Category: Uncategorized

Discussion 1

The society has a great role and control over a pregnant woman to protect the fetus, who is considered as the next generation of the society. In different countries and cultures, there are different views in relation to pregnant woman’s physical, mental and psychological well-being (Berger, 2009). Some countries’ policies restrict pregnant women’s rights while other policies advocate more freedom for them. There are two questions that need to be answered: Is pregnancy a disease? And if so, how can we protect the fetus when the mother and her environment is not healthy? Pregnancy becomes a “disease” when there is an actual illness such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes which prevents the fetus from developing properly due to its upbringing in an environment with such illness (Bordo, 2020). Once it comes out, it will become a normal human being. Therefore, the society ought to control the people’s culture to ensure that the fetus is offered the right to live.

Family courts outlines the rights and responsibilities of the mother. A mother has the right to:

– Receive and expect support for the child from the father of the child

– Consent to or refuse medical care for her child

– Make decisions about the health, education, and general care of her child

– Make decisions on behalf of her minor children in emergency situations when those children aren’t capable of making personal decisions.

Parents also have an obligation to:

– Share in raising their children

– Provide financial support for their children according to their abilities and circumstances.

There are various rights that a fetus should have. these rights are essential for the protection of the fetus. The law should recognize these rights. They include the right to life, to not be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and not to be arbitrarily deprived of his or her life. The right to live is an important one for a fetus. Fetuses are living beings that deserve legal protections just like everyone else does in society today. Hence, the fetus has the right to be born alive (Simkulet, 2019).

References

Berger, K. S. (2009). Invitation to the life span. Macmillan.

Bordo, S. (2020). Are mothers persons?. In Unbearable Weight (pp. 71-98). University of California Press.

Simkulet, W. (2019). Substance, rights, value, and abortion. Bioethics, 33(9), 1002-1011.

Discussion 2

Immunization plays a critical role in safeguarding public health. It assists in eliminating the spread of infections and hence tends to protect the most vulnerable who include individuals fighting serious illnesses like cancer, the elderly, and newborns. It also offers protection against the diseases that have been eradicated by immunization, thus preventing resumption of these diseases (Berger, 2009).

The global polio eradication initiative is an example of immunization. In April 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that they had successfully eradicated the wild poliovirus from all countries where it still exists. Eradication is a technical measure to eliminate a pathogen and decreases the threat of disease transmission either through deliberate or accidental introduction. The two major types of vaccines are Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) and Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV). OPV requires several doses to acquire immunity, while IPV must be injected into the muscle tissue. Both cause immunity, just in different ways.

Immunization is a science-based process carried out through which the immune system becomes able to recognize an antigen and subsequently produce an effective immune response. The introduction of vaccines has greatly benefited from the application of basic science to enhance vaccine development and delivery systems (Wilsdon et al., 2020). In addition, it has boosted on-going efforts in microbiological research which targets understanding and manipulation of infection-fighting cells called ‘T lymphocytes’. This research is significant in predicting trends in infectious diseases and designating appropriate vaccines for prevention.

According to research, when children are not immunized, the risk for illness increases. This is due to the fact that the diseases causing illness are more likely to affect immunized children since they have not yet developed an immune response; therefore, the chances of them developing an infection are higher than those of immunized children (Berger, 2009). Immunization or lack thereof is a very controversial subject. There is no correct approach in regard to how and when to immunize your child, but it’s always best to remain informed and consult with your doctor on a regular basis. When a child is not immunized there also chances of facing travel restrictions and school enrollment challenges. There is also the risk of decreasing life expectancy and the quality of life (Wodi et al., 2021). In fact, not immunizing children could be more dangerous in the long run. It takes just a minute of your time to protect every child against the risk of deadly diseases!

References

Berger, K. S. (2009). Invitation to the life span. Macmillan.

Wilsdon, T., Lawlor, R., Li, L., Rafila, A., & García Rojas, A. (2020). The impact of vaccine procurement methods on public health in selected European countries. Expert review of vaccines, 19(2), 123-132.

Wodi, A. P., Ault, K., Hunter, P., McNally, V., Szilagyi, P. G., & Bernstein, H. (2021). Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children and Adolescents Aged 18 Years or Younger—United States, 2021. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 70(6), 189.

Discussion 3

There are various issues involved with new trend of the father staying at home with the baby and the wife working full-time. First, they might be questioned by family members. In the past, the mother would be seen as the provider while the father worked outside of the home. This is no longer true. Women are no longer just nurses, teachers, or secretaries (Berger, 2009). They can also be CEOs or doctors. The new trend of stay-at-home fathers can cause difficulties with family members and coworkers when they do not know how to address questions or comments due to a lack of knowledge about stay-at-home fathers (SADF). Second, family members may not understand that staying at home with a baby is not just a choice for new parents but also “something parents choose in situations without jobs and without daycare (Evertsson et al., 2018).

The men in the society would view the father as a ‘wimp’ and not as a man in their eyes. Due to the fact that most men in the society are the ones who provide for his family while the mother takes care of her child, having a father at home taking care of his child may be odd to some people. In addition, if this father is not doing anything productive, it would be seen as unproductive time for him due to the fact that he cannot contribute money for household expenses. On the other hand, women in the society would view the mother (Rebecca) as a ‘slacker’ and not as a woman in the eyes of the other women. Most women in the society are the ones who stay at home while their husbands work and provide for their family. Having a woman stay at home with her child may be odd to some people. In addition, if this mother is not doing anything productive, it would be seen as unproductive time for her due to the fact that she cannot contribute money for household expenses.

In conclusion, the society ought to take into consideration, the rapid changes that are occurring in various aspects of life and accept the changing gender roles in society today, as well as the fathers’ roles in those changes. The new trend of stay-at-home fathers to be with their family is a good way to teach children important life skills (Fanelli & Profeta, 2021). It does not mean that all dads should stay at home with their children. However, it does mean that if a dad is at this time taking care of his baby or toddler and does not have a job or has no choice to go out to work for the time being, he should do so for the benefit of both his child and his partner and spouse.

References

Berger, K. S. (2009). Invitation to the life span. Macmillan.

Evertsson, M., Boye, K., & Erman, J. (2018). Fathers on call? A study on the sharing of care work between parents in Sweden. Demographic Research, 39, 33-60.

Fanelli, E., & Profeta, P. (2021). Fathers’ Involvement in the Family, Fertility, and Maternal Employment: Evidence From Central and Eastern Europe. Demography, 58(5), 1931-1954.

Discussion 4

In order to improve preschool education, the federal government ought to implement various policies. These policies include supporting the early education and care workforce. The federal government ought to increase the accessibility and affordability of preschools in all communities. The federal government should also provide oversight to local governments in order to ensure that they offer high-quality early education and care. Finally, the federal government ought to support early education and care providers in their job of meeting the needs of children from diverse backgrounds by providing professional development opportunities.

Preschool education should be open to all children of any racial and ethnic background. Circumstances, such as poverty and disability, can impact a child’s readiness for the preschool experience. The typical development of preschool-age children may be sensitive to these circumstances; however, all children are affected by what they see at home, with friends or in their communities. Educators must continue to provide quality education for all children regardless of race or socioeconomic status at an early age. Preschool education is a form of government service that should be accessible by all who are willing to make financial sacrifices if their tax dollars go towards public education (Gershon & Pellitteri, 2018).

The government must be greatly involved in initiating and implementing preschool education programs. These programs benefit all members of society, the children included. However, these preschools are often set in low-income areas and have many children from these areas. In order to obtain the best possible outcome for these children it is necessary for government involvement to be high. The government must provide funding for such programs and seek out ways of starting them up in communities that would otherwise fail without this assistance (Berger, 2009). Government involvement can only help make preschool education superior throughout society. Government involvement in preschool education programs is greatly needed to provide young children with a safe place to grow and develop into their fullest potentials. The government should also bear most if not all of these program costs.

References

Berger, K. S. (2009). Invitation to the life span. Macmillan.

Friedman-Krauss, A. H., Barnett, W. S., Garver, K. A., Hodges, K. S., Weisenfeld, G. G., & Gardiner, B. A. (2021). The State of Preschool 2020: State Preschool Yearbook. National Institute for Early Education Research.

Gershon, P., & Pellitteri, J. (2018). Promoting Emotional Intelligence in Preschool Education: A Review of Programs. International Journal of Emotional Education, 10(2), 26-41.

A re-examination of the role of HRM in career management

Customer Inserts His/Her Name

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Outline

TOC o “1-3” h z u HYPERLINK l “_Toc294272853” Introduction PAGEREF _Toc294272853 h 3

HYPERLINK l “_Toc294272854” How careers have changed PAGEREF _Toc294272854 h 3

HYPERLINK l “_Toc294272855” Extent to which HRM should be part of career management PAGEREF _Toc294272855 h 6

HYPERLINK l “_Toc294272856” Practical things that HRM can do in career management PAGEREF _Toc294272856 h 9

HYPERLINK l “_Toc294272857” Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc294272857 h 16

HYPERLINK l “_Toc294272858” References PAGEREF _Toc294272858 h 17

Introduction

Traditional perceptions of careers are slowly being replaced by new views. Career management was once considered as a role for employers. Job security was a reality, and careers were associated with jobs. However, these factors are no longer true today; off-shoring, mergers & acquisitions and downsizing are new buzz words. Employees are well aware that they can lose job at any moment. On the other hand, companies are dealing with highly competitive human resource markets. It has become increasingly difficult to retain employees. Given these diverse changes in careers, it is imperative to re-examine the role of human resource management in career management. The report will first start with changes taken place in this sphere. Then, it will look at possible roles for human resource management and, finally, give suggestions on how the two can work together for improving career management.

How careers have changedEmployee perspectives

Jobs are no longer permanent as they were some years ago. Corporations are more interested in furthering their profit making interests than safeguarding the needs of their employees (Noe, 1996). In fact, if companies adopt strategies that restructure their organisation, then employees will often be the first casualties (Gallagher et. al., 2009). Because of such circumstances, employees need to manage their careers since they are basically on their own.

