Reading Assessments Essay

INFORMAL USE FORMAL USE FORMATIVE USE SUMMATIVE USE | ANECDOTALRECORDS| To observe students in instructional settings. Used for identifying reading comprehension benchmark. (Boyd-Batstone, 2004),| THINK ALOUDS| Stragey for the think aloud enables modeling for students. Enables them to see how accomplished readers create the meaning from the book. Enables students to monitor their thoughts as they read and advances their intellectual capacity. It educates students to look back over a sentence, read in advance to clarify, and/or look for context sign to make logic of what they read. SELF-EVALUATI0N| To progress accomplishment in the classroom. Supports the idea of a collaborative learning environment. Assessment offers educators to increase ways to connect students to be more imaginative. (Stiggins, 1991,2001). | END OF UNIT TEST OR PROJECTS| When assessments reproduce the affirmed learning objectives, a well-made end of unit test provides teachers with information relating to individual students. | | | | | | FEEDBACK | Teacher create written or oral feedback to student discussion or work. | | | | | | | | | | STANDAR-ADIZED ASSESS-MENTS | Tests that precisely reveal state performance and content standards offers a clue of how many students are accomplishing established grade-level expectations| | | | | | | | PORTFOLI0S | When used as part of an assessment of student learning, portfolios make available proof to support attainment of stated learning objectives| | | | | | CURRICULM BASED MEASUREM-ENT (CBM)| Set of standardized measures is used to decide student progress and performance (Deno, 2001). | | | | READING LOGS| | COMPREHENSIVE TEST OF PHONOLOGIC-AL PROCESSING | Spotlight is on observing learner replies. Monitor progress with instruction. Presents instantaneous responses to both the educator and student on the topic of the learning process. | DISCOVERY TALK | Conversations used to unearth out what is going on in students life that might be affecting performance at school. (Zimmerman,1996)| | | | ORALRETELLINGS| Gives evidence that students comprehend what they are reading. †¢ Students retell the story by using their own words and recalling the sequence of events correctly. †¢ Students should be able to answer to questions about the chapter/book †¢ Have students create drawings that demonstrate comprehension. Relate new knowledge to prior knowledge (Rathvon, 2004). | DIBELS| Set of measures and procedures for assessing the achievement of early literacy Intended to be short (one minute) fluency dealings used to regularly observe the growth of early literacy and early reading skills. Developed to measure, recognized and empirically confirm skills related to reading outcomes. | | | | | | RECORDEDOBSERVATION| Offers assessment to center the focal point on the student’s potential to identify logos or common signs in or out of the context. (Compton,1997). | Story Construction from aPicture Book| Enables teacher to see how a student interprets the story and observation of reading skills. | | | | | | STUDENTPORTFOLIOS| Supplies data to document recognized reading goals. (Paris, 2002)| Use collections of classroom assessmentInformation to get ready for parent conferences. Classroom assessment assist to be aware of the whole child| | | | | | | . References Boyd-Batstone, P. (2004). Focused anecdotal records assessment: A tool for standards-based, authentic assessment. Reading Teacher, 58(4), 230-238. Compton, D.L. (1997). Using a developmental model to assess children’s word recognition. Intervention in School and Clinic, 32(5), 283. Deno, S. L. (2001). Curriculum-based measures: Development and perspectives. Retrieved November 11, 2012, from http://www. progressmonitoring. net/CBM_Article_Deno. pdf. Hoge, R. D. , & Coladarci, T. (1989). Teacher-based judgments of academic achievement: A review of literature. Review of Educational Research, 59(3), 297–323. Paris, S. G. , Paris, A. H. , & Carpenter, R. D. (2002). Effective practices for assessing young readers. In B. Taylor & P. D. Pearson (Eds. ), Teaching reading: Effective schools, accomplished teachers (pp. 141-162). Mahwah, NJ:Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Rathvon, N. (2004). Early reading assessment: A practitioner’s handbook. New York: Guilford Press. Stiggins, R. J. (2001). The unfulfilled promise of classroom assessment. EducationalMeasurement: Issues and Practice, 20(3), 5-14. Zimmerman, B. J. , Bonner, S. , & Kovach, R. (1996). Developing self-regulated learners: Beyond achievement to self-efficacy. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

What extent is it accurate to claim that Australians

Australians are committed to a ;fair go' and that they belong to a classless society? Since Australia opened its doors to the rest of the world it has been widely regarded as a land of ‘golden opportunity well endowed in resources with a small population; it appeared to be an escape from the rigid aristocratic ruling of European nations (Furze, 2008: 349). For such a long time many Australians have been reluctant to recognize that social classes do in fact exist within our society and that these classes perpetuate inequality.To claim that all Australians are committed to a fair go' would be ignorant, and I will explore in this discussion the barriers that prohibit Australians from being equal. I will begin by providing an understanding of class constructs and stratification, I will then go on to highlight the Inequalities Inherent in different spheres of Australian society and how these Inequalities are products of a class hierarchy. I have chosen to concentrate on healthcare; education and the legal system for these are resources that all citizens should have equal access to.Class is a significant force in all societies, understanding class is crucial if we are to see how groups of people within our society have different experiences. Social stratification refers to the way society is organized within hierarchical layers (Furze, 2008:320). It is impossible to live in Australia without coming to realize that these different social classes are employed in deferent types of Jobs, live in different suburbs, attend different schools, receive different incomes and experience crucial differences in privilege and inequality (McGregor, 1997: 2).As we begin to investigate how social, lattice and economic resources are distributed the disparities between groups becomes apparent- the nature of stratification creates a systematic and enduring pattern of Inequality. (Habits & Walter, 2009:2) The Inequalities that arise from class differences are largely based on const raints to access of resources; one of these resources is healthcare. It is evident that health disparities within Australia are linked to different income groups.Lifestyle factors attributed to ill health such as poor diets, drugs and alcohol are most prominent in low income groups and minorities such as the Indigenous. These groups are socially disadvantaged and therefore have limited access to resources such as housing, health information and education. For these reasons, studies have found that pregnant aboriginal women are at a high risk of birthing underweight babies- contributing to a higher infant mortality rate, high rates of morbidity with 20 years less life expectancy than non Indigenous Australians and higher rates of alcohol abuse and self harm (Furze, 2008: 314).Health risks are not just limited to minority groups however, blue collar workers also experience significant occupation related Issues; mining and Intensive Barbour as well as exposure to toxic substances Is li kely to cause subsequent Illness. Contested due to its inaccessibility. The Federal, State and Territory governments share the responsibility of publicly funded healthcare and also provide Medicare- a healthcare system that all wage earners pay a levy toward. Recently however, there has been a growth in private health care investment illustrated by a rise in private hospital beds from 24439 in 2003 to 26988 in 2006 (Furze, 2008:317).Citizens are being encouraged to take out private health care for better and quicker treatment, forever, this causes an ethical debate as public waiting lists are profoundly long and yet private health care is unaffordable by many. It is evident then, that class placement determines opportunity and creates barriers to achieving equal access to healthcare. Another sphere of Australian society divided by class stratification is education and schooling. In many ways education and knowledge are the keys to a prosperous and successful life; however it is not possible for everyone to access this valuable resource (Habit's and Walter, 2009:149).The shift of government funding room public schools to private schools means that a child's class background easily distorts their educational path. As private schools began to emerge, upper class parents would send their children to private school due to the preferred prestige and elite status they were associated with. More recently however, the decision to enroll children in private educational institutions reflects the decline the educational quality provided by public schools.The government have turned to ‘economic rationalism' where their focus is no longer on committing to maximizing general elf through the development of public resources but by operating on economic efficiency (Furze,2008:255). For this reason, private schools have been advantaged and public schools left behind. What is most significant about this change is that it generates socioeconomic inequality; parents with lowe r incomes cannot afford to send their children to private school and this subsequently reproduces the stratification system.Socioeconomic status has further implications within the education system; this is particularly evident within the low socioeconomic groups and indigenous community. Education attrition rates for these groups are as low as 14. 5%; this is significantly low compared to a 76. 4% obtained by higher socioeconomic groups (Furze, 2008:252). Students are sorted by ability and performance indicators through standardized testing; these tests routinely consign Aboriginals to a hard competition for Jobs, income and social mobility (Furze, 2008:261).Aboriginal children concentrated in rural areas suffer inequitable access to education, particularly as schools in remote areas have low achievement levels and staffing problems. In 2004 only 39. 5% of Aboriginals progressed to year 12 whilst 6. 8% of non indigenous students did (Furze, 2008: 263). Social inequalities and class implications are reproduced academically as wealthy schools continue to be subsidized and children of lower socioeconomic status remain disadvantaged.Substantial evidence of class related inequality also exists within the political sphere, lower socioeconomic groups and minorities possess limitations to accessing and actively participating in this sphere in comparison to upper class citizens who are able to actively participate. Great controversy surrounds the overrepresented of Indigenous and lower class citizens in Australia; discriminatory attitudes are prevalent toward these groups due to their higher rates of unemployment.Low levels disenfranchisement and a lack of knowledge (McGregor, 1997; 76) Relative poverty, poor health standards and a lack of educational and social opportunities have underpinned greater Aboriginal representation amongst criminal offenders. â€Å"Aborigines, it is said, make up one per cent of the general population, but nearly 30 per cent of prison in m ates,† (Wolcott & Dowse, 2004: 253). This statement is echoed by statements of the Australian Law Reform Commission which claims the Aborigines re 29 times more likely to be imprisoned that non Aborigines. Wolcott & Dowse, 2004: 256) As laws of a society are connected with the dominant cultural attitudes of society, it seems the inherent bias of Australian Judicial system is ethnocentric. The ALARM have also alluded to the, ‘many instances [that] exist when Aboriginals have been imprisoned, fined or otherwise sentenced without having understood their rights,' (Wolcott & Dowse, 2004: 259). This can be attributed again to the lack of education available to this community and the lack of access to legal aid due to financial constraints.For Australia to be committed to a fair go' all citizens should possess the same standard of access and equity in the legal system, however, the implications of class inequality prevent this from occurring. We can be certain that class divisi ons do exist in Australian society, and that these divisions limit one's entitlement to a fair go. ‘ Myths of equality aside, the evidence is quite clear that in Australia, as in every other capitalist system, success depends very strongly on one's socioeconomic status (Hillier, 1981 :214); it plays a pivotal role in determining access to political, social and economic resources .

