, something the Eskimo people have managed to conserve through all these millennia. We have lost contact with the spirit of nature. We have lost it to a point where our scientist do not consider Eskimo science (general knowledge) as a valid enough foundation for

Critical Pedagogy Essay -- Teaching Education Philosophy

Critical Pedagogy The acclaimed lyricist Oscar Hammerstein once wrote, "You have to be carefully taught." Most will agree that properly educating children is essential for the good of a society. However, the best method of educating students is a much more debatable topic. What is the best way to educate a student? Is it through memorization? Discussion? Exploration? Experimentation? Through the ages many scholars, teachers, and other accredited individuals have offered their opinions on the science of teaching, or pedagogy. One such man is Henry Giroux, the author of Modernism, Postmodernism, and Feminism. In his introductory chapter to this novel, Giroux sets his principles for critical pedagogy. Among these principles is one belief that reads, "Critical pedagogy needs to create new forms of knowledge through its emphasis on breaking down disciplinary boundaries and creating new spaces where knowledge can be produced." What does this belief mean to me? In order to understand my interpretation of the principle as a whole, it is necessary to understand my interpretations of the various words and phrases that make up the rule. Take the first phrase, "†¦ to create new forms of knowledge†¦" I interpret "new forms of knowledge" as knowledge expressed in forms other than the traditional. For example, "old" forms of knowledge may be names, dates, numbers, and concrete facts that are memorized without being fully understood. On the other hand, "new" forms of knowledge may refer to abstract ideas, concepts, and theory, without definite answers. The next phrase of the principle speaks of, "†¦breaking down disciplinary boundaries†¦" I would define "disciplinary boundaries" as any boundaries or limits that prevent learning from taking pla... ...-hand. For example, no one should have to figure out on their own body that hair is flammable, or that a wet tongue will stick to a metal flagpole on a cold day. So, does critical pedagogy really need to create new forms of knowledge through its emphasis on breaking down disciplinary boundaries and creating new places where knowledge can be developed? Learning in this manner can be beneficial because the information is better understood, more fully realized, and more easily applied by the student. However, this manner of learning can also be counter-productive because the information is obtained much more slowly, and little effort is made to learn from previous research and mistakes. What is the most effective way to teach? While the best method of teaching will be under constant scrutiny, all will agree on one point. You have to be carefully taught.

Persuasive memo Essay

My name is Darrell Pace and I am requesting to continue research for the implementation of a Spanish curriculum in the Professional Academy Day School. The proposed research will greatly impact our students, parents, and faculty because the world is becoming increasingly interconnected. Parents are turning to language immersion programs for their toddlers and preschoolers. Some are motivated by the desire to preserve family heritage and culture. Others see early language instruction as a way to provide their children with the academic and cognitive advantages. It is very important for the Professional Academy Day School to accommodate the interest of our parents who entrust their children to us, to teach them skills that are beneficial now and in the future. When we offer the children in our day school the very best curriculum, it enhances our credibility among our competition and the community. According to the article by Stephanie Meade, â€Å"7 benefits of Raising Bilingual Kids†, it shows that bilingual children have the following advantages over that of monolingual students: Bilingual children have a better ability to focus and ignore distractions in the environment Bilingual kids can switch from one activity to another faster and are better at multitasking. Bilinguals have increased mental flexibility and creativity. Bilingual children in dual-immersion schools have been shown in one study to score higher on both verbal and math standardized test conducted in English Bilingual children display stronger logic skills and are better equipped at solving mental puzzles Being bilingual carries over throughout life as it alters brain chemistry and starving off the onset of Alzheimer’s. After learning two languages, it makes it more apt for learning a third language The advantages of a child being immersed into a school that offers dual languages cannot be ignored nor taken lightly when the demographics toward Spanish speaking cultures have more than doubled over the last ten years here in our state of Texas. Our school will be behind the curve if we don’t react now and research the necessary curriculum that will be the most effective among our students in the classroom. In the article, â€Å"Preschool Curriculum: What’s in it for Children and Teachers† written by The Albert Shanker Institute, children learn language when it is presented in meaningful contexts. A strong curriculum teaches vocabulary during studies of interesting content. This strategy which we have found through our research provides repeated exposure to new words and teaches children the words they need to represent the new ideas and concepts that they are learning. Our research will prove that the proper Spanish curriculum produces success in math, science, literacy, social studies and the arts. Language is the foundation for children’s learning, and the pre-k years are a crucial time for Spanish language development. The research on Spanish curriculum in Pre-k and kindergarten classes is timely and it is of substantial importance to the future of learning at the Professional Academy Day School.