In fact, career management is now characterised by individual rather than corporate responsibility. External trends affect these decisions because opportunities that have been unavailable few decades ago now are very plausible career options. Therefore, one must decide where one really wants to go as an employee. Giving this increasing need for personal / individual responsibility in career management, employees have realised that job means more than sources of income. It is now seen as an opportunity to acquire new skills. Employees are willing to forego minor drawbacks presented in certain jobs just so that they can acquire necessary skills and hence develop their careers. Employees now play an important role in determining how long they will last in certain jobs or how they can enrich their experiences. Many take into account things in retrospect, assessing the future of their careers based on prevailing trends. In fact, others are willing to let go of isolated jobs if they are not in line with their career aspirations (Sollivan, 2000). Also, employees build networks in their industries so they can always be on the lookout for great new ideas or openings. Most employees know that when they leave their organisations, most of them will obtain something new and fresh. Some even have an exit strategy as a part of their career planning (Stahl et. al., 2009).

HRM perspectives

Human resource managers have a very unique challenge in such an environment because employee’s loyalty is no longer as important as it has been formerly. Nonetheless, if an employee can find the solution to his/ her career goals in a certain organisation, then there is no need for him/her to leave (Baruch, 2004). Therefore, HR managers have the challenge of meeting employees own needs as well as the organisation’s ones. Employee’s loyalty is likely to result only when there is an alignment between career aspirations of employees and business goals. Hence, the challenge is matching those two critical factors.

The haphazard job alterations that characterise career management present another additional challenge to HR representatives. These frequent departures of employees upset organisational culture because human resources must look for replacements from outside the organisation when leadership gaps take place (Bridgstock, 2009). The traditional approach to career development which was characterised by employee’s loyalty ensured that smooth transitions occurred naturally. Leaders were selected from within the existent employee pool. However, such smooth transitions do not occur anymore as they did previously. Human resources need to take this role and ensure that transitions are smooth enough even when employees leave for external career opportunities (Conway et. al., 2002).

Human resource managers have the difficult task of managing expectations. Since employee career aspirations are becoming more ambitious, it is crucial for the HRM function to clarify all possibilities early enough. Some employees may harbour ambitions of hierarchical growth, yet these may not be plausible for an enterprise that is more inclined towards mergers and acquisitions or other similar growth strategies. HR is to make sure that employees fully understand their career possibilities in the organisation (Sullivan, 2009). This means that now, business environment demands greater transparency from human resources than it was earlier. Currently, employees require information from HR managers on possible directions that business will be heading to.

Business environment also changes in terms of the need for synergy in career management. Traditionally, the HR function was seen as an amorphous entity, which possessed different roles that could be handled in different ways. However, now, the environment requires for more coordinated and organised approach to career management. Now, decisions about careers need to be done after collecting all the sufficient information needed in order to alter an employee’s career path.

Extent to which HRM is a part of career managementFor companies, these shifty job offerings should compel them to transfer their attention away from offering their employees’ permanent employment for creating permanently employable employees. Unless companies can support their employees to plan their careers or guide them in the right direction, then they will not cushion themselves against high turnover (Huiwen, 2009). However, firms need to ensure the fact that they support employees’ careers because the results of that support will affect the company positively. In other words, HRM should still participate for being involved in career management, but this should be done with a focus on the employee (Coy, 2011). If human resource managers do not carry this out proactively, then they are likely to lose their best employees to aggressive competitors in the same industry. In fact, it has been shown that employees with the greatest skills and talents are the ones who are most likely to leave an organisation for another more promising position when they do not get support from their firm. HRM should not take a back burner; it just needs to be redefined for being able to answer the employees’ needs (Baruch & Peiperi, 2000).

There are several things that need to be kept in mind as HRM plans careers. First of all, it needs to possess a formal approach to career planning as these actions are to be tied in with overall organisational strategy. Now, firms need to appreciate the importance of talent possession because that could be the vital differentiator of the company in its respective field. Future or even prevailing plans can not be executed when a firm possesses talent shortage, so HRM should not compromise on this element. Many organisations have not been taking positive steps towards dealing with or preventing talent shortage that costs them greatly. While strategy may involve the organisation, final decisions and choices should be employee driven. This is the second aspect that needs to be kept in mind. Organisational staff members are the ones who will be exploring various options available to them, so they need to be told about all the possibilities available to them. Unless HRM can strike a balance between these two aspects, they will lose out their vital human resource capital (Baruch, 2004). HRM needs to engage talent, at the same time offering development opportunities to workers, who need to be steered in the right career direction without compromising on their ability to self-direct their own career paths. HRM also needs to ensure that career strategies are associated with day to day operations or else they will be engaged in useless general efforts.

Human resource managers are expected to be aware of the leadership situation in their organisations as well as keep tabs on the various gaps that are prevalent in their firms. Career management provides great opportunities to deal with these leadership gaps because organisations can identify capable employees and work with them by designing their career paths together (Lockwood et. al., 2003). There is no reason for a human resource department to keep getting their leaders from the external environment, when they have capable leaders within. However, it should be noted that a traditional approach, which dwells on business needs, will not be appropriate here; emphasis must be on the career ambitions of the employee. If these aspirations clash, then HR managers need to identify other employees who have such aspirations.

This radical shift towards personal responsibility in career management does not eliminate the need for HRM. However, it does require a collaborative approach to career management. Objective career success can be attained alongside organisational objectives if the HR function works alongside career self-management initiatives by employees (Lockwood, 2003). Most employees do not expect to do this alone. They believe that their employers will help them in one way or another, so HRM is still relevant in career management. Complementary approaches towards career management need to be adopted by the employees as well as the Human resource function (Metzenbaum, 2009). Self-managing employees actually expect greater support from human resources. If the HRM department fails to step up to this role, then it stands to lose very vital employees, who may look for tangible career opportunities and greater support elsewhere.

Human resources managers can also engage in career planning in order to contribute career management. However, as mentioned earlier, individuals and organisational needs are to be merged. HRM will be responsible for career management in an organisation through collection of information, which illustrates the requirements that are prevalent within the firm (Lockwood, 2003). If this is done well, then it will be a crucial guide to determine exactly what a company needs to do in order to develop careers. As HRM carries this out, it needs to keep in mind that all the employees have their own unique needs and wants. They also possess different abilities, so not everyone will fit organisation’s requirements during the career planning process. HRM also needs to remember that workers are likely to be more responsive towards their organisation if they realise that their goals and ambitions have been catered for. With the right guidance and opportunities, employees can keep growing, and this will definitely enhance career growth prospects (Armstrong, 2009).

Practical things that HRM can do in career managementYoung employees still require guidance, so organisations can step up and offer them mentoring opportunities. These individuals may be directed towards steering the mentees in the right direction of their careers. HRM can provide them with a framework against which they can grow their career tremendously. In this process, the company through HRM will need to allocate people who will support employees. The mentors often assist employees in the process of drawing personal development programs. Once mentees start the learning programs, mentors ought to support them during entire learning process (Karralis, 2009). They should also give them guidance concerning the skills they need in order to take on a new position within the organisation. Mentors also assist employees choosing the best administrative or technical approaches to carry out their personal responsibilities. However, in order to cover the needs of the company, HR personnel need to dwell on mentorship opportunities that illustrate the possibility of growth within present organisation. Here, the company should offer an employee the possibility and opportunity to grow through collaboration with company’s coaches or mentors. In fact, the HR representatives should encourage young employees to work on establishing long-term relationships with their mentors (Collings, 2009). That will give them a reason to remain loyal to the organisation and thus boost loyalty.

Companies need to involve employees in work designs, especially taking in account the fact that now employees are more proactive about their careers (Mackenzie & Arnold, 1999). In other words, HR managers should allow or even require their employees to change work procedures. This will contribute towards job enrichment and also boost their confidence in certain career paths.

Human resources need to design career paths with employees. Here, they can work with employees concerning possible career moves that could help them to advance their careers. Even though employees need to be the focal point of career development, HR managers should remember that employee’s performance and company’s values need to be related. If there is any synchronisation between these two aspects, then a career path can be curved out. In line with these efforts, there is the need to offer career counselling to employees (European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation, 2000). In these sessions, HR managers need to listen to the career aspirations of their employees and give feedback or input concerning these aspirations. Information found through this method can be used in subsequent times for later career development efforts.

After carrying out career counselling, individuals need to know where their careers will be headed. This involves career planning development. Since employees have been set at the centre of their career management, they need to be the point of focus during such processes. Here, employees need to determine the actions that they will need to take in order to achieve their career ambitions (Coy, 2011). The HRM function will step in as soon as employees make decisions concerning the steps that they plan to take. Human resources will need to offer support to their employees due to the implementation and formulation of their career plans. Once again, this learning framework will be self-initiated by employees. HR will only give support in the practical aspects.

HRM can also play a vital role in enhancing learning opportunities for employees. As stated earlier, now many employees have desire to forego minor shortcomings, such as low payments, in order to learn something new. Companies can enhance careers by offering learning opportunities in the entire organisation or through team based work. By giving employees assignments that will contribute towards better problem solving skills, employees will be at a better position to move up their career paths. Here, firms need to instate development programs that will make employees more employable. This will challenge workers and encourage them to develop their careers as well (Coy, 2011).

The HR function can also develop employees through additional educational qualification. Meanwhile, the HR team can identify any prevalent developmental needs in the company. It can inform employees about such possibilities. Employees are likely to respond through pursuance of additional educational or other related qualifications. These employees are likely to stay within the concerned firm if they have been shown how they can implement their skills there. HR representatives should offer such opportunities for career development to people who have attained such qualifications. In other words, HRM plays a role of notifying employees about career growth opportunities and implementation of those opportunities (Baruch & Peiperi, 2000). Also, if organisations are aware of new tools, then they need to expose them to employees so that they can witness these positive outcomes.

In terms of career planning, HRM needs to use all information obtained through performance appraisals, potential assessments or self-assessment programs for planning careers. This will probably give a general direction that the firm needs to be heading to. When the results have been viewed, the respective firms need to think about how they can assist those respective employees to meet their needs while the organisation gets to fill up its loopholes. One of the methods is identifying workers who manage to show relatively good results in some of these tests (Greenhaus et. al., 2010). Then they can accelerate promotions for them and thus boost their talents. Therefore, career planning tools can assist HRM in identifying and rewarding the most outstanding performers. On the other hand, organisations still possess gradual employees whose accomplishments may not be as dramatic as the top performers, but they may be progressing slowly. Such employees need to be considered as well. HR personnel ought to sit down with these employees and establish logical career paths for them as well.