Internet regulation Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Internet regulation - Research Paper Example The use of the internet is growing exponentially and moving in directions that no know could have imagined. Regardless whether we change with it, it is a fact that the way we communicate will continue to change. The digital migration has already shifted the boundaries between our personal and professional lives. The internet creates daily contacts with an endless number of electronic databases that in turn preserve our thoughts, statements, video and even voices. It is hard to find an individual who claim that internet is the final frontier or even a particularly revolutionary frontier (Martinsen, 89). Internet usage is a concept that has existed and will continue to exist. However, the fascinating fact is that with the new opportunities, risks and questions presented by the increasing level of technology platforms that allow people across the globe and communicate in new ways. It is used in almost all the sectors of any economy in the swift exchange and access of information and has fuelled faster economic expansion in many economies due to efficient communication and co-ordination of activities it offers. The benefits of the internet are undoubted. However, despite their well-intentioned efforts, there are some limitations that come by the use of the internet. (Determann, 2). The possibility of regulations aimed at neutralizing the internet has been met by fierce debate among scholars globally. While some are of the opposing sides, the rest embraces the idea of regulating the internet usage. Basically, internet regulation is an act of restricting or controlling access to some aspects or information. In a nutshell, internet regulation includes censorship of data and controlling aspects of the internet such as IP address and domain registration. Well, i tend to be of the opinion that the internet usage should have some limitations (Brousseau, Meryem and CeÃŒ cile, 73). One of the areas of concern with regards to negative effects of internet is

Towards industrial advanced front-junction n-type silicon solar cells Research Paper

Towards industrial advanced front-junction n-type silicon solar cells - Research Paper Example The justification of the project presented here is the need to develop better sources of energy (Yimao Wan et al. 1). The paper presents an analysis of the current trends in the field of engineering the solar cells. It takes a keen perspective on the development of the n-type front-junction monocyrstalline solar cells. It looks at the area variation and optimal output and the resistivity consideration that will yield potentially high output from the configuration. Moreover, production of solar cells undergoes a process better known as passivation. The cells are passivated using atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposited (APCVD) Al2O3 together with the Plasma enhanced chemical Vapor Deposited (PECVD) SiNx. The expectation level of a potential 21.6% efficiency of output from the developed cells is put into consideration (Yimao Wan et al. 1). The ultimate point of developing a solar cell is to achieve a conversion of solar energy into electric power. The paper determines ways into which a voltage level of up to 664nV will be achieved since that will be an excellent combination of output from a cell that needs commercialization. Efficiency is also a matter that is dependent on the effective area size, and the paper projects a 2 * 2cm2 to be an excellent fit for such an application. In respect to coming up with an optimal approach to electric production from solar cells, the right combination are analyzed in an experiment and a discussion is presented in the paper. The resistivity variations used in the experimentation is a range from three to 10 Ohm.cm (Yimao Wan et al. 2). Larger area covered by a single cell has been analyzed to the extent of a 12.5 * 12.5 cm2. Dimensions are a critical aspect of design. It will determine the amount of light falling on the plate and hence the total output voltage. Research is going on to determine the best cell arrangement that optimally increases that the reception of light rays

Make up assignemt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Make up assignemt - Essay Example Jefferson’s choice of the particular words used in the declaration was to express a shared understanding of â€Å"the American mind. â€Å"He showed what amounted to a collective political creed by stating that certain propositions were â€Å"self-evident† truths. The Declaration of Independence states that among the â€Å"truths† that Americans hold to be â€Å"self-evident† is â€Å"all Men are created equally.† (Jefferson,1). This statement related to all people regardless of their gender, occupation or color. It means that we are either created equally by birth or naturally political equals; therefore, no one is by birth a subject of a ruler or is automatically the ruler of others. Political equality thus does not define human equality. We are all created moral equals, and we are of equal value and worth in the eyes of the creator. Jefferson stated, â€Å"†¦all Men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights...† (Jefferson,1). This statement provides evidence that the declaration was a precursor to the bill of rights. Inalienable rights are those that cannot be given up even if there was an alternative to it. According to the concept of inalienable rights section in the Declaration of Independence liberty, life and pursuit of happiness is a right. The existence of unalienable rights does not mean that a person cannot be subjected to attacks, false imprisonments and other forms of oppression. Unalienable rights mean that such rights are not morally justifiable, and therefore we have a ground for moral

Strategic HRM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Strategic HRM - Essay Example HRM is about the competitive advantage to be gained from making the most of an organisation's human resources. But ,it is obvious that there are constraints of availability of suitable people which is heavily dependent on environmental variables like the effects of world and national economic conditions for business growth , the effect of inflation on the perceived value of wages ,traditions of local business culture and a particular nature of national employment markets. These variables have a 'macro' effect on the utilization of human resources. Identifying the relationship between HRM and strategy is simpler in theory than in practise. Organisations may take a variety of approaches towards HR and strategy ,ranging from those which give no consideration whatsoever to human resources to some where HR becomes the driving force. The significant issue in HR strategy is that of integration with overall business strategy. The idea is to emphasize the need for human resource practitioners to achieve an understanding of how business strategies are formed.

Chinas Urbanization as a Spectacle Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Chinas Urbanization as a Spectacle - Case Study Example The spectacles build up in the cities to an extent that it turns into an image. To create room for these spectacle projects, city residents are repeatedly displaced and relocated while migrants are ejected (Laurence, 2012; Wing, 2009). This form of urbanization is a clear depiction of China’s shallowness. The magnificent architecture is copied from the west and is a clear show of China’s lack of appreciation of their culture. The new city undoubtedly indicates China’s lack of confidence by replacing structure depicting their culture with those from a dissimilar civilization. The architectural problems China is facing emanates from the attempts to merge the western devised design with the Chinese culture. The belief that Asian like hiding problem is verified by the manner in which China has used the magnificent architectures to cover the predicaments facing China ranging from excessive pollution to the miserable displaced families. The spectacle is an invention characterized by shadow and light that China borrowed directly from western culture. Chinese sprawl is apparent from space with American Culture tailored in the architectures (Campanella, 2008; Ren, 2011). The skyscrapers are a depiction of a deteriorating culture and a mere cover-up of a failing economy. The developments led to vast migration from the rural areas to urban centers to an extent that the urban population overtook that in the rural areas. From the Cultural Revolution, the Chinese culture started depreciating and in the next few years, the culture might become extinct (Wing, 2009). One of the consequences of the development of spectacle city is the increased abuse of Labour rights with the migrants into the metropolis earning meager wages while working in poor working conditions. The mass migration is expected to cause immerse strains in aspects pertaining to housing, transport as well as increase the rate of pollution (Laurence, 2012).

Getting A Scholarship To Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Getting A Scholarship To Study - Essay Example The scholarship not only served as a financial assistance but was also a unique opportunity to display my academic prowess. There is no doubt that scholarships are more prestigious and that they play important role in enhancing one’s resume and at the same time help one to pay for his or her education. Scholarship has provided me with enormous financial benefits as it has helped me to study without incurring substantial costs or not getting into debts. This helped me to concentrate on my studies and in the future, it will help me to focus on my career without thinking about repaying loans. By removing financial barriers, the scholarship made my career and education goals easier to obtain. In addition to financial and educational benefits, the scholarship provided me with career benefit. Earning a prestigious scholarship makes me a more attractive job candidate. Most employers understand the competitive nature of the scholarship and as such, they recognize scholarship as an acc omplishment. It demonstrates to potential employers that I have exceptional abilities in the academic realm. Listing scholarship in my resume helps me to stand out when searching for a job and possibly help me to achieve the career that I want. The scholarship also came with personal benefit; it made a significant difference regarding how much resources and time that I had during college to spend to enhance my knowledge and experience through internships, volunteer opportunities, and service-learning.

