Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Literature Review Of Essential Oils And Aromatherapy Nursing Essay

Literature Review Of Essential Oils And Aromatherapy Nursing Essay Aromatherapy is perhaps the most increasingly popular Complementary and Alternative Medicine in this century. It is suitable for both physiologically and psychologically problems. Research and several studies have looked at the variety benefits of essential oils and aromatherapy in our life. Aromatherapy can improve the quality of life and it can promote physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Much of this research has focus in benefit of aromatherapy and essential oils. Benefits of Aromatherapy: According to Life Mojo Team (2009) suggested that aromatherapy connect the physical and emotional effects of massage within the medical and psychotherapeutic properties of essential oils. Aromatherapy relieves physical pain, exchange personal mood, reduces stress and heal the body. A essential oils is a liquid that distilled from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots or others elements of plants. It is used in various ways such as bathing, massage, inhalations and compresses. They argued that these can be advantageous for healing physical pain in muscle as well as calming anxiety and easing other negative emotions. The chief focuses of this article are the benefits of Aromatherapy which are increasing muscle relaxation and tone. It can lower blood pressure, reduce stress level and it can be relieved tension headaches. It can be decreased constipation and abdominal spasm and helps womens problems such as PMS (Premenstrual syndrome) and menopausal. Emotions like anxiety and depressio n can be alleviating. The essential oils like lavender can relief dry, smooth and inflamed skin. Blending essential oils likes lavender and rosemary can help in relaxation and anxiety in palliative care. However, essential oils should be avoided from pregnancy women, people with hypertension (high blood pressure) and cancel people who receiving chemotherapy. Health Benefits of Aromatherapy Essential Oils: According to Kate Le Page (2010), Aromatherapy provides relief from mental, physical and emotional health problems. At this point, Farrer-Halls (2005) agree with Life Mojo Team (2009) that essential oils reduce stress and anxiety, decrease the likelihood of skin irritation and increase the benefits of healing properties. Therefore, Kate Le Page (2010) suggested that blending oils such as Lavender and Sandalwood improve sleeping. Also, essential oils are useful in cooking such as in small amounts to flavor foods, drinks and toothpaste. Benefits of Aromatherapy and Essential Oils: However,  Michael Vincent (2009) suggested that aromatherapy oils can be effectiveness in sports injuries, as a result people having the facility to perform in sports of their selection activity. Therefore he argued that the concentrated of essential oils are both physical and emotional in the body likes facial oils which are helping people to chill both mind and soul. Essential oils access into blood and can effectiveness both beauty and health. On the other hand some oils can be harmful to the human skin due to the fact that they will be irritating your skin. 7 Essential Benefits of Aromatherapy: Moreover some of the more valuable work of this kind, like Ramos (2010), identifies the top seven benefits that occur from using aromatherapy. Initially aromatherapy using rosemary essential oil can improve the mood and offer feelings of satisfaction. Also through essential oils the complementary therapy can actually induce calm, relaxation, and a deep sleep for a refreshed feeling in the morning. One more advantage of aromatherapy, with applying essential oils, is to improve complexion, by providing anti-inflammatory benefits to decrease dryness, irritation and calm red and rough skin. A professional complementary therapy treatment using gingers and peppermints properties can guarantee a relief of chronic asthma. Utilizing aromatherapy we can treat nausea and stomach problems. Particularly it targets to the first stage of digestion and is creating an instant reaction to flow digestive juices, in order to ease a number of stomach problems. Furthermore at the point that aromatherapy h elps reducing the symptoms of PMS, Ramos (2010) agrees  with the view  of   Lifemojo Team(2009), whose article is  stated above. Specifically he argues that aromatherapy methods, like aromatic baths or a massage with essential oils can reduce the symptoms of Premenstrual syndrome. Finally the seventh more important advantage of aromatherapy, according to Ramos (2010), is that it helps to get rid of a bladder infection. A bladder infection can be treated promptly using the essential oils and pressing over the bladder or taking aromatic bath with essential oils. To sum up these articles are providing the benefits of Aromatherapy and essential oils. Aromatherapy is a Complementary therapy that uses plant materials, known as essential oils. It is suitable for both physiologically and psychologically problems. An essential oil is a liquid that distilled from leaves, flowers and other elements of a plant. It alleviate a variety of mental and physical health conditions and it also reduce stress levels. Although Life Mojo Team (2009), Kate Le Page (2010), Michael Vincent (2009) and Ramos (2010) present their opinions about the benefits of aromatherapy and essential oils, there is  scope  here for  more  research that. Do you believe that Aromatherapy helps people with cancer?