HRM also needs to do succession planning. In this regard, the HRM function will need to determine the positions that are to be planned for and the key people who can rise to those top positions. Here, it may be necessary for them to think about employees’ stated career ambitions. HR will also need to consider their capabilities as well. In this regard, they can look at the training levels that these key people have attained and the level of experience that they have gained as well as their overall education levels. As much as employee’s needs are important, organisations cannot compromise on quality of human resources by settling for the wrong people, simply because they harbour such ambitions (Greenhaus et. al., 2010). Utmost precedence should be given to the practical components of employees’ abilities because companies have to match their career goals with practical capabilities. When one of these elements is missing, then these workers should simply not be considered during succession planning. Succession planning should never be done in seclusion because this is a routine activity. HRM needs to consider findings from previous reviews and situations should be compared. Precedence should be given to those things that have changed because without progress, the organisation cannot move forward. At this point, the career management function needs to plan for other possibilities in the future. For instance, HR personnel can identify some of the staff who need for replacement if they expect them to leave the firm soon (Lockwood et. al., 2003). Alternatively, it may be that some of the selected people cannot perform as expected, so they may require replacement. Succession planning needs to incorporate these possibilities as a lot of dynamics can go on within a firm. However, certain things can happen in the future to alter the effectiveness of the succession plan. This means that HR needs to plan for those eventualities in the succession plan. They need to remember that the plan cannot just be done exclusively; it needs to incorporate all the internal factors in the firm that will make the plan feasible or not. HR representatives need to identify people who can be useful in case those situations arise in the future. Once again, that needs to be done while planning the needs and aspirations of candidates within the organisation (Conway et. al., 2002). In the succession plan, the concerned HR manager is requested to identify how current career expectations fit the organisational needs, especially for future purposes. People who can fill those gaps need to be identified and consulted on those possibilities. They have to know about all the activities they are to be engaging in and the possible methods used to determine who will carry them out. In this respect, workers will support the company in efforts because they will be assured about transparent and consultative process in organisational transformation. Since assessments are carried out and positions are filled, employees should be told about some of the criteria that will be applied in order to know whether they meet expectations or not (Bridgstock, 2009).

On top of this task of succession planning, HR also needs to do career assessment. In carrying this out, they need to keep in mind emerging trends in careers. First of all, they should determine whether candidates have performed well or not. Since jobs keep changing from time to time, then HR managers ought to know how those issues relate to their organisation. This needs to be done against the background of previous reviews. Also, these assessments are to be compared to the company’s strategic plan because that is a crucial component of its success. Since external environment keeps altering, career assessments have to reflect these factors and some of them may include new technologies or emerging opportunities (Noe, 1996). Employees should be given this new information so that they can adjust their career goals accordingly. Human resources also have higher chances of success if they let customers be aware of present organisation’s opportunities (Greenhaus et. al., 2010). As stated earlier, now the consultative approach is considered to be more effective than organisational based decisions. Human resource representatives have to let the employees understand the dynamics involved in career assessments as well as career plans, so that they can get them on board. Such informed workers will have a better chance to meet organisational needs compared to those who may not necessarily understand issues in HR administration. In assessments, HR managers need to think of the future as well (Pfeffer, 2009). They should predict where the company will be in a number of years from now on and then determine some of the ways in which they can fill those positions that emanate out of promotions, expansions and attrition. Once again, employees must know about company’s strategies, so that they can also align their career goals in accordance with them. After assessments have been done, HR need to know what they will do with the results. If employees do not perform as expected, then they have to know beforehand what can happen to them in this case. They should be aware of all the alternative courses of action in place. One way that HRM can deal with underperformance is through support structures. Companies need to develop own employees before they can write them off as unproductive. HRM should ensure that all the possible alternatives are considered carefully (Sullivan, 2009).

After assessments have been done, HRM should start grooming individuals in the company for greater responsibilities or higher positions. Since companies always change, then it will be imperative for HR representatives to keep doing mentioned recommendations as frequently as possible. Training and education need to be considered in this process as HR managers continually revise strategies to fall in line with current business goals and career aspirations of the staff.

Human resources need to think about how they can utilise technology in order to create synergy in career management. One way of doing this is to use software that contains all the lifecycle information about an employee’s career. This will include performance assessments, promotions done, compensation and other related information. Software packages like Cornerstone-on-Demand can be useful in achieving these objectives (Coy, 2011). Such packages will give HR representatives as well as employees an indication of where their career is heading. Even technology solutions for day to day activities can be used so that employees’ current standings can be always assessed. Therefore, these technologies will assist employees with a help of offering them a proper road map concerning their career paths, while organisations can engage their employees more and thus boost their chances of retaining them.

Conclusion

Career attains an individualistic approach. In this respect, employees need to be more responsible for their career paths. The HRM function still has to achieve company’s strategies. This means that a collaborative approach needs to be taken on. In this regard, mentorship and counselling should be done in order to guide employees. Career planning must include employees as well as career assessments and career designs. Overly, despite the fact that HRM plays a vital role in career management, employees need to be consulted and should drive changes in their careers.

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Sollivan, S 2000, ‘The changing nature of careers: a research and review agenda’, Journal of management, vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 457-484.

Stahl, G, Chua, C & Cligiuri, P 2009, ‘Role of repatriation concerns, company support satisfaction and perceived career progress’, Management journal, vol. 4, no. 6, pp. 37-38.

Sullivan, S 2009, ‘Advances in career theory and research: a critical review and agenda for future exploration’, Journal of management, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 34-81.

Running Head: A Research Proposal on a Study of the Differences in Females and Males in Depression

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1.0 Introduction

Psychologists have indentified distinct variations between the manifestations of male and female depressions. Male depression is not as common as female depression though still depression affects a considerable proportion of any given population. For example it is estimated that in every 1 year period, an estimated 9.5% of the American population suffer from a depressive illness, (Weich, S., Sloggett, A. & Lewis, 1998). The negative impacts of depression is overwhelming; reduced economic productivity, interference with an individual’s normal functioning, untold pain and suffering to victims and their families and friends, destruction of family life, negative effects on individual’s thinking and actions and in extreme cases self harm and harm of others; makes gender based differentiation of depression imperative, (Cadoret, Winokur, Langbehn, et al 1996).

Research studies show that several differences exist in terms of causes and effects between male and female depression. The differences are as a result of varying factors. For example societal expectations form an explanation since males and females are expected to deal with depression differently. Varying gender roles in society which expects women to freely open up and discuss their feelings as opposed to societal induced male roles which expects men to be strong emotionally. In terms of causes there also exist a variety of explanations. For example male depression is associated with self criticism and repression of emotions while female depression is based on low self esteem and dependency.

Resultantly, depressive expressions will also vary as males will exhibit depression in manners different from that of females. For example as a result of repressed depressive feelings, depressed males tend to engage more in suicide and violence when compared to females. To gain a proper understanding of the difference, this study will identify the differences in male and female depressions in terms of causes, developmental course, and effects thereby offering recommendations on how best the two conditions can be handled gender specifically.

1.1 Problem Statement

Males and Females with depressed moods report similar levels of subjective, social and occupational impairment even though there is a tendency of females to report more depressive symptoms than males. Similarity in moods and influence, complexity of establishing the symptoms and wide variation makes it difficult to concretely identify the differences in male and female depression.

2.0 The Research Objective/Questions/ Hypotheses

2.1 Hypothesis

The existence of gender differences with respect to varying forms of depressions is a reality. The prevalence, incidence and morbidity risk of depressive disorders are higher in females than males beginning at adolescent and persisting through life. Depression therefore differs considerably on its cause, effects, clinical manifestation, age and course of development within the two different genders.

2.2 Research Objectives

The objectives of this study are:

To investigate the differences between male and female depression in terms of prevalence, incidence and morbidity risk

To analyze how different depression types affects different genders

To review evident observable differences between male and female depressions

To explore gender differences in depressive symptomatology.

To describe variations in duration of depression period between males and females

To offer explanatory factors that account for existing gender differences in depression

2.3 Research Questions

The purpose of this study will be to determine the differences between males and females in depression. It therefore seeks to examine the relationship between causative agents, developmental course and resulting effects between the two genders. To guide the stated purpose of the study, the following research questions will be examined:

To what extent are depressive disorders prevalent in terms of incidence and morbidity risks in males and females?

What relationship exits between depression types and gender predisposition?

How does reporting and report patterns affect perceived gender differences in depression?

What gender differences exist in the course of depression?

What are the existing factors that account for existing differences between male and female depression?

3.0 Study Rationale

Depression prevalence is at a very high rate in globally especially with respect to the female population as reported by (Cadoret, Winokur, Langbehn, et al 1996, Weich, Sloggett, & Lewis, 1998, Weissman, & Klerman, 1977) Being a casual factor for a number of other major related illnesses and conditions in human beings, depression is a significant public health problem. Experts agree of the existence of differences between male and female depressions. Unless better research is undertaken and radical changes applied to depression management procedure, majority of the population does and will continue to face tremendous health and economic burden in the very near future.

Are there differences in female and male depressions? Although considerable research offer an affirmative answer to this question, more scientific evidence is still needed to uncover and support possible pathogenic and social associations between depression and its effects of human population based on their genders, (Marco, & Greg, 2002) . The study will serve as a significant contribution to answer the question. One of the main issues in the rationale for this study will be to study given historical evidences of how depression affects the general population based on existing literature. By this Depression and it’s economic, health, social and environmental factors will be better understood.

Depressive related illnesses affecting different genders are left interpreted, diagnosed and treated under generally similar clinical procedures irrespective of the gender of the sufferer. The study can further help to support the consistency of research findings that female and male depressions differ considerably and should be handled differently in terms of clinical management procedures. The study will further provide an understanding of the patterns of distribution of destructive depressive illnesses.