Information Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6000 words

Information Management - Assignment Example Instead, the company's efforts should focus on other cultural matters. Coffee is a universal beverage. As such, almost every country has established its own coffee company. Expanding a coffee business, as in all types of enterprise, in a new location would mean giving due consideration to the inherent culture of that area. Understanding and talking the language is the first step to better comprehend the business environment of the locality. I believe that communication is one of the fundamentals of business. It took quite some time and research before Starbucks management made its final decision to open its first coffeehouse in Tokyo, Japan in August 1996. In 1995, Starbucks Coffee International forms joint venture with SAZABY Incorporated to develop Starbucks coffeehouses in Japan (Starbucks Japan, 2003). The partnership enabled Starbucks to be aware of the trading atmosphere in Japan, the attitude of Japanese towards work, and the locals' appreciation of sprouting foreign business in the area. Japanese can also be categorised among the educated businessmen in the world. Education and stock knowledge of future partners on business and technology have to be considered, particularly those coming from developing countries where e-learning is few steps behind from fully developed countries. The employees' outlook in work is vit... 3.2 Attitude The employees' outlook in work is vital. Workers of different nationality also vary in attitude towards their career. Stuart Duff, Head of Development at business psychologist firm Pearn Kandola, compared workers in Holland and the United Kingdom: "In the Netherlands research suggests that employees are more likely to seek long-term role security while in the UK employees will tend to look for more variety and changes in role through their career (Business Management Europe, 2006)." 3.3 Leadership Style Leadership styles also vary in some country. Gender matters in some member-countries of the European Union. Business Management Europe (2006) talked to Colin Meager, European Executive Committee member of Integra International. Meager says, "Certain EU countries have a more formal and rigid management structure and this can be exasperating to those who are used to more flexible and informal management systems." 3.4 Economy A country's economy is worth to be considered. Can the populace purchase our products Starbucks' target markets are the business class (traders and professionals) and the academe (teachers and students). These people abound in developed countries and going to a caf would be an ordinary routine. Whilst in developing countries like the Philippines, professionals as well as students from well-off families are excited to see international names among the cafes in the neighborhood. Turban, Rainer & Potter (2001, p. 4) wrote that in a global economy, "goods and services are produced profitable as dictated by competitive advantages that any nation might hold (e.g. expertise with certain technologies or low labor costs)." Labor costs differ from one country to another. Hourly Industrial Wages in Different Countries (in US

Personal Response on Sexuality Identity Essay Example for Free

Personal Response on Sexuality Identity Essay * Relate value systems and critical thinking to your sexual decision making before and after this course. * Describe the effect of environment and historical perspectives on your sexuality. * Discuss the development of your gender identity. * Analyze the effect of attraction and love in your relationships. * Discuss another topic of this course that is interesting and useful to you. Relate this topic to your life. When I first started this class I had no idea of what I was in for and then the first class took me back to when I was a young girl and had no clue about what I wanted or who. I never thought about boys much when I was in school and that made think maybe I was different than other girls, because they dated and I didn’t, was there something wrong with me or was I just waiting until I met the right person. I now know that I was just waiting for the right guy and the right time to even think about sex.I have learned in this class that even though I am not confused now that back then it was a normal thing to be confused and wonder if I was different. Back when I was young the fear of being different was about the only thing that we ever had to face (besides getting pregnant), I was raised Catholic and being different was and still is frowned upon, so when I would talk to my mother she would simply tell me that my body wasn’t ready and now after this class I can see that what she said was right, my body and my mind wasn’t ready to make that choice and when it was I knew what I wanted. That is still what a lot of the youth today have to face and understand, if their bodies are ready they have to make sure that they understand everything that goes along with being sexually active. The biggest thing that helped me understand my sexuality is that I grew up watching â€Å"Little House† and my parent’s, and also my grandparent’s. These things made me realize that I was meant to be with a man and to love only one person for life. I know that before I started dating I thought at one time that maybe I was meant to be with a girl not a boy, but then I went to church more often and after reading the bible (a lot) I was to be with a man if I wanted to be part of my family.  Even today if I was to be with a woman not my husband my family would never talk to me again. That is a lot for one person to have to deal with and that is what a lot of people have to deal with on a daily basis. I believe that if you want to be with the same sex then you should do what is going to make you happy, not everyone around you. In history if you laid down with the same sex as you everyone thought that you had something wrong with you and wanted you locked up, to make you change. I never wanted to be a problem for anyone, so I choose to do the right thing and go along with what everyone in my Catholic family told me that I should be like. I don’t regret it, but sometimes wonder if I gave in to easily and was too scared to be different. History has not been kind to people who are different and the same goes for people these days, if you’re different than them then they want to change you and make you like them. I was always told that I would go to hell if I ever even thought about women the way I was to think about a man, today I tell my daughters that if a women can make them happy and not hurt them then go ahead, I wish that that had been said to me. When I first started to date me only went out with people that I knew my parents wanted me to date, I never thought about being attracted to them or even interested in them. I know that being attracted to someone is one of the most important things when thinking of going out with them, but sometimes people do it (have sex) without thinking about it or any feeling at all. That is what I did for a long time and that took me some time to realize that I was onl y hurting myself and the men didn’t care why I was doing it. When I first fell in love with my husband we weren’t even dating, I met him at my sister’s and felt my heart beat faster every time he was around, that made me want to change for the better and the more I thought about him the more I wanted to be with only him. I know that love doesn’t always happen when you want it to or for whom you want, but it does happen. People I think need to be patient and kind to others and learn that putting yourself out there (so to speak) is the only way that you will realize that someone can love you and once you know that and learn to love yourself in spite of everything that has happened in the past, love is a wonderful thing and so is just being attracted to someone. Just knowing that my husband is going to be there no matter what I do or say gives me the sense of self that I can’t control. The topic that hit home really hard for me during this class was: Sexual Abuse  of Children. This hits home on two different levels, first I was abused as a child by my uncle and my grandfather. No one believed me and I felt completely alone and scared all the time. I do believe that this was one big factor on me not knowing who I was or what I wanted when I was the dating age (as my mother would say), I wouldn’t look or talk to any of the boys and got into fights with the girls, I always tried not to be home when my uncle had to watch us, but it never worked. So I ran away and that was when I started talking to someone who could help me deal with all the feeling that I was having. It took me (what seemed like forever) some time and at times even today I think about it and just want to cry, I still to this day don’t have anything to do with that uncle and never have forgiven him and never let him around any of my daughter’s. The second reason for this topic is that my daughter was raped when she was 15 and that brought up all of the feelings that I had as a young girl. I did everything that I could, I got her counseling and we pressed charges against the man who did it to her. She is doing some what alright,except she only wants to date a lot older men and started being sexually active shortly after that happened to her, she still has night terrors over it, but is getting the help that she needs and is talking more about it which is one of the best ways of dealing with childhood trauma. After taking this class my daughters and I are a lot closer because we talked about my assignments every week and they seem to want to talk to me more about what is going on with them. I never really talked to my mother about what I was feeling and that did more harm than good in my eyes. No day’s you have to be open and honest with young people and then maybe they will want to be open with you. Telling my girls that no matter what is going on with them I will always be there for them is the best thing that I could do for them. If there was one thing that I could change about the way that my thinking was before this class, it would be to be more open minded about things that I wonder about, like how can someone who has been with a man/women all there life’s change and flip it.I mean that I was always confused as to how someone would be gay,bi,and how did they know without a dought in their minds. I never really had any friends that were not straight and this class helped open my eye’s as to maybe why someone would be the way that they are without passing a bad thought about it.I’m really glad that I had the chance to get to know myself a little bit  better and understand a few other things that had me wondering.

