Analysis of Bandura’s Cognitive Theory and Beck’s Cognitive Theory

The study of human behavior or behaviorism focuses on attributes of humanity that are discernible, measurable and which can be manipulated. The emphasis of behaviorism is on experimental methods and avoids attributes that are subjective, internal or unavailable.The experimental method involves the manipulation of one variable and measurement of its effect on another variable. It is from the study of variable and effects that a Canadian psychologist, Albert Bandura found the cognitive theory (or social cognitive theory) (Bandura, 2006).Bandura for instance observed aggressive behavior in adolescents and opined that the aggressiveness is caused by the environment in which the adolescents grow. On the other hand, he also realized that behavior causes an environment as well.Thus, since behavior and environment are causes and effects of each other, Bandura referred to the concept as reciprocal determinism (Bandura1986). In short, Bandura’s theory was based on the fact that the worl d and a person’s character (behavior) affect each other (Bandura, 1986).While it would appear that the environment was the cause of behavior and personality, Bandura also realized that personality is an interaction of a person’s psychological responses in relation to the environment (Bandura, 2006).The psychological processes consist of the human being’s ability to entertain different images and languages. Thus, the cognitive theory is built on two essential principles. The first one is a framework for explaining how different personalities function, whereas the other one addresses the type of variables (that is the elements of analysis) on which the personality theory should be centred (Bandura, 2006).In analysis of the influence of reciprocal determinism, Bandura categorically uses the word â€Å"determinism† to imply the aspect in which effects are produced by events (Bandura, 2006). However, this opinion does not mean that a human being’s actio ns arise from straightforward and predictable chains of cause and consequence.Rather, it implies that events produce effects by chance. As a result, the probability or chance of an event producing an effect is emphasized in Bandura’s cognitive theory (Bandura, 2006). Perhaps the most significant aspect of Bandura’s theory is the way in which the theory treats behavior.Unlike many other theoretical frameworks, this theory has equal action on both the input of the personality and the output of personality (Bandura, 1986). In essence, Bandura’s opinion is that a person’s actions and the resultant effects shape the person’s aptitude, feelings and belief in one self (Bandura, 2006).For example, many behaviorist theories depict scant curiosity in self-process because the theorists assume that human functioning is caused by external stimulus rather than the internal stimulus which is only considered as transmitting rather than causing behavior (Bandura, 1 986).This paper critically evaluates the notable features of Bandura’s cognitive theory and discusses in detail the viewpoint of the Bandura at the time of formulation of the theory and the theory’s subsequent modification.The paper will also appraise the strengths and weaknesses of the theory based on the discussion. Analysis of the salient features of Bandura’s cognitive theory The most notable feature of Bandura’s social cognitive theory is the concept of reciprocal determinism (Bandura, 1986).Reciprocal determinism is a phenomenon that implies the causes and effects of different actions on behavior and environment and how they affect each other. Thus, Bandura’s theory was based on the point that personal factors in the form of cognition, biological events and affect, behavior and environmental factors create interfaces that result in a triadic reciprocality as illustrated in Figure 1. Bandura modified the label of his theory from the common per spective of social learning to social cognitive in order to distance it from the common social learning theories of his time (Bandura, 1986).He also wanted to lay emphasis on the idea that cognition plays a significant role in people’s capability to construct reality, regulate their personality, encode information and display other kinds of behavior. According to Bandura (1971), the reciprocal form of the determinants of individual human functioning in social cognitive theory enables services such as therapeutic and counseling efforts to be rendered with focus on personal environment or behavioral factors as illustrated in the diagram above.Based on this, strategies to improve a person’s well-being can be aimed at ameliorating the emotional, cognitive and motivational process of the human being (Bandura, 1986). The focus can also be on improving behavioral capabilities or changing the communal conditions under which people live and work.As an example, teachers in schoo ls have a role to not only improve their students’ academic learning and confidence, but also boost their (students’) self-beliefs and habits of thinking. Hence, teachers and students have to embrace all the components of Bandura’s triadic expression of cognitive theory.As earlier mentioned, Bandura’s social cognitive theory sets itself aside from other theories that overemphasize the role played by environmental factors in the development of human behavior (Bandura, 1986; Bandura, 2006).These theories are often dismissed since they have the redundant factor of cause and effect that is unworthy in the context of evaluating the psychological aspect of human beings. Thus according to Bandura, psychology per se without a clear self-examination cannot purport to explain the complexities of human intricacies of human functioning.Bandura (1986) further noted it is by evaluating their own conscious minds that people discern their own psychological processes. The refore, in order to predict how the human behavior is affected by environmental outcomes, it is imperative that the individual’s cognitive process and how he or she interprets the outcomes be understood.Personal determinants An important factor in addressing how a person interprets the outcomes is recognition of the personal determinants. This is affected by the choice of variables to be used in the evaluation process.Bandura’s choice for such variable depicts what may be the most distinctive aspect of human life, that is, people have abilities to adapt to different environments (Bandura, 1986). For instance, people are able to live in a variety of physical environments such as deserts, rainforests, Polar Regions and so on.They are also able to live and engage in a variety of social environments such as nomadic systems, diverse religious beliefs, different socio economic and socio cultural activities and so on. People also exhibit a variety of unique capabilities that cannot be attributed to the occurrence of evolution over time (Bandura, 1971).In fact, the list of human beings’ unique capabilities relative to animals cannot be exhausted in a single book. Hence, in order to perform an analysis of psychological functioning, one must specify the psychological mechanisms that facilitate the unique capabilities. Bandura’s (1986) theory has a focal point on the cognitive methods that enable people to learn about the world around them (environment) and also about themselves, and use the knowledge gained to control their behavior and mental experiences.In particular, Bandura (1986) enlisted five basic capabilities that facilitate the learning process, as described below. Symbolizing capability implies the ability of people to represent their knowledge symbolically. The most common symbolic representation or conveyance of messages is language (Bandura, 1971). The ability to use symbols in terms of language is perhaps the most fundamental ca pability in human beings as it serves as a leeway for the other capabilities.Vicarious capability is the ability to acquire skills, knowledge and other emotional tendencies through observation or a similar approach (Bandura, 1971). Bandura’s (2006) assiduous analysis of vicarious processes that are involved in acquiring skills makes the cognitive theory not only realistic but also unusually easy to comprehend and interpret. In