4.0 The conceptual /Theoretical framework

4.1 Gender Based Differences in Depression Based on Clinical Observation

Gender difference in depressive symptomatology has received wide ranging scholastic attention, (Erica, Longhurst, & Mazure, 1999, Marco, & Greg, 2002, Weissman, M. M. & Klerman, 1977). Existing literature identify different categorizations or forms of depressions asserting that gender differences in depressive disorders are a reality. Dysthymic disorder (Dysthymia), psychotic depression, postpartum depressions, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and atypical depression are all prevalent in females when compared to males (Marco, & Greg, 2002). Bipolar disorder on the other hand is more or less of equal prevalence between the two sexes even though women tend to suffer more. In terms of incidence based on clinical observation; females tend to suffer more on the above named depression types.

Scientific researches have identified differences between male and female depressions in terms of causes, expressions and effects and the relative interrelatedness between these aspects. Male depression is as a result of repressed emotions, perceived failure, criticism from others and self and is also biologically induced in certain cases. Although researchers ascertain that depression is more common in females in comparison to males based on clinical evidences, (Erica, Longhurst, & Mazure, 1999) argue that this difference may only be attributable to male tendency to avoid clinical therapy. Due to societal expectation of male roles, men tend to stay away from therapy as it may be interpreted as a sign of weakness. Those who agree to commit to therapy tend to still repress their emotions and through. Higher prevalence of clinical and subclinical depression types is a reflection of socially designed order.

Clinical manifestations of depressions differ by gender. Females often report disturbances of appetite, and sleep, fatigue, somatic anxiety and will tend to blame themselves for depression related implications, while males will blame others for their depressive feelings. Females tend to feel sad, apathetic and worthless hence they will tend to blame themselves and generally internally direct any anger. Males on the other end will tend to feel angry and irritable, thereby exhibiting increased levels of alcohol or drug abuse and violence. Furthermore females tend to feel anxious and scared while males feel suspicious and guarded, Cadoret, R. J., Winokur, G., Langbehn, D., et al (1996).

The relative developmental pathways also differ considerably based on gender. Females will tend to experience already existing anxiety disorders hence will tend to live in reclusion, avoiding conflicts at all costs while men will tend to create conflict, showing conflict at every possible opportunity. This is an indication of manifestation of externalizing disorders. Women will be overly nice to their associates while men will be covertly hostile. All the descriptions are aspects of depression spectrum there also exists aged based variations between the genders. The onset of major depression are detected as from mid puberty to early adulthood in females while male depression prevalence onset in early adolescence. The course of depression is a major factor in understanding the existing gender differences in depression. Furthermore (Marco, & Greg, 2002, Cadoret, Winokur, Langbehn, et al 1996) all assert that, course of depression rather than its causes might be a better explanation to the high prevalence of depression rates among females. There are variations in the studies that show depression durations, though most report that there is a higher rate of both first onsets, recurrent and chronic depression in females.

Further research identifies varied categorizations of female and male depressions. While depressed females tend to be chronic procrastinators as opposed to males who tend to be time conscious. Insomnia tends to be predominant in males while depressed as opposed to females who tend to sleep too much. Females will tend to avoid praise, feeling uncomfortable whenever praised, while men would tend to feel frustrated when not praised. Furthermore while women will tend to talk about their situations expressing their weaknesses and doubts, men will hide these feelings being critically fearful of talking about them. Males will therefore strongly fear failure as opposed to women who tend to fear success. There are also variations in relative feelings between the two genders. A man interprets their feelings as fatigue, frustration, irritability leading to a general loss of concentration. Conversely, females tend to have feelings of sadness and guilt when depressed, (Frank, Karp, Rush, 1993).

A number of studies indicate that depressed women crave for safety needing to feel safe by subjecting to other individual’s will while men will tend to dominate in order to feel safe when depressed. The self blame in depressed women tend to compound to feelings that things could be better suppose they behaved differently. In a conflicting situation with a spouse, co-worker, parent or a friend, women will end to take the blame. Men on the other hand believe that only others can solve the problem hence it is others and not them that should behave differently, (Frank, Karp, Rush, 1993). A growing body of psychological literature has challenged the generally believed aspects of self respect and nervous breakdown. While contemporary research have shown that females tend to have trouble with respecting themselves, (Frank, Karp , Rush, 1993) notes that this is questionable as certain depressed women demand respect from others. It is however generally believed that depressed males will tend to demand respect.

4.2 Explanatory Factors

Scholars have described varying risk factors that tend to explain gender differences in depression. The role of the familial environment and early childhood experiences is a possible cause of the difference between males and females in depression. Familial factors inherently modulate individual’s personal attributes and relative response to life events hence will affect how individuals respond to depressive situations. Furthermore 72% of adults in depressive clinics report adverse early childhood experiences. Since females are at a greater risk of experiencing depression at earlier ages, prior depressive experiences or anxiety disorders are explanations for depressions later in life. Existing studies have shown that those who undergo depressive situations during childhood and adolescence tend to experience more episodes and longer periods of depression in adult life. Social roles and cultural norms are also considerable explanations for the existing differences between male and female depression. Studies that base their population sample on socio-demographic variables across different countries and cultural groups all indicate that cultural influences affect female predisposition to depression, (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2002).

Life events are also an explanation to this difference. Since there is a direct correlation between a stressful life and depression, different events is interpreted differently by both females and males hence expectation and internal and external reaction to these events account for the considerable difference in depression. Available social support is also an explanatory factor towards the difference. Poor social support will lead to the onset of or relapse to depression though social support will reduce depression in females more than males. Since males and females have varying genetic predisposition, this has been stated as a cause of the depressive differences.

Findings show depression is similar for males and females who share certain genetic risk factors hence this may directly account for the difference when integrated with social support and other factors. Hormonal influence is also offers account for depression differences between the two genders, (Marco, & Greg, 2002). Since men and women have varying hormonal activities, for example women have high hormonal imbalance. Varying hormonal activity will lead to variations in depression predisposition. The existing neurotransmitter system is also a traditional explanation for the difference. (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2002) notes that the rates of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol levels in blood change with age, and gender though it changes more with gender. This specific neurotransmitter has been shown to account for relatively higher levels of female depression.

5.0 Research Methodology

In studying the complex phenomenon of depression relatedness to gender, a theoretical model involving a critical review of existing literature, is to be used. The theoretical framework for this study will seek to illustrate four variables 1) Determinants of gender differences in depressive disorders 2) How different depression types affects males or females differently 3) Explanatory factors of the existing differences between male and female depression and 4) gender related outcomes of research findings.

Notably, determining gender differences in depressive disorders is a rather complex aspect as there is lacking in clear markers or differentiating agents on depressive disorder symptom distribution across the genders. Differences between depressions in men and women make it appropriate to identify varying approaches on how to handle depression between the two genders. Imperatively, there are reported differences in clinical manifestation of depression by gender. Gender-dimorphic items will be a critical part of the scale.

Based on critical theoretical review of existing research on the subject items such as clinical manifestations, frequency of report, observable depression characteristics will be identified and consequently; a certain scale will be developed and validated as part of the study using standard guidelines for scale development and pyschchomatric property.

6.0 Conclusion

The study will assist in better understanding of the differences in depression which scholars accept to be a reality that must be faced. The study will conclusively describe these differences identifying how depression types, severity and emotional responses are gender specific. It will also attempt to offer full account for gender differences in levels of depressions by analyzing different underlying facets on the topic. Familial environment and adverse childhood experiences, prior depression and anxiety disorders, existing social roles and cultural norms, life events, vulnerability and coping style, existing social support, genetic factors, hormonal factors, and varying neurotransmitter systems forms a conclusive list of existing explanations of causative factors that would be critically analyzed in the study.

References

Cadoret, R. J., Winokur, G., Langbehn, D., et al (1996) Depression spectrum disease, I: The

Role of Gene-Environment Interaction. American Journal of Psychiatry, 153, 892-899 Available Online: HYPERLINK “http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/153/7/892?ijkey=8e5fa3301ad5e3f6cfc5ee3f8e35e7d31e6bacd1&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha” http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/153/7/892?ijkey=8e5fa3301ad5e3f6cfc5ee3f8e35e7d31e6bacd1&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha

Erica L. W., Longhurst, G. J. and Mazure, C.M (1999) Childhood Sexual Abuse as a Risk

Factor for Depression in Women: Psychosocial and Neurobiological Correlates HYPERLINK “http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/misc/terms.shtml” American Psychiatric Association 156:816-828, June 1999

Frank E, Karp J.F., Rush A.J. (1993). Efficacy of treatments for major

Depression. Psychopharmacology Bulletin, 1993; 29:457-75. Available Online: HYPERLINK “http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/156/6/816?ijkey=54d03a5706e549737bec8f26577ac2dc6bdf152c&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha” http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/156/6/816?ijkey=54d03a5706e549737bec8f26577ac2dc6bdf152c&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha

Marco, P. & Greg, W. (2002) Gender differences in Depression. The British Journal of

Psychiatry (2000) 177: 486-492

Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2002) Gender Differences in Depression Current Directions in

Psychological Science Volume 10 Issue 5, Pages 173-176.

Silverstein, B. (1999) Gender differences in the prevalence of clinical depression: the role

Played by depression associated with somatic symptoms. American Journal of Psychiatry, 156, 480-482. Available Online: HYPERLINK “http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/156/3/480?ijkey=c23562ce641fc491f85b4c9bb0330390c742285d&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha” http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/156/3/480?ijkey=c23562ce641fc491f85b4c9bb0330390c742285d&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha

Weissman, M. M. & Klerman, G. L. (1977) Sex differences and the epidemiology of

Depression. Archives of General Psychiatry, 34, 98-111

Weich, S., Sloggett, A. & Lewis, G. (1998) Social roles and gender difference in the

Prevalence of common mental disorders. British Journal of Psychiatry, 173, 489-493 Available Online:

HYPERLINK “http://bjp.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/abstract/173/6/489?ijkey=b388994ed9971f7d424308a0c55632310b1e4a9b&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha” http://bjp.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/abstract/173/6/489?ijkey=b388994ed9971f7d424308a0c55632310b1e4a9b&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha



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A Response to Hogg and Bushell

The case between Vriend v. Albearta depicted the difference in opinion with regards to the Canadian charter based judiciary. Justice Frank allocated several pieces judgment on the verdict on the case by safeguarding the democratic charter. Justice Frank was of the view that the Supreme Court has a contemporary function, which he defined as a purpose that serves the trustee. This purpose entitles to the charter and evaluates the duties of the legislature pointing on the specific executives for the interest of the social contract that is democratically appointed.