Examining Children And Domestic Violence

Examining Children And Domestic Violence This essay will explore and critically discuss issues about domestic violence and effects on children with regards to the framework for constructing childhood. I will also briefly describe the historical definition of childhood comparing it to the current definition and the links to children and domestic violence. James and Prout (1997) stated that Childhood can be understood as a social construction as it provides an interpretive frame for contextualizing the early years of human life and it is different from biological immaturity. He also suggested that to an extent the definition of childhood is dependent on the views of the society. The concept of childhood has changed overtime, due to social construction that is fuelled by our views of children, our attitudes towards them and views constructed through human understanding. This change has a big impact on children and how society sees them; these changes are due to political and theoretical influences (James and James, 2004). James and James (2004) suggested that there is a sense loss of childhood, as children are being denied their right to childhood and they are exposed to the unpredictable and impulsive of the adult world too early. History of childhood In Western Europe during the middle ages children were seen as miniature adults, with same thinking capacity and personal qualities, but not the same physical abilities. From 15th century Aries suggested that the idea of childhood has changed but the images and paintings of children changed as a new understanding of childhood emerged allowing children to be seen as distinct from adults because they had their own needs. Shahar challenged the Aries views, she argues that the perceptions of children as adults goes beyond the 15th century; children were perceived as either been born innocent or sullied by original sin (James and James, 2004). The image of the child born into original sin came from the Aristotelian notions overlaid with Judeao-Christian; in this children were seen as wicked and needed redemption. Susannah Wesley recommended that parents must discipline their children so they can be saved from their sinfulness. In the 18th century, children were seen as the nature child, n ature wants children to be children and not merely as adults in the making. John Wesley recommended that parents should break the will of their children in order to bring his Gods will into subjection so they will be subject to the will of God. During the 19th century children were portrayed as naughty rather than evil, but this has continued today for example in books such as my naughty little sister. Towards the end of the 18th century, the perception of childhood was influenced by the romantic and evangelical. Romantic portrayed childhood as a time of happiness and innocence, children were seen as pure and should be protected before facing trials and responsibilities of adulthood; for example by Rousseaus Emile, but it was later propagated by Blake, Coleridge and Wordsworth. Blake saw childhood not as the preparation for what was to come but as the source of innocence, but his views were confused by Wordsworth emphasised that children were blessings from God , as childhood was se en as the age where virtue was domiciled, (James and Prout, 1997). The romantic child was short-lived by the evangelical child, the evangelical Magazine advises parents to teach their children that they are sinful polluted creatures. Currently, childhood is seen as vulnerable to exploitation especially the way which the media plays a big role in the commercialisation of childrens merchandise such as toys and games. Childhood in Britain is often perceived as being a time of innocence and happiness, a carefree time when children should be protected and sheltered from the adult world of sex, drugs and violence (Foley et al, 2001). Children are viewed as vulnerable especially when it relates to abuse or protecting them; Holt et al (2008) suggested that the perception and understanding of children has changed overtime in relation to abuse as there is more research on children and young people who have experienced abuse. The framework for constructing childhood consists of welfare of children, childrens rights and children in a social context. The welfare of children is still a concern which continues to change the policy and legislation in order to promote and safeguard the welfare of children in society. The UK government chose three main points in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1999 which is quality protects (programme to support children aged 0-3 yrs and their families, sure start and National Childcare Strategy to ensure good-quality childcare for children aged 0-14 (James and James, 2004). Race, class, religion, gender and disability shape childrens lives; all these factors have an impact on their health, life chances and educational experience. UNCRC came into force in the UK in 1992, all organizations working with children refer to UNCRC, for example Childrens express and Article 12, aim to increase children and young peoples participation in the society. Unlike adults, children have fewer rights for example they do not have the right to vote as children do not yet have the competence to make such decisions. These special rights are for their protection rather than participation (James and James, 2004). James and James (2004) stated that the social positioning of children is inextricably linked with wider social changes associated with the roles of men and women, families and the state. Changes in the composition of the family structure and the increased involvement of women in the workforce in Western Europe and US have an impact upon the lives of children. External materials and cultural forces of the families, both subtlety and directly shape children lives; but also schools, childcare and healthcare settings influence the lives of children (James and James, 2004). Domestic violence is a health issue that is hidden but statistics shows that it is a problem not just in England but worldwide and it is also an indicator of other forms of child abuse. Evidence from Brandon et als (2008) study shows that if domestic violence is present it leads to two-thirds of cases of child deaths and serious injury, therefore this shows that domestic violence is one factor that leads/contribute to death in childrens cases where children have been killed or seriously injured for example Victoria Climbe and baby P cases. It affects everyone in the society regardless of age, gender, wealth and sexuality. Home office (2010) defines Domestic violence as Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners of family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This includes issues of concern to Black and other Minority Ethnic communities such as honour kill ings. McGee (2000) stated that domestic violence is experienced by women and children of all social classes, ethnicities and abilities. BCS (2001) estimates that one in five (21%) women and one in ten (10%) men has experienced at least one incident of non-sexual domestic threat or force since they were 16. Also when financial and emotional abuse is included, 26% of women and 17% of men had experienced domestic violence since the age of 16. The most affected group as a result of domestic violence are women, as statistics shows 32% of women had experienced domestic violence from this person four or more times compared with only 11 per cent of men (Mullender, 2004). Statistics from British Crime Survey (BCS) (1996) shows that half of families who suffered domestic violence had children aged 16 or under living in the household. Mirrless-Black (1999) suggested that 29% of children experiencing domestic violence were aware of what was happening, children were more likely to be witness abu se against women who suffer abuse themselves. In the UK it is estimated that every year at least 750,000 children witness domestic violence and over a 100-day period an estimated 205,000 children will witness domestic violence (DoH, 2009). Children are affected not only by directly witnessing abuse, but also by living in an environment where their mother (main caregiver) is repeatedly victimised. Children in a home where the mother is being abused are also at greater risk of being abused themselves, or being used to control their mother, Hidden hurt (2010). There are many ways that children and young people can experience domestic violence such as directly being abused or witnessing the abuse as children are aware of what going on, and could be listening whilst the abuse happens. Mullender (2004) stated that what children see or hear when their mothers are being abused can not only include physical violence but also emotional abuse and put-downs, threats and intimidation, sexual jealousy and abuse. Children may witness the family being kept short of money or the abuser taking money from other family members and also experience isolation from family and friends. Also children could witness domestic violence by actually seeing violent and abusive acts/behaviours, hearing arguments and seeing the physical and emotional effects of abuse and when trying to intervene to protect their mother or siblings; but young people may experience domestic violence in their own relationships (DoH, 2002). Research has shown that children are likely to be at risk of physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse if they have witnessed or live in an abusive home. The National Childrens Home (NCH) Action for Children study (2002) found that children living with domestic violence frequently experienced direct physical and sexual assault and that ten per cent had witnessed their mother being sexually assaulted. Abrahams (1994) study found that of women and children who had left a domestic abuser 10% of mothers had been sexually abused in front of their children, 27% of the partners had also assaulted the children, including sexually and 1/3 said that the children became violent and aggressive, including towards their mothers; 31% developed problems at school; and 31% of children had low self-esteem. DoH (2009) stated that although the statistics shows that a high numbers of children witness domestic violence, official statistics are likely to underplay its prevalence. It is difficult to estimate the exact number of women or children that experience domestic violence as not every incident is report or disclosed; therefore the true figures are likely to be higher. Domestic violence has a big impact on children emotionally, socially, behaviourally, developmentally and on their cognitive ability. It can be difficult to research the effects of domestic violence on children due to ethical issues as they are very vulnerable, but it is important to find out what children experience in order to understand the possible impact on children on how to support them to cope. Hester et al (2000) stated that there is evidence that domestic violence has an impact on children but there is lack of knowledge to how factors such as age, race, economic status, gender, disability and childrens resilience influences children. Children can react to violence in different ways depending on whether they are witnessing or experiencing violence as some are more sensitive than others, but it depends on their age. There are two types of behaviours that can manifest in children, this could be externalised and internalised as some children could be more aggressive and are at a high risk of depression (DoH, 2009). McGee (2000) and Frantuzzo (1999) pointed out that children exposed to domestic violence tend to display more aggressive behaviour, have problems in school/home and also behavioural problems such as depression, fears, suicidal behaviours, bed wetting and low self-esteem. Other behavioural and emotional effects could be feeling powerless/helpless, withdrawn, anger, and lower academic achievements; Hester et al, (2000) suggested that this could be short or long term. However, all children could suffer from all of the above at any stage in their life without being affected or witnessing violence, research has shown that it is higher among children who witness domestic violence. Domestic violence can also affect childrens cognitive abilities as research has shown that what is happening at home can disrupt their education. Veltman et al (2000) found that 75% of cases children had delayed cognitive development and 86% had delayed language development. Research has shown that children exposed to domestic violence have difficulty in school, lack concentration and more likely to refuse to attend school (McGee, 2000 and Humphrey and Mullender, 2001). There are long-term consequences of exposure to domestic violence especially to younger children as it is thought that they dont remember what happened; however the effect can be carried to adulthood and could jeopardize their development. Cunningham and Baker (2004) suggested that if domestic violence is carried into adulthood it can contribute to a cycle of adversity and violence. Osofsky (1999) stated that studies have indicated the link between exposure to violence and negative behaviours in children of all age group; similarly Cunningham and baker suggested that exposure to domestic violence can have varied impact at different stages. The social issues of domestic violence are more likely to affect adolescent due to difficulties forming healthy intimate relationships with peers as a result of their experiences; Levendosky et al (2002) suggests adolescents exposed to violence are less likely to have a secure attachment style and more likely to have an avoidant attachment style, i ndicating perhaps that they no longer feel trust in intimate relationships. Violence experienced by infants and toddlers can cause more emotional or behavioural problems as they tend to have excessive irritability, immature behaviour, sleep disturbances, emotional distress, fears of being alone, and regression in toileting and language (Holt et al, 2008 and Osofsky, 1999). Due to their age they are dependent on the mothers/care-giver for care, safety and security so they form the attachment. Studies have shown a link between secure parent-child attachments in infancy with later positive developmental outcomes and these could affect how they relate to people in later life which could affect their normal development of trust and create social problems; research on attachment in infancy has shown that the more serious the level of domestic violence, the higher the likelihood of insecure, disorganised, attachments (DoH, 2009). Furthermore, it can be very difficult for these young children who often cannot describe their experiences in detail as their development is limited and their feelings/emotions are manifested as temper tantrums and aggression, crying and resisting comfort, or sadness and anxiety (Cunningham and Baker, 2004). Children welfare and rights Safeguarding and children welfare is defined by HM government (2006) as the process of protecting children from abuse or neglect, preventing impairment of their health and development, and ensuring they are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care that enables children to have optimum life chances and enter adulthood successfully (p 27). Children are defined as in need when they are unlikely to reach or maintain a satisfactory level of health or development which will be significantly impaired without the provision of services (S17 (10) of the Children Act (1989). Some children are in need because they are suffering or likely to suffer significant harm which justifies compulsory intervention in family life in the best interest of children. The Child Act (1989) places duty on every local authority to provide a range of appropriate services to ensure that children in need within their area welfare are promoted. The Act also places a duty on l ocal authorities to make or cause enquiries to be made, where there is reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering or likely to suffer, significant harm (s 47). The Children Act (1989) recognises that to promote the welfare of children, services may need to be provided to address the difficulties their parents are experiencing. In order to promote the welfare and safeguard children, all the services and agencies working with children have to come together to provide effective support and services, as when children experience serious inquiries it is evident that there has been a failure of agencies working together; this was an issue raised in the 2003 Victoria Climbià © Inquiry report. Cm 5730 (2003) from Victoria Climbià © Inquiry report recommended that many agencies have to work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children which cannot be achieved by a single agency as every service has a part to play. The Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act (2004), Family Law Act (1996), Protection from Harassment Act (1997) and safeguarding children all state that it is a criminal offence if a child dies as a result of an unlawful act of the parents/adults (member of the family) who do not take actions to protect the child. The Children Act s11 (2004) and Working Together to safeguard children (HM Government, 2006) stated that safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyones responsibility and central to all local authority functions. Similarly HM Government (2006) stated that protecting children from significant harm, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children depends on effective joint working between agencies and professionals that have different roles and expertise (p 33). Furthermore the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) main aim is to ensure the effective safeguarding of children by all local stake holders and the promotion of their welfare, both in a multi-agency context and within individual agencies (HM Government, 2010). LSCB should ensure better collaboration and co-ordination in cases which require services such as agencies working with both childrens and adult services such as agencies working with parents experiencing domestic violence. Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government, 2006) states that LSCBs should make appropriate arrangements at a strategic management level to involve among others, domestic violence forums (p 86). HM Government (2010) states that all health professionals working directly with children and young people should ensure that safeguarding and promoting their welfare forms an integral part of all elements of the care they offer. The Children Act (2004) places a wider duty on the police for example ensuring policy plans including child protection strategies. They also specify the need to respond quickly and effectively to domestic violence incidents (Cleaver et al, 2007). Police have a key role in safeguarding children and working with other agencies to stop abuse (HM Government, 2010). In the past professionals have not worked together to address the impact of domestic violence for children, but measures have been placed to reduce this impact. As health professional we have to be able to identify the impact of domestic violence on children in order to help/support them. Research has shown that professionals struggle to identify and understand childrens experiences so cannot respond appropriately to their needs (Mullender et al, 2002). Children have several coping strategies can be through resilience and being listened to about their experiences but some children can recover quickly as children are different so we as professional need to consider each childs coping strategy. DoH (2009) stated that identifying protective factors and increasing resilience can reduce the risk of harm (p 30). Mullender et al (2002) suggested that a secure attachment to a non-violent parent/carer is a protective factor for children in distress from violence. Similarly, Osofsky (1999) sta ted that the most important protective resource to enable a child to cope with exposure to violence is a strong relationship with a competent, caring, positive adult, most often a parent. This is because violence can jeopardize the development of a childs ability to think and solve problems, but with the support of good parenting by either a parent or other significant adult, a childs cognitive and social development can progress. It is important as professionals that children are listened to, taken seriously and are kept informed and involved in decisions; Mullender et al (2000) pointed out that professional lack sensitivity to children who do not feel noticed or supported appropriately. Professionals need training on how to communicate to children to experience domestic violence by using language which will allow them to talk openly. Children want their voices to be heard as this will allow children to disclose any violence; Mullender et al (2002) stated that listening to children who have lived with domestic violence has meant not only hearing voices that were silent but seeing other cases of violence from a child-centred perspective (p 206). Nevertheless when assessing childs needs, it is important to consider support for the family; Holt et al (2008) and Humphreys and Mullender (2001) both suggested that it is essential to provide an holistic assessment that will take into account the risk and protective factors in each family, especially the mother and child. Likewise Hester et al (2000) suggested that any intervention strategy needs to be individualised to children family context and should focus on stabilising the home environment to minimise disruption. They are several service and support for children who have/are experiencing domestic violence such as the hide out, family care support, NSPCC counselling for children and counselling and strong families programme. The hide out is a child friendly website for children and young people, it was created by Womens Aid to help children and young people to understand domestic abuse, and how to take positive action if its happening to you. Stronger families programme is a 12 week therapeutic group programme from children and mothers who have experienced domestic violence. The aim is to achieve safety, empowerment and a safe place to discuss feelings. It helps towards the reparation to mother child relationship through a mother and child group. It is an inter-agency collaborative model that is offered throughout Nottingham city. The Stronger Families programme is based on the successful model originally initiated in Ontario, Canada. The Community Group programme for children exposed to women abuse has over 20 years of experience and research. It is based on early research by Peter Jaffe et al in London Ontario. In 1986 first manual and groups for children, 1996 favourable evaluation and in 1997 practitioners manual published. The London borough of Sutton has been instrumental in introducing the programme for children affected by domestic violence in the UK. Nottingham is now one of the first areas in the UK to offer the full group treatment programme to local mothers and children. In 1996 the programme was evaluated and it was found that children improved their ability to identify abusive actions and behaviours and children improved in their strategies to manage interpersonal conflict. Overall there was a positive satisfaction post group from both mothers and children. To improve the outcomes of domestic violence for children and young people, professional need to make children more aware of domestic violence and where to get help/support if they or friends are experiencing violence, especially in the community for example schools or places young people are more likely to go. McGee (2000) suggested that children and young people need more information about domestic violence and leaflets should be avialblae thorough schools and community, whilst Humphreys and Mullender (2001) suggested that raising awareness in youth settings is another to help change people attitudes. Young people suggested that an educational campaign involving discussion about the media pressure and peoples attitudes towards violence (Mullender et al, 2000); similarly McGee (2000) recommended the need to have a public education campaign which is aimed at adults and children to address domestic violence, for example the Zero tolerance campaign in schools, media campaign to direct young people for support and information and raising awareness as well as providing support in schools for children experiencing domestic violence.