addition, it clears most of the issues that are usually overlooked by psychological theories such how people acquire knowledge and skills that enable them to act efficiently.According to Bandura (1997), vicarious capability enables people to keep away from risky or costly undertakings that could lead to fatal outcomes. This is because the people ideally have a sense of experience by observing their own characters relative to the characters or behavior of others.Bandura (1986) referred to the ability to anticipate future contingencies as the forethought capability of human beings. Forethought capability is vital for both emotional and motivational perspectives of life.For instance, contrary to popular belief, psychological distress arises from peoples’ anticipated dreadful experiences and not the present or actual experiences. It is because of the ability to derive alternative approaches that one can foresee the consequences of an action without actually being involved in it.According to Bandura (1986), the fourth unique human capability is the self-regulatory capability. This is the capacity of an individual to set goals. In addition, this capability allows individuals to evaluate their performance in relation to their own (internal) standards of performance.Bandura (1986) further noted that the ability of people to evaluate their self-concept, esteem and values enables them have a sense of self-direction and ability to lead life without much reliance on others. Much similar to the above capability is the self-reflective ca pability.According to Bandura (1997), this is the capacity of human beings to have personal thoughts. In this context, personal reflections lay a course for action and formulation of ideas by individuals based on self-efficacy. The aforementioned capabilities do not work in isolation but in concert.In particular, according to Bandura (1997), the aspects of self-reflection, self-regulation and forethought act in synergy to form a self-system, which comprises the framework of personality. Furthermore, people are able to control their emotions and social lives by integrating the constituents of the self-system (Bandura, 1986).Self-reflection in particular is â€Å"distinctly human† and forms a prominent feature of the social cognitive theory. Through self-reflection, individuals derive sense from their experiences and embrace their cognitions and self-beliefs.Consequently, they are able to engage in self-evaluation and are able to shift their thinking and behavior accordingly (B andura, 1986). Self-efficacy When the capabilities so far described are integrated effectively, the self-system acquires a state of self-efficacy (Bandura, 1997).Perceived self-efficacy refers to people’s ability to evaluate their own efficiencies in solving problems and attaining certain levels of performance (Bandura, 1997). The relevance of perceived self-efficacy to the social cognitive theory postulated by Bandura is that self-efficacy judgments have a pervasive role in human affairs.In the scope of both achievements and interpersonal relationships, people’s stances are calculated by how effectively (and wisely) they can make decisions and how efficiently they can act in fulfilling the decisions taken. From the above perspective, it is evident that evaluation between an individual’s skills and the requirements of the environment is pertinent in determining the courses of action that are viewed as being the determinants of one’s personality. Efficacy beliefs are vital in that not only do they act on overt behavior but they also address the internal psychological affairs of individuals.This is an important aspect of the social cognition theory with respect to the triadic scheme. This is because an individual’s personality is judged from acts that are done both overtly and covertly. In view of Bandura’s (1997) ideas, people with robust perceptions of their efficacy envisage more positive futures, experience less distressing emotions, and are capable of planning for their life programs more effectively. In addition, such people are able to deal with demanding tasks more efficiently than people who have lower opinion of their efficacy. How personal determinants relate with individual differences and dispositionsWith reference to Bandura (1999), the basic capacities of the social cognitive theory are dissimilar in three ways from the units of measurement employed in the character-related theories of personality. To begi n with, the capabilities are not single variable differences with reference to personality.For instance, Bandura (1999) accentuated that a single-difference analysis may hinder the realization of other vital capabilities possessed by an individual. Such an instance would occur if the ability in an individual is rare and is therefore not detected as an important factor in analysis (Bandura, 1999).As is common with many forms of analysis, there is usually an investigation for a small number of primary units of variation, or for capabilities that are common but possessed to uniformly high level by many individuals.The fact that almost everyone possesses a unique capability (for example the ability to use symbols of the ability to be self-reflective and self–conscious) does not necessarily make the capabilities less important in the context of the functioning of personality. These capabilities are still important in spite of the fact that they may not be identified as the primary dimensions of individual dissimilarity.The second difference in the context of the capabilities in the social cognitive theory is related to average tendencies. For instance, Bandura’s (1999) category of cognitive capabilities does not just mention the average tendencies.Rather, Bandura opines that self-reflection and self-regulation contribute to both constancy and variability of actions among individuals. Along this line, it is important to note that people’s goals, choices and cognitive abilities are displayed in the manner in which they act and handle different circumstances that they come across in their lives.This point is of importance in describing an individual’s personality (Bandura, 1999). It implies that dispositional characteristics per se cannot suffice the description of personality as they refer to the average tendencies in behavior and are devoid of reference to particular individuals (Bandura, 1999).In addition, a single individual’s so cial cognitive may not contribute significantly to the distinct patterns of behavior that are not in line with the contemporary descriptive characteristics that are used in the analysis of standard individual difference categories.The third point is that the social cognitive theory’s definition of personality and the role personality factors play in contribution to social behavior is significantly different from the dispositional approach. The social cognitive theory does not view dispositional tendencies as personality structures. Instead, the theory realizes personality structures as consisting of cognitive and affective systems, which contribute to the patterns of individuals’ behavior in a much informal way. These, according to Bandura (1999), are the dispositional tendencies.In this context therefore, dispositions are effects and not causes. Bandura opposed the proponents of personality description based on behavior as being mistaken since the aspects of behaviora l description â€Å"locate the personality structure in the wrong place† (Bandura, 1999, p 200).Therefore, the Bandura’s social cognitive theory views the standard dispositional units of personality description as being inadequate to fully describe an individual or to explain his or her personality functioning. Strengths and weaknesses of the theoryAs discussed, Bandura’s theory has many points of strength, notable of which being that it describes the relationship between behavior and the environment. In addition, the theory gives a clear picture of how behaviors are learned and developed.On the other hand, it is evident that the theory puts too much emphasis on what happens to people rather than what the people do. Along the same line, the theory does not address consistent differences among individuals as they go through different developmental stages. a