The dominating matter of judicial responsibility lies between the dimensions of understanding the existing relationship contained in charter based judiciary and the democratic governance. The explanation of the underlying matter is attributed to the study of Hogg/Bushell legislation. The study has fundamentally analyzed important claims from a normative assumption portrayed in the response. The evaluation of the study presents many weaknesses that are tied to the claims and entire assumptions on an open framework analysis. The charter-based judiciary cannot be easily sustained on a democratic legitimacy approach. This is emphasized by the operational weakness developed from the dialog thought. The weakness extended to nullify the portrayed evidence which could support the evidence of this theory.

The content of the Hogg/Bushell study is a controversy that highlights the simplicity in the democratic legitimacy version as a simple critic. The evaluation of the study can be considered as an incremental contributor to democratic debates and arguments on the charter based judiciary. This is true since the purpose of this critic is to question the interpretation from Hogg/Bushell on the genuine constitutes of a charter dialog. This approach entails engaging an open forum for the discussion of the perceived perspective from the two. The court functions together with legislators to engage in an open dialog that permits exchange in defining protected rights and the individual freedoms as a support claim.

According to the refined approach, the charter based judiciary is complex in dimension than the purported claim from Hogg and Bushell. This is evidence based on the legislative sequel under the charter dialogue property provided only for the representatives. The explanation to this circumstance defines that where positive responses are attained from legislative actors, then a judicial nullification can proceed. This unique element has been omitted in the Hogg/Bushell study on the entire charter dialogue concept. A perceived criticism in defining the six degrees can be summarized in a narrow definition, which excludes the two dialogues.

The deductions in the Hogg/Bushell study present a negative legislative continuation, which has been purported to be the genuine charter dialogue. This can be replaced by establishing a relationship of equal grounds defining the Supreme Court and the legislators. The negative legislative follow up are imposed by democratic actors as independent actions to formulate the hierarchical relationship that exists among judges and legislatures. This overview indicates that a judiciary interpretation is achieved from legislative compliance incorporated with a legislative continuation to preserve the charter’s interpretation by an independent body or organ.

The judicial review is an essential component of the decision making process. As a personal opinion, I agree with this approach on grounds that the possibility of reforming the law is embraced and the same re-enacted laws are bound by a legislative sequel. This is important because the charter based judiciary depends on the Supreme Court and the legislature at large. This opinion can be supported by the fact that the competent legislative organs exist within a judiciary system. These competent organs can reform the charter based judiciary for the interest of maintaining the existence of the law.

I am of the opinion that the judicial review should only be entitled to a legislative body with experience in the field. This is contemporary to the presented case study where individuals question the charter based judiciary system of the democratic dimension. I support the decision to ignore the position to nullify an officer instead of the statute. In this regard, I support the decision on grounds that possible judicial interference could tamper with the democratic exercise. This is narrowed down to the power allocated to the unelected judges who dominate every legislative decision.

I also support the fact that lack of evidence or firsthand accounts on the decision form the Supreme Court could have biased the study; hence, resulting to an irrational conclusion. This kind of approach could have resulted to interpretation of the charter dialogue with a loss of vital components that direct the nature of the ruling systems. This would have been rectified by a consideration of earlier cases that had a dimensional nature that revolves on the charter. The consideration on the cases would have provided firm ground for critical judgment in relation to the charter. The assumption might have provided a different perspective on the charter based judiciary analysis providing a relevance to the entire study. I am convinced that future studies should be analytical on the cases that comprise the charter for an effective approach.

What does the phrase “the social construction of gender” mean as described in the paragraphs above? What are the limits described above? How is it described in the reading (P.22-23) and what examples does the author cite? (p. 22)

Refers to the many different processes through which the expectations associated with being a boy or a girl are passed on through society. Girls are different from boys in that while girls play with dolls, boys play with action figures, and this is something that has been passed across the society. Another example provided is that when a conflict occurs, girls are more likely to diffuse the situation. Finally, girls and boys are assigned different names and buy expected child gifts that reflect different images which depends on whether the child is a boy or a girl.

What is biological determinism (p. 27-28) and why do sociologists find this too limited for understanding gender?

Biological determinism refers to the assumption that hormonal differences including estrogen, progestin and testosterone, between men and women can be used to explain the presumed differences in aggressive behavior. However, sociologists find this assumption too limited to understand in that following menopause, women tend to have reduced hormonal levels of major estrogen and progestin than do men of the same age, but this does not make these older men feminine. As a result, this makes the biological determinism to limited to explain the behavioral differences between genders.

How does culture show the ways in which gender is about more than about biology? And that maybe there are more than 2 genders in different cultures. Be sure to include berdaches and hirjas in your examples. (p. 29-32)

The specific cultural expectations for men and women tend to vary from one society to another, but in every known culture, gender is a major category for the organization of culture and social relations. While some cultures presume man and woman as dichotomous categories with separate and opposite sexes with no overlap between the two, some cultures however, acknowledge the existence of overlaps in sex, and thus present more than three genders. For example, the berdaches in the traditional Navaho society were those who were anatomically normal men but were defined as a third gender and were considered to be intersexed. Another example is that of the hijras of India – a religious community of men who are born as males, but they come to think themselves as neither male nor female, and thus considered as a third gender with some dressing as women and others dressing like men.

What is the difference between gender and sex? (p. 31)

Gender is used to specifically refer to the social and cultural patterns that are associated with men and women in the society. Sex on the other hand, refers to the biological identity that signifies an individual either as a male or female.

What is homophobia and how does it illustrate the consequences for violating gender expectations for men? How does this socialize boys into become men? (p. 35-36)

Homophobia is defined as the fear and hatred of homosexuals. It acts as a system of social control as it encourages boys and men to act more masculine, as a way of indicating they are not gay. Homophobia socializes boys into becoming men as it discourages them from showing feminine traits including caring, emotional expression, nurturing and gentleness.

How are gender patterns also impacted by race, class and sexual orientation. Be specific (p. 36-39)

Women experience significantly more stress from children, spouses, parents and the chores of shopping and driving people around compared to men. Lesbians face discrimination and homophobic attitudes that contribute to stress. Also, lesbians have higher rates of poverty and barriers to access health services, with all these contributing to pilling mental health problems. African women, like White women, are socialized to place primary emphasis on nurturing their loved ones, but they are also socialized to be self-sufficient, to aspire to an education, to regard employment as part of the role of women, and to be more independent than white women.

Pre-Approved Topics List

Posted on: Monday, September 13, 2021 9:02:03 PM CDT

The Social ContractExamine the development of the notion of government by social contract in the writings of Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau. What did Locke find wrong in Hobbes’ account, Rousseau find objectionable in Locke’s theory, and what problems remain in Rousseau’s social contract? Does the notion of government by social contract even make sense, and if so, what is the best social contract that can be achieved?

Civil DisobedienceWhat obligations does the individual citizen have to obey the laws of the state? Can there ever be a conflict between civil and moral law, and if so, to which does the individual owe his allegiance? How might Thoreau’s essay “On Civil Disobedience” be read as a response to the arguments Socrates gives in the “Crito” regarding our obligation to obey the laws of the state? What are the keys to civil disobedience? Can civil disobedience be an effective strategy for advancing social change today?

Democracy and Its DifficultiesPhilosophers since Plato have pointed out problems with democracy. What are the problems facing democracy and how might these problems be overcome? What are the keys to democracy? Use Plato and at least one other philosopher or other significant figure to support your claims.

What is Liberty?What is the difference between “positive” and “negative” liberty as explained by Isaiah Berlin? How does the difference between Locke and Rousseau’s understanding of the social contract illustrate this difference? What are the appropriate limits on individual liberty and government authority? How does the “Liberty Principle” put forth by John Stuart Mill add to this discussion?

Human RightsOn what basis can human rights be said to be universal? Explain the difference between the early “natural rights” theories found in Locke and Rousseau and the “conventional” account of human rights in Bentham and Mill. With regard to the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights are the social and economic rights listed in articles 22-29 just as important as the political rights listed in articles 3-21?

Economic JusticeHow should the goods of a just society be distributed and what role should government play in this distribution? Should there be limits to the inequities between rich and poor? Should there be private property at all? On what basis is the acquisition of private property justified and what limits should there be on the acquisition of private property? Draw upon at least two significant political philosophers in your discussion (e.g. Marx and Locke

War and PeaceDoes it make sense to consider whether or not wars can be considered just or unjust, or is it the case that wars are only won or lost and not properly classified as just or unjust? If there is such a thing as a just war, what are the principles by which it is justified? What are the conditions that Immanuel Kant sets out through which the nations of the world can live in perpetual peace? To what extent is Kant’s idea of perpetual peace realizable today?

Dubois vs DouglassExplain the different views set forth by W.E.B. DuBois and Frederick Douglass regarding how African-Americans should integrate into a post-slavery existence. Summarize their arguments and then critically evaluate them. Who has the stronger argument and why? Or is a synthesis of the two a better approach?

Colonialism in Things Fall ApartIn addition to the powerful story of family relationships, Chinua Achebe shows us the tragedy that often accompanies colonialism, the remaking of a country, its values and culture, in the image of another country. However, the story also demands that we ask whether change, in religion and other deeply held beliefs, is always bad. Discuss this dichotomy (change vs. tradition) and whether one is necessarily superior to the other. 

Walker Percy’s The Moviegoer: A Kierkegaardian ReadingThe great southern novelist Walker Percy was greatly influenced by the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard. Percy’s first novel, The Moviegoer, displays significant influence from Kierkegaard. Discuss how Percy’s novel displays the influence of Kiergegaard, particularly the presentation of despair. 