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Comparison of Tolerance in Various Faiths

Comparison of Tolerance in Various Faiths Tolerance as a skill and an attitude to life has become essential for the very survival of humanity. One of the fallouts of the much discussed globalization process is the demand to meet, work and live with people of totally different culture,.. ethnicity and backgrounds. How one manages this heterogeneity of cultures and lire styles is very crucial for the survival of humanity. In 1995 when UNESCO declared the year as a year of Tolerance, the purpose indeed was to bring to light the high levels of intolerance manifested all over the world. UNESCO called for education for tolerance to counter the influences that lead to fear and exclusion of others. The most significant thing about the whole exercise was the acceptance of the fact that the diversity of our worlds many religions, languages, cultures and ethnicities is not a pretext for conflict, but is a treasure that enriches us aI1.(UNESCO,1995). Just as religion and various faiths have created intolerance, they also have the resources and the fundamental insights and practices to build a tolerant world. This paper is an attempt to highlight how various faiths and religions can contribute to the building of tolerance in the world at large. It will look at the context of the discussion, various religious faiths and search for commonalities that build tolerance. Distortions also need to be identified. The argument of the paper is that the core of any religious faith promotes tolerance and hence the struggle is to keep faithful to the core of religious faiths and practices. THE CONTEXT: A MULTI-RELIGIOUS SOCIETY India is known for its multiplicity of religions. It is in fact the cradle of world religions. Being the birth place of many religious traditions and an eternal source of spiritual inspiration and guidance, Indian is looked upon as a source of spiritual succour. It is interesting that everyone in India, barring a very small minority officially profess a religion, though they may not be practicing it. Table 1. India Land of Religions Hindus 80 per cent Muslims 14 per cent Christian 2.4 per cent Sikh 2 per cent Buddhists 0.7 per cent J ains 0.5 per cent Others 0.4 per cent Religion not stated 0.07 per cent It is only a minuscule section who does not publicly affirm any religious affiliation. It is still a regular experience that people from the West flock to India looking for spiritual guidance and fulfillment. At the same time, religious fundamentalism and consequent communal disharmony have become everyday experience too. Communal riots have become a regular feature, destroying the very peace that religion tries to build and maintain. There are claims that in three to five years there were 37,000 communal riots in the country (Hussain, 2002). The fact is that there is communal disharmony created by the fundamentalist groups in various religions and abetted by political interests. Religion by its very nature works for harmony. Can these religions regain their original inspiration for harmony and peace? Understanding Religion It is important to understand religion in its original meaning. Very broadly, religion is any specific system of belief about deity, often involving rituals, a code of ethics and a philosophy of life. This definition includes all of the great monotheistic religions, Eastern religions, neopagan religions, a wide range of other faith groups, spiritual paths, and ethical systems, beliefs about the existence of Gods and goddesses.(Glock and Stark, www.hewett.norfo/k.sch.uk/curric/soc/reliqion/re/1.htm) Five core dimensions of religion Five core dimensions of religion as listed by Glock and Stark (ibid.) are the following: The belief consequence The practice consequence ritualized worship The knowledge dimension information and knowledge about the beliefs The consequence dimension affecting behaviour The expectation experience Expectations regarding and experience or through prayer. Invariably every religious system contains these components of belief, rituals, information and knowledge, behavioural consequences and the expectations that guide the whole system. At the primordial level religions come together or are able to vibe with each other in the areas of expectations and experiences. At the belief levels, particularly the dogmatic articulations, the rituals, or the behavioural traditions, there are likely to be diversities. A brief look at major religions Hinduism: Hinduism is the worlds third largest religion, after Christianity and Islam. It claims about 837 million followers, i.e. 13 per cent of the worlds population. Geographically, it is the dominant religion in India, Nepal and among the Tamils in Sri Lanka. According to the Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches there are about 1.1 million Hindus in the U.S. A more accurate estimate may be 7, 66,000 Hindus in 2001 in the U.S. and in Canada 1,57,015. As the worlds oldest organized religion, Sanathana dharma, is best known for its tolerance. It is this religion which gave enough freedom for its followers to think on its basic principles. It even accepted and accepts the valuable concepts from other religions. The Rig Veda proclaims, Let the knowledge come from all the directions. It is this free thought and tolerance that allows the existence of many disciplines under this big tree each respecting one another. Hinduism is also the worlds largest pluralistic tradition. A multiplicity of spiritual paths and ways are recognized as valid in Hinduism. Hinduism is not based on the teachings of a single prophet or a single book. The teachings of many different sages and saints find home within Hinduism. God may be worshipped both in male and female forms. Hinduism has much in common with the earth based religious traditions ofthe world. Buddhism has the characteristics of what would be expected in a cosmic religion for the future. It transcends a personal God, avoids dogmas and theology. It covers both the natural and spiritual, and it is based on a religious sense aspiring from the experience of all things, natural and spiritual, as a meaningful unity. It teaches that all existence is suffering, that suffering is born of desire and that freedom from suffering, Nirvana, can be achieved by following the eightfold path that combines ethical behaviour, wisdom and mental discipline, including meditation. It has found followers in substantial number of people. Christianity as a religion focuses on the Fatherhood of God, and brotherhood of man. Jesus and his life form the basis for Christian faith. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the means by which God saves the world. Christianity is a way of belief, worship and life characterized by love. With an estimated 2.1 billion adherents in 2001, Christianity is the worlds largest religion. It is the predominant religion in Europe, the Americas, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Philippine Islands, Australia, and New Zealand and is spreading widely in Asia, China and South Korea. Though Christianitys association with the colonization of the world has given it a different face, Christianity too like other religions carries a core of tolerance and love. Islam is a monotheistic religion which originated with the teaching of the Prophet Muhammad, a7th century Arab religious and political leader. Today, Islam is the second largest religion, and has about 1.4 billion followers, spread across the world. Islam emphasizes submission to the will of God. Etymologically it means peace, acceptance submission and total surrender of ones self to God. The divine revelation was communicated to the world through Muhammad, the prophet, the final one. The Koran, the traditions, Hadith and the manner of life of Muhammad, Sunna guide the life of a Muslim. For Islam, there is no god but God, Allah and Muhammad the prophet, is the apostle. Judaism propagates monotheism. The primordial experience of this community is the covenant election of Israel to be the bearers of this belief. Divine transcendence, God as the ground of all existence, ethical conception of God, concern for individual moral culture, universalism, election for service, and the unity of history in the purpose of God are some of the basic tenets of this ancient religion of the Jewish people. The practice of Judaism has been marked by the study and observance of the laws and commandments revealed by God and as written in the Torah, as well as those found in the Talmud. Around 14 million followers make Judaism the worlds eleventh largest organized religion. Seeking for the common and the Universal Religions have contributed to the peace of the world, but they have also led to division, hatred, and war. Religious people have too often betrayed the high ideals they themselves have preached. Thus people have felt obliged to call for sincere acts of repentance and mutual forgiveness, both personally and collectively, to one another, to humanity in general, and to Earth and all living beings.(UNESCO, 1994) It is true that religions can make a substantial contribution to an emerging culture of peace and harmony. The contribution the religions can make to an emerging culture of peace and harmony is to seek out what is common, or universal in all the religions. However, discovering a universal ground upon which the various religions could relate is problematic when it is attempted at the level of belief or ideology or in the doctrinal sphere. (Teasdale, Wayne and UNESCO, 1994) Religiosity divides, Spirituality unites In discussing religion as an instrument of peace and harmony, one needs to make this distinction between religiosity, which only can divide, and spirituality which can unite all believers. Religiosity focuses on the differences, whereas spirituality emphasizes what is common. Spirituality provides meaning to life and reality. It reveals the significance of life, making sense of situations and helping one to derive a purpose in life. Spirituality focuses on values, beliefs, standards and ethics one must cherish. Transcendence is the quality of spirituality, inviting the believer to move beyond the experienced. Spirituality connects, with the self, others, God and nature. Spirituality is also an invitation to become, to unfold life, reflecting and experiencing, ultimately leading to an experience of who one is and how one knows. In this sense, spirituality is more primary, primordial, numinous and a religious experience, and the emphasis is decidedly on experience, not on doctrine or b elief. Points of Similarity found in dialogue between spiritualities A close analysis of the various spiritualities reveals the following similarities which would really become a basis for building a culture of peace, harmony and tolerance 1. Experience of an ultimate reality, known by different names e.g. Allah, God, and Brahman and so on Ultimate reality cannot be limited by any name or concept Ultimate reality is the ground of infinite potentiality and actualization 4. Faith is opening, accepting and responding to Ultimate reality. Faith in this sense precedes every belief system 5. The potential for human wholeness- Enlightenment, Salvation, Blessedness, Nirvana etc. 6. Ultimate reality may be experienced not only through religious practices but also through nature, art, human relationships and service of others 7. As long as the human condition is experienced as separate from ultimate reality, it is subject to ignorance and illusion, weakness and suffering. 