New Religious Movements Essay -- Analysis, Lorne Dawson

Dawson (2010) Lorne Dawson presents a unique perspective on the similarities between New Religious Movements (NRM), which are also known as cults, and radical Islamic groups. Dawson (2010) questions why no dialogue has occurred because of the similarities between the two types of movements. Dawson (2010) stated that individuals that join Islamic extremist groups have the same issues of NRM members who experience a source of deprivation or alienation from the secular world. As with both groups, Dawson (2010) alludes that the deprivation is based on personalization of an issue that could be social, psychological, and moral. Dawson (2010) cautions that deprivation is not all about economics and there is no singular profile to fit an individual and pointed reason of why an individual will feel deprivation. Dawson points out the general public may view people as down on their luck and in economic strife. However, in actuality, both groups according to Dawson (2010) come from middle class families and have obtained some education and seem unremarkable, just as asserted in the Silber and Bhatt (2007) study. With this sense of deprivation, Dawson points out seeking individuals in both NRM and radical Islamic groups may want to pursue an identity which is influenced by socialization with other people going through the same situation or who understand what an individual is going through. Dawson makes an interesting point that the social bonds that are strong and give an individual a sense of belonging which help transform a person to a NRM or radical Islamic group. Dawson refers to two key socialization tenets that are in both NRM and radical Islam and was mentioned in Silber and Bhatt (2007) study that are appli... ...to steer away from the aspect of socialization as a conduit to propel radicalization. It does mention that Larose accused of conspiring to kill Swedish artist Lars Vilks had social contacts through emails supporting her effort. The literature provides a valid point that the internet has transpired as a major component in increase of the radicalization process. This paper argues the researchers should have presented the argument that the internet is a gateway for socialization rather than a forum for self-radicalization. The paper did mention the importance of information operations to counter media promoting radicalization which has not been emphasized to the extent as it was in this literature. The Self-Awakening variable implies religion in this literature. The Social Conduit variable is obviously identified as the internet and extremist groups.

A True History of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson by Mrs. Mary Rowlandson Essay

The Theme of "A True History of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson" by Mrs. Mary Rowlandson In the times of colonies when land was untouched there was a distinct hatred between the native Indians and the new colonists. As one reads the essay: A True History of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson, written by Mary Rowlandson in 1682, one will understand this hatred. Although the Indians captured Mary Rowlandson, with the faith of God she was safely returned. The reader learns of her religious messages and how she turns to God for safety and strong will. One sees how her Puritan beliefs are of the strong New England Puritans way of life. The reader also understands through her words how she views the Indians and their way of life. Rowlandson's theme is very simple; the capture and return of herself by the Indians. It was a strange and amazing dispensation that the Lord should so afflict his precious servant, and Handmaid (Rowlandson p. 22). She struggles to find answers in why she was captured and tormented for eleven weeks, when she shows such a high religious fate. Her theme shows that she begged God for mercy, not to be free but to have strength to travel each day. Before she was captured she was a very religious person; being the wife of Reverend Joseph Rowlandson and mother to their offspring. God was in her daily life moreover in her kids' lives. After she was captured her religious life did not change, even though she was put through hellish conditions God still was her right hand man. When the Indians burned the town and made way to Rowlandson's house she turned to God for answers. Her house was set on fire forcing her and her kids to come out. When she came out she suffered a bullet to the arm and w... ...e. She spent all day walking and carrying articles while the Indians rode horse back. Rowlandson was forced to weave for the Indians and give her clothing up for the comfort of the Indians. My head also was so light, that I usually reeled as I went, but I hope all those wearisome steps that I have taken are but a forwarding of me to the Heavenly rest (Rowlandson p. 43). Near the end of her eleven weeks of captivity Rowlandson wanted nothing more but to give up and let the Lord take her away. The Indians stood laughing to see me staggering along; but in my distress the Lord gave me experience of the truth and goodness of that promise (Rowlandson p. 51). Finally, after eleven long weeks of death, pain and suffering, the Indians gave heart. They leaded her near Boston where she would find some English men that helped reunites her husband to his long lost wife.