Simone de BeauvoirDiscuss her critique of the “eternal feminine” and its relevance to the 21st century. How does this critique relate to existentialism? What is the essence of her argument? Is it convincing?

C.S Lewis on the Limits of Rationality in Till We Have FacesGenerally known for the Chronicles of Narnia and other works like Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Leters, Lewis is widely considered one of the greatest Christian apologists of the 20th century, if not all time. While not received well initially by his “fan” base, he considered his final novel Till We Have Faces to be his greatest achievement. In time, many Lewis scholars have come to agree with him. While throughout much of his storied career Lewis emphasized the primacy of reason in Till We Have Faces it seems that Lewis has come to question reason can provide all answers. Explore the problem of rationality in Lewis’s Till We Have Faces.

Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman”: Relevance for 21st Century AmericaIn Miller’s play, the main character Willie Loman is in many ways a victim of the American dream, of a capitalistic system that is Darwinian in nature – only the strong survive. And keep in mind, this was “way” back in 1949. Discuss the continuing relevance of Miller’s play for our time, for early 21st century America. Have things improved or worsened since Miller’s time? Does the play have continued relevance for our world?

Appearance vs. Reality in Shakespeare’s “King Lear”One of the most common themes in Shakespeare’s drama “King Lear” is that of appearance vs. reality, a common theme in much of Western Literature. All throughout the play, things are often not what they seem. Explore this theme of appearance vs. reality in “King Lear,” formulating a thesis that demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the play and this important theme. 

Bartleby and the 21st Century American WorkerAlthough he is most well known for his massive novel “Moby Dick,” Herman Melville was also a gifted author of short stories, including “Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street,” which has been seen by many as a commentary on undiagnosed depression as well as the dehumanizing effects of capitalism. Explore a single issue or theme that arises from your critical reading of this story, specifically focusing on how “Bartleby” relates to the worker in the 21st century. 

Environmentalism and J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the RingsAlthough Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy is best known for the fanciful world of Middle Earth and its cast of hobbits, elves, dwarves, and wizards, the books also reflect Tolkien’s belief in the importance of caring for creation. Discuss how the Lord of the Rings reflects Tolkien’s environmental vision. Note: do not write a paper based on your viewing of the movies. If you have not read the books or do not have plans to do so, please do not write on this topic. 

The Place of the Individual in Kierkegaard vs NietzscheThe Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard and the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche were as different as two philosophers could possibly be. While they had distinct differences in both style and substance, they addressed some common subject matter, including what it means to be an individual. Compare and contrast their views, formulating a thesis on which you find more convincing. 

Power and Gender Roles in Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching GodHurston’s powerful novel addresses the distinct ways in which gender and power are enmeshed – the main character, Janie Crawford, is in a continual struggle to find her own voice and live her own life. Discuss how the various men in Janie’s life reflect her own growth as an individual and a woman.

The “Good” in Flannery O’Connor’s “A Good Man is Hard to Find”Few writers have the skill to craft memorable characters as did the southern Catholic writer Flannery O’Connor. One of her greatest achievements was her short story, “A Good Man is Hard to Find.” Explore the theme of the “good” in O’Connor’s story. Be sure to pay particular attention to how O’Connor’s Catholic faith informs this understanding (in other words, if you’re not willing to delve deep into both theology and literature, this isn’t the topic for you).

Toni Morrison’s BelovedTo call Beloved Morrison’s most celebrated novel is saying something, given her impressive output over the years. One of the most important themes in the novel is the power and significance of naming, especially since slaves were not allowed to give themselves (or even their children) their own names. Discuss the significance of names and naming in Morrison’s novel. 

A Reflection On Theater As An Idealy Itransitive Space For Communication And Stimulation

Executive summary

This study observes rich potentials of theatre as an ideally intransitive space for communication and stimulation. It focuses on the general role of theater as a communication tool in the western world. Theatre is a tool for development in the Western world if effectively used. The paper explores three theater methods and communication types that are independently used as tools of communication in the Western society. These three methods include Agitprop method, Forum method and participatory theatre. The paper explores a few cases in the Western world and concludes that theatre has great influence as a communication tool in the Western society. The study is exploratory and introductory in nature. Therefore, it comments on present media reality in the Western world. It explores the rationale for the utilization of theatre as a communication medium and generates discussion on specific areas where theatre is used for development.

Table of Contents

TOC o “1-3” h z u HYPERLINK l “_Toc337218930” Executive summary PAGEREF _Toc337218930 h 2

HYPERLINK l “_Toc337218931” Introduction PAGEREF _Toc337218931 h 2

HYPERLINK l “_Toc337218932” Missionary role in Japan in the 16th century PAGEREF _Toc337218932 h 3

HYPERLINK l “_Toc337218933” Role of theater as a communication tool in the Western world PAGEREF _Toc337218933 h 4

HYPERLINK l “_Toc337218934” Agitprop Method PAGEREF _Toc337218934 h 11

HYPERLINK l “_Toc337218935” Participatory Theatre PAGEREF _Toc337218935 h 12

HYPERLINK l “_Toc337218936” Forum Method PAGEREF _Toc337218936 h 13

HYPERLINK l “_Toc337218937” The imperative PAGEREF _Toc337218937 h 14

HYPERLINK l “_Toc337218938” Missionary Role in Japan in the 16th Century PAGEREF _Toc337218938 h 16

HYPERLINK l “_Toc337218939” Using Theatre in Japan Mission in the 16th Century PAGEREF _Toc337218939 h 17

HYPERLINK l “_Toc337218940” Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc337218940 h 19

HYPERLINK l “_Toc337218941” Bibliography PAGEREF _Toc337218941 h 21

Introduction

Theatre plays a great role in the Western world society. There are several theorists who have written many treatises trying to show how theatres influence the Western society. Many people wonder whether theatre is a social organization, a place of releasing energy, or a source of entertainment. Theatre plays various roles in each of these descriptions. It has been used effectively in teaching, though the roles are controversial. Theatre has proved to be informative in many functions. However, it depends on whether gained information is important or useless to the society concerned. There is evidence that theatre has influence on politics. Theorists raise different merits and demerits of theatre in various fields. However, they agree that theatre plays a great role in the Western world as a medium of communication.

Missionary role in Japan in the 16th centuryWestern Japan welcomed the first European missionaries from Portugal in 1542. This was the mid sixteenth century when they missionaries came to Kyusu with an aim of spreading Christianity and gunpowder. The Japanese tycoons who lived in Kyusu welcomed the visitors as they were interested in the new weapons. Therefore, they accepted the Jesuit missionaries who introduced Christianity in Western Japan. The Jesuit missionaries managed to convert a large number of Japanese including the loyal class. Francis Xavier went to Kyoto in 1550 to introduce Christianity in the capital.

The Jesuits dominated Japan and spread Christianity till the end of the sixteenth century when Franciscan missionaries came to Kyoto. Toyotomi Hideyoshi had banned the Franciscan missionaries but they still arrived. This is when the Jesuits missionaries lost monopoly in Japan. The missionaries faced hostility in 1597 when Hideyoshi pronounced a fight against the missionaries and executed twenty six Christians as a warning to the missionaries and other converts.

Japanese gained freedom of worship and religion in 1873 after Meij restoration. The number of Christians in Japan has been increasing slowly especially after the world war II. Currently, between one and two million of the Japan population are Christians. This is about one percent of the total population. Most of the Christians live in the Western parts where Jesuits and other missionaries lived during the sixteenth century. Some Christian customs such as white dresses during a wedding ceremony, Christmas and Valentine day are becoming popular in Japan.

Role of theater as a communication tool in the Western worldOver the past centuries, the Western world has been taking actions to decree the growing industrialization that has set the pace for communication needs, media emphasis, content and orientation. The Western society has developed the idea of mass media mostly referring it to the use of electronic communication channels that reach the audience effectively. Televisions and radios have been the most used channels. However, the Internet is becoming one of the most famous and effective channels, especially with the growth and advancement of technology on the continent.

In the beginning, radios were the common and most effective channels as they reached the greatest population in the Western world as compared to television. It happened due to its low cost and use of batteries that enabled the population in areas with no electricity to access it. Currently, most people are not certain of the statement of fact because the breakdown of important infrastructure in the Western nations has created wide gaps between the leaders and the led. In fact, a capital of one Western nation had the national radio station being audible in the outskirts of the town with no less than one million people. Production techniques and styles for assessing brilliance have been transferred or imported.

The media appears to exist for strengthening the image of administrators and to the disadvantage of their subjects. Often, the result of this is the overkill that provokes certain levels of audience-cynicism. Whenever stocks of the television impacts are taken, the consequences are more alarming.

There are several factors that negatively affect theatre in the Western nations and reduce their effectiveness. These include: cultural assimilation, unqualified personnel in theatre, inadequate funds for quality production and displaced snobbism. It causes the situation when some more developed than other nations use theatre as a perpetual dumping site for misplaced cultural programs, Box Office Soap Operas, third charge spaghetti westerns and thrillers of alienating sports.

McMellan (1986) pointed out that Western televisions do not show what they should be showing to the Western society considering the level of industrialization on the continent. Mostly, modern televisions have shows with political speeches, foreign dignitaries visit reports or development experts showing what previous governments should have done to improve the continent. Some television programs in European languages explain to the society what it should do for its development, and dramas featuring high call characters dealing with typically Western problems.

Generally, either as a result of fear or mediocrity, most media producers have been dolefully unimaginative. Therefore, they prefer a simpler option of buying safe ideas from abroad. This imbalance in the information flow between the South and North ultimately permits the society to assess themselves more from the outside view than to come to a decisive perception of themselves from within.

Nearly in all countries, theatre and communication are poorly administered or unplanned. It is ad hoc and ephemeral. Therefore, it leaves out the participation of well-chosen communication strategists, competent theorists, and absolutely does not support the participation of the population. The past several decades have witnessed Western countries debating about the importance of comprehensive communication strategies aimed at improving development on the continent and in the world in general. Leaders have realized how lack of such policies has led to ad hoc approaches in the communication field. The interconnection between effective communication and economic measures has been coming as an after-thought and not as a thought-out approach in Western nations. This is why some theorists campaign against this scenery and call people to participate in development programs for an informed society. It will lead to the cultural awareness form and will be a solution for cultural harmonization in the global village.