8. Disciplined practice is essential to the spiritual life; yet spiritual attainment is not the result of ones own efforts, but the result of the experience of oneness with Ultimate reality. Similarly there are some common practices too in all spiritualities. Practice of Compassion Service to others Practising moral precepts and virtues Training in meditation technique and regularity of practice Attention to diet and exercise Fasting and abstinence Relationship with a qualified teacher Repetition of sacred words( Mantra, Japa etc) 9. Movement and dance Formative Community. It is an amazing unity. There is so much common in the religious striving of humanity, in the common search for peace, harmony and ultimate satisfaction. Whereas fundamentalist and disruptive forces will focus on the religiosity and the differences, spirituality will seek for the commonalities and the harmonious. Agenda for the youth and Youth Animators. The social scenario in India and the world over demands an active youth population striving for peace and tolerance. In order to build a world of peace and harmony, tolerance as a skill and an attitude must precede. Hence the youth needs to take this agenda. And in this agenda for a harmonious world, where tolerance is the hallmark of every interaction, the youth must get involved in the following agenda: 1. Facilitate a change from religiosity to spirituality. Where there is so much of exhibitionism in religiosity, spirituality is quietly practicing peace, harmony and tolerance. 2. Confront the social and religious reality with insights from social sciences. Much of fundamentalism is fed on rumors, stereotypes and prejudices. This can be challenged with data and insights gathered from Social Science research. When factual data and critical analysis are combined, insights follow which will make a difference to practice. 3. Promote a new culture of spiritual activism. The society does witness substantial religious activism, the kind that divides and disrupts. A new culture of spiritual activism can and must be promoted to build a tolerant world, a world of peace and harmony. The commonalities in the spiritualities provide the basis for action. Conclusion There is far too much of communal disharmony in India and the world over. All of this is created by human being and much of it in the name of religion. The survival of humanity depends on the levels of tolerance that men and women are willing to develop and practice in their every day living. Religiosity has helped deepen this crisis. If communal disharmony is man made, communal harmony and tolerance also can only b e made by man. The only difference being that the latter needs to be built up as the result of a planned action towards a tolerant, just and humane society. As the paper argues, this can be facilitated by a focus on the spiritualities that unite. The youth and the youth animators can contribute to the building of a tolerant society by inculcating and training youth in healthy spirituality and by downplaying the difference creating religiosity. As UNESCO declared, We are aware of the worlds cultural and religious diversity. Each culture represents a universe in itself and yet it is not closed. Cultures give religions their language, and religions offer ultimate meaning to each culture. Unless we recognize pluralism and respect diversity, no peace is possible. We strive for the harmony which is at the very core of peace. References: 1. Hussain Syed Shanawaz. 2002. Reported in rediffmail. com 26 April 2. UNESCO. 1995. Various Papers in connection with the International Year of Tolerance 3. UNESCO. 1994. Declaration on the role of religion in the promotion of a culture of peace 4. Glock and Stark. Quoted in Sociology at Hewett. 5. www.hewett.norfolk.scl1.uk/curric/soc/religion/reI1.htm

Monday, August 19, 2019

Death Penalty Essay -- essays research papers fc

One of the most controversial topics in America today is the death penalty. Four thousands of years the death penalty has been used all over the world. In the earlier centuries the townsmen would hang people if they were accused as being a witch, but they were not witches at all. They merely knew a little more information than the next person. They were wrongly accused, and that is why I see the death penalty as immoral, unethical and just wrong! People were put to death for no reason; they were accused because there wasn't enough evidence to prove their innocence. Here in America you are innocent until proven guilty. That is not the way it is, you are guilty until proven innocent is the right way to look at the society today. In this essay I will show statistics, pros, cons, moral issues, etc about the death penalty. The word "capitol"; in"capital punishment"; refers to a person's head. In the past, people were often executed by severing their head from their body. The United States is one of the very few industrialized countries in the world that executes criminals. It is one of the few countries in the world that executes mentally ill persons, persons with very low IQ, and child murders (i.e. persons who were under 18 at the time of their crime).On August 22, 2000, "Virginia and Texas each executed two men who committed their crimes when they were under 18"(Sara Rimer and Raymond Bonner).Which in my personal opinion is just wrong. As of October 19, 2000, during the last decade of the 20th century, 547 prisoners were executed in the United States --one third of them in Texas. Another 3,500 wait on death rows. When asked whether people prefer to keep or abolish the death penalty, about 60 to 80% of American adults say that they want to keep capital punishment. Numbers vary depending upon the exact wording of the question asked by the pollsters. When asked whether they would like to see executions continue or have them replaced with a system that guaranteed life imprisonments with no hope for parole, ever; that the inmate would work in the prison to earn money; that the money would be directed to helping the family of the person(s) that they killed. Capital punishment has been a cause for debate for many years, and people continue to ... ... the race of the defendant or of the victim in deciding whether to impose the death penalty".