The nature versus nurture debate Essay

The nature versus nurture debate was founded by Francis Galton in the 19th century. It basically states that all of your attributes are either hereditary or environmentally. There are many theories that have challenges the nature versus nurture theory. For example; some of the theories state that there are different kinds of attributes such as life experiences, how our parents raise us, what we are taught at school and our cultural backgrounds. It is obvious that we are born with some of our parents attributes, for example your parents may both have long legs that you inherited, but things like perhaps a love of poetry or your sexual preference weren’t inherited, and have influenced your personality from your surroundings. There are lots of identical twins separated at birth that reunite as adults to find they had been using the same brand of toothpaste or have named their dogs the same names. This proves the nature theory, proving that attributes are founded at birth. But other scientists are taking this further and into ethical questions such as â€Å"what if serial killers were born to commit their crimes?† The most current nature versus nurture debate is whether the â€Å"gay gene† exists or not. This would suggest that homosexuality is no more a choice than eye colour. There are also attributes that are a mixture of nature and nurture, such as: Personality: Nurture – often there are similarities and differences that come from your parents. Nature – Children develop personalities and lean towards certain behaviours such as shyness and anger. It sometimes cannot be explained because the parents sometimes don’t have these traits. Homosexuality: Nurture – It’s widely seen that it is a humans choice to be a homosexual, where as some people believe that it’s to do with someone’s upbringing. Nature – People believe that homosexuality is genetic, like your foot size or eye colour. The argument for this is the perspective that nature being responsible for the individual development in life. Intelligence: Nurture – This could be based on the childs educational background as well as how the individuals parents had raised them. Nature – Someones ability to achieve and someone who picks up on their parents level of intelligence and tries to match it. To conclude the nature versus nurture debate, It shows that the physical and mental aspects can be queried by an individual to show how a person can develop through their parents or nature. What’s most likely is that both nature and nurture play some role in how we all turn out. But no one really knows with certainty. The true answer as to which side tips the scale remains to be seen. How this affects Samora: Samora’s Early childhood- Physical – Samora would have inherited her average height and weight from her parents meaning that her parents must also be of average height and weight. This physical attribute is nature, and will affect Samora by making her less vulnerable to diseases like obesity and diet related issues. She had all the normal childhood diseases, meaning she was quite an average child. Mental – Samora’s development at this life stage would be brief. Her childhood is the most important part of her mental development as this is the time she would be nurtured to start moulding her personality. She is averagely intelligent, leaving school with a decent amount of A-C GCSE’s, and having good A level grades allowing her to go to university, This was nurtured in to her since she was a child as her parents must be clever as they both have quite well paid jobs, and her brother and sister do also. Emotional – At this age Samora would have become stubborn or angry when change occurred, as she doesn’t have full control over her emotions. As her early childhood progresses, she should have been nurtured to gain more control over her emotions and learn right from wrong. Social – At the beginning of Samora’s childhood she would have been the centre of attention, which her older siblings may not have liked. This could of affected her relationship with her siblings as the youngest child is always the most vulnerable to sibling jealousy. How nature/nurture affects early childhood – I believe that nature is obviously a very important part of a person’s early childhood, as  it is the attributes they are born with, and will live with for the rest of their lives. However, nurture plays an extremely important part in a person’s overall development. For example, if both of a person’s parents smoke, the person is more likely to smoke in the future, as they are nurtured in to believing that is the correct thing to do. Samora’s Adolescence- Physical – As Samora is of average height and weight, her physical attributes should develop averagely. For example, during adolescence Samora’s breast would start to develop, she would have started body hair, her weight should increase and she may develop acne. This is nature, as they are things that Samora can’t change. Samora started smoking at the age of 15, which is very young and could have shunted her full lung development. She also does dancing and netball, which would have helped her going through puberty, as she wouldn’t gain as much weight as she was active. Mental – This is where Samora decided her career. She is a qualified primary school teacher, which she would have had to of decided on when she started college. This could have been a stressful time for Samora as she had to decide the rest of her future at such a young age. She may have started smoking due to a false safety net, believing that bad things cant happen to her. For exampl e, she could have believed that she wouldn’t get addicted to cigarettes because she believed she was untouchable. Emotional – Adolescence is where you develop your identity, This could have been when Samora decided she was a lesbian. I believe that Samora wasn’t a troubled teenager as she isn’t addicted to drugs or alcohol, and she had good GCSE grades. This is due to the nurture of Samora. Social – It says that Samora is sociable meaning that she must have friends. During adolescence, teenagers may struggle making and maintaining friends as they will act out at anyone and everyone, This is nurture as you aren’t born with friends. How nature/nurture affects adolescence – Nature affects adolescence as they have to go through a lot of physical changes (puberty) which is a very important part of development. Nurture is also important as a person starts to develop their identity, and their surroundings could have an important influence on this.

Abstract: Understanding the Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Women’s Sexuality

Colangelo, J. J. , & Keefe-Cooperman, K. (2012). Understanding the Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Women's Sexuality. Journal Of Mental Health Counseling, 34(1), 14-37. The purpose of this study was to show how childhood sexual abuse (CSA) victims often are faced with negative psychological and emotional consequences which have profound effects on their lives, as well as their sexuality. The intent of the authors was to show the occurrence of CSA among different women populations, and how it negatively affects them for the rest of their lives.The authors also discuss different suggestions for counselors dealing with these CSA victims, and how they must have a vast understanding of how these women compromise their sex lives because of the trauma. The authors state at the beginning of the article that â€Å"the relationship between child sexual abuse and adult sexual functioning is well-established. †(pg 14) So, the author’s intent with this article was to not only pr ovide additional information regarding CSA victims and how that negatively impacts their lives, but provide insight for counselors who are treating these women.The authors explain the different approaches that counselors must practice, and how these can help the CSA victims. The authors’ intentions were not to do a study, but to help people better understand the issue. Although they pulled different statistics from various articles and books explaining how CSA victims are negatively affected through their sexuality, they provided the readers with a specific example, a case study. The case study addresses the issue by giving an example of a girl named Marie.She was sexually abused as a young girl, but successfully received treatment and counseling, which helped her deal with her CSA issues. After a few years, she found her significant other. The problem was, though, she started experiencing â€Å"intense fear of intimacy, and distressing memories re-emerged. † (pg. 24) The authors go onto explain that the initial counseling did not successfully address the issue with intimacy because she was so young. So, they started a different approach which had three different phases for Marie and her fiance.Phase one was â€Å"Therapeutic Alliance† which focused on establishing rapport between the counselor and Marie, which involved different questions, stories, and advice. This would be the foundation for the entire process. Phase two was â€Å"Addressing CSA Trauma Symptoms† which dealt with all the side effects that Marie was experiencing. She initially had a lot of emotional distress and many different situations triggered the experience where she was sexually abused. The phase-oriented trauma-based approach emphasizes addressing the original sexual trauma as the genesis of maladaptive behavioral responses by working through it, helping women first to relive and revise the traumatic experience and then to acquire healthier coping strategies to replace those created to survive the traumatic experience. † (pg. 26) Phase three was â€Å"Individual Growth and Sexual Development† which centered around addressing different sexual concerns with the couple, but moving at their own pace.As said in the case study, Marie started bettering herself by focusing on her development as a person. Although she was always apprehensive when it came to sexual activity, her issues got better, and this helped the relationship with Bob. Treatment for the couple continued after they got married, which helped them in the long-run. There is a lot of documentation and support providing the huge impact that childhood sexual abuse has on each victim. The aim of this article was to give counselors insight on different treatments, and especially address the specific sexual problems that derive from CSA.The authors discuss treatment techniques and different exercises which help various types of clients that seek treatment. The authors go o nto explain that the counselors are the most vital part of the process, they create an environment where they can better themselves and move past the CSA. The authors of this article want the readers to understand the underlying issues and problems that many women face after they have been sexually abused as a child. Usually people recognize that women face sexual problems after they have been abused, but don’t really understand what they go through, or how to help.So, this can be used as a guide for counselors on CSA victims about who they are, how they react to their situations, and ways they can be successful in the future. By writing this article, the authors wanted to help mental health counselors approach the CSA victims in way where they could be better understood. I found this article persuasive in a sense that the authors make the readers really see what these women go through after they are sexually abused as a child. The authors used plenty of statistics, different references, and thorough information on the sexual disorders that derive from CSA and post-health for the victims.I believe the authors did an agreeable amount of research which persuaded the audience to feel for the victims and really a ppreciate the work that must be done so they can deal with their issues. One of the only issues I had was that the authors did not conduct an experiment of their own. I was hoping to see a survey that they had researched and developed, but their case study was more of the focal point of the article. I believe that if they would have done an actual research method themselves, rather than using statistics from elsewhere, there would have been a little more support for their argument.In my opinion, the article was very easy to understand and well written. Each section had its own title, different paragraphs, and organized accordingly. I like the fact that the researchers had a specific case study in which they presented in the article. I believe it he lped the readers understand the article better, and seeing a true example validated the information. By organizing it into different sections, it helped me understand the content better and made reading it easy. Also, this helped me want to read more.Once I read the introduction, I kept wanting to read further, and learn more. The authors did a good job at making me think about the subject matter and get me excited to learn about it. Lastly, the authors of the article did a decent job at tying in other literature and different research. Like I said earlier, they mainly pulled statistics and other information from books and journals, and this supported their claims. By using a third party for more information, this helped the audience understand the problems better.