There has not arisen an attempt to reject this overview as everyone sees the importance of modern communication in all nations in the Western world. However, it is important for the media to understand the purpose of theatre and targeted population. It includes the reason why media has to concentrate on informing, educating and entertaining the society. There are several factors that must be considered in the theatre industry in order to come up with effective communication that will lead to development. These are:

The industry has to accept that the Western world uses media in an ad hoc method that is mainly geared towards serving lesser extent of the population at the expense of the entire population.

Media has become an instrument of the owners instead of a tool of communication aimed at benefitting the entire Western society.

There is an uncritical utilization of media channels that has entrusted them with the role of suppliers of caricature and mediocrity, limited to alienating foreign cultures in entertainment, religion, culture, science and other fields.

These reasons call for serious reassessment of individual attitudes in the use of media channels. This study does not concentrate on the failure of modern media and their owners, but rather on the role media can play in Western countries and on the acceptance of some certifying media that has been downplayed because of its potential.

Folk media or theatre drama is one of these media. In Western countries, theatre is categorized as folk or oral culture. Moreover, theatre has been classified as informal or non-formal education in Western countries for a long period of time. Some decades ago, any attempt made by a theorist trying to encourage formal training in theatre was called a deviation. However, some Western nations have realized the importance of theatre as an effective communication medium. As a result, many nations have introduced several institutions in training, elaborating and exploring the strengths and role of theatre as a communication tool.

In the Western world, art performs a social function. Art and literature are the mirrors of the society, and every life event is recorded there. Theatre has various manifestations that encompass everyday life. Theatrical occurrences provide an occasion for the rationale off all political, social and religious phenomena within the society. The event of conflict and conflict resolution methods permit the community to define and look for appropriate solutions of their disagreements. It prevents violence that should have occurred in the case of the real life event.

Theatre is used for providing collective therapy. It occurs when people who observe the reflection of their actions in the theatre may understand themselves better and obtain a different perspective in life. This way, theatre creates self-consciousness in people who see their actions in the art form, thus developing collective feeling in the Western world.

Every theatre has its own history of development. Therefore, it would be unfair to try and trace the origin of theatre in the Western world since every nation started developing this art sphere at different levels. However, theatre in Western countries has some common elements. People dance, sing, tell stories and recite poems. These activities have been essential for the creation of the theatre and dramatic activities in the socio-cultural domain of these Western nations.

Theatre participation helps the society to improve its social interaction and to become well-rounded personalities. In fact, students and young people who participate in theatre have higher levels of concentration than those who do not join theatre. It helps the society to learn the importance of storytelling, to demonstrate innovative ideas and to express creativity. Theatre makes imagined and written art come true. It helps the society to use imagination in its daily life and to implement its dreams in future.

As the mirror of the society, theatre creates social awareness in the society concerning events that happened in the past, that are happening now and that deal with predicting the future. It teaches the society about different cultures and eras. For instance, the Shakespearean theatre makes the society reflect on the Renaissance period. August Wilson’s work reminds them of the African American interactions in the 1900s, and Arthur Miller’s works reveal the dream that America had in 1950.

Staged theatre in the Western world was born under distinct historical conditions, just like theatre on other continents. Generally, staged theatre in the West developed in different centuries depending on the nation and colonization processes. In some countries, staged theatre developed as sort of entertainment for chiefs, kings, queens and royal families. There was common of all theatres that they originated in village compounds or squares where ceremonies were conducted. It developed and widened as people intermingled in the 17th and 18th centuries. Concert parties and peasant afternoon gatherings developed in most countries and the role of the staged theatre increased. At that time, staged theatre reflected the colonial masters. However, theatre developed its nuance that was used in articulating the urge for independence and disadvantages of colonialism.

Theatre has fictionalized communality situations as well, which allows it to provide a forum where communication process can take place with the absence of antagonisms unlike in realistic situations. It is the nature of the theatre. As a part of organizational and educational processes, theatre plays various roles that include bringing the society together and forming a framework for collective action and reflection. Moreover, theatre draws out expression and participation of popular analysis and concerns. It overcomes societal rationalizations and fears, thereby building identity and confidence. It also stimulates discussions, contradictions, critical comprehension of societal problems and structures behind daily situations. Theatre clarifies strategies and possibilities for action mobilizing people and stirring their emotions for action.

The greatest role of theatre as a communication tool is its potential to be a participatory tool and stimulation for peoples’ development. Theatre for development that is also known as popular theatre uses idioms and local language. It enables to transmit development messages, themes and ideas to the society and to get immediate response for action. Therefore, popular theatre stands for development ideas and themes passed to popular masses through drama. The 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed performances and development on stage, television and radio. However, modern world is a witness of a different approach. Nowadays, social environments and political issues are used in theatre. The Western world uses various strategies in theatre for effective communication and stimulation.

Agitprop MethodAgitprop method has been used in the Western world theatre from times immemorial. Theatre with development projects has also applied this traditional method that is mostly used in the didactic theatre. The agitprop method has been proved to have great rallying power for people to arrange themselves into various action groups. However, the creators of the groups can be outsiders according to this method. It happens when actors from a certain society move to another society and show them their previous experience of using groups. In return, another society emulates action groups as a result of the theatre orientation. Actors usually get experienced after going through a five-step course of information gathering in the target societies. These steps include gathering society, story improvisation, information analysis, rehearsal and community performance.

Research shows that the use of the Agitprop method in theatre communication has influenced the level of critical thinking and awareness of various themes such as sanitation, human rights, nutrition and family planning. However, the results of this method are not very high compared to other methods since it originates from outsiders. Moreover, this method lacks community participation since the initiators are outsiders. Ultimately, spectators of the process consume the finished product that they have not worked for because outsiders have been struggling to make them emulate action groups. The method is a short-term one that is a result of post-performance dialogues.

Participatory TheatreParticipatory theatre is a more fulfilling method in comparison with the Agitprop method. Western world has used this method for theatre conscientiousness. In this method, participation in theatre is both methodology and a goal-oriented process. Theatre is produced within the society concerned by means of a catalyst. Therefore, it is theatre for the people and by the people that is created with the help of a catalyst. The catalyst in this method refers to outsiders who have theatre skills as well as community development knowledge. Like the Agitprop method, this method has particular parameters of messages and themes. However, community members perform the action and implement themes as planned unlike in the Agitprop method where outsiders are the performers. The outsiders in the participatory theatre are only catalysts and do not act in the experiment. Therefore, this method is able to involve the entire community fully into the discussion issues, to allow the community to raise their issues, and to mobilize the society to act appropriately. Catalyst or outsiders have to get the society members involved directly into the action. Therefore, these outsiders must come and stay with the target community for several days in order to learn the cultures and first-hand problems facing that society. It enables them to invent, rehearse and provoke action of some community members in the role of spectators and of actors.

In some cases, members of the society start as spectators and later join the acting group. They improvise the events happening in the production life and take actions that they have not been planned at the beginning of the project. However, catalysts must act in a perfect way for the spectators to become actors. The former spectators have to be trained to work in order not to pull the actors behind. Moreover, catalysts must make actors accept their fellow community members who have failed to join them in the beginning. One Latin American, Augosto Baol, who is a theatre practitioner, has come up with a methodology of transforming spectators into actors. These stages are referred to as Forum Theatre and Simultaneous Dramaturgy.

The Simultaneous Dramaturgy method requires the actors to play a short game suggested by a local spectator. However, actors do not finish the play, but instead halt it at the conflict point. Actors then request the spectators to offer a solution for the crisis. Like puppets, actors only perform actions that the spectators request. Actors use trial and error options offered by spectators, and a solution is reached at one point. At the end, spectators join actors as every solution offered becomes a victim of rectification and criticism. Final results leave the spectators with a desire to become actors.

Forum MethodIn the forum Theatre method, both spectators and actors converge. This methodology allows all the participants to narrate a story with social problems, to improvise action, to rehearse and then to present it as a play or a skit. During the play, the audience is requested to analyze whether the group has come up with the best solution in a particular situation. Every spectator who feels the solution is not the best is invited on stage to come and lead the group towards the best solution. The actor is supposed to act in a way that other actors will understand and follow his or her ideas without arguments. This method goes a step further in comparison with the Simultaneous Dramaturgy since spectators and actors are allowed to intermingle and act together.

Forum theatre methods offer all possible solutions of a problem. Through the forum method, theatre is both a tool of developing communication and a tool of societal analysis. It makes theatre self-educative. Population raises its consciousness from inside as a result of power relations and analysis of the social reality. When the catalysts finish their work, the spectators are immediately transformed into actors. This stage has maximum productive force since control and participation increase as a result of transformation from spectators into dramatic and then social actors.

The imperative

Social nature of theatre requires the Western world to accept it as a tool of communication for broadcasting ideas, messages and themes as well as for bridging the gap between various media systems. Modernizing campaigns, aimed at achieving dynamic change in a short period of time, depend greatly on the communication system because communication channels and theatre combine diffusion of data with reinforcement or opportunities and feedback. Therefore, the use of drama in the already existing media systems should be further facilitated, promoted and encouraged in order to enhance development goals in the Western world.

Using theatre as a medium of communication in the nation is important as it allows democratization of media systems. It was important for people in Western nations to participate in media systems, which will change the beneficiaries of these systems. This way, there will be equality between the system owners and common citizens. Those countries that have applied theatre and drama programs as a medium of communication have experienced the greatest debate and humor in the long run.

Perhaps, the Western world has been going through continuous development in all sectors, which has caused the destruction of theater as a tool of communication and stimulation. Governments on the continent do not have time to concentrate on this sector while there are many other more profitable sectors than theatre. However, it is important to facilitate change for the society participation in the communication development. It calls for a clear definition of communication and campaign in order to use theatre as a communication tool, especially in rural areas. It means that media institutions have to change the curriculum and include the role of theatre in road ways. This was, they will not dominate the media stations they will work for after school. Those, who already work, have to be instructed about the importance of theatre and community participation in communication and development.