(Bonner). From the facts that I stated above i think death penalty is very much racist. In conclusion, the death penalty may seem to be the best course of action but in reality I believe that it is not. As I have said, it is the best deterrent America employs against murder, it saves our country money, and most importantly, it guarantees that a murderer will not have the chance to kill again. But America goes against its own law and joins the society in this wrong doing. An innocent life may be at stake and no one will ever know. Bibliography: 1. Bonner, Raymond, "Push Is on for Larger Jury in Military Capital Cases <NYT-Military.html>," New York Times, September 3, 2001 2. Bonner, Raymond and Rimer, Sara, "Mentally Retarded Man Facing Texas Execution Draws Wide Attention <NYT-Penry.html>," New York Times, November 12, 2000 3. Cohen, Richard "Hangman, Be Gone <WPost-Hangman.html>" The Washington Post , September 26, 2000 (op-ed) 4. Expert documentation: executions /http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/

Leadership and Management Essay -- essays research papers

1. A. Is there a difference between effective leadership and effective management? Yes, I believe that managers are analytical, structured, controlled, deliberate, and orderly. Leaders are experimental, willing to take chances, visionaries, flexible, unfettered, and creative. These are the differences between management and leaders. B. Someone from the 21st century who I believe is an effective leader is Steven Jobs, of Apple computers. I believe he is an effective leader because he pursues visions even when his competition has a strong hold on the computer industry. He still motivates his people to keep coming up with ideals to stay competitive with Microsoft and not let them run a monopoly on software and patents on computers. His power base is that he senses opportunities and pursues dreams to keep his company competitive. C. A leader of the opposite sex that I think is like Steve Jobs is Martha Stewart. She had a vision to take home decorating and cooking to another level by connecting with millions of homemakers through TV shows and the selling of her products through K-mart. Martha was just pursuing her dreams to play in the corporate world with men. She senses opportunity when she sees it. She had the intuition to make her company a profitable one when her critics told her it would never work. D. I do feel that there is a general pattern of male/female leadership styles because leaders must be able to apply influence, develop people, set examples, inspire people, mana...

Sunday, August 18, 2019

The Effects of Violence in the Media Essay -- essays research papers

The Effects of Violence In the Media â€Å"Someone just got shoot on the streets due to the violence in the media.† That is what some people are saying that violence in the media is the cause of that. The controversy of the effects that violence has on people has been going on for a long time. This paper is going to prove both sides of the controversy and let one decide which side is right. Violence is on the news and on everyday action shows. Theses everyday shows are targeted for the kids of the world who are in the stages which are important for their lives. At this point in their lives the kids can make life changing decisions the violence on TV has some effects on that decision. One might watch a scene from â€Å"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles† which may show them betting up a bad guy for trying to hurt someone. â€Å"The consequences of killing, especially by the "good guys," are seldom shown.† It doesn’t show the turtles getting in trouble for hurting someone it shows them as being the good guys. In real life you won’t be going around betting people up with out getting into trouble as well. It’s not like the kids won’t see so act of violence on TV for there is 50-60 times more violent commercial TV for the children then for the adult’s prime-time programs. Do you try to stop that by putting up parental controls on your TV? If you do that you have the protection on your TV but what about the TVs at their friend’s houses? â€Å"The typical American child watches 28 hours of television a week, and by the age of 18 will have seen 16,000 simulated murders and 200,000 acts of violence.† With all of that violence on TV there is a good chance of a child thinking that violence is the answer to all their questions. Yet it isn’t just the TV that brings us the violence there are other factors. â€Å"Girls who watched more than an average amount of violence tended to throw things at their husbands. Boys who grew up watching violent TV shows were more likely to be violent with their wives.† This is true but what if you didn’t watch the violent TV shows but your parents acted that way to each other? Would you turn into a wife better or would you turn into a caring person? This hasn’t been proven so I can’t give you an exact answer. What I do believe is that children look up to their parents ... ...eed to be able to perform your best when you are in reality. One bad thing about thinking you are in the dream world is that you might think that you are in that dream world all the time. â€Å"He was blaming the doctors and nurses for his pain, since on TV getting shot didn't seem to be all that big of a deal.† This is showing that some people can’t realize when they are out of that dream world. If they don’t realize that they are out of the dream world then they might act the same way as they see on TV. They might just go and bet someone up because they were doing something that they didn’t like or they were doing something wrong. â€Å"Children who watched one to three hours of television each day when they were 14 to 16 years old were 60 per cent more likely to be involved in assaults and fights as adults.† This is saying that people might act like the people in the TV shows that they might watch in real life. Take for instance someone just watched â€Å"Fight Club† they might turn around and start fighting each other for sport and think that they can get away with it. If you are doing that in your own home that is ok but when you bring it out onto the streets you could be arrested for it.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Assess the usefulness of Marxist approach to an understanding of crime and deviance’ Essay