Blue Collar Essay

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Obama's Struggle with Congress over Debt Ceiling Crisis Case Study

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Foundations of Behavior Essay Example for Free

Foundations of Behavior Essay The field of psychology is expanding and credit is due to the numerous research studies being conducted. These research studies utilize different methods and each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this paper, five popular research methods will be compared based on their characteristics, objectives, strengths and weaknesses, research techniques, validity, and reliability. These research methods are case study, naturalistic observation, survey research, correlational research, and the experimental method. The case study is a focused study on a person or a specific group or a particular situation. Its research design involves five components, which are the study questions, the propositions, the units of analysis, the logic linking the data to the propositions, and the criteria for interpreting the findings (Tellis, 1997). Case studies have varying purposes. Some case studies are conducted to either confirm or challenge an existing theory, while others are carried out to describe either a special or an extreme case. A case study obtains information from documents (letters and newspapers), archival records (service records, survey data), interviews, direct observation (done when field visits are needed), participant-observation, and physical artifacts (instruments and tools). One of the most established techniques in case studies is called pattern-matching, in which the data is linked to propositions. The reliability of case studies is relatively high, especially when protocols are established. However, validity, especially construct validity, sometimes becomes questionable because the researcher might be subjective in his decisions and interpretations. This can be minimized by utilizing multiple sources, by setting up a chain of evidence, and by asking major informants to review a draft of the case study. The common criticism against case studies is that its results cannot be used to arrive at generalizations. But the greatest strength of case studies is that it can present an in-depth and holistic knowledge about a particular situation, group, or person. The naturalistic observation is unique from all other types of observation in that the researcher does not hinder, interrupt or influence the environment being studied. One of the vital things to consider in conducting naturalistic observation is to record as much detail as possible, which includes smell, sound, taste, time, place, number of participants, and feelings. This is why journals and a variety of writing materials are utilized. But the use of any recording device, such as video cameras, is not allowed because it violates the privacy of the observed individual. The reliability of this research method relies on the accuracy of observation. One technique of increasing reliability is to have several observers (Hesse, 2003). The greatest advantage of naturalistic observation is that it is considerably less expensive than other methods. But, the subjects being studied may act differently because of their awareness of the presence of the observer. This will significantly reduce the validity of the results (Piercy, 2007). The survey research is characterized by its major means of collecting information. The researcher usually goes out and asks questions. The questions can be oral or in written form. And the respondents can be chosen in many ways. Some respondents are chosen at random while others must possess certain characteristics. For example, if a survey research is about elementary teachers, then a high school teacher will not be asked to answer the questionnaire. The techniques involved in survey research lie in the analysis of the collected data. The reliability and validity of survey research are affected by several factors, such as the quality of the sets of questions or the questionnaire, the amount of data collected, and the accuracy in using measures of central tendencies and variability. Ideally, the questionnaire must be standardized. Greater reliability and validity is achieved if the sample represents a greater part of the total population. One advantage of the survey method is that it is relatively cheap and easy. Unfortunately, it is also subject to human error and biases (Government of Saskatchewan, 2002). The correlational research is essentially the discovery of a relationship between two variables. Unlike the previously described methods, correlational research is quantitative in nature. The different techniques used in a correlational research are regression and prediction, multiple regression, factor analysis, and systems analysis (Davis, 2004). The greatest advantage of using this method is that its results can be used to formulate predictions and generalizations. This is due to the nature of the research techniques. But the greatest danger of this method is to over-generalize. It must be remembered that an established relationship between two variables does not mean a cause-effect relationship between them. If a researcher wanted to establish a cause-effect relationship, then the research method to use is the experimental method. Similar to the correlational research, it is concerned with variables, which can be either independent or dependent variables. The independent variables are usually manipulated so that there will be two groups being studied, the experimental group and the control group. These two groups have the same characteristics except for that one variable which is being tested. The difference between these two groups can be found in the dependent variable. The reliability of this method is increased by conducting the same experiment for several times. Its validity lies in the accuracy of the procedures and the careful handling and analysis of results. The greatest advantage of the experimental method is that it can present an explanation to a certain phenomenon. But it takes great skill and experience on the part of the researcher in order to conduct a good research experiment. One problem of experimental method is the issue of ethics in conducting experiments using human subjects. Any of these research methods can be utilized to examine an issue or phenomenon in psychology. The basis of choice usually depends on the goal of the research. The task of the researcher is to maximize the advantages and minimize the disadvantages of the chosen method. Bibliography Davis, J. (2004). Correlational research methods. Retrieved October 12, 2007 at http://clem. mscd. edu/~davisj/prm2/correl1. html Government of Saskatchewan. (2002). Psychology 20: Social Psychology: A Curriculum Guide for the Secondary Level. Retrieved October 12, 2007 at http://www. sasked. gov. sk. ca/docs/social/psych20/support_materials/faqnaturalistic_observation. htm Hesse, B. E. (2003). Issues in naturalistic observation. Retrieved October 12, 2007 at http://psyc. csustan. edu/bhesse/psy2020/Lectures/Fall03/p2020U2L5. pdf Piercy, J. (2007). Research methods. Retrieved October 12, 2007 at http://courses. cvcc. vccs. edu/Psychology_Piercy/research_methods1. htm Tellis, W. (1997). Introduction to case study. The Qualitative Report. 3(2). Retrieved October 12, 2007 at http://www. nova. edu/ssss/QR/QR3-2/tellis1. html