Eulogy -Robert Frost

Robert Frost Robert Frost once debated whether the world ended in fire, or ice. It is a sad thought that the world will end without him; that the future generations will be privy to such events made for people like Robert. He was an inspirational, American poet who questioned the very core of our beliefs, he chose paths that few had took, and that is why today he is remembered today. Robert Frost was born in San Francisco on March 26, 1874.His family moved to New England when he was eleven; he became interested in reading and writing poetry during his high school years in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He earned his formal degree at the arguably the most prestigious University, Harvard. He later worked through various occupations, ranging from teacher to editor of the Lawrence Sentinel. His first professional poem, â€Å"My Butterfly†, was published on November 8, 1894, in The Independent newspaper.In a 1970 review of The Poetry of Robert Frost, the poet Daniel Hoffman describes Fro st's early work as â€Å"the Puritan ethic turned astonishingly lyrical and enabled to say out loud the sources of its own delight in the world,† and comments on Frost's career as The American Bard: â€Å"He became a national celebrity, our nearly official Poet Laureate, and a great performer in the tradition of that earlier master of the literary vernacular, Mark Twain. † About Frost, President John F. Kennedy said, â€Å"He has bequeathed his nation a body of imperishable verse from which Americans will forever gain joy and understanding. Though his work is predominantly associated with the life and scenery of New England, and though he was a poet of traditional verse forms and metrics who remained unfalteringly detached from the poetic movements and fashions of his time, Frost is anything but a merely regional or minor poet. The author of searching and often dark meditations on universal themes he is essentially a modern poet who spoke truthfully in all that encomp asses, his work inspired psychological battles inside ourselves, his works were fused with layers of obscurity and irony.Robert Frost lived and taught for many years in Massachusetts and Vermont, and died in Boston on January 29, 1963. Two poems that debatably epitomize what Robert Frost stood for, what he believed in, how he opened the minds of many people to what is; These two poems are ‘fire and ice’, and ‘the road not taken’. The short poem ‘fire and ice’, outlines the familiar question about the destiny of the end of world, wondering if it is more likely to be devastated by fire or ice. People are on both sides of the debate, and Frost introduces the narrator to provide his personal take on the question of the end of the world.The narrator first determines that the world must end in fire after bearing in mind his personal experiences with desire and passion, the emotions of fire. Yet, after considering his experience with â€Å"ice,† or hatred, the narrator acknowledges that ice would be equally destructive. A reading will now be done of the poem: Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I've tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire. But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate To say that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice.Only nine lines, this miniature poem is a vivid example of Frost’s concisely ironic literary style. The poem varies between two meter lengths (either eight syllables or four syllables) and uses three collections of interwoven rhymes, based on â€Å"-ire,† â€Å"-ice,† and â€Å"-ate. † In the first two lines of the poem, Frost creates a clear dichotomy between fire and ice and the two groups of people that believe in each element. By using the term â€Å"some† instead of â€Å"I† or â€Å"an individual,† Frost emphasizes that the distinction between the two elements is a univers al truth, not just an idea promoted by an individual.In addition to the unavoidable contradiction between fire and ice, these first lines also outline the prerogative that the world will end as a direct result of one of these elements. It is made unclear which element will lead to the destruction of the world, but it is noteworthy to know that these are the only two options given. The poem does not allow for any other possibilities in terms of the world’s fate, just as there are not any other opinions allowed in the black-and-white debate between fire and ice.Remarkably, the two prospects for the world’s destruction correspond directly to a common scientific debate during the time Frost wrote the poem. Much like this poem, scientists also debated the eventual end to the Earth, on one side; some believed the Earth will be destroyed by the burning magma core, incinerating the Earth to nothing, while others believed that a new Ice Age would wither all livings things on th e earth’s surface. Instead of preserving a strictly scientific perspective on this debate, Frost introduces a more emotional side, associating passionate desire with fire and hatred with ice.Within this metaphorical view of the two elements, the â€Å"world† can be recognized as a metaphor for and consequently foregrounding to the audience, a relationship. Too much fire and passion can quickly consume a relationship, while cold indifference and hate can be equally destructive Although the first two lines of the poem insist that there can only be a single choice between fire and ice, the narrator further details that a combination or a concurring sequence of both elements would destroy the Earth.Furthermore, the fact that he has had personal experience with both (in the form of desire and hate) reveals that fire and ice are not mutually exclusive, as the first two lines of the poem assert. In fact, though the narrator first concludes that the world will end in fire, he ultimately admits that the world could just as easily end in ice; fire and ice, it seems, are strikingly similar. This further highlights what Frost believes in relationships. That, although a concentration of one emotion, passion or hatred can be destructive he poses that one cannot be without both of them existing.The second poem analysed will be ‘The road not taken’. The narrator comes upon a fork in the road while walking through a yellow wood. He considers both paths and concludes that each one is equally well-travelled and appealing. After choosing a path, the narrator when he will come back to the fork to choose the different path, he later realises this will possibly never happen but that he will only come to new forks (new decisions), his mind then ponders on how different his life would have been if he chose the different path, a reading will now be done.Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood An d looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference. This poem is made up of four stanzas of five lines, each with a rhyme scheme of ABAAB. This poem is one of Frost’s most adored works and is used many times in English studies. Since its publication, many readers have analysed the poem as a nostalgic observation on life choices. The narrator decided to seize the day and express himself as an individual by choosi ng the road that was â€Å"less travelled by. As a result of this decision, the narrator claims that his life was essentially different, that it would have been had he chosen the well-travelled path. This reading of the poem is tremendously popular because every reader can commiserate with the narrator’s decision: having to choose between two paths without having any knowledge of where each road will lead. Moreover, the narrator’s decision to choose the â€Å"less travelled† path demonstrates his courage. Rather than taking the safe path that others have travelled, the narrator prefers to make his own way in the world.However, when we look closer at the text of the poem, it becomes clear that such an idealistic analysis is largely inaccurate. The narrator only distinguishes the paths from one another after he has already selected one and travelled many years through life. When he first comes upon the fork in the road, the paths are described as being fundamenta lly identical. In terms of beauty, both paths are equally â€Å"fair,† and the overall â€Å"†¦passing there / Had worn them really about the same. † It is only as an old man that the narrator looks back on his life and decides to place such importance on this particular decision in his life.During the first three stanzas, the narrator shows no sense of remorse for his decision nor might any acknowledgement that such a decision be important to his life. Yet, as an old man, the narrator attempts to give a sense of order to his past and perhaps explain why certain things happened to him. Of course, the excuse that he took the road â€Å"less travelled by† is false, but the narrator still clings to this decision as a defining moment of his life, not only because of the path that he chose but because he had to make a choice in the first place.So now, we will remember American poet, Robert Frost for his ingenious input into such universal truths and how such kno wledge can be extracted from his points of view. He is now gone from this Earth, but let us remember him, for his works, for inspiring us to take the road less taken when we come to our own cross roads, to temper our relationships with fire and ice. With these works, dear Robert has left us with enough knowledge and understanding to replace the hole that he has made.