There are numerous Marxist theories that help us to understand crime and deviance in different ways, however they are all based around the same ideas. They believe capitalism causes crime in three different ways including, selective law enforcement, criminogenic capitalism and ideological nature of the law. Traditional Marxists believe that crime is inevitable in all societies because capitalism is criminogenic suggesting that it is societies very nature that causes crime. According to traditional Marxists society causes capitalism in different ways. One of which is due to poverty. The lack of social mobility means that people find it difficult to move up the social classes . And therefore those in poverty that cannot afford necessities such as food result in utilitarian crimes (crimes with a purpose) for example theft In order to survive. Another way that capitalism causes crime is due to capitalism advertising products encouraging the false need and desire for consumer goods. A false need makes an individual believe that they need a product when in reality they don’t, for example cars, phones etc. They can achieve this through the media for example TV advertisements and billboards, because people believe this is what they need if they cannot afford it legitimately then they may turn to crime. Thirdly capitalism can cause crime through alienation (individuals feeling isolated from the rest of society) as a lack of control of their lives may lead to crimes of violence and other non utilitarian crimes without a purpose for example domestic violence etc. This could occur whereby a partner feels frustrated with his social position and therefore takes it out on members of the family etc. Finally capitalism encourages a dog-eat-dog world therefore regardless of social class people always want more. This leads to crimes from all different classes. The wealthy commit crimes such as fraud and tax invasion, statistics just don’t show this as much. David Gordon 1976 explained this as he said crime is a rational response to the capitalist system and is found in all social classes, even though statistics make it look as though it is concentrated amongst the working class. Here David Gordon is explaining that crime is just a response to the way society is run, that it is the capitalist structure of society that creates these crimes, and that even though statistics represent more working class as the criminals, in reality all classes are guilty of crime. Traditional Marxists also proposed the theory that law making and law enforcement can have an effect on crime in society as law making and enforcement serves the interests of the capitalist class. The ruling class have the power to change laws, prevent laws and enforce laws. An example of when we have seen how quickly laws can be enforced by the ruling class was during the summer riots in 2011 when laws were quickly passed through parliament to give police powers to force individuals to remove headwear. This shows that it is the ruling class that have power and therefore laws are based on the ruling class views not considering the working class opinions. As well as this Marxists also argue that certain types of crime are likely to be dealt with more rigorously than others. For example street crimes such as assault and theft are more likely to be pursued by the police than white collar crimes such as fraud. The English government have only made some attempts to deal with white collar crimes however the USA targets the offence more seriously. As well as this certain groups are more likely to be on the receiving end of law enforcement. For example in inner city areas the police patrol more therefore working class are more likely to get caught because working class are more likely to live in the city. David Gordon argues that the selective enforcement of the law benefits capitalism in three main ways. By punishing the working class which protects the capitalist system which is responsible for the crime. As well as defining individuals as ‘social failures’ directing the blame away from the system. And thirdly defining criminals as ‘animals’ and ‘sick’ for example, justifying putting them in prison. Keeping these individuals out of the public eye allows us to forget why the crime occurred needed to help us solve the problems. Traditional Marxists also explore the ideological nature of the law; this function is valuable in allowing the ruling class to maintain their position of wealth. This process is what Althusser named the ideological state apparatus. This includes the school and the variety of forms of media, and it is through these that the ruling class is able to socialise individuals into accepting ruling class ideology. ISAs are responsible for promoting ruling class values of self interest and competition and as a result create a society in which basic values support the capitalist political and economic system. Marxists also believe that crime and the law can perform an ideological function by essentially brain washing