It is important to create theatres in rural and urban communities with live characters who dramatize their lives to the audience. It facilitates the discussion of some essential for the society issues such as cultural shows, crafts, women’s problems, population concerns, nutrition, community health and agriculture among others.

Missionary Role in Japan in the 16th CenturyThe role of missionaries in Japan in the 16th century was to spread the good news outside the church to those who were not Christians. It was important for missionaries to have effective communication, so that their massage can be understood as intended. A missionary was an administrator. They distributed food, clothes and literature materials from the donor churches to the community where he/she serves. Moreover, a missionary could oversee a clinic or a school that needed to be constructed for the community concerned. The missionary helped the society to collect materials and organize the building work. The administrative role of a missionary depended on the local area and the already existing development. A missionary is a reporter. It was the role of the missionary to give feedback to the donor church, family and friends about the progress of his/her work. Therefore, it was essential for him/her to have effective communication tools, in order to be able to communicate with people and donors effectively. As the missionary communicated with donor churches, he/she was able to satisfy new needs that arise in the mission area.

Missionaries are fundraisers. They raised money for their personal use and supported the community where they spread Christianity. They looked for donors and well-wishers as well as giving their assets for the purpose of the ministry. Whenever the society faced a new need, the missionary took time off and started raising money from his/her donor church and other supporters. The missionary’s objective was to help the church and the entire society being a servant rather than dominating the church leaders as a senior leader. It was achieved through humility, perseverance, giving and offering guidance, and having strategic plans of the projects in the area.

Using Theatre in Japan Mission in the 16th CenturyTheatre was an effective tool of communication of the missionary in Japan as it broke through cultural and language barriers between the missionaries and the Western communities. It is possible due to the fact that theatre is natural and does not require clever speaking and literacy skills to be effective. Moreover, theatre appealed to the prejudices, passions and emotions of the audience. It communicated with a person, but not just with his/her reason and thinking. Therefore, it challenged people to accept Christianity, even if they tried to ignore it. Theatre is entertaining and interesting to follow. Therefore, it was easy for the missionaries to communicate with both adults and children using theatre. The fact that theatre combines the use of words, images, mime and dancing made it easy for everyone to understand.

The missionaries could effectively use theatre to change the mind of the Western communities that had not accepted Christianity. It was the best method of communication that could plant new ideas in the minds of the community. Theatre encouraged participation. It is possible that the missionaries in Japan first faced rejection from some members of the society. However, those who will joined the missionaries were be involved into drama. The missionaries then acted as catalysts and encouraged spectators to get involved. Using three methods of theatre that are used in Western countries, the spectators ultimately joined the actors, and the goals were achieved.

Fortunately, the missionary work can use several stories from the holy book. These stories decorate the theatre and make it real. They help the society to understand what happens in daily life. The stories encouraged the audience to participate in the drama, which made them the members of the flock. Advocacy theatre helped the audience to participate in the raised issues. This way, it had a greater effect on the audience in comparison with other communication modes. It challenged the audience and makes them believe in what the missionaries are telling them. Therapy theatre played an important role as it helps those with emotional problems and trauma. Missionaries had special understanding and training to apply theatre to all these purposes.

Missionary work consists of many narrations and parables as well as real life experiences. It was the role of the missionaries to offer guidance to the community using theatre, which includes endless storytelling. These stories helped the community and individuals to make sense of the real world. Real life experiences and witnesses build confidence and trust among people. It showed interest and humility towards the local issues of the society. The missionaries encouraged the community to participate in storytelling and to narrate their life experiences to other people in the team. However, it was important for the missionaries to be cautious as they narrated their past experiences to the community since this task required openness and trust. The community would only share their experiences after they had confidence in the missionaries. Therefore, the missionaries had to press on and continue even if the theatre did not bear fruits in the first few months. Moreover, they had to avoid stories that were too personal. It is through sharing stories that the community revealed its hidden needs and aspects.

The missionaries had to turn stories into play. The catholic missionaries encouraged participants from the community to take roles in skits. It included the stories from the Holy book as well as stories they had gathered from different individuals. Some issues that were sensitive and dangerous to discuss in the society openly were acted out, and the theme was comprehended easily. Participants playing as different characters had a chance to tell the society those things that could be hard to express in reality.

ConclusionTheatre has abilities that have not been utilized. There are various theories in the media education that need to be checked again. Once, entering a field without proper training was considered to be impious. However, the situation is not the same in the modern world. Jesuits missionaries were rejected accepted at the beginning and then accepted. Using theatre as a medium of communication was affective as it encouraged many spectators to be Christians. People from rural areas are allowed to use media as an expression of their agenda without being affected by the media officials. Interactive communication, especially theatre and drama could benefit to more development in the Western world. It was important for the media groups to lay their availabilities to the minority groups as tools of promoting exchange of ideas and articulation for members and outsiders. The role of theater as a communication tool in the Western world was to influence development and change that has not been implemented. It was the role of the communicator to find appropriate communication methods used in the social mode for most nations in the Western world. This task required refurbishing of the stereotypical strategies of communication and using media systems. It was significant to advocate for wider participation in using theater for development. This way, the Western world would have acquired greater control of direction concerning the choice of the medium of communication. Utilizing theatre interactively or non-interactively did constitute a serious challenge.

BibliographyAlexander, Bobby. “Victor Turner Revisited.” American Academy of Religion Academy Series, no. 74. Edited by Susan Thistlethwaite. Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1990.

Alland, Alexander. “The Roots of Art.”Ritual, Performance and Play. Edited by Richard Schechner and Mady Schuman. New York: Seabury Press, 1976.

Artaud, Antonin.The 50 Drawings to Murder Magic. Translated by Donald Nicholson-Smith. London:Seagull Books, 2009.

Artaud, Antonin.The Artaud Anthology. Edited by Jack HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J

A Reflection On When And Where The Youth Have Sex.

What a painstaking analysis! First of all I have to say, this was well researched and aptly put together. There are more pros than cons for this and one of the main and outstanding is the fact that the researchers highlighted a very important but always ignored aspect concerning youth and sex-the effects of the unsupervised time.

The research also revealed the fact that most youth spend a lot of time unsupervised and that trend sort of increases the probability of them not getting involved in after school activities but experiment with sex.It also highlighted another very important aspect concerning where and when youth have sex.The report scores high on reliability in the sense that most of its findings reflect reality for instance when it says that boys are more likely than girls to engage in sex at an earlier age say 14 years and also having a greater number of lifetime sexual partners.

One major con in this study is that they used more boys than girls in the study and it also used a bigger percentage of black students-an overwhelming ninety-eight percent, does this mean that this is a problem that majorly affects the black community?

The study brought forward some very interesting and profound points and concepts. The study revealed that most youth particularly boys have sex in their own homes and at time their partners’ homes and mostly after school. Most of the students also reported having sex on weekdays and particularly after 6 pm.in addition ,for boys ,the greater the number of unsupervised time the greater the number of life sexual partners. Among girls and not boys sexual activity was associated with non-participation in after school activities. Tobacco and alcohol were associated with unsupervised time among boys and not girls. The study further revealed that hoe early an individual is initiated in matter sex has a correlation with the number of life sex partners.

There were a number of concepts highlighted in the study for instance; the study explained that there was a strong relationship between the number of hours that youth were unsupervised and their sexual activity. The greater the amount of unsupervised time, the greater the percentage of youth who have ever had ever had intercourse. Most parents tend to leave their teenagers on their own as they get to puberty and mature and that’s cited as on of the major reasons to why more of the youth tend to engage in sexual activity out of curiosity and also because of the more non-supervised time accorded to them by parents.

This study is of great importance and useful to asocial work practice. It may guide a social worker providing education and social awareness to parents particularly to parents who have school going children. From the study many will get to understand that they should try to pay close attention to what their children do especially after school. Parents will learn from this study that they need to scrutinize what children engage in when alone or try to ensure that children are not alone. This may serve as awake up call to parents particularly to matters pertaining the social welfare of the boy child because apparently when the boy child is given more non supervised time ,he is more like than the girl child to enage in drugs and experiment with sex.

The report is well put together, the writer has a good command of the English language and the outstanding prose and proper use of grammar is anything to go by. The research findings are presented in a clear way devoid of ambiguity and the communication is effective. The message gets home without fail.

References

Cohen et al. (2002) when and where the youth have sex?the potential role of adults supervision.official journal of the American academy of padeatrics.110(66) p1-6.

The institute for youth development. (n.d.) sexual activity and youth. From HYPERLINK “http://www.youthdevelopment.org/download/sex.pdf” http://www.youthdevelopment.org/download/sex.pdf

Hutchison E.D. (2010) dimensions of human behavior: the changing life course, 4th ed.London: SAGE,

The Social Dilemma

Technology is part of everyday life. People consistently rely on technology to perform everyday tasks, entertain themselves, and consume information. Most people in the world, regardless of their age, have smartphones and consequently access to social media platforms. The documentary “The Social Dilemma” explores how phone use and social media significantly impact and influence people’s lives.

One of the biggest takeaways from this documentary is data collection. Social media platforms use algorithm-based technology that tracks, monitors and records everything one watches, likes, comments, and shares. Social media platforms can create individualized profiles on one’s likes, beliefs, and feelings about different subjects through this information. Also, this technology can easily make predictions about one’s future actions and feed them information that they want to see. Moreover, the data collected is commercialized and sold to different companies, further infringing on people’s privacy.

Another key takeaway is the impact of social media on mental health. As highlighted in the documentary, these technologies are not designed by psychologists. Therefore, they have little regard for an individual’s wellbeing. Social media features such as thumbs up, likes and hearts provide short-term approval signals that are falsely equated to value. The more comments and reactions people get on their posts, the more value they have, while the opposite equates to the lack of value. As a result, these short-term approval signals leave people feeling more empty, anxious and depressed. Moreover, it is not uncommon to see people make funny comments and memes about mental health issues such as depression, a factor that further affects one’s emotions and mental wellbeing.

This documentary was eye-opening as it provided insight into how social media companies collect, use, and sell our data. The documentary also revealed the correlation between social media use and increased mental health issues. Going forward, I will be more cautious of my actions online and equally reduce the time I spend on my phone. Hopefully, these measures will better protect me from online exploitation.