America Foreign Policy

The trade embargo placed by the United States on Cuba involves financial, economic and commercial restrictions that were first placed on Fidel Castro’s government in 1962. It was as a result of the government expropriation of assets and properties of US nationals and corporations. The embargo was first suggested and implemented by president Kennedy’s government on the charge that there was lack of democracy in Cuba not only in respect to the Cuban nationals but also to other nationals.In essence, the embargo restricted certain economic and financial transactions between the nationals of the two countries whether directly or indirectly in regard to the use of a third country or national of such a country. The embargo started with the introduction of an import quota on sugar imported from Cuba by several millions. This was met by an agreement by the Soviet Union to by the rest of the sugar from Cuba. Still, the Cuban government under the leadership of Fidel Castro continu ed to take further actions on businesses owned by American national, confiscating most of it.The US government retaliated by expanding the trade restrictions even further especially because of the alignment of Cuba with the Soviet Union in the cold war which caused the Cuban missile crisis. Later, the US government imposed travel restrictions to its nationals restricting them from traveling to Cuba. Further down the line, the US government charged the Cuban government of hosting Soviet Union nuclear weapons and since the union was an enemy in the cold war, regulations were put in place to freeze any Cuban assets in the states and to further consolidate the restrictions put on the country.Various restrictions has since been put in place which include restriction on the amount of money spent by a US national on the Cuban island, restrictions on the forms and amount of gifts that a US national can give to a relative in Cuba or a Cuban national among others. Furthermore, the US governme nt restricted any company that is involved in trade activities in Cuba from entering the US economy on the argument that such a company would be trafficking assets from US to Cuba. To date, most of the trade restrictions placed on Cuba and expenditure restrictions placed on US nationals and corporations still stand.Despite efforts by some of the activists and United Nations has been meeting a dead end with previous and current presidents of the US suspending bills and efforts aimed at lifting the embargo. Despite the fact that some valid reasons were used in basing the embargo and the fact that the US government and its nationals are not affected much by the Embargo, the effects of it are not only affecting the unintended but also affecting the US economy in ways which were unintended. Efforts by activists and the UN are still unsuccessful despite the dire consequences that the embargo has had.In essence, while today the embargo is much founded on democracy issues in Cuba, it goes a step further to restrain the achievement of democracy in the country, punishing Cuban citizens as opposed to the Administration. The purpose of the paper is to expound on the benefits that can be achieved by lifting the embargo not only to Cuba but also to the US and its citizens in general. Why the Embargo should be lifted As observed earlier, various efforts to lift the restrictions on Cuba and American travelers have continuously been rejected both by the President and the congress.On the contrary, the US government has eased a little following pressure from some of the activists. For example, agribusiness organizations and American farmers put the government under pressure to lift some of the restrictions which saw the allowance of sale of medicine and agricultural goods only for humanitarian reasons. Still, many of the restrictions still are in place and there exist no evidence that these restrictions will be lifted any time soon. In light with the embargo, Cubans and scholars have argued that the embargo has and still is affecting negatively the resources of the Cuban nationals as opposed to those of the government.This raises many humanitarian issues in regard to the US government especially considering that the embargo was as a result of democracy issues in Cuba. It has been argued and it is true to a greater extent that the economic damage that arises as a result of the embargo is to some extent responsible for the problems associated with transportation and food shortage in Cuba. As argued by some governments and activist, the embargo has had dire effects on medicine supplies, food and other economic needs of Cubans.This by extension has resulted in vulnerability in infectious diseases and epidemics including malnutrition. The restrictions also have negatively affected the flow of medical information in the country thus resulting to diseases that would otherwise be easily dealt with. The rationing system that results as a result of food shortage hav e greatly affected men and the elderly since designed to give preference to women and children. On another view, the embargo has greatly influenced the capacity of US investors in Cuba but more so have affected non American investors in Cuba.In this context, investors who have interests in the US economy have been reluctant or have been restricted by the law from investing in Cuba. As such, the embargo is not only affecting the Cuban and the American nationals but also the nationals of other countries as well. Moreover, it has continuously threatened diplomatic relationship of US and other countries in regard to the dealings and transactions of these countries and Cuba. In any case, while the embargo gives the Cuban government a scapegoat for problems not directly associated with the embargo, it gives a head start for non US businesses in Cuba should it be lifted.In this regard, these businesses have already established firm foundations to be shaken by the competition that would ari se from the lifting of the trade embargo. In general, while the embargo is aimed at improving the democracy and the compliance with human rights, it has continuously affected these rights negatively making it non humanitarian itself. It is worth noting that it an inadequate reason for the US government to argue that it is involved in charity work aimed at giving medical and food supplies to Cubans.On the other hand, the bureaucracy involved in this charity work has greatly affected its effectiveness in Cuba. Charity organizations and other non governmental organizations have faced delays as a result of the licensing process involved and transportation problems. It also represent a violation of international law as provided for by the United Nations Charter. In this context, the fact that the embargo directly condemns the sale of certain food products and medical products abuses the human right of accessing life saving medical supplies.Further Arguments As it stands out, the trade em bargo imposed by US government hinders free trade between the two countries. While the US government is highly dependent on home production, it does not mean that it has a comparative advantage on all it consumables thus it is forced to import some of it consumables from other countries. This implies that there is an existence of free trade between US and these other countries. One of the major advantages of free trade is that it promotes liberalization of the economies involved.As such, by maintaining the trade embargo on Cuba, the US is denying the Cuban economy better grounds for liberalization. In essence, the Cuban economy can not be open to American investors nor is it open to non US investors who have interests in both countries. In this context, the US economy is and continues to lose the advantages that are associated with the liberalization of the Cuban economy just like any other economy. In fact, it would be irrational to argue that the economy of Cuba has little to offe r to that of US.On the other hand, Cuba has been famous of having a comparative advantage on sugar production. It is imperative that the US economy can obtain such goods from other economies but the question remain, how cheap would it attain them from the Cuban economy. A good example is the tourist potential of Cuba. Travel restrictions have greatly affected the realization of benefits in Cuban tourist industry as the US government restricts its nationals in visiting the island and in the maximum amount of dollars that can be spent on the island on any given day.Moreover, free trade allows the manifestation and improvement of diplomatic relationship between the countries involved. While the problem in Cuba is a political one, trade embargo does not help in solving other problems in the country especially social and humanitarian’s one. It has over and over been argued that as opposed to a trade embargo, the problems in Cuba can only be solved by changing the communist politic al organization in the country. In light with these, the US government should first lift the embargo then embark on measures that are aimed at filling the loopholes in the Cuban political system.In any case, the embargo like others placed on other countries such as Iraq will only give the Cuban administration a reason to cling further to it political system. While, the US government restrict the provision of certain services to Cubans as was evident in the situation where the US government stressed Starwood hotels to chase away Cuban delegate who had attended the US- Cuba Trade Association, the Cuban government is also justified to retaliate in any way they think will bring equality. Such retaliation will only worsen further the diplomatic relationship between the two countries.Still, free trade helps in increasing the amount of foreign currency held by a given economy. With the reduction of economic aid by the soviet, Cuba has been experiencing may economic problems most of which i s as a result of lack of foreign currency to service debts secured from Asian countries. As a result, the living standards of Cuban nationals have greatly depreciated. In this context, it is a fallacy for the US government to argue that all the humanitarian problems in Cuba are as a result of bad governance.In essence, the US governments and it allies whether countries, corporations or individuals have greatly contributed to the decline in humanitarian welfare in Cuba. By placing sanctions on allies dealing with Cuba and by closing it economy from Cuba, the US government denies Cuba a chance to earn foreign currency and by extension impacts heavily on the livelihood of Cubans. Perhaps the most obvious advantage of free trade is that it increases the living standard of the nationals of the two respective economies.In this regard, free trade increases the availability of a variety of goods and services to the populations of the two countries. For one, the population has a variety of q uality products to choose from and secondly, these products are available at a cheaper price keeping in mind the concept of comparative advantage. Buying these products a cheaper price will increase the real purchasing power of the constituents of the population giving them the capability to save and invest in other areas of the economy.It would therefore be worthy to the Cuban nationals if the US government lifts the embargo as this will help in not only reducing their dependence on other economies through charity works but it would also improve their living standards. Since the US government and economy is highly involved in charity work to help Cubans, the lifting of the ban would also go a long way in helping the economy to develop given the nature and the cost of the resources used for charity work. Another advantage of free trade is that it helps in improving the infrastructure of both countries and this is inclusive of both transport and communication.While the US trade embar go on Cuba can be seen as restricting the movements of goods and services, restrictions have been put in place which restricts the docking of Cuban ships on American docks. Similarly, there have been travel restrictions especially in regard to US citizens. In light with the restrictions and with the poor diplomatic relationship between the two countries, the infrastructures of the two countries have suffered though not in direct terms. For example, flights operating between the two countries have been rerouted as no of the country want the other to intrude in her air space.Situations as these have increased the cost of transport between the two countries and have even hindered the movement of goods and services especially for Cuba since it has to use long routes to import goods thus a high cost of importation. Such a poor infrastructure has also been accused of harboring poor flow of medical information into Cuba and by extension increasing the persistency of epidemics and diseases in the country. Free trade encourages the increase in the level of investment opportunities between the respective countries while at the same time increasing foreign direct investments.This on the other hand helps in raising the living standards of the population of the two countries. Should the government lift the trade embargo, investment opportunities will sprout in the two countries. As a result, even if the US does not directly participate in investing in the Cuban economy, other multinational companies will seek investment opportunities in the country. In essence, those allies of US who have been reluctant to invest in the country will reconsider their stand. Moreover, the multinational companies in Cuba will also seek investment opportunities not only in the American economy but also in the economies of its allies.This will earn foreign currency for all the participating countries but more so will help in raising the living standards of Cuban nationals. As evidence has shown , the confiscation of Cuban assets including money held in banks, the government is only further aggregating the problem as the Cuban government is bound to take equal measures of counter attack and this can only add up to a web of tit for tat game. In addition to the above, free trade is also important in that it helps in increasing employment opportunities in the respective countries.As is the case with the living standards, creation of employment opportunities is integrated with other factors such investment and specialization. As stated earlier, free trade creates investment opportunities which by extension create employment opportunities while at the same time improving the living standards of the nationals. In addition, free trade increases the economies of scale which means more investment and earnings from the existing investments. This will also help in creating employment opportunities for the citizens of the two countries.In this light, it would be more advantages if the US government considers the probability of lifting the embargo as this would benefit not only the economy of Cuba but also its own economy. It would help in raising the living standards of Cubans thus reducing the level of poverty and dependence in the country. Finally, free trade helps in the harmonization of labor policies between the two countries thus offering cheap and affordable labor term. On top of this, free trade allows increased mobility of factors of production.As stated earlier, the fact that the US economy is capable in producing most of its consumables does not necessarily mean that it has a comparative advantage in production of all of them. If the embargo is lifted, the US economy will be able to expand its base in relation to factors of production thus improving on the productivity of its economy. With the advantage arising from the geographical positions of the two countries, the US economy is capable of importing factors of production from Cuba at a lower cost an d in time thus increasing productivity in its industries.Goods can also be exported to Cuba not just for charity work but also for earning foreign currency. Conclusion As is evident following the above discussion, it is evident that the US by placing the embargo on Cuba, the US government has denied the Cuban economy to grow and by extension, it has denied Cubans the opportunity of enjoying a high standard of living. While the argument still remains that the embargo is aimed at improving the democracy in Cuba, it should be known to the US government that this has only resulted to more humanitarian problems than there was before the embargo.It is therefore important for the US government to accept the fact that what is needed in Cuba as opposed to trade embargos is to change the whole political system. As such, the US government should lift the ban and look for other economic and political ways of influencing Cuba. Reference: Arnson Cynthia, 1993. Crossroads: Congress, the President and Central America, 1976-1993. Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University Press, pp. 17 Bhaqwati Jaqdish, 2002. Free Trade Today. United States, Princeton University Press, pp.34 Fawn Rick, 2003. Ideology and National Identity in Post Communist Foreign Policies. London, Frank Cass, pp. 32 Gianaris Nicholas, 1998. The Northern American Free Trade Agreement and the European Union. Westport CT: Praeger Publishers, pp. 23 Louis A. 1995. Essays on Cuban History: Historiography and Research. Florida, University Presses of Florida, pp. 45 McGillion Chris, 2002. Unfinished Business: America and Cuba after the Cold War, 1989-2001. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, pp. 19 Pierce Anne, 2004.The American Foreign Policy Tradition: Inspiration for Troubled Times. World and I, Vol. 19, pp. 56 Showalter D. 2007. Debating Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Foreign Policies, 1933- 1945. The Historian, Vol. 69, pp. 87 Ted Hopf, 2002. Social Construction of International Politics: Identities and For eign Policies, Moscow, 1955 and 1999. Cornell University Press, pp. 90 William M. 1998. Our Own Backyard: The United States in Central America, 1977-1992. United States, University of North Carolina Press, pp. 41