individuals. For example some laws may appear to benefit the working class for example the health and safety laws at work, but these, according to a Marxist FrankPearce are only there to benefit the capitalists by ensuring a fit and healthy work force. In addition to this by prosecuting a large proportion of the working class it makes it look like the capitalists are caring for its citizens, it also helps divide the working class so many blame each other for crime rather than capitalism. There are many positives and negatives of traditional Marxist theory in helping us to understand crime and deviance. A large strength is that the theory successfully explains how crime cuts across all social class lines, as it shows evidence of all classes committing crimes. Therefore it is a macro-theory and can be applied to the whole of society making it generalisable. Another strength is that there is a lot of evidence to show the presence of law enforcement, for example it was illustrated through news showing law making over night during the summer riots. However weaknesses of the theory include the fact that the Marxism view underestimates the free will of a criminal by blaming the system, it is too deterministic by over predicting the amount of crime present especially in the working class. Not all those in poverty are committing crime and would never turn to committing crime. Marxism does not explore this factor efficiently. Another weakness is that it largely ignores the relationship between crime and important non class based inequalities for example gender and ethnicity. Neo-Marxists who are considered new Marxists support some traditional Marxists views however some views vary and It is important to explore these different views in order to understand crime and deviance. Neo Marxists focus on ideology. So where by traditional Marxist Althusser believed in brain washing. A Neo-Marxist Antonio Gramsi came along and put forward the ideas that people do realise they’re being exploited. He presented us with the term relative autonomy of the state (self power and self control) and put forward the ideas that people do realise they’re being exploited. Another New-Marxist theorist Taylor et all challenged the Marxist theory by stating that workers are not driven to crime through economic necessity. They believe that this theory was too deterministic and doesn’t question an individual’s free will. They also go against the interactionist theory and state that young males do not commit crime because they have been labelled. As well as challenging the sub cultural theory by arguing that young males do not commit crime because they are part of a subculture. Instead Taylor suggested his own theory as to why people are lead to committing crimes. He states that people commit crime often because they are angry at capitalism. They express their anger through crime rather than politics. This suggests that individuals are committing crimes on the basis of being frustrated with the structure of society that they live in and express this frustration through committing crimes, maybe because they don’t feel they will ever be heard through politics etc due to the ruling class having power? Taylor put forward the new criminology theory: a fully social theory of deviance. This includes six main parts. Firstly, the wider origins of the deviant crime. This is in the unequal distribution of wealth and power in capitalist society. A strength of this is that it doesn’t look at a micro situation, it looks at the whole of society. Secondly, the immediate origins of the deviant crime, this is the particular context in which the individual decides to commit the act. For example in the summer riots people looting due to the immediate origins being anger due to recession, cuts in public benefits of society being closed down for example youth clubs and libraries. Thirdly the act itself and its meaning for the individual e.g. rebellion against capitalism. Fourthly, the immediate origins of social reaction, so the reactions of those around the deviant, for example the police and the family and their reactions to discovering deviance. Next are the wider origins of social reaction in the structure of capitalist society, questioning who has the power to define actions as deviant? And lastly the effects of labelling on the deviants future actions, for example getting a job. A strength of the Neo-Marxism theory is that critical criminology has forced sociologists to look at the wider social, economic and political factors and it has offered a new approach to how crime is shaped by the individual’s actions within an unfair criminal justice system. However a weakness of the theory is that it is too general to explain crime and to idealistic to be useful in tackling crime. There are numerous similarities and differences between traditional Marxists and neo-Marxists which are useful in helping us to understand crime and deviance. Similarities include the fact they see capitalist society based on inequalities between the social classes and this is a key to understanding crime. They both agree that the state makes laws and enforce laws in the interests of the capitalist class which is important when considering how classes are represented within decisions of the law and how these decisions can have a different effect on both classes. And they both believe that to prevent crime capitalism should be replaced by a classless society. However differences between the theories are that neo-Marxists believe that criminals are not passive puppets who’s behaviour is shaped by capitalism this is important in assessing how valuable the Marxist theory is as it puts forward the idea that although a criminogenic capitalist society does effect crime and deviance there are other factors as well. Another difference is that Neo-Marxists use interactionist