Evolution of Hrm

History and Evolution of HRM Personnel Management Personnel departments were once called Health and Happiness departments. The people assigned to deal with personnel issues were often individuals, who were not able to do other jobs efficiently. Personnel Management’s as a corporate field developed in the early 1900s. It was seen as activity, necessary, but unimportant, part of the organization. Over the years personnel management came to focus on efficient procedures and rules for administering large numbers of employees in various firms.Its aim was to manage difficulties, introduce fair systems and reduce costs. It also tended to focus on groups rather than individuals and, incidentally, reinforced labour-management divisions. The History of Human Resource Management The field of HRM as it currently exists has got through lot of transition. Following are the phases in the transition of HRM:- (a) The Individual Revolution: During this phase machines were introduced into variou s organizations and technology made rapid progress.Due to fragmentation and specialization of work, many workers lost their jobs and many workers felt their work to be dull, boring and monotonous. Workers were treated like tools, and moreover employees were keen to increase the production targets rather than satisfy workers’ demands. (b) Scientific Management: With the introduction of Scientific Management given by F. W. Taylor, efficiency in organizations was increased . Work was rearranged according to systematic analysis into smallest mechanical elements which was mot effective combination.Taylor emphasized on the fact that the individuals selected to perform the task should be perfectly matched, physically as well as mentally. Proper training should be given to the employees so that they can do their job more efficiently. (c) Trade Unionism: As the employees become more exploitive, the workers working in the organizations joined hands to fight against injustice done to th em in the shape of Trade Unions tried to improve the problems faced by the workers through collective bargaining.They helped in resolving the grievances of the workers relating to working conditions, pay and benefits, disciplinary actions, etc. (d) Human Relations Movement: The famous Hawthorne experiments conducted by Elton Mayo during 1930s and 1940s demonstrated that employee productivity was affected not only by the way job was designed, and the monetary aspects, but by certain social and psychological factors as well. The human relations movement led to various behavioral science techniques in industry for the very first time.This movement included support for training programs, support and concern for workers, counseling programs for workers, etc. (e) Human Resource Approach: However, but during early 60s the â€Å"pet milk theory†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. that happy workers are more productive workers as happy cow gives more milk †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Of human relations was la rgely rejected. In human resource approach it was recognized that workers are unique in their own way – having individual needs. It was recognized that each employee is a unique and highly complex individual with different wants, needs and values.Slowly but steadily, the trend moved towards treating employees as resources or assets. Evolution of the Concept of HRM The various stages or phases in the transition or evolution of Personnel Management into Human Resource Management are shown below: (a)The Commodity Concept:Labor was regarded as a commodity to a tool to be bought or sold (b) The Factor of Production Concept: labor is like any other factor of production, viz. money, materials, land etc. (c) The Goodwill Concept: Welfare measures like safety, first aid, lunch room, rest room will have a positive impact on workers’ productivity. d) The Paternalistic Concept: Management must assume a fatherly or protective attitude towards employee. It means satisfying the vario us needs of employees as parents meet the requirements of their child. (e) The Humanitarian Concept: To improve productivity, physical, social and psychological needs of workers must be fulfilled and met. (f) The Human Resource Concept: Employees are the most valuable assets in the organization. (g) The Emerging Concept: Employees should be accepted as partners of the organization.They should belong to the organization as they are running their own organization. Scope of HRM The main aim of HRM is Competitive advantage through people. It involves the following points:- (a) Change in Thinking Process: Achieving competitive success through people involves fundamentally changing the thinking of the concerns, that how they think about the workforce consisting of people an the management-employment relationship. (b) Co-operation with Employees: It means achieving success by working with people, not by replacing them or limiting the scope of their activities. c) Strategic Viewpoint: It in volves seeing the workforce as a source of strategic advantage, not just a cost to be minimized. Distinction – Personnel Management/HRM/HRD The sole purpose of personnel management was to attain advantage and best results for the organization. The individual’s interests, desires and aspirations were submerged into the organization objectives and goals. Where as, HRM projects the development of individual in accordance with his interests, desires & aspirations. So that the individuals would be motivated to make their best contribution towards the accomplishment of goals.While personnel function was designed to respond to the organization objectives like profit of maximization, HRM visualized human elements of enterprise as important resources. The term human resources at the macro level spell the total sum of all the components (like skill & creative ability) possessed by all the people, where as the term personnel even at the macro level is limited to only employees of all organization. One must not be under impression that HRM has replaced traditional personnel management rather we can say that HRM has absorbed the personnel function in its refined form.HRD is an integral part of Human Resource Management. Due to the amalgation of Personnel function in its refined way with HRM, it became necessary for every organization to develop skills, talents, potentialities, capabilities and attitude of company work to meet the emerging challenges. Hence HRD policies have been adopted. HRD strategies are supposed to bring forth necessary changes in skills capabilities and attitudes of people who are required to cope with the emerging changes. Thus HRD has become an integral part of Human Resource Management.Personnel Management Human Resource Management Personnel Management | Human Resource Management| | | Labor is treated as a tool which is replaceable| Treats people as a resource or as an asset to be issued for the benefit of an organization | Interests o f organization are upper most | A distinct philosophy aiming at mutuality of interests| A not so important function meant only to hire employees and maintain their records | Integrated into overall straight management | Precedes human resources management | Latest in the evolution of subject|