The Major Feminist Theoretical Perspective In Iran Sociology Essay

The Major Feminist Theoretical Perspective In Iran Sociology Essay Iranian women have fought for the equal rights throughout the 20th century. In this paper I intend to argue about feminism in the present urban communities in Iran. Iran is a vast country and discussing women situation in the rural areas makes this essay totally different. The womens movement in Iran has both expanded and transformed since the revolution. Before the revolution the liberation of women was connected to the process of secularisation. Under the Islamic Republic, however, women are increasingly making arguments for the expansion of their rights by pointing to protections under the constitution, while others are reinterpreting Shariah law. Some scholars have referred to the emergence of Islamic feminism, a term that highlights the difference of approaches that coexist within the womens movement in Iran. As a result, the terrain of womens rights is one of unprecedented cooperation among disparate groups on the one hand and severe ideological and political struggles on the o ther. In discussing these approaches in present urban areas of Iran, it is of vital importance to distinguish between three groups of women who I will talk about them. The first group is women who identify themselves as Secular feminists and are under the influence of women movement in western societies. The second group are women who try to reach equal rights for men and women but as they try to do so under the guidance of Islam and national identity, they make a distinction between themselves and western feminism which they believe will lead to corruption as there is now in the West. They can be named state feminists or Islamist feminists in Islamic Republic of Iran. Minoo Moallem writes about one of these women, Zahra Rahnavard who is one of the equal rights activists and the wife of opposition leader Mir Hossein Musavi in the recent demonstrations against government after the 2009 presidential election in Iran: Zahra Rahnavard charged the West with being a system where women are made into decorative objects. She calls upon her Muslim sisters to question what the sham civilizations have made of women, not to act like dolls, and not to display a debilitated will. She asks women to refuse to be part of the harems of the rulers and the communal harems of the streets. Her allusion to the collective appropriation of women in the streets and her rejection of unveiling have made it possible for her to think of contractual structure of the Muslim family and veiling as sites of womens agency. For Rahnavard, it is through unveiling and Westernization that Muslim women have been turned into objects to be possessed by all men in the public sphere. To resist capitalist rulers and challenge sexual objectification, she asks women to return to veiling and the Muslim family, where women are considered subjects rather than objects of the marriage contract. (2005; 185) The third group includes mostly secular educated women who are not familiar with the notions of western feminism but as a result of modernisation in Iran and under the influence of global mass Media are aware of women situation in other countries and try to simulate a modern life like the ideal type of a western woman for themselves. They have combined some traditional values of an Iranian woman and some modern values of a western woman. As Reza Ghasemi in his acclaimed novel, The Nocturnal Harmony of the Wood Orchestra, describes Iranian women in their transition to modernity: The history of invention of Modern Iranian women is like the invention of car. The difference is that the car was first a carriage with changed content (They removed the horses and replaced the engine) and then slowly the appearance changed but the modern Iranian women first changed the appearance and then when they had been looking for appropriate content, they faced the trouble So everyone as to their personal tastes and their mental demands made a combination of traditional female with modern woman which can be stand in a range of a woman wearing Chador to miniskirt. This woman asks to share in all decisions, but asks all the responsibilities from manShe asks man to work equally in home but at the same time considers the man who works in home of poor character and weakness. (1996; 86) Considering the distinction between these groups, I will argue about feminism as a political movement to gain equality and to free women from oppression in Islamic republic of Iran and the role that each group plays in obtaining this goal. Liberal Feminism: Actually in todays Iran, liberal feminism is the only perspective that can hardly breathe under the pressure of the Islamic government. This feminism always has two aspects which are against the governments will in Islamic republic of Iran. Abdee Kalantari believes that in a political theology that divides the political sphere into good and evil and sees the west as enemy (evil), feminism as a modern western movement is a threat to the whole existence of this theology (2007). In other hand, fighting for the equal rights in law usually opposes Islamic rules which are not easy to face. Hence, women movement not only has to fight with the deep traditions of Islam in the society but also to protect itself against the fundamentalist government which obtains its legitimacy from these traditions. The Islamist ideology denies women individuality, autonomy and independence and this is inside this Ideology that the key objective of Iranians womens rights activists, both secular and Islamic, became the modernization of family law and womens equal rights in matters of marriage, divorce, and child custody. Other concerned issue is domestic violence, with many articles in the feminist press describing domestic violence as both a social problem and a violation of womens rights. A third concern was womens under-representation in formal politics and the need for greater participation in parliament, the local councils, and the highest political offices. These are the reforms that both Islamist and Secular activists are still fighting to reach them. The Islamist feminist do not seek to deny the rules of law and they insist on the preservation of Islam, family and marriage even when it comes in opposition of equal rights. Their aim is to suggest a more flexible interpretation of Islam rather than the one that the government presents. This group can be criticized in the same way that Zillah R. Eisensteins has criticized the liberalism because of feminizing the private sphere and the separation they make between public and private spheres. She argues that this separation could be the basis to liberalisms downfall. As it becomes clear that liberalism is incompatible with equal rights for women, feminism will search for alternative grounds to build its agenda. This gendered separation of spheres will lead liberalism to a lack of concern with the forms of oppression that take place in the private sphere(1981) and that is the same concern that secular feminist in have in Iran. In contrast, the secular feminists work through small-scale Non Governmental Organizations (NGO) and try to develop some analyses of womens collective interests and their oppression in private as well as public life. They have noticed the issues that have been argued in the history of feminism in the west. They write about equal rights as well as body, sexuality, power, homosexuality, violence, pornography and so forth. The problem is that they cannot publish their ideas and normally internet is the only media they can use to raise their voice to be heard. There are many feminist websites that represent this group and they keep working despite the filtering of the government. (e.g. http://www.irwomen.com, http://www.meydaan.com, http://www.feministschool.com ) .Hence, the middle class urban women are the most common audiences of these activists, since the other groups access to the internet is limited. This lack of audience urges this question that whether there is a feminist women m ovement in Iran? If there is, will it stand against Repression, censorship and attacks of the fundamentalist government and even the traditions of a religious based society? As Ahmadi argues that secular feminism faces two barriers in its way, first is the framework of an Islamic republic where fundamentalists hold absolute power over certain state institutions and the other is an inside force, a from within perspective which has been needed to alter the dominant fundamentalist discourse(2006). Hence, in obtaining liberal demands of women movement in Iran is of vital importance for secular feminism to keep its unity with the Islamist feminists, since as Ahmadi elaborates it is the group that not only can expand the domain of dialogue with clerical scholars, but also are able to overcome long-term hatred toward western feminism in Cultural context of Iran (2006) These activists could has been labelled as a group of urban middle class ladies who could not be regarded as speaking for all women in Iran until the August 27th of 2006, when they launched a campaign named One Million Signatures for the Repeal of Discriminatory Laws. The aim was to collect one million signatures in support of changing discriminatory laws against women in their country, but what made this effort important and even a danger for the government, though the organizers of the campaign considered that its demands conform to Islamic principles, was the way they used to collect these signatures. The concept is simple and revolutionary, melding education, consciousness-raising and peaceful protest. Starting last year, women armed with petitions began to go to wherever other women gathered: schools, hair salons, doctors offices and private homes. Every woman is asked to sign. But whatever a woman decides, she receives a leaflet explaining how Irans interpretation of Islamic la w denies women full rights. The material explains how Irans divorce law makes it easy for men, and incredibly difficult for women, to leave a marriage, and how custody laws give divorced fathers sole rights to children above the age of 7.  [i]   The One Million Signatures Campaign is a new and innovative movement because it has not taken shape around one progressive and famous central figure, rather it is a broad movement, where activists visit with other women, engage in face to face discussions with them, they go home to home, and explain to each woman about womens rights. Any signature is equal to conscious these activists tried to make for women from any background and any class. Their main goal is to create a dialogue among citizens and educate them about their rights and it makes women to become sensitive to their status under the law and in society. It seems that the Consciousness raising groups are the inspiring idea of this campaign. The Idea that women should gather in small groups and give accounts of their own lives and how they became a woman and then they will understand to which extent, they share similar problems with other women with different backgrounds and ages and these problems produce by social relatio ns and institutions. As Pilcher and Whelehan argue we can consider the main success of these groups in inspiring many women to turn to feminism (2004) and that is the same success that Iranian secular feminists try to reach. They hope to involve women, not all of whom were actively involved in feminism, but all caught up in the debates of the time and seized by the urge to fight for their equal rights in law and make the process of one womans coming out of false consciousness into enlightenment, possible. The campaign success in changing the laws is comparable with NOW, (National Organization for Women) founded by betty Friedan in 1966, as both expressed not as a self-conscious political theory, but as a common sense application of pre-existing values to womens situation. As Bryson argues NOWs campaigns gained some early legal victories changing laws and could amend the United States constitution to give women equal rights which very nearly succeeded, and it has been a major force in changing attitudes to women in education, employment and the media. Despite the criticisms that later feminists made about equal rights campaigns such as NOW for focusing narrowly on formal legal and political rights which ignores economic (2003), cultural and sexual exploitation and oppression of women, I think that such campaigns are the basic steps of opening debates about other forms of oppression in the traditional and religious society and fundamentalist government of Iran that will take a position against such debates in that level. Marxism Feminism vs. Post Feminism: Since Russia has been the most powerful neighbour of Iran in the contemporary history, this country has had a great influence on the history of Iran. That is why Marxism as an ideology has the greatest effect on the history of modern Iran after Islam. Before the Islamic revolution in 1979, Classical Marxists worked within the conceptual notions laid out by Marx, Engels, Lenin, and other nineteenth-century thinkers and dreamed of a society without classes as they believed that existed in USSR. These groups were an undeniable factor in the triumph of revolution, but due to vast suppressions and executions of the new Islamic government in 80s, these groups lost their power and prevalence within the society, but the Marxism discourse has still an inevitable impact on the Iranian intellectual prospect. The secular feminist as a part of Iranian intellectual discourse are not an exception. This group besides the equal rights movements has always tried to theorize the roots of patriarchy in Iran and Marxism feminism has been one of the most useful perspectives for them to do this work. Many of these theories regard classism and capitalism as a key factor which work parallel with patriarchy in womens oppression (Look at Afshar; 1983). This analysis suggests women to fight with all the displays of capitalism to free them from oppression. They criticize the new Iranian woman in her support of capitalism and the way that Iranian women present their bodies which is one of the most important areas they see as capitalism system uses to oppress woman. As Shahidi states a practical consequence of this approach to the woman question was the de-sexing of woman, clearly visible in the baggy clothes and absence of cosmetics among female activists. These women oppose the compulsory veil but believe that with or without a scarf, a woman-doll will remain the same (1994). In the contemporary history of Iran, the woman body has been the main indication of political change.  [ii]  It is an interesting point that the binary of mind/body which is traceable in western thought, present itself in Iran with the beginning of the project of modernization. Reza shah saw unveiling as one of the most important markers of Westernizing and the Islamic republic made veiling compulsory in order to make an anti-western society and in all these fundamental changes womens body has been the object of change. If the Reza shah project made many women to stay in home and even quit going to school  [iii]  the veiling did not make the modern Iranian woman who I recognized them as the third group of women who make efforts having equality with men, to leave the public sphere. They continued to work and study alongside men and they used their body especially their faces to object compulsory veiling which had tried to ignore their body. Young and older, the Iranian women d efy the Islamic hijab publicly, and confront the states Islamic body politics with a body politics of their own. The youth mock the Islamic hijab, deconstruct it, reform it, and make it succumb to their modern desires. They reveal their hair in public by pushing back their mandated headscarf, transforming it into a garment used for their beautification. Against all cultural mandates of the Islamic state, they reveal their body curves under their remodeled and modernized Islamic garb. They wear loud makeup, walk elegantly, and bring their sexuality to the public. They reject the control of their body by the state, and celebrate their womanhood by defying the Islamic hijab. Since eyes, nose and hands are the only features on show, eye make-up is applied with scientific precision and Tehran has become the nose-job capital of the world. Iranian women spend one million dollar in make-up industry every year  [iv]   Oppressing by the government and morality police, these women have been always criticised by a large group of secular feminists who believe that wearing make-up and presenting the sexual body are the representation of objectifying woman by capitalism. Ezzat Goushegir in his praise of Ariel Levys book; Female Chauvinist Pigs, writes in his personal weblog  [v]  that this is the same raunch culture in Iran that in the universal capitalist system, uses the ideas of feminism about equality and emerge women to appear as a face of capitalism in the society and by this way marginalizes the true demands of women movement. He considers Marxism as a perspective that challenges this objectification and Commodification  [vi]  . (2007) Marxist feminists believe that cosmetic surgeries and make-up industry are two effective instruments of capitalism which not only objectify women, but also make them to pay money for correcting their body image into the Ideal body of Capitalist society. They deny these things as Levy denies them to be liberating and rebellious. Levy argues that how women decide to give meaning to sex industry by producing the fake idea that presenting their sexuality would empower them (2006). I am not going to criticize this book and even I agree with Levy to some extent. The problem is that how Iranian feminists use the book and translate western feminists ideas to apply them on the totally different context. Levy in this book refer to sexist TV shows which distribute the illusion of liberation among women, shows that means the pornoization of culture for Levy (2006). It is the culture that benefits Capitalism, but how about Iran? As I mentioned the history of Iran is not the history of capitalism, it is the history of religious ideology. In Iran power is not within the bourgeois class but at least in contemporary Iran in the hands of clerics (Mullahs) who do not necessarily own economical capital. The most obvious reason for this claim is that the opposition in Iran never could blame the leaders of Islamic republic for having wealth. This is religious capital that structures the power in Iran and ironically this power agrees with secular feminists in the issue of objectification of women and two different thoughts leads to same consequences in the cultural context of Islamic Iran. If Levy talks about shows such as Girls Gone Wild in America, Iranian Women appearing in television programs will not be allowed to wear make-up because it is against Islamic law, repulsive jokes between men and women on television or radio is also prohibited  [vii]  No Magazine has the right to publish a womans face on the cover and using plastic woman models with head (even with hijab) in clothing shops is forbidden. In this cultural context a new reality has emerged in Iran, a reality created by women. The Iranian women are playing an instrumental role in the grassroots challenge to the Islamic Republic through their deconstruction of the hijab and their direct challenge of the states body politics. Challenging the Islamic dress code, they use the everyday life as the site for gaining rights and respect from the society and the state. They demand the right to live as free women. Humiliated, assaulted, and arrested randomly for being women, they have gained resilience, lost the ir fears of confronting the state, and battled the repressive social and cultural Islamic codes of conduct. Using deviance as a weapon, they are creating a reality unimagined by the architects of the Islamic Republic. Naomi Wolf in her book beauty myth has the similar idea as Levi and argues that Women should be able to adorn themselves with pretty objects when there is no question that we are not objects. She believes that they cannot be free of the beauty myth unless they can choose to use their faces and clothes and bodies as one form of self-expression out of a full range of others. She claims that public interest in a womans virginity has been replaced by public interest in the shape of her body (1991). We cannot ignore that Iranian women still live in a society that virginity is more than a public interest; it is a religious and legal rule. The rule that has been ignored by these women using solutions such as Hymenoplasty  [viii]  and this is a surprisingly hot topic in Iran. It is of vital importance to consider if any great theory which we believe in is applicable in other contexts. Wearing make-up and cosmetic surgery is kind of self-expression for Iranian woman, a self who express it self standing against the fundamental laws of ignoring her. It is a kind of resistance against the discourse of fundamentalism. Hence, Body and sexuality is the battlefield of first and third groups. Two secular groups which must be united in opposition with fundamentalism that does not believe in basic rights for women, while both these groups to some extent believe in equal rights for men and women. The ironic side of this battle is that how secular Marxist feminism and Islamist feminism with two different approaches to women issue; blame the third group which is the main potential force of fighting patriarchy, to objectification of women or in their word for acting like dolls. It is true that strong roots of tradition still exist in the third group. They do not identify themselves as feminist because what they have learnt about feminism is women who try to work and wear like men; women who make them misunderstand feminism when there is not a long history of feminism in Iran to make the idea clear for them. Although they do not identify themselves as feminists they have almost same ideas with the new genera tion of feminists in west: the third generation or wave, which its life powerfully has shaped by popular culture, particularly music, television, film and literature as they believe to fight with women oppression. Media figures represent third wave icons in their tendency to refuse to adhere to a feminist party line, but also in their resistance to comply with the types of feminine behaviour deemed compatible with media and mainstream success. (Pilcher Whelehan; 2004) In other words these women as Genz and Brabon reveal are merging notions of personal empowerment with the visual display of sexuality. These women does not manipulate their appearance to get a man on the old terms but has ideas about her life and being in control which clearly come from feminism (2009; 93). Although these Iranian women do not identify themselves as feminist but their notions of sexual freedom come directly from the Iranian feminism that has fought for women freedom and equality during the last 100 year s.  [ix]   Secular feminism has two ways to walk in. The first is to stand against this group and blame them of objectifying their femininity and the other is to stand beside them to fight against fundamentalism which is the greater force of oppression for both groups than patriarchy. In the second solution I believe that Secular feminism should try to make other women familiar with basic notions of feminism such as economical independence and equal payments and other non-radical ideas that is bearable for a society in transition to modernity and not completely modern. Secular feminist must notice that Islam as an ideaology has a great power in the life of even most of secular women. Mohanty in her article on the problem of western feminism on theorizing women issues in developing coutries, referring to Modares, criticizes feminist writings which treat Islam as an ideology separate from and outside social relations and practices, rather than a discourse which includes rules for economic, social and power relations within society (1988; 70). Hence secular feminism which is affected by the west must look over the feminism history and experiences in the west and try to match them with the cultural context of Iran. I do not believe that feminism in Iran and west has to go to the same way. Although the third wave feminism is an idea that comes after the long history of first and second wave feminism in west, the Idea of sexual power that this generation emerge is the fact that young women in Iran practice against the government every day. This practices influence is obvious by the number of morality polices that the government use to control these women. Hence, post feminism is a perspective that worth applying not only imagined as a chronological distinction between second and third wave feminism in the cultural context of Iran. This attitude in Iran must not consider as backlash but as a conjunct to the first group to be influent in Iran. Secular feminism has to satisfy thes e women who object feminist theories which failed to address their problems. Conclusion: In this essay I distinguished three groups of women who can be helpful to reach equality and freedom from oppression in the current cultural context of urban middle class women in Iran. The conjunction between secular feminists and Islamist feminists who try to find liberation through the organized movement for constitution amendment and consciousness rising is traceable. I see this trend as the most relevant perspective for Iranian society that benefits both urban and rural communities in Iran. In the second part I tried to criticize the orthodox Marxism that has a deep root in the history of Iranian intellectualism and its influence on secular feminism in Iran as well. I think that this trend will lead to a separation between secular feminist and secular women who both are fighting against the fundamentalism in Iran. Secular feminism, using the postfeminist notion of sexual power can analyze the practice of these women instead of blaming them to objectifying their sexuality. If fem inists look at postfeminism as a turn to cultural differences and not as a chronological event in the west, they can move on faster and easier in the way of freedom from fundamentalism and patriarchy as well. Notes:

Intervention to Increase Exercise Levels of Diabetes Patient

Intervention to Increase Exercise Levels of Diabetes Patient An intervention to increase the participation levels of Physical Activity in patients diagnosed with Type II diabetes Background Physical activity is an increasingly important health issue with physical inactivity being associated with many chronic diseases. Physical inactivity has been identified as the fourth biggest risk factor for mortality, accounting for 6% of deaths globally [1]. However, despite strong evidence in support of the health benefits of physical activity, few people actually meet the recommended guideline level [2]. In 2008, less than 20% of adults aged 65-74 met the recommended level of physical activity [3]. Diabetes is the fifth most common cause of death in the world [4] affecting around 250 million people worldwide, a figure expected to increase to over 336 million by 2030 [5]. Type II diabetes is widespread amongst 90% of diabetic patients, found to be more common in older adults [6]. Obesity accounts for 80-85% of Type II diabetics, making it the most potent risk factor [7]. Research has shown that regular physical activity has positive benefits for Type II diabetes in that it improves body’s sensitivity to insulin and helps manage blood glucose levels [8], as well as improving an individual’s physical and mental well-being. This Indicates that physical activity is vital in both preventing and treating Type II diabetes, as well as preventing further chronic health conditions. Literature Review Self-determination theory (SDT) [9] accounts for the processes that facilitate motivational development and how the social environment can enhance or diminish self-motivation. SDT is a popular social-cognitive theory, which maintains and has provided support for the proposition that all human beings have fundamental psychological needs: competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Satisfaction of these basic psychological needs (BPN) leads to intrinsic or extrinsic motivation which influences the level of self-determined motivation an individual possesses, whereas preventing these needs promotes controlled motivation or amotivation [10]. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a scientifically tested counselling method, viewed as a useful intervention strategy in the treatment of lifestyle problems and disease. The concept of MI evolved from the experience of treating alcoholism, first described by Miller in 1983 [11]. Miller and Rollnick defined MI as ‘a directive, client-centred counselling style for eliciting behaviour change, by helping clients to explore and resolve ambivalence’ [12]. MI is a particular way of helping clients recognise and do something about their current or potential problems. It is viewed as being particularly useful for clients who are reluctant or hesitant about changing their behaviour. A systematic review and meta-analysis [13] of 72 randomised controlled trials shows that MI in a scientific setting outperforms traditional advice giving in the treatment of a range of behavioural problems and diseases. It also shows that MI had a significant effect in approximately three out of four studies, with an equal effect on physiological (72%) and psychological (75%) diseases [13]. Large-scale studies are now needed to prove that it can be implemented into daily clinical work in primary and secondary health care. Research [14] has shown MI to be an effective intervention for weight loss and improving glycaemic control. Patients with Type II diabetes were randomly allocated to an MI group, a Cognitive Behavioural Group Training (CBGT) or a control group and tested before and after each intervention. The findings of this study showed that in MI and CBGT, mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was significantly lower than the control group, indicating MI and CBGT is a useful intervention in helping adults with type II diabetes lose weight [14]. MI has been criticised for lacking a coherent theoretical framework for understanding its process and efficacy. It is believed that SDT can offer such a framework [15]. MI and SDT are based on the assumption that humans have an innate tendency for personal growth toward psychological integration, and that MI provides the social–environmental facilitating factors suggested by SDT to promote this tendency [15]. Aim To evaluate the effectiveness of using motivational interviewing to increase the level of physical activity of older adults diagnosed with type II diabetes, through satisfying their basic psychological needs. Design A randomised control trial design will be used, to establish a cause and effect relationship between the intervention – MI, and the outcome – increase in physical activity. A control group will be used to compare against the intervention group, allowing the researcher to see if MI has a specific effect on the intended behaviour change (increase in physical activity). It also allows any potential ‘other factors’, away from the attention of the intervention which may contribute to an increase in physical activity to be identified. The participants, to prevent selection bias, will be randomly allocated to a group using a computer. Sample Participants need to be classified as physically inactive (participate in less than 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, 3 times a week), diagnosed with Type II diabetes and aged 65+. Participants will be recruited through letters sent out via General Practitioners (GPs) to patients and through advertisements in health centres and doctors surgeries. Although currently classified as physically inactive the participant must be willing to engage in physical activity, and therefore must gain medical clearance, from their GP, to participate in the study. The recruitment of participants will be done throughout England in order to gain a large, reliable sample which can be generalised to the wider population. Intervention Miller and Rollnick [12] suggested that MI is based on the following principles: express empathy, develop discrepancy, avoid argumentation, roll with resistance, and support self-efficacy [12]. The strategies of MI are more persuasive than forced, more supportive than argumentative, and the overall goal is to increase the client’s intrinsic motivation so that change arises from within [15]. The practitioner should aim to produce a social environment satisfying participants BPN, which should promote their motivation to participate in physical activity. The structure provided by the practitioner, such as helping the client develop appropriate goals and providing positive feedback, targets the psychological need for competence. The provision of autonomy support by using client-centred strategies like rolling with resistance, exploring options, and letting the client make decisions, all support the need for autonomy. The involvement of the client by the practitioner in terms of ex pressing empathy, demonstrating an understanding and avoiding criticism support the need for relatedness [16]. To increase the likelihood of physical activity participants can chose whether their MI sessions are at their local leisure centre or hospital, or via telephone calls. The intervention program will last for 18months. In the first three months the participants will receive weekly sessions, then from month three to six they will have fortnightly sessions, and for the final 12months they will receive one session per month. A follow up study will also be completed 24months after the intervention started. It is important that practitioners provide the participants with knowledge, guidance and support to enable them to make decisions. The control group will have social phone calls and meetings like the intervention group but no MI in the sessions they will just be encouraged to maintain their current physical activity level. Assessment The outcome of the intervention will be measured at intervals: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 18 months. A follow up study will also be completed 24months after the intervention started. The study will adopt three measures. The first is a general questionnaire measure to obtain demographic information, such as participants’ age, sex and current physical activity levels. The second measure is the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) [17]. PASE is a valid, brief and easy scored survey designed specifically to assess physical activity in epidemiologic studies of persons age 65 years and older [17].The final measure used will be the Basic Need Satisfaction Scale [18]. This will assess the extent to which the participant felt their practitioner was satisfying their BPN. All these measures have been found to be valid and reliable. The same measures will be used at each interval to assess changes/improvements, as well as being used in the follow up to see if th eir behaviour change has been sustained. Limitations There are a few limitations to consider. Firstly, the study aims to recruit a large sample of participants for a long period of time; it will be hard for the researcher to keep all the participants for the duration, resulting in a high dropout rate, making the result unreliable and un-generalizable. Secondly, the intervention requires time, especially at the start when the participant is required to attend weekly meetings. If the participant(s) has a lack of time then they are not going to be able to attend weekly meetings as well as completing the physical activity. In term of the intervention used, MI is based on the idea that a client must be willing to work with a professional to change behaviours, a client in denial will be unaffected by MI questions and advice. Also, outside influences maybe stronger, meaning that in a clinical setting the participant is motivated to change but when they return home they may return back to original behaviour.