ideas to see how the behaviour of the victim, offender, media and criminal justice system all interact to influence how the situation developed. Therefore this too exploring other possibilities as to why the crime was committed. Overall the Marxist theory as whole is valuable in explaining why crime is committed as it looks at the problems in society as to why individuals within our society commit crime. It explores how the very nature of our society can cause these crimes by looking at all different perspectives for example through the criminal justice system, poverty, media and advertising etc. It also has explanations for both utilitarian and non utilitarian crimes and can be applied to the whole of society as it also explores white collar crime and not just crimes committed by the working class. Therefore the fact that it is a macro-theory makes it very useful as it is easily generalised. Overall the theory as a whole is very strong in helping our understanding as why crime exists.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Ell Assessments Essay

With the rise in immigrant students comes a rise in students who do not speak English. Schools are facing the need to not only teach these students their regular academics but also a new language. In Guthrie, Oklahoma, there may seem like there would not be as much need for such programs but the fact is that English language learners are also here. ELL students need assistance from the schools they attend in order to master their English skills and be able to become productive citizens when they graduate. Schools have had to come up with procedures to identify ELL students, assess and monitor their learning and proficiency, keep teachers informed, and ensure ELL students access to grade-level content and develop language simultaneously. When a new student enters school in Guthrie, Oklahoma first they are required to fill out a home language survey form, (Oklahoma Department of Education, 2012). This form basically asks what the primary language spoken at home is. If another language other than English is spoken then students are required to take the WIDA placement test, (Miles, 2013). If a student scores below a 5. 0 they are considered to be an English language learner, (Miles, 2013). That is how they identify ELL students at Guthrie Public Schools. Parents also need to be informed of these tests wither 30 days before school starts or within two weeks of school starting, (Oklahoma Department of Education, 2012). Throughout the school year schools have to assess ELL students to determine their progress. At Guthrie public schools ELL students in elementary school are monitored for progress every quarter by a bilingual tutor, (Miles, 2013). In junior and high school students are monitored daily by their teachers for progress, (Miles, 2013). The tutor and teacher monitor students social activities, their regular classroom environment, their activity in class, behavior, learning comprehension, as well as formal assessments. Formal assessments are tests done every quarter to see how much a student has progressed from the previous quarter. If a student is being social with other students during recess, actively participating in class, and learning the curriculum being taught then the ELL student is considered to be learning and comprehending English. ELL students are exempt from taking standardized tests for two years so they can become proficient in how to read, write, speak, and understand English, (Miles, 2013). Students must show proficiency in English in order to not be considered ELL anymore, (Oklahoma Department of Education, 2012). Another important part of ensuring the progress of ELL student is keeping their teachers informed of ELL student’s status. The way Guthrie public schools inform teachers of the ELL’s status is by sending them and email or letter with a copy of their test scores, (Miles, 2013). Teachers need to make accommodations for the students because they want the ELL students completely immersed in English. ELL students attend regular classes with regular peers, (Miles, 2013). Teachers assess ELL students daily just like they assess non ELL students. They do informal assessments like how they participate and communicate in the classroom to assess how they are progressing in English language proficiency and comprehending the curriculum. Formal assessments teachers may do would be homework sheets where students need to fill in the blank with the correct word or a spelling test. Teachers take the grades ELL students make in their class and assess if students need extra help like a tutor to better their English proficiency skills, (Miles, 2013). The way a school helps an ELL student achieve proficiency will vary depending on the requirements of the school district and state. Guthrie public schools is located in central Oklahoma. In the 2009-2010 Guthrie public schools had 108 English language learners out of 3,309 total students enrolled in the school district, (USA. com, 2011). They have adapted all of the state requirements which meet the federal No Child Left Behind act. Regardless, of the number of ELL students or location of the school, there school always be a way to identify, assess progress and proficiency level, keep teachers informed of ELL’s language proficiency and ensure ELL students have access to grade-level content and develop new language skills simultaneously. Schools should always be prepared to receive new students into their school and welcome them with a positive school spirit. REFERENCES Miles, S. (2013). Phone interview, Head of ELL department for Guthrie Public Schools. Oklahoma Department of Education. (2012). Identification and Exit Criteria for Oklahoma’s English Language Learners. Retrieved from: http://ok. gov/sde/sites/ok. gov. sde/files/Bilingual-ID-ExitCriteria. pdf.