Costa Rica Essay -- essays research papers

Costa Rica, a country of Central America, covers an area of 19,730 square miles. The capital is San Josà ©. Extending from northwest to southeast, Costa Rica is bounded on the north by Nicaragua, along its 185-mile northeastern coastline by the Caribbean Sea, on the southeast by Panama, and along its 630-mile southwestern coastline by the Pacific Ocean. Costa Rica has a narrow Pacific coastal region that rises abruptly into central highlands. The highlands, forming the rugged backbone of the country, descend much more gradually toward the generally wider Caribbean (Atlantic) Plain. The Pacific coast is generally lowland in character, and, like the Caribbean coast, it is lined with white sandy beaches. The country has made use of its beautiful beaches by making them a huge tourist attraction. People from all over the world visit Costa Rica for that reason. About one-fifth of the country lies less than 400 feet above sea level. There is a continuous volcanic mountain chain (called the Cordillera Volcà ¡nica) stretching from the Nicaraguan border in the northwest to form the Meseta Central heartland of the country. Costa Rica played a role in the federation of Central American states from 1823 to 1838 and is a member of the Organization of Central American States. Of the states that have been partners in these two enterprises, Costa Rica is the most Spanish in character and is generally regarded as having the most stable government and economy. In 1998, Costa Rica’s populatio...

William Blake Essay -- Biographies Art Poetry Literature Papers

William Blake Romantic Poetry has been written since the late seventeen hundreds up past the first reform bill passed in 1832. There were many romantic poets in the Romantic Era, many who have touched the hearts of many readers and still do till this day. William Blake was one of the first English Romantic poets to exist. This paper focuses on some of the history of William Blake’s life, William Blake as a Romantic Poet, and some songs from two of his famous books, "The Songs of Innocence" and "The Songs of Experience". Included in this paper are some of William Blake’s fabulous art creations, I also have a personal interpretation of some of his poems. To view the poem just simply click on the title of the poem and you will have full access to the plate that the poem was printed on. When finished with this paper click on the hyperlinks found in my bibliography and you will have instant access to the world of William Blake. BIOGRAPHY William Blake was born on November 28, 1757; he was the first of the great English Romantic poets as well as a painter, engraver and printer. William Blake was the third son of a London hosier, he was brought up in a poor house hold and had very little schooling. "Blake lived in or near to London, a city which dominates much of his work, whether as the nightmare 'London' of the Songs of Experience, or the London which Blake saw as the 'New Jerusalem', the kingdom of God on earth." Blake obtained most of his education through readings of the Bible, of Milton and Greek and Latin classic literature. "Blake is frequently referred to as a mystic, but this is not really accurate. He deliberately wrote in the style of the Hebrew prophets and envisioned his works as expressions of proph... ... wrote the sequel The Songs of Experience. He wrote The Songs of Experience to demonstrate that, reality brings on experience. I hope that after reading this paper and browsing through the hyperlinks included, you know understand how William Blake’s poems and artwork tie into one another and why he is one of the greatest Romantic poets that has ever lived. BIBLIOGRAPHY Timeline of Blake's Life, Art and Literary Work http://camel2.conncoll.edu/ccacad/english/Blake/timeline.html The Blake WEB By: David W. Downie http://198.247.176.53/ The Poets Corner http://www.geocities.com/~spanoudi/poems/blake01.html The William Blake Page http://members.aa.net/~urizen/blake_text.html The William Blake Web Museum http://sunsite.sut.ac.jp/wm/paint/auth/blake/ The Time Line of William Blake http://camel2.conncoll.edu/ccacad/english/blake/timeline.html

The Speckled Band and Lamb to the slaughter :: English Literature

Discussing The Speckled Band and Lamb to the slaughter. British writer, creator Sherlock Holmes, the best-known detective in literature and the embodiment of sharp reasoning. Doyle himself was not a good example of rational personality: he believed in fairies and was interested in occultism. Sherlock Holmes stories have been translated into more than fifty languages, and made into plays, films, radio and television series, a musical comedy, a ballet, cartoons, comic books, and advertisement. By 1920 Doyle was one of the most highly paid writers in the world. --'This is indeed a mystery,' I remarked. 'What do you imagine that it means?' --'I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts...' --(from 'A Scandal in Bohemia', 1891) Arthur Conan Doyle was born at Picardy Place, Edinburgh, as the son of Charles Altamont Doyle, a civil servant in the Edinburgh Office of Works, and Mary (Foley) Doyle. Both of Doyle's parents were Roman Catholics. To increase his income Charles Altamont painted, made book illustrations, and also worked as a sketch artist on criminal trials. Not long after arriving Edinburgh he started to drink, he suffered from epilepsy and was eventually institutionalized. Doyle's mother was interested in literature, and she encouraged his son to take to books. Doyle read voluminously. At the age of fourteen he had learned French so that he read Jules Verne in the author's original language. Later Doyle's second wife, Jean, said: "My husband's mother was a very remarkable and highly cultured woman. She had a dominant personality, wrapped up on the most charming womanly exterior." Charles Altamot died in an asylum in 1893; in the same year Doyle decided to finish permanently the adventures of his master detective. Because of financial problems, Doyle's mother kept a boarding house. Dr. Tsukasa Kobayashi has alluded in an article, that Doyle's mother had a long affair with Bryan Charles Waller, a lodger and a student of pathology, who had a deep impact to Conan Doyle. Doyle was educated in Jesuit schools. During this period Doyle lost his belief in the Roman Catholic faith but the training of the Jesuits influenced deeply his mental development. Later he used his friends and teachers from Stonyhurst College as models for his characters in the Holmes stories, among them two boys named Moriarty. He studied at Edinburgh University and in 1884 he married Louise Hawkins. Doyle qualified as doctor in 1885. After graduation Doyle practiced medicine as an eye specialist at Southsea near Porsmouth in Hampshire until 1891 when he became a full time writer.

Decision Tree Portfolio

Decision Tree Portfolio1 Decision Tree Portfolio Psy 410 Kathleen McCabe University of Phoenix January 21, 2012 Lara Ashbaugh Decision Tree Portfolio2 The Portfolio for my Decision Tree is concerning a residential fire. The first place that would be called is 911. The dispatchers in our area immediately contact the local and closest fire station(s) to respond. The following takes place after 911 has been called. The 911 dispatchers contact the police and fire departments arrive, the firefighters ensure the house has been vacated and all residents have been accounted for.If the family has pets they are accounted for as well, if possible. The first responders assist with contacting other agencies to find shelter for the family. One of our local agencies is The Community Action Partnership which can secure shelter for the evening and longer, provide clothing, food, medications, and hygiene supplies. Health and welfare services are contacted which include emergency health care and emerge ncy funds. If medical evaluations are necessary the support systems will ensure that the victims are taken to the hospital for care. What is the best way to access the organization’s services? The first responders are contacted through 911. The Community Action Partnership 1910 Industrial Way Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815 208-664-8757 * Is this the best number to call? Yes * What are the extents of the services offered? The Community Action Partnership (CAP) offers food through a food bank and for emergencies; they offer clothing, can assist with emergency medications and medical treatment and contact shelters for housing. * What are the criteria for clients to receive these services? Who is eligible?Community Action Partnership assists anyone in the community who meets the federal low income guidelines. However, they have emergency funds and staff to assist in emergencies such as fire. In the case of an emergency anyone qualifies for their assistance. * How does the organiz ation provide continuity of care to clients? The staff at the Community Action Partnership supervises their clients until the crisis is over. If the family of fire needs assistance for a month, the agency ensure they maintain shelter and food until their insurance company or another means is providing for them. What additional services will be available or offered to clients once they become involved with this organization? Once involved with CAP the clients only needs to sign a form verifying that the help is still necessary. Once the assistance is not needed the client simply lets the agency know and they are listed as inactive in the database. * Will you be able to have contact with your clients once they are involved with this service/organization? As long as the clients sign a release allowing me to contact CAP, then any other providers can contact them for information or to help assist the family. What is the organization’s policy on client follow-up? CAP follows up dai ly in the event of a fire until the family is secure with new home plans. If a client needs daily contact they will do so, they will also contact weekly, monthly is necessary. * What role do you or your agency play in responding to emergencies? The CAP plays a large role in assisting the community with emergencies. We provide as much assistance as is necessary and ensure no one goes without.

My Society

There Is no perfect society In the world, and there will never be any perfect society. People can have their Imagination on what they would prefer as their Ideal society and everyone varied from person to person. If I had the opportunity to create what I thought would be the Ideal society our world would be a completely different place. There would be so many changes to the world that we live in today. The idea behind my society is to bring people together and understand other cultures and what their beliefs, ideas, and norms are.These changes will be explained in full details in the allowing paragraphs. We will begin with the physical features and geographical location of this place. My ideal world would take place on an island called La Islam Diverse. It would be located somewhere between west coast of the United States and the coast of Asia. The name would come from the word diverse, which would suit the inhabitants of the island. La Islam Diverse would be made up of sand, palm tr ees, plants, mountains and houses made from the wood/leafs from the palm trees themselves.The Island would be about the same size of Texas and would be made up of about 100-150 Inhabitants. Much of the land would be unexplored and be available for the Inhabitants to go out and explore. The temperature on the La Islam Diverse would be the same year-round. During the day the temperature would vary between 80-90 degrees, and at night the temperature would drop to the ass's. There would be days when it's cloudy and rainy but the temperature would remain the same. The sun rises every morning at am and it will go down at pm.La Islam Diverse would be such a beautiful place with beautiful weather, features, and also the people abroad the island. Up to now you may have questions and wonder what's so different bout this Island than any other Island. The secret behind this Island is that it is an island where marijuana Is grown and cultivated by the Inhabitants as their Job. With Marijuana beg inning to legalize in the United States, the Inhabitants live on this island rent free to work growing marijuana for the government. The Inhabitants have previously received training and certifications for the cultivation of this plant.These people live abroad La Islam Diverse along with their families to grow marijuana that will later be sold in the united States. The island is ruled by the united States overspent and these inhabitants are paid extremely good money for what they do. The Island is protected by the united States Marine Corps, with absolutely no problems abroad the island. The people work form Imam-pm at various and specific locations spread across the island. La Islam Diverse is an island that only selected people may live abroad.These people are selected by the government to travel to this island for up to a year with their family and where everything is provided. The families aboard this Island are fed, and taken care by through deferent institutions set up by the government. Nothing is paid for out of pocket by any of the Inhabitants, everything Is provided to them. One of the requirements before leaving the states and traveling to La Islam Delvers Is that you leave all monetary values home; any money found aboard the island will be confiscated. There are many rules and in that person and their family being sent back to the states.Some of these rules include things such as: No reproduction will take place on La Islam Diverse, People found smuggling or smoking Marijuana aboard the island will be automatically be kicked off the island, and if any person is accused of committing a crime this will be enough to kick the person off the island. There are no doctors or hospitals aboard the island therefore any person who gets sick and is unable to perform the daily functions of the Job will be sent back to the states for proper medical attention. As far as the economy on La Islam Diverse, there isn't one.The people come onto this island under contra ct to work for a year and eligibility for an extension depending on their work quality. Everything is paid for while you and your family live on the island food, clothes, and any other necessity. At the end of your year the government will advise you of your eligibility to return for another year, it's up to inhabitant to decide if he was to continue to work for another year. If he does not want to return or is simply not eligible to return they along with the family will be returned back to their lives in the states.Upon leaving the island the government cuts the family a check for a significant amount for their labor aboard the island. The island is not dominated by one race or culture. The name of the island reflects the people of the island. Diversity is the most important and key behind this society. The goal of the overspent is to bring people from as many different cultures and races with many different beliefs, ideas, and norms to this island to integrate and see how people are able to adapt and work with each other.With nowhere to go and having to live on an island with many people you are forced to adapt and get to know how other people work and are required to be able to work with these individuals. Any act of racism or hate crime towards any other inhabitant of the island automatically gets you kicked off and banned off the island with no pay. Of course there will be problems on the island because people with different views will have conflicts as their ideas will clash but the idea is being able to come together and work as one. After a serious offense is when people will be punished and even kicked off the island.There is a process that must be gone through to be eligible to live on La Islam Diverse. First, a person must apply through a website after filling out a lengthy application the person is given an aptitude test based on diversity. The government will base the test results and choose people that are qualified for the position, and bring t hem in for a face to ace interview. During the interview they will find out more about the applicant and ask further questions regarding cultures and race. If the applicant is qualified after the interview he will be given a background package that needs to be returned within two weeks.When the background check comes back and if the applicant has no prior criminal charges and no history that would disqualify him/her they get added to a list. The person if not certified to grow and cultivate marijuana must take and complete a seminar within a month of being accepted. Since the island is only able to eave a maximum occupancy of 150 inhabitants, the people that are hired and go through the process are put on a list that. As people's years are up on the island these people are replaced by the qualified people on the list.The process is lengthy but the right steps are taken to choose the right people to work on La Islam Diverse with no problems. Once on La Islam Diverse there are many th ings to do besides sightseeing. There are many boats, and Jet skis that families are able to reserve and rent for fun. There are many parks for families to bring their kids and integrate them with other different cultures and races. On the weekends no one works so it is used as time to come together with the other inhabitants and their families and become educated on diversity.The island is always safe as no intruders are allowed onto the island and the coasts are patrolled by the Marine Corps. Any problems aboard the island are also handled and situated by the Marine Corps. This island is not Just created for people to come and work, the main focus of the island is that families use it as a tool and also an eye opening experience to learn about other cultures, beliefs, and norms of the other inhabitants on this island. In conclusion, my society and ideal world would be an experiment focused on the idea of integrating people and having them come together to work together.Our world t oday is not aware of the millions of other people and beliefs of these people that exist today. La Islam Diverse is a form of education for people to understand cultures, beliefs, and norms of other people in the world today. When people are hired they are not told that they will be living with people from different backgrounds with different beliefs than them. It is the Job of the person to be able to adapt to the changes and having to open up and earn about the other people aboard the island.The ideal situation is that people are able to adapt and work with other people at the same time learning and being open to changes and understanding that not everyone functions the same way. My society would be an experiment but a way for people to integrate while growing and working together to produce a drug that has been known to be able to bring people together. The best part of this whole experiment is that you make a significant amount of money if you're able to adapt and come together and fulfill your